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Bury St Edmunds-based punk band Miss Black America release John Peel and Steve Lamacq Radio 1 sessions to support Gatehouse Foodbank




They split nearly 15 years ago, but Bury St Edmunds-based punk band Miss Black America have released material this week in aid of Gatehouse Foodbank.

The four piece released two albums and eight EPs between their formation in 1999 and split in 2006, and supported the likes of Doves, The Libertines, Buzzcocks and The Dandy Warhols.

This week, the band has released 'Smile, You're On Fire: BBC Sessions 2001-2002' - which consists of recordings from three Radio 1 sessions.

Miss Black America (pictured in 2001 by Chris Cundy) (34602373)
Miss Black America (pictured in 2001 by Chris Cundy) (34602373)

Seymour Quigley, who was the singer and guitar player said: "The lockdown is causing further hardship to households who were already struggling, so we've chosen to donate the profits to Gatehouse."

In the late nineties, Miss Black America caught the attention of legendary Radio 1 DJ, and Bury local, John Peel and were propelled into the mainstream.

The newly released material was recorded in two live radio sessions for Peel and one for Steve Lamacq during their 2001-02 hot streak.

Three of the 13 tracks 'Always', 'Liquid Silk' and the title track 'Smile You're On Fire'- have never been formally released.

Miss Black America (pictured in 2001 by Chris Cundy) (34602338)
Miss Black America (pictured in 2001 by Chris Cundy) (34602338)

Seymour, who now organises the BurySOUND competition, was the only consistent member of Miss Black America - which underwent several line-up changes.

The 2001-02 recordings featured the band's 'classic' line-up of bassist Mike Smith, drummer Neil Baldwin and guitarist Gish.

Seymour said: “These tracks were recorded between an extended UK tour (approximately 250 dates) that started in October 2001 and ended 12 months later.

"As things got hazier we lost all perspective and became a bit sour, about the music and towards each other. So it’s been a nice surprise to listen back to these sessions and discover that, actually, we were pretty good after all.

"We hope you enjoy listening as much as we didn’t enjoy touring!"

Miss Black America (pictured in 2001 by Chris Cundy) (34602331)
Miss Black America (pictured in 2001 by Chris Cundy) (34602331)

The full tracklisting is:

John Peel Session 2001 - Miss Black America; Personal Politics; Roadkill; Talk Hard

Steve Lamacq Session 2002 - Infinite Chinese Box; Talk Hard; Always; Miss Black America (plus interview)

John Peel Session 2002 - Liquid Silk; Smile, You're On Fire; Car Crash For A Soul; The White Noise Inc.

'Smile, You're On Fire' is available to stream and download via the R*E*P*E*A*T Records Bandcamp page at www.repeatfanzine.bandcamp.com

The download is £5 and all profits will be donated to Gatehouse Foodbank in Bury St Edmunds.