Tommy Sissons EP Review - Etchings

Award-winning spoken word poet Tommy Sissons has teamed up with a handful of Brighton's busiest performers to create his latest EP, Etchings, which was released at the end of September 2014 on QM Records. Featuring with striking black and white artwork created by local photographer Lauren Joy Kennett, the cover captures the essence of Tommy and his music simply but articulately, demonstrating visually what his lyrics display aurally; working class culture in the south.

With smooth guitars from the guys of Normanton Street, drums from former-Maccabees drummer and St. Longplayer producer Robert Dylan Thomas, bass from Time For T's Joshua Robert Nicholson Taylor and soaring saxophone melodies from the talented Nick Webb, Tommy has just the right backdrop to showcase his lyrical and vocal abilities with this smooth and well produced EP which has a real Brighton feeling to it, from the seaside soundscapes of seagulls in 'Early Wakers' to the lyrical content throughout. 

Here is my track by track breakdown of Etchings. I hope you enjoy the EP. It available to download for just £2 on bandcamp here. You can stream the tracks to listen to in the player below.

1. Early Wakers

Starting with sounds of waves crashing down and distant seagulls, the driving bass opens the track like an alarm clock, before the vocals wake up and come in. The sheer quality of the lyrics is displayed within the first few of lines of the opening track, spoken at an unhurried pace over a continental sounding lazy-morning saxophone and gentle guitars and bass:

"Rise here with the early wakers
The break of sun-pacers
The fry-up creators
And the desperate for caffeine hot coffee makers
Rise with the homeless
Leave home for your purpose"

2. Fish and Chip Paper Headlines

Definitely displaying the influence of Normanton Street in this track, the slow funk-soul groove of drums, bass and guitar provides the backdrop to this track which looks at the expression "Today's news is tomorrow's chip shop paper" in a new context to ask if people think that this is justification for wrongdoings, evil deeds and anything they please, and the cost of this philosophy on society.

3. My Son

My son is a heart-warming track of a dad (or possibly an unrelated older male figure) giving advice to his boy, using his life experience to tell him how things can be, but telling him to pay heed to his words and not his actions: 

"But pay no attention to me my son
I'm set in my ways
My partisan alignment is to apathy
Make no mention of me my son
Do not waste your days"

4. We Are Young

An upbeat track which juxtaposes funk sounds with unapologetically heavyweight youth cultural observations and criticisms. If you are young, you will totally get this and wonder how things went from Pokemon cards and The Simpsons to questionable habits with questionable company in questionable locations. It's because you are young.

5. Possibilities

With more of a hip-hop vibe, this track ditches the common lyrical themes of the genre in lieu of a warming list of things that Tommy would like to do if he had the time, from the simple "cherish awkward conversations with my barber" to the more adventurous "makeshift a boat from twigs and rope and sail the seven seas". Possibilities is a masterclass of imagination, comprehensively sincere and utterly moving.
Check out the live video of the track for Clockwork Owl below.

6. If You're Gonna

This track is another well thought-out lyrical work, seeking not to justify character flaws and unattractive personality traits, but advising you of the blind spots that they may leave you with, suggesting ways to make them more bearable to yourself, and those around you. 
"If you speak make sure it's worth listening to."

7. Etchings 

A track about making important life decisions, going against the grain, leaving an imprint on society for future generations through etchings, finding your place in society and finding yourself. So pretty much a track about everything that matters, told in a free-flowing storytelling narrative of Tommy Sissons, against the ambient sounds of his band, as the instrumental coda fades out the EP, until the next one begins.

https://www.facebook.com/TommySissonsOfficial
@TommySissons

What's On in Brighton & Hove: Friday 1st August - Thursday 7th August

Brighton & Hove's Definitive What's On Guide

 

Friday 1st August

Jane Austen's 'Persuasion'
@OperaChicago
For one night only, Chamber Opera Chicago will be performing Barbara Landis' adaptation of the classic Jane Austen novel, fully staged with music of the era, Regency costumes and world-champion Irish dancers.
7:30pm, £12/10 
T.O.M - 11a Upper Market Street, BN3 1AS

Femrock
@FemRockBrighton
A showcase of Brighton's best female fronted performers raising money for the local charity Allsorts Youth Project. featuring Beatnik Horrors, BRAATS, Fish Hook and AMITY.
7pm, £4/3 before 8pm
Green Door Store - Unit 2,3&4 Trafalgar Arches,BN1 4FQ

Saturday 2nd August

Pride Festival
@PrideBrighton
Wave your rainbow flags high in the air as Brighton Pride takes over the city for the day, with the Parade starting on Madeira Drive at 11am and a full day's music festival starting 12pm at Preston Park.
All day
Throughout Brighton

Teen Creeps All-dayer
@Teen_Creeps
Give It A Rest-ival. A day of live music, bbq, drinks and djs to finish. Perfect for a lazy Saturday.
3pm, £5 
Green Door Store - Unit 2,3&4 Trafalgar Arches, BN1 4FQ

Fresh Like Dexie
@FreshLikeDexie
Lout's weekly Brighton Rocks presents a varied line up this week, headlined by neo-funk outfit Fresh Like Dexie, who were on top form at Love Supreme festival last month.
7pm, £4 
Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar - 9-12 Middle Street, BN1 1AL

Sunday 3rd August

Sussex Jazz Orchestra
@SussexJazzOrch
Sussex Jazz Orchestra (SJO) is a 20 piece big band based in Brighton formed in 1986. The band is a mix
of seasoned professionals and student performers play a wide repertoire of original compositions and contemporary jazz.
7:30pm, £4/2
Brunswick - 1 Holland Road, BN3 1JF

Krater Comedy Club
@KomediaBrighton
Why not round off your weekend with an evening of comedy from Brighton's finest comedy club, with special reduced prices for August and a fantastic line-up as always.
8pm, £9/£6 conc/£3 NUS &16-25s
Komedia - 44-47 Gardner Street, BN1 1UN

Monday 4th August

The Delta Bell
@theDeltaBell
The lone whiskey-soaked soul of Kate Gerrard’s voice carries timeless songs of love, loss and redemption over a landscape of guitars, piano, pedal steel, harmonium and strings. Songs sweep from tender, intimate arrangements to warm orchestration and gospel harmonies.
8pm, £3 online/£4 adv and £5 otd
Latest Music Bar - 14-17 Manchester St, BN2 1TF

 

 

Tuesday 5th August

Erland & The Carnival
@ErlandCarnival
Melting Vinyl Presents a night of interesting music that could only be made when a famous multi-instrumentalist (Simon Tong) who formerly played with The Verve and Gorillaz met folk singer-songwriter Gawain Erland Cooper and drummer/engineer David Nock. With support from Benedict Rubinstein.
7:30pm, £6 advance/ £8 on the door
Prince Albert - 48 Trafalgar Street, BN1 4ED


Mickey's Girl + Support

@overheadwires
Mickey's Girl take their self-driven inspiration from bands such as Faith No More, Therapy?, The Wildhearts, The Manic Street Preachers and a bunch of other gritty indie bands. The end result being an eclectic, diverse and exciting new sound.
7:30pm, £3 adv/£5 otd 
The Hope - 11 Queens Road, BN1 3WA

Wednesday 6th August

House of Hats & WATP
@houseofhats
A fantastic double-bill featuring the upbeat genre-chameleons Will and the People and local folk outfit House of Hats, just back from their first US tour with their smooth vocal harmonies and tender songs that are sure to capture your heart.
7:30pm, £10 online (Selling fast!)
Komedia - 44-47 Gardner Street, BN1 1UN

Thursday 7th August

Simon Evans: Leashed
@TheSimonEvans
Like most men of his age and delusion, Simon Evans dreams of striking out into The Wild and slipping the surly bonds of suburbia. He remembers, inaccurately, a youth spent drifting like a Home Counties Kerouac through the great European arterial transport thoroughfares, sharing his "Never-less-than-hilarious view of the world"(The Guardian).
8pm, £10 (profits to charity)
T.O.M - 11a Upper Market Street, BN3 1AS

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Brighton Band Feature in London Photography Exhibit  About Rudeboy Culture

Brighton has long been thought of as being a cultural city, nurturing a wide variety of styles and subcultures, but now the proof has been caught on camera for all to see as two local musicians represent the south coast in what GQ calls "London's most stylish new exhibition".

A portrait of Ned Archibong and Nicholson Davids from Brighton-based hip-hop/soul group Normanton Street features as part of a new exhibition by photographer and film maker Dean Chalkley and Creative Director Harris Elliot at Somerset House in London.

'Return Of the Rudeboy' showcases a sartorial subculture through a series of portraits, installations and set pieces. Comprised of over 60 sharply dressed individuals from across the UK, all of whom embody the essence of what it is to be a Rudeboy in the 21st century, the exhibition documents the life, style and attitude of this growing urban group. The exhibition runs until 25th August. Free admission.

http://www.returnoftherudeboy.com @RudeboysReturn
http://www.normantonstreet.com @NormantonStreet

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Reviews

Catherine Ireton's Edinburgh Fringe Preview

My review of her 'Leaving Home Party' show

Jacko Hooper 'For You' EP Review

A local singer-songwriter's stunning debut EP release.

For more reviews, interviews and music features, check out whattomwrites.blogspot.com or follow me on twitter @tomsayeruk for updates. 

Wild Rivers - All The Lights Album Review - My Five Standout Tracks

Last month Brighton two piece Wild Rivers released their debut album All The Lights with an Album Launch night at Sticky Mike's Frog Bar. Unfortunately I was unable to make the gig, but here is the pick of my favourite tracks from the LP. Check it out on bandcamp now. It's available to download for just £3.

Track 1. Different Roads - With the album title in the opening line, I guess you could call this the title track of the album. Nice guitar hook lines give this song an edgy feel, combined with the strong rock drum beat. The song is made up of short verse and chorus sections which work really well together, followed neatly by the middle 8, guitar solo and vocal and drum re-introduction of the chorus at the end to bring it home. A confident start to their debut LP.



Track 4. Learning to Love - The cheeky chaps managed to get the album title into this track's lyrics too! Perhaps all part of a cunning subliminal marketing scheme. Either way, with addition of the piano on this track and a catchy chorus this track is another great addition to the album. It kind of reminds me a little of other local act FranClassic without the beatboxing.



Track 8. Capital Letters - Opening the album with a track of pure acoustic pop, this song would fit in very well with the the soundtrack to "Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging" with the likes of Scouting for Girls, The Rumble Strips and fictional band The Stiff Dylans.



Track 9. A Million Times - With more of a Britpop/Oasis vibe to the intro, the song quickly reverts back to the catchy upbeat indie-pop of the opening track. It kinda has the feeling of a Take That song, which for a debut album track is a real achievement.



Track 11. Find A Way - In my opinion this is by far the best track on the album.The simple acoustic and vocal at the start builds into the drop of the second verse and the incredibly catchy chorus has been stuck in my head since the very first hearing. This song could easily find a place in the Top 40 Chart. A great way to end the album, leaving the audience wanting more.

For more information about upcoming gigs, visit their facebook page.

Jacko Hooper Live Review and EP 'For You' Review'

I arrived at The Brunswick just after doors had opened and already the venue was half full. By the time the first support Ellie Ford took the the stage, there was only standing room left at the back. The dimly lit lampshades and candles on the tables gave the room an aura of light orange and red. The audience was made up primarily of people of what I'd call parental age (30s-50s) which was good to see as this demographic isn't usually represented as fully on weeknight gigs. They clearly knew that they were in for a special evening and they were most definitely right.

Ellie Ford is a Brighton-based singer-songwriter who is also a very accomplished harpist. Having already seen her performing a number of support slots including local band Time for T and touring solo songwriter Tom Hickox, Ellie seems to be a popular choice for acoustic gigs and it is clear to see why. Her songs are enchanting, with her guitar and harp parts underpinning her sultry vocals. For an accomplished songwriter, she seems slightly uneasy in between songs, but I am sure that over time she will grow more comfortable under the spotlight, as she should well be.

The second support was Tom Staniford, who performs under the name of Staniford. He is surely used to being the tallest man in the room as his presence towered over the audience, which he broke with a friendly face and some lovely music. He seemed more comfortable engaging with audience, introducing his songs with clarity and performing them with a passion seen in artists such as Bon Iver and Glen Hansard. His guitar songs reminded me a little of Ryan Keen with a certain faint air of Something Corporate in his piano ones, which he played well despite the out of tune piano causing some problems. His lyrics were grounded, my favourite being in the last song which he played unplugged... "Should we play it safe or punch above our weight". Below is the video for his recent single Elizabeth, a haunting and beautiful track.

After these two wonderful support slots the man of the hour took to the stage, to great applause from the fully packed venue even before he's picked up his guitar. Dressed in a smart shirt, waistcoated and with and hat and his thick rimmed glasses he looked like a man who meant business. He opened without introducing himself, playing a song that showed off his vocal and guitar abilities immediately. The emotional intensity of his performance was overwhelming even from the start. He appeared to be quite a shy and introverted guy, describing himself as "an emotional chap", looking visibly moved by the first rapture of applause, which in such an intimate setting was by no means the usual response to a solo singer-songwriter. He humbly thanked the audience for being there and the supports, whom he endorsed enthusiastically. He seemed to have a mismatched confidence to his slightly nervous facade, a confidence grown from a young man finding the thing that he is meant to do and doing it: Jacko Hooper is meant to write and perform music and I, amongst the rest of the audience, am so very glad that he does.

I could go on and on about the performance but I think sometimes simplicity is best so I will try to be concise. I go to a lot of gigs, seeing a vast amount of bands and solo artists at all different stages in their careers, from people playing tiny pub gigs to festival headliners, and I have not been this excited about discovering a solo artist since first stumbling across Ben Howard in 2011. His set is filled with originals as there is no space for covers in it. There was not a single track that I would have dropped from it, no set-fillers or haphazard B-sides, simply a masterclass in songwriting and solo performance, both vocally and instrumentally. Jacko's voice is full of great grainy textures, from the deep gravelly bottom through the rich middles to the powerful falsetto, which each seem to come to him just as easily as breathing. He seems totally at home on the stage and hopefully with the continued support of his friends, family and supporters he will continue to spend a lot of time there!



Below is my review of his new EP 'For You', which has been over a year in the making and hits like an fine cask-aged whisky, burning straight to the heart.

1. Egg Shells

Starting gently with the acoustic guitar, banjo and subtle female backing vocals, the song builds til the drums enter at the second verse. It stays somewhat contained in the recording, but live the song is given more of a boost with vocal ad libbing, but in its recorded version it is still it is a neatly packaged gem, gentle and sparkling with very moving lyrics: "So you my lover, stay if I can gather all the reasons why I believe that we're together".

2. November 5th Song

Again starting gently, this song has a delicacy of a Damien Rice track until the chorus, which is fantastically catchy and simple; this could be easily be a song in the charts right now if marketed in the right way. The vocal is precise and heavy with emotions and will in all likelihood haunt you for weeks after hearing it.

3. Run Away With Me

Just when you think the songs can't get any more raw, the simple strumming and exposed vocal take it to another level. The chorus reminds me slightly of David Gray's 'Sail Away', not just because of the lyrical similarity but the style of the performance and professionalism of the song. Hints of James Morrison slip into the vocal in places too, which is by no means a bad thing.

4. Roaming

Closing the EP, Roaming is a song about travelling and not knowing where you will end up. This is a live recording with just vocals and guitar, doused in just the right amount of reverb to make it sparkle.

The EP is available to buy through itunes here for a meagre £2.49. But take it from me, you will want to catch this guy live soon, because if there is any justice in the world then he will be skyrocketing to the dizzy heights of the world stage sometime very soon! 

www.Jackohooper.com
@jacko_hooper

Things To Do in Brighton & Hove - 4th July to 10th July 2014

Things to do in Brighton & Hove - Friday 4th July - Thursday 10th July

• 2nd July 2014
• Author: Tom Sayer
• 0 Comments

Brighton & Hove's Definitive What's On Guide

 

Friday 4th July

Love Supreme Festival @lovesupremefest
Starting Friday for weekend ticket holders and with one day tickets available for Saturday and Sunday, Love Supreme covers a wide range of jazz from pop to soul, including sets from Jamie Cullum, Earth, Wind & Fire and De La Soul.
From 4pm, Sat and Sun 11am
Weekend tickets £125 camping/ £110 non-camping
Day tickets £55/30 under 18s
Glynde Place - The St, Glynde, BN8 6SX

Formidable Vegetable Sound System @BrighthelmURC
4-piece band Vegetable Sound System are the world’s most triumphant experiment in ‘ecological electroswing’ busting out energetic, quirky mashups of speakeasy-style antique-beats with live ukulele wonk, hyperactive horns and the principles of permaculture
7pm, £6
Brighthelm Centre – North Road, BN1 1YD

Saturday 5th July

Paddle Round The Pier @PRTP
A free weekend beach festival, filled with charity fundraising events in the water and on dry land, with live music, stalls and activities for the little ones. Fun (hopefully) in the sun for the whole family.
9am Sat and Sun, Free entry
Brighton Seafront - West Pier

Jim Holland - Shoegazing @jim__holland
It’s shoetime! Polite comedy maverick Jim Holland brings intelligent wit, conversational delivery and two tone shoes to his debut show of dapper introversion.
8pm, £5
Upstairs at Three & Ten - 10 Steine St, BN2 1TE

Sunday 6th July

Hush Hush @whiterabbitpub
A weekly showcase of local acoustic acts, featuring Jenny Stanley, Sam Brothers and host Chuck SJ Hay.
8pm, Free entry
White Rabbit - Kensington Gardens, BN1 4AL

Tom Craine @TomCraine
Previewing his show for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer, Tom has previously written for Mock The Week and a host of Channel 4 Comedy Shows. "Wise, funny, lyrical" - Observer.
8:30pm, £5
Komedia – 44-47 Gardner Street, BN1 1UN

Monday 7th July

The Brunswick Open Mic @Brunswickpub
An intimate platform to perform your latest songs or simply to listen to the best local acoustic talent, with cabaret seating, a well-lit stage and a silent audience.
8:30pm, Free entry
Brunswick – 1 Holland Road, BN3 1JF

Tuesday 8th July

Jamie Knox @JamieKnoxmusic
A Brighton-based singer-songwriter from South London performing with his 4 piece band, combining elements of the uplifting energetic with the soul of the brooding melancholic. Support from Rory Indiana and Fools Empire.
7:30pm, Free entry
Green Door Store - Unit 2,3&4 Trafalgar Arches, BN1 4FQ

Wednesday 9th July

Naked Upstairs @timefort
A lovely evening of live music performed for your listening pleasure under candle light, in the 'secret upstairs' at the Good Companions. Featuring Joe McCarthy, Ellie Ford, Oktoba and Time for T (solo).
7:30pm, Free entry
Good Companions – 132 Dyke Road, BN1 3TE

Thursday 10th July

Roam @audiobrighton
Eastbourne pop-punk 5-piece embark on a headline UK tour, starting in Brighton. Expect high energy music and a fresh melodic sound.
7pm, £6
Audio - 10 Marine Parade, BN2 1NB

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Preview - Shakedown Festival - 19th July 2014

For those of you looking to get involved with the summer festival season without forking out hundreds of pounds on tickets, travel and camping gear, Shakedown Festival might very well be the one for you!

Shakedown was established in 2011 as a one day music festival, originally held in Stanmer Park. Due to the success of previous years, the festival now boasts a three stage line-up, being held just outside of Brighton in Waterhall. This year's line up is filled with great dance acts including Basement Jaxx, Duke Dumont, Groove Armada and Zane Lowe, who has performed every year at the Festival.

The is a free coach service to the festival operating from St. Peter's Church at the Steine from 11am til 7pm, returning between 8pm and 1am. There is no parking on site so this is the best way to get the festival.

Tickets £45 + booking fee or £75 + booking fee for VIP.

http://www.shakedown.co.uk @ShakedownUK

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Reviews 

My Top Five Brighton & Hove Open Mic Nights -

A guide to my favourite weekly open mic nights, including the old and the new.

Ten Artists Not To Miss At Love Supreme 2014

For those of you heading down to Love Supreme, here is my pick of ten acts to be sure to catch to guarantee you a great weekend.

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For more reviews, interviews and music features, check out whattomwrites.blogspot.com or follow me on twitter @tomsayeruk for updates.

Things to do in Brighton & Hove - Friday 27th June - Thursday 3rd July

Brighton and Hove Open Mic Guide - My Favourite Five Open Mic Nights

With the city bursting at the seams with local talent, particularly solo acoustic singer-songwriters, it is important to get in some live performance practice of your new material before your next acoustic showcase, support slot, EP launch or headline UK tour.

The Open Mic scene is Brighton is one of the best in the country, with a wide range of genre-specific open mics such as ukulele jam nights, no guitar open mics, spoken word and poetry nights and jazz and funk jam nights.

For the purposes of this article I will be looking primarily at what I think are the best open mics in Brighton for solo acoustic guitar/vocal performers (not to say that the open mics can't cater for different acts, but this is just my focus as I believe that this covers a large percentage of open mic goers).

I have listed all the necessary information below (venue, address, running times, set length, host and demographic). I hope that this is helpful!

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Monday

Where: The Brunswick - 1-3 Holland Road, Hove, BN3 1JF 

(Head down towards the sea from Tesco Express and The Wick Inn on the corner just past Palmeira Square) 

Times: Sign up from 7:30pm, starts at 8:30pm.

(Also sign up online here from 7:30am til 7:30pm on Monday ONLY). 

Host: Tom Ayres.

Set: Two songs.  There is a house guitar and piano available to use.

Demographic: With bright lights, a reasonable sized stage and a deadly silent audience, I would not recommend this for newcomers to the open mic scene. However, if you are comfortable with performing and you want your songs to get a real listen, not above the drunken hubbub of a loud bar, then this is the open mic for you. The night is always very packed and it's a great place to meet people for collaborations so don't be shy!

Covers or Originals: Usually performers opt for originals rather than covers but both are fine.

Website: http://www.thebrunswick.net/

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Tuesday

Where: Hop Poles - 13 Middle Street, BN1 1AL (just up from Sticky Mike's Frog Bar and Casablanca)

Times: 8:30pm til around 11:30pm

Hosts: Amy Forrester and Rosie Powell (the one with the camera!)

Set: 3 Songs. Guitar available and lovely photos will be taken during the night and uploaded within a couple of days. The links to all of the artist's websites/facebooks etc are also shared with the photos so it's great for publicity.

Demographic: Having only started a couple of months ago, the night has gotten off to a great start, drawing in a lot of Brighton's young stars of the future. The atmosphere is relaxed and the friendly hosts make everyone feel very comfortable when performing. There are speakers to the beer garden, so all the smokers can hear you too. With drink promotions including my favourite Havana Rum and coke for just £1.95, this has become a regular date in my diary.

Covers or Originals: Both are totally fine!

Contact: https://www.facebook.com/groups/543409122446482/

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Wednesday 

Where: Druids Head - 9 Brighton Place, BN1 1HJ (opposite Donatellos in The Lanes)

Times: 9pm til around 12pm

Host: Paul McKeown (Also usually holding a camera or stood by the bar)

Set: Usually 3 - 4 Songs. Depending on how busy the night is you sometimes have a little longer or shorter set but usually at least 3 songs. Guitar available and sometimes a piano, although not every week. Will get some snaps put uploaded online the following week too so make sure to add Paul on facebook if you're performing.

Demographic: A very cosmopolitan open mic, this is Brighton's longest running open mic and has been going strong for over 8 years. The crowd and performers are a real mix of international students, older experienced performers from Johnny Cash's era and up-and-coming young musicians. With the homely feel of the pub and a regular good turnout, it's a great place to try out some new songs.

Covers or Originals: Originals to practice/premiere and covers to get the audience more interested.

Contact: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Druids-Head/106016126142628

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Thursday 

Where: Victory Inn - 6 Duke Street, BN1 1AH (just down from Nandos and Cornish Pastry Company)

Times: 8pm til 11pm

Host: Tiago Saga (the front-man of local band Time for T)

Set: 2 Songs but opportunities to play again if there is time. Guitar available for all to use. 

Demographic: Held upstairs in the dimly-lit function room, from my experience this open mic hosts some of the more "out there" music, from experimental blues, rap, poetry and old-school folk. A real variety show, with a free beer for each performer and a quiet audience making this a great place to play.

Covers or Originals: Lends itself to originals and old covers. Perhaps keep the One Direction cover to yourself (always good advice!). As advertised "Anything from music to tennis match re-enactment welcome". 

Contact: https://www.facebook.com/victoryinn

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Sunday

Where: Fiddler's Elbow - 11 Boyces Street , BN1 1AN (in the alley across from Wetherspoons on West Street)

Times: Starts 9pm

Host: Oliver Croome

Set: 3-4 Songs. Sometimes longer sets are available. Get in touch in advance to ask about being a featured artist. Guitar available for use and some photos uploaded from the night too. 

Demographic: I've only been to this open mic a couple of times due to working weekends, but it definitely has that lazy weekend feeling about it, which is great. Also, calling it the Sham Rock Open Mic I am sure attracts all the Guinness fans. Again a real mix of all sorts will show up here.

Covers or Originals: Maybe a couple of each. Either are fine though.

Contact: https://www.facebook.com/shamrockopenmic

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For more event listings, music features and review check out my What's On page in the Brighton and Hove Independent (out on Fridays, distributed freely all throughout Brighton and Hove) and follow me on twitter for blog updates @tomsayeruk