Welcome to Gavland...

Engedi ARTS

2012-01-25T03:45:00.000-08:00

Wow... what a season...

this post is really to introduce a lot of hard work behind the scenes...

so here's the new website why not click on the image to take a visit and see what we're about?

And here you can have a gander at what's on...

be sure to get in touch for further details... and do check the new engedi blogs etc

Sunday Service Christmas special...

2011-12-20T02:43:00.000-08:00

It's not often I get to play Leeds these days, and I really miss that, so I was well up for it when Mr Aldrick came a knocking...

For those of you who don't know, The Sunday Service is a monthly acoustic night hosted by Barnaby up at Verve bar on the last Sunday in the month. It's free and in my opinion its the best regular acoustic night in the area... Its been the forge of many a newcomer and the homestead of many now well established regulars to the Leeds scene... If you haven't yet, maybe you should...?

Dan and I managed to rustle a new set together.... an acoustic version of the yet to be released '#Fail', currently being produced by the quite clever Kev Mooney from the Screaming citizens, more info on that very soon...

We then went for a cheeky bluesy version of Dan and Emily Norton's fine song 'One in Million'...

And then the deal is everyone has to do a Christmas cover, we opted for a stripped down, post rock melancholic version of ' Oh come all ye faithful' - or something like that... (:/)

There were loads of great bands on:

Palooka

Jennie Chapman

Ben Pike

Dan Wilde

Dan Norton's Annual Christmas Carol Singalong

and the mighty Louis Louis Louis...

Thanks to everyone who came along to make what was a fantastic night!! see you soon Leeds...

Exploring Blinc Digital and the arts at Conwy Feast 2011

2011-10-31T06:32:00.000-07:00

I came online simply to blog. It's taken me 4 hours to sift through emails and links left over from the weekend and half term, but I made it here... finally

I wanted to blog and say how amazing I thought Blinc's productions were at the Conwy Feast last weekend...

My favourite piece from the show being Tides.

The poem by Alan Whitfield borders on the prophetic in my opinion...

"As a Jacdaw flies onwards over the wall where inner battles once raged,

to a far corner of a sanded shore springs a millionaires playground,

we await The Mulberry Harbor secret to be told..."

and:

"The rill’s plethora held back from the eye looking as old keeping harbor stories of Wales constructing glory..."

http://alanwhitfield80.wordpress.com/

It seems that Conwy is in the heart of the local artist and I can't wait to dig in and explore who's who, and what's what in the scene.

Looking forward to hosting some fresh exhibitions with some of these folk with a bit of luck...

Work in progress

2011-10-27T09:50:00.000-07:00

I've been quiet on this blog... sorry...

but things have happened. I moved house, had a baby girl, started a new degree, and went to Africa a couple of times amongst other things.

But I have been writing consistently. So much so that I am now recording a new album albeit a bit slowly,as I had to build a new studio and make some new recording buddies etc etc.

My way of apology for being a blog slug, here's a sneak peek of some remixes that are on the desk at the moment... I'm working these up in conjunction with long time pal Nick Elphick, in support of a video we are producing... Its all a bit different, but thought provoking nontheless... you can download the new tracks by clicking the link here:

http://gavinmart.bandcamp.com/album/single

here's Nick at work with ITV on his new project 'Queen'...

watch this space!

2011-10-10T12:20:00.000-07:00

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Check us OUT NOW! click the image above!!

2011-10-10T12:19:00.001-07:00

the all new fb page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gavin-Mart/110634240414

Juicy times

2011-01-24T04:36:00.001-08:00

Wowzers, its been more than a juicy month here at GM+SV HQ!

Whilst December was a mega hectic month of finishing the New album 'Golden', gigging it and enjoying the seemingly overwhelming amount of festive occasions were offered, January has been a massive haul from the port side of the ship. The goods are literally overflowing, and its been hard to keep up in response...

In December 'Golden' the title track of the album found its way onto an international platform, through Microsoft Windows Media Guide. I'm still not entirely sure how this happened all in all, but I think it was to do with being involved in reverbnation's 'playlist 7' program last Christmas 2009. Anyway whilst looking at the album's stats on reverbnation, (my main online music hosting site) I saw my downloads start to explode through the roof sometime around Dec 10th. I was hitting around 300 downloads per day, which is big news for an 'indie' like me. This continued for a a few days and I couldn't work out what was going on or where these downloads were coming from.

It wasn't until I loaded up my Windows media player on my computer to play a CD, when the penny dropped. I saw myself staring back through the media player, and thought 'how has one of my photo's got onto media player?' ie. from somewhere else on my PC? But then I realised what was going on. I checked online and confirmed that I had been chosen to be a featured artist throughout the seasonal period. I then remembered being offered the chance of such a prize earlier in the year, and how I brushed it away with relative pessimism, as one does with so many of these hopeful successes. Needless to say this was all very exciting for little old me and I was suddenly getting hits on all the online platforms from all over the world! A lot of messages from a lot of people and a rather large inbox.

And this went on for a month!

Around Jan the 10th the download stats became even bigger and I was suddenly doubling in numbers hitting over 600 downloads a day! Now this was really really confusing as I had by now been moved down the pecking order on the Windows media guide page... It literally took me the whole week to work out that I had been moved to the very front page of their music section, right next to Avril Levigne of all people!! By the time I'd worked it out it had finished and Britney Spear's new single had taken a strangle hold of the page!

But the promotion had worked its magic and we were soon climbing fast through the online ranks... Reverbnation is fast becoming the online music platform of choice, not least for their total dominance at providing free tools and'widgets' to musicians who can effectively use these widgets to promote their stuff everywhere which allows html code to be entered online. They also host their own charts, which not only create a bit of insider buzz for the artist but also give the artist an idea of their effectiveness online.

These charts are becoming more and more competitive and meaningful as more people join the site, now well over 1 million . The big charts; currently totally dominated by global music labels, are now fairly out of the average band's grasp. Which in effect leaves an open door for Reverbnation to reinvent the 'chart' for the artist's advantage. Its fairly fair too, as it reflects actual interest (known as equity) in a musician rather than 'hype' or heavy financial investment, and is a great way for an artist to achieve fair feedback for their records and performances, rather than having to rub shoulders with the in-crowd to earn decent reviews. A little success in these RN charts can go a long way...

So it can all get a bit geeky and technical but to be honest thats how these old style charts were, complex, regional and marketed on stats. Reverbnation throws tons of stats your way as a musician and being able to harness them can become tricky, but the promotional rewards are quite extreme.

Being able to understand where you music is working on the net is the key. Once you manage to get going a bit in the charts and stats the results speak for themselves and the promotion becomes self perpetuating. Gone are the days where music had a 'shelf life' once its online your music has a 'long tail' as long as you want to push it. You can see from the above image that sales and downloads of the new album only seem to encourage the same of the previous EP; there's no frustrated distributer trying to sell of the remainder of your stock and it lives online forever.

So it's a big thanks to Reverbnation and Microsoft Windows Media Guide from me this year already! Not only are they providing a thunderously powerful promotional service online but also seem to be leaning towards and supporting the 'indie' guy. Its a slice of good news in the business and should be duly supported... thanks folks!!

BTW: disclaimer; I have just recently become a Dad for the first time which has given me more than the average amount of 'free' time to analyse all these stats. Be warned people in rush may not find their own stats so enthralling!

CLICK NOW - free download - YOU NEED THIS
"Absolute Bliss" - Microsoft Windows Media Guide

2010-12-30T11:55:00.000-08:00

check out Norton's solo at about 3.30... un-be-lievable!

December

2010-12-28T04:53:00.001-08:00

Its been an incredible month at GM+SV headquarters. Not only have we managed to finish and release the new Album 'Golden', having set out the 20 or so song ideas in August, but also Pip and I have been growing a little baby throughout! (well ok, P has been growing the baby, whilst I have been attending midwifery meetings and 'home birthing' sessions...)

Pip is due now, having had the date pulled forward during one such midwife meeting. We are basking in the shadows of yesterday's triumphs; hosting Christmas at ours, having the bathroom decorated, performing various concerts and generally doing too much! Right now things are still and quiet, and we have chance to gear down, eat and wait for the next dramatic installment life has on offer. Parenthood!

Half way through recording and producing the album, we thought it a good idea to put an end date on on the album, or a kind of release date to aim for. Barnaby Aldrick kindly offered us the headline slot at the Sunday Service's annual Christmas party. It was a really nice offer, but it certainly put the pressure on to finish the album, rehearse it, and perform the new songs in a matter of a few short months. The venue for the show changed hands once or twice as the regular venue double booked the date for another Christmas celebration. This worked out even better in the long run as we were now booked to play at the Verve crew's new bar 'Call Lane Social'. To add to the mix this would be the first gig in their brand new upstairs room and there were rumors of the new sound system being not quite fitted etc, all good stuff...

I'm sure you'll agree the place looks top. It was Phil Barber's turn to snap the evening and he makes this collection of pictures come alive! I just love the colour tone, totally different!

We had prepared a fairly indie set... 'Loud bit... quiet bit... loud bit!' which would include most of the new album. The first loud bit includes 'Baby Boomer', which I think is one my favourite songs I've ever written, because of the complexities of the lyric structure and the fact that it was inspired whilst listening to a rather dull Radio four documentry on the way to wales. Plus its such an aggressive song and completely contrasts anything remotely radio fourish!

The quiet bits were easier in that particular room for some reason and we enjoyed Rob Hall getting down and dirty on his Cajon, augmented by some of Dan's arpeggionic bass riffs. My favorite on the night was 'The reason why' which hadn't worked well at all in previous gigs or rehearsals. I'd even said to Dan I thought we should drop it from the set list, but he made a rare insistence to it being a really good track, so it stayed on... strange.

We've made a firm decision not to over rehearse as a band and the reason being to try and leave room in the music for improvisation. Its rare these days as most bands have specific sets or ways of playing the song as it is on the album or in the 'live' version. But its another challenge to face whilst 'getting good', I think, and its a nod to some of my musical hero's who never played a song the same twice! 'Walls of Stone' lets us go where we want if the audience are up for it, as do 'Message to You' and 'Damien Rice', which is why they were particular tricky to do justice to on the record.

We got out of the quiet bit with the SS Crimbo Special demand for a Christmas Cover. For some bizarre reason I had a version of Spice Girl's - Two become one - kicking about in the old covers locker and Dan quickly riffed the chord sequence, whatever happened we got away with it... The final loud bit was my personal favourite and we entered the unknown territories of 'Ace of Spades' and the usual big finishers: Heriwood and Patiently. Thanks to all at the SS for the night!

SO the album is out and available here, and also from this blog. We're currently being featured by Microsoft Media Guide, which has blown my tiny mind and is a completely different story for a different post... needless we're looking forward to the new horizons of 2011!

See you all around!

gskis

Heriwood Video

2010-12-21T10:43:00.001-08:00

Nerdy drum story, do not read unless into drums

2010-12-17T16:14:00.000-08:00

"what's the difference between a drummer and a savings bond?"
"One of them will mature and make money..."

There's a story behind the drum kit you know...

When I was 13 I wanted to have my OWN drum kit. So I stuck my Gameboy and some games in "LOOT" magazine, which was at the time the only way to sell stuff back then in't day. Amazingly I got my £85 for it!! (more money then I had ever seen!) My dad, found an ad for a kit in the local paper and so we he took me along to some blokes house to look at the kit. I remember walking in and him having it piled up in the living room of his small house, his disgruntled other half shuffled about in the back room...

He wanted a hundred quid for it and my skillful dad bartered him down to £95 and whispered that he would 'lend' me a tenner to make up the money! I don't even remember looking at it more than just to sort of say "its alright isn't it dad?!".
When we got it home I found it had been battered by some North Wales thrash metal band called 'Rebellion', who had also gone to the vast expense of personalising the bass drum with marker pen, spelling Rebelion - incorrectly. I would either be blessed by the drum God's for saving it or cursed by the Metal Beast for rest of my playing days...

I managed to clean it up and pinch some skins from somewhere. I remember getting the brasso out on the kitchen table and taking it all apart to try and clean the metal lugs and rims. I never really got it looking very good, but it must have done me 4 years hard bedroom playing and saw me through various bands including "Social Distortion" "Nervous Exhaustion" and my own "Solo Drums" repertoire phase... (all these before I bought my first Pearl (drum kit) rack super system).

As I went through music college etc I began to realise that it was in fact an antique and must have served for many years before it's Rebellion days. It probably hails from the late 50's and early 60's and would have been a bit of a thing when it came out. You can see Ringo Starr playing one here:

http://www.notsomoderndrummer.com/wp/?p=13 Nowadays they make 'retro' ones and sell them for a fortune, but people say they don't sound the same...

Anyway I'm so glad to have kept it because when I realised Rob had a passion for original kits, I knew he would give it the care I never could. Anyway he has rebuild and restored it back to glory and uses it a lot... And you'have to agree it looks and sounds great!

For a great drummer documentry off radio 4 click here

GOLDEN album arrives...

2010-12-15T08:43:00.000-08:00

There's nothing quite like this feeling... when the postman comes with a knock, and you are in! and you know its your parcel, however big or small, if its knock you either have to sign for it, which is cool, or it's too big to get through the letter box, which is probably cooler.

This time of year I tend to get this feeling a few times a week as I buy most pressies on line, but when it was time for my album to arrive I knew it would fit into the bulk category...

I have used these guys http://www.short-run.co.uk/ for the last few records now and each time they have come up trumps and turned around the order in a matter of days... what's more this time they threw in a load of extra copies for good measure, which to me means everything and hence this plug! Thanks Guys...

You can select a wide range of printing options with these guys, and, if like me, you want a great looking product to sell to people who still love buying actual albums (not just the mp3 download) then this way of doing things can really achieve top results. It basically means you don't need to make mass bulk orders of over 1000 cd's that sit under your bed for eternity and make you feel terrible about the whole recording process. You can easily run of a few hundred and get more printed as you needs...

My good pal Si Smith shoe-horned this little project in to his rather hectic illustration schedule and really pulled out the stops for what has proven to be a really distinguishable idea of the 'Golden' settlers. On the front cover they discover the tree, and throughout the 8 page pull-out they explore various features of their nomadic journey searching for 'Golden Town'... "How strange am I allowed to get...?" he'd ask whilst sending across great little sketched ideas, there were no rules.

So thanks to all these kind folk the album will be ready in time for Sunday's launch at Call Lane Social... see this link: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=106701892736838&ref=ts

for the event invite if you'd like to head on down, it'll be a packed night judging on the rumours. Anyway I just wanted to share my excitement at this stage! Oh yes... you can click the Paypay link on the right of this post if you want to order an album by post or by digital download (mp3). I've noticed some of you like to do both - why is that??!

:@)

Gav

!NEW ALBUM PRE SALES!

2010-12-07T09:48:00.000-08:00

Are you still a couple of fillers short of a full stocking this Christmas, well why not do us all a favour and boost your loved ones music collection!

The stunningly illustrated 'Golden' from Gavin Mart and them Saturday Vandals is released next week and you can grab yourself a copy right here right now, to post or to download from only £3.99

'Golden' features the usual Vandals wizardry and musical venture of Mr Daniel Norton and Sir Robert Hall as well as some cheeky guest appearances over 13 lovingly produced recordings. All this is not to mention some rather nice drawings by the wonderful Si Smith...

Click through to be a musical winner this Christmas!!

Much love... us x

Respond to this

2010-11-28T09:40:00.000-08:00

I can't remember when I wrote this track, it's been kicking around the annals for some time now. It had this great late 70's early 80's punk/reggae feel to the verse which I adored and eventually got round to releasing a single version of it this time last year. It also contains my favourite chord which means that it gets played when I noodle about aimlessly on the guitar. (Esus4 add9, or an open F#min7 on the 7th fret)

Rob put a really evocative 'flammy' and 'lazy fill' drum part into the mix which we recorded at 'interplay' rather hurriedly, and Dan masterminded a really free flowing walking type bass line to pull it all together. I think Martin put some guitars down in the earlier recording too?!

I wanted the chorus to sound 'desperate', as though the singer is trying to get the audience to feedback somehow or get the song to 'make it'... So I approached the lyrics more like a GCSE science experiment rather than a heart felt outlay of emotion; the words would be basic, simply and structured and aimed at achieving the desired outcome, an approachable pop song. Pop songs are harder to write than one might imagine, there are loads of rules to follow and if you don't stick to the basic principles it can all go horribly wrong!

Since the single, the song has done the rounds at live gigs and so all the harmonies now laid on top for the album version were easily within reach an went down very quickly. There's also a Pink Floyd type vocal discussion hovering around in between the parts too, which I quite like, so they stuck...

I hope you like this, its one of my favourites...

Baby boomers

2010-11-11T06:36:00.001-08:00

Another more aggressive track on the new album is Baby Boomer! Its the most in yer face type track I think on the record yet it was inspired whilst snoozing to the dulcet tones of radio 4 in the car on the way to Wales...

Pip and I were listening to 'point of view' (as you do) and along came this short piece by Sarah Dunant based on Baby Boomers being the greediest of generations:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00v744b

For some reason my ears pricked up, the idea of shouting "Baby Boomers" down a microphone became so appealing. I had the tune down in my phone's Dictaphone within minutes and a brief outline of the word structure tapped into the memopad.

After I got back from the weekend I dusted off the old electric and had the track down within the week! It feels a bit early 'Manics' with a splash of mid 80's Faith no More... the drum break in the middle was adapted from one of their tracks 'Digging the Grave' which hit the UK charts around 1990, I thought that apt. Also that track,(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yVI3UgtvwU) inspired me to learn the drums almost instantly thanks to the stunning break by Mike Bordin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Bordin) which is featured with close ups of him playing it on the video. I remember recording it (aged 10!) off Top of the Pops on our VHS recorder and watching back over and over. By the time I was 13 I could play it and officially enthroned myself into the rock drummers kingdom accordingly.

For those drum enthusiasts amongst you in Baby Boomer I turn the groove inside out and give it a somewhat Stuart Copeland style offbeat choppy 1/4 note hihat and an over the bar build up fill. Its a joy to have that inspiration lick in one of my tracks... but thats just me!

Click below to hear the track:

shine on

2010-11-10T14:37:00.000-08:00

This song takes me back to when Chris and I got our first flat in Headingley and we just let rip for a few years! We adored PF and every night was attributed to their great works...

Recently its been kicking about my practise tracks, but I don't think it will make the album, more just a pressure release mechanism and an exploration into some great open chords.

I thought I'd dedicate it to JoJO my manager as her life is a testimony to following your heart and having a free spirit. Life can sometimes get lost in what you're supposed to become and how you're supposed to fit in. I guess its easier to lose that twinkle in your eye then you might have imagined as a kid... oh well best do our best not to! Here's to you Jo Jo... viva Brasilia!!

beneath a cloud - mission accomplished!

2010-11-10T11:00:00.000-08:00

last week I posted regarding my failure to do anything with a poem I'd written. Now I know that would have been ok but its just that in the middle of this album it feels like you you can't just let little gems like that slip the moment. I guess its about me trying to get down in the album what is going on right at that time, some might think that a weakness, but others quite like the idea...

So I pulled my finger out this week and really got my head down, amongst visiting friends, serious local footy matches (both on tele and for the pub!), selling houses, buying houses, and booking trips to Africa, I managed to get at least ten hours a day in the studio. And with the moral support and encouragement of Dave Rees, in the room next door managed to chisel this one out... I think a bass part and some extra percussion will really drive it home, but for now why not take a quick preview of 'beneath a cloud',

words wont fit!

2010-11-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

Struggling with these lyrics as they're good but wont seem to fit into a song, I've been trying to crowbar them into something for a week now with no success, maybe they're best left as a poem...

Beneath a cloud:

Father taught me to end things well

But this one rule is harder than it seems

When someone’s misplaced all of your hopes

And shattered all your youthful dreams

Still clinging to your sinking rock

Destiny will lurch you in due course

For now what’s left will simply rot

Till new life springs without such force

With one last sigh I cut the rope

And fall to feeling far from proud

My wistful heart has lost all hope

I surely leave beneath a cloud

You cannot hide behind your mime

Such good intentions often spoke

I’ve seen your eyes avert from mine

Too many lies belie the smoke

So mourn me not, not that you will

For I have somewhere new to rest

Where meat and warmth are promise still

And childish dreams be laid to rest

Check out music from Gavin Mart

2010-11-03T07:41:00.001-07:00

Great interview over here:

2010-03-04T04:51:00.000-08:00

Mark Weber discovered the coolest artist on ReverbNation.com and decided to interview him. His name is Gavin Mart and he lives in Leeds, United Kingdom. His music is thoughtful, serene, gritty and mesmerizing-- ladies and gentleman this is one of those diamonds in the rough who once you hear you'll be hooked.

CMD- Who is Gavin Mart?

GM- Well without boring you too much, I’m a trained artist living in Leeds, UK. I’m married with no kids. I am lover of the arts and passionate about singer-songwriters who are able to tear themselves away from the mainstream and deliver the goods in an honest and craftsman-like fashion. I choose to live in an area of the city which is unpretentious, warm, poor, and honest; I hope that reflects in my work as a result. I prefer music that is meant to ‘say’ something rather than cream the ears-- although a combination of the two will double the delight.

CMD- I noticed Matt Redman was listed among your influences. He's known here in the States as one of the world's foremost writer of worship songs. What's your take on Christianity?

For the full interview follow this link

Thanks again to Mark at CMD

Phil Barber

2010-02-09T07:25:00.000-08:00

Phil Barber is a Pro 'tog' who comes along to all the important gigs around Leeds. He's been kind to us in featuring some of the work he's taken of us. This last set taken at Leeds Met SU in Jan are simply glorious. I thought I'd share them with you.

Great stuff eh? for more of phil's work why not pay him a visit over here:
http://www.philbarberblog.com/index.php/tag/gavin-mart/

Woke heavy in the night with this: The Enemy Within

2010-02-09T05:37:00.000-08:00

The Enemy Within - Gavin Mart

Enemy dispensary
Choose your words so tactfully
Was this perhaps a step too far?
Curdled brown still wet the scar
Push the button blow your cover
Kiss the mark betray your lover
Build machines to cast your spell
Then raise those bells, raise those bells, raise those bells...

Choose the tribe to persecute
Throw the seed the crop pollute
Bend the light through fractal lies
Make a focus their demise
Repaint the writing on the wall
Fool the blind man fool them all
Steal and loot whilst they’re in hell
Then raise the bells, raise the bells, raise those bells…

Point the finger cast the blame
Weave a web and plead insane
Sleight of hand and misdirection
Count your gold and pride of action
From walls of safety; muse and pleasure
Emancipate, but at your leisure
Gather minions who praised you well,
Then Raise those bells, Raise those bells, Raise those bells...

Cross Rhythms reviews and interviews

2010-01-30T15:19:00.000-08:00

Tony Cummings introduced himself to me at Greenbelt last summer after our showing at the performance cafe. We interviewed and Tony and Cross rhythms have been kind enough both to publish the interview write a top drawer review for the Progress EP.

Not only that I also appeared on Mike Rimmer's radio show which I also hope to make available in good time. For now follow the link to find the review and the interview from cross rhythms...

Thanks again guys!

http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/Gavin_Mart__The_Saturday_Vandals/Progress/83482/

Plumpton Presents Comp:

2010-01-16T05:07:00.000-08:00

NEWSFLASH!
Jon from 'The Dharma' (-Top Leeds outfit produced by Utah Saints) joins Rob in the persussion section for Gavin Mart and the Satuday Vandals during the Plumpton Battle of the Bands comp 28th Jan... Be there real music lovers, make your vote count!

http://thedharmamusic.com/

Click here for dates:
http://www.myspace.com/plumptonpresents

2009-12-20T11:36:00.000-08:00

A Great little vid

2009-12-18T04:37:00.000-08:00

A top vid made by Barnaby Aldrick from New Leads Dec 09

Dan Wilde 'Beeswing' Live [New Leads @ Left Bank, Leeds] from Barnaby Aldrick on Vimeo.

new leads dec 09 roundup

2009-12-14T11:02:00.000-08:00

I got to summarise New Leads in a few paragraphs if possible. I had daunted myself with the prospect of organising this event in the midst of the current madness that has been 2009.

To say it has been one of my most efficient years would be true. To say 2009 has not been stressful would be a lie. Those of you who follow regularly on here of FB or reverbnation or myspace (whatever yer poison) will have an idea of whats been coming on for me and for the friends I regularly work alongside. I said thank you to couple of them last night. But there are others whom I didnt mention who have really kept me going. I've died on stage more than once this year through sheer nerves, and its a real Leeds I think, when folk come along to the next gig regardless.

I was terrified that I just wouldn't be able to find the resources for yet another leftbank challenge, let alone a decnt enough sized crowd to give the venue its due. But there they were some 80 strong! We had mulled wine thanks to to my family and it was great to see folk bringing their own too...

Dan Wilde was stunning, treating us to some of his favourite licks. For me its got to be 'wait until tomorrow'. The buzz around town is it's 'bees wing'. Wherever you land with Dan you're gonna find yourself at home in a musical garden of delights. I recommend his recent live album... 'Live at the Voodoo rooms'. But I'm no critic. You must inspect for yourself.

Needless to say the venue was Dan's. We chatted excitedly during sound checks about the length of the natural reverb in the sandstone pillars and how we would change the speed of our songs to match accordingly. smashing stuff :-)

Homecut needs no introduction. He's probably fed up by now with me for introducing him as brooky or Andy only to quickly correct myself. sorry mate. Homecut pitched up with his usual box of tricks... someone had left a dodgy electric organ lying around, "d'you play piano mate" I suggest "yeah I guess..."

what that meant is that we would be treated to a royal mix of piano, beat box, vocal harmony, loop station and improvisation based loosely around homecut's latest release, 'No freedom without sacrifice', which has recently achieved nationwide acclaim. Its a privilege to know such a talented chappy!

so new leads (in Leeds) was born. enjoy the photos lovely contributed by our resident stalwart and all round good egg: barnaby Aldrick, and hopefully we'll have a little event vid for you soon too.

PS if you liked this event you'll love the "Sunday Service" in Verve bar in Leeds once a month, its a legendary local haunt for local artists... y'know...

Gavski

New Leads Sat 12th Dec

2009-12-08T03:18:00.001-08:00

Hey, Saturday the 12th Dec sees the first of New Leads shows up in the North. New Leads is an acoustic music night born at Greenbelt Festival. New Leads explores various exciting venues around the city.

Although each quartley event will be in a different location. Here's some more info on December's venue Left Bank...

http://www.leftbankleeds.org.uk/

This indescribably beautiful building is enjoying an English Heritage restoration. It holds it's simplicity, and once inside, visitors are often struck by its size and atmosphere.

It's a wonderful place to host live acoustic music. Come along and join a music loving audience, bring a bottle of your favourite wine to share with a friend... hide away in the low candlelight, enjoy the best offerings of truly acoustic music Leeds can offer...

WHO"S ON?

Dan Wilde is simply a stunning folk guitarist. He'll suit the truly acoustic vibe of New Leads and the naturally acoustic reverberations of Left Bank Leeds. I'm getting goose pimples just thinking about it... This one will stick in the memory.

Have a sneak peek at Dan over here:
http://www.myspace.com/dannwilde

NEWS FLASH... Homecut, now confirmed to Play New Leads Sat 12th Dec. Adding to the existing line-up a little spoken word and beat box. Watch out this night is now set to go down in history... best invite a friend...

Homecut is the brainchild of Hip-Hop emcee/producer Testament. Conscious lyricism, live instrumentation and mix of Soul, Hip-Hop and sonic experimentation mark out Homecut as a fresh sound on the UK landscape. The critically acclaimed debut album "NO FREEDOM WITHOUT SACRIFICE" is released on First Word Records and features collaborations with Grammy winner Corinne Bailey Rae, Mercury Prize nominee Soweto Kinch, US rap legend J-Live, cutting edge soul siren Andreya Triana and members of the Cinematic Orchesta to name but a few....

http://www.myspace.com/homecut
http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/9mxm

OK then, grab a friend to bring along, your favourite bottle of red and a camera and enjoy a sumptuous evening of candles, songsmiths, interviews and friendship in a rather exciting setting...

see you there...

join new leads here for further listings in stunning venues...

http://www.facebook.com/photo_search.php?oid=147466017945&view=user#/group.php?gid=134970287522

2009-12-01T03:14:00.000-08:00

hi all,

I've been too busy lately. but that's good really. yes I admit I have probably bitten off more than I can chew, but we've ridden the most of it now and are on the downwards ride to a relaxing Christmas...

I can't wait to show you these pics etc from Advent - an exhibition I've helped to put on with Si Smith and the Left Bank Leeds crew. It was a big few weeks leading up to this and pulling it all together, but we are simply ecstatic with the resulting exhibition, which runs weekend till Dec 20th at Leftbank.

Its the kind of venue that whispers a challenge to any budding artisan. "come on, you know you want to..." . You know what that entails too, because to do anything worth any salt in the original beauty of the venue takes time and effort. You just can't rush things in there, its stands out a mile against the magnificent architecture. Somehow our modern way of putting events together can sometimes lack integrity against the traditional, 'they don't build em like they used to...' type venues. As artists are selected and submitted, it was a joy and, as I mentioned before, a challenge to try and see the collective works as a whole and suggest to the walls a hanging spot for each piece.

It was a nervous time at 7.15pm on Friday night, wondering whether our private view invite list had gotten to all the recipients. Whilst milling around some 180+ people at 8.30pm, listening to the rather apt waves of an 'on form' Man+Wife and seeing a spray paint piece being created in situ, I felt that familiar warm glow of success triumph over the hours of hard graft and anguish that had preceded.

So without boring you all too much with the theory, I'll let some of these pictures and links to reviews do the talking... please, enjoy. And if you get chance, bob in and take a look for yourself...

Thanks to my trustee tog Barnaby Aldrick for these images...

You know you want to

2009-11-05T09:54:00.000-08:00

Hey why not take greenbelt up on they're offer to play. I did and do. I simply love this socially concious late august blast. plus they used my photo so I though I'd give em a bit of a plug....

Thanks for a great year GB!

New Fans Only track available

2009-10-14T07:08:00.000-07:00

new song "Respond to This" sneakily recorded during set up for Heriwood video at an acoustically beautiful church building in Leeds...

Fans only

Available now click below and go to player:

http://www.reverbnation.com/gavinmart

On set - Heriwood video shoot, Left Bank Leeds

2009-10-07T08:30:00.000-07:00

Some great shots here from John Lloyd http://www.filtrum.co.uk/Filtrum/Home.html

The full results can be seen over here on the FB fan page... click here

Although we were all totally whacked as we worked till 3am the results are simply stunning. John was documenting the filming of the new vid for the Heriwood single... can't wait for that to happen.

The filming was done by these extrodinaires...

Barnaby Aldrick
http://www.tsgblog.com/?cat=11

Mark Lenik
http://www.lenikmedia.com/connection.htm

great stuff guys!! cant wait

Jumbo records

2009-09-21T04:01:00.000-07:00

More kind reviews from Jumbo records Leeds

"Heartfelt acoustic sounds augmented by a great band. This local outfit make me want to check them out live. Think American Music Club or the more laid back moments of Ellen and the Escapades."

Thanks guys

Jumbo Records link

New Shows Oct - Dec

2009-09-17T05:33:00.000-07:00

Four new Shows added

A big thank you: Tupelo Superstore !

2009-09-17T02:55:00.000-07:00

Response from the EP has come in forms, not least in America, they certainly seem to like it! I am getting emails and messages from the US consistently, far more than anticipated...

I've been working closely with these guys:

http://www.tupelosuperstore.com/

Who have an extraordinary publicity thing going on. Johannah, the owner of the site gives airplay to bands she likes. There is an option to pay for the use of this 'web show' but in some cases (such as mine!) its free! Stunning!

It's not to be taken lightly as the reverbnation widgets get posted on every one of her 50,000+ pages, and tracks get played automatically on the each visit to one of her shopping pages. My ratings have gone through the reverbnation roof...

Tupelo Superstore rule, officially! And a huge personal thanks to Jo Jo x

REVIEWS

2009-09-11T04:40:00.000-07:00

A stunning review over here!!

Wowzers!!

GAVIN MART & THE SATURDAY VANDALS - Performance Café - 7pm
I'd made a special effort to get to the Performance Café to get to see Jim Jones whose 'Daylight & Stars' is a stunner. But there at the entrance was a hastily chalked notice. Jim Jones wasn't playing, his place being taken by a new-to-me aggregation from Leeds. So it's tribute to them that long before their set closed I was making plans to meet up with this gutsy-voiced songsmith and his expert accompanists. They made a fascinatingly fresh sound. Gavin Mart calls himself a "protest singer" and I wouldn't argue as he spat out ripostes at he delusions of "Progress" ("What about your lifestyle/Whatever that means/I'm caught up in your ignorance, affluence, reticence/Your fascist regime") though a song about an educationally challenged boy Mart once knew who committed suicide, "Heriwood", is achingly poignant. Gavin's voice is bluesily passionate throughout while the lack of the band's second guitarist here put particularly emphasis on bassist Daniel Norton (a fine muso who used to play with Bodixa) who responded with some stunning solos and percussionist Robert Hall (whose expertise belied the fact that he was a mere 16 years of age!). The towering set closes with an extremely powerful "Patiently" with its searing climax "Does anybody listen?/Does anybody care?/That every time I speak out/It's just like you're not there." Unforgettable stuff.
Tony Cummings

Greenbelt_09_The_Music_Reviews_/37365/p1/

2009-09-11T03:51:00.000-07:00

Hey I'm involved in this its gonna be quite something:

ADVENT will be an exhibition at leftbank leeds on the cardigan road in leeds, open for the four weekends before christmas, 2009.

25 artists, creatives and arts groups from leeds and beyond will each be creating work relating to different elements and characters from the christmas narrative [see the list in the sidebar on the left there...]

on this blog we'll be hoping to post regular updates about how plans for the show are progressing, information about the contributing artists, and possibly some previews of the work being created for the exhibition... Posted by si smith at 14:31 0 comments

http://leftbankadvent.blogspot.com/

Introducing - Terry Mart

2009-09-08T12:17:00.000-07:00

Check out my Dad's work and new web site when you get a min...

Great stuff!

http://terrymart.co.uk/

barny's blog

2009-09-08T07:26:00.000-07:00

some great stuff over here from the man... including some great Sunday Service shots

http://www.barnabyaldrick.com/blog/

Patiently - G Mart and the saturday vandals Live @ Greenbelt Festival '09

2009-09-07T08:09:00.001-07:00

Gavin Mart and the Saturday Vandals Live at Greenbelt Festival Aug '09 - Blind Sight

2009-09-07T05:29:00.001-07:00

green belt festival 09 Part duex

2009-09-06T07:22:00.000-07:00

OK must blog. Stop being busy, people keep making me go places and do stuff. Weddings 30th birthdays, gigs etc. I'm not used to being a busy 21st Century boy. My space player right now = The Invisible
http://www.myspace.com/theinvisiblethree
a band my drummer Rob Hall found for me green belt main stage - Monday. I fell in love at the lead singer's line, "we got a record in the shop, if you like our music you can buy it there, if you don't like out music, just, please... BUY IT!!" ha ha it seemed to strike a chord, much the same as the lead singer's mostly unnoticed tears of euphoria in their last track.

Day two at GB was good solid fun. I'd partied too hard after the first night as per usual. Its just the release of all those pesky nerves. First stop full breakfast. Oil, fat loaded, onwards to meet Cole Moreton for 12 noon gig at The HUB SANDWICH. Cole is a gent, having actually called me up before GB to say hi, nice touch in this game. He's famous for writing stuff, namely in the Independent and the Guardian. A kind welcome. - Message to you - Progress... 'Message to you' is going down a storm, I've had such good feedback from it. Its the first track where I've stuck my neck out and done a free web play of a brand new song, open for criticism... The technique has worked, provoking folk to even call me up and give me their thoughts, which has been great. the subsequent result is a posting of a more refined version, and a quick honing of a track for stage. I've currently put a new track on Youtube called - waiting on you- which I am terrified about... Regardless, message to you seems to hit the right buttons....

The hub sandwich continues with an interview of some rather good authors and some games. Cole Moreton sings our praises! and we close with Patiently. How nice?!
http://www.colemoreton.com/

Leg it! to do this interview for Cross Rhythms Radio with Mr Tony Cummings... famed for interviewing Michael Jackson, and Stevie Wonder, I'm a bit nervous... It goes well and I actually quite enjoy it. I'll post the interviews at a later date, watch out for more from the various cross rhythms platforms.

"Did you know Rhythms is the only word in the English language..."
"...not contain any vowels!"
"oh you knew that? not many people know that!"
"I knew that..."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Cummings

Phone call. "We've had an Artist pull out; Billy Childish... can you fill for him?" can I ever?! Scramble the search party for uncontactable Vandals!... Bezz it over to the venue which is rammed full of folks looking to find their revolutionary Artist guru, and instead finding me. Half an hour set gets squeezed into a packed venue.
Between songs,
"I'm not Billy Childish!"Repeat until becomes funny.
http://www.billychildish.com/home.html

The Afternoon shapes up nicely. Dragged to see the Foy Vance in the big top, but so pleased I was. Yes, he uses a loop machine which can be a little annoying in itself, but what a show. His voice a kind of sweeter more exposing Van Morrison over tone. His content impeccable, depth, soul, grace and colour. Heartbreaking yet speculative, I was in love within minutes. Not stopping but to say few words of thanks, he left the stage ringing to applause and a crowd burning for more...
hmmn, Program... Foy Vance, Ah 'the rising' with Martyn Joseph tomorrow, thank goodness!
http://www.foyvance.com/

tent. sleep. beer. food.

Mainstage is hosting Ryoksopp. I fell in love with this band as every other dosser in Headingley, Leeds did during the endless summer of 2002 or was it 2003? anyway it was that good. You couldn't walk past an open window back then in that student zoned area without the sounds of so easy, Eple, sparks, in space and poor leno smiling into your ears. It would have been a betrayal to miss them. I loved them, even if they did just push buttons for an hour.
http://royksopp.com/

Last gig of the day where I was
hosting 'New Leads'
at the hub. It was part 2 of an acoustic night with me and special guests. - couple of tracks, feeling the fantastic audience...
"introducing Ste Hedley". Ste and I were in a band called Fractal Edge together in our teens.

http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/artists/Fractal_Edge/11088/
That's all I could find on them, and that may spare the gory details. Nevertheless it was fun times cutting our teeth around the country with well over 200 gigs in 9 months... good times.

Ste's set went down a storm, creating a different enough feel from the previous night, but adding another new artist to the GB acoustic scene in minutes.

Ste is now singing and song writing hard in Liverpool. He's got a stunning voice and is making waves through The Parken Unsigned Competitions. Catch him here:

Close the show with patiently... I was getting tired and eating random foods from the food outlets. Not sure when I'd last washed my hands.

It was a stunning night of friends and tall tales around the camp site that night. My favourite thing on earth...

This is a pic of Si Smith, chillingtons around the camp. Si invited us to host 'New Leads' at the HUB @ greenbelt this year and is due a great praising! which he will duly hate.
His stunning work is available all over the place but his illustrations are mainly here:
http://www.simonsmithillustrator.co.uk/

Thanks again to John Lloyd for these here used photos
http://www.filtrum.co.uk/Filtrum/Home.html

Progress - EP now available online for download!!

2009-09-04T09:21:00.001-07:00

OK all this is a really important message!!

Gavin Mart's new EP - Progress is NOW AVAILABLE on ALL major online music stores

Namely itunes, amazon, emusic, napster, rhapsody, etc etc

Please Support this fantastic EP by buying either a track !!! 79...p !!!
or the EP !!! £4.74 !!!

which is a truly great price

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Progress/dp/B002N9CBVC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1252069464&sr=8-3

the hub sets

2009-09-03T04:41:00.000-07:00

cheers to John Lloydd
further pics here:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=522061092&ref=ts#/photo.php?pid=3978593&id=654056264&ref=mf

and here:
http://www.filtrum.co.uk/Filtrum/Home.html

Greenbelt 2009 SK 0703

2009-09-02T09:31:00.001-07:00

Greenbelt 2009 SK 0703
Originally uploaded by Greenbelt Festival Official Pictures

performance cafe slot

green belt festival 09 Pt 1.

2009-09-02T08:11:00.001-07:00

ok, gotta try and sum up this magical weekend in a blog. That's not gonna be too easy. I'm sitting here listening to my new prized possession, the sounds of Foy Vance. Jennie (Pilla) just wouldn't shut up about him, and when she actually went up to him in the contributors lounge, I knew he had to be good, it takes some bottle to introduce yourself!
"i really want to go and say hello..."
"do it you'll be gutted later if you don't"
"waddo I say?"
"just tell him that you love his music and you're gonna go and see him later..."
And she didn't return for some time.

I'd been nervous, you know how bad I get, stomach cramps, inability to communicate, tiredness etc etc, for around 6 hours that Friday afternoon. We got to the festival om the Thursday, due to play first gig in the Performance Cafe 4pm friday , a larger sized cafe style venue which is the making and breaking of most debutantes. I'd decided to check out with the venue quite early on as we were due on pre billing. I'm glad I did as we found out that I'd been double booked. Then later a call to say the others had be confirmed and I'd been dropped really burst the bubble. Guitars down, full set rehearsal over, no need for the extra 5 tracks.

Whilst making dinner I got a call.
"This guy Jimi Jonson has pulled, your on Performance cafe 7pm if you can make it"
Quick ring round the Vandals, get em back here we're in business. Some nameless Vandals often don't adhere to the worldly pressure of mobile phones and at a festival it can be rather tricky to keep in touch! Send out the search party!!

We took the stage with some confidence. Not sure why this was, it just felt fine. The compare had wanted to chat backstage...
"My wife and I drove across Africa listening to Dare's last album... beautiful man beautiful... what was it called now...?"
"Belief."
"What a stunning album..."
"Here have an EP - I'm based in Leeds these days, I hope you like it..."

To the left of the stage I could hear some great support from the family. I needed it. Fingers no longer in communication with the brain I gaze down and see my hands desperately trying to move them into roughly the right spots. A sound comes out of my mouth, 'is it anywhere near in tune?' Ok not bad... now relax - Blind Sight - Progress - Message 2U - Cathedral Lights -
Some murmuring over the mic, introduce Rob as top 10 drummer,
Introduce Pilla cover, introduce Pilla?
- Never Gonna Leave (Pilla) messed up considerably, head down, soldior on
-Danish Sunset (nerves)
a poor introduction to OHIO - OHIO (neil young)
-Heriwood, nailed!
-Patiently nailed!

Grab stuff, get off stage. There's a man waiting.
"Hi there, Tony, Cross Rhythms, I loved the set can we do an interview?"

We had to leg anyway due to being on the next stage at the Hub venue in 20 mins. This was one of the two prearranged gigs that I'd been working with the Arts team on throughout the year. The deal was for me to host 'New Leads' an acoustic slot introducing special guests ideally from Leeds or similar...

Couple of Vandals tracks then...
"OK so give a big hand for Pilla"
Dave and Jennie launched into a truly beautiful 35 mins of acoustic music. It's the blend of gentle songs with captivating, endangered lyrics sung by thoughtful and experienced harmonies, that makes Pilla one of the most watchable acoustics acts on the Leeds music scene. They fit Greenbelt Festival, hand to glove and bought themselves some new devotees within minutes.
We jammed 'Never gonna Leave' together and it was a marked improvement on my part, thank goodness. New Leads was born.

green belt festival show times

2009-08-26T07:41:00.001-07:00

is busy busy for greenbelt tomorrow:
show times,
friday,4.30pm performance cafe??
8.45pm hosting NEW LEADS in the HUB - special guests = Pilla

Sat: 12 noon- Appearing on Hub Sandwich - The Hub
10pm hosting NEW LEADS in the HUB - special guests = Ste Hedley
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/posted.php?id=617535881&share_id=127392602406#div_story_127392602406_127392

Be great to catch folk throughout the festival...

Gavin Mart and The Saturday VAndals - Blindsight - Live at Sunday Service - Verve Bar

2009-08-25T15:06:00.001-07:00

Gavin Mart and The Saturday VAndals - Blindsight - Live at Sunday Service - Verve Bar

2009-08-25T14:43:00.001-07:00

Sunday Service - Verve Aug 09

2009-08-25T03:49:00.000-07:00

Wowzers folks that went off!! Gavin Mart + Saturday Vandals @ Sunday Service Verve Bar - Leeds

I'd really like to thank Barnaby for slotting us in at the last minute on this one. I had been booked to play there that night for Hayley anyhow, so it worked well.

With the Vandals in tow, less one mega double booker! we got a show together. There was an anticipation of a good show ahead which had been brewing throughout the week. What with the release of the Progress EP etc etc things had been building up throughout the week. As soon as I knew I had two Vandals in tow, I knew it was gonna be a good night. Rob and I had been doing the rounds lately and getting our improv down, and we were ready to sit on top of some solid Bass licks. Our rehearsal a couple of hours before set he standard, with a new track in hand; 'message to you' we finally found a bit of room to let go of '1' and start looking around the room for other forms of key signatures. I guess it takes a while to feel comfortable enough with your fellow vandals to start to go 'let go', but the pre-show rehearsal had inspired us.

Ten people round for dinner and then down to sound check. Again a nice feel to message to you... we were excited! It was stunning to see so many supporters piling in. Its like a who's who sesh as people make a decisive entrance down the verve stairs and into the rapidly filing basement. It feels like a special secret place down there, not exclusive, just a place that needs to be found for one's self... 'another beer please..'

Listening to Palooka was as inspiring as expected. Having only seen Rich play as a Pilla threesome, its great to catch this versatile and passionate voice on its own. There was a buzz in the room as Palooka weaved his spell over the captive audience. I dunno how Barnaby does it but The Sunday Service has a unique, 'listening' audience. They're just into the music, it would seem out of place to be chatting more than the odd line of appreciation to the character on your shoulder. It makes for some stunning performances from the artists who warm to the buzz and respond the fervent applause.

Done... Me?. Nerves! steady, remember sound-check, remember rehearsals, plug in sit down wait. tune guitar, again!
'Don't look at them Rob! They'll only look back harder!'
'What you on about Gav...?'
'dunno...how does the first line go?'
'what? you can't remember?'
'I can't even remember my address right now!'
An introduction from Barnaby... 'and the Saturday Vandals!' A very nice welcome... 'something silly over the mic...'hmmmn,
'ok boys straight in 2,3,4 -

Hey that went well... and that is a big round of applause!! Right lets get progress over over with, bit slow after that version of blind sight, but whatever.
'...A 21st Century Boy...'
Ok done and I hit the high notes, right...lets try this new one! Its a 6/8 special. Dan's been wanting one for ages. Its just that the riff allows a lot of space to fall in and out of the bar which sound cool and feels cool to play. Seeing as all three of us love that kind of thing its been a long time coming really. We get to the improvisation bit and start to get a little indulgent and take a few liberties. Its really a question of sensing the mood of the audience at this point. Do they think you are showing off, are they into it or do they turn away and talk to their neighbour? Just sensing it carefully, then it's great to hear them cheering us on... and just at that point I kick my guitar lead out of the socket!! Bugger. Rob plays on. Nice. I scramble around on my knees to plug back in. Find beat 1. Back in, crowd are lenient... onwards.

Cathedral Lights... its just a quick love song...
Then Heriwood,
'gonna start this one slowly boys...'
'something silly over the mic... yada yada...'
Playing through the chords... wait a minute they're singing it for me,
'ooh oh oh oh, ooh oh up!'
Now that is the first time that's ever happened to one of my songs... From there on in the night was complete. I never really wanted to write crowd pleasers, but this sad lament I wrote in despair over my old friend's life, seems to cut through like no other... weird?
'...you can see that I am Peaceful.' over phew.

Next up Testament, Homecut, Andy Brooks, Brooky to me for some reason. I haven't seen him play for a while.
'I can't believe were on the same bill' I say, how very unorthodox. Its the beauty of the Sunday Service vibe where; folk, indie, and hip-hop intertwine so peacefully. Its an experienced and addictive performance from the master,stunning. He really needs to give me my front door key back though!! ha ha.

Thank you to so so many of you that came down on Sunday. It really was the best gig I have had yet on this little journey, onwards now to Greenbelt, where we get four gigs! See you there!!

Who is this guy?

2009-08-19T08:16:00.000-07:00

you might be wandering Gavin Mart's various pages wondering who on earth is behind this fantastic photography...?

The man of the moment is Mr Barnaby Aldrick his various sites are simply stunning and can be found here:

http://www.barnabyaldrick.com
http://www.barnabyaldrick.com/blog/
http://www.thesoundgallery.co.uk/

Yes its true to say the guy is a workaholic, simply not stopping to look anywhere else but through his very expensive camera lens and at his giant MAC screen, he is destined for great things... Capturing the mood and essence of the characters he meets, gives him the edge. It's what clients actually want but just don't necessarily know it!

pay him a visit and pay him some respect... great stuff!!

Progress - EP Hard copies available now!!

2009-08-18T08:03:00.001-07:00

OK folks here's your chance to get an advance copy of Gavin Mart and the Saturday Vandals ep - Progress... (The artwork is simply delightful... and not to be missed!!)

If you're the type of music listener (like me) who prefers their music 'on the shelf' rather than 'on the hard drive', here's your chance to get hold of one of a limited amount of press copies.

follow either of the links below or copy and paste them into your browser to make an order through Paypal:

https://www.paypal.com/uk/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=MHMxMNzq2piAySdOz6uaxMRYyxDqmOenvGo_jd7QqBM0vGnIX_Tm7mzxb2q&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1fb6947b0aeae66fdbc3b117227c0115a7ed175642e71f1b28

http://gavinmart.blogspot.com/

Alternatively if you don't want to pay full whack for the EP and just order with a donation drop me a line on here or email: gavinmart@hotmail.com

Digital release will be available on iTunes, Amazon and all major music retailers from Oct 09

What are you waiting for??

Its all in the wrist

2009-08-18T03:15:00.001-07:00

Gavin Mart's drummer Rob Hall is a fantastic young player... Rob has recently featured in the UK competition see here :

http://www.youngdrummeroftheyear.co.uk/
his performances can be seen here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/robtjhall

Its no surprise then that his Djembe playing on Gavin Mart's new EP - Progress is creating buzz reviews!!

http://www.reverbnation.com/venue/tupelosuperstore

The above link casts an exciting 'web show' on Wednesday 21st Oct at Tupelo Superstore. Why not check Rob Hall out for yourself at the above links

Anglesea mash up/melt down

2009-08-17T05:29:00.002-07:00

Hey, great to be invited to the summer fayre on Anglesea over the weekend! cheers so much to Ash for the organisation...

Played an extensive set with Rob, perhaps 10 tracks? Rob was a star on the old Djembe licks, thumping the graden into shape, whilst I balanced precariously somewhere on top of the vibes...

the weather held up and we got through unscathed, onwards to the magical delights of the sunday service on the weekend...

Gavski

verve, hayleys night thurs 6th aug 09

2009-08-17T05:29:00.001-07:00

A cheeky little perfromance last night with some tongue in cheek banter with the crowd who were particularly great and plentiful, which is a credit to Hayleys promo work... rock on thursday nights.

Patiently, Heriwood and Blindsight all sit nicely in the 'good' camp. An attempt at Pilla's 'Never gonna leave' left a little to be desired and needs more than half a days practise!! Bottled out of the new one which is either gonna be called 'peace' or 'message to you' and is gonna be a killer track... but still cant quite get it to land in my head!

this guy was on after me and was well worth a listen with his stunning vocal abilities... why not check him out here:
www.myspace.com/quietrebellion09
good craic with him and barney boy in the bar too...

onwards to Anglesea?

new homes

2009-08-17T05:25:00.000-07:00

sure, when myspace came out and we all jumped on the band wagon, things couldn't have been better, for about a year or two. For those of us not yet lucky enouh to have had any great exposure other than the local gig, here was a real chance to let all our mates hear those dodgy songs we love to hate...

open to criticism, sarcasm and parania all of a sudden? yeah sure but, also at least you felt you we're getting somewhere, not far, but somewhere else?

Now the web is filling up with these self publishing sites. I've got to say I'm quite a fan... this site here for example; reverbnation, where I'm hosting all my latest stuff is almost the complete package, allowing the artist to literally become the 'label', with minimal cost and some rather good return on a time investment... I can do all my digital marketing and distribution from here at the touch of a button,not quite sure whatthe costs are yet but we'll see... I can publisise to a large audience on various social networking sites at the touch of a button from one main control room and I can host a decent info providing web space for free.

its all here, so we'll see what happens, onwards

Gavski

Welcome to Gavland...

Engedi ARTS

Sunday Service Christmas special...

Exploring Blinc Digital and the arts at Conwy Feast 2011

Work in progress

Juicy times

December

Heriwood Video

Nerdy drum story, do not read unless into drums

GOLDEN album arrives...

!NEW ALBUM PRE SALES!

Respond to this

Baby boomers

shine on

beneath a cloud - mission accomplished!

words wont fit!

Check out music from Gavin Mart

Great interview over here:

Phil Barber

Woke heavy in the night with this: The Enemy Within

Cross Rhythms reviews and interviews

Plumpton Presents Comp:

NEWSFLASH!Jon from 'The Dharma' (-Top Leeds outfit produced by Utah Saints) joins Rob in the persussion section for Gavin Mart and the Satuday Vandals during the Plumpton Battle of the Bands comp 28th Jan... Be there real music lovers, make your vote count!http://thedharmamusic.com/

A Great little vid

new leads dec 09 roundup

New Leads Sat 12th Dec

You know you want to

New Fans Only track available

new song "Respond to This" sneakily recorded during set up for Heriwood video at an acoustically beautiful church building in Leeds...Fans onlyAvailable now click below and go to player:

On set - Heriwood video shoot, Left Bank Leeds

Jumbo records

New Shows Oct - Dec

A big thank you: Tupelo Superstore !

REVIEWS

Introducing - Terry Mart

barny's blog

Patiently - G Mart and the saturday vandals Live @ Greenbelt Festival '09

Gavin Mart and the Saturday Vandals Live at Greenbelt Festival Aug '09 - Blind Sight

green belt festival 09 Part duex

Progress - EP now available online for download!!

the hub sets

Greenbelt 2009 SK 0703

green belt festival 09 Pt 1.

green belt festival show times

Gavin Mart and The Saturday VAndals - Blindsight - Live at Sunday Service - Verve Bar

Gavin Mart and The Saturday VAndals - Blindsight - Live at Sunday Service - Verve Bar

Sunday Service - Verve Aug 09

Who is this guy?

Progress - EP Hard copies available now!!

Its all in the wrist

Anglesea mash up/melt down

verve, hayleys night thurs 6th aug 09

new homes

NEWSFLASH!
Jon from 'The Dharma' (-Top Leeds outfit produced by Utah Saints) joins Rob in the persussion section for Gavin Mart and the Satuday Vandals during the Plumpton Battle of the Bands comp 28th Jan... Be there real music lovers, make your vote count!

http://thedharmamusic.com/

new song "Respond to This" sneakily recorded during set up for Heriwood video at an acoustically beautiful church building in Leeds...

Fans only

Available now click below and go to player: