Review: Unplugged – Pepper Rocks – 14 January 2013
Posted on 3 days ago
4
I had never once set foot into Pepper Rocks until Tuesday night, which was the Unplugged Pepper Rocks send off party, to say goodbye to their sound engineer who’s off travelling the world. What struck me about the place was it’s cosy, small, antique feel. Made with brick, stone and wood, it offers a rustic, traditional pub feel, but with a youthful/edgy side to it, making it a popular haunt for a more alternative crowd. Taking advantage of the £3.50 cocktail offer, I grab myself a Woo Woo (can’t help but think that sounds a little risqué…) and find a seat, which isn’t particularly easy as the room is jam packed. I’m suddenly grateful I found a seat, as the gig starts a fair bit later than anticipated, as they usually seem to in Nottingham, but before I know it, BLESSING MAGORE takes the stage with LANCE, who I’m not quite sure whether to call an accompanist or not, because he doesn’t sing, and plays the lead parts in the guitar, so I think I’m just going to have call him Lance!
This is a slight change up to the original line up, possibly explaining the late start, however Blessing seems comfortable, and confident as he opens the evening. Having had Blessing perform for us on the NottinghamLIVE radio show, I know a little of what to expect, and I’m looking forward to hearing them perform. Both men are on guitars, and Blessing strums as Lance harmonises and adds flourishes here and there. They have a chemistry and complement each other, but possibly due to the level of noise in the room, I couldn’t really hear the vocals in the first few numbers. However what I do hear is really nice, with Blessing’s vocals being smooth and his accent adding another layer of sweetness to them. There are lovely melodic passages to his music, with careful consideration being taken to song structure, and although there were a couple of small slips here and there, they recovered quickly, and they were barely noticed. Blessing also dedicates a song to Claudia, the ‘off travelling’ sound engineer, as she is heading to Africa, where Blessing is from. The song is catchy, and the vocals have charm and charisma. Half way through the performance, they are joined on African drums by Daniel Ison, who runs the Pepper Rocks open mic nights. The addition of subtle rhythm brings out another tone to Blessing’s music, but doesn’t detract from the vocal and guitar parts. Blessing also dedicated the next song to Claudia, but this number is a little darker and almost haunting at times, and again it as some lovely melodies. I do think that the guitars can be a little too similar at times though, and can feel a bit like a jam, but when Lance explores the instrument more, it really does bring out more intrigue into the music, and think that even more use of interesting guitar techniques would be nice to hear. Blessing has a sweet style and lovely vocals, and is a comfortable performer. His performance displayed a variety of influences and was a joy to watch and participate in.
Next on the bill was MATT HENSHAW who I have not seen performing live before, so was looking forward to experiencing something new. What struck me about Matt was his interesting use of chords and powerful vocals. He opened confidently, singing a track I recognised from YouTube, which has a country style feel to it, alongside a bit of The Beatles too. He has a heartfelt delivery, with passionately performed vocals alongside strummed guitar. The next number grabs my attention as it is lyrically honest and lovely, with a passionate performance on lines such as “My door is always open if you need a helping hand, my words are here to guide you, there’s always something in the way”. His vocals are impressive, and a little pitchy at times, but this is a result of his intense delivery and heartfelt performance. His vocals are in his chest voice, which is strong and obviously where he is most comfortable, but I would love to hear his falsetto too. The next song he performs is of a different tone, using minor chords, and interesting chord progressions, he instantly has my attention. The change of pace adds interest to his set, and the sadness of the song brings another layer of character to Matt. There is desperation and even anger in this song with lyrics such as “I know you’re saying something, but all I hear is nothing that can help me change my life”. The interesting subject matter works well with the unusual chords. His next song changes the pace back to a more cheerful tone, as he dedicated the song to his fellow performers. Bringing back the country notes from previous numbers, the crowd is enthusiastic and is continually supportive. Especially in the next song which he says is for Nick Clegg, David Cameron and George Osborn, which is slightly unusual and has the audiences attention. He then proceeds into a song where he is “calling them out”, and it has a distinctive blues feel, especially in the guitar hook. The song is well structured, with attention being paid to the melodies, which develop really nicely, and are well contrasted from verse to chorus. He finishes his set with some soulful tracks more traditionally about love, and dedicated his last song to everyone in the audience, which of course receives a good response. His entire set was pleasantly surprising and lovely to hear, with talent and a knack for good songwriting, I look forward to seeing Matt again very soon.
Next on the bill was ESTHER VAN LEUVEN, who I swear I saw four times last week. I think I am beginning to know all their songs off by heart just from frequent listening! What I can say about this dynamic duo, is that they are always a pleasure to listen to. Their first number is one of their new tracks ‘Mr Loverman’, which is soulful and sweet, and both Esther and Frazer are taking extra notice of their performance with consideration being taken with dynamics. The vocals are delicately delivered, but are also contrasted by powerful sections in the chorus. Esther uses her hands on the mic to gesture alongside her vocals, which is nice to see with music of their style. I find myself singing along, because let’s face it, I almost know all the words. Their next track is darker, with a sexy, cheeky air to it, and adds a contrast to their set following their opening number. With lyrics like “we’ll take it easy but we won’t take it slow”, it isn’t completely obvious what they mean, but this leaves their songs open for interpretation, which I think helps the audience relate to their music, and form connections with it. Their performances throughout the next few songs are beautiful, with precision and passion for what they are singing, and with excellent chemistry they are an unforgettable duo with heaps of talent. They work so well together, and Frazer is a wonderful support to Esther who takes the lead on vocals, but Frazer in his own right provides a wonderful accompaniment and is vocally irreplaceable in this collaboration. They finish their set with ‘Better That I Let You Go’ which is a gorgeously varied number, with plenty of room for Esther to showcase her vocals. I particularly love Esther’s lower range, as she doesn’t venture there too often, but in this track we hear more of it. Their set ends on a high and I can’t help but want to listen to it again after it’s over.
Ending the evening is the gloriously glamourous AJA, who takes to the stage with her laptop and effects pedals, changing the tone of the evening completely, and adding an electronic edge to the proceedings. She is has a big personality but is warm and open on stage, and this is important being a solo artist. Her performance is passionate and interesting, as she masters the electronica whilst putting on a visual show too and singing. She doesn’t inhibit herself on stage, and seems to fully experience her music through her body as well by dancing. Her music is varied and has a definitive artistic direction which makes it special. She uses various electronic techniques intelligently, and obviously takes pride in her work, as it is clearly well thought through, with some unexpected and interesting turns which keeps the audience hooked. She has a mixture of styles, some more lively and dance inspired, other slower and spacious, using heavy reverb and delays on the vocals, creating an ethereal element to her style, which is particularly resonant with me as I am a huge fan of all things ethereal. Unfortunately, I had to leave AJA’s set early, but I can say that her unique style, talents, lovely personality and hardworking nature sets her up for an unmissable 2014!
Cassia Helme
Friday, 24 January 2014
Matt Henshaw Pepper Rocks Review in Left Lion ...
Pepper Rock’s ‘Unplugged Send-off Party’ unquestionably went down a storm with its attendee’s. To say the place was packed would be an understatement; the room was full to the brim with supporters, friends and club-goers. The closeness of the crowd and the dimly candle lit room gave a very personal, intimate ambience; the perfect set-up for what felt like a very inclusive party.
Blessing Magore kicked off an exciting night of live music, giving the audience a taste of combined musical styles with guitars and bongos, followed by Matt Henshaw who soothed us into a tranquil state. An evident firm favourite with the audience was Esther Van Leuven, who wouldn’t start until she had the audience’s complete attention. Her husky, whimsical voice was the perfect contrasting build up to what happened next.
In-between each set we got a glimpse of Aja and her DJing skills – as she set up her stage area it felt like we were waiting for a theatrical performance. A handmade banner and string of colourful fairy lights were placed around her performing space. Her outfit reflected her character, wild and carefree. Her personalised stage made it HER night and HER vision.
She kicked off her set by telling the audience to stand up; “we need some energy in here” she slammed from the microphone. The familiar slow starting beat of Raw begins, opening her set on a quieter note.
She knows what she’s doing and exactly how to get a crowd excited, building up the suspense of her music, waiting to erupt and let all loose. The production of her music is impressive; her creative flare for the construction of her tracks is undeniably obvious. It’s clear her passion lies in producing her own, individual sound from her unpredictable performance.
Kill Killer rattles out of the speakers, a clear favourite with much of the crowd who instantly start to actively dance and pick up. Her enthusiasm didn’t go unnoticed and geared the audience up with one person banging along loudly on the table. The private party feel to Pepper Rocks infused with her electronic eerie voice works perfectly, there’s no denying her fans adore her.
Aja’s stage presence is unblemished, her interaction with her audience lifts the ambience instantly, toying and playing with them as she sings into their eyes. At one point she crawled into the crowd, lying on the floor as she spun her lyrics, she is there to give an energetic, dynamic performance and that’s exactly what she does best.
Aja, Blessing Magore, Matt Henshaw and Esther Van Leuven played at Pepper Rocks on Tuesday 14 January 2014.
Blessing Magore kicked off an exciting night of live music, giving the audience a taste of combined musical styles with guitars and bongos, followed by Matt Henshaw who soothed us into a tranquil state. An evident firm favourite with the audience was Esther Van Leuven, who wouldn’t start until she had the audience’s complete attention. Her husky, whimsical voice was the perfect contrasting build up to what happened next.
In-between each set we got a glimpse of Aja and her DJing skills – as she set up her stage area it felt like we were waiting for a theatrical performance. A handmade banner and string of colourful fairy lights were placed around her performing space. Her outfit reflected her character, wild and carefree. Her personalised stage made it HER night and HER vision.
She kicked off her set by telling the audience to stand up; “we need some energy in here” she slammed from the microphone. The familiar slow starting beat of Raw begins, opening her set on a quieter note.
She knows what she’s doing and exactly how to get a crowd excited, building up the suspense of her music, waiting to erupt and let all loose. The production of her music is impressive; her creative flare for the construction of her tracks is undeniably obvious. It’s clear her passion lies in producing her own, individual sound from her unpredictable performance.
Kill Killer rattles out of the speakers, a clear favourite with much of the crowd who instantly start to actively dance and pick up. Her enthusiasm didn’t go unnoticed and geared the audience up with one person banging along loudly on the table. The private party feel to Pepper Rocks infused with her electronic eerie voice works perfectly, there’s no denying her fans adore her.
Aja’s stage presence is unblemished, her interaction with her audience lifts the ambience instantly, toying and playing with them as she sings into their eyes. At one point she crawled into the crowd, lying on the floor as she spun her lyrics, she is there to give an energetic, dynamic performance and that’s exactly what she does best.
Aja, Blessing Magore, Matt Henshaw and Esther Van Leuven played at Pepper Rocks on Tuesday 14 January 2014.
Matt Henshaw in NUSIC's Pick of the Week ...
Tuesday 14th January will be the last Unplugged live event at Pepper Rocks for ‘some months’, so get down if you don’t want to miss out!
AJA is the headline act, on what should be a top evening, with a performance and DJ set – two for the price of one! As a solo artist she has lent her distinctive voice to acts across the midlands, whilst as a DJ she has proved to be a dab-hand with her in-depth knowledge of the Electronic scene.
She will be joined by ESTHER VAN LEUVEN. Something of a newcomer, she, too, has already appeared on Nusic’s radar as a powerful yet haunting vocalist who has the ability to carry the melodic numbers strummed by her guitarist, FRAZER LOWRIE.
Next up are the easy listening vibes of BLESSING MAGORE. Blending such genres as RnB, Jazz, Reggae and Funk, Blessing is just one of the great talents to come out of the legendary CRS studios. Finishing off the night is Matt Henshaw.
Price: FREE
Doors: 8:30PM
AJA is the headline act, on what should be a top evening, with a performance and DJ set – two for the price of one! As a solo artist she has lent her distinctive voice to acts across the midlands, whilst as a DJ she has proved to be a dab-hand with her in-depth knowledge of the Electronic scene.
She will be joined by ESTHER VAN LEUVEN. Something of a newcomer, she, too, has already appeared on Nusic’s radar as a powerful yet haunting vocalist who has the ability to carry the melodic numbers strummed by her guitarist, FRAZER LOWRIE.
Next up are the easy listening vibes of BLESSING MAGORE. Blending such genres as RnB, Jazz, Reggae and Funk, Blessing is just one of the great talents to come out of the legendary CRS studios. Finishing off the night is Matt Henshaw.
Price: FREE
Doors: 8:30PM
Matt Henshaw in Left Lion's Pick of the Week January 2014 ...
Unplugged Send Off @ Pepper Rocks
The team behind the Unplugged nights are having a bit of a break, what with their sound engineer Claudia gone off travelling again, so they’re putting on a massive send-off party to tide you over ‘til their return. There's music from the likes of Aja, Matt Henshaw, Esther Van Leuven and Blessing Magore, as well as a DJ set from Aja to keep you dancing into the early hours of the morn’. Not only that, but there will be happy hour cocktails, plenty of games and some fancy dress. It’s bound to be a night to remember them by.
Tuesday 14 January, 8.30pm, free, Pepper Rocks, Pepper Street, NG1 2AH
The team behind the Unplugged nights are having a bit of a break, what with their sound engineer Claudia gone off travelling again, so they’re putting on a massive send-off party to tide you over ‘til their return. There's music from the likes of Aja, Matt Henshaw, Esther Van Leuven and Blessing Magore, as well as a DJ set from Aja to keep you dancing into the early hours of the morn’. Not only that, but there will be happy hour cocktails, plenty of games and some fancy dress. It’s bound to be a night to remember them by.
Tuesday 14 January, 8.30pm, free, Pepper Rocks, Pepper Street, NG1 2AH
Matt Henshaw interview with Now Tune In ...
January 12, 2014
Interview with Matt Henshaw
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January 12, 2014 - Sunday
Interview with Matt Henshaw
http://MattHenshaw.com/
1. What is your name and what do you play?
Matt Henshaw, I sing and play the guitar amongst a few other things.
2. Tell us about your music for anyone who has not heard it yet?
I make soul music, maybe not always the way you might expect soul music to traditionally sound but it's always from the heart and from the soul.
3. Share a brief history about yourself?
I was obsessed with football as a kid then when problems with my knees meant that I couldn't be a professional footballer I became obsessed wit music, guitars, singing and writing songs. I was in a band straight out of school, we did OK, had a record deal and everything that goes with that, then drink made it go the same way as the professional football career, so I got sober I went to study and didn't think I'd make music again. Then I fell in with a hip-hop crowd and started writing and singing again, then I thought I need to get out of my office job and go for it as a singer-songwriter.
4. Do you enjoy being a solo artist or do you see yourself making a band one day?
I love it. I have to rely on myself and sort out the logistics for only me. I do play in a band on the side called Satsuma Elephants and love to do that with y mate more often, but I only get the chance to express myself fully when I'm by myself.
5. How did you get into the style of music that you play?
I started figuring out what music I liked when I was young in the 1990s then traced it back and I kind of feel like everything really went back o or went through Sam Cooke and The Beatles, they're my foundations really.
6. The song "It Ain't Easy" how did it come about?
It was the first thing I wrote when I picked up a guitar again having not touched one for years, it's like it was meant to fall out of me. Sometimes I think I disagree with Alfred Lord Tennyson when he says "it's better to have loved and too have lost than never to have loved at all". You know your life is changed irrevocably when you've fallen in and out of love.
7. What's the most challenging part so far in your musical career?
Making money. I don't like money. So it's that you have to be chasing it all the time, but that's only a small part of it really, I don't worry about it.
8. How would you say you have evolved since you first started?
Older, wiser, more mature, stone cold sober and more soulful.
9. What are some of your influences?
Love and passion influences everything I do. And good music, you can find it everywhere.
10. Are you working on anything new?
I'm always writing, and I'm quite excited about 2014, I'm going to be working with a few different producers in a few different places so I'll have a lot of new product. Very exciting !
11. Ever have a Deja-vu feeling?
Not really, I hate repetition, so if I ever find myself doing something I might have done before I quickly snap out of it.
12. What's your favorite part about being a solo artist?
Like I said, I've only myself to worry about, I'm not a control freak or an ego-maniac, quite the opposite, I worry and get anxious if there's anyone else involved, I don't like letting people down, if you're on my team I put a lot of pressure on myself for us to win.
13. Where are you performing in the near future?
Everywhere hopefully. I'm starting the year in the East Midlands in the UK and then working my way around the country. I've had a lot of invitations to go all over the world from Europe to Australia to North America so as soon as it's feasibly possible I'm getting on a plane and playing wherever I'm invited.
14. Do you have a website?
Yeah, nice and simple MattHenshaw.com, you can find all my social networks from there.
15. How can people get in touch with you?
Add me, follow me, email me, there's loads of ways to get in touch. The best way to keep in touch is to sign up for the mailing list, I mail out every now and and you can reply to me that way too.
16. Do you use any social media and if so where can people find you?
I'm more or less on anything, my favourites at the moment are YouTube and instagram, kind of instant visual communication, but you can find me on facebook and twitter too, I suppose a good thing to do is search my name in Google and you can find bits of me all over the place.
17. Anything you would like add?
Spread The Love, share the Love and let everything you do be guided by Love and light.
Interview with Matt Henshaw
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BlogThis!
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January 12, 2014 - Sunday
Interview with Matt Henshaw
http://MattHenshaw.com/
1. What is your name and what do you play?
Matt Henshaw, I sing and play the guitar amongst a few other things.
2. Tell us about your music for anyone who has not heard it yet?
I make soul music, maybe not always the way you might expect soul music to traditionally sound but it's always from the heart and from the soul.
3. Share a brief history about yourself?
I was obsessed with football as a kid then when problems with my knees meant that I couldn't be a professional footballer I became obsessed wit music, guitars, singing and writing songs. I was in a band straight out of school, we did OK, had a record deal and everything that goes with that, then drink made it go the same way as the professional football career, so I got sober I went to study and didn't think I'd make music again. Then I fell in with a hip-hop crowd and started writing and singing again, then I thought I need to get out of my office job and go for it as a singer-songwriter.
4. Do you enjoy being a solo artist or do you see yourself making a band one day?
I love it. I have to rely on myself and sort out the logistics for only me. I do play in a band on the side called Satsuma Elephants and love to do that with y mate more often, but I only get the chance to express myself fully when I'm by myself.
5. How did you get into the style of music that you play?
I started figuring out what music I liked when I was young in the 1990s then traced it back and I kind of feel like everything really went back o or went through Sam Cooke and The Beatles, they're my foundations really.
6. The song "It Ain't Easy" how did it come about?
It was the first thing I wrote when I picked up a guitar again having not touched one for years, it's like it was meant to fall out of me. Sometimes I think I disagree with Alfred Lord Tennyson when he says "it's better to have loved and too have lost than never to have loved at all". You know your life is changed irrevocably when you've fallen in and out of love.
7. What's the most challenging part so far in your musical career?
Making money. I don't like money. So it's that you have to be chasing it all the time, but that's only a small part of it really, I don't worry about it.
8. How would you say you have evolved since you first started?
Older, wiser, more mature, stone cold sober and more soulful.
9. What are some of your influences?
Love and passion influences everything I do. And good music, you can find it everywhere.
10. Are you working on anything new?
I'm always writing, and I'm quite excited about 2014, I'm going to be working with a few different producers in a few different places so I'll have a lot of new product. Very exciting !
11. Ever have a Deja-vu feeling?
Not really, I hate repetition, so if I ever find myself doing something I might have done before I quickly snap out of it.
12. What's your favorite part about being a solo artist?
Like I said, I've only myself to worry about, I'm not a control freak or an ego-maniac, quite the opposite, I worry and get anxious if there's anyone else involved, I don't like letting people down, if you're on my team I put a lot of pressure on myself for us to win.
13. Where are you performing in the near future?
Everywhere hopefully. I'm starting the year in the East Midlands in the UK and then working my way around the country. I've had a lot of invitations to go all over the world from Europe to Australia to North America so as soon as it's feasibly possible I'm getting on a plane and playing wherever I'm invited.
14. Do you have a website?
Yeah, nice and simple MattHenshaw.com, you can find all my social networks from there.
15. How can people get in touch with you?
Add me, follow me, email me, there's loads of ways to get in touch. The best way to keep in touch is to sign up for the mailing list, I mail out every now and and you can reply to me that way too.
16. Do you use any social media and if so where can people find you?
I'm more or less on anything, my favourites at the moment are YouTube and instagram, kind of instant visual communication, but you can find me on facebook and twitter too, I suppose a good thing to do is search my name in Google and you can find bits of me all over the place.
17. Anything you would like add?
Spread The Love, share the Love and let everything you do be guided by Love and light.
Matt Henshaw interview with Luke Tyler of Sound Cavern ...
Interview: Matt Henshaw
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By Luke Tyler / January 12, 2014 / REVIEWS/INTERVIEWS / 2 Comments
Matt Henshaw
Midlands man Matt Henshaw is a burgeoning talent in the UK music scene, working both with collaborators and going it alone, armed just with an acoustic. We caught up with him to hear a bit more about his diverse and original sound.
The internet has informed us that you’ve operated under a B-Boy Soul formula. Can you shed some light on that for us?
B-Boy Soul was something that me and my mate ReggiiMental worked on whilst I was at University, basically a combination of his hip-hop influences and my soul influences, good fun, funky and a bit political in parts. We’ve done two albums and a couple of EPs, and might do some more in the future.
Have them influences shifted somewhat in your current songwriting, or would you say they’re still a mainstay in your work?
Soul music is my biggest influence, Sam Cooke and the rest of ‘em. Love it. And I do love some hip-hop stuff but I’m no rapper, so when you get Matt Henshaw solo it’s soulful acoustic stuff.
Your Rhythm and Gospel Calvacade leans away from your earlier work slightly by removing the hip-hop element, but it’s still predominantly soulful as you’ve mentioned. Is the influence of black music a generally a key component in your overall sound?
I suppose so, I’m not a fan of the term ‘black music’ but a lot of my favourite singers are or were black so I guess by default I am. But it’s often said my biggest three influences are black music, blue eyed soul and BritPop, and you would think these things would exclude one another, but no, it’s all music, it’s all good no matter what colour or country provides the sounds.
Does the prominence of your acoustic work lately suggest you might be moving in that direction?
It’s more a geographical and logistics thing, it’s a lot easier to organise the affairs of one person, especially if you are that one person. I’ve collaborated with people all over the country – they’re so spread out that it’s hard to work on something other than my acoustic tunes with any level of consistency that I’d be happy with.
Besides it being easier logistically, do you enjoy cutting it solo in that more stripped-back way?
Yeah, I’ve only myself to blame, it’s easier to let go and be more emotive, and it’s easier to express myself without compromise or considering how anyone else might feel, I do love it. It took some getting used to, though, as I hadn’t really ever played much proper proper solo until last summer.
With that in mind, you’ve got a gig in Leicester and then back in your native Notts. Is it good coming home?
Yeah, I love playing in Nottingham – seeing people that I don’t see week in, week out – I always make sure I see all my grandparents, still blessed with four of them knocking about !
Finally, what does 2014 hold for Matt Henshaw?
Getting around the country playing as many gigs in as many different and new places as possible. I’m recording with a few different people over the coming months and just seeing where this journey takes me. There’s no plan, just keeping myself happy doing what I’m doing and avoid going back into an office or job centre again at all costs … is that too much to ask?
« Previous / Next »
By Luke Tyler / January 12, 2014 / REVIEWS/INTERVIEWS / 2 Comments
Matt Henshaw
Midlands man Matt Henshaw is a burgeoning talent in the UK music scene, working both with collaborators and going it alone, armed just with an acoustic. We caught up with him to hear a bit more about his diverse and original sound.
The internet has informed us that you’ve operated under a B-Boy Soul formula. Can you shed some light on that for us?
B-Boy Soul was something that me and my mate ReggiiMental worked on whilst I was at University, basically a combination of his hip-hop influences and my soul influences, good fun, funky and a bit political in parts. We’ve done two albums and a couple of EPs, and might do some more in the future.
Have them influences shifted somewhat in your current songwriting, or would you say they’re still a mainstay in your work?
Soul music is my biggest influence, Sam Cooke and the rest of ‘em. Love it. And I do love some hip-hop stuff but I’m no rapper, so when you get Matt Henshaw solo it’s soulful acoustic stuff.
Your Rhythm and Gospel Calvacade leans away from your earlier work slightly by removing the hip-hop element, but it’s still predominantly soulful as you’ve mentioned. Is the influence of black music a generally a key component in your overall sound?
I suppose so, I’m not a fan of the term ‘black music’ but a lot of my favourite singers are or were black so I guess by default I am. But it’s often said my biggest three influences are black music, blue eyed soul and BritPop, and you would think these things would exclude one another, but no, it’s all music, it’s all good no matter what colour or country provides the sounds.
Does the prominence of your acoustic work lately suggest you might be moving in that direction?
It’s more a geographical and logistics thing, it’s a lot easier to organise the affairs of one person, especially if you are that one person. I’ve collaborated with people all over the country – they’re so spread out that it’s hard to work on something other than my acoustic tunes with any level of consistency that I’d be happy with.
Besides it being easier logistically, do you enjoy cutting it solo in that more stripped-back way?
Yeah, I’ve only myself to blame, it’s easier to let go and be more emotive, and it’s easier to express myself without compromise or considering how anyone else might feel, I do love it. It took some getting used to, though, as I hadn’t really ever played much proper proper solo until last summer.
With that in mind, you’ve got a gig in Leicester and then back in your native Notts. Is it good coming home?
Yeah, I love playing in Nottingham – seeing people that I don’t see week in, week out – I always make sure I see all my grandparents, still blessed with four of them knocking about !
Finally, what does 2014 hold for Matt Henshaw?
Getting around the country playing as many gigs in as many different and new places as possible. I’m recording with a few different people over the coming months and just seeing where this journey takes me. There’s no plan, just keeping myself happy doing what I’m doing and avoid going back into an office or job centre again at all costs … is that too much to ask?
Matt Henshaw in the Leicester Mercury protesting again Tesco ...
Tesco store for Clarendon Park: 200 attend meeting to say no to plan
By Leicester Mercury | Posted: January 08, 2014
By Tom Mack
About 200 people attended the meeting to debate Tesco's plan to open a shop in Clarendon Park
About 200 people attended the meeting to debate Tesco's plan to open a shop in Clarendon Park
About 200 people attended the meeting to debate Tesco's plan to open a shop in Clarendon Park
About 200 people attended the meeting to debate Tesco's plan to open a shop in Clarendon Park
About 200 people attended the meeting to debate Tesco's plan to open a shop in Clarendon Park
About 200 people attended the meeting to debate Tesco's plan to open a shop in Clarendon Park
About 200 people attended the meeting to debate Tesco's plan to open a shop in Clarendon Park
About 200 people attended the meeting to debate Tesco's plan to open a shop in Clarendon Park
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About 200 people attended a meeting to tell Tesco they did not want a new supermarket in Clarendon Park, Leicester.
The company has said it plans to take on Sainsbury’s and the Co-op by opening a branch at the former Barclay’s Bank in Queens Road.
But residents are worried about the fate of small independent traders, the dangers of delivery vehicles and the headache of extra parking problems in the area.
A meeting, chaired by Leicester Mercury editor Richard Bettsworth, took place at Avenue Primary School on Tuesday night and Tesco corporate affairs manager Simon Petar attended, along with about 200 members of the public.
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Leicester councillors back campaigners in Clarendon Park Tesco row
Mr Petar revealed that the company’s plans for the shop were already at an advanced stage, with work taking place inside the building to remove asbestos.
Several people at the meeting, including Ian Measures, questioned what power they really had to stop the shop from opening.
Mr Measures, 30, said: “How many people would it take to say no?”
But Mr Petar said his job was to listen to local people and “take on criticism to improve” Tesco’s plan, rather than consider whether Tesco should give up.
He said: “I appreciate there are those that will not want to shop in our store but I know there are those that would - the majority of people.”
He said the recent petition with 2,700 signatures objecting to the store was “impressive” but had not put the supermarket chain off.
He said: “It’s a fantastic campaign [against Tesco] but there are those who signed that petition who will be in the shop.”
He said people were welcome to vote with their feet by not using the Tesco Express when it opens.
Local resident Jem Coady, 65, told Mr Petar: “It’s disingenuous to say we can stop Tesco by not shopping there.
“People who shop there are likely to be the transient populations of students.
“The fact they shop in your store will affect local businesses.
“What’s going to be the affect on local businesses that don’t have the clout Tesco has?”
Mr Petar replied that Tesco would be competing with the Co-op and Sainsbury’s, which both have stores in Queens Road.
Matt Henshaw, 26, accused Tesco of turning the Sainsbury’s on Bede Park, Leicester, into a “derelict” building by opening a store opposite.
Harry Amlani told the meeting his store Ram News, near to Leicester Railway Station, lost 80 per cent of its takings and was forced to close after Tesco opened in London Road.
He said: “Tesco is going to destroy most of the independent shops.”
One woman did stand up and tell the meeting she wanted the store.
She said: “There are lots of people in the area who probably do want it.”
A man from the audience shouted in response: “But they’re not here.”
A poll taken at the meeting saw two votes in favour of the store and about 200 against.
The meeting ended with a threat from local campaigner Mags Lewis, who said: “We hope [Tesco] will change their minds before the PR disaster we are planning unfolds.”
Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Tesco/story-20414662-detail/story.html#ixzz2rKIgW5jD
By Leicester Mercury | Posted: January 08, 2014
By Tom Mack
About 200 people attended the meeting to debate Tesco's plan to open a shop in Clarendon Park
About 200 people attended the meeting to debate Tesco's plan to open a shop in Clarendon Park
About 200 people attended the meeting to debate Tesco's plan to open a shop in Clarendon Park
About 200 people attended the meeting to debate Tesco's plan to open a shop in Clarendon Park
About 200 people attended the meeting to debate Tesco's plan to open a shop in Clarendon Park
About 200 people attended the meeting to debate Tesco's plan to open a shop in Clarendon Park
About 200 people attended the meeting to debate Tesco's plan to open a shop in Clarendon Park
About 200 people attended the meeting to debate Tesco's plan to open a shop in Clarendon Park
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About 200 people attended a meeting to tell Tesco they did not want a new supermarket in Clarendon Park, Leicester.
The company has said it plans to take on Sainsbury’s and the Co-op by opening a branch at the former Barclay’s Bank in Queens Road.
But residents are worried about the fate of small independent traders, the dangers of delivery vehicles and the headache of extra parking problems in the area.
A meeting, chaired by Leicester Mercury editor Richard Bettsworth, took place at Avenue Primary School on Tuesday night and Tesco corporate affairs manager Simon Petar attended, along with about 200 members of the public.
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Mr Petar revealed that the company’s plans for the shop were already at an advanced stage, with work taking place inside the building to remove asbestos.
Several people at the meeting, including Ian Measures, questioned what power they really had to stop the shop from opening.
Mr Measures, 30, said: “How many people would it take to say no?”
But Mr Petar said his job was to listen to local people and “take on criticism to improve” Tesco’s plan, rather than consider whether Tesco should give up.
He said: “I appreciate there are those that will not want to shop in our store but I know there are those that would - the majority of people.”
He said the recent petition with 2,700 signatures objecting to the store was “impressive” but had not put the supermarket chain off.
He said: “It’s a fantastic campaign [against Tesco] but there are those who signed that petition who will be in the shop.”
He said people were welcome to vote with their feet by not using the Tesco Express when it opens.
Local resident Jem Coady, 65, told Mr Petar: “It’s disingenuous to say we can stop Tesco by not shopping there.
“People who shop there are likely to be the transient populations of students.
“The fact they shop in your store will affect local businesses.
“What’s going to be the affect on local businesses that don’t have the clout Tesco has?”
Mr Petar replied that Tesco would be competing with the Co-op and Sainsbury’s, which both have stores in Queens Road.
Matt Henshaw, 26, accused Tesco of turning the Sainsbury’s on Bede Park, Leicester, into a “derelict” building by opening a store opposite.
Harry Amlani told the meeting his store Ram News, near to Leicester Railway Station, lost 80 per cent of its takings and was forced to close after Tesco opened in London Road.
He said: “Tesco is going to destroy most of the independent shops.”
One woman did stand up and tell the meeting she wanted the store.
She said: “There are lots of people in the area who probably do want it.”
A man from the audience shouted in response: “But they’re not here.”
A poll taken at the meeting saw two votes in favour of the store and about 200 against.
The meeting ended with a threat from local campaigner Mags Lewis, who said: “We hope [Tesco] will change their minds before the PR disaster we are planning unfolds.”
Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Tesco/story-20414662-detail/story.html#ixzz2rKIgW5jD
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