Martin Newell

Regarded by many as an influential figure in the history of cassette culture and DIY recording, Martin Newell has been an integral part of the British music scene since the 1970s, and his music career spans over six decades. He’s been produced by XTC’s Andy Partridge, and written for the likes of Captain Sensible of The Damned. Though it would be wrong to call him an "unknown", he has never been directly in the limelight. This film brings to light the amazing career and life work of the artist, who, on top of being the most published contemporary British poet as well as an established gardener, continues to record and release music today.

A film about the Cleaners From Venus, a cult and inspirational 80s band who never really made it but should have based on the strength of Martin Newell and his songwriting genius.

On a sweltering afternoon in the summer of 2003, to celebrate his fiftieth birthday, Martin Newell performed a career-spanning set of songs at Colchester Arts Centre. Aided and abetted by a band of musicians that includes his old partner Nelson, from the Brotherhood of Lizards, Martin performed a wonderful 100 minute show that took in both his earliest songs and brand new compositions given their first live outing. The footage lay forgotten for almost twenty years but has now been lovingly assembled & restored for your viewing pleasure by director Michael Cumming.

An animated interview piece with Lo-Fi Pop pioneer Martin Newell of The Cleaners From Venus. Martin discusses his ethos, the music industry and the anachronist nature of his work, taking on the guise of a time traveller traversing his 40+ year career.