SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SCENE.

If three years ago I knew what the fuck a 'blog' was and had ever felt inclined to write a post about my local music scene I would have been at odds to present you with anything decent. Now for some reason I am spoilt for choice. I was also hoping to be in the best band that ever came from Bushey I did some research. But then again maybe not.

2007. And this is no longer the case.

You may be well aware that I have been based in Leeds, but for the whole of this football season, when asked in an interview I have referred to my native region of origin as the south east. Watford you see, kicked Leeds United out of a chance to grace the Premiership. If I was a fucking hard nut, I would have proclaimed my origins sooner. But I am now living back in my humble town so I may walk the streets without fear of castration/stoning/ or even the thought of being taken to the Gallows

The Gallows

I was made aware of this bunch by Jon Kennedy in an interview on XFM and promised him I would check them out. Thanks Jon, they are innately valid (that's an intra-band joke... Hadouken Dictionary to come soon on these pages) But to the point. There is a serious lack of hardcore with-and-without a capital H to have made waves within the UK over the past couple of years (thanks for this 'The Strokes'.) Gallows seem to have bucked this trend and justifiably so. I recognise a few of their faces from my Watford Skater/Alt Minority/Metaller Teenager/School days (i flipped between townie and metaller frequently- its emo and chav now though isn't it?) I think at least one attended my school but probably in a few years above. So did these sik fuckers.

Wow I am part of a credible geographical location based scene. Well... maybe I could pass off myself of as a member of 'the best band from the region to mix rock and dance music'.

Oh... they're from St Albans round the corner apparently.

SO anyway... There is a thriving art/music/cultural scene in Watford and Bushey. These links are also worth your time.

DIY WOMP

These guys put on art shows, music nights and anything in between and do it well. I think they put on one of Kate Nash's second gigs in a back garden. Imagine the tales you could have told your hipster friends if you had been to that. Also check Crackin' Festival. I couldn't for the life of me find a link though.


There are some Tidy Graphic designers based in Bushey too. I discovered this site for some clothes that rep my manor. Fuck Rocawear, Sean John etc... s'all about Bushey Clothing.

Finally I came back this month to find the best bar in town had closed. It was a hub for all things alternative/creative/accepting even if the drinks prices sometimes suffered from that nasty South-East England inflation. RIP Taylors Bar. My move back home may shed some light onto what is going down over the summer. So expect another post in a couple of months.

JAMES X X X X