Following a sell-out show festival last year The Rock House is back at Green Door Store! On Saturday 28th July, The Rock House Festival 2018 will take place bringing together learning disabled bands with established and up-and-coming musicians from Brighton and beyond, all bound by their love of music.
The festival, produced by arts charity Carousel, will feature a truly diverse mix of performers with 10 bands playing across two sessions in the day. The Rock House began as their incredibly popular monthly gigs. Carousel aim to integrate events to encourage an equal platform rather than segregation, they want to ensure that ambitious learning disabled musicians have not only an outlet but a level playing field with their peers.
Gareth Evans, the senior music producer at Carousel, said of last years sell out “There are so many brilliant spin-offs from programming a festival in this way. Performers get to share ideas and influences and audiences have a rare chance to experience a very special energy.
“It’s not like any other music festival. Integration is a bit of a buzzword but by putting everyone in the room together and focusing on the music the results can be amazing.”
Daniel Wakeford, the leading man in the burgeoning UK learning disabled music scene, headlined last year. Wakeford made fame on the Channel 4 show, The Undateables but has since gone on to achieve fame in his own right through his music. Gareth from Carousel said of Daniel’s career that it “is a clear example of how, with the right support, learning disabled musicians can reach great heights.”
“He started coming to the monthly Rock House gigs, did some workshops with Tim Cook (now his writing partner) and began developing his stage sty;e into the magnificent showmanship you see today…Carousel is really proud of what he has achieved.”
The line up for this years festival is excellent and a sure chance to catch some talent before they become the sweethearts of Brighton music. This year The Green Door Store will be welcoming (not in order of performance or stage time):
FRAGILE CREATURES
“Combining rock, pop and grunge with catchy melodies, Fragile Creatures take you back to a golden age of British guitar music without sounding reductive and retro.”
BEAT EXPRESS
“Veterans of the learning disabled music scene bringing 100% BANGERS! Riding the Boogie Train since 2002.”
PROJECTOR
“Projector occupy the heavy space between brooding 80s darkwave and My Bloody Valentine’s wall-of-sound pop.”
OTHER STATES
“Psych-indie 6 piece led by the inimitable Mark S. Aaron. Other States take their notes from 60’s surf, garage, and Ennio Morricone soundtracks to weave a dark and rich musical tapestry.”
TOO HOT FOR CANDY
Kali, Arthur and Isaac bring you a sound they describe as ‘way funky’! Inspired by Prince, Sly and the Family Stone and with big beats and funky drumming, this is music you can party to.
ELECTRIC FIRE
Performing their own unique brand of neon-future-funk, hip hop and house, they play out-of-this-world catchy songs that will stay in your head for days.
RED DEER PEOPLE
Mixing the motoric drum beats and driving bass-lines of krautrock, with effects heavy guitars and the experimentation and energy of post-punk.
FUZZBOMB FLASH BAND
Ethereal, hazy dream-pop from Brighton.Â
LOUIS WALKDEN
Singer/songwriter from Brighton using digital sampling and sound manipulation to create songs with infectious hooks and engaging lyrics you will leave humming tunes that you’ll think you’ve known for years.
For a full day ticket it costs just £10 (£1 per band) or if you would like to just attend the 1-5pm or 6-10pm session, they are individually priced at £6 each.
