The Mile End Massive

In our absence...

2007-02-27T16:08:00.000Z

...you might like to check out honourary member of the Massive, Bill Bowles, who can be found at www.mynameisbill.com

Bill, our Californian adventurer, is currently on a freight ship somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic, heading to Mile End from San Francisco (and you thought it wasn't a globe-trotting destination). He's posting video podcasts and wants to hear from you, so take a look. And if you've got any cures for sea-sickness I'm sure he'll be very grateful...

Technical Difficulties

2007-02-08T16:41:00.000Z

I think that Herdwick lamb is getting its revenge as I'm feeling distinctly sheepish. Apologies for the long silence. (On the other hnd, I don't think we have much of an audience to notice it at this point but just in case anyone ever reads this - I'm sorry).

In my defence, it' not all my fault. I don't have a computer at the moment, so no sound software and no podcasts. Alas.

However, plans are afoot and I'm hoping to get podcasting again later in the year. So please keep an eye/ear out.

The Sunday Defensive - Part 4

2006-09-09T14:30:00.000Z

Apologies for the long silence, but the summer seems to have run away from me slightly. There's more munching with Mackers to come but first I need to do some serious editing. But fear not, to keep your little earlobes company here's the final instalment of The Sunday Defensive's fantastic live show. And any wannabe Andrew Lloyd-Webber's out there, take note - these boys are onto something....

Phil and Jacob are hard at work on the next show so watch this space for info on when and where you can see them in action.

Well at least somebody gets it...

2006-09-09T11:34:00.000Z

We finally have a review, thanks to someone by the screename of Shrug who had this to say on the Pluggd website:

"The Nightfighters are part of the Mile End Massive, which appears to be a London podcast collective: Each group under the MEM umbrella issues their own podcast, which is marketed through the MEM blog. It's something that's done at radio web sites, who offer multiple programs based on their own shows, but this is the first time I've come across somebody doing this on a personal, community level. It's a really good idea, and I hope others take advantage of it. As for the Nightfighters' podcast itself, it's good pub rock, recorded in a pub, and it fits the general European local vibe of the MEM."

I'm not sure that the NF would agree with the pub rock label and I don't know what a European vibe sounds like, but I'm happy to have one, so thanks Shrug!

We'd love to hear from more of you, so if you've enjoyed any of the podcasts please drop us a line and say hello. Especially the people from Lithuania who Feedburner keeps telling me are listening. Now that's a European vibe....

The Sunday Defensive - Part 3

2006-07-26T21:41:00.000Z

The boys are back to bring you some light relief from the torpor of the heatwave as we continue with our exclusive recording of their live London show. Here in Part 3 Phil's busy trying to get Jacob a date. Again. Alas, the results may be predictable but you can't say it's for lack of effort. Plus there are a couple of Australian's with some carpet problems. Who knew soft furnishings could lead to such philosophical musings....

And if you enjoy this, don't forget to check out parts 1 & 2, with no.4 to follow in a few weeks. Just follow the link on the right to download the podcast and please leave a comment or drop us an email to tell us what you think.

Munch With Mackers - Royal Ascot Picnic

2006-07-13T22:15:00.000Z

Apologies to all - technical problems delayed the release of the new instalment but, now that I've mastered the art of FTP, it should all be working once more. So here's a spanking new Munch, with rather more Mackers than you bargained for.

The Mackley clan are clearly planning world domination on the food front as Henry's special guest is none other than his cousin, Milla Mackley. Having also appeared on Masterchef, Milla decided a little family one-up-manship was needed and moved on to The F-Word. As many of you will have seen on Channel 4 last year, she not only managed to survive Gordon Ramsay but won the competition. Having spent a month working with Gordon at his Claridges restaurant, Milla has enlisted Henry to help with a special Ascot picnic.
So, we're off to the races for a little posh nosh. Henry whips up a serious amount of cream and gives a traditional summer dish a Mackley twist. There's also plenty of fresh greens, Jersey Royals, and one enormous beef fillet. Just don't mention the mayonnaise.

And as for me, well it's a tough life but someone's got to taste all this.....

Nightfighters - Live dates!

2006-07-10T16:14:00.000Z

For all you Nightfighting crazies out there, some good news; there are more live dates on the way!

20th July 8pm at The Loaded Dog in Leytonstone.

22nd July 3pm at Beyond Retro near Brick Lane.

31st July 8.30pm at The Pleasure Unit in Bethnal Green.

Have a look at their MySpace page for details and head East for some great music and hey, on 22nd you can even get yourselves some quirky headgear and a floral shirt while you're at it.

The Massive thanks you...

2006-06-29T11:33:00.000Z

Just wanted to say thanks very much to those of you who've been reading the blog here and downloading the podcasts. We've managed to accumulate about three hundred downloads over the last few weeks and it's nice to know that someone's listening. Someone other than Mackers' Mum I mean.
We'd love to hear from you too, so feel free to leave comments on the blog, or email us at mempodcast@hotmail.co.uk
The Nightfighters will be back in the studio soon and they've got some more live dates in July so check out their MySpace page for details. We'll also be interviewing Josh Topp and persuading him to give us an acoustic exclusive.
The Sunday Defensive are taking a breather over the summer and will be back with a new show in the Autumn. But don't fret, we've got two more episodes to release.
Henry Mackley has a very English picnic for a very English event, plus a look around Marleybone Farmers' Market. We'll also be heading to Brick Lane in search of the ultimate homemade curry. Henry's recipes will be available online soon as well and if you have any requests or suggestions drop him a line at the email address above.
And we're working on some new shows with the rest of The Massive (yes, there are more of us) so watch this space and thanks for listening.

The Sunday Defensive - Part 2

2006-06-16T16:44:00.000Z

Slightly later than intended (but then we all like a little anticipation) here is part the second of our exclusive recording of their live show. Follow the link as usual, and hey presto there's more mayhem about homeopaths and big fruit.
This weekend sees the final performance of the current run, so get down to the Canal Cafe pronto. I hear that tickets are going pretty fast, so it's worth booking ahead - follow the Canal Cafe link for all the info. Plus, it's Phil's birthday on Sunday. So that's nice.
Parts 3 & 4 will follow shortly (honest) but if you're feeling clever, you can subscribe to the podcast and then you won't miss a thing.

The Nightfighters - Live at The Pleasure Unit

2006-06-11T13:07:00.000Z

Ah, an East End boozer hosting a live gig. The strange-smelling fug of cigarette smoke and students; the tacky sensation of beer-sodden floor underfoot; the band huddled on a stage the size of a postage stamp - a special place. As Josh remarked halfway through the set, "They say you play the Pleasure Unit twice in your career; once on the way up and once on the way down. It's good to be back." Although judging from the crowd, The Nightfighters are only on the up and up. One by one, people gathered in front of Josh to admire his nimble guitar playing, clearly wishing they could do the same as there was no denying it looked (and sounded) pretty damn cool. Unsuspecting punters had that expression of pleasant surprise at discovering a great band in the middle of Bethnal Green on a damp Monday. And darn it, our musically-talented friends enjoyed themselves - Josh even managed to look up at his appreciative audience between guitar solos; Neil got his groove on with his bubblegum-pink bass and Paul removed his dufflecoat for half an hour.
To hear what all the fuss was about simply scroll down to the sidebar on the right and click on the link to download the live tracks. And hey folks, this is meant to be an authentic aural experience so it's a little rough and ready, giving you the chance to recreate the live gig from the comfort of your own futon .
So spill some beer on the carpet, light a few roll-ups and get down and dirty with The Nightfighters.

Update! - The Nightfighters are playing again at The Pleasure Unit this Monday, 19th June.

The Sunday Defensive - Part 1

2006-05-25T11:55:00.000Z

The twisted talents of Jacob Edwards and Phil Gilbert are available to download at last. We've got highlights of their comedy show in pocket-sized chunks for your ears to nibble on at their leisure.
Sadly, we weren't able to include some sketches, just because there's nothing more annoying than hearing a lot of people laughing themselves silly for ten minutes without being able to see why. But don't despair, you can still catch them live and uncut at the Canal Cafe with new material and special guests. Jacob's dancing alone is worth the journey. Follow The Sunday Defensive link for details.
So here's part 1, which proves you should never look to these two for dating advice, or eulogy services for that matter but more of that later. As ever, scroll down to the sidebar on the right and click on the link to listen. Parts 2, 3 & 4 will follow shortly; subscribe to the podcast to automatically download the new episodes as they become available.

Munch With Mackers - Borough Market

2006-05-15T16:42:00.000Z

If it's freeze-dried, vacuum-packed, or air-lifted from Guatamala then for god's sake keep it away from Henry Mackley. To kick us off our very own Mile End Masterchef is on a mission to get us out of Tescos and into London's independent shops in a celebration of fresh produce and simple recipes . In this first instalment we're off to Borough Market, where Mackers gets seriously excited about a sheep and friendly with a Cumbrian farmer. Meanwhile Katie learns more about asparagus than is strictly necessary and special guest, Josh Topp of The Nightfighters joins us for lunch.
Scroll down to the link on the right to listen and subscribe.

Welcome!

2006-05-03T13:59:00.000Z

Here's a brief taster of what's coming up, just as soon as I've worked out how to operate the damn microphone...

The Sunday Defensive will be beaming the madness directly into your brain with a podcast version of their comedy show. You can still catch them at the Canal Cafe - more info on the link to the right, just don't ask me what's with the ducks.

Henry Mackley, foodie extraordinaire (and that talented bloke off Masterchef), will be telling us why it's so important to eat happy pigs, amongst other things. Lively discussion of all things edible, tours of London's best markets, restaurant reviews and some seriously yummy recipes you won't want to miss. For a taster, see here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/database/poshmushroomsontoast_74043.shtml

The Nightfighters continue to storm the London live music circuit. See the link on the right for details of upcoming gigs and to hear some tunes. We'll be podding them in rehearsal, at live events and generally getting in their way to bring you some exclusive tracks.

Plus the lovely, charming and, dare I say it, downright gorgeous Emily Carter will be reading you some classic tales. For all those books you've been meaning to read, let Miss Carter's soothing tones do the hard work for you whilst you commute, go down the gym or laze away a Sunday afternoon in the park. Ahhh, lovely...

And that's just for starters. They'll be more music, comedy and general mayhem coming soon.

If you'd like to get involved, just drop me a line. You don't have to live in Mile End, or even the East End (you crazy Islington fools) but if you think you've got a creative talent that's just waiting to be captured on audio then put your mouth where the (distinct absence of) money is!