After a short break Middlesbrough Gigs Association, supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, returns in September with an extraordinary Café Etch show featuring cult American bedroom-pop genius Jimmy whispers, in support of his long-awaited second album, The Search For God, which was finally released in June 2023.
In another lifetime, Jimmy was the sweet kid who stole hearts with his Chicagoan attitude and his knack for writing catchy old-time melodies. Since 2015’s Summer In Pain debut Jimmy has forged a blossoming career as a music video director and filmmaker while co-writing for the likes of Drugdealer and Dent May.
However, The Search for God, released in June 2023 on Carpark Records, may remain full of tales of confusion, self-harm and police helicopters hovering overhead, it also swells with a faith that there is something much bigger that can release us all from our struggles. At ten songs delivered in just 15 minutes, for a minute or two at a time, Jimmy’s music sparkles and shines, although the wild spirit that’s always animated his work still hasn’t been completely tamed. After embracing sobriety in 2019 the singer has brought his dreaming down to earth, while paradoxically turning its direction even further out.
Support on the night comes from North East super-duo Faithful Johannes x Neocia whose lush blend of Faithful’s signature barely-rap and producer Neocia’s pastoral pop should be the perfect musical hors d’oeuvre for such a unique occasion.
Middlesbrough Gigs Association co-founder Clare Hargan has said, “It’s great to be working with Andy Carr [of The Kids Are Solid Gold] to deliver this project and we are thrilled to have the support of Arts Council England. We are passionate about live music and Middlesbrough and are intent on giving the very best for our town.”