Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Club Velocity
I mentioned a few weeks back that we'd been booked for a very exciting gig. It's all properly announced now, we (Joey Ultra) are playing at the April Plug'n'Play Club Velocity, which is also the Rebus CD launch party. WOO!
The reason I think this is exciting is because it was the Velocity guys who suggested us for the bill, not Rebus. In fact, Sid had this to say on Berkshire Live "possibly the first josaka supergroup-we love them already because they will piss people off-shucks we aint even seen or heard them-Dreadders wants to get in Binzs pants and said 'I have seen a lot worse,' after their classic debut gig-we just like the idea of joey fucking ultra-we trust the little fella-he has good ears". I don't think you could get a recommendation much better.
I've wanted to play a Club Velocity for ages, since they started up. It's basically a Reading music scene institution. I'm not sure I could define exactly what a 'Club V band' is exactly. I've seen a lot of bands I really loved at Club V nights as well as some I thought were absolutely awful, so it's not just a matter of quality. Hopefully it's about having something a bit interesting about you and we'll live up to that.
Joey Ultra getting picked for a Club V bill after 1 gig that they didn't even see is pretty excellent. Apparently it's already caused some controversy in some quarters which is brilliant.
Recently, there was also some controversy on Berkshire Live about the Josaka Birthday gig, and the line-up. Accusations of favouritism basically. That stuff always annoys me. The fact is that getting gigs etc. is a million times easier if you have good contacts. People often complain about the scene being cliquey or people having favourites or whatever, what they maybe don't realise is the amount of work that you have to put in to meet people and build and maintain these contacts, friendships and working relationships. Bands like Rebus, Six Nation State, My Luminaries, The Race that seem to be local favourites and commonly on bills are there because they know the right people and have a reputation for reliability, professionalism and popularity. You can do great stuff without being part of a cliquey scene as such but maintaining contacts and relationships is still very important, whatever level you are at. The contacts and their importance might change, but the principle is the same. You might find it a lot easier to get on the Ozfest if you know Sharon Osbourne, or one of her kids!
It's not about lying or not being yourself either, people can spot ass kissers/fakers a mile off and it doesn't go down well. In most places I've played if you are professional, friendly, helpful and work hard to put on a good show people will be the same to you, and they'll remember you. I say it's hard work but to be honest, you don't even really have to do anything other than go to gigs have a few drinks and talk to people. More fun than flying a desk!
When Sonic Undermind were playing regularly in London we found that sending out demos and chasing promoters etc. was a futile and frustrating process, but once we got the ball rolling things really fell into place. We eventually got to play at one good venue, the King's Head in Fulham (now closed) for a promoter who also put on the amazing Catapult Club in New Cross. Nikhil (lead guitar) lived in New Cross and drunkenly got chatting to the promoter at a Catapult Club gig and eventually talked the promoter round to putting us on at his 'feeder gig' at the King's Head. He promised us that if we were good there he'd put as on at the Catapult Club proper. In the end the night in Fulham was almost a disaster. 2 bands pulled out at the last minute, the promoter managed to draft in a last minute replacement but the night was marginally saved because we brought about 20/25 people from Reading and around London to see us (thanks anyone who came!). Promoter was impressed/relieved and we talked him into putting us on at the Catapult Club. When we played there (best gig EVAH!) we impressed potential management, a magazine who were moving into promotions and another promoter all of which led to more stuff in the future.
April 21ST Plug'n'Play 35 Milford Road, Reading
Rebus/Ok Tokyo (TBC)/Kicks/Joey Ultra DJ Dreadnought and others Doors 8pm to 2am £5(door)/£4(flyer).
The reason I think this is exciting is because it was the Velocity guys who suggested us for the bill, not Rebus. In fact, Sid had this to say on Berkshire Live "possibly the first josaka supergroup-we love them already because they will piss people off-shucks we aint even seen or heard them-Dreadders wants to get in Binzs pants and said 'I have seen a lot worse,' after their classic debut gig-we just like the idea of joey fucking ultra-we trust the little fella-he has good ears". I don't think you could get a recommendation much better.
I've wanted to play a Club Velocity for ages, since they started up. It's basically a Reading music scene institution. I'm not sure I could define exactly what a 'Club V band' is exactly. I've seen a lot of bands I really loved at Club V nights as well as some I thought were absolutely awful, so it's not just a matter of quality. Hopefully it's about having something a bit interesting about you and we'll live up to that.
Joey Ultra getting picked for a Club V bill after 1 gig that they didn't even see is pretty excellent. Apparently it's already caused some controversy in some quarters which is brilliant.
Recently, there was also some controversy on Berkshire Live about the Josaka Birthday gig, and the line-up. Accusations of favouritism basically. That stuff always annoys me. The fact is that getting gigs etc. is a million times easier if you have good contacts. People often complain about the scene being cliquey or people having favourites or whatever, what they maybe don't realise is the amount of work that you have to put in to meet people and build and maintain these contacts, friendships and working relationships. Bands like Rebus, Six Nation State, My Luminaries, The Race that seem to be local favourites and commonly on bills are there because they know the right people and have a reputation for reliability, professionalism and popularity. You can do great stuff without being part of a cliquey scene as such but maintaining contacts and relationships is still very important, whatever level you are at. The contacts and their importance might change, but the principle is the same. You might find it a lot easier to get on the Ozfest if you know Sharon Osbourne, or one of her kids!
It's not about lying or not being yourself either, people can spot ass kissers/fakers a mile off and it doesn't go down well. In most places I've played if you are professional, friendly, helpful and work hard to put on a good show people will be the same to you, and they'll remember you. I say it's hard work but to be honest, you don't even really have to do anything other than go to gigs have a few drinks and talk to people. More fun than flying a desk!
When Sonic Undermind were playing regularly in London we found that sending out demos and chasing promoters etc. was a futile and frustrating process, but once we got the ball rolling things really fell into place. We eventually got to play at one good venue, the King's Head in Fulham (now closed) for a promoter who also put on the amazing Catapult Club in New Cross. Nikhil (lead guitar) lived in New Cross and drunkenly got chatting to the promoter at a Catapult Club gig and eventually talked the promoter round to putting us on at his 'feeder gig' at the King's Head. He promised us that if we were good there he'd put as on at the Catapult Club proper. In the end the night in Fulham was almost a disaster. 2 bands pulled out at the last minute, the promoter managed to draft in a last minute replacement but the night was marginally saved because we brought about 20/25 people from Reading and around London to see us (thanks anyone who came!). Promoter was impressed/relieved and we talked him into putting us on at the Catapult Club. When we played there (best gig EVAH!) we impressed potential management, a magazine who were moving into promotions and another promoter all of which led to more stuff in the future.
April 21ST Plug'n'Play 35 Milford Road, Reading
Rebus/Ok Tokyo (TBC)/Kicks/Joey Ultra DJ Dreadnought and others Doors 8pm to 2am £5(door)/£4(flyer).
Labels: Club Velocity, gig, Joey Ultra, Rebus, Sonic Undermind
# posted by Mike @ 14:11 
