February 2026 Newsletter
- The Premises Studios
- 4 hours ago
- 6 min read
WE REMEMBER THIS...
As this is our anniversary year, we are suspending the wise or wisecracking musical quotes in favour of real live events that have marked our long history... starting with the rather alarming ‘Michael Jackson dangles his baby’ Death Threats story:
Back in 2011, in a re-creation of the much-photographed moment in Berlin when Michael Jackson dangled his nipper over a balcony, artist Maria von Kohler made a spectacular statue of Jacko plus baby, called Madonna and Child, which we hung from the window of our old office.
We thought it was a rather neat commentary on the times, but hardcore MJ fans begged to differ, threatening to torch the place, one saying (and this was a milder one) “This is the most outrageous sick thing that could ever have gone on in the city of London.”
Worse than the Blitz?
Threatened with arson, death, disembowelling, defenestration (which is ironic, given the nature of the statue) and against police advice... Premises CEO Viv Broughton stood firm and the statue remained up for the duration. The story went global, front page news across the States, Europe, Africa and Japan putting The Premises firmly on the map and triggering another wave of death threats!
Now residing in a lock up in Margate, MJ and baby might resurface for an appearance at our big 4Oth bash this summer. Artist von Kohler, who still works here, firmly denies the rumour that a further statue of the now-grown baby dangling Viv out of the window by his ankles, will be unveiled, but you never know…
...and please, we know many of you have been coming to The Premises for decades so if you have any tall tales/interesting photos about early goings on here, we’d love to include them in our 40th Anniversary archive.
Send now to: vivbroughton@premisesstudios.com
LAST CALL FOR OUR FREE HALF TERM VOICE JAM
This is a great, free afternoon activity for the first four days of half term. Our super duo Clive and Yomi will be putting young singers (ages 11-18) through their vocal paces, preparing two songs in splendid harmonies for a professional recording on the fourth day.
This will be followed by an afternoon party, with all the finest fast food that the greater Hackney Road area has to offer. Plus freestyling on the mics.
All keen singers (no experience required, just enthusiasm) in Hackney, Harringay or other boroughs are welcome, but we only have a few spaces left, so get in quickly!
GOSPEL SONGWRITING AND PRODUCTION CAMP
Coming next month... a two-day intensive course on Sat 7th and Monday 9th March, run in conjunction with the National Gospel Music Centre.
This is an advanced programme aimed at developing artists, focussing on song composition and production. the course is led by top professionals in the gospel field.
WHO’S BEEN IN?
Everyone is back in the saddle, so to speak, and once more the studios are alive with the sound of music and more. In January we had: Paloma Paris, English Teacher, Danny Silverstone, Elmiene, Harry Tullet, Do It With Soul, Paul Winter-Hart, Duke Street Big Band, Miro, Paul Mescale, Laura Leon, Cath March, Chris the Jungle Drummer, Wendy James, The Bays, Mikeda, PP Arnold, Lust Ritual, Singing Bowie, Trinity Laban, Perhaps Contraption, Charlie and The Brothers, Erin Le Count, Kuleeangee, Glory Choir, Eleonora Kouneni, Mally Harpez, Joe Garland-Johnson, Otala, John Lion, Mark Alexander, Joel Cadbury, Grace London, Velma Rowe, Phil Robinson, Russ Peterken, Savannah Ministry, Juanita, Mulaa Joans, Smith & Brandt, Wesley Joseph, Jacob Banks, Self-Esteem, Robin Banerjee, Anna Phoebe, Laura Leon, Z Block, Courtney Hadwin, Fossils, Celebration Church, Lauren Wallace, Frances Stevens, Isaac Ashby, Bedlam, Child and The Banned, Fiona Ross, Josh Short, Georgia Mooney, Isabelle Brawn, Judy Jackson, Alex Wilson, The London Voice Academy, Liver and Lung, Glentones, Patrick Lawrence, Scouse Brow, Miranda Hall, Adam Possener, Jeremy Felson, Future Utopia, Sherherazaad, Black Lounge, Nick Gendler, Alice Beer, Common Ideal, Neo Yamuguchi, Helena Walsh, Asian Dub Foundation, Rambert, Karyyn, Clover, Mica Paris, Fletcher Fletcher, Huntsmen, Warehouse Ministry, Sean Addams, Jack Daley, D3LTA, District 91, and many many others.
PIANO REFRESHER COURSE
January ended with our three-day piano refresher course, headed up by Nikki Yeoh, Dian Gasper, Jason Rebello and trumpet master Byron Wallen. The course was so popular we had a waiting list, and the students were very motivated and into packing in as much practice and new ways of playing as possible.
It was sheer joy to see the players jamming with Byron on the last day. He’s both a task-master and a gentle soul, honest with feedback but always encouraging. Playing with one student , he opined, “I didn’t get a feeling of the harmony, with the melody and a tune like this where people really know it, it conveys a story. The chemistry between us is everything, more so than the tune. Eye contact! We are soaking in the track! We need connection!
We are playing in front of all these people, we need a duet not a solo, and be connected!” This was duly taken on board and corrected. It is fair to say by the end, everybody was soaking in their tracks and learning, by eye contact and other non-verbal cues, to connect with the trumpet player.
Returning player Craig Broadfoot said, “I think the main thing I enjoyed is the more psychological aspect of playing, which will help a lot in future gigs. I think it will help me move away from an overly perfectionist mindset, and focus on rhythm and being in the moment rather than staring at chord sheets (and going a bit crazy sometimes). I think that aspect was just as valuable as some of the more technical ideas and suggestions”
Elaine Johnson added “Nikki Yeoh is not only a splendid pianist but also a great facilitator who can read the room and knows how to translate the jazz concepts into workable and memorable 'takeaways'. I found her explanation of the chord voicings and overall structure of 'Wave' very helpful. Also, genuine encouragement from top class musicians was extremely encouraging. I am very grateful that these musicians have taken time to help all levels of players enjoy this music.”
For information about our May live piano course: michele@premiseseducation.org
LITTLE WONDER CLUB
High energy educator, musician and artist Cath March, long-time collaborator and tasty snack provider at Premises, is running another wonderful, fun-filled afternoon for her Little Wonder project here on 8th March, from 2pm-4pm.
Families are invited to help write some songs, do a quiz, play with puppets, cuddle some toy babies and get the Little Wonder show on the road.
All ages and abilities invited to have fun and get creative.
You can read more about Cath’s projects at invisibleneeds.wordpress.com.
RSVP before 1 March to cathmarch@me.com
FIVE MINUTES WITH PAUL WINTER-HART
You will have seen Paul lurking round Premises at some point. He’s the fit dude with the drumsticks, and drummer for hire when he’s not touring with his main band Kula Shaker, who have been on the road recently and are about to go out again playing dates in the UK and Europe.
We grabbed him for a quick gab about how touring is now, compared to back in the earlier 90s pop explosion Kula Shaker were such a formative part of.
“We were never a party band so our near monastic habits haven’t changed much from the 90s. Traditionally the band made money touring but it’s definitely getting harder because overheads have gone way up and we tour with a psychedelic light show from California so factors like that make it difficult to break even.”
Does the audience want a greatest hits concert or are they receptive to the newer songs?
“Obviously people want to hear the old songs, but we are pretty firm in playing plenty of new stuff too. It’s really about having a balanced show with tempo, moods, dynamics, etc.”
And what do you do when you are not doing the shows?
“I am generally at The Premises keeping in shape. Playing rock’n’roll drums is pretty demanding physically and one needs to keep inspired so I try to play at a kit most days.”
So when you’re not drumming, you are still drumming?
“I feel very blessed and lucky to still be playing, and travelling and making music with the same people for over 30 years. It has taught me to be consistent, to show up, be prepared and always try to improve. I have a lot of gratitude for The Premises, which is a musical home for me.”
Well said that drumming man!
IMPORTANT CHA-CHA-CHA-CHANGES...
For our mailing list subscribers, this is just to you know from now on we’re switching over to Substack, so keep an eye out for future missives arriving that way.
(Might be worth checking your spam folder over the next few weeks, just in case.)
At the same time, Viv is launching a side venture, an online book preview group.
More details about that coming your way in the next few days, also via Substack.
And all still free of course!
AND FINALLY...
