Today (Jan 25th), is our 5th birthday, and we plan on celebrating.

This note is really just to say thanks. When we first shoddily produced an issue of Loud And Quiet in January 2005 we never doubted that we’d make it to the age of 5, not because all 150 copies of issue 1 were brilliant (they really weren’t), but because we were pretty stupid. But that stupidity has paid off, and it’s thanks to those who’ve continued to contribute to Loud And Quiet, and to those of you who’ve read the thing.

Towards the end of 2009 we finally managed to reach towns and cities outside of London, and will continue to do so on a grander scale as we increased distribution points between now and June. But we’re also planning on celebrating with parties, releases and improvements.

There going to be a new website for one thing. After all, this one isn’t too representative of the newspaper anymore. We’re also going to hold a series of birthday parties throughout the year because we’ve only been away from the club night promotion game for 3 months and already we’re missing putting on bands we love. Loud And Quiet Cassettes will continue to release super limited EPs, splits and comps too, but, perhaps more excitingly, we’re also planning our first 12″ release, featuring cover stars from issue 1 til now and a chunk of our favourite bands that have made up our past issues.

Basically, we’re making a big ‘ol fuss, and all over a number. Perhaps we never thought we’d make it to 5 after all, but happily we have and info on all of the above will be announced here before anywhere else.

Below: The first issue of Loud And Quiet, ‘published’ (read as photocopied) Jan 25 2005