Alternative Gravesham II

Alternative Gravesham II – 2024

Alternative Gravesham returned for its second all-day experimental open house event, inviting artists, technologists, writers, and inventors to bring their latest ideas, performances, artworks, and innovations into an open, collaborative space.

A Space for Experimentation

With a focus on relaxation and creativity, Alternative Gravesham encourages local residents to share what they’re creating - whether in their bedrooms, sheds, or studios. The invitation was wide open: if it could be performed, shown, or discussed, it had a place at the Fourth Portal.

Visitors were invited to engage with the work, grab a beer or coffee, and explore the underground scene shaping Gravesham’s creative future.

Unexpected Encounters & International Reviews

Review from America

Three pre-teen Gravesenders walked into Fourth Portal on Saturday morning, ready to sing together on stage for the first time. They weren’t expecting to find a professional sound engineer balancing their vocals. 

Minutes into their performance, two visitors arrived; one from Rochester, Kent, the other from Massachusetts, USA. This is how they encountered Alternative Gravesham.

Review from Massachusetts

The Performances & Atmosphere

Despite a freezing spring day and heavy rain in the evening, the performers kept arriving, and the stage stayed busy. With Oli May engineering the sound, the event followed a first-come, first-served approach, allowing the day to evolve organically.

The first to step up were three pre-teen girls, eager to perform together with microphones. They were followed by local poet Nick and the PNG Media Collective, who delivered their first-ever live gig. Lorcan Borj created another incredible film and soundscape, blending poetry, visuals, and experimental sound throughout the afternoon and night.

PNG Media Collective

A standout moment saw raxil4 strap up the 1870s St Andrew's organ with synths, electronics, and cables, while Hywel Jones accompanied on trombone and euphonium. Despite the rain and cold, the event drew a packed house until the 11pm close.

Andrew Page attaching electronics to the St Andrew's organ.

Alternative Gravesham isn’t just about performance—it’s about experimentation and exchange. Raxil4’s performance directly inspired the PNG Media Collective, sparking their interest in incorporating drone music into their work.

Featured Performers & Artists

Andrew Page (aka raxil4)

London-based sound and sculptural artist, known for dark, brooding dronescapes blending analogue and digital sound sources. His work incorporates field recordings, detuned radios, and handmade sculptural instruments, including the “Bone Guitar Thing” - a zither-like instrument crafted from bones and driftwood reclaimed from the River Thames.

🔗 ResearchGate

Hywel Jones

Originally from Pontardawe, South Wales, Hywel Jones studied music at Goldsmiths, University of London. A versatile trombonist and euphonium player, he has performed with The Apocalypse Jazz Unit, rapper WONDRWOMN, and drone group Endolyph. He also composes music exploring the intersection of mathematics, improvisation, and indeterminacy, recently launching Mr. Jones' Loud Music Group.

PNG Media Collective

Emerging from Gravesend’s underground music scene, PNG Media Collective made their live debut at Alternative Gravesham II, bringing an energetic hip-hop set to the Fourth Portal. Their raw talent and DIY ethos were captured in a short film, highlighting the importance of giving new artists a space to develop and experiment. Since this performance, PNG has gone on to release an album.

Plaid Matter

Gravesend-based modular electronic project led by Matt Donald. Plaid Matter creates wondrous and immersive journeys into sound, pushing the boundaries of electronic composition and improvisation.

How New Genres Form

Events like Alternative Gravesham provide the fertile ground where new music genres take root. In spaces that foster experimentation, collaboration, and open exchange, artists push boundaries and discover unexpected intersections between sounds and styles. The following video captures a pivotal moment - a discussion between Raxil4, Hywel Jones, and PNG Media Collective - exploring how to share, adapt, and acknowledge artistic influences with openness and mutual respect. Raxil4’s performance on the 1870s St. Andrew’s organ, merging drone music with electronic processing, directly inspired PNG Media Collective to consider incorporating drone elements into their hip-hop sound. This is how innovation happens - not in isolation, but in shared spaces where ideas evolve collectively, shaping the future of music.

How New Genres Form (Watch on YouTube)