Gareth Peirce is a human rights lawyer who has faced down some incredible opponents – fighting bitter battles for the wrongly convicted and campaigning for law reform. She represented the Birmingham Six, the family of Jean Charles de Menezes, Guantanamo detainees Moazzam Begg and Bisher Amin Khalil al-Rawi and the families of the victims of the Lockerbie air disaster amongst a plethora of high profile cases. Gaining her inspiration from the rallies of Luther King in 1960’s America, she is considered radical by some, passionate by others. In a career spanning more than 30 years, she is said to have “transformed the criminal justice scene in this country almost single-handedly.” Dispatches From The Dark Side is her first book.
Category: Artists (Page 9 of 16)
News and information about Artists who are part of the Music Network
Robin Valk says “It’s all there – the story of how the children of those early post-war immigrants came up with a vital new approach to reggae, mixed, matched and mashed up… and invented whole new styles of music along the way. And right now, there’s even a third generation doing new and vital stuff. Now, with the blessing of Birmingham Music Heritage, whose commission it was, I am making it available via Sound Cloud, after the jump. Know what? I love internet publishing.
The programme is in three parts – I built it so it would allow for a news bulletin and breaks for promos and/or ads. It’s also on offer to local community stations for rebroadcast, gratis – email me, using the link at the botton of this post, and I’ll send you a DropBox invite. In the meantime, tag away to your hearts’ content on the Soundcloud files.”
http://radiotogo.blogspot.com/2010/10/handsworth-evolution-documentary.html
WEAK13 / SONS OF BEACHES / KING RICH / THE MILITANTS
Friday October 22nd
8pm start
@ JB’s
Castle Hill
Dudley
DY14QF
£2 DOOR
All proceeds go to the venue. Please can you help us spread awareness and raise money for JB’s?
Contact for press: Nick J.Townsend MANAGEMENT 07898181574
A photo opportunity time can be arranged by calling 07898181574
Four bands and acts from across the Midlands including Wolverhampton based band The Militants, have come together to support the venue JB’s in Dudley by holding a Friday night show in which all the proceeds will go straight to the venue. The club has recently gone into administration. All the acts have agreed to play for free. Nick J.Townsend of British band WEAK13 approached Sam the JB’s owner and asked if he could help do something. Nick J.Townsend along with solo artist King Rich were the main people behind getting music back to Kidderminster Townhall way back in 2002 after there had been no names play in the historic building for 15 years.
“Although at the time we were young we organised big concerts in Kidderminster and soon after we had done so big names started playing their again such as Robert Plant, we helped spread awareness and it’s time to act again only this time for JB’s in Dudley” Quote: Nick J.Townsend.
Carl Wilkes from Sons Of Beaches said “It’s the venue that has brought music from around the world into the Midlands and it has to keep going” . The frontman who has played there many time encourages all musicians to stick together and come down to support the club. WEAK13 mainman Nick J.Townsend who also writes for Midland music magazine Ryan’s Gig Guide said: “JB’s is the best venue in the Midlands due to it’s 40 years of history and providing us with great bands”
Solo artist King Rich who tours the UK every year said “JB’s is a landmark for music and it has to stay open due to the important role it places in the music scene”
The event takes place on Friday October 22nd at JB’s in Dudley “We are asking everyone who has had a great time because of JB’s to come down and support the club. We also are expecting some of the bigger bands who have played there in the past to take a stand and step in as this is the club that helped their careers”. Nick added
The Militants
With eclectic musical tastes ranging from various genres the band “The Militants” shows no limitations with their writing ability and style. Starting in December 08 with a solid five piece line up “The Militants” have done nothing but focus on their sound. With music influenced by bands such as Oasis, Stereophonics, The Kinks, The Clash and Ryan Adams, the band would describe their sound as Indie Rock with a twist of Roll. The Militants have played a countless number of venues in the last two years across Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Sheffield and Leeds. “The Militants” are currently preparing to start their next chapter and have finished recording their Demo at ‘The Magic Garden Studios’. The band is looking to support and gig with any other local bands while also searching for any possible label interest. Gear up for the journey to begin with this band as they make a name for themselves. Line-up: Wayne Buckley- Vocals / John Turley- Lead Guitar / Lee Waters-Rhythm Guitar / Stuart Buckley-Bass Guitar / Mike Coulter-Drums
http://www.myspace.com/themilitantsband
King Rich (Solo artist)
HONESTY, IMAGINATION, POWER, ARTISTRY, GUTS, CHARISMA, DIVERSITY, ORIGINALITY, ATMOSPHERE and EMOTION are all ingredients that are placed into the song writing, music and performance of KING RICH. He is a bulk of freshness in the acoustic genre, and could very easily become accepted in a vast array of music markets in the music industry. The King is different, but isn’t that what makes all King’s legends? The ever-versatile King is currently making extreme progress in the acoustic genre, shaking the ever-growing dust out of the dull climate acoustic music has currently reached. An exciting breath of fresh air is what King Rich delivers to the new-wave acoustic scene, providing his own stance and slants on music – emotion packed and punching – with much to offer as a fine representative and example of the new-age acoustic pioneer! Songs of vigor, eloquence, style, vivacity, depth and beauty glide out of the King’s entity. He transmits songs from his life experience, and is strong enough to pave a new direction for music as a whole. Crowds are often left thrilled and awoken after a King Rich performance.
http://kingrich.co.uk
Sons Of Beaches
Sons of Beaches are a 4 piece original rock outfit from Kidderminster, in the West Midlands. The band were formed in 2008 and have so far released two self recorded EP’s. The second Ep ‘Plague’, was met with great critical acclaim that spawned a nationwide tour taking in venues in cities such as, Liverpool, London, Birmingham, Leicester, and many more. The band played a sell out show at the world famous Cavern Club in Liverpool in April 09 and also headlined the new acts stage at the 2009 Glastonbudget Festival. Now firmly in 2010 The band have agreed their first recording contract with ‘Limbo Sounds’, and the highly anticipated debut album is nearing completion. In February 2010 the band appeared on the Friday Sessions of BBC Radio, performing four tracks and interviews. The band booked a coach to take their fans to Leicester’s Shed Venue which sold out in under 20 minutes! In May 2010 the band performed to over 1000 people at the Glastonbudget festival. An amazing launch is planned for the album at a 700 capacity venue in the Midlands. Following the launch of the album the band intend to take an 18 month tour of the UK As a live band Sons of Beaches put on an electric show and their lyrics and melodies are the very best in catchy infectious rock. The band put on regular coach trips to ferry fans to and from venues. The bands debut single Turn me on is scheduled for release on September 27th 2010 and a follow up Christmas single ‘Santa i’ve been good this year’ is also set for release during the season. To fully appreciate Sons of Beaches view them in their natural habitat, The live concert stage! Line-up: Carl Wilkes- Vocals / Daniel Hollowway- Lead Guitar & Rhythm Guitar / Gareth Webster-Bass Guitar / Rich Milton-Drums
http://sonsofbeaches.co.uk/
WEAK13
WEAK13 is a British industrial / metal / grunge act, founded in 1999 by Nick J.Townsend in Kidderminster, United Kingdom. Inspired by 1980’s Video Nasties, Underground music, Comic books, The Grunge and 90’s music scene and real life. Each song is a different story. Lyrics about loved ones who have passed away, songs about the future, death, life, survival, friendship, love, hate and positive thinking. All the guitars on all the recordings are played using strange dark low tunings. WEAK13 is any style Nick J.Townsend wants to be. From Industrial Metal fused with death metal guitars to Dark electro beats entwined with Low tuned acoustic guitars. WEAK13 is every form of music in it’s rawest form. There is a song for everyone. As its main singer, producer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, Townsend is the only official member of WEAK13 and remains solely responsible for its musical and artistic direction. WEAK13’s music is every genre with metal overtones. Townsend recruits a live band to perform with him on stage after recording WEAK13 material. WEAK13 when playing LIVE is ‘Nick J.Townsend’ (Vocals/Guitar), ‘Wesley Smith’ (Bass) and ‘Neel Parmar’ (Drums). Nick J.Townsend breaks as many rules as possible. Wanted feedback, dark subjects, erratic song structure, raw sounds, one take recordings, surreal ideas and hook lines that you will never forget. There is only one WEAK13 but there are many sounds. Nick J.Townsend is a British underground musician, singer and multi-instrumentalist. He operates under the studio name WEAK13. Line-up: Nick J.Townsend- Vocals, Lead Guitar & Rhythm Guitar / Wesley Smith-Bass Guitar / Neel Parmar-Drums
http://www.myspace.com/weak13music
You may want to know that it’s Official – FUZZBOX are back. The Eighties pop punk band ‘We’ve Got A Fuzzbox and We’re Gonna Use It’ are making a welcome return in 2010 with the announcement of a UK Tour.
The reunion will see the band take to the stage with their infamous fuzzbox sound, which dominated the charts in the 80s. Hits like ‘Pink Sunshine’, ‘International Rescue’, ‘XX Sex’ and ‘Rules and Regulations’ will feature in what is to be the band’s first European Tour in 20 years.
May 2010 Dates
13 Southampton Joiners Arms
14 Bristol Fleece n’ Firkin
15 Manchester Roadhouse
16 Glasgow King Tuts
17 York The Duchess
18 Norwich Norwich Arts Centre
19 Nottingham The Social
20 Oxford Oxford Academy
22 Birmingham Birmingham Academy
23 Colchester Colchester Arts Centre
24 Brighton Audio
25 London Islington Academy
Fuzzbox will be releasing a new single on Gotham Records, as well as working on a new album. For all enquiries, please contact Barry Tomes: barry at barrytomes.com or +44 (0)7966 174 319
Yes! They’re back! ?And the fabulous “We’ve got a …FUZZBOX… and we’re gonna use it!!” have specially selected all of YOU to attend their secret exclusive tour launch-party. ?Expect an evening of FUZZTASTIC entertainment…?Prepare yourselves for a taste of tour – See an exclusive live performance. ?Be entertained with much FUZZ and NONSENSE including a splendifierous 80’s disco with DJ Declan.? Be rewarded with a prize for the best 80’s fancy dress.
Tuesday 4th May Starts 7.30pm? DON’T BE LATE!
The Asylum?38-43 Hampton Street, Hockley, Birmingham B19 3LS
All enquiries to Barry at BTMG 07966174319? barry at gotham-records.com
www.fuzzboxfans.com
www.youtube.com/fuzzboxfans
CREATIVE LEAP…..
Call all Artists who want to kick start a career in the creative sector
Creative Leap is a new development programme for emerging artists which will enable you to turn your creative ideas into reality…..
It is open to artists working in any artform including film and digital media, visual and performing arts, written and spoken word.
The scheme is aimed at individuals who have had limited opportunities to produce and showcase work.
Artists from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply.
Creative Leap will offer artists the chance to:
· Apply for a grant of up to £2,000 to develop and showcase innovative new work/projects
· Participate in a professional development training programme working within a pool of artists
· Work with an artform mentor to support the development of creative ideas and new work
· Work with a career start-up mentor and receive industry information, advice and support
Creative Leap is about new work, new collaborations and new ideas to create work in both traditional and unusual spaces. We want ideas for new work to be artist generated and led, and we’re here to discuss your ideas with you and to support you from the initial development stage through to showcasing. We’re also here to help newer artists access or progress in the industry and to support your career development needs.
A Creative Leap introductory meeting will take place in early May and the programme will then run in part time stages with showcasing taking place between September 2010 and March 2011.
Taking part in the programme is free of charge.
To apply for a place on Creative Leap, you will need to be:
· Over 18
· Living or working in any of wards making up the following Birmingham constituencies :
Erdington – Erdington, Kingstanding, Stockland Green, Tyburn wards
Hodge Hill – Bordesley Green, Hodge Hill, Shard End, Washwood Heath wards
Ladywood – Aston, Ladywood, Nechells , Soho wards
Perry Barr – Handsworth Wood, Lozells & East Handsworth, Oscott, Perry Barr wards
· The deadline to apply for a place is Wednesday 14th April 2010
If you want further information on Creative Leap, and to apply for a place, please contact:
Pat Dawson on 0121 446 3267 or email pat@sampad.org.uk and mention you got the details from Birmingham Music Network.
Creative Leap is a collaborative project run in partnership by sampad, Ulfah Arts and the Drum.