friday 8 july | 20:00
Newcastle-based electronic musician Steve Jefferis had enjoyed the patronage of labels Static Caravan, Awkward Silence and Unbearable before London's Expanding label got wind of his delicate digital structures. Expanding released his debut long player Special Measures in 2004.
Jefferis' approach grew from a love of the European clicks n cuts scene, melded to a strong melodic sensibility. Early releases such as his Exh Cat 7" on Static Caravan are motorik explorations of laptop rock, and his use of electric guitar embellishments has remained key to his evolution toward his currently more sensual, lyrical sound. This and his recent experimentation with female vocalists perhaps lead back to his former musical life as part of indie popsters Cody and a love of the whole Sarah Records scene. Machine-made rhythms, glitch-funk and static resonances are still at the heart of today's Cathode sound though. Inescapably warm and human pop melodies married to the longing of a computerised orchestra.
As well as giving much pleasure to the late John Peel's post bag, Jefferis has collaborated with Andrew Hodson on the live realisation of his Map Music project and provided soundtracks to short pieces by film makers Richard Fenwick and Rob Kennedy. He's also featured on bills peopled by the likes of Bola, Gescom, Boom Bip, Random Number and Hrvatski.
A favourite on the Newcastle scene and now rightly renowned much further afield.
www.cathode.org.uk
friday 8 july | 20:00