Live at the Clinic

Historical account of THE CLINIC, a legendary music club founded in London, as told by Robert Augustus: "I started THE CLINIC in 2014 with the intention to promote unconventional artistry. To me, a true artist is someone with an insatiable hunger to create. For them, creation is a need so strong it is reminiscent of an obsession. At THE CLINIC, one received the opportunity to push and release this obsession over live instrumentation performed by a band I manage, psychedelic ensemble. The name of THE CLINIC was inspired by a conversation I had with the members of the band. Although I do not remember who said it, I remember these crucial words like they were said yesterday: 'Music is like therapy for me, you know? It is sacred. I will never fuck around with this shit. Half assing this shit is not an option for me.' Every individual invited to perform at THE CLINIC was observed throughout a long period of time. I had to make sure that they too shared the core value of THE CLINIC (i.e. to 'never fuck around with this shit'). I admired their creative progression over the years, and became eager to contribute to their expanding catalogues. THE CLINIC started out in the heart of London, where psychedelic ensemble. and I are based. With time, as its popularity grew, the venue attracted Instagram influencers, YouTube vloggers, clout chasers and hypebeasts. The club's focus shifted from creativity and musicality to visual attractiveness. In late 2015, word of THE CLINIC reached a corporation which shall remain unnamed and I was offered to convert it into a boxing arena for internet celebrities. I refused. Unfortunately, the corporation would not let go. Its aggressive tactics, supported by financial strength and political connections, ran the venue to the ground. I was penniless. Nevertheless, I wasn’t going to let my vision for THE CLINIC go down the drain. I decided to go underground, and start all over. Since the club was closed down in early 2016, every performance associated with THE CLINIC has been hosted at a different location, communicated via strictly supervised and private mailing lists. We performed anywhere we could - bars, abandoned warehouses, friends’ flats, you name it. Although it took a lot of financial sacrifices, the healthy and creative environment was resurrected. In 2017, the word spread overseas, and THE CLINIC became bigger than it had ever been. It was an international phenomenon, but it reached this status on my own terms. With this release, I am proud to present the first instalment of recordings from sessions at THE CLINIC. Each performance was restored to the best of my capabilities, although my resources and access to high end technology were limited. I would like to thank every performer with utmost gratitude. THE CLINIC is what it is thanks to you. At the same time, every supporter, fan and contributor is equally important to the success and survival of the movement. This album is for you." Robert Augustus is the sole owner of THE CLINIC. He currently manages acts such as Bobby Smokes, psychedelic ensemble. and Hermann Ehrlich. He has an Arts History Master's Degree from Humboldt University of Berlin. During his studies, he developed a strong passion for unconventional and experimental music. In his free time, he practices drumming.