COVENTRY Music Museum Curator Pete Chambers writes for the Observer.
Phoenix Rise
CHECK out the new TV show based in Coventry’s Phoenix Rise.
I doubt if the producers will care for my description, but if you update Grange Hill and set it in Coventry you pretty well have the basics of this new TV drama.
Don’t get me wrong it is well done and superbly acted, it is just I am a bit out of touch on children’s TV shows, but it is great seeing the city on there and hearing the words ‘Cov’ and ‘Earlsdon’ mentioned.
The reason though it has found itself in this music column is that the theme tune is a rap performed by Cov Kid Junior NRB, who, following in his father’s footsteps, is part of a Coventry musical dynasty.
His dad is none other than Attrition musician Martin Bowes (who was also responsible for the Alternative Sounds fanzine of the late 70s and early 80s).
He said of his success: “I’m grateful to have made the theme tune and soundtrack to this sick TV show w/ my brudda @fazmanagram set in Coventry, my home town, gassed to be a part of this and putting on for my city.
“Big up all the sick actors and the people behind the scenes – out now on BBC iPlayer.”
Astras sounds at The Empire
If you like your music of an indie inclination, then Friday, April 7, at the HMV Empire Coventry is really the place to be.
Not only are the Astras on stage but you have Courthouse from Rugby and Martin Feral in support. It’s a mouthwatering line up, with three superb acts on one bill.
The Astras have been working hard honing their powerful brand of indie Rock ‘n’ Roll, as they put it ‘with punchy riffs and melodic solos taking you on a musical journey’.
Courthouse from Rugby style themselves as a Midlands based five-piece pop-rock/ alternative outfit with their innovative funky grooves and electric frontman.
Music website Loud In London recently said of the band: “The best band you’ve never heard of.”
Praise indeed and Irish born Martin Feral is king of the Telecaster, a powerhouse of electric blues.
Doors 7pm, first band on at 8pm and it’s a free ticket download.
Panda Bear and Sonic Boom
As part of the Tin’s impressive Deliaphonic festival, influential US musician Panda Bear and Rugby legend Sonic Boom will now be appearing at The Box at Fargo due to the sad closure of the Reel Store.
This promises to be a spectacular show of electronic based music and takes place on Sunday, april 23. More tickets are now available due to the venue change.
Tickets now on sale at £22.
Other Deliaphonic gigs include Paddy Steer on Sunday, June 18, at The Tin Music and Arts, Fenella Friday – June 2 at The Tin Music and Arts and Friday night/Saturday morning David Holmes’ four-hour DJ set – Friday, June 9, at The Tin Music and Arts.
This is a new club night that explores Coventry’s musical history and the cultural impact its sons, daughters, nightclubs and movements have had.
