I cant remember the first time i met Dave House.  I think it was at The Ag in Camberley.  His band was playing, and i was wearing a Girl hoody.  Things which would make us clock each other..

Dave was very much a part of our Gravity DIP label.  The label run from my bedroom with Mark Jane and Dave’s input / runnings. It was from watching Dave’s bands for months on end which made me get to know him as a friend.  It was a respect and love for the music which nurtured the friendship, not the other way around.

We’ve done a lot together, Kingston’s Current was recorded in my old front room, we lived together, talked about girls together, skated together, had many a trip to various gigs and clubs (some good, some bad) road trips, and going through the fun and not-so-fun of a DIY punk label, trying to be DIP.   Apart from the time he tried to steal my Bouncing Souls shirt, its been good times all the way.

About 5 and a half years ago, when Mike and I had just taken on the shop, we needed an extra hand.  And what started as a a couple of afternoons a week while Dave was between jobs, turned into a couple of days, turned into a full time job.

Basically, whatever Dave throws himself into, he does perfectly, and beyond.  Admittedly the bar wasn’t very high to begin with…  i was knocking up flyers using Gary’s Paint Shop Pro art package.. Look at this!!  But soon Dave became involved in doing all of the art-work for the shows, clubs, and other stuff we do as a shop.  All the artistic branding of New Slang, Banquet, DANCE etc plus the very logisitics of New Slang, the label and loads more is done by Dave. 

The punk side of what we do (both the stocking of records and the shows we put on) is significantly enhanced not only by Dave’s knowledge and understanding, but also passion and care for a music scene which has made our lives (both for the better and worse) what they are today.

I cant really put onto a blog how much Dave has done for this company, and all for a fraction of the cash of what he’s worth, or for me personally.

Mike and I always have said, that Dave, Jane, Mike and me are the cornerstones of this place.  And if one of us left it would be really hard to carry on unaffected.  So to break it to everyone that Dave is leaving is a BIG DEAL.

Here’s Dave’s statement: “It’s with mixed emotions I tell you this is my last week at Banquet Records.  It’s been a massive journey since joining Jt, Mike & Buddy Peace back in 2006.  I started out listing funky / soulful house records on our website and posting out mail orders 2 afternoons a week.  At the time we maybe got 3-4 mail orders a day…at the point where I’m leaving we’re coming up on 75,000 and the job that started out as my 2 afternoons a week has turned into a department with 3 full timers and part time jobs for 4 more!  Being involved from the hardest years and seeing our collective ideas become a reality over time has been such a rewarding experience, I’m glad I was here to make a difference.

I’m still going to be involved with running the Banquet label (couple of new releases on the way soon) and overseeing some things I can’t let go of but on a day to day level this is goodbye!  For everyone I’ve worked with here - Jt, Mike, Jane, Piers, Oscar, Salty, Tom, Adam, Ollie, Max, Chris, Claire, Sam, Gary, Harry, Matt, Tim, Katie, Buddy Peace, Aaron, Milly, Andy, Joe, Dan, Skye, Sean, David, Adrian, Lewis & Danny Sloan thanks for a great 5 ½ years!”

Of course Dave is a friend.  But more than that he’s someone i’ve always looked up to.  He’s such a man, and to have worked with him for 5 years has not only been good for the company, but its good for me as a human.  Some of his quotes will live with me forever.

As a friend im delighted for Dave, and i think this change is probably the right decision for him. Changes in life situations and music in general, means that this job, and this money, with its so very many frustrations and limitations, is something that isnt for everyone for ever. 

As an employer its a really big void to fill.  Dave is, however, staying on in a kinda overseeing capacity. Dave will be involved in long term art and branding decisions, will continue to run the label, and will, no doubt still help us hook up shows (as he did with Bouncing Souls, Frank Turner etc gigs in the past), and i hope he’s back in a music artist capacity soon. 

I am excited for the fresh blood in the office and the shop.  With Aaron having just left too, its a changing time at Banquet…  But i dont think Dave can leave without people knowing how much he’s done for us, and how great a dude he is.

So here’s to Dave.  Changing the way the water flows 1980 - present

sincerly,  thanks for everything