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1) Birdeatsbaby – Incitatus
Brighton based dark cabaret outfit Birdeatsbaby have just released this BRILLIANT new video, and like the last video for “Feast Of Hammers” it’s deliciously spooky. And makes me scared of bands…
“Feast Of Hammers” – the album – is released on February 20th and I’m supporting them at their London launch on 18th. Tickets here!
Did you know…Incitatus was Caligula’s favourite horse. Thanks Wikipedia.
2) Pop Up People
I first heard about the Empty Shops Network back in 2009 when I performed and volunteered at The Apollo Project, a month-long artist’s takeover of an empty video shop in Herne Hill. Fast forward to winter 2011 when I met Dan Thompson at a Design Council event and got chatting about this and that, then to yesterday when he launched his Pop Up People report with accompanying film. It’s wonderful to see so many opportunities for projects to use these empty spaces – I remember the Apollo Project organisers really having to fight to get the idea off the ground but a few years on it seems that local councils are starting to see the benefits, helped in no small way by Dan’s hard work.
Please explore further – Dan has set up a wiki containing a plethora of information on how to go about doing your own popup, and here’s the report itself.
3) Flat whites
Just what I needed to discover at the end of one of my most hectic recent months. Thanks to Simon Goff for alerting me to the fact that ordering “a flat white” isn’t some weird slang for a simple white coffee, but the doorway to a new world of rich, creamy caffeinery. In the 8 days since I have drunk them all around London and in Brighton. The best was probably the first – at favourite local haunt The Lido Cafe – but Coffee@33 in Brighton was a very close runner up.
4) Equafleece for dogs
As the sudden drop in temperature coincided with Mister Benji’s smart new post-injury haircut, desperate measures were needed to ensure the pooch’s warmth and comfort. All hail Equafleece, whose “tankies” are affordable, functional and not *too* silly-looking.
5) Mary Epworth – “Black Doe”
After being utterly captivated by Mary’s live set at Ladyfest Ten I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of her debut album and am delighted to hear that radio is picking up on her song “Black Doe” in a big way at the moment. It’s so nice when hard working, talented people get a bit of recognition – go Mary!
Album “Dream Life” is due out in March – I can’t wait to hear it.