At the turn of the millennium, MJ Hibbett & The Validators released one of the world’s first ever download-only singles, “Hey Hey 16K”, which was later turned into a flash video by Rob Manuel of cult site b3ta.com.

It became one of the world’s first viral video hits, racking up two million downloads in its first fortnight and spent several days in the top ten sites on the entire internet. As a result of this cover versions were performed not only by countless garage bands but by some of the more out of the ordinary communities stretching to the far reaches of the world – including a troupe of Canadian Mounted Police and some Norwegian school children to name two.

Fast forward to 2003 and their second album ‘This Is Not A Library’ was named “Album Of The Year” by Rolling Stone’s “Well Hung At Dawn” team.

With a solid reputation building, Steve Lamacq invited the band in to perform a live session from Maida Vale and they also received support from Radio 2, 6Music and XFM.

Watch trailer for ‘Regardez, Ecoutez Et Repetez’ ft voiceover by Steve Lamacq:

In the here and now ‘Regardez, Ecoutez Et Repetez’, the band’s third album, shows the band to be in particularly fine form and as good humoured as ever; with good reason. MJ comes well versed in all things comedic. After being commissioned to write a book, billed as an alternative to rock biographies, the idea quickly developed into an hour long show which enjoyed a week long stint at Edinburgh Festival as well as being broadcast on BBC 6Music.

Couple this attitude with a band that features former members of White Town and Prolapse, and the stage is set for an album filled with swipes at popular culture on a backdrop of jangling guitars, staccato trumpets and sweeping strings. Welcome to the world of MJ Hibbett & The Validators.

2009 Live shows:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

22nd May – Mother’s Ruin, Bristol
23rd May – The Criterion, Leicester
24th May – The Wilmington Arms, London
25th May – The Packhorse, Leeds
26th May – The Stockholm, Sheffield
13th June – The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham

For more music and information, go to:

MJ Hibbett & The Validators Official Website
MJ Hibbett MySpace

Eaststrikewest are a six piece band from Essex that formed in late 2007 following the fragmentation of previous project threemovements.

Drawing influences from a multitude of genres, their sound is a collage of epic soundscapes, soaring melodies and ambient electronica coupled with layered guitars, pounding rhythmic drums and an anthemic orchestral backing.

Currently eaststrikewest have a full album recorded, with two new potential singles to be added.

Stand out track “Electricity” was handpicked by Radio 1’s Steve Lamacq for his Top 50 ‘One’s to Watch’ for 2009. With live reviews from local and national music press, eaststrikewest are attracting both booking agents and early label interest.

Eaststrikewest will be spending much of 2009 on the road and will visit the city of Liverpool twice in May. They play at the Cavern Club on Friday 8th May followed by an appearance at Liverpool Soundcity on Wednesday 20th May at Korova.

May 2009 shows:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

30 Apr The Font @ The University of Hertfordshire Hatfield
5 May Club Panda @ The Dublin Castle w/ The Ruling Class & The Brothers Movement London
7 May Red Lion Stevenage
8 May The Cavern Liverpool
9 May Cardiff Barfly Cardiff
20 May Liverpool Soundcity Festival @ Korova w/ Phantom Band & Invisible Liverpool
25 May The Junction w/ ASIWYFA & Maybeshewill Bristol

For the latest tour dates, music and more, go to:

eaststrikewest on MySpace

There can’t be many musicians who can claim a Grammy-award winning producer like Giles Martin has worked on their bedroom-made album recorded on a beaten up old Mac. But then, multi-instrumentalist Henrik Irgens isn’t like most bedroom musicians.

A native-Dane living in London, Henrik is an in-demand session musician, having worked with a diverse roster of artists from Vanessa Carlton and Rooster to Morcheeba, BodyRockers and Grammy-nominated songwriter Kim Richey. He even played in Sir George Martin’s band when the Beatles* legend was inducted into the Hall Of Fame in 2006, and has continued to work with his son Giles.

Currently a member of major-label act Jamie Scott and The Town, he also plays bass in Steve Lamacq’s original cult Punk Rock Karaoke band.

Putting his session work to one side and working solo on his own terms and in his own time, Henrik has made ‘Faction’; an emotive, melodic and evocative album. With hints of Sigur Ros, early Bright Eyes and even David Sylvian and Elliot Smith, Faction is a synergy of musical conversations, scenery and snapshots. “Hopefully the album is a bit like a soundtrack,” says Henrik, “to be used as wallpaper or as an ingredient in your environment.” Paraphrasing ambient uber-producer Eno, he says, “It’s discreet music and I encourage people to listen to it at low volumes.”

Watch “This Time” video:

Made over a two-year period using any instruments and equipment Henrik could lay his hands on, ‘Faction’ is an accomplished piece of work borne from instinct and intention. “It’s a conceived sound, made using the tools I had – a Farfisa keyboard, a Korg synth, a crappy mic and Garageband on my trusty old Mac. All the songs started as demos… I don’t even remember writing some of them – they just sort of evolved.” Henrik continues, “I recorded it in my bedroom, but other people have helped out.” Contributors to the album include Paul Winter-Hart of Kula Shaker/Aqualung on drums, Canadian musician Tim Phillips (aka Cathead), Danish rock royalty Tim Christensen and Icelandic vocalist Thorunn Antonia Magnusdottir of Fields.

Reflecting on the 10 songs that make up ‘Faction’, Henrik says, “I think the album takes you somewhere and creates an emotional response. It’s not technical music – the recordings are lo-fi and raw – but it’s textural and because of that, the album works as a single piece.”

*Bizarre fact: Henrik was once cast as a Shea Stadium John Lennon in an M&Ms TV ad! He has also doubled for David Tennant in “Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire”, made a brief appearance in “Run, Fat Boy, Run” and was an extra in “Extras”.

*Henrik also played bass on the late Matthew Jay album ‘Further Than Tomorrow’, which was recorded from demos that he’d put down for his second album before his untimely death in 2003.

The debut single “This Time” will be released on 22nd September, 2008 with accompanying remixes and promotional video.

The album ‘Faction’ will be released on digipak CD and digital formats on 20th October, 2008. The first CD pressing of ‘Faction’ contains two exclusive bonus tracks not available for download.

MySpace

Henrik Official Website

Henrik is set to release his album ‘Faction’ in the UK this October – but in the meantime, he’s giving away a free track:

Download “Know Where I’ll Be” MP3

A native-Dane living in London, Henrik is an in-demand session musician, having worked with a diverse roster of artists from Vanessa Carlton and Rooster to Morcheeba, BodyRockers and Grammy-nominated songwriter Kim Richey. He even played in Sir George Martin’s band when the Beatles* legend was inducted into the Hall Of Fame in 2006, and has continued to work with his son Giles.

Currently a member of major-label act Jamie Scott and The Town, he also plays bass in Steve Lamacq’s original cult Punk Rock Karaoke band.

For more information, go to:

Henrik Myspace
Henrik Official Website

One of the most successful hip-hop acts to emerge from the UK, Stereo MCs’ line-up revolved around three women and three men: Rob Birch (vocals), Nick ‘The Head’ Hallam (synths/computers/scratching) Owen If (percussion) plus Cath Coffey, Andrea Bedassie and Verona David (backing vocals).

Hailing from Nottingham, where they had been friends since the age of six, Rob Birch and Nick Hallam originally formed a rock duo there called Dogman And Head, before moving to London in 1985 when they were both 17 years old. Once in London they started recording rap music and, together with John Baker and DJ Richie Rich, formed the Gee Street label as a means of promoting their music. Gee Street soon signed a distribution deal with the New York-based 4th & Broadway label and a series of singles followed before Stereo MCs’ debut album 33, 45, 78 surfaced in 1989. This was followed by the 1990 album ‘Supernatural’ and the group’s 1991 single “Elevate My Mind” gave them a US Top 40 hit that year, which was a first for a UK hip-hop outfit.

Although their first two albums had been well received it was their powerful third album, ‘Connected’, which really brought them serious recognition when it crashed into the album charts in 1992. When the single to the title track and the brilliantly rhythmic “Step It Up” were released, the Stereo MCs finally gained the wider audience that they truly deserved. In 1994 the Stereo MCs picked up the awards Best Album for ‘Connected’ and for Best Group at the BRITs. ‘Connected’ was also short listed for a Mercury Prize.

This 20 track disc features the best of their studio recordings and concerts that were recorded for and broadcast by the BBC and charts their rise to multi-platinum album sellers. All of the tracks here were hand picked by the group and feature exclusive versions of some of their biggest hits. This is a wonderful alternative ‘best of’ and, just as they are about to release their latest album, it serves as a fantastic reminder of Stereo MCs at their commercial peak. Stereo MCs Live at the BBC is set for UK release January 28th, 2008.

Stereo MCs Live at the BBC track listing:

Elevate My Mind (Town and Country) 08/05/1993
Sofisticated Lamacq Live 09/04/2001
Deep Down & Dirty Lamacq Live 09/04/2001
Fade Away T&C 08/05/1993
Graffiti Part 1 Lamacq Live 09/04/2001
Graffiti Part 2 Lamacq 09/04/2001
Connected Town and Country 08/05/1993
Pressure Town and Country 08/05/1993
Playing With Fire Town and Country 08/05/1993
Lost In Music T&C 08/05/1993
Ground Level T&C 08/05/1993
Breeze Lamacq Live 09/04/2001
Step It Up (Version) Evening Session 26/09/1992
Creation Evening Session 26/09/1992
Set It Off Janice Long 18/8/05
What Is Soul Liz Kershaw 24/04/1988
Toe To Toe Andy Kershaw 05/01/1989
Gee Street Liz Kershaw 24/04/1988

The Stereo MCs are currently on a DJ tour throughout the UK and Europe.

Stereo MCs show dates:

Dates could change! Go to Stereo MCs Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

25 Jan 2008 CDQ Club (DJ SET) Warsaw
26 Jan 2008 Sfinks Club (DJ SET) Sopot, Poland
1 Feb 2008 Club Low (DJ SET) Madrid
8 Feb 2008 Maria am Ostbahnof (DJ SET) Berlin, Germany
9 Feb 2008 Ubel and Gefahrlich (DJ SET) Hamburg, Germany
29 Feb 2008 Fabric (DJ SET) London
15 Mar 2008 Lagerhof (DJ SET) Leipzig, Germany
20 Mar 2008 Toni Molkerei (DJ SET) Zurich
28 Mar 2008 Moles Club (DJ SET) Bath

Stereo MCs – Live at the BBC on amazon.co.uk

Stereo MCs on Myspace

Following its expansion to a two day event last year, the 7th annual Camden Crawl relocates from midweek to weekend in 2008. As well as hosting its trademark melting pot of hotly tipped and breaking new artists alongside special guests and seminal greats each evening, the 2008 festival will grow to include an extensive daytime arts programme including acoustic sessions, live showcases, unsigned band competitions, pop quizzes, fan forums, comedy, performance art, film screenings, exhibitions and more. Furthermore, the planned addition of an outdoor stage and street closures in central Camden Town, London will add a new carnival-style dimension to this already electrifying event.

The 2008 Crawl programme kicks off from noon on Friday 18th April along the mile-long stretch from Chalk Farm to Mornington Crescent. This strip of pavement will play host to 130 artists performing across the event’s 25 official venues over 2 days and evenings and into the wee hours of the mornings. One low cost ticket, available as single or two day passes, will allow up to 15,000 music fans unlimited access to all Crawl venues, after show parties and daytime activities. The price also includes a free dbl CD programme featuring a core selection of the artists appearing at the event.

Not unlike last year, 40 bands will appear on the bill both days, alternating venues on Friday and Saturday to allow die-hard Crawlers two opportunities to see their most coveted artists. All other artists will perform on one day or evening of the event only. Upon arrival, each ‘Crawler’ will be presented with an all-access wristband and CD programme featuring a guide map and timetable for each day’s proceedings.

In keeping with the exploratory spirit and musical democracy of past Crawls, the full line-ups and stage times remain a closely guarded secret until each night. Surprise guests may appear at any time or any venue, so festival-goers are advised to arrive early.

Background Information

Prior to the sold out events of the past 3 years, Camden Town played host to a scaled down version of the festival from 1995 – 1997. Although a much smaller affair, the ethos of supporting Britain’s developing artists and live music scene through an uncompromising aesthetic, affordable tickets for music fans and by helping to build relationships between likeminded artists was entirely the same. These now legendary Crawls featured inaugural performances by Snow Patrol, Beth Orton, Mogwai and such luminaries as Echo and the Bunnymen, Moby, Tanya Donnelly and the venerable Wedding Present.

A then pending tenth anniversary acted as a catalyst to re-launch the event in 2005 and, following its overwhelming success, the Camden Crawl festival has become a permanent fixture in April’s live music diary. True to historical form, the past three year’s events showcased early performances by then rising talents who went on to make a significant impression.

These artists included: The Magic Numbers, Hard-Fi, Maximo Park, The Subways, The Kooks, Mystery Jets, The Cribs, Hot Chip, Sway, The Fratellis, Klaxons, The Automatic, Paolo Nutini, Guillemots, Plan B, The Pipettes, Lethal Bizzle, New Young Pony Club, Kate Nash, Calvin Harris and many more. Influential established artists such as Graham Coxon, Amy Winehouse, Charlatans, Babyshambles, Ash, Travis, Dirty Pretty Things and Supergrass have also made an appearance alongside seminal heroes Buzzcocks, The Damned, Billy Bragg and The Slits.

Curating Venue Hosts

1234/Sean McClusky, Adventures Close To Home, Artrocker, Bugbear, Club Fandango, Drowned In Sound, Fallout, Steve Lamacq, John Kennedy, Kerrang!, Moshi Moshi, Queens Of Noise, Rocksound, Shuffle, Stylish Riots, Transgressive Records/Rockfeedback, Turning Worm, Wichita Recordings, Young & Lost Club/Push

Participating Camden Town Venues (with many more to be added)

Abbey Tavern, Barfly, Bar Monsta, Black Cap, Bullet, Camden Tup, Cuban Bar, Dingwalls, Dublin Castle, Earl Of Camden, Electric Ballroom, Enterprise, Koko, The Monarch, NW1, Oh! Bar, Purple Turtle, Underworld

Friday 18th and Saturday 19th April 2008 12PM – 4AM
1 and 2 Day Passes Are On Sale Now Priced At £29.70 and £49.20
All ticket prices include a £1 donation to The Teenage Cancer Trust*
15% early bird discount tickets have already SOLD OUT

Tickets available from the following outlets: 24 Hr CC Hotline 0871 2200 260 or buy online: www.thecamdencrawl.com / GigsandTours

Tickets are to be exchanged for wristbands which allow free entry to each of the participating venues throughout the night as individual capacities permit. Wristbands and CD programmes announcing the full line ups and timings for the event are obtainable from 11:30 am onward each day at the Camden Crawl ticket exchange point located at: ELECTRIC BALLROOM (Back Entrance – Kentish Town Road, NW1). Please note that 2-day pass holders will need to return to ticket exchange to collect Saturday’s timetable.

Festival goers are advised to arrive early as there will be a full daytime programme on both days from 1:00 pm. Doors open for evening schedule at 5:30 pm most venues. There will be late night after show parties featuring live bands and DJs until 4:00 am both days.

*This year The Camden Crawl is supporting Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT), a charity dedicated to improving the lives of teenagers and young adults with cancer. TCT builds specialist teenage units in NHS Hospitals that are boosting survival rates. Teenage Cancer Trust is a registered charity no. 1062559. To find out more please visit Teenage Cancer Trust Official Website.

25 venues 130 new and renowned pioneering artists plus free DBL CD programme
Initial line ups to be announced January 2008
Daytime Gigs and other amusements
DJs and Aftershow Parties
Secret Special Guests and much more
One All Access Ticket
Camden Town, London

Information could change! For the latest news and up to date information, go to:

Camden Crawl Official Website
Camden Crawl on Myspace