Folk By the Sea
HARRY HAWKINS
A banner depicting a fabric sun shining above a denim sky adorned the Stade Hall. This was the main signpost for the Queer Ass Folk event, set up by Hayley aka Tygermylk. The event is focused on giving queer musicians a space to perform which pays them fairly, with a portion of proceeds from this event also going towards Trans Pride Hastings. There was a gentle ambience once the music began, despite all the seats in the Stade Hall being filled.
Peter and Kerry at The Stade
Peter and Kerry, a duo who have worked in a variety of musical guises, including synths and soundtracking, kicked off the proceedings. They were in fact completely at home here. You could hear alchemy in the way their voices and weaving, stitching guitars blended, the fruit of many years working together.
Tygermylk was next. With a suitably rustic steel strung acoustic, enchanting images were built, particularly in their song I Killed The Bees, whose soaring, dreamlike chorus juxtaposed apocalyptic images. They also performed a terrific, peeled-back rendition of the classic rock staple Baba O’Riley.
Eden J Powells was third billing, also impressively stripping back their songs (usually played as a full band). The circular and meditative patterns of their numbers brought to mind cult folk and emo artists like Elliot Smith. Some recent songs of Eden’s were inspired by the conflicting feelings evoked by a return to their hometown.
Charlie Austen is a musician who puts incredible detail into her craft. Her songs were buoyed by a remarkable percussion set and she managed a gamut of styles – introductory tune Chemistry brought a Bill Withers-like snap of guitar. However, instruments and facility alone aren’t what sealed the deal on Charlie’s music, but the authentic portraits she painted and the infectious energy she brought to it.
The next Queer Ass Folk show will take place at the Stade Hall on 5 July. Details will be announced via instagram – @queerassfolkmusic
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