DADAFEST 2020
The theme of 'Translations' informs this years International disabled and d/ Deaf arts festival
SPECIAL OFFER FOR NEW MEMBERS!
Limited offer: sign up to a Bido Lito! Membership to receive an illustration t-shirt as well as a 2020 Bido Lito! Journal
BIDO LITO! JOURNAL 2020
The end of year annual offers the question why is music important to you with a mixture of features, illustrations and opinion
ISSUE 111 HOT PINK!
This month's Hot Pink! see's the likes of Lucy Gaffney, IamKyami, Eyesore and the Jinx and more thrown into the mix
WINDRUSH – MUSIC OF THE PEOPLE
SS Orbita followed Empire Windrush to the UK, with both vessels bringing a generation of workers, artists and musicians who contributed a huge amount to British culture.
DANIEL KITSON: DOT. DOT. DOT
The storyteller presents his work made exclusively for empty theatres at the Everyman
SUPER COOL DRAWING MACHINE
Touring exhibition of musicians’ visual arts side hustles is to go on display at Birkenhead venue
CRUX WITH SCOTEE
SCOTTEE joins Metal Culture for a workshop on taking your next steps as a young creative.
THE GODDESS PROJECTS FESTIVAL
With events in art, literature, business, spirituality, education and more, TGPF aims to inspire and empower black women
HOMOTOPIA
Three shows from LGBTQIA festival Homotopia will be hosted by the Hope Street venue for an eclectic mix of theatre, spoken word, visual art and music
ON RECORD: UNTOLD & RETOLD
The inaugural festival begins with a streamed launch event from the Philharmonic Hall
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2020
Events in Liverpool will bring Black British history into sharp focus through October and into November
MUSIC COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
A consultation event on 27th October looks to take a health check of Liverpool City Region's music sector
ISSUE 110 HOT PINK!
Hannah's Little Sister, Crapsons, François and more added to Hot Pink! this month
TORTURE AND THE DESERT SPIDERS
Anna Kunz’s creative vessel is carving a fresh edge into Liverpool’s DIY punk scene
WEIRD WIRRAL
Curios and hidden gems in Wirral, as chosen by some folkloric obsessives from the Leisure Peninsula.
PREMIERE: TABITHA JADE
Listen to the latest cut from the fast rising RnB star ahead of the release of her debut EP
PHILHARMONIC ANNOUNCE LIVE PROGRAMME
IRL socially distanced shows and a new digital service brings live music back to Hope Street
THE OYÉ VIBE
No Fakin's live set at Africa Oyé 2019; final Oyé Vibe DJ sessions with Melodic Distraction.
ISSUE 109 HOT PINK!
New tracks from BYE LOUIS, IAN SKELLY, NIKI KAND and more in our piping hot hitlist
TOKKY HORROR
Zee Devine, Ava Akira and Mollie Rush are ready to make their full throttle introduction. Blink and you might miss
THE TIME WE CALL OUR OWN
The latest Open Eye Gallery exhibition explores the nocturnal pulses of cities around the globe
HUMANOID COLLECTIVE
Meraki are continuing their social distanced programme of DJ nights with Table Service
THE OYÉ VIBE
Elliot Hutchinson's live set at Africa Oyé 2019; weekly Oyé Vibe DJ sessions with Melodic Distraction.
PEDAL POWERED MICRO TOURS
Four artists will hop on the pink Bido Bikes to tour Liverpool City Centre in August and September
BIDO LITO! BYLINES WORKSHOPS
Bylines is a new 10-week Bido Lito! course for culture writers of the future from underrepresented backgrounds
DON MCCULLIN
An arsenal of iconic images and a career taking him to historic conflicts all over the world.
THE OYÉ VIBE
Funkdub's live set at Africa Oyé 2019; weekly Oyé Vibe DJ sessions with Melodic Distraction.
GEORGIE WESTON
The newest pop crooner on the block talks inspirations, first gigs and the modern world.
THE OYÉ VIBE
Bood 'N Bone's live set at Africa Oyé 2019; weekly Oyé Vibe DJ sessions with Melodic Distraction.
DIGITAL FESTIVAL RETURNS
Festival's follow-up event gets city centre venues involved as well as trio of great causes.
ZANZIBAR TO CLOSE PERMANENTLY
Storied Seel Street venue announce "heart-breaking decision" to close after 30 years
LIME CARNIVAL
Lime are bucking the trend and introducing a whole new IRL festival for the August Bank Holiday.
LINDA MCCARTNEY RETROSPECTIVE
An impressively comprehensive career overview of a passionate activist, artist, and family woman.
MÖTHMAS
For a healthy dose of multi-threat unbridled creativity, VICE MÖTH return on August bank holiday weekend for a special show.
LIVERPOOL DIGITAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
Zuzu, Munkey Junkey, Natalie McCool and The Merchants to take part in second edition of online charity event
THE OYÉ VIBE
Firehouse's live set at Africa Oyé 2019; weekly Oyé Vibe DJ sessions with Melodic Distraction.
FUTURE YARD ANNOUNCE PERMANENT VENUE
Future Yard unveil new vision for an eco-friendly live music hub in Birkenhead
COVID-19 MUSICIANS’ SURVEY
Bido Lito! and University of Liverpool are researching Covid-19's impacts on the Merseyside music community
THE OYÉ VIBE
One A Penny's live set at Africa Oyé 2018; weekly Oyé Vibe DJ sessions with Melodic Distraction.
HOT PINK! 24th July
Tokky Horror, Eyesore & The Jinx, Ry Vieira and more added to our new Merseyside music playlist.
RISE ATHENA
Intertwining cinematic electronic soundscapes with poetic lyrics, Rise Athena proves there’s power in three.
SLAVERY REMEMBRANCE DAY 2020
Details of how Liverpool's International Slavery Museum is marking SRD 2020 online.
THE OYÉ VIBE
Stuart B's live set at Africa Oyé 2019; weekly Oyé Vibe DJ sessions with Melodic Distraction.
MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES REOPENING NEWS
When can we get back into Liverpool's museums and galleries and what's on.
THE OYÉ VIBE
Positive Vibration's live set at Africa Oyé 2019; weekly Oyé Vibe DJ sessions with Melodic Distraction.
TRANS RIGHTS NOW!
Communities across Liverpool marched on St George's Hall to call for reforms to the Gender Recognition Act.
BLM: “DISMANTLING THE STRUCTURES”
Tate Liverpool's Helen Legge comments on the Black Lives Matter movement.
THE OYÉ VIBE
Subcora's Freetown set at Africa Oyé 2019; weekly Oyé Vibe DJ sessions with Melodic Distraction.
BLM: “LIVERPOOL HAS A DIFFICULT PAST”
Jean-François Manicom, curator at the International Slavery Museum tells us what the Black Lives Matter movement means to him.
DIGGING THE ARCHIVE! DAY OF THE SEAFARER
The Bluecoat dig into their archive to mark the 10th anniversary of the Day of the Seafarer.
BLM: “SYSTEMIC RACISM IS INGRAINED”
Alok Nayak, Artistic Director at Milap shares his thoughts on the Black Lives Matter movement.
BLM: “THE CHANGES HAVE TO COME FROM YOU”
Sense of Sound's Jennifer John comments on the Black Lives Matter movement.
BLM: “A TIME FOR ACTION”
Africa Oyé and Mandela8 chair Sonia Bassey shares her thoughts on the Black Lives Matter movement.
THE OYÉ VIBE
Hustle and Zacharia Soul's Trenchtown set at Africa Oyé 2019; weekly DJ sessions with Melodic Distraction.
MILAPFEST 2020
An array of lockdown friendly activity available via the Indian Arts and Culture specialists.
IN SOLIDARITY WITH
The organisations in Merseyside working hard to fight racism and affect equality.
THE OYÉ VIBE
Jess Gascoigne's Freetown set at Africa Oyé 2019; weekly Oyé Vibe DJ sessions with Melodic Distraction.
LIVERPOOL ARAB ARTS FESTIVAL 2020
The LAAF programme grows to accommodate musicians from Morocco and The Levant.
DIGGING THE ARCHIVE! ENVIRONMENT DAY
On World Environment Day Tate Liverpool choose some green themed pieces from the archive
SOMEPERSON
Stitching together colourful fragmented samples, Someperson is on an experimental journey through a lush array of soul and jazz.
PERSPECTIVES: TRUTH THROUGH ADVERSITY
Liverpool Band Vans' Doug Wood believes the answers will be gained through looking inward
THE OYÉ VIBE
DJ Holmesy's Freetown set at Africa Oyé 2019; weekly Oyé Vibe DJ sessions with Melodic Distraction.
HOT PINK! – 28th May
There's no stopping Merseyside musicians from releasing some great tunes over the last few months. This week we've added something hot and fresh from The Mysterines, Seatbelts and Little Grace.
STEPHEN KERRISON
The producer’s latest offering binds field recordings with an atmospheric folk lament.
THE OYÉ VIBE
Keith Marley's Trenchtown set at Africa Oyé 2019; weekly Oyé Vibe DJ sessions with Melodic Distraction.
METAL FUTURE NETWORK SHORTS
Artist George Maund on an innovative series of online performances for Metal Culture.
MICAYL
Micayl’s music and visual art binds together life’s many ‘verses’ with his own deft avant-garde R&B.
DIGGING THE ARCHIVE! IDAHOT
The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia with Museum Of Liverpool.
THE OYÉ VIBE
DJ Scratchy's Trenchtown set at Africa Oyé 2019; weekly Oyé Vibe DJ sessions with Melodic Distraction.
HOT PINK! – 15th May
Throw on your headphones. Fresh finds in our playlist featuring some of the best emerging Merseyside talent.
DIGGING THE ARCHIVE! FAMILY DAY
Liverpool Biennial select artworks over the years that reflect on the importance of family
BOBBY WEST
Crooked ballads and gritty lullabies, Walton’s Bobby West reveals all in his telling solo debut.
LIGHTNIGHT AT HOME
Selections from the digital LightNight at Home programme via the Bido Lito! archive.
HUSHTONES
The nostalgia tinted five-piece talk early inspirations and rousing shows in Sound Basement, somewhere they’d be keen to play well into their old age.
THE OYÉ VIBE
Thom White's Freetown set at Africa Oyé 2019; weekly Oyé Vibe DJ sessions with Melodic Distraction.
DIGGING THE ARCHIVE! EUROPE DAY
Travel the continent for Europe Day courtesy of the Walker Art Gallery collection
EVERY STREET IS A VILLAGE
Photographer Michael Kirkham has spent the last month documenting the smaller worlds thriving on the streets of Wavertree.
REAL TERMS
Chris Lynn of the math-rock trio talks of the band’s tenancy to draw out hidden complexities in their music.
REGAN REAY
Undercurrents of shimmering melody and soothing acoustics make for easy listening on the Wirral native’s debut.
SUBVERTING THE APOCALYPSE
Eat Me + Preach's community of artists and performers are once again meeting societal challenges with creativity and ingenuity. In lockdown, there’s plenty of time to subvert the apocalypse.
DIGGING THE ARCHIVES #1
How to get a digital culture fix from online archives in lockdown, with a queer zine archive and a Viking app.
ISOLATION DISPATCHES: CAIRO
Singer-songwriter Nadya Shanab discusses lockdown in the Egyptian capital
PERSPECTIVES: THE VALUE OF CREATIVITY
Ali Johnson of Dorothy Studio suggests social distancing has enhanced the value of being creative.
THE OYÉ VIBE
Giovanna's Trenchtown set at Africa Oyé 2019; weekly Oyé Vibe DJ sessions with Melodic Distraction.
DIGGING THE ARCHIVE! WORKERS DAY
Liverpool Biennial and the International Slavery Museum mark International Workers Day
DIGGING THE ARCHIVE! WITH MDI
Merseyside Dance Initiative reflect on projects with their archive of images
FROM THE VAULTS
We dig back through the Bido Lito! archive and re-live some gems from the past decade.
ISOLATION DISPATCHES: BARCELONA
A regular feature exploring the effects of Covid-19 on culture scenes around the world
MUSIC VENUE TRUST LAUNCHES #SAVEOURVENUES CAMPAIGN
The new campaign has been launched to save grassroots music venues from closing down across the UK.
PERSPECTIVES: HEALING THROUGH COMMUNITY
Visual artist Frances Disley considers the community-driven response art can offer to the current crisis.
THE OYÉ VIBE
Dharma Collective's Freetown set at Africa Oyé 2019; weekly Oyé Vibe DJ sessions with Melodic Distraction.
CREATIVITY AND WELLBEING
The team at the Convenience Gallery gives some tips on how to be creative and happy.
PERSPECTIVES: RE-ESTABLISHING FACT
FACT's exhibition manager reflects on the pandemic as time for redefining the gallery's image.
TRUSTED VOICES
Now is when we’ll know which voices we truly rely on for cultural navigation and information.
FLAMINGO HOUSE
Unsparing North Wales post-punk weaving dream-pop riffs into a palatable sonic buffet.
WHAT IS COMMUNITY MEDIA?
Dr Paddy Hoey joins us to question the role community media plays in our divergent world of public conversation.
ISOLATION DISPATCHES: BERLIN
A regular feature exploring the effects of Covid-19 on culture scenes around the world
ALL MIXED UP
Unearthing archive audio gems: James Rand and Radio Exotica's Latin boogaloo brightening your day
THE OYÉ VIBE
Emily Dust's Trenchtown set at Africa Oyé 2019 is the first of our weekly Oyé Vibe DJ sessions with Melodic Distraction.
LUCY GAFFNEY
The Belfast-born singer-songwriter searches through tales of unrequited love with honey-like vocals dripping through her golden, lustrous pop.
LCR ANNOUNCE MUSIC INDUSTRY SUPPORT FUND
Liverpool City Region announces support grant for music-related businesses
ISOLATION DISPATCHES: MONTREAL + HONG KONG
A regular feature exploring the effects of Covid-19 on culture scenes around the world
FROM THE VAULTS
We dig back through the Bido Lito! archive and re-live some gems from the past decade.
FUTURE YARD
Near Future programme for pop-up venue in Birkenhead moved to the autumn, featuring Self Esteem, Evian Christ and more.
ISOLATION TIPS
The Open Door Centre's Volunteer Co-ordinator Amy Newton offers her expert tips on staying healthy during isolation.
PERSPECTIVES: “MONTHS WITHOUT WORK”
Tour lighting designer Luke Avery shares the extent in which his work has been affected by Covid-19.
INSPECTING MORSE
Neil Atkinson talks about one of his favourite fictional worlds - Inspector Morse - and the comfort of familiarity.
ISOLATION DISPATCHES: EINDHOVEN
A regular feature exploring the effects of Covid-19 on culture scenes around the world
EITHA DA
Sonic storytelling coloured with splurges of fuzzy garage rock, all bubbled up in North Wales.
AFRO HAIR RITUALS
Filmmaker and artist Amber Akaunu talks about the sacredness of Afro hair, the subject of her latest work.
GHOSTS OF THE FUTURE
We speak to screenwriter and author Jeff Young about Liverpool’s architectural trajectory and the uncertain future of stories.
ISOLATION DISPATCHES: ISTANBUL
A regular feature exploring the effects of COVID-19 on culture scenes around the world
FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE!
A live gig series streaming direct to your living room every Friday night. This week: Zuzu!
MAGIC SPELLS
Erratic beats dreamed up in a hypnotic state of trance; Magic Spells makes music that follows instinct rather than direction.
HOT PINK!
Throw on your headphones. Fresh finds in our new playlist featuring some of the best emerging talent across Merseyside.
WHAT’S IN A BIENNIAL?
We take a walk around the Baltic with Liverpool Biennial's new Artistic Director to find out how an art biennial connects to a city.
ELI SMART VIDEO PREMIERE
Exclusive first look at the Scott Pilgrim inspired video for No Destination
SAVE GRASSROOTS CULTURE
Sign the petition by the UK MVT to help protect the live industry in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
MATERIAL X BIDO: PIZZAGIRL
In our first session, Liam Brown performs new single Cape Canaveral and Thispartysux at Material Studios
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2020
Kezia Davies of Liverpool Sisterhood explores the origins of the celebration and contemporary campaigning continued here in Liverpool by Women’s Strike Assembly
BIDO LITO! SOCIAL WITH AIMÉE STEVEN
The Bido Lito! Social returns this March to the newly spruced up Zanzibar
THE PISTACHIO KID
Singer-songwriter Charlie McKeon guides us through the nostalgic fields of his latest album, Sweet Remedies, released under the pseudonym THE PISTACHIO KID
DANSETTE: LIVERPOOL BAND VANS
Liverpool Band Vans’ Doug Wood picks out a selection of songs that have been a source of inspiration to him on long journeys on the road.
LAZ BERELOW
Warped glam rock and serrated psych emerges from the fingertips of this idiosyncratic songwriter.
ENNIO THE LITTLE BROTHER VIDEO PREMIERE
First viewing of the video for Dungarees from the North Wales dream-hop artist
DANSETTE: ELECTRIK
Electrik’s Adam Coffey picks out a selection of songs that represent the soul of the longstanding club, both in its current guise and as The Krazyhouse.
GREEN TANGERINES
The nu jazz fusionists open up about the myriad influences that make the quintet such an appealing draw on the Liverpool jazz circuit.
MONKS
Jazz-infused dream-pop melodies with hypnotising rhythms have catapulted MONKS to a rapt new audience.
HAARM VIDEO PREMIERE
Immerse yourself in the world of HAARM through the chromatic filter of their new single, Dahlia
SOUND CITY 2020
The festival announces that Friendly Fires, Marika Hackman and more top acts are joining the Baltic festivities in May.
THE LOST BROTHERS
First viewing of the Irish duo's new single After The Fire, featuring M Ward, Howe Gelb and Tony Garnier.
THE BIDO LITO! FESTIVE GUIDE 2019
Cut through the noise and let us help you pick the best parties and events in Liverpool over the festive period.
Order The Bido Lito! Journal 2019
Bringing together the story of 2019 in a deluxe, coffee table book format.
SGT PEPPER LISTENING EXPERIENCE
Presented by Tate Liverpool and NML, this brand new audio experience allows listeners to fall into the world of The Beatles.
A DECADE OF EXCLAMATION
Bido Lito! writers pick out some of the most important cultural moments to have taken place in Liverpool over the past decade.
DANSETTE: PODGE
Glitch-pop wizard PODGE gives us an insight into the sounds that inspired the treasure trove of sonic delights that is his new EP, Eatmore Fruit.
ABBY MEYSENBURG
Arresting lyricism and delicate instrumentation are gently weaved together by this Seattle native quietly causing a stir.
LENNIE DIES PREMIERE
The thunderous trio debut a new single that will leave your body and mind in Bits.
DANSETTE: THE ZANZIBAR CLUB
Scott Burgess picks out a selection of songs that he's had on heavy rotation.
LYDIAH
This attentive singer-songwriter pores over tales that provide a stark reflection of their teller.
NIKKI & THE WAVES
Drift away on the cloud-lined melodies of this Amsterdam infused outfit who are sweeping through the local scene.
LITTLE GRACE
Callum Horridge introduces us to the trio’s luscious pop stylings, pulled together with a collage-esque freedom.
SOUND CITY ANNOUNCE FIRST NAMES FOR 2020
First artists announced included Pale Waves, The Blinders and Stealing Sheep
THE LOST BROTHERS
First viewing of the Irish duo's new single Fugitive Moon, featuring M Ward and taken from the brand new LP.
STRAWBERRY GUY GALLERY
Take a look at an extended set of photos from Kate Davies' feature shoot with Strawberry Guy
DANSETTE: NATALIE MCCOOL
Future-pop auteur Natalie McCool reveals some of the tracks that inspired her new single, Someone Nue
ENNIO THE LITTLE BROTHER
This North Wales artist has caught the ear of Merseyside label Mai 68 with his idiosyncratic, soulful dream hop
KINGFAST
Caught in a loop with the inventive songwriter and guitarist who has roots in Belfast and Kingston
A MUSIC MARKETPLACE FOR THE MIND
A BBC Music Day event looks at mental wellness in the the modern music industry
MEMBERS’ MIXTAPE
Bido Member Jordan Ryder gives us insight into what he’s been playing non-stop in his headphones during 2019.
BYE LOUIS
Kieran Callanan’s debut EP utilises field recordings to create a deeply organic sense of space.
AIMÉE STEVEN
Aimée Steven’s warming, Gallic stylings portray sad stories of modern life soundtracked by edgy guitars
AMBER JAY
Amber Jay’s acoustic-driven pop is infused with intricate melodies and a real depth of emotional heart
DAN DISGRACE
Dan Disgrace’s first venture with Eggy Records provides the chill-out pop melodies to tackle the summer heat
MERSEYRAIL SOUND STATION OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS
Sound Station is open to all musicians plying their trade on Merseyside
TESS PARKS
The Canadian native has a star that shines bright outside of her frequent collaborator’s shadow
SOUND STATION ARTISTS GO TO LONDON
Eyesore & The Jinx, Beija Flo and Podge all on the bill for London Show in October
ELIZA MAI TO PLAY FUTURE YARD
The singer songwriter has been awarded a slot as part of the festival's New Noise Project
EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP PLAYLIST
ISSUE 102 ft. Recommendations from That's Juvey?, Chinatown Slalom, PIXX + more...
MERSEYRAIL SOUND STATION LIVE
Catch live sets from all the artists in this semester of Merseyrail Sound Station
DOUBLE FANTASY
Artist Beija Flo talks us through the enduring impact of Yoko Ono, and why her work is still an inspiration today.
MEMBERS’ MIXTAPE
We ask one of our Community Members to compile a selection of music from their recent listening playlists
CHINATOWN SLALOM
Indie’s latest darlings have burst out of their university digs and landed in the glare of the mainstream like they’ve always existed. But who exactly are Chinatown Slalom?
TIËRNY
Forward thinking alt-pop is the order of the day for this former drama school pupil, channelling the classical through the modern
FERAL WHEEL
The proggy, krauty quartet invite you to join them in going back to the sea. And they’re kind of hard to say no to.
LIMF ACADEMY LIVE: PODGE
Live session from LIMF Academy's newest recruit Podge exclusively for Bido Lito!
FERAL WHEEL
An introduction the retina-burning world of proggy, krauty, garagey quartet FERAL WHEEL.
EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP PLAYLIST
ISSUE 101 ft. Recommendations from Bill Nickson, Raheem Alameen, Rolling Blackouts C.F. + more...
BIDO LITO! CELEBRATES BOLD STREET
The Bido Lito! Stage at Celebrating Bold Street will host Merseyrail Sound Station acts this weekend.
SPINN TOUR DIARY
With a fresh new album in their back pocket, Liverpool’s jangle pop darlings hit the road to charm the rest of the UK.
MICHAEL ALDAG
A rising star who is managing to merge classic Scouse songwriting with the freshness of contemporary electronic production.
SHAI-LI
This Liverpool-based producer and multi-instrumentalist crafts sweeping vistas from her minimalist compositions
RAHEEM ALAMEEN
One of last year’s LIMF Academy Most Ready artists has started to fulfil his huge potential, with two stellar tracks already in 2019
MEMBERS’ MIXTAPE
We ask one of our Community Members to compile a selection of music from their recent listening playlists
MERSEYRAIL SOUND STATION ARTISTS UNVEILED
Meet the artists taking part in semester three of the development project
BILL DRUMMOND
A Forty Minute Interview between Bill Drummond and Bido Lito! founder and publisher Craig G Pennington.
LIVERPOOL, 2028 ROUNDTABLE
A roundtable discussion with the artists whose commissioned work features in a new exhibition at dot-art Gallery
ROGER EAGLE MEMORIAL LECTURE
The JAMs' Bill Drummond man will deliver the inaugural Roger Eagle Memorial lecture
EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP PLAYLIST
ISSUE 99 ft. Recommendations from Sub Blue, Podge, Tabitha Jade + more...
MEMBERS’ MIXTAPE
We ask one of our Community Members to compile a selection of music from their recent listening playlists
TABITHA JADE
From National Songwriting champion at 16 to Oyé Introduces act this year – where next for this rising urban pop act?
CHARLIE MCKEON
The folk-inflected songwriter’s “cabinet of curiosities” has enough flair to satisfy music fans of all different stripes.
ISSUE 99 FINAL SAY
PJ Smith remembers an important member of Liverpool’s recovery community, Damien Kelly
STRENGTHENING OUR ROOTS
Sound City COO Rebecca Ayres looks ahead to an exciting 2019 for the festival as it returns to the Baltic Triangle.
SOUND CITY 2019 LINE-UP
Some highlights selected from this year's festival bill, including headliners and ones to watch
SOUND CITY+
Sound City+ at a glance: a selection of highlights from the range of panels and discussions from this year's industry conference
PURPLE SOLE
Join SEVENSTORE for a discursive panel event celebrating the launch of the adidas Merseyside Trimm-Trab pack.
RITUAL 2.0
A large-scale, public realm light and sound installation in the tunnels of Moorfields Station
INSIDE PAGES
A festival which brings the pages of Bido Lito! to life with artists of local and international significance
BIDO100! FILM COMMISSION
Call-out to filmmakers to help us capture the bido100! programme and themes
DANSETTE: QUEEN ZEE
Queen Zee picks out a few choice records that were important touchstones for her when making the punk five-piece's debut LP.
COW
Kyle Lee juggles his time between a couple of North Wales-via-Liverpool bands, but finds the most catharsis in this grungy countrified outfit
RACHAEL JEAN HARRIS
Crafting highly-charged songs from the frantic emotions of life’s ups and downs is a characteristic of this jazz-inflected songwriter
GOOD PROBLEMS
Canadian grunge and British indie collide in the swirl of noise created by this Liverpool-based four-piece
ISSUE 98 FINAL SAY
Esme Davine confronts tokenism and surveys the damage it does to female musicians.
Bido Lito! set for 6 Music Fest panel
Catch our founder, Craig G Pennington, chatting all things psych with Stuart Maconie
ACTRESS x SAM WIEHL
The latest in an innovative series of events brings the preeminent electronic artist to Kitchen Street
EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP PLAYLIST
ISSUE 97 ft. Recommendations from Sleaford Mods, Ana Mae, Munkey Junkey + more
City Of Light, City Of Sanctuary
Fin Reed captures The Lantern Company's latest dazzling display at Sefton Park
MEMBERS’ MIXTAPE
We ask one of our Community Members to compile a selection of music from their recent listening playlists
SHARDS
The dreamy quartet are making huge strides as one of the leading lights of the Jacaranda Records roster
PREMIERE: SUPER SPECIAL BY KYAMI
Hear the addictive new track from neo-soul vocalist and producer KYAMI
ISSUE 97 FINAL SAY
As the clock ticks down to the UK’s divorce date with the EU, Wirral South MP Alison McGovern considers how much value we place on all members of society
EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP PLAYLIST
ISSUE 96 ft. Recommendations from Eyesore & The Jinx, The Indica Gallery, Kyami + more
GOD SAVE THE FLORRIE
The team behind a vibrant L8 community force talk to us for episode three of the arts and culture podcast
Bido Lito! Contributor Development Workshops
In Partnership with Merseyside Arts Foundation & Awards For All
THE INDICA GALLERY
Indie surrealism is the order of the day with this five-piece of psych obsessives
KYAMI
Hailing from upstate New York, this neo-soul vocalist and producer has put down roots in Liverpool since being recognised by LIMF Academy as one of 2018’s Most Ready Artists.
THE PEACH FUZZ
The five-piece Skeleton Key noisemakers invite you to get down with their hazy cosmic jive
DANSETTE: DANIEL THORNE
The composer and Immix leader gives us some insight into the sounds that influenced the making of his debut solo LP.
ISSUE 96 FINAL SAY
Chair of the newly formed Liverpool City Region Music Board, Michael Eakin, talks us through some of the challenges it faces
SOUND CITY 2019 LINE-UP ADDITIONS
Find out who's been added to the line-up for this year's Sound City
MERSEYRAIL SOUND STATION SEMESTER TWO
Meet the future sound of Merseyside with Sound Station's semester two artists
LIVERPOOL, 2028
Artists invited to explore the future of Liverpool's new music and creative culture for new exhibition
CHARACTERS
Seeking Characters - a regular celebration of extraordinary people. We're asking our readers to nominate the people they love, who deserve to be recognised for their tireless work.
PREMIERE: SCARF SONG BY SARA WOLFF
See the brand new video to Sara Wolff's bittersweet jazz folk number
THE TEA STREET BAND
Watch the brand new, futuro video for the quartet's single Only Love, directed by Dom Foster
Order The 2018 Bido Lito! Journal
Collating and celebrating 12 months in Liverpool’s creative and cultural endeavours, bringing together the story of 2018 in a deluxe, coffee table book format.
THE BLUECOAT AND PERESTROIKA
Jayne Casey and Bryan Biggs unearth some stories from The Bluecoat's archive
DANSETTE: LUNA
The producer and electronicist reveals some of the beats and sounds that inspired her new single, 5am.
SMOPH
You may be more used to seeing her behind a drumkit with Pale Rider, but Sophie Thompson’s talent with her guitar and voice is just as formidable.
CHARITY SHOP POP
This Ormskirk native’s lush music has caught the attention of The Label Recordings.
LIVE AT THE AERIE
Exclusive premiere of The Remy Jude Ensemble's first release, a visual EP in four parts in association with Leech Video
THE BIDO LITO! NYE GUIDE 2018
Avoid the guff and let us help you pick the best NYE parties in Liverpool this year
6 OF THE BEST
6 Of The Best brings you highlights from the week ahead in new music and creative culture
EYESORE’S OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY
Eyesore & The Jinx get in the festive spirit with an Office Christmas Party at Shipping Forecast.
COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP
The Bido Lito! Membership is changing as part of a global movement towards community journalism
DANSETTE: TEA STREET BAND
The electronic quartet take us to the dancefloor to shed some light on the music that inspired their pulsating new album.
SARA WOLFF
We challenge you not to be smitten by the storytelling nous of this artist with inventive lyricism
STRAWBERRY GUY
Bask in the sweet and calming waters of chill-out lounge pop with this synth whizzkid
ISSUE 94 FINAL SAY
The team from the Musician's Union explain why they’re calling for protection of the rights of creative workers in a post-Brexit world.
DADAFEST LINE-UP UNVEILED
DaDafest announce a huge line-up with over 50 events happening over November
ALL YOU NEED IS LSD
Playwright Leo Butler talks about his new play coming to the Unity exploring the psychedelic revolution
DANIEL BOOCOCK
A poetic storyteller with an arresting visual aesthetic. You’ll be hearing more from Daniel Boocock
EIMEAR KAVANAGH
Irish-born multidisciplinary artist Eimear Kavanagh has unfinished business in Liverpool, before a month-long residency in Iceland
PISS KITTI
Thrashy and punky and with a whole lot to say: Dom and Esme from brand new quartet PISS KITTI tell us what’s in their manifesto.
DANSETTE: MERSEY WYLIE
MERSEY WYLIE selects some of the influential artists and sounds that she had in mind when recording new EP, The Skin I Live In.
ROOT-ED
Co-founders of ROOT-ed Zine Fauziya Johnson and Amber Akaunu talk about the need for a platform that represents creative people of colour based in the North West
DANSETTE: HAARM
BT Sport football soundtrackers HAARM pick their influences when recording new EP Better Friend
WIFE
Meet the trio of outsider “filth” makers formed in 2015 to “fight the bourgeoisie with hot noise”
AMY CADWALLADER
The Liverpool Hope University fine art graduate on crafting arresting visuals from sculptures of light
INTO THE VOID
An exclusive Stateside excerpt from Nick Power's book Into The Void, to accompany the new Coral album
MERSEYRAIL SOUND STATION ANNOUNCE THE NEW COHORT
An African-Irish rapper, an Iranian pop star and Scouse punks: Merseyrail Sound Station announce artists
DANSETTE: HER’S
Stephen Fitzpatrick and Audun Landing – aka Her’s – reveal the influences on their debut album Invitation To Her’s.
HANNAH AND THE WICK EFFECT
Square-peg indie? Saturn punk? Spiky riot girl meets Veruca Salt? Whichever way you choose to describe Hannah Brown’s music, you’ll not be disappointed with its ability to make you feel.
ANNEXE THE MOON
With a revolving line-up of members, this troupe of jangly psych-poppers turn their collective sunny disposition into insanely catchy gems. The group’s two core members take a break from their efforts to tell us what makes them tick.
CALLING ALL MUSICIANS!
Merseyrail Sound Station - an innovative new music development programme has been unveiled
DANSETTE: SUB BLUE
The sultry groovester gives us some insight into the sounds that influenced his new Suburban View EP.
SOUND CITY 2018
Our verdict on Sound City's first year back in the heart of the city, in words and pictures
PREMIERE: SEATBELTS
Exclusive first look at the video for A World Drained Of Wonder, the new single by Seatbelts
SOUND CITY 2018
Photo gallery by Jessica Grace Neal featuring, Dermot Kennedy, Matt Maltese and The Night Cafe.
SOUND CITY 2018
Photo gallery by Stuart Moulding featuring, King Khan and The Shrines, Black Honey and Superorganism.
SOUND CITY 2018
Photo gallery by Kristian Patten featuring, IDLES, Hey Charlie and Paris Youth Foundation.
JACQUI MCASSEY
A new wave of documenters are giving female football supporters visibility and a sense of belonging in football culture.
DANSETTE: SUNSTACK JONES
Ahead of the release of their new LP, the dream-soaked group give us some insight into the records that influenced their new sound.
DISCO SOCRATES
Uniting the globe through music and football - a one-day festival of musical culture and its social impact
SOUND CITY 2018
Ahead of the festval's return to the city in May, we preview all of the action coming to the Baltic Triangle on our dedicated Sound City 2018 section.
DANSETTE: THE ORIELLES
THE ORIELLES delve deep into the Sound City line-up and pick out some of their favourite acts
SALT THE SNAIL
SALT THE SNAIL’s vocalist Krystian explains why being in a noisy, alt. grunge band with your mates and shoehorning in wrestling references is the most fun you can have.
SHAK OMAR
Seasons is the perfect introduction to Shak Omar, a bold new voice on Merseyside for RnB-tinged soul.
SEATBELTS
Toeing the line between excitement and disenchantment, SEATBELTS are a creative relief valve for a clutch of the region’s most creative minds.
THIRD WAVE ADDED TO POSITIVE VIBRATION LINE-UP
Legendary producer, genre defining DJ and more added to award-winning reggae festival line-up
SOUND CITY+
The British Music Experience plays host to a series of panel discussions and conversations with industry experts from across the world.
RECORD STORE DAY @ THE JACARANDA
Record Store Day 2018 at The Jacaranda, featuring Mellowtone Records, XamVolo and Nick Ellis.
BIDO LITO! PRESENTS AT SMITHDOWN ROAD
We've chosen eight of our favourite local artists to play the much-loved Smithdown Road Festival
CHUPA CABRA
The Deeside gutter punks signed to Trashmouth Records blend incisive lyrics and shouty, unapologetic brashness.
WILROY
The widescreen, warped soul music found on the Liverpool-based Canadian producer’s new EP is the perfect way to soothe a busy mind.
YAMMERER
One dose of madcappery from the many-limbed beat combo that is Yammerer will leave you smitten. Enter the funhouse with the band’s dynamic frontman Jason.
DANSETTE: MARK PETERS
Former Engineers songwriter MARK PETERS reveals some of the inspirational records that have proved seminal in his musical education.
FACT AT 15 GALLERY
Photographer Robin Clewley gives us a tour around the fascinating Wood Street building in this FACT At 15 Gallery
BEIJA FLO GALLERY
Take a look at an extended set of photos from Keith Ainsworth's feature shoot with Beija Flo
PIZZAGIRL’S PIZZA CRAWL
We went on a pizza crawl with Pizzagirl, and John Latham put together this brilliant set of photos.
FOCUS WALES
We're pleased as punch to present a trio of talented artists at one of the UK's most renowned showcase festivals
100 DEMONS – MANCHESTER COLLECTIVE
Keith Ainsworth captures the action from Manchester Collective's second show at Invisible Wind Factory
WIRRAL NEW MUSIC COLLECTIVE
WNMC announces a Live Music Innovation Fund to support live music in Wirral
RY VIEIRA VIDEO PREMIERE
Kick back and chill with the new video for Baby When You Go from the woozy whizzkid
GO PLATINUM WITH SORT
The team behind the Baltic rehearsal spaces have launched the Sort Development Deal in a bid to help unsigned acts stand out.
DANSETTE: LAURIE SHAW
Laurie Shaw reveals some of the inspirational records that were key touchstones for him during the making of his new LP, Weird Weekends
WILD FRUIT ART COLLECTIVE
Jamie Roberts from esoteric, guitar-jamming rock curveballs Wild Fruit Art Collective talks about the group’s “scatty” origins.
ESME BRIDIE
With her first full-length album due for release in March, this emotive singer-songwriter is finally ready to step into the limelight.
MERSEYSIDE ARTS FOUNDATION
Applications are now open for MAF's groundbreaking music development programme.
ALL WE ARE X a.P.A.t.T.
Parr Street Studios have been celebrating 25 years in operation with a series of specially commissioned sessions - the latest is this stunning collaboration between All We Are and a.P.A.t.T.
KING HANNAH
Hannah Merrick is revelling in her band’s development into a growly, country-tinged rock outfit – and so are we.
EXPLORING BIRDSONG
Step inside and marvel at Exploring Birdsong’s world of “piano-driven progressive rock”
DANSETTE: THE FERNWEH
The Fernweh reveal some of the inspirational records that were key touchstones for the band in the making of their debut album
ISSUE 85 FINAL SAY
Ahead of the very first Bido Lito! Student Society meeting on 7th February, Co-Chairs of the society Daisy Scott and Sophie Shields each give their individual take on the impact of students on the Liverpool music scene.
BARBEROS: THE LADIUS
Barberos don their spandex to celebrate 25 years of Parr Street Studios with their choir epic The Ladius
BIDO LITO! STUDENT SOCIETY FIRST MEETING
Join us for the first meeting of the Bido Lito! Student Society at The Merchant on 7th February
WE’RE LOOKING FOR FILMMAKERS
We're looking for creative and innovative filmmakers to work with us on a range of projects in 2018
LIVERPOOL, MUSIC CITY?
We look at the spaces where artists and makers are able to cut their teeth, thrive and create.
THE BLURRED SUN BAND
We bask in the jazzy psych soup concocted by the latest group to join the Eggy Records roster
PURE JOY…GO GALACTIC!
Celestial duo Pure Joy return with an epic, 13-minute space voyage single, released on War Room Records
IN RESPONSE TO ALPHONSE MUCHA
We peer behind the curtain on In Response To... Alphonse Mucha, a series of songs spawned from viewing the Art Nouveau master's work
THE BIDO LITO! SOCIAL X OUTSIDERS STORE
XamVolo headed up stellar line-up of artists for the final Bido Lito! Social of the year with Outsiders Store
POSITIVE VIBRATION
The award-winning reggae festival announce the first wave of earth-shaking acts for their 2018 edition.
DANSETTE: NICK ELLIS
Nick Ellis picks the records that were spinning on his Dansette during the making of Adult Fiction
KATIE MAC
The Huyton-born artist channels a well of personal experience into her charged, emotional songwriting.
EYESORE AND THE JINX
Josh Miller, Eyesore And The Jinx’s vocalist and bassist, on their “collection of maudlin odes to the world’s impending annihilation”.
HARLEE
“Uplifting soulful pop with a sprinkle of teenage yearning.” Warrington-based Harlee talks us through her musical life and taking inspiration from her experiences.
Liverpool Music Week Closing Party 2017
Liverpool Music Week @ Invisible Wind Factory and North Shore Troubadour 4/11/17
THE LOST BROTHERS VIDEO PREMIERE
The Lost Brothers return with an exclusive video for Echoes In The Wind, taken from their forthcoming fifth album
PIZZA THE ACTION
Seeing Queen Zee and The Sasstones or Blick Bassy this November? Get 2-4-1 pizza at American Pizza Slice. Yum.
JO MARY
The Wirral's premiere exponents of uncompromised garage rock debauchery drop their video for Do You Want My Fucking Kidneys Too?
DIALECT
“A loose constellation of musical and non-musical sounds.” Andrew PM Hunt, the mind behind the Dialect moniker, muses on latest release Loose Blooms
CARTWHEELS ON GLASS
CARTWHEELS ON GLASS mix dark humour and stark reality to create “manic depressive pop music”.
BISCH NADAR
Alt-prog-pop-rock outfit BISCH NADAR blend a heady mix of genres to make “big fun, big riffs and big beats”.
PRE-GIG PIZZA PARTY
Got tickets for Dream Wife or Hurray For The Riff Raff this October? Get 2-4-1 pizza at American Pizza Slice
DANSETTE: HOWIE PAYNE
The Dylan-esque singer-songwriter gives us some insight on what he was listening to while writing his latest album, Mountain.
PALE RIDER
“Space rock that your Dad will probably enjoy.” Four-piece PALE RIDER let us into their world of nuclear power ballads.
ISSUE 82 FINAL SAY
Liverpool Mental Health Festival returns with a programme of events promoting awareness of mental health and wellbeing, encouraging people to enjoy the festival’s myriad activities on their own terms
All We Are
Watch the second part of All We Are's documentary on identity, focusing on Liverpool and their relation to it
PIZZA THE ACTION
Going to see The Vryll Society this Friday? Get 2-4-1 pizza at American Pizza Slice
SPQR
A consideration of thoughtful hard rock with SPQR’s Peter Harrison, as the trio prepare to release their first EP, The House That Doubt Built.
NUTRIBE
Groove and more groove is the order of the day with multidimensional vibe collective NUTRIBE.
VENUSIAN
“Dark trip hop, inspired by science fiction and 80s synthwave.” Meet otherworldly four-piece Venusian
MARVIN POWELL VIDEO PREMIERE
Exclusive first look at the video for Marvin Powell's windswept new single Wind Before The Train
PIZZA THE ACTION
Going to see Frankie Cosmos or The Vryll Society in August? Get 2-4-1 pizza at American Pizza Slice
BIDO LITO! STUDENT SOCIETY
Music and culture loving students, we're launching the Bido Lito! Student Society and we'd love you to get involved
WIN GARY NUMAN TICKETS
Check out our gallery of Gary Numan's last Liverpool gig + win a pair of tickets to see him at ECL
LUNA
LUNA is a rising star of the electronic pop scene, amalgamating the sound of the classical voice with the innovation of electronica
BIG HEATH
“Like a mix of a slow-cooked rap stew, with R&B dumplings and grime seasoning.” Meet MC and pizza aficionado BIG HEATH.
WIN BRIAN WILSON TICKETS
Read our interview with the Beach Boys genius and win tickets to see him perform Pet Sounds
LIVERPOOL: A CITY OF PROTEST
An exhibition of protest and placards comes to Constellations this month
VIDEO PREMIERE: SISSY FISTS
Queen Zee And The Sasstones unleash the video for latest single Sissy Fists
LIMF ACADEMY MOST READY ARTISTS
Inside the Motor Museum with LIMF Academy Most Ready artists Gazelle, Remée and Mary Miller
THE BIDO LITO! SOCIAL IN PICTURES
What went down at the June edition of the Bido Lito! Social at Camp and Furnace
HOW MANY WAYS / GAZELLE
LIMF Academy Most Ready artist Gazelle recorded live at Motor Museum for Bido Lito!
HANNAH’S LITTLE SISTER
From promising solo project to full-blown a quartet, HANNAH’S LITTLE SISTER are a lo-fi pop sensation in waiting
BILL NICKSON
Vulnerable DIY guitar pop with electronic undercurrents: meet the bedroom guitarist with a heart of song
INDIGO MOON
The fearsome quintet let us in on the melting pot of influences that are behind the group’s storming new EP Anatomy.
SOUND CITY 2017
BIDO LITO! COMMENT | For Sound City to reignite its flame, it must be embedded back within the city itself
PROPERTY / MARY MILLER
LIMF Academy Most Ready artist Mary Miller recorded live at Motor Museum for Bido Lito!
DANSETTE: ALL WE ARE
All We Are select the tracks that have influenced their upcoming album Sunny Hills
AN INDIAN ODYSSEY
The uncredited Indian musicians who played on Sgt. Pepper and inspired George Harrison have finally been tracked down: allow Dr Mike Jones to tell their story
HER’S
The transnational jangle pop duo explain what being a "supersonic spectral wave band" actually means
HAARM
The Radio 1-playlisted trio talk us through their luscious pop and the idea behind latest release, Endangered Species.
NEIL NOA
Modern soul vocalist and guitarist NEIL NOA explains how his infatuation with music began, ahead of his July LIMF Summer Jam appearance.
A DECADE OF SOUND
Pre-order your programme for Pioneers of British Electronic Music, The Velvet Underground & Nico Reimagined and Sound City
TIME CAPSULE
DJs Andy Votel and Bitowski and artist Sam Wiehl set for the mind-melding LightNight After Party
LIVERPOOL, MUSIC CITY?
The time has come for us - the Liverpool music community - to reshape what music means to the city.
THE ART OF REGGAE
The Art Of Reggae presents a vibrant selection of works in aid of a fantastic and fitting cause.
LIVERPOOL’S ROUGH TRADE
The complete Rough Trade Records playlist, as selected by movers and shakers in the Liverpool community
QUEEN OF THE TRACK
QOTT are the print, digital and events collective that the world needs right now.
GRRRL POWER
The DIY collective are bringing a vital new approach to the way women and non-binary people access arts
WELCOME TO UPITUP
A series of introductory mixes from Jacques Malchance, ahead of Upitup Records' 14th birthday
THE FINAL SAY
"We stand apart. We take battles on. We won’t be told. We are contrary. Gobby. Up for a fight."
IT’S OUR PARTY
Want a taste of what's happening at our Membership Launch Party? We've got you covered.
RECORD STORE DAY IN LIVERPOOL GUIDE 2017
Live music, giveaways and rarities - where to get yours on Record Store Day 2017
MEMBERSHIP LAUNCH PARTY
Join us @ 24 Kitchen Street with Strange Collective, MC Farhood, Pixey and more
FOREST SWORDS – ARMS OUT
Forest Swords returns with a mesmerising new video and details of his second album.
AGP
The dreamy project of intrepid instrument juggler Andrew Gordon Parry has taken on many iterations, but the latest has us captivated.
I SEE RIVERS
Your latest Scandimania obsession is here, in the form of the pastoral float folk of this Norwegian trio
THE SHIPBUILDERS
Guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Matthew Loughlin-Day from Scouserock four-piece The Shipbuilders on the roots and echoes in their sound
AGP VIDEO PREMIERE
Watch the video for Motionsickness, the latest single from musical shapeshifter AGP
DANYE
Four like-minded souls who weave a particularly dreamy thread of space pop while trying to find some escapism from the real world.
AMINA ATIQ
The Yemeni published poet and member of Writing on the Wall’s young writers group uses her words to protest and educate
DIG VINYL’S UNDER THE RADAR RECORDS 2016
Dig Vinyl's UNDER THE RADAR shares some of the more arcane songs of 2016.
HOOTON IN HELMSDALE
Hooton Tennis Club offer us an insight into their studio sessions for new album Big Box Of Chocolates with Edwyn Collins.
#GuestlistGiving
BidoLito! et al aims to raise £4000 through #Guestlistgiving for the Liverpudlian homeless.
OBSCENIC SESSIONS / STEALING SHEEP
Stealing Sheep chat to us on film about their new single, I Am The Rain.
BE BORN EVERY TIME
Bill Ryder-Jones meets Ludovico Einaudi, exploring the cinematic threads that tie the two artists together.
POLAR BEAR
Seb Rochford of psych-jazz collective Polar Bear speaks to two members of Liverpool's own buzzing jazz scene.
Stealing Sheep Podcast Session
Stealing Sheep live in session at Elevator Recording Studios, February 2012.
PLAYLIST
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