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03/03/09 - Photoshoot and Charity Gig

February was a quiet month for The Box with holidays and all but March is going to see The Box being propelled madly into the spotlight again. We're doing a charity gig for the first time in almost 5 years and are very very excited to be playing along with some old friends at that gig.

Our next big thing will be a band photoshoot which will capture the band in the current line-up and also provide us with some great promotional material and branding. Really looking forward to it!

Shot by Jide Alakija
18/01/09 - Deep Blue Sea our new song launched!

It has been a few months in the making but we are really really excited to announce the launch of our brand spanking new song called Deep Blue Sea! The song is the brain child of drummer Greg Pedder and in it we put out the concept of all what we are looking for in life...is it love? happiness or something else? Deep stuff indeed and maybe you have a better answer?

The song is to be launched at our gig at our new gigging venue The Tower Tavern on Friday 23rd January so see you there!

Deep Blue Sea
29/12/08 - Our tribute video to The Dry Bar

It was October 2007, we had just played our worst ever gig..at our "home" venue of Imperial Union. It was then that we realised we had to move on to a new venue...that new venue became The Dry Bar in Barbican!

We played great gig after gig in a small, intimate venue with the perfect size, layout, location and staff. But sadly The Dry Bar shut down on 20th December 2008 due to the credit crunch. We made sh*tloads of friends along the way and we've got this little tribute video of the venue for you to enjoy, just click on the image or here.

DonkeyBox
20/12/08 - Jessica Alba visits us!

Incredible news has just hit DonkeyBox headquarters! We always knew that we were getting more and more popular with the ladies of America and film actress Jessica Alba is no exception. It appears that she came across the video of Crap Day on Youtube and totally loved the song. She quotes:

"Hi guys, I was just checking out my fan sites and heard your songs on myspace. Crap Day is such a sweet song, it made me laugh :-) You guys totally rock!"
xx Jess

Jessica Alba likes her rock men at DonkeyBox
08/11/08 - Backstage Pass goes on sale

After over a year since it's initial release Backstage Pass our first ever promo EP has now officially gone on sale at CD Baby. The CD can be bought for $5 plus shipping costs.

Unlike the free copy that is normally given out at gigs the copy on sale has cover artwork and a plastic case included. We still have about 50 copies of our free CD left and will continue to hand these out free at all our gigs as a thank you to those who attend.

Backstage Pass on sale on CD Baby
04/10/08 - Martin Ewart joins the DonkeyBox ship

We are very excited to welcome Martin Ewart on bass. Martin has known the band for over 6 years and not only has he heard us play several times but he has even soundchecked for The Box previously! An experienced bassist already he also plays bass in drummer Greg's other band Bourbon Blue.

We look forward to the contribution he will make and to the new texture he will add to the donkeybox sound. Lead guitarist Matthew Jones was quoted as saying:

"Thanks for joining the band Martin and filling our low end needs".

Martin Ewart ponders what life would be pintless
31/08/08 - Marc Shackman says goodbye after 3 years

The band is sad to announce the departure of bassist Marc Shackman. Marc has been looking for an overseas job for a few months now and luckily he's got just the right break and will be moving to Holland for a new life abroad.

The shackmanator has the record of playing in the band for the longest in one long run. The band has come a long way in that time thanks to his enthusiasm, showmanship and general good spirits. He will be missed by his buddies in the band.

Marc Shackman
17/08/08 - Bid to go on TV!

All sorts of mulitmedia events have been happening in DonkeyBox land lately. From lead singer Atul being interview by The Guardian to this latest happening.

DonkeyBox have just entered the Orange UnsignedACT competition on Channel 4. The first series last year was a blistering hit, with Jo Whiley, Alex James and Simon Gavin as the no-bullshit judges. Recording contracts aside getting DonkeyBox beamed across the nation is prize enough! So make it a reality and join our campaign on Facebook.

DonkeyBox on the Orange Unsigned website
13/07/08 - DonkeyBox go pop art

In a fairly tongue and cheek maneuver DonkeyBox bassist Marc Shackman has come up with some new artwork and produced a little collage in the style of artist Julian Opie, who of course is well known for his famous work on the Blur album cover.

Every one of the current band members have been meticulously drawn in taking over 2 hours per band member to draw out.

Marc's art his available on his website here and he will be glad to do some art work for you if you want to commission him.

 

Marc Shackman's cover art mimicing the famous blur album cover
13/07/08 - Art shots website and Youtube

Little do many know right now that bass player Marc Shackman has been inspired by the weird and wonderful work of artist David Shrigley. Infact the July flyer shows a direct connection. Not only that but the Shackmanator has a load of his own original work for sale here and you can get a picture done too if you contact him.

In other news "The Box" have also been picking up fans and other thanks to their exposure on Youtube. The world of Youtube has been fascinating to them with one of their videos (taken just on a mobile phone) attracting over 1400 visitors already.

 

Marc Shackman's work in progress
29/05/08 - The face of Live Music in London

DonkeyBox are absolutely hot sizzling news at the moment in the live music in London scene. They are the "Live Music in London" facebook band of the month, check them out here. Regular gigging at The Dry Bar is getting their name heard and seen and this can only be good news.

Not only that but their 7th full song is nearing completion and there are potentially two new tracks on the way too, the creative period is flowing with full swing.

DonkeyBox at the Imperial College London union
10/05/08 - Yes...yet another NEW song in the pipeline

It's turning out to a very creative period for DonkeyBox, infact the most creative period since the summer of 2006. They've been jamming with some brand new riffs and are layering out a full song with a distorted yet melancholic atmospheric theme.

The song is different to any other song done yet and much like The Moment it is the band stepping into new terretories with a middle eastern/oriental tinge to it. The song will hopefully be ready in a month or two time before it is released at either the June or July gig.

Atul Rana singer of DonkeyBox
14/04/08 - First ever live video release....and Lily Allen!
What have Lily Allen, DonkeyBox and a live video got in common? Not much you would think but they are all involved here. First things first, the band has released it's first ever live video of it's performance at The Dry Bar. Click on their Youtube site to watch the memorable live performance of Pointless.

While coming out of band practice in South Kensington the band saw a young lady being chased by paparazzi. She was none other than Lily Allen who took a back exit after a Royal Albert Hall performance. Although she was in a hurry she told the donkeybox gentlemen to "keep up the good work". Bless the young lady.

The handsome men of DonkeyBox live at The Dry Bar 22nd March 2008
31/03/08 - Matthew Jones survives plane crash!

At around 14:30 on Sunday 30th March a plane crashed near Box lead guitarist's home in Kent at less than 250 meteres distance from where he lives. The news has been covered extensively by the BBC on the local news. Luckily no one on the ground got hurt but the plane did destroy his neighbouring house.

Mr. Jones reports that his place is "like a circus" with the press attention, something thankfully he is already used to being the rocker that he is. He will be let out of the area soon enough to entertain you and to tell the tales that he has of this spectacular crash event!

 

Matthew Jones lead guitarist @ The Emergenza gig
24/03/08 - Semi Finals of Emergenza festival

It's go, go, go full steam ahead at headquarters DonkeyBox. The band has passed two rounds of the biggest battle of the bands in the world to reach the semi-final stage of the Emergenza music festival in London. The band's journey through this festival has been nothing short of spectacular given that both times they were wildcarded and they have capitalised on every opportunity presented.

Not only that but for the first time ever in it's history the band will be releasing a live video of a full live version of The Moment, a song that went down spectacularly well at it's launch.

Greg Pedder @ The Emergenza gig
10/02/08 - The Moment

Life is all about those magical moments that catch us every now and then. It hasn't happened in a very very long time, infact a year and a half but DonkeyBox are finally working on new material. Their latest song is their softest yet in sound, and is one called "The Moment". It is a ballad where the heavy rockers show a softer side to their personalities.

Says Marc Shackman bassist "This is one sexy tune coming up guys, you don't know what is going to hit you". And that sums it up, watch this space....

dali and donkeybox get together
01/01/08 - New year, new ambitions and hopes

The Box has crawled out from under their hangovers to wish all fans a very happy new year 2008! 2007 was an exciting year and next year will get better still. The band has now welcomed Matt Jones (lead guitar) and Greg Pedder (drums) to the full time line up. The release of the Backstage Pass EP and the promo video for Crap Day on Youtube went down a storm.

So what does 2008 have to offer? Well - through to the International Battle of the Bands, they will need ALL your support at our Round 2 gig. Videos for all their remaining songs will be produced, there will be radio airplay and gigs at newer places. Exciting times ahead for the band and of course for you, the most valuable supporter!

donkeybox by Marc Falk
01/12/07 - Crap Day official video released

The band's first ever production video, Crap Day has now officially been released on Youtube and on Facebook. Astonishingly the youtube site got 200 hits immediately on the release of the video and it has now been watched in practically all continents over the globe.

Tha band had a total blast working with director Wally Sarwar in producing this video. Please do check out all his own work on http://www.waleed.co.uk

donkeybox youtube video clip
27/10/07 - DonkeyBox joins Youtube and filming a video :-)

Yup, thanks to fans taking shots and videos on mobile phones, the band is now able to share all videos, high and low quality on their Youtube website.

The band even takes short videos at rehearsals just to give you that sneak insight into the world of donkeybox. The band is hyperly excited to be producing a video for Crap Day as Waleed Sarwar on production duties. The studio sessions have gone well and the result with be a nice shocker :-)

 

04/10/07 - Spreading our music in the USA

Many years ago (well until about a few months ago) DonkeyBox was mainly a band that played live. The magical live energy spread and the band found many supporters. After recording their demo in June 2007, things have taken an amazing turn and their recorded music is captivating everyone.

"Backstage Pass" has now been posted to practically all continents. The Facebook and Myspace revolution has let so many people to have experienced the DonkeyBox sound, and the band is delighted! The band met up with a couple of visiting American friends last week, making virtual friends into real ones. Here's to Jamie and Mark, see you again soon!

07/09/07 - The past helping the future and CDs out like hotcakes

We couldn't have anticipated it ourselves. Copies of our demo CDs have been going out at a ferocious rate. The CDs have been posted to practically every continent and we're try to keep up with demand. 100 copies were burnt initially and half of them are gone, so don't forget to get hold of your copy!

The excitement for the band is that it has had the pleasure of having back Michael Pidgeon and Matthew Jones, the founding drummer and lead guitarist are back. Both are helping the band while DonkeyBox searches for long term members. A band with a collective experience of over 4 years is out to entertain you, so enjoy :-)

07/05/07 - First ever studio demo!

Yes, you heard that right, DonkeyBox are finally recording a studio demo. We have been very busy and dedicated in the studio to bring our sound out to our supporters, you!

The producer for our very first demo is Indee Rehal-Sagoo. An experienced musician, Indee has played both drums and lead guitar for DonkeyBox. His Music degree has given him valuable recording and live sound experience. His intimate knowledge of the bands songs and long friendship put him in the perfect position to be our producer. All of that means our demo will simply ROCK!

06/03/07 - Set Me Free

Set Me Free is our brand new tune which covers the entire range of DonkeyBox dynamics from hard and heavy to soft, soothing and atmospheric. The song is a simple and somewhat abstract story of the feelings experienced during a break-up of a relationship and the emotions that go with it, frustration, despair, hope, faith, all rolled into that one long process.

For the band it represents a major landmark, an evolution in song writing and a step after which we will be moving on to a new level. So check it out now on our myspace here, do it!

 

donkeybox
03/02/07 - Guitarist search, new song and band photoshoot

Despite undergoing a short period of reinvention and rediscovery the Box have been rocking live still, even as a solid three piece! The band has gone back to basics to consolidate their sound, get really tight and write some new material and are now finally ready to start auditioning for a lead guitarist.

The latest song "Set Me Free" is a sweet new tune with a grungy atmospheric sound, and went down a storm at the last gig. Not only that, they also had the fortunes of Jide who took a mini band photoshoot. His photos will appear here soon, but in the meantime do check out his website here.

 

26/11/06 - Christmas party and an exciting future

A lot of exciting things are happening in DonkeyBox land. The band is collaborating with others for a special rock covers christmas party gig! The band is fortunate enough to have been photographed live by some great photographers and shots are appearing here soon.

For their own material, DonkeyBox is taking time to establish a solid and tight sound with it's current line-up. When the band has gelled and come up with a cohesive, tight, well defined sound and groove, auditions for a lead guitarist will begin. Keep yourself posted here for more details!

13/11/06 - Aaron's departure and a short break

The band is sad to announce the departure of lead guitarist Aaron Oliver-Taylor from the band after the next gig. The decision was made after he had considered the nature of his own musical direction and commitments in his final year at Imperial. Aaron has been an integral part of DonkeyBox for two years giving his all and his presence will certainly be missed. The departure is on perfectly good terms and the band will remain supportive of his future ventures.

We look forward to auditioning suitable candidates for filling Aaron's role.

 

18/10/06 - DonkeyBox is back to ROCK!

After an almost 9 month break, the band has got back together as a full four piece and started rehearsing for their upcoming gigs. The news is good, the band is sounding tight and excited as ever and the gigs should be a return to their rock prowess.

Band members were also working on some recording projects over the summer and a recording should be appearing on the website soon. In the meantime, download our flyers and come along to our gigs coming up in November, do it!

 

15/08/06 - DonkeyBox play HMV Oxford Street London

Just finding out about this Rock and Play event, we went out unrehearsed and incomplete (Aaron and Jim are away from London). We wooed the street crowd with our songs and the donkeybox magic was certainly being felt in the wide open street.

This was a totally unique gig done at the biggest music store in one of the biggest cities of the world and it was just us and the people walking on the streets, pure and simple.

 

02/05/06 - MySpace and gigs

Yup, it's true, DonkeyBox has caught up with the myspace revolution and set up their own profile. You can go to the donkeybox home on myspace and stream our audio right now, so click here or on the image on the right, do it!

And we have a few gigs in the pipeline, they will be announced as soon as they are all confirmed. One venue includes a battle of the bands in an Irish central london pub, where we will need your support! More news on gigs coming up, watch the space.

 

24/03/06 - Back to Rock

DonkeyBox is set to deliver it's dose of full fat rock to the masses again. Having now played a storming gig in their union on the 3rd of March and with a brand new song, they are working on getting some more gig dates up to get everyone back into the rock again.

Meanwhile drummer Jim has gone green from his trip to Holland to find more inspiration in life and for the band and we've caught him playing a drum kit made entirely of giant Heineken pieces.

Jim in Amsterdam
22/02/06 - A deep and tragic personal loss

It is with great sadness that we announce the news of Atul's father's sudden and unexpected death on the 26th of November 2005 in Budapest, Hungary. Due to the tragic and devestating nature of the event, donkeybox veteran Atul's life took a sudden turn, his next three months were then spent in India, his and his father's birthplace. In the meantime he had asked the band to be strong and respect it's gigging commitments even without him, and so DonkeyBox played a unique gig on the 9th of December. For all those who know Atul personally and have religious beliefs, he asks you to say a prayer for his father's departed soul.

 

Sai Baba a devoted Saint who Atul's father believed in
21/11/05 - Enter Jim (cue drumroll)
We are glad to announce that our search for a new drummer & party dude is over. James Perkins aka Jim will be taking the donkeybox heaviness and madness to new heights behind that sacred drum kit. He likes all sorts of music and rhythms and has a penchant for rock flamenco and cheesy spanish pop, which will certainly bring a new and super hot flavour to the donkeybox sound. Currently he is excitedly training up for the big gig on the 9th December 2005, so be there.
16/10/05

The new website is finally up, and sort of up to date. Everything been very busy lately, two gigs in a week, plus its the start of term so theres all sort of things (mostly alcohol related) happening. We now have a permanent, full time bassist. Marc Shackman has taken on the role of providing bass for us, and we are very proud to have him on the team. But it also is with great sadness that we have to announce that Mike has decided to leave the band. This is mainly because he has found another band to play metal with, which is what he is made for, and because they are local to him it's more convenient. He is continuing to drum for us until we find someone to replace him, what a lovely fella.

 

25/09/05

After a long relaxing summer DonkeyBox is back with a new site, and hopefully a new permanent bassist. What a better way to start the new season than with a website overhaul. And what a season we hope it will be. We have plans to get gigging as soon as possible, and hopefully we will get the oppurtunity to unleash some of our latest songs.

 

27/06/05

As term at university ends the band is taking a small break. It has been a truly awesome 8 months together with the band making huge progress, despite still not having a full time bassist, a true mark of DonkeyBox's survival instinct!

The band will re-start in October 2005 when hopefully the long search for a committed bass player will finally be fruitful. In the meantime Atul and Mike will be around indulging in some side projects, jamming and maybe more. Already dubbed "Imperial's most dangerous band", one thing is for sure, DonkeyBox will be back and back they will be, with a huge bang!

 

26/05/05

DonkeyBox is back on the gigging road again, having just blasted out at the Rocksoc gig. Now the band is ready to play at one of Imperial College Union's biggest live music nights on Friday the 3rd. Their latest songs are now online to download, recorded live with no extra ingredients added.

The band is also fortunate to have been photographed by Vizero.com and by Billy Abbot, some truly great shots of the band have captured some awesome live moments. Lastly it can be reported that the band has made a profit of £1 in the last tax year. This money is to be spent on worthy causes such as booze and maybe more booze, so come in and join the party with the Box!

 

19/03/05

Term has ended at college with a huge bang! We gigged on the final gig night at the union and headlined with our own tunes, it was our most awesome experience getting people to sing and headbang along to our stuff. This was after we had gigged at the LSE playing with a totally original set of varied style of rock music, covering all dynamics from mellow to downright insane.

In the meantime our search for a bassist continues and we hope to get some recording done next term of our own tunes, watch this space!

Website last modified on: 10 May 2008 by Atul.

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