PlanetNotion.com

Planet Notion goes competition bonkers!

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:03:57 GMT

Planet Notion is notifying you about a boo-boo in Notion Magazine 35. We know who made the boo-boo and we've tortured them profusely. We force fed them the juice from a pickled egg jar and made them watch the Chuckle Brothers for 56 hours.

The mishap occured in the Roots Manuva issue, which is absolutely sublime. Trust us. We don’t lie. Well, aside from the mistake in the magazine obviously...

Basically, all of the competitions in Notion 35 are still open, despite the magazine saying that they closed in August . In fact, they’re open until September 19th. Apart from the one for SW4 and Get Loaded, because they’ve already happened… So, here’s the thing.

You can enter the competitions in the magazine, should you wish, or you can enter online by CLICKING HERE! And that’s about it really. Just a fleeting visit. It’s Friday for crying out loud, we’ve got important business to take care of – like getting out of this silage heap of an office and spending money on things like booze and, um…

Report claims Lloyd Webber and Metallica are the same!

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:22:27 GMT

Ever wondered what the music you listen to reveals about you? Nah, me neither. But apparently it reveals loads. Yep, surprise, surprise, a University study has uncovered that whatever music we listen to invariably means we have something wrong with us. Brilliant. We’re all doomed!

But here’s the thing; the study doesn’t reveal stuff like: Jazz fans enjoy puffing a fat reefer and sipping a large bourbon, straight and on the rocks. Or: Rap fans often use indecipherable language like honky, blad, and sick – in several contexts, for reasons Planet Notion cannot fathom.

Which all adds up to the study being a bit wank really.

So what does it say? Well, it says that if a gang of hoodies come up to you, Snoop Dogg blaring out a ghetto-blaster and lead-pipes in hand, they’re asking you for a game of snakes and ladders or something.

Yep, apparently rap fans have really high self-esteem and are extremely outgoing. So the hoodies just want to use your phone, they don’t want to reduce you to a sick puppy on the cold concrete floor when they steal your Motorola after all.

And Prof North from Heriot-Watt University, which surveyed 36,000 people worldwide, reckons that heavy metal fans are pretty much the same as classical music fans too.

Which means that all those people at the Royal Albert Hall, watching an 8-year-old whizz-kid from Albuquerque tickle the ivories like the guy from Shine, really want to get their chin pierced, dye their hair midnight black and tear the place apart…

"One of the most surprising things,” explains Prof North, “is the similarities between fans of classical music and heavy metal. They're both creative and at ease but not outgoing.

"The general public has held a stereotype of heavy metal fans being suicidally depressed and of being a danger to themselves and society in general. But they are quite delicate things."

Wow, that’s amazing!

So all I need to bag that girl at the 24-hour Esso garage - with a tongue like a snake, 100% ink-stained skin and a stare like the fat guy from Full Metal Jacket, is to buy her a few tulips and a copy of Goodbye Mister Tom. Hell, I can do it all in one go next time I get the munchies at four in the morning.

Thanks Prof.

Black Cab Sessions to celebrate first birthday with a bang!

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:59:13 GMT

Planet Notion loves simplicity, which is why we love the Black Cab Sessions. Here’s the concept: Take a cab; add a band or artist; drive around a bit; record a live session. Simple.

To celebrate their one year anniversary and 50 live sessions, The Black Cab will play host to a very special artist. This isn’t to say that previous sessions haven’t cut the proverbial mustard - oh no, because they have.

Just take a look: Death Cab for Cutie, My Morning Jacket, Daniel Johnston, Martha Wainwright and next big things like Lykie Li, Noah and The Whale and Eugene McGuinness, have all graced the cab in the past.

Hell, the Black Cab has even garnered global recognition, has taken to festivals including Field Day, Underage and Green Man, and will soon be going international as it tours the US.

This brings us onto the special guest we brushed on earlier. First, let’s get one thing straight. Don’t blame us when we say we don’t have a clue who this guest may be; the Black Cab has yet to blow its horn.

All we have to go on is the following information: It’s a guy. He’s alone. He’s internationally renowned. He definitely won’t be wank. And you’ll definitely be amazed. Well, or so we’ve been assured. Stay tuned. It's going to be massive!

Future performances will include Calexico, Lambchop, TV On The Radio, Jens Lekman, The Walkmen, Stricken City, Left With Pictures and many, many more. Anyway, to become accustomed to the Black Cab Sessions format, visit the website HERE!

Kings of Leon launch 'Home Movies' online!

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:38:12 GMT

Ah, The Osbournes. How I miss thee. That show had everything. Tears, tantrums, dog poo and Ozzy Osbourne. It set the tone for loads and loads of ‘let’s-follow-some- celebrities-while-they-take-a crap-and-eat-a-burger’ fly-on-the-wall shows to follow.

So it should come as little surprise that Kings of Leon are the latest to jump on the whole TV show band-wagon, albeit with a massive difference.

You see, the American Southern Rock band is going to be broadcasting from… wait for it… the Internet! I know, mental isn’t it?

And here’s the thing, we’re not talking about professional cameramen filming here, so it won’t be like: “Throw that bun at your brother, Nathan. Shit on your brother’s guitar, Caleb.” Oh no, you see Kings of Leon will be broadcasting their very own home movies. Cool, huh?

In case you weren't aware, three of the quartet are brothers and Matthew’s their cousin. So you can expect to see sing-songs with good ol’ mama and introductions to good ol’ grandmamma and grandpapa and all the family.

They’ll be showing recording footage and video shoots and snippets of life on the road. We could go on, but we’d rather you just went along and checked it out yourself by visiting their website.

Anyway, the 23 ‘webisodes’ will be shown over 23 days on the lead-up to the bands new album, Only By The Night, released on October 22nd. The footage from the 'webisodes' has even been used for the video of the Kings of Leon single Crawl, which fans will be able to receive via iTunes if they purchase the deluxe edition of the forthcoming album.

Here's the need to know: The album 'Only By The Night' is released on 22/09/08 on Columbia Records/RCA. The single 'Sex On Fire' is released on 15/9/08 (Download from 8/9/08). www.kingsofleon.com

Akon to stand trial for fan tossing incident!

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:33:40 GMT

Imagine if someone threw a Frisbee at your face. Repeatedly! Let’s say that you’re a global RnB and Hip Hop star with a penchant for singing like Alvin and Simon and Theodore; you know, the cartoon chipmunks? Okay, okay, if you sung like that we can kind of understand why someone might throw a Frisbee at your face, but still, you’d be pretty pissed off about it wouldn't you?

Well that’s exactly what happened to Akon during a concert in Fishkill, New York last year. Some guy, described by news sources as a ‘boy’, decided that he’d throw a Frisbee at Akon’s face over and over and over again. So Akon decides to grab the ‘boy’, lift him onto the stage and then, and I quote: Toss him off!!!

The ‘boy’ landed on a female concertgoer who claims she suffered a concussion. Probably one of those people who don’t work and try and win like, a million dollars for tripping on a slug or falling off a stone or something. Anyway, according to the Associated Press, Akon has asked for a jury trial in Fishkill Town Court after pleading not guilty to charges. These include misdemeanor charges of endangering the welfare of a minor and second-degree harassment.

Akon the Chipmunk is no stranger to controversy. In the infamous ‘Trinidad and Tobago’ incident, the singer simulated sex with a preacher’s fifteen year-old girl. He was also found in possession of a gun in 1998. Anyway, check out the infamous tossing off a ‘boy’ incident below:

Lily Allen and Elton John slag each other off at GQ Awards!

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:49:58 GMT

Don’t you just hate it when you’re invited for a night out, don’t turn up and then hear that it was bloody mental? Well, actually, Planet Notion wasn’t invited to the GQ Awards, but we heard it was bloody mental. The b******s!

Yep. It was all to do with the choice of co-hosts.

Ingredients: Take one fiery mouthed, heavy drinking, platinum selling songstress and lightly boil with a fiery mouthed, former heavy drinking, platinum selling, chubby homosexual. Watch sparks fly. Enjoy.

We’re talking about Lily Allen and Sir Elton John. Obviously.

Apparently, Lily was downing the free champers like a desert rat and steadily getting drunk. We say apparently, but we’re almost 100% sure it’s true.

As the songstress announced “and now the most important part of the night,” An agitated Elton quipped: “What? Are you going to have another drink?”

A ridiculous question, granted, but a highly amusing one given Lily’s tendency to snap like a crocodile with small-man-syndrome. “Fuck off Elton,” the LDN singer roared. “I’m 40 years younger than you and have my whole life ahead of me!”

It was here that Elton showed the spiteful side we’ve come to know and love; that bitterness that attaches itself to men who wear ridiculous glasses, don dodgy ginger wigs and have enormously large paunches. “I could still snort you under the table,” Elton retorted.

Things went downhill from there. Lily hit back with another “F*** off” and denied any involvement with the choice narcotic - before announcing her brother Alfie’s engagement to Jamie Winstone, daughter of actor Ray.

Not the best of decisions when you’ve got the world’s press in attendance and an instruction not to mention ‘marriage’ in any capacity. Although, that's like telling a 4-year-old kid that you were checking that woman’s ‘thing’ for leakages and not to say a word to mummy…

Oh ye gods!

If Planet Notion fails to get invited to next year’s GQ Awards, we’re going to smear ourselves in fox’s dung, barge our way into the ceremony and take a massive dump on the table of the Maverick Award winner. This year it was Mark Ronson.

GQ: You have been warned.

Orange Rock Corps: Do your bit for society and get free tickets!

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:23:46 GMT

What would you do if someone turned around and said: “Help me clear-up these hypodermic needles from the back-alley” or something? You’d probably be like, “Schucks man, I’d love to, but (insert passage here).” Well, now Orange are giving people an incentive to help out their community by giving them tickets to see a ‘Top Gig’ in exchange. And not a hypodermic needle in sight.

Orange Rock Corps (ORC) gets bands and DJs, who they think are the doggie’s genitals, and books them to play at top venues like the Royal Albert Hall. Yep, The Royal Albert Hall… And then they give Joe Bloggs the chance to see them. People like you and I. Furthermore, it won’t cost you a penny. Zilch. Nada.

Here’s how it works: Users of the ORC website recommend charities and community schemes people can get involved in. ORC will select some of these and lay their cards on the table: “You scratch our back, we’ll scratch yours”. Or rather: “You scratch the back of a charity or community scheme and we’ll send you to the Royal Albert Hall to see, I dunno, Busta Rhymes or The Guillemots or something.”

And here’s the thing. All you have to do is 4 hours work for a really, really good cause. It’s what we at Planet Notion like to call “A piece of piss”. So there you have it. A really cool incentive from an equally sublime website. For further information on Orange Rock Corps, including how to get involved, CLICK HERE.

The End and AKA announces closure!

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:18:27 GMT

Oh ye Gods! You have forsaken us! Panic people, for The End is nigh… well, the end is nigh for The End and AKA anyway. Yep, Planet Notion is sad to reveal that cometh January 29th, London’s seminal club will be closing its doors and bidding a final farewell.

In a statement released today, The End and AKA explained: “The reality is simple. We began in a kitchen with a conversation and a dream. The club has been our life for thirteen fantastic years, but key people in the team were ready to move on, this coincided with being made an offer on the building, and we felt it time to pursue different roads.

“To be able to walk away now after such a journey means that the timing is right. It’s been a difficult decision, and of course we’re sad, but The End is, and has been, the most amazing experience, and we want to thank all those who made it possible and all those who have shared in our dream.”

Indeed. As Planet Notion walked the streets and cleared our head, weeping like a teething baby and receiving odd stares from the City Boys, we took solace in the news that The End and AKA will go out in style. December 6th will see ol’ favourite, Sven Vath, headlining the world famous venue for a last Hoorah!

This will be followed by a run of closing parties; DJs and promoters The End holds dear, joining together in a massive orgasm of ‘dance-like-a-paraplegic’ bliss.

The End and AKA’s legendary director, Layo Paskin, commented: “Well you know us, and you know what we do. We’re speaking to all the key people and we’re not going to go out on anything other than the most massive bang.”

Planet Notion will be there, handkerchief in hand and tears streaming down our rosy cheeks. Ta-ra The End and AKA, it’s been mighty emotional.

To read a full interview with directors Layo and Zoe Paskin, CLICK HERE.

Jacko at 50: What does the future hold?

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:42:36 GMT

Happy birthday Michael Jackson! So, what did everyone get you? Huh... Debts? Mountains and mountains of debts? Yes, the so-called King of Pop has woken-up today 50 years young and millions of pounds in the red. Well, we knew that anyway right? But here’s the thing:

According to reports, Jackson's spiralling money problems are so large that he may have to sell his Neverland ranch. I know, shocking isn’t it? What’ll happen to the life-size Peter Pan peering from the rafters like a sick voyeur? And what about all those rides and all the gnomes and, oh god, the popcorn machine? Pity the thought…

Anyway, a report in the Mirror this morning claims that Jackson has been helped by a private equity group called Capital Colony. Colony, who owns half of the Las Vegas Hilton, bought a £12.5million loan of Jackson from an investment group hedge fund.

In return Jackson will have to work for his money. In Las Vegas, where the singer has been residing, Colony believes the opportunities are plentiful. A Colony spokesman told the Mirror: "We bought the note and we've been discussing various business opportunities and mutual interests." In short, Colony are there to help...

Some of the opportunities bouncing around include being booked on an annual basis at a Vegas casino, performing up to 180 days a year. Celine Dion did a similar thing, netting £280million pound over a four year period… and we're talking about Celine Dion!!! but Jackson hasn’t performed in years and doesn’t really like to be seen out in public.

I mean, he’s celebrating his birthday eating jelly and ice-cream. Not exactly a day on the slot machines and a steak dinner, is it; followed by a bar crawl and a visit to a seedy bordello?

However, Jacko refuses to sell his Neverland Ranch, despite it being worth well over £200million, so he may have little option other than to come out of hiding and get back in the music game.

Alternatively, he could sell his share of Sony/ATV Music Publishing when his contract expires in two years time. The Mirror claims that Jackson would be able to pay off ALL of his debts and still walk off with £50million; he may have little option.

However, according to the report, Jackson plans to open his Neverland ranch as a theme park for kids. I mean, that’s a no brainer, right? Walk on Dragon’s Den with that little wave of inspiration and Peter Jones and Duncan Bannatyne will be salivating like two teens in an Amsterdam peep-show and handing him a cheque for 300 mill. We think not.

So without further ado, Planet Notion presents a birthday present to Wacko Jacko courtesy of Capital Colony's spokesperson: "We just want him to restore the [Neverland’s] original name, Sycamore Canyon Ranch, and to sell it as quickly as possible." Happy Birthday Michael. We hope you use our present wisely…

Last chance to enter Noise Festival 2008!

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:20:54 GMT

A last call to those with a talent in art, fashion, design, photography or music! You could have your work selected for the upcoming Noise Festival; you could be the next big thing. Then again, you might not be. We wouldn’t like to be accused of falsely building your hopes when you fail and your life goes into a downward spiral of crack and smack and Frosty Jack.

So what is the Noise Festival? Well, basically it’s a registered charity funded by the Arts Council that recognises talent and does everything it can to get that talent noticed. And here’s the catch: Unlike most festivals it’s totally virtual. This means that those selected for the Noise Festival will have their work showcased on the Noise website and Noise will help get work profiled across a range of media channels.

Those who submit work will be judged by specially selected curators from across the spectrum of art, fashion, design, photography and music. This year’s curators include Mercury Prize winning musician Badly Drawn boy, architect Zaha Hadid – whose work includes the London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympics, and photographer Richard Billingham.

As a biennial event, Noise takes acts to the next level in year two by connecting musicians with filmmakers, fashion designers with photographers, and writers with illustrators. Submissions to the Noise Festival close on September 1st, so get your arse into gear and CLICK HERE.

Roots Manuva to play free show in London!

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:24:42 GMT

Roots Manuva will celebrate the release of his new album, Slime & Reason, with a free show at HMV, Oxford Street it was announced yesterday.

The event will kick-off at 6pm, September 1st, with Roots hanging around afterwards to sign copies of the album, set for release on the same day.

Speaking about the music on Slime and Reason, in an exclusive interview with Notion Magazine (Issue 35), Roots explained: “There was that essence; I didn’t want to get lost. I wanted to come back to the organic, the basic, just the crunch!

“That old-fashioned boffom-baffom, still with the sprinklings of harmonic weirdness, but with a more low-brow attitude to the music… It’s jazz but not jazzy, not too much noodling; just thick sludge, thick slime…”

Indeed. And if you'd like to gorge on more juicy nuggets like that until you’re big, bloated, but a damn-sight more knowledgeable on the world of Roots, Notion 35 is on sale now.

Kid Rock takes a leak on festival boss's couch!

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:21:30 GMT

Kid Rock, who achieved number one success in the UK after 17 years churning out music the UK public couldn’t care less about, has revealed how he urinated on a festival boss’s sofa.

Kid Rock failed to play at the Download Festival after organisers claimed he’d been taken to hospital. But speaking to tabloid newspaper The Daily Star, Kid Rock claims that he didn’t play because they treated him: “Like a fuck”.

In other words, he threw a good ol’ fashioned wobbly when he didn’t get his own way.

So what exactly did Download do to make Kid Rock so angry he decided to piss on the festival boss’s sofa? “There was just one trailer for my whole band. We had no water, no bathroom, no rider.” Man, that’s really not on, is it? I mean… really! That’s like the Queen’s butler sending her to Wetherspoon’s to take a dump, because he’s too damn lazy to phone a plumber.

“The final straw was when they wouldn’t give my crew any food or drinks vouchers,” continued Kid Rock. “I called the promoter and told him he had two hours to get it sorted or I was out. They did nothing so I visited the promoter’s office, took a piss on his couch and left.”

Planet Notion did a similar thing on the boss’s Chicken Sub, after he sent us on the lunch-run for the 40th week running. He never reads this website so he’ll never know. Fact...

Zimbabwe music festival heading to London!

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:31:30 GMT

Zimbabwean charity WEZIMBABWE will be putting on a one day festival in Raynes Park, London on August 30th, symbolising the importance of dance and music in the face of the country’s long-running economical and social adversity.

Zimfest, known as the Miracle Festival, will bring an array of music from the South-African country to London, with traditional sounds of the country alongside western-influenced music. Artists include Zimbabwean legend, Oliver Mtukudzi, headlining with his traditional blend of Chimurenga, Mbaganga music and Mari guitar.

Chimurenga Music relates to issues including human rights, hardship and the political struggles that have long blighted Zimbabwe, whilst Mbaganga is rooted in African Zulu music; a swinging, dance beat common throughout.

"We celebrate Zimbabwe without the politics,” says Zimfest Project Manager, Phil Chikwiramakomo. “Zimfest is still however a passionate appeal for unity amongst our people both in the UK and at home.

“It is a protest against the people who have tried to tear us apart and we are protesting the way we always have, with a smile on our face and a song in our hearts."

Other artists performing at the event include renowned Zimbabwean rockers, Mann Friday, who have already played at major festivals including Glastonbury and Womad, as well as less familiar artists such as Rina Mushonga and Harare.

The funds raised by Zimfest will help fund schooling for orphan children in Zimbabwe who are left with little due to the HIV crisis and the country's economic situation. Further funds will go to helping those displaced from their homes by Zimbabwe’s regime.

For further information on Zimfest, including tickets, line-ups and the WEZIMBABWE charity, CLICK HERE.

X-Factor Watch: Walsh launches another verbal on Dannii Minogue!

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:38:59 GMT

Man, things are starting to get interesting in the X-Factor camp, which inevitably means: V. Bitchy. We’re referring to the panel of course, which this year includes the dishy Cheryl Cole, brought in to replace Sharon Osbourne and push Dannii Minogue off her pedestal. Add blubber-mouth Louis Walsh to the equation, alongside the human-wedgie Simon Cowell and you’ve got all the ingredients you need for a far-out Saturday night experience... um, ahem.

Just as the long-running war-of-words between Cole and Minogue was starting to fizzle out, Louis Walsh has added forty gallons of lighter-fuel and a flick of a match to the equation. He may be a strange faux-camp tubby bloke, but Louis Walsh… we salute you.

Speaking to Heat Magazine, Walsh commented: “[Simon Cowell] definitely flirted with her [Dannii Mingoue] throughout last year's series, but he seems to have moved on. He's flirting with Cheryl this year...

“I wasn't exactly chuffed when they hired Dannii Minogue,” Walsh continued, “because, let's face it, she wasn't exactly a household name. She's not exactly Madonna or Kylie, is she? She hasn't had any hits. I don't know one of her songs. That's why I was surprised they hired her.”

Last year Dannii Minogue spoke about how pissed-off she was with Oirish Oik, Waslh, and red-headed squealer, Sharon Osbourne making her life a misery. And since Sharon left the show this year, Walsh seems more than happy to continue berating Minogue in public.

Over to Walsh: “I treat people how they treat me. And she wasn't that friendly to me last year. She was quite frosty - a bit of an ice queen.”

So there we have it. The claws are out. The tantrums have started. The tears are eminent. And Dannii Minogue will still show Cole, Cowell, Walsh and the long-departed Sharon the ‘V’ sign and win the show again this year. Meaning we’ll have another twirp, with a voice like Janet Street-Porter sucking a wasp, plugging the airwaves and making our lives eternally miserable, once again. Oh joy.

Londoners lead the way for UK at Red Bull Music Academy!

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:58:40 GMT

The UK will be completely represented by a London contingent at this year’s annual Red Bull Music Academy (RBMA). The event selects a total of 60 participants from around the globe, recognized for their talent as outstanding DJs, MCs, Producers or Vocalists and helps them hone their skills with help from renowned artists and experts of their field.

The RBMA takes over a warehouse space in a different city every year, transforming each floor into a studio where participants can learn new skills and acquire knowledge of everything from music history to technology. A total of 3000 applications were recieved for this year's event in Barcelona, with 5 representatives selected from the UK.

It will be the first time in the RBMA’s history that the UK has been completely represented by talent from the capital. They include 25-year-old Jamie Woon, a leading figure of music and spoken word gatherings in London. Taking influence from folk musicians including Neil Young, Janis Joplin and the roots of breaks legend Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Woon transforms his acoustic performance with unique loop-effects and has supported Amy Winehouse.

Other participants include 23-year-old Subeema, a producer of dark techno-infused dubstep; 25-year-old Lukid, whose electronic-soundscape production has seen him work on a compilation with fashion-brand Stussy; 23-year-old Fatima, a vocalist specializing in beat-heavy RnB, Soul and hip-hop; and Goldielocks, whose music was featured on the bass-and-grime heavy soundtrack to Adulthood.

Taking place from September 21st to October 24th in Barcelona, RBMA’s 10th Anniversary is thought to have selected the strongest talents yet. Previous experts and artists to have helped hone participants’ skills include M.I.A, Norman Jay, The Roots, Gilles Peterson and Amp Fiddler.

Led Zep drummer tops dead rock star poll!

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:10:34 GMT

The lines have closed, the votes have been counted and the results are in. Yes, Planet Notion proudly presents the winner of Thisdayinmusic.com’s ‘IF I COULD BRING A DEAD ROCK STAR BACK TO LIFE WHO WOULD IT BE’ poll. Phew! Try saying that with a mouthful of cu…

Thisdayinmusic.com editor, Neil Cossar, decided to launch the poll after watching a 1967 performance of Jimi Hendrix at The Monterey festival. “It made me think what would Jimi be doing now if he was still alive?” Cossar commented. “Which led to me thinking about all the other musicians we’ve lost over the past 50 odd years, most of whom died too young.

“Kurt Cobain, Brian Jones from The Rolling Stones and Ian Curtis from Joy Division were all under 30 when they died and John Lennon was only 40 when he was shot outside his New York apartment in 1980.”

Led Zep drummer John Bonham topped the poll with 26% of votes. Bonzo died of asphyxiation after reportedly downing forty shots of vodka in four hours. The drummer was renowned for his legendary solo on the Led Zep classic Moby Dick, in which he drummed part of the song with his bare hands.

John Bonham; Planet Notion salutes you.

Freddie Mercury took second place in the poll, with Elvis Presley beating fourth placed John Lennon and fifth placed Hendrix to third. The most surprising emission from the Top 20 was Rolling Stones guitarist Brian Jones, found dead in his swimming pool in 1969.

One Jimi Hendrix fanatic commented on the site: JIMI HENDRIX MAN -- THE GOD, THE LEGEND. What I'd give to see those long, strong legs smeared in crushed red velvet and those luscious lips and deadly sensual eyes. I'd give almost anything to see him play "All Along The Watchtower" and "Hey Joe."

Indeed.

Of the women, Janis Joplin featured highest in 14th place, followed by Karen Carpenter and Eva Cassidy. Less well known musicians included Stuart Adamson from Scottish band Big Country and Pantera’s Dimebag Darrell, murdered on stage by a paranoid schizophrenic in 2004. Perhaps bizarrely, Keith Richard and Amy Winehouse also featured among the 37,632 votes cast.

Anyway, here’s the Top 20 in full:

1. John Bonham

2. Freddie Mercury

3. Elvis Presely

4. John Lennon

5. Jimi Hendrix

6. Kurt Cobain

7. Bob Marley

8. Jim Morrison

9. Johnny Cash

10. Jeff Buckley

11. Stevie Ray Vaughan

12. Dimebag Darrell

13. Frank Zappa

14. Ian Curtis

15. Janis Joplin

16. Bon Scott

17. Jerry Garcia

18. Phil Lynott

19. Karen Carpenter

20. Keith Moon

The Transpersonals

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:41:43 GMT

The Transpersonals’ music sounds like the kind of thing you’d find if you carved open the mind of a 60s free-love-and-fucking, Acid-popping freak and were drowned underneath a kaleidoscopic stream of musical notes. Only The Transpersonals’ music is a bit more, well… now? A tad more current. You know; good for 2008? The Bristolian band’s back-story paints an interesting picture, not least because it’s neither now, current or 2008; in fact, it’s the kind of tale you’d associate with the psychedelic and experimental 60s Summer of Love. We’re talking Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys when he went through his whole mind-frazzled ‘Smiley Smile’ faze; Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones before he was found face down in his swimming pool; the wide-eyed Syd Barrett before he became a recluse and made book-shelves out of baked bean cans. We’re talking about gorging on more hallucinogenic drugs than a fat kid eats candy bars and a fly nibbles fresh shit. The Transpersonals’ lead-vocalist, Timothy Hurford, was homeless and expanding his mind by dropping just about anything that would send him on a far-out trip, man. Maybe it was the sheep playing poker and drinking Blue Nun, or whatever crazy images were flying through Hurford’s neuro-transmitters, but he eventually found himself locked away in a mental institute. Thankfully, he’s okay now, although it’s apparent from The Transpersonals’ music that Hurford’s psychedelic experimentation and spell in mental-captivity has left a long-standing mark. Despite a notable psychedelic theme to The Transpersonals’ music, with subtle undertones of the 90s Indie vibe, debut EP ‘Evolve or Die’ is an eclectic four-track collection. ‘Hello Hello’ is a psych-tinged Surf-Pop ditty and a mighty catchy little number, whilst ‘Silver Star’ features the fantastic Katey Brooks as guest-vocalist. Instant comparisons to Nico (she of Velvet Underground fame) will no doubt be made. And it’s the fact that few bands have delved into the kaleidoscopic realms of psychedelica in 2008, that makes The Transpersonals a sure-fire bet to carve a name within the niche. Go check out their MySpace and order their EP now. You’ll be pleasantly surprised… Words: Dangerous Dave

Reemer

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:35:44 GMT

Reemer:Dave Hunter (Vocals), Nick Murray (Guitar), Dan Evans (Drums), Max Redfern (Bass)

Reemer may have the sort of name you’d associate with a guy who enjoys licking arse out, but they’re actually a pop-punk band from Manchester. It’s true. Their name has nothing to do with anilingus at all; they took it off a guy from cult film ‘Baseketball’. Think Busted, dunked in a blender with a blotter of LSD and a bottle of fizzy pop, and you’re almost there… almost. Anyway, Reemer are so popular in Manchester and the North-West that a recent gig at ‘Sonic Boom’ was oversold by like, 200 tickets. Everyone stormed the stage like a scene from Zulu, and then, get this… they kidnapped Reemer’s bass player, Max Redfern! Mental isn’t it?

Reemer even featured in everyone’s favourite C4 soap opera, Hollyoaks, which has storylines including teen-junkies and a guy who’s faked his own death. The band repaid the favour by roping in Leah Hackett, who plays Tina McQueen in the soap, to star in the video to new single ‘Maniac’. Tina McQueen’s latest storyline was giving birth to her boyfriend’s brother’s baby for her ex-jailbird sister, who goes out with her boyfriend’s brother… or something like that. It’ll all end in tears.

In fact, so popular are Reemer up North, that Johnny Vegas is set to ditch the knitted tea-drinking monkey to star in their next video! Alas, Reemer have recently been asked to contribute a track to the Mighty Boosh podcast, have an extensive upcoming tour schedule, and are set to release a debut album on ‘Reaction Records’. This suggests that they’re going to explode like a liquid fart! The upcoming album, Snakes and Ladders, is being produced by Andy Macpherson and Chris Kemsey, who have worked with the likes of Blondie, The Cult, New Model Army, The Who, and The Rolling Stones! Anyway, you can check Reemer out on their MySpace. DD

New single ‘MANIAC’ is out now on ‘Reaction Records’. Debut album ‘SNAKES AND LADDERS’ is released September 2008.

Check out the video to Maniac starring Tina from Hollyoaks:

Detroit Social Club

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:39:48 GMT

From an area of the North East more recognizable for producing adolescent soaps than generating musical talent, there is now emerging one of the most promising bands of the modern era. Detroit Social Club, a six piece only formed just prior to Christmas, has already been astonishing music lovers and A&R personnel alike with their heavily-distorted, dirty-bluesy riffs, profound bass, thudding drums and powerful, soul-inspiring vocals.

Although singer/songwriter David Burn, 27, has exhausted a hefty quantity of the past year in his personal studio vigilantly assembling his songs and mastering a unique sound, only recently has this incorporated some of Newcastle’s finest musical talent – including long term friend, Chris McCourtie, Davids Green and Welsh, along with prodigious teens Bondy and Dale Knight. Despite the solitary beginnings, this crew around Burn have become vital ingredients of his vision to “Bring back the feeling”.

Burn explains further: “It’s not just about making something sound nice… but also getting something from someone and getting something out of it, where you listen to something and you believe it”. This deluge of spirit is encapsulated in the quite simplistic yet brilliant ‘Black and White’; likewise, in the swaggering vibe of the formidable ‘Sunshine People’, through which even the most passive listener is transcended into a world of alternative realities.

Burn, self evidently the band’s clear leader, speaks of Detroit Social Club as a “schizophrenic band” in seeking to maintain a boundary between the recordings and the live performance. “Recordings-wise, there’ll be a lot of soul - it’s gonna be about the colouration of the tracks, a lot more about the vibe and different sounds we can implement”. He continues, “live is very much about dragging you by the balls from the back of the room! You’re gonna be fuckin’ jumping around, not even realizing. Getting to the end of the gig, they’ll be like, how did I get here? It’s gonna be like two different things; by keeping your live presence and your recording separate you’re always gonna surprise people”.

Already evident is how much this young band offer, and so it comes as little surprise that a growing amount of record labels, including several majors, have been eager to be associated with a band that is breeding so much enthusiasm. This has led to what Burn defines as a “stroke of luck” – by chance, a demo landed on the desk of Artic Monkeys manager Geoff Barrowdale one Saturday afternoon. By the Sunday morning contact had been made and within weeks he had became their manager. Happenstance shines on the deserving!

The initial “excitement”, in Burn’s words, has now been replaced by “apprehension… apprehension to stop talking about it and start doing it”. With a tour of northern cities announced recently, and the album recording set to commence in September, it has been a hectic, tumultuous journey for a band that non-existent but six months ago.

With a number one single in the metro charts, “the best manger in the business”, Razorlight’s engineer collaborating with Burn in his production, a host of top bands clambering for them as tour support, there is no doubt that they are in good stead for an extremely promising career. What cannot be denied is that the management has enabled the process to be accelerated. Nevertheless, nor can it be ignored that this has only been possible due to the implausibly good collection of songs that Detroit Social Club has amassed. Talent shines. It is little wonder that there is so much exhilaration: finally, in Detriot Social Club, a band has emerged eager to challenge that hangover the industry has been nurturing since the demise of the Libertines; the hangover the precedes the ebullient, transcendental presence of a defining rock’n’roll band. Richard Duncan

Golden Animals

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:49:13 GMT

Nuts and Bolts: Tommy Eisner (guitar/vocals) Linda Beecroft (drums/vocals)

Stomping Ground: Southern California/Brooklyn

Set to Soundtrack: A journey across Arizona in a 1960s Black LeSabre.

Destined to Upset: Anyone who hates the bygone period of free-love, smoking pot, and dropping acid.

You’re in business if you like: The Doors, Jim Morrison, Cream, Jimmy Reed, hobos on trains, Jimi Hendrix, early Rolling Stones, and music that’s refreshingly, um, fresh…

It’s inevitable that should Golden Animals acquire a glowing reputation, which itself seems inevitable, there are going to be comparisons made to the White Stripes. Why? Because: (A) they’re a two-piece playing music deep-rooted in early blues; (B) ones a bloke, the other isn’t; and (C) Tommy plays guitar and Linda plays drums. However, Planet Notion can safely say, that is where the comparisons end. The fact is that Golden Animals don’t sound like the White Stripes and they don’t seem to be trying to. In fact, Tommy and Linda sound like a throw-back to a period in 60s music when blues was transforming into a psychedelic incarnation; eg: The Doors, and albeit, with their own unique approach. “Early blues recordings are the fountain”, the pair have commented. “Even in 200 years, people will find completely new ways to create all within those rules and algorithms”. Indeed… Tommy met Swedish-born Linda on her first day in Brooklyn; you could call it fate. The pair immediately hit if off and soon set-off travelling Europe and America armed only with the bare essentials. You know; a guitar, a tambourine, a suitcase… A chance meeting with a fortune teller, who predicted music would be the pair’s destiny, sent them packing back to Brooklyn to pursue their interest, and thus Golden Animals was born. A ‘marching band’ drum-kit, acquired from a dumpster outside a church, and Tommy’s distinct slide-guitar, would provide the basis of Golden Animals' sound. However, tiring of the Brooklyn scene, the pair soon headed west, eventually settling in the Californian desert. Alas, it was here that they recorded debut album, ‘Free Your Mind and Win a Pony’, due for release in August and recorded under the guidance of ‘Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ and ‘TV On The Radio’ producer, Chris Cody. Their tale may sound like something from a Mark Twain novel, but the album speaks for itself. Five months recording in the isolated Californian desert has clearly influenced and helped the duo develop their blues inspired sound. Hence the opinion of Planet Notion that Golden Animals are one of the most exciting acts to emerge this year. And just because we find Linda sexy, Tommy friggin’ dope, and have an almost voyeuristic fascination with their music, that doesn’t mean we continually wank over our ‘promo’ copy of ‘Free Your Mind and Win a Pony’. Ahem, well, there was that one time... Words: Dangerous Dave

Golden Animals debut album, Free Your Mind and Win a Pony, is released on HappyParts Recordings, August 4th. For more information, visit the Golden Animals MySpace page.

Nick Sunderland

Fri, 30 May 2008 16:35:18 GMT

Nuts and Bolts: Nick Sunderland (Vocals/Guitar)

Stomping Ground: East London.

Set to Soundtrack: Love… Loss… Hope…

Destined to Upset: The clubbing fraternity.

You’re in business if you like: Peri-Peri Chicken style Indie-Rock. Soft, but with a kick.

Imagine going for a leisurely run through the woods whilst listening to your I-pod; some gentle Indie-rock beating slowly against your drums. Suddenly there’s a kick, a harder edge to the music, and you pick up the pace. You’re really working it now; your armpits are rising damp and your brow’s getting wet - until suddenly you stop with a jolt to admire an unusual looking specimen! It’s a Liberty Cap: A Magic Mushroom. It looks tasty, and you’re feeling a wee bit peckish, so you take a bite… Oh god! Minutes later you’re on a crazy paranoid trip, peculiar voices infiltrating East-End artist Nick Sunderland on your I-Pod, as he explores deep themes of love and loss; loss and love. You’re running through the woods in a blind panic, arms flailing like an irate gibbon, the trees closing in on you like some paranoid delusion of Edgar Allan Poe. Memories of lost relationships are flooding back to haunt you, like an outer-body experience on a journey to the fiery gates of hell. There’s a bitter edge to Nick Sunderland’s music and lyrics, occasionally interrupted by the schizophrenic voice of inner thoughts and times that were. Sunderland explores subjects more at home within the softer realms of Indie-rock; albeit with a little more panache. By adding distorted electronic-infused vocals as a response to the lyrical context, on top of far edgier guitar solos, he explores the demented side of break-ups and the eternal search for love. Far from being depressing it kicks your sorry arse into gear; tells you to drop that quart of Whiskey and put down the sharpened knife. After all, break-ups and love are rarely lardy-dar (sic); they’re a subject that’s supposed to be approached with edginess and bite. Perhaps that’s why the London artist reached number two (2) in Metro’s singles of the week… Sure, Sunderland may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but he’s a damn sight better than the current crop of soft-Indie rockers littering jukeboxes nationwide, for single drunks to listen to whilst weeping into pints. Check out his MySpace! Words: Dangerous

The Power Lords

Fri, 02 May 2008 18:24:37 GMT

Nuts and Bolts: The Power Lords (Pierre and Bohdan)

Stomping Ground: South of France (St. Tropez) and the Ukraine.

Set to Soundtrack: Clubs where people sport Croydon facelifts and neck Bacardi Breezers.

Destined to Upset: Anyone without a sense of humour.

You’re in business if you like: Regular trips to the Krakow club scene.

“Let my weiner fire your hummer / Start in the cupboard later the freezer / Ask Boris Becker I’m a grand slam winner.” The Power Lords (Lords of the String)

The Power Lords have burst onto the club scene like a teenager on his first gram of cheap whizz; garnering reactions of befuddlement, guilty pleasure and disdain in equal measure. They’re the kind of Euro-techno outfit you’d imagine four fat birds in Benidorm doing ‘big square, little square, cardboard box’ to whilst taking the occasional glug of their Lambrini and pawing over a Spanish hunk - topless but for a dickie-bowtie. We’re talking cheese-smeared, holiday-camp cabaret, only a hell of a lot more polished and with a back-story that makes Star Wars episodes I-III look as dire as Series 4 of Deep Space Nine. The Power Lords’ story started as a dream of two playboy London Hedge Funders living it large in St. Tropez, a mutual love of European Techno inspiring them to have a pop in the music production game. James Burrell, a young composer and songwriter whose résumé includes work for the BBC, Nickelodeon and John Lewis was recruited to help the dream become a reality. Alas, with the playboy Hedge Funders jobs requiring a certain je ne sais quois -“Oh so respectful” - public image, the notorious twosome’s elation soon turned to concern. Having their names attached to a Euro-Tech song deep-set around the ‘St. Tropez G-String’ was hardly going to preserve the respect they’d worked so hard to build, right? Alas, the two pulled out, expecting an end to the whole shebang, but with the wheels set in motion James felt that the “show must go on.” And so the story ends. Well, you could say “And so the story begins” because the national press are lapping The Power Lords up like the Cheshire Cat with a bowl of Jersey’s finest. The Power Lords backstory is one of intrigue and mystery with more questions than answers and this is what makes them perfect fodder for the pad and pen. Debut single Lords of the String is going to be bigger than King Kong’s crown jewels and reading The Power Lords philosophy on music it’s easy to see why: “We love dance music that make you want to dance! Laugh! Kiss! Cry! Make Love too!!!” their MySpace beams. If that’s not the talk of global superstars I’ll eat my St. Tropez G-string and lick King Kong’s bellend! Check out their MySpace! Words: Dangerous Dave Dryden

Jay Reatard

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:15:40 GMT

Nuts and Bolts: Jay Reatard (vocals, guitar, bass), Billy Hayes (drums), Stephen Pope (bass)

Stomping Ground: Memphis, Tennessee since 1998.

Set to Soundtrack: A ketamine and whizz binge.

Destined to Upset: Fans of Happy Hardcore.

You’re in business if you like: Raucous full-throttle punk-dipped rock with a pinch of new wave.

Sometimes an artist will come along and kick you in the balls with such ferocity they go flying through your system and drop out your mouth; before sliding back to their rightful position, intact and twice as big and brutal as before. Jay Reatard is one such artist; his short, sharp, hook-laden tracks triggering an “I’m not gonna take this shit anymore” attitude - only way more successfully than heavy-metal (which isn‘t difficult). Jay began writing songs alone in his bedroom due to an overwhelming sense of boredom and a turbulent home life. He was recognized at the tender age of 15 after sending a demo tape to Goner Records and dropping out of school - which ultimately proved a wise move. Jay produces the kind of music that grips one shoulder tightly and slaps you round the face with a free hand – with lyrics that delve into everything from inner demons and a crap childhood to romance past and drinking piss from a jar… Take ‘Not a Substitute’ from Jay’s ‘Blood Visions’ LP which at 1:04 minutes long contains the simple lyrics “It’s not a substitute / not a substitute for you” before launching into a full-throttle guitar chorus of “MISSING YOU” like a skipping record that you daren’t change. Quite what the substitute for a lost love is remains unclear. It could be drugs, it could be a new missus, and it could be a chocolate bar. The fact is Jay leaves these small details for your interpretation. Jay used to be in punk-band The Reatards, alternating between singing, guitar, and a bucket for percussion. He then created/joined a few other bands, including Lost Sounds, before finally launching his solo career. An initially surprised music press have generally lavished praise on Jay’s first and only solo LP ‘Blood Visions’ which contains a full-throttle 15 tracks at under 30 minutes long. Anyhow, if you’re after punk-rock with the occasional Adam Ant new-wave eccentricity thrown in, Jay’s as good a bet as any… Check out his MySpace.

The Parlotones

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:30:04 GMT

Nuts and Bolts: The Parlotones - Kahn Morbee (vocals and guitar) Neil Pauw (Drums) Paul Hodgson (guitar) Glenn Hodgson (bass and keyboards)

Stomping Ground: London and Johannesburg since 1998.

Set to Soundtrack: Plucking up the courage to approach that girl/boy but never quite succeeding.

Destined to Upset: People who HATE teenage rom-coms.

You’re in business if you like: Melodious rock with vocals like the guy from Linkin Park - only better!

For a band that released their first album in 2003 and started up in ‘98 it seems strange that, if mentioned, The Parlotones garner the following response: “Who?” Or, with this section of Planet Notion being named a certain something: “Who the fuck?” But the South African four-piece have obviously been doing something right because in 2006 Universal Records snapped ‘em up. And it doesn’t stop there. FHM used The Parlotones single ‘Overexposed’ as the soundtrack to their ‘World’s Hottest Woman’ film. With lyrics that go a little something like: “This could be the end of - ‘Who the hell cares?’” it seems a bizarre choice for a film predominantly flesh and thigh. That’s until you hear a peculiar purring akin to the Cheshire Cat on five E’s and a Viagra. As far as sound goes The Parlotones appear to be a band unconfined by boundaries. Vocally they’re consistent, but musically it varies from jangly, up-lifting melodies, to heavy(er) guitar laden rock. As one would expect from a South African “rock band” The Parlotones are pretty bloody big in their native country and that popularity is fast spreading. Perhaps it has something to do with using a megaphone on stage? The band recently announced a European and South African tour which will see them playing Switzerland’s biggest indoor music festival, ‘Bscene’, and London’s legendary 100 Club. Sure, singer Kahn Morbee sounds a bit like that guy from Linkin Park, whose mainstream “nu-metal” whine appeals as much as a night in the sack with Lisa Riley and a dodgy kebab, but it’s kind of cool… Well, a hell of a lot cooler than Linkin Park, a damn sight tastier than Lisa Riley, and guaranteed to soundtrack a teen rom-com sometime in the future. I’ll put my money on it! Check them out: www.myspace.com/theparlotones

The Parlotones release new album ‘Radiocontrolledrobot’ on May 5th.

Hungover Stuntmen

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:45:25 GMT

Nuts and Bolts: Hungover Stuntmen - James Haselhurst (guitars/vox) Craig Oxberry (drums/vox) Iain Anderson (bass/vox) Stu Ridley (guitars/vox)

Stomping Ground: Newcastle Upon Tyne.

Set to Soundtrack: Pre-match drinks down a good old fashioned boozer.

Destined to Upset: Those who'd rather a night in with slippers, a cheap cigar and Ella Fitzgerald than a pint, a sing-song and Sky Sports News.

You’re in business if you like: British Indie rock.

Armed with custom guitars, you know, Rickenbackers, Telecasters and the like; Hungover Stuntmen have been dubbed “just awesome” by (who else) Zane Lowe. Surprising when you consider that they’ve only ever released standard demos. Yet despite their relative obscurity it seems the world is going crazy for the Geordie quartet. Take Yu Kamidozono, a Japanese fan who made a whopping 11,526.52 mile round trip to see the lads perform in London; my god, they have stalkers already! “They can play, sing, I’ve even seen them dance, and for sure they put on one hell of a show”, beamed Duran Duran’s Andy Taylor; you know, the guitarist with the bloated face? Sure, Andy’s bound to be a little biased, having produced the Stuntmen’s debut album ‘Blame it on the BBC’. But then, the rave reviews don’t end there. Suggs described the Stuntmen as “f**king great” and Paul Weller’s such a fan he allowed the boys to join him on stage. Twice! We say “allowed to join him” because the Modfather is so revered by Indie bands; they look up and aspire to be him like Eros, god of love, sex and lust. In fact, the Stuntmen have joined everyone on stage from Jools Holland and The Futureheads to, um… The Kooks and Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly; taking time to play Ibiza Rocks in the process. In a nutshell, people are standing up and taking notice of these Indie rockers. Sure, there are always going to be those that say “Oh god, not another Indie guitar band”, but something tells us these lads are a tad more special than the usual bunch. Catchy, occasionally raw and well constructed? “Way-ey man!”

The Hungover Stuntmen’s debut album ‘Blame it on the BBC’ is released on 28th April.

The Steeples

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 12:42:17 GMT

Nuts and Bolts: The Steeples - Andy Culshaw (vocals), Dan Rankin (guitar), Chris ‘Hutchy’ Hutchinson (bass), Alex Caskie (drums)

Stomping Ground: Ormskirk (near Liverpool)

Set to Soundtrack: The NHS anti-smoking advert. Sorry, what’s that? They’ve done that already? Oh! Apparently they’ve done that already.

Destined to Upset: Eddie would hate them! You know; that dude from Iron Maiden?

You’re in business if you like: Jig-enticing pop-guitar and a voice like that bloke from the Kooks… Only with a bit more range.

Like that fit bird from the Sugababes, bands seem to be appearing from nowhere these days. They thought we wouldn’t notice that Mutya had gone AWOL and been replaced by Amelle Berrabah, but we all saw through it; you can’t fool me! Hailing from Ormskirk, which is near Liverpool, The Steeples are one such band; the kind that find themselves thrust into the spotlight and hailed “New Indie darlings” before they’ve had time to finish their Munch Bunch, pick their nose and press record for the latest episode of Poddington Peas. In a nut-shell The Steeples emerged from the wilderness and found a whole host of press and radio bigwigs getting hot under the collar; cum dripping down their thighs, salivating, and emitting groans of pure unadulterated ecstasy at these fresh new kids and their guitar-hook laden merry Indie-pop. XFM labeled debut single Britney’s Tears as “Ace;” The Daily Record used such phrases as “quirky” and “brilliant;” FutureSounds yelped “non-stop fun”. Alas, thanks to major radio plugging and frequently smitten reviews, The Steeples found themselves at the centre of a scandal... Well, we made that up; but they do have a band of followers that call themselves the ‘Steeple People’ which, in our opinion, has all the makings of a Manson style cult. Blending witty lyrical tales with pop-guitar riffs to create melodies stained with the butter drips of Indie sweetness, we at Planet Notion expect these guys to be a commercial success. That doesn’t necessarily mean we like ‘em or don’t like ‘em, it just means they’ll probably be huge because they remind us of the (ahem) Kooks. Loads of young whippersnappers love the Kooks (honest they do) and buy their records so they’ll probably do the same for The Steeples. And they’re pretty lads like the Kooks and… erm… Pass me the shovel! Please!? Check out their MySpace!

The Steeples debut album, Tea for Two, is released on Easy Money Records on June 16th following the release of single, Loosy Lucy, on June 9th.

The Shapeshifters Interview!

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:20:03 GMT

The Shapeshifters are Max Reich and Simon Marlin, the DJ duo that catapulted themselves to the dizzy heights of stardom in 2005 with their No.1 hit: Lola's Theme. Now they’ve signed to Defected, they tell us about their new single ‘Chime’, why a change of record label feels good, why Knuckles and Morales are such good mates and why mixing the next in the ‘Defected In the House’ compilation series makes them feel.

“Chime - a few people may have felt you cannot touch that record, it is sacrilege, but Orbital love it and that means more to us than anything else”. Max Reich.

You’ve known each other for a long time - I bet you feel like brothers now, but what was life like before the Shapeshifters got together?

Max: I didn’t have a life (laughs).

Simon: He didn’t know anybody before he met me! No, it’s funny, I guess we do have a brotherly relationship. We work and travel well together, but we have our own set of friends and lead our own lives without being in each other’s pockets. It’s a pretty good balance actually if I think about it.

Max: It’s a healthy balance and probably a testament of why we’ve been together for twelve years. The life before the Shapeshifters we were fairly successful individuals, I was releasing a lot of Techno and Electronic music and we were both DJing over in Europe. So it’s not like we came from nothing and then suddenly did Lolas Theme.

What’s the pressure like for you now that you’ve had various hits? Are your intentions always to make big radio records for your fans?

Simon:We’re just going to make the records we want to make. It’s that simple. If something slips over into the more commercial side of things, that’s fine. We don’t knock commercial success, because what is commercial success? It just means it’s something popular that people in their thousands enjoy; but for some reason in dance music it’s frowned upon. I do believe that there are people out there making records for the masses… that’s not we want to do but if the masses end up liking what we do anyway then that’s very cool with us. That’s pretty much how it was with Lola… we didn’t set out to make a huge record…. We just knew it was good.

Max: We feel that if we do something in the studio, that has commercial potential, Defected is capable of delivering it. If we do want to do something like Chime, just for the DJ and the dancefloor, the label can also deal with that scenario as well, so it’s perfect for us.

Simon: Pressure wise I don’t think we’re under much pressure today – if you are going to be releasing good dance records we don’t need to make tracks with a format song, verse, bridge, chorus - it’s just going to be a good dancefloor track. We love writing songs, but after writing so much over the past few years, it’s natural for us to go the other way for a while and it’s in our time rather than the record company’s. Saying we need this track now for the radio is when it starts to become wrong and you begin to think: “Hold on a second who are we making these records for, us or the company?”

And having your own record label enables you to have that scope?

Max: What it enables you to do is get stuff out and have the freedom to choose whatever you want to release, because it’s your own choice to sign whatever artist you believe in.

Simon: In terms of opening up avenues, you look at labels like Defected, Toolroom and CR2 - they have the 360 model; but for us we just want our label to be a vehicle to push the music which we hear and like.

You’ve said many times that Frankie Knuckles and David Morales are big inspirations to you, do you look at their careers in order to guide your own?

Simon: Ironically, Frankie has partly helped from a guidance point of view and is more of an inspiration to us. We love what both of them have done and you just have to look at some of their achievements; it’s mind boggling. Not many people have done more for the scene than those guys have, so to have a friendship out of it by default is great and we feel very privileged.

You recently remixed Orbital’s ‘Chime’, of all the big rave tunes why did you choose that particular record?

Simon: We’d been toying with the idea for a while so one day we just did it; then it turns out to be twenty years of acid house this year. I believe that record sums it all up; it’s euphoric with a great hook and a great record to remix – one of our favourites, which made it an easy choice to make.

Max: On the whole the reaction has been brilliant and more people are beginning to recognise it now. In the beginning, when we first played it, I think people thought: “Yes this is a good record”; but now, each time, you get more and more reaction and I think it’s because more people are playing it. A few people may have felt that you cannot touch that record, that it’s sacrilege; but Orbital love it and that means more to us.

You’re mixing the next in the compilation series ‘Defected In The House’, does that make you nervous?

Simon: We only to want to do a great job, but then you always want to do the best you can, however sometimes it’s down to what material is available and what you can get licensed. We’re very happy with what we have now and we’ll have it finished this week. I believe the compilation sets out our stall as to where Shapeshifters are at right now, musically, and the groove we are on; for that reason alone, I’m very excited about the release.

Max: There are three CDs; one is up-tempo, one deeper and the third is a reflection of tracks that have inspired us.

You must have some selections that particularly stand out in the new compilation?

Max: There’s that ‘ATFC bad habit 2008’ remix; it’s a brilliant mix which we’re pleased to have and also the ‘Fedde and Funkerman’ track that is a big peak time dancefloor record. Also, we’re quite proud of the remake we’ve done of Lola’s theme - Lola 08.

I hear you had difficulty getting some of your inspirational tracks for CD3?

Simon: There were a lot of records we couldn’t have, which was disappointing. When you start thinking about tracks you love and were inspired by over the years, the list gets pretty long and you want to share them with other people. Your inspirations are like a window to your own soul, so to miss out on certain ones, like Michael Jackson’s ‘Billy Jean’ - one of the first records I ever brought - was a shame; but hey, there are still some great records on there. We got the likes of ‘Look What You’ve Done To Me’, Al Green; it’s just one of my favourite, favourite records - the soul in that record just jumps out of you and sonically it’s stunning. There’s also Tears for Fears’ ‘Head over Heals’, which was from my school days and I just love the piano line in that record; it’s phenomenal.

Max: The one thing I should say and will be mentioned in our sleeve notes, is that EMI won’t let us clear the Original Johnny Taylor: What About My Love . Obviously that was the basis for Lola’s theme, so we’re very disappointed about that and I think people will see our inspirations and think: “Where is it?” For the record, we tried it and it was first on our list, but due to politics and red tape it doesn’t look like we’re going to get it.

What does the future hold now for the Shapeshifters?

Simon:Does anyone know what the future holds? All we know is that right now it feels good and it’s funny because it’s kind of been quite a seamless transition into our new home with Defected. We feel more inspired now than ever before and we’re looking forward to getting back in the studio doing some more work.

Words: Toni Tambourine