Event
She Makes War, Worry Dolls EP launch & Declan Bennett
She Makes War
She Makes War is the gloom-pop solo project of Bristol based multi-instrumentalist, filmmaker and digital polymath Laura Kidd. A pacifist force of nature with a punk spirit and a serious work ethic, Kidd's mission is a peaceful but provocative one - to create breathtakingly honest music and share her art with the world, levelling with her community of music lovers as peers.
With a rich cocktail of influences from ELO to Kristin Hersh, Belly and The Breeders, Blur, Elastica and Suede, Bikini Kill, Nirvana, Hanne Hukkelberg, Cat Power, Carina Round, Radiohead, My Brightest Diamond and Bon Iver, She Makes War has been dubbed "alt-folk", "ambient dream-pop", "a modern musical Boudica" and an "empowering force to be reckoned with".
Her creative one-woman shows on grungey electric guitar, claustrophobic vocal loops, ukulele, marching drum, foot percussion and megaphone have been captivating audiences around the UK and Europe, both at her own headline shows and supporting the likes of Suede, The Levellers, tUnE-yArDs, The Magic Numbers, Shlomo, Midge Ure, New Model Army, Glen Matlock and Earl Slick, Nadine Shah, Erica Nockalls and Miles Hunt, Chris Helme and Drugstore.
She Makes War's third album "Direction Of Travel" was successfully funded through Pledge Music and is her most ambitious project to date. Featuring guest appearances from Tanya Donelly (Belly / Throwing Muses), Mark Chadwick (The Levellers), Clive Deamer (Portishead / Radiohead), Cajita, Nicole Robson (Bat For Lashes), Simon Goff (Hope And Social), Andrew Skeet (The Divine Comedy) and The McCarricks (This Mortal Coil / Siouxsie Sioux) the album was produced by Laura Kidd and mixed by Dan Austin (Doves / The Pixies / Oceansize) and is due for release in Autumn 2015.
"Reminding us of Medúlla-era Bjorkshe's ace" - Lauren Laverne, 6 Music
"'Little Battles' is a triumph of gorgeous melodies, slashy guitars and processed beats" - Rock Sound
"A combination of musical talent and digital smarts worthy of an English Amanda Palmer." - Tom Robinson, 6 Music
"Why just sing songs, when you can build worlds?" - The Quietus
"There's no hiding from She Makes War" - Everett True
"absolutely wonderful" - Midge Ure, Ultravox
"a modern musical Boudica who sings these dreamy, heartfelt songs that envelop you with their raw beauty and textural melodies" - John Robb, Louder Than War
"You're amazing" - Amanda Palmer
"Impeccable dark alt-rock" - Gary Mulholland, Uncut Magazine
"The way she indefatigably smashes new ground as an independent solo artist is a constant inspiration to us" - Hope And Social
Worry Dolls
London's Worry Dolls have been rapidly building momentum with their unique approach to indie-folk. Formed in late 2010, the duo met at Paul McCartney's school of music in Liverpool. Bonding initially due to having the same fiery red locks, what sets Worry Dolls apart is their tongue-in-cheek, honest lyrics and their refusal to sing "cliché love songs". In their time together as a duo, they've forged something substantially stronger than a hair colour match. A beautiful and captivating result.
"It's no secret that we think Worry Dolls are pretty special" - For Folk's Sake
"Two girls about to break your heart, sew it back together and leave you smiling for days." - Declan Bennett (Once the Musical/Eastenders)
"Humorous and charming folk-songwriting combined with sublime harmonies" - Neil Cowley (Neil Cowley Trio, Adele)
"What sets Worry Dolls apart is their sense of humour. See tongue in cheek single 'Oliver' about their infatuation with a West End drag queen as a prime example." - Folk Geek
Declan Bennett
Declan Bennett is a singer songwriter who writes candid pop music for a generation steeped in therapy and conversation. His penchant for sharing deeply honest tales of love and sexuality have won him a diverse and devoted fan base across the UK and America, arousing a relentless desire to listen to his unashamed, engaging lyrics again and again. No stranger to the stage (with mainstream chart success by the age of 20, a lead role in the award-winning pop biography 'Taboo' at 21, and an extended trip to America to star as Roger in the cult rock opera RENT), Declan released his second full-length album "An Innocent Evening Of Drinking" in April 08. He went on to open for Boy George on his 31 date UK tour, widening his ever expanding audience of listeners and soon after was asked to return to the States to join the original cast of Green Days 'American Idiot' on Broadway. Last summer he also starred alongside singer/songwriter Nellie McKay in his first feature film 'Downtown Express' and his most recent music video for his song 'Freer' won Most Moving Video at the RightOut Video Music Awards. He released his 3rd album 'record:BREAKUP', in 2011 and the live unplugged version in 2013.
Declan recently finished his year long run with the Original London Cast as 'Guy' in the Tony/Oscar/Grammy award winning 'Once'
What they've said about Declan and his music...
'Uncut ' **** (four-star review of An Innocent Evening of Drinking)
' Far more than a showbiz wannabe.. Bennett has crafted some unusual variations on the acoustic singer-songwriter template... frequently gripping lyrics' Adam Sweeting
'GT' **** (four-star review of An Innocent Evening of Drinking)
'Declan's soulful vocals glide through the chatty, reflective lyrics. His strong songwriting deserves a wider audience.'
'Rock'n'Reel' **** (four-star review of 'An Innocent Evening of Drinking')
'A writer who can move effortlessly from the conversational, the confessional, statements of intent, to the poetic, moving and tender, Bennett's songs deliver a powerful emotional punch without ever resorting to the usual singer-songwriter trap of over-introspection.' Colin Hall
'He has a voice full of emotion and yearning, his lyrics and melodies have a pop edge without being lazy or radio-desperate'
Boy George writing about Declan Bennett in 'Time Out London'
'I'm absolutely convinced that Declan Bennett is going to be massive. I have his album on constant repeat'
'Little Britain's' Matt Lucas
'Declan is the real thing. He sings from the heart, and I defy anyone not to be touched by his songs' Linda Thompson
And with a Chaos Theory DJ set to add to the musical goodness, this is not to be missed!
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LocationSebright Arms (View)
31-35 Coate Street
London E2 9AG
United Kingdom
Categories
| Minimum Age: 18 |
| Kid Friendly: No |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: No |
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