London Folk Magazine and News
Rooftop Assembly Debut EP Kickstarter Campaign
‘Rooftop Assembly’, a grime, folk & classical fusion band that began playing rooftop concerts during lockdown are now fundraising through Kickstarter to record their first EP
An uncommon blend of homegrown Tottenham grime, rootsy Americana, dubby beats and lush classical strings, 7-piece ensemble Rooftop Assembly supply a heady musical brew, the kind of which could perhaps only come from London.
The group – who are currently crowdfunding to support their debut EP - originated when songwriter James Riley, with a national tour cancelled due to lockdown began performing gigs on his roof to his neighbours and an online audience. The socially distanced “Rooftop Sessions” shows caught the attention of national media, and soon became a weekly neighbourhood fixture, raising £45K for food banks and inspiring a large mural on Belmont Avenue. A host of special guests also performed, including local grime MC Kayes Mensah, whom Riley asked to perform with his country band. Their collaboration was furthered in 2021 when with backing from Arts Council England, Riley invited Kayes back to the roof to perform with a full band including a string quartet.
The video of the performance circulated widely on social media, and invitations soon began to come in from various national promoters. Encouraged by the support and interest, James and Kayes set about composing a full-length live set, including lush string arrangements composed by classical violinist Flora Curzon, and world-inspired beats provided by drummer Emanuela Monni.
After a summer which has featured performances at major festivals including The Great Escape, Wilderness, & London Remixed, this autumn Rooftop Assembly are doubling down on their busy year by heading into the studio to record their debut EP. The band will spend 3 days tracking a 5 song EP at west London’s legendary Fish Factory studio, with producer Alex Killpartrick, who was the lead sound engineer during 2021’s Arts Council-backed Rooftop Sessions, and whose production credits include Jordan Rakei and Olivia Dean.
To help support the creation of the new record the band have launched a crowdfunding campaign, due to end on September 21st. The Kickstarter features a host of rewards, including a special homemade “Rooftop Assembly” hot sauce, prints of the “Rooftop Sessions” mural (painted on Belmont Avenue by Tottenham artist Albert Agwa), an intimate soiree with the band, and even an opportunity to shave off James’s beard.
“We were born from a moment of community coming together” says James “and our hope is that same spirit of community will come together to help us create something timeless.”
Image credits: Deniz Kavalali and Sauod Khalaf
