** Head South Celebrates Its 1st Anniversary with a Series of Unmissable Events in Brighton**

Brighton’s very own alternative music label, **Head South**, is marking its first anniversary with an eclectic lineup of events that showcase the city's creative energy and its thriving alternative music scene. From intimate live performances in secret locations to beachside DJ sets, Head South is taking over Brighton and Sussex this September and October. Whether you’re a vinyl addict, a fan of raw indie talent, or just looking for something different, there’s something for everyone in this unique celebration.

Expect performances by local artists, a one-of-a-kind pop-up CD and music poster flea market, a stop from the Voodoo Dolls tour, and much more. Don’t miss out the Q&A interview with label co-founders Eric Thompson and Cerys Nyland, who will reflect on the label’s journey so far and share exciting plans for the future.

Don't miss these events and follow them on this page. Get ready to dive into Brighton’s alternative sound in a way you’ve never experienced before!

Edited by user 05 September 2024 19:56:27(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

**Voodoo Dolls Celebrate Head South’s First Anniversary in the Most Unexpected Way**


On a windswept monday evening, about 200 fans gathered at the Shoreham Recycling Centre—yes, you read that right—to witness one of the most unconventional gigs of the year. The mysterious tweet from Head South's official account had sparked excitement and confusion in equal measure. "Shoreham Recycling Centre, monday 6pm" was all the invitation the label’s loyal following needed. After all, this wasn’t just any show—it was a celebration of the first anniversary of Head South, the indie label that had propelled post-punk icons Voodoo Dolls into the spotlight with their debut album, "Back Mutations".

Led by the duo of Jack Lai (vocals and drums) and Haru Shibata (vocals and guitar), Voodoo Dolls have made a name for themselves, playing guerilla gigs in supermarket car parks, it seemed only fitting that they would mark the occasion with a performance set against the backdrop of discarded furniture, broken appliances, and literal heaps of trash.

As fans entered the recycling centre, they were greeted by eerie voodoo dolls hanging from the gates, a grim but quirky welcome that set the tone for the night.

Inside, the setup was as raw as their music. Among piles of discarded material stood a lone drum kit and microphone, surrounded by a sea of waste. The message couldn’t have been clearer—this was a full-throated rejection of consumerism and waste culture. When Jack and Haru finally appeared, the crowd erupted. The band had arrived in their element.

Haru, guitar in hand, stepped up to the microphone with the kind of casual energy that has become her signature. “We are Voodoo Dolls, and this is a birthday party! 1, 2, 3, 4!” she shouted, launching straight into their opening number, a cover of "Garbage Truck" from "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World". The choice was brilliantly on-brand, the lyrics echoing the night’s trash-laden setting. Jack’s gritty vocals paired with Haru’s jangly guitar made for a raw, spirited performance that had the audience chanting along.




What followed was a typically Voodoo Dolls affair—gritty, chaotic, and bursting with energy. At one point, Jack gestured to the heaps of rubbish around them, deadpanning, "Welcome to Haru’s bedroom." The crowd exploded with laughter, while Haru, enigmatic , remained silent, offering only a sly smirk.

The atmosphere shifted when Haru stepped forward again. “This one’s called "Pay!” " she said in her soft-spoken voice. What followed was an intense rendition of their debut single, a blistering critique of human commodification. In the context of the recycling centre, it hit harder than ever, with the surrounding garbage acting as a brutal metaphor for modern life.



Then came the highlight of the night—a performance of "Bullet Train", a track from "Back Mutations" that will soon be released as the band’s next single. The track, driven by Haru’s furious guitar work and the duo’s explosive chemistry, lit the room on fire. Fans thrashed in a pogo pit as the band ripped through the song, delivering its nihilistic lyrics with ferocity.



Haru’s hypnotic delivery and the raw intensity of the music left the audience breathless.



Of course, no Voodoo Dolls set would be complete without their viral hit, *Assassin Man*. As the familiar opening chords rang out, the crowd went wild, singing along not only to the lyrics but to the dialogue from the band’s now-infamous manga-style music video. Fans even chanted, “Use your Anti-Pop Paw attack now, motherf***er!” in perfect unison, referencing the video’s cult Pokemon-style showdown between Haru’s Punkpup and Jack. The sense of community was palpable; for a few brief moments, the crowd and the band were one.

Raw, rebellious, and real, they stayed true to their roots, using their unusually stage to make a statement while keeping their fans close. Head South couldn’t have asked for a better way to kick off their anniversary celebrations.

Edited by user 01 October 2024 15:07:54(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified