"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." - George Bernard Shaw
'inclusifolk': Home of North Devon's "splendidly eccentric poet" and riotous roots rascal, Colin Shaddick aka Uke Stanza!
"Being eccentric these days is considered somewhat old-fashioned, expensive, damaging to ones reputation and prospects and generally not popular within the society apart from some artistic circles where it is still recognised for its potential of original and creative thinking, variety of talents and skills granted by the nature and God himself as well as some sparks of ingenuity ... or pure genius (do we need to be shy of it?!)" - The Eccentric Club: 'An Ode to British Eccentricity'.
Conformity is addictive. Just say 'no'!
Who is this salty songster? Why has he got two names? Is he a folkie, or a poet? Can he do both?
My music is that which has its toes dipped in a 'tradition', but goes on to express something about a way of life that exists now. My music is 'folk' - or put in a more modern way - 'roots' music.
"ah recons al songs is folk songs; leastways, i ain't never heard no horse sing um!" - Big Bill Broonzy
Not everbody would agree with the above quote, but there it is. You can't please 'em all!
‘inclusifolk’ is a homespun, do-it-yourself, under the stairs - and at the moment - strictly personal record label, promoting my own poetry and musical experiments. I aim to persue a non-fundamentalist path towards meeting my ideals. As the name suggests, it is an ‘inclusive’ artform and as well as incorporating some traditional folk structures, it also draws on elements of the many folk music sub genres.
A few examples would be: Antifolk, Country, Rockabilly, Counterfolk, Skiffle, Urban folk, Folk metal, Dada blues, Progressive folk, Filk music, Folk punk, Psychobilly, Neo-folk, Folktronica, Nu-folk, Psych folk, Outsider folk and of course, all kinds of poetry.
All folk musicians do not wear chunky Aran sweaters!
‘inclusifolk’ is a wild dog straining on a leash!
‘inclusifolk’ poems, songs and performances are often risque, but even then, can
demonstrate a social awareness, much like the British working class humour of the Music Hall days.
"... Never go back and rewrite while you're working, keep on it as if it were final." - Hunter S. Thompson
"I don’t wait for a seal of approval before performing my work. I just write something I think is acceptable and then perform it. It’s about showing the world who I am, and I sometimes favour a performance before the final polish."
'inclusifolk' is about thinking the unthinkable, saying the unsayable and challenging the status quo. 'inclusifolk' is intended, eventually, to provide a single arena for a wide range of creative genres. 'inclusifolk' is about coexistance: where voices from the outside can be heard alongside more established ones. I'm interested in work that blurs boundaries.
All folk musicians are not bearded beer swiggers!
If you agree, or don't agree with the philosophy of 'inclusifolk' why not get in touch. Maybe we could collaborate on a project; share a gig. You never know, this could be the start of something!
‘The Very Thin Line’
Uke Stanza's latest album, The Very Thin Line, is a snapshot of life seen through very different eyes. Stanza's humour can be as cutting as it is funny!
Track 4, The Picket Line, made it to No 24 in Dandelion Radio's, John Peel 'Festive 50' Chart - 2007.