STOP PRESS!!! A new night has started (well new-ish; it’s already been going for about 6 months but I just heard about it last month, so it’s new to me, and therefore, new to you!!) and it’s called CHEMISTRY! They run a music showcase type night every first Thursday of the month and have been featuring some top up and coming soul/funk/gospel artists. And boy oh boy is the talent fresh and , well, talented!!
Forget your Pop Idols and your X-factors! If you wanna see REAL and ORIGINAL talent playing REAL and ORIGINAL music with REAL and ORIGINAL musicians and their instruments, then strut on down to The South Side Bar on Brixton Hill in Brixton, London, grab yourself a can from the drink machine or a beer from the bar and enjoy the fresh talent!!

You may be forgiven for thinking this place is just some cosy bar away from the main hustle and bustle of Brixton, but take a closer look and you’ll find at the back of the venue some doors that open into a whole new room with a stage and lights, where the Chemistry crew dedicate their allocated date to their musicians. Brain child of master producer, songwriter and musician Gavin Holligan, Chemistry was originally a night to showcase the roster of artists he’s been working with and producing for, as well as a chance to perform his own songs to a live audience. Whilst considering himself more of a ‘Kanye West’ kind of an artist as opposed to an all singing all dancing type affair (though he does play a mean piano!), nevertheless Gavin wanted to create an opportunity to get a proper following for his work as well as the other artists. One particular artist called Alex Holland recently left the night as one of the resident artists, though certainly not under a dark cloud or with a sour taste in his mouth. “I wanted to give the audience a break from hearing the same material that I’ve been playing for some time now. I also wanted to give myself a break, get back to the drawing board and get some fresh new material up and running as well as concentrate on some more recording.”

Alex is a refreshing soulful artist who’s upbeat material will put a smile on your face and leave you screaming for more!
Other artists still playing there include the fantastic ‘Basics’, ‘Dominic’ - someone who’s been working with Gavin for a while now, and of course Gavin Holligan. Each month they feature a new headline artist, so be sure to catch them in February!