Basement Rock

Basement or Basement Rock music was a sub-genre coined in 2006 in an article by music magazine TGR. This was first in relation to the existence of underground record label Criminal Records but more for the independent bands they represent. The roots of the sub-genre are noted to be as far back as 2002. At this time, the term was often used to describe a new form of Rock and Alternative rock. Emerging from a basement image of a number of London bands, this genre initially categorised the rawness of independent bands largely seen on the squat or underground circuit. In essence, the term 'basement' collectively grouped a number of bands who appeared to demonstrate a range of different styles including elements of alternative rock, ska and garage rock, while at the same time being guitar based and independent. The term denotes bands that are very much 'born of the street' rather than pushed via the commercial music channels and commercial radio. In addition, the term represents bands who have achieved notability through non-standard channels. This is particularly noted by success built on performances at illegal warehouse or basement parties. The term 'Basement' is fixated on the independent nature of these bands on the linked city party scene. Basement or warehouse bands throughout the years have demonstrated a fluid balance of many genres. At the same time, such bands still maintain a rock background with heavy guitars and often dub bass.

The term has also been noted to have come from the New Cross, London scene that was referred to in NME in 2002. South London has in the past been where punk rock bands like Carter USM and others were born. In the 1980s band venues including 'The Crypt' (literally in the basement of the Church on Deptford High Street) and 'The Venue' were heavily involved in the emergence of UK bands. The name 'basement' itself however, is thought to have come about from a slang term used in relation to recent underground events. These are focused on not only 'The Crypt', but more profoundly underground party den and out of hours drinking establishment 'The Coffee Shop'. Based in New Cross, 'The Coffee Shop' basement hosted many of bands that now categorise this sub-genre including The Kut, Known, Headjam and The Dirty Pins among others. In addition, the term has been mentioned in relation to underground parties hosted by Reclaim The Streets and Indymedia where such bands have played. However, when 'The Coffee Shop' was deemed irreparable by fire in late 2002, commercial music magazine NME, dropped the concept of the New Cross scene stating it could be a hoax or false alarm. However in 2004 ArtRocker re-evaluated the scenes emergence and lent credibility to its existence. By this time the sub-genre was also represented by independent radio stations Kooba Radio and Wireless.fm plus independent label Criminal Records. The terms presence has also become linked to the infamous block on New Cross Road and home to glamourous costumiers Prangsta. More recently it has been associated to the record and clothing shop Rubbish & Nasty that features a basement rehearsal room for local bands.

References

The Green Room, 2006.

New Musical Express, 2002

Artrocker, 2004