Springkell Live 2021

It’s no secret that I have an eclectic mix of interests, plus a number of ongoing projects which champion or link with at least one of these in some way. I’d already worked on various community events and been one of a team who saved an art deco cinema. However, the first event which I organised which made my work public was the Vintage Computer Festival GB, or VCF as it became known, at Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire. The whole purpose of doing that event was to raise the profile of the National Museum of Computing, but more specifically to help make it financially secure. It was an interest in historical buildings and heritage in general which helped drive me to do something. I was motivated and inspired by the late Tony Sale who, aside from being one of the original saviours of the site, was also a very good and dear friend. When Andy McCluskey offered to come on board with an OMD event it was a complete gamechanger because I brought my love of music into the project.

Ten years on and with many other events and small festivals under my belt (including Silicon Dreams Festival) I had the impulsive idea that it would be amazing to do a small music festival on a Scottish estate. I’ve always loved Scotland anyway, so running any event up there seemed like a perfect idea. However – the idea of running it on an estate carried a far deeper motive. It’s easy to say that being a Lord, Baron, Laird or property owner is a privileged existence but I know all too well that properties like that are a big mouth to feed, financially. They need to earn their keep to survive which is why so many become wedding venues. Within a couple of weeks I found myself visiting Springkell and meeting James, the owner (who is also partial to good electronic music), and the initial seeds of Springkell Live were sown. From my perspective, this isn’t just a music event. I’m putting together something which will help a beautiful house and grounds earn its keep, as well as providing something for the community. Most of the suppliers and external stakeholders are local businesses. It’s a small event on purpose – it’s privately financed, we are using someone’s private property which I want to see respected, but more significantly because small events provide an intimate atmosphere which we love. Aside from which there are at least two other festivals in the area and we don’t want to tread on their toes. This is about complementing what they do for the region, not competing against it. The last thing I want is to make someone else’s job more difficult.

Of course, things don’t always go to plan and shortly after we announced the event the Coronavirus pandemic brought much of the world to a halt. I had hoped to spend more time getting to know the local community before the event itself, but unfortunately travel restrictions rendered that impossible. The planned road map out of restrictions is less defined in Scotland than it is in England, so we’re working with difficult odds. We want this to work for the area, we want to get our musicians back out there performing after a difficult year and we want other businesses to prosper too – but we can only do it if people support it. That means the relevant authorities being clear with guidelines and people buying tickets. Whatever happens we will comply with it. Aside from Plan A, there is a B and C as well.

I will be bringing several of my trusted and reliable team with me. Jill Wells has managed our hospitality side for many years and is very good at giving me a push if I forget something. Mark Taylor has been front of house for a number of events (aside from being a friend for over thirty years) and Mark Carter is a successful promoter having run several events in London. There are a list of others involved, both locally and from around the country, but if I try to mention everyone here I’m bound to miss a name off!

Finally, if there are other local businesses who may wish to open a stall or be a part of the event then please do get in touch. With every event we always set out to welcome musicians, other promoters and even organisers of other festivals – this is a difficult business trying to get up and running in difficult times. If we can help each other then we all stand to benefit in the long run.

The website is of course www.springkell.live which has links to our social media. If there’s anything else you’d like to know or ask then once again, please do get in touch. Fingers crossed that we get to welcome you all in June.

Simon.

(Photo credit : Duncan Ireland Photography for Springkell)

The Manchester Superheroes

It’s 2020. Britain is in the middle of a viral pandemic and the country is in lockdown. Streets are deserted, shops are closed and people are staying at home to protect their lives. Meanwhile, something has started to happen in Manchester… help is at hand…

A group of superheroes have risen to the challenge and are going out on the streets. Their mission is to bring some cheer to the city’s children who are stuck at home, often sick or self-isolating to protect themselves from illness – like little Ava who is battling with leukemia. Batman, Wonderwoman, Spiderman, Captain America and others have been joined by Disney and Pixar characters such as Snow White and Woody. Every day they have been going out to visit young children who await them from a safe distance – often from a front window or across the garden. Many greet their heroes with drawings or have dressed as their favourite character themselves.

A rumour circulating is that these superheroes are in fact ordinary Manchester people working under cover, raising funds for the NHS as they go. One of my friends is a spokesperson for the heroes. Emma Ainscough (who looks suspiciously like Wonderwoman – the two have never been seen in the same place at once), told me what it was about. “They do it for the children.”, she says. “Most of them are really fed up with being unable to go out and enjoy the sunshine as they would normally. Some are quite poorly, so they’ve been really excited to see their favourite hero. It makes their day”.

It is hoped that these acts of heroism in Manchester will inspire other towns and cities to call upon heroes of their own. That way, they may bring a smile to their children as well.

Some people who give to their community do so for what they can get out of it themselves. With Emma there is no agenda and her involvement is purely altruistic, done for no other reason than to bring happiness to young children. It’s all done for the smiles – not for rewards or adulation. Hopefully it’ll make lives easier for parents who have been struggling to keep families happy during the lockdown. However, that doesn’t mean a friend doesn’t deserve a shout out when she’s doing something great for others.

To support the cause, or know more about what the Manchester superheroes have been up to, then you can read all about it at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stockport-spiderman.

Envirolution Festival 2018

This year, I have joined the Envirolution Festival team so thought it fitting to describe what it’s all about. The event returns to Platt Fields Park, Fallowfield in Manchester this Saturday 2nd June from 1-7pm, and it is shaping up to be even bigger and better than ever before.

Envirolution Festival aims to showcase the very best of Manchester and to demonstrate the community spirit that Manchester is famous for. Over the last year or so I’ve spent more time in the city and have warmed to the place more than I’d expected to.

It’s a family event, so there will be activities for all ages. Games, holistic therapies, eco-themed workshops, music and – of course – food. Plant-powered food will be supplied this year in a collaboration with GRUB Manchester, with eight vegan traders lined-up to tempt the palate.

Music will be provided courtesy of  The Gaskell Garden Project, who will be providing a “Freedom Matters style shindig”. There will be an eclectic mix of music from local musicians performing throughout the day.

Envirolution’s press release states – “With a focus on inclusivity, Envirolution prides itself on being family friendly, and there are plenty of workshops perfect for kids, including arts and crafts, creating mini pop-up farms, seed bombs and also a fairtrade ground with prizes to be won. Two of the co-creators of The Wonder Inn will be hosting the Healing Fields for the first time; offering workshops that celebrate wellbeing and togetherness – from yoga, drumming & meditation – to sound healing and dream catcher making; and you can treat yourself to a session with one of many highly skilled therapists… with much more to explore and learn about positive transformation”.

Being an eco-themed event, there will be discussions on how to grow your own veg, reduce how much plastic you use and get more involved in local community projects. Additionally, there will be acoustic performances, spoken word artists and dance collectives showing off their talents.

Perhaps one of Envirolution’s more obvious merits is that it makes people more conscious and aware of the environment around them. It then presents this in a way which is both educational and entertaining to everyone, not least those with young families. Both adults and children will be able to learn more about food production, sustainability, recycling, upcycling and health – all valuable in a society which seems obsessed with disposability and consumerism. The workshops which focus on growing your own food and maintaining your wellbeing mean that you’ll not only be having a great day out – you’ll be learning new life skills.

Envirolution Festival 2018 takes place at Platt Fields Park, Fallowfield, Manchester on Saturday 2nd June starting at 1pm. Entry is free, but what you’ll take away will be invaluable. You’ll have a great day out too.

Photo courtesy of Envirolution

Let Us Spray

With both Threshold Festival and Silicon Dreams Festival taking a fallow year this year, this has freed up time to turn attention to other projects. I have been asked a number of times if I would consider organising or hosting a smaller night of live music. Thanks in part to a little persuasion by Liverpool’s Zanzibar Club, we are delighted to announce what will be a very special and fun night. I say “we” because this is very much a team effort between the artists, venue and myself.

At long last, Spray will be headling their own night in the birth city of British pop. The name may mean little or nothing to you, but if you think back to Christmas 1999 and a Cuban Boys hit called Cognoscenti vs. Intelligentsia – better known as the Hamster Dance – then you may be familiar with their commercial success at least…

Spray is comprised of Ricardo Autobahn (synthesizers) and Jenny McLaren (vocals, guitars), both formerly of the Cuban Boys, who took their chaotic technopunk to number 1 on the Festive 50 (twice). They also recorded one of the best Peel Sessions ever and went head-to-head with Sir Cliff Richard in a battle for the Christmas number one (but ultimately lost). Their hit single ‘Cognoscenti Vs Intelligentsia’ (a.k.a. ‘The Hamster Dance Song’) sold a million copies, reached number 4 in the UK single charts, landed them on Top of the Pops and, in the words of John Peel, was “the most requested song I’ve had since ‘God Save The Queen’. BBC producer Mike Engles selected the Cuban Boys’ first Peel Session as one of his top 10 all-time favourites, alongside Nirvana, The Damned and Ivor Cutler.

Spray will be joined by Factory Acts, a Salford-based post-punk dark-electro duo. They are Susan O’Shea on vocals, synths and analogue digital devices, and Matt Davies covering bass guitar, beats and mixes.

Factory Acts was born following the accidental creation of a new sound, and a hastily written two song instrumental debut at the legendary Salford Lad’s Club. After wowing audiences and critics alike with their debut EP Thirst in 2014, Salford’s underground, postpunk maestros released their highly-anticipated follow-up, the Second Amendment EP, in April 2017 on Manchester’s alternative electronic label AnalogueTrash. Factory Acts have received repeated air play on BBC Introducing Manchester, Ireland’s 2FM, Salford City Radio and numerous internet stations worldwide. They played two sets at electric Picnic 2017 and are regulars on the Manchester and Salford gig circuit. Previously, they have supported Kite Base (Savages), Brix and the Extricated (ex-Fall), The Skeletal Family, 1919, Cruxshadows, Tom Hingley (Inspiral Carpets), Clan of Xymox and electro-Goth legends Naked Lunch.

To give the evening a local flavour, we will be joined by two Liverpool bands. Fresh from their slot at the Smithdown Road Festival, Double Echo will bring their dark, gothic synths and baritone vocals alongside electro artist Irny.

All-in-all, these are four bands who are very different but complement each other all the same. Tickets are at an all-time low price to encourage new audiences. If you’ve never been to a grass-roots live music event with independent bands, then give this one a try – you won’t be sorry.

Further details as well as a link to buy tickets are available here :

https://www.facebook.com/events/128747657982882/

 

Silicon Dreams Festival 2017

After a brief hiatus, Silicon Dreams Festival returns to Liverpool this year. The line-up is pretty impressive and has been expanded from four to six artists. Moreover, it’s all happening in the Music Room of the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on Hope Street -arguably the finest small live music venue in the northwest.

We’ve gone for a selection of established bands, perennial favourites and highly talented newcomers to electronic music. Leading the line-up is Australian synthpop band Parralox. Having worked with the likes of Ian Burden from The Human League and Marcella Detroit from Shakespeares Sister fame, their pedigree is impressive. Aside from an impressive back catalogue of original material with some new masterpieces, they’ve also released some polished covers of songs from Heaven 17, Depeche Mode and other well-known bands.

London-based Avec Sans will be joining us, fresh from their North American and Canadian tour. Future Perfect return after hugely popular performances at previous Silicon Dreams events – we were asked to bring them back so many times, it was impossible to say no! Wakefield trio Berlyn Trilogy complete the band line-up with their first live performance of 2017.

Also joining us will be two critically acclaimed and incredibly talented solo artists. With a rock’n’roll edge, Leicester-based Caroline McLavy and experimental pop artiste Voi Vang have both received fantastic reviews for their songs and live performances. Differing styles, but both very impressive. All in all, you won’t be disappointed with the event.

Further details, artist information, music videos and ticket information can be obtained from the Silicon Dreams Festival website at www.silicondreams.org.uk.

 

A Christmas Gig in a Chapel

How do you fancy a Christmas night out with live music in a converted chapel? We’re not talking hymns here though…

A special Christmas show at The Hermon Chapel, Oswestry in Shropshire is on Saturday the 3rd of December. It will be headlined by Bluetones front man Mark Morriss, featuring support slots from Mike Wilton of The Standard Lamps and Mark Dennis along with a few other guests.

Image (c) The Intimate Gig Company

This will be the first outing at the Herman for the Intimate Gig Company. As the name implies, only a limited number of tickets are on sale for what will be a very special evening of  live music, laughter and Christmas socialising. All of the artists are genuinely nice blokes and will be around for a chat (and a drink!) during the evening. Now isn’t that much more appealing than a big arena gig where the artists are far away in the distance?

Tickets are on sale now at £15, but be quick as they are selling fast. More details are on the Facebook event page and Hermon Chapel website. If you see me there, please say hello!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1122178371171357/

http://www.hermonchapel.com/

Springtime 2016 Antics

After a year which brought something of a hiatus in terms of event organisation for me, I’m back in full swing this year. I’ve cut down on what I do and am focusing more on the music side of things, and as a result of streamlining things I’m making changes on the company front. In the meantime, however, there are a couple of things which I am working on at the moment.

First up is Silicon Dreams @ Threshold. On Saturday 2nd April we’re taking over at the Baltic Social in Liverpool for a night of five electronic bands plus DJ. It’s part of Threshold Festival Six which runs across a dozen venues in the Baltic Triangle disctrict of the city and includes musicians and artists of all genres and ages.

In May, I’ll be rejoining my friends for ROM : Retro Oxford Mayhem. This takes place at the White House pub in Abingdon Road, Oxford  on the 21st and 22nd May and promises a weekend of retro gaming, beer, curry and lots of fun! It’s a charity event and this year supports Cancer Research – a cause which is very close to my heart, and the heart of many others. The web address on the poster isn’t live at the time of writing, but there is a Facebook page which tells you more.

If you can come along to either or both of these events then it would be good to see as many friends as possible. You’d also be supporting good causes too.

threshold.co.uk

www.facebook.com/ROMretroevent/

 

Goodbye 2015, Hello 2016.

As 2015 draws to a close, it is customary to reflect on the highs and lows of a year which has, in this case, presented many challenges. In live music terms it has been a difficult time for artists and promoters alike, regardless of genre. Many smaller gigs and festivals were cancelled due to low ticket sales, reflecting a trend that the public as a whole were not only more hesitant in deciding which gigs to go to but more discerning as well.

This prudence makes sense – with many people having less disposable income to spend, they are being more cautious in where to spend it. If three gigs interest you but you only want to spend money on going to one, every event has to be extra appealing. When I took the decision to cancel this year’s Silicon Dreams Festival, the sales pattern was following a similar line to other events of the genre – a slow trickle rather than a flood – but for me personally, that was too big a risk and one I wasn’t prepared to take. If I feel that an event will be less than 100% ideal, I won’t go ahead with it.

It is very easy for the critical blogger to argue that only the “best” artists are worthy of gigs at a time like this, but really that comes across as trying to dictate what the public will and won’t find acceptable or enjoyable. Some bands will always be more gifted than others and better at presenting their art. Some will always be more advanced technically – others will simply write more appealing songs. Does that mean that those who are less perfect than others should be dismissed? No, of course they shouldn’t – besides, bands often evolve. If technical ability and song writing perfection are essential to a music scene as a whole then we would never have had the punk movement in the late 1970s. It was the “have-a-go” ethos of punk which then carried across into early electronic music. So really those who take a snobbish value against the current crop are bands are arguing a point which conflicts against the very beginnings of synth music and the classic “Synth Britannia” era.

There are some excellent new electronic bands out there, but there is no denying that many of them originate from the continent. Bringing them across to the UK for gigs presents challenges in terms of costs and awareness, especially within a nation which is convinced that the synth is dated and not mainstream any more. Putting on a successful live performance is as much about marketing as it is about the music. It’s logical that people won’t know if they like the music if they don’t know about it in the first place. Moreover, they then have to give the music a listen and give it a chance. Marketing is a skill in itself, limited by ability and budget. Just look at how reality shows like X-Factor have huge appeal, when really it’s more about marketing and image than the music itself.

During the second half of this year I took a step back from events. For me, every year since 2009 has seen a large amount of my time taken up by them. Consequently, I took the decision to free up more time to devote to other areas of work and the people closest to me. As a music fan and occasional promoter, I don’t pretend to be an expert with all of the answers on how to create a perfect music industry. I know what I like, and like other promoters I try and use my judgement when it comes to putting on a show. It is a lot of hard work and money. If you love music – no matter what the genre – then please support your live music scene.

As for 2016, it’s a year I’m looking forward to. I do have a few ideas and projects in the early stages, but I’m remaining tight-lipped for now…

Electronically Yours in Silicon Dreams.

It’s been a few months since I’ve written, and in that time I’ve been very busy with things which some may argue are less interesting than music. I’m not sure that I would agree with the sentiment, but they would be less interesting to read about here certainly. There is no point in writing for the sake of it, as it comes across as boring and/or egotistical…

In May I took the difficult decision to postpone the Silicon Dreams festival until such a time where it was both practical and appropriate to make the event a success. This year has been extremely difficult for live music events – specifically those which do not have access to sponsorship or large pots of money to throw at them. Trying to put together what is essentially a grass-roots event is a difficult balancing act between spending money, marketing and cutting a proverbial cloth to what is financially viable and practical. I didn’t like disappointing people, but I would rather hold off and do the event justice as quality is of paramount importance. Everything has to be right. The plan at the moment is to bring a revised Silicon Dreams Festival back in 2016, and it will be a very special event.

Some of you may be aware that Electronically Yours has made a welcome return. EY was the pioneering online news magazine for electronic music, and after a break of three years or so it is back. In its original incarnation it was the first to discover the likes of Marsheaux, actively promoted and encouraged bands such as Northern Kind, and was accompanied by a series of live events as well as compilation albums. I was asked if I would manage live events for the revived EY, which I am happy to do alongside a great new team. Elecrtronically Yours is online now at a temporary URL, but will shortly be moving to the permanent address of http://www.electronicallyyours.co.uk.

One of the aims of Silicon Dreams and Electronically Yours is to bring fresh new electronic music to new audiences, so that it may be appreciated by many rather than just a few. I’ll be a bit quiet for the rest of this year as I concentrate on other projects, but next year will be very exciting indeed.

Merry Christmas Once Again

Another year is almost over, and what a year it has been. It has been something of a roller-coaster ride as I started the year feeling like a computing events organiser, but finished up wearing the tag of music promoter for real. I know I’ve been responsible for a couple of pretty special gigs previously, but this was the first year where the music took the focus and computers took a back seat.

No matter where your interests lie, there is in all likelihood a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion. From this friendships are made, and I’m fortunate to have made some very good friends from the vintage computing fanbase. This year, I made many more friends from the electronic music scene and this is what makes all of the hard work from every event worthwhile. There were a couple of steep learning curves – some friends came and some friends went, but overall the experience was a positive one.

Hopefully there will be some things to look forward to in 2015. The ROM charity computing event will be back next year in Oxford. It was the only computer gaming event I was involved with this year, but the atmosphere was just right – a lot of fun and raised a lot of money for a good cause too. My own Silicon Dreams happened in June, and it was the most enjoyable event I’ve organised in a long time. It was a pleasure to finally do something in my home city of Liverpool, and I am pleased to say we’ll be returning to do it all again next year. However, due to the success of this year the format will be changing and the event itself will be much bigger with a few surprises. As for something new, well, we’ll see…

I’d like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy 2015. I hope to see many of my friends new and old again next year – and I look forward to meeting many more!