On December 7, some of the best bands from Brixton’s oft-celebrated underground music scene will release a Christmas compilation titled, of course, IT’S BRIIIIIIXMAAAAAAS!.
Released by label Brixton Hillbilly, all the proceeds are going to the Brixton Soup Kitchen, which has been providing food, clothing, legal advice and help with housing and finding employment since 2013.
Six bands, all of whom use Brixton Hill Studio, have contributed a song, and above you can hear the exclusive premiere of Black Midi and Jerskin Fendrix’s collaborative effort as Black Fendrix Jerk Midi, titled ‘Ice Cream’.
Says Jerskin Fendrix of the collaboration: "Black Midi and I have been liking each other’s music for a while so I was very excited when they asked me to help out with this song. ‘Ice Cream’ is about the blizzard that hit New York in 2017."
The project is organised by Stephen Gilchrist, a seasoned session musician, the owner of Brixton Hill Studios and the bassist in Hot Sauce Pony. His band contribute musically, as do Alessi’s Ark, Ham Legion, Bad Parents and SCUD FM.
Gilchrist said: "This record is not just about trying to raise a few pounds for a local charity. It’s more than that. It’s about creating awareness about the fact that there are people genuinely struggling to put food on the table to feed their loved ones, not just at Christmas, but all year around.
"We should be ashamed that we live in a country allegedly ruled by a government made up of 78% millionaires who do not seem to be making this travesty their top priority.
"Every band on the record has thrown their heart and soul behind the project and the love they have shown for it has been humbling for me watching it come together. Our staff have been behind it 100%, working behind the scenes helping out, not to mention mixing and recording the album. They’ve made us really proud.
"I really hope that this sends out an important message that as London is becoming richer and more affluent that there are people out there, our less fortunate friends and neighbours, who need our support and consideration."
IT’S BRIIIIIIXMAAAAAAS! is out on Brixton Hillbilly on December 7. To pre-order on vinyl and CD, click here
