Thirty Gees frontman David Elf performs, records, produces, arranges, mixes and masters music. He slots in rehearsal time for bands, rents out PA systems, organises and promotes gigs and events, teaches guitar and bass, solders cables, makes tea, hoovers, fixes stuff (usually), complains that people keep pinching his gaffa tape and takes more abuse than you would expect because at heart he is basically a hippy.
It's essentially a one man show, but David does hire the occasional skivvy when times get busy. There's a small (but perfectly formed) crew of assisting reprobates who can generally be found at the studio drinking tea and nattering, or at events, carrying heavy things and getting moaned at for not rolling cables The Right Way.
These long suffering friends include (but are by no means limited to) Alan Smith, Dani Pilling, Yssi Wombwell, Suzanne Hicks, Paddy Walsh, Dan Spooner and Rob Taylor.
Influences
Africa Studios works mostly with unsigned and original acts, but anyone friendly is welcome.
- 32 Track Digital Recording from £80 per day
- Rehearsal Room £20 (4 hours, storage available, PA Inc.)
- PA Hire from £30
- Guitar Tuition £20 (45 minute lesson)
Africa Studios Live Events
Tuesdays: The Buskers Ball @ Durty Nelly's:
Every Tuesday night we host The Busker’s Ball at Durty Nelly’s Irish Bar, in Hull's scenic Old Town. It’s a well established open mic night with an acoustic flavour which has been running since 1999. Musicians of all levels of ability are welcome to get up and play and there’s a free pint for anyone who gets up to perform.
Free entry, first act on stage @ 8:30PM.
Wednesdays: A Band Apart @ Durty Nelly's:
Since the inception of A Band Apart in 2005, Africa Studios has been showcasing original and unsigned bands at Durty Nelly's every Wednesday. Genres spanning Pop, Punk, Rock, Indie, Prog, Americana, Emo, Folk, Electronica, Metal (and genres that defy description) have been brought to the stage weekly, with three bands playing on a typical Band Apart show.
An ongoing competition on Wednesdays gives bands the opportunity to win recording time at Africa Studios. Bands most voted for during the year are entered into a judged final, with prizes including over a week of studio time.
Free entry, first band on stage @ 8:45PM.
Thursdays From June 2008: Springhead Unplugged
West Hull's best known and most dedicated music venue will be playing host to this Folk-oriented open mic night. Ex-Neil Finn guitarist David Elf hosts, with guest artists featuring weekly.
We finally meet Mr Smiley pants :) lol.... fantastic evening last night Dave, great to meet you.......you are a fantastic artist Mr...very, very impressed :) Lil Abi was fantastic, what a girl :) Love and hugs always Dave, no doubt see you very soon lovely....Take care Nik Nok xxxxxxxxx
Abbie Lammas is playing at the adelphi this friday at 9pm its 3 pounds on the door! Starring the wonderful hull band favours who have supported the likes of the who and the buzzcocks they are great and if you miss them then you miss out on a great night please come this friday with cheap drinks entertainment all night cheers from abbie lammas xxx
:) LOL.... really looking forward to it Dave... my last few weeks have been a nightmare to say the least, so I hope this is one of many happy meetings with you :) Yeah reserve 2 seats Dave, the shock may be to much to cope with.... lol :) Just look out for the dodgy little lass with long hair and BIG smile :) Hugs and best wishes untill tomorrow :) Have a great day.... sunshine Nikkie xxx
Hey ho Dave :) yeah whoooo hooooo, see you on the 3rd.....and to deal with the shock, I may need a seat also hahahaha.... it will be fantastic to meet you at last, and hope its one of many too :) Take care Mr Smiley pants... its about bloody time Dave :) Hugs and sunshine Nikkie xxx
Hello to you Mr Dave :) Can you put Wayne Anthony down to play Thurs 3rd July (Springhead) pretty please Dave with a huge cherry on the top..... and another one lol :) Miss Smiley Pants Nikkie xxx
Hey Mr Busy Bee :) Im hoping to get down to one of your gigs.......would be nice to meet you at last, considering you are only a few mins away in sunny Hull :) lol. Open Mic night would be good also, ill have to bring Wayne with me to play :) Love and huggies always.....stay positive and special Dave :) Your friend Miss smiley pants :) xxx
May I take the cheeky route once more and sneak a plug for Breathing Space at the Shire Hall at Howden on Saturday June 21st on to your comments please? Full details via the link to the Howden Live website on me myspace page.
Hi Dave :) How have you been????Long time no speak!!!! Whats good in June.....Ive got a friend coming over from London...I wanna take her to some good gigs :) Can you point us in the correct direction Mr lovely :) Sunshine always my friend.. Nikkie x
thank you for having us! was a really good night and really liked 30gees and steer - was refreshing change to the indie pap... was very proud of Izzy too - she smiled! Would love to play again, just let us know!
hay this is a realy strange way of asking for a job but, do you have any jobs going i am very hard working and will do any thing please get back to me as soon as pos thanks shaun
Thanks Dave! Hope you're well. i'll have to pop down and say hello one day. Been a bit hectic with the new little Terry running around, but will be down one day soon!!! Thanks again mate!
Hey Dave :) Have a lovely long walk for me.... lovely seaside place, likey alot, one of my fav's :) Hope your good, and relaxing my friend....sunshine as always Nikkie xxx
