Jean-Michel Basquiat is not one of the most talked about figures of modern art; when I expressed interest in visiting the retrospective running at the Barbican, only a minority knew who I was talking about. Having said that, most who had heard of him, loved him. That would be a strong description for my admiration for his work. Photo of … Continue reading Boom for Real

The ukulele is generally not taken that seriously. Seen by many as a toy or a joke version of a ‘real’ guitar, its pleasing notes are perceived as more of a novelty than a serious instrument in its own right. I don’t think I’ve heard anyone say that it’s their dream to learn to play … Continue reading Plucky Little Beast

A few weeks ago, while at my desk, I felt a dull ache in my right elbow. Figuring I was maybe leaning on the wooden surface too much or in an odd way, or I’d manage to knock my elbow somehow, I thought nothing of it. Having experienced dull rheumatic pain in the past, aka … Continue reading Lame

The end of October heralds a noticeable shift in seasons. Change is evident in the crisper quality of the morning air, the availability of pumpkin spiced lattes causing excitement and eye rolls in equal measure and the clocks moving back – giving us in the UK an extra hour in bed. Along with that extra hour … Continue reading Scary Good

Trekking down to south London on a school night for a band I’ve never heard felt like a little bit of a stretch this week. Completely missing the entrance to the Bussey Building in Peckham I felt like I was in a strange land wandering up Rye Road alone in the dark. Retracing my steps … Continue reading The Birth of Henryetta

Earlier this year a school friend of mine posted a song on her Facebook wall. The title intrigued me so I had a little listen and instantly fell in love with it. The band was called Bleachers, hailing from New Jersey  in the USA, and the song was ‘Don’t Take The Money’. Immediately I was … Continue reading Bleachers

It’s been about eight years or so since I last went to a gig at Scala – and that was dressed up in a green neon tutu and leg warmers along with a friend wearing the same outfit in equally neon pink to see Cage the Elephant. This modest Kings Cross stage which has previously hosted rock … Continue reading Construction Does Indeed Rock!

I can't remember the last time I went to the O2 for a gig (probably Monty Python). I always seem to forget the massive scale of the venue. What was more astounding than the volume of space though, was the show that filled it. Nick Cave has long been one of my all time favourite … Continue reading Just Breathe

A wonderful envelope made its way to my desk today - a much anticipated delivery. Mid-summer, through the power of social media, I discovered that Jonny ‘Itch’ Fox the front man of one of my favourite bands, The King Blues, was launching a side project. Setting up a page on Kickstarter, he was looking to … Continue reading Special Delivery