A day of talks and advice for the independent artist followed by a live music from Swansea Sound and High Span
The schedule for the day is :
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- 1.30pm Rob Pursey(Skep wax) and Ian Button (Gare du Nord) talking about how we can pool resources so we can do most things ourselves without relying on the ‘industry’. With specific reference to the Spotify ‘economy of likes’. Followed by Q and A session.
- The second session will feature Amelia Fletcher and Rob Pursey (Skep wax) concentrating on running an Independent label. What it takes and where it can get difficult. Again finishing up with a Q and A session.
- Final session will feature Swansea Sound on how a song is put together with a live demonstration of the various parts.
- 4.00pm Live gig. A full set from Swansea Sound (including the song dissected in the earlier session) and a live set from High Span
Venue: Speedway, Central Folkestone
Swansea Sound
Reuniting Hue Williams and Amelia Fletcher, the original singers of cult 1990s UK indie band The Pooh Sticks, Swansea Sound have become a popular fixture on the UK indie scene. They have released two acclaimed albums, are frequently played on the BBC and have recorded a live BBC 6Music session.
Described as ‘an indiepop miracle’ by All Music, SWANSEA SOUND, combine a witty, sardonic, very contemporary lyrical attack with timeless guitar-pop songwriting.
Live show kicks off with a set from High Span
THE HIGH SPAN
The High Span is a musical project based in Rochester, Kent that came together just as the COVID-19 hit the UK. It features Kevin Younger (Subway Sect, Baby Birkin, Ye Ascoyne d’Ascoynes, The Speed of Sound, Armitage Shanks and others), Mark Aitken (Ye Ascoyne d’Ascoynes, The Men From Memphis, Bob Collins & The Full Nelson, These Guilty Men and others) and Jimmy Moore (Pod, One Free Fall, Dutch Embassy and revered Canadian alt-rockers Rusty). Sarah Post joins them on backing vocals.
The High Span unleashed their Quirky Miniboss Squad EP in August of 2020 (yeah, that year), and managed to grab attention from press and public alike, selected as one of Record Collector’s singles of the year.
The self-titled debut LP was released in 2023.
Their second album, Blithering, was released in late 2025.
The High Span’s particular blend is one of DIY post-pop jangle and edgier experimental sounds, of lyric-driven guitar-pop and English awkwardness.
Line up: –
Kevin Younger – Vocals, Guitar, Keys.
Mark Aitken – Bass Guitar.
Jimmy Moore – Drums.
Sarah Post – Vocals.
