HybridLab Who?

Are you an unsigned musician interested in widening your fan base?
Or hankering after your own career in media?
HybridLab is a unique social enterprise set up by charity IEA (Innovative Enteprise Action). We profile unsigned artists for free. Check out www.hybridlab.org/about for more info, and get in touch!

Whether you’re a Mosher or dance floor descendant, the Fly in New Oxford Street is the venue for you.  Music is what it’s famed for and music is it’s game. The Fly is a haven for decks and drums alike; from big names like The Fratellis, Babyshambles and Kate Nash, to The Human Value, Jennys Birthday and DJs Emma Scott and Wade. This proud member of the family Barfly is a cosy West End venue providing all the live music authenticity of it’s sticky floored brothers and sisters, in a more sophisticated setting but thankfully without the pretentious atmosphere that you might expect, due to its cool reputation and location. From the Barfly’s humble beginnings in Camden back in 1996, the New (Oxford Street) Fly maintains its ethos in the nurturing of the stars of tomorrow and playing host to some of the UKs finest bands and DJs. Admittedly the constricted space downstairs is more Squashed Fly than Bar, but all is forgiven thanks to the friendly-trendy staff, the comfy leather sofas and the great music being churned out night after night. The drinks are a little pricey, but there’s a decent selection, it won’t really break the bank and hey it is the West End! Find out more about their gigs and club nights, which happen seven nights a week on the website www.barflyclub.com/theflylondon/whatson/WhatsOn.aspx

On a Monday night, at the Halfmoon in Putney, the area around the stage was filling up with punters, waiting for the unplugged show to begin. Still hungover and sunburnt from the bank holiday weekend, it was a difficult crowd to please. Darren Clark strolled onto the stage, sat on a dilapidated stool and proceeded to sing, moving the rowdy audience to silence. 
Imagine a warm voice singing sincere lyrics to the melody of sweet acoustic guitar music. His chosen set stood out due to his humourous musings between the songs, creating a stark contrast to his melancholic music. “This song’s about coffee, the next is about a guy leaving home… but really they’re all about girls.” His songs displayed a modern approach to love with lyrics like “come to bed for a coffee and a kiss” he encapsulated a simplistic form of poetry, easy to identify with and dominant in the current music scene. The audience instantly warmed to is soulful songs, giving raucous applause when his set was finished. “Its nice to feel the audience had a good time.”
Taking inspiration from legends such as Paul Simon and James Taylor, he evokes emotions longing for romance. Performing his own songs for a year, his status has steadily grown, casting aside his nerves and apprehension to become a relaxed man on a stool with just his guitar as a friend on stage. “I used to be so nervous, playing at horrible places where you couldn’t hear me over the drunken voices, but it made me appreciate good gigs like this.”
Anyone who someday rises to the accolades of fame who once played at Halfmoon will have their picture displayed on the wall of fame. Darren’s aim? “To end up next to the Ukulele Orchestra, and Keith Richards” Hybrid hopes to see him up there soon!
www.myspace.com/darrenclark