‘Birmingham is in a State of Flux’

In a genre that is dominated by men [don't pretend otherwise, we've seen you scratching your bits down the front ] it's great to see women that make things move. And these women aren't bit players, they're running the whole thing. Capsule celebrates its 10th year this November and to help celebrate we talk Brummie revolutions, Fugazi Scrabble and what's new in town with Lisa Meyer

"Birmingham is in a real state of flux at the moment with loads of regeneration going on throughout the city" says Lisa Meyer, one half of Capsule, Birmingham's most successful alternative music promoters. "Its a pretty exciting time as we're not sure what the future holds." If this is how they feel now, 10 years ago they must have been bricking it. Capsule has been organising events since 2000, and in the intervening years has collaborated with Giant, the Hospital Festival and Dazed & Confused she says. They've put on showcases at Sonar, Fierce Festival and SXSW. Somewhere in amongst it all they created and curated Supersonic Festival, Capsule's flagship Birmingham event. A mix of film and experimental performance it had its 7th birthday this year. Growing brought their mind filling drone and "power violence" found a home courtesy of Iron Lung. In 2008, Battles headlined [although headliners are pretty arbitrary with a line up so diverse] and Wooden Shjips and Harvey Milk played alongside. It's almost a shame not to mention every band that's performed at the festival's home at The Custard Factory. Mogwai did 2007, Broadcast 2006, 2005 saw an early performance from Tunng and Jesu. Q and not U still existed in 2004 and the inaugural festival, based around the them of sonic modification, saw LCD Soundsystem and The Bug wheeled out alongside cakes and a BBQ. "seeing our bands play to 1000's of people definitely brings a tear to the eye" she adds. They've also released records by Einstellung, Oxbow Duo and Beestung Lips. Talk about Birmingham being in a state of flux. Lisa and Jen have been changing a lot of things themselves. Not that they'll admit it, of course. "There also seems like loads of younger folks are starting to be more proactive, putting on exhibitions, producing fanzines and starting to promote shows whilst the more established organisations like ourselves" she says. "7 Inch Cinema, Eastside Projects are becoming more ambitious and working more collaboratively. There are a whole host of artist led spaces popping up in the city which is pretty exciting".

That doesn't mean Capsule are going tp let the youngsters take over just yet. They're cementing their position as the promoters that bring in the biggest acts to Birmingham, helping out smaller promoters with their knowledge of how the Midland's scene works. And it isn't just about music. Jen and Lisa are undertaking cultural heritage projects, intending to celebrate Birmingham's rich musical history. For now it's centred around metal, putting Birmingham on the map as the birth place of Black Sabbath. "We have a huge exhibition planned for Birmingham Music and Art Gallery in 2010 with the long term goal to develop a permanent collection for the city" she says. "Its been a two woman show up until now and we've just taken on some new members to grow our team which is really exciting"

One thing's for sure. 10 years in and Capsule is still as vital as ever. From old memories to new adventures, they're looking forward to the next decade just as much as they did that first Fugazi show. So are they ready to admit that they've mde some big changes? "Hopefully we've influenced and encouraged people to stick with what they believe and persevere"

Capsule's 10th Birthday Celebrations run in Birmingham in December. Celebrations start on with a party at Birmingham Town Hall on the 2nd, featuring Tunng, Lightning Dust and Six Organs of Admittance. For more information visit www.capsule.org.uk