GuilFest 2006. The 3 Day Guildford Music Festival on 14th, 15th and 16th July 2006

About the bands
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Artist: Nizlopi
Genre:
Performing: 16th July 2005 / The Uncut magazine stage
Website Address: [ www.nizlopi.com]
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Nizlopi are one of the most exciting up and coming acts on the UK music scene today and certainly one of the most original and accomplished live performers out there. Their debut album, ‘Half These Songs Are About You’ was released in 2004 on their own independent l abel , FDM. Since then the duo have been developing their reputation as a thrilling live act as well as innovative and original songwriters. They recently signed a major publishing deal with Warner Chappell, after a ferocious bidding war with other major l abel s. The group’s debut single, JCB is released, May 30 th and is a highlight of one of last year’s most overlooked albums.

Nizlopi are singer/guitarist/percussionist Luke Concannon and double bassist/human beatboxer John Parker. Producing a genre defying blend of jazz, hip hop, folk and funk the band’s individual influences are as diverse as their sound.

The two met when they were thirteen on the school bus in their hometown of Leamington Spa. The act went through various guises before becoming Nizlopi when they turned 18. The two were united in their love of U2. The epic quality of the songwriting and the uncompromising artistic stance that U2 took were an inspiration for both Luke and John.

Since then however, the duo’s sound has developed according to their own individual musical journeys and takes in elements of jazz, funk, hip-hop, rock and soul. Both John and Luke grew up immersed in great music.

According to Luke:“ Our parents were very into folk and we grew up in that tradition of people just picking up an instrument and playing round a table. In a way our live shows are an extension of those brilliant fun moments where people get together to just play and enjoy music and celebrate life.”

John adds, :”I studied Jazz at university and that has certainly come into play with the album. But then we throw in my beatboxing and the whole thing changes again.”

When asked to describe their sound they both agree: “You need a lot of adjectives.”

The Nizlopi approach to song writing is much in keeping with their style of performance in that it evolves through a spirit of spontaneity and improvisation.

Album highlights include the bitter sweet, forthcoming single, ‘JCB, out May 30 well as the jazz infused, ‘Fine Story and the beautiful ‘Long Distance’. Other stand out tracks include, ‘Call Me Up’ with its upbeat funky horn section and the tongue in cheek, ‘Girls’. All the songs on the album are characterised by the refreshing sense of honesty and the down to earth subject matter of the songs.

As Luke says, “ We write about JCB’s, people’s Nan ’s, motorways and Marmite, real stuff as well as love and girls and all that”.

The band are insatiable live performers and have played most major festivals including Glastonbury and regularly take part in ‘Healthy Concerts’. These cult events are also known as ‘Gigs In Digs’ and involve incredibly intimate acoustic performances in people’s houses across the country. Nizlopi recent UK dates have included a residency at The Enterprise in Camden , London . The group have also recently exited international interest at The South By Southwest Festival and have just announced more dates for April and May.