Vocals - The Fresh Prince AKA Seargant Dub
Guitar - Carlton Banks AKA Fishy For My Dishy
Guitar - Jazzy Jeff AKA Dark Pope
Bass - Geoffrey AKA Fed by the Council Bancil
Sax - Hilary Banks AKA Saxy Pope
Drums - Ashley Banks AKA Dr Reggae
Influences
Influences:
Tryo, Incubus, Dave Matthews Band, The Smiths, Jorge Ben, Manu Chao, Sublime, King Prawn, Get Cape Wear Cape Fly
POPES OF CHILLITOWN are a six piece BritSka Indie band from London, forged many moons ago from the tentative beginnings of late-night jam sessions between friends. The band have burst onto the London gig scene in few years with a host of performances at many well-respected venues, including the legendary London Astoria and Hackney Empire.
But a straight up British Ska band they are not. Blending genres and each of the members’ influences makes for a unique sound and a breath of fresh air from generic bands that make generic music for fear of punters not “getting it”. A typical POPES OF CHILLITOWN show boasts soaring vocals, orgasmic guitars, sexy sax solos, banging Ska beats and chunky basslines thrown in for good measure. Expect SKA, ROCK, INDIE, REGGAE, DUB, DRUM AND BASS and much more.
The recent debut 4 track EP ‘BUY ONE GET ONE FREE, released November 10th 2008, is both a celebration of the band’s sound, and a critique on the branded, monitored world we live in. Songs such as the title track and ‘End ‘Em All’ denounce the advertising world for persuading their customers that their life is not complete without cheaper car insurance or
that extra blade on their razor. The EP as a whole remarks on how adverts constantly provide answers to questions that nobody asked in the first place, forcing many a Pope to turn their television off forever. Artwork is provided by Linda Joy of cult contemporary arthouse La Boca.
That said, the Popes aren’t afraid just to have a rocking good time. Described by the legendary Club Ska as having “bucketloads of groove, wrapped up in Indie Ska.” POPES OF CHILLITOWN are just as likely to make you move your feet as stroke your chin.
If 2008 was the year POPES OF CHILLITOWN matured, 2009 will be the year the Vatican relocates to London…PERMANENTLY!
"Buy One Get One Free is a great track, fresh and original and the band has the tightest sharpest ska sound we've ever had on the show - it grooves like a bastard." BBC6 Introducing
"Is the Pope catholic? Well, not these ones, but they sure can hold a tune! Hailing from Ealing - Queen of West London - Popes of Chillitown are not only much more sprightly than Ratzinger, but they're better looking to boot. Attendees of the Pope's divine service can expect a heavenly portion of lite-rock accompanied by a cheeky reggae relish, all served up with a smile and a sincere veneration for never giving up on the good times." Sugarape Magazine
"Super skanking reggae-funk-rock from London... quirky, enjoyably jerky, deep and danceable bass lines ...picture The Specials hitting a rootsier vein post Libertines London swagger maybe...perfect stuff to boggie to…" www.wegotickets.com
"Top notch skanking funky Britpop." Time Out
"Stylish reggae-rock collective from Ealing mixing soft rock with dub to create a ska racket that is simply designed for a good time." Spoonfed
"A band of clear potential, with some tight and catchy 'Brit-Ska', plenty of energy and enthusiasm... in a year that promises a big dose of The Specials after all these years, and a return of MadStock, could they front the rise of new, young ska bands into the mainstream?" egigs.co.uk
"a bit quirky, like really really earlyMadness gone deep reggae maybe...fab…" Bugbear Promotions
"The sound they produce is fat with a ph" UKevents.net
"Reggae informed funk tinged geezer’s delight from London… quirky but also embracing of the commercial élan of Britpop." Bugbear Promotions
"Tight as fuck." Impact
"Stylish reggae-rock collective from Ealing mixing soft rock with dub to create a ska racket that is simply designed for a good time." Spoonfed.co.uk
"Ealing's original Ska Funksters" Native Tongue
"Awesome Reggae Rock from W5" Meefo.com
"A great live band." Boar Music
"A pleasing affair." Living Atheist
"They are my camomile tea on sleepless summer eve!" Nina.
"Yes. I like it." Polish Barmaid, New Inn
Gig bookings to austen (at) popesofchillitown.com
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GIG BOOKINGS TO AUSTEN@POPESOFCHILLITOWN.COM or message us on MySpace
The Evil Uncle (Vocals): Open to anything out of the ordinary, especially if this concerns monkeys in suits. An expert in Euro-continental languages and Brazilian epicurean lifestyle, he brings warmth and hospitality to Chillitown thanks to his sincere vocals. People are of major importance in Chillitown and Oz's love of people clearly shines through during performance.
Sour Pope (Rhythm Guitar): A firm believer in the spirit of discussion, Rish draws his creative spark from what he calls "angry passion" and is the co-writer of Chillitown's soundtrack with Pope on a Rope. Of Indian origin, the brooding guitarist has always romanticised the image of the outsider, providing balance to the Popes' "free-for-all" music.
Dark Pope (Lead Guitar): Although a seasoned connoisseur of the dark riff, Dark Pope brings sweet Ice Cream Truck solos to the group with his subtle yet memorable contributions, making you want to clap your hands and say "Okay...I get it!" Dark Pope is a fan of horror movies and shots on a friday night. He also likes banter and nandos.
Arvin (Bass): Arvin's welcoming attitude is synonymous with his chunky, dub-thumping bass-lines. Less is more and his rhythms contribute delicately and effectively to the collective sound. Of Indian origin, Toke seemlessly combines groove and trip-hop with a summery reggae overflow, delivered with passionate intentions.
Saxy Pope (Saxophone): This northern lass, initially caused a gentle uproar amongst Senior Popes. But it was thanks to, not in spite of, her peaceful musical protests that won approval so convincingly. In such a short space of time, Saxy Pope has proven her status as Most Valuable Pope along with Toke Pope and routinely sparkles during live performance. She is scared of men in masks, hence the reason why the Popes binned the idea of getting 90's Mancunian cult comedian Frank Sidebottom to introduce them at gigs. However, Chillitown is lucky to boast a resident that so utterly relishes the Big Occasion.
Jck(Drums): Jck is the newest arrival in Chillitown and has provided the band with many delicious grooves. He works weird hours, always wears obscure punk band tshirts, lives in North London and used to play in Ska Punk bands.
Popes of Chillitown [NEW TRACKS UP NOW!]'s Friend Space (Top 16)
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Hey guys sorry about not playing your tune on the air yet but things have been a little hectic here at college and I haven't gotten around to it. Good news is I just read the email you sent and Dub People is one boss track. I'll definitely play it next monday on the air so tune in!
Yeah that'd be awesome, you guys got some boss tunes! Send whatever you got to houseOska@gmail.com my friend and I can throw it up on the air next week.
Ello lads (and lady) good show last night, was a really great challenge to follow! Love it. Anyway, I've started the process of arranging some shows for our October 'True Popes' tour. Let me know if you guys have any venue suggestions, plans, etc. Speak soon. Tom TrueBeat
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