Offsite9: Ni Singh: Origin Unknown
Origin Unknown brings together a wide array of musical styles and eclectic global influences via a diverse programme of assembled artists. The project, developed by Ni Singh’s League of International Misfits (L.I.M), also includes a series of short films and visual materials on display throughout.
Can you tell us more about your style of working?
I am an Anglo Asian-Caribe singer songwriter born in London and raised in South America, Jamaica and East Anglia. This defines my work and I am misfit through and through. It was a curse when I was younger and now it’s a blessing. I was formerly a writer and journalist who then found guitars and beats and I have run the odd gallery or two. Because of that I have to create narrative and I use my wonderful (and sometimes challenging) life experiences to create that narrative. It’s sometimes deep and sometimes poetic, and it’s always from the heart. I started to front indie rock bands but found drum machines, samplers and a global palette and have never looked back. I created the League of International Misfits (the L.I.M) and invited friends I know to collaborate and contribute, firstly, music, and then through other artforms as the material seemed to resonate. I have a broad palette, I am used to commercial song structure but I am also a lover of leftfield dance. Combine that with a small space in my head that’s full of Indian, Arabic and dub sounds.
What do you have planned for Origin Unknown?
It’s hopefully more happening than gig. We have a programme of artists and musicians who gladly invite you into their creative minds. Stay as long as you want but our extended license only runs until midnight. We bring you Neone the Wonderer with his poetic and sublime grooves, Eastern Pressure’s Juttla, who will dazzle your earbuds with eastern flavoured beats and then top it with a dose of festival energy courtesy of the L.I.M dance division, blending uplifting beats with infectious melodies. Additionally, the L.I.M visual department have been creating short films and visual imagery focused around culture and identity that will be showcased around the venue.
How does this event connect to your wider work/practice?
I am old school. I have wanted to release music and represent live music way before the pandemic. Like all musicians I focused on different areas during the lockdown – some exciting and some not so. I have sold my Saab 900i, so Origin Unknown is the vehicle I will use to emerge from a long hibernation period. It’s no accident that the Misfit DNA is at the heart of Origin Unknown so why not use this perfect marriage to launch some Misfit music? The first EP – yes, you guessed it – is called Hello Mi$fit. If I could, I would release it on recycled TDK 90 tapes but I guess maybe some CDs and download codes will suffice. The practice I have now includes a range of work from commissions to commercial work. This is definitely the work that inspires me and I hope others. I love supporting and shouting about the work of others, but of course like many, struggle to do so for myself. This is that opportunity.
What can audiences expect from Origin Unknown?
The event is the first time this diverse collective of talent has been gathered together and, as this is Offsite9 and British Art Show 9, we choose to showcase the very British but global talent that resides in Wolverhampton. We want to create opportunities for audiences to engage, comment and respond. This is the start of something beautifully eclectic … so come as an audience and leave as global citizens … that’s the Misfit code. If you have preconceptions, leave them at the door. I mean it’s just music, right? Maybe, but I think I would like a deeper connection that inspires. So expect energy, expect poetry, expect the unexpected. Oh and expect T shirts …
The Official Offsite9 After Party
9 April, 7-11pm
Newhampton Arts Centre
Tickets: £8
Book via newhamptonarts.co.uk, 16+