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Published: February 5th 2009
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Oh what a night...
So I found out a wk before Thurs 22nd Jan that Ugly Duckling were dropping into London. I was super pumped as it had been yrs since I last saw them (with Lains @ Revolver, Melb). I read about the venue, Scala, which sounded wicked. Only problem was I didn't really know anyone here into hip hop, well apart from my friend Mark, who was umming and ahhhring about it. He ended up saying he'd come, so I bought two tix.
On Thurs night about an hour b4 I was leaving to meet him, he called to say he had to bail. I was kinda shattered, and started calling around to recruit people. But no luck. Well I wasn't missing it so off I went on my own. It's really not the same on your own, but I had a feeling I'd meet some cool crew, and knew it'd be a wicked fun night!
The venue was awesome, reminded me of the Prince in Melb (my fave gig spot). Not the layout, but the intimacy of it. There were a few people milling around. An MC came out to introduce the first act Jimmy Screech. He
asked people to move down the front but not many budged. I was one of the first down there. There was only about 20 of us. Lame! Anyways Jimmy was great, he was a mix of reggae/hip hop and dancehall. I felt kinda sorry for him though cos no-one really got into it, shame.
There was a dj spinning (sorry forgotten his name) sic beats in between!
Then it was Imperial Leisure (I actually had no idea anyone else was playing) they were an 8 piece (maybe more) band and were amazing. So entertaining, such great mix of music. (Reminded me a bit of The Cat Empire, not the style of music, well maybe a lil, but the energy and good vibes they gave off), the lead singer was jumping all over the place, a few of them jumped into the crowd... such entertainers! Oh and the lead sang to me a few times, then jumped off stage to have a dance with me, I felt very special 😊 Much respect boys!
Then it was time for UGLY DUCKLING...
they really are the coolest dudes. Andy C is such an unexpected rapper, the way he dressers and his tall
lankiness, he's just so layed back and easy-going. Dizzy on the other hand has more of a gangster look 😊 and Young Einstein is a mix master without doubt! They played all their best tunes and more. Love their new stuff too. They also chucked in some Beastie beats with their own lyrics, funny stuff! They got a dude up to do some freestylin', I thought he was awesome, so brave too.
Then they wanted a girl up there, Dizzy reached out to a girl and she back up... I said "I'll go!" And b4 I could think anymore about it I was up on stage. Wow, what a trip. I was shacking, "what the fuck am I doing up here" I was thinking, all these faces were looking up at me, bright lights in my eyes, it felt like a dream. Andy pulled me aside and tried a pick up line on me, then Dizzy was like "nah nah nah, that's not how you treat a lady", he got everyone to be quiet and he pulled a pick up line on me, (something like "do you work for Royal Mail?" me: "No I'm a teacher" Dizzy: "Oh, cos
I coulda sworn you were checking out my package"... ha ha ha). This went on until they broke into their song Pick Up Line, which they sang to me and adapted some of the lyrics. Was halarious. I danced and played along with it as best I could. WOW, it was CRAAAZZZZZY!!! Such an amazing feeling!
After the gig it was like I was famous. "Annnnna!!" "You rock... you're so brave... you were awesome... you did such a good job"... I felt on top of the world.
I chatted to Dizzy and Andy afterwards and they both thanked me for getting up and said I did a really good job, and they know how scary it can be. HELL YEAH it was!!
Then kicked on to The Big Chill Bar with Tim and Konrad (who I met after the gig when we were getting pics with the guys. We started chatting and clicked instantly. Had such a fun time with you boys! YAY, I have gig buddies now!!) and chatted a lil more to IL, and UD.
WHAT AN INCREDIBLE NIGHT! One I will never forget!!
Thank-you IL and UD for such an unforgettable experience!!
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