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!





2



3

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!

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!




The Luton Music Pod is soon to be released! Tomorrow is the big day!


We are Now on Facebook! Cheak It out! Here!

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!



The Luton Music Pod is coming! cheak out the exclusive Twitter based content here ! with special download clips! so get involved!

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

Luton Music profile-David Boa

David Boa has always been one of those interesting people whilst I was at sixth form collage, he was a year above me but he stood out to me during my time at Luton sixth. He seemed really dedicated to his courses and I always remember him stuck in one of the art studio’s most of the time. Even on lunch breaks when most kids sat quietly in the canteen or tried to impress girls by playing football David would always be working away at something.

My interest in him was fascinated by his desire to do well and just always work. Not to mention whatever David seemed to touch graphically looked fantastic if slightly left field and odd. I clearly remember one drawing David created of a man looking at a stamp which just made me smirk, the image stood triumphal and indeed stayed there long on the wall of the art studio after David moved onto university in Norwich.

Yet I never really knew David or Boa as he likes to be called, I kind of knew him through friends really, but not that well. However that all changed as through our hobby we met up created a secret society called SHH! (No joke) and we all done our said hobby together in a group. It had a relative amount of success, and our secret hobby lead us to run and play evenings all over the country, I’ll leave David to explain more.

I am able to catch up with David in a chilly basement of local nightspot Manhattans in my home town of Luton, much has happened in-between that drawing that made me laugh so much. That’s why I decided to interview David to see what’s going on with him particularly in relation to a hobby he started before he left for university.

MF: So David want to give us some insight into your dj’ing and how you got involved with Dark Party and the Basement

D.B: Well a group of us in Luton just started to DJ just before I went off to university it came from us all going out to the same places in Luton. We just got together thanks to this guy Ginger John and we just put a night on. We didn’t really know each other and we all played the same stuff and we went from there.

MF: So what kinda stuff did you and the other guys play?

D.B well the style has changed a lot, I basically house music it’s a mixture of tech house & electro and jackin’ beats kinda stuff. It’s pretty much electro with loads of Indie remixes which I guess goes down well with the crowd who goes to Dark Party. The music we play is easily accessible and it’s very jump up and fun.

MF What about this Ginger John guy don’t you think it was a great idea to get us all together?

D.B I Think Ginger John massively helped us out I don’t think I wouldn’t be Dj’ing as much without his help. Just by noticing about us guys and what we did. I mean we had a couple of Indie Dj’s like yourself but also a few electro Dj’s and he just brought us together and off the back of this we have all become friends like me and you but also all the other guys as well. But off this it’s good to network as well because Alex & Craig are still studying at the moment and it’s nice because you have the opportunity to take the dj further afield. I and the guys have dj’ed in Bournemouth together and we are also djing in London soon which should be fun.

M.F Do you think by playing out in Luton helped you hone your dj skills at university in Norwich?

D.B Yeah definitely, it worked both ways. Because when I was first playing out there was a big party scene in Luton, but also the night I do in Norwich called Pow which I still do are both very similar value. Both nights are Indie party based but at the same time have some very good dj’s. It defiantly helped playing out to different crowds in different parts of the country but both have similar vibes, which made it great.

M.F Do you think by also playing to similar crowds that helped you in terms of creating the mixes that you put up online?

D.B I improved as a dj from playing out; it’s a totally different experience from being a bedroom dj to playing out live. It was a really exciting transition to have especially at university because it was such a great place to do it.

M.F OK, So how about the perks of Djing I mean it’s a pretty sweet deal, free drinks and free entry is it about that for you or is it all about the music?

D.B For me dj’ing is always going to be a hobby, I am never going to become a superstar dj, although I would quite like to.

M.F But the people around us such as Craig & Alex are doing really well with it, I mean when you see those people do you feel a sense of pride seeing them do so well?

D.B Definitely especially for Craig and Alex, for me it’s still a hobby and it always will be. But for Crack Your Skull is definitely a big name in Bournemouth they are taking over the south really, playing out at some big nights in Bristol and when they played Nag, Nag, Nag in London which has finished now but was one of the best nights in country at the time. That was such a good night and it was wicked seeing your friends do it and make it, because they enjoy djing and they definitely wanna do it and it’s refreshing to see somebody have so much fun with it.

M.F Looking forward would you like to release any production in the future in a similar vein to what Alex (Victoria Wreckham) has done? Would you like to go into that area?

D.B It’s one of my New Year’s resolutions actually to make new tunes. When I was younger I used to be in a band and ive always been quite musical and enjoyed music a lot. I think that my drive now is to make dance music as opposed to rock music.

M.F Right, fantastic David Boa thank you

D.B oh no thank you.

David is currently working as a graphic designer in London; he can’t name them for some reason. In his spare time David is Dj’ing at the basement of Dark Party which is every Saturday at Manhattans in Luton. He also DJ’s at POW in Norwich also, look out for David playing out in London and most of southern England soon. David is currently produces mixes regularly this is his most recentThis is jackin' is available online, well worth a look!