(c’95-’97) The Gerfump! fanzine was created by Caroline Stedman, who was aged 14 at the time, as a means to blagging her way into gigs. The name was a reference to Kerrang, although Stedman thought she might end up writing for NME one day. Ably assisted by Sadie Smith and Michelle Cresdee, it was compiled and printed on Stedman’s father’s home-computer and printer.

In ’97, the crew from this NE Hampshire ‘zine attended a fanzine convention in Oxford. Cresdee interviewed alternative rock band A about their new album ‘How Ace Are Buildings’, and they could often be caught backstage at the Civic Hall, Guildford. At one point they met Steve Lamaq and he bought a copy of the ‘free’ Gerfump!

Gerfump! ran to at least 6 issues:

Issue #1: Carried a review of Who Moved the Ground?‘s ‘Good Question’ EP

Issue #2: ?

Issue #3 (April ’96): Reviewed Snakebite City Vol.4; Club Stout at The Angel, Godalming was the ‘Club of the Month’; reviewed the J.C. Regulator, Headnoise, and Sandwich Box gig at the West End Centre, Aldershot; ran a piece on Redwood being, back in the studio; made Who Moved theGround? ‘Band of the Month’; and listed ’96’s festivals of note.

Issue #4: ?

Issue #5: ?

Issue #6: Carried a review of Who Moved the Ground?’s ‘If Pleasure Was Illegal’ EP

Stedman is now a Mumbai based composer, sound artist, live sound engineer, digital artist and writer under the Miss.Kotton monica; with a special interest in psychoacoustics, soundscapes, AI & hardcore rave.

Gallery:

Review of Who Moved the Ground?’s Good Question EP from Gerfump #1. Source: Who Moved the Ground?
Part of issue #3 from 1996. Picture courtesy of The Surrey & NE Hampshire Music Scene
Review of Who Moved the Ground?’s If Pleasure Was Illegal EP from Gerfump #6. Source: Who Moved the Ground?