1 September (Monday) - ALEX GIGANTE, BEN GRIFFITH, PHOENIX WILL

1 September -  ALEX GIGANTE, BEN GRIFFITH,  PHOENIX WILLIAMS

 DOORS : 7:30pm

 ALEX GIGANTE

Alex was born in Hackney. Living in London until the summer of 2004, at the time this singer songwriter was studying to be an accountant (in his own words - "what the f*ck was i doing"!!). He decided to pursue his passion for music, and threw in his boring 9 to 5 job to concentrate on writing songs, and performing them live.

Since moving to Brighton there have been many up's and downs along the way, different bands, adding and subtracting various band members, trying to create the right sound and vibe, the usual problems most aspiring singer/songwriters face. Alex has however continued to run each of his projects with the same ethos, the music and feeling in the band must be honest and fun. This also applies to his songwriting, using honesty and everyday stories as a foundation of his songs, Alex has touched countless people with his sincerity.

He is currently working on his solo project which has attracted lots of attention from music lovers and music workers alike! Most notably, he has caught the attention of grammy award winning producer Pete Smith (Sting, Joe Cocker), and has recorded a long awaited EP during 2008.
 
BEN GRIFFITH

"There's no doubt about it; Ben Griffith is destined to be a star. From when he casually wanders on stage to the moment he leaves - you are his. Emanating an infectious passion for music and life, his deceptively simple and beautifully crafted songs capture the hearts and minds of his audience. Drawing from a plethora of influences, Ben conjures melodies strung together with lyrics that combine heartfelt emotion with wry honesty. These qualities are underscored by a sense of truth, of depth to his thoughts and ideas that raise his songs up from the ranks of his peers. Live he presents a delectable range of possibilities. Switching effortlessly from the role of solo troubadour to that of front-man, his songs shine throughout. Guitar and voice merge in a soft, chilled out style of his own, sweetly tempting you in. Other thoughts and troubles drift away as his songs evoke memories of the joyous leap and swell of new love; of nights lost to alcohol and great ideals; of the cauterizing ache of a broken heart. Starting as part of a band on the gig circuit in London, Ben discovered his passion for playing early. In 2002 he headed to Brighton to pursue his music. In his own words, I've decided that music is what makes me happy and makes me feel alive. In pursuing his own sound Ben took advantage of the scene around him, using the opportunity to work with other artists and producers, such as Tim Bidwell (Hardkandy, Catskills Records). Subsequent work with Tim Gomersal, the architect behind Nylon Rhythm Machine, produced a number of songs destined for an EP and has cemented a creative relationship that has seen Tim provide regular support at larger shows. Ben's playing has gone from strength to strength, and has built him a solid fanbase in Brighton before heading back to London to spread his wings. Before a new audience his combination of candid charm and irreverent humour, as well as the sincerity and quality of his music, is winning over a whole new group of fans. Recent shows have seen him hijack the headliner's audience, disarming even the most indifferent of listeners. The near future will see further shows for Ben in and around the Capital, with the imminent release of his first major single this summer, to be followed by a national tour in September. One thing is certain, it is only a matter of time before we are all dancing to the beat of his heart." (written by Henry Wingate)

PHOENIX WILLIAMS 

Since the release of Phoenix Williams three track EP in September, her emotionally charged acoustic rock has captured the imagination of all who have listened to her making her recently released album Wait And See… one of the most eagerly anticipated by a female artist in years. Highlights in Phoenix Williams career so far include:

-Invited by the BBC to perform on their stage at this years Great Escape Festival in Brighton

-Invited to play at this years Pride Festival in Brighton in August

-Live acoustic set and interview on BBC Southern Counties broadcast to over 250,000 people

-30 minute interview and acoustic set on local Brighton radio station Radio Reverb

-A-Listed and interviewed on a number of radio stations across the world

-Material included on feature films

Further information on Phoenix Williams can be found on her website www.myspace.com/phoenixwilliams