PETE DOHERTY LIVE IN MANCHESTER – WHAT HAPPENED?

Arriving at the venue (one I’ve never been to before), you wouldn’t expect to see a little hidden gem here when you enter the White Hotel. It was an unusual place, but perfect for an intimate event like this.

This was the first of 3 events celebrating the 5th anniversary of Strap Originals, the independent record label owned by Pete Doherty and his manager Jai Stanley. The label released six independent Top 10 albums by Andrew Cushin, Trampolene and Doherty, along with critically acclaimed albums by Vona Vella, PREGOBLIN and Real Farmer. This is a label ‘made with love’ and what unfolded was a vital insight into the music industry that inspired many who attended.

The hall was packed when the first band, Vona Vella, took the stage. Seeing them perform as a full band was a beautiful experience. There was a sense of complete commitment, despite drummer Cam learning these songs in a week! Originally called Issy and Dan. Vona Vella was chosen as a name after finding the names of two flowers in an encyclopedia

Their track “Sun” quickly caught the attention of Ross Godfrey, who was so impressed that he remixed the track. The love between these musicians was very clear. The moments seen between Issy and Dan were very special and intimate. The music they wrote is wonderful and the harmonies created are absolutely sublime.

Chatting with the band about their early days and involvement with Pete Doherty, it was easy to see the love in the room for the musician. One of their songs (Roll Into Forever) earned its title after Pete sent the band a poem that included the words “I love you both forever, roll forever”. It’s clear that Pete had a hand in both bands. Something missing in the “machinery” that is the music industry these days.

The Q&A between Pete and Chris Hawkins unfolded as a window into Pete’s World. He was incredibly candid about his own struggles, supporting wife Katia and life in The Libertines and Babyshambles. We were treated to a couple of acoustic guitar songs, (“There She Goes (A Little Heartache)” and “Fuck Forever”.

Seeing them perform as a full band was a beautiful experience. They had the feel of a fully engaged cohesive whole, despite drummer Cam learning these songs in a week! Bringing her back to the label and talking about looking for new artists, Pete said: “when I first heard Vona Vella, and it was just Dan and Issy.

and the acoustic demos I thought sounded like the original Everything But The Girl… they really reminded me of that, very melodic, acoustic, folky”. Vona Vella were the first two artists on the label. “We wanted to get (Vona Vella and Andrew Cushin) out there. They are both really motivated…prolific”

What was clear from my time with Andrew Cushin before he performed was that he was incredibly grounded with a professional insight into his craft. Andrew has pretty clearly found his calling. There is no other life to lead. Playing live, from the very first chord, Andrew was alive and vibrant on stage. His performance was exceptional, energetic and engaging. He was comfortable interacting with the crowd and singing with them. There were beautiful moments that involved the crowd. One audience member had 3 friends on a video call and didn’t even stop before delivering part of his performance directly on the phone.

Was there a bounce in his performance, a poise that brought a bit of Liam Gallagher to mind? But the difference here was his complete kindness, humility and vulnerable awareness that these moments are fleeting and precious. When asked what he wanted to achieve with the label, Pete’s answer was simple, “turn the label into a thriving creative music factory.”

It seems clear that Pete and Jai are incredibly motivated and driven to make this a success., ‘Pot of Gold’ and ends with ‘Run Run Run’. Bringing her back to the label and discussing the search for new artists, Pete said: “When I first heard Vona Vella, and it was just Dan and Issy and the acoustic demos, I thought she sounded like the original Everything But the Girl…they really reminded me of that, very melodic, acoustic, folky.”

When asked what he wanted to achieve with the label, Pete’s answer was simple: “to turn the label into a thriving creative music factory.” between them.

What we hope people took away from tonight was the feeling that the music industry should be a supportive and nurturing community.

WORDS BY RUTH MURRAY

PHOTOS BY SIMON LEE

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