Home Of Metal: Sirens Of Sparkhill
4.45PM SATURDAY I THEATRE
Kerrang! DJ Johnny Doom will be hosting a special roundtable chat with past and present members of Napalm Death – so if you ever wanted to hear about the formative years of the world’s premier grindcore band, or if you just want to discover exactly what the bloody hell a swinging thumbjump is, you’d be advised to set time aside to catch this one-off discussion.
As part of our Home Of Metal project
Eagle & Feather present the third greatest story ever told, that of ‘Bobby Davro’s ‘The Making of Kipple’, the second greatest story, the story of Jesus, and the greatest story every told, that of Val Kilmer.
Local historian, illustrator and Supersonic regular Ben Waddington has created a series of illustrations to mark the countdown to the festival:
Calling Birds:
Ben Waddington’s illustration sequence for Supersonic mirrors the countdown of the 12 Days of Christmas, borrowing classic Capsule iconography.
Perry
To our delight we received these amazing Supersonic posters at our office today. They have been created by Italian screenprint collective Malleus. Following our theme of autumn, they have been designed using a metallic ink on brown card. We will have a limited number on sale at the festival.
Have a look at the set they created for us in 2008
Have a look at the Malleus blog to see their print process
There’s a double page feature on Supersonic in this months Brum Notes magazine. Here’s the scanned in article::
In case that’s too small, and to read the page that’s on the right, here’s a link to the online version (scroll through to pages 14/15).
Here’s an excerpt::
When was the last time you played in Britain?
Pierre Bastien: The last time was at the Bath Festival this year. But before that I took part in Sound UK’s programme Fertilizer. And I toured with Squarepusher four years ago, and took part in three ‘raves’ probably, because it was more than a concert – the whole night was music. Also in London, I played at the Rough Trade store when it was at Covent Garden in the afternoon, that was very small but very nice. And a very nice concert organised by, I think, The Wire and a label called Chill Out – I don’t know if it still exists.
How did Squarepusher’s audience take to you?
PB: I never dared to look at the people! Laughs] I was a bit scared actually! I was playing almost first, Luke Vibert was warming up the place and I was right after him. I think it was kind of an introduction to the rest [of the evening], but it was very audacious of Tom [Jenkinson] to invite me there. I think it went well, but I never dared to check if they were dancing or not so I’ll never know. Probably not of course, but moving at least, I hope, a little bit! [Laughs]
For the full interview click here.
With less than 3 weeks to go until Supersonic 2010, this is the third and fina podcast created by Little Chris of Brumcast fame, to give you a real taster for what’s in store – enjoy!
1. Master Musicians Of Bukakke – Cascade Cathedral (4:13)
2. Napalm Death – Mass Appeal Madness (3:29)
3. Drumcorps – Pig Destroyer Destroyer (4:26)
4. People Like Us – Gesundheit! (1:16)
5. Chrome Hoof – Crystalline (4:01)
6. James Blackshaw – Cross (8:38)
7. Health & Efficiency – Yes I walked alone (4:23)
8. Swans – Time Is Money (Bastard) (6:20)
9. Mugstar – Technical Knowledge as a Weapon (5:40)
10. Gnod – Twin Within (13:11)
11. Mothlite – The One In The Water (4:41)
12. K.K. Null – X-02 (4:25)
13. Part Wild Horses Mane On Both Sides – Earth Song (3:22)
14. Ovo – Ostkreuz (2:50)
15. Nicholas Bullen – Proximity (8:12)
16. Melt Banana – Dog Song (1:20)
17. Godflesh – Streetcleaner (6:43)
18. NEU! – SEE LAND (6:54)
Swans deliver a blistering set from the Trocadero on the first day of their tour and record release in Philly. We can’t wait!
Prick Your Finger
Workshop Sunday 24th 3-6pm
A craft and knitting workshop led by Rachael Matthews & Louise Harries aka Prick Your Finger, dedicated to making band inspired pom poms, think sparkly wool for Chrome Hoof style knitted treats.
The Craftspace Collective, responsible for the appearances of massive crocheted structures, hanging hedgerow woven gardens, Impromptu knitting and darning sessions and various other weird events in Birmingham City Centre, will be creating an inspiring space at this years Supersonic Festival. Escape the mayhem and take a moment to chill with the collective, maybe learn a new skill and discover the growing underground scene of guerrilla crafters, craftivism and DIY craft.
Craftspace Collective workshop led by Prick Your Finger
Sunday 24th 3 – 6pm
A craft and knitting workshop led by Rachael Matthews & Louise Harries aka Prick Your Finger, dedicated to making band inspired pom poms, think sparkly wool for Chrome Hoof style knitted treats, or if you want to take a load off and do a bit of quiet knitting, pop in.
Book your place now to become a member of the “Black Sun Drum Corps” at Supersonic
When: rehearsal / workshop 2pm, SATURDAY, 23rd October
Performance: 8.30pm Sunday 24th October
Number of places: 10
Cost: Free to weekend ticket holders
What: A chance to be a part of the Black Sun Drum Corps performance at Supersonic Festival, you’ll be taken through a two hour drum workshop / rehearsal taught by Drum Major McEwan and his leading drummers Ross Rankin of Titus Gein and Pete Flett of Holy Mountain with accompaniment by Kev Hare and Graeme Leffate of Black Sun.
All participants will learn the 30 minute set including a cover of ‘Total War’ by NON – a crowd favorite at Black Sun Drum Corps Shows! You will then take part in the performance that will be taking place on Sunday evening at Supersonic Festival. Warpaint will be provided for the performance. Participants are encouraged to bring their own kilts too!
Suitable for: All skill levels. Complete beginners welcome!
Booking: email admin[at]capsule.org.uk , marking the subject field as “Black Sun Drum Corps” you will then be contact with further details. Places will be offered on a first come first serve basis.
We’ve been asking regular attendees of Supersonic to recommend what they are most looking forward to seeing at this years festival. Stuart Braithwaite of Mogwai fame, will be introducing a screening of ‘Burning‘, a film by Nathanael Le Scouarnec and Vincent Moon which captures Mogwai performing over three nights at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NYC
Stuart will also be doing a spot or two of DJing over the weekend in between catching the following bands:
1 melt banana – Japan’s Melt Banana are without doubt one of the finest live bands on the planet. For years i’d heard their music on the John Peel show and loved it but it was only when i saw them play in the flesh that i realised what a special bunch of musicians they are. Their music is pretty much undescribable so i won’t bother trying. They need to be seen to be believed.
2 hallgallo – Michael Rother of Neu! and Harmonia fame’s current live group Hallo Gallo are fantastic. I saw them play in Edinburgh and it was one of the best shows i’ve seen for years. They don’t just trawl through the Neu! catalogue and instead create something really special and new while also dipping into some of the classic songs. Its not nostalgia at all. Brilliant.
3 Factory Floor – Of all the new bands playing Supersonic Factory Floor are the one i’m most excited about. I saw them support Fuck Buttons last year and they blew me away. They have a coldness about their music which recalls Throbbing Gristle or Joy Division but simultaneously sound totally modern. I also met them and they were lovely folk which always helps.
4 77 BOA DRUM– The Boredoms are a mind blowing live band and this will be my first experience of their drum extravaganza. To say i’m excited would be a massive understatement. This screening will rule.
5 Voice Of the Seven Thunders– The last time i saw Rick Tomlinson play it was under his previous monicker Voice Of the Seven Woods and i was totally mesmerised. Its a geeky guitar boy thing to say but he is a fucking amazing guitar player. His music is amazing and i’m really excited about hearing him again.
* good fact – it was Stuarts mum that first allerted us to the bomb scare of 2006, which she had seen announced on the news in Glasgow, unbeknown to us in Digbeth until a few hours later – always the last to hear about exciting developments!
In the lead up to Supersonic (just over 3 weeks away) we have asked regular visitors to tell us what they’re most looking forward to seeing this year. Contemporary artist Mark Titchner who contributed to our Home Of Metal symposium back in 2007 and will be exhibiting as part of our celebrations next summer at New Art Gallery Walsall, had this to say:
“As ever at Supersonic 2010 there is more to see and do than there is time but I’m particularly looking forward to Khyam Allami and Master Musicians of Bukkake, Lichens and Zeni Geva and then there is also the small matter of….Swans! Godflesh! Napalm Death! On consecutive nights! Yes this is really happening. Yes I’m excited.
There have been numerous highlights for me at Supersonic over the years, Harvey Milk, Corrupted, Dalek, Om, Earthless….but my fondest (?) memory is of the Oxbow Duos performance with Justin Broadrick, Stephen O’Malley and Dave Cochrane in 2007. A show that was so intense that I had a panic attack afterwards! ”
Photo by James Robinson crowd Supersonic 09
NEW FILM ABOUT THE LIVE MUSIC EXPERIENCE SEEKS GIG-GOERS!
EPIC, a new short film is the first music documentary to turn the cameras away from the performers, focusing purely on the people who are the very reason for their existence… the audience. It will celebrate the live music experience as a rite of passage, a bonding experience, an obsession, a job, a trip down memory lane and in some cases… a near-religious experience.
Epic is a one-off production for Film Four and may be filming at Supersonic Festival. The film – a homage to the live music experience – offers gig-goers a chance to have their perfect gig experience immortalised on film. The film will premiere at a red carpet screening at Abbey Road Studios.
The production team are putting out a call to anyone going to Supersonic Festival 2010 who would like to be in the film. They are particularly interested in hearing from anybody…
Who has never seen any live music before – aka first time gig-goers
Who is seeing their all-time favourite artist
Who is a friend of the band and has Access All Areas
Whose job it is to review or photograph the gig
Working at a the venue – as security, on the bar etc.
Working for an artist – as a roadie or another member of their entourage
Anyone interested in being involved with the film should email [email protected]
or Tweet us @Epicthefilm
Lichens (aka Rob Lowe) is not just performing at Supersonic, he is also curating a screening of a selection of films he has pulled together under the title ‘Outer Limits’ which will take place on Sunday in the Theatre space.
Outer Limits is an exploration of contemporary works dealing with observations and ritual practices in connection with the natural world and the cosmic plane.
Subtle, glacial and turbulent, like the simple seismic shift of Luke Fischbeck and Sarah Rara’s “Earthquakes Agave” , or the deep breathed bliss of Sabrina Ratté’s “Mirages”. These video works provide an open door into the next phases of image capture, while embracing the history of the medium.
With Paul Clipson and Rose Kallal both working in a multiple image16mm film format, it makes for a warm and saturated feel that is properly visceral. You truly understand the intuition and process both attribute to their craft as they immerse themselves in the violence and awe of nature and what is unknown.
The centerpiece of this program is “Guardian of the Veil”. Matthew Barney’s first in a series collaborations with Jonathan Bepler that will be seven performances to convey the stages of Norman Mailer’s novel “Ancient Evenings”. This documentation is a performance at the Manchester Opera House in 2007. With precision of form, Barney gives a nod to the old Gods, while presenting Egyptian ceremonial rites from his own perspective, and a fresh one at that.
This will be an exclusive screening, as this has not been shown in a format larger than a video monitor as of yet.
See more of our film program HERE
Lichens (aka Rob Lowe) is not just performing at Supersonic, he is also curating a series of film screenings in the Theatre space.
Outer Limits is an exploration of contemporary works dealing with observations and ritual practices in connection with the natural world and the cosmic plane.
Subtle, glacial and turbulent, like the simple seismic shift of Luke Fischbeck and Sarah Rara’s “Earthquakes Agave” , or the deep breathed bliss of Sabrina Ratté’s “Mirages”. These video works provide an open door into the next phases of image capture, while embracing the history of the medium.
With Paul Clipson and Rose Kallal both working in a multiple image16mm film format, it makes for a warm and saturated feel that is properly visceral. You truly understand the intuition and process both attribute to their craft as they immerse themselves in the violence and awe of nature and what is unknown.
The centerpiece of this program is “Guardian of the Veil”. Matthew Barney’s first in a series collaborations with Jonathan Bepler that will be seven performances to convey the stages of Norman Mailer’s novel “Ancient Evenings”. This documentation is a performance at the Manchester Opera House in 2007. With precision of form, Barney gives a nod to the old Gods, while presenting Egyptian ceremonial rites from his own perspective, and a fresh one at that.
This will be an exclusive screening, as this has not been shown in a format larger than a video monitor as of yet.
Saturday 23rd October
11am + 2.30pm
mac Cannon Hill Park Birmingham B12 9QH
Tickets £5 Bookings 0121 446 3232 www.macarts.co.uk
For 2 – 7 year olds and their families
A 1 hr workshop & performance exploring experimental music aimed and kids and their families.
Ever since Schoenberg and Kandinsky became pen pals back in 1907, avant-garde art and experimental music has been attempting to find some common ground. But, it’s not been easy. While modern art is a mass phenomenon, experimental music is often derided and ignored by the masses. Here’s our contribution towards a solution: ‘Big Sounds for Little People’. If you couldn’t guess from the snappy title, it’s a gig, for kids and their families, which aims to introduce children to experimental music at an early age.
Featuring US based, Dosh, a one-man band, a virtuoso, and West Midlands local circuit-bending fiend Glatze. Glatze uses customised instruments (including: circuit-bent Furby dolls and kids’ toys) that have been specially rewired to create all sorts of musical wizardry. Dosh a multi-instrumentalist; combines a host of instruments into an exciting and unique live experience. See firsthand how these unlikely instruments are used to make noise / sound / music, and to have a go yourselves.
Produced by Capsule + mac with support from Bright Space + SAM
Saturday 23rd October
11am + 2.30pm
mac Cannon Hill Park Birmingham B12 9QH
Tickets £5 Bookings 0121 446 3232 www.macarts.co.uk
For 2 – 7 year olds and their families
A 1 hr workshop & performance exploring experimental music aimed and kids and their families.
Ever since Schoenberg and Kandinsky became pen pals back in 1907, avant-garde art and experimental music has been attempting to find some common ground. But, it’s not been easy. While modern art is a mass phenomenon, experimental music is often derided and ignored by the masses. Here’s our contribution towards a solution: ‘Big Sounds for Little People’. If you couldn’t guess from the snappy title, it’s a gig, for kids and their families, which aims to introduce children to experimental music at an early age.
Featuring US based, Dosh, a one-man band, a virtuoso, and West Midlands local circuit-bending fiend Glatze. Glatze uses customised instruments (including: circuit-bent Furby dolls and kids’ toys) that have been specially rewired to create all sorts of musical wizardry. Dosh a multi-instrumentalist; combines a host of instruments into an exciting and unique live experience. See firsthand how these unlikely instruments are used to make noise / sound / music, and to have a go yourselves.
Produced by Capsule + mac with support from Bright Space + SAM
Supersonic is produced by Capsule:
Unit 317, Zellig
Gibb Street
Birmingham UK
B9 4AT
