The Dream Machine : It's been/going to be one hell of a week...

[lynchhim]

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.

[*Bob*]

All I'm doing is giving you a chance to explain what the place is about, because no-one knows.

It's no good wafting ideas like 'community spirit', 'mucking-in' and 'inspirational' if no-one has a bloody clue what it's all about, how it works, why it's a good idea, what the point is.

And if you're going to get spit the dummy because someone (ie me - THE OGRE) asks a couple of basic questions which are apparently so hard to answer that it's easier to shut the shop then what's THE POINT?

[lynchhim]

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.

[Brendan]

Dude chill. I think you're getting a little strung out. In general i think you have quite a lot of support from folks around town.

Don't let the comments of a few people get you down.

[*Bob*]

I'm looking up the thread.

I can only see a couple of comments of the type you mention. In fact, I'd go as far as saying that (considering what you're asking) the amount of those sort of comments are conspiciously few. Which means people are in fact cutting you plenty of slack by not putting the boot in, as they usually do.

I admit I'm being a bit bullish, but only because of your failure to communicate what you're trying to do, and it's a bit frustrating, because it might be interesting.

Say there are several hundred people reading this thread. This is your shop window, so put something in it. I guarantee most those several hundred won't be coming into the shop for a face-to-face one-to-one briefing.

[louisiana]

lynchhim Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> ...so, we're nearly there.

>

> yndi halda have got their US visas, thank @#$%&.

>

> 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.

He he, long live the shoe-gazers. Global Communication's 'reworking' of Blood Music - Pentamerous Metamorphosis - is one of my all-time faves (probably the most stupid amount of money I've ever spent on a record), as are bands like Slowdive, Chapterhouse, Ride... We saw Ulrich Schnauss at Glade on Sunday, and he's got more than a bit of shoe-gazer in him too.

I'll be picking up my ticket tomorrow, if you're open. My other half would love to come, but it's a weekday and he's a long way away. Really looking forward to Martin Carr, the DJs etc etc. It might be worth flogging tickets at the Gowlett or similar...

On the other stuff: it's an idea that's not yet fully formed, and people will rarely part with money for such. There are people in ED interested in having a record shop-space-cum-whatever locally, but are there enough of them? And do they have sufficient commitment? It's probably best for interested people to meet F2F to meet each other and discuss/thrash out, before expecting more.

(Three years ago we had a large meeting and launched a pledge on Pledgebank website for 1,000 people each to pay ?5 per month to fund two workers for a cause and it worked: the organisation was formed and has two employees. But it was 'a lot' of work by quite a few people over a long period.)

[Bellenden Belle]

The thing I don't get is that this is supposed to be a "community initiative", but really a shop selling records for profit is a commercial enterprise.

Now if we were talking about a social enterprise it would be a different matter. For example a music shop in the community where all profits went towards putting on gigs for the under eighteens. Or where employment was offered to young people who might be NEET (not in employment, education or training)

Then you have a goer....and yes, you can draw a salary as its director but lying at the heart of its mission is charitable activity. And by the way there is a ton of money being thrown at social enterprises currently.

(I used to work for an arts charity that had several successful commercial schemes).

But I am not getting the sense of that from your posts. You need a proper proposal.

[louisiana]

Bellenden Belle Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> The thing I don't get is that this is supposed to

> be a "community initiative", but really a shop

> selling records for profit is a commercial

> enterprise.

Bellenden Belle, the words 'record shop' and 'profit' do not really go together these days. Even old-established and previously profitable independent record shops nationally having been shutting down for years. I suspect many that are left barely make ends meet. And this is not a record shop in the ordinary meaning of the words. Enterprise yes, but commercial? I don't think so.

[Bellenden Belle]

louisiana Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Bellenden Belle Wrote

> > The thing I don't get is that this is supposed

> to

> > be a "community initiative", but really a shop

> > selling records for profit is a commercial

> > enterprise.

>

And this is not a

> record shop in the ordinary meaning of the words.

> Enterprise yes, but commercial? I don't think so.

Excuse my ignorance but what makes this shop "extraordinary", if it is not ordinary. I am intrigued.

I totally accept there's no money in record shops - what I was trying to suggest in my post were ways forward as a social enterprise.

If this is a "community initiative" I would be fascinated to know the demographic breakdown of its beneficiaries.

I wish the shop well - I really do - but what's next? A charity collection for the cookwank shop? A sponsored swim for a sushi bar?

[Ted Max]

I think for all the talk of anarcho syndicalism and social enterprise- what we're looking at here is a music club that costs ?10 a month to join. For that ?10, you get premises to schlep around in, records to swap and buy, somewhere to listen to music.

Isn't that about it?

[Jeremy]

Perhaps it would help if you thought of it as a "community centre" for music lovers, which also sold records and CDs in an attempt to partically cover the rent.

At least, that is my interpretation of this venture.

[*Bob*]

Here's my rescue plan.

Private members club with a membership of 75 'music lovers'.

75 sets of keys cut.

One stereo system.

Lots of comfy chairs.

A refrigerator.

[lozzyloz]

It's a bit late now *Bob*. I think you've killed it.

[SeanMacGabhann]

I passed by last night and had a chat with the 3 main characters in the playlet outside the shop - I ended up being there far longer than I had time for but throughly enjoyed myself. I haven't got any answers to his proposal - my initial thought was that ?10 was too steep but that a smaller amount might attract more people (which is more important that the money - no good some one stumping up ?750 a month only to be on his or her own)

I think there is a disconnect between the way people lead their lives today and the vision John has - as shown in his example of the couple with "no" interest in music. But I'm still looking forward tothe party on Monday night

[*Bob*]

SeanMacGabhann Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I think there is a disconnect between the way

> people lead their lives today and the vision John

> has - as shown in his example of the couple with

> "no" interest in music.

I think you're reading too much into it.

People just don't like getting stopped in the street and automatically say anything to get away.

[Jamma]

Isn't the thing that this isn't a community project in that the community didn't ask for it and the community, by their response to the appeal, have demonstrated they don't want it. That's a shame for the man with the vision but it's the way it is. You can't move into an area and impose a 'community project' then ask people to run it while you go off to America with some Norwegian shoegazers (which let's face it sounds way more fun than manning a basement record shop). Surely the demand and the organisation have to come from the grassroots - or am I being too simplistic?

[lynchhim]

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.

[lynchhim]

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

[Shu.Kurimu.Sensei]

I'd love to hang around and blare out some quality Japanese tunes [do people have to play only what is on sale in the shop?] but am constantly broke, so couldn't contribute financially. Also, there's probably only 50 or so people in the area who would want to hear what I'd be playing. Good luck though! I have to confess, we thought the place was in fact some kind of avant garde postcard shop or something...

[SeanMacGabhann]

everytime I see this poster on the buses lately, I think of the Dream Machine....

http://www.firstshowing.net/img/love-guru-poster-big.jpg

[Ted Max]

I'm hoping this isn't connected to your recent goosing outside said venue?

[SeanMacGabhann]

ha - not in any way. Lady MacGabhann thinks I made that up anyway

But the poster IS John from Dream Machine - come on John admit it - you aren't going to the US to "manage bands" - you're making Hollywood films for The Man

[lynchhim]

It's true.

Hollywood is waiting.

[Jah Lush]

I worked in the shop on Friday afternoon and rather enjoyed myself between 12.30 and 5. Well, it kept me out of the pub for a bit so I saved a bit of money there. Spent most of the afternoon playing CDs and standing outside getting the rays, managed to sell a few CDs while I was at it so on the whole time well spent.

[laineski]

wow

this is the first time I've read this thread I'm glad to say or I might have just given up.

a huge thank you to those supporting the idea of something a bit radical and experimental even if they don't have all the answers (and I certainly don't).

Thank god there are some people willing to give things a go and see what happens - I've enjoyed meeting a lot of you down at the shop (although I think we could come up with a more descriptive word for the space).

and how depressing I found reading the negative, often sarky comments here. Why bother knocking something when it's not even affecting you? I don't get it.

I've been involved in The Dream Machine from its spontaneous beginning, and believe in its ideals.

It is something good.

It may not last.

But I think it's a waste of time and mind trying to justify the existence of something on a forum to people who don't even like the idea of it.

I'd be really happy to talk with anyone who wants to come down over the weekend, and explore how it could work best, how to sustain it, how it could develop..

Best Wishes,

Elaine (obviously these are my personal views and comments)