Hybrid Who?

The Old Street octopus of a tube station welcomes the HybridLab team into its cephalopod embrace.  Spitting us out at exit two, our home is just past the fire station on the left.  At the moment HybridLab showcases unsigned bands to the hungry hoards of London.  Other intriguing artistic endeavours are also in the works. Our web page www.hybridlab.org helps hidden talents step into the musical light.
As a social enterprise owned by a charity called IEA
(Innovative Enterprise Action), we offer to you - completely free - our services in the fields of photography, graphics, journalism, cogent business advice, training schemes and much more besides.  In return the girls who work here are part of the WHAM project
(Women Helped to Advance in Media) honing their skills whilst
gaining invaluable experience in Media.  It works in a lovely circular fashion!

So sit back and let our troupe of ladies feed you the fruits of our labour.

Octave Review

Candles flicker seductively.  China and glass tingle.  Jazz, pure and unadulterated reverberates against the walls.  Octave is a haven of live jazz music.
Secreted away on Endell Street Covent garden, Ocatve is central London opulence to the max, but without maxing out your credit card.  Entrance is only a fiver, a small price to pay for an evening of jazz related indulgence. If you fancy an extra treat, the venue also boasts an impressive array of over 70 different types of cocktails, and fine dining.  Octave has all the makings for a romantic soiree, just sit back and let the accomplished musicians serenade you.
Monday nights are also the perfect time for unknown musicians to take the stage in the Octave ‘jazz jam’.  Anyone can join in, singing or playing with other musicians.  The results are always different and fascinating.  If you have a jazz bone in your body it’s certainly worth going along and jamming.  And if you’re really good, then one of octave’s agents may book you in for a set another night. 

To find out more visit www.octave8.com

If you sneak a peak at R&B Phenomenon John Legend’s top ten ‘myspace’ friends you will see the fabulous female, Ms. Mandisa, Now producers and artists world-wide are hitting the singer with possible future acoustic sessions and collaborations, this little lady is in demand.
It’s almost too exciting for Mandisa, a self confessed “sci-fi hermit” who enjoys spooky supernatural dimensions, but she’s been out and about more than usual, living breathing and writing music everyday. 
Hailed a delicious blend of music, Mandisa’s eclectic melodies clash soulful raw Macy Gray styled vocals with the mellow, moody vibes of fellow mister last name- David indie- Gray. The feisty, spirited, intimate singer introduces the experimental ingredient to her music, mixing the sounds of smooth saxophones with the soft indulgence of acoustic guitars.
Mandisa likes to look at life through different spaces, constantly challenging perceptions about the way humans interact.  Knowledge is power to the sensuous songstress and she has little time for complacent outlooks in people and the media.  Her political strain is subtle in her songs, but none the less her philosophy of enjoying life and not being defined through others eyes pervades.  Considered a tranquil fusion of styles, Mandisa has partnered and performed at the Big-Chill festival with good friends Neon Heights, a popular dub group.
“It’s a massive world out there” Mandisa laments, “but we all have something within us”. Soon what’s in Mandisa will be unleashed on the world, hopefully without the Philip K Dick overtones…
www.myspace.com/mandisamusic

A revolution is occurring in the way we think about live music.  Thinking outside the circle, Tim Soong of band TankEngine came up with a unique solution to the problem of bands paying high fees to play venues.  It comes in the name of Rogue Tune.  The concept is gloriously simple; Artists unite their fan bases through the Rogue Tune site thus enabling them to play much larger audiences - and it’s totally non-profit to help artists break away from the money motivated moguls of the music industry. Rogue Tune works in harmony with HybridLab’s ethos – all the members will be volunteers and all the money from the entrance fees, sponsors and donations will go back into making it bigger and better.
The forum is called ‘4 sounds 4 pounds’.  You get to see four fantastic acts every fortnight for only four pounds.  Musicians can collaborate ideas and even form new groups.  Unlike most venues, Rogue Tune will be targeting their own audience for support and not simply the artists’ contacts. Taking an open-minded approach will empower bands, enabling them to wield a worthy influence on the music industry.  Bands will be given the deserved space to realise their potential. 
HybridLab is collaborating with the Rogue Tune project by pooling our accomplished base of unsigned bands into the project.  All artists will be invited to perform live as part of ‘4 sounds 4 pounds’; Rogue Tunes will provide a venue free of charge in which to play – and all the fans from every band that night will be there to ensure an awesome crowd.   We’ll be offering journalistic and photographic support to all the events, helping to build a powerful media presence.
There is no limit to Rogue Tune’s growth.  It won’t be restricted to music, as comedians, street performers and filmmakers will all be involved.  Gladstone festival 2008 has already pledged their support to the project giving Rogue Tunes it’s own stage.  Rogue Tune will give slots to unsigned bands that have participated in the 4 sounds 4 pounds venture.  Fabulous!