LIVING THE STREAM, BALCONY FESTIVAL NO.2

No human is currently “Living The Dream”. But… come together (again) on Saturday 11th April for Balcony online music festival stream show. We meet via Joyzine YouTube at 1pm GMT. Hopefully you’ll be uplifted by this united tipped talent treat presented by Louise Schofield of BBC Sesh, hosted on a variety show of virtual stages by key new music supporters. We are honoured to be part of this.

#2020vision turned out to be a (wonderfully sound-tracked) tangent on the twist of the plot as vision cleared, reevealing kindness -v- callousness and sycophantic stupidity -v-helpful resourcefulness. Artists at all levels, locked down but joining in, where more personal, live streamed performance is concerned.

Birthmarks will play our virtual stage. Their debut LP, ‘…And Then The Rain Stopped’ (review) is something else!

Saturday 11th April 2020 from 1pm
Thomas Truax – Joyzine Stage
Weekend Recovery – CroCroLand Stage
ARXX – Loud Women Stage
Stephen Evens – Gigslutz Stage
Birthmarks – TheZineUK Stage
Jack Found – Benumu Stage
Call.Me.Tiece (Girlhood) on the Bechdel Sound Test Stage
Cookie – Quarantini Stage
ALOHA DEAD – Sonic Tonic Stage
Kerri Watt – God Is In The TV Zine. Stage

Thank you Science & Nature for, no, not fashion, but passion. Communicators and Performers compelled to a #TwitterFestival of events on multiple platforms including @Tim_Burgess#timstwitterlisteningparty |Manic Street Preachers sharing #LoveRecordStores anecdotes | @steve_lamacq calling “new/new-ish artists who are live streaming a ‘gig’ for his #Recommends

On line quizzes by Trampolene and @MarkStack4 (the latter promoting new bands at the same time – including Tiger Mimic who graced BalconyOnlineFest No.1 which raised over £750 for Musicians Against Homelessness a few weekends ago)

Please send us more of your #BalconyOnlineFest TV star snaps! (pix courtesy of Joyzine)

We can all get involved and feel personal while staying home for Safety First. Created by independent UK blogs and promoters, Balcony features exclusive performances for good causes.

Our NHS is the beating heart of this nation from birth to death for most people. Extra LOVE this weekend – with the added boost of finding new favourites via our interdependent media network.

Our talented entertainers finding ways to do what they do best, even though the future looks bleak for the very things that we are turning to, creativity and performance.

Moaners gonna moan. A few people have complained that there are too many live streams at the moment (as if they can’t tear their face away and watch, or even do something else!).

s somebody who experienced back-line-share-hell-tragedy occasionally – and other first (or second now) world problems – I miss gigs like hell, but I am right down the front for all these amazing artists inviting us to be with them like this. 

Seeya on the balcony where our communities cheer our true leaders in far from celebratory times. Balcony is more than an online festival, this is a socially inclusive building brick of future music artists x industry x media. Stream on.

Please invite your friends and selves to the #BalconyOnlineFest 2 facebook event!

and talking of #ourNHS – 1 (Thank you forever) + 2 (another of the bands woven into our documentary’s tapestry) = these 3:

Words: Caffy St Luce.

LOCKDOWN LOOK UP

Freshly presented Top Of The Genre Fusion Pops. Lockdown Weekend 2. 

1/3 MIRI is a musical activist, singer, composer, promotor and panel curator. Most recently live streaming for grassroots music venues (with Frank Turner and friends), MIRI was also a total tonic at the #BalconyOnLineFest for Musicians Against Homelessness, recently, reminding of her strong and raspy-fairy vocals on the Loud Women Stage.

Good Ones Words & Music by MIRI Filmed and Edited by Kate Lane https://www.kldreampictures.com/ Taken from MIRI's Soundbites EP: https://distrokid.com/hyperf...

2/3 – RtN – The demos have dropped. 

Our Independent Venue Week star turn at the #FuturePicks launch – RtN has just dropped DIY-altpop demos, another strong voice with so much more going on (peek into the interview with Louise Schofield TV). ‘Time’ is especially rousing.

I am RtN, and I Make Music.

…and some brand new URLs – please do follow them, friends. https://instagram.com/rtnmakesmusic/ *  
https://facebook.com/rtnmakesmusic/ *  
https://twitter.com/rtnmakesmusic

3/3 – Beija Flo. Gonna go back to #BalconyOnlineFest because, frankly it was a great way to watch personal performances together with friends old and new. Hats off to the Sonic Tonic stage for such wonderful entertainment that one of our creative talent aces, Sandy K. Moz, tweeted “who is that band currently playing because I think I’m in love with her haha” during the performance!

People are worried that TV stations will run out of content due to the Lockdown Days, they could raise their game with audiovisual sensations like Beija Flo!

'Mary' (Music Video) Mary's that mate, you know the one. She comes round, smokes all the weed, snogs your boyfriend and passes out in the bath. You can have ...

https://instagram.com/iambeijaflo/ *  
https://soundcloud.com/iambeijaflo

You actually have time to investigate just three new talents a week. Surely? 

Did you check out Lockdown Week 1? Felixity, Billy Nomates, Jean Genie’s Massive Hugs – for your radar. Positive activity and feedback happening for all three…

psst next #BalconyOnlineFest happens 11th April. Be involved via the FB Event (for NHS Charities Together)

Fresh facets of musical voices and minds, tunes and beats that landed in surreal times. Where “News” has stopped making sense, music is still the truth.

Stay In. Bliss Out. –Lockdown Look Up

Words: Caffy St Luce

Interview: The Mysterines (2020)

The Mysterines are on a roll and weave through this tale, with noticeably wider acclaim, each revisit.

Time is a persistent illusion, and a persistent illusion that it is. Ten minutes, can feel like ten hours. Twelve months can feel like twelve minutes. I have an inkling, that the latter is exactly what The Mysterines have experienced. Short space of time, but exponential change within, as well as without the band. 

As much as it’s important to highlight the importance of Manchester as the centre-point for British music, it’s also important to remember that the musicians of Merseyside, helped to put this country in the limelight of musical genius. Suffice to say, that legacy is in safe hands with this Liverpudlian band. 

They literally squeezed this interview into their very tight schedule – not surprising considering they’d played a sold out tour at the beginning of this year.

This is a quite abstract interview, but I think it shows a glimpse of why who they are as people, is fundamental in everything that makes The Mysterines, The Mysterines. 

Introduction:

The Mysterines: “This is Callum and Paul, they’re both extra members of the band now.”

TheZineUK: We last spoke a year ago. 

The Mysterines: “Wow, was it?”

TheZineUK: Yeah pretty much!

The Mysterines: “Oh yeah, that’s when we were at Dingwalls, supporting the Psychedelic Porn Crumpets.”

Yeah, that’s it!

The Mysterines: “That was a really good show actually. Well, except for the fact that I (Lia) nearly got electrocuted on the stage. “

Oh yeah, bloody hell. So, you toured with the Porn Crumpets, you did festivals, worked with This Feeling, and it’s just exploded…where to begin really, ‘cause obviously it hasn’t all been plain sailing has it?

*laughter*

What’s been the biggest shock for you?

The Mysterines: “Apart from our Lia nearly electrocuting herself?”

*everyone laughs*

“…Do you mean the past year, or just in general?”

Yeah, since I last saw you in person.

“The catering at Royal Blood, was the biggest shock. I didn’t even know that was a thing.”

What happened?

“Just the fact, we were on a tour that had full on catering consistently. There was a menu and everything, it was really nice. The whole crew were wonderful as well, really incredible.”

TheZineUK: Usually, the biggest shock tends to be something negative, but your surprise was, “We were treated like humans! They remembered us!”

“It was really nice to do an opening act for them as well. Got to know them all really well, and it was fun.”

What was your highlight when you toured with The Amazons?

“There’s quite a few. Barrowlands was boss, bit of illness at the beginning of the tour.  But, we all had a really good laugh together throughout.”

I remember when you supported them in London at the Brixton Academy, and I thought I can definitely see you headline in there in the future. 

“Aww thank you, Brixton Academy said something similar as well.”

It’s a venue that has a strong intuition about bands, and where they’ll go. There’s been a solid couple, where they said to them “see you again in twenty years” – and for their twentieth anniversary, that’s exactly where they played in London!

“We’ve were really lucky we got to play that venue three times, considering the level that we’re currently at. Another great venue, I really like Kentish Town forum as well.”

What would be a dream tour for you right now?

Foo Fighters, QOTSA, or just a bigger one with Royal Blood again as well.

They’re really underestimated, Royal Blood, in terms of service I think. In terms of business, what has been your biggest irritation to date?

*laughter* “So many things, so many topics including the lack of equality. Though personally, I don’t really think about it too much, but I can see why it upsets a lot of female artists who aren’t getting recognised”.

It’s a fine line, isn’t it? Because you don’t want it to be equal sex for the sake of equal numbers. However, when it’s based on merit and skill, it can mean that less women make the cut, in what can be called a dominating environment. Because of that, it can be hard at times, to discern whether it’s actually sexism or not.

The Mysterines: “Yeah exactly.

A lot will argue that it is, but like you said, the industry has been male dominated for years. To saturate that out, would take a lot of time, and we’re nowhere near that yet. Just about halfway through. 

The amount of time it takes to make anything equal, is a very long time. But, it should be more about equity long term, than just equality. Why not just be a musician? I don’t rock up and say, “I’m a female artist, respect me because I’m a girl”, I just rock out like all the other men! Everyone individually should recognise, who they are, what their value is.”

Definitely! 

I don’t want to jump too far ahead if possible, but what is the main goal? You’ve built up consistency, so what is the bigger vision you have in mind for The Mysterines.

The Mysterines: “Keep writing songs, writing better songs, make the live shows bigger! And of course, have longevity with the band, as I think we’ve got a lot more to offer.”

That’s a healthy attitude to have. Sometimes, there can be a danger where a band is encouraged to do too much too quickly, some misguided choices and can burn out unfortunately. 

Pacing yourself, taking it by ear is one of the best ways to learn as well. Quality over quantity.

The Mysterines: “Definitely, integrity is everything. Making wrong decisions, can lead to wrong outcomes like Black Mirror:Bandersnatch haha!”

Have you tried playing that actually?

The Mysterines: “I think we did with Neil and Finn on the way back. I reckon it would’ve been better launching it in the cinema, with controls.”

What’s happening with the songwriting? Are you writing just for the band, or other people now as well?

“I’ve got some sessions set up after the tour, which will be good.”

It’s a great way to earn money, especially to fund future music projects as well. It also shows a great work ethic, being serious about the business as well.

“Definitely. I write a lot of different types, and some of them doesn’t feel like me, doesn’t feel like something I’d sing, but it could be easily be the right song for another artist.”

This may sound like a weird question, but what’s it like being at home? I know being on tour or away from home, the momentum builds, and then coming home things are different, so how has it been at home?

“When I’m at home, I get really comfortable and don’t tend to leave much. And also looking after our younger siblings, or catching up with mates. Going for a pint.”

Is it important for you, to have hobbies and tasks at home that are separate from the music business world?

“Oh yeah, definitely. I write a lot more when I finish a tour, so I also tend to do that when I’m at home. I think I always need to be focusing on something creative, which is why it’s good that I can write with myself or other people.” 

It’s a great skill to have, and enjoy too. 

Alright, well I’m going to leave it there, have taken up enough of your time. But thank you so much, for squeezing me in at the last minute. Really looking forward to the show later, and can’t wait to see what you have to present in your futures!

“You’re welcome, good to see ya as well!”

Also bumped into Green Party MP, Sian Berry, who kindly stopped to have a quick chat. Lots of green, heartfelt, Venusian love and feminine power around that evening. 

I missed the set from supporting act Drool, just caught the end of BERRIES’, but I am so glad I got to see the main act strut their stuff again.

Clip from Tufnell Park Dome. Monefa Walker interview article with #NewerWave rising stars, The Mysterines, for #TheZineUK

I saw many familiar faces in the crowd, including Sonja and the ladies from Salvation Jayne. The set was a knockout performance, they consumed the space with glee and confidence showing why it was no surprise, that show had to upgrade the venue due to demand…and still sold out! 

Update: The Mysterines ended March 2020 on the BBC Radio 1 A-list! It’s a mystery what this band have up their sleeve next, and that’s just how it should be.

DIY (ANTI BACTERIAL /VIRAL) SPRAY

This is 100% natural AND effective. “Much nicer for your skin than alcohol based, chemical filled gel” says Maxi McNaughty – who has been a big hit with massages and advice, at events that TheZineUK has been involved with (including No.3 Expo and The Deptford Mix Up, Summer 2019). 

A growing reputation includes feedback from some of TheZineUK’s fave musical artists, part of our story.

Get the recipe and good vibes from Maxi McNaughty at
https://maxirecipes.blogspot.com/2020/03/all-natural-effective-anti-bacterial.html

https://instagram.com/lovequotabeauty

‘…AND THEN THE RAIN STOPPED’ BIRTHMARKS

Since the Ides Of March, Planet Lockdown rebrands a diseased, dis-eased Earth. We need our escapisms from harsh reality. This album is a necessity.

“All Cool’s Day” was to have been a live launch for the credible and incredible debut album  ‘…And Then The Rain Stopped’ – Delayed gratification sensation awaits.

The post Brexit days have seen the threads of our tapestry weave into a bigger story beyond belief. Our friends have the epic talent to soundtrack this movie in which we are involuntary extras. 

Available now – on all sussed platforms.

2020 vision includes LPs from Bugeye, MOSES, Nova Twins, EOB, False Heads and Birthmarks – some of Earth’s brightest musical hopes with their globally expansive audio visions. …That’s just some of my OWN personal thrills. Imagine how wide this spectrum is, with my variety show of friends who are “living the stream”.

Together with his Birthmarks bandmates,  Jason Fletcher and Jonno Lloyd, Daniel Cross is one of TheZineUK documentary’s golden threads.

Gracing our No.3 Expo a few years ago with a live set declared by an industry insider as “better than NIN”, ArtBeat woven with the “Pulse 1” Eugene Ankomah collaboration. A glimpse into the creative potential that brings ‘One Pulse’. Take five minutes of *You Time* for this video;

One Pulse is taken from Birthmarks' debut album - '...And Then The Rain Stopped' Stream: https://ADA.lnk.to/9lNMUFA Buy: https://birthmarkssound.bandcamp.com...

Developing against the dramatic backdrop of Year 2019 – between sessions, creating and performing – this LP is impressive as fuck, I am compelled to report. 

As our Rock n Roll superman, John Clay, articulates (when creating the stripped down version of ‘Wax’ for Clark Kent’s Rock And Roll Revue/Margo’s Living Room); “Lovely to hear a loud band that can appreciate the power of the quiet moment.”

Sound: N. Ridley + T.Coyne of MANGO/Vision: J.Clay + Chloe Spencer of MANGO] 'Something chilled from Birthmarks. Lovely to hear a loud band that can appreci...

Fused multiple influences but, with this album, an instant influence themselves (trust), the expansive pop melodies, raw rock force and sex-alien beats of Birthmarks crash to shore in waves of mighty sonic ebb and flow.

Their Star Ship has landed on our futuristic Planet Earth’s dystopian present – with presence. One of Asteroid-Rock’s most extraordinary statements of intent., ‘…And Then The Rain Stopped’ is brutally and beautifully brilliant. 11/10.

Listen to ...And Then the Rain Stopped on Spotify. Birthmarks · Album · 2020 · 10 songs.

Dark and LIT:  http://www.birthmarkssound.com/

Words: Caffy St Luce