Balloon
@ianfromballoon.bsky.social
Singer, writer. Makes records. New LP Gas n Air available now at Bandcamp. “A total 24-carat masterpiece” Record Collector Magazine. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Mojo Magazine. https://linktr.ee/balloontheband
This really is a brilliant record. And you should. Then we can talk about it, you and I.
Balloon@ianfromballoon.bsky.social · 2w agoIt’s Bandcamp Friday. This is a brilliant record. Go get it. 😎 balloontheband.bandcamp.com
Yep, it’s that time again 😉 This beauty’s on Bandcamp. Go give it a listen. balloontheband.bandcamp.com
Balloon
Twisted ankles, freezing seas, petty theft, cigarettes, hating school, bunking work, faking illness, crashing parties, sadder partings, broken windows, hooligans, Ladbroke Grove, Bad Timing, 7" singl...
balloontheband.bandcamp.com
On the subject of mighty Michael Brook productions, my musings on Gravity, Balloon's 1992 debut. Read it free at www.patreon.com/Balloontheba...
Why did it take so long? Great to see Michael Brook sling on his infinite guitar once more to mark the 4AD reissue of Cobalt Blue, but surely high time too to get this long-lost Brook produced classic Gravity back in the racks too? #sonymusic #balloontheband
The inaugural issue of Pond Life, a fab mag about all things creative in Carshalton,is out now thanks to the brilliant @logofiasco.bsky.social. Honored to be among those featured, interviewed by @unspunheroes.com about the roots of Balloon. Grab a copy quick if you’re in the ‘hood.
If you didn’t know it, this by @graemethomson.bsky.social is well worth every penny. A fabulous and moving account of a truly rare talent.
All 10 tracks on Gravity, Balloon’s first LP, are among millions of songs scraped from YouTube to power “AI research”, according to data published by the Atlantic. There will be blood 😡 www.theatlantic.com/technology/2...
AI Watchdog: Sleeping-DISCO-9M
None
theatlantic.com
Books matter. I wrote about some of my faves. Read 'em for free here: www.patreon.com/posts/books-...
Books matter | Balloon
Books matter by Balloon on Patreon. Join Balloon's community for exclusive content and updates.
patreon.com
Balloon featuring soon-to-be @blackboxrecorder.bsky.social in London (the Garage?) 30 years ago. Time flies. Good luck with the shows this week @lukehaines.bsky.social @sarahnixey.bsky.social and John ❤️
Subvert.fm is a new music platform, owned and run by artists. Built on community and connection. It launches today. I haven’t a clue if it’s going to upset the industry apple cart of streaming dominance, but I’ll be hoping so. www.subvert.fm/balloon
Into hook-heavy, melodic 80s-infused folk-pop melancholia? I fancy the new album from @rediffusion.bsky.social may be music to your ears... blackwoodrediffusion.bandcamp.com/album/lost-s...
blackwoodrediffusion.bandcamp.com
It’s Bandcamp Friday, gang. You know the drill 😉🙏 balloontheband.bandcamp.com
Balloon
Twisted ankles, freezing seas, petty theft, cigarettes, hating school, bunking work, faking illness, crashing parties, sadder partings, broken windows, hooligans, Ladbroke Grove, Bad Timing, 7" singl...
balloontheband.bandcamp.com
Balloon’s Ian Bickerton on being compared to Kate Bush, how Iggy Pop and James Williamson soundtracked his youth and Van Morrison scored his life. READ: www.stateofsoundmagazine.com/7-albums-tha... @ianfromballoon.bsky.social
At that time, bizarrely and inexplicably, I had a broad cockney accent 😂
Unspun Heroes®@unspunheroes.com · 5mo agoI've been asked to write some words about my local area's musical history. It'll feature @ianfromballoon.bsky.social who kindly let me know that he appeared in a John Peel/John Walters Arena documentary about bands called Today Carshalton Beeches... Tomorrow Croydon: www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9hq...
Read it now in the always excellent State of Sound magazine.
State of Sound Magazine@state-of-sound-mag.bsky.social · 5mo agoBalloon’s Ian Bickerton on being compared to Kate Bush, how Iggy Pop and James Williamson soundtracked his youth and Van Morrison scored his life. READ: www.stateofsoundmagazine.com/7-albums-tha... @ianfromballoon.bsky.social
Life-changing stuff ! At least for me 😅. Read @state-of-sound-mag.bsky.social for the why and how: www.stateofsoundmagazine.com/7-albums-tha...
Put a whole bunch of Balloon clips and vids up on youtube, including from the tour. Check 'em out gang 👊 www.youtube.com/@IanfromBall...
Balloon
Balloon in concert, recording, rehearsal, and conversation. Stay tuned for live streams.
youtube.com
Being on the road got me thinking about the value of live music, and how important it is to me, both as a performer and as a music fan. I’ve been lucky enough to witness 100s of incredible shows. I wrote about five over on Patreon. It’s free to read here: www.patreon.com/posts/117563...
The greatest gigs | Balloon
Get more from Balloon on Patreon
patreon.com
We’ve beautiful handmade merch on our Bandcamp page. Tour ‘zines and posters. Premium quality, limited quantity. Grab it while stocks last. balloontheband.bandcamp.com
Wrote a bit about the tour. Read it for free here: www.patreon.com/posts/on-roa...
On the road: reflections on the UK tour | Balloon
Get more from Balloon on Patreon
patreon.com
One of the great 'lost' singles of the 1990s, Balloon's Straight To The One also features on this playlist of songs from the turn of the millennium open.spotify.com/playlist/0MW...
Songs from the turn of the millennium
open.spotify.com
Balloon performing Straight To The One on Friday night. Watch the full song at youtu.be/7d9saQii0BE and download the original 1996 recording at balloontheband.bandcamp.com/track/straig...
A very special treat to experience a wonderful set by Balloon in Oxted yesterday. Looking forward to seeing them again this afternoon at their sold out show at the Betsey Trotwood in Clerkenwell. Check out the @ianfromballoon.bsky.social LP at 🎈🎧▶️ balloontheband.bandcamp.com/album/gas-n-...
Well, that was truly wonderful. Thanks @ianfromballoon.bsky.social I can always tell a great gig when my phone stays in my pocket. That’s two times this week I’ve not felt the need to pull out the black mirror.
Balloon at the Betsey Trotwood this afternoon - even better than last night's fab show. The good news is that @ianfromballoon.bsky.social is planning another UK tour in the autumn ▶️ balloontheband.bandcamp.com/album/gas-n-...
Lovely stuff by Anita Joyce for Brighton Source from our show at the Folklore Rooms. We’re playing Oxted tonight. Kick-off 7pm. Grab a ticket and bring yer boots. brightonsource.co.uk/reviews/ball.... Tickets via link in bio.
Balloon Review - Brighton Source
A triumphant return for Balloon, showcasing a mesmerizing set of songs plus a charming support slot from Tim Keegan
brightonsource.co.uk