I saw a documentary about this special effects dude from Hollywood who specialised in synthetic head and body replicas that are used when actors or actresses get blown up. He got some requests to build these dolls for certain individuals’ personal use! His company was born and the name he gave his creations was ‘the real doll’. Initially, I just wrote a song on the subject but as I thought more about how we were planning to mould ourselves into a super group it struck me that the name would be perfect for this new collective.

How did the band form? How did you all meet each other?

The band that now stands together has taken a little while to form as a solid group. The very first incarnation of the group came out of some drunken jam sessions between Ricky X, Peter Parker and me. We wrote some songs and performed one legendary gig but Parker wasn’t able to commit to us due to his full time job rocking the world as Fingathing. In the meantime, I was asked to contribute some vocal ‘majic’ on a project an old friend was producing. This friend was also then working with Real Dave. One thing led to another and Dave joined the Dolls. Running in tandem to all of this was mine and Ricky X’s project RICKENROD. RICKENROD had a dancer named Yoshi, who lived with us, and we asked her to join the ever growing collective that is The Real Dolls. We played around Manchester for a year or so and built up an envied live reputation. Parker saw one of our shows and wanted to rejoin. We then tried to get some management, and after a couple of misguided attempts found our Joan of Arc – Switchflicker Records. Switchflicker introduced us to Zoe Hooker, who was our final piece in the puzzle. Although we don’t work fulltime with Ricky X anymore, he still contributes to The Real Dolls sound.

The band has a very distinctive musical style, what would you say has influenced your music?
The influences to our sound spread far and wide! It’s hard to pin point one overall influence but the sounds we listen to do tend to come more from the harder side of music. Hip Hop has evolved in so many ways and influenced so many genres and I think what we do is possibly most influenced by Hip Hop. We try to include different song structures and textures within our sound. I think you can hear Hip Hop, punk, J-Pop, electro and new wave heavy metal in our sound.

Would you say you were heavily influenced by Japan?
We’ve always been influenced by what’s happening in japan like cartoons, manga and anime, and the music like J-Pop that comes with it. Check out our Electro Tsunami video starring YOSHI doing her ParaPara moves which is a Japanese teen equivalent of line dancing with its musical counterpart being J pop . Since being introduced to this crazed phenomenon we have developed an unhealthy fascination with it . Check out the night on fire vid by Hinoi Team with KIROKKI   .. its astonishing ! Big UP Yoshi do your dance .If we’re some mutated Public enemy then Yosh is our Flavour Flav .. believe the HYPE !!!


Could you describe the music-making process? Taking debut single ‘Trophy’ as an example, how was the song put together?

The making of the very first version of ‘Trophy’ is in fact the making of our band. In that instance Peter Parker had made the beat for me to write the verses and the hook to. I then went and recorded the vocals with Dave and then we all arranged and perfected it together. However, the method is not always the same.

There is a wide array of music on offer in Manchester, what makes The Real Dolls standout?
I think what makes us stand apart is that we actually make use of this variety and involve it in our sound. There are no other bands in Manchester, or in fact the rest of the country, who can put so many styles together and still maintain such a cohesive sound and performance. Manchester is steeped in musical heritage and nostalgia so when a new band emerges it should sound fresh, like no other Manchester band that has gone before it, and that’s The Real Dolls. We’re a band of individuals who combined their own styles to create a new kooky pop sound.

What can people expect at a Real Dolls show?

You should expect to have a great time! We often get referred to as a party band, which is fine by us. We take what we do very seriously and we are very serious about having a good time and making people have a good time too.

What are your opinions of the current UK music scene?

I think it’s never been better; the club scene is huge and I think we have some of the most interesting DJ line-ups ever. However, I think it’s a little pointless to talk about a UK scene in general nowadays, especially with electronic music, as most people enjoy their music through the net. The Internet has brought us all into one huge scene where there is a huge amount of choice and quality.

How do you think The Real Dolls fit into the UK music scene?

I think we fit perfectly. We might be the outfit you weren’t too sure would suit you but once you tried it on you looked and felt like a radiant swan!

Do you think 2010 will be The Real Dolls’ year? What upcoming events are you excited about?

2010 is sooo our year! We are releasing our debut single ‘Trophy’ featuring MIA collaborator, Afrikan boy, and the fantastic artwork of ME AND MY PEN on Switchflicker Records in April. We are also dropping a free mix tape packed full of animalistic bangers, featuring some brand new freestyles from myself. Apart from that we have our monthly ‘PRONK’ parties at ‘The Deaf Institute’ and around town.

Debut single ‘Trophy’, featuring Afrikan Boy, is released in early 2010, how would you describe the song?

‘Trophy’ is Hip Hop club swagger it’s a dark electronic Hip Hop tune which mocks the notion of the flashy 21st century playa and his accessory model girlfriend.
“ You’re my trophy girl, come stand close to me”. Bringing home the final verse is Afrikan Boy, M.I.A collaborator and genius MC, going hard and putting down some serious fire. ‘Trophy’ is already proving a force to be reckoned with, regularly taking over the dance floor at the Dolls’ Manchester club night ‘PRONK!’

What is your biggest ambition for The Real Dolls?

To take over the planet.

Describe The Real Dolls in three words?

DAMN GOOD MUSIC

Rod Hotly

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Check out our Electro Tsunami video starring YOSHI doing her ParaPara moves which is a Japanese teen equivalent of line dancing with its musical counterpart being J pop . Since being introduced to this crazed phenomenon we have developed an unhealthy fascination with it . Check out the night on fire vid by Hinoi Team with KIROKKI   .. its astonishing ! Big UP Yoshi do your dance .If we’re some mutated Public enemy then Yosh is our Flavour Flav .. believe the HYPE !!!

Club Brenda montage

We put this montage of Club Brenda together for the Best of Manchester Awards at Urbis 09, which was selected by Peter Saville among others. The Sound track is an extended version of Electro Tsunami

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Beat heavy music with no boundaries for the DANCEFLOOR
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The music policy is strict all DJs have to destroy the dance floor. That is get to get totally Pronk!

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Expect GOOD music expect a GOOD time expect to get PRONK !
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SATURDAY 20TH FEBRUARY 2010
11:00 till 3:30 at the Deaf Institute, Manchester
FIVER

MIXES: http://www.soundcloud.com/swalf
WEB: http://www.switchflicker.com
TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/switchflicker

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It’s 2010 and time to Get your PRONK! on

Next in the Chris Drury dead icon series is Buddy Holly.

Beat heavy music with no boundaries for the dancefloor.

Resident DJ’s Peter Parker aka Parkertron, Jayne Compton, the ‘No fakin’ boys will be on hand to test each monthly guest, as to just how Pronk they can get?

The music policy is strict all DJs have to destroy the dance floor. That is get to get totally Pronk!

Expect GOOD music expect a GOOD time expect to get PRONK !

The Deaf Institute
135 Grosvenor Street
Manchester
M1 7HE
T: 0161 276 9350

PRONK! The last Saturday of every month.

Price £5 / £4 NUS. Doors: 11.30-3.30am

Check out the pronk! mixtapes below

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Join us at KRAAK for a night of festive flesh, mayhem and merry-making.

Seasonal soundtrack supplied by Club Brenda, PRONK! & Switchflicker DJ’s

Since 2009 was a year of hit after hit for Switchflicker and Brenda launched a book we have made the party FREE!

Just bring yourself, some tinsel and plenty of party snacks.

From 9 onwards

If the door is locked phone Lou on 07958050730

Copies of the Brenda book will be available to buy. (Also available in Magma, Piccadilly Records and the Urbis Book Shop)

Friday 18th December

Kraak Gallery

2nd Floor

11 Stevenson Square (behind Hula Bar),

Manchester, M1 1DB

From Café Pop, Oldham Street turn right onto Stevenson square walk past the Koffee Pot, cross over Lever St and you will see the yellow coloured Hula Bar, walk down the adjacent alley – Full directions here

http://kraak.co.uk/?page_id=30

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Club Brenda Book Launch; STRANGE TREES

Having first begun in 1999 as an ‘avant-garde’ performance night at Manchester’s Star and Garter, Club Brenda is fast approaching a decade of subversive art thrills. Presenting the city with diverse performance and music, the innovative club night remains loyally attuned to the sounds of the Manchester DIY underground, from emerging bands and musicians, to a network of artists, photographers, film-makers, designers and poets.

‘Imagine what a club would be like if it combined bands, performance art and a deliberately eclectic music policy…if it reached out to everyone: gay, straight, black, blue; but in particular, welcomed life’s uglier ducklings – the outsiders, the strange ones…’

To mark this occasion we are launching the limited edition Brenda book, Strange Trees, which moves through the history of club Brenda, using a series of classic narratives to form a dark urban fairytale, alongside a series of commissioned photography and artwork.
Instead of Jack and the Giant, we have Dirty Honky, turning vaudeville tricks for magic beans. Savage Wolf prowls through the ever-changing forest but isn’t quite the predator we expect, and the same goes for Holly Gore, who some like to call the witch… in the strange forest of Club Brenda, no one remains what they were…

Limited edition prints and posters from acclaimed artists including Rachel Goodyear will be available to buy on the night, along with copies of Strange Trees.
Also, exclusively to the launch, limited edition paintings will be for sale from leading Northwest artist and Strange Trees contributor David Hoyle, perfect for Christmas presents.
Music will be provided by DJs and bands on the Switchflicker Records label.

The book comes with a CD featuring tracks from The Sisters of Transistors, David Thomas Broughton, Magic Arm, Real Dolls, Egyptian Hip Hop, Paddy Steer and Peter Parker.

Artists work included in the book are acclaimed northwest artist Rachel Goodyear, David Hoyle, Andrew Brooks, Daren Newman, Chris Drury, Savage Wolf and Alexis Milne.

Strange Trees, is a collaboration between visual artist, Rachel Goodyear, shortlisted for this year’s Northern Art Prize and music promoter / producer, Jayne Compton winner of the Best of Manchester 09 at Urbis.

The launch will take place at Urbis, Manchester’s contemporary exhibition space in Cathedral Gardens, on Tuesday 1st December 2009 from 7:30pm – 10:00pm.

For more information please visit:
www.switchflicker.com
www.urbis.org.uk

Urbis
Cathedral Gardens
Manchester
M4 3BG
0161 605 8200
Email: info@urbis.org.uk

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SATURDAY 28 NOV

SISTERS OF TRANSISTORS (LIVE) ALBUM LAUNCH (on stage 10.30pm)
Support Paddy Steer

Sisters Of Transistors are pleased to announce their debut album

SISTERS OF TRANSISTORS AT THE FERRANTI INSTITUTE

followed by PRONK!
A party-minded mixture of musical styles ranging from Baltimore Bass and grimey Hip Hop through to Dancehall and dirty old Rock n Roll…the secret is in the mix.

The music policy is strict all DJs have to destroy the dance floor. That is get to get totally Pronk!

We have invited DJ Woody aka crowhead (Friends and Family) to come to the fore. With his debut LP about to drop on ATIC records he will be eager to please. Playing alongside NO FAKIN’ Chibuku & Resident DJ’s Peter Parker aka Fingathing

This month’s artwork comes courtesy of Savage Wolf, visuals by Kid Jenson.

Expect GOOD music expect a GOOD time expect to get PRONK !

Saturday 28th Nov
The Deaf Institute
135 Grosvenor Street
Manchester
M1 7HE
T: 0161 276 9350

Price £5 / £4 NUS. Doors: 9 til late

For free mix tapes and downloads visit

http://www.switchflicker.com/pronk

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2. Pronk!
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PRONK delivers a party-minded mixture of musical styles ranging from Baltimore Bass and grimey Hip Hop through to Dancehall and dirty old Rock n Roll… the secret is in the mix.

The music policy is strict all DJs have to destroy the dance floor. That is get to get totally Pronk!

Resident DJ’s Peter Parker aka Parkertron, Jayne Compton, the ‘No fakin’ boys and Manchester’s freshest upstarts the Murkage Cartel will be on hand to test each monthly guest, as to just how Pronk they can get?

Hosted by the Real Dolls, Rod Hotly and Yoshi who will be performing exclusive Real Dolls material live on stage.

This month’s artwork comes courtesy of Mr Chris Drury.

FANCY DRESS PLEASE

Expect GOOD music expect a GOOD time expect to get PRONK !

The Deaf Institute
135 Grosvenor Street
Manchester
M1 7HE
T: 0161 276 9350

PRONK! The last Saturday of every month.

Price £5 / £4 NUS. Doors: 11.30-3.30am

Peter Parker RealDolls Mixtapes by swalf

.

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PRONK is a brand new event to be held at the Deaf Institute on the last Saturday of every month. The music policy is strict; all DJs have to destroy the dance floor. That is, to get totally Pronk !

The magic PRONK ingredient can be found in many styles of music ranging from Baltimore bass and grimey hip hop through to dance hall and dirty old rock n roll…the secret is in the mix.

Resident DJ’s Peter Parker aka Parkertron, the ‘No fakin’ boys and Manchester’s freshest upstarts the Murkage Cartel will be on hand to test each monthly guest, as to just how Pronk they can get?

First off we have invited DJ Woody aka crowhead (Friends and Family) to come to the fore. With his debut LP about to drop on ATIC records he will be eager to please.

Each month will also showcase the talents of a different artist who will design a new logo and flyer for the night. They will have their work included in the backing visuals projected on stage first up is ME AND MY PEN mr Daren Newman putting his take on how Pronk should look. Each event will have sporadic hosting from real dolls own Rod Hotly and Yoshi who will also perform exclusive material live on stage.

Expect GOOD music expect a GOOD time expect to get PRONK !

The Deaf Institute
135 Grosvenor Street
Manchester
M1 7HE
T: 0161 276 9350

Saturday 26th September
Price £5 Doors: 10.30-3.30am

Peter Parker RealDolls Mixtapes by swalf

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Best of Manchester Awards winners at Urbis

250 entries, a judging panel of 24 key industry figureheads lead by Peter Saville and an awards ceremony with 400 guests, we are finally proud to announce the winners of the 2009 best of Manchester awards….

Joint winner of Music

Jayne Compton has been at the helm of Club Brenda for over a decade. This innovative, underground club night blends music, art, poetry and performance and is a platform for artists such as the performance poet, Chloe Poems and Grand Central vocalist, Veba. The success of Club Brenda inspired Jayne to set up Switchflicker Records, which was responsible for launching the Ting Tings’ stellar career (through the release of the hit single, That’s Not My Name). Switchflicker is currently home to folktronica favourites, Magic Arm. Jayne’s dedication to music and art drew particular praise from the judges, as did her upcoming Arts Council book, Strange Trees, a joint project with the artist Rachel Goodyear (also one of this year’s art nominees).

The exhibition runs from 23 July – 20th Sept at Urbis, Manchester

http://www.urbis.org.uk

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