The Exile Club: A Bishop’s Stortford Band Story - Joe Hazell & Addie Middleton

This episode is brought to you by: StortAI: https://stortai.com/ StortBox: https://stortbox.co.uk/ Bishop's Stortford Community Newsletter: https://bishops-stortford-community-newsletter.beehiiv.com/ Joe and Addie are two members of The Exile Club, a local band with roots in Bishop’s Stortford and a sound shaped by rock, pop, soul, blues and retro influences. In this episode, they talk about how the band came together after Covid, how different musical backgrounds helped shape their first album, and why their second album has been a more collaborative writing process. They also share what it is like trying to build a creative career through performance, teaching, session work and original music. Joe and Addie also reflect on the role Bishop’s Stortford has played in their journey, from the Acoustic Club and South Mill Arts to Bish Bash and the wider local music scene. They talk about why the town’s creative spaces matter, why local venues need support, and why Stortford is sometimes easier to appreciate once you have left and come back. **Links** **The Exile Club** Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Ir6BUvRyXblCU9jTEz6ew Search “The Exile Club” on your preferred music streaming platform. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theexileclub/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theexileclub **Bish Bash** The Exile Club are playing Bish Bash on Saturday 18 July 2026. Main stage: 4:45pm **Stortford Spotlight** **Billboard in Jackson Square** “Others would kill to be in your shoes.” “Love this town.” **Secret Spot** **Apex Gym** https://www.apexgym.uk/ Addie chose Apex Gym on South Mill Road for its welcoming, supportive and judgement-free atmosphere. **Countryside trails around Bishop’s Stortford** Joe chose the rural running routes, river paths and countryside trails around town, encouraging people to keep walking or running further than they normally would and explore what is nearby. **Local Legends** **Save Water Lane Hall** https://waterlanehall.org/ Joe gave a shout out to the Save Water Lane Hall campaign and the history behind the building. **Youth Create** https://youthcreate.co.uk/ Addie gave a shout out to Youth Create, a performing and creative arts charity based in Sawbridgeworth and Bishop’s Stortford, which is approaching its 40th anniversary and supports children and young adults through creative arts classes. **Support the Podcast** You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery. https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic