Mama Matrix tore up the Cabaret Voltaire tent at Aeon Festival this year – check it out!
A massive huge thanks for John Puckey and the CV gang, a wicked time was had by all 
Ask us back next year, we dare ya!
Ska legends The Beat loved the Mamas so much when they played together in Sheffield last year that they’ve invited Mama Matrix to support them at Birmingham’s O2 Academy on May 21st.
Originally formed in 1978, at the height of socio political upheaval, The Beat’s defiance of conventions and unashamedly multicultural influences rang true with Birmingham’s rebellious youth, and they hit the world’s stages with rock heavyweights The Pretenders, David Bowie and The Clash, notably putting their name to the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament before they parted company in 1983, with 5 top ten singles, a gold and silver studio album to their name.
Following a sold out one off concert in 2003, The Beat hit the road again and have been touring ever since. Their 2010 tour takes in venues across the UK, and there sure to be on top form in their home city of Birmingham on May 21st.
Thanks to the wonderful Qwoonsweird for sending in this live footage. To see the rest of Mama Matrix’ set at Moseley Folk Festival 2009, check the Videos page.
It’s official! Mama Matrix have been confirmed for the Cabaret Voltaire Stage at this year’s Aeon Festival. The self styled “shoestring boutique” festival takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend in Devon’s beautiful Shobrooke Park near Crediton. Over the event’s five year history, organisers have strived to create a “laid back bohemian feel, in the spirit of all the original festivals before commercialism prevailed.” The Cabaret Voltaire Stage, which shares a tent with the bar, promises “world music, funk, jazzy DJs, comics and poets” and invites you to “leave your troubles at the door.” It’s promoters are known for booking acts on the cusp of great things, and they certainly have an eye for talent- their gig with Speech Debelle in Exeter last year just before she won the Mercury Prize is a case in point. Other acts confirmed for Cabaret Voltaire this year include John Fairhurst, Maybe Myrtle Tyrtle and Hong Kong Ping Pong.
Brummie culture blog Digbeth is Good asked Mama Matrix guitarist Joel ‘Murpheus’ Murphy to choose between his home city Belfast, and the city where Mama Matrix was born. Click here to hear what he had to say.
Mama Matrix are famed for their high octane live performances and raucous melodies, but something else that fans often comment on is Daz Dolczech’s lyrics. The lovely Graham Whatley saw Mama Matrix play at Bishop’s Castle: “I just loved Irene at the Michaelmas Fair last year. It’s great to see how people cluster, listen to the words and engage with the gig. Just thought it would be good to have sequels for women like Sandra, Mavis and Verity.” This wonderful gentleman has penned some lyrics about Mavis Davis (possibly Mama Matrix’ dangerous tuba player). Who knows, maybe Mister Dolczech and the Mamas will have this whipped up into a full blown song by the next gig at Bishop’s Castle! Thank you Graham!
She was sitting on a seat
Looking far from neat
In fact, really quite a mess
Untidy, nothing less.
But the way she bit
when I tried to sit
next to her because
the bus was full.
Bit right through my coat
into my arm, right into my arm
Did me some harm Mavis,
you did me some harm.
I tried to get up
but she started talking
and I was enthralled
I don’t know why, boy
heaven knows why
so rather than walking
We started talking
while I nursed my arm, boy
while I rubbed my arm.
Next week she smartened up
She said her name was Davis
when we met up again
then I knew I fancied her
I knew I did and now I did
I really did. Smitten
Besotted and bitten.
I bin bitten by Mavis.
Mavis Davis on a bus.
Shamanic Shenanigans to blow your Balkan socks off!
Freaky fivesome Mama Matrix are back in style this Friday at The Wagon Horses in Digbeth, from 8pm, with support from the delectable Cat Green Bike. At a measley £4 on the door, you’ll be forgiven for thinking we’re really spoiling you!
Valeria Rispo witnessed Mama Matrix at the Adam and Eve last month, and lived to tell the tale…
The sheer size of the sound by this 5-piece band was way above the size of the main room at the Adam and Eve, which was full to the brim with fans. The set started with Daz’s huge voice screaming “Destroyer!!” a classic tune which set the fast and manic pace of the evening.
Clever and witty lyrics, accompanied by Anne’s dextrously gorgeous and hypnotising violin and a somewhat twisted jazzy drumbeat all the way, a dreamy and unexpected electric guitar and a very heavy & bassy tuba pushing through the night.
With all this going on you can’t help but be swept along blindly without a moment to stop and get a drink! Though they passed through a couple of somewhat slower tunes, even “Melancholy Flower”, which starts off slowly, speeds up to incredible velocity.
By the time they jumped into their classic song ‘Irene’ which incidentally, shows off Daz’s vocal genius and the band’s impeccable timing, the Adam and Eve didn’t know what had hit it. The whole place was jumping up and down with rarely-seen abandon.