CHAOS BEFORE PREDICTABILITY

I’ll start with a shameless plug – but not of myself. This is of a humble record label, started in a bedroom in south London by a close friend of mine. Supporting the artists he loves and believes in, he took that step away from passivity that so many fail to do and created something himself. What’s more, it’s pretty awesome. It’s Audio Anti-Hero (AAH).

Why plug? It’s not because he’s a friend. It’s inspiring. Here is a group of people who didn’t just sit around dribbling and dreaming. They got up (and down) and decided not just to sit in awe of others, but to do and develop something themselves. It’s a stick that has pushed me into action myself; to stop just waiting for something to happen and make it.

So who have we got? There’s the label itself, AAH of course. Run by mister Jamie Halliday, all albums and EPs are tirelessly packaged and designed to the highest spec. This is something I’ve come to love of the smaller labels and artists, the attention to every detail (hand drawn sleeves, and such).

Next there’s Benjamin Shaw, one of the label’s first artists. If anything, he’s proven that one man and a bunch of sounds can make something different – something good too. His acoustic based musings are from the soul, just as music should be. I’m yet to see him live, but I look forward to it.

And finally we have Nosferatu D2. Not just a great name (though personally a favourite), this is a two-piece lo-fi alt outfit from Croydon. Rawer than nappy rash, there is nothing fake in this music. The cutting, cynical lyrics are among some of the finest around today. If you’re from Croydon – you’ll be able to associate with the misanthropic highlights of Ben Parker’s words. Now disbanded – this lyrical ninja continues solo as Superman Revenge Squad.

Music by both Benjamin Shaw and Nosferatu D2 can be purchased online as www.audioantihero.com. So, if you’re keen on supporting the small, but mighty, get involved and enter at your peril.