In a mesmerising blend of music, literature, and art, Rough Trade Books marked its fifth anniversary with a grand event at the Southbank Centre, featuring an eclectic mix of talents like Jarvis Cocker, Sheena Patel, and Musa Okwonga. Originating from the iconic Rough Trade music label, this event showcased the enduring influence of the counter-culture ethos in contemporary creative scenes. The event is part of the Southbank Centre’s Literature and Spoken Word Spring Season, which runs from March to June 2024.
The evening kicked off with an evocative dance performance by Francesca Thakorlal, who moved gracefully to Nick Drake’s “Pink Moon,” her movements accentuated by the haunting poetic lyrics echoing around her. As Thakorlal danced in a red and white polka dot dress, the mood set the tone for an evening of deep artistic exploration.
Politics, poetry and prose set the tone
Poetry took a prominent spot with Sharan Hunjan from the 4 BROWN GIRLS WHO WRITE collective delivering powerful pieces from her debut collection, “Open Mouths.” Her work, like the poem “Tongue,” explored the complexities of language and education. She described how language within the teaching profession can become “militarised and cold,” drawing parallels between the policing of children in classrooms and the education-to-prison pipeline in the UK. Hunjan also discussed the clear correlation between illiteracy and criminality.
“In The End, It Was All About Love” author Musa Okwonga, in his typically reflective style, shared anecdotes linked to his experiences in Berlin, capturing the audience with tales of nostalgia and identity shaped by simple moments like eating cake. Meanwhile, Salena Godden stirred the audience with her powerful words from the anthology “With Love, Grief and Fury,” including the raw “Dirty Old Men,” which challenges societal norms, where ‘old men’ dominate the system. While “I’m A Fan” writer Sheena Patel and British contemporary artist Mark Leckey took on the trials and tribulations of meeting an old flame.
Echoes of the past: reflecting on historical struggles through music and storytelling
A highlight of the evening was the powerful rendition of “Women of the Working Class” by the Women Against Pit Closures singers, echoing the resilient spirit of the 1984-85 miners’ strike. The backdrop of historical footage added a poignant layer to their anthem, reminding everyone of the struggles and strength of those communities, and the impact of blight that continue to this day.
Jarvis Cocker, always a charismatic presence, recounted tales from his book “Good Pop, Bad Pop,” interspersing readings with personal anecdotes about his dance inspirations from Sheffield’s nightlife. His segment, complete with a DJ set, allowed the audience a glimpse into his eclectic artistic influences. He even showed us an example of his jerky movements, all while playing some of his tracks in a haze of smoke.
The night ended with artist and musician Richard Phoenix reading from his nonfiction work “Do Your Own Thing,” which details his experiences in the best underground arts scene you’ve never heard of. The project, also named “Do Your Own Thing,” is run by the learning disability arts organisation Heart n Soul.
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As an exciting treat, we got to experience a taste of the amazing group Electric Fire. Their unique sound combines soft and bumpy R&B, singalong choruses, and club bangers, quickly getting the audience on its feet and jumping along to their catchy tunes. Their performance encapsulated the spirit of the evening—diverse, vibrant, and unapologetically bold.
The Rough Trade Books event was both a celebration of their publishing achievements and a showcase of their ongoing relevance of counter-culture in fostering community and dialogue through art. Each performance, reading, and piece of art served as a reminder of the power of creative expressions in challenging the status quo and inspiring change.