Un-convention Blog

Aniff Akinola

Aniff Akinola is renowned vocalist, writer, producer and ex label owner, one half of cult Manc hip-hop outfit ‘Chapter and the Verse’, co-writer of a Guy Called Gerald’s classic house anthem ‘Voodoo Ray’, co-writer of Kirsty MacColl’s hit ‘Walking Down Madison’ and general co-conspirator of such 90’s electronic luminaries as The Orb, Steve Hillage and The Beloved also co writer of Ian Browns “Set My Baby Free” and more recently one half of the duo Backyard Dog whom wrote the top 20 hit ‘Baddest Ruffest’ which went on to become the Coca Cola World Cup theme and Feat in Ali Gs ‘In the house” and ‘Bend it like Beckham’. The Ironweed Project is his latest incarnation which is described as a mash up of blues, drum n bass and electronica.

Website: www.myspace.com/theironweedproject

John Smith

John Smith is quietly becoming recognized as one of the most exciting voices on the British Folk scene. He has spent several years solidly on the road, touring with folk legend John Martyn and accompanying Davy Graham on his final UK tour. He has also supported John Renbourn, Martin Carthy, Jools Holland, Martin Simpson, Tunng, and has shared the stage with Cara Dillon, James Yorkston and Gomez. As well as his own packed-out solo tours, John has built a strong word-of-mouth following on the festival circuit and has a devoted fanbase at home and abroad.

His new album, recorded in the swamps and forests of the deepest southern USA, will be out in a few months.

Website: myspace.com/johnacousticsmith

johnsmithjohnsmith.com

Favourite Cake: Chocolate

John Robb – Goldblade

Diving head first into pop culture with the 1-2-3-4 of DIY punk rock, John Robb blitzkrieged out of Blackpool fronting underground punk rock noiseniks the Membranes who he released several critically acclaimed records and toured the world with. Starting out writing his own fanzine he moved onto the music press and became the main freelancer at Sounds being the first to person to interview Nirvana in the world and accidently coin the phrase Britpop on the way in a gonzoid- flaming- keyboard journalism career.

Recent years have seen countless TV appearances as a respected pop pundit, a whole series of books including the recent ‘Punk Rock An oral History’ and ‘the North Will Rise Again- an oral history Of Manchester Music’ and the best selling biog of the Stone Roses. He currently fronts the ultimate live band- the fiercely defiant punk rock of Goldblade and is currently putting together a TV series for mainstream television and playing festivals across Europe…

Website: http://www.myspace.com/goldblade

Olivia Chapman – Bloom Festival / AIF

Olivia Chapman is one of the Directors of Bloom Festival and is currently in the process of organising her fourth music festival which takes place on 14-16th August in South Gloucestershire. Bloom is an independent, boutique festival with a capacity of 6000 covering all genres from indie, folk and ska through to roots, D&B and house. The ethos behind Bloom is about making the festival experience an easy one and a friendly one – good facilities, great gourmet food, top notch entertainment and loads of fun. “We want to make it feel like one big house party”. In addition to the festival Olivia is heavily involved in promoting club, live music and art events all year long and has been working within the industry for about 6 years – although a long running passion for diverse, exciting and well produced events is the driving force behind Bloom and everything she works on. “It’s very important for me to work with as much home grown talent as possible – there is so much quality out there! This year we have about 100 unsigned UK acts on the bill at Bloom”.

Contact: olivia@bloomfestival.com

Website: http://bloomfestival.com/

Favourite cake: I love all cake. If I was stuck on a desert (dessert?!) island – it would have to be carrot cake – with really good quality cream cheese icing.

Ruth Daniel – Fat Northerner Records / Un-convention

Ruth Daniel co-founded Manchester indie label, Fat Northerner Records in 2003. In the proud tradition of great British indies such as 4AD, Warp, Creation and of course Factory, Fat Northerner only release music by artists they believe in.

Fat Northerner has worked with over 60 bands and was one of the first labels to fully embrace the digital revolution. Their recent project involves current bands reworking Salford punk-poet John Cooper Clarke’s material and has attracted interest from many top artists, bands and spoken word artists.

Ruth is co-founder and chair of Un-Convention, a music conference aimed specifically at the grass roots of the industry, the goal is to bring together like minded individuals to discuss the future of Independent music. Ruth is also Director of a new online live music industry project with fellow UKYME nominee Ian Chamings. Ruth was shortlisted for UK Young Music Entrepreneur 2008. Ruth believes in making music as culture, rather than music as commerce.

Ruth’s commitment for music in the NW is very strong, as cited in a statement from the jury on the UK Young Entrepreneur panel, for the award that she was short listed for this year (supported by NESTA and The British Council):

‘With passion and enthusiasm for both music and her region, Ruth has in a short time built an independent record label representing talent from the North-West. She is a genuine and very hardworking young music entrepreneur representing quality acts, and the judges applaud her obvious commitment’ (Jury included Alison Wenham, Chief Exec. AIM; Paul Williams, Editor Music Week; and Phil Patterson, International Business Specialist for Music, UK Trade and Investment)

Website: www.fatnortherner.com

Lil’ Fee – The Whip

I am an experienced contemporary drummer, who at the age of 24, has played with 5 signed acts, toured the world, recorded on several albums and played live sessions at legendary studios like Maida Vale. I have played with UK acts, The Whip, Performance, Dead Disco, Filthy Dukes and The Noisettes along with number one selling international act Robyn. I also DJ independently and with the band and have played DJ sets in UK, Japan and USA.

The 2007 and 2008 gig highlights – Manchester’s D Percussion festival, a headline tour culminating at hometown Manchester Academy 2, Glastonbury, Creamfields, Latitude, Amsterdam at Paradiso with Justice, STRP Festival in Amsterdam with Soulwax, Fuji Rock Festival, a London all-nighter with Digitalism, playing Fabric for Adventures In The Beetroot Field, manic glowstick-wielding crowds in tiny Midlands clubs – have been many and varied. I have also played TV gigs, such as GMTV (ITV) and Sound (BBC 2) with Robyn.

Currently signed with The Whip (with worldwide record deals), 2009 will see tours of UK, Australia and USA plus festival highlights around the globe including Fuji Rock, SXSW, Snowbombing (Austria) and We Love Sounds Festival (Australia). Plus – I will play any UK shows and TV appearances with Robyn in the UK where possible. The highlight of 2008 will be the NYE gig where I play with both The Whip and Filthy Dukes at Matter in London.

PETER HOOK, 13/2/1956 SALFORD…….WARSAW, JOY DIVISION, NEW ORDER, HACIENDA, REVENGE, MONACO, FREEBASS.

Contact: fletch@onelove-music.com

Favourite Cake: Carrot, pineapple upside down and Lemon Drizzle.

Amran Ellahi – Aa’shiq al-Rasul

Amran Ellahi is a prominent Community Leader who encourages British Muslims to be inspired by their faith and seamlessly fulfil their responsibilities and obligations as British citizens.

Amran has spent his years serving numerous community initiatives and has established credentials, including:

Establishing an internationally renowned Muslim music band Aa’shiq al-Rasul,

Music and Culture Consultant to train teachers and music leaders in Muslim Music and Arts for integration into the National Curriculum,

Creating and facilitating bespoke workshops for schools and other organisations,

Organising and promoting musical concerts,

Founder of The H.E.ART Centre (focal point for community activities),

Developed The Innocence Project (designed to empower youth from deprived backgrounds),

One constant in Amran’s purpose in this wide range of programs and services is his intent to increase people’s understanding of one another by helping to build social bridges whilst working with all faiths and cultures towards sharing a message of peace, love and hope.

Amran’s track record demonstrates his commitment to this vision and continues to seek alliances to further this mission.

Website: www.aashiqalrasul.com

Favourite Cake: Chocolate Concrete

Peter Jobson – I Am Kloot

BA Hons in Popoular Music and Recording from Salford College.

Director of Skinny Dog Records Ltd.

Released Albums and toured internationally with I Am Kloot.

Experience including: Concert Promotion, Press / Radio / Web plugging, Tour Management, Proffessional Recording, Record & Publishing Contracts, Management, Licensing.

Since 1999 I have been working as a professional musician with I Am Kloot and have experience in all areas of the music industry. I Am Kloot are a three piece band based in Manchester. Kloot have released five albums to date. We have worked with Major / Major Independent record companies and publishers. We have been at the core of all the decision making concerning kloot. We are currently in the studio making our 6th album With Guy Garvey & Craig Potter producing. This album will be released on our own label Skinny Dog in the Autumn of this year. 

Website: www.iamkloot.com

www.myspace.com/iamklootmusic

Eleanor Brody – BeeLegal

Established by Eleanor Brody, BeeLegal is a legal consultancy based at Blueprint Studios in Salford which offers legal and business affairs advice to individuals and companies working in the music and entertainment industry.

Eleanor has extensive experience advising on various issues and contracts which might arise in the music and entertainment industry. However her principal focus is to assist those individuals who are getting started in the business, whether you are looking for advice on your business set-up; are a new manager investing in the development of young talent; or are an artist who needs assistance putting a team together. At all stages of your career it is important to have a legal representative in your corner who understands the workings of the music business.

BeeLegal is based outside the capital because Eleanor wanted to provide an affordable and accessible legal service to those who live and work in the north of England. Eleanor prides herself on being approachable and developing strong, long-lasting working relationships with clients.

Website: www.beelegal.co.uk