Basement Rock
Encyclopedia
Basement or Basement Rock music was a sub-genre coined in 2006 in an article by music magazine TGR. This was first in relation to the existence of underground record label Criminal Records
but more for the independent bands they represent. The roots of the sub-genre are noted to be as far back as 2002. At this time, the term was often used to describe a new form of Rock
and Alternative rock
. Emerging from a basement image of a number of London bands, this genre initially categorised the rawness of independent bands largely seen on the squat or underground circuit. In essence, the term 'basement' collectively grouped a number of bands who appeared to demonstrate a range of different styles including elements of alternative rock
, ska
and garage rock
, while at the same time being guitar based and independent. The term denotes bands that are very much 'born of the street' rather than pushed via the commercial music channels and commercial radio. In addition, the term represents bands who have achieved notability through non-standard channels. This is particularly noted by success built on performances at illegal warehouse or basement parties. The term 'Basement' is fixated on the independent nature of these bands on the linked city party scene. Basement or warehouse bands throughout the years have demonstrated a fluid balance of many genres. At the same time, such bands still maintain a rock background with heavy guitars and often dub bass.
The term has also been noted to have come from the New Cross, London scene that was referred to in NME
in 2002. South London has in the past been where punk rock
bands like Carter USM
and others were born. In the 1980s band venues including 'The Crypt' (literally in the basement of the Church on Deptford High Street) and 'The Venue' were heavily involved in the emergence of UK bands. The name 'basement' itself however, is thought to have come about from a slang term used in relation to recent underground events. These are focused on not only 'The Crypt', but more profoundly underground party den and out of hours drinking establishment 'The Coffee Shop'. Based in New Cross, 'The Coffee Shop' basement hosted many of bands that now categorise this sub-genre including The Kut
, Known, Headjam and The Dirty Pins among others. In addition, the term has been mentioned in relation to underground parties hosted by Reclaim The Streets
and Indymedia where such bands have played. However, when 'The Coffee Shop' was deemed irreparable by fire in late 2002, commercial music magazine NME
, dropped the concept of the New Cross scene stating it could be a hoax or false alarm. However in 2004 ArtRocker
re-evaluated the scenes emergence and lent credibility to its existence. By this time the sub-genre was also represented by independent radio stations Kooba Radio
and Wireless.fm plus independent label Criminal Records
. The terms presence has also become linked to the infamous block on New Cross Road and home to glamorous costumiers Prangsta. More recently it has been associated to the record and clothing shop Rubbish & Nasty that features a basement rehearsal room for local bands.
Criminal Records
Criminal Records is the name of a UK based independent record label representing basement bands. It was formed in 2004 and focuses of the emergence of the subgenre known as Basement Rock or Basement. They represent over 20 UK bands.-External links:* *...
but more for the independent bands they represent. The roots of the sub-genre are noted to be as far back as 2002. At this time, the term was often used to describe a new form of Rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
and Alternative rock
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
. Emerging from a basement image of a number of London bands, this genre initially categorised the rawness of independent bands largely seen on the squat or underground circuit. In essence, the term 'basement' collectively grouped a number of bands who appeared to demonstrate a range of different styles including elements of alternative rock
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
, ska
Ska
Ska |Jamaican]] ) is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1950s, and was the precursor to rocksteady and reggae. Ska combined elements of Caribbean mento and calypso with American jazz and rhythm and blues...
and garage rock
Garage rock
Garage rock is a raw form of rock and roll that was first popular in the United States and Canada from about 1963 to 1967. During the 1960s, it was not recognized as a separate music genre and had no specific name...
, while at the same time being guitar based and independent. The term denotes bands that are very much 'born of the street' rather than pushed via the commercial music channels and commercial radio. In addition, the term represents bands who have achieved notability through non-standard channels. This is particularly noted by success built on performances at illegal warehouse or basement parties. The term 'Basement' is fixated on the independent nature of these bands on the linked city party scene. Basement or warehouse bands throughout the years have demonstrated a fluid balance of many genres. At the same time, such bands still maintain a rock background with heavy guitars and often dub bass.
The term has also been noted to have come from the New Cross, London scene that was referred to in NME
NME
The New Musical Express is a popular music publication in the United Kingdom, published weekly since March 1952. It started as a music newspaper, and gradually moved toward a magazine format during the 1980s, changing from newsprint in 1998. It was the first British paper to include a singles...
in 2002. South London has in the past been where punk rock
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
bands like Carter USM
Carter USM
Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine is a British indie rock band formed in 1988 by singer Jim "Jim Bob" Morrison and guitarist Les "Fruitbat" Carter. They made their name with a distinctive style of power pop, fusing samples, sequenced basses and drum machines with rock 'n' roll guitars and...
and others were born. In the 1980s band venues including 'The Crypt' (literally in the basement of the Church on Deptford High Street) and 'The Venue' were heavily involved in the emergence of UK bands. The name 'basement' itself however, is thought to have come about from a slang term used in relation to recent underground events. These are focused on not only 'The Crypt', but more profoundly underground party den and out of hours drinking establishment 'The Coffee Shop'. Based in New Cross, 'The Coffee Shop' basement hosted many of bands that now categorise this sub-genre including The Kut
The Kut
The Kut is an all-female basement rock band from New Cross, London, represented by the independent record label Criminal Records. Its members include vocalist and lead guitarist Maha, bassist Elvira and drummer Jade....
, Known, Headjam and The Dirty Pins among others. In addition, the term has been mentioned in relation to underground parties hosted by Reclaim The Streets
Reclaim the Streets
Reclaim The Streets is a collective with a shared ideal of community ownership of public spaces. Participants characterize the collective as a resistance movement opposed to the dominance of corporate forces in globalization, and to the car as the dominant mode of transport.-Protests:Reclaim The...
and Indymedia where such bands have played. However, when 'The Coffee Shop' was deemed irreparable by fire in late 2002, commercial music magazine NME
NME
The New Musical Express is a popular music publication in the United Kingdom, published weekly since March 1952. It started as a music newspaper, and gradually moved toward a magazine format during the 1980s, changing from newsprint in 1998. It was the first British paper to include a singles...
, dropped the concept of the New Cross scene stating it could be a hoax or false alarm. However in 2004 ArtRocker
ArtRocker
Artrocker is a UK-based collective involved in music promotion and publishing. It was started by Paul Cox and Tom Fawcett who had been co-promoters of a London night called The Sausage Factory...
re-evaluated the scenes emergence and lent credibility to its existence. By this time the sub-genre was also represented by independent radio stations Kooba Radio
Kooba Radio
Kooba Radio is an independent, non-profit, Internet-based radio station focused on alternative rock, playing unsigned bands and artists with independent record labels. Kooba is PRS registered and plays to a listenership in over 20 countries. Created 21 December 2002, Kooba Radio began its life in...
and Wireless.fm plus independent label Criminal Records
Criminal Records
Criminal Records is the name of a UK based independent record label representing basement bands. It was formed in 2004 and focuses of the emergence of the subgenre known as Basement Rock or Basement. They represent over 20 UK bands.-External links:* *...
. The terms presence has also become linked to the infamous block on New Cross Road and home to glamorous costumiers Prangsta. More recently it has been associated to the record and clothing shop Rubbish & Nasty that features a basement rehearsal room for local bands.