february 2010

kitayah plays water rats with australia’s bertie blackman!

On a rainy, dull and dreary night in the hustle and bustle of North London’s Kings Cross there was an AIR of anticipated excitement in the metropolis. Even the vibe at the Big Chill Bar with it’s sumptuous sofa’s seemed too cosy a crib to be at than it’s neighbouring venue Water Rats. The Australian population (or so it seemed!) invaded the Monto ‘s music theatre. A flock from Brisbane Australia gathered in beverage and social banter came to support Bertie. Strange that?.... As this alluring creature of alternative/electro pop/rock hails from Sydney. Her performance could have filled every seat of the Sydney Opera House! Bertie Blackman is a truly impressive performer, refreshingly unique. Bertie is leading the way forward for all female artists. Her Australian sell out album ‘Secrets and Lies’ is an embodiment of emotionally raw, thought provoking songs in complex electro production/arrangement. Currently on tour with La Roux, Bertie’s instant appeal is apparent and being respected for her talent as Award winning ‘Best Breakthrough Act ‘ (Australian Independent Records -  AIR Awards) expect to hear much more from this lady.

The evening was a first time experience for me. Performing to a 75% Australian audience, much louder, totally ‘up for it’ and loving their live music! The cheers and applause after performing ‘Self Victimized’ was quite an enthralling experience (they still love the old classics off ‘ raven alibies’…. Just you wait for the new album ‘The Fables Project’ coming soon).

To add to the evening’s music menagerie, there were a perfect formation of Bertie Blackman Australian supporters dancing their t*ts off….and when quoted ‘You British are very tame? ‘….have you seen us tackle at rugby Bertie?

january 2010

‘’Twas in the bleak mid winter, with a glisten of snow in sight.

The wind that came in the blistering chill beckons the dark of night’. As we celebrate the New Year, 2010 promises to be an over indulgence of live music. Bringing us back into the flow of things on January 6th the acoustic unplugged session @ Hoxton Pony (Shoreditch) will bring some light entertainment in this design structured building that will impress all you keen architects. Then get ready for the big one! January 29th Brixton Jamm – Kitayah supporting Orbital (DJ set). Celebrating 2 decades of groundbreaking electronica and having headlined @ Big Chill 2009 and this year headlining the Isle of White festival, the British techno boys ‘for one rare and special night’ will be invading SW9. Those of you who know me well will appreciate my   passion for electronics.

Happy New Year!