February’s Discovery boasts an Elle Exxe return to the stage, exactly after a year of success and growth. Elle has specifically chosen Discovery, to showcase new songs from her eagerly anticipated debut album set for release later this year. HVMNS join Elle on stage having kick-started their career with a massive single “Dirt & Grime” and are using the Discovery platform to launch their second single. Lucia Nicole brings her brand of epic snyth-pop from Hereford to London for the first time. Opening the night we have Melissa Bel coming all the way from Canada, after being spotted by Discovery’s own Umong Shah, last year at Canadian Music Week 2015 in Toronto.

Gig Details

• Thursday, February 25th at 7:30pm
• 229 The Venue, around the corner from Great Portland Street Tube, London.
• Tickets are £7 ahead of time and £10 pounds on the door. Get tickets now.

More about the artists

ELLE EXXE

Scottish singer/songwriter ELLE EXXE’s three singles have received raving reviews from the likes of Pop Justice, The Line Of Best Fit, The Quietus, & Clash. Physical press have started to notice Elle Exxe too with Disorder Magazine plastering Elle Exxe across their 5th issue’s front cover. Gay Times, Metro, Time Out and The Guardian have all supported Elle Exxe on her journey. As we entered 2016 Elle has seen further support from The Scottish Sun, Festival baby and STV (with The Telegraph and Look Magazine features confirmed)

Elle Exxe’s music has been garnering massive support on both U.S. and UK radio. She has received support from BBC Introducing London, BBC Scotland, Kiss Fm & Amazing Radio. In September Elle Exxe entered Music Week’s Commercial Pop Chart at #8. Furthering her growth, Elle has received multiple sync placements on British National Television.

Elle Exxe has been causing a stir in the pop scene in London; recently headlining KOKO London where she encapsulated the audience who were engrossed by her explosive performance. A performance that included, cheerleaders, a giant cat head and a hand crafted giant strobing X. Elle Exxe was announced part of the first wave of artistes that will play The Great Escape Festival / Conference in Brighton (UK) May 2016 and has just been announced for Canadian Music Week in Toronto.

“Anthemic love ballad” The Guardian

“There’s a lot to like about her music, her style and her general popstar everythingness” Popjustice

https://www.facebook.com/elleexxe
https://www.twitter.com/elleexxe

HVMNS

After the launch of their debut single and video #DirtAndGrime premiering on Wonderland Mag the exciting Electronic indie duo Hvmns get set for a big 2016 including shows, supports and the release of their 2nd single#Humanity.
Further features came from 1883 Mag with plays on BBC Introducing London, Amazing Radio and Hoxton Radio.

https://www.facebook.com/hvmnsworld
https://www.twitter.com/Hvmnsworld

LUCIA NICOLE

Lucia Nicole, a Herefordshire born singer/songwriter, mixes epic synth pop/rock with souring soulful vocal lines. She has been tipped as one to watch for 2016 and could be set out to follow in the footsteps of former Hereford born singer/songwriter Ellie Goulding. Her debut single, Just Stop was named BBC Introducing Hereford and Worcester “track of the week” and has received great reviews. Her second single, Feels Like Love received airplay all around the country including; Amazing Radio – On The Front Porch With Baylen Leonard and was added to Waves FM Ones To Watch list, alongside Izzy Bizu and Brandon Flowers. Lucia performed her debut headline show In November to great acclaim. She recieved “Gig of the year 2015” at BBC Introducing Hereford and Worcester and had a impressive turnout. She also supported Sasha McVeigh as part of her UK Tour and has performed at both Nozstock and Colwall Festival!

Lucia is set to release her debut EP The Bigger Picture in February this year. With comparisons to Taylor Swift and Kylie Minogue she is surely an artist to watch!

BBC Intoducing quote “One of the shining stars of the Hereford music scene – this girl is going places!”

https://www.facebook.com/lucianicoleofficial/
https://twitter.com/lnicolemusic

MELISSA BEL

Melissa Bel is a genuine triple threat, as a powerhouse vocalist, eloquent songwriter, and charismatic performer. At 26, she already has three albums to her credit, 2010’s debut full-length ‘Brave’ and two subsequent mini-albums, 2011’s ‘Distance’ and 2013’s ‘Don’t Forget To Breathe’. These records were positively reviewed and alerted the music industry to Melissa’s immense potential.

She is currently hard at work writing and recording with Justin Gray (John Legend, Joss Stone), writing tracks for her next mini album. Being brought up on soul and blues, Bel defines her eclectic sound as “pop-soul.” Taking inspiration from Sam Smith, K.T. Tunstall, Adele.

It has been an eventful past two years for Bel. She toured internationally as a backing vocalist for rising star Francesco Yates, and then reached the finals of top Quebec TV talent search La Voix. Prior to that, she headlined a German tour, opened up sold-out shows in New York City and London for Matthew Good, and shone at the famed Honey Jam showcase in Toronto. 2016 is now shaping up as a breakthrough year for this vibrant talent. Stay tuned!

“Melissa Bel, yet another of Canada’s great natural resources.” Larry Fedoruk, 610CKTB and Newstalk1010

“Bel has been aptly dubbed as an up-and-coming star, and in this case the critics are dead on.” The Welland Tribune

https://www.facebook.com/melissabelmusic/
https://twitter.com/melissabelmusic

Luke Mathers from Belfast’s Unquiet Nights joins us a live for a chat about his new album released on December 11th, Postcards in Real Time. We even did a live preview for the upcoming Discovery 2 gig night on December 26th at the 229 Venue in London, featuring Knites, The Undivided, Adam Cleaver, Shelly Ravid, and Helene Greenwood.

Luke Mathers of Unquiet Nights showing off his excellent guitar skills on-stage

The Playlist

More about Discovery 2’s upcoming gig on November 26th

• When: Thursday, November 26th
• Time: Doors at 7:30pm
• Where:  229 The Venue, 229 Great Portland Street, London, W1W 5PN
• Tube: Great Portland Street
• Tickets: eventim.co.uk

More about the Discovery 2 artists

• Knites
• Adam Cleaver
• The Undivided
• Helene Greenwood
• Shelly Ravid

The next London independent music showcase of Discovery 2 features the indie rhythm sounds of Last Charade, alternative indie/punk The Buzzard Orchestral, Leeds electro-indie band Apollo Junction, Billy Bibby (ex Catfish & The Bottlemen), and busking garage rock duo Tommy & Mary. In this podcast, you’ll hear a song from each band, and we’ll give you the lowdown on them and what the night will entail.

Discovery 2 Gig Information

• When: Thursday 29th October, 2015
• Doors: 7.30pm  Show starts: 8.00pm
• Place: 229 The Venue, 229 Great Portland Street, London, W1W 5PN
• Tube: Great Portland Street
• Tickets: Advance Tickets £7, Door £10
• Join the Facebook Event

More about the artists appearing this month

LAST CHARADE

Last Charade are a London-based rhythm/indie band with energetic sounds and catchy choruses. Consisting of 4 members and fronted by EMI’s recently crowned “Most Promising Artist” Danny Pape.

Their songs are quirky, without being twee and unconventional, without being contrived! – Head of Music, HMV

• Last Charade on Facebook

THE BUZZARD ORCHESTRAL

The debut single from The Buzzard Orchestral ‘One Stone’ has been picked as a ‘fresh fave’ from Tom Robinson’s Fresh On The Net, and picking up regional radio play across the UK. They’re supporting Funeral for a Friend. This band have a lot to say about current day issues facing young people and politics. Influences for their unique sound are drawn from The Dirty Pretty Things to Led Zeppelin – helping to forge the often haunting, stabbing, melodic, grooving alternative early Radiohead influenced sounds.

The Buzzard Orchestral are one of a kind. Profound and powerful. With genius lyrics they intrigue me like no unsigned band ever have”Lovely stuff, it’s all rhythmically and musically interesting, the guitars sound great! – Rhodri Marsden – The Independent

Every time I listened, it made me feel like turning up the volume and dancing around the room. – Fresh On The Net

One of a kind. Profound and powerful. With genius lyrics they intrigue me like no unsigned band ever have. – Show Me Something Different

• The Buzzard Orchestral on Facebook

APOLLO JUNCTION

Apollo Junction formed in 2012, 5 former band rivals with the intention of forming a supegroup to write and perform electro indie guitar inspired songs infused with tuneful melodies that everyone can dance to. Wherever they play they are causing a stir. They have a new single ‘Born For Now’ out which is receiving National Press and regular radio play from Janice Long, Radio 2.

Magnificent. – The Sun

It’s always a good sign when you feel you know the chorus after hearing a song for the first time. -BBC6 music

Melodic, Piano-led soul-bearers from the Leeds-London Indie outfit – The Times

These guys are tremendous – Graham Norton BBC Radio 2

The track compositions are ready to get bums off arena seats – Cult Noise

When the first track you hear by a band is a huge anthem, you know they’re something special! – Chris Hawkins BBC6 music

• Apollo Junction’s website

BILLY BIBBY (Acoustic) (EX-Catfish & the Bottlemen)

Made in Lancashire and raised in the Welsh seaside resort of Llandudno. Billy Bibby’s voice has all the traditions of a Lancashire hotpot churned together with the excitement of a trip to the beach. Possessing powerful melodic pipes and a set of songs to match. Bibby prides himself on making those records that everyday people will understand and resonate with. Influences from such greats as Elvis Presley, Noel Gallagher and Mark Knopfler most prominent but not defining on his singing and song writing style. Previous work consists of being one of the founding members of hugely popular Catfish and the Bottlemen. Having toured extensively with them (Catfish) as lead guitarist over the past 7 years Billy is no stranger to the stage and is now looking to furrow his own way back to where he belongs.

• Billy Bibby on Facebook

TOMMY & MARY

Tommy And Mary is a London based duo playing art rock, indie rock, garage rock in 60’s 70’s style. They have learnt their craft busking on the streets of London.

• Tommy and Mary on Facebook

Our next showcase features Bakers Eddy, one of the most in-demand young New Zealand rock bands. You’ll also hear high octane indie-punk/funk from Matt Grocott & the Shrives, flavours of Americana and alternative rock with Desert Planes, blues Latin-gypsy influenced Lisa Marini and spoken word duo Adventures Of…

In this podcast you’ll hear a track from each of the artists who will be performing on the night, as well as informed chat from both Alex KW (promoter of the event) and myself.

More about the artists

BAKERS EDDY

Hailing from Wellington, New Zealand, rock quartet Bakers Eddy are inspired by 90s/2000s rock. Their infectious single “Something Outside” has been supported heavily by The Rock FM, and accumulated over 16,000 plays on Soundcloud.

“A band to watch out for” -Rip it Up Magazine

“I haven’t heard such mature song writing from such a young band in a long time. They’ve got the riffs, the lyrics and the look and they kill it live. I have no doubt these guyswill go far” -Clayton Anderson, Beastwars

More about Bakers Eddy on their website

MATT GROCOTT & THE SHRIVES

An exciting upcoming band who formed after front man Matt Grocott & guitarist Josh Horsfall recorded an album at Jingletown Studios, Oakland, California. The album featured Joey Armstrong (Emily’s Army) on drums, was produced by Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day) and recorded by Grammy Award-winning engineer Chris Dugan. The band have toured the UK and their single “Turn Me On” gained press coverage from Kerrang!, Rock Sound and NME.

“Matt Grocott & The Shrives are unafraid to experiment, with their music veering from solid indie to pop to punk-funk.” -NME

“There are rushes of power-pop energy and acoustic tracks that fall somewhere between Johnny Cash and Violent Femmes, all served with a vintage punk and new-wave vibe. Keep your eye on The Shrives” -Kerrang!

More about Matt Grocott & The Shrives on their website

DESERT PLANES

A London based guitar band, with an Americana/alternative Rock flavour. Formed by Tom Farrer and Ben Niblett, the bands musical approach to strong melodies, attacking beats and swaying riffs result in a melancholic soundscape with a euphoric punch.

“We’re on this whole nostalgia trip upon pressing play that introduces the voice of Richard Ashcroft (so by default The Verve) combining with moments of The Cure that culminates in something quite splendid.” -Killing Moon

Find out more about Desert Planes on their Facebook page

ADVENTURES OF…

are Bernard James and Koopa Nut; two musician, rappers based in London. Influences span countless genres and eras resulting in a cityfull sound of synthlead melodies and driving beats; the backdrop to their vivid imagery and artistic direction.

Find out more about Adventures Of… on their Facebook page.

LISA MARINI

She describes herself as a travelling artist. Her debut EP ‘From The Bedroom Den’ was released late last year. From what started out as an experiment in her bedroom, her songs have found their way onto a documentary in New Zealand and into juke boxes around Europe.

“Great music, that transcends your mood and musical leanings.” -Music Musings & Such blog

Find out more about Lisa Marini on her Facebook page.

It’s time to get funky for our end-of-summer showcase with futuristic, funk from Fudge and the Frequency, the rock sounds of the Joe Boyd Band, also UK avant-garde artist Miss Higgins DIY who will be performing some new music featuring Senegalese rapper Gofu from Senegal’s conscious hip-hop group Yatfu. You’ll also hear superbly talented singer /songwriter Georgie Cullum who has been compared to the likes of Adele and Emeli Sande but better. You’ll also have DJ Delphi filling in the spaces between bands and providing your dance breaks, and plenty of great people and a wonderful atmosphere.

On this podcast you’ll hear tracks from each of the artists, some chat between promoters Alex KW, Umong Shah and myself, and news about what’s been going on in the Discovery 2 world.

More about the artists

FUDGE AND THE FREQUENCY

An energetic music collective who are telling the world to wake the funk up. Lead singer Fudge looks just as cutting edge as he sounds. His voice has a soulful rawness to it that could not have been taught or trained. Fudge & The Frequency’s music is a fusion of funk, soul, dubstep hip-hop, rock and reggae. Frontman Fudge’s voice sits perfectly in the middle of this soundscape allowing the listener to be taken away by the cleaver lyrics and refreshing tone. The singer has been dubbed ‘a mixture of Jamiroquai and Stevie Wonder with a futuristic punch in the face.

“Perhaps they could start prescribing a daily dose of this on the NHS from now on too. Get funky” – Never Too Old (To Dance).

“I have done many sessions working for Roland, but I have never seen a crowd go so nuts as I did when Fudge And The Frequency played. Tight band, great tunes and a vibe and style that is sure to get even the most cynical London crowd pumping.” -Roland

“Thank you for bringing the Funk back to BBC”. -BBC Radio

“The best live act we’ve ever had here”. -Kensington Roof Gardens

JOE BOYD

Taking inspiration from artists as diverse as Prince, Miles Davis and Jimi Hendrix, Essex based Joe Boyd is crafting a reputation as a truly exciting and energetic live act with his unique Funk Rock sound.bThe Joe Boyd Band has been seen performing alongside Pendulum, Groove Armada and Mark Ronson and picking up airplay at BBC Essex, Amazing Radio and on John Kennedy’s XFM show, as well as featuring as Q Magazines ‘Track of The Day’. Latest single ‘Driver’ has already hit 100k views on YouTube and the tracks heavy funk groove, brash rock guitars and unforgettable hook were inspired by one of Boyd’s favourite past times: “One of my favourite things to do is to drive around late at night listening to music, so I wanted to make a track that would lend itself to that situation”. Raw and infectious, ‘Driver’ proves to be Joe Boyd’s finest moment yet.

“The unique sound that we are already falling in love with…destined for big things” – Gigslutz

“The Joe Boyd Band are definitely guys to watch out for in the future” – Subba-Cultcha

MISS HIGGINS DIY n GOFU

UK avant-garde artist Miss Higgins DIY will be performing some new music featuring Senegalese rapper Gofu from Senegal’s conscious hip hop group Yatfu.

“Thank you Miss Higgins DIY. The world need your music.” -Marques Toliver

GEORGIE CULLUM

A superb singer, songwriter who has been described as similar to Adele and Emeli Sande but better! She worked with 80s band ABC in LA during their last year tour also the late Roger Pope (Elton John’s drummer) and producer, Winston Sela (Johnny Mathis/Denice Williams, Maxi Priest). She’s currently working on an EP for release in early 2016.