RUSKO (in Mojo)
Christopher Mercer, aka Rusko was born in Leeds in 1985 to a musical family. From day dot Rusko was surrounded by music whether it be his families piano’s, guitars, banjo’s and saxophones…or in his later years the heavy reggae and dub sound systems of Leeds, music has always been an integral part of Rusko’s life.
After graduating from Leeds university with a degree in musical performance, Rusko discovered the world of dubstep through SUB DUB and a debut appearance from the “Digital Mystikz”, having spent the past 10 years making future dub alongside Leeds very own Iration Steppas, Rusko connected with the sound and moved down to London to further advance his musical opportunities with Sub Soldiers label mate Caspa.
Veering away from the dark, serious side of the sound Rusko bought a highly driven energy and fun approach to the dubstep massive and quickly coined his own take on the genre and turned the scene upside down. His sound appealed to many people outside of the dubstep world as his productions became more adventurous in formula, sound and energy. His huge hit “Cockney Thug” has been played by everyone from Pete Tong, Switch, Diplo and Santogold. And has been remixed by Buraka Som sistema, Diplo, Drop the Lime and the Scratch Perverts.
His sound continues to develop with different BPM’s that lean to jungle, house, hip hop or electro, either way, whatever BPM or tempo…you can immediately tell a Rusko track.
At 23 Rusko is only in 1st gear, with collaborations on the table with the likes of Switch, Diplo , Yo Majesty and Wiley the future sure is looking bright. Already setting the radio airwaves alight with his own productions and remixes of artists such as Adele, A-Trak featuring Kid Sister, Leon Jean-Marie Rusko is only going in one direction. Onwards, upwards and far beyond any producer could dream of. Rusko is like Dr Dre, Timbaland and Switch all rolled into one with a serious overdose of bass.
Link: Official Website
Record Label: Fabric
Record Label: Dub Police
Record Label: Sub Soldiers
TELEGRAM FROM THE QUEEN (in Mojo)
Telegram From The Queen started out in August 2007 as a solo project by Leon Scott, creating portishead/massive attack influenced trip-hop tunes. He soon recruited another local producer Dan Cansfield and they started making bleepy 8bit electro together, which hit the ears of Radio 1’s Bethan Elfyn who gave them the chance to play live on the airwaves. When 2009 dawned, they dropped all of this for something more raw and true to the epitome of dance music; Fat Basslines, Heavy Drums, Heavy Lead Synths. Booka!
Link: Official Website
GALLOPS (in Meze Longue)
Gallops was conceived in the bohemian environs of Wrexham, North Wales in the winter of 2007 by Mark Huckridge and Paul Maurice, initially as a purely recreational aural venture combining a Laptop and Telecaster and intended for the amusement of closest family members and pets only.
Soon after this Mark and Paul were joined by drummer David Morait and second guitarist Brad Whyte and their first demo track ‘Crutches’ was picked up by Bethan Elfyn of Radio 1 and played on her Introducing show to much acclaim.
This was followed by a string of gigs in Wrexham supporting acts such as Errors and Midnight Juggernauts. Further national radio play of demo tracks such as ‘Lasers’ and ‘Window FX’ led to Gallops being invited by Eat Your Own Ears to support Canadian band Born Ruffians on two dates of their UK tour in Dingwalls, Camden and Night and Day, Manchester.
Gallops played as part of Huw Stephens’ (Radio 1) Swn Festival in both Cardiff and Wrexham and also have recorded 3 live sessions for the BBC Introducing show. In May 2009 Gallops played at BBC Radio 1s Big Weekend in Swindon and will also appear on the Main Stage at Wakestock in July 2009. At the moment Gallops are writing lots of new music, in the process of recording an EP and booking shows.
Gallops describe their sound as Black Sabbath being sexually assaulted by Pacman and Steve Reich at an Aphex Twin show. Gallops influences include Vangelis, Sonic Youth, Stanley Kubrick, Sun Ra, Slint and David Axelrod.
Link: Official Website
POPE JOAN (in Meze Lounge)
Pope Joan are a 4-piece leftfield pop band from Brighton, England. Ambient walls of processed guitar noise, furious drum lines and quirky 8-bit synth keyboards are all underpinned by an incredibly demanding pop sensibility.
Since the release of their critically acclaimed and hectically demanding debut mini-album Hot Water, Lines and Rickety Machines (via OIB Records) at the end of last year, the band have been busy writing and honing new material – their new AA side single Centurions // Volumes is the first taster of what’s in store. Now forging forward with a richer and more refined sound, the new material distils their trademark core of bold pop hooks through a more urgent, expansive and compellingly epic sound of skewed synths and shimmering guitars.
Having played shows with a wide range of bands including – Danananankroyd, The Fall, Maps and Atlases, Calories, The Hot Puppies, Turbowolf and Bearsuit – Pope Joan have made a name for themselves for their fast and euphoric performances, going from strength to strength to become one of the most innovative and exciting bands from Brighton’s already thriving music scene.
Falling somewhere between the kinetic playfulness of Les Savy Fav, quirky pop of early-era XTC and the sonic spectrum of TV on the Radio, Pope Joan are a band that demand serious attention and are set to establish themselves as part of the new wave of exciting and experimental British art-pop.
“A colourful explosion of post punk adorned, effects laden guitar lines, quirky synth noises, elasticated bass lines and creative drum patterns topped off with an undeniable pop sheen” Artrocker
“Brighton boys Pope Joan are a fantastic and quirky proposition indeed” NME
“Pope Joan mix their hardcore roots with classic pop: 80’s inspired hand claps and synths suppliment spiky, avante-garde guitar work…it sounds like the unholy combination of Fugazi jamming with The Cars, but this is surprisingly good” Rock Sound
Link: Official Website
+ Support TBC
Plus:
DJ VERNON TESSIO (IN MEZE)
DJS CHESUS & RODSKI (IN MOJO)
Chesus & Rodski are a DJ/Production duo who’s main aim in life is to make the dancefloor shake. Baltimore, Garage, House, Juke, Fidget, Baile, Crunk, Dancehall, Dubstep are all part of their mission to make you move your ass.
Along the way they’ve played had the pleasure of playing alongside Annie Mac, Sinden, Fake Blood, Toddla T, Rico Tubbs, Mickey Slim, Roots Manuva, Zombie Disco Squad, Raffertie, Math Head, Drums of Death, Plastician, JME, Maxi Jazz, LSK, Pase Rock, Bonde de Role, The Death Set, Wholesick, Crystal Death and many more as well as remix duties for Crystal Fighters, Stagga, Matt Cant and Scattermish and Bubbz.
Residents for Bigger than Barry and part of the masterminds that bring you Music by Numbers there’s big things still to come as the mission continues….
for full into regarding the month festival in association with The Joy Collective, see http://www.mezefestival.co.uk
