emmelinemay | The Last Gig (Reply)

The final gig was back at the XFM studios, a session recording on Rick Shaw's show with Hot Chip.

This is Rick Shaw (that CAN'T be his real name...)

They did 3 songs - 'Over and Over', the new single 'Ready For The Floor', and a cover of 'Sensual Seduction' by Snoop Dog which was hilariously brilliant.

Hot Chip are an unusual band; one of those bands that look nothing like they sound. They all look like computer programmers, but are musical geniuses. They create these wonderful musical soundscapes which sould be total mess, but they weave all the separate parts together so skilfully that it just works.

In the new spirit of Not Being Afraid Of Bands And Actually Talking To Them I went up and introduced myself to one of them afterwards, chatted for a bit and got a picture. He was very a lovely chap, and I must get better at recognising people so that I can do this more often.

Alex Zane was in the office, so I went to have a chat to him, tell him Brian hadn't turned up (quelle surprise...) and *brave head on* tell him I was interested in pursuing a career in radio. He didn't laugh at me, which is a good start. He seemed to think it was a good idea, told me I'd been great, and said he'd let me know if any opportunities came up that they might be able to use me for. He said to keep emailing him though, as he has a terrible memory. Bless! He gave me a kiss on the cheek as I left, and said to keep in touch.

I am probably now the envy of a number of you who have confessed to fancying him! I'm really glad I don't, as otherwise I'd have totally gone to bits this week. I can clearly talk to media people, bands, strangers, doormen and DJs with no problem, but as soon as it comes to making conversation with someone I fancy? It comes out like "flrrblw? maaaah. bwuh? teeheheheheheeheh. um? um." This would probably not have made good radio.

I've had a few offers to help me make a DJ demo CD, so I guess I'll give that a go this year! Why not? I'd rather try it and fail than never go for it and spend the rest of my life thinking 'what if...' or 'I wish I'd...'. Life's too short!

After the XFM sessions, I clearly felt I'd not seen enough bands this week, and headed down to see Suzerain play at the Good Ship in Kilburn.

It was clear from the late running, and the problems the support bands had, that all was not well with the sound or the electrics. It is a testament to how good Suzerain are, and how professional, that they managed to give such an excellent performance regardless of the plague of technical problems that beset them, from a dodgy plug to a faulty mic.

I really think this band have real potential, and it would be criminal if 2008 isn't their year!

The electrics may have been against them, but the lighting was perfect for photos, and I got some great shots.

I think the singer looks a little like a younger James Masters in this one...

more over here

Due to the late running gig, we missed our last train home and it took 2 hours by tube and bus, by which point I was asleep standing up.

Today, I plan to have a well deserved day of doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.

All photos from my week of being a gig pig are here.

I've had the BEST WEEK EVER, and I'm so sad it's all over. I'll just have to find a new adventure!