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Featured Bands

Featured artist: New Groove Formation

New Groove Formation fuse funk, reggae and ska - and use a didgeridoo too!

New Groove Formation
New Groove Formation at the Bedford River Festival

Early in 2003 Iain and Haydn were introduced by a mutual friend with the intention of jamming and playing some music. It wasn’t long before they realised that they had the same sort of taste in music and shared the same views on what a band should be about.

After a few rehearsals some songs were knocked into shape and a good lively sound was emerging. With the view of being a live dance orientated band with using a fusion of funk, reggae and ska. To enhance the sound they enlisted percussion, bass, didgeridoo and an mc who were bought into the fold.

Gigging locally they started to build up a fair size local following and started to gig further a field to good responses. Feeling that there was still something missing, they enlisted some local brass players to come on board.

Their gigs have taken them from local pubs to gate crashing a Babyshambles secret gig in the Duke of Clarence pub in Islington and also playing festivals including the Bedford River Festival.
 
Freedom of expression is rare, especially in a band their size, they do very few covers and the covers they do, they do in their own way.

Who’s in the band?

Quinny (vox & guitar)
Nick (MC vocals)
Haydn (guitar)
Faz (bass guitar)
Didge (percussion & digeridoo)
Lewis (drums)
Nicky (trumpet)
Eddie (trombone)
Sarah (sax)

What musicians/bands have influenced you?

Quinny: Jimi Hendrix & The Specials – funk and ska mixed with dub & reggae

Hayden: The Specials, Headmix Collective and Stone Roses.

How often do you rehearse?

New Groove Formation
New Groove Formation at the Hockey Stadium

Once a week, in an office with a PA religiously.

Of the songs you have written, what’s your favourite at the moment?

Quinny: Bedford Street – because I know what it’s about and the reaction to it is immense.

Haydn: Once In A While purely for crowd reaction.

What type of gig do you most like to play?

Festivals: There are always people up for it and they haven’t heard of us before.

What’s your most memorable gig?

Bedford River Festival – when we started, there were maybe 1,000 people sitting down on the paddock By the time we’d finished there were about 2,000 up and having it.

Any disasters?

We’ve had the odd power-cut whilst we were playing and we played at a thrash metal concert and they introduced us as a funk reggae band! And it was a complete exodus but once we started playing they came back and had it anyway!

Who comes to see you play and can they dance?

New Groove Formation
New Groove Formation at secret Babyshambles gig

I’d like to take this opportunity to give a big shout out to Ems and crew, they are always there jiggin' away and the numbers seem to be growing and yes, they can all dance!

What do you prefer, CD, Vinyl or downloads?

CD

Any secrets/surprises in the band, outside music?

Quinny has a gorgeous girlfriend, believe it or not!

If you could collaborate with anyone (dead or alive) who would it be and why?

The So Solid Crew - just so we could blow them off the stage!!!

Would you go on X Factor?

New Groove Formation
New Groove Formation at Parklife (c: Ryan Pink)

Nic Nac paddy whack, chuck the dogs a bone, another fat tune comes rollin home, I couldn’t really see us on the X Factor, I;’m too busy in my Chelsea tractor, I’m well up for it, I’m a party animal, everything I drink is highly flammable, we’re clubbing it, clubbing it, clubbing it all night, we’re loving it , loving it, loving it alright. I hope that answers your question! But NO.

What’s your ultimate ambition or dream?

To play in a fringe tent at Glastonbury and other big festivals and to be able to live by being creative.

Anything else to declare?!

Yes officer two hundred fags and a bottle of vodka ....

last updated: 13/09/06
Have Your Say
What do you think of New Groove Formation's music?
Your name: 
Your comment: 
 
The BBC reserves the right to edit comments submitted.

Iain Quinn
I would like to say a big thanks to BIG GEORGE AND MRS WEBLEY for the time on air and also I would like to say a big big thanks to every one who has helped and supported us and especialy the people who have taken the time to leave a comment on this site and our own sites. Thank you all. Thanks for the party!!!!!!!!!!

WonderBoy
"You will dance!" - 'nuff said.

Smit
with out a doubt a sound that is very catchy and apeals to everyone no matter what their music of choice. What the people are saying is true you just cant help but dance! All they need is the chance to show the masses what they got n they will be hooked! great band, great people n great fans. Keep spreadin the love. Oh and Quinny have a shower and clean your feet coz they stink!

Stretch
Seen these guys play and they are awesome live. they blow the roof off!!

jnr
absolute top quality stuff, can't beat going to see these guys n jumping round like a lunatic...

Jess
i've seen New Groove Formation live. i will be seeing them live again soon. enough said. x

Jim Potter
Funky Funksters! This band have got it going on!

Mrs F
We've known this lot since the beginning and when we make it to see them live it's fantastic to see the crowd come alive when they come on. Last saw them at East End Valley Fest and they were by far the best band of the weekend!

Marc
Funktastic band that make everyone wanna damce

roz
have followed them around and acted as rent a crowd with ems, andi and debbie n they always deliver. Always is my favourite song, think it was written about my fella heheh... they need signing n getting da music out to the masses who don't know what they are missing!!!!

Rich......Dummyrun
Truely Awesome band!, something different and very special. Blendinding wicked styles so passionateley is a hard thing to pull off but New groove do it with ease! The most amazing thing is there for everyone! You'll get everyone dancing from oldies to kids from all styles and backgrounds, and seeing a die hard Thrash metal fan and getting him to dance to funk is impressive. New groove give the people Rythm! Lighting up Rooms with explosive Talent! Love It! And yes, everyone wants to be "A BALLROOM DANCER"

Lisa Brown
I have been to a few of their gigs. I love it, they have such an individual sound that is amazing live! Gets you in the mood for a great night out. When i get the chance love to see them again soon. Wish you even more success for 2007.

Kingy
Hi!, Me again, saw them at Cravenfest at Esquires 16/9, Undoubtedly one of the best performances I have seen them do!!! The Horn section have really expanded what is an already amazing sound. Quinney....clean your guitar its a disgrace!!!

Spready
I have been lucky enough to see this band at some private events, mostly smittys bbq's and fireworks! I am surprised he still invites them, they always steel the show. Very cool, great sound, great band!

foxy lady
i saw them live in bedford and thought they were great....really refreshing. everyone was up, dancing and enjoying themselves!

numb nuts
Seen the guys time and time again never been a dull nite .. a great band they Will drag you screaming on to the dancefloor resistance is fuetile !!! Must see !!

Ellie
Love them love them love them.. seen them many times and they've been excellent, saw them last night in fact and they blew both me and the crowd away.. There was no room to move they packed the place so full! Excellent!!!!

Andy Summerfield
Seen these guys a few times and as everyone says....... you can't help but cut some rug!! They get the place rockin. The mix of reggae/ ska and an MC is something i've never heard work so well before. They are destined for good things. Keep it up guys......Quality!

Nikki..Bedford
This band headlined at the Hartlington festival, what a funky sound, a real fusion of sounds. Can you tell me where they are playing next...?

Jason
This band are the dogs ! Seen em a few times now and the live show is fantastic ! They really get the crowd going ! The best band to come out of beds for ages

Kez
Seen them a few times live inc Bedford river festival I love this band,they always get a fantastic response from the crowd.If your one of these people that dont like to dance, that wont the case with this band playing you will be giving it large jumping all over the place!!! I love the band there great. digeridoo is defo one of my favorites!!!

Cath
This band are grand - ooh I'm a poet!!

Fran
A great Band and they certainly get you going even if you are in a bad mood. By the end of the evening you are partying. I like it when they are using the Harmonica & bongo's. We have seen the group at a firework display, bedford festival, pub in beford and esquires night club BRILLIANT!!

Kate
I'm Smudgers sister, He's right Iain, hell you can snore!! But the band is great, with a fresh sound (fresh - more than can be said for Iain's feet!)

Linds
Have seen NGF on several occasions and each time is as good as the first they are wicked. Lovin the digeridoo and Bedford Street is a def fave.

DarrenB - Luton
Saw them at a gig at a some rich guys farm in Bedford, they really sound good live and the response from the crowd was amazing, people dacing and taping their feet! Fresh new sound! Not heard them featured on Mr. Steve Lamacq's show under "new bands" yet though which is VVV disappointing!

Tracey Mijlkovic (AKA Mini Tra)
I've spent a lot of time listening to all sort of music from all over the world.. and when i came across New groove Formation I was pleasently suprised... they are so different from anything in the market today.. ranging from Scar - Regae - Rock to Hip Hop which are types of music I never thought would mix, but they have, and they have done it so well.. congratulations guys deffinatly the Band of 2006 for me..lets hope someone will take notice and give the world a chance to hear your amazing sound. Take care guys hopefully see you soon. Trace .x.

Suzy
I've seen them at least six times and they just get better. The music lifts you and I challenge anyone to not want to dance to them!

AGENT KAIN
I saw them at smudgefest 2005 and was blown away to be honest....superb all round...decent fellas aswell...big ups

Kingy
Seen NGF plenty of times, picked up an excellent live 8 track CD at the Bedford River Festival.....still playing it loads....real energy, real music ...keep it up people.....

Gary (dj)
I see NGF as often as i can because of their energy and love of LIVE music, they are the best live act by miles, and you know you just gonna dance! Cheers guys. c u on the 23rd at Esquires. Bedford!

Burkey
Emz has made me watch this band a few times now and i must say they are pretty awesome. gotta love the man on the digerdooooooooooooooo!!!! cos you no some times in life things will call you!!

Andy Sizmur
Always wicked, great vibes, very tight, spot on. love it. good lads to!

Andi
Saw them at Camden Market and everyone was loving the music and dancing. The band are a breath of fresh air and the music has a real feel good vibe.

Jolene
It's da bomb! Never seen a band get so many people up to dance, even if they're too cool to! THE BEST!!

Paul T - Milton Keynes
I saw this band play at bedford river festival, now thats what im talking about!! NGF rocked that show..i feel sorry for the band that play after this lot!

Emz
Nice one guys! I must say.. NGF are the most amazing guys i've seen about in ages! Can never just watch them.. have to dance!! Cheers for the shout out :] Much appreciated!! LUL xx <3

Smudger
Quinny has lodged with me for most of this year and I got to see some wicked gigs they are the freshest sound arround right now. But I have to say Quinnster your feet smell bad and you snore to loud. nuff said!

soooz
NGF ROCK! I live in Bedford, LOVE them all and will always go n see them play and dance it upo a piece. I recently saw them at the East End Valley Fest, (all for charity) and even when the power cut, the horns kept playing, we all kept singing and Quinny kept us going till it came back on. Magical. They do have a myspace account. Go check em out for latest gigs.

Aaron jenkins
Wicked stuff!Seen them a few times around Ampthill and they rock..

Jordyn Quinn
I saw them in Bedford and they were THE best best I have ever seen. Iain is so cool.

Luke
This band are different in so many ways ,Ive seen them start in an empty field and totally fill the place within minutes. Amazing vibe, also saw them totally wipe the floor with the baby shambles in Islington was wicked!I want to see these guys on the big stage!

mr hamilton
seen NGF at about 6 gigs now and it still feels like its the first time ive ever heard them, they are the dogs dangalies as the crowd would tell you when you see them jumping about and having it large go on new groove

Kevin Pyper
I watched them at the Bedford river festival - fantastic performance and sound that had everybody on their feet.

Samantha Collins
I saw New Groove Formation at the Duke of Clarence in Islington last year. They were on after Babyshambles and blew them off the stage!! They were amazing and totally rocked the place! Was so happy to hear them again on your show.. Do you know if they will be playing in London again soon? Is there a website I can find out their upcoming gigs? Thanks....

david nichols
saw them at camden and this lot are in a leauge of their own! no hype no dress sense, but amazing live and your show did not do them justice. please please please tell \me where they are playing next, shaun London

Amy Crisp
Excellent. Great to hear something a bit different. And I've seen them live; they get a fabulous response from the crowd

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