No Candy talking! ...so Andy steps in!

Dear Scratchers,

Following a swift ‘publicity drop’ to XFM London’s familiar pigeon holes, with ‘personal’ Clint messages and Destroyed by the look of love press packs…. It was a 10-minute route march from Leicester Square to Maple Street and the basement studios of VS Recharged. Jordan the producer was busy setting up tonight’s session band ‘Miss Davina Lee’, when Alex and Dave (the rest of team VS arrived brandishing ‘Maccy Dee’s’ and the less than pleasing news that the ‘star’ of tonight’s show, Douglas Hart (Bassist with Jesus and Mary Chain and now revered, but evidently absent minded video director) was double booked on a video shoot for some unknowns called The Manic Street Preachers, or something like that?

Ho hum! …

Bit of a downer in one way, but the flip side was Andy now had DH’s interview slot, to plug the Clint gig and all other things The Scratch, including the other dates, album 3 and next ep ‘You want the world!’

As previously, the agenda for the show was new and up and coming unsigned acts, appraised and critiqued by a panel of Andy, Alex and ‘Miss Davina Lee’s Gareth. Jordan subsequently admitted that this weeks crop weren’t up to the usual standard and indeed this was reflected in the many cries of ‘too long’ and ‘started well, but went nowhere!’ during the show. However Andy did pick out The Brute Chorus’ ‘All the Pilgrims’ foray into 50’s crampesque rock’n’roll as the one band he’s like to see live from the bunch. And I must say on the evidence of their single hot off the presses, something about a dirty old man and a rain coat, Miss Davina Lee’s single was certainly a great first taste of their wares!

Jordan completed proceedings with a play of DBTLOL (which I’ve got to say Grizzla, sounded frickin excellent!)

Later in the pub, the talk was of the glut of none too clever bands in London and the need for more ‘outa town’ scenes ‘Well we are trying, check the Horn out! On the 5th June!’
Two moments of amusement highlight the hour in the ship. First one was Steve Lamacqs expression on his face as Andy handed over the 10th different demo to the visibly disconcerted DJ!… it was honestly a totally random meeting Steve, but if want to stop it happening… PLAY THE FRICKIN DEMO LAMO!!!!

The second incident was when Jordan introduced Andy to a guy called Chris (a local promoter, designer), who used to work for Glasswerk (London promotions agency)…much hilarity was had as Andy suddenly twigged that he recognised Chris from last years Turnmills gig when a smirking door man (Chris) had said ‘Great the toilet set innit as the band struggled up the stairs amps in hand after typically disjointed London night out…Pale face, turned to red face and then laughter as Andy reminded him of this.

Thanks a lot to Jordan and the guys, good to meet MDL and yeah you Chris. Look forward to seeing you at the Horn on 5th June, you should see the flippin toilets there mate!!!

The Scratch
xx