Sound Board
Throughout 2008 Liverpool Culture Company felt it was important to support the work of Liverpool's independent music sector, the people that help to nurture the vibrant musical culture of Liverpool every year, whether the city is European capital of culture or not . the foundation stone upon which Liverpool's musical life is built.
These people included:
. Venue owners
. Music promoters
. Musicians playing in the city
. Clubs
The independent music sector works on very short lead times, often planning an event as little as one month ahead, or as much as three months ahead. This panel's goal was to support the many exciting events that came from this sector in 2008, with a focus on new audiences and project that involved some risk.
Often smaller venues and promoters want to take a risk on a new artist or genre, however, the economics of small events mean that, if this experiment is not a success, they will not be able to take a risk for many months in order to cover the loss. The Sound Board encouraged the independent music sector to take risks with their artists and audiences by providing a guarantee-against-loss in those cases where the experiments were not successful. The aim was to grow both the audience and the variety of work that is presented in Liverpool.
The panel consisted of a minimum of four people, each month's panel being made up from the people who received funding in the previous month. This meant that it was not possible to apply to the panel in consecutive months. Representatives from the Musicians' Union and the Arts Council of England also sat on the panel each month along with Gordon Ross (programme manager - music, Liverpool Culture Company) and Jennifer Kane (Sound Board co-ordinator).
The panel met on the first Wednesday of each month (starting Wednesday 9th January 2008) and looked at proposals from venues, artists and promoters. The maximum sum that could be applied for was £500 guarantee-against-loss. Each month a maximum of £1500 was available for grants.
Criteria:
. Collaboration & partnership, exploration across local, national & international boundaries.
. Encouraging high profile artistic events to the city in 2008.
. Bringing unusual or under-represented artists or art-forms to Merseyside in 2008.
. Encouraging & increasing participation in cultural activity in communities across Merseyside in 2008.
. Increasing visibility of cultural activity, encouraging new audiences & developing new partnerships, exploring new venues.
Each proposal included a budget detailing how much guarantee-against-loss was required and how the loss would be measured - usually against ticket sales. Members of the panel attended the events to measure the attendance figures against the proposal.
It was hoped that the experience of both applying for grants and assessing others' proposals would help the sector to improve its application skills and encourage approaches to the Arts Council in the future, where this may be appropriate. If the full guarantee-against-loss was not required, due to the project being successful, the funds were put back into the pot the following month to support more events.
Projects supported by the Sound Board in 2008:
January
Dreadnought-06: bringing Kode9 to Liverpool with BadgaTek, Arie, Longshot, Ken Evil, Thom Griffin, Furness and Venom on the 25th or 26th January at the Barfly Theatre.
Evol: bringing Vitalic to Liverpool with The Micronauts, South Central and Hatcham Social alongside Revo, Brendan Long, Mr. Paul and James Rand on the 25th January at Korova.
February
Igloo 4th Birthday: Igloo moves from the Dragon Bar to the Walk the Plank ship on the 1st March. Featuring a two hour set by Silicone Soul, upa and coming two piece band Killaflaw alongside residents Jo Joy, Denzil & Carl Dunne.
Numbskull Disco: on the 22nd March the Vice DJs (Prancehall and Mumdance) perform at Korova alongside Tombcrew and MeMeMe DJs in a Grime/Dance crossover night.
March
Rhumba: With a music policy of tech-house and techno Rhumba's night at Walk the Plank included Guest Dj's James Ruskin and Alex Tsiridis as well as resident Dj's, Cler Lever and Liam Bulloch.
May
Jasbof Present Rustie: Taking place on the 9th May @ the Lemon Longe this club night showcased the genres of Dubstep + Crunk. The night hosted a live performance from elecrtonic producer Rustie, backed up by local Dj talent from across Liverpool.
Now Drop - 100% Bassline: Held on the 16th May @ Baby Blue this event promoted the sounds of 'niche' or 'bassline' and brought togethe unusual and emerging artists to Liverpool.
June
Rhumba: Friday 6th June @ Walk The Plank: With a music policy of tech-house and techno, Rhumba's night at Walk the Plank included Guest Dj's Ben Klock (resident at Berlin's famous venue Berghain) as well as resident Dj's, Cler Lever and Liam Bulloch.
Igloo: Saturday 5th July @ The Willamson Tunnels : Following the success of Igloo's 4th birthday Igloo has pushed the boundaries and will host their next event in the Williamson Tunnels. Joining Igloo residents Carl Dunne, Jo Joy and Denzil will be house Dj Da Sunlounge from Derby
Celtic Bazaar: Saturday 9th August the old Police Station on Lark Lane: Hosted in a unique atmospheric venue this event will see a night of acoustic music, featuring artists from across England, Ireland and Scotland. Topping the bill is Frank Kennan together with blues slide-guitarist Barney Ronney together with blues and gospel singer Rose Devine.
July
Leap - special guests Kinky Movement: Friday 25th July A new bi-monthly night organised by a promoters' collective presenting underground house and disco at new venue, The Vault (Hardman Street), on 25th July. Kinky Movement (from Nottingham) represent the cream of British DJs within a branch of house music marginalised by the mainstream press. www.myspace.com/leapliverpool
Zoe Conway & John McIntyre in Concert: Taking place at the Everyman Theatre on Saturday the 12th of July. Irish fiddle player Zoe Conway has collaborated with Lou Reed, Nick Cave and Damien Rice annd has performed at Carnegie Hall NY. Zoe will also participate in workshops for aspiring musicians at St. Michael's Irish Centre. www.zoeconway.com
Freeze: Saturday the 19th July at the Lemon Lounge. Scott Bradford, of legendary Newcastle club night Shindig and seminal productioon team Lexington Avenue, headlines this house/techno club night. Big name talent in an intimate venue. www.myspace.com/freeze_liverpool
August
Coco de Mer: On Saturday 9th August Coco de Mer brings Pan-Pot from Berlin (live laptops with synths & analog) and Sascha Dive from Frankfurt (currently creating a stir in the Deep House scene) to the Magnet. In addition to this Plastic Soup will host the second room with sets from Leo Belchetz & General Jimmy. www.myspace.com/cocodemerevents
No Age: The LA Art Rock Indie band, more used to playing the Scala in London, will perform for an intimate audience at Static Gallery on Wednesday 13th August. They will be supported by A.p.A.t.T. and Antlers (featuring members of Go faster>>> and Hot Club de Paris). www.thejammfactory.co.uk
Above The Beaten Track: A two day mult-art form festival featuring unsigned acts, DJs, visual artists, film, photography, AV work on Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th August at the View Two Gallery (www.viewtwogallery.co.uk). The aim is to encourage networking and cross-pollination for those participating in the city's vibrant underground scenes. Over 20 live acts have been booked along with almost 20 DJs.
Frakass: Sonny Simmons has worked with McCoy Tyner, Eric Dolphy, Charles Mingus and many more. On Sunday 28th September his quartet will be supported by A.p.A.t.T., Mugstar & Philip Jeck in an evening of experimental live music with DJs and live video projections. www.frakture.org/frakass.htm
September
Coco de Mer: On 12th September @ The Magnet. Coco de Mer's event will bring Mike Monday joined by 'Lemos' (of Kreon & Lemos fame). It will also include Radio One's Chris Coco, Alex Wasilkowski and Mark Barnes. www.myspace.com/cocodemerevents
The Familiar Looking Strangers Freak Show: On 18th September @ The Magnet. Hosted by arts management company, Canned Panther and Nice 08 (Nordic Arts & Culture Festival) this event line up includes DJ Gary Holden, Familiar Looking Strangers, The Talk Abouts and Thin Jim and The Castaways. The event will also host a variety of alternative entertainment such as belly dancers, jugglers and living statues! www.magnetliverpool.co.uk
October
Rhumba: On Friday 3rd October @ Karova. With a music policy of Tech House & Techno with see Phil Kieran as it's main guest. Supporting Kiernan, one of the biggest producers in the world on the Techno scene, will also be resident Dj's Cler Lever and Liam Bulloch. www.myspace.com/rhumbacarnivalofthenight
Disco Science : On the 31st October @ The Vault. In order to celebrate Disco Science's 4th Birthday this night will headline with international live artist and DJ Will Saul along with local electronica band Kilaflaw. Supporting the 2 acts will be resident Dj's Andy Earley and Wes Hart along with local Dj BLEN. www.myspace.com/discoscientists
Watchu Sayin & Spred Luv Present That's The Joint, That's The Jam: On 20th November @ The Magnet. As a fundraiser event for the night 'Watchu Sayin', That's the Jam, That's the Joint, is bringing one of the biggest UK Hip Hop DJ's to Liverpool, Mr Thing, along with his DJ collective III Commotion. www.myspace.com/watchusayinwww.myspace.com/spredluvcollective
Pigeonhole Disco: On 7th November @ The Magnet. A brand new clubnight that will focus on dance music from the past 30 years as well as current scenes and genras, such as Disco, House, Funk and Techno. www.myspace.com/pigeonholedisco
November
Celtic Bazaar: On the 8th November @ The Old Police Station on Lark Lane. As well as performances from Jon Brindley, The Gypsy Brothers and The Red Crow Junction this night will also see an art exhibitions and dance performances from the Merseyside Dance Initiative.
Stripes Go Faster: On the 13th November @ The Carling Academy. This disco gig is an all ages event that incorporates electronic music, live art and Japanese-inspired projections. 16 year old Andy will be making his debut alongside Dj TigerStyle and Hadouken. www.purplerevolver.com
Archive: On the 21st November @ Leaf. Detroit's legendary dj and innovator, Theo Parrish will play a 5 hour set. The night will also host Greg Wilson. www.archive-club.co.uk & www.thisisleaf.co.uk
December
Meshuggy: On the 8th December @ Korova. Celebrating 3 years of gigs in Liverpool with a very special American solo headline act, Zach Hillm, supported by Avenging Force, Indica Ritual and more.
Dreadnought: On the 19th December @ The Picket: Focusing on cutting edge electronic dance music this night will see Robbo Ranx headlining supported by Tigerstyle.www.myspace.com/dreadnoughtliverpool
Pigeon Hole Disco: On the 13th December @ The Lemon Lounge. A night of Modern Disco, House, Techno and Electro, the night will host Djing duo, People Get Real supported by local Dj Jon Bainbridge. www.myspace.com/pigeonholedisco
Jasbof Present Zombie: On the 30th January @ Bar Fresa. A club night featuring one of the most acclaimed new producers from 2008, Zombie. www.myspace.com/jasbofliverpoool
