Back             

History 

"They should be made a National institution! ...or instutionalised!" (Losing Today)

Beatnik Filmstars began life in 1991. They have over the years released many 

Albums, EP’s, and Singles, which each in turn has been different from the previous 

one, but always sounding somehow like the same band, which is in itself a pretty 

cool thing to be able to achieve. 

They have played live all over the place, with bands you will have never heard of, 

and others like The Flaming Lips, Archers Of Loaf,  Boyracer, Superchunk, Blur, Hood, 

Guided By Voices, The Wedding Present, Heavenly, The Broken Family Band, Lush, 

The Fall …etc, etc, etc that you will have.

They have been lucky enough to tour in America a few times. Germany, France, 

Holland several times, and not so lucky to have played Belgium on a few 

occasions (Joke!). 

They have also played in England more times than any of them care to remember.

The band were honored to have recorded five sessions for John Peel, and even more so 

to have met him, on more than one occasion, and to have been even invited onto his 

radio show for a chat.

For too long they became known as ‘The British Guided By Voices’ or ‘The English 

Pavement’ due to their love (not to mention need – ie: financially) for Lo-Fidelity 

recordings, and releasing lots of songs.

Never popular enough to cause any real interest from the UK music business. (that’s 

got to be a good sign surely?) But popular enough to make and sell over ten full 

length albums. With over 5000 copies being their biggest seller to date (Phase 3). 

Not bad for a small band with no press agents, managers, publicists,

music biz pony-tailed-cocaine snorting- brain-dead w***ers, or money, paving the way…  

Beatnik Filmstars even stopped for seven years (1998-2005) because they weren't 

enjoying playing music together any longer.

A number of smaller and medium sized record labels have had the pleasure to have 

released Beatniks music over the years, and some of them have even paid royalties!

(Only some of them, mind!!!)

Bringing us bang up to date we find the group have matured into an Americana 

Influenced, Warm sounding, Country-Tinged, Independent, Strangely odd, Folk singing

punk rock band, with pop hearts and dark souls. Who’s strength lies in their ability

to write beautiful songs with melodies and hooks a plenty. Lyrics that are both sad 

and funny, often at the same time. Never taking the easy option. Fiercely independent. 

And a nice bunch of friendly chaps to boot. –

Oh hang on…isn’t that what they’ve always been?