Go West
As a native Cardiffian, I'm guilty to say that I'm big-headed.
I always thought that things happened solely in Cardiff - right here in the capital. Apparently not so!
Recently I heard of two kids, a metalhead and a punk lovin' teen out west in Carmarthenshire who'd grown disillusioned with the dilapidation of their local music scene.
They decided to take matters into their own hands, and Fork Lightning Promotions was born. We sat down with Steffan Scorch, one half of the duo, and asked him what was up.
theSprout: Hi Stef, how are you?
Steffan: I'm good thanks, you?
theSprout: I'm alright, ta. How exactly did Fork Lightning Promotions come about?
Steff: Well it was around the time Richie from Proper Job in Swansea was cutting down on the number of gigs he was putting on, and I thought I'd take up the torch and have a go myself, so I got my friend Sion and we started with our first gig in Carmarthen four weeks later, with Broken Nose playing in the Waterside. That went really well so we're still going to do it for as long as we can afford to.
The Sprout: What type of gigs was Richie doing in Swansea?
Steff: Top notch ska gigs, with plenty of punk thrown in.
the Sprout: How do you feel about the gigs (or lack of) in your area? Is that why you started FLP?
Steffan: The lack of a decent ska scene around here is another major reason I wanted to have a go. I can't see why there isn't a good ska scene around here already. There is plenty of local talent, Tootin' Skamoon for example, and even the bands that don't play ska that I'm a fan of. For example Winter Knights, who are the best metal band in Carmarthen by a long shot.
theSprout: In all fairness, you wouldn't really associate ska with Camarthen. Why do you think this is?
Steffan: Probably because no one wants to go out and make an effort to see bands anymore. It's a shame really, just a waste, y'know? But that said, there are a few people who do make the effort to keep the tiny scene we have going.
theSprout: Your first gig must have been nerve-racking, was it a sucess?
Steffan: Yeah, we were bricking it! I'm glad to say that it was a success, enough people came and I think everyone had a good time which is what I like to see. The bands all played really well, and I've had lots of positive feedback. My only complaint is that I didn't have much time to watch the bands myself.
theSprout: How are the plans for the second gig coming along?
Steffan: A bit behind schedule. I need to get a reply from a few more bands before I can start advertising properly, but local favorites Senor Billice And The Skalamities along with the impressive Sensi Soundhouse from Neath are both playing.
theSprout: Have you any plans to expand to other local areas?
Steffan: Well actually I've already got one gig lined up for Swansea. Manchester ska bands Stand Out Riot and Kickback are touring the UK, so me and Alex (aka Mumbo) are going to try and sort that out for July.
theSprout: How do you go about organising bands? Are they mostly local?
Steffan: That was the idea to start with, but at the last gig only one band were from Carmarthen (Jibincs), the rest of them from Bridgend (Broken Nose), Llandovery (Senor Billice And The Skalamities), Llandeilo (Nato Monday), and Pembroke (The Hopeless Abandoned (pictured)). I think it would be waste just to stick to local bands. I'd rather just have a more enjoyable gig for everyone.
theSprout: What do you think of the DIY scene? Have you found it difficult to put on smalll gigs?
Steffan: I can't see what is stopping people really. If you want something done, do it yourself! But I suppose it's easier for me. Not many big companies actually operate in Carmarthen, mostly it is just local stuff in terms of live music. Maybe it's harder in the cities, I don't know. That shouldn't put people off anyway, just try doing things yourself.
theSprout: Is there anything else happening in Carmarthen at the moment?
Steffan: Yeah, gotta mention Tangled Parrot, the local music shop in Carmarthen, especially since it's just been international record store day. Matt from Tangled Parrot really helped us out with our first gig, so big thanks to him. And finally if anyone wants to know anything about the next gigs, wants to play etc, they can get in touch on Facebook or MySpace. Cheers!
There ya have it, folks. Punk, metal and ska, all in Carmarthen.
