First Craufurd Arms compilation showcases musicians to have played the venue

A compilation album featuring some of the best bands and artists from across the region who have played at the Craufurd Arms in recent years is being released this month.

MMXX: Volume One is a 16-track compilation of acts who have played at the Milton Keynes venue.

It features the likes of Sarpa Salpa and Tragic from Northampton, Our Man In The Bronze Age and Naked Next Door from Milton Keynes as well as others from across the region.

Paul Rivers, from the Craufurd Arms, said: “All these acts have come through the venue over the last year or two and to say we were genuinely blown away by the breath-taking talent on show is a huge understatement.

“Every act and every song on Volume One is of such a high standard.

“We became instant fans and felt compelled to share these giant ear worms with all of you good people.”

The 16 acts on Volume One let the venue use their songs and any profits made are being put back into the costs of the compilation and supporting the venue.

Other acts featured include The Comms, Cusp, Phantom Isle, JJ Moon, Weird Milk, Low Girl, So So Sun, Harvey Dormer, Enjoyable Listens, The Mezz, Ethan Schencks, Tours and Tragic.

This is expected to be the first of a series of compilation albums by the Craufurd Arms.

Like other music and arts venues across the country, the coronavirus has had a devastating impact on live music and those working in the industry.

While the Government’s Culture Recovery Grant has seen funds handed out to venues, many – including the Craufurd Arms – also launched their own fundraising appeal to help secure their futures.

Mr Rivers, who has spent 25 years working in the music industry, said: “It’s safe to say for most, 2020 has been a very tough year and for us being an independent venue, we’ve had to battle hard, reach out for help and have been truly overwhelmed by the generosity, love and support from all of our fellow music fans.

“It’s our absolute love for music keeping us all going, as well for us, a huge sense of pride, belief and commitment to being the very best grassroots venue we can be for you championing the quite amazing talent from all around our area.

“This is what we do and we take this duty extremely seriously.”

The compilation costs £7 and is available to pre- order now via https://craufurdgarms.bigcartel.com/product/craufurd-compilation-volume-oneShipping of the CDs is due the week commencing December 20.

It will also be made available via Bandcamp in the coming days.

For more information, visit https://www.thecraufurdarms.com

MMXX: Volume One features

1 – CUSP – You are not alone

2 - PHANTOM ISLE – Whip

3 – JJ MOON – Dazed

4 – THE COMMS – Pulled Apart

5 – NAKED NEXT DOOR – Trying to get through

6 – WEIRD MILK – You

7 – LOW GIRL – ICU

8 – SO SO SUN – Paradise

9 – SARPA SALPA – Paralysed

10 – OUR MAN IN THE BRONZE AGE – Out of the beginning

11 – HARVEY DORMER – Spiders

12 – ENJOYABLE LISTENS – Summer Hit

13 – THE MEZZ – California

14 – ETHAN SCHENCKS – Baby, lets just dance!

15 – TORUS – Wanna make you mine

16 – TRAGIC – Walking