© ISSUE 12 • OCTOBER 2012 • FREE

SpECIal ISSUE: BRIghTOn UnSIgnEd’S FIRST BIRThday!

Editor:Jordan Thomas

Email: jordan@brightonunsigned.co.uk

Website Design & DevelopementJak Kimsey

www.brightonunsigned.co.uk

Design/Marketing:Steven Probets

Writers:Jordan Thomas

Jess O’ Loughlin Matt UpchuckLarissa Rowe

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Proofreader:Alex Clouter

FIND US AT: WWW.bRIGhTONUNSIGNED.CO.UK WWW.FACEbOOK.COM/bRIGhTONUNSIGNED WWW.yOUTUbE.COM/bRIGhTONUNSIGNED FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @bTONUNSIGNED

For advertising enquiries please email Alex Clouter at advertising@brightonunsigned.co.uk or call 01903 267770

This MonthGUy LLOyD’S bLOG

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LIVE REVIEWS

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EP REVIEW

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VIDEO REVIEWS

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FIRST bIRThDAy FEATURE

BRIGHTON

UNSIGNED

happy birthday brighton Unsigned, you haven’t aged a bit. It’s been just over a year since the delightful brighton Unsigned boys approached me about hosting their live gigs and writing for their magazine. Naturally, I put my people on to their people and we came up with a deal. That deal was a shared love of live local music and a platform for bands to showcase their talents in our glorious city (and thousands of pounds in my bank account).

It was an easy decision for me. Jordan and Steven are not driven by money (they didn’t pay me thousands, in case you’re wondering - still working on that). Sure it helps but it’s not their motivation or their passion. That is their love for music and as a local radio presenter that was something we were both very passionate about. I’ve been in bands. It feels good to have the support of your city and to have people believe in what you do.

And what better way to get the word out then a free magazine and very affordable live gigs every month? The magazine has been phenomenal. It’s all about bands and music, it’s free and it’s everywhere. These boys work hard and get about. you’ll be hard pushed to walk in to a club/bar/pub/café in brighton and not see a copy of brighton Unsigned. On a limited budget and lack of resources, their marketing is second to none. And it supports the live gigs brilliantly, which is where we see the fruits of their labour, sourcing brilliant bands and giving them a platform to play their music.

Far too many bands to mention but Watermelons, birdeatsbaby, Fitsroy and Paperfaces all deserve a mention; great bands that have the potential to go on and do great things. When I’m hosting these gigs, it doesn’t feel like work. It’s a pleasure and it’s led to some friendships and great connections over the last year. I’ve even gone on to book some of them myself for my TV Chat Show pilots and charity events and will do in the future.

In short Jordan, Steven and the team of brighton Unsigned are doing a fantastic job in a very competitive market. happy birthday boys and long may you prosper in brighton and beyond. you deserve all the success you’ve had and that is coming to you.

Now let’s get drunk.

GUY LLOYD’S..

CatCh Guy’s bloG at: guylloyd.co.uk

twitter: twitter.com/guy_lloyd

..BLOG ABOUT STUFF AND NONSENSE

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Host with the most!

Up and coming reggae group, Three Against Four played a confident gig at the Prince Albert this month. These are a young group of musicians who bring old school reggae into the modern day while still preserving the authentic quality of the genre’s roots. What sets this band apart from the majority of local reggae groups out there at the moment is the presence of a female vocalist, whose soft tonal quality of her voice is distinguishable and very listenable. Another exciting element to this band’s music are the well-time, attitude-driven raps of the two male guitarists, each taking his turn to rap on different tracks and both offer something individual in both the content of their lyrics as well as their delivery. Two of the most important elements of reggae have to be the bass and the percussion and this band has clearly ensured that these two aspects are mastered. The bassist in this band doesn’t disappoint, delivering well timed, up-beat melodic bass lines The drummer didn’t let the side down either, keeping the all-important reggae rhythm going with effortless ease. The group’s original tracks are cleverly harmonised, well-timed compositions with elements of hip hop and rock thrown into the mix. Also refreshing about this band is the socio-political context of their lyrics, with tracks such as ‘Pop Stars’ dealing with the fickleness of the commercial pop industry. The female vocalist also shows her emcee skills on this track as she spews a feisty rap of her own, showing once more the flexibility of each member of Three Against Four. For a young group these are extremely relaxed, professional and charming on stage.

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There’s a reason we all love brighton: for many people it’s the beach, the sunny summers, the chilled-out vibe or maybe it’s the alternative, accepting and easy going nature of its residence. Or sometimes it’s just all of these elements combined. If only there was a word that encapsulated all of this...oh wait, there is… in fact there are three words: The Flip Flays! The Flip Flays is the musical embodiment of the sunny South Coast beach life we all love. Their music is relentlessly fun and happy with upbeat funky bass lines, positive lyrical content and dulcet, melodic guitar riffs - something I believe is referred to as surf music? The Flip Flays certainly have elements of surf pop in their sound but they also incorporate aspects of funk, soul, reggae and even a hint of blues without sounding like an awkward mish-mash. In fact, they have honed their musical style to a tee attesting to their combined ‘musicianship’. If we are stuck for genre specification however, then perhaps it is best to use the name of their new E.P. for a description – beach Funk (hits the nail on the head really). With wonderfully pleasing harmonies, clear, smooth and well-timed funky bass lines, happy and rhythmic melodies and positive, inspiring lyrics this band will lift you out of the deepest of depressions. What also impressed me about The Flip Flays was the love they clearly felt for playing live: the boys played a lengthy, generous set that was full of energy and smiles all the way through. The big supportive crowd at the Green Door Store was also testament to the fun to be had at their gigs.

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LIVE REVIEWS JESSICA O’LOUGhLIN

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At another one of Zooberon’s awesome gigs, after what would be quite an acoustic night by solo-artists and Rotait, Loose Lips was set to headline the night and certainly took everyone by surprise. In a music style that is actually kind of hard to find today in the live and unsigned scene, Loose Lips has really called this to their own. Their style consists of familiar sounds, that of Offsprings, old-school Green Day and perhaps a hint of blink 182 in the midst of their sound. As the alcohol flows through the brains of the audience members, some couldn’t resist a bit of moshing in front of the stage (including Steven, the magazine’s designer!). The venue didn’t do Loose Lips much favour though, for there were too many seating areas and no encouragement to get the crowd to stand up and do a bit of headbanging. The band deserves to be in a proper music venue (or a small festival area) for everyone to dance around in while chugging beer in plastic cups. This is definitely something for this magazine to keep an eye on and will be attending more of their gigs.

LIVE REVIEW JORDAN ThOMAS

After unceremonially taking to the stage, The Captors’ sound is at first hard to pigeonhole. The guitar and overall sound is stripped and dry, the overall feel is something wonderfully effortless and understated. A couple of garagey rock songs in and a blues influence starts to surface, but it is a charming and imperfect blues closely followed by some fleeting moments that in a not so different dimension would sound much like the Cramps. These three guys are not the most technical, tightest, heaviest or fastest band by any means but the songs are simple, catchy, effective and sometimes unpredictable. Everything including distortion and effects have been stripped away leaving some really great, understated, eclectic and thoroughly charming music.

The Valentines, by contrast, look like and act like a band straight away. Unfazed by the audience of about a dozen they launch bombastically into their first song. The set is a fairly well-trodden melodic mash-up of American punk softened with modern indie rock without deviation. Twenty minutes into the set however the songs begin to bleed into one another and despite one or two stand-out tracks it does become a bit predictable. There are some powerful moments however and three vocalists singing together definitely wins them brownie points. Their last song seemed to sum them up very well, a perfectly executed if not perhaps predictable Ramones-esque version of The Ronettes/Phil Spector’s “be My baby”.

LIVE REVIEW MATTUPChUCK

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ThE VALENTINES@ ThE PriNcE ALBErT

SAMURAI

Having ventured into more alternative, softer music lately Skief Promotions return to the theme of their humble beginnings - metal. It began with a treat of brutal metal from post hardcore band Samurai from Brighton, kicking the show off with a roar. Vocalist Wayne Tomsett unleashes an impressive metallic vocal to complement the bands’ fierce riffs and distinctive sound. Samurai bring a fireball of energy to the stage that is a treat to be engulfed in.

MG AND ThE JUGGERNAUT

bLUE GILLESPIE

All the way from Bournemouth, MG and the Juggernaut have dominated their home town and now they are leading the charge across the country. A change of atmosphere then came with the sensational Blue Gillespie, a hugely popular progressive metal band from South Wales.

EMERSIS

Already making waves across Sussex, Emersis really showed why on this display. Powerful riffs punctuated by insane solos by Gareth Pontin and

Cullen Howlett and a solid bass line from “triangle” and bass player Ant, Emersis is a unique blend of all the best rock and metal influences creating some fantastic hard rock. ‘Stone Prisoner’ is a particularly catchy tune with souring vocals and chugging riffs and is certainly a crowd pleaser whilst promoters’ favourite ‘She Devil’ is hauntingly cutting and hurt. Look out for some really big events for these guys and an EP coming very soon.

GUTTER FLy

Dominating the south east, headliners Gutter Fly whipped up quite a crowd. With a heavy rock sound with nuances of Stone Sour and Soil and melodic vocals, Gutter Fly give a powerful performance popular with all tonight’s fans. Their catchy performance really gives them a wide appeal. As always the band is very much in sync with impressive solos overtop chugging riffs, really showing off what a tight unit these guys are. Keep an eye out for future gigs… they’re only going to get bigger and better.

All this made for a fantastic night and helped raise over £200 for Mind. Look out for more charity gigs from Skief Promotions in the new year.

SkiEF PrOMOTiONS PrESENT

hOPE hEADBANGEr raising money for charity

www.facebook.com/samuraiband

www.facebook.com/Emersisband

www.facebook.com/mgthejuggernaut

www.facebook.com/Gutterflyuk

www.facebook.com/bluegillespie

LIVE REVIEW LARISSA ROWEOF SKIEF PROMOTIONS

Another great cause in need of support can only mean more great music is on its way as Skief Promotions bring you another showcase of the best local and

unsigned music, all to raise money for the mental health charity Mind.

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SOURCE New Music with RestlesslistThu 25 Oct, 7.30pm

Efterklang & Northern SinfoniaSun 28 Oct, 8pm

Public EnemyMon 29 Oct, 8pm

John Cooper ClarkeThu 1 Nov, 8pm

Diane Cluck plus Salena GoddenFri 2 Nov, 8pm

Bat for LashesSun 4 Nov, 8pm

SpiritualizedTue 6 Nov, doors 7.30pm

BUG RadioheadThu 22 Nov, 8pm

Rodriguez: Searching for Sugar ManFri 30 Nov, 8pm

01273 709709 | brightondome.org Supported by Brighton and Hove City Council and Arts Council England

BD_Fullpage_unsigned.pdf 1 21/09/2012 10:45

Avid Brighton Unsigned readers may remember the wonderful singer/songwriter Jenna Bennet who featured in one of our first ever issues, as well as treating us to a live performance at one of our earlier gigs. Well, here at Brighton Unsigned, we were lucky enough to be given an exclusive preview of Miss Bennet’s brilliant new E.P., ‘Behind My Eyelids’. What impressed me so much about Jenna when I first laid eyes on her last year was the pure unabashed honesty of her song writing. It’s not that I’m some kind of nosey gossip who loves to know what’s going on in peoples lives, it’s just that Jenna’s honesty guarantees that her music speaks to her audience on some kind of extra personal, extra intimate level making her gigs all that more special.

The same aspect struck me when listening to her E.P.; the four tracks are very hard to listen to impassively as Bennet spills her soul in such a bare and impassioned

way that the listener cannot but help but get involved in her story. The first track on the E.P., which is also the record’s name sake, is a personal favourite of mine and a very addictive listen. From the content, the rhythm and the build-up to the electrifying chorus that sends shivers up your spine… everything about this song is addictive. The following track ‘If I Wait’ is a mellower offering than the first and features some beautiful guitar playing accompanied by poetic lyrics. The track also shows off the level of diversity in Jenna’s voice as she uses softer, sweeter tones than the previous voluminous piece. The third track ‘Men in Suits’ is a sassy number, with a brilliantly catchy chorus that I remember having stuck in my head for days after her gig last year. The E.P. rounds up with ‘Play With Fire’, the content of this track is something everyone can relate to; as with all of Jenna’s lyrics the words are poetic yet simply-put so that the listener can easily draw reference form their own lives.

Credit also has to be given to Jenna’s wonderful two backing singers who add an extra special dimension to her music. Also adding depth and texture to her music are the wonderful musicians she has obviously careful selected to play with her. This E.P. contains four very individual, stand-alone tracks, each with something unique to offer while all the time remaining distinctly Jenna Bennet.

In late October Jenna will be sending out a newsletter with behind the scenes footage of her EP and the meaning behind the artwork etc. So join her mailing list

via the website:

WWW.JENNAbENNETT.CO.UK

genre: acoustic / Folk

EP REVIEW JESSICA O’LOUGhLIN

the cornerstone2 Elm Grove, Brighton Tel: 01273 691028

student deals - fosters & bulmers @ £2.95shot deals • happy hours • back garden

sun terrace • djs every fridayfood all week • amazing value roastslive acoustic performers • open mic

comedy nightsHome of the seven deadly sins chilli burger challenge..

Cornerstone Advert.indd 1 19/09/2012 13:52

It’s been a year now since the first issue was released and certainly a lot has been covered since in the world of Brighton music. To celebrate this first anniversary, all the featured cover bands have not only been invited back to have their say, but also to play once again on our birthday

Weekender on 27th and 28th October. Join the celebrations!

Since we were launching the first issue of this magazine, I never thought of how popular it would quickly become, I certainly didn’t realise what I let myself in for! The immediate popularity was shown at the Launch Party, in which both floors of the Latest MusicBar ended up being absolutely rammed. Even today, I can’t imagine how I managed to do that. The interest and support from friends, family and new friendships that were formed as a result of the magazine has been immense and I’m proud of everyone.

I only started the magazine because I felt like there were no outlets for artists and music fans alike. Sure, pubs did unsigned nights and stuff but they were barely promoted and people would not know what genre the music would be; also everyone has their taste so it can always end up as a good night or a bad night for them. Often it would be a very unsuitable mix that would ruin the vibe of the night, no matter how good the bands were. Not to mention the mainstream music is getting worse with drones of X-Factor and, frankly, shit music. Brighton has a long reputation for good music but how could we access to that music? There was barely anything to introduce you to who these talented people are.

So after getting mates in together, finding new writers and saving up some money, Brighton Unsigned Magazine

was about to form. With some advice help from Angi and Bill from Latest MusicBar, we finally finished the first issue. The anticipation of holding the magazine in my own hands was met and it was ready to distribute them. Probably the most difficult part of running the magazine that I originally had to do: distribute 5,000 copies around Brighton on my own with a rucksack, boxes and a little cheap trolley that I bought from Argos. Fair to say that I did get toned up, silver lining and all that.

12 months on, I am tremendously proud of what we managed to achieve. Especially as all of us were either finishing a degree or working full-time, a lot of time has been sacrificed to work towards this. As of now, we

have had 116 bands reviewed including 11 cover-featured bands. We started off at 16 pages and increasing, with the magazine now becoming

more and more widely distributed. It’s brilliant now that we have come to work with other young companies in Brighton that work for similar cause, such as Overhead Wires, Zooberon and DarenDino Productions. We’re all going from strength to strength and hope for another awesome year of music. Major thanks to Steven Probets and Donna Clark for their big parts in the magazine. And most importantly, thank you to all the bands who are keeping the Brighton’s music scene alive and thanks to you, the reader; for picking up and reading Brighton Unsigned. - Jordan Thomas

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“...new friendships that were formed as a result of the magazine has been immense

and I’m proud of everyone...”

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Issue 3 - December/January 2012

band: MyElementGenre: Indie / PopWeblink: www.myelementmusic.com

Do you ever get the feeling you’re being watched, maybe even silently judged? That’s how we felt when playing a small pub gig in Brighton in the summer of 2011. The first band on had pulled out last minute and the second band on had missed their plane back from Germany, which left us and a near empty room of people who were about to endure an extended set of songs we hadn’t played in months to fill the evening. “Think of it as a rehearsal with friends” was the attitude we took, which led to an unexpectedly entertaining evening. As we finished a lone figure swept past us with a passing “good set guys, well done”… Wasn’t she the girl sat at the bar with the notepad? Who is she? It was only a few weeks later that we had the answer to that burning question as we got an email from Brighton Unsigned magazine not only asking us if we would like to play a show

but also letting us know that we were going to have a review of that gig in the first ever Brighton Unsigned Magazine for all to see… That was the first of many emails and a couple of great shows for the magazine that led to us being offered the opportunity to feature as the ‘cover band’ in December 2011. We couldn’t say no to such a great opportunity and invited Jordan and Donna (photographer) to our rehearsal studio to take some photos and do an interview. The whole experience of working with Jordan and the team was organised to perfection meaning that everything from the moment we were asked to play our first show to the time we had a magazine with our photo on the front in our hands ran smoothly without a hint of stress. Since the article we have gone on to headline Concorde2 in January this year which would not have been possible without the publicity we got from the magazine (seriously, the promoter heard of us through Brighton Unsigned – what a bonus). This has led onto us having a reasonably quiet stint while we work on some new sounds and ideas trying to move forward with our music with the intention of keeping it fresh and interesting. Currently we’re trying to get as much of this new material recorded as possible so we can release an album in the near future. Expect to see MyElement appearing on gig listings around the South East and London very soon!

Issue 4 - February 2012

band: Trip to DoverGenre: Rock / Alternative / ElectronicsWeblink: www.triptodover.com

It was raining and already dark, somewhere October last year. I pulled my scarf a bit tighter against the cold sea breeze and hurried into the “Latest Music Bar” to pick up the latest music mags and gig listings. One of them announced the start of a new magazine: “Brighton Unsigned”.

At the launch night it was packed. I was introduced to the editor Jordan Thomas, “the guy with the cap”. This was the start of a monthly showcase of Brighton talent and a new local magazine. Run by a young Brighton based team that doesn’t pretend to be better than anybody else; they just focus on what they are good at: enjoying music and writing about it. Doing so “Brighton Unsigned” is perhaps the only real underground magazine left in Brighton.

We felt very honoured when we heard that we would be featured as the cover story of the February 2012 issue. This was great timing, as we released our brand new EP “Vegas&Berlin” in the same month. And so it became a double launch party for both the February issue as well as our new EP! We had a great launch night and after

that we set off for a UK-Tour, taking a bunch of February magazines with us. It was really cool to see people in Liverpool, Manchester, London and various other places indulging in free copies of Brighton Unsigned Magazines! “Hey, it’s you on this magazine cover” “I just read your interview” “Can I take this home?” Brighton Unsigned is more than just a magazine. It’s almost like a small family or community. And it has been great getting to know these guys over the last year. These guys have been supporting us in many ways since the February issue, they reviewed our EP and our new music video “Be Juliet” when it came out. It’s really awesome that they give Brighton bands like us exposure in the city and beyond. We feel privileged and are super excited about the upcoming 1st Birthday Show of October 27th in the Hope! It’s going to be a blast of a night.

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PAPERFACESIssue - 1 October 2011

band: PaperfacesGenre: Acoustic / FolkWeblink: www.paperfacestheband.co.uk

I (Marie) met Jordan Thomas (Editor of Brighton Unsigned Magazine) a few years back at Reading Festival while we were working at one of the bars, we invited him to a few PaperFaces gigs in and around Brighton. He told us about his exiting new project and soon after he invited us to be their first featured band.

It was great fun working with the guys on the photo shoot and interview for there first issue. We where proud to be a part of the launch night. What we liked about the music magazine is that it gives unknown bands a chance to get a little piece of the action and some well deserved exposure.

We have been very impressed with there work ethic and drive to always meet there deadlines and bring out fresh talent and interesting prospects in the unsigned music scene each and every month.

After the first issue as planned we set off to Thailand to start on our new material and play a few gigs. As it turned out we found ourselves playing most nights with some fantastic talent and old music friends. We had a couple of new tracks in the pipeline once we returned and we were very exited about our developing sound. Unfortunately we lost Chris Baigent on bass and so the search began for our

new Bass Player.

We found James after a few months of Song writing and started working on getting him up to Scratch and defining our sound and set list. Since then we have played some acoustic and full band gig sets, our favourite being the Arundel Festival Main Stage in Mid August. We invited some great musicians to join us for a full band set, Michael Bickers on lead guitar/ backing vocals and Magda Taylor on Saxophone.

Our songs have been received really well and we are planning to hit as many festivals as possible next year, our other very important focus is recruiting as many fans as possible on our Sellaband site (www.sellaband.com/marie-dance) we hope fans will support us into the studio to record our first album by buying it in advance. This would mean so much to us. You can also hear two of our most recent and very roughly recorded songs exclusively on this site. Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far and keep on picking up those Brighton unsigned Magazines to find out what’s going on in the undergrounds of Brighton.

Brighton Unsigned is a nifty little magazine that brings to light all the hard-working and talented music types in Brighton who just might not have the means to get on the front cover of the NME... yet. Run by the rather excellent Jordan Thomas, we have had nothing but great exposure and well written reviews since we first heard of it’s existence. We have been very lucky to have featured on the front cover and played at one of the magazine launch nights too. Since then we have been off touring the states and mainland Europe with our new record ‘Feast of Hammers’ which was out in February 2012. We are now planning the follow up record, and another monster tour. Thank you Jordan and all at Brighton Unsigned for all the support!

Issue 2 - November 2011

band: birdeatsbabyGenre: Alternative Orchestral RockWeblink: www.birdeatsbaby.co.uk

Issue 6 - April 2012

band: Jipsy MagicGenre: Indie / FunkWeblink: www.jipsymagic.com

If you’re reading this then you have successfully managed to use your fingers to open this excellent publication. Well done you.

DO YOU WANT A MEDAL OR SUMMIT?

Are you sitting comfortably? Have you got a cup of tea? If not, get up. Make one, then come and sit back down. Did you remember to turn the oven off? Good. Then relax. I SAID RELAX! and let Jipsy Magic (www.jipsymagic.com) take your mind on a funk odyssey.

Also, you probably like new music, and if its new music you’re after then you’ve come to the right band/place. Our name is Jipsy Magic. Take note fine reader, for you could be joining us at the beginning of something great. It’s like that gig at the Lesser Free Trade Hall in Manchester in 1976. Only about 40 people went. But they went on to form The Smiths, Joy Division, The Buzzcocks and The Fall. I’m not saying that no-one goes to our gigs. I’m saying… Errr. If you come to our gigs, you could form a seminal band?

We’ve played a couple of gigs for BUM (Brighton Unsigned

Magazine) now, and to be honest, they we’re absolutely, bloody ruddy brilliant. The first BUM gig we played back on Friday 13th January 2012, was packed to venue capacity. You literally couldn’t move down there (The Latest Music Bar), and we had to fight our way to the stage. If you want to know how it went…. In the words of Brighton’s very own superstar DJ Guy Lloyd, who hosted our night, we were “Quite Good”. [Citation needed] Praise indeed. Anyone who has seen us will know, it’s our live show where we do our best work. Dancing our sweet little asses off. So if you want a party band, check us out live. (P.S. We are not a function band).

Since then it’s been touring, (Truro is the new Brighton) and festival season (Headlining Twisted Frontier in Brighton), and now starting to get shows in London Town. It’s been a rollercoaster year. I really do think that the guys at BUM have helped us get the press, and live gig opportunities that every up-and-coming band needs in this crazy town we call home. So thanks BUM, you’re the best.

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Issue 7 - May 2012

band: FitsroyGenre: Indie / Punk Weblink: www.facebook.com/FitsRoy

We’re a three-piece Indie/Dance band formed since 2005, playing all over Brighton and London.

With the loss of some Brighton venues over the years, it can be left to playing in an out-of-town pub lounge; however having landed our first gig at Latest Music Bar (courtesy of Jordan) proved to be technically comfortable with a very friendly audience whose attitude was of appreciation and encouragement.

Having seen Jordan in the Unsigned Magazine interviewing Mark Chadwick of the Levellers with whom we recorded an E.P. we felt that this would be a good thing. A further meeting with Steve - hailing from the same area as me - led to an easy time of hitting things off and performing in more events this year.

Future gigs will be with Vic Godard & Subway Sect in a London venue (still to be confirmed - check out our Facebook page) and we have just played at the Bull and Gate, Kentish Town for Club Fangango. With more London gigs on the way.

Thanks to all of Brighton Unsigned for our live review in January, the cover story in May and to all their efforts to expose the talent the city has. Our future exposure remains rapid as we hope with our other artists on the voyage to new musical heights...

Issue 5 - March 2012

band: DeriderGenre: AlternativeWeblink: www.derider.co.uk

Our experience with Brighton Unsigned has been brilliant! Both gigs we have played with them have been favourites and we definitely consider the magazine feature to be a significant achievement for us – in fact, it’s framed on my wall, oh yes! We met some great people, including Rich and George from Overhead Wires who have been supportive of our music – we recently played on their Twisted Frontier weekender – good times! Jordan and Steven are also two of the nicest people we have met and it’s not too often you meet people in the industry who take a genuine interest in your music and who you are as people, so thank you Brighton Unsigned for being awesome. We look forward to celebrating the 1 year anniversary with you!

Since the March issue we have ventured out on our first UK tour, released our first music video and written our first, no wait, second EP! The EP is due out on the 22nd

October although we are playing an acoustic set on the 19th at Seven Stars here in Brighton where we will be giving out free copies, shhh! Our launch gig is on the 2nd November at Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar as part of the Brighton Rocks night with Lout Promotions – showcasing local unsigned bands only. We have fellow Brighton Unsigned-ers Jipsy Magic supporting us as well, so very excited!

Future plans? We need a van...badly. Yes, we really do need to invest in a van so we can play everywhere and anywhere. We are getting pretty exhausted carrying way too much gear on our backs on the Underground and at this rate we might just become hunchbacks, in which case I’m not sure people will see us for the music anymore...! We have started writing our first album. This was a tough decision, subject to change, because we want our first album to be our best work. We thought about holding it off another couple of years but some of the songs we have written lately have been a little darker and more experimental than our usual sound with influences from Garbage and Muse. This accompanied by our more punk-esque sound is our direction so for now, that’s the plan! We aim to release it next year at some point but we don’t want to rush. I guess we will also need the van first too..! Please do give us a listen, take a free EP when it’s out, if you don’t like it, pass it on, if you do then get to one of our gigs and bring it on! Thanks for reading!

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Issue 11 - September 2012

band: Simonne and the Dark StarsGenre: Alternative FolkWeblink: www.facebook.com/S.TheDarkStars

Brighton Unsigned Magazine has opened very large doors for Simonne & The Dark Stars. Entering the music scene 8 months ago with a handful of gigs under our belt we were asked to support Watermelons at The Latest Music Bar in June. Since that sensational night we have continued to receive golden opportunities such as being the feature band in the September issue... working with highly acclaimed photographer Vanessa Lawrence... and being interviewed and bumping into some of the most talented and supportive people in this community of musicians and bands. We are fully grateful for the support Jordan & Steven have shown us with exposure & promotion.Our last few months have seen us sourcing inspiration

from our travels, seeing other bands & of course, enjoying festivals around the country. We have been hard at work on new material & are excited to showcase it in upcoming gigs.

The reviews we have received lately have been very supportive and confirm that we are on the right track. It's nice to know there's an appreciation for our sound in and beyond this fishing village…I mean Brighton.

What holds for us in the future? A number of recording options are coming our way, which will be an exciting time for the band to solidify a rock solid base for an amazing future of world domination! We are currently collaborating with other musicians and artists to further sculpt our unusual sound. SATDS have a number of London gigs booked and look forward to the possibility of playing at festivals such as The Great Escape, Glastonbury, End of The Road and Walk The Line to name but a few.

We would like to thank everyone involved with Brighton Unsigned Magazine for providing a great platform for bands in Brighton. Simonne & The Dark Stars wish the crew at B.U.M a very happy 1st birthday!

See you all on 13th October @ SoHo Spice of Life and we are playing the Brighton Unsigned Birthday Gig @ Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar on Octiber 28th.

Issue 10 - August 2012

Artist: Tom StanifordGenre: Alternative FolkWeblink: www.tomstaniford.com

My first performance having gone solo was at the Latest Bar at one of Brighton Unsigned Mag’s first music events. They’d put together a lovely format with tables, chairs and candles - which suits my style of music down to a tee - and for the eager unsigned artist, desperate to be heard, this setup is spot on.

After forming a 5 piece band to accompany me I’ve since gone on to support Ben Howard, The Maccabees and Friendly Fires at Beach Break Live following numerous radio performances and London shows. When I finally mentioned to Jordan from B.U.M that I was planning my debut UK tour this summer their reaction was “Ok let’s get you on the front cover for that month with a feature on you” which helped enormously in spreading the buzz for my hometown show at Concorde 2 - In that

issue I had a two page spread and interview - and for any unsigned artist this is a real confidence push and sense of achievement.;

These guys are genuinely a pleasure to deal with and as an upcoming Brighton act I can’t think of a more co-operative publication to get you out there.

I’m thoroughly looking forward to playing at their 1st Birthday @ Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar on the 28th October!

THE WaTErmElonsIssue 8 - June 2012

band: The WatermelonsGenre: Indie / Pop / AlternativeWeblink: www.thewatermelons.com

Every up and coming band knows how hard it is to get their music out to a live audience. So it’s really helpful to have a team of people like Brighton Unsigned who are willing to give their time to new artists. For us, The Watermelons, Brighton Unsigned has been a huge boost in establishing ourselves in Brighton. They were one of the first promoters to really get behind our music and they’ve been brilliant to us from then on.

First of all, it’s worth pointing out their success in putting on a show. Every time we’ve worked with Brighton Unsigned they have ensured a top night; a high standard of music in a great venue at a fair ticket price. We definitely consider the shows at The Latest Music bar as some of our most enjoyable and it’s always a pleasure to be asked back to perform. The great thing is the circulation of acts that Jordan and Steven manage to organise. It means we’re always playing with new artists and to new audiences, which is important for any unsigned band trying to extend their fan-base. The boys really are mindful of the bands’ interests and we’re grateful for that.

All those attributes would mark the sign of a good promoter. But where Brighton Unsigned, for us at least, rises above the rest is with their work on the magazine. The magazine has been one of the best platforms for us in Brighton. It was great walking in to The Latest Music bar and seeing are faces on the cover, but then to walk in to record stores, bars and numerous other venues across the city and see ourselves in almost every one was really special. It really was just a massive promotion for us and we really felt it at our headline gig to support the release.

Brighton Unsigned has without doubt projected us to greater successes and has made the city a real home for our band. No doubt every band recognises the hard work they put in to promote new music in the region. They are a great addition to the south-coast music scene and it will be a pleasure to continue working with them. We wish them every success in the future.

Issue 9 - July 2012

band: Astro-PhysicsGenre: hip hop / RockWeblink: www.astrophysicsband.com

Congratulations Brighton Unsigned, on making it to your first Birthday! that's passed so quickly and a lot of good stuff has happened for us and the magazine I'm sure.

It's been a pleasure working with you guys and we've appreciated the support you gave us early on in a review and then to put us on the front cover was awesome, definitely helped build our following and raise our profile in Brighton, which is tough to do given all the wicked bands

there are. Since we last spoke our [FRESH NEW VIDEO] Chances, has gone live and the leg-end DJ Tom Robinson for BBC6 has picked up the track and played it on his show, the response and feedback off the back of this has been immense (check out the video on astrophysicsband.com), which has lead to some label interest, which is a big deal for us right now, so things are really moving forward.

Big Up Brighton Unsigned Magazine, see you next year I'm sure, looking forward to smashing it at your Birthday Gig Oct 28th - Sticky Mikes Frog Bar.

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Dirty Weekend – Dirty Weekend in brighton

Mainly a photomontage, anyone who lives in Brighton or indeed a regular visitor would recognise at least half of the events that they show. Anywhere from the Smash EDO protest all the way to the skateboarding dog who is often seen in the North Laine. The only video clips tend to be of the band themselves on location and a posing policeman. The video itself does indeed represent a darker side of Brighton, the nightlife even. The song is catchy and has a sound of anthem in it, and easily could become one with bigger exposure alongside with tracks by unsigned bands such as FitsRoy with “Us, We’re From Brighton”. The track may as well keep playing over and over in your head… it’s well worth a listen and a watch!

Sparrow – Move

To watch awesome videos that were done on a tiny budget is great, and this video is no exception. With the obvious influence of OK! GO! Videos, Sparrow did just this. In a blank setting (a typical photography studio perhaps?) the band does their own air guitar and dance routines through the quieter aspects of the songs, being given their instruments and a crowd of dancing people when it’s time for the bashier chorus bits of the songs. It’s great to watch and everyone does indeed look like they’re having a great time, the band and extras alike. The track is also good and catchy with an unusual way of singing and a good one to use for a music video with a more radio-friendly sound.

Peanut Albinos – To be A Number

The video immediately goes into a catchy trance with the cello bass and immediate recognitions of Brighton’s sceneries and locations in nearly all shots - most obviously when the band goes to Guitar, Amp and Keyboard store to nick some equipment! The band goes on a run from the shop with performing on the Band Stage near West Pier. Not only this, it was clearly a live performance for the public too, being watched by a small crowd (with now, their hat of change being nicked also…)! The video already gets you into wanting to watch them live; it’s easy to dance along to once you’re standing, giving the desire to see them on stage.

Clockworks – Gone by The Morning

The song takes you in really well, in a similar style of The Coral. The singing suddenly gets catchy with the instruments quickly joining in a different form of modern folk yet still rock/pop. Not too different from what you would hear on an Amy McDonald’s soundtrack. The video itself works quite well, with the setting seeming to be in a disused yet bright room (an old small theatre maybe?) with the use of desaturation and traditional microphones. The video may as well easily be used on a music channel and you would not know the difference between signed or unsigned… another clever way to make a music video.

Rotait – Sleep Tonight

Rotait is no stranger to Brighton Unsigned, having played for the live gigs twice. One of their best songs, ‘Sleep Tonight’ was recorded as a video two years ago. The track itself is a song about insomnia so naturally the storyline works in a sort of trippy trance in the nighttime. Jareth (front man) shows his talent of changing faces, looking confused from one scene to looking simply freaky in the next as different characters. Rosannah (front woman) also shows some acting talents and shows her awesome cello talent as Jareth wonders about the caged rooms. It’s pretty cool to watch and listen to; we want more videos from Rotait!

Astro-Physics – Chances

Astro-Physics (July’s feature cover band) has been rising and rising quickly in recent times and made this cool video to add to it. Arguably the best track from them so far, it’s no wonder they chose this song to make the music video with. Being filmed in London, it has a real city life edge to it, Skilf rapping in the street with the blurred out faces of passers-by walking by. Then the rapping is broken up by the sensational voice of Rachel (vocals), complemented by the city landscape behind them as they perform on a rooftop. The track is unbelievably catchy with a rock beat in this unusual splice of music genres. This video should get you wanting to get to Astro-Physics next gig and get a chance (no pun intended) to hear their full stuff live.

- Jordan Thomas

viDEO rEviEWS

21

THE WaTErmElons

SATUrDAY 27Th OcTOBEr SUNDAY 28Th OcTOBEr

£4 ENTrY / 18+ / DOOrS OPEN 19:30 £3 ENTrY / 18+ / DOOrS OPEN 19:30

PAPERFACES

The Hope, 11-12 Queens RoadSailor Jerry and splash £2.503 for 2 on shots - Jagermeister, Tuaca and Sambuca

Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar, 9-12 Middle StreetFosters - £3.05JD + Coke - £3.00Lrg glass House Red / White - £3.95

Guy LLoyd (Juice 107.2) Hosts BRIGHTON UNSINGED’S FIRST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION WEEKEND!

OUR COVER BANDS & ARTISTS

DRINK PROMOS

TILL LATE

GET ALL THE LOCAL AND

MOST UPTO DATE GIG

LISTINGS BY

GOING ONLINE

www brightonnoise co uk

www.soccer96.bandcamp.com/album/soccer96www.facebook.com/cinemascopesuk

www.speakgalactic.com

briGhton noise noise niGht #1 @ Green Door store 24th oCt

gIg pREVIEW: andy hInTOn

Brighton Noise is excited to be bringing our first Noise Night to the Green Door Store featuring three of our favourite local bands.

First on are Speak Galactic. Progressive and experimental they produce hypnotic and often beautiful music. Essentially an electronic band, main man Owen Thomas has added a drummer to great effect. Seeing them earlier this year for the first time, their effects-driven psychedelic music blew me away, reminding me at times of the brilliant Deerhunter and Atlas Sound. Speak Galactic is a band that is going places having just released their new album, ‘Severed’.

I saw our second band, Cinemascopes, a couple of years ago supporting Cloud Nothings at The Hope at one of their early gigs. They were easily the band of the night, which is saying something after the acclaim that Cloud Nothings have enjoyed. Even then they seemed fully formed. A bit post-punk but not sounding stuck in the past. They flitted from songs with vocals such as ‘Small Blue Waves’ to ‘Krautrock’ inspired jams such as ‘Function Creep’. I was mesmerised and mightily impressed. I instantly made a mental ‘he could be my favourite Brighton Band’ note.

Brilliant headliners, Soccer 96 are a band who are difficult to pigeonhole. This is definitely a good thing at a time where most bands’ influences are glaringly

obvious. Their sound has touches of early techno and industrial. Drums and analogue synthesisers come together to produce supremely exciting electronic music, driving polyrhythms and stabbing synths… music that is pure energy. The incendiary ‘Call To Arms’ isn’t your bog standard dance music, it’s music you will want to dance to. You won’t find a laptop on stage when you see Soccer 96. Where much laptop music has a glossy sheen, their adherence to

using the definitive hardware and not emulators reflects the excitement of early electronic music.

A night of some of the most exciting music that this city has to offer brought to you by Brighton’s

definitive gig-guide!

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REVISED DESIGN, now with contact details

20 September 2012 12.03pm

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DIPLOMA AND DEGREE COURSESNorthbrook College has over 20 recording studios and teaching areas crammed with the best gear & software, plus a team of industry professionals all there to get you on the right track.

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www.northbrook.ac.uk/music0845 155 60 60