Gigbeth is Birmingham's biggest celebration of music. From November 6th-8th, 2008, Gigbeth will host a diverse lineup of established artists such as Guillemots, The Young Knives and The Sugarhill Gang alongside breakthrough acts The Keyboard Choir, and Iain Woods, set in the inspirational environs of the Digbeth creative district - like Birmingham's very own Glastonbury.
Channel4's 4Talent, which helps the UK's creative people in TV, comedy, film, documentary, new media and radio find their way through the industry mire, is proud to host a stage at Gigbeth 2008.
The 4Talent Stage at Gigbeth on the 8th November, at the Dragon Bar (Barfly) in Birmingham will feature some of the leading lights of new music in the UK. The lineup includes krautrock noise merchants Einstellung, Oxford-based electronica ensemble Keyboard Choir, The Icarus (noise-hip shoegaze-hop), Brum-based minimalist piano protégé Richard Batsford, classical-meets-grime and dubstep art school terrorist Iain Woods & The Psychologist, plus an IDM/electro DJ set from ace club night Robot vs Dinosaur.
4Talent commissioning editor Catherine Bray will be on hand all evening to take press kits and promo CDs from local bands who would like their music to be considered for use on 4Talent podcasts and videos.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS:
Einstellung have close associations with Digbeth. The band's rehearsal studio is in the middle of the changing industrial landscape and they are no strangers to the many Digbeth venues.
Andrew Moscardo-Parker (guitar) said:
"There are some great venues around Digbeth - lots of character in all of them and we've played many of our gigs in the area. I think it's really good that Gigbeth focuses around Digbeth - it shows that there are different creative areas in Birmingham".
Einstellung's album 'Wings Of Desire' (Capsule Recordings) will shortly be released as a double vinyl set in a gatefold sleeve designed by Birmingham artist Lucy McLauchlan (Beat 13).
The ICARUS was born from a need to create music. A need to experiment with lyrics, structure and instrumentation. A need to push convention and explore personal space. In a world where commodity is king, war is conversation and religion is hypocrisy, The ICARUS' message has never been more urgent.
Having formed in 2007, this electronic outfit have released their debut album 'Monologues' to rave reviews, have seen their music used on the forthcoming 'Bones' TV advert and have recently performed live on BBC Radio One.
"The Mahavishnu Orchestra for the nauseating noughties." - The List
Fusing the chiming modernism of Reich and Glass with the accessible pop sensibility of Wilson and Simon, Richard Batsford is a true highlight of the Brimingham avant garde scene.
"Inspired by Philip Glass and Steve Reich, his music displays amazing beauty in repetition and minimalism. Definitely a performer to keep your eyes on." - Evening Mail
Keyboard Choir is the collective name for Ady, Alex, Guy, James, and Seb, 5 musicians who make music with the turbulence and dynamics of traditional 'ensemble' performances using only electronic sound sources and 'found sound'. They have supported the likes of Coldcut, Metronomy, The Egg and F*** Buttons amongst others, and recently were personally invited to perform at Brian Eno's 60th birthday party.
"Bubbling, analogue bubble-bath synths; resonating passages of lo-fidelity; symphonic splendour; prog-rock song titles. Ladies and gentlemen, we are floating in space. Welcome to the world of the Keyboard Choir." - Stool Pigeon
"It borders on the celestial" - DiScover Album of the Month, drownedinsound.com
"Timeless electro" - Uncut
Former art school student and panic attack-plagued genius Iain will be bringing his unique voice, sound and aesthetic to the stage with the help of scratch DJ Jay Roberts and the 'Sectioned' String quartet.
Iain has been bigged up by Tom Robinson on his BBC 6Music Introducing show and has been Shortlisted for the Channel 4 Talent awards in the music category. His photographic and conceptual works have appeared in group and solo exhibits in London and around the UK.
"Iain Woods calls his brand of dirty pop 'Groul' - a compound of grimey soul, but such a tiny word fails to sum up the far-reaching ambition of his debut release." - Source Magazine
Birmingham's premier IDM/experimental electronica DJs will spin a headswimmingly intriguing set, encompassing everything from Brian Eno to Venetian Snares.
ABOUT 4TALENT
4Talent is the gateway to all Channel 4's talent initiatives, helping creative people across TV, comedy, film, documentary, new media and radio find their way through the industry mire, develop their careers and realise their potential in multi-platform media.
Online, 4Talent showcases both emerging talent and established professionals via text, video and audio features that provide details of the varied - and often unconventional – routes into the industry, alongside inspiration, guidance and opportunities for aspiring creatives to get their foot onto or advance up their personal career ladder.
On the ground, 4Talent boasts a dedicated team of editors and producers based in London, Birmingham, Scotland and Northern Ireland, offering opportunities for emerging talent around the country to take part in workshops, masterclasses, seminars and live events.
For more information, go to:
Gigbeth Official Website
Tweet
Follow @JennyMay
Search for CDs, Mp3s, more: Amazon.com
| Amazon.co.uk
Like on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BandWeblogs
Follow Music News on Twitter
More Music: JennyMay.com
