There have been two previous Band4Life events in Southend and on those occasions I’ve had the pleasure of being joined by Chris Powell on the phone before hand to catch up and find out more about them. This time it was great to actually have him live in the studio to discuss the upcoming event, the Santa Cause, on the 21st December at the Railway Hotel. It was appropriate because it’s one of the biggest line ups he’s organised and great that it’s in aid of a charity that is close to his heart. Chris unfortunately had a brush with homelessness in his youth, but was fortunate to receive assistance when it mattered. Chris is returning the favour because this next Band4Life event is in aid of H.A.R.P. – a charity based in Valkyrie Road in Southend which is the Homeless Action Resource Project. It does great work in helping the homeless locally and funds from the next event will go towards them.
It’s unfortunately been a while since I have been joined in the studio by guests so it was appropriate that I caught up with loads all at the same time! It wasn’t quite a madhouse, but a few of the 23 acts that are playing at the Santa Cause were able to come along with Chris to the studio- Glass Brides, The Fifty-Four Plates, Jessica Noah and Matt from Vox Empire. We found out more about Chris’ background with the charity and about the bands themselves. It was also lovely to hear how they each find the music scene in Southend and are able to help and encourage each other in their directions. Chris also brought along music from Youth Club and Micky Denny who will also be playing at the event. Other artists playing who I look forward to having on the show soon include the wonderful Bloodline and The Good Jet Shooters with previous guests Mark Wynn and Mark Schubert with from Phillious Williams with his daughter Jesse.
There are videos from the sessions, more links and info to be updated on this page, but in the meantime here is the show again to catch up with at your leisure:
Here’s the playlist for 26th November 2013
1. Anthrax – Madhouse (Spreading The Disease – 1985)
2. Glass Brides – No Costa Del Sol (Nature of the Beats – 2013)
3. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – I Had A Dream Joe (Henry’s Dream – 1992)
4. Glass Brides – Parasite (Live Phoenix FM Session)
5. A Perfect Circle – The Noose (Thirteenth Step – 2003)
6. The Fifty-Four Plates – All The Way Home (Live Phoenix FM Session)
7. Shimshai – All That I Am (I Sense Your Presence – 2001)
8. Pink Floyd – Mother (The Wall – 1979)
9. Youth Club – Flashlight
10. Youth Club – Nothing
11. Jessica Noah – Best Friend (Live Phoenix FM Session)
12. Micky Denny – Chocolate Jesus
13. Vox Empire – Lovers Fall
14. Vox Empire – Lindsey (Live Phoenix FM Session)