Friendbook 23: STEAM DOWN

In the 23rd Friendbook entry, South-East London collective Steam Down shares their story. From hosting spontaneous weekly jams to becoming a cornerstone of London's thriving jazz scene, keep reading for a peek into their world.

Dear Aa Readers,

Even though Supersonic Jazz Festival 2024 is already months behind us, I find myself looking back on one particular moment with a warm heart and fond memories. It was Sunday evening, just before the very last performance of the festival, when I found myself in the backroom of Paradiso, introduced to Steam Down—a collective force redefining music and connection. Founded in 2017 by multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer Ahnansé, Steam Down is more than a British Afro-punk band. It’s a weekly event and a thriving music community-based in South-East London, known for its alchemy of sound, space, and energy.

What struck me first was the palpable joy they seemed to find simply in each other’s presence. It felt rare—this overwhelming sense of living in the moment, a collective vibe of connection that felt deeply grounding. Steam Down was initially created to bring together London’s musicians and producers, but it has since evolved into a cultural cornerstone where spontaneous sonic explorations reflect the lives and rhythms of the city. As we talked, we discovered shared philosophies about music: how it’s a gateway to realms beyond human understanding. Our conversation wandered from this to a shared passion for wildlife, and then to our mutual curiosity about each other’s lives. It was spontaneous, unfiltered, and unforgettable.

Following that encounter came what I can only describe as my favorite performance of the festival. Steam Down transformed Paradiso that night. The audience’s body language shifted, mirroring the energy of the band. It was as if the artists became instruments themselves, performing with a level of trust and mutual understanding that bordered on the transcendent.

Steam Down’s impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. They’ve received two Jazz FM Awards, including the Innovation Award and the Live Experience of the Year Award, and they’ve sold out iconic venues like Jazz Café, Village Underground, and The Albany. Their presence has graced festivals such as We Out Here, Montreux Jazz, SXSW, and Glastonbury’s Park Stage. Globally, they’ve extended their reach through performances in Colombia at Bogotá’s Jazz al Parque and Festival Centro, breaking down barriers of language and nationality to connect with audiences on a deeply human level.

In the end, what Steam Down gave us that night at Paradiso was more than music. It was an experience—a reflection of what it means to create and share art in its purest form. It was a moment where we were reminded that we are all connected, and in those connections, we find the magic that brings art to life.

See their entry in the Aa friendbook below. 

Interview by Awa Anne.

My name is: Steam Down

I’m also known as: #SDWEEKLY

I was born on: MAY 23 2017

My favorite color is: RED + YELLOW

My favorite animal is: TIGRE

My favorite food is: OIL DOWN

My favorite movie is: MATRIX

My favorite song is: LOVING YOU & LES FLEURS – MINNIE RIPERTON

I don’t like: BAD MIND BUSINESS

I am good at: IMPROVISATION, MAKING SOUNDS

When in Amsterdam, you will find me at: SURINAMESE RESTAURANT

A quality of mine I want to strengthen: SOCIALISATION

The best advice I’ve ever received: CHART YOUR OWN COURSE, DON’T LIVE IN THE BOX, TAKE RISKS!

A recent compliment that made me happy: WHEN SOMEONE SAYS “I NEEDED THAT” AFTER A PERFORMANCE

A moment that changed me: SPENDING TIME WITH FAMILY CONSISTENTLY AND ENJOYING WARMTH OF LOVED ONES

An experience that has taught me a lot: PEOPLE WILL ALWAYS COME TO SOMETHING THAT IS BUILT ON A SOLID FOUNDATION

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