Bands
Stickman Cartel
Almost As Good As Cake
CONGRATULATIONS! You’re recent FUNBALLS ticket purchase has been picked out at random from 4.93 million entrants and you are the winner of our GRAND prize! Well done! You’ve won Papua New Guinea. You have also won five man-servants in the shape of STICKMAN CARTEL. Delve a little deeper into your prize and you will find an island full of lush green vegetation plus a healthy-sized portion of catchy electro-rock tunes. So whilst you send us your bank account details for the transfer of your winnings, grab hold of your global hypercolour t-shirt, get your feet positioned in a dancing stance and check out why STICKMAN CARTEL are almost as good as cake. Check out Stickman Cartel here.
Black Daniel
This Could Get Messy
Black Daniel are brothers Luke and Lamik-2000 from London and Craig Louis Higgins Jnr. from NY via Cape Cod. Meeting for the first time in Manhattan through a "friend" on the dancefloor of a lower east side disco, they quickly discovered a mutual love of animal tranquilisers and long walks in the rain. From that moment on its been a series of Japanese stage invasions, cow bell solos, bloodied microphones, blow up dolls, leather pant experiments, Uncle Warren's trumpet, wigs, wood nymphs and general good times all the way. Check them out here.
These Furrows
Leicester's Finest
These Furrows are a teenage 4 piece from Leicester. Formed in December 2008 their progress has been rapid with them securing a number of enviable support slots with Fun Lovin' Criminals, Tubelord and The Zutons. According to We Are Haunted "These Furrows sound like some twisted combination of every Big Scary Monsters band ever - brief moments of terrifying fragility jammed between riffs that knock you off your feet at every turn". According to Robots Need Home Records "...for four teenagers, These Furrows have produced an EP of impressive maturity and seriousness." Check them out here.
Avivit
Inspired by the World
Avivit Caspi is a London-based artist, singing original songs and both new and ancient songs from across the world, creating her own unique blend of sounds. She effortlessly mixes English, Hebrew and Arabic and moves freely between the genres. The beauty of her voice transcends languages. Avivit plays with a magical acoustic trio set; she is accompanied by multi-instrumental musician Lior Seker on guitar and vocals, and Yaron Rosenblum on percussion. Last year Avivit sang at Wembley Stadium to a live crowd of over 80,000 and millions more viewers on TV. She has also played at Glastonbury, Big Green Gathering, Kargo, in NY, Chicago and many more. Check her out here..
Paul Littler
and his band
Paul Littler is a strong, innovative songwriter with great stage presence and a cracking band! They play original songs from skanking ska, to insane indie with a nod to drum and bass. Check out Paul here.
MCs
Don't Flop MC Battles
Hosted by the Inimitable MC Eurgh
Don't Flop is the UK's number one freestyle rap battle league, with a collective of over 100 MCs from Lands end to John O'Groats. Hosted by the extremely talented MC Eurgh (watch him tear Reverse Live apart here), Don't Flop will be hosting two battles with very heavy, heavy, heavyweight MCs. Check them out here
The Ruby Kid
Unique and Brilliant
The Ruby Kid is a Nottingham-born, Sheffield-honed and London-based emcee who makes music that Iain Hodgson of BBC Sheffield described as "poetic, intellectual and engaging." Whether performing with his live backing band Black Jacobins, with accompaniment from folk, jazz and blues-influenced beats or performing a-cappella spoken word, The Ruby Kid has wowed audiences across the country - both as a headline act and in support of artists as diverse and varied as Rodney P, Anti-Pop Consortium, Kid Acne, Themselves, Wiley, Skepta, Babar Luck and Al Baker & The Dole Queue. His debut release garnered comparisons to both Bob Dylan and Allen Ginsberg. Check him out here.
Acoustic Musicians
Hamdan Al-Abri
Soulful and Superb
Hamdan Al-Abri was born in April 1981 to Zanzibari parents who migrated to the United Arab Emirates in the late 60's. By age 16 Hamdan had decided that his career would be as a musician.
Singer / songwriter Hamdan began singing and collaborating with numerous groups in Dubai and abroad, gaining experience and improving his songwriting and vocal technique. He is the front man and one of the founding members of the Dubai-based soul band ABRI releasing two albums (Sunchild & Blank Notes) and touring with the band in India, Bahrain, UK, & U.A.E., performing alongside Josh Stone, Kelly Rowland, Kanye west, Ziggy Marley and Arrested Development. After a three year stint with ABRI that began in 2006, Hamdan decided that it was time to start working on his solo career. A superb performer, Hamdan currently resides in London and is working on new material for his solo debut EP, the release of which will coincide with live performance dates. His new material is all about opening peoples minds and perceptions. It will be music coming from/through someone who wants nothing more than to share the soundscapes and vibrations that constantly play within him. You can check out Hamdan on Myspace and on Facebook.
Marla
From LA to London
UK edgy pop act MARLA performs this year at the Fishtank festival in support of her debut single release. Her song ‘Lipstick for the Vampires’ is released in the UK in May & follows headline shows at the Enterprise Barfly & Roundhouse venues in London. ‘Lipstick for the Vampires’ has already been heard by thousands of viewers when Marla reached the final of the Hollyoaks Music show on Channel 4 late last year. Other songs by Marla have been placed in Hollywood films including some featuring the likes of Lindsay Lohan & Jennifer Love Hewitt. Check out more info here and see Marlas quirky, electric and fun live set at Fishtank this year.
Alexander Wolfe
Emerging and Award-Winning
Alexander Wolfe is a New Cross based singer/songwriter. He started his musical career in the band ‘Taxi’ with none other than Jamie Cullum, who he is still friends with to this day. The band supported Paul Weller in 2002 – ably backing him with their take on northern soul. Since the demise of Taxi, Alexander has gone on to perform solo, and has gone so far as to win the Emerngenza singer/songwriter award in 2008. Check Alexander out here.
The Instantears
Hitting the Soul Notes
Hailing from North London, The Instantears perform original songs that combine the raw soulful vocals of Dani Sachar with the charismatic guitar playing and story telling of Alex Melville. Think Etta James meets the Pixies.
Francobollo
Not Peter, Not Bjorn and Not John
Swedish lo-fi punk/electro outfit, Francobollo, landed in England only a handful of months ago and have already strummed up UK management, publishing and major label interest. Expect raw energy with a lofi electro drum sound thumping away under churning, grungy guitars and the odd lashing of synth. Simon’s perfectly imperfect vocal rounds off a great noise that sits somewhere between Pavement, Weezer and Daft Punk! Check Francobollo out here.
Boymandeville
Boys, Men and Devils
Yay for Boymandeville! Leg stomping, frantic rockabilly to pull the dampest of spirits onto the dancefloor at even the most inappropriate of occasions. Funerals, football matches, the cinema - these would all be examples of inappropriate occasions for a Boymandeville induced boogie off. "Even whilst sitting in the corner trying to look cool at one of East London's most fashionable night spots?" you ask? Your bottom would be so up on the dance floor before you can say "Is my ironic side parting sidey and ironic enough?". Check out Boymandeville here.
DJs
Dave IMPACT Brien
Decks of Destruction!
Dave IMPACT Brien has been DJing around the world for 12 years, performing alongside the most reknowned DJ’s in some of the top electronic music clubs in the world. Originally from Cape Town, IMPACT progressed from the legendary sundowner sets on the Camps Bay beachfront strip to playing internationally across diverse countries like Angola, Thailand and of course the UK. A regular at the Ministry of Sound, IMPACT prides himself upon always providing a dynamic performance for any crowd. Common elements always present in his music selection are those of funk and soul, whether its through a house set, a latenight minimal session or a funky breaks mix. Check him out here.
Ethan Saunders
Shonuff Funky
An 80s baby, born in the Rotten Apple (NYC) and raised in The Big Smoke (LDN), DJ Ethan Saunders was forged in the dust of second hand record shops from Finchley to Dalston, Soho to Laylow. His fingers are haggered from compulsively diggin' in the crates, but he never stops. His journey continues around the world to unearth the best wax from every city he treads through.
Stereopests
Breakbeats and Biscuits
Stereopests are Jon Guntrip, one half of breakbeat duo C83 (check his Myspace here) and Olly Bethell (follow him here). Jon has been producing breakbeat and DJing since 2001 playing in NYC, Spain and the UK. Olly began playing house 7 years ago borrowing a pair of 1210's which he has yet to return and has played various bars and clubs around London, including for the Bete Noire nights at Turnmills and Medicine Bar. Together these boys always like to hog the stereo and have been known to drop anything from 80's Chicago House to 00's Hip Hop so expect plenty to keep you dancing.
Clare Large
Loud Things Mix in Small Packages
Clare Large owns and runs her own label Intelligent Audio, putting out a huge range of electronic and organic music. She travels worldwide sharing her take on music, and always loves new experiences. She's played at all kinds of clubs, afterhours, festivals, bars, and unusual parties all over the place and has a huge record collection! She welcoems any excuse to share it! Check Clare out here and here.
Spoken Word Poetry
OneNess
Spoken Word Poet
OneNess is a creatively exceptional spoken word artist/ singer songwriter. Her gift has brought her in front of numerous audiences both nationally and internationally; ranging from BBC Radio listeners to live venues such as Royal Festival Hall & Jazz Café. With her alluring flow & captivating presence she leaves all that have the pleasure of seeing her with a performance experience that they never forget. In the meantime check out OneNess' website or myspace.
The Illegible Bachelor
But is he Julius Caesar?
The Illegible Bachelor is a poet who seeks to catch the running commentary of life as it passes. He has an abiding interest in voices and performance, not so much as a standard stand-up or slam poet, more as a dramatic giving back of the sound and nature of things. The performance is located at a fascinating juncture between the outward projection of addressing an audience and the sound of language talking to itself. He has a Masters in Poetry from UEA and has published a chapbook of 22 poems. His work can be found here.
Dougie Hastings
Progressive Disorder
Dougie Hastings has been writing poetry for over a decade and has emerged as an award-winning performance poet. Dougie is perhaps best known as a comedian, performing at The Comedy Store and The Comedy Cafe. He was a semi finalist in the recent New Act of the Year, and won the Utter poetry competition. Dougie's focus is firmly on 'back to basics' and story telling. He is currently working on his first collection of poems: 'Some Sort of Disorder'. It is a pleasure to welcome Dougie to The Fishbowl, as he explores the more sincere side to his work. You can check Dougie out here.
Harry Giles
Engaging Self-Consciousness
Harry Giles is a performance poet and theatre-maker from Orkney, Scotland, now based in London and Edinburgh. His self-conscious rap-chronicles of the lily-white petit-bourgoisie sound like a spluttering Lord Rochester doped up on speed, Kropotkin, and Def Jux records. He also dabbles in radical politics, interactive performance, web 2.0 and beyond, sex, electronic literature, social activism, whiskey, collage, chocolate, and really anything that involves having entertaining conversations with audiences about things that matter. You can visit his website and myspace, and also find him on Twitter and Facebook.
Comedy
Kitty Kavanagh
Host of Clownfish Comedy
Stand-up comic Kitty Kavanagh is where vintage glamour meets observational comedy, with side stories of Lycra, lost love and shoplifting. A semi-finalist in the So You Think You Are Funny? competition, Kitty has performed in Edinburgh, Denmark, Los Angeles and is huge in Tipton, Birmingham.
Tony Dunn
And Hilarity Ensued
Although still a relative newcomer Tony Dunn has been making waves on the comedy circuit since starting out at London's open mic nights in early 2008. His skilful writing and relaxed delivery have gained him bookings with many of the countries top comedy clubs including The Comedy Cafe, Up the Creek, Downstairs at the Kings Head, The Stand, The Comedy Store, Soho Comedy and many many more. Check out Tony here.
Roanna Bond
Double-O-Funny (if they will let me write the catch lines...)
Roanna Bond is still permanently agog at discovering she is on the stand-up circuit. In four months she has already done gigs at the Leicester Comedy Festival and worked with a variety of companies including: Funny Women, Monkey Business, Laughing Horse and Mirth Control. She loves surreal observations and has a penchant for tea and toast.
Paco Erhard
Español Para Hilarante
Paco Erhard is an international man of comedy, he has lived in five different countries, travelled across 20 more, and has performed in English, Spanish and German. Always full of energy, Paco mixes social commentary with clever silliness.
Anthea Neagle
Voted for UKIP After a Sleep Deprivation Mix-Up
Anthea Neagle is a big toothed, small footed, medium sized comic - a 5'1 package of gigglesome fun. She reached the Semi Finals of the Laughing Horse New Act of the Year 2010, The Comedy Virgins Final 2010, but perhaps her biggest success to date is coming second in the UK with the worst case of childhood eczema. Not naturally 'a winner', Anthea lost her bet at William Hill on the recent General Election.
Artists
Charlie Tuesday Gates
A Little Twisted
Charlie Tuesday Gates Spends her days on roller boots, singing opera to road kill, practicing DIY taxidermy. She creates bizarre and surreal sculptures drawn from her own uncanny subconscious ramblings, materials picked up off the street, dug from the ground and boiled alive in microwaves. Dark humor twists the natural with the artificial: internal opposites and peculiar familiarities. Beauty and death collide with nostalgia and borderline insanity.Her style is provocative and uncomfortable, uneasing yet intriguing you with extraordinary macabre assemblages. She has been described as "Dark, tongue-in-cheek, fairly sick and utterly compelling." Check out her blog here.
Giant Robots
Lee Whiteman (Designer / Sculptor) ROBOTS 2010
We are an artist collective consisting of two central designers and a peripheral team of dedicated and multi talented artists and crafts-people. Our aim is to shine a new light on public art , in the form of an interplanetary invasion of giant friendly robots. These sculptures / installations are made almost entirely of recycled wood and metal and have the potential to be installed virtually anywhere. We have plans for robots emerging from buildings, out of water and attached to existing structures such as cranes or towers. We are also looking at other concepts for the sculptures such as involving sound design, video projections, live music and transforming the robot interiors into usable spaces. Check out Giant Robots here.
Mark Scott-Wood
In the Grey Areas Between the Extremes
Mark Scott-Wood lives and works in London. He often works with the objects that he finds discarded by others. He is fascinated with process and material, altering the texture of objects and experimenting with their appearance to continue his investigation into different forms of expression. His work is often not easily classified and his subject matter is eclectic, falling into many categories and cross-referencing different styles and traditions. "The world is full of so many distractions; I take these distractions and make them the focus of what I do". Check Mark out here.
Airimagestalk
You Are Art
Involving the act of photographing as the tool to engage an audience, passers-by and/or visitors. We create memorable events that have quality of a live-experience but made possible by the act of recording. Neither the camera nor the event can exist on its own. They are interdependent on each other. The act of producing the image is the act of documenting it.
Speakers
Lauren Maleh
Host of Fishy Business
Lauren Maleh works for Enterprise UK on Global Entrepreneurship Week, a campaign exposing millions of people to life-changing entrepreneurial experiences. Taking place in 88 countries, the campaign reaches 7.5 million people worldwide, inspiring and equipping them to set-up businesses.
Amanda Jones
Using Business as a Force for Good
Amanda is a pro-profit Social Entrepreneur drawn to so-called impossible ideas by a predilection to ‘have a go anyway’, and adamant that the answers to the problems of society and planet alike, lie in the development of good businesses. She set-up Red Button Design with James Brown in 2007, an internationally award winning start-up which seeks to design, manufacture and supply products exclusively for the humanitarian market. Check out Red Button Design here.
Al Brown
Entrepreneur and Fishbowl Room Host
Whilst penniless and studying Architecture at University, Al answered an ad for a door to door sales job selling frozen food. The rest, they say, is history. Several years (and an appearance on Dragon's Den) later, Al now owns and runs several business' including a food vending business and his latest venture, 'Champions Life Academy' - A sales organisation that seeks to prepare young people for the business world. Al will be sharing his story at Fishtank this year..
Nick Broughton
A very motivated man!
Nick has enjoyed an interesting journey, taking in a number of successful businesses, a stint as an international DJ and his former years as a pet chicken trainer. We asked him to speak at Fishbowl after seeing him deliver a fascinating talk on NLP recently. He has decided this time to deliver a talk he has entitled ‘Sliding In Sideways’, written specifically for Fishbowl, with the aim of getting you motivated and thinking big within 15 minutes. He currently runs Call Dynamix Limited , a training company unlike any other, and the only one to actually guarantee dramatic bottom-line performance improvements.
Richard Bowdler
Host of Guerilla Science
Richard Bowdler is an Oxford graduate who trained himself to have an exceptional memory allowing him to store vast quantities of complex information. While training as a stockbroker in the city, Richard himself went from having no financial knowledge to being a fully fledged broker within one week using his methods of information retention. He is the founder of City Memory, a company dedicated to providing private memory coaching for business professionals, and will be introducing the memory techniques that have served him so well.
Luciana Haill
Imaging the Intangible in the Brain
Head of research into augmented states of consciousness with the Institute for Unnecessary Research in Brighton, Luciana takes recordings of the brain during meditation, lucid dreaming and hypnosis. With a classic spinning dream machine (dating back to the 1960s) and a brainwave monitor known as the IBVA, she will create interactive art with the audience through realtime projections of the electrical activity inside their heads.
Tasty Treats
Butterfingers
Ladies with Cake
Butterfingers revive the traditions of our grandmothers and great-grandmothers, in the belief that all cake should be homemade with the freshest ingredients, eaten from doilies with full fat cream and served with tea from a china tea service. Inspired by afternoon tea, the WI and all things naughty but nice, Butterfingers is the culmination of a hearty Northern upbringing, an insatiable thirst for indulgence and the love of all things cake! The Butterfingers ladies will be gracing us with their vintage presence, providing a quintessentially English afternoon tea service and delicious handmade cakes.
