[ ON AIR ]
[ON AIR] is Bassline Circus’ new outdoor visual radio show that is co-created with some of the most in-demand queer circus and music artists in the uk .
[ON AIR] collides the impulse of a pirate radio station with the energy of a live music video to playfully and sincerely open up discussions about social activism, environmentalism, inclusivity and freedom of expression.
In repsonse to COVID19 we have continued to devlop [ ON AIR ] by commisoning a series of video works suppported by Arts Council Englands COVID emergency fund.
A Caterpillar Story
by Jani Foldi
A Caterpillar Story is a performance art video that laments the control of nature and toxic contamination of our soil.
Utilising bouffon, physical storytelling and a sound track from electronic duo BAAST, Jani Foldi brings life to an eerie eco- fable made in a farmer's back garden in Wales.
Commissioned by Bassline Circus with support from ACE emergency COVID fund and screened as part of ‘Remembrance Day for Lost Species’
30th November 2020.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
Synopsis
The soil under our feet is in danger. This is a story of the everyday Farmer and the Caterpillar. They eventually meet on a lifeless field and the butterfly gets sprayed in the face but so does the farmer. The result hints at the knock on effects of soil erosion, the climate crisis and food security. We are what we eat!
Film Credits
Concept/Performance/Filming and Editing - Jani Foldi and Lyndall Merry
Dramaturgy- Bex Anson
Track - ‘Burn The Crown’ by BAAST
Commissioned by Bassline Circus
BIG POPPA BY
GROVE
Music video commissioned by Bassline Circus & funded by Arts Council England.
In collaboration with Saffron Records, Bassline Circus & Bristol Pride, Grove presents ‘Big Poppa’, a hip-hop rooted, queer fantasy track brought to life in a hybrid, kaleidoscopic video created by world class circus artists.
Think if a Biggie tune & a Missy Elliott tune had a lil’ gay baby... that energy- GRove
Big Poppa is the latest single from Bristol-based producer & vocalist Grove, taking influence from 90’s & 00’s hip-hop and recontextualising it through a queer lens.
Artwork by RHYANRHYAN-ART
The video - which was released on 3rd September as part of Bristol Pride’s online festival - features world-class talents of LJ Marles (as their drag persona Deja Da Bomb), Zaki Musa (pole & chair performer) and Symoné (drag king, hooping & rollerskates). It’s steamy, it’s campy, but most of all it’s a showcase of queer, black talent.
MUSIC VIDEO CONCEPT
In reaction to the Government’s lockdown sex ban… Big Poppa is a tongue-in-cheek fantasy of that special ‘end of isolation’ day. Booty calls are rampant and each performer in our video is preparing to welcome that lover, stranger or friend back into their home. The video moves from the mundanity of lockdown to hyper-reality, focusing on sensual performance, body architecture, and the anticipation of touch.
READ FULL interview with Grove & WAX MUSIC here
“During the 2019 festival, we felt it was really important to engage the LGBT+ circus community and offer a space for those performers to shine. As plans ground to a halt for 2020 we are excited to continue to work with Bassline Circus & Grove to platform a music video that showcases our community within the CircusMusic world ”
TEAM
Starring // Grove, Deja Da Bomb, Zaki Musa, Symoné
Cinematography // Nadia Otshudi
Co-Direction // Grove + Bex Anson
Produced // Bassline Circus - Amy Tavner
Edit // Mad Buddha Productions
[ ON AIR ]
Bassline Circus + Bristol Pride
LIVE SHOW
Indoor Circus show (in development)
Contact:amy.t@basslinecircus.com
[ ON AIR ]
Circus from the late night radio show
Step into Queer artist/producer/DJ Groves late-night broadcast studio, and let your anonymous call become flesh in this genre-busting vision of the nocturnal airwaves.
[ ON AIR ] carries you on an intimate journey from the ground to the air, airing dreamy fantasies, the personal and political, and declarations of love to oneself and the planet.
[ ON AIR ] honours the dead, fights for the living and celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community, through flying, talking, spinning, listening, dancing and soulful vocals.
Invited by Bristol Pride and housed in Bassline Circus's own vintage bigtop, this special commission stars some of the most in demand and exciting circus & dance artists on the scene
Bristol Pride 2019
We teamed up with Bristol Pride to present a programme of performance + workshops from outstanding artists within and around the LGBT+ community all housed within the Bassline Circus tent situated on The Downs.
FULL LINE UP
Hosted By Sally Savage
Hula Hoop workshop by SYMONE
BASSLINE CIRCUS presents [ ON AIR ]
Pride without Borders performance with Dancers from RSVP Bhangra
Jordan Gray-Musical Comedy
Living Room Circus (Immersive Circus show)
Electronic Duo BAAST, spoken word and live -performance
Silent Disco
Workshops funded by Awards for All
Bristol Pride
July 2019
Photos by Diego Maeso
[ ON AIR ] Guest Artists
Symoné
Symoné is a world record holding international queer super star with a Guinness World Record under her belt.. She has worked all over the world from the Caribbean, with pop-star Omi, to London's West End with La Soirée. Cleverly combining rollarskates and multiple hula hoop skills, she uniquely brings a club energy in high energy circus and dance performances, you won't be able to resist clapping your hands and shaking your hips along with her!
IG Link
Zaki Musa
Zaki Musa is an aerial performer, coach & choreographer, working across a wide range of aerial disciplines, including the flying pole.His work tends to explore his own identity as a performer. With this piece, he is looking to navigate his own ideals of masculinity and how that evolves as he grows older.
He is debuting this act in some killer heels to harness its power, confidence and both its femininity and masculinity. Ultimately, it is a declaration of being unapologetically himself.
IG Link
LJ Marles
Lj Marles unknowingly started his career back in 2006 when he took part in a youth project (Magic Moments) with Bassline Circus. He chose to continue his new found passion by studying at the National Centre of Circus Arts in London and graduated in 2011 and since then has travelled the world perfoming and working with companies and in festivals such as 7 Fingers, Cirque du Soleil events, La Soiree, Silver Linings, Cirque de Demain and Young Stage. Lj developed a unique aerial apparatus, Tension Straps and throughout his career he has pushed himself and his artistic performance. Lj is thrilled to be back with Bassline Circus, the place where his new life and career began, its sure to be a Magical Moment.
IG Link
Hattie Grover
Hattie started out as a classically trained dancer, before later amercing herself in a variety of dance styles under the hip hop umbrella, focusing primarily on breaking. The intensely physical nature of breaking steered her attention towards personal training and she later qualified as a fitness instructor and personal trainer. It was at this point she embarked on her first aerial fitness course and immediately fell in love! 3 years later and she now teaches, performs and specialises in slings, hoop and Spanish web. Hattie is committed to sharing her love of all things aerial, acrobatic and upside down.
Grove
Queer artist Grove brings soulful vocals and effortless flows rooted in hip-hop. Their production style and taste moves between UK hip-hop/soul, trip-hop, UKG & more big UK-centric sounds, so prepare yourself to be taken on a genre-busting journey that will keep you moving. They've supported the likes of The Hot 8 Brass Band, So Solid Crew, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas and are heavily involved in their local scene, collaborating regularly with JPDL, Griz-O and Yogi Beats. Rudegyxl in 5 Mics, BAAST & cast of Battersea Arts Centre's 'Frankenstein'
Jani Nightchild
Jani is a multi cloudswing performer and environmentalist. He is combining circus, dance and theatre with environmental and political messages. He has performed a version of this act at Glastonbury Festival, but for a special return he has re-made it to Bristol Pride with more biodegradable glitter and all the colours of the rainbow!
IG Link
Joshua Hubbard
is a choreographer and performer who has worked internationally. Credits include Young Fathers, Hercules and Love Affair, Roisin Murphey, Rita Ora, David Hoyle, Elton John, Peaches Christ, Feeder, Paloma Faith, Charlie XCX, various RPDR queens, and Vogue GQ. Joshua is the mother of the House Of Decay, a UK based Kiki vogue house starring in Deep In Vogue, a documentary about the northern British vogue scene . Joshuas award nominated film Crashing Waves featured on Random Acts, Channel 4 which featured at BFI/Outfest. Combined with his commercial, club and creative work Joshua also teaches community classes and is the rehearsal director at Laban School of Dance.
Crashing Waves - film 2018 Directed by Emma Gilbertson choreographed by joshua hubbard, show on channel four random acts/ BFI and nominated for an iris and asethetica award.
IG Link
Rhian and Raquel
Rhian & Raquel have been working together for over a year. This doubles trapeze act is a journey of a blossoming relationship; lifting each other up and supporting one another along the way, the song and the routine reflect the growth of trust, emotional strength and love in its most natural form.
IG Link
TEAM
Produced by Ame Tavner+ Natalia Colville
Co-Direction in collaboration with circus artists Bex Anson
Rigging Saul Baum
Stage Manager Sarah Smith
Consulation Laura Murphy