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CONTENTS New Music + Creative Culture Liverpool <strong>Issue</strong> <strong>84</strong> / <strong>Dec</strong> <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>Jan</strong> <strong>2018</strong> bidolito.co.uk Second Floor The Merchant 40-42 Slater Street Liverpool L1 4BX Editor Christopher Torpey - chris@bidolito.co.uk Editor-In-Chief / Publisher Craig G Pennington - info@bidolito.co.uk Media Partnerships and Projects Manager Sam Turner - sam@bidolito.co.uk Assistant Editor Bethany Garrett - editorial@bidolito.co.uk Reviews Editor Jonny Winship - live@bidolito.co.uk Design Mark McKellier - mark@andmark.co.uk Branding Thom Isom - hello@thomisom.com Interns Jessica Greenall Cover Photography Keith Ainsworth Words Christopher Torpey, Craig G Pennington, Cath Bore, Jess Greenall, Mike Stanton, Julia Johnson, Matthew Hogarth, Del Pike, Bethany Garrett, Sam Turner, Richard Lewis, Paul Fitzgerald, Georgia Turnbull, Jonny Winship, Maya Jones, Glyn Akroyd, Christopher Carr, Maurice DeSade, Kieran Donnachie, Ian R. Abraham, Stuart Miles O’Hara, Alison McGovern. Photography, Illustration and Layout Mark McKellier, Keith Ainsworth, Andrew Bates, Jemma Timberlake, Kevin Power, Katy Lane, Hugo Morris, Stuart Moulding, Michelle Roberts, Glyn Akroyd, Rob Godfrey, Darren Aston, Michael Kirkham, Mike Sheerin, Samantha Sophia, Kayle Kaupanger. Distributed by Middle Distance Print, distribution and events support across Merseyside and the North West. middledistance.org.uk The views expressed in Bido Lito! are those of the respective contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine, its staff or the publishers. All rights reserved. 9 / EDITORIAL Editor Christopher Torpey muses on the spaces dedicated to music and creativity, how we should value them and create the conditions for even more spaces to flourish. 10 / NEWS The latest announcements, releases and non-fake news from around the region. 12 / COME TOGETHER – LIVERPOOL, MUSIC CITY? Craig G Pennington summarises the key conclusions from a report on the health of our city’s music infrastructure, suggesting some key points for concern. 16 / INDEPENDENT VENUE WEEK Seven days dedicated to celebrating the spirit of independence, and the culture of live music, is a great way to start <strong>2018</strong> on a positive note. 18 / LO FIVE Liverpool’s prince of ambient electronica looks back at what’s been an impressive year for his various projects. 20 / TAYÁ Making waves in the biggest of arenas can be a hard slog, but for this 19-year-old RnB vocalist, success at the highest level comes as naturally as breathing. 22 / SOMEPLACE ELSE UNKNOWN Bold Street Coffee hosts the first UK showing of photographer KATY LANE’s new collection of intimate portraits, offering a candid look at the lives of The Brian Jonestown Massacre and their collaborators. 24 / NICK POWER The Coral keyboardist adds to his repertoire of provincial fascination with an impressive third anthology, and accompanying album of low-key, introspective musings. 26 / ARTS CENTRAL In her second look at the role arts centres play in our communities, Julia Johnson focuses on two institutions – THE BLACK-E and THE FLORRIE – that have user-led art at their core. 30 / IT’S A WALTURDAW LIFE The vintage cinema screen rising from the stage is one of the Philharmonic Hall’s endearing quirks. Del Pike speaks to a man who plays a key part in one of Liverpool’s great festive traditions. 32 / SPOTLIGHT We take a closer look at some artists who’ve been impressing us of late: Katie Mac, Eyesore And The Jinx and Harlee. 36 / CHRIS WOOD Chris Wood has been championing the craft of songwriting for almost three decades: Paul Fitzgerald talks to him about changing politics and their faith in younger audiences. 37 / PREVIEWS Looking ahead to a busy <strong>Dec</strong>ember and <strong>Jan</strong>uary in Merseyside’s creative and cultural community. 42 / LIVERPOOL MUSIC WEEK <strong>2017</strong> REVIEW The Liverpool music calendar’s annual autumn treat provides us with a 10-day feast of stellar shows, and showcases how deep the desire for inclusivity runs. 44 / REVIEWS Mac DeMarco, <strong>Jan</strong>e Weaver and Immix Ensemble, Sylvan Esso and Michael Kiwanuka reviewed by our team of intrepid reporters. 54 / THE FINAL SAY The continuing fallout from Brexit would suggest that Britain is a country deeply riven with division. MP for Wirral South Alison McGovern argues that class prejudices may be a barrier to understanding the social conservatism that is at the root of these divisions.
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