I first heard about The Ex somewhere near the end of the 90’s (they started in 1979 so I was late to the party). It wasn’t just their music I fell in love with straight away, but also their single-mindedness to do things their own way. They have no manager, roadie, driver and all their music is released by themselves. Continue Reading →

In anticipation of our special Alternative Xmas Service on Mon 15th Dec here’s a guest blog post from Alice Offley. Alice Offley is a singer songwriter and multi-talented, mutli-instrumentalist who has performed at Under The Influence previously both as a solo artist and as part of her all female band The Lovers: Christmas is my favourite time of year. When Continue Reading →

Bringing their unique brand of irreverent comedy, music and poetry, The AntiPoet return to Under The Influence on Mon 15th Dec. For a sneak preview they’ve kindly sent us this alternative Christmas Message…  The True Meaning of Christmas    ‘You’re forgetting the true meaning of  Christmas!’ She said. ‘I am?’ I replied. ‘You mean that kid in the shed?’ ‘Our Continue Reading →

Before our special 50th event on Mon 20th October here’s our final guest blog from My Mate George, who talks about his influences and what 1964 means to him. My Mate George writes very English, lyrical acoustic-style songs. Simple, silly, sometimes sweet, and certainly for singing-along to. Since his first appearance at our Billy Bragg night he has performed many Continue Reading →

In the lead up to our special 50th event on Mon 20th October here’s our second guest blog from Tall Poppies, who talk about their influences and what 1964 means to them. Tall Poppies are an East London alternative indie folk act fronted by Aussie twin sisters. Their tunes are well crafted melodic, rock, harmonic, poppy affairs backed by Diarmuid on Continue Reading →

In anticipation of our 50th event on Mon 20th October and her first performance at Under The Influence, Grace Banks talks about her song choice and influences: Grace Banks started touring her own music in Europe, Brazil and New York, following a couple of years as a band member of Emmy The Great. With influences including Elliott Smith and Leonard Continue Reading →