After the devastating news that The Maccabees have quit being band, we're delighted to discover that Felix White from the band is still very much involved in the industry.
White has started his own label and club night called Yala! Records and now has launched the first of many live sessions with London band Crows, who's stunning second EP was featured on Gigwise last week, stepping up to the mark.
The filming took place at The Drugstore which is The Maccabees' Elephant & Castle-based studio. It's in a fast changing area of the capital but nevertheless one of the most interesting with a vast array of Latin American restaurants catering for the tightly-knit Latin American community. And on Walworth Road are the dying embers of an un-gentrified London.
The Maccabees thrived of this area and Orlando Weeks told The Guardian last year: "You just don’t get streets like Walworth Road any more, with all those businesses that have been here for ever. And it’s been a privilege to enjoy that last section of it, just the way it is.”
Continuing to sustain a creative hub in the area, now that the band aren't in action, they've opened it up to up-and-coming bands such as Crows.
Felix White had this to say about his decision to put them on: "We recorded the last couple of Maccabees albums at our studio, named 'The Drugstore' by Jesus and Mary Chain from their time there in the early 90s’, says White, ‘We are carrying its heritage on in the form of Yala! live sessions with bands or artists we love, both old and new. Crows are a fitting first session as they are a genuine great live band and will no doubt progress on to some very exciting things in the next couple of years ..."
Forthcoming sessions at The Drugstore will feature Wintersleep, Charlie Cunnigham and Idles amongst many others.
YALA! Records launched their sold out debut club night at Bermondsey Social Club in August with a headline performance from The Magic Gang and DJ sets from Mystery Jets, Maccabees and very special guest DJ Florence Welch.
A second club night is in the works for November and plans are being confirmed for a debut record release on YALA! in 2017.
