In Hefner I wrote a song about Alan Bean, the fourth man on the moon.

In 2011 I held an exhibition of paintings about animals and people in space with Robert Rotifer, Sarah Lippet Paul Rains and Duncan Barrett.

We also made a CD on which I sung two songs about the Russian Space Dogs.

Around 2005 I tried to write and record 12 songs about each of the astronauts who walked on the moon. I wrote seven of them.

My own label ‘Belka’ is named after one of the first two dogs to go into earth orbit and return alive.

Several other song of mine like The Protons and the Neutrons use the imagery of the cosmos.

I want to bring all of these themes and songs together in one show on the 14^th march at the Vortex.

Usually live I use stringed, folky instruments but I am also known for using electronica. For this show I’m going to bring some of my synthesizers and old analogue drum machines. It will be a treat.

Support comes from the famous comedian Robin Ince. Who knows about Space.

Friday 14th March – http://www.wegottickets.com/event/257492
With Robin Ince

The Vortex
11 Gillett Square, London N16 8AZ
www.vortexjazz.co.uk
Doors 8pm
£12 Adv

www.hefnet.com

@DarrenHayman
@VortexJazz
@ThePopside

Darren Hayman’s Occupation is a series of monthly shows at The Vortex, Dalston. There will be a mix of sets showcasing different albums, themes and special guests. This is not your standard indie gig:

“I love gigs. I hate gigs.

I want to play live and I love what shows can be, but I’ve found myself frequently stifled by the limitations of my career. I can’t play the plush, seated venues and I can’t experiment with a string section or play 20 minute opuses.

My music was born in the sticky floored rock venue. I like the sticky floored rock venue but I have had a hankering for something different recently. My own taste has veered towards free improv and jazz and although it’s hard to imagine that music influencing my own I do love the culture of live music in this genre.

Long sets, sometimes two, comfortable venues and a reverence and respect for the event and the moment; less talking, less cameras, more dynamics, less microphones.

I wondered if these would let an indie rock interloper amongst their ranks. My show at the Vortex back in last November was successful enough to make me think of playing a monthly residency there.

The idea is that each show is themed. I don’t want to go the whole predictable route of playing complete albums, but rather group, types of songs together for different evenings. Experiment, sometimes play two sets, sometimes have unlikely guests. I will be playing with members of my bands from through out my career as well as old friends like the Wave Pictures and Allo Darlin.

The Vortex is a beautiful venue. I’m trying to do something different; something, smaller, prettier. I hope you can come.”

It’s a simple theme this time. I will play love songs and only love songs. I’ll try to make the two sets slightly different without featuring totally exclusive songs.

We’re working on some more ideas (akin to the postcards on the Holiday shows) to make the evenings special.

Support on Thursday 13th February comes from Pete Astor. Support on 14th February comes from Louis Philippe

Thursday 13th February – http://www.wegottickets.com/event/253937
With Pete Astor

Friday 14th February – http://www.wegottickets.com/event/253938
With Louis Philippe

The Vortex
11 Gillett Square, London N16 8AZ
www.vortexjazz.co.uk
Doors 8pm
£12 Adv

www.hefnet.com

@DarrenHayman
@VortexJazz
@ThePopside

Darren Hayman’s Occupation is a series of monthly shows at The Vortex, Dalston. There will be a mix of sets showcasing different albums, themes and special guests. This is not your standard indie gig:

“I love gigs. I hate gigs.

I want to play live and I love what shows can be, but I’ve found myself frequently stifled by the limitations of my career. I can’t play the plush, seated venues and I can’t experiment with a string section or play 20 minute opuses.

My music was born in the sticky floored rock venue. I like the sticky floored rock venue but I have had a hankering for something different recently. My own taste has veered towards free improv and jazz and although it’s hard to imagine that music influencing my own I do love the culture of live music in this genre.

Long sets, sometimes two, comfortable venues and a reverence and respect for the event and the moment; less talking, less cameras, more dynamics, less microphones.

I wondered if these would let an indie rock interloper amongst their ranks. My show at the Vortex back in last November was successful enough to make me think of playing a monthly residency there.

The idea is that each show is themed. I don’t want to go the whole predictable route of playing complete albums, but rather group, types of songs together for different evenings. Experiment, sometimes play two sets, sometimes have unlikely guests. I will be playing with members of my bands from through out my career as well as old friends like the Wave Pictures and Allo Darlin.

The Vortex is a beautiful venue. I’m trying to do something different; something, smaller, prettier. I hope you can come.”

During January 2011 Darren Hayman, ex-Hefner, wrote a song for every day of the month. It was an incredibly frantic period of work. Each day not only included the writing of a song, but also its recording and the making of a video, and an online diary.

“Even in this age of downloads I can still get frustrated about how long it takes to release records,” says Hayman. “I wanted to make something instantly and, without anytime for editing or revision, release it and make it permanent.

The project became eclectic through necessity. The songs range from glam disco stomps, through folky laments and acapella hymns to jazz backed spoken words.

“I knew some sort of theme would reveal itself gradually through the work,” continues Darren, “and that theme became one of release and escape. Lots of the songs are about imaginary or longed for havens.”

It can all be found archived here

January Songs was also released as a hand drawn two CD set and can be found in our shop.

Apart from one or two tunes January Songs has only been performed once, back in January 2012 upon the release of the CD.

It should come as no surprise that the two January Occupation shows will consist of an exclusive performance of January songs.

THE TWO SHOWS WILL FEATURE DIFFERENT SETS.

SHOW 1: THURSDAY 16TH JAN WILL FEATURE SONGS FROM THE FIRST HALF OF JANUARY SONGS. WITH SUPPORT FROM THE ROZI PLAIN FROM LOST MAP RECORDS.

http://www.wegottickets.com/event/247385

SHOW 2: FRIDAY 17th JAN WILL FEATURE SONGS FROM THE SECOND HALF OF JANUARY SONGS. WITH SUPPORT FROM THE PICTISH TRAIL FROM LOST MAP RECORDS.

http://www.wegottickets.com/event/247386

The Vortex
11 Gillett Square, London N16 8AZ
www.vortexjazz.co.uk
Doors 8pm
£12 Adv

www.hefnet.com

@DarrenHayman
@VortexJazz
@ThePopside

Darren Hayman’s Occupation is a series of monthly shows at The Vortex, Dalston. There will be a mix of sets showcasing different albums, themes and special guests. This is not your standard indie gig:

“I love gigs. I hate gigs.

I want to play live and I love what shows can be, but I’ve found myself frequently stifled by the limitations of my career. I can’t play the plush, seated venues and I can’t experiment with a string section or play 20 minute opuses.

My music was born in the sticky floored rock venue. I like the sticky floored rock venue but I have had a hankering for something different recently. My own taste has veered towards free improv and jazz and although it’s hard to imagine that music influencing my own I do love the culture of live music in this genre.

Long sets, sometimes two, comfortable venues and a reverence and respect for the event and the moment; less talking, less cameras, more dynamics, less microphones.

I wondered if these would let an indie rock interloper amongst their ranks. My show at the Vortex back in last November was successful enough to make me think of playing a monthly residency there.

The idea is that each show is themed. I don’t want to go the whole predictable route of playing complete albums, but rather group, types of songs together for different evenings. Experiment, sometimes play two sets, sometimes have unlikely guests. I will be playing with members of my bands from through out my career as well as old friends like the Wave Pictures and Allo Darlin.

The Vortex is a beautiful venue. I’m trying to do something different; something, smaller, prettier. I hope you can come.”

 

Occupation Show 6 at the Vortex Club will be over two nights on the 12th and 13th December. Darren will be playing sets with The Wave Pictures.

It’s a long time ago not but when the Wave Pictures first moved to London back in 2006 for a short while there were the original Secondary Modern. Darren took them to Spain with him and they also did a few UK shows. Since then they have collaborated regularly, playing on each others records and Darren directing Wave Pictures videos.

In 2011 they made a single together ‘Who Hung the Monkey’, part of the January Songs project.

https://vimeo.com/18802568

To make the show extra special we are going to try and organise a secret santa event. Every ticket holder should try and bring a £5 ish present and all of the presents will be swapped and distributed throughout the night.

THE SETS ON BOTH NIGHTS WILL BE LARGELY SIMILAR.

Thursday 12th December http://www.wegottickets.com/event/242735

Friday 13th December http://www.wegottickets.com/event/242738

The Vortex
11 Gillett Square, London N16 8AZ
www.vortexjazz.co.uk
Doors 8pm
£12 Adv

www.hefnet.com

@DarrenHayman
@VortexJazz
@ThePopside

Darren Hayman’s Occupation is a series of monthly shows at The Vortex, Dalston. There will be a mix of sets showcasing different albums, themes and special guests. This is not your standard indie gig:

“I love gigs. I hate gigs.

I want to play live and I love what shows can be, but I’ve found myself frequently stifled by the limitations of my career. I can’t play the plush, seated venues and I can’t experiment with a string section or play 20 minute opuses.

My music was born in the sticky floored rock venue. I like the sticky floored rock venue but I have had a hankering for something different recently. My own taste has veered towards free improv and jazz and although it’s hard to imagine that music influencing my own I do love the culture of live music in this genre.

Long sets, sometimes two, comfortable venues and a reverence and respect for the event and the moment; less talking, less cameras, more dynamics, less microphones.

I wondered if these would let an indie rock interloper amongst their ranks. My show at the Vortex back in last November was successful enough to make me think of playing a monthly residency there.

The idea is that each show is themed. I don’t want to go the whole predictable route of playing complete albums, but rather group, types of songs together for different evenings. Experiment, sometimes play two sets, sometimes have unlikely guests. I will be playing with members of my bands from through out my career as well as old friends like the Wave Pictures and Allo Darlin.

The Vortex is a beautiful venue. I’m trying to do something different; something, smaller, prettier. I hope you can come.”

 

For the fifth Occupation show we are expanding to two nights; 11th and 14th NOVEMBER

The theme this time is simple, Darren and his old bandmate Jack Hayter will play the songs of their old band Hefner. Darren and all the members of Hefner have remained firm in their intention that the band will never reform and even nights like these are very rare. The last time Jack and Darren played sets like this was in 2008.

This time Jack and Darren hope to turn their attention to the softer side of Hefner. Less Hello Kitten, more Hymn for the Alcohol.

ALTHOUGH THEY ARE PLAYING TWO NIGHTS  THE SETS ON BOTH NIGHTS WILL BE LARGELY SIMILAR.

Support on 11th is from Papernut Cambridge. An awesome new band, formed in a dream and sometimes featuring Darren himself.

http://www.wegottickets.com/event/241421

Support on 14th is from Jack Hayter playing his own songs.

http://www.wegottickets.com/event/241422

All tickets here  www.wegottickets.com/popside

The Vortex
11 Gillett Square, London N16 8AZ
www.vortexjazz.co.uk
Doors 8pm
£12 Adv

www.hefnet.com

@DarrenHayman
@VortexJazz
@ThePopside

Darren Hayman’s Occupation is a series of monthly shows at The Vortex, Dalston. There will be a mix of sets showcasing different albums, themes and special guests. This is not your standard indie gig:

“I love gigs. I hate gigs.

I want to play live and I love what shows can be, but I’ve found myself frequently stifled by the limitations of my career. I can’t play the plush, seated venues and I can’t experiment with a string section or play 20 minute opuses.

My music was born in the sticky floored rock venue. I like the sticky floored rock venue but I have had a hankering for something different recently. My own taste has veered towards free improv and jazz and although it’s hard to imagine that music influencing my own I do love the culture of live music in this genre.

Long sets, sometimes two, comfortable venues and a reverence and respect for the event and the moment; less talking, less cameras, more dynamics, less microphones.

I wondered if these would let an indie rock interloper amongst their ranks. My show at the Vortex back in last November was successful enough to make me think of playing a monthly residency there.

The idea is that each show is themed. I don’t want to go the whole predictable route of playing complete albums, but rather group, types of songs together for different evenings. Experiment, sometimes play two sets, sometimes have unlikely guests. I will be playing with members of my bands from through out my career as well as old friends like the Wave Pictures and Allo Darlin.

The Vortex is a beautiful venue. I’m trying to do something different; something, smaller, prettier. I hope you can come.”

 

Popside and The Vortex Present…

Darren Hayman’s Occupation

Show One – Witches & Bugbears

11 July 2013 The Vortex

The first show of Darren Hayman’s new monthly (every second Thursday) residency at The Vortex.

http://www.wegottickets.com/event/218319

Two sets based around the Essex Witch Trials during the English Civil War. One set of songs from Darren’s acclaimed album “The Violence” and a second of English Civil War songs taken from its sister album “Bugbears” which is out on Fika Recordings 15/07/13.

Tickets are £10 and seating is limited so book early to guarantee yourself a spot and ticket holders will get a poster designed by Darren for each show.

Darren Hayman’s Occupation is a series of monthly shows at The Vortex, Dalston. There will be a mix of sets showcasing different albums, themes and special guests. This is not your standard indie gig:

“I love gigs. I hate gigs.

I want to play live and I love what shows can be, but I’ve found myself frequently stifled by the limitations of my career. I can’t play the plush, seated venues and I can’t experiment with a string section or play 20 minute opuses.

My music was born in the sticky floored rock venue. I like the sticky floored rock venue but I have had a hankering for something different recently. My own taste has veered towards free improv and jazz and although it’s hard to imagine that music influencing my own I do love the culture of live music in this genre.

Long sets, sometimes two, comfortable venues and a reverence and respect for the event and the moment; less talking, less cameras, more dynamics, less microphones.

I wondered if these would let an indie rock interloper amongst their ranks. My show at the Vortex back in last November was successful enough to make me think of playing a monthly residency there.

The idea is that each show is themed. I don’t want to go the whole predictable route of playing complete albums, but rather group, types of songs together for different evenings. Experiment, sometimes play two sets, sometimes have unlikely guests. I will be playing with members of my bands from through out my career as well as old friends like the Wave Pictures and Allo Darlin.

The Vortex is a beautiful venue. I’m trying to do something different; something, smaller, prettier. I hope you can come.”

The Vortex
11 Gillett Square, London N16 8AZ
www.vortexjazz.co.uk
Doors 8pm
£10 Adv

www.hefnet.com

@DarrenHayman
@VortexJazz
@ThePopside