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Outside after Austra’s set at the Art Museum in Reykjavik.
On Wednesday we had some fun with my friend Cat Martino, on a day off from her tour with Marissa Nadler, we did a wee show at The Betsey Trotwood. Our favourite London boy Joe Innes opened. It’s always a pleasure to have him at Allotment shows, and Cat was wonderful. Her voice is amazing and she’s a great performer.
Here are a few pictures.
JOE!
CAT!
Pals.
cake situation.
The rest are here.
Uhm, Cat also asked if I would introduce her before she played. But instead I sung Wuthering Heights and she looped the vocals to make the Betsey sound like the inside of my brain/hell. So classy. This is what happened.
I saw I’m From Barcelona last week. Five or six years ago I really loved that band, and I’ve seen them a couple of other times over the years. In truth, it was a little bit too twee for my tastes these days but nonetheless it was a joyous and infectiously fun show. And a joy, as ever, to photograph:
I particularly enjoyed throwing confetti at Seb.
Cheesy as it may be, you can really feel how much all those guys love performing; and it’s impossible to not be warmed by that.
Photos: Celebration at Subterranean A, Washington DC
Favourite show I’ve seen in yonks; write up soon.
Photos+ Review: Bandstand Busking / July 31st
Oh! What a lovely day I had.
First, I got to eat at The Central Cafe. Nothin’ fancy, but I’ve been eying up that cafe for the past two and a half years and never managed to get a full English and sit out front. Today was the day!
Second, I went to Northampton Square bandstand. It’s had a new coat of paint and it looked pretty magnificent in the lovely sun. This was our first bandstand busk of the year here. It truly is my favourite bandstand spot.
The ice cream man came and my friend bought me an ice cream which I had to stuff down fast in time to film Veronica Falls:
Their debut full length will be out on Bella Union soon. They play hazy, summery indie pop which suited the day well.
Next was an artist I hold very close to my (cheesy) heart. Lovely lovely Sea of Bees. We’ve done five shows together this year and I think I’ve seen Jules and company play a dozen or more times since I met her and lovely John last September. She’s a good friend, a wonderful songwriter and a great performer.
She also likes to stare me down:
Jules informs me that her spirit animal is the unicorn.
She and Amber performed a set to a few hundred people who adored it. It was wonderful.
The duo also did a very special rendition of Single Ladies. I think they should include it in every set they play between now and forever.
The sixth and final song they did, and the last song they’ll play here until next year, was The Gold. Jules and Amber were unsure of what to play, and so I asked for that. It made me happy to hear the song and have it be the final sendoff until they come back with album number two.
I’ll miss these faces:
Amber’s hair was salty [via the sea].
I also started a band with Amber. It’s called Ocean Of Frozen Juice. Debut album on the way.
Next, another band I love lots both as people and musically. Peggy Sue.
They are my favourite band in the whole country right now, by a long way. Katy is pushing for continental domination, so they’re also my favourite band in Europe excluding Scandinavia.
They’ve made an excellent second album. I’ve written about them a whole bunch already, but I genuinely think they’re a special band and talented and brilliant people.
Olly informs me his spirit animal is the giraffe.
It was a delightful day. So happy to get to hear Jules and Amber one last time before they go home. When people come up and say Jules’ music gave them chills or that they had not previously heard her and ‘wow she’s amazing’, it warms my (cheesy) heart.
Lastly, we went up to Hammy Heath to relish in the sun rays.
Katy informs me her spirit animal is the newt, though I feel she’s unsure of this.
Luisa informs her spirit animal is the feline. Rosa informs hers in an otter. She also informs me that I am a ferret, though I am not convinced on this.
NB: I took it upon myself to survey people on their spirit animals.
After the sun set I returned to the bandstand to collect my bike, which I cleverly had locked up inside a gated (and now locked) enclosure. It meant me unchaining it through the fence and, through brute strength, lifting it above my head and over the fence. I was pretty chuffed about my display of strength, though nobody was around to see it.
A lovely day, with lovely music and good people.
Some photos from last weekend. After the busk I had a burger and chips. I really think the marriage or ketchup and mayonnaise (and chips) is a wonderful thing:
Next busk will be July 31st…
Photos: Sea of Bees on Dalston Roof Park
This time the band screened Labyrinth, which was a HUGE success! The film definitely down better than any other film we’ve shown up there yet.
Sad these Sea of Bees shows are over, can’t wait to hopefully do more with Jules and Amber in the future. Love them!
Veronica Falls
I put the photos on the Bella Union blog here already.
I love daylight photos shot on a 70-200mm!! Dreeeeeamy DoF.
Tonight:
ALL ABOUT THE POPHITS
100%!
This band is amazing.
The rain held out just long enough for us to do this show. Crazy June weather, London.
flattering image.
Zun Zun Egui are on Bella Union; album soon!