deformed cactus launch night: 21st February 2009 The Fenton Leeds
£4 on the door (no advance)

For the launch of Deformed Cactus we are proud to bring you the best from UK antifolk, in the shape of Paul Hawkins and the Awkward Silences and Lil lost Lou. UK Antifolk (AFUK) is becoming a hotbed of British tallent on the live underground sceen in London and, we at deformed cactus are made up to be bringing these guys to Leeds (with much much more in upcoming months)

Paul Hawkins and Thee Awkward Silences (London)-
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London-based neo-punk superstar Paul Hawkins, who, along with his band Thee Awkward Silences have gathered significant praise from the likes of Huw Stephens
(radio 1).

Signed to Jezus Factory Records, Paul & Thee Awkward Silences formed in 2006. Originally a casual backing band for Paul’s solo material, the
band developed into the current permanent line-up in November 2007. The band released a few singles and debut album We Are Not Other People during the
course of 2008 and will release a follow-up in 2009. During 2008 the band played various festivals and received airplay on Radio 1, 6 Music and various
other stations. Soul-bearing and bleakly comedic in lyrics and charismatic, compelling and cathartic live Paul and the band have been compared to various
people like Iggy Pop, Nick Cave, Elvis Costello, Edwyn Collins and the Fall but have the luxury of the fact that they don’t quite sound like anyone else
at all…

Serious Sam Barrett (Leeds)-
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Serious Sam coins a phrase ‘Yorkshirecana’ on his myspace and this is representative of his honest, personal account of the world around him. His songwriting
has echoes of the great blues masters such as Bukka Qhite and Blind Willie Mctell. Sam’s base is composed of music lovers from the folk, blues, country
and punk scenes.

Sam has developed a strong following across England and beyond, recently completing a 12 date tour of the UK. His live performances
have been lauded in high regard by fans and critics alike; “Serious Sam Barrett†, a man so talented he’ll never be famous’ Rocklouder.co.uk

Lil Lost Lou (London)-
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Lil’ Lost Lou is a performer who sometimes plays with a band and sometimes plays solo. Lou resides in London producing a great combination of foot tapping
catchy beats with raucous angst driven witty lyrics. Lou has appeared on the much coveted BBC Radio 2 Steve Lamacq show playing a live version of her single
‘Bad Bad Girl’ and is sure to win a fans ‘up Leeds way’ with her honest whole hearted and down right enjoyable performances. Lou recently played
a storming set at the Primrose in Leeds (November 2008) so we thought we’d get her back up for all you lovely people who missed her the first time round.

Cliquant (Leeds)-
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Cliquant are dubbed as being ‘The Bad Boys of Folk’ with influences from Laura Marling, The Doors, The Smiths and Beirut. Deformed Cactus is proud to present
this exciting and enthusiastic band. Talented, they are sure to entertain with interesting tales and a fresh sound sure to put a smile on any face.