slamptrospective
On saturday we played at the Star and Shadow Cinema, a volunteer-run not-for-profit cinema (and bar/venue, info shop etc.) that has an anti-mainstream agenda and a ultra strong emphasis on community. We were asked to play the Slamptrospective - a celebration of the Slampt Underground Organsisation, and the first screening of the Slampt film (Slampt was an amazing d.i.y record & fanzine label that was influenced by the riot grrrl movement/k recs/international pop underground etc. that started out in the 90s with such bands as Red Monkey, Pussycat Trash, the Yummy Fur and International Strike Force to name but a few. Initially a cassette-only label they then progressed to vinyl and the occasional ‘reluctant’ cd towards the end!) - anyway we were totally excited to be asked and played alongside old Slampt faves (Red monkey reformed for one night/song only!) and the “new underground” of d.i.y. bands influenced by Slampt - Sad Shields, Humousexuals, Bilge Pump were amongst the EAGER! players.
Anyway, the show was amazing and it was great playing with friends and like-minded people, who seemed united in a sense of togetherness - from selling drinks at the bar to providing the (free) vegan food, to working the door to playing. Everything was done for the love of it, not for money. It was great to go to a place where so many different people wanted to help out for free - and by doing so were providing a space that ANYONE could be a part of, and were invited to do just that - volunteer, attend meetings etc. and in turn everyone who helps out - however little, has a say in the way the cinema is run.
It was so much fun and we all agreed it was the best show we have played so far! I really want to go back to Newcastle, from what little I saw of it, it looks like a really interesting place!
Anyway, the show was amazing and it was great playing with friends and like-minded people, who seemed united in a sense of togetherness - from selling drinks at the bar to providing the (free) vegan food, to working the door to playing. Everything was done for the love of it, not for money. It was great to go to a place where so many different people wanted to help out for free - and by doing so were providing a space that ANYONE could be a part of, and were invited to do just that - volunteer, attend meetings etc. and in turn everyone who helps out - however little, has a say in the way the cinema is run.
It was so much fun and we all agreed it was the best show we have played so far! I really want to go back to Newcastle, from what little I saw of it, it looks like a really interesting place!