lynchhim

I saw this in the paper the other day and thought it was a great idea. The Dream Machine would be up for supporting an idea like this. Have any other shops said they would be willing to take part ?

It's true. Hollywood is waiting.

Here's a little info for those that care : THE DREAM MACHINE LAUNCH PARTY this Monday TO CELEBRATE THE OPENING OF THE SHOP WE'RE GOING TO GET TOGETHER AND MAKE VERY MERRY THERE WILL BE LIVE PERFORMANCES FROM THE AMAZING JE SUIS ANIMAL and MARTIN CARR + DJ DUTIES WILL BE COVERED BY SONIC CATHEDRAL DATE : MONDAY 28TH JULY VENUE : THE CONSTITUTIONAL HALL, 33 EAST DULWICH GROVE, SE22 TIMES : 19:00 - 22:00 TICKET PRICE : UNDER 18's - ?3.00 / OVER 18's ?6.00 GO, GO, GO !!! JE SUIS ANIMAL (www.myspace.com/jesuisanimal) "Mad and magical and Norwegian but also have a grasp of huge pop choons and lovely girly harmonies, and they could be twee if they weren`t so bloody WEIRD in a totally good way, like the dizzying rush of rolling down a snow-covered hill, all pristine and sparkling in the winter sun and waking up in the middle of the night as an owl flies into your room and turns into a magical boy, aching with sex and beauty and breathless, breathless JOY? www.last.fm/music "Je suis animal from Oslo, Norway, mix 80?s indie with a generous dose of 60?s psychedelia, a spoonful of playful melodies and pinch of girly harmonies into their magic potion. The result is magical, striking and uncannily beautiful. The band released their debut album Self-Taught Magic From a Book on the much-loved Oslo indie label Perfect Pop Records in February this year. The album received fantastic reviews from the press in Norway. Je suis animal were also featured in UK music magazine Plan B in March. Conceived at art school in the UK, Je suis animal settled in Oslo in 2004 and began shaping a sound - melodic, catchy and dreamy. Their songs tell tales of murder mysteries, magic and primitive art, as well as themes of sex, spying and Norwegian explorer - Roald Amundsen". Artrocker Magazine MARTIN CARR (www.myspace.com/martincarrmusic|) (www.bravecaptain.co.uk) ?exquisite melody and heartfelt song writing?. Ye Gods (and little fishes) 2008 bravecaptain may be dead, but martin has returned with a new album under his name. the album is a departure from the bravecaptain sound, the new tracks having been recorded with a number of guest musicians, and the emphasis is very much on flowing melodies and lush harmonies. bravecaptain 1999 - 2006 (The Fingertipsaint Sessions Vol 1/ The Fingertipsaint Sessions Vol 2/ Advertisements For Myself/ I Am A Lion (ep)/ All Watched Over By Machines of Loving Grace/ 2005 Singles Club/ Distractions) The Boo Radleys 1989 - 99 (Ichabod and I/ Everything's Alright Forever/ Giant Steps/ Wake Up!/ C'mon Kids/ Kingsize) If you don't come, you is um twat. xxx

I'm glad THE DREAM MACHINE is coming in handy for something.

Afternoon. The majority of the comments made are valid and vital in keeping this thing going. In terms of moving into an area that didn't ask for a record shop, well, I've actually been in the area for years and have been constantly frustrated at the lack of anything vaguely in touch with popular culture. Also, from my reckoning, there's been loads of people discussing the idea, but no-one has got off there arses and done it. I'm not a big fan of buying cds from ASDA or Sainsburys you see. Obviously, that's the way to reach millions of people, but I believe you lose something if you treat a record like a tin of beans. The most positive thing that's coming out of this is that ideas are being suggested and discussed. It's imperative that we involve as many young people as possible as there's bugger all for them to do. It would be amazing if we can get some arts funding for the project. If anyone knows how to do this and or can spare the time to help put in an application, then please come down and talk about it. As for swanning off to America, well that's looking more and more unlikely every day. The band that are going are actually from the UK and are more post-rock than shoegaze ( both of which they hate being described as ). No, I'm probably, going to end up staying here trying to keep the shop going and will have to catch up with them in either Austin or New York. I sincerely want people to get involved. This is not an " all about me " project. It's an " all about us " project.

I hadn't actually got round to answering your specific questions as I'm trying to get a splinter out of my daughters foot right now. If I'm not there, then you can talk to Bertie, who is putting his time in for free, or Elaine who is doing likewise, or myself when I'm there and I'd be happy to explain to anyone the concept of the shop, face to face rather than on this demon forum. It appears to me that everyone on here has very strong opinions and they are not afraid to express them. I didn't realise it was a competition to see who's the funniest. Spitting the dummy, I haven't even started. You ask, what's the point ? I ask that, every time I'm there. I ask that every time I hand a flyer to someone who then turns their nose up because they think I'm hassling them. If offering people some decent music is wrong, then you and I are right. " What's the point ? " indeed. I once stopped a young couple and said to them by way of breaking the ice " you like the sort of couple that like music ", their reply was " No ". " What, you DON'T like music ? At all ? " " No " and then they hurried off. Oh how I wish that this was an isolated incident, but alas, there appears to be a far larger number to convince than I can take on by myself. That's why I ask for assistance and help from the community. From the ones that get it. From the ones that don't, I ask for nothing. It's just a shame that they can't keep their opinions to themselves and that they have to be so negative towards a project that is by admission peculiar to say the least. But that's freedom of speech for you.

That last post was actually from me as I'm using the same computer as Elaine, but she didn't log out and I was too slow to realise that she was logged in and not me. So, there you go... Shit at business. Shit at inspiring people. And now shit at computers. See you at the wake, but obviously, not those of you who think this whole thing is a stupid idea. I expect you'll be looking through some style magazine or buying some clothes or on your way back home from work or out with your mates having a pint. Not at The Constitutional seeing one of the best bands to come out of Norway in ages or seeing Martin Carr play songs from his latest album. But that's your loss.

I should think about a lot of things before I actually do them, but I rarely do.

Quite the opposite. The one rule about The Dream Machine is that you're encouraged to talk about The Dream Machine. Although I hate rules.

Have you been down the shop yet ? ( When it's open that is )

It's for the launch party on Monday. I need to get my hands on : 3 x Guitar amps (pref Vox AC30/Marshall/fender twin) 1 x Bass Amp (pref Fender/Ampeg) 1 x Drumkit (kick-drum, kick pedal, snare, hi-hats, 1x rack-tom, 1x floor-tom, stands for ride and crash cymbals) 2 x separate Keyboard stands I've got a drum kit but need another cymbal stand. I'm getting all the PA and lighting for nothing. If you can spare anything for Monday, then that would be a big help.

No worries. It'll work out somehow. Any ideas on backline that I can borrow ?

Actually, I'll be down this afternoon NOT 10am as I've got shitloads to organise for the weekend and next week and I need to be on the phone and on a computer, none of which I have down the shop. So, this afternoon from 2pm THE DREAM MACHINE will be OPEN. x

Tickets are on sale in the shop. The shop is open from Wednesday - Sunday ( I'm trying, I'm trying ). I had to close early this weekend because of Truck and there wasn't any available to cover on Saturday afternoon and Sunday. But, please do come down tomorrow as I'll be there from 10am all day. Yes.

Essentially, they get to have a record shop and the opportunity to create a music scene in the area. Otherwise, it's just me on my own feeling anxious about whether or not people are going to come in and buy records and I can make the rent, which I know is part and parcel of running a record shop, however, that's not what I'm particularly interested in doing. As you point out I manage bands and to be honest with you, I need to spend more time doing that than waiting on the street handing out flyers to people that cover the whole spectrum of politeness from kind, considerate and caring, through to downright bloody rude and obnoxious. If East Dulwich wants a record shop and music scene ( one that can attract amazing international artists from all walks of life ), then it needs to get off it's arse and do something about it. But, ultimately, that's up for the group to decide. And if the group decides that it doesn't, then THE DREAM MACHINE will simply end up being a three month art installation. I am completely up for suggestions as to how this can work. If people want shares in it, then that's a discussion that can take place, but this is NOT being run as a profit making organisation. Mainly because THERE IS NO PROFIT. If we ever got to that stage, then we would all discuss how we spend that profit. Someone came into the shop at the weekend and signed up to the ?10.00 a month idea and also discussed the possibility of creating a charity. I'm up for any suggestions as to how we can keep this beast going ( other than get loads of new stock in, which I know would solve a number of issues, but there's no budget to do so yet ). Or maybe the ?10.00 a month idea would work as a membership fee. Perhaps, whoever signs up gets 50% off certain items or reduced ticket price for the shows we put on ? I look forward to hearing your suggestions.

...so, we're nearly there. yndi halda have got their US visas, thank fuck. For a moment there, I thought it wasn't going to happen. Their gig in Portugal was AMAZING. Then The Early Years played their first show in 9 months at Sonic Cathedral last Thursday supporting Spectrum ( Sonic Boom, Spacemen 3 ). It was awesome. Just got back from their show at Truck Festival on the Sonic Cathedral stage. Again, they blew everyone away. A particular highlight for me was seeing Chapterhouse play. I really didn't want to come back to London. Particularly considering that some fucker tried to break into our hire van last night as it was parked on Fellbrigg Road. It was on the corner of Fellbrigg and North Cross Road and someone fucking took a crowbar to the back lock. Nothing was stolen, but I am now waiting to hear back from the hire company to see how much excess I have to pay. Motherfuckers. So, to business. THE DREAM MACHINE is going from strength to strength. There are so many great people coming down offering support and help. Thank you all so much. As most of you know, there is bugger all money in music, unless you sell a shitload of records, and I'm talking millions here, or you play your ass off and get good guarantees for shows. So far, I have been covering the rent on the shop using my own rent money. Yes, I know it's stupid, but I don't have any savings and it was the only option at the time. Hopefully, by now, those of you that have ventured down to THE DREAM MACHINE, can see that there is something positive going on, in and for the area and that it is something worth keeping. So, with this in mind, I would like to make a proposition to the good people of East Dulwich. In order to keep THE DREAM MACHINE alive, we need to pay the rent. My suggestion is this. We find 75 people in the area who are willing to contribute ?10.00 per month to cover the rent. That way, the rent on the shop will always be covered. Any money made through sales of records and cds will go back into the pot for things such as purchasing new stock and getting bands and musicians we like to come and play in the area. Dare I say it, but in years to come, we might even be able to set up a little label ourselves. Believe me, this is completely meant to be a community project and not a scheme to fleece people of their hard earned cash. Right now, I am taking on the whole responsibility of covering the rent and to be honest, we're not going to make it through sales. So, a consortium is required. A group of like minded individuals who wish to keep something vibrant and exciting going in the area. The rent is due on the 9th of every month, so we have 18 days to get this all sorted. The launch party ( and I do hope it is a launch party and not a wake ) is going to be held on Monday 28th July, that's next Monday. Tickets are ?6.00. We've sold about 20. The hall is ?140.00. I'm getting the pa and lights for nothing I would like to be able to pay the bands something for their efforts. I'm doing all the organising, running around and lighting for free ( oh, how I dream that one day I will get paid for all this ). What I need from all of you is : a ) to buy a ticket to the event ( remember that any money we make over and above our costs of putting on the show, goes back into THE DREAM MACHINE ). b ) to seriously consider the idea of becoming part of THE DREAM MACHINE FAMILY and commit to ?10.00 a month to cover the rent. I should mention that since I had this idea five people have signed up, so there's only 70 more people to find. I know we can do this. See you down the moshpit. Adios. x

...brothers and sisters, the time has come to hand things over. No, seriously. Over the next few weeks I am going to be going away to various festivals with yndi halda and The Early Years. I will also be away on tour in the UK with Je Suis Animal and then heading off to the US with yndi halda. So, what's going to happen to the shop ? Well, in simple terms, it's over to you. The whole idea behind The Dream Machine is that it is a community space, run by volunteers, who wish to keep something independent alive. In essence, The Dream Machine is an excercise in ANARCHO-SYNDICALISM. A little definition. Anarcho-syndicalism is a branch of anarchism which focuses on the labour movement. Anarcho-syndicalists view labour unions as a potential force for revolutionary social change, replacing capitalism and the State with a new society democratically self-managed by workers. Anarcho-syndicalists seek to abolish the wage system, regarding it as "wage slavery," and state or private ownership of the means of production, which they believe lead to class divisions. Yeah, I know what you're thinking, " who does this twat think he is ? ". Well, my friends, I am no different to you. I need to work and well let's face it, there ain't NO MONEY in running a record shop. But, what we do have here is an opportunity for us to make a stand. We have an opportunity for all the independent artists, musicians, actors, traders and free thinking individuals and groups out there to have their own space to promote and sell there work. And for this to happen, it needs the community to support it. So, once again, please do let me, Bertie, Elaine or Immy know if you are interested in helping out at The Dream Machine. I am a flaky fuck sometimes and am constantly running around like a headless chicken. So, if I don't get back to you, it's not because I don't want your help, it's probably because I'm : a ) not near a computer b ) got no credit, so can't call you c ) looking after my daughters But, believe me, I DO NEED YOUR HELP. And don't forget to come to the launch party on MONDAY 28TH JULY. Tickets on sale now. THE DREAM MACHINE 89 LORDSHIP LANE LONDON SE22 8EP

Yeah Nat and Claire are great. Got the new Japan Cakes and The Early Years vinyls coming very, very soon.

...yes, thank you all so much for volunteering to help out at The Dream Machine. If I haven't got back to you, it's because I'm flat out and all over the place. But constant help is required to keep this beast going. I'm going to try and put up some sort of rota/message board thing in the shop and if people want to sign up on that then we can arrange the times etc. Tickets for the launch party are now on sale in the shop. Each one has been lovingly hand made by yours truly. The Dream Machine - Official Launch Party Je Suis Animal Martin Carr DJ's : Sonic Cathedral Date : Monday 28th July Venue : The Constitutional Hall Tickets : Under 18's ?3.00 / Over 18's ?6.00

-- moved topic --

yndi halda, who I manage are playing at The Barbican this weekend. This means that unless I can get someone to cover for me at the shop then it's going to be closed for the whole weekend. Anyone fancy helping me out ? Can't pay you, but we'll work something out. Maybe some free records or something. Call me on 07528 554 673

Have you got a contact number for them ?

Apologies if I've got carried away with the volume. Been away for the last couple of days as I've got loads of stuff going on. Gladly, all music related. Pop in and I'll tell you about it. Also, there's going to be an official launch party on Monday 28th July with two shows. The first show is for Under 18's. It starts at 16:30 and continues until 18:00. Tickets cost ?3.00 The second show is for Over 18's. It starts at 19:00 and continues until 22:00. Tickets cost ?6.00 The line up is : JE SUIS ANIMAL MARTIN CARR LOCAL BAND TBA - SEND DEMOS TO [email protected] I'd really love for a local school band to be the opening act. Let me know who you think should play. xxx

Thank you to everyone who has popped in so far and also for the feedback. The bottom line is that THE DREAM MACHINE will only succeed if people embrace it. More stock will be arriving in the next few days/weeks so keep popping back. There will be in-stores, plus bigger gigs in the coming months. There will be slots available for people to come in and DJ at the shop. There are plans for a community radio station. There is a fanzine that needs to be created. All proceeds will be going back into the shop to buy more stock and most importantly to get bands and artists into the area that we want to see. Pop in anytime. THE DREAM MACHINE 89 LORDSHIP LANE LONDON SE22 8EP

The new record shop is called THE DREAM MACHINE and is in the basement underneath Dulwich Cafe.