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gertruderock


Gertrude are an alternative 4 piece – based in and around London. They formed as a collective in 1996 after two members met in a self organised communal house in the East End. Originally starting out as a 5 piece -this startling new all female band soon caused a stir in many different London ‘scenes’ -and were quickly invited to play regular camden gigs, queer events and numerous squat parties -including the legendary underground ‘reclaim the future’ nights.

The band weave the electric cello, melodica and clarinet with traditional rock instruments to create a unique melting pot of sound. Live, the band is energetic, rhythmic and intense – with comedy moments thrown in for good measure. Gertrude draw their inspiration from a variety of student, political and artistic scenes that exist in the city.They have also been influenced by a ‘Do it Yourself’ ethos, critical feminism and many types of musical forms.The band’s latest single ‘We’re So Pretty’ can be heard here:

Over the years Gertrude have been lucky to support influential bands such as:- Chumbawamba, No means No, Fugazi and Shellac. The band have toured in Europe,Canada and the United States and played at many different Ladyfest events. Last year they were pleased to be invited to perform at the eclectic arts festival Supernormal near Reading.

Gertrude’s approach to sound production has been aided by the bands commitment to learning how to record,mix and produce their own tracks.This can be seen on their last album ‘Speak Shape Create Time’.Throughout 2012 Gertrude will be working on putting the finishing touches to their new album which has been recorded at Tigersonic studio and Bentstring Studio in London.

For the future Gertrude would like to collaborate more with different arts organisations/ projects and the band can be commissioned to write  music to specific artistic briefs.

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