EjectorSeat

Interview with Festival Illustrator

2011-05-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

We had one of our wonderful Volunteers Kirsty Wilson interview a very special contributor about what he does and his connection to the festival.

What’s your background?

I’ve been drawing little pictures and trying to get people to look at them for as long as I can remember. I don’t think there was that defining moment of “Im going to dive into illustration for a career” but my foundation studies in Art and Design really focused my love of drawing, and at Solent University on the illustration course, drawing was all I did.

Since I graduated in 2009, I needed a break. For the first several months I travelled around Europe - sketchbook and ink at the ready - and drew everything I could. Once I returned this love of architecture and travel fed right back into my work and I was off, drawing like a beaver on acid. My final (degree) piece was included in a local exhibition at The Bargate Gallery in Southampton, and subsequently made it into the AOI Images 34 catalogue and exhibition. From there onwards I sent out sack-loads of 'self-promotional packs' to prospective clients, magazines, newspapers etc. with some successes, and uploaded my work to any respectable portfolio website that would have me violate it. A brilliant string of exhibitions and commissions followed into 2010 from magazines to a very well-known clothing company.

Currently living in Southampton, and when not drawing away in a darkened room, I am irritating the neighbours listening to music, or out seeking new commissions.

What influences do you have? Have they changed over time and if so why/how?

The world around me acts as my main source of inspiration. Any amusing situations I find myself, or others in, I make a note of and draw it up later on. My images are also becoming increasingly sarcastic, and I like to think this is a reaction to all of the surreal situations I find myself in, utilising these to (attempt to) portray a sense of humour in my work. The world at large takes itself too seriously – I just want to create images that make people smile. This has been my main aim all along.

What’s the process from having an idea and putting it to paper and getting to the end result?

If I’m on a commission, I will research my subject and grab as much information as I can. However if I’m creating an image for the pure joy it, I will grab my sketchbook and draw out whatever comes into my warped mind straight away. It’s then a case of importing it into my beloved mac, colouring and releasing it upon the world.

What piece of work that you’ve done sticks in your mind and why?

I seem to have become most known for my pictures of dinosaurs and wrestling bears, which is nice. Everyone loves dinosaurs.

What are you doing for the Ejectorseat arts festival?

For Ejectorseat I have been giving a wonderfully loose brief to create all the imagery needed to create promotional material, posters, and the events booklet. A brief with as much freedom as this one meant that the images delivered to Ejectorseat included dinosaurs, guitar-playing-monsters and enough bright colours to fill a rainbow, which I like very much.

Are there any particular preparations you will have to do beforehand?

Book the day off work.

What do you think the benefits are of a local arts festival?

The fact that is a local festival will mean bringing out all of the people in Southampton who share a passion for illustration, music, food, film, comedy, poetry and photography. Having all these nice folks in one place on a (hopefully) sunny day in Southampton will be a great way to mingle and gain inspiration from all of these fields.

Why is Southampton such a good place for this kind of festival?

With all of the open, green space in the city-centre parks, and the amount of ‘creatives’ that reside here, Southampton lends itself to this sort of event beautifully.

As an illustrator what do you hope to get out of the festival?

Any exposure of my crazed scribbles is always most welcome, but more that that, the Ejectorseat brief for the festival imagery was fun! A commission with such freedom is not one to turn down. As for the festival itself, I hope it is packed. I hope that instead of going to watch the Saints game, they’ll come down to the park and mooch around in the sun, looking at pretty pictures, talking to the artists, poets and designers, taking in the local bands and relaxing in the park.

…I also hope they’ll buy my drawings so I can continue to buy the ridiculously expensive pens I am all too fond of.

2011-05-16T11:59:00.000-07:00

If you guys have been to either the City Art Gallery or the John Hansard recently, you'll know that they are currently hosting a very special exhibition of Andy Warhol's work. Our friends at Johhny Toaster have gotten themselves a piece of the action.

SOUTH COAST ARTISTS TAKE ON WARHOL CLASSICS IN NEW EXHIBITION COMING TO SOUTHAMPTON THIS MONTH
Popular Southampton cultural venue The Soul Cellar continues it’s fantastic new guise as a gallery space – this time in tandem with the current Andy Warhol fever currently sweeping across Southampton.

The show - titled simply Warhol - is a brand new exhibition of work featuring contemporary artists from along the South Coast and their takes and interpretations of a series of Warhol classics such as 'The Last Supper' and 'Gun'.

Spotify Playlist.

2011-05-02T03:53:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone.

We've done a playlist with some of the artists performing at the festival for you to get a sneak peak!

Find it here: LINK

TEAM ES

Artist Submissions

2011-04-24T14:18:00.000-07:00

On the 4th June, 2011, Palmerston Park will be transformed into a hive of artistic activity with music, exhibitions, poetry and hands-on interactive workshops – all completely free. Ejector Seat Arts Festival is all about bringing emerging artists and performers to the audiences they need.

The following opportunities are available:

Exhibition space – Work can be displayed in and around the Arts and Crafts market and Workshop tents.
Live illustration on boards that will be provided to take place throughout the day
Branding for the 2012 Festival

If you are interested, please email an example (JPEG) of your work to:

keiron_le_vine at hotmail dot co dot uk

For any general enquiries about the festival:

info at ejectorseat dot co dot uk

Facebook event page and updates.

2011-04-11T12:01:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone.

We all know how much time people spend on facebook, so we've set up our Festival Event Page

LINK

We'll keep this page updated with info, so be sure to tell us you are going to attend.

Over the next few weeks, we'll be posting some larger articles on our blog, so keep your eyes here too.

Best,

TEAM ES.

Festival after party at POP!

2011-04-06T10:50:00.000-07:00

Got some music you just wish you could share with others?

Got some skills with the decks?

Then why not come along and spin some tunes at the Ejectorseat Arts Festival Afterparty?

We’ll be in the mood for some great music, so why not make it some of your own, your label’s or your favourite artist’s?

We’re keen to hear from you, so if you’re interested and think you can give us 30 minutes of great tunes, then get in touch now!

Illustrator Commissioned for 2011 Festival

2010-12-09T07:28:00.000-08:00

Ollie Stone has been asked to create all the illustrations for our 2011 Arts and Music Festival set for 4^th June.

We are expecting to see (family friendly) monsters playing guitars and covering themselves in paint, all in the name of creativity.

To see examples of Ollie's work, take a look at his website LINK and blog LINK

2010-11-29T12:42:00.000-08:00

The NEW WORKS FESTIVAL, a three-day new music festival organised by the University of Southampton's Music Department is due to start from the 5th-7th December.

The purpose of the New Works Festival is to raise the profile of the Music department at Southampton University by showcasing the talent of our staff and students. It will feature new music written by Michael Finnissy, Michael Zev Gordon and the Postgraduate PhD composers (http://soundcloud.com/new_works_festival)

Performing are some of the country's most well respected new music specialists including many from within the department, for example: Michael Finnissy, Jane Chapman and Angela Space, and PhD student Justin Christensen's international ensemble Modelo62, who will be performing here as part of their nationwide tour.

As well as this there will be composition forums and open rehearsals, all of which are open to the general public.

CONCERTS:

Dec 5th, 8pm: ROLF HIND AND MICHAEL FINNISSY (Two Pianos)

Playing works by: Michael Zev Gordon, Lachenmann, Xenakis, Andrew Toovey, Chris Newman, George Holloway, Marios Joannou Elia; and Piano Duets by Judith Weir and Leo Grant

Dec 6th, 1pm: DARRAGH MORGAN AND MARY DULLEA (Violin and Piano)

Playing Works by: Michael Finnissy, Michael Zev Gordon, Philip Clarke, Claudia Molitor, Ophir Ilzetzki and Ignacio Brasa

Dec 6th, 8pm: MODELO 62 ENSEMBLE

Playing Works by: Michael Finnissy (World Premiere), James Tenney, Justin Christensen, Jee Soo Shin and Hossein Hadisi

Dec 7th, 1pm: HUW WATKINS TRIO

(Richard Watkins, Horn; Alexandra Wood, Violin; Huw Watkins, Piano)

Playing Works by: TBC

Dec 7th, 8pm: JANE CHAPMAN AND ANGELA SPACE (Harpsichord and Saxophone)

Playing Works by: TBC

LINKS

http://www.soton.ac.uk/music/news/2010/09_13_newworks.shtml

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=110207589035307&ref=mf

Work Placements

2010-11-22T06:02:00.001-08:00

Hello all.

It's that time of year again.
We are gearing up for our festival next year (to be held on the 4th of June).
And we need your help to make it a success!
Last year wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for all the efforts of our Volunteers, and next year will be no different.
If you are interested in helping a local arts festival develop, gaining some great experience, and working as part of an enthusiastic team, please send us an e-mail and let's get talking.
We will be expanding the site next year, and need people to help in the roles listed below:

Arts Market Co-ordinator
Film Competition Artist Liaison Officer
Film Tent Artist Liaison Officer
Film Tent Stage Manager
Grant Writer
Head of Marketing
Interview Liaison
Main Stage Manager Roles
Marketing Liaison
Online Marketing Liaison
Second Stage Manager
Site Artist Liaison Officer
Site Manager
Spoken Word Stage Manager
TV and Radio Marketing Liaison

If you are interested, we would welcome an e-mail and a CV to info at ejectorseat.co.uk

Best of luck,

Mac

LOG JAM RETURNS!

2010-11-01T05:37:00.000-07:00

Log Jam is back!

Time: Sunday, November 14 · 8:30pm - 11:30pm

Location: The Soul Cellar

Nothing has changed (except the venue) so expect the same shenanigans as before:

Live jamming sessions where you are encouraged to get up and join in! (or just sit back and take in the loveliness).

Pens and paper for you to sit and draw, doodle, fold, colour and scribble to your hearts content!

We will hopefully have some larger pieces on the go with a few illustrators around to get help you get collaborating!

Guitars, drums, keyboards, whistle, horns, a cat and all the other instruments for you to play with!

Come down and play.

and after the event find the music and pictures online (www.logcollective.co.uk) or on the group.

Johnny Toaster are also working together with the Soul Cellar to create a new permanent exhibition space. Email work your to submissions@johnnytoaster.co.uk for your chance to be exhibited!

SEE YOU ALL THERE!

Terry Riley.

2010-10-27T11:43:00.001-07:00

This man is a legend. Those familiar with Powaqqatsi or any of Philip Glass' or Steve Reich's work will appreciate what he does.

American minimalist Terry Riley has been away from the UK for many years and in this, the year of his 75th Birthday, he returns with a tour dedicated to the work of his guru, the celebrated Hindustani classical singer, Pran Nath.

Southampton is lucky enough to play host to him for one of only 5 days of his tour on November the 2^nd. And Southampton is offering something very special to go along with it. There will be an open soundcheck/rehearsal in the Turner Sims Concert Hall from 3 to 4.30, then there will be 30 minutes of Q&A with the audience from 4.30 to 5.00. THIS IS OPEN TO ANYBODY, NOT JUST UNI STUDENTS.

For more info visit HERE

2010-10-26T08:48:00.001-07:00

2010-10-10T02:57:00.000-07:00

E J E C T O R S E A T P R E S E N T S

S A T U R D A Y T H E 20TH N O V E M B E R

B A R G A T E G A L L E R Y

B U R N T H E F L E E T

http://www.myspace.com/burnthefleetband

K E R O U A C

http://www.myspace.com/kerouacuk

G O O D T I M E B O Y S

http://www.myspace.com/forgetgoodtimeboys

K A S A

http://www.myspace.com/kasaband

EjectorSeat & Music in the City Presents!

2010-09-25T04:50:00.000-07:00

THIS EVENT IS FREE!

We've been asked by Music in the City to host a concert at the amazing 14th Century Castle Vault.
This is going to be a VERY special show.
We have chosen special artists to perform who deal with resonance and sparsity. We are going to mic up the room, and not the instruments, so the sound will be very unique. Hopefully complimenting both Iannis Xenakis and Alvin Lucier, but in a accessible way.

Doyle and the Fourfathers
...Fans already include BBC 6 Music's Marc Riley, and Rouge Trade, who described the band as “channelling Scott Walker via Eno-era Bowie with a nod to Jarvis and Neil Hannon on the way. One of those “Catch them in a small venue while you can bands”.
www.dt4f.com/

Andrew Convey and Matt Reynolds
Two of Southampton's best alternative bands join up for what will be a very special set of stripped back material. We are not sure what they will be performing, but it is sure to be special.
www.myspace.com/burnthefleetband
www.myspace.com/wearedrawings

Powerdove
Having just moved to Southampton from Oakland, California, this is her first show for the public in Southampton. Powerdove's songs perfect the art of restrained instrumentation, but still manage to be incredibly intense. Don't just take our word for it, see the myspace for music and praise.
www.myspace.com/powerdove

Quamvis Sum Parva
The Castle Vault is the perfect place to experience this mixture of Stars of the Lid and Pauline Oliveros creating an end product Cabaret Voltaire would be proud of.
Last time we saw this performance, it was for Bang The Bore. Astounded by the industrial sound that was produced from the array of bowls, gongs, bows a loop pedal and a serious PA contribution, we had to get a performance here.
www.myspace.com/quamvissumparva

Lee Kislingbury
performing a set of guitar compositions, drawing influence from Godspeed You Black Emperor and American Primitivism.
www.myspace.com/thesquareneckjumpers

Ignacio Agrimbau, Joe Kelly, and Hossein Hadisi
www.prsformusicfoundation.com/international/ignacioagrimbau.htm
www.myspace.com/etaoshin
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hossein_Hadisi

We will also be displaying some visual art to compliment the diverse line up that we have for you. Short films, and recorded experimental music will fill up the space throughout the day.

Face book event Link
Enjoy!

New shows

2010-09-13T11:20:00.000-07:00

We warned you. We said we were going to do some more gigs.

So far, we have been very lucky. We've met some great people in Southampton that have helped us to organise some awesome shows.
The first coming up is at the Bargate Gallery on Sun 19th Sept, with Anja McCloskey’s (Haunted Stereo) EP launch. Support comes from Ottersgear (from Manchester) and local boys Freezing in Fressin.

This gig starts a series of events that we will be programming at the Bargate Gallery over the coming year. All of the shows will be stripped back, celebrating some great local acoustic artists, with special solo sets, and others artists from further afield, representing Brighton, Bournemouth, Winchester Portsmouth and London. Entry is £4 on the door, and starts at 8pm.

Our second is a free event on Saturday 9^th October and is part of the Music in the City programme. Running from 12 until 20:00. We will be hosting a special show at the Castle Vault on Western Esplanade MAP. We have specially chosen artists to perform here that will compliment the atmosphere of the venue, creating resonance, echo, and reverberation. Artists set to perform are all from Hampshire, and include:

Doyle & The Fourfathers (indie lovies) www.myspace.com/doyleandthefourfathers

Powerdove (understated acoustic singer/song writer) http://www.annielewandowski.com/

Andrew Convey and Matt Reynolds (Burn the Fleet frontman) www.myspace.com/burnthefleetband

Lee Kislingbury (acoustic guitar soundtracks) www.myspace.com/thesquareneckjumpers

Quamvis Sum Parva (experiments in resonance) www.myspace.com/quamvissumparva

Ignacio Agrimbau & Company

plus one more tbc

Upcoming Events

2010-07-28T12:53:00.000-07:00

Hey people!

We've got some stuff planned up our sleeves!

If you like 14 Century buildings, underground vaults, and ancient city gateways filled with some great musicians we'll have just the thing for you coming in September and October...

Remember to check back here soon, and there will be full info!

Festivals close to home...

2010-06-29T12:04:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

Hope you're well. We thought we'd send you a quick message letting you know about about a couple of festivals that are happening in the local area.

The first one is this weekend, and is Blissfields. LINK

This is a boutique festival that comes back for another year to celebrate it's 10th anniversary to please local bodies. Having won “Best Small Festival” from the UK festival awards, they fancy their chances again this year. Good luck guys! Live bands playing include Dubpistols, Stereo MCs, Band of Skulls and Lanterns on the Lake.

The second is slightly closer to home, and in the form of Pulse Festival. Taking place at Sunny Fields farm in Marchwood, this virgin festival is set to please both foodies and music lovers alike. Some great acts including Woven Bird and Science of 8 Limbs will be there to entertain.
See LINK

impromptu show

2010-06-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

For those of you that were really looking forward to REMNANT PSYCHE playing in the film tent, we can only apologise that it didn't happen.

HOWEVER! There has been an impromptu show booked in at Hamptons with them headlining. The show is this Sunday 13th of June.

The full line up is going to be

REMNANT PSYCHE
http://www.myspace.com/remnantpsyche

BAKU BANKAI
http://www.myspace.com/bakubankai

A NINJA SLOB DREW ME
http://www.myspace.com/ninjaslob

There's also a facebook event page if you wanted to know more. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=132587183419867

Review: Ejector Seat Arts Festival, Southampton

2010-06-10T14:25:00.000-07:00

Review: Ejector Seat Arts Festival, Southampton

MORE EVENTS!

2010-06-04T06:02:00.001-07:00

LAST MINUTE ADDITION!

From 2pm until 6pm we are going to have artists Clarke Nova, Gustav (twice champion of Secret wars) and Pick on site painting live, customising skate decks, t-shirts and trainers for four local skaters including UK mini ramp champion, Greg Nowick.
Later at 7pm there will be a Photoshoot with the skaters in Hoglands Park.
This event has been organised by the Creative Campus team.

x

Timetable

2010-06-03T03:39:00.000-07:00

Hello again!

We are treating you all to a timetable for the day.
Please feel free to save a copy of the image, and save it on your phone for reference on the day.
Please avoid printing it if you don’t need to!
We will have time tables put up in the Film Tent, and Arts Market, and we’ll have signage letting you know what bands are playing and when.

Bring a drum down for our drumming session at 16:30, and make sure you don’t miss Paper Cinema and Little Boat in the Film Tent at 21:00. They are both sure to be amazing.

This SATURDAY!

2010-06-02T11:02:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Just thought I'd give you a shout out to remind all of those coming to the festival that it is this SATURDAY. The weather forecasts tell us it will be fantastic, so bring some shade! Everything kicks off at 2pm, and runs until 10.

The BLOG will be updated shortly with some last minute additions to the events going on, so keep your eyes on that, or on our events page on facebook.

BLOG: LINK

FACEBOOK PAGE: LINK

See you there!

The EjectorSeat Team

Nina Nastasia - Southampton gig

2010-05-25T13:45:00.000-07:00

Hi All, We are not just about the festival. We are still working to bring the best touring bands the world has to offer, and get in great local acts for support.

We are very happy to announce that we have been asked to host Nina LINK on her intimate UK tour. She normally plays in venues of 400 plus, so this is going to be a very special event for those lucky enough to attend.

Nina Nastasia's rare gift of a voice is an intimate, winged presence that is able to either freeze or melt your heart; that can powerfully soar and twist, or brush ultra-gently against you, suddenly summoning goose bumps. Mojo commented on its ability to "suck the air out of the room". Picking over themes of love, longing and loss, childhood, dreams and human dramas, her beautifully concise, hook-laden song writing and the spare arrangements of her band have a certain gritty, rustic charm and intensity. Simultaneously tough and fragile, her songs crackle and smolder with an intimate emotional honesty and a dark undertow.

Nina’s sixth album Outlaster is due out on 6th June on Fat Cat (Sigur Ros, Animal Collective). Once again recorded by Steve Albini, who is one of her biggest supporters; “Nina Nastasia's 'Dogs' is a record so simultaneously unassuming and grandiose that I can't really describe it, except in terms that would make it (and me) sound silly. Of the couple thousand records I've been involved with, this is one of my favourites, and one that I'm proud to be associated with."

Veteran BBC DJ John Peel became similarly enamored with her music. In an interview with Harper's and Queen, he called her "astonishing" and in Mojo said: "[Nina's] songs are very direct without being posy or too clever. There's an attractive air of melancholy without self-pity." Nina twice made it into his Festive Fifty: "Ugly Face" (ranked 4th in 2002) and "You, Her & Me" (ranked 13th in 2003).

Local supports come from Winchester's Incredible Weapons LINK and Bournemouth's Directorsound LINK

Tickets are £10adv, and available from:
http://seetickets.com/see/price.asp?code=466592&userid{3C64A901-8948-4C08-A8EB-94C4B04DECDE}&filler1=see&filler2=art-srch
or
http://www.wegottickets.com/event/78879
or
Oxfam Music - 1 East Street, Southampton, SO14 3HE. 023 8022 4864

Knitting!

2010-05-05T13:54:00.000-07:00

As part of our arts festival, we've invited some knitters to come and help us with a spot of subversive knitting in the GLORIOUS sunshine, as we add a little colour to Palmerston park...
The idea is to knit up strips in various colours and patterns and stitch them together to create a patch work cover that will then be sewn on to the tree. If you can already knit, then come armed and ready for action and bring any odd balls of wool you have for the cause. If your not quite sure if knitting is for you, but fancy having a go this will be a great opportunity for you to try out the sport, our knitting Guru's will be on hand to show you the ropes all day so pop by for an hour or hang out and help for the whole day and make your Granny PROUD!! FACEBOOK EVENT

Website

2010-04-23T06:55:00.000-07:00

Our website went live today!

WHOOP!

Please visit it to see what's going to be happening on the day, and for links to those involved with everything.

It's here:

EJECTORSEAT

Film Competition.

2010-04-22T08:25:00.000-07:00

EjectorSeat opens the call for entries for a brand new short film competition.

Several short-listed entries will form an essential part of the EjectorSeat Arts Festival programme, which is to be held on Saturday 5th June 2010 in Palmerston Park, Southampton. The site will include a film tent screening local shorts, to be curated by CityEye.

The free festival aims to celebrate and promote local arts and culture by exposing it in a public place.

· The film can last up to 5 minutes.
· It is to take influence from a song by one of the bands performing at the festival.
· The songs are hosted on www.ejectorseat.co.uk and will be available to download or stream for free.

Notes:
For terms and conditions, please refer to the attached.
If you would like more information, or an official press release please send an email to info@ejectorseat.co.uk

Mac

www.ejectorseat.co.uk

BANDS!

2010-04-15T00:13:00.001-07:00

Hello all!

All the bands have confirmed for the festival. To listen to each of them, click the LINK button next to their names. There will be bands playing on two stages. The Main (Band Stand) Stage. The second stage will be in the Film Tent. They have been listed in order of appearance, with details of the special events that will be making their performances special.

Band Stand

The musical focal point for the festival is the Band Stand. This structure is the perfect stage to host the musicians that will be teaming up with orchestras, choirs, and dancers. Our drumming session will be held here at 4:30pm for all to get involved with.
Representing the local music scene, the following artists will be performing on the Band Stand (listed in order of appearance).

Baku Bankai LINK TBC
will be performing with a live painter!

Woven Bird LINK
Since their inception in 2009, their agenda has been nothing more than to craft off-centre pop with sharp edges. They share a musical resemblance to The Smiths, Vampire Weekend and Neutral Milk Hotel.

Drumming Session LINK
Drumming is at the heart at every band and orchestra; it throbs and pulses to bring life and rhythm to music. To celebrate rhythm EjectorSeat will be taking influence from Boadrum, turning the entire park into a stage. Simple exercises will be incorporated into a mass drumming performance of local professionals and novices all performing together.

Waking Aida LINK
Instrumental post-rock act, akin to Explosions in the sky, and 65DaysOfStatic, creating dynamic looped math rock. Fortunate enough to play with Danananaykroyd, Jeniferever and Portugal. The Man. This performance will be made special by the live strings that will accompany them.

Haunted Stereo LINK
Creating intricate layers of sound with an array of melodic instruments; including banjo, mandolin, accordion, piano, violin, recorder, electric guitar, melodica and percussion. Elaborating on this multitude, they will be playing with a brass section.

Drawings LINK
Not content to accept that their future is a foregone conclusion and instead the suggestion that they are but Drawings; sketches of life that, so far, have been easily manipulated by our history, our traditions and our pretensions but not we’re not complete, not finished, not doomed. They are Drawings.

Venice Ahoy! LINK
Venice Ahoy have been creating their own fast paced math pop on the local scene long enough to get a buzz surrounding them and become renowned for their hi-energy live shows. Think Foals and Gang of Four

Science of Eight Limbs LINK
Two guys who are capable of making more noise than a band with three times as many members and yet can still command subtlety and intelligence in their textured, multi- faceted tunes. These are songs that sweep and soar from beat-heavy dance to riff laden grooves, introspective post-rock to full on peel your face off wall of noise.As a special performance they will exclusively collaborating with a choreographer.

Film Tent

The Death of Cinema Club LINK
Each song by The Death of Cinema Club is a loud and fast paced tribute to one of their favourite films. Drums, sampler, bass, synths & stylophone, combine musically to make music akin to Daft Punk, Lightning Bolt, and Hella. They will be performing a VJ set at the festival, so expect a fair amount of Japanese anime, David lynch-esque scenes and monsters.

The Hola LINK
An ever changing line up of Southampton’s most talented musicians and composers are going to be performing an original score written for a special visual projection and will be performing this live sound track to a special film.

The Paper Cinema LINK & Little Boat LINK
Born out of the Bournemouth music scene The Paper Cinema gathered a cult following and became one of the most talked about acts of the Edinburgh Fringe 2008. The highly original theatre company use projections of intricate illustrations and improvised soundtrack to tell mysterious stories and create a ‘live cinema’ experience.

Really looking forward to this!

Draw a bird day!

2010-04-08T11:12:00.000-07:00

Hello all, just a quick one to point out something quite charming. I heard today that it was international draw a bird day today. There are a couple of links below, telling you more about it! Draw a Bird Another This fits in with our themes at the festival, so I thought it was worth a mention.

Mac.

2010-03-04T11:46:00.000-08:00

It's getting closer...our site will be up soon, but in the meantime here's a little taster:
In the mean time, there is some more info on our facebook group and event page

Drum-o-rama...

2010-02-18T12:57:00.000-08:00

We've developed a nice idea. It's kinda stealing, but it's kinda a tribute.

Drumming is at the heart of every band and orchestra; it throbs and pulses to bring life and rhythm to music.

To celebrate rhythm, EjectorSeat will be taking influence from Boadrum, turning the park into a stage at their Arts Festival to be held on Saturday 5^th June within Palmerston Park.

Drumming workshops will be held at the Band Stand, and will include a few simple exercises, which will then be incorporated into a mass drumming performance of local professionals and brand new novices, all performing together. By dissolving egos and making a unified experience for all involved we hope to bring the park to life as one giant stage. With that in mind, the whole experience is aimed at being as inclusive as possible, and spare drums will be on hand on the day for anyone to get involved. This event will be truly unique and individual for everyone involved, weather engaged or passive, and will change depending on where one stands.

Mac Ince from EjectorSeat said “Our aim is something that goes beyond experimentalism, and develops into being pop in its scope and execution by bringing people together.”

The formation will be led by Dave Wade-Brown (from Thomas Tantrum), and as well as many other invited percussionists. The drummers from the bands performing at the Band Stand on the day will also be getting involved.

If you would like to be involved, and perform with the group, contact EjectorSeat by emailing info[at]ejectorseat.co.uk

Links: www.viva-radio.com/77Boadrum/video.php

Helping us to help Southampton.

2010-01-19T07:59:00.000-08:00

EjectorSeat needs YOU!
Our Arts festival is being organised for Saturday 5th June 2010 and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved as a volunteer. The festival is small enough for everyone involved as a volunteer to gain not just an overview of how the festival works, but to give real input and value. We will try to fit your experience and aspirations against required roles in the festival, so that we all benefit as much as possible.

What's available?
EjectorSeat have various positions available, with different responsibilities and skills.

We are looking for Grant Writers, to research and apply for Arts and Community grants; and Artist Liaisons Officers to co-ordinate and communicate with artists of different mediums.

In addition to this we need a team of marketing volunteers to help promote the festival a month leading up to and over the weekend of the event itself. Applicants for this role must be able to offer a minimum of 6 hrs.
We are also looking for professional quality photographers to help us document the festival.

We will need to know when you are available to volunteer for EjectorSeat, as this enables us to timetable volunteer hours in the office, at events and liaising with artists and onsite. It's really important that if you've said you're available at a particular time on a particular day, we can rely on your presence.

For further information on volunteering for EjectorSeat, or to apply send an email to: info [@] ejectorseat.co.uk and mark in the SUBJECT of the email VOLUNTEER.You must also remember to include a full CV or if you don’t have a current CV 1 side of A4 explaining your interest in volunteering and any specific knowledge or skills that you think are applicable.

Mac Ince
EjectorSeat Director
www.ejectorseat.co.uk

Three free shows...

2010-01-06T04:10:00.000-08:00

Hello again!

We have mentioned before about the fact the recession might have a negative effect on our choice to leave the house and go spend money on the arts.
With that in mind, we have three handy little suggestions for you…

The First are the free Lunchtime events that happen at Turner Sims up at Southampton University. Held every Monday and Friday from 13:00, you can experience a range from solo student concerts, ensemble examination

concerts, and even performances from professional touring artists like the Kate Williams Quintet, and a very special performance from Veryan Weston who has played in the Phil Minton Quartet and the London Improvisers Orchestra. Occasional treats from University staff are performed, like on the 15th February when a concert of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyám is played.

Bang the Bore is back with another show of irresponsible music made with abnormal instruments at the Hobbit on Sunday 17th January from 6 – 10. Entry is free, but donations to pay the bands are (very) gratefully accepted! The show will some awesome include sets by:
Temperatures
Rick Jensen Trio
Hunting Lodge
No Context
Baku Bankai (no site)

And LogJam again invites us to join them for a night of drawing and music at Hamptons on Sunday 10th Jan with the usual fun and games, and some new ideas on getting you involved with sketching out comics and giant murals.

There is also some more news on the Music in the City event to be held in Southampton in October.
A special launch event will be held at St Mary’s Church at noon on Thursday 14th January, aimed at highlighting what the festival will be about, with some performances from Shirley based rapper LST thrown into the mix.

BANDS!

2009-11-23T11:42:00.000-08:00

It's what we know the most about. We've been knee deep in local bands for 5 years, and we are making them more of a concern for us now than ever. So it kinda fits that we can suggest some local bands for you to listen to.

Make what you will of them, we happen to love them.

Band of Skulls
a local bit of swaggering blues...

Haunted Stereo
somewhere between indie, and alt-folk...

Mother's Auxillary
solo effort, speaks of folk, electronica, and beautiful harmonies.

They Came and Ate Us
Some fast-paced, driving, and noisy kraut rock influenced tunes.

Pausal
The lighter side of instrumental. Referencing Eno's ambient period.

If you want know more let us know, and we'll see what else we can hook you up with.

ES
x

Submission themes/Southampton Zine Fair/Spoken Word

2009-11-17T06:15:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Submission Themes for Festival:
We are getting closer to our Arts Festival on June 5th, 2010.
The idea is to make some of the art available for free, to promote and celebrate local artists to the population of Southampton.
We’ve decided the themes for submission for the festival.
Artists are being asked to submit work within the following three themes:

Drums – To represent the creative elements at the festival
Birds – To represent the park space
Boats – To represent Southampton’s heritage.

All works of art will be displayed around the park, and upon request can be considered for our Film Tent Gallery.

Southampton’s First Zine fair:
A quick point to high light something very cool happening this weekend (Sat 21st & Sun 22nd). For the first time ever Southampton is hosting it’s own Zine Fair. You can find out about it here:
http://www.southampton-craft-zinefair.co.uk

Spoken word:
For those of you interested in the spoken word, Apples and Snakes are hosting regular nights at the Nuffield Theatre. The next event is being held on Monday 14th Dec, from 7.30pm.
They’ve called the event “451”
And is going to be spoken word to enthral, excite and entertain. Their guest on the 14th will be El Crisis. Whose style of poetry and performance is truly unique. Combining a hypnotic mixture of rap, spoken word, song and chant, he relates his experiences, stories, street-style philosophy and viewpoints on the world and society today. He is one of the most dynamic voices in UK poetry.
El Crisis' performances are enlightening, extraordinary and unforgettable.
To guarantee a slot please email: pete@applesandsnakes.org

Enjoy!

Records...

2009-10-28T08:10:00.000-07:00

We all know the music industry has been facing new challenges recently trying to desperately engage it’s audience and keep up with modern technology. Many blogs have covered this, with their own opinions and facts, so I won’t head in that direction.
Instead, I’ll simply give a list of different places I go to get my physical copies of my records.

The best place to find second hand rare records has to be Oxfam music. One of only 6 of Oxfam’s music devoted shops, it sits on the corner of East Street. This little shop has gems stacked from floor to ceiling. With some of the rarest records I’ve ever seen proudly on display. The stock is constantly changing, and has a wide range from world music to heavy metal, classical to white label dance promos.

If you are looking for something a little newer, and more “out-there” then I suggest going to the Art House on the second Sunday of the month in the morning. Grabbing a coffee and diving into the depths of the collection that Edgeworld offers. For those of us who are music snobs, and prefer something a little more contemporary.

The only independent record shop left in Southampton is Weasels Records. Dealing in both new and second hand (he will buy your older Cds). He’s got a load of old 45s in there too. Worth a look if you’re passing 392a Shirley Road

Know of any where I should have included? Let me know, by emailing info at ejectorseat. co . uk

Mac

Music, Film and Art

2009-09-24T01:57:00.000-07:00

Music:
Have you heard of Sotones? They are worth your time. A musicians' collective, a co-operative and a not-for-profit Community Interest Clause company. On the 9th of October they will be holding a shin-dig at Hamptons with performances from Joe Parker, Pete Lyons, The Moulettes, and Jackie Paper. FACEBOOK PAGE

For those of you who know the Hobbit in Southampton it will come as no surprise that their Beer Garden will be holding another festival. In the past it has embraced many weekend festivals such as Enviro-rock and Headline Festival, to raise awareness and funds for some good causes. The next such event will be SoundBytes Festival. Organised by Open Sight with the help of some local good eggs. There will be bands on the Friday night and all day Saturday, drink promotions and a BBQ. A market will be selling handmade clothes, jewellery, accessories, craftwork and art. There will also be various games, face painting and children’s arts and craft sessions for more info See the Facebook event page.

Film:
It looks like October is film festival season.
Southampton Film Week, Winchester Film Festival, Portsmouth Film Festival all happening within the first half of October.

Check out the programmes for each below:

Southampton Film Week

Portsmouth Film Festival

Winchester Film Festival

Art:
From November 7th - December 20th A Space will be offering art lovers the chance to get their hands on some artwork at The Bargate Gallery as part of their Collectible 2 event. This might be a little ahead of time, but it will be worth saving up your pocket money so you can make sure you bag yourself a goodun’.

ideas ideas ideas.

2009-09-10T01:13:00.000-07:00

Hello to all you culture vultures...

This week we had a very productive meeting. Ideas for our Arts Festival in Southampton were flying around all over the place. We managed to catch a few of them, and tame their wild ways into something we could use to our advantage. We are gearing up and organising the Workshop element of the festival.

They included:

Holding workshops to get choirs and orchestras to practice with the bands, and then perform material on the day.
Hosting a song from each of the bands on our web-site and encourage film makers to produce a short film inspired by the music our favourite will then be shown in the Cinema Tent.
Engage illustrators, artists and everyone to create art to be placed all around the park and transform the space for the day (themes to be discussed) .

We are now talking to more groups and organisations than ever about the festival.
If you want to get involved, just e-mail us at info at ejectorseat.co.uk

Mac

Bank Holiday Bonanza

2009-08-31T05:51:00.000-07:00

It's been a long weekend.
And I am thankful for it.
Friday saw a visit to The Hobbit on Beavois Valley for some Math/Post/Noise-rock entertainment. A final show and fairwell for Southampton band El Colosso. Playing with them was The Psyche Out Musikland Big Band and Brother Francisco.

Saturday saw an evenings art and entertainment as The Bargate gallery opened its doors for Testing Grounds.

Sunday was all about Osfest at the Osbourne in Shirley. Which concluded at nice broad spectrum of culture!

Now, I know it's pretty pointless me telling you all this now, but here's something for the future:

Music In The City
It's going to be a long game for these guys. They are building up momentum for events in 2010. So get involved, find out what you can do! I know I will...

A few things with Southampton contributions

2009-08-22T16:14:00.000-07:00

I made a trade tonight.

A straight swap of access to a Southampton stranger's literary offerings for details of a live event that keeps me drawing bad sketches, and not being ashamed of them.

Part A) is the Literature. Elephant Words
Part B) is the illustration. Log Jam

I hope you enjoy.

Welcome one and all.

2009-08-17T04:38:00.000-07:00

EjectorSeat. Promoting and Celebrating Arts Culture in the South.
Our Aim: To connect and develop elements of culture in the South. We are promoters based on the South Coast of England. Please feel free to look around these pages to see what we’ve got coming up.

Our History: EjectorSeat was formed to promote the things we love. Our first event was to put on an amazing band, and get the best local acts to support. The band was 65daysofstatic, no other promoters in Southampton would have taken the chance on them. But the gig was a success! And meant that 65dos kept coming back for more. This started a thirst for bringing the best new bands to Southampton, who were genuinely sincere and trying something a bit different, holding the cream of local developing talent in support. After 5 years of securing the best touring bands, and helping local artists develop, we decided we needed to evolve and try and do more for other local artists.
Our Arts Festival was born. Which is what this blog is going to be detailing. We are developing on our humble beginnings, and expanding to include music from the Band Stand, a Cinema Tent, and Arts Market (representing Southampton’s best emerging talent) and room for much more. To find out more, keep on eye on this site, or contact us direct: info at ejectorseat. co. uk

We are on myspace, LastFM, and Facebook... join us!