Curated by Rendezvous Projects with Bizzy B, DJ Dlux and Jon Weinel, Trackers and Breakbeats explores the groundbreaking influence of Brain Records and its pioneering use of 8-bit technology in the 1990s; showcasing the often overlooked yet pivotal role of Brain Records and its founder, Bizzy B, in shaping the UK hardcore and jungle scenes, as well as their connection to the wider demoscene.
Trackers and Breakbeats highlights the critical contributions of Bizzy B, whose innovative use of the Commodore Amiga and OctaMED software allowed him to push the boundaries of music production. Despite his significant impact, Bizzy B has often been left out of the mainstream narrative around breakbeat and jungle, making this exhibition a vital step in acknowledging and celebrating his legacy and those of his collaborators. The exhibition also delves into the broader demoscene, where early software was used creatively to challenge and redefine cultural boundaries.
Founded in 1992 in Leytonstone by Bizzy B, Brain Records emerged from a small home studio setup to become a cornerstone of DIY culture. Bizzy B’s relentless creativity and innovation, despite limited resources, helped to establish a raw and unique sound that would lay the foundation for what is now a globally recognized genre. His work on Brain Records, along with collaborations with artists like Lennie De Ice, TDK, DJ Dlux, DJ Red Alert & Mike Slammer, Peshay, and Equinox, played a crucial role in the development of the breakbeat hardcore and jungle sound.
The exhibition features key Brain Records releases, studio equipment, photography, flyers, and oral history extracts, offering a comprehensive look at the label’s impact. It also sheds light on the close-knit, collaborative nature of the scene, where even those working from “bedroom studios” were deeply connected with larger labels and influential producers.
Katherine Green of Rendezvous Projects states, “In the mainstream narratives of jungle, and drum and bass, the influence of Brain Records and its distinct sound is often overlooked. This exhibition seeks to correct that imbalance by honouring and recognising these true pioneers and innovators who have played a crucial role in shaping the UK music scene. Bizzy B’s contributions, particularly through his innovative use of technology like the Commodore Amiga, have left an indelible mark on the genre and deserve to be celebrated.”
For more information, high-resolution images, or to arrange an interview with the curators or contributors, please contact Katherine Green, info@katherinegreen.co.uk.
About Rendezvous Projects
Rendezvous Projects is an artist-run Community Interest Company dedicated to exploring and presenting the social and cultural histories of communities through creative and ambitious projects. With a commitment to uncovering and sharing underrepresented narratives, Rendezvous Projects brings forgotten stories to new audiences, fostering appreciation and engagement with our shared heritage.
25 September – 5 October 2024 Private Screening: Tuesday 24 September, 6-9pm Stephen Lawrence Gallery and Project Space
Postgrad Show 24 is a showcase of the creative breakthroughs that took place during a year of rigorous exploration and research at University of Greenwich. Students from MA Digital Arts, MA Design, MA Film & TV Production, MA Media & Creative Cultures, and MA Music & Sound Design, have engaged with a wide spectrum of concepts, technologies, trends, and materials, often blending them in unexpected ways. This year’s cohort is a truly global one, representing diverse backgrounds, nationalities, and perspectives. The students’ varied experiences have enriched their work and gave it real-world relevance; through practice-led research, they have introduced methodologies that push the boundaries of canonical disciplines.
The show begins with a screening of works by the MA Film Production cohort at Stockwell street Lecture Theatre 4 on Wednesday 18th September, followed by a Music and Sound Design showcase at Bathway Theatre the next day. It culminates with the exhibition of MA Design, MA Digital Arts, MA Music & Sound Design, and MA Film Production works at the Stephen Lawrence gallery and the Project Space. In its totality, the show stands as proof of the importance of practice-based research and the impact it can bring to the world.
MA Digital Arts works by: Ariadni Katsanakou Papamali, Desray Spencer, Dilara Yildirim, Lara Heather, Thao Khuat, Vendula Markova, Zachary Elliott-Hatton
MA Design works by: Aryaman Singh, Bala Priyadharshini Ayyappan, Nishita Rana, Uzair Amjad, Vanya Ivanova
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Upcoming Events:
MA Film Production Screening
Date: Wednesday 18 September
Time: 5pm
Venue: 11_0004, Stockwell Street Building
Entry: Free
Come and watch films produced by students on the MA Film Production, a culmination of practice-based research which pushes boundaries in the possibilities of film making.
MA Film Production works by: Laurence Adair, Bahadir Cosar, Summer Doan, Vithal Kadiam, Meban Khongwir, Lacin Kurt, Akshat Malitha, Ryan Mormelo, Ryoko Tamegai, Naveen Shanmugasundaram, Deepam Vaze, and Ta Wadsriwat.
Music & Sound Design Showcase
Date: Thursday 19 September
Time: 7-9.30pm
Venue: Bathway Theatre
Entry: Free, doors will open at 6.30pm
Join us for an evening of music and sound, showcasing forward-thinking and innovative projects created by students on the MA Music and Sound Design programme.
Music & Sound Design works by: Esin Ozturkmen, Lin Thu Ya Aung, Miguel Palma, Nico Harris, Yannick Mendez Bermudez
In association with Layered and Interwoven at The Stephen Lawrence Gallery, there is an opportunity to attend this Artist Talk and Private View at a solo exhibition of artwork by participating artist Tova Mckenzie-Bassant, held at Greenwich West Community and Arts Centre.
An exhibition of photographs by Laura E. Migliorino.
In August 2019, Laura E. Migliorino was a fellow with the James Weldon Johnson Foundation in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, working on Chapter 2 of her photo series, The Hidden Life of Books. During this residency, she created lush, provocative photographs of the private book and sheet music collection of Foundation founder Jill Rosenberg Jones. The collection included works by James Weldon Johnson, Paul Laurence Dunbar, and Countee Cullen, as well as antique sheet music by The Johnson Brothers. The intimacy of handling these old books, with their unique scents, textures, and sounds, was a profound experience for Migliorino.
Through this project, Migliorino delved into James Weldon Johnson’s life and influence on American culture, discovering his significant but under-recognised contributions, including his role in the Harlem Renaissance and his co-authorship of the Black National Anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing” with his brother, Rosamond Johnson. Her curiosity about Rosamond led her to explore his life in London, where he found new perspectives on music and identity, free from the constraints of American racial prejudice. Rosamond’s appointment as musical director at the London Opera House by Oscar Hammerstein in 1911 marked a significant achievement.
A key relationship was between Rosamond and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, whose friendship and collaboration profoundly inspired both men. Coleridge-Taylor’s story is a remarkable tale of overcoming racial barriers in England and America. His collaborations with American poets like Paul Laurence Dunbar enriched his understanding of his African heritage. Coleridge-Taylor’s defiance of racial segregation in the US, epitomized by his refusal to move to a third-class train car, was legendary and inspirational to his American peers.
The Hidden Life of Books explores various book collections, with chapters dedicated to different archives, including the James Weldon Johnson Archives. Migliorino’s work captures the physical essence of books, seeing them as living memoirs that embody memory and meaning beyond their stories. Growing up with books, she cherishes them as living figures with their own histories and significance.
