Italian doomsters Ufomammut have announced the their next release. ORO – Opus Alter will be released on 17 September in advance of their Supersonic appearance and is the follow up to Opus Primum (8th best album of the year so far, according to The Quietus).
They’ve also released this teaser to get you excited:
Any Supersonic veterans will be familiar with Khyam Allami, master of the Oud, he has performed twice at Supersonic, both solo and in collaboration with Master Musicians of Bukkake. Ever busy, he is now playing as part of The Alif Ensemble – a collective of some of the most talented and exciting Arabic musicians around. We’re thrilled to welcome The Alif Ensemble to Birmingham, fresh from their performance with the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, on Thursday 19th July at Ikon Gallery.
Joining Khyam are Palestinian composer and vocalist Tamer Abu Ghazaleh and Egyptian electronica musician Maurice Louca, alongside a band of musicians from both traditional and contemporary Arabic music disciplines, including Ayman Mabrouk (Egypt) on Percussion, Khaled Yassine (Lebanon) on Percussion, Khaled Omran (Syria) on Bass and Yarob Smarait (Jordan) on Violin.
With support from acoustic meddler Simon Fox, this should be a very special show. Tickets are available via https://www.theticketsellers.co.uk/
Y Music is a consortium between a number of UK based experimental music promoters/agencies, made up of Qu Junktions (Bristol), Tusk (Newcastle) and yours truly, Capsule (Birmingham). The lovely Chris of Brumcast has skillfully put together a brilliant podcast featuring some of the artists Y Music are currently working with, either together or separately. Featuring Meg Baird, Aki Onda, Sleepy Sun and many more eclectic artists we passionately showcase.
Chris has also released the first of three Supersonic Festival podcasts, giving you a taster of some of the artists playing at the 2012 edition of the event, which just so happens to be its 10th year – how exciting.
New material from Inga Copeland was released on Soundcloud yesterday from her forthcoming 12″ ‘Faith’. Have a little listen to the track B.M.W…
Inga Copeland will perform as part of the duo Hype Williams at Supersonic Festival 19-21 October.
Supersonic Festival, the world renowned event for adventurous music, art film and beyond is celebrating its 10th birthday.. We love a party so are expanding our celebrations by hosting two very special taster shows in London and Birmingham in August. These events showcase the sorts of artists programmed at the festival, and celebrate our passion for adventurous new music.
Taking place at Eastside Projects, on Saturday 4th August King Midas Sound System and JK Flesh, joined by Iron Fist Of The Sun, Laurence Hunt and Sarah M Farmer will bring, abstract, abrasive and titanic sounds into the walls of this converted art gallery/warehouse space in Digbeth. Tickets are £15 for five brilliant acts, and we’ll be running a lovely real ale bar.
If you’re London inclined, a Supersonic Festival taster will take place on Thursday 9th August at Corsica Studios, in association with The Quietus. This event will feature King Midas Sound (without the system), JK Flesh and Glatze (aka Sam Underwood). Tickets are available via http://www.corsicastudios.com
Hi there! My name is Caroline and last year I was the artist liaison intern at Supersonic Festival.
I’d attended the festival as an audience member for a few years, but in 2010 I decided to apply as a volunteer. This ended up being so much fun that a year later, when I noticed the intern job advertised, I thought why not give it a shot! At the time I was still at university sat most days alone in front of a computer screen trying to finish off a 50,000 word thesis I couldn’t wait to be done with. I desperately wanted a change. So I was beyond ecstatic when Capsule called me up post-interview to say I’d got the job!
The role was really hands-on which was exactly what I’d been craving. I wanted to learn about how the festival was run, acquire new skills, engage with people and generally get stuck in. In my more ‘official’ role I was helping arrange artist work visas, putting together welcome packs, sending off emails detailing the what/where/when particulars of hotel bookings, sound check times and performance venue information. This involved liaising with agents, whose personalities I would discover are as varied and sometimes as eccentric as the artists they represent!
In addition, I was also heavily involved in more general tasks like helping organize the stockroom (a mammoth assignment, but also a treasure trove of cool stuff to sift through), ordering the wristbands everyone wore throughout the festival and doing signage. Oh, that signage!!! I have to admit that drove me crazy by the end. No matter how many signs I’d typed up and printed off, they always seem to go ‘walkies’, and, just when I’d thought every possible eventuality had been covered, someone would come along to pronounce: “You need another sign that says…!”. Not to mention the mad rush to get everything up before Friday doors opened! The other little job I did was keeping track of all the workshop attendees, dealing with their queries and liaising with the different workshop leaders.
In the months preceding the festival the work pace is more relaxed, however, in those two weeks directly beforehand everything steps up a gear, or five! So prospective interns be prepared! It’s challenging and you’ll be running around with a to-do list that keeps piling up along with a very real deadline looming. But don’t let this put you off, it was also one of the best experiences I’ve ever had and I can’t recommend the opportunity enough! I met some fantastic people both in the Capsule ladies and core staff, as well as in the other interns who worked alongside me in their respective roles. Everyone has their own tasks to get on with, but everyone’s also really helpful, so you’ll never feel ‘alone’.
Before I got involved with Supersonic I had no idea it was basically run by a core team of 8-10 people in the lead up to the festival. In my head I’d imagined a squadron-like military operation of a vice-this and a deputy-that. Working behind the scenes has given me a new appreciation of the festival… it really is a labour of love! Having said that, over the festival weekend there are also a huge number of brilliant volunteers and friendly staff who help bring the festival together in the final stages. It’s great to get to chat with them as they dish out dinner, hand out volunteer t-shirts and work tirelessly backstage and beyond. Everyone seems to be passionate about making the festival experience the best it can be for all involved. It’s difficult to describe what an incredible feeling it is to know you’ve been part of something so special and that you hard work has been appreciated.
On the weekend itself I spent most of my time stage managing in the theatre space, introducing speakers to each other and keeping a watchful eye on time. However, I still got to see a fair amount and I’d say my personal highlights were Secret Chiefs 3, who were mesmerizing, Alexander Tucker, who put on a magical performance in the theatre, and Circle, who added a great bit of theatrical heaviness to the bill. I also really enjoyed Tony Conrad’s humorous talk, browsing the various marketplace stalls, Turbojugend jacket spotting and, of course, partaking in a bit of cake. A really surreal experience was waking up each morning of the festival and geeking out as I looked around a hotel breakfast room full of musicians who I’d seen on stage the night before pounding out crushing riffs and infecting audience bodies and minds with their sonic onslaught. There they all were tucking into their full English, a stark contrast to say the least!
I hope relaying my intern experience here will encourage those of you interested in an internship this year to take the plunge. I’d like to end by saying a massive thanks to Capsule for giving me the opportunity to work with them. The internship taught me a huge amount and I’m so grateful for that because it’s made me think about what I want to do next. It’s also made me an even bigger Supersonic Festival fan and I can’t wait to see what surprises are in store for this October. That reminds me… HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY!!!
Photo credit: Ed Pinto & Sult_ taken from the Supersonic Flikr group pool found here.
There are two intern opportunities for Supersonic Festival 2012, offering valuable insight into the running of a large scale arts event. To learn more about the roles, and how to apply, please visit https://supersonicfestival.com/info/volunteers/
The Quietus have posted up a sneak preview of a new Carlton Melton track – have yourself a listen , and get a taster of the psych heavy bliss you’re bound to reach when they play Supersonic Festival.
lysergic San Franciscan four-piece Carlton Melton are here for all your sun hailing needs, with their new Smoke Drip 12″ that shipped on the 18th June just so it could arrive on the doorstep today. We’re pleased to be able to offer you a listen to the title track below, to give you a concentrated trip into inner space and back. Fans of Bardo Pond, Barn Owl, White Hills and all that psych-seared good stuff take note, strap in and lift off. The Quietus
We recently advertised for a designer/illustrator to come on board and give Supersonic Festival a brand new look and feel for the event’s 10th anniversary. We were overwhelmed by the response; there were nearly 60 applicants, and some amazing talent out there. Thank you to all who applied.
We’re very pleased to appoint David Hand as the new festival designer. A prolific designer/illustrator, as well as the brains (and beautiful design) behind record label Lancashire and Somerset – who have released some brilliant records, all stunningly well packaged, by Enablers, Nathan Bell, Kogumaza and many more.
Hiya David…
“Hello, I am a graphic designer and sometime illustrator who resides in the Shropshire hills. I’m generally happiest when working on a music based brief, trying to convey sound into image. To work with the Capsule ladies on Supersonic is pretty great work indeed! Ever year they consistently deliver a damn fine line up and at volume, and this year’s is no exception.”
Learn more about David via www.alongbirdalley.co.uk
Here’s some examples of David’s work, and watch this space for Supersonic’s brand new party outfit!
Part of the Small but Hard showcase, C_C (aka French artist Eduardo Ribuyo) is a master of handmade beats of analogue feedback loops. It’s gonna be a noisy night. Here’s a taster of his album, due out 1st September 2012
“After listening to a lot of jungle, dub and breakcore, Eduardo Ribuyo had his brains blown when he met NHK, aka Kouhei Matsunaga. The ensuing metamorphosis brought us C_C, master of handmade beats and analogue feedback loops. Taking k7 tapes as his primary material, and sourcing sounds from anything and everything, C_C produces heavily textured music breathing, repetitious, and deep. Live performances envelop, soupy and treacly, moving incognito through his signature improvised flow.”
For fans of Dead Fader, Devilman and Muslimgauze.
Sound artist and instrument inventor Sam Underwood AKA Mr Underwood, Glatze and half of drone tuba duo ORE, will be busy creating a number of custom made Oscillators to give away to generous donors to Supersonic Festival, via our We Fund campaign.
These will be in the form of a number of single-oscillator micro Noise Box synthesizers and a six-oscillator beast to anyone who has generously donated £500 + to our campaign. They will be custom finished in celebration of Supersonic, by inviting illustrators and visual artists to make each one unique.
Like many arts organisations, we are currently seeking new ways to fund what we do while public funding is becoming more limited. The campaign is designed so that supporters of Capsule and Supersonic Festival can, if they are in a position to, donate funds to support our activity. We greatly appreciate all our audience’s support, whether through We Fund, ticket sales or volunteering.
If you’re interested in donating directly to the festival’s 10th birthday celebration, read more about our campaign here. Thank you gifts for donations are dependent upon the pledge, and include entrance to a Supersonic Tea Party, entrance to a specially commissioned Sonic Feast (a unique sound led dining experience) and these very special, hand crafted Noise Boxes.
Learn more about how Sam’s Noise Boxes work:
Check out the new video from Sweden’s Goat for the song ‘Let it Bleed’ from their debut album ‘World Music’. We can’t quite get enough of them here at Supersonic HQ and can’t wait for their festival appearance.
“Goatman made me pull my shirt off and start quoting Predator 2: “Voodoo magic. Fucking voodoo magic, man!” John Doran, The Quietus. Well said, as ever.
The lovely people over at Vice and Rock-A-Rolla have written up some rather sweet little summaries of what to expect at this year’s festival.
Here’s what The Vice Festival Guide 2012 had to say about us:
“Capsule’s stalwart metal/noise/other festival, held in converted industrial space in the greenery-free district of Digbeth, remains reliable in its mix of crushing heaviness and avant-garde ambition. They celebrate their tenth anniversary this year, and while just a shred of the bill has been announced at the time of going to press, the presence of Swedish afro-punks Goat and drone maestro Tim Hecker suggest it’s coming along nicely. All that, plus synth-building workshops, lectures, films and lots of bloke sporting a) beards b) tattoos and c) Mogwai t-shirts”
And here’s the article in the June/July issue of Rock-A-Rolla, scanned in for your reading pleasure…
Don’t forget we’ve still got a whole bunch of other exciting acts to announce, so keep your eyes and ears peeled! For ticket info go here
Supersonic Festival 2012 Preview Podcast 1 by Brumcast Presents…. on Mixcloud
Supersonic needs YOU! This year, Capsule’s internationally renowned festival runs 19-21 October 2012 and there are two internship opportunities for dynamic individuals interested in learning more about the delivery of a large scale arts festival. You will receive valuable work experience and be credited as part of the Supersonic Festival core team.
Capsule are looking for a Marketing Intern to assist with the promotion of the festival and a Production Intern to assist with logistics before, during and after the event.
MARKETING INTERNSHIP
The Marketing Intern will work closely with Capsule’s Directors, assisting with the promotion of the festival. Tasks include:
– Assisting with the Supersonic marketing strategy with focus on increasing national and regional audiences
– Setting up and maintaining a festival distribution database
– Assisting with mailing list management
– Distributing promotional material as a core member of the festival street team
– Preparing suitable content for the web
– Online image collation
– Maintaining social media subscriptions including Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Last fm
– Identifying relevant press opportunities and hosting press attendees and media sponsors
– Assisting with artist/ press liaison during the festival (meet & greet/ hosting/ interviewing)
– Assisting with the coordination and supervision of the festival box office (reporting on ticket sales, compiling guest and press lists)
– Assisting with the delivery of a post-festival press report
– Organising audience feedback
PRODUCTION INTERNSHIP
The Production Intern will work closely with Capsule’s Directors and Operations Manager assisting them with the production before, during and after the festival to include:
– Production and co-ordination of commissions and partner events
– Understanding the operations of the festival. Layouts, stalls, staff, suppliers, equipment
– Preparation and set-up of festival production office
– Co-ordination of festival volunteers
– Site layout, risk assessment, health and safety and production manual
– Aspects of Artists Liaison (catering, accommodation, travel)
– Liaise with site stalls, catering and film crew access
– Site set up and maintenance (Install, de-rig, signage, cleanliness)
– Organising after festival party
– Evaluation management
– Delivery of an evaluation report post festival
– Undertake other tasks as necessary and directed by Festival staff.
Please note, unfortunately we can only receive applications from people over 18 years of age. For more info please contact [email protected] with ‘Marketing Internship’ or ‘Production Internship’ as the subject title. You will then receive more information on the role and details for application.
The deadline for applications is Monday 16th July and interviews will be held on Tuesday 24th July. The successful candidates will begin the internship in August.
Here’s a selection of tracks by artists performing at Supersonic 2012 – to help you navigate your way through our programme. Feel free to embed it on your own sites and help us spread the word. Enjoy!
If you haven’t bought your tickets yet – CLICK HERE
We’re thrilled to announce a whole host of exciting artists to the 10th anniversary festival. Supersonic favourite Merzbow will perform a solo set as well as the ever changing Jarboe, Italian psych metal group Ufomammut and one of the most exciting live acts around at the moment – the inimitable Hype Williams.
Also added to the line up is Doomsday Student (born from the ashes of Arab on Radar), Norway’s Stian Westerhus, noise legend Kevin Drumm and Birmingham’s finest PCM. Add to that the frantic Clifford Torus, the ethereal sounds of SWLLWS and the crushing Mothertrucker along with electroacoustic artist Thomas Ankersmit, psych band Hookworms and noise rockers Hey Colossus!
We’re also excited to invite back the filth of Drunk in Hell, and special appearance from KK Null and Ruins Alone. To keep you dancing all weekend we’ve got Australia’s My Disco and the kraut/electronica duo Warm Digits and for those calmer moments, the gorgeous, stripped back songs of Richard Dawson.
Believe it or not, there are still some more very special additions to add to their already mega tenth birthday line up which we shall unveil soon, as well as more information about the art exhibits and film programme which is still taking shape behind the scenes. But for now, please enjoy this Supersonic Festival mixtape, featuring a selection of the line up so far, for your listening pleasure. Please feel free to host this on your site and help us to spread the word.
As a reminder, here is a list of the line up as it stands; Body/Head/Bohren Und Der Club Of Gore/Carlton Melton/Clifford Torus/Dope Body/Drunk In Hell/ Dylan Carlson/Flower-Corsano/Goat/Hey Colossus/Hookworms/Hype Williams/Jarboe/JK Flesh/Kevin Drumm/KK Null/Lichens/Merzbow/My Disco/PCM/Rangda/Richard Dawson/Ruins Alone/Sir Richard Bishop/Six Organs Of Admittance/Small But Hard showcase/Stian Westerhus/SWLLWS/Thomas Ankersmit/Tim Hecker/Ufomammut/Warm Digits / Mothertrucker / Zeni Geva.
We’re looking for a designer/illustrator to work on this year’s Supersonic Festival. We’re looking for a creative and innovative team or individual to create a brand new look and feel for the festival, helping us to celebrate the 10th anniversary of one of the most dynamic arts events in the world.
The deadline is looming – please send your expression of interest to us by 5pm on Wednesday 30th May by sending a covering letter, CV and links to examples of work to [email protected]. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to tender.
Read more about the position via https://supersonicfestival.com/info/jobs/
Since announcing the initial line up for Supersonic Festival’s 10th birthday, early bird tickets have sold out (and in record time) and the event is really starting to take shape.
Supersonic now proudly announce an extremely special collaboration of the unique and unpredictable guitar pairing of the iconic Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth and free-noise guitarist Bill Nace. Together, they are known as BODY/HEAD.
So far they have only played a one off UK show, released a limited cassette on Ecstatic Peace and included a cover of ‘Fever’ for an Ultra Eczema compilation. Given the credentials of both musicians, Supersonic are confident that BODY/HEAD will deliver a mind-melting performance.
Tickets are available via https://www.theticketsellers.co.uk/
There are other ways you can support the festival. We have set up a We Fund campaign to help us to deliver the festival this year, allowing us to continue this ambitious event. We’d truly appreciate your support.
There will be another announcement to follow in a few short weeks with more acts joining this celebratory event.
Supersonic Festival celebrates its 10th year in 2012, and we are looking for your support to make it the best yet.
Capsule truly appreciate the support we receive from Supersonic Festival’s loyal audience. We wanted to acknowledge this by keeping Early Bird tickets at the same price, despite costs rising each year. Early Bird tickets remained at £70 for a weekend bursting at the seams with exciting music, performance, film, talks and more.
Due to rising costs, we are increasingly looking for new ways to continue what we do. We have created a ‘We Fund’ campaign to allow people, if they are in the position to, to support us further by making a donation to the festival this year. Your donations will help us to continue to put together a highly ambitious festival programme, allowing us to take risks on emergent artists and unique collaborations. We are hoping our loyal audience can help us further our ambition for this unique event.
£20 or more pledge – Thank you for your support! You will receive a festival brochure, badge and personalised thank you letter.
£50 or more pledge – Thank you for your support! You will receive a festival brochure, badge and personalised thank you letter. As a further acknowledgement of your generous pledge we will invite you to a Supersonic Tea Party.
£150 or more pledge – Thank you for your support! You will receive a festival brochure, badge and personalised thank you letter. As a further acknowledgement of your generous pledge we will invite you to the Sonic Feast, join us and a number of performers for a special sound led dining experience.
£500 or more pledge – Just cos you can. Thank you for your support! You will receive a personal thanks in the festival brochure of which you will receive a copy, plus a badge and personalised thank you letter. You will also receive a token of Capsule’s sincere appreciation. Your generous pledge will help us to realise the festival this year.
Click through to the Supersonic Festival We Fund campaign
There are other ways you can support and enjoy the festival. Each year we recruit a number of volunteers to assist us in the delivery of Supersonic, where you can gain real insight into the running of a live event, and enjoy it! For more info go to https://supersonicfestival.com/info/volunteers/
Operations Manager
Fixed Term Contract 12 months / 4 days a week
£25-£30k pro rata (dependent upon experience)
Preferred Start Date August 2012
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 14th June 2012
This is a unique opportunity to join one of the UK’s most dynamic arts organisations.
Capsule are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic professional with a successful track record in project management. You must be proficient in all areas of logistics and financial management with specific experience of working within the cultural industries and have experience of advocacy, fundraising and networking at a national level.
With new projects on the horizon & 2012 being Supersonic Festival’s 10th Anniversary this is an extremely exciting time for a passionate individual to join Capsule’s team.
Salary will be within the range advertised, depending on skills and experience of the candidate. There will be a 6 month trial period, with a view to full time employment being offered at the end of the contract period.
Key areas of responsibility:
– Daily operations management
– Project management
– Project logistics
– Team management / recruitment
– Fundraising
– Finance management
– Liaising with and managing project stakeholders
– Report writing and project evaluation
Person Specifications
Essential
The successful candidate must;
Have demonstrable experience of project management /event co-ordination and managing staff – at least 3 years experience but can be over freelance contracts.
Have experience of working on arts events or festivals
Have experience of financial management to include production and management of project budgets and cash flow, company accounts and bookkeeping procedure
Have experience of fundraising within the cultural sector
Proven ability to manage a range of personnel (freelance, employed, volunteers)
Knowledge of legislation, regulation and compliance in relation to HR, health and safety and governance.
Be computer and web-literate Have excellent communication skills – both spoken and written
Have imagination and the ability to work creatively
Be resourceful, level-headed and able to work under considerable pressure
Be passionate about creating exciting events which reach out to a range of audiences
Have the ability to work collaboratively with teams (internal and external)
Have the ability to be self motivated and also be able to motivate others
Must have the capacity to work long hours.
Desirable:
Driver with full / clean UK license and own car
Advanced IT skills including both creative and practical software applications
First aid trained
To apply please contact Capsule for an application pack:
Email: [email protected]
Or telephone 0121 248 2252
Applications must include current CV, completed application form and covering letter
Deadline: 5pm Thursday 14th June
We’re working with goCarShare to encourage people to pool their car journey to the festival this year. It’s an opportunity to save money and reduce your environmental impact. The service operates around Facebook, so you can even discuss the driving mixtapes beforehand.
So if you need a ride to Supersonic, have a look here http://gocarshare.com/festival/supersonic-festival
We’ve been waiting with baited breath for new Rangda material since their incredible debut ‘False Flag’ on Drag City. We’re told a new record is on the way and to heighten the anticipation, Ben Chasny (Six Organs of Admittance) posted the below video on his website. They performed new material at a show in New York:
Image – http://calsidyrose-wedontrentpuppies.blogspot.co.uk
FREELANCE DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION OPPORTUNITY FOR SUPERSONIC FESTIVAL 2012
Fee: £3500 (plus print budget TBC)
Supersonic needs a new look:
At the grand old age of 10 everyone needs a new party outfit, Capsule are seeking an innovative design and illustration team to help develop a new look for this year’s festival. Help us celebrate our birthday in style.
Working with Capsule’s Creative Director you will be responsible for the design and production of the marketing campaign for Supersonic Festival this will include a wide range of design applications from print to online including the Supersonic Festival brochure.
Capsule and Supersonic Festival is renowned for its strong brand and playful aesthetic and the successful candidate must suit this ethos. We are looking for someone that can deliver a unique, illustration led campaign matched with excellent layout skills, to take the Supersonic brand forward. The ability to manage print production is also essential.
To be considered for an invitation to tender, interested candidates should apply by email, please send the following:
• Up to date CV
• URL links to examples of current and previous work
• Covering email stating why you’re interested in the opportunity
Please email to [email protected]
Deadline: Wednesday 30th May 2012
Shortlisted candidates will be sent an invitation to tender by the 6th June, interviews will be held on the Thursday 14th June 2012 (please note it is possible for interviews to take place via skype)
Supersonic Festival takes place 19th-21st October, the design campaign needs to be delivered between June – October therefore the successful candidate will be required to start with immediate effect.
To get a sense of previous catalogues please see –
http://issuu.com/HeavyObject/docs/ss_11_catalogue_web/1
https://supersonicfestival.com/archive
Lots of shiny good reviews pouring in for JK Flesh’s Posthuman record. JK FLesh is Justin Broadrick of Napalm Death, Godflesh, Jesu, Greymachine, Final and countless other project and bands. JK Flesh is the name assigned to him by Kevin Martin (The Bug, King Midas Sound) when they were collaborating as Techno Animal.
Metal Hammer says “if Birmingham never gives us anything else ever again, there is always ‘that band’…Napalm Death” and describes Broadrick’s new project as “devastating” and “soul crushing”. Read more here.
After previously hosting Godflesh, Jesu and Final performances at Supersonic, we’re pretty thrilled to have Broadrick’s new project at the festival this year.
JK Flesh at this year’s Roadburn Festival:
Weekend tickets are available for Supersonic Festival from https://www.theticketsellers.co.uk
Supersonic is produced by Capsule:
Unit 317, Zellig
Gibb Street
Birmingham UK
B9 4AT
