Peter Howard the Shark interviews Ben Van Rensburg

How are you this morning? Ben thank you for taking the time to talk to us , Could you tell us something about the building we are in right now?

I'm alright thanks shag, a little tired as it was so hot last night and i found it hard to sleep. You mean the abattoir? Yeah its a shame its the only place we could get on such short notice for this interview but if you dont mind the stench of slaughtered meat and the cries of dying animals then you're a bit of a nobber..as i do mind it and ive got my eyes closed. Those fucking T-Bones look nice though.

They do look delicious do you have a celebrity Crush?

(Ben sighs and rolls his eyes at me) Yes..i think we all know who that's on!

Is there anything in the rumours about you and Lisa Scott Lee, you were pictured at the Gourmet Burger Bar in Londons trendy west end.

(He looks me straight in the eyes, I can sense animosity) Lisa and I are good friends, she is such a talented musician and the fulcrum of the pioneers known as Steps. I am in awe of her and so felt it neccessary to buy her a delicious meat sandwiched between two rye baps of the highest quality. Do you have any questions regarding the actual event I am promoting?

Er of course sorry, what do you look for when you are booking a band/artist for this event?

They've got to be very sexy and ultimately talented and a bit different/unique. We're trying to stay away from the middle-of-the-road garbage that you may be unfortunate enough to hear on heart radio every day. We just want bands that rock and can play with the best of them!

What is your stance?

full blooded lunge mate

Where do you stand on the Conservative Budget?

I'm all over it like hot grease

Fantastic. When organising this event for the very first time in 2006, did you ever think it would be as successful as it was? And what do you think made it that successful?

No to be honest as it was just supposed to be a one off event in memory of my sister and to raise money for proper charities. The fact that it was so succesful gave us no choice, we just had to make it an annual event! It was a great opportunity for kids to get together and listen to some blistering music from the most talented, relative unknowns in the local area. It was raw and bare bones and had a party feel to it while at the same time giving young and upcoming artists a chance to perform on stage, push mixtapes, demo's etc.THAT is what i think made it such a success and why we are currently witnessing a decline with regards to the other event.

Excellent answer thank you. What is your favourite cheese and why?

Red leicester, because its as good as cheddar but basically, its red/orange.

Oh yes I can certainly agree with that, w

hat is significant about the Date and Venue for this years Twang in the Pu

b?

The venue is significant because it is the original venue which first hosted this magnificent event..the date is completely coincidental and people always look aghast when i tell them the date. Ha. Aghast. Agoose. A female goose.

(I chuckle heartlessly) just a couple more,

where did you get that!?

I downloaded it off z.share without paying i hasten to add suckers!!

Hrmm yes. I hear you and Cheese are recording a new album together, great to hear you guys back in the studio after all these years, Especially after the bovine incident. When is the album due for release and have you got a name for it yet?

We are recording a mixtape yes..it will be called the kingsley park mixtape volume 2 ( a follow up to the original kingsley park mixtape) that was solely Cheese involved with the bovine incident, not me, I came later and found him.

It was a terrible affair for all involved. If you had to sum up twang in the pub in half a word what would it be?

Fuc

Lastly if you could, would you?

Nah..even if i was tall enough

No i dont think i would either, far too messy. Well id like to thank you once again its been wonderful speaking to you. Thank you Ben Van Rensburg

Ben will be signing copies of his autobiography "The Boy in the Sandpit" and his most recent novel "The Pedestrians Finger" at Waterstones in Darlington, York, Pontefract, Worksop, Lincoln, Mansfield, Loughborough, Nuneaton, Daventry and Finally Leighton Buzzard.

DEAD NIXONS

I am as proud as a house rabbit to announce the amazing Dead Nixons. If you like Modest Mouse with a dark overtone, a hint of The Pixies drizzled with some sexual tension, a light smattering of Jonny Cash and blind madness smeared on top, then this is the band for you. Nick, James, Tim and Dave all of whom are musical prodigies in their on right, but when they join together, my god its like when Power Rangers morph into Zords. Check out there myspace to hear a few of their tracks.

http://www.myspace.com/thedeadnixons

SCARLET SOHO Announced as this year's Twang in the Pub HEADLINER

SCARLET SOHO

Drum roll please!...Actually scrap that, throw in some synths and 80's nostalgia!


The team behind Twang in the Pub are absolutely delighted and erotically charged to announce Scarlet Soho as this year's headlining act.

Scarlet Soho is the brainchild of vocalist James Knights and synth sidekick Scarlet, with the live set-up completed by Stuart Key. The band are fresh off the road from shows with the likes of Delays, IAMX and Razorlight, and armed with their new single 'Speak Your Mind' and second album 'Warpaint', continue to headline dates across the UK and Europe.

Twang has gained a bit of a reputation for bringing you the best acts, for example Le Chat Noir and Sub Rosa in recent years, but this is a truly mouth-watering and exciting prospect. Bringing their exciting and fresh sound to venues all around Europe, the critics are also voicing their appreciation.

“[Divisions Of Decency] is edgy, frantic, powerful stuff, which manages to be incredibly self-aware without sinking into hideous self-parody and which packs tunes and punch aplenty.” Drowned In Sound

"Scarlet Soho are the benchmark for electro bands and they've maintained a impossibly high standard with their new album Warpaint.
There's a mix of stomping pure electro, some indie-edged sentimental moments and some chunky bass-led songs and the ten tracks simply fly by in an awesome charge of top quality song writing.
If you enjoy playing electro, this is the band to beat. If you enjoy listening to it - this is the band to buy" - the mag

Possibly the most exciting band to play Whitchurch in quite some time since Iron Maiden in 1987 (lie) the fusion of new-romanticism, indie, 80's electro, rock/pop is enough to blow even the largest and most stable of minds and they will be sure to put on a storming set at The Kings Arms on September 11th so make sure you're there to get on the dancefloor!

Be sure to check out Scarlet Soho's latest single 'Speak your Mind' taken from the album 'Warpaint' below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4seBDG7X7EU

You can also check Scarlet Soho out at www.myspace.com/scarletsohouk

All pretty exciting isn't it? Stay tuned for more details, announcements and interviews right here!

Acoustic songstress Talicza Stevens added to the lineup!

TALICZA STEVENS

Twang is all about talent and just bloody great music, so we are delighted to announce the addition of acoustic singer/songwriter Talicza Stevens to this year's Twang in the Pub.

Talicza Stevens is an acoustic singer songwriter from the South of England, she picked up her first guitar at the tender age of 13 and has never looked back.

With musical influences such as Joni Mitchell and Damien Rice, her music has a bittersweet, haunting sound and is reminiscent of her folk begginings.
Starting out in local venues playing open mics, the sights have now been set for further afield. Since the recruitment of the violinist Tess to her act, Talicza's sound has become ever opulent and entrancing.

Her debut E.P ''Owls and Nightingales'' is currently under construction, and has an eclectic mix of tracks from the heartbreaking vocals of ''seasons'' to the bouncy honesty of ''My old typewriter''.

In her own words: ''I'm just a girl with a guitar who tries to write songs about things that happen to her and the people she knows...I hope you like it..and i'm sure we bloody well will!

check her out at http://www.myspace.com/taliczastevensmusic

First Act Announced - Essex's finest rapstar REN SF

REN SF

The Twang team are delighted to announce the first of several acts set to appear at this year's Twang in the Pub.

First to be officially confirmed (although not the last because that would be pretty shit) is a young rapper from Essex who goes by the name of Ren SF.

Currently being hounded by Radio One for their 'introducing' feature, the artist also known as the 'Seaside Celebrity' will be jogging down from Clacton (or more likely catching a train) and dropping his hip hop gems on the crowd on September 11th.

Showcasing an array of talent, he brings original material and also his own versions of pop/dancefloor classics (Lady Gaga - Telephone for example) to the plate and will not battle you..no matter how much of a potential Eminem you think you are after you've had a few drinks..he's too good for that!

The First announcement of many, keep checking back my pretties.

ON THIS DAY ....

This Year's very special Twang in the Pub takes place at The Kings Arms in Whitchurch on September 11th. Here we look back at some other famous events which have occured on this date throughout history.


SEPTEMBER 11TH 2007
The Russians test their Aviation Thermobaric Bomb of Increased Power - more colloquially known as the FOAB (Father of all bombs). The most powerful non-nuclear device was successfully field tested in the late evening of September 11th, 2007. Boasting a blast yield equivalent to 44 tonnes of TNT, the Russians say it is compareable to a small nuclear weapon but does not pollute the environment outside of the blast radius.



SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2001
Among some of the most iconic and horrifying images in living memory, September 11th can probably be most associated with the terrorist attacks on New York. Terrorists hi-jacked four planes, crashing two into the north and south towers of the World Trade Centre and one into the Pentagon. The other crashed into a field in rural Pennsylvania killing all on board. Nearly 3000 people lost their lives in the atrocities and this was the trigger point for the Iraq war, leading to the occupation of Afghanistan which is still ongoing today.


SEPTEMBER 11TH 1992
Hurricane Iniki devastates the U.S. state of Hawaii and the Hawaiin Islands causing over $1.8 billion worth of damage. Making landfall over Kauai on the early morning of September 11th, 1992, the Hurricane had sustained wind-speeds of 145mph with a highest recorded wind-gust of 227 mph. Despite the Central Pacific Hurricane Centre failing to give warnings prior to 24 hours before the event, remarkably although still quite unfortunately, only six people died.


SEPTEMBER 11TH, 1961
The WWF or World Wildlife Fund is formed as a charitable trust. Today it is the world's largest independent conservation organisation with over 5 million supporters worldwide and operates in 90 countries. The group says it's mission is "to halt and reverse the destruction of our environment" and its current work focuses on forests, freshwater ecosystems and oceans and coasts.

Other Bits and Bobs


1940 - George Stibitz pioneers the first remote operation of a computer
1813 - British troops arrive in Mount Vernon and prepare to march on and invade Washington D.C.
1609 - Henry Hudson discovers Manhattan Island and the indigenous people living there
1297 - Battle of Stirling Bridge: The Scottish led by William Wallace and Andrew Moray defeat the English

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Event Co-organizer Will Manning talks to Peter Howard the Shark

oi oiiiii ladies and gents. Peter Howard the Shark here checking in for biznass! I am 22 years of age, a great white, I work in stationary and i frequent most bars and clubs in the Knightsbridge Area. Every week or so I will be bringing you interviews with those behind Twang in the Pub, those playing Twang in the Pub and those potential punters who are expecting to attend this years event!
Don't forget to check out my brother from another species Alpaca Jon's blogposts about rumours and the potential lineup! You can find his scribbles by navigating the menu on your left..no wait..right..your right.



This week i'm talking to event co-organizer William Avington Manning who's idea it was to bring back this monolithic event to our tidy little town and getting the lowdown about what's happening. So without any further hestitation, lets get on with it! Alright! South Pacific motherfucker!

Q: Ahhh Mr. Manning, lovely office you have here and you make a mean cup of coffee..what exactly is it you do?
A: Well here at Twang In the Pub headquarters I just generally run shit, photocopy stuff and pitch my ideas to the CEO Sir Van Rensburg.
Q: Sounds bloody noble. I understand that you are co-organizing this year's Twang in the Pub festival, what made you come up with the idea of bringing it back?
A: Well, my pal Ben Van Rensburg as you know, organised this event in the memory of his beloved sister who sadly passed away in 2006 and to raise some cash for the school she attended. After two or three great years helping him out on the originals, we handed over to a different team and I learnt this year that not only had Ben's act been dropped from the lineup but also the charities had too. Money raised at this event [Twangfest] will now go to a local Runner and Testbourne School Swimming Pool. In my opinion, these are not as worthy as the original charities; Icknield School and Naomi House. Knowing this, I pressed my friend Ben to kickstart a revival
Q: Sounds like a fantastic idea..here, have a Lion Bar (Will unwraps it quietly and gingerly dunks it into his flat lemonade) What are your memories of the very first Twang in the Pub?
A: Gosh.. memories of the first one... Well the two stand out performances for me were of course Dead Sea Fuckin' Scrolls and One Icon..but I just remember it being very messy but good, wholesome fun.
Q: Can you tell us anything about any of the bands that will be playing? fuck..can you tell us anything at all?
Well the lineup is being kept under wraps at the moment(looks angrily at a picture of Alpaca Jon and stares at him for several minutes). One thing's for sure, rapper Busta Rhymes will not be appearing after the fiasco of the 1994 event i held in Germany (Will looks into the distance and shakes his head)
Q: Ahh I remember it well, the Dusseldorf Poultry Famine they called it! Anyway, this year's event takes place at The Kings Arms on September 11th. Why the Kings Arms and does the date have any significance?
A: Well the Kings Arms is very close to my heart after holding the original there after every other pub in whitchurch was unwilling to hold the show. We decided that it would be apt and proper for the Kings to be the... well King! As for the Date we are of course celebrating the act of terrorism upon America in 2001.
Q: (I Adjust my tie awkwardly)Lets move on shall we? Mr. FatzDomingo ..sorry..i mean Manning..i hear you're organizing a charity 3-peaks challenge event in July..care to tell us more?
A) Id rather not, Is a secret (Will giggles like a tickled child before unbuttoning his shirt) but myself, Ben Van Ritzverm, Craigasaurus, Tim Robbins and our trusty camera man who is only know as 'The Artist' will be climbing up three mountains in as many days. In fancy dress of course!
Q: Sounds a trek shag. Now i'm going to ask you about something very serious. Recently, allegations over trout poaching have surfaced with your name being thrown about. Witnesses claim to have seen you sat down the green on a large toadstool dressed as a gnome, holding a stick with a piece of string attached to it..is there anything to these rumours?
A)(Will delicately fumbles through a leather briefcase and pulls out a jade green filofax. He opens it up, wets his thumb and flicks through the abundance of paper before pausing and pulling out a small, yellow post-it note) At this time I would like to read out a prepared statement. (He sticks the post-it note to his face and begins to read from a piece of paper next to him) On march 5th 2010, I had been under the influence of a potent cocktail of drugs and alcohol. I made many grave errors that day - the first of which being the choice to take those drugs. I am not proud of what I did, nor do I condone it. It was stupid and I would like to apologize to all of my fans. Also, fuck bitches and hoes.
Q: Wise words there from a well dressed Gentleman. Finally ..what can we as punters..expect from this years Twang in the Pub?
A) Four words mate - Fucking Mental.

Twang in the Pub happens in Whitchurch on September 11th 2010 at the Kings Arms, Whitchuch

APRIL 2010 - RUMOUR ROUNDUP - by Alpaca Jon

Afternoon shags how are you all? Every month from now until the big day (or until the final lineup is confirmed) i'm going to post a rumour roundup blog detailing all the gossip on the streets and how true/not true they may be! We've already had some pretty corrr tasty rumours floating about like one of those little widget things in a can of guiness and i do believe John Smith's and Boddingtons, so without further a do lets take our trousers off angrily and crack on.


RUDENKO

The Russian House DJ who Fedde Le Grande describes as the next big thing in Ministry of Sound had a UK hit in 2009 with the track 'Everybody' which sampled Timbaland's 'Cop that Shit' and featured vocals from upcoming British star Charleene Rena. Appearing on compilations such as Addicted to Bass, producing a Clubbers Guide for the US and Working closely on an album with Whitchurch's very own MCD aka Oni, the idea of the dynamic Russian playing some part in Twang in the Pub is certainly not out of the question!

Rumour Strength - MODERATE


SHY OF THE DEPTH
A ball of pure fury, the UK based tech-metal band Shy of the Depth have often given fans neckache with their breakneck speed and winding like a massive baracuda guitar riffs so its not suprising it's their name which has been floating around ever since the event was announced. Twang in the Pub pride's itself on the best and heaviest alternative acts and this year will be no exception! Always playing shows and based locally, the five piece are certainly a possibility to be appearing at this very special Twang in the Pub event.

Rumour Strength - MODERATE/STRONG




CHARLEENE RENA
The face of Rudenko's chart hit 'Everybody' this talented vocalist/dancer and actress has had her name thrown about like a wet sausage. Her obvious links to Rudenko make it completely reasonable to suggest that she could make an appearance although there is absolutely nothing concrete in this rumour and should be taken with a pinch of salt. Currently in the final stages of her solo album, you can expect to see and hear a lot more of Charleene in 2010

Rumour Strength - WEAK






POLYROCKET
Although Polyrocket technically no longer exist, they have been rumoured to be making one last appearance from beyond the grave! Sub-Headliners of the original Twang in the Pub and heavily linked with every installment since, some would argue that they hadnt ever been the same since lead vocalist Natalie Polson left for Australia..well i would like to argue that you sir are a douche. Masters of mesmeric melodies and thumping drums, it wouldnt be out of the question to suggest a reunion is on the cards!

Rumour Strength - MODERATE

THE REST OF THE RUMOURED


THE UK ALLIANCE/ONE ICON
Headliners of the original Twang in the Pub, the sexy threesome are currently on hiatus with only MCD aka Oni active in the world of music. They reunited in September 2008 for a one-off performance so it wouldnt be the first time!
Rumour Strength - Moderate


DEAD SEA FUCKIN SCROLLS
OK so i dont have a proper picture of them (mine is all sticky) but you dont need me to tell you of the legendary Scrolls who opened the very first Twang in the Pub with their grindcore performance and went down a storm. Another band in hiatus, reunions could be the theme this year!
Rumour Strength - Moderate/Strong


DARREN AND MARTIN
Two young lads playing guitar - reminds me of a messy night I had up in Camden with some chicken stock. Specialising in crowd-pleasing singalongs and brilliant covers, I wouldnt be suprised to see these two twanging their bits at some point.
Rumour Strength - Moderate


PLACID STORM
Masters of the eccentric, i heard through the grapevine that these guys might make an appearance. Nothing more than swings and roundabouts at the moment though so i wouldnt count my chickens just yet. I can't count.
Rumour Strength - Weak







KURT KOBAIN AND JUSTIN BIEBER UNPLUGGED
Will the legendary grunge frontman and the annoying little prick get together to appear at Twang in the Pub? No. One is dead and the other is plain shite.
Rumour Strength - Not gonna happen

EDWARD CULLEN
The guy from the Twilight series is apparently in an amazing folk-metal band called 'HARVEST OF LUCIFER' and has asked about a slot at Twang in the Pub. No i lied. He is in that band though. Look it up.
Rumour Strength - Not gonna happen

TWANG IN THE PAST! - A brief look back through the ages by We are VR

TRAGIC

On the 14th April, 2006, Alexandra van Rensburg passed away age just 15 at Southampton Hospital. Born with Noonan's syndrome, she was a bubbly character who loved animals and people and despite her disability she absolutely loved life. Her death, which was caused by a completely unrelated illness, is a stark reminder of how cruel and unfair life can be and left many people heartbroken.
Over 300 people attended her funeral at All Hallows Church in Whitchurch and it was in her memory that her brother and his friend Chris Miller came up with the idea of holding a music festival in her memory to help other disadvantaged children.

TWANG IN THE PUB - 27/5/06
The first, the original and perhaps the most memorable event was held at the Kings Arms on the 27th of May 2006 and packed the place to the rafters. Twang in the Pub pulled in the crowds from all over Whitchurch and the surrounding region and was a mammoth success. Headlined by Alexandra's brother's hip hop group The UK Alliance (known then as One Icon), the bill featured extremely talented unsigned acts such as progressive metal outfit Sub Rosa, Rock crowd pleasers Polyrocket and a legendary performance from grindcore outfit Dead Sea Fuckin' Scrolls. The day went perfectly attracting adults and kids alike from all across the region and all money raised was donated to Icknield School by the team.

TWANG 2 - NOVEMBER 2006
A lesser known and smaller spin off event was hosted at the same venue and again featured The UK Alliance, Polyrocket and a first stage appearance by Joe and Olie who would go on to become The Have it Your Ways. The event was much more lowkey but still raised a few hundred quid for cancer research UK!


TWANG 3 - 26/5/07
Exactly a year after the first Twang in the Pub, Twang 3 was hosted a larger venue to accomodate its growing following. Another all day event which took place at Testbourne Community School, Twang 3 featured the 3 original headliners from the first Twang in the Pub and was a bruising encounter - literally! Showcasing local talents like The Guns of Pig Alley(;)), Kyoto and unearthing the now absolutely legendary band Le Chat Noir, Twang 3 ALMOST ended in disaster when a full-scale riot broke out onstage involving The Guns of Pig Alley and Sub Rosa. Once everyone had calmed down, the event was just seconds away from being cut prematurely short before security were persuaded to let the event proceed and Sub Rosa put on a storming headline performance to end on a high. Another massive success, over £1200 was raised and donated to local charity Naomi House Hospice


TWANG ROCKS - 26/7/2008
In July 2008, Twang was merged with Testbourne Rocks(a one off charity event) and its name changed to Twang Rocks and then eventually became TWANGFEST which is still going today.

THIS SEPTEMBER SEES TWANG IN THE PUB RETURN TO ITS ORIGINAL VENUE, OVER FOUR YEARS AFTER THE ORIGINAL TOOK PLACE. KEEP CHECKING BACK HERE TO SEE DETAILS AS THEY HAPPEN!

WELCOME TO OUR BLOG!!

Hi there and welcome to our little blogspace on the massive, gaping, cavernous void that is the internet!

TWANG IN THE PUB - BACK TO BASICS is an all-day music festival held in Whitchurch, Hampshire featuring the hottest live acts ranging in genre from Death Metal to Hip Hop.
It is completely non-profit and all donations and money raised will go to predetermined charities.

This blog will (hopefully) keep you informed about what's going on, lineups, times, activities etc and be your bible if you are looking to attend one of the rawest and of course best, independant music events of the year!