Fistful of Fandango - Gaggle
Fistful of Fandango, the showcase for new bands returns for its third year. 229 The Venue will play host to six bands a night over four nights. Talent spotters, new music enthusiasts and regular gig-goers are waiting with baited breath.
The festival is another venture of the guys behind Club Fandango, an independent live music promotions company founded by Andy McLeod and Simon Williams, which started out with a weekly night at Camden’s Dublin Castle back in 2001. After having Arctic Monkeys, Bloc Party, Hard-Fi, and Kaiser Chiefs pass through their books they now run a label, fanzine, and online mp3 store alongside their London mini-fest.
Eclecticism is key as cult band Art Brut, surf rockers Herman Dune and the 21-strong grrrrl choir Gaggle make up the bill amongst many others. Firmly standing out from the rest this latter band describe themselves as “an alternative to burlesque, shit TV, and bad boy-band watching”.
Gaggle are unlike any other female group you may have heard, and a quick look on their MySpace page reveals blogs written by the girls which range from poetry to denouncing the trafficking of women in Eastern Europe. Imagine 21 feisty, opinionated women on a stage chanting whilst dressed in brightly coloured cloaks and you might begin to get the picture.
We caught up with members Coughlin, Gussett, McClean & Schwa ahead of their appearance at Fistful, who tell us they all met whilst dancing to ‘Stars’ by Simply Red. “Our mutual passion for Mick Hucknall brought us together. Now one of us is dating a Mick Hucknall impersonator - Dick Fucknall” .
What inspired you to make music together?
The Dogtanian theme tune.
What are your songs about?
Drink, world peace, political apathy. Eye balls. [Our music] has become bi-ped and developed its own consciousness.
Biggest challenge as a band?
Sobriety. Turning up on time. Schwa.
What’s on your stereo at the moment?
Dallas. En Vogue. Heather Mae Jones.
What do you think of the British music scene?
We can’t wait for the new series of X Factor to start.
What’s next for Gaggle?
Forwards. South by southwest.
Fame and fortune?
Does that come with gin and sex?
Catch the irreverent Gaggle on Stage 1 at Fistful of Fandango on Wednesday 9th of September, 8pm at 229 The Venue, 229 Great Portland Street W1W 5PN www.clubfandango.co.uk
For more info on the band check out their MySpace www.myspace.com/gagglespace
