Tales From A Disappearing City - Episode 14 - special guest - Brandon Spivey - Part 2

Подробнее о видео

In Episode 14, the second part of my conversation with Brandon Spivey, an old friend and cultural provocateur, we delve into his experiences traveling to Europe in the mid-1980s. During this time, he actively participated in several riots in Berlin as a member of the Black Bloc—an anarchist organization committed to confronting governments and the banking system through direct action. Our discussion extends to his discovery of Dada art, particularly his appreciation for the works of George Grosz.

Returning to London, we explore Brandon's visits to the 121 Centre in Brixton, along with various squatted venues and spaces. Throughout these encounters, he shares stories of culturally and politically significant individuals who left a lasting impact on him. Wrapping up our conversation, we touch upon his introduction to the harder techno scene in the 1990s. We also delve into the parties and clubs that influenced his early foray into music production, ultimately leading to his releases on underground techno labels.

Brandon has been prolific in releasing a diverse array of hard, uncompromising, and weird electronic records since 1993, drawing inspiration from his deep appreciation for acid house and Detroit techno. His aliases encompass A.C.A.B., Agro, Collective Strength, Evo, among others.



Recently, Brandon has directed and produced a feature-length documentary titled "Crass: The Sound of Free Speech (The Story of Reality Asylum)," currently being screened at venues across the UK and Europe. Made with the blessing of Crass members, the film delves into 1970s Britain, exploring the genesis of punk and the establishment of Crass. It provides a comprehensive examination of their art, music, and ethos, highlighting their profound social and political impact.

I asked Brandon to write a short description to describe himself and it is reproduced below

"Brandon Spivey is 56. Has a love of life, music , art and rebellion.
He has lived in a number of countries. Enjoyed many riots.
Hospitalised a number of authoritarian undesirables.
Written 'No Comment, The Defendants Guide to Arrest' .
He gave up drink and drugs in 1989 to focus on being a c#nt.
He has interest in all aspects of working class art, music and culture.

In summary:
Electronic music producer, Film Maker, Building worker and Trouble maker.
Interested in Musicology and Dadaist art.
A proud advocate of free speech and a supporter of peoples right to attack their oppressors.
He mocks identity politics bullshit and is proudly anarchist and a born anti authoritarian."

Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and throughout Europe and beyond and has an eclectic and seriously deep collection of music built up over time that reflects an appreciation of all elements of the London groove. Neil currently runs Presence Unknown, a vinyl and digital label dedicated to releasing music influenced by his love of Electro, Acid House and Rave. He also does a monthly show on Threads radio where his aim as always is to play you some amazing music that you have never heard before.



youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness