London Riots update:Pias UK offices set a light!

Dozens of indie labels have had stock destroyed in a huge warehouse fire in Enfield, north London, during a third night of riots in the city. The warehouse, operated by Sony and used by distributor PIAS UK, was completely gutted with the loss of records and CDs by acts on labels including Domino, Rough Trade, Warp, XL/Beggars, Big Dada, Ninja Tune, Mute, FatCat, One Little Indian, Rock Action, Thrill Jockey and many, many more.

PIAS released the following statement this afternoon:

There was a fire last night at the SonyDADC warehouse which services the physical distribution for PIAS in the UK and Ireland. PIAS is working closely with SonyDADC who are implementing their emergency plans. PIAS’s UK + Ireland offices and all other areas of our business are unaffected.

Charlotte Hatherly returns to Ash!

Former guitarist Charlotte Hatherley is set to return to Ash, five years after her exit. Hatherley will be replacing departing guest guitarist, Russell Lissack, who is set to return to Bloc Party after the end of their hiatus.

Ok, so now that's outta the way...

I went to the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh at the weekend, I'm still surprised by the number of people that don't know what it is, but seeing as you're here, you'll have seen the previous post about it, and are full of knowledge, so you're safe!

Some people I would recommend you see if you're over that way:

Foil Arms and Hog Comedy Doesn't Pay (Fringe link) - Dubliners Sean Finegan, Conor Mc Kenna and Sean Flanagan. Sold out everywhere they go, this 3 piece sketch group combine bizarre acting with superb writing to display some of the finest comedy seen in these parts.

Keeping with the Irish theme, I'd recommend Catherine Brogan - Poetry Hitch (Fringe Link), as part of the Free Fringe (yes it's FREE!). Poetry Hitch will give a flavour of what it’s like to be a hitch-hiker, joining in on all the highs and lows of this low impact, low cost form of transport. How can the arts and poetry survive in these uncertain economic time?

Relaxed and improvisatory, Andrew Bird (Fringe Link) is one of those rare comedians who makes friends with his audiences in an instant. Childlike, witty and incredibly perceptive, ' If the ‘mates chatting down the pub’ style of conversational comedy is your bag, you can’t go far wrong with Andrew Bird.' - Chortle

This is getting great reviews: Bryony Kimmings - 7 Day Drunk (Fringe Link) Bryony Kimmings has always had a rocky relationship with alcohol. It seems that drinking is intrinsically linked to her confidence and self worth as an artist and is to blame for some of her most genius as well as her most hideous creations. She puts her liver to the test as she explores the effects of alcohol on creativity in her latest show.

Hairy Feet (Bunty and Bodkins) - as part of the Free Fringe. The tallest twin comedy double act, in Birmingham, combine songs, sketches, long legs and Danny Devito impressions to deliver unadulterated silliness and wild energy bizarreness. Fans of Vic and Bob will love this, come join the world of hairy feet

For those not in the know...

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world and takes place every August for three weeks in Scotland’s capital city.

Every year thousands of performers take to a multitude of stages all over Edinburgh to present shows for every taste. From big names in the world of entertainment to unknown artists looking to build their careers, the festival caters for everyone and includes theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, musicals, operas, music, exhibitions and events.

Some kiwi talent

Kimbra, born and bred in Hamilton, New Zealand has been writing a fusion of jazz and soul for over 5 years. Kimbras musical style harbours "smoky soul, flights of dazzling invention and intricate layers of deeply felt emotion". Comparisons have been drawn with Nina Simone, Amy Winehouse and Björk. Her songs are heavily thematic and laced with "quirky" jazz chords. Kimbra's music pertains beyond the "four chord cliché but still maintains strong hooks and catchy melodies that are sometimes unpredictable but satisfying"

Kimbra’s first success was in 2004, recieving Second place in the Smokefree Rockquest along with Best Vocals and Womens Musicianship (gaining $7000 in total from the competition raising artists like Brooke Fraser, Bic Runga and Anika Moa).

Kimbra's debut album 'Vows' is due for release on September 2, 2011 in Australia and New Zealand on Warner Bros Records.

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