Luton Music Podcast week 3 is Live!

With Lovely Video! Enjoy!





This is the last Luton Music Pod on a while... But we'll be back i promise!


Blog updates on Liam Butler & Folk!


The link is the link here! Tell me what you think!

Luton Music Pod Update! Week 3!

Lets all laugh at me!

Luton Music Gig Guide! Metal weekender!

Luton Music News- Metal Shows for everyone!



Luton Music News and gig guide focuses on a pretty epic weekend of music ahead ran by D.T.A. The first show is today at the hat factory Headliners are Abadden , who Hail from Dunstable. Expect some pretty balls out thrashing from these dudes, next up is Versus Akira who are from Luton. I recently done a Luton music profile on Paul Wood the guitarist in the band, he’s a pretty cool guy and his band love playing tech inspired Metal of Skith and the like, they have a bunch of new songs which should go down well at this hometown show. Next up is Aghast! who are just from Hitchin, again close to Luton, their brand of death metal is tight and have plenty of gigs lined up, even as far a field as Leeds. Finally starting the party is In Remission who according to their myspace “there’s something for everyone as the band refuse to play within a predefined convention, and letting life dictate the tone, rather than fashion.”


I’ve decided to throw up a YouTube gem of Versus Akria and the song These Needles have just scratched the surface. The Video is pretty well made too, on zero budget.







The second show in D.T.A’s epic weekender is at the Students Union in Luton. Headliners Elements of Refusal are from Luton, and draw influences from the likes of Dillinger Escape Plan & Hopesfall. Next up is.Charlie Indestructible who draw influences from the likes of At The Drive in and Finch, lead singer Mark Sowden posses a pretty strong voice, so expect a big performance from these guys. Next up is Our Divide who amazingly is their only second live show, but now have a shed load of live dates coming soon, they draw some influences from the likes of Lamb of God & Trivium. Finally Decimate the Weak are at the foot of the bill as decribed on their myspace:. “Decimate The Weak are able to fuse the heaviest sounds with up beat grooves, creating a brutal, live energy.”So look forward to these lovely shows! Its only six pounds on the door for both & it’s crammed full of local talent well worth a look!


For a YouTube Gem I have decided to pick headliners Elements of Refusal and the track First Breath of water!

Luton Music Pod-Week 2! Bring the Metal!

Hello and welcome to this the second Luton Music Podcast! It’s been a pretty busy week for the Luton Music Pod & Blog, with loads of interviews conducted with various local musical Artists including the likes of Liam Butler . As well as venturing into video updates, which was unique I must say see my poor efforts below!


But this week’s pod looks at Luton’s blooming metal scene, the pod talks to Rich from the Legend of Ron Jeremy fresh from a show at the George the second. It’s a refreshing interview with Rich who cannot hide his excitement about the thought of pretty popular metal bands dwelling in the tiny George the second. They are playing this weekend at the Students union for D.T.A well worth a watch, they have bundles of dates coming up so be sure to see them!

We also chat to Phil Gordon , who is a mad crazy dubstep/ Electro/ whatever-he-feels-like DJ. Talking mainly about his Metal Loves in Luton, again showing much love for D.T.A & George the second. He highlights Eyes of a Traitor as Luton’s number Uno metal act to look out for. Finally a lovely interview with the rather nervous Side of the Sky conducted at BBC Three Counties Radio. I had a blast with these guys who where pretty frank about Charlie from Fightstar, as well as talking about their influences and the sort! I urge you to check them out they are pretty ace.

I hope you are enjoying the pods, I certainly enjoying putting them together and of course any feedback is welcome. The final pod next week and we will be talking to local Dj Fanni from all girl duo Fanny & Fifi, Also to Gareth Lloyd who is the presenter on the BBC introducing show, & the blog will be running previews with Luton’s new breed of folk inspired performers.


Here is the Pod! Enjoy!


As ever keep smiling, your scene needs you!

Mitch Freeley- Editor Luton Music Pod/Blog

Luton Music profile-Phil Gordon

Luton Music Profile talks Pies, Naked Lunches and Metal!

Phil Gordon is a man with fingers, fingers in many musical pies. Some would compare him to Frey Bentos or any other leading pie maker like Pukka. But I don’t, I see him as one of the many people in Luton who have wide and varied musical differences which has crafted the person. So in this Luton music profile im looking at Phil Gordon seeing what makes him tick musically.

Phil very much like everyone who grew up in the late eighties in Luton had a love for those iconic pink flamingo’s high above the Arndale, But musically Phil grew up with the genre especially the Nu-metal flavours at the time. “I’ve always been into Metal, its part of my musical heritage.” Proudly claims Phil, whose tentative years was built up on attending the shows of D.T.A and fondly referring to seeing Enter Shakiri as the “Glory Days.” Musically Phil dipped in and out of styles and trends just like any teen listening to the likes of Grime, Indie, the horrific crossover Grindie & his secret passion old school Garage.

Fond of a Thursday night at local night spot Envy Phil is unashamedly a fan of modern & Old school Garage, “It all just reminds me of Luton for some stupid reason, its jokes you don’t have to take it seriously I certainly don’t but loads of people do in Luton which is even funnier.” Phil flew the nest away from Luton and onto the wonders of Birmingham which has definitely shaped his current musical passions.

Whilst away Phil spied friends such as Craig Watkins & David Boa expressing themselves though mixes and like a curious puppy he followed suit. He slowly stated Dj’ing Indie and heavier music, (Yours truly gave him his first hour slot) but soon Phil found his niche in mixing and mashing up, Dubstep Electro & stupid remixes of pop stars. Whilst hitting Birmingham alternative hotspots such as Panic & Subway City. Phil was soon making waves and starting hooking up with people who could make things happen in Brum. “I just got invited to play at Naked Lunch, and it was awesome, full of cool people and I’ve just been invited back.” Mixing in these styles of Old school baseline, Party Track and whatever in between has served to be Phil’s strength by mixing up what he does, “It’s a cliché but I genuinely like loads of different styles and I want to keep it like that.”

Keeping up his reputation as the Nightwolf, a name which is part anchored in Ron Burgundy a man Phil notes as a constant source of inspiration & some of his antics in the first year in Birmingham. “I came back from an evening of fun with a lady and I just got labelled it, it kinda stuck although I hate when people ask about it.” Looking to the future and it’s looking bright at a recent Dj gig I seen Phil chatting toRaffertie , a uber cool dubstep dj/ remixer who has the ear of Mary Ann-Hobbs. He’s also ‘down’ the amorously named Gutter Skank Crew whose rawkus party ethos is slowing making waves in Brum. So for Phil he’s taking it as it comes partying hard and laying down beats, and who could blame him. His ethos towards the music, his outlook to life and importantly his healthy respect for his roots is pretty unique, congratulations Mr Bentos, I mean Phil.

Phil gave me some tunes he was into recently!

1-Rolo Tomassi- I Love Turbulence

After so much talk about metal I thought it would be appropriate to include an example. The fact that this band are so young should be suprising enough, but the lead singer is also a hot girl haha. Rolo Tomassi and Throats are the best new UK metal bands in my opinion

2- Caspa feat. Dynamite MC : Rat-a-tat

I love going to raves where they have MC's hyping the crowd all night and think this captures that vibe perfectly.

3- Township Funk (Jayou VIP Remix)

This is definately one of the best songs of last year. There are so many remixes of this, but Jayou's version is my favourite. Wait for the drop when it properly kicks in, I cant wait to drop this next week at Rainbow and the Warehouse. Jayou's remix of Chase and Status' 'Eastern Jam' is definately worth checking out too.

Luton Music profile- Paul Kelly

The Luton Music Profile chats to Luton's own Paul Kelly On Springsteen, the Twang and socialising with the lads!



This Luton music profile is a bit of a exclusive I must say, I’ve managed to get a man in a band who hasn’t even preformed live yet. So expect some big live performances in the following months in Luton. This is a profile on Paul Kelly whom is the lead singer in the band Agile Beast , formed in Nottingham but firmly rooted in Luton culture they play laddish indie focusing on the important things in life, socialising.


Paul’s experience of live music was a carbon copy of mine (See Last week’s blog ) studiously working away at Cardinal Newman High school in the day & hitting up The Well come the weekend for a nice dose of live music, and the occasional underage pint. “It was such a great atmosphere, I mean getting served was a great bonus and made a great change of scene from the Four Hourshoes.”(Luton's mecca for underage drinking at the time) Other early memories where centred around following around his cousins band Too Far Gone & listening to the music of Bob Dylan, Leanard Cohen & importantly the Boss Bruce Springsteen. “Sometimes when I came in early from a night & Brucie and the E-street band would be playing mega loud and my dad just listening away, he’s a huge influence.”


Paul continued to play in various bands before forming the rather fantastically named Agile Beast with pals Martin Gibbons and Luton’s famous streaker Little Dan . All of whom had a shared a passion for the music of Oasis, and the Arctic Monkeys. But also the City of Nottingham where Paul is currently studying along with a couple of other Luton mates, having personally been up myself to see other friends you get a strange home away from home feeling. I’ve often bumped into the lads often on mass socialising away in a whole host of venues and they are always fun. Something that is very much on the top of the bands list of subject matter.


Social commentary is the name of the game with the beast and the three songs available on their Myspace shows they have musical talent. Imagine a Arctic Monkeys fronted by Mike Skinner and your nearly there, “I just love that witty story telling style it’s witty and a style I think you can relate too it more and it’s artistic…” Pauses Paul as a rhye smile slowly developes across his face. “Ill be honest I cant sing, im rubbish.” He later confesses. But Luton is all the band know in many ways with the songs all having some reference to this fine town.



In the lyrics you’ll find the same wit and scally charm which defines the sound of the band and Paul is pretty clear on the subject matter “I don’t want to write songs about things that didn’t happen to me, that’s shit. Most of our songs are written about recent events from Luton, there is always some gossip going down.” Pushed about performing live and Paul is certain that aint going to happen soon, “To be fair I want to get a few more songs written, I wanna impress the people im playing too.” Secretly it seems that the band are itching to get going as just before our conversations ends Paul Pipes up “oh about the live music thing, I cant wait to be honest just playing to our friends and having a big session afterwards.” Currently it’s all on hold as Paul’s out helping Saudi Arabia with something bussiness related but come the end of summer the Beast should be about Luton. Currently they only have 30 friends on Myspace so get on the bandwagon with a pint in your hand.


Paul Also threw me some youtube gems my way... so enjoy!

1. The Twang-Two Lovers- One of the lads favourite bands, and it's hard not to see why in this video. Got Danny Dyer in it!




Two Lovers



2 Arctic Monkeys-Fluorescent Adolescent- Massive influence on my writing, loved the first demo's of these guys their new album aint to shabby either.





3. Bruce Springsteen-Dancing in the Dark: A classic, firm memories of home with this tune!

Luton Gig Guide! May 1st Bowfinger & Dividing the Line

Saturday 2nd of May Bowfinger play at the George the second. Expect some smooth 60’s inspired Mod and Ska tunes, they have played a few gigs recently so should be in tip top form for this one! It’s also only free so you have no excuse not to miss it! This is the video all you know. Enjoy the Organs!






Same Day D.T.A are putting on some pretty top draw scremo & metal talent at the Students union headlining on the night are Kents Dividing the Line this is their track here my words, they are touring all over this fair land in the coming months and are tipped for big things! It’s only £6.00 for 4 bands that’s pretty good value!

Luton Music News- Basement Jackks star @ The Hat factory

Sharline Hecktor is due to play at the Hatfactory today (1st May) she only used to be with the Bassment Jackks and now is playing in Luton but did you know she also starred in that coke advert? Bet you didn’t did you! Well she is showcasing her talents for the first time in Luton this evening. But don’t expect any Basement jack Stompers she’s all about the Jazz baby! Tickets are priced at a rather heafty eight pounds. But if you have a NUS it’s only £5 so get down tonight to the hat factory for some rather classy soul-jazz-funk tip. Below im whacking up three of Sharline’s tunes, the first that coke advert, second some nice live jazz, and thirdly a Basements Jaxx classic she has vocals on! Enjoy!





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Luton Music Profile-Rich T

The Luton Music Blog talks to Rich T about the end of Dark party & his love for little indie record shops, and his fondness for big blue fingers.......

So this Saturday (2nd of May) see’s the closure of Dark Party. It’s been Running for over 9 months every Saturday, it has played host to dj’s sets from the likes of Haunts and famous one piece and chips give-aways and also Easter & Christmas parties. But it’s come to an end; ever so suddenly a change of ownership has changed the rules and pulled the Carpet under the feet of Luton’s Indie community. I’ve managed to catch up with Dark Party resident Rich T who’s clearly disappointed with the closure.


“Dark party meant a lot to me as it was the first night I really got involved with.” Confesses Rich who regularly brought the ‘party’ upstairs playing some of the freshest electro and indie beats at D.P. Anything from Nottingham based Late of the Pier to Little Boots, a artist who Rich has some time for it seems. “Oh she is Proper naughty.” Snipes Rich in a grimey Cockney accent something that you would be surprised if Jay from the Inbetweeners murmured.


Growing up in the Stopsley Rich lived a charmed life riding about on his bike (Rumours persist that he had stabilisers till aged 12, which Rich firmly denies) and casually strolling around Putterage Bury Woods make up most of his childhood. Rich drew musical inspiration from snooping around his dad’s tapes and records. “As a kid I vividly remember lots of the animals and beach boys being played.” But rich still purveys a love for the record, and it’s shown quite magnificently in his huge collection of Promo and single Cd’s which he has brought just outside of Luton.


“I get them from Dave’s record shop in Letchworth.” As rich eagerly points out a price sticker with said record label embossed on it, “It’s really good full of new stuff and promo stuff dead cheap local stuff to, sometimes they do in stores.” Rich is dedicated to his craft and it shows as seems to own every promo of every achingly cool indie group of the last two years, “This is the late of the Pier first release.” As again a shiny cd is flashed in my face. Not only this but Rich also owns a mean pair of decks, something I have had the privilege of playing on the occasional lazy Saturday afternoon.


But Rich’s main problem is the lack of tiny ‘cool’ record shops in “Luton hasn't got enough record shops after HMV the town only really has specialist music stores focusing on world music there Isn’t really a shop that provides a place to pick up new singles or smaller bands release.” Somewhere he would thrive in, you imagine him in there pottering about telling you about the latest releases on some obscure label ran by Dutch indie aficionados’ or something. For now Rich will have to make do dropping beats when he can, and now firmly part of the Dark Party Posse (Rich blogs all the time on the D.P blog.) you can guarantee if there is a decent night in Luton Rich is about.

But it’s not just Dark Party for Rich he is also the man who is the pre-party at the George on a Tuesday just before Edge. “It’s a great laugh, few hours playing whatever I want few pals milling about, especially in the George you got to love the surroundings.” A wide musical mish mash is dropped, from old school hip hop tunes to some classic R n B Rich plays whatever he feels like on the night and rightly so.



Casting his eye over the scene and rich can appreciate Luton “I remember channel U and this young lad appeared and was in a video shot entirely around Luton, I couldn’t believe it, it clearly shows Luton has some talent.” Suggests Rich, but with the death of Dark Party only a day away and Rich is still optimistic. “Something will happen on a Saturday soon; people will get sick of the standard Liquid movements and want some indie back in their lives.” When that day comes Rich and his massive box of tunes will be on hand whipping up frenzy on the nearest Indie dance floor.


Here is a few Gem’s Rich Reccomended



Chew Lips. Lovely Electro Fun! Enjoy!









2 Plugs Melodic stuff with a electro tinge im a big fan






LadyHawke you could choose anything off her album I cant stop listening to it! Paris is Burning stands out through.

Cheak out the last blog post for the first Luton Music Podcast!

"Your Scene Needs YOU!" week 1 of the Luton Music Pod!

Hello and welcome to the Official release of the Luton music Pod!


This has been about eight months in the making and I have to say i'm pretty proud of myself thus far. The last couple of months I have been commuting from Brum to Luton picking up interviews with all sorts of interesting people from Luton, from dudes in steel bands to electro dj’s to people who play the Thermin. I’ve met some great people and been helped so much from a wide range of Lutonians and non Lutonians.


So what has drove me to the idea of this simple Blog and Pod combo you maybe asking, put simply a massive blast of nostalgia and the yearning for way back when. As a lad (not so many years ago) I and my friends grew up on the live music scene in Luton. Regularly hanging out at venues such as The Well but also heading down to London to see fledgling shows of the likes of Bloc party and the Subways. But I always had more fun in Luton, seeing friends playing music supporting them and just enjoying those fleeting years of being a teen. These fledgling years watching bands have always stayed with me.

Now faced with an opportunity of creating something of interest I have turned to the familiar of home, something I know and enjoy the Luton Music scene. This isn’t some crusade to highlight Luton, its live music scene speaks for itself, but more a crusade for the people of the Luton music scene the promoters, The Dj’s the boys and girls in the band. These Podcasts and Blogs will aim to show you the people of Luton and surrounding area about music and the arts and what makes them tick.


The mantra running throughout this project has been the emphasis on YOU. Yes you the one sitting on your bum reading this from your laptop or computer or dare I say it Iphone. The slogan for this project is “Your Scene needs YOU!” so before you think about what you will about this satellite of the capital we have a rather blossoming musical scene.

The likes of D.T.A, BBC Three counties, the hat factory & Dark Party ensure that this town isn’t musically dull. Something of great hope in days when we are scared of the humble pig sneeze. So please enjoy everything that this blog and pod has to offer, but please make an effort to see some music go and dance like an idiot but importantly TELL ME IF YOU LIKE THIS! Because above all If I make a tiny difference out of this I will be happy. But I assure you I have been firmly been bitten by this project, I feel almost like I’m 15 again so expect more pods and blogs over the summer.


Mitch Freeley (Editor Luton Music Pod/Blog)

Here is the First Link up for the podcast... Unfortunately various Internet problems on this the first day has enabled me to put the pod up on a fancy media player for you to listen on! but fear not ill employ some boffins on the case enjoy this file all the same! Luton Music Podcast week 1!