The Grey Lady Music Lounge, Sunday 16th May 2010

A retro Swing sound with feverish Latino curves, Hip-Hop head nods and a cool dark Alternative rock twist!

Formed and fronted by songwriter, producer, musical ‘mixologist’ Steve Spall -Guitar/Vocals as a platform for his vibrantly original material. The band features Paul Beeching on the 'cupboard of love' aka Double Bass, and rhythmic rebel Matt Wilson on Drums, alongside Spall's mesmerizing vocals and highly revered 'filthy Spy-esque' swing/alternative guitar prowess. Influences include The Jungle Book soundtrack, Portishead, Soundgarden, Brian Setzer/ Stray Cats, Tarantino Sountracks, The Gotan Project, Tom Waits, Beastie Boys & Beyond.

“Fresh ideas, retro vibes and a healthy dose of musical juxtaposition, will engage fans of widely varying musical genres” –Timeout.

A debut originals album ’Far Flung’ was released on the band’s label Pitch-Ray Records in 2008, a mellow yet tantalizingly dark introduction to The Violet Jive sound (available on iTunes), and a new album ‘Rhythm Mythology’ is due Spring 2011.

Show full profile »

Formed in late 2009 by Mike Wilton, The Standard Lamps believe that it's about time that we took things back to basics. During the last two years, Mike has been experimenting with various musicians to produce ‘The Standard Lamps’ which consists of James Livett on bass and Matt Bennie (Goldie Reed, Billy Jupp) on drums.

Playing countless gigs in the South East, The Standard Lamps have been pleasing audiences since Early 2010. Their music can be described as a mixture of melodic tunes with a raw blues edge. With their first EP ‘Portland’ (2010) and debut album ‘Sell Everything You Own’ (2012) already under their belts, they are now planning the second album with a trilogy of singles to be released throughout Summer 2013.

The Standard Lamps believe in sounding where you come from. The Standard Lamps believe in variety. The Standard Lamps believe having fun with what you're doing. The Standard Lamps believe in giving you a good time.

Show full profile »

Emerging on the local singer/songwriter scene over a decade ago after a number of years playing in cover bands, Chris was quickly hailed as “an inspiring modern day troubadour who pens lyrics of real substance and meaning.” His music was described as “touching on themes and experiences that people are genuinely able to relate to and which capture the attention of his audience from the very first note, whether listening to him live or on one of his recordings.”

10 years later despite a long battle with tinnitus, the above remains as true as ever but with the added depth and insight that another decade of life experience brings. He has played regularly in the UK as well as at the fringe at SXSW and a number of venues in around Dallas and Austin. He is also one of the very few artists to have been played every Local & Live festival.

Show full profile »

Goldie Reed has been performing with her 4-piece band since late 2010, regularly appearing around London and the South East. Influenced by musicians such as Alison Krauss, Robert Plant, T-Bone Burnett, Eva Cassidy and Tom Waits, Goldie’s rootsy music has gained a wonderful response from satisfied audiences- “People keep asking when we will have something to release which is so lovely to hear, and we are grateful that everyone has been patient while we make something we are proud of. We are releasing our debut single ‘Bittersweet’ on March 25th at the Grey Lady, Tunbridge Wells, and hope everyone loves it as much as us!” says Goldie. Support comes from the Ty Watling Band, and David Migden & the Dirty Words- two brilliant bands that make the perfect addition to Goldie’s performance. Physical copies are available tonight and hold the added bonus of Goldie’s acoustic track ‘Butterflies’. With the first 25 physical singles purchased, you will receive a complimentary cupcake. Goldie and the boys are currently working hard on their debut album that is due for release this summer. “The album is sounding great, but it has meant that we are taking a break from performing- and we love performing so we have been looking forward to tonight for a long time now!” ‘Bittersweet’ will also be available to download from iTunes, and other online retailers on the same day.

Show full profile »