The Alt Alt Escape kick-off party is happening on Wednesday 10th May. Megan from The Green Door Store is here to tell us all about it... 

Since we opened our iconic green doors in 2011 we have taken part in one of Brighton’s biggest events in the live music calendar, collaborating with The Great Escape Festival to highlight the future upcoming artists on the rise. In previous years we have been able to host artists that have gone on to achieve international success and become some of the biggest names in music in this generation, including the likes of Mac Demarco & Sam Fender. As well as having the opportunity to work alongside TGE to host national & international artists, this year we will be hosting our very own Alt Alt Escape kick-off party which we are offering as an additional free entry event open to anyone on the Wednesday of The Great Escape week.

With taking inspiration from our own core values as a venue priding ourselves on supporting the local DIY scene, our event taking place on Wednesday 10th of May will be an evening showcase of some of the finest upcoming talent the city has to offer. We want to create an opportunity to offer early TGE ticket holders a chance to catch a small selection of the local talent Brighton has to offer as well as creating an accessible event for non-ticket holders to join in with the TGE festivities. Previously in 2022 the venue hosted the same event with a successful turn out and packed crowd including both TGE participants and non-ticket holders. Here’s what you can expect from this year’s line-up we have curated:

KEG

The once Brighton locals will be returning to their homeland to headline this year’s event, after a legendary secret set last year as part of the official Alt Escape 2022 at The Folklore Rooms, we are set for a chaotic treat. Gaining traction from stand out releases like Presidential Walk, Heyshaw & Kids, the rambunctious septuplet have cemented themselves as one of the best party bands of the UK post-punk scene. Their reputation for scintillating and humorous live shows make them one of the country’s must see bands. 

Modern Woman

With a truly unique and fresh sound, Modern Woman is one of London’s finest modern exports. The worlds of art, folk and post-punk collide into a package that is as peculiar as it is palatable. Their 2021 E.P ‘Dogs Fighting in My Dreams’ (released on End of the Road Records) is ominously ethereal, blending synths and strings in delightful fashion. Vocalist Sophie Harris’ voice weaves with the harmony, creating an almost modal folk sound as well as taking spoken narratives reminiscent of Dry Cleaning. Having won fans in genre-leading bands such as Black Midi, Idles and Squid, Modern Women continue going from strength to strength so this could be one of your last opportunities to catch them in such an intimate setting.

Flip Top Head

Haunting and unpredictable, the band’s heavily textured music ranges from controlled cacophony to blissful and tender harmony. The seven-piece released their debut single ‘Seventh Bell Number’ in February via Blitzcat Records and have played multiple sold-out shows at the Windmill Brixton as well as winning support slots for the likes of Opus Kink, Deadletter and Honeyglaze. 

Porchlight

Having broken from the cobbled clutches of the Brighton shore, Porchlight have spread to France and mainland Europe to widespread applause, playing large and electric shows. Claustrophobic and erratic; their live sets take you on a journey through weaving sonic soundscapes. Debut single ‘Drywall,’ released in 2021, was met to great acclaim and instantly propelled to being regarded as one of Brighton’s best and most exciting bands. Having featured on The Great Escape’s initial lineup last year, it’s a pleasure to be able to welcome them to Green Door for our kick off party this year.

Maximilian

Divine is an appropriate adjective when describing Maximilian’s voice. Introspectively vulnerable yet maintaining powerful conviction, his carefully crafted songs rival that of Jeff Buckley’s and leave audiences with goosebumps and in tears. Having yet to release anything, it’s Maximilian’s stunning live performances and word of mouth talk that has earned him a strong and devout local following - his heaving headline show here in January was testament to the impact he has made in the Brighton scene. 

Moon Idle

Bursting out of the starting blocks in incredible form, Moon Idle have already received BBC Radio 1 play of their debut single ‘Moments’ and quickly become a name on many lips around the city. Having only been a band for a matter of months, the promise and potential of Moon Idle is endless- their Radiohead meets Portishead sound with delicate picked guitar lines and floating vocals has left an instant impression. We look forward to hosting them for their second appearance at the venue.

As well as being able to host an incredible crop of live acts for the evening we also have local icons Lambrini Girls bringing you an after show DJ set. After selling out our annual GDS Birthday Show earlier this year (which has become one of the biggest GDS Birthday in the history of the events) they are sure to be setting the bar for the party vibe expectations for the weekend ahead of us. In addition to the live music extravaganza we will have a little visit from Brooklyn Lager with an appearance from their Brooklyn lager truck dispensary, which will be making its way around the city over TGE weekend popping up in different venues to supply people with some golden goodness from the Brooklyn Lager brewery. The event will commence at 7pm on Wednesday 10th May and we encourage that people hoping to make it down to the venue for the gig get down early for doors to ensure entry into the venue, we hope to see you there!

Megan

_{The above photo of Maximilian is credited to @hectorodonnellphotography}