DREAM JOB! - Keyboard Players Step Up

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They say all good things must come to an end, but for every door that closes, there's normally an open window. And that's how Gary managed to escape!

After many years of providing outstanding keyboard playing, solid backing vocals, and excellent material (such as It's A Shame, Indigoes, and Passing Through) Gary has decided to focus on his many other projects and open the door to Anteloup for another budding keys player.

Gary joined us back in 2016 and quickly became a firm fixture in the band. His smooth, bluesy style mixes with a dash of jazz and (sometimes) prog-rock to give a wonderfully unique sound that lends itself to so many of our songs. His sharp wit and charming personality comes across in his playing and we all generally stop and listen when he goes off on one of his improvised solos in the practice room. It's been a real privilege gigging with Gary, and the whole band feels so much more fulfilled for having had the opportunity to play with such a warm, lovable gentleman.

But it's not all big dollops of sadness. Firstly, Gary will still have some input to the band. He's a keen songwriter and wants Anteloup to realise his creations. He's also hinted at 'helping us out' on occasion - whatever that means... We just hope it's something musical!

Secondly - this means we need a new Keyboardist. So, if you've got a bit of keyboard experience and fancy joining Anteloup, get in touch via email - info@anteloup.co.uk - and have a chat with us. We're more interested in what you can bring to the band as an individual, as opposed to being able to emulate Gary's approach, so don't feel intimidated. If you can sing - all the better! So get in touch!!

Studio! Studio! Studio! .. ALBUM!!

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Well, 2023 rounded off with a stonking set at Oxjam, along with a storming (if not dark and wet) set at Belper's Nailed It festival, and then ANOTHER Nailed It gig as part of their Christmas event at the Railway Inn! We had a whale of a time and would like to thank all of the organisers and staff at both Oxjam and Nailed It for being so accommodating, professional, and most of all friendly. Also, the crowds who jumped and cheered and even joined in the chorus for Crown And Lock! We loved it!

But we've no time to sit back and reminisce about last year. We've been slogging it in the studio, getting more and more tracks down for our upcoming album, which we hope to release this Spring. We started this some time ago, then got scuppered by Covid, external commitments, and gigs. But, we've stuck to our New Year's resolution and actually scheduled studio time. Who'd have thought it?

We'll release more details about tracks and progress via here, Facebook, and Twi... hang on.. 'X' so be sure to follow us so you know what's going on!

Back at Oxjam Beeston

Anteloup rocking the Star Inn in 2018

The Oxjam Beeston Takeover is back, and after our storming set in a rammed Commercial Inn last year, it's great to be back at the Crown Inn again - Saturday 14th October at 5.10pm.

You can expect our usual catchy melodies, expertly weaving summery sounds, snappy lyrics and brooding anthems, with a few prog wig-outs thrown in for good measure.

We're unapologetically eclectic in our music tastes and this comes through in our sets, with tinges of synth-pop, soul, folk rock, indie and ska. Think Squeeze or 10cc with (slightly) less grey hair.

Oxjam Beeston raises tens of thousands for a great cause and takes over most of the pubs in Beeston. Join us for some great local songwriting at 5.10pm in the Crown Inn, get there early as it'll be busy!

You won't need a ticket to enter until later on but get one anyway, as it's all for a good cause - go to oxjambeeston.org.

In the meantime, have a look at our magnificent gallery of photos from previous Oxjams.

Summer of gigs

Catch us live at:

Friday 15th June 2023 - Beeston Square - 6-7pm - bring a chair!

Saturday 15th July 2023 - Nailed It: Belper Music Festival - The Lion - 10pm-10.40pm

See you there!

Oxjam 2022 - we're back

Anteloup rocking Oxjam in 2021

For a while now, after rehearsals we've been adjourning to the splendid Commercial Inn to devour their snack basket and eat them out of orange slices for a nice pint of Blue Moon.

So we're delighted to be playing there for Oxjam Beeston Music Festival on Saturday October 15th at 7pm. You'll need to buy a ticket, all for a good cause!

Tickets are available here.

Rocking Beeston Square

Anteloup rocking Beeston Square in July 2022

Things may have seemed to have gone a bit quiet since Anteloup’s stonking gig at Oxjam Beeston Takeover 2021, but the band can reveal that they have been working away in the background on a raft of new songs for this year’s Oxjam, as well as getting some recordings sorted for the website.

Not only that, but the band had a brilliant gig in Beeston town centre on Friday 29th July - see more photos here.

As part of Broxtowe Borough Council’s cultural exchange project Friday18, local musicians played special 1-hour slots from 6pm every Friday throughout June, July and August, in Beeston, Gütersloh (Germany), Falun (Sweden), Châteauroux (France), and Grudziądz (Poland). This looks to be a fantastic cultural arts project, and the band are really excited to be a part of it.

Inside Anteloup: Interview with Pat

Last but not least in our interviews with the band is Pat on bass, who's also a gifted and prolific songwriter.

Pat on bass

How did you come to join Anteloup?

Well Luis and I were playing in a cover band- in Middle6, we were quite good actually - now here is where the story gets muddled. Luis says he approached me to do some originals.

Who's your musical hero?

Great songwriters, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Burt Bacharach, anyone that has written a song that people have enjoyed over many years. Currently the person touched by this greatness is Frank Ocean. Bandwise, there is only one band - Radiohead with their In Rainbow album.

What's your first musical memory?

Sugar, Sugar by the Archies... and Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell. These two just sort of sit together in my mind. Sugar Sugar has got to be a classic, Bob Marley did a version of it!

If Anteloup were playing on Later with Jools, who else would you like to be on the bill?

Radiohead, Frank Ocean, Neil Young, Sufjan Stevens.

If Anteloup were a food, what would it be?

Peanut butter, topped with Jam on Toast.

What was your weirdest experience playing with Anteloup?

Less weird but best moment ... looking around and seeing people sing along with Crown and Lock at a gig we played with Gallery 47.

If you weren't in Anteloup, which band would you like to be in?

Oooh, gosh, only Anteloup would have me... l guess radiohead or Chic or The Stone Roses might let me stand near their amp holding the guitar legs in place.

Favourite tipple?

I not a big drinker, so usually just follow what one of the band goes with... after saying that, l am developing a taste for whiskey

Favourite album of all time?

Songs In the Key Of Life, Stevie Wonder

Which was your favourite Anteloup gig?

2021 Oxjam gig, basically because of our singer. He was himself.

Inside Anteloup: Interview with David

Again we're dusting off the Anteloup history books and grilling the band members. Next up is David on drums, whose versatile beats are the backbone of the band. Something tells me he doesn't like being interviewed though...

David on drums

How did you come to join Anteloup?

I was pressganged into it.

Who's your musical hero?

Dolly Parton.

What's your first musical memory?

I can't remember what I was doing this morning!

If Anteloup were playing on Later with Jools, who else would you like to be on the bill?

I hate Jools Holland, I'd refuse to play.

If Anteloup were a food, what would it be?

Roadkill.

What was your weirdest experience playing with Anteloup?

All of them.

If you weren't in Anteloup, which band would you like to be in?

The Dave Boden Big Band.

Favourite tipple?

De-icer.

Favourite album of all time?

Now That's What I Call Music 79.

Which was your favourite Anteloup gig?

The one we did with Van Morrison.

Inside Anteloup: Interview with Gary

It's time we delved into the history of Anteloup and got to know its inmates a bit better. Next up is Gary on keyboards, the newest member of the band who adds a classic layer of piano, synth and Hammond.

Gary on keyboards

How did you come to join Anteloup?

I went to a party and me and my girlfriend (who you can hear singing on our 30-second song, 'My Friend') sat next to a member of the band. They got talking and it turned out the band were looking for a keyboard player, and the rest is history! I turned up to meet them for the first time at the White Lion, and the room we used for rehearsal was double-booked, so the other hirers, who I also knew, were turfed out - awkward!

Who's your musical hero?

Neil Young. Not just for the music (love his simple but soulful piano playing as well as his unique guitar playing), but his uncompromising attitude.

What's your first musical memory?

I remember watching Kate Bush on TV when I was about 5 and being rather spellbound. Great to rediscover her again later in life.

If Anteloup were playing on Later with Jools, who else would you like to be on the bill?

I'd go for Ozomatli, Lizz Wright (doing her wonderful cover of Mr Young's Old Man), Natalie Merchant, Eels, and Laura Marling doing her solo acoustic thing. Shame Dr John is no longer with us.

If Anteloup were a food, what would it be?

Tapas - a taste of everything!

What was your weirdest experience playing with Anteloup?

In an erstwhile sports bar-type venue, during our set they had cage fighting playing on the TVs. Certainly created an atmosphere!

If you weren't in Anteloup, which band would you like to be in?

REM are no more so I'll go for my old favourites Deacon Blue. I love the organ and piano of their keyboard player Jim Prime.

Favourite tipple?

An IPA will do nicely, and the occasional Pastis when I'm feeling nostalgic for France - great that the Star Inn sometimes has it in.

Favourite album of all time?

Changes every five minutes but at the moment Our Time in Eden by 10,000 Maniacs is on heavy rotation. Neil Young's Archives vol 2 is also worth a deep dive.

Which was your favourite Anteloup gig?

We always look forward to Oxjam, I remember the one in the Crown Inn's beer garden on a lovely sunny October day as going down well.

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