The Joiners Blog!

Get Dexter Interview – words by Ashley Young

2010-04-07T17:55:00.002+01:00

After seeing their spectacular live show at The Joiners I caught up with the sprightly 'Get Dexter', a new upcoming four piece, home and grown here in Southampton. The lads unlike most young indie bands seem not to be self consciously rock 'n roll, smoking some kind of flora and declaring themselves to be the beginning middle and end of music. Get Dexter produce an intoxicating musical cocktail that is timeless and thoughtful, you can't help being left with the impression that surely the band have been honing their craft for many years? It therefore may come as a surprise to learn that Get Dexter are currently studying for their GCSE's and are only at the tender age of 15!

Already reviewers have compared them to top acts such as The Arctic Monkeys and Franz Ferdinand and even The Beatles. The eccentric quartet come in the forms of front man Charlie James (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Reece Davies (Drums and vox), Rob Franklin (lead guitar and vox) and not forgetting the pint sized dynamo Ben Clift (Base guitar and vox). Always providing an electric performance and a stage presence rivalling bands with twice as much experience, this band are sure to be massive this year.

AY: Hi Guys, nice to see all again, how did you enjoy the gig?

GD: (All) It was awesome! The audience were so good the atmosphere really was electric and everybody we asked had a good time, and a stage invasion is always great.

AY: I can imagine. So you guys seem to be springing up on gig listings all over Hampshire where did you come from?

GD: (Charlie) We all met at The Romsey School, where we all still go. I remember the whole thing was very rushed, it started out Ben and me being Introduced by our mutual friend Seb on the first day of year 7, so we had a bass player and a singer/guitarist, now all we needed was drummer. Ben had this friend called Richard that he knew played the drums so he introduced us. So we had our line up. Then of course, "You could have it all so much better" by Franz Ferdinand came out. So of course, I was like "shit man we need another singer/guitar player we need to sound like Franz" then I was introduced to Rob. One thing lead to another we kicked out Richard and got Reece on the drums the rest is history really"

AY: Well after viewing that brilliant performance I think a change in the line up has defiantly paid off. So I am curious where the name 'Get Dexter" came from?

GD: (Charlie) Our name doesn't really come from anywhere cool, so this question's always been a bit embarrassing. Like, some band are like "oh dude like, our band name was written in the stars" or the side of a boat or the bloody clouds. How we got our name was just a brief conversation between my uncle and me. "You got any band names?" …. "Get Dexter?" "Okay"

AY; (laughing) well that clears that up then, maybe you should credit your uncle for artistic input on your new EP?

GD: (Charlie) Oh I will never hear the end of it if a record label snapped us up!

AY: As we know you lot are all still in school doing your GCSE's how on earth do you manage to balance practice, gigs alongside your work?

GD: (Charlie) Well, I just had to write a Spanish essay that was late in, and do a page of Core Science GCSE just before this interview. School Is Inconvenient, but It's just one of those things, It's a drag at the moment, It's not long until we can leave now though, It's just about being patient. (Rob) Yeah it is Difficult to balance them, but I used the band website for my media coursework and we used our tracks for music compositions so it's swings and roundabouts a lot of the time.

AY: You lot must be a million miles and hour, would you say that school is the biggest obstacle for you as a band then?

GD: (Rob) Getting everyone together in one room is the most difficult. Predictable, yeah but practice is what a good band needs.

(Reece and Ben) And also I think it trying to get your music out there for it to be heard by absolutely everyone. There are only a tiny percentage of people who would make things happen with you, rather than just listen to your music.

(Charlie) For me it's writing. I write lots, but a majority of the time it's just little silly poems and stories and stuff, like Dr Zeus. It's either the guitar part, or lyrics that I struggle with, never both at the same time. You'd think I'd be able to piece something together, and I suppose that's what our songs are.

AY: So do you all write or is it down to one person?

GD: (Reece) Charlie writes most of the songs but we have our inputs here and there. I think as a band, we're all starting to become more open about our songs and what we could add to them to make them sound better. I've even started writing some material myself that could perhaps be played as a band.

AY: Your set list is very bouncy and gets people up dancing, but what would you say your music sounds like?

GD: (Benn) Ambient and relaxing (Reece) Orgasmic. (Laughing) (Charlie) Guitary. I don't really know how to describe it without being one of those guys you see on the telly going "YEAH DUDE WE SOUND JUST LIKE THE BEATLES". I think music wise; we focus mainly on good guitar riffs and memorable lyrics that people can chant along with.

AY: Well your songs are really refreshing; too many indie bands talk about love and girls instead of real life. Where do you find the inspiration for your songs?

GD: (Charlie) The inspiration doesn't really come from anywhere in particular to be honest. It's normally just little Ideas that end up being songs. Some of the songs are addressed to certain people, and some aren't really, the words just sound nice. I'd like to be able to write like Alex Turner, very story like, and witty.

AY: I can defiantly hear a likeness to Arctic Monkeys in your songs maybe one day soon you could be sharing a stage with them?

GD: (Charlie) I'd like to play with Alex Kapranos one day. He's got such good stage presence, like, the Arctic's are good and all, but they don't really move around on stage, whereas Alex K Is always dressed In some really cool suit, yet he still manages to dance well, that's crazy. I want to learn this little jump that he does. I can do it, but not with a guitar, maybe that one just comes down to strength and practice.

AY: So to date who have been the best bands you have supported or played with?

GD: (Ben) For me it has to be 'Kid's Cant Fly', they're really nice guys and they brought loads of people. (Rob) Yeah I agree the audience were really up for it especially on 'Late again!'

AY: Is that your guy's favourite song from your set list?

GD: (Reece) Yes defiantly my favourite, it's really energetic.

(Rob) I like 'New Perspective' because I have an actual planned solo rather than just improvising on the spot. But 'Overdressed' is one of our heavier ones, and it gives more range and diversity on the night.

(Charlie) As daft as it sounds, I really like playing our Instrumental "Scratch", because it gives me a break from having to sing. We don't normally play it now, it's quite an old one, but we pull it out of the hat sometimes, for us more than the crowd. They hate it.

AY: Hey its nice to see people enjoying their music and not just churning out label influenced crap that has no passion behind it.

(Silence then laughter)

AY: Sorry about that, don't worry I'm finished with my rant now. Have you had any label interest yet?

GD: (Reece) Well, as I sort out everything and invite some industry people down, I'm normally the one talking to the big shots after. We've had a few people who said we could go really far and they'll be in touch but we haven't had much response. We're not going to be jumping into anything fast without knowing what's going to happen to us anyway. (Rob) Yeah and we don't want to turn into Busted!

AY: (Laughing) That is a fair point! Well one last question what are your dreams and goals in terms of your musical careers?

GD: (All looking from one blank face to the other) (Reece) Well, like every other band on this god forsaken planet, we'd all love to make it in the music industry but there are a lot of good bands out there at the moment who still aren't signed and it makes you wonder. That doesn't make us give up hope though. We play, people enjoy it. That's the way we like it at the moment. (Charlie) If I could make a living out of It, I'd be happy. I'd like to play Glastonbury Festival at some point. That'd be amazing. It's weird, like, last time they showed the festival on telly, and Blur were playing. And I found it really funny to think that when they were 15/16 they can't have had any Idea that they'd be playing to that many people.

Well I look forward to seeing how these Soton lads music develops, if the music sounds like this at 15 imagine how good it will be at 20! Get Dexter's next play on Saturday March the 20th at The Cellars In Portsmouth supporting The Kabeedies. Catch these lads now and get a signed EP because in my opinion, that's going to be Ebay worthy in the next coming year.

The Widowmaker - Roll Away Your Stone (Cover)

2009-12-24T15:03:00.000Z

Maybe a small introduction is needed...

2009-11-07T13:07:00.003Z

Well here we go for a small introduction - WELCOME TO THE REVAMPED JOINERS BLOG!!

The Joiners has wonderfully decided to recruit some writers to this blog space because...well "barren" isn't the right word but its the first one that spring to mind.
See also: "Desolate"
See also: "Empty"

(You score 10 man points if you know what that is a reference to, leave it in the comments section!)

While the writers will be changing monthly, expect a regular dose of music news, music features & interviews and of course (hopefully funny) random crap we find on the internet.

...

OH! and shameless Joiners plugs...almost forgot about that one! (thumbs up and a cheeky wink to the Joiners management!)

Until we actually find some real stuff to talk to you about (uni is distracting us all) I want to leave you all with this: Quite potentially the funniest video on the internet:

http://www.getonmyhorse.com/

Just turn it on, put on your speakers, and just watch it...nothing else, just watch it for like 2 or 3 minutes - you will be singing it for the rest of the day! Anyone else thinks we should get some kinda dance remix version? If you can make it happen - i think it would be a very sound idea!

-Until next time,

Keep it loud

-Josh (origami kid)

My last Reading Festival? ....probably.

2009-09-01T13:21:00.002+01:00

The title may suggest I had a stinker, however that isn't the case - I actually had a really good time catching up with old friends whilst checking out some amazing performances from new and established bands (more on that later).

The reason for my assumption that this will probably be my last Reading is mostly based on value for money.
With the chiefs on high offering us 'lucky' punters the chance to buy Reading 2010 tickets at 2009 prices, it leaves me wondering as to why the need for ANOTHER price increase for a festival which still only offers 3 days of music and little to do once the headliners have finished. This pushes the ticket price up to nearly £200 including booking fee. Compare that to a much cheaper Download or a better value for money Glastonbury and I can't help but think that next year's lineup has got to be ridiculously good for Reading to sell out.
But hey who knows maybe they'll extend it to four days of music? maybe they'll present the loyal Reading customers with more things to do than burn plastic into the night? maybe I'll go one more time?.....

Now, onto the more interesting matter of the music. I actually managed to see a load of bands this year, maybe 'cos it was the first time I wasn't there with the main intent on getting trashed (is there a place for maturity at a music festival? doesn't sound right....).
Because I saw so many I'll keep it as short as possible with simple summaries:

Friday
----------
The Temper Trap = file under epic/uplifting/soaring perfection, can't wait to see these guys become huge.
Jack Penate = new album tracks stood up against tried and tested 1st album festival anthems.
Florence & The Machine = Great voice yet lacked the goose bump feeling.
Bombay Bicycle Club = a strong performance from a band who have delivered arguably the best indie album in 2009.
Friendly Fires = get better each time I see them, go see them for Ed Mcfarlane's snakehips alone.
Jamie T = always has a certain charm which never fails to inspire a loyal crowd.
Kings of Leon = sounded great with an enthusiastic crowd, just a shame that they didn't think so (maybe management failed to tell them that Reading may be full of people who only know 'Only By The Night' ). A shame they didn't thank the real fans, I doubt we'll see them on British soil for a while.

Track of the Day:

Saturday
-------------
Dinosaur Pile Up - would've liked to see them on a smaller stage (NME was far too big).
Delphic - 40 mins of uninterrupted euphoria, can't wait to see them play The Joiners on Oct 27th.
Eagles of Death Metal - often get criticised for not doing anything new or original, but when its this much fun who cares? Reading loves them and so did I.
Them Crooked Vultures - secret show for Dave Grohl/Josh Homme side project, sounded great and their reputations ensured an amazing reception.
Ian Brown - hopefully more in tune at one of his own gigs, still I enjoyed 'Manc-ing' it up for 'Fools Gold' :D .
You Me At Six - caught the last two songs from these boys, not usually my cup tea BUT they did well in the NME tent.
The Maccabees - goosebumps x 3, one of the best gigs I've seen them play.
The Prodigy - EVERYBODY was dancing with pits springing up all over the place, still not 100% keen new album - some more variation next time Liam? .
Arctic Monkeys - a mixed set including old favourites and new tracks however the new ones lacked that pacey feel that was desperately needed after following The Prodigy.

Track of The Day:

Sunday
-----------
The XX - my favourite new band, a band who for once live up to the hype. Sounded effortlessly amazing on the smaller Festival Republic Stage.
The Joy Formidable - Joiners & Unit favourites impressed a busy crowd with huge riffs and driving rhythms.
Deadmau5 - big sounding progressive electro which was only personally spoiled by the incessant 'woop woop's of the less familiar crowd .
Yeah Yeah Yeah's - Karen O was insanely charming with high pitch screams mixed with tender acoustic moments (Maps acoustic on repeat please). New electronica based tracks also infused more welcome danceable moments than a usual YYY set.
Chase & Status - this was my headliner as I had to rush back to Southampton, and boy did they send me off on a high. BIG bass, BIG beats with various members of the crowd doing their best monkey impressions and swinging from the tent poles.....typical Reading chaos, I loved it as a lasting memory.

Track of The Day:

So there we go, that was possibly my last Reading Festival but not my last festival of the summer.
No no, there's the little trip across the Solent for Bestival in less than two weeks, hmmm although what should I go as?.....

J. Blogs
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What's your idea of a holiday?

2009-08-26T17:04:00.007+01:00

Good evening!
For the last few weeks I've actually been planning a wee holiday, nothing crazy except 5 days of sun, sea and sand armed with some good reading material and some of my favourite albums on the 'ole iPod (current 'Desert Island Discs' would be Bombay Bicycle Club's debut album, The new Simian Mobile Disco LP and Bob Marley - Legend....ask me in 5 minutes and they'll probably have changed).
However as with all things in life, the best laid plans often go astray, especially when one of your best mates rings you up telling you he has a spare ticket to Reading Festival this weekend.............

............So, the holidays on hold for a while (predictable?) as I've been too tempted by the stonking lineup this year and the promise of good times with some old friends. Yes I know how most of the heavier 'rock' has been stripped away this year but look further than the main stage and you'll see some hidden gems worth checking out such as The Temper Trap, Middle Class Rut, Pulled Apart by Horses just to name a few.
Not only that but we all love a good bit of banter around a campfire whilst getting merry with close mates. As long as the 'Lord of The Flies' brigade stay away from me and doesn't decide to burn my tent down whilst I sleep, I'm sure I'll have a goodun this weekend.

Sitting here writing this and watching the weather outside my office window gradually get wetter is worrying me a bit, time to get optimistic I think. With that said, I'm gonna post some summery music in the hope that Mother Nature's listening and decides to lay off the rain a bit.

First up are Wave Machines, these Merseyside masked music-makers have created a gorgeous grower of a debut. With a combination of clever, unconventional lyrics and shimmering synths, falsetto vocals and disco bass that makes their debut album so alluring. A perfect tonic to bring out the sunshine don't you agree?. Check out the video for their last single 'I Go, I Go, I Go' below (those eagle eyed amongst you may recognise the chaps from their performance at Unit last October, the first band to play there too!)

If you like what you hear then you can catch Wave Machines when they visit The Joiners on Tues September 29th, tickets are available HERE.

Next up are Delphic, less summery but hugely euphoric and anthemic (playing Reading this weekend). Last single 'Counterpoint' was released on the uber-fashionable Kitsune Maison, who have previously released the 1st tracks from Klaxons & Foals and was also an NME TV favourite. They're playing The Joiners on the Kitsun Maison UK tour alongside Two Door Cinema Club on Tuesday October 27th, tickets are available HERE.

Lastly here's a remix of the last Basement Jaxx single, aptly titled 'Raindrops' (too cliche? hehe) by Joker & Ginz. Its got one of those rolling dubstep beats which describes how I feel right now, maybe I should go listen to some Katrina & The Waves.....

BE QUIET!

2009-08-04T17:29:00.002+01:00

The best alternative choice in Southampton returns with one of the most alternative nights out ever!

Back in April The Loft regained it's dignity with crazy danceoffs, insane singalongs and even sent a conga line down to The Lounge and back up again (however a valiant effort was given by The Lounge, with a crazy wall of death to Bohemian Rhapsody).

With the scores currently level at 1-1, our resident DJs Swearbox & Le Grande Fromage will be joining forces to give you one crazy room of all the best bits of the last two Silent Discos! (with a few new tricks up their sleeve no doubt!)

Due to The Summer Silence being held in one room, tickets for this one will be EXTREMELY LIMITED so don't miss out and get yours now HERE

If you've never experienced a Silent Disco before then be prepared for one of the most randomly fun nights out you'll ever have!

With 2 channels of music to tune into, you can pick and choose whatever tunes are tickling your fancy.
Our resident DJs will be spinning the biggest anthems in pop/indie/rock/pop punk/dance - be prepared for funky danceoffs and anthemic singalongs aplenty!

******PLEASE NOTE******
-A deposit of £15 for each pair of headphones will be payable on the night, however this is to be refunded when the headphones are safely returned.
-We'll also have 2 exits to make sure that you don't queue for ages to get your deposits back!

*COMPETITION*

To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to this Fridays Silent Disco simply tell us the answer to this question....Which actor played the serial killer Hannibal Lector in the movie version of 'Silence of The Lambs' ?
The first 3 people to email chris@joinerslive.co.uk with the correct answer will win tickets!

Later

J Blogs
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Moving, just keep moving

2009-07-24T11:52:00.002+01:00

Moving house is a funny feeling isn't it?
On one hand we all love a fresh start from time to time, a chance to clear out the amassed 'rubbish' we've collected and stored in our house just incase it comes in handy (and then realising it never did).
However... stopping us getting too excited about this mass clearout and fresh start is the reality that we have to physically do it ourselves.
This is the situation I find myself in this weekend, excited about the new house and the promise of good times brought with it, however having to move my whole life into the new place when I've had a knackering week isn't what I'd call my perfect weekend...hmm anybody fancy giving me a hand? or maybe I should just got for!

ANYWAY enough of my whinging, who fancies some inspirational and fun music to get them ready for the weekend?

OK well first up we've got Master Shortie, a UK rapper who's witty lyrics and infectious beats make for a great live show. His debut album's been featured on Myspace all week, and is getting big love from various big name radio DJs including Zane Lowe. He's literally JUST been confirmed for a show at The Joiners on Tues 20th Oct, however its not going on sale until NEXT FRIDAY (31st July) which means you lucky blog readers have just been given your first exclusive (woop!).
Make sure you check back to the main site HERE to pick up your tickets as we're expecting this one to sell pretty quickly.
Recent single 'Dead End' features Master Shortie trying to avoid the temptations of another woman by remembering that yes, he actually already has a gf (check out the slightly obvious video below)

Next, to keep that upbeat mood on the go is Flamboyant Bella. This four piece from Hitchin have been balancing on the precipice of commercial success for a while now, with ridiculously catchy melodies and dancey rhythms we see it as only a matter of time before everybody else catches up and realises how good these guys are. Playing next at The Joiners on Sun 23rd August, tickets are on sale HERE

Finally, this is what I'll be listening to tonight to keep me going while I pack up my boxes and get ready for the big move....

HUGE.

J Blogs
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This week we will be mostly listening to....

2009-07-20T21:58:00.005+01:00

Heylo!
So we let the blog settle in first before posting up loads more bits but expect regular updates and all that jazz as we've found our feet :P

Please feel free to point this in the direction of friends etc who you think could do with hearing about our brand spanking new shows or even those who could do with a wee push in the direction of hearing some of the best new music. With that said, we've got a few tips for you to listen to, first up:

Vagabond - MYSPACE

Yup, there they are>>> and apart from having some impressive 'do's on the go, this 5 piece are making some of the most soulful pop balladry we've heard in yonks. Having signed to major label Geffen and working with Xenomania (production company behind Girls Aloud, Pet Shop Boys), these guys are well on the way to ruling the airwaves this summer. Some of you may have caught them back in May when they played a sold out show at Unit, however if you missed that then fear not as they'll be headlining The Joiners on Sat 8th August - a perfect tonic if Mr Sun has got his hat on ;)

Goldhawks - MYSPACE

ep·ic (pk)

adj.

1. Of, constituting, having to do with, or suggestive of a literary epic: an epic poem.

2. Surpassing the usual or ordinary, particularly in scope or size: "A vast musical panorama . . . it requires an epic musical understanding to do it justice" (Tim Page).

3. Heroic and impressive in quality: "Here in the courtroom . . . there was more of that epic atmosphere, the extra amperage of a special moment" (Scott Turow).

We're talking intense and stirring vocals here people, there's enough raw and epic grandeur on display for you to shake a stick at (why you'd wanna shake a stick of epicness at somone I'm not sure...unless your name is Gandalf?). BIG pianos, BIG guitars, BIG voi.....well you get the general idea, though Goldhawks have definitely got the songs to back up the large sounds. They're visiting Unit on Sat 15th August to play at the 'We Are Rockstars' club night

Ellie Goulding - MYSPACE

'As if we didn't have enough female vocalists in 2009?' some of you may say, however don't write this one off as an 80's throwback with your La Roux's and the like just yet as Miss Goulding has got the rest of the blogging world on it's knees with her all round lovelyness. However saying that we've not met her yet, you just assume that someone who sings and writes as beautifully as this can't be nasty can she?.
Fingers crossed we get her at The Joiners or Unit before the daytime radio DJs catch up and we lose her to Guildhalls and the like.
If you're feeling super lazy and can't be bothered with the myspace link just yet then we've even given you a wee vid so you can listen to her debut release 'Starry Eyed'....and then listen to it again...and again...

Oh and if you liked the vid that much then those nice people over at Neon Gold Records have given you the mp3 of the original and the amazing Jakwob dubstep remix to download for free, lovely stuff!

Ellie Goulding - Starry Eyed (direct link - right click & download linked file)

Ellie Goulding - Starry Eyed - Jakwob remix ( direct link - right click & download linked file)

*REMEMBER*
Tickets to see both Vagabond & Goldhawks are available direct from The Joiners website HERE

Laters Gators
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If you can't beat 'em...Joiners 'em!

2009-07-13T13:50:00.006+01:00

WELCOME!

So...we decided to jump on board and create our own Joiners blog.
This will be your essential stop off to find out about all the newest and best gigs we've got coming up at The Joiners & Unit.
It'll also feature competitions, giveaways, reviews, new tracks, music videos, charts and loads more, so get subscribing!

We'll be announcing info of some very special shows later on in the week, but for now check out this amazing video for Archangel's cover of the Steely Dan classic 'Do It Again'

Tatty Byes!

J. Blogs
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