Nizlopi - Girls Video

Nizlopi
"Fans of the Counting Crows and Ani Di Franco should definitely check them out" Total Guitar

John Parker – double bass, human beatbox
Luke Concannon – vocals, guitar, percussion

The sleeve notes accompanying Nizlopi's debut album 'Half These Songs Are About You' open with "This record is an independent release, funded by Sue and Keiron [sic] Concannon".

Sue and Kieron are Luke's parents who, along with a few friends and family members, run the independent label FDM Records (Folk 'n' Deadly Music). The independent, or DIY, route is out of choice, with Nizlopi rejecting deals from more than one major label, preferring to put their music out themselves "integrity is more important than being a millionaire".

Nizlopi shot into public awareness at the end of last year, when their single the 'JCB Song' entered the UK charts at number 1 and subsequently topped the download chart. Seemingly 'an overnight success' Nizlopi had actually existed for 14 years (since Luke and John met on the school bus) and originally released 'Half These Songs Are About You' three years ago when it spent an unprecedented ten weeks at the top of the National Unsigned Charts.

Whilst the 'JCB Song' has proved to be a stellar attraction, the remaining ten tracks on the album stand four square alongside on this gorgeous (semi) acoustic collection. With a self-tagged genre of folk hip-hop the album could also be described as country'n'folk meets bass'n'drum with an overall feeling that Nizlopi are writing their own rules.

"Different and very clever" Maverick

"This is an astounding album" Irish World

"Nizlopi craft an extremely professional fine-sounding array of tunes" Record Collector

"Cracking songs with thought provoking lyrics" Total Guitar

The duo are infamous for their live shows which are as much about the audience as the performers with Luke and John eliminating the gap between the audience and themselves – an approach epitomised by their tours of people's homes (Gigs In Digs) and by their penchant for playing whilst standing in the middle of the crowd (whether at Glastonbury or Edinburgh Festival). With much of the show improvised, it is impossible to be a passive observer. The duo's live reputation resulted in their tour dates in January 2006 selling out overnight. As a result the show at London's Scala was relocated to Shepherd's Bush Empire, and sold out instantly.

The next single to be released from 'Half These Songs Are About You' will be the thought provoking tender-sweet 'Girls' which John describes as "unpredictable, nice but moody" and Luke as "an emotional love letter written on the back of an old envelope about lost love and the search for true love". A video is being created by the collaborative talents of art and fashion photographer Karni, and animator and 3D director Saul.

'Girls' is released on FDM Records on 3rd April
'Half These Songs Are About You' is out now