The consequences are dear – 13/05/2008 16:03
Hello
It’s a bittersweet goodbye from myself and all involved in Crisis Consequences. We want to thank you all so much for all your help in buying tickets to Consequences Live and making the event so special and unique. We’re so grateful to everyone who has bought the track, joined our various groups and communities and supported the cause – without you none of this could have happened, so on behalf of all at Crisis, we are well and truly grateful. The campaign has raised around £160K to help homeless people, in addition to bringing Crisis and the great work it does to the attention of a new audience via the wealth of increased exposure that the project has delivered.
However, there is always so much more that can be done. If you’d like to continue supporting Crisis, please visit www.see-the-potential.com. At Crisis we see the PERSON, not their homelessness. Can you?
So once again, thanks from the bottom of my heart. And look out for more exciting projects in the future that will continue the story started by Consequences. Remember, the future is unwritten....
All my love,
Pearl
– 02/05/2008 10:09
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Consequences, the groundbreaking record by the super-group Crisis, is on sale NOW. A dozen artists (including Beth Ditto, Paul Weller, The Enemy, Graham Coxon, Supergrass and New Young Pony Club) contributed to the track without hearing each other’s parts, just like the parlour game Consequences. And now it’s time for you to make your contribution to the record, by helping to reach a new World Record!
Crisis is attempting to set the first world-record for the highest number of downloads for a charity single in one day. And that day is today, Friday 2nd May. So while you’re at your computer, download the track NOW from as little as 79p, get a great piece of music for yourself, and help Crisis to help thousands of homeless people. Go to iTunes, Napster, 7digital.com or your favourite online record store.
All proceeds from the sale of the record go to help Crisis to help thousands of homeless people across the UK, so the consequences of you buying the record are vitally important.
Roughing It – 01/05/2008 09:25
Hello Consequences fans
Was great to meet many of you in person on Monday night at the Consequences signing at Rough Trade. This campaign has generated some really loyal fans, united by their love of music, pushing the boundaries and, not least of all, their desire to help Crisis to continue it’s great work in helping the homeless.
Hot on the heels of our signing, Danny, Jon “Reverend” McClure and myself hot-footed it down to XFM on Tuesday to Alex Zane’s show, where we urged everyone to buy a copy and help Crisis, and gave the track a great breakfast time airing. Remember, there’s a special edition 7” picture disc on sale, in addition to a CD and downloads. So if you haven’t bought your copy yet there’s no excuse!
Speak soon!
Pearl x
Come and play Consequences with Crisis superband – 25/04/2008 15:50
Monday will finally see our long-awaited track hit stores! And in order to celebrate this wondrous date, we’d like you to come along to Rough Trade East on Monday to have a bit of a chat and play a game of Consequences with members of our superband. Oh, and get a signed copy of the track to boot! A limited edition 7” inch picture-disc will be available so why not get it signed by those who made it happen?
I will be joined by the Reverend himself Jon McClure, members of Supergrass, New Young Pony Club and Drew McConnell from Babyshambles, and we would love to meet you guys in person. The support of people who have made the whole process possible through coming to the gig, visiting the website and buying the track.
Signing – 7pm Monday 28th
Rough Trade East
Dray Walk, Old Truman Brewery
91 Brick Lane
London E1 6QL
Pearl x
Download Consequences TODAY! – 21/04/2008 15:17
Hey all
It’s a very exciting day! You can finally get your mitts on Consequences by downloading it today from iTunes or your usual online media outlet. Not only will your money be going to help Crisis to help thousands of homeless people, you will also be adding one of the most experimental, credible and original collaborations to your iPod / MP3, uniting three generations of musical excellence. So what are you waiting for, get downloading....
All my love,
Pearl x
Time to Text – 10/04/2008 16:54
Hey guys
Reviews of the track are really picking up the pace now, with both The Sun and the ooh, ah, Daily Star saying it’s a wonderful thing. Which I’m sure you’ll all agree. But do you own the track yet? Because all you need to do is text CRISIS to 79789 and it can be yours! So what are you waiting for? Pick up the phone....
All my love,
Pearl x
Mix Match – 03/04/2008 16:28
Hello all!
As you’re all well aware, the spirit of the Consequences campaign is allowing everyone to make their contributuion, and now it’s your turn to make your mark.
We’ve teamed up with U-Myx, on online widget that enables you to access all the layers of the track (or stems, if you’re technical) and mix your very own version. Want to make more of Graham Coxon’s guitar solo, that heady saxophone or strip down the vocals? Then U-Mxy lets you play. Danny, myself and producer Paul Epworth are already hooked, and have entered our versions into the competition – enter now and you could win plenty of covetable collectors signed Consequences paraphernalia, in addition to bringing your mixing abilities to the attention of the cream of the industry.
Visit http://www.u-myx.com/Music/Crisis-Consequences/Crisis-Consequences/ now!
Love Pearl xxx
"Hottest Record in the World Right Now" – 17/03/2008 16:27
Hi all
The wait is over. Consequences will receive its first ever radio play tonight on Radio 1! And what’s more, the track gets the honour of being Zane Lowe’s highly coveted ‘Hottest Record in the World Right Now.’ And I have to say, it totally is! So tune into Radio 1 tonight and judge for yourself - Zane’s show kicks off at 7pm.
The release date for the single has also been set. You can get your mitts on Consequences on CD and 7 inch on 28th April, and the track can downloaded from 21st April. But remember, you can pre-order NOW by texting CRISIS to 78789.
Parlophone will be distributing the record so we’d like to give a special word of thanks to Nigel Coxon and Jayne Griffiths who have believed in the project from the start and have helped us turn it from a crazy idea into something that people can hear on the radio, buy and enjoy. And remember, through buying the single, you’re not becoming the proud owner of what’s easily one of the best songs of 2008, but you’ll also be helping Crisis to help homeless people rebuild their lives. Sounds like a no-brainer to me...
Love Pearl x
Rocking out at the Roundhouse! – 03/03/2008 16:17
What a night... and day! The only way I can describe Consequences Live is simply magical. From the first act to the last, the Roundhouse well and truly rocked, and it was amazing to see you all there, having an amazing time, singing and dancing, crowd-surfing and stage-diving set after set.
Each and every performance had some incredible highlights, from Weller’s duets with The Enemy and Dirty Pretty Things, to New Young Pony Club’s energetic, strong performance, who continued the lively, edgy girl pop/rock note struck by The Noisettes .
In contrast, Graham Coxon, Drew McConnell and Ed Harcourt each delivered passionate, charming sets straight from the heart. And speaking of passion, Jon McClure of Reverend & the Makers reminded everyone of the cause behind consequences. Supergrass’ headline set received an extra injection of oomph courtesty of the wonderful Andy Rourke. And Danny’s Last Dance and Goldryder set the standard high from the word go!
A special mention should go to The Exchange, who delighted the crowd. Just three years ago, members of this band were homeless – yesterday they delivered a credible, moving set demonstrating that they deserved their place on stage just as much as any of the headliners, and reminded everyone of the work that Crisis does. The event was a complete sell-out, meaning that all our money can go towards helping Crisis to help thousands more people.
But of course, the evening wouldn’t have been complete without the first (and very possibly only) final performance of Consequences. All performers had less than an hour to rehearse the track, and a fair few spent time outside the Roundhouse trying to remember and re-learn their chords under the direction of Paul Epworth and Danny. But this last-minute practice more than paid off – it was a poignant moment to stand on-stage and let people hear the musical collaboration we’ve all been working so hard on for the past few months. And judging by the audience reaction it seems to have paid off – by the second chorus the crowd was singing along and waving their hands in the air, and The Evening Standard review said Consequences deserves to go to Number One!
You can help this to happen by pre-ordering the track now – text CRISIS to 78789 (cost £1.50 plus normal cost of text).
So that was Consequences Live! We’d love to say a huge thank-you to each and every one of the artists and their management, to Paul Epworth, Unity, The Roundhouse, Allen & Overy, Hilda and everyone who helped to make it happen. And a big thanks to you for buying tickets and making the atmosphere so special.
Finally, before I go, I just wanted to alert you to the fact that the artist’s original Consequences drawings are still up for grabs on eBay, so there’s still time to make a bid and make them yours! They’re a fabulous piece of musical history....
Will be in touch soon to let you know the release date for the record!
All my love,
Pearl x
In the Mix – 27/02/2008 16:58
It’s a seminal day for the Consequences track – at long last it is being mixed! The man tasked with the job is Dave Bascombe, who has mixed tracks from everyone from the Verve to Depeche Mode and Goldfrapp. Dave will balance out the bevy of bass, guitars, strings, percussion, piano, saxophone and vocals that make up the song, and ensure that the listener gets to appreciate artist’s contributions in all their splendour.
And for those who have been left wondering since November what on earth this musical experiment will finally sound like, the wait is very nearly over. On Sunday eve, the Crisis superband will take to the stage at the Roundhouse for the first – and only – live performance of the track. I’d be lying if I said this prospect didn’t strike the fear of God into all concerned! After all, it was put together in such a strange way, it doesn’t necessarily lend itself to a classic rehearsal process. That said, it’s such an amazing song produced by the most amazing music talent this country has to offer, so we know it’s going to sound spectacular.
And if you haven’t yet bagged yourself a ticket to come and be a part of this truly special event, then there are still a few tickets left! Not only will you get a full festival line-up for £45, but your money will go towards helping Crisis help homeless people transform their lives.
CONSEQUENCES DOODLES DO GOOD FOR HOMELESSNESS – 27/02/2008 12:00
Original drawings produced by musicians involved in the Consequences campaign for homelessness charity Crisis are on sale now.
The signed unique sketches are the results of a series of games of ‘consequences’ played by The Enemy, Supergrass, Graham Coxon and many more during recording for the Consequences track.
Available on ebay now, all proceeds will go to Crisis. Happy bidding!
Consequences on track – 19/02/2008 11:17
Hello all!
Some more news on the track. Myself and New Young Pony Club’s Tahita are going to take to Air Studios today (Tuesday) to record the final piece in the Consequences musical puzzle, before the the track goes on to be mixed and will finally hit the stores. Watch this space for the new release date!
Hope you’re all getting excited about the gig? Less than two weeks to go! On that point, I wanted to draw your attention to some rather underhand behaviour from some rather pesky ticket touts. There are still some tickets left on general sale, yet touts are advertising the gig on eBay as a sell-out, and asking for far more than the door price for tickets. So, please do ignore this – I’m sure you’d all rather pay a fair price and see your money going to help Crisis help homeless people rather than lining the pockets of these people and letting them profit from a charity gig.
Speaking of Crisis’ work, today Stephane and Paul, two former homeless people that ended up playing on the Consequences track were interviewed by The Guardian Society about their journeys and involvement with Consequences. It’s really fascinating to hear their stories and find out where your money from tickets will be going - watch out for the article on Wednesday.
Speak soon!
Pearl xxx
Join us this Thursday in Camden – 06/02/2008 10:54
Hi all
News of a special pre-event!
Great to see that you’ve been busy snapping up tickets to Consequences Live! Not only has your money gone to help Crisis to help thousands of homeless people break the cycle of homelessness, but you’re in for a bloody good day and night into the bargain. For those of you who are a little slower on the uptake, there are still some places left, but hurry – you don’t want to be left out in the cold. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
But for those who can’t wait that long and are within easy reach of Camden, we have a special Consequences-themed night happening at the Lock Tavern this Thursday (7th) night. Not only will a sneak preview of a working version of the track be played (it’s still in progress, remember, which makes it all the more exciting!), but there’ll be a chance to win tickets to the gig by flexing your musical knowledge on all the acts involved in the gig / track with a special game of... bingo. It all kicks off around 8pm.
Hope to see you all there!
Pearl x
– 05/02/2008 10:35
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Consequences Line-up revealed!!! – 31/01/2008 17:51
We braved bitter weather yesterday on the South Bank, where myself, Danny and Gaz, Graham Coxon, Tahita, Andy and Sarah from New Young Pony Club, Carl Barat and Ditz Hammond from Dirty Pretty Things, “Reverend” John McLure and Babyshambles’ Drew McConnell gathered to announce the line-up for Consequences Live. We’d created life-size Consequences drawings with holes cut out for head and arms, so we had a bit of a jam for the photographers, journalists and passers by. It made a fairly hilarious spectacle, and I was delighted great that we managed lure so many rock-stars out of bed so early in the morning!
Stephane and Paul, who have been helped by Crisis and who played a part in the Consequences the track also came along to the event, so it was great for some of the acts to meet them first hand and be reminded of what a brilliant cause we’re all supporting.
And with a stellar line-up from Paul Weller to Dirty Pretty Things and Reverend and the Makers, Consequences Live has a stronger line-up than many major festivals, all for the bargain price of £45. We’re also planning a number of unusual collaborations with various artists, but more on that later!
Tickets are selling fast, so don’t miss your chance to come and be part of this truly special event. Book now!
Facing the Consequences...nearly! – 29/01/2008 16:33
Hey all
Just a quick reminder to keep an eye on the Consequence site and also the news tomorrow, when at long last we can finally reveal the line-up for Consequences Live! I’ve been biting my tongue for some time now, so I can’t wait for all to be revealed so everyone can share the excitement of this truly once-in-a-lifetime event!
We’re predicting a mad rush for tickets tomorrow once the word is out, so if you want to beat the rush and have just received that long-awaited January pay-packet, then order now on www.crisisconsequences.com.
Hurry!
Pearl x
The Consequences are in sight! – 22/01/2008 14:58
Hello all!
As we reach the final furlong of January, thought it was high time I gave you some cheering news on the progress of Crisis Consequences!
The main-line up for Consequences Live is going to be announced on 30th January, so keep your eye on the site for further exciting updates. Also, keep your eyes peeled for images of some of the key members in a somewhat consequential – and possibly compromising! - position. We’ve also created a brilliant promotional film to accompany the campaign – and excitingly, this is going to be featured in the first-ever video billboards on the underground platforms in London – so anyone commuting through Victoria or Euston station should keep a look-out!
Looking forward to seeing you all on 2nd March – if you haven’t bought your tickets yet, do it now to avoid disappointment!
Big love,
Pearl x
Hey there – 07/01/2008 12:43
Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!
If the festive season seems like a distant memory and you’re suffering from a classic case of January blues, then cheer yourself with the fact that Consequences Live is less than eight weeks away! We’ve secured some more acts for the line-up which will be announced very soon, truly cementing Consequence’s position as a historic event uniting the great and the good of indie talent spanning three generations. I personally cannot wait!
So if you need something to look forward to in order to get you through the tedious tradition of January diets, detox and nights in, then treat yourself to a ticket now, as we expect these to go like-hot cakes, and remember – this really is for one night only! And if being part of history isn’t enough, buying a ticket will help you feel even better by thinking of where your money is going. Crisis helped thousands of homeless people over Christmas – through buying a ticket to Consequences Live, you can help them do the same all year round.
In other news, we’re still putting the final finishes to the track. Due to the novel nature of the song (and the fact that it’s sounding sooo good!), we’ve had approaches from other great artists keen to make a contribution and affect the overall consequence of the sound. More on this to follow.
All my love,
Pearl
Happy crimbo! – 19/12/2007 16:33
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Nearing the Finishing Line – 10/12/2007 12:16
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Thought it was about time I gave you all an update on the Consequences
of
what we’ve been up to in the last few weeks!
It’s certainly been an
eventful time since my last blog. Following the
thrills, spills and all-night
music making sessions of recording week, we
allowed ourselves a nano-second
of a breather, before putting renewed energy
into honing and refining the
lyrics for the track. I have to admit I’m
totally in love with it as it
stands, and have been constantly playing the
rough version with Gaz Coombes
doing a guide vocal - it’s been on loop ever
since recording week! Good thing
there’s a bit of distance between us and my
neighbours out here in the
country...
The digital master then crossed the Atlantic to Portland,
where the fabulous
Beth Ditto laid down the lead vocal. We’re currently
waiting to hear what
she¹s come up with, which should be due right about
now. The sense of
anticipation is intense to say the least! The next step
will then by for
myself, New Young Pony Club’s Tahita, plus some surprise
guests to join Paul
Epworth in his studio and add the final flourish in the
form of backing
vocals.
The other exciting thing to report is that
tickets for Consequences Live are
now on sale, so why not make someone’s
Christmas or hell, just treat
yourself to a ticket for this truly unique
and historic event.
Homecoming – 11/11/2007 13:14
It’s with mixed emotions that I write my final blog from Air Studios. It’s been an amazing week, and when I listen to the track as it stands, it’s hard to believe that this amazing, huge sounding epic hadn’t even been conceived on Monday morning.
Today has seen major developments on the Consequences track. We received Paul Weller’s contribution, which featured a strong vocal hook that left plenty of scope for Paul Epworth, Danny and Gaz to expand on. The lyrics are starting to come together now, and we’ve worked with some of the homeless musicians involved in Consequences to create them, ensuring anything we say is informed by the people we’re ultimately trying to help.
Today the fabulously talented all-girl string quartet Dirty Pretty Strings arrived to add even more depth to the tune. The girls then handed the baton over to Jamie Morrison from the Noisettes who added some bells (and whistles!).
It’s looking like it’s going to be another late one this evening, as we wait for some additional parts from Weller, and continue working on the lyrics. Myself and Tahita from New Young Pony Club have still to add our backing vocals, and of course the track has to be forwarded to the brilliant Beth Ditto to bring it on home!
It’s been an incredible week, and I’m feeling so so proud of the project. There’s a long way to go before the final release and Consequences Live on 2nd March at the Roundhouse, so keep checking back for the next step in the ever evolving Consequences story. Thanks for your support so far!
- Pearl Lowe
Coming home – 08/11/2007 21:41
Today was a special day for the Crisis Consequence initiative, and one which showed the true integrity of the overall campaign. Crisis is all about empowering homeless people to change their lives, which often involves building their self-confidence through music and the arts. And today, some of Crisis’ members who have attended the music workshops (and have experienced homelessness first hand) took to air studios to make their contribution to the track.
First up was Roberto, who lent his acoustic guitar to the track, followed by Paul (fuzz guitar) and then Stephane who, with 3 days to separate them, will effectively
join Ed Harcourt in a piano duel. These people were selected for the track following a Crisis X Factor style contest that I judged a few weeks back. Seeing the guys contributing some wonderful stuff under the guidance of such an established producer as Paul Epworth was truly heart-warming, and reminds me of what a brilliant organisation that Crisis is - one I’m truly proud to represent.
In other news, Paul Weller has been adding his parts in his recording studio in Woking, which we’re eagerly waiting to hear. Danny and Paul are having a think about the final element – lyrics – to really bring the track to life. And tomorrow is the final day in Air Studios, so who knows what changes and last-minute twists are round the corner...
- Pearl Lowe
Video: Day 1 in Air Studios – 08/11/2007 10:38
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Sitting it by the Fire – 07/11/2007 20:35
Dare I say it, but am starting to feel things are really taking shape! First up today was Pete Wareham, saxophonist in the brilliant Acoustic Ladyland, who contributed some heady saxophone that should be set to introduce some unexpected twists and punctuate the overall sound.
Guitar genius Graham Coxon was next to take the reins. His aim was to add plenty of “pretty parts” to the track, which he more than delivered on. Graham also indulged us with a special guitar solo – eight bars to enjoy complete and utter creative freedom. In true Coxon style, this was where he properly ripped things up, creating a rich, full throttled sound that’s sure to be a key feature of the final track. As a direct contract, he then soothed the melody towards the end, wrapping the track up and in his own words “sitting it by the fire.”
We were all a bit surprised when David Arnold made an impromptu, whistle-stop visit to Air Studios, getting a sneak preview of the sound and story so far, and providing a soundboard for the dedicated magician Paul Epworth.
Finally, Babyshambles’ Drew McConnell took over the mantle, winning the medal for quickest engagement with the concept and beats, with a highly confident, slick performance on guitar, adding his own personal stamp to the ever evolving sound.
- Pearl Lowe
Know Thy Enemy – 06/11/2007 17:39
Day two of Crisis Consequences, and Coventry’s finest, The Enemy, provided a breath of fresh air at Air Studios. There’s no messing about with these lads, and no sooner had they arrived, they were getting down to business with their very own brand of angry, attitude-laden, anthemic rock.
Today really felt like the experimental spirit had been ramped right up, with Tom and Andy free-styling on guitar, and Liam’s drum beat being miked up with a wine-bottle! Reckon Paul Epworth’s really starting to relish his role as mad scientist now! From the playback in the studio, you could really notice a marked difference from the distinct Supergrass and New Young Pony Club sounds from yesterday. Despite their crazily frantic schedule, the Enemy boys stuck around long enough to enthral, entertain and worry us all with their own Consequences drawings doodled in the control room!
I’m distracted as I write this by an increasingly fierce battle of the bass going on between New Young Pony Club’s Andy and Gaz Coombes (Supergrass!). Whoever said bassists weren’t competitive?! And tonight sees the arrival of The Smiths bassist Andy Rourke to make his contribution. Am loving the way the project is uniting talent from 80s, 90s and noughties, and really starting to get excited about what the end-product is going to sound like! - Pearl Lowe.
Drumming Up Interest – 05/11/2007 16:36
So, after weeks of planning, persuading artists to get on board, late night phone calls – not to mention countless games of Consequences doodled over the kitchen table, recording week is finally here! I’ve been an ambassador for Crisis - the national charity that looks to end homelessness - for more than two years now, and it was some months ago that we came up with the idea of helping to raise money, in addition to consciousness, by creating the musical equivalent of the child’s game.
Why Consequences? Well, for one thing, it’s an entirely creative concept that so far seems to have remained untapped musically. And secondly, it has a real link into homelessness – I know all too well how one action can affect the rest of your life, and how easy it is to slip into something where the consequences can lead to losing your way.
Having lived with a drummer for more than ten years, I’m well aware of the fact that every great tune starts with some kick-ass percussion. Paying homage to this fact, my boyfriend Danny Goffey of Supergrass, along with Sarah from New Young Pony Club have taken to Air studios to lay down the first layer of music in the audio adventure that is Crisis Consequences. With nothing more than a few simple programmed beats as a guide, the two have spent the day co-creating a dramatic drum sequence to kick start the track. I called in to observe part of the process, and left feeling genuinely inspired and positive about the entire project – not to mention a little perforated round the ear drum thanks to some very raw and impassioned drumming.
The other key thing about today is that to celebrate recording week, 250 tickets for the gig of the year – Crisis Consequences on 2nd March – will go on sale ahead of general release. So to be guaranteed a place to see Graham Coxon, New Young Pony Club plus many more, reserve your ticket by clicking on the gig tab above. - Pearl Lowe.
The Recording has Started – 05/11/2007 09:31
I can’t believe that after months of planning we’re finally going into the studio today. We’ll upload some pics and a vid later today so you can see how we got on. Am nervous but excited! - Pearl Lowe.
