Sofasonic on Catch-up

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That’s all folks! Sofasonic Festival is a wrap! The whole programme will be available on catch-up until Friday. So if you’ve missed bits, or want to re-watch anything – now is the time! Get stuck in…

 

 

FRIDAY >>> catch-up here <<<

feat. a premiere poetry reading from Steve Von Till followed by a conversation with Einar from Wardruna, music from A.A. Williams, Sofa Sabbath and a film premiere from (the) Melvins and more…

 

 

 

SATURDAY >>> catch-up here <<<

feat. comedy gold courtesy of Ben Sadler, LANKUM and Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs, music from Bulbils, J. Zunz, GNOD & João Pais Filipe with visuals by impaTV, talks by Paul Purgas and Ben Venom, workshop action from Conjurer’s Kitchen and LONE Taxidermist and a bangin’ DJ set from Iggor Cavalera of Petbrick)

 

SUNDAY >>> catch-up here <<<

feat. a bonkers set from ICHI, more sabbath covers, John Doran giving a lecture on Aphex Twin, another insightful panel discussion, Mike Patton (of Faith No More) and chef Andrew Clarke in conversation, dälek‘s Will Brooks on the decks and so much more!


THANK YOU!

So we come to an end, it’s been quite a journey for us taking our festival online – a big experiment with lots of new skills learned.

We hope you’ve had as much fun this weekend as we have. We would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone that tuned in over the weekend, to the people who wavered their tickets for Supersonic 2020, or carried them over to next year, and to so many of you that have generously donated to us or bought our merch.

This truly means so much and will help us to continue what we do best. We miss our volunteers and wider team terribly, especially our production team Urban Audio and PRP security and of course – we miss YOU – our wonderful Supersonic audiences and artists, you are our Supersonic family!

More than ever we need your continued support to secure our future and help us weather this challenging time, we ask that if you are in a position to please donate what you can, we’ll be giving 25% of what we raise to the Trussell Trust, who run our UK food banks. The money we raise will help us to pay for artists and support our freelance team. Please do so here.

Looking to the future, when we can start putting on our stellar live shows again, please buy tickets, help us spread the word and prioritise going to independent venues. Till then, we ask that you buy music directly from artists and independent labels and to take a risks on lesser known and emergent artists.

Until we can be together safely under one roof, take care and we’ll see you in 2021 – bye for now!

Sofasonic Festival over and out ✌️

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SofaSonic Weekend

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www.youtube.com/user/SupersonicFestival 

Everything is free and will be streamed via our Youtube channel so we suggest subscribing in advance, we kick off at 18:30 BST on Friday 17 July.
(*) other than our zoom sessions that need to be pre booked in advance.
DRUM ROLL!! The Sofasonic Festival will be starting soon💥
Join us this weekend for the online extravaganza that is Sofasonic Festival 17-19 July, lovingly crafted by our team, with the help of so many incredible artists and friends of the festival with talks, performances and more – we can’t wait to see you all again.


* Please note these are all based on BST (British Summer Time)

See the full line up here.

Donations
Whilst most of the programme is free, the participatory events must be pre-booked, these are on a Pay As You Feel basis, so if you’re in a position to, we ask you to please contribute what you can afford, but equally if you are on a low wage or unemployed we don’t want you to miss out. Your donations will help to secure the future work of Supersonic, enabling us to support artists and our freelance team. You can donate by paying for sessions / buying our merch / or making a donation.

In addition 25% of all proceeds will be donated to The Trussell Trust, who support a nationwide network of food banks. The Trussell Trust, are working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

Pre book zoom sessions
All the below sessions are taking place via zoom and must be pre-booked in advance as will be coming off sale 2 hr before the session starts and the link will be emailed to you on the day of the session. They are either free or pay as you feel.

 

Supersonic Kids Gig
Saturday 18 July 11:00 
Book Now | More Info |

Supersonic Kids Gigs are designed for families as a way of introducing children to experimental music – BIG sounds for little people! With one-man-band extravaganza ICHI. Following his performances at Supersonic 2019, expect handmade instrument inventions from this Japanese experimental musician. The session will be hosted by everyone’s favourite alt-rocker and pyscho-storyteller, Anna Palmer. Playful, danceable and pure fun!

Recommended for children under 10 – we encourage dressing up!


Bingo Bingo Bingo Bingo Bingo Bingo Bingo
Hosted by Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs
Saturday 18 July 21:35
Book Now | More Info |

Expect a thundering soundtrack, number-calling chaos and some lip-smackin’ good prizes to be won courtesy of Purity Brewery plus a Supersonic goodie bag AND a surprise treat from the PIGS!

Iggor Cavalera DJ Set
Saturday 18 July 23:00
Book Now | More Info |

Join us for a bombastic Saturday night knee’s up with the visceral beats of Iggor Cavalera. Beamed straight into your living rooms, expect a relentless DJ Set from this member of SepulturaPetbrick & Soulwax.

We encourage party outfits!!!


Do.om Yoga
Sunday 19 July 11:00
Book Now | More Info |

Do.omyoga (Kamellia Sara) returns to Sofa Sonic bringing together music and movement with stillness to create an immersive meditation on a journey of Nada Yoga. Albeit this year in Digital Dharma incarnation but the vibrations are just the same.

  • All you need to do is breathe.
  • All levels are welcome (suitable for all, beginners encouraged, no experience needed)
  • Set up your yoga mat anywhere comfortable in your home
  • Wear comfortable moveable clothing – nothing too tight or too lose
  • Bring a small cushion and small blanket – not essential but recommended

Not General Knowledge Pub Quiz
Hosted by Jennifer Lucy Allen
Sunday 19 July 21:00
Book Now | More Info |

Stick around to test your lack of general knowledge in favour of obscure specifics about music! Roll up for a game of guess the drone, and test your memory (but not your search engine) at the hardest picture round you ever encountered. Winning team receives some treats courtesy of Purity Brewery and Rocket Recordings!


Sofa Sonic After-party
Will Brooks (
Dälek) DJ Set
Sunday 19 July 21:00
Book Now | More Info |

There would be no better way to wrap up this online affair than with some old-school 90’s hip-hop, mixed with some Dälek rarities, remixes, as well as noise, maybe even some New Order/Joy Division to aid our kitchen dancing by long time friend of Supersonic Will Brooks! Following a weekend of class entertainment, join us for the Sofasonic Festival after-party on Zoom.
Party outfits are fully encouraged as is dancing like no one is watching!

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Sofasonic Playlist: DECOLONISE FEST

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As part of the lead-up to Sofasonic Festival, a weekend of online events happening 17-19 July 2020, we’re releasing an array of playlists on Spotify that have been carefully curated by artists & friends of the festival for your listening pleasure.

 

Following playlists by Radwan Moumneh, Mark Titchner, QUEEF, Gazelle Twin, Matt Ridout, Khyam Allami and Molly & Mabel – on the day Sofasonic kicks off, we’ve got quality listening material for you courtesy of Marcus, co-founder of Decolonise Fest – a London based annual DIY punk festival collectively organised by and for punx of colour.

Decolonise Fest is collectively run by a group of activists, militant community organisers, musicians and artists who came together in 2017 to create a festival unlike any other; one that connects BIPOC punx in global struggles against the legacy of colonialism.
“We are DIY Diaspora Punx. We are reasserting our place in punk and want to showcase the amazing, creative and talented contributions punx of colour have made to the punk scene since its inception. We are loud and proud and demand the space we deserve – decolonising our past to decolonise our future.” – from the Decolonise Fest Manifesto

 

Take a listen here…

 

Statement from Marcus, co-founder of Decolonise Fest:

“Throughout lockdown I’ve been resting, learning, plotting and listening. I cannot wait to go to some gigs and get back on tour again. This playlist is a decolonial sonic disruption to the normal punk and heavy music playlists you will find. All the tracks are created by Black, Indigenous and people of colour from around the globe. Some of these artist have played decolonise fest and some of them will come and play one day. I hope you can listen, learn and grow from this playlist.”
 
Join Marcus tomorrow, as he takes part in a panel discussion on the importance of musical communities and ecosystems, and how we pave the way for their growth – alongside Luke Turner (The Quiteus), Cathy Pellow (Sargant House), Chris Reeder (Rocket Recordings) & Lisa Meyer (Supersonic Festival)

 

SATURDAY 18 JULY // 19:15 BST
www.youtube.com/SupersonicFestival

 

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Brand new merch for Sofasonic Festival

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In advance of this weekends Sofasonic Festival we are launching a newly commissioned artwork by artist Elle Donlon. These will only be available as a pre-order until the 30 August so get them while you can, you’ll be helping us do what we do best! Continuing our work of crafting extraordinary events for curious audiences, helping us to support artists and our freelance workers.

BUY NOW

Elle Donlon is a traditional tattoo artist based in Birmingham working at House of Thieves in Digbeth. Her work is rooted in punk and metal imagery projected in tattoo and fantasy art from the 70s and 80s.

“My fondest memories of Supersonic are seeing Harvey Milk, High on Fire, Liturgy and Swans, but also exhibiting some work during my first year at uni. Also the best after parties!”

 


The ‘We Will Rise Again’ range of T’s and totes designed by the multi talented artist David Hand must be pre-ordered by the 24 July

BUY NOW

In addition we will donate 25% of income per T purchased and £2.50 of every tote to our local foodbank. We don’t think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry. Our foodbank is supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

We are confident with your help and loyalty that we will be back next year to present our best festival yet.

 

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Sofasonic Playlist: MOLLY & MABEL

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As part of the lead-up to Sofasonic Festival, a weekend of online events happening 17-19 July 2020, we’re releasing an array of playlists on Spotify that have been carefully curated by artists & friends of the festival for your listening pleasure.

 

Following playlists by Radwan Moumneh, Mark Titchner, QUEEF, Gazelle Twin, Matt Ridout & Khyam Allami – this time, we’ve got something a bit different for your listening pleasure… we asked two super-friends, Molly (age 6) and Mabel (age 9) to put together a playlist for our Sofasonic celebrations. 

 

Mabel and Molly both love music, they make up lots of funny and nonsense songs, that can often be quite repetitive in nature! They enjoy music in quite different ways, Mabel likes a song that tells a story or sounds like something i.e “This song sounds like walking through the woods”Molly loves dancing and will dance to most songs, but she most often remembers songs that she’s heard in a film i.e “I want the one that the Pig sings in Sing”, she’s of course referring to ‘Shake It Off’ by Taylor Swift (this is not an offensive remark about Taylor Swift, for those that haven’t seen Sing, the character that sings it is a pig – she’s very good.)

 

A brilliant selection for dancing around to – take a listen here… 

 

To choose these songs they looked back at the posters and videos from past Supersonic’s and picked out a few names to listen to – the ones that they liked got added to the list! Of course they’re not all Supersonic alumni, as well as some experimental music, they also love a good pop song! This meant adding in some of their ‘current’ favourites like Elton John & Dolly Parton. Some tracks have also been chosen because of their excellent videos (like Anna Meredith’s Paramourand some just because well – they just like them (DJ Shadow / Dan Deacon) but the proverbial line got drawn for the Baby Shark song – no one needs to listen to that!

The final song in the playlist is Alice Cooper’s ‘Schools Out’ – an obvious choice for Molly & Mabel, because it is, and it has been, for quite some time!

 

To all the others not in school – don’t forget our next Kids Gig this Saturday at 11am via Zoom!

Following his pop-up performances at Supersonic 2019, the one-man-band extravaganza, ICHI will perform for the tots as part of our Sofasonic weekend. Expect a set of quirky handmade instrument inventions from this Bristol-based Japanese experimental singer-songwriter – playful, danceable and pure fun! Tickets & more info.

 

Stay tuned – more delectable music selections coming from Supersonic artists & friends soon…

 

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Sofasonic schedule

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Please note this is based on (BST) British Summer Time

Sofasonic Festival 17-19 July
See the full line up and plan your weekend.
DRUM ROLL!! The Sofasonic Festival (on)line-up schedule is here!!💥
Join us for our extravaganza this weekend, we’re here to reveal our online programme. With talks, performances and more – we know you’re going to LOVE what we’ve got planned…



Youtube channel
Everything is free and will be streamed via our Youtube channel so we suggest subscribing in advance www.youtube.com/user/SupersonicFestival 
(*) other than our zoom sessions that need to be pre booked in advance.

Pre book zoom sessions
Anything marked by a (*) you need to pre-book these zoom sessions in advance and the link will be emailed to you on the day of the session. Sessions highlighted below, they are either free or pay as you feel.

Donations
Whilst most of the programme is free, the participatory events must be pre-booked, these are on a Pay As You Feel basis, so if you’re in a position to, we ask you to please contribute what you can afford, but equally if you are on a low wage or unemployed we don’t want you to miss out. Your donations will help to secure the future work of Supersonic, enabling us to support artists and our freelance team. You can donate by paying for sessions / buying our merch / or making a donation.

In addition 25% of all proceeds will be donated to The Trussell Trust, who support a nationwide network of food banks. The Trussell Trust, are working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

 

Supersonic Kids Gig
Saturday 18 July 11:00 
| Book Now | More Info |

Supersonic Kids Gigs are designed for families as a way of introducing children to experimental music – BIG sounds for little people! With one-man-band extravaganza ICHI. Following his performances at Supersonic 2019, expect handmade instrument inventions from this Japanese experimental musician. The session will be hosted by everyone’s favourite alt-rocker and pyscho-storyteller, Anna Palmer. Playful, danceable and pure fun!

Recommended for children under 10 – we encourage dressing up!


Bingo Bingo Bingo Bingo Bingo Bingo Bingo
Hosted by Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs
Saturday 18 July 21:35
| Book Now | More Info |

Expect a thundering soundtrack, number-calling chaos and some lip-smackin’ good prizes to be won courtesy of Purity Brewery plus a Supersonic goodie bag AND a surprise treat from the PIGS!

Iggor Cavalera DJ Set
Saturday 18 July 23:00
| Book Now | More Info |

Join us for a bombastic Saturday night knee’s up with the visceral beats of Iggor Cavalera. Beamed straight into your living rooms, expect a relentless DJ Set from this member of SepulturaPetbrick & Soulwax.

We encourage party outfits!!!


Do.om Yoga
Sunday 19 July 11:00
| Book Now | More Info |

Do.omyoga (Kamellia Sara) returns to Sofa Sonic bringing together music and movement with stillness to create an immersive meditation on a journey of Nada Yoga. Albeit this year in Digital Dharma incarnation but the vibrations are just the same.

  • All you need to do is breathe.
  • All levels are welcome (suitable for all, beginners encouraged, no experience needed)
  • Set up your yoga mat anywhere comfortable in your home
  • Wear comfortable moveable clothing – nothing too tight or too lose
  • Bring a small cushion and small blanket – not essential but recommended


Not General Knowledge Pub Quiz
Hosted by Jennifer Lucy Allen
Sunday 19 July 21:00
| Book Now | More Info |

Stick around to test your lack of general knowledge in favour of obscure specifics about music! Roll up for a game of guess the drone, and test your memory (but not your search engine) at the hardest picture round you ever encountered. Winning team receives some treats courtesy of Purity Brewery and Rocket Recordings!


Sofa Sonic After-party
Will Brooks (
Dälek) DJ Set
Sunday 19 July 21:00
| Book Now | More Info |

There would be no better way to wrap up this online affair than with some old-school 90’s hip-hop, mixed with some Dälek rarities, remixes, as well as noise, maybe even some New Order/Joy Division to aid our kitchen dancing by long time friend of Supersonic Will Brooks! Following a weekend of class entertainment, join us for the Sofasonic Festival after-party on Zoom.
Party outfits are fully encouraged as is dancing like no one is watching!

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Sofasonic Playlist: KHYAM ALLAMI

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As part of the lead-up to Sofasonic Festival, a weekend of online events happening 17-19 July 2020, we’re releasing an array of playlists on Spotify that have been carefully curated by artists & friends of the festival for your listening pleasure.

 

 

Following playlists by Radwan Moumneh, Mark Titchner, QUEEF, Gazelle Twin & Matt Ridout – here’s a brand new playlist for you courtesy of long-time friend of the festival, Khyam Allami.  

 

KHYAM ALLAMI, is an Iraqi-British multi-instrumentalist musician/composer/researcher and founder of Nawa Recordings. Nawa is an independent label focused on releasing new music from the Arab world, and features some of the most creative, independent and forward thinking artists. With this in mind, we invited Khyam to be a guest curator for Supersonic 2017, he of course introduced us to a whole array of striking new artists, united by their exploration of genre-defying, improvisation-based craftwork.

 

Aside from his label work, Khyam is a formidable musician and composer with a continually growing international reputation. Despite only taking up the oud – his principal instrument – in his twenties, Allami rapidly became a performer of international renown. He is currently undertaking a PhD in composition at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire focusing on contemporary and experimental Arabic music.

 

Khyam will be joining a panel discussion this weekend for Sofasonic Festival alongside Paula Rebellato (Rakta) + Mariano De Melo (Deaf Kids) based in Brazil, Franklin James Fisher (Algiers) + Will Brooks (Dalek) in the US, Khyam Allami in the UK. This session will be hosted by Jasmine Ketibuah-Foley, exploring how musicians respond to social and political unrest.

Keep an eye out for ‘Looking For Today‘ on our programme!

 

 

Khyam has selected a divine mix of music for this Sofasonic Playlist series – take a listen…

LISTEN HERE

 

A statement from Khyam:

“Recently, whilst scrolling through my digital music library, I was surprised to notice the number of new releases by Arabic musicians that I had been listening to. I was listening to these albums so regularly that I didn’t even notice how many there were. This is the kind of perspective that lockdown made me lose.

I spent all of the lockdown alone in Berlin, in my own self-isolated world, lost between my twitter feed, online newspapers, and despair at the state of the world. After the murder of George Floyd and the eruption of racism-focused discussions, I wanted to put together a mix to celebrate these artists and their work, I wanted to stand proud as a fan of my contemporaries.

Supersonic is a special “place” for me, one of my spiritual homes. Performing and attending the festival has always helped me grow. At SS 2009 I performed one of my first solo Oud shows. SS 2017 I guest-curated performances from artists associated with my label Nawa Recordings, so sharing this digital celebration via the digital incarnation of SS 2020, especially in the current toxic climate, feels like the perfect combination. To all my friends across the Arab world, to my friends in Birmingham, and to anyone else who wants to ‘listen-in’ (as Arthur Jafa says), enjoy”

 

 

 

Stay tuned – more delectable music selections coming from Supersonic artists & friends soon…

 

 

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Sofasonic Playlist: Matt Ridout

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[Matt Ridout (far left) with band Casual Nun]

As part of the lead-up to Sofasonic Festival, a weekend of online events happening 17-19 July 2020, we’re releasing an array of playlists on Spotify that have been carefully curated by artists & friends of the festival for your listening pleasure.

 

 

Following playlists by Radwan Moumneh, Mark Titchner, QUEEF & Gazelle Twin, here’s a brand new playlist for you courtesy of guitarist Matt Ridout. 

Matt’s band Casual Nun performed at Supersonic back in 2017, where they brought the heavy psych with a blown out slab of distorted, hypnotic guitar buzz, heady, effect-laden vocals, and plodding drums, everything bleary eyed, garage-y, intense and drugged out! He also formed the label Hominid Sound, alongside Gordon (Terminal Cheesecake/Luminous Bodies), Graham (Gig Goer Extraordinare/Supporter of all things heavy!) and Wayne (Bear Bites Horse recording studio/Big Lad/Death Pedals).

 

We chatted to Matt about his time in lockdown…

“Lockdown curtailed a lot of fun things we had planned for 2020 for Casual Nun, including what would’ve been our biggest London support slot for Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs at the Electric Ballroom, but everyone’s in that same boat so we’re not alone with those sorts of disappointments. We’re ploughing ahead, working on the new material that will make up our 4th LP with the band operating on an inter-continental footing from now on. The experience has made me appreciate creating music with my friends so much more than I ever did before, so I’m looking forward to the future for that.

For Hominid Sounds it’s been incredibly encouraging to see how supportive people have been, buying the records that are coming out even though they can’t see the bands live. We wanted to be a label that got music out to people that otherwise might not have, and we’re very excited about our plans looking ahead, with releases from the Shits, Big Lad, UKAEA, Cartilage, Plastic Face and a whole lot more we can’t mention just yet.”

 

 

Matt has curated a cracking mix of music for this Sofasonic Playlist series – take a listen…

LISTEN HERE

 

“I guess my selections loosely revolve around what’s resonating with me at the moment, with the concept of persevering and time featuring here and there. There’s not any particular stylistic synergy, just a lot of stuff that I’ve been listening to lately, with a few Hominid Sounds songs sprinkled in here and there.

My favourite Supersonic moment? There’s so many to choose from really, but I think playing with Casual Nun in 2017 is definitely the biggest highlight. We’d had a really great run of festivals that year with sets at Roadburn and Raw Power both preceding but there was something so incredible about being invited to play the Sunday in a ridiculously hot Supersonic Festival after Ghold had decimated everyone just before. I think there’s just a very special feel to Supersonic that’s always wonderful to be a part of. I can’t wait to return.”

 

 

Stay tuned – more delectable music selections coming from Supersonic artists & friends soon…

 

 

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Sofasonic Line-up revealed…

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With a week to go until our online extravaganza that is Sofasonic Festival 17-19 July, we’re here to reveal our online programme. With talks, mini-gigs and more we know you’re going to LOVE what we’ve got planned…

 

The schedule will be shared next week.

First up, we just want to relay that most of the programme is free, with all sign-up events being Pay As You Feel, so if you’re in a position to, we ask you to please contribute what you can afford, but equally if you are on a low wage/unemployed we don’t want you to miss out.

Your donations will help to secure the future work of Supersonic, enabling us to support artists and our freelance team. In addition 25% of all proceeds will be donated to The Trussell Trust, who support a nationwide network of food banks. The Trussell Trust, are working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

DONATE NOW 

Most of the programme will take place on our YouTube channel so make sure to subscribe in advance, so you don’t miss a thing!

DRUM ROLL!!! Added to the Sofasonic line-up is…

 

IN CONVERSATION: Mike Patton & Andrew Clarke

Both masters of their trade, tune into legendary musician Mike Patton and award-winning chef Andrew Clarke in conversation – a super-special Sofasonic exclusive! The two explore their shared love of food and heavy music as well as discussing the parallels of performing both on stage and in the kitchen.

POETRY READING: Steve Von Till

Following an epic opening of Supersonic Festival 2019 at Birmingham Town Hall, the Neurosis guitarist & vocalist, Steve Von Till, reads poems from his new book Harvestman: 23 Untitled Poems and Collected Lyrics. We are truly honoured to be hosting this premiere reading at Sofasonic Festival. This is Von Till’s first published work of original poetry paired with his solo lyrics of the last 20 years. He also play a song or two!

 

IN CONVERSATION: Einar Selvik & Steve Von Till

Norwegian artist Einar Selvik of Wardruna and Steve Von Till of Neurosis join together in conversation especially for Sofasonic Festival to discuss their deep connection to nature and the ancient past.

 

A.A. Williams 

Exclusively for Sofasonic Festival, death-gospel maverick A.A. Williams performs a stripped back solo version of ‘Terrible Friends’ from her debut self-titled EP, recorded at home in London during lockdown. First, expect an In Conversation with Supersonic Festival Director, Lisa Meyer and their respective dachshunds, Geezer & Yo-yo.


PANEL DISCUSSION: Looking for Today

A panel exploring how musicians respond to social and political unrest.
Perspectives from Paula Rebellato (Rakta) + Mariano de Melo (Deafkids) based in Brazil, Franklin James Fisher (Algiers) + Will Brooks (Dälek) in the US, Khyam Allami in the UK and hosted by Jasmine Ketibuah-Foley

DJ SET: WILL BROOKS (DÄLEK) + the Sofasonic After-party

There would be no better way to wrap up this online affair than with some old-school 90’s hip-hop on the decks from Dälek’s Will Brooks. Following a weekend of class entertainment, join us for the Sofasonic Festival after-party on Zoom where we’ll be busting some moves from our living rooms!

PREMIER SCREENING: “A Walk With Love & Death.” By The Melvins
A world premiere of a film created to go along with the soundtrack that they made BEFORE they made the movie…are you keeping up?! Everything is backwards here.

BINGO BINGO BINGO BINGO BINGO BINGO BINGO HOSTED BY PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS

The Newcastle-based maximalists whose heavy riffs, raw power and rancour have blazed a trail across many a Supersonic line-up, will be hosting this classic game as part of our Sofasonic weekend. Join the boys via a live stream on Zoom and play from the comfort of your home. Expect a thundering soundtrack, number-calling chaos and some lip-smackin’ good prizes to be won.

NOT GENERAL KNOWLEDGE PUB QUIZ HOSTED BY JENNIFER LUCY ALLAN

Points do not win prizes but they might get you a little respect in the hardest music pub quiz going, run by Late Junction host and Wire/Quietus writer Jennifer Lucy Allan. Far superior to your family Zoom quiz… Roll up for a game of guess the drone, and test your memory (but not your search engine) at the hardest picture round you ever encountered. Stick around to test your lack of general knowledge in favour of obscure specifics about music. Winning team receives some extra special prizes.

Plus so much more!!! See the full line up & ticketing info here.
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Sofasonic Playlist: Gazelle Twin

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As part of the lead-up to Sofasonic Festival, a weekend of online events happening 17-19 July 2020, we’re releasing an array of playlists on Spotify that have been carefully curated by artists & friends of the festival for your listening pleasure.

 

 

Following playlists by Radwan Moumneh, Mark Titchner & QUEEF we have a cracking mix of music selected by producer, composer and artist Elizabeth Bernholz – the genius behind Gazelle Twin.

 

Without a doubt, this artist has established her place as a leading innovator in contemporary electronic music.

Through avant-garde electronica, Gazelle Twin’s repertoire draws from sci-fi film scores, choral music, underwater life and the paranormal. This certainly shone through in her 2015 Supersonic performance where she performed from her second album UNFLESH, a depiction of puberty, phobia, gender identity backed by unrelenting industrial-pop production. In 2018 she returned to the Supersonic stage for a UK premier of an electrifying, brand new performance surrounding her album ‘Pastoral’.

Her signature masquerade-like use of costume, acts a catalyst in the process of releasing and replacing identity. In toying with anonymity in this way, Gazelle Twin bewitches audiences by masking the surface as a means of releasing what lies beneath.

 

 

She’s curated a playlist of music that has been important to her, and her family, during lockdown – take a listen…

LISTEN HERE

 

A statement from Gazelle Twin:

“I can hardly believe 2 years have passed since I performed ‘Pastoral’ at Supersonic for the first time. It was, IS, an album full of pent-up anxiety, fear and frustration, but in contrast, this playlist is mostly a family-friendly, calm and hopeful one.

During lockdown, I’ve been pregnant at home with my partner and our 4 year old son. We’ve needed music to keep our anxiety levels in check, and a sparse background for reading stories, playing and home-working each day. It is often really really hard to listen to music with a kid around, but he became obsessed with Kraftwerk’s album ‘Radioactivity’ just before Florian Schneider passed away, so Kraftwerk has been a regular part of our listening, together with plenty of sound-art and obscure ambient records. ‘Do Your Thing’ by Moondog became an extra special song for us as a family about a month into lockdown. We were still feeling very alienated by everything happening and really missing our families and friends. Moondog’s gentle words of positivity and hope just really hit a nerve, in a good way.”

 

 

Stay tuned – more delectable music selections coming from Supersonic artists & friends soon…

 

 

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Sofasonic Playlist: QUEEF

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As part of the lead-up to Sofasonic Festival, a weekend of online events happening 17-19 July 2020, we’re releasing an array of playlists on Spotify that have been carefully curated by artists & friends of the festival for your listening pleasure.

 

Following playlists by Radwan Moumneh & Mark Titchner, this week we’re sharing with you a selection from Birmingham’s very own QUEEF – a brand-new collective celebrating queerness and diversity in experimental art. 

 

The core QUEEF team is made up of Meesha Fones (Director) Anna Palmer (Producer) and Kaila Whyte (Producer) three long-time friends and musical collaborators who together created QUEEF: Queer Experimental Futurism.

Collectively they curate immersive parties; these are experimental live music & art nights that are a safe space for queerness, collaboration, drag, activism. Performances and showcases feature experimental live music & art by queer artists from around the country and beyond.

“We are techno loving, disco pumping, trashy queer punks. We are here and never forgotten. We are brown, white, orange and neon technicolour.”

In partnership with Sound & Music, we’re thrilled that QUEEF have been selected to be a part of this year’s Composer-Curator programme. Read more about that here. 

 

The QUEEF team have curated a playlist of music that has inspired them through lockdown, take a listen…

LISTEN HERE

 

A statement from Meesha Fones, director of QUEEF:

“Listening to these womxn, queer and POC artists really makes you realise how much we hear the same sh*t and listen to the same perspectives over and over again…

My fave Supersonic Festival memory has to be Lone Taxidermist. I just f*cking loved having trifle in my face. In fact, we at Queef love trifle, we trifle the shit all over the gaff slipping and sliding, creating sticky erotic electronic residue goodness to dance to.” 

 

 

Stay tuned – more delectable music selections coming from Supersonic artists & friends soon…

 

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Bandcamp Friday: Support Midlands Musicians

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[Matters live at SS19, photo by Joe Singh]

 

Once more, Bandcamp waivers its fees today in support of musicians during the Covid-19 Pandemic. This means 100% of profits go to straight to Bandcamp artists for 24hrs, many of which have recently had tours, festivals and shows cancelled. 

 

We want to use this opportunity to champion artists a little closer to home – the Birmingham born/bred/based, and those on the peripherals, we are proud of our local music scene!
What better way to show your solidarity and support by purchasing some music? Check out these brilliant midlands-based artists from line-ups gone-by below…

 

MATTERS
Birmingham three-piece utilising synths, guitars and drums to create expansive music, blending Krautrock, psychedelic, post-rock and techno into a rich and powerful sound.

MICHAEL VALENTINE WEST
A composer/decomposer utilising lessons learnt from various musical disciplines such as minimalambient, glitch, hip hop, jazz and sound design.
STINKY WIZZLETEAT
Wizzleteat carve out a sound informed by groove from across the musical spectrum, whilst staying fully committed to heaviness, good times and volume.

KHYAM ALLAMI
Currently completing a PHD at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, this virtuoso Oud player, serial collaborator & musical explorer is a musician and composer with a formidable – and continually growing – international reputation.

PRAM
Birmingham’s Pram craft fairytales from concrete reality. Pram’s restless groove, an endearing and gently refusenik mix encircles early Rough Trade innovators The Raincoats, astro jazz, sci-fi soundtracks, creepy Victoriana, tropical analogue and tumbledown funk.

MODIFIED TOY ORCHESTRA
By exploring the hidden potential inside redundant technology; MTO create sophisticated new electronic instruments from abandoned children’s toys.

RAINBOW GRAVE
Featuring Nicholas Bullen (founder member of Napalm Death and Scorn) and John Pickering (founder member of Doom and Sore Throat), Birmingham based Rainbow Grave channel the blank despair of negative punk through layers of distorted psychedelic damage

ELDA ft. Georgia Denham
The project of Andrew Woodhead, composer of jazz, free improv, electronica, folk & new music. He also curates improvised music concert series Fizzle, and co-directs Ideas Of Noise Festival.

ROSIE TEE
Birmingham composer/performer with a jazz-infused, alternative pop sound. Wandering, dream-like vocals sit alongside sporadic movements of scattered harmony and abstract refrains.

DORCHA
Genre-fluid 5 piece band of synths, strings, electronics and heavy beats. A dynamic, versatile group with a refusenik attitude, Dorcha obsess over transporting listeners to a pool of shifting, nearly gothic, barely pop, experimental songwriting.

SOFA KING
Birmingham based experimentalist Sofa King, is the musical output of pop-obsessed transgender individual Dianne Burdon. She treats reverb and feedback like a chemical formula.

GLATZE
Musician, sound artist and musical instrument designer with an almost unhealthy fascination with sound, often being distracted by a squeaky shoe or the sound of the ventilation system.

SURGEON
Surgeon (DJ), real name Anthony Child, has been at the forefront of UK techno since 1994. The Birmingham resident has perfected a unique techno sound with an industrial murk.

GREY HAIRS
Emerging from the fertile Nottingham DIY scene, Grey Hairs recall a time when it was harder to pigeon hole bands and people cared less about doing so anyway

RATTLE 
Minimal in approach, Nottingham drumming duo Rattle, create a cyclical and whirling swirl of percussive sound.

BLOODY HEAD
Dirgey yet groove-heavy hardcore punk from Nottingham whose live shows feel like being run over by a bulldozer of noise and discordant energy.


We also recommend you check out the music on these brilliant local labels…

Die Das Der http://diedasder.bandcamp.com/  (We recommend their stonking-good compilation album ‘Without Venues, We’re Nothing 2’ OUT TODAY supporting independent Brum venues)

Gringo Records https://gringorecords.bandcamp.com/

 

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Get involved! Sofasonic Festival events announced

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We recently announced Sofasonic Festival, a weekend of online events, 17-19 July, where we’ll be honouring our dedicated team of staff and volunteers (without whom none of the magic would take place), making a space for our loyal audiences to re-connect (albeit digitally), and celebrating artists from our incredible line-up that couldn’t be.

We’ll be announcing the full line-up soon, but today, we’re excited to reveal some special events happening as part of Sofasonic weekend.

 

These events are Pay As You Feel, so if you’re in a position to, we ask you to please contribute what you can afford. This will help to secure the future work of Supersonic, enabling us to support artists and our freelance team. In addition 25% of all proceeds will be donated to The Trussell Trust, who support a nationwide network of food banks. The Trussell Trust, are working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

All participatory – all bags of fun! So get involved and book now…

 

Bingo Bingo Bingo Bingo Bingo Bingo Bingo hosted by Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs

Saturday 18 July 2020, evening (time TBA)
Live Stream via Zoom
| Tickets & more info |
YOU MUST BE OVER 18 TO PLAY

What more could you possibly want to do with your Saturday night?!

The Newcastle-based maximalists whose heavy riffs, raw power and rancour have blazed a trail across many a Supersonic line-up, will be hosting this classic game as part of our Sofasonic weekend. Join the boys via a live stream on Zoom and play from the comfort of your home. Expect a thundering soundtrack, number-calling chaos and some lip-smackin’ good prizes to be won courtesy of Purity Brewery plus a Supersonic goodie bag AND a surprise treat from the PIGS!

Not General Knowledge Pub Quiz

Sunday 19 July 2020, evening (time TBA)
Live Stream via Zoom
| Tickets & more info |
ONE TEAM PER HOUSEHOLD

Points do not win prizes but they might get you a little respect in the hardest music pub quiz going, run by Late Junction host and Wire/Quietus writer Jennifer Lucy Allan.

Far superior to your family Zoom quiz… Roll up for a game of guess the drone, and test your memory (but not your search engine) at the hardest picture round you ever encountered. Stick around to test your lack of general knowledge in favour of obscure specifics about music! Winning team receives some treats courtesy of Purity Brewery and Rocket Recordings!

 

Do.omyoga (Live Stream)

Sunday 19 July 2020, 11:00 GMT
Live Stream via Zoom
| Tickets & more info |
SUITABLE FOR ALL LEVELS

DO.OMYOGA is a very immersive and deeply connecting Yoga practice. Experience this meditation in the comfort of your own home by bringing together music and movement with stillness.

“Change is life and the only constant is change. We’ve learned connection through isolation, dependency and trust in an online world and had much the time and space to truly BE with ourselves personally and globally. For this session, we will come together to continue to explore the self, here and now, through the love of music.” – Kamellia Sara

 

Supersonic Kids Gig with ICHI

Saturday 18 July, 11:00 GMT
Live Stream via Zoom
Hosted by Anna Palmer
Tickets & more info |

Supersonic Kids Gigs are designed for families as a way of introducing children to experimental music – BIG sounds for little people! This show will take place as a Live Stream on Zoom, so you can join us for the usual Kids Gig fun from the comfort of your own home.

Following his pop-up performances at Supersonic 2019, expect a set of quirky handmade instrument inventions from this Bristol-based Japanese experimental musician. The session will be hosted by everyone’s favourite alt-rocker and pyscho-storyteller, Anna Palmer. Playful, danceable and pure fun!

 

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Sofasonic Playlist: Mark Titchner

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As part of the lead-up to Sofasonic Festival, a weekend of online events happening 17-19 July 2020, we’re releasing an array of playlists on Spotify that have been carefully curated by artists & friends of the festival for your listening pleasure.

 

 

Following last week’s playlist by Radwan Moumneh, (member of Jerusalem In My Heart) next up is a grand selection from London visual artist, Mark Titchner.  

 

 

Mark works across a variety of mediums including digital print, wall drawing, video, sculpture and installation. As a 2006 nominee for the Turner Prize, his practice explores systems of belief, both secular and spiritual, often focusing on the marginalized, discredited or forgotten ideologies and objects we place our faith in.

 

 

He’s curated a playlist of music that has seen him through lockdown, take a listen…

LISTEN HERE

 

A statement from Mark:

“My playlist is made up of the music that I’ve been listening to these weeks and months. A lot of it has been released during this time and it has certainly helped that despite it all musicians are still putting out great music.  It’s got me through the weekly supermarket runs, the homeschooling, the endless Zooming, the no work/too much work and being down and being up and being scared and being pissed off.

I’ll certainly miss Supersonic this year. Great bands, friends and always finding something new that I can’t believe I didn’t know about. Supersonic Top Ten? In no particular order (apart from Harvey Milk): Harvey Milk 2008, Corrupted 2009, Dälek 2008,  Zu 2017, Oxbow duo 2007, Monotonix 2009, Moor Mother 2018, Gnaw 2010, Monarch 2011, Oxbow 2017

 

Stay tuned – more delectable music selections coming from Supersonic artists & friends soon…

 

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Sofasonic Playlist: Radwan Moumneh

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As part of the lead-up to Sofasonic Festival, a weekend of online events happening 17-19 July 2020, we’ll be releasing an array of playlists on Spotify that have been carefully curated by artists & friends of the festival for your listening pleasure.

 

First up, we’re excited to share with you a selection from Radwan Moumneh, member of Jerusalem In My Heart, the acclaimed Montréal–Beirut contemporary Arabic audio-visual duo who performed at our 15th edition festival last year. 

Guided by Moumneh’s melding of ‘traditional’ melismatic singing (in Arabic) and buzuk playing, with modern deployments of modular synthesis, filter banks, power electronics, field recordings, JIMH pay homage to the blown-out distortions of historical Arabic cassette tape culture, processed through modern currents of electronic music. Moumneh’s lyrical themes are deeply expressive and rich in political and socio-cultural historical consciousness, all of which are complimented by the 16mm film loops and projections that are an integral part of the JIMH aesthetic identity.

We’ve thoroughly enjoyed listening to the music that inspires him, and we hope you do too…

LISTEN HERE

 

A statement from Radwan:

“This past little while has made me, like everyone, slow down so much. it’s given me the time to reflect on so much in the past, and as hard as it was, try and not think/ worry about the future. I embraced the silence and the quiet, and decided on not making plans about the future, until I feel there is a future. I dearly miss Supersonic and it’s entire team. Year after year, I keep being impressed by the festival curation and how special a gathering it is. And then I got to experience it, and left with such warm feelings and amazing encounters. Really looking forward to seeing what Supersonic has in store once all this blows over…”

 

Stay tuned – more delectable music selections coming from Supersonic artists & friends soon…

 

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Sofasonic! Save the date: 17-19 July 2020

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Sofasonic Festival

**SAVE THE DATE**

17-19 July 2020

A weekend of online events bought to you by the team behind Supersonic Festival, the “UK’s best small festival” The Guardian, 2019

 

We Will Rise Again – but until then…

Cancelling this year’s festival was a heart breaking but necessary decision, given the current circumstances. However, we think it is important, despite the year’s unprecedented events, to mark what should have been this year’s Supersonic Festival 2020 weekend in some way. We want to honour our dedicated team of staff and volunteers (without whom none of the magic would take place), to make a space for our loyal audiences to re-connect (albeit digitally), and to celebrate artists from our incredible line-up that couldn’t be.

Proceedings will be taking place on our YouTube channel, so we recommend you subscribe in advance.

 

What to expect?

Lovingly crafted, in the Capsule way, imagine a kind of real life zine, featuring some of your Festival favourites; expect unique and exclusive performances, panel talks, DJ sets and more oddities from a plethora of Supersonic artists and its wider community.

For families, the first event announced is a new Kids Gig (Live Stream) with one-man-band extravaganza ICHI. Sit tight grown ups – we’ll be announcing more of the (on)line-up soon!

Pay as you feel

The weekend online programme aims to bring us together and will largely be free, with some ‘pay as you feel’ events.
 
We ask that those of you able to do so contribute what you can afford. This will not only support the future work of Capsule, but 25% of all proceeds will be donated to The Trussell Trust, Birmingham, who support a nationwide network of food banks, providing emergency food and support to people locked in poverty, and campaign for change to end the need for food banks in the UK.

 

Wearing is caring

Also, this will be your last opportunity to purchase our special ‘We Will Rise Again’ merchandise. We will close pre-orders at midnight on Friday 24 July. A further 25% of all merchandise sales will also be donated to The Trussell Trust, Birmingham.

We Will Rise Again Merch Image

 

Imagining we’re all together

We look forward to seeing you all online. If this is your first Supersonic, then welcome! And if you have been to one of our events in the past then don’t forget to don your favourite Supersonic T-shirt and send us pictures of you wearing it at home.

 

Making it that little bit extra special

In order to make your Sofasonic weekend that little bit extra special, why not bring the taste of Supersonic to your door?! Purity Brewery are generously offering home deliveries of Purity Beers with a special Supersonic 10% off! Just quote ‘PureSS2020’.

Visit www.puritybrewing.com to make your purchases.

All orders must be received by Wednesday 15 July in order to guarantee delivery by Friday 17 July.

Of course we strongly advise that this goes hand in hand with a Samosa (or four!)

 

 

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BANDCAMP FRIDAY: BRAZIL’S UNDERGROUND IN CRISIS

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Today is another Bandcamp Friday, meaning Bandcamp will waive its fees once more in support of musicians during the Covid-19 Pandemic, with 100% of profits going straight to artists for 24hrs, many of which have recently had tours, festivals and shows cancelled. 

 

This time we ask you consider supporting two immensely forward-thinking acts from Brazil’s underground – RAKTA and DEAFKIDS. 

 

>> RAKTA BANDCAMP  <<

>> DEAFKIDS BANDCAMP <<

 

Brazilian president, Jair Bolsonaro is now known worldwide for his thoroughly irresponsible handling of the pandemic. It is already one of the nations worst hit by Covid-19, with Bolsonaro dismissing the disease as a ‘little flu’. Since taking power in January 2019 he has enraged musicians and film-makers by slashing public funding for their work.

 

[Image by Katja Orgin // Dennis McNett procession]

 

Here at Supersonic, as champions of the unclassifiable and creativity that grows against the grain, we want all musicians to be supported; emergent, pioneering or legendary. Yet it’s undeniable just how devastating the present situation is for those artists in Brazil, and we hope it’s underground can continue to thrive, reflect, and resist the Bolsonaro era they are currently living in.

[It’s important to note that the country’s long history of resistance through music runs directly parallel to its past as a colony, a slave state and as a military dictatorship.]

 

If you’re in a position to, today is an opportunity to support the lesser known artists. Many creatives are treading water in these uncertain times, but a tenner going to an artist you love can be a meaningful way to show your solidarity and support. Here are our recommendations…

 

From the depths of São Paulo, Brazil’s RAKTA were due to perform at this year’s, now cancelled, Supersonic. They create psychedelic textures of synthesizers and effect pedals that emanate above solid basslines and heaving drums.

 

“Over here in Brasil the scenario is really bad… Well, it has always been but now it’s worse. As artists we also lost all of our programmed shows and works, and we are getting very little support from the government, like 100 pounds per month (and this only if you get applied). It’s terrible. We have no minister of health, our president is an assassin, the wave of fascism is growing… and not to talk about the racism… It’s a deep hole!”
STATEMENT FROM RAKTA

 

 

 

DEAFKIDS, a ruthless three-piece conjuring unholy noise from hardcore punk, metal and Latin American music, you may remember formed part of our unforgettable Dennis Mcnett procession at Supersonic 2018. We recommend their 2019 release, Metaprogramação. DEAFKIDS have been described by Neurosis’ Steve Von Till as…

 

“one of the most exciting bands I have heard in a very long time. They are a unique psychoactive journey of Brazilian polyrhythmic percussion, hypnotic chanting, and aggressive repetitive raw punk all echoing out from another dimension.”

 

 

 

 

 

If you want to learn more about Brazil’s current crisis, we recommend the following reading…

SOURCES

Brazil legends rebuke Jair Bolsonaro for ‘irresponsible’ Covid-19 policy

‘The government is strangling cinema’: Brazil film industry fights for survival

‘We’re an open wound’: São Paulo’s underground music scene

Jair Bolsonaro has trashed Brazil’s image but he hasn’t broken its soul

Bolsonaro’s silence on artists’ deaths reflects disdain for Brazilian culture

 

 

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SOUND & MUSIC: Meet the 2020 Composer-Curators

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[Image by Sam Wood]

We’re thrilled to announce the five projects that have been selected to be a part of this year’s Sound & Music Composer-Curator programme. Each of the chosen artists will be supported to develop their public projects, focusing on bringing new music to new audiences across the UK.

 

Learn more about Stephen’s project in their Q&A

 

Learn more about Rufus’ project in their Q&A

 

Learn more about Naviar Records’ project in their Q&A

 

Learn more about First Light Records’ project in their Q&A

 

  • Meesha Fones, Anna Palmer & Kaila Whyte / Queef
Learn more about QUEEF’s project in their Q&A

 

This year’s projects span a truly unique and diverse range of people, places, genres and performance contexts. These include exploring immersive, queer safe-spaces in Birmingham, DIY electronic music workshops in rural Somerset, and a cross-artform festival of experimental music and Japanese haiku.

Our Creative Director, Lisa Meyer, will be on hand as an expert mentor to provide additional support to all the projects.

We’re very excited about Birmingham-born QUEEF being part of the programme!

Queef is a brand-new Birmingham based experimental live music & art night, that is an immersive safe space for queer parties, collaboration, drag, activism and live performance, showcasing experimental live music and art by queer artists from around the country and beyond.

“We are QUEEF. Better out than in.”

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Just announced! Kids Gig with Anna Palmer – Live Stream

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Supersonic Kids Gig with Anna Palmer

Saturday 2 May 2020, 2pm

LIVE STREAM

via Zoom

 

 

With every ticket purchased we will donate 25% to our local foodbank. We don’t think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry. Our local foodbank is supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

 

Supersonic Kids Gigs are designed for families as a way of introducing children to experimental music – BIG sounds for little people!
This show takes place as a Live Stream on Zoom which is a first for us… Join us for the usual Kids Gig fun from the comfort of your own home!
We will be hosting this special trial-run session with the power of technology. We have purposefully made this session ‘pay as feel’, and will invite feedback from those of you who take part.
Back by popular demand, we are delighted that this special Kids Gig will be led once more by Anna Palmer, an experimental songwriter, alt-rocker, pyscho-performer & sound artist. Woman of many guises, Anna is best known for her bewitching tones as vocalist & multi-instrumentalist in Birmingham’s beloved weirdo-pop band Dorcha.
Join Anna for a virtual boogie and another healthy dose of her signature experimental disco fun. Limited capacity, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Fancy dress is optional but always encouraged!

 

Recommended for children under 10.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.

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Supersonic Podcast: part two of “the greatest line-up that couldn’t be”

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We’re back for part two of this Supersonic Podcast series celebrating all the incredible artists that featured on “the greatest line-up that couldn’t be”. Including an inspiring interview with Dublin experimental folk four-piece Lankum, and an exclusive track play from Swedish Pysch Rock/Noise collective BADA – the new project of Anna Von Hausswolff.

 

We hope you’ll take this podcast journey with us to discover some new music…
LISTEN HERE

 

If you missed the first one, no fear – it’s still available to listen free on Mixcloud here.

Part one includes music from Richard Dawson, A.A Williams, RAKTA and many more, plus a special feature on a handful of artists from Rocket Recordings AND a phone interview with Sex Swing, nattering about their upcoming album Type II.

A massive thank you goes to everyone that has reached out to us and supported us by so far by waiving their tickets for Supersonic 2020, transferring them to next year or donating to help us continue our work of crafting extraordinary events for curious audiences. Please help us continue by donating here.

All the tracks used in this podcast we bought and downloaded directly from the artist’s bandcamps, if you’re in a position to support too, we’ve put all their links below for your convenience…

Tracklist

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Support & Funding Opportunities for Artists during COVID-19

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Ey up, you wonderful creative lot. We know this is an unimaginably tough time for many of you, so we want to point you in the direction of the various funding opportunities that are currently available to artists & musicians alike. This also includes support and resources for mental health and reimagining your practice online. We will be adding to and updating the list below often, so please check back.

We hope having these resources all in once place may help you in some small way.

Love from the Supersonic team x

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CORONA MUSICIANS

We highly recommend Corona Musicians as a central source of support and advice for all musicians during the coronavirus period. With all information presented in a clear and organised way, we see this as an essential tool.

It is being updated regularly as the situation develops. Created as a collaboration between Help Musicians, the Incorporated Society of Musicians, The Ivors Academy, the Music Managers Forum, the Music Producers Guild, the Musicians’ Union, and UK Music, who are grateful for the support of many others in the music industry.

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NATIONAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

 

ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND

Arts Council England are making £20 million available to individuals working in the cultural sector, including artists, creative practitioners and freelancers.

Applications open on 16 April 2020 and applicants will need to register on Grantium by 27 April in order to make an application before the deadline of 30 April.

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PRS FOUNDATION

 

SUSTAINING CREATIVITY FUND

Thanks to the Spotify COVID-19 Music Relief Fund and generous donations from members of the public, PRS Foundation is able to support artists, songwriters and composers to create and develop when they need it most.

  • Designed for music creators experiencing hardship from loss of work due to the Covid-19 pandemic
  • Grant support of £750 to make a difference and will support outstanding talent in flexible ways
  • The grant can be spent on anything that enables music creators to continue to create exceptional new music
  • This includes using support to adapt and sustain careers by covering lost income, supporting your costs or cash-flow
  • It allows creators to spend time writing, recording, collaborating, innovating and making creative plans
  • Funding will be available to those making music in any genre

Applications open Tuesday 21st April. Deadline is Monday 11th May.

More info & apply here.

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HELP MUSICIANS UK

A fund of £5m has been created to help reduce the worry many musicians are experiencing about their mounting household expenses.

Eligible musicians are able to apply for a one-off payment of £500 through an online form. We encourage musicians only to apply if they are indeed suffering significant financial hardship to enable us to provide help quickly to those who need it the most.

More info & apply here.

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MUSICIANS’ UNION 

In response to the widespread cancellation of work, the Musicians’ Union have set up a £1M hardship fund that members with genuine and pressing hardship can apply to.

Initially, they will be restricting the individual grants to a maximum of £200 while monitoring the level of applications. If your application has been successful, a BACS payment will be made within a further 5 working days.

More info & apply here. 

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SOMERSET HOUSE ONLINE RESIDENCY

Somerset House Studios invites applications for a new online spatial sound artist development programme, Sonic Terrains, taking place from May to August 2020. Five artists will each be supported remotely to make an ambitious new spatial sound work with a £3,000 artist fee and up to 30 hours of online studio sessions with state-of-the-art spatial sound studio Call & Response.

Deadline is Sunday 3rd May.

More info & apply here.

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OPPORTUNITIES IN THE WEST MIDLANDS

Active Reality Research Lab

Open to artists from all art-forms, at all career stages as a professional development opportunity. You must be based in the West Midlands, within travelling distance of Coventry.

Working with ARUP, with input from their Midlands team, based in Solihull, Artists will have the opportunity to explore some of the emerging technologies that ARUP are working with, including LIDAR (​Light Detection and Ranging). Developed by New Art West Midlands and Coventry City of Culture Trust, working with ARUP and artist Simon Poulter.

Deadline: 5pm, Wednesday 29 April 2020.

More info & apply here.

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The Utopia Project Zine

The Utopia Project is an art and literature zine, publishing work that uses its creative voice to speak to the political realities that we face, as individuals and communities. We encourage submissions from unpublished/emerging artists and those from under-represented backgrounds in the arts.

Submissions of artwork, poetry, and prose accepted.

Deadline Friday 15 May 2020

More info & apply here.

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Digital art commissions for Coventry 2021, Coventry University and University of Warwick

The University of Warwick and Coventry University have launched a joint project that will fund local artists up to £2000 to work with researchers to create digital art works that will be showcased this summer in a special digital exhibition in conjunction with the Coventry City of Culture Trust. They will then be kept in the Coventry City of Culture Digital Archive.

Deadline Thursday 30 April 2020

More info & apply here. 

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SUPPORT & RESOURCES

 

MUSIC MINDS MATTER

Mental health support is available from Help Musicians via a support line called Music Minds Matter (MMM) available any time of day or night for a listening ear; it doesn’t have to be a crisis. Trained advisors are there to listen, support and help at any time. Through calling MMM, eligible musicians can access free face-to-face or telephone counselling, or online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

contact [email protected]

telephone 0808 802 8008 (24hrs free support line)

More info. 

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DIGITAL CULTURE NETWORK

Having recently attended a Digital Culture Network event ourselves, we can vouch for just how beneficial their resources are.

From working and collaborating with others remotely, to continuing to engage with your audiences and generating income for your organisation, the Digital Culture Network is on hand to help you become more digitally engaged. These learnings will not only benefit you now, but continue to offer your organisation renewed energy in the digital realm for many years to come.

They are also running a series of webinar events in the coming weeks, we recommend you get involved with.

More info. 

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Return of the Supersonic Podcast!

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This podcast is being released under strange circumstances we know, but we’re still here to celebrate and champion all the incredible unclassifiable artists that featured on “the greatest line-up that couldn’t be”. Including a special feature on Rocket Recordings and an interview with Sex Swing, we hope you’ll take this podcast journey with us to discover some new music…

 

A massive thank you goes to everyone that has reached out to us and supported us by so far by waiving their tickets for Supersonic 2020, transferring them to next year or donating to help us continue our work of crafting extraordinary events for curious audiences. Please help us continue by donating here.

 

All the tracks used in this podcast we bought and downloaded directly from the artist’s bandcamps, if you’re in a position to support too, we’ve put all their links below for your convenience.

Tracklist

  • Bodies for Money Gnod
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Supersonic Festival 2020 – cancelled

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SUPERSONIC FESTIVAL 2020 CANCELLED

We are heartbroken to inform you that Supersonic Festival 2020 will be cancelled, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  This was a difficult decision to make, but we know it is the right one in the context of this unprecedented, global public health situation. Our top priority is to protect the health and wellbeing of our incredible team, our artists, audiences and our volunteers – and to do our part to keep pressure off our public health services.

As you may well be aware music venues, theatres and cinemas are now closed, and several major music festivals in the UK and across the world have already been cancelled. The UK government and Public Health England have indicated that restrictions may need to remain in place for several months.  There is so much uncertainty around how this situation is unfolding – it makes it nearly impossible to plan and produce a festival in July.

Furthermore, our event insurance would not cover us for any changes necessary as a result of Coronavirus and therefore Capsule (the organisation that produces Supersonic Festival)  would have had to bear the financial liability of cancelling our event. Given these considerable compound risks, we have regretfully decided that we have no alternative but to cancel this year’s festival at this stage.We have come to this conclusion after extensive consultation with our board, funders, partners and the artists in the festival, who all agree this is the right thing to do.

For us this decision is devastating. The team have been working so hard behind the scenes – we had an amazing line up and had also secured a brand-new location for the festival this year. But we are making this decision to protect the future existence of the organisation. We want to be here in the future and we will be back with another incredible festival in 2021.

As an organisation we have weathered a fair bit over our 20 years, but we have never experienced anything on this scale.

You can help us to continue our work of crafting extraordinary events for curious audiences, helping us to support artists and our freelance workers by donating what you can. HERE

You can also support the artists who were due to perform at Supersonic this July via buying their music directly from them – we’ve put a list together HERE

For the many of you who have already bought tickets, and group tickets, we know you will share our deep disappointment.

Refund options for tickets purchased for Supersonic 2020 Options:

  1. Waiver your refund; this will support Capsule short-term through these difficult and uncertain times and it will help us recoup cancellation costs. It will also help ensure the longer-term future of the organisation and the vital role we play within and wider arts and cultural ecology.
  2. Transfer your refund; all tickets purchased for this year’s festival will be valid for next year’s festival. Dates and further details of which will be announced later this year.
  3. Claim your refund; we understand that in all kinds of ways and for all kinds of people the future feels less certain in light of recent events. In order to claim your refund we ask that you write to us at [email protected] refunds will be processed as quickly as possible.
    Deadline to claim your refund is Monday 13 April 2020. Our terms & conditions can be found here.

We are confident with your help and loyalty that we will be back next summer to present our best festival yet.

But for now – stay safe and stay home!

With love,

Capsule Team x

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Support Supersonic 2020 artists via Bandcamp

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Big Joanie performing at Supersonic Festival 2019

[Picture by Wayne Fox: Big Joanie performing at Supersonic 2019]

We’re chuffed that Bandcamp will waive its fees on the first Friday of the month for the next three months in support of musicians during the Covid-19 Pandemic. This means 100% of profits go to straight to Bandcamp artists for 24hrs, many of which have recently had tours, festivals and shows cancelled. 

 

This is an opportunity to support lesser known artists. That album you listen to all the time on Spotify? If you’re in a position to – GO BUY IT. A lot of us creatives are going to be treading water in these uncertain times, but a tenner going to an artist you love can be a meaningful way to show your solidarity and support.

 

Here at Supersonic we’ve had the pleasure of programming 15 years of unclassifiable music – please check out these brilliant artists of line-ups present & past below…

 

SUPERSONIC 2020: “THE GREATEST LINE-UP THAT COULDN’T BE”

 

KLEIN
London’s Klein creates an R&B-tinged sound – a patchwork of erratic cut-up, pitch-shifted and contorted phone recordings of her voice, piano and guitar, paired with samples from childhood Nigerian movies.

HARRGA
Spitting fire and fury, this duo’s tangible compassion for ‘Harragas’ (people who cross borders illegally) is present throughout their obscure noise-design, conjuring seething visions in the form of contemporary industrial music.

A.A. WILLIAMS
Death-gospel maverick, A.A. Williams is proving ’heavy’ doesn’t have to mean ‘loud’ with her crafted melancholic sound submerged in Gothic influence. 

ALGIERS
In the true spirit of rock ‘n’ roll, this
 fast-paced four-piece from Atlanta douse their distorted anthems in a sound-concoction of raw-blues, gospel and industrial.

KA BAIRD
With a sound simultaneously ancient and futuristic, this American multi-instrumentalist explores piano improvisation, extended vocal techniques, physical movement, and her electronic manipulation of the flute.

PET BRICK
Melting noise and crushing electronics paired with grinding drum violence results in a festering pile of sonic terror that has to be heard to be believed.

OOZING WOUND
Equal parts sludge and thrash to noise and riff-loaded rock, these nihilistic pied-pipers will make us laugh our way to the apocalypse (although it seems we’re already there!)

CURL
The London based DIY label, CURL is a collective based in London, showcasing progressive, post-genre experiments. Features Mica Levi, Coby Sey and Brother May among others…

ORCHESTRA OF CONSTANT DISTRESS
The gruesome bombardment of destructive noise rock from Orchestra of Constant Distress is so harsh, so fierce and utterly grinding. Members of The Skull Defekts, Union Carbide Productions, Brainbombs and No Balls are joined in assemblage of catatonic sounds, obstinate riffs and rigid rhythms.

LANKUM
Close vocal harmonies, instrumental interplay and dramatic storytelling pin you to the ground and revive the spirit. With a diverse set of influences as disparate as Sunn O))), they show that folk music can be angry, progressive and is still a vital force today.

RICHARD DAWSON
Amongst shambolic guitar-driven arrangements, this modern-day storyteller delivers poignant songs that uncover an island country in a state of flux; a society on the edge of mental meltdown.

PUCE MARY
Expect an unrelenting sense of dread and coldness from the penetrating avant-garde electronics of this Danish sound-artist.

RAKTA
Psychedelic textures of synthesizers and effect pedals emanate above solid basslines and heaving drums from this Brazilian duo. 

J. ZUNZ
The new solo project of Mexico’s Lorena Quintanilla, is purely hypnotic. Within a thick atmosphere of an experimental post-punk sound, wonky synths and haunting melodies shine through via cold repetitions.

SEX SWING
Terrifyingly visceral, Sex Swing create music that can be likened to the haunted clangour of a faulty air conditioning unit that lurks in an anonymous office building.

BLANCK MASS
Benjamin John Power from F*ck Buttons has created an album to channel the horrors of the surveillance state and the creeping dread of everyday life into the most aggressive music of his career. 

GNOD
Pysch-noise collective Gnod are Krautdrone rockers who’ll take you on a trip to Saturn via Salford.

JOÃO PAIS FILIPE
This drummer/percussionist, sound sculptor and cymbal-maker from Porto explores the acoustic properties of the instruments he makes.

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EXTENDED SUPERSONIC FAMILY

ROBERT AIKI LOWE
This composer/performer’s work ranges from hypnotic solo modular synth and voice explorations as Lichens, to acting, composition for film and playing in Om.

MODIFIED TOY ORCHESTRA
By exploring the hidden potential inside redundant technology; MTO create sophisticated new electronic instruments from abandoned children’s toys.

THE BODY
They create a volume of sound almost unfathomable from a duo and are unaffected by instrument choice: guitar and drums, or keyboard and synthesizers.

DÄLEK
Pioneers of alt hip-hop, Dälek features Rapper/Producer MC Dälek, Producer/Live Electronics Mike Manteca – with roots in the mid-90’s DIY scene, Dälek has been delivering ground breaking albums for over 20 years.

HEY COLOSSUS
Forging a completely idiosyncratic combination of power, control, tenderness, miscontrol and more power, Hey Colossus acutely channel the best of your record collections and spit them back out.

HARESS
Haress consists of the core guitar duo of David Hand and Elizabeth Still, based in the Shropshire Hills where they organise the amazing Sineater Festival and  run the DIY record label Lancashire & Somerset.

TOMAGA
Multi-instrumentalism that morphs through industrial, jazz, psychedelia and minimalism, on it’s way to somewhere wholly other.

DANIEL HIGGS
“The pleasure of following Higgs…lies more in where he takes you than how he gets you there.” – Pitchfork


RATTLE 
Minimal in approach, Nottingham drumming duo Rattle, create a cyclical and whirling swirl of percussive sound.

MATTERS
Birmingham three-piece utilising synths, guitars and drums to create expansive music, blending Krautrock, psychedelic, post-rock and techno into a rich and powerful sound.

BIG JOANIE
Bold, catchy and arresting, Big Joanie make powerful music whilst creating a continuum for Black punks by presenting strong, powerful visions of Black womanhood and talking about the Black punks who came before them.

GUTTERSNIPE
Guttersnipe’s songwriting is impossible to pin down. It skitters from one irrational idea to the next like some piece of absurdist theatre. And yet through all the hideous racket they create, they show a greater creative purpose than just making noise for noise sake. 

MOOR MOTHER
Her music is often harsh, confrontational, projecting both the cathartic anger of punk and the expansive improvisatory spirit of Sun Ra into an output that is consistently grounded in a sense of history and story-telling.

THE SEER
The Seer is a multimedia project devised and directed by long time collaborator and friend of Supersonic artist and filmmaker Conny Prantera

ICHI
From Nagoya in Japan, ICHI takes the notion of a one-man band to new limits, combining his quirky handmade instrument inventions.

GAZELLE TWIN
Her repertoire draws from sci-fi film scores, choral music, underwater life and the paranormal.

DORCHA
Genre-fluid 5 piece band of synths, strings, electronics and heavy beats. A dynamic, versatile group with a refusenik attitude, Dorcha obsess over transporting listeners to a pool of shifting, nearly gothic, barely pop, experimental songwriting.

SOFA KING
Birmingham based experimentalist Sofa King, is the musical output of pop-obsessed transgender individual Dianne Burdon. She treats reverb and feedback like a chemical formula.

LONE TAXIDERMIST
Wrapped in plastic and smeared in whipped cream, take a listen to the utterly bizarre and otherworldly, ruptured activity generated by Cumbrian musician, costume maker, skin decorator, performer and natural provocateur Natalie Sharp.

We also recommend you check out the music on these brilliant labels…

Rocket Recordings: https://rocketrecordings.bandcamp.com

God Unknown Records: https://godunknownrecords.bandcamp.com

Hominid Sounds: https://hominidsounds.bandcamp.com/

Night School Records https://night-school.bandcamp.com/

Box Records https://box-records.com/

Lancashire & Somerset Records https://lancashireandsomerset.bandcamp.com/

 

 

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