This band are just waiting to step into the lime light of the music world. Too big an opportunity to miss them here live at The Brook on Friday 1st December and with support from BASEMENT83 and DJs SOUL 45, it’s THE gig to be at.
“And through the haze there shone a white light, and from that light played sweet sweet music... and to that music... We got high. Much love to the Hemps” - Paolo Nutini
“The Hempolics are the best band in the UK – but nobody knows it yet...” - Maxi Jazz (Faithless)
“Real vintage lo fi reggae inspired soul music for the 21st century city scape people” - DJ Vadim
“Great summer vibes. Puts a smile on my face. And amazing live too!” - Eliza Doolittle
“The best thing I’ve heard in ages” - La Roux
“Best new reggae band on the planet” - Chris Hawkins, BBC6
“You know a band that you instantly want to hear live. This. Right here.” - freshonthenet.co.uk
Hempolics are out to put those organic rootsy vibes back into music; with their fat radio-friendly hooks, bumping soundsystem bass and a wanderlusty, ineffably real sound all of their own…
Over years of recording top international talent The Hempolics enigmatic leader, Grippa Laybourne, has been carefully honing his own masterpiece and selecting a gang armed and dangerous enough to execute it. The Hempolics caused an instant stir with their single Serious, on the Reggae Roast label, which hit number one in the 2010 UK reggae charts and was playlisted on Massive Attack’s BBC takeover. Their latest releases have maintained success with a sync to the worldwide trailer for new Coen Brothers and George Clooney film ‘Hail, Caesar!’ and latest single Me Love To Sing has been playlisted by BBC6 Music with support from Steve Lamacq, Lauren Laverne, Rodigan & Don Letts. Combined with tight as a tick live performances – honed at their own underground club night in London – they are becoming the worst kept secret on the UK circuit today.
With their amazingly eclectic forthcoming album sounding like the i-pod of the attention-deficit generation and swelled by guest appearances from various international talents such as Maxi Jazz and Paulo Nutini - to name a few - The Hempolics have a storm brewing that promises to tear up the UK music scene. The album entitled ‘Kiss, Cuddle & Torture Vol. 1’ has been recorded in back to basics fashion throughout the bedrooms and home studios of the band producing an infectious mash-up of Reggae, Electro, Hip-Hop, Dancehall, Rock and Pop. Although the weather out might be dull London-side it’s strictly sunshine vibes, resplendent with huge hooks and festival-friendly choruses. These are tunes that people will be bopping to across festivals, clubs and car journeys for years to come.
As well as pedigree recordings and live shows The Hempolics are producing gritty videos with a striking realness to accompany their tunes, in contrast to the polished pretension of the music establishment. They are the brainchild of veteran sound engineer and record producer Grippa Laybourne. Core vocalists, the empyreal Nubiya and devilishly dashing Dan Collier, combine together impeccably, with Dan’s brother Harry sometimes stepping in with his own smooth tones. The rest of the band comprises of deft bassist Lorenzo, Leon King who ranks up there with the finest Reggae/Dub guitarists around and the exceptional Craig Boorman on drums.
Take your eye off the Hempolics at your peril. Ital business!
“An exciting mix of styles and sounds backed up by great songs..” - Jack Cowens, Dub Pistols
BASEMENT83’s catchy songs draw inspiration from Hip-Hop, Funk, Reggae and Breaks, creating a cross-genre distinctive hybrid sound with both electronic and traditional instruments.
BASEMENT83 play at a variety of festivals and venues across the UK including Boomtown, The Isle of Wight Festival, BlissFields, No Man’s Land, Victorious Festival, etc.
Biography
“There’s nothing like the depth, detail and sonic impact of a good vinyl record" say the SOUL 45 DJs (Mark James & Neil Walters), and they should know, they have been championing the 45RPM/ 7” vinyl format for the last 4 years in Southampton and at their SOUL 45 club nights. Everything from classic Motown sounds to raw Soul, heavy Funk, Disco, Boogie and B-Boy Breaks, Roots Reggae, modern day releases and some golden Hip Hop thrown in for good measure – and keeping with the perspective of the old-school, few things are as fabled as the practice of collecting and spinning 45s. Smaller than a 12-inch record, but larger than a compact disc, 7-inches might be outdated technology but pack a lot of punch with a rich warm sound.
It’s not about dj technique, it’s about great taste and their growing reputation for dance parties has brought them sets alongside local and international acts alike, including Trojan Sound System, Eddie Piller, Public Service Broadcasting, Craig Charles, Don Letts, Hannah William & The Tastemakers, Charley Macaulay, Freddie & The Freeloaders, Black Cat Boppers, Mayfield, DJ Format, Mr Thing, New Street Adventure and the legendary Afrika Bambaataa among others.
Soul 45 dj sets are a refreshing hot alternative to the Top 40, new dance-trends and other cookie-cutter nights out and most defiantly a unique music experience you can’t find anywhere else on the southcoast.
