Joe Colombi – Sink or Swim Promotions

 

Joe Colombi – Sink or Swim Promotions

by Pete Clemons

Sink or Swim Promotions, led by Joe Colombi in Coventry, recently marked its 5-year anniversary in autumn 2026 by booking a special lineup of gigs across local independent venues like The Tin Music and Arts and Just Dropped In Records. But then this is what Joe has put his heart and soul into doing during those 5 years, putting on independent live music, avant-garde, and experimental gigs in the city.

It all began, although I hadn't twigged till Joe mentioned it recently, with a visit to Just Dropped In Records by Warrington-Runcorn New Town Development Plan who played in Coventry on Saturday, 16 October 2021. This 2021 Milestone was to promote the release of the album 'People & Industry' during the previous September.

Just getting into, and enjoying the Warrington-Runcorn project music, then seeing the gig advertised in the record shop, had me purchasing a ticket. I inadvertently attended without realising the gigs significance.

Warrington-Runcorn New Town Development Plan is an acclaimed electronic music project created by producer Gordon Chapman-Fox. Albums are released under the independent label Castles in Space, the project is a concept-driven exploration of 1970s and 1980s British civic planning, modernist architecture, and haunt-ology.

The music is characterized by cinematic, analog-heavy synth layers, shimmering arpeggios, and an aesthetic heavily influenced by retro-futurism and public information films of the late 20th century.

After the debut release 'Interim Report, March 1979', during early 2021, which set the scene in establishing its distinct focus on the post-war "New Town" boom came the second album 'People & Industry released during September 2021. This release continued the narrative of northern communities being restructured around modern manufacturing corridors.

The Warrington-Runcorn project goes beyond audio, packaging itself with a strict graphic identity that mirrors official bureaucratic documentation, urban blueprints, and regional development brochures from the mid-to-late 1970s. Songs are frequently named after specific locations, transit links, and industrial hubs across the Cheshire landscape.

But the Warrington-Runcorn project gig was just one that Joe has promoted. While the exact cumulative total of every single gig promoted over its entire 5-year history isn't tallied as a single static number, Joe Colombi has staged hundreds of independent live music, experimental, and avant-garde shows across Coventry since launching.

I just wanted to add my voice to the chorus of well-deserved praise you have been receiving. Your exceptional hard work, clearly unwavering dedication, and commitment to the Coventry music scene should not go unnoticed. Thank you for always giving it your all over these last 5 years.

And also due respect for Just Dropped In record store in FarGo Village and The Tin venue at the Canal Basin for providing the space for the promotions. Long may it all continue.