Luton Music profile- Daniel Collins

Dan Collins chats to the Luton Music blog, about 60's beats, pirate radio and how the george the second is a similar to that Pop artists dream....




In this Luton Music Profile we will take a closer look into the life of Pirate Radio’s guitarist Daniel Collins. A man who seems very much on the outside one of your ten-a-penny throw away indie types who are init for the women and adulation rather than the music. Daniel like most young Lutonian’s had fond memories of those awesome pink flamingo’s that flew (admittedly on cable strings) high above the main entrance hallway to Luton’s shopping the centre The Arndale, but also running around the now defunct Woolworths chain stuffing his face with pick and mix, “oh it was the best cant beat that.” Chirps Dan in his Luton-ever-so-slightly-cockney accent.


It was inevitable that Dan was going to get involved in music at some point; his father had been part of London Britpop outfit Choke. “We always had producers and musicians coming over for parties, and a guitar was always in the front room it was going to happen.” Now Dan fronts Pirate Radio who came together at collage to create some musical carnage, “We just came together for a bit of a laugh really and it’s turned out pretty good so far.”


So Pirate Radio has been on the scene for some time now, along the way they have supported the likes of Art Brut & the Holloways around most of the venues in our fair town. But Dan definitely has a favourite venue in which he and his band create this Libertines inspired noise. “It’s the George the Second for me because it's such an arty pub the chequered floor and the new designs on the walls, like the pub has just said yes to drugs and joined an Andy Warhol dream instead of becoming another wine bar.” Pirate Radio’s shows are pretty legendary and often get out of hand as you’ll often find stage diving and stage invasions the essential elements as well as a little bit of equipment smashing something well worth seeing live.


Currently the band are touring with a few dates in May & June with there brand of Libertines-a-like noise. “I remember seeing them when I was 14 at Reading festival, the sheer squeal of the guitars and rock and roll swagger just appealed to me.” It’s pretty clear of the influence in the song ‘The Two Life’s of Johnny’ as Dan cries an “Alright” ala Mr Doherty. But don’t judge a book by his cover; quietly Dan isn’t just a Libertine wannabe. “I’m really into 60’s stuff at the minute, stuff like the Zombies and the Small faces it’s quality I think it has definitely inspired me musically they knew how to make good stuff.”



Pushed on his dream band and Daniels choices are hardly surprising. on bass John Entwistle, Drums Keith Moon (Both The Who), Rod Argent (The Zombies) on Organ, John Lennon (The Beatles) on guitar/vox and finally Steve Marriott (The Small Faces) on Guitar/Vox. So after spending a little time with Dan it’s clear that you should never judge a book by its cover. Particularly when the book is full of chapters dedicated to the art of the stage invasion, epic meetings with flying giant pink flamingos and plenty of tales from the grim underbelly of Luton’s Pubs & Clubs. Sounds like a cracking read!


Dan has recommended some YouTube gold get looking!


1. Be my Baby - The Ronettes Classic song! makes me fall in love every time!





2. Neils Children - I'm Ill Tight Band and fantastic guitars




3.Care of cell 44 - The Zombies qualities 60's tune most played on my ipod!




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Luton Music profile-Paul Wood.

Luton Music Blog talking Metal & Two Tone with Paul Wood, and his love of the guitar he's never seen without one!



In this addition of the Luton music scene we are having a nice little chat with Paul Wood who plays guitar for Luton metal group Verses Akira . We’ll talk about Metal (obliviously) and also how Ska, Reggae & Funk have also formed the musical direction of this young man. Musically Paul cut his teeth playing crazy Van Halen solo’s at St Lukes church hall In Legrave. That was just before he made the decision to get into music. “I wasn't cool enough to get the girls I wanted, so I picked up a guitar at the age of 15! I haven't looked back since.”


But it took a number of years before those Van Halen solo’s could explode into life and it was at collage where Paul’s love for music erupted in a frantic metallic outburst. “My school had absolutely no music scene, up to the point that music lessons where cancelled for a year, which was a joke in my opinion! I really got into gigging and playing music live when I took it up at collage.” So at collage Paul found his feet and also fellow band member’s Dan, Jack, Arron & Alex to form Verses Arika. Who’s sound is pretty all out metal if you ask me. But Paul just laughs it off “is that a good thing?” he questions.


Speaking broadly the band are very full on metal and personally Paul notes “ I really enjoy techy metal stuff offered by Meshuggah and Sikth R.I.P.” he respectfully mentions “but also bands like Underoath & Killswitch Engage.” Then the Paul Drops the bombshell “Im really into Ska and Reggae too.” Im shocked, how can someone who initially looks very much ‘metal’ you can often spot him at the Edge getting his metal growl on upstairs most Tuesdays can pull up those tropical musical genre’s out of the bag. Paul laughs and calmly explains his off-key musical choices, “Well ive grown up with that stuff, bit of Reggae, Ska has been flying around the Wood household I just been into anything with a tight groove.”


Akira have been on a recent break to record their latest e.p something that has turned into a self confessed joke. “We were meant to have the EP out last year, but for various reasons it wasn't to be. Still, the wait has really done us some good, I guess the extra time has helped us refine the tracks. Hopefully people will hear a taste of things to come from the album: tight melodies, nice grooves, interesting chord progressions - that's what I'm trying to go for.” The bands exclusive first track is available on their myspace and is pretty tight, and upfront metal.

Taking time out to look at the rest of the scene Paul definitely agree’s that Luton is full of musical talent, and has special praise for a certain local promotions company. “DTA have always been there if we've needed shows, easy to get on with, they've got the whole process of running a gig down to a tee, and they manage to put on a lot of good bands.” But also Luton has had a current rise in acoustic acts and Paul fully supports Akira’s drummer Dan side project, and enthuises that “he delivers a fantastic show.”

It’s all about cross promotion these days and Verses Akira are well well equipped to get ahead of their game, they have recently got a manager which can only be a positive step forward. They seem to own the slickest Myspace ever known to man , and are also on Facebook and Twitter too. With the future looking bright Paul just wants the best for the band “I'd love to play festivals, and get touring - I work full time at the moment in an office, and I'd love to be able to ditch the job and just play guitar for a living.”

Paul has also thrown me some tunes he's into at the minute! so enjoy his choices!


1.Vices like Vipers by Oh, Sleeper - really original sounding band, heavy but not cliche, just a cool song




2.In Regards to Myself by Underoath - the whole album's great, I just picked this track coz it's what I'm listening to Spotify right now....

3. Finally Ghost Town by the Specials ;) - it's a classic, and I don't want everyone thinking I just listen to metal!



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Luton Music profile-Jonathan Mead

The Luton Music Blog talks Garage Rock, Gigging in London and Pink flamingos.

Hello in this rather lovely addition of the Luton music Profile we will be casting an eye over a band named Demontre , thanks in main to bassist Jonathan Mead who took some time out to have a little chat with me. Jonathan is a simple lad with relatively twee memories of the pink flamingos in Luton’s stellar Arndale shopping centre. However now with his new musical outfit Demontre he is carving up some rather tight Garage rock tunes, throw in some Sonics with a dash of Strange House Horror’s and your nearly there. But this band is actively disowning lovely Luton in favour of the glamour of Shoreditch and the East London hipster set.

Jonathan initially got into music as a mere favour for a friend who wanted a bass player. “It was a complete accident, my friend needed a bassist and just asked me I kinda stumbled into it then it got semi-serious and we started gigging. I’m glad it happened though.” He laughs adding “besides if it was all carefully planned I think it would have been a big disappointment.” But with his new project Demontre have made the break to London, surely Luton must have all you need to succeed in the music industry? Jonathan flatly disagrees.

“We just found out that going to see a band in Luton was just social thing and 95% of people were more interested in drinking than listening we wanted to go to London so people could just judge us on our music with a clean slate.” Admits Jonathan, who’s previous outfit The Culture consistently played venues in Luton to great success, however this wasn’t enough for the band being big fish in the small musical pond that is Luton, change had to come. Soon the lead singer of the Culture Sean Keegan left to pursue other musical interests and so Demontre was formed. “We lost our singer and leader if you will and thought it wouldn't be right to carry on without him. He couldn't be replaced so we opted not to half hearted carry on and instead start something fresh.”

That new direction done the band the world of good as now the band are leaning away from the indie direction of The Culture but rather to a edgier more raw sound that Garage rocks brings. Jonathan agrees it certainly helped him as an artist “It’s the furthest back in music I can relate to. Everyone covered everyone back in the 60's so when you hear a band like the Sonics covering a standard pop number of the day it just gives it a whole new dimension.”

I must admit that taking the long road and travelling to London to gig must take its toll on a band but the groups brave move seems to be paying dividends. With the band gathering a small and dedicated following around the pubs of London who are not just there for the booze, as a band they are tight and produce some great tunes twinge with that dark tone, my personal favourite is Unperson a marauding beast of a tune in which singer Daniel Ayres coo’s the telling line “we no longer exist we never did.”

So taking the road least travelled could and hopefully should be the best route to fame, fortune and crucially critical acclaim that this talented trio deserve. Besides the talent will out in Luton it’s just matter of time confides Jonathan “it only takes one band to break through and then a million and one bands from the same area will break through with them.” For Demontre the clock is ticking.

Jonathan Also recommended me some Garage Rock tunes he’s into at the moment well worth a look!

Dance For Burgess - I'm Wired.

An italian post-punk band who have an intense raw sound but with guitar effect soundscapes which could fill just about anywhere.



The Horrors - Scarlet Fields

An amazing song from an amazing second album. I've got a lot of time for this band they wear their infulences of their sleeves but i think thats great. It bothers me that so many people give them a hard time.






PiL - Memories

My favourite song from (in my opinion) John Lydons better band, could listen to this all day long

Luton Music profile-Craig Watkins.

The Luton Music Blog talks Wonky Bass, Phill Collins & Serious Summer Tunes with Craig Watkins.



In this addition of the Luton Music Blog I am profiling Luton Dj Craig Watkins, who is one half of Bournemouth based Dj duo Crack Your Skull. We’ll have a little look at how he got into doing what he does and a few cheeky little recommendations for you to brighten up your start of your summer with some truly fantastic dance tunes. But enough of the formalities and on with the story!

Craig is one of these people with a quite marvellous lexicon which is very much Luton. A conversation with Craig is often very animated, exciting and constantly drenched in unique urban slang, from calling Luton the unique LTN to chucking in phrases like believe & trust it’s a mantra hard not to smile at. But even though now Craig is dropping tunes to huge crowds all over from Bournemouth (which he refers to Bourney) Reading, Bristol and even London it all had humble beginnings. Those beginnings fall flatly on the feet of Phil Collin’s & Co of Genesis. “I just listened to them religiously as a kid, I don’t know why!” Gushes Craig but it didn’t stop there as he single handily went through his Dad’s record collection listening to the likes of Pink Floyd & Led Zeppelin.


But University was where Craig found his love for his current musical passions of Jackin’ baseline beats and Tech-house. Bournemouth didn’t have the usual hardcore & indie venues Craig was into upon leaving the shelter of Luton town, but dance music was BIG. So the education began in ernest, “I started going to dance music nights and was completely blown away by some upcoming dj’s that were clearly really into their bands but still loved a good bit of disco.” And this unique party vibe really got under Craig’s skin being immersed in this happy exciting and importantly innovative dance culture. “It was crazy and pretty fun, seeing these awesome dj’s and thinking, I can do this.” So by hitting it up most weekends till 6 in the morn and seeing some of the finest Dj talent in the world in Bourney Craig had a plan, a drunken plan formed with partner in Crime Steve Bennewitz, the other half of Crack your Skull.


“I just brought a waste pair of decks we asked around local dj’s for some tunes, and we started to practice. We were shit at first, but 3 or 4months down the line; we were starting to get the hang of it.” There it was the primitive start of Crack Your Skull, but the guys got directly involved in the scene which was blossoming in the town. Helping out promoter’s and just pushing Crack your Skulls own unique jump up party style as well as consistently releasing online mix tapes via file share websites and pushing it all though every social-networking site you can ever dream of. It worked and they started getting sets here and there slowly building a rep at Bourney and even back in Luton where the duo started to play with wobbly brothers Boa Boa & Victoria Wreckem.

But still Craig has much love Luton “is fucking cool everyone away at uni comes back home and gets together. Old friends all meet up and discuss what’s going down musically.” So bi annual love in’s of Luton's returning population occurs around Easter, Christmas & the Summer where everyone is down the Edge is rammed and often dancing to a huge spazzy mish mash of tunes ranging of late from Dubstep, Wobbly baselines & the traditional indie stompers.

But good music is passed about through friends online or otherwise and a real word of mouth ethos has built up. So much so a Dark party blog has sprung up with host of dedicated musicians & Dj’s laying out tips for all. Luckily Craig was more than happy to help me with some tracks; unfortunately he gave me a fair few so this is the slim line version of start of the summer anthems. But Enjoy the Youtube gems ive managed to pull out for them!



1. Yeah Yeah Yeah’s – Zero (Erol Alkan Remix) [CDR]… Erol takes this indie dance floor smash and makes it a club banger. Karen O’s vocals make me want hit my head off a wall with pleasure.




2. Tiga - Shoes (Djedotronic Remix) [Different / Pias Recordings]… Tiga’s new album drops well soon and Shoes is the first single taken from it. This remix leaves in vocals, turns up the beats and creates a dancefloor roller.



3. Felix Da Housecat - Kickdrum [Nettwerk]… P. Diddy’s best mate in House finds club form with this bass heavy monster.






So that’s a little run down of Craig Watkins and what he is about at the moment, from Genesis to the revelation of Bourney it’s all help Craig turn into a pretty bang on dj, and what’s next for Crack your Skull? “Summer promises to be pretty fucking huge at the moment, got gigs & festival slots lined up all over the place and a big show with the Luton Guys at KOKO in London, it’s definitely looking up.” It certainly is so expect some mad bass heavy summer monster coming to Luton over the summer; you never know you might just D.A.N.C.E

Luton Music profile-David Brady

Luton Music blog talks to a man who deserves a heart of gold for his services to children... by bringing them Metal!



In this Luton music profile we take a closer look at Mr David Brady who is one third of the D.T.A promotions agency. Dave has been bringing some of the best top hardcore and metal bands to Luton.The likes of H20, Gallows, Ghost Frequency & St Albans own Enter Shakari have all played D.T.A shows in the past, and Dave is still bringing music to the kids as many of the 14 & 15 year olds cram into the basement of student's union most weekends. He jokingly points out he deserves a heart of gold award, “I mean seriously if it wasn’t for D.T.A most of these kids would be drinking cheap cider in the park. Instead there going crazy for some cool bands.”


Music was a big part of Dave’s life early on, and kindly remembers his mum singing Irish rebel songs and listening to his dad’s blues records as a kid. Dave came to Luton in 2000 to study at the university. “Luton has changed so much when I first came here there was no ‘scene’ not even a pub playing live music.” Dave became frustrated with the lack of music venues in the town, and got together with friends Tom Jackson & Andy O’Hara D.T.A was formed. Initially through contacts D.T.A started to put on shows at the students union, with the first show headlined by Enter Shakari. “It’s pretty cool to say that we gave Enter Shakiri one of there first headline slots” smirks Dave as I sit down with him before the recent This is Hell show at the student union, Dave seems pretty tired rightly so as he explains he travelled back and forth to Brighton to pick and drop off various bands.

But up in the secluded offices of the student union he offers me some insight into the precise and inner workings of the company. “We basically put on bands that we think are cool and that people will come too importantly.” A simple ethos then and one that recently has been working quite well, the last show D.T.A out on sold out and Dave was expecting a big crowd tonight. “This should pull in the kids from St Albans, Harpenden even Bedford hopefully, it should be quality.” That’s the important thing with D.T.A music, it’s not just Luton it’s the surrounding areas that matter especially St Albans, who have a booming hardcore scene thanks to D.T.A favourites Your Demise. “St Albans Hardcore is big; I would say most of our shows have a few St Albans kids milling about you get to recognise faces.”


Such faces have built up D.T.A to where they are now, one of the most high profile hardcore promo agencies in the South-East. They rely on the constant stream of 14 & 15 year olds who make up the majority of the faces at the shows, and I personally know many people who all hang out together off the back off meeting at the student union and going to gigs when they where younger. “It’s pretty good to see when it’s going well just groups of people getting together and listening to music, But when it’s bad it’s horrible when like 30 people have turned up in a venue that holds 300 not cool.” Admits Dave, but all of which has been a learning curve for the early days at D.T.A. who admits now D.T.A has struck a good balance, “attendance is pretty good for bigger acts I am just frustrated when people complain how shit Luton music is and don’t even turn up to big shows on their door.”


It seems that you cannot please all of the people all of the time, and increasingly Dave is getting pestered via text to come down stairs and lug some equipment about the union. “Oh forget that we’ll finish up here first!” Proclaims Dave who’s upbeat persona is infectious just like his passion for Luton Music, “Well we are putting on a all dayer soon just with Luton bands just to say thanks, lately we have been pushing touring American bands hard, and it’s always been about local talent for us so this show will be great.” And so it ends the recording stops and the serious talk begins as we walk down into the venue and talk about his first memories of Luton “It’s just full of chicken shops, it’s crazy Luton must have the highest chicken shop per square mile ratio in the world! But Roosters is the best by a mile, the others are awful.”

So I leave Dave as he chats away to the bands in the union, and out onto a dreary Friday evening in Luton town. But at least i am comforted as I realise it isn’t all bleak in this satellite town, D.T.A along with a host of other characters are slowly putting Luton on the map show by show.

Visit D.T.A's Website Here! It's full of cool dates for your musical Diary Next up is Dividing the Line on May 2nd @ The students union enjoy there Scremo-ness with the defiant "Hear my words"

Luton Music Profile: Kelly Betts

We talk local talent and BBC introducing with Kelly Betts in this Luton Music Profile.


In this addition we take a closer look at BBC three counties radio producer Kelly Betts, 24 who is currently working on the BBC introducing show which is the vocal point for the local music scene in Beds, Hearts and Bucks. The show runs every Friday evening from 7 till 8 and has played host to a wide range of musical talent from the local area, and includes bands such as " href="http://www.myspace.com/rivalries">Rivalries &
Pirate Radio


BBC introducing came from humble beginnings just like most visionary projects. Kelly started at the BBC from a young age sitting in on the Big George ‘business of sound’ show, but one section on the show really stirred Kelly’s passions. “On each show he would dedicate fifteen minutes to a local unsigned act; this really interested me as it seemed that the local area had so much unsigned musical talent.”


Circumstances quickly changed at Three Counties and an opportunity arose for Kelly to produce a show which would fill the understandably large void left by Big George. She teamed up with Gareth Lloyd to create the Box Office show, a two hour show on a Sunday which focused on local music and also the latest theatre & cinema releases. This included booking local bands to play live sessions a element which Kelly really enjoyed “It’s manic with all the bands in the studio and around the station, I have a great time with them and it gives them a fantastic opportunity to play their music fact I get to help talented musicians showcase their music on the radio- not just on BBC introducing in the local area but also on Radio One and 6Music.”

Radio one did have bigger ideas for the box office that like many other local radio shows had slots dedicated to their respective music scenes. BBC introducing had been formed with the sole ideal of promoting the local musical talent to a larger audience. With BBC introducing stages being set up at Glastonbury, Latitude and Reading music festivals. With increased exposure to local music the Three Counties brand of BBC introducing has had some success and Kelly is not shy in telling anyone, “Well recently local band the October Game got their session they recorded on the show played in full on 6music, which is pretty good and we also brought down local band Shapes down to Maida Vale in London to record four tracks.”


But the continued popularity of three counties is down to the constant amount of new talent which is attracted to the show, Kelly along with a dedicated team of researchers trudge social network sites such as MySpace & Facebook for the latest musical talent which can be played out on the show, and the one rule they must be from Beds Hearts and Bucks. So within the hour you can expect a fast paced lively show jammed packed with the hottest musical talent, live sessions, and of course the world famous feature band on a bike in which various bands are challenged to ride a child’s tricycle around the hallways of the Three Counties studio.

But it seems like Luton is lagging behind when it comes to the music scene considering neighbouring towns of St Albans & Watford have seen an explosion of local talent as of late. Bands such Friendly Fires, Enter Shakiri and punk upstarts the Gallows have all been making headway in the music press and with mainstream radio airplay. Surely it’s time for Luton to follow suit, but Kelly remains optimistic on the prospects for our fair town. “I think it’s just a matter of time really, we have some good music venues in the form of the Hat factory & the Student union, and also many dedicated promoters I am constantly sending tracks of to 6music & Radio One, hopefully their will be some interest soon, I think Luton deserves to be on the map we have plenty of talent about.”


I also managed to catch up with Kelly and she gave me a couple of youtube gems for you!

First up the rather lovely Guildean Gang who's spacy offering in Dennis Bergkamp is pretty good.


Secondly Kilto Take who's tune wake in the Lie is a real grower and this video was taken at a recent gig at the Milton Keynes snow dome.


Finally the Folky October Game who Kelly mentioned in this very blog! enjoy Deepest Suburban Sleep!






Keep your eyes Peeled for more posts coming soon