Plants

How long have you been vegan?

I have been vegan for around two and a half years.

What’s the most important reason for you to be vegan?

Initially, I was motivated by environmental reasons but as I’ve learnt more about the meat/dairy industries over the past couple of years I would say that my most important reason is to avoid harming & exploiting animals.

What are some of your main musical influences?

I’m influenced by a wide range of music – some of my favourite artists include Bon Iver, Frank Ocean & Kanye West.

Who is your favourite current vegan personality/celebrity/activist, and why?

In terms of a favourite famous artist I would say Stevie Wonder as I love his music. And other vegans I’m inspired by include James Aspey, Earthling Ed, Tim Shieff, Klaus from Plant Based News & Avant Garde Vegan as well as many more.

If you could pick one musician to go vegan, who would it be? Don’t forget to include why!

Let’s go with Kanye West – his music has always been forward-thinking & has pushed the boundaries so it’d be cool if this tied in with him being vegan.

Whats your message to people thinking about going vegan?

Going vegan is one of the best things I’ve ever done. There have been so many benefits; my health and overall fitness have improved and I feel more connected to nature & animals, as well as believing that my actions are more aligned with my morals. The myths & misconceptions you might hear about veganism are not true at all – if you were curious I would say just try it for a few weeks & see how good you feel!!

Bringing a fresh fusion of jazz, hip-hop and soul, 6-piece Bristol collective Laimu harness carefully crafted arrangements led by sultry vocals. With their sights set on breaking into the live scene this year, this musical outfit have been honing their signature sound to deliver an innovative reflection of their adapting influences. Hovering somewhere between quirky funk records from the 70s, and the ever evolving soundscapes of hometown Bristol, their debut single 'Fruit' is an immersive experience. With early support from the likes of Jazz FM (radio B-List), TNGC Radio and Tap The Feed, 2018 is shaping up to be a milestone year for Laimu.

Soundcloud

Lauren Martin vocals transfused hip-hop and soul beats, previously known as Ladele she addresses life from her own perspective with a fire from within. Performing both captivating and emotionally charged music and lyrical content Lauren has supported the likes of artists such as Chester P, Skinnyman, Dr Syntax and The Mouse Outfit to name a few. Real life, real music.

URBAND SOUL are currently a London based Hip Hop group, before arriving in the UK, Urband Soul was founded in France in inspiration of music sharing common roots. Rkb is the brains behind the beats, starting this project with the idea that a mixture of style, gender and culture will create colourful collaborations leading to a new and unique sound.

Developing these tracks through the exploration of multiple worlds of music, Urband Soul are breaking the conventional to bring you an eclectic and harmonious blend of Hip Hop, Soul, R & B and Reggae. Characterised by their individual sound, and grounded by the unique perspective and freshness of Enji’s vocal and lyrical content, Urband Soul defy characterisation, guided by one key word « groove ».

YouTube

Ujima DJs

In 1988 clubs, cafes and bars across the nation began tuning into a track that would help define the next 16 years of British dance music. 'Anyone (who had a heart)', a Bacharach and David cover, done in a style that used the lyrics but resembled little of the original, introduced 'Smith and Mighty' to the U.K. dance culture's consciousness. The tracks heavy synthesised dub bass, tight production, mid-tempo b-drum heavy and sharp snare beat, set off with piano, strings, a couple of well placed samples sat magnificently behind Jackie Jackson's sublime vocal. This track presented a new mix template for dance music which had been hinted at by the Wild Bunch's version of 'The Look of Love' the year before. The duo of Rob Smith and Ray Mighty perfected this style with their own unique vision as they went on to release another instant classic 'Walk on By' (again a Bacharach and David cover), produced a top ten single for Fresh Four (Wishing on a Star), produced Massive Attacks first single (Any Love) and a sublime album for Carlton (The Call is Strong) on London records who had pulled out the cheque book to sign the act.

Smith and Mighty continued to produce, remix and DJ across the world and worked on an album that would not see the light of day due to record company short-sightedness. During this time they worked with Neneh Cherry and Fine Young Cannibals amongst others before they left London in 1994. One 12" they did release before leaving London was the 'Steppers Delight EP', tracks on this anticipated the 'Jungle/Drum and Bass' scene and kept S&M's reputation riding high. After they left London they set up their own 'More Rockers' label and set the standards even higher with the 'Bass is Maternal' album. Rob and Ray then provided K7 with a DJ kicks album and signed to the German Label for a series of Smith and Mighty albums. With Rob and Peter D Rose also linking up in the drum and bass act More Rockers the 1990s were a hectic and busy period.

Rob Smith has now entered a new phase in his recording career and has released his debut 'solo' album on Manchester's Grand Central Records. 'Up on the Downs' has all the elements of classic Bristolian creativity. You can hear Rob's many influences from Punk and New-Wave, Reggae and dub to heart wrenching Soul. There are collaborations with a range of vocalists who provide gorgeous compliments to Smiths compositions. Smith has consistently championed the independent, DIY philosophy of punk and has always produced music that speaks to the emotions as well as the dance floor. He is presently writing a second album for Grand Central, DJing all over the world and continuing to produce music of the highest quality.

The Essential Smith and Mighty

Singer Songwriter Producer / Happiness Champion  / West Of England China Bureau Culture Ambassador

Makala Cheung is a music artist from Knowle West, Bristol, UK. Makala writes and produces Electronic Urban Pop with a Chinese twist. She’s released 3 albums; debut River (Bristol Live Magazine's album of the month, Chinese New Year 2014), and follow ups Moon and Empress launched at her own ‘far east meets west’ Mini Moon Festival (2015+17).

Her singles have featured on stations across the globe, and her radio play to date includes BBC 1Xtra and BBC Introducing in the West: “One ofour favourite maidens of the music scene,” Sam Bonham, BBC Introducing in the West. Makala has performed many headline and main stage slots including headlining the main stage at world famousBristol International Balloon Fiesta, with her live electronic band. Previous performances include Upfest, Shambala, Dot to Dot, Redfest, Brisfest, St Paul’s Carnival, Keynsham Festival and Bristol Harbourside Festival.

Cheung’s solo artist endeavour began in 2012, following a few years in a duo and featuring on local Hip-Hop and Grime tracks, before going on to learn to play keys and produce in the studio. Makala’s influences include; M.I.A, Aaliyah, The Spice Girls, Destiny’s Child, Banks, FKA Twigs, Lauryn Hill, Dizzee Rascal and Katy B. Referred to as reminiscent of Kate Bush, Madonna and ‘like a Chinese Lady Gaga’, Makala is also a Bristol Woman cover girl, one of Bristol’s Happiness Champions and a Culture Ambassador (West of England China Bureau).

“Amazing voice...diverse songwriting talents. Confirming that at least one modern-day musician is dedicated tocreating genuine art.” Robbie Tee, Jamsphere

“One of the most talented up and coming artists in Britain.” Steve Yabsley, BBC Radio Bristol

"A sliver of trip-hop, drum n bass, classical Chinese instrumentals, RnB, pop, electro ... fused by Cheung’s emotive vocals and just a slice of attitude. Full of ambition and self-assuredness.” Tom Osborne, The Flux

“She combines both traditional and electronic sounds to create some quite distinctive pop...Makala always makes sure her unique attitude shines through.” Loki Lillistone, Editor, Bristol Live Magazine

“Oriental and western music skilfully blended together. A powerful voice. Provocative, stunning.” yinyuetai.com

“Something special is happening here...If it’s raw talent or something different you’re after, let me assure you are in the right place!” DWF Media.

"A breath of fresh air...with a set that was entertaining, very professional and which captivated a large audience, to many of whom this would have been an unusual and very different experience." Ric Davison, Festival Organiser

Bandcamp

Photo credit: Marcus Way

Dr Meaker are one of the hottest Live UK Dance act right now.

They started their journey as a Bristol based sound system comprising of electronic and acoustic musicians. The band soon built up a strong following and quickly gained the attention of the BBC resulting in a play of their popular track ‘Rubber Gloves’ on Rob da Bank’s BBC Radio 1 show. Clive Meaker then successfully won funding from the BBC’s Urban Talent Bursary award scheme, which he used to fund the making of the bands debut album ‘A lesson from the Speaker’.

Following this funding triumph, Dr Meaker entered the Glastonbury Festival Unsigned Competition and were the outright winners of the Dance Music category. This gained them an interview with Huw Stevens on BBC Radio 1, a nod from the mighty Zane Lowe on his show and a prime time slot in the Dance village at Glastonbury Festival. The biggest achievement for the band, who are keen fans of the Glastonbury Festival, was to have Michael Eavis himself comment on how much he enjoyed the bands performance at Glastonbury.

“Fantastic!” – Michael Eavis 

After winning the prized Glastonbury slot a flurry of gigs and festivals followed as the band released their first single 'Moving And Grooving’.The song featured vocalist Lorna King and was mixed by Howie B at Miloco Studios, London. The track was released both on vinyl and digital.

The debut album 'A Lesson From The Speaker' and the single “Bad Boy Calling” (Flightcase Recordings) were both released on 17th November 2008. The album was distributed by Absolute Distribution, the subsidery of the Universal music group.

"Oozing quircky funk from every corner 4/5" - iDJ magazine

The album received critical acclaim and was played on many Radio stations including BBC Radio 1, 1XTRA, BBC6, XFM and Jazz Fm. Music from the album was also featured on several TV programmes including Skins (Channel 4) and Come Dine with me (Channel 4).

"A vibrant, promising debut" - Clash magazine

Dr Meaker remixed a track for  William Orbit  in early '09 for his Optical Illusions album. They remixed Mr Fogg’s Moving Parts and The King Blues single “Headbutt”. Dr Meaker was then asked back to the King Blues camp and co-produced “We are Fucking Angry” and “Futures”for their 2011 album “Punk & Poetry” and remixed their single “Set the World on fire”.

Releases and remixes then followed on:

Sludge Recordings, Ramajam Recordings, 3 beat (Preditah), Ministry Of Sound, Spinnin Records (Fox Stevenson), Sony (The Dealer) Exceptional Records (Submotion Orchestra), New State Music (Don't Think It's Love ft. Romaine Smith) and the legendary V Recordings (Music In the Night & Fighter) gaining the band BBC radio playlisting and gigs across the World.

The band were asked to play a BBC Maidavale live lounge session for Trevor Nelson and their cover of Adele's Skyfall was featured on the UK number 1 selling album 'BBC Live Lounge'.

The band followed this with a hugely successful single release on Circus Records in 2014 which then led to a full album record deal.  "Right Back ft. Sian Evans" took then band into the mainstream arena with BBC radio and commercial radio play listing and a UK top 40 dance hit.  'Right Back' was featured as Annie Mac's most played track on her BBC Radio 1 show.  The track is a firm favourite at Festivals throughout the UK.

A flurry of major record label offers and remixes flowed through 2014-2016 culminating in the release of the bands second studio Album entitled "Dirt & Soul", which was released in July 2016.  The album went straight to number 3 in the iTunes Electronic charts and was the number 1 selling Drum & Bass album in the World on it's release.  

The band have toured both the U.K and Europe with their infectious sound, mixing beautiful Soul vocals with heavy production and a raw energy that is extremely rare to find.  They have played many of the biggest and most prestigious festivals across europe including Glastonbury, Bestival, Isle Of Wight Festival (UK), Colours Of Ostrava (Czech Republic), Outlook Festival (Croatia) and the European Snowboarding Championships (Switzerland).  Their fanbase continues to grow and gig offers continue to roll in from across the World.  The band are set for huge success in 2018-19.

Dr Meaker have just won the "Best Live Act 2017" award at the Bristol Pride awards.

The band have a new album "Dirt & Soul - Collaborated" coming out in March 2018 on Circus Records.

Dirt & Soul.  Made In Bristol.

Queen V sculpts beautiful and powerful melodies around candid lyrics, creating songs that simply cannot be ignored. She shares the vegan message through both humour and sincerity, with one truth shining through: love is the way. Winner of VegFestUK FxEctive Factor 2018, you don't want to miss your chance to hear this fervent and gifted artist.

Singer/Lyricist, Songwriter, Musician & Producer

Ellis Aaron is a music artist from Bristol, UK. He grew up in a musical family, playing musical instruments, singing and listening to a wide range of genres from a young age. He began to fulfil his passion for music at the age of 16, when he started producing electronic music, before later adding acoustic instrumentation and his vocals to his compositions.

Since then, Ellis has officially embarked on his music journey as an independent artist, releasing music and performing around the country. He has performed as both a singer and supporting musician, at events such as The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in 2016, and has been involved in collaboration projects, including a cross national music project between Bristol and Rio, also in 2016. In August 2017, he released his first EP, ‘Focus’, before later releasing his next single, ’Me & You’, both of which have gained regular airplay on radio stations around the world.

Aligning mostly to the genre of soul, he continues to produce, vocal and perform his own tracks, with the aim of translating his interpretation and fondness for multiple genres. Ellis also performs spoken word.

Twitter

Facebook

Bandcamp

Soundcloud

With her voice described as caramel, warm, soothing and inspiring, singer/songwriter Vanessa Smith has graced the stages and floors of many community events and private celebratory functions.

Vanessa has a natural gift that has been schooled by her upbringing in the Pentecostal church. Her voice also lends to genres such as reggae and soul.

In 2011, by public vote, Vanessa became a regional semi- finalist in the Open Mic Uk competition. Vanessa will appear as one of the Sisters with Voices at St Georges in Bristol and In May will take to flight to perform at Titanic in Lisbon Portugal.

Priscilla Andersohn began singing a few years after she moved to London. Inspired by the talent and music scene around her in South East London, she joined Goldsmiths choir and merged effortlessly with the Trinity school of jazz musicians around her, forming her own jazz band. At the same time she also joined Bastion, an Afro, Synth, POP, Tec fusion band and began writing original music with them. Her style is an eclectic soulful weaving of inspirations she has collected from musical collaborations around the world and her passion for experimentation brings life to her endless explorations of how sound can unite us and can touch us deeply, sometimes communicating more to us than words ever could.

The individual members of the band draw upon a wide variety of influences such as Jazz, African influences, Folk, Nu Soul, Electronica, Funk, amongst others. Together they create an exciting yet authentic experience through the merging of their musical journeys and life experiences. With strong guitar riffs and powerful drum backing that melds effortlessly with the poignant yet heartfelt sound that Priscilla's silky soulful vocals naturally brings. You are left with an unforgettable experience and a sense of having become a part of an age old story: storytelling and unity through music.

Don Letts’ reputation has been firmly established in both the film and music world by a substantial body of work from the late 70's through the 80's, 90’s and well into the millennium. His work has been exhibited in The Kitchen N.Y.C, The Institute of Contemporary Art, The N.F.T in London and was honored at Brooklyn’s BAM festival and The Milan Film festival.  In March 2003 he won a Grammy for his documentary ‘Westway To The World’.

He came to notoriety in the late 70's as the DJ that single handedly turned a whole generation of punks onto reggae. It was whilst as a d.j at the first punk club 'The Roxy' in 1977, that Don adopted the punk D.I.Y ethic and begun to make his first film 'The Punk Rock Movie'. Shot on Super-8mm it is the only documentary on the U.K punk scene w/ Sex Pistols-The Clash and many others. This led to a period directing over 300 music videos for an eclectic mix of diverse artists ranging from Public Image to Bob Marley. He then moved into documentary work covering the likes of Gil Scot-Heron, The Jam, Sun Ra, George Clinton and most recently Paul McCartney. Dancehall Queen (co-directedby Rick Elgood) shot in location in Jamaica 1997 was his first feature film.

Don continues to D.J nationally and internationally playing strictly old and new school dub reggae. His set is in the spirit of his time as DJ at London’s legendary Roxy club back in ’77.

From the days of Punk Rock to present day Don has always been drawn towards musical projects. After d.j’ing at the Roxy and whilst directing videos for many other acts he created the band Basement Five, released a single with members of John Lydon’s P.I.L, managed the Slits and collaborated with members of Trouble Funk. He recently recorded a reggae version of the London Calling!

In the mid 80's he formed the group 'Big Audio Dynamite' with Mick Jones (ex-Clash). He went on to perform and co-write four albums with B.A.D achieving several hits on both sides of the Atlantic including the top ten hit E=Mc2. The band recently reformed for a world tour to sell out shows and critical acclaim.

In the early nineties Don left B.A.D to form ‘Screaming Target’ their debut performance at The Transmusical Festival in France received rave reviews. They released one critically acclaimed album  ‘Hometown Hi-Fi’’

Don d.j’s nationally and internationally, sets include Glastonbury – Bestival - Lovebox – The Big Chill – Stussy 25th Anniversary - Adidas –- Doctor Martins - Latitude - The Rough Trade 25th Anniversary - Lee Perry’s Meltdown –Rizzla -Island Records 50th anniversary - Massive Attack’s Meltdown – Vintage At Goodwood -  Womad and Festival No.6 to name a few. He was recently asked to d.j for both Arcade Fire’s soid out London gigs at The Roundhouse.

Interview with Mikee Freedom

So – Mikee – Ashton Gate – 2nd home, no?

Home From Home Yes I am City through & through

You must have been hoping for ‘I Wanna Give you Promotion’ this season…

I have a T-shirt & a Flyer made by fellow City fans with that on lol

What was it like beating Man U? Incredible atmosphere….

Best day of the season & prob one of the best days to witness City at their best

Moving on – Vegfest! Looking forward to it?

Very much so I've been in this music game a long time & to get recognition now means everything thanks to Chris Cross & Tim.

Veggie burgers in your fridge?

I just started my diet so who knows I know I have to start eating healthy & plenty of exercise.

It’s got a real Bristol feel about it this year, what with Smith and Mighty, Dr. Meaker, and all the local Ujima acts…

Exactly the way it should be – I wish more big promoters would put Bristol acts DJ’s first.

Fave Bristol act ever? (yourself excluded mind…)

Smith & Mighty

And fave City player ever…?

Scott Murray Legend

Message to City fans for Vegfest

Enjoy the weekend come support me and my sound on Sunday & Always Believe