MusicMafia

T in the Park festival 2015 announces even more acts

2015-05-29T17:10:00.001+01:00

T in the Park festival 2015 announces even more acts

T in the Park is just 6 weeks away, and with the countdown officially underway and excitement building, festival organisers DF Concerts and founding partner Tennent’s Lager have added more acts to the line-up.

The Fancy Dress Friday theme has also been revealed, and in homage to the festival’s picturesque new setting Strathallan Castle, fans will be encouraged to dress up to the theme of the Ultimate Fairy Tale - think King or Queen, Knight or Jester, Dragon or Fairy.

Singer-songwriter The Beach released debut single Thieves earlier this year, capturing the attention of BBC Radio 1’s Annie Mac (and her predecessor Zane Lowe), receiving airplay on the station. His gorgeous melodies meld epic crescendos and raw emotion. Widely hailed as one to watch, he is one of the most exciting singer-songwriter talents to emerge in recent years.

Elle King is an American recording artist whose musical style encompasses country, soul, folk, rock, and blues. Born in Ohio and raised in Brooklyn, Elle retains her roots in a style that blends those worlds of both grit and mid-western charm. She’s toured with Of Monsters and Men, Ed Sheeran, and James Bay, and ties her old soul and rock 'n' roll influences into a sound that’s all her own.

Belfast four-piece And So I Watch You From Afar also make their T in the Park debut this summer. The band released their fourth album Heirs earlier this month - a work of intense focus and adventurous abandon that reaches to the heart of artistic expression, packed with anthemic melodies and infectious hooks.

After 20 stellar years with Feeder - including 8 gold and platinum albums and over 3 million album sales – frontman Grant Nicholas appears as a solo artist. His debut solo record Yorktown Heights evoked the carefree spirit of Laurel Canyon in the ‘70’s while also sounding bang up to date - ambitious, largely acoustic, and full of head-spinning melodies. Its follow-up – the six-track mini-album Black Clouds, was released last month.

Welsh buzz band The Hearts have supported the likes of Paul Weller and Arcade Fire. They released a 2 track EP Run Free at the start of the year, with lead track Lips receiving major airplay on Radio 1 and XFM, and are one to watch at this year’s T in the Park.

Organisers have also revealed that the Slam Tent will be open on the Thursday night, with Animal Farm, Clouds and Ben Sims taking to the decks to get the party well and truly started.

With some of the biggest names in music heading for Scotland this summer, T in the Park’s debut outing at Strathallan Castle is shaping up to be an unmissable weekend over 10th – 12th July.

T IN THE PARK 2015 LINE-UP

FRIDAY 10th JULY: Kasabian, David Guetta, Sam Smith, Rudimental, Fatboy Slim, Hozier, Mark Ronson (DJ set), The War on Drugs, Annie Mac, Hot Chip, The Wombats, Afrojack, Gorgon City, Duke Dumont, Sigma, Jessie Ware, Fuse ODG, The Cribs, Hannah Wants, The Twilight Sad, Prides, Lucy Rose, Slaves, Lower than Atlantis, Kitty, Daisy and Lewis, Lonely the Brave, Indiana, Grant Nicholas, The Beach, Coasts, Blossoms, The Beaches, The Riptide Movement Fort Hope, The Hearts

SLAM TENT: Adam Beyer b2b Joseph Capriati, Âme, Ben Klock, Eats Everything, SLAM, Telford

SATURDAY 11th JULY: The Libertines, Avicii, The Script, Twin Atlantic, alt-J, George Ezra, Jessie J, Courteeners, The Vaccines, Labrinth, The Proclaimers, St. Vincent, Enter Shikari, Seasick Steve, Jungle, Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott, Marina and the Diamonds, Idlewild, Jess Glynne, Charli XCX, Palma Violets, Circa Waves, Jack Savoretti, The Strypes, Rae Morris, The LaFontaines, Stevie McCrorie, Sunset Sons, George the Poet, Walking on Cars, The Coronas, Gavin James, Elle King, Vaults

SLAM TENT: Annie Mac, Art Department, Gary Beck, Jackmaster B2B Joy Orbison, Lil Louis, Maceo Plex, Rødhåd, Visionquest

SUNDAY 12th JULY: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, The Prodigy, Stereophonics, Jamie T, Paloma Faith, Above and Beyond, Alabama Shakes, Kodaline, Catfish and the Bottlemen, James Bay, Clean Bandit, Oliver Heldens, The View, Modest Mouse, Years & Years, Peace, Everything Everything, Admiral Fallow, Ella Eyre, Marmozets, Wolf Alice, Benjamin Booker, Saint Raymond, And So I Watch You From Afar, Young Guns, Black Rivers

SLAM TENT: Alan Fitzpatrick, Claude VonStroke, Dense and Pika, Dixon, Dubfire, Loco Dice, Maya Jane Coles, Surgeon and Lady Starlight

T in the Park 2015 tickets are on sale now at www.tinthepark.com or www.ticketmaster.co.uk or 08444 999 990.

HYTE Ibiza 2015 - Full Season Line Up Confirmed

2015-05-29T16:21:00.002+01:00

HYTE Ibiza 2015 - Full Season Line Up Confirmed

HYTE Ibiza releases its season calendar for a massive 18 week lineup at Ibiza’s Amnesia.

Running from 3rd June until 30th September, HYTE has brought together a selection of artists that collectively represent a new movement in Ibiza clubbing culture. Loco Dice, Maceo Plex, Chris Liebing, Pan-Pot, DJ Harvey and DJ Tennis all join for dates throughout the season, as well as Berlin’s DeWalta, Amnesia favourites Mar-T and Cuartero, and Ibiza’s new hero, WHO.

The lineup of guests runs deep; from legends such as Robert Hood as Floorplan and Kenny Dope, to big hitters from the underground such as Marcel Dettmann, Rødhåd and Anthony Parasole. Island vibes come courtesy of favourites such as tINI, Guti and Point G AKA DJ Gregory. DJ Koze, Mano Le Tough and John Talabot each bring their own eccentricity into the mix, with Matthew Dear, Bicep, Job Jobse, Monoloc and Harvard Bass all creating a spectrum of diversity from melodic pop grooves to heavy hitting bass.

HYTE presents a musical vision that is crafted from the warehouses, clubs and beaches around the world. The original flavour of the island with the language and sounds of today.

LISTINGS INFO:

Event name: HYTE Ibiza

Date: Every Wednesday from 3rd June to 30th Sept

Venue: Amnesia, Km 5, 07816 San Rafael, Ibiza

Opening Times: 00:00 - 07:00

Tickets at Resident Advisor: http://bit.ly/HYTEIbiza_Opening

Tickets at Amnesia.es: http://bit.ly/HYTE_Amnesia

JUNE

03/06 - SEASON OPENING

Terrace: Loco Dice (all night long), Point G live

Club: Chris Liebing, Mar-T, Cuartero

10/06

Terrace: Maceo Plex, Rebolledo, special guest Mano Le Tough

Club: Pan-Pot, Guti (live), Who

17/06

Terrace: Loco Dice, Traumer (live), DeWalta

Club: DJ Harvey, DJ Tennis, Bicep

24/06

Terrace: Chris Liebing, Pan-Pot, special guest Henrik Schwarz (live)

Club: Maceo Plex, DJ Harvey, special guest Marcel Dettmann

JULY

01/07

Terrace: Loco Dice, Franck Roger, Jus-Ed

Club: Mar-T b2b Cuartero, Who, Francisco Allendes, Caal

08/07

Terrace: Maceo Plex, Agoria, Barnt, Shall Ocin

Club: Pan-Pot, Mar-T, Caleb Calloway

15/07

Terrace: Pan-Pot, Tobi Neumann, Who

Club: Chris Liebing, DJ Harvey, special guest Rødhåd

22/07

Terrace: Loco Dice, Mar-T, special guest Kenny Dope

Club: DJ Harvey, DJ Tennis, special guest John Talabot

29/07

Terrace: Maceo Plex, special guests Marcel Dettmann, Anthony Parasole

Club: Chris Liebing, Pan-Pot, Rainer

AUGUST

05/08

Terrace: Loco Dice, Premiesku (live), DeWalta

Club: DJ Harvey, Robert Hood as Floorplan, Rødhåd

12/08

Terrace: Loco Dice, tINI, Willie Graff

Club: Chris Liebing (5hr set), Yaya

19/08

Terrace: Maceo Plex, Odd Parents, special guest John Talabot

Club: Pan-Pot, Audiofly, Stephan Hinz (live)

26/08

Terrace: Loco Dice, Molly, special guest Henrik Schwarz (live)

Club: Chris Liebing, Monoloc, Renato Ratier

SEPTEMBER

02/09

Terrace: Maceo Plex, special guest DJ Koze

Club: Pan-Pot, Luca Donzelli, Caleb Calloway

09/09

Terrace: Very Special Guest, Traumer

Club: Mar-T, Cuartero, Who, Monoloc

16/09

Terrace: DJ Tennis, Special Guest, Guti (live), Job Jobse

Club: Loco Dice, Harvard Bass, special guest Cajmere

23/09

Terrace: Maceo Plex, Danny Daze, Shall Ocin

Club: Pan-Pot, Matthew Dear, DeWalta

30/09

CLOSING TO BE ANNOUNCED

Canada’s Shambhala Music Festival Releases Teaser Video for 18th Annual Event

2015-05-29T15:37:00.002+01:00

Canada’s Shambhala Music Festival Releases Teaser Video for 18th Annual Event

Anticipation is building for the 18th Annual Shambhala Music Festival to be held in Salmo River Ranch, August 7-10th, 2015. With an unparallelled line-up and a breathtaking venue, Shambhala’s ‘Are We There Yet’ video invites electronic music lovers to come Home to enjoy warm sunshine, cool waters, eclectic rhythms, and the unmistakeable magic of being surrounded by thousands of friends, new and old.

Scenes of enchanted wilderness are interweaved with blissful dancing and glimpses of stunning, cutting-edge stage production, as well as music by festival performers, Camo & Krooked. Love the video? Check out Shambhala’s full 2014 Official Afterstory video and get amped up with Shambhala’s mix series featuring festival talent such as jackLNDN, jOBOT, and M!NT. The next mix will feature UK jack house and bass experts, Cause and Affect.

A series of pre-parties will also take place across Canada with the ‘A Journey HOME’ tour, June 4-7, 2015 in Vancouver, Kelowna, Calgary and Nelson. Get more info on the website or on Facebook.

Shambhala Music Festival is just around the corner and interested attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets soon as cut off dates for shipping are fast approaching (June 1 for the U.S. and July 1st for Canada) and tickets are expected to sell out quickly. Tickets sold after the shipping date cutoff will be available for pick up at will call.

Purchase tickets: https://tickets.shambhalamusicfestival.com/

Music courtesy of: Hospital Records / Songs In The Key Of Knife:

Camo and Krooked – Move Around (feat. Ian Shaw) (Hospital Records UK) (Buy)

‘Are We There Yet?’ was produced by Sweetgrass Productions

RSVP on Facebook and reconnect with your family from the farm!

Shambhala on Social Media

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud

T Break line-up for T in the Park 2015 announced

2015-05-29T15:28:00.002+01:00

Tennent’s Lager unveil stellar 20th year T Break Line up 2015

Tennent’s Lager put out their legendary T Break call for demos for the 20th time this March and Scotland’s unsigned acts responded, with over a thousand acts submitting their demos in the hope of landing one of 16 highly coveted slots on the T Break Stage at T in the Park.

Today the line-up of acts that will play the T Break Stage’s landmark 20th year is revealed:

AmatrArt

Apache Darling

Catholic Action

Be Charlotte

Crash Club

Dead Man Fall

Ded Rabbit

DIVIDES

Gerry Cinnamon

Other Humans

Our Future Glory

Schnarff Schnarff

Spring Break

The Claramassa

The Van T's

Tijuana Bibles

Tennent’s Lager have been proudly supporting Scotland’s grassroots music scene through T Break for 20 memorable years, providing the country’s freshest unsigned talent with the chance to showcase their material to fans, musicians and music industry insiders alike on the biggest platform for unsigned artists at T in the Park – the T Break Stage.

Throughout T Break’s 20-year rock and roll history the T Break Stage has seen a huge wealth of talent coming through the ranks, with bands such as Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol, Twin Atlantic and The View all playing the legendary stage. Each year the T Break line-up - curated by a judging panel of 15 of Scotland’s most respected and influential music industry experts - reflects exactly what’s going on in Scotland’s grassroots music scene at that time, and this year is no exception.

Myles Bonnar, Schnarff Schnarff said:

"It was just the best feeling ever! We have always believed in ourselves so to get a reward like this, makes all our dedication worthwhile. Hearing that we got T Break just catapulted me back to T in the Park '99 - watching Blur play Tender - you envisage yourself on stage and now we can live that dream! We are over the moon!"

Nicola Cooper, Sponsorship Executive at Tennent’s Lager said:

“We are incredibly proud to be celebrating 20 years of T Break and we can’t wait to see this years act’s perform at the T Break Stage’s new home at Strathallan Castle this summer. We have so many brilliant T Break memories from Balado and from Strathclyde Park over the past 20 years and it’s exciting to know we will be making many more at T in the Park’s new home. Every year, the calibre of artists coming through T Break excites me, Scotland truly is a gold mine of musical talent and Tennent’s are so proud to continue to support this talent through T Break”

Dave McGeachan, Senior Promoter from T Break partners DF Concerts

“Every year the other judges and I are blown away by the talent we hear at the T Break judging sessions. Some I am familiar with from the Scottish music scene such as Crash Club and Tijuana Bibles, this year. Some, like Spring Break, just come completely out the blue and that’s the magic of T Break. Supporting Scotland’s grassroots music scene for 20 years is a massive achievement for T Break and a hugely important commitment from Tennent’s. I’m very proud of T Break and all the great acts who have come through over the years - bring on the next 20 years.”

To find out more about the acts on the T Break 2015 line-up, check out www.facebook.com/TennentsTBreak and www.tennents.com/tbreak

T in the Park 2015 takes places across the weekend from 10th – 12th July and tickets are on sale now, and available from www.tinthepark.com or www.ticketmaster.co.uk or 08444 999 990.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

www.facebook.com/TennentsTBreak

Paloma Faith, Madness, Kaiser Chiefs and more for GMF 2015

2015-05-29T15:21:00.003+01:00

Paloma Faith, Madness, Kaiser Chiefs and more for GMF 2015

Sat 5th and Sun 6th September 2015

www.gibraltarmusicfestival.com

Bookending the summer festival season, GMF is the perfect way to end an unforgettable summer of music in the sundrenched, picturesque surroundings of the Rock of Gibraltar.

With Nashville rock heroes Kings Of Leon and pop icons Duran Duran already announced to bring huge headlining sets to Victoria Stadium this September, now even more names are announced for Gibraltar Music Festival 2015.

Eccentric pop starlet Paloma Faith will be gracing the stage with her trademark brand of retro soul and jazz for a set that will no doubt be a standout of the festival.

Undisputed legends of two-tone ska Madness will be on hand to provide a set sure to get the crowd on their feet. With an arsenal of hits from ‘Baggy Trousers’ to ‘House Of Fun’ at their disposal they are perfectly suited to the festival environment.

Kaiser Chiefs are simply put one of the UK’s biggest and best line bands. With the livewire antics of frontman Ricky Wilson and a steady stream of chant-along anthems guaranteed expect nothing short of brilliance from the Leeds legends.

Irish folk duo Hudson Taylor, exuberant dub funk band Dub Colossus, Kristian Vinales (DJ Set), Jeremy Perez and Tom Stott, Headwires and Guy Valarino have also been announced.

Ahead of launching their new album superstar Spanish duo Estopa will be headlining the Radio Gibraltar Stage for their only show of the summer. Their set is not to be missed!

GMF is a family-friendly, affordable and easily accessible music festival in the sunshine, rolling a holiday and some of the world’s biggest acts into one incredible weekend.

Tickets available at: http://www.gibraltarmusicfestival.com/tickets-and-packages/

Full Lineup So Far:

Kings Of Leon

Duran Duran

Paloma Faith

Madness

Kaiser Chiefs

Estopa

Tom Odell

The Feeling

Lawson

Rae Morris

Third World

Hudson Taylor

Dub Colossus

Reach

Guy Valarino

Kristian Vinales (DJ Set)

Headwires

Paddy Taylor

Strange Brew

Tim Garcia ft Afterhours

Jeremy Perez with Tom Stott

Bestival announces even more acts - Skepta, Wiley and The Chuckle Brothers

2015-05-28T19:13:00.002+01:00

Bestival announces even more acts - Skepta, Wiley and The Chuckle Brothers

With over 25 stages, revolutionary soundsystems, zombie love-ins, psychedelic woodland adventures, 24-hour free haircuts, and a host of dazzling new attractions, Bestival’s Summer of Love is already looking pretty damn fit. But as ever, we want to get everyone we love involved, including this rather sultry bunch of musical marvels that will have you rockin’ Robin Hill all weekend long this September 10-13.

Love commando Rob da Bank says: “I’m well excited with this new batch of acts we’re announcing tonight. With so many identikit festivals about with similar acts and bills I’m proud that 12 years on we don’t go with the flow. If the indie amazingness of Drenge isn’t your bag then grimy faceslaps from Skepta and Wiley might be, and if you’re insane and don’t like the legendary junglist brilliance of Roni Size and his live Reprazent show then perhaps, just perhaps, you’ll be singing ‘to me, to you, to me, to you’ whilst dancing in a pair of ill-fitting tropical shorts to the Chuckle Brothers. No matter what, there’s plenty more fish in the sea to come, as our Summer of Love really starts to heat up. See you down the front.”

Bringing on the love with big fat beats, we’ll have main stage appearances from grime pioneer Wiley, who completely smashed it as our secret guest in 2012, plus the unstoppable skank machine, Dub Pistols.

Dub Pistols legend Barry Ashworth commented: “The Highlight of the year for us will always be playing Bestival, this year we are back on the main stage, it doesn't get bigger than that, and if that’s not enough you can always catch me spinning tracks and drinking in the Sunday Best Cardboard Record Shop! There’s only one Bestival!”

Not quite true, Barry, there are two Bestivals, but we know what you mean! Big love to all our Canadian brethren! More Isle of Wight-based Bestival main stage action will come from cool chanteuse Gabrielle Aplin, sing-along faves Dodgy, and the Isle of Wight’s own Xockha and Yrslf.

Old blue, Bestival’s beloved Big Top will be playing host to some mighty sounds this summer, too, including the much requested return of Joseph Junior Adenuga AKA Skepta and an absolute must-see live set from drum n bass hero Roni Size and Reprazent. We’ll also have recently expanded noiseniks Drenge, our favourite scratch master DJ Yoda Presents: Breakfast of Champions, with his brand new hip-hop band busting up the Big Top live, and then the man himself will be taking on Bollywood for a typically special DJ set, and we’ll have one of the coolest bands ever to grace a festival, Sunday Best favourites, the utterly incomparable Kitty Daisy and Lewis.

Commenting on their latest Bestival appearance, Kitty Daisy and Lewis uttered as one: “We’re so excited to be coming to Bestival again this year, we always have a great time. Sunday Best know how to throw a festival!”

The Big Top will also welcome a high-voltage rock assault from Dinosaur Pile-Up, plus sets from Kero Kero Bonito, Lloyd Yates, Seafret and - we’re not sure it’s possible to express quite how excited we are about this - The Chuckle Brothers! Yes, it’ll be history in the making with be-mulleted slapstick to me, to you. CAN. NOT. WAIT.

As if all that wasn’t enough to get you all giddy with joy, he was one of the smash hits acts that started our summer in finest style at Common People, so we’re extremely pleased that turntable ninja, Jaguar Skills, will be joining us to destroy the dancefloor at The Port.

Digital Love: www.Bestival.net/ Facebook / Twitter / Tumblr

#Bestival15 / #SummerofLove

BESTIVAL TICKET LINKS & INFORMATION:

www.ticketline.co.uk/bestival-tickets / 0844 888 4410

Blossoms to embark on a headline UK tour this autumn

2015-05-28T16:17:00.001+01:00

Blossoms to embark on a headline UK tour this autumn

Blossoms will embark on a 13-date UK headline tour this autumn. The tour will open at Glasgow’s King Tuts Wah Wah Hut on 2nd October and includes a show at London’s Village Underground on 15th October. The tour will close on 23rd October in Manchester at The Ritz.

Since releasing their debut single ‘Blow’ at the end of 2014, Blossoms have gone from strength to strength - selling out London’s Barfly and adding a third Manchester date due to popular demand and playing the BBC Introducing and PRS for Music Stage at SXSW. The band even reached No.7 in the UK’s first ever Vinyl Chart.

Lead singer Tom said: “We didn’t even know it was happening! We woke up and saw our names next to fucking Bowie and Noel Gallagher, I thought it had been a mistake!”

The band are due to appear on the festival scene over the coming months playing at T in the Park, Festival No.6, Kendal Calling, Liverpool Sound City and more, before embarking on their own headline tour in October.

Full tour dates below:

OCTOBER 2015

FRIDAY 02 GLASGOW KING TUTS WAH WAH HUT

SATURDAY 03 NEWCASTLE RIVERSIDE

WEDNESDAY 07 LEEDS BRUDENELL SOCIAL CLUB

THURSDAY 08 SHEFFIELD THE LEADMILL

FRIDAY 09 LIVERPOOL O2 ACADEMY2*

SATURDAY 10 NOTTINGHAM RESCUE ROOMS

WEDNESDAY 14 YORK FIBBERS

THURSDAY 15 LONDON VILLAGE UNDERGROUND

FRIDAY 16 NORWICH ARTS CENTRE

SATURDAY 17 BIRMINGHAM THE INSTITUTE

WEDNESDAY 21 PORTSMOUTH WEDGEWOOD ROOMS

THURSDAY 22 BRISTOL THEKLA

FRIDAY 23 MANCHESTER RITZ

*ticketweb.co.uk or 0844 477 2000

www.facebook.com/blossomsband

www.twitter.com/blossomsband

www.soundcloud.com/blossomsband

Strings and Things 3rd Birthday Event - Studio 2 Parr Street Liverpool

2015-05-28T16:09:00.000+01:00

Strings and Things 3rd Birthday Event - Studio 2 Parr Street Liverpool

In June 2012 Stillhet Music was born out of the desire of its founders Ian Weller and Liam Adlen to put on events that were set up, promoted and operated with the artist at their very heart. Their idea was to run Stillhet as a musical co-operative with the acts that performed for them, to give them a quality stage to showcase their talents free from the pre-gig burdens of pay to play, with the simple deal that at end of the night every single penny taken goes only to the performers.

Over the last 3 years Stillhet Music has hosted performances by over 150 local, UK and international artists across its events 'Strings and Things', 'Midweek Melodies' and 'Stillhet Sessions'. Ian Weller explains ''our events are all about diversity and curating a show that progresses with many different genres from punk to pop, folk to funk, rock to r&b to expose new audiences to music they may not have otherwise had chance to enjoy. That’s how we landed on the name of our flagship event that any given show would be an exciting mixed bag full of strings….and many other things!''

They certainly have achieved this aim and their judgement in curation has been on point with so many of the artist going on to prominence on the music scene such as Frances, Anna Pancaldi and Alex Hulme. Liam agrees ''nothing makes us more proud to have an artist play on our stage, often in their first full gig, to then breakthrough and make it in today's tough music industry''

Alex Hulme, currently on his UK Tour said ‘’Stillhet, like many event organisers promise great crowds and an amazing atmosphere and platform for new and established artists to show there stuff. Unlike many of their rivals they truly deliver on these promises and to top it off they're a great bunch to work with. I thoroughly enjoyed the shows I have done for Stillhet and would recommend their shows to Artists and music lovers alike’’

On Sunday 07 June at its Studio2 Parr St home Strings and Things turns 3 and they are having a special birthday show to celebrate. Ian Weller explains ''we are being blessed with performances from old friends of Stillhet like Helena Johnson, Bowker and the Mersey Belles plus the rising stars of Far Flung Funk and Fabia…..and have special guests lined up too, not to mention cake!''

Stillhet Music continues to be real success on Liverpool's burgeoning music scene welcoming hundreds of music lovers month after month always looking for the next artist and new sound that will set their stage alight.

The final word from Ian Weller ''you've got to remember Stillhet operates as a musical co-operative and we couldn't have reached 3 years without the commitment of all the artists we've worked with and the amazing support of our home venue Studio2 who share our passion for new music'.

Event: Strings and Things 3rd Birthday Party!

Date: Sunday 07 June 2015

Doors: 19:30 till 23:30

Venue: Studio2, Parr St, Liverpool

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thesubsound

Twitter: @stillhet_music

Benjamin Booker extended music video and live dates - O2 Academy, Liverpool

2015-05-27T18:26:00.002+01:00

Benjamin Booker extended music video and live dates - O2 Academy, Liverpool

In a double-length video for two songs from his debut album, the punk-influenced blues singer struggles with civil rights issues that we can’t seem to settle.

“We've all got iPhones and are talking about taking people to Mars, but look at how much we haven't changed. The ‘future,’ a time when all this violence and hatred is looked at as barbaric seemed so far away to me.” – Benjamin Booker

In a new extended music video featuring the tracks “Slow Coming” and “Wicked Waters”, Benjamin Booker moves through a single day multiple times on a loop. Ann Powers at NPR Music describes the short film as “a kind of mash-up of Selma and Beasts of the Southern Wild, with Booker as an unwilling time traveler drawn into an incident of racist violence recalling both the segregated Deep South and current controversial police actions.”

Via NPR Music’s The Record you can watch the short film HERE and read the full QandA between Benjamin and Ann Powers about its themes.

"Contemporary issues that the video references are repetitions of events we have watched happen many times before," Director James Lees explained. "We seem unable, as a society, to break this loop."

Forthcoming Tour Dates

28th May – Barcelona, Spain – Primavera Sound Festival

4th June – Hunter, NY – Mountain Jam

5th –7th June – New York, NY – Governor’s Ball

11th - 14th June – Manchester, TN – Bonnaroo

8th July – O2 Academy, Liverpool UK*

*ticketweb.co.uk or 0844 477 2000

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Even More Names Announced For Reading and Leeds 2015

2015-05-27T18:17:00.001+01:00

Mariachi El Bronx, The Bronx, Shura, Young Thug, No Devotion, Sunset Sons, Bo Ningen, Baroness Twin Peaks and many more!

With a huge bill topped by festival headliners Metallica, Mumford and Sons and The Libertines plus a supporting cast of some of the world’s biggest names in music including Kendrick Lamar, Alt J and Bring Me The Horizon, the already bursting Reading and Leeds Festival lineup is now bolstered by even more incredible names.

MAIN STAGE

With the Main Stage lineup already providing a huge number of must-see acts across this summer’s bank holiday weekend, Mariachi El Bronx return to the prestigious opening slot to bring festival crowds their signature brand of traditional mariachi and feel good pop for a set that is sure to bring the sunshine. The LA punks, The Bronx, will also play The Lock up Stage.

NME/BBC RADIO 1 STAGE

Taking the NME/BBC Radio 1 Stage on the Friday at Reading and Saturday at Leeds, The Struts will be making their RandL debut this year; treating crowds to their potent mix of indie and glam rock as found on last years ‘Everybody Wants’ LP. Having played support to The Rolling Stones last year, they are truly a world-class rock act.

Since forming in 2009 Chicago, Illinois natives Twin Peaks have continued to build on the buzz surrounding their furious brand of garage punk. Heading for Reading on the Saturday and Sunday at Leeds, theirs is a set not to be missed.

To say that British songwriter and producer Shura has a bright future ahead of her would be a complete understatement. With standout headline shows under her belt and armed with tracks like the smooth electro-pop of recent Radio 1 championed single ‘2Shy’, expect huge crowds on Sunday at Reading and Friday at Leeds.

BBC RADIO 1 DANCE STAGE

Dance music enthusiasts can once again rejoice as the BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage once again brings only the finest acts from across the world together under one roof.

Joining this year’s lineup are Australian hitmaker Hayden James, German deep-house wizard Ferdinand Weber, a very special live set from DJ Fresh, Irish favourites Riptide Movement, live electronic duo Maribou State, pop starlet Petite Meller and The Six.

THE LOCK UP/PIT STAGE

A host of exciting new names have been announced for The Lock Up/Pit stage, including The Bronx and Progressive metal legends Baroness. Japanese noise-mongers Bo Ningen will bring their visceral, undeniably unique sound to a mid-afternoon slot on Friday Reading / Saturday Leeds. Earlier in the day the gloriously destructive God Damn will be proving why so much hype has surrounded them in recent months. Vant will also be opening proceedings with Skinny Lister. Elsewhere throughout the weekend, No Devotion and As It Is join a mammoth lineup on Saturday Reading / Sunday Leeds, further proving why The Lock Up / Pit Stage is one of the festival’s most exciting, diverse areas on site.

FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE

The Festival Republic Stage remains the area of the festivals with a focus on both emerging and established alternative talent. Having appeared on the BBC Sound of 2015 longlist earlier this year, Sunset Sons‘ fresh brand of beachside indie has built a huge fan base who will no doubt pack out the tent Friday Reading / Saturday Leeds. Scottish synth-poppers Neon Waltz play Saturday Reading / Sunday Leeds having drawn critical acclaim from blogs around the world whilst Spring King fuse visceral indie with modern pop charm.

Seether and The Last Internationale complete the current announcement, rounding off an incredible stage lineup that features the best alternative talent the world has to offer.

BBC 1XTRA STAGE

Further proving the vital place of Hip Hop and Urban music at RandL, more names have also been added to the hugely popular BBC 1XTRA Stage. Bringing together 80’s pop hooks with a 60’s aesthetic, Brighton’s Remi Miles will open the stage Saturday Reading / Sunday Leeds.

Fresh after collaborating with Jamie XX, unlikely rap hero Young Thug will also be making a rare appearance Friday Leeds / Saturday Reading, bringing a barrage of hits that prove impossible not to shout along to.

Sibling production / DJ duo Star.One also join the lineup, perfectly encapsulating the diverse and groundbreaking nature of both the BBC 1xtra Stage, and Reading and Leeds as a whole.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets for Reading and Leeds 2015 are on sale now.

Weekend tickets £205.00 plus £8.00 booking fee + postage ● Day tickets Friday / Saturday / Sunday £59.50 plus £7.00 booking fee + postage ● Early entry permits £20 ● Campervan permits £75.00 ● Lockers £16.00 ● Reading car parking £10.00 ● Camping is included with weekend tickets only

Securing your ticket is even easier with the £50 instalment plan. To save a spot at Reading and Leeds 2015, simply put down £50 to bag your place, then pay the balance in monthly instalments.

Tickets are strictly limited to a maximum of four per person/address/payment card for those booking by telephone or online.

http://www.seetickets.com/content/reading-leeds?src=randl2015PR21

Credit Card line: 0871 231 0821

Calls cost 10p per minute plus standard network charges.

For a full list of national outlets, plus details of luxury camping options, please visit: www.readingfestival.com / www.leedsfestival.com

Children 12 and under are admitted free but MUST be accompanied by a ticket holding adult.

Please note there is no separate children's area at this event.

Arbitraire release free download of single Adapted Air

2015-05-27T17:59:00.001+01:00

Arbitraire release free download of single Adapted Air

Arbitraire is formed by Andrea, Adrian and Genji, each one with different backgrounds ranging from classic, jazz, hip-hop to electronic music.

The common intention behind this project is that there are possibilities, but no need for a must within musical expression.

Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/arbitraire/adapted-air

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Arbitraire.Music/

MusicMafia presents Essex-based artist S J Denney

2015-05-27T17:52:00.001+01:00

MusicMafia presents Essex-based artist S J Denney

S J Denney is an Essex-based artist with Britpop blood and a hard indie edge. He’s a familiar face on the London and festival scenes with a reputation for delivering powerful live performances.

S J’s songs are crafted with finesse and delivered with a punch that demands attention – this is not a passive soundtrack. Add to BrIndie the fusion of folk, grunge and shoegazing to get a real tour de force, captured on his new EP, The Waiting Room.

Support slots for Athlete, The Bluetones, the Inspiral Carpets and Modjo have been valuable stepping stones along the path that has built S J’s loyal fan base. The next 12 months will see the rest catching up and getting the message. And they’re going to like it. A lot.

www.sjsongs.co.uk

Guti presents People Like Us @ Beachouse, Ibiza

2015-05-27T17:44:00.002+01:00

Guti presents People Like Us @ Beachouse, Ibiza

After establishing numerous events in Berlin, London, Paris and Barcelona, People Like Us comes to Ibiza in 2015. Taking up a residency at Beachouse, the latest venue on the golden sands of Playa d’en Bossa, long time contributor Guti will be presenting the weekly events in June and September, curating a lineup of Ibiza favourites and newcomers alike, providing the perfect summer soundtrack to island life.

People Like Us is an infinite story. A story about young people and what they dream, sodden by smooth tape recorded music and a retro future mood. It is a story about fascination for electronic music and collaboration between like minded artists. We share the love of club culture, of the dancefloor, of beach life, of living life.

With early roots in the world of Jazz, Guti’s music crosses cultural borders. Curiosity, irony and creativity mark his fusion of musical genres and exploration into electronic music. It is this boundary blurring approach that brings the perfect musical harmony between Guti and People Like Us.

Summer 2015 is near. For People Like Us, People like you.

Event: Guti presents People Like Us

Dates: Every Wednesday in June (3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th) and September (2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th)

Time: 5pm - midnight

Venue: Beachouse, de, Ctra. de Platja d'en Bossa, 2, Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Ibiza

Season Opening: 03rd June

Lineup:

Guti

Fur Coat

Julian Perez

WHO

Morgan

Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1611411902471455/

(free entry)

Sound City Liverpool 2015 - Saturday Review

2015-05-26T16:46:00.000+01:00

Sound City Liverpool 2015 - Saturday Review

A warm and sunny Saturday greeted us for the 2nd day of Sound City Liverpool. First up on the viewing agenda was Sun God Replica on the Kraken Stage. The band strike you, straight away, as a band very much influenced by the late 60s/early 70s and their music tends to solidify that assumption. Very heavy riffs with the emphasis on the music rather than bogging people down with too many lyrics. Guitar solos aplenty here. A great set that left your ears ringing.

Speaking of ears ringing, next up on the list for us was God Damn. This is a band we have featured here on MusicMafia a number of times and it was great to be able to see them in action at last. Very reminiscent of Royal Blood with two band members playing the music of 4/5 members, lead singer Thom and drummer Ash make you stop whatever you are doing and look on in awe at the huge solid tunes and the full on, in your face sound. In fact the sound was so intense that next to us, the plastic water container was shaking and moving due to the heavy bass. The set, unfortunately, was way too short and they could have easily entertained for an hour more.

Dutch Uncles on the Atlantic stage had drawn a good sized crowd for their set. The new wave group led by Duncan Wallis, entertained the audience with possibly the maddest dancing I have witnessed. This along with their catchy, toe tapping songs made for a very eccentric set. At times they reminded me of Talking Heads, both lyrically and musically, which isn't at all a bad thing.

The Membranes on the Baltic stage, led by the ever youthful, John Robb, provided a fierce and frantic set which consisted of a lot of their new material from the dark energy/dark matter album, engaged the audience from the outset. Forever the front man John Robb manages to make you feel as if you are part of the band. Encouraging and enticing the crowd to sing, stamp and holler as much as possible.

We decided to move along to the North stage for a bit calm down after that to see the Israeli trio Garden City Movement and it was just what we needed. Standing in the sun watching on with a cool beer in your hand, is a much recommended recipe and bring into that the warm yet upbeat dance-floor tracks being played then you couldn't ask for a better interlude before the main headliner. Judging the reaction of the audience, they felt the same.

The Flaming Lips probably don't need much introduction. The band seem to bring a huge smile to anyone who mentions them and this was certainly evident to the thousands that had come to play witness to the giant spectacle.

Lead singer, Wayne Coyne, emerged on stage with a giant inflatable turtle attached to his back and dressed in a green lycra suit, he looked more like a human-amphibian hybrid than the leader of a 30 year old strong band.

The Flaming Lips manages to make everything look so easy. Moving from one crowd rousing track to another, they never let the energy drop and never let the energy levels of the audience drop. They take them on a mystical space journey and they are only to happy to follow.

Using visuals to full effect, including a giant "FUCK YEAH LIVERPOOL" inflatable thrown into the crowd, they leave nothing to chance. Light shows, ticker tape and giant alien creatures are all part of the ride. Even a giant Santa Claus made an appearance on stage much to the delight of the many.

The highlight as always is Wayne Coyne getting inside his giant inflatable ball to surf across the people and sing whilst being held aloft by many numerous and willing hands. A site that you can never get tired of seeing.

An amazing and enigmatic set. One the likes of Sound City has never seen bodes well for the future. As previously mentioned in Friday's review, there are a lot of things which need rectifying in relation to the site and transport, but for the first time on a new site and with the line up they have managed to pull together, the future bodes well both for Sound City and Liverpool as a festival city on the whole.

Sound City Liverpool 2015 - Friday Review

2015-05-26T12:40:00.002+01:00

Sound City Liverpool 2015 - Friday Review

This year the Bramley Dock site was what Sound City Liverpool 2015 was all about. Moving from multiple venues to consolidate the festival into one area of docklands north of the city centre is a gamble, but is one that had to be made to promote the continued growth of the festival and attract big name acts.

Getting there (or back) wasn't the easiest which has drawn some complaints from festival goers.

The laid on bus finished at 10pm so ignored the fact that thousands of people would be leaving after the headline acts finished, to either compete for a limited number of taxis, or start the half hour walk back to the city centre.

That aside once there the site was great the way it had been decorated and was easy to navigate with all the stages in a five or ten minute walk from each other, although this did give rise to some noise bleed across different performances. It could have been laid out slightly better and used more of the warehouse space as only the Baltic Stage was in one of the large structures, but then this may in itself have been detrimental as I think it was with YAK's performance. This loud rock outfit with a touch of psychedelia didn't struggle to get themselves heard as they filled the venue with their sound but possibly the acoustics of the gigantic warehouse they played in let them down.

Moving on to catch some of KOF at the Cargo stage, I found him to be engaging with the audience with his upbeat music. His alternative souls style is easy to listen to and he aims to spread a more modern message with his music. His backing band had one great character in the lead guitarist, but some of the others were a tad too moody which didn't compliment his performance.

Spector on the Atlantic stage tried to warm up the audience with their energetic enthusiastic performances of their Killer'sesq music, but this was marred with smatterings of pretentiousness.

Whilst singing “Celestine”, Macpherson (vocals) stopped the performance to try and rouse the audience more before restarting the song. This had little effect. When announcing “Chevy Thunder” a handful of fans, stood at the front, whooped with joy, understandably so as it is one of their better releases, but not all the audience were as receptive. It was a shame, maybe it was the time they were on, or the chill wind coming up the Mersey that sapped enthusiasm from the crowd.

Iceage on the Baltic stage, these Danish rockers were loud and moody, maybe a bit too moody. It may just have been this performance, but they finished early with the lead singer saying “that's all were doing tonight” dropping his mic and walking off.

Close Talker on at the Cavern Stage, an energetic 4 piece Canadian altindie/ rock group showed how friends who are gelled with each other can make great solid sounding music. Having formed in 2012 they gained more exposure through being finalists in a CBC competition for best Canada's Best New Artist in 2013. Seeing how good these guys were I've have see who they lost to to understand why.

Taffy I must admit was stumbled upon whilst passing The North stage and was one of Fridays best, if not the best, performing groups. Their faultless playing incorporated an excellent rendition of The Cures “Boys Don't Cry “ which captured many passersby who paused and enjoyed these Japanese rockers. They also must have had the happiest drummer of the festival as he beamed throughout the set. The only downside was the vocals of lead singer, Iris, were drowned out, which went unnoticed by the sound mixer who was happily enjoying the performance.

Everything Everything on the Atlantic Stage I found their live performance although promising with their energy, was just not my thing, and did not live up to their recordings. Inbetween their plugs for their new album (‘Get To Heaven’ ) I found myself checking Facebook to pass the time before going for a wander.

Once The Vaccines hit the Atlantic stage the large crowd were ready for some high powered music. This was delivered to them with a professionally honed performance including tracks from the new album English Grafitti. One of the few bands to utilise the massive screen behind them they provided a visual experience to match the performance.

All in all not a bad first day of the Soundcity festival and aside from certain hiccups like the aforementioned travel, the long queues for the toilets (must have forgotten the urinals), plus overpriced food and drink that are commonplace for such events I would easily return to the location next year especially if they had a better transportation links. I would also advise people to get a weekend pass as that would also allow you free movement in and out of the site which is very handy when you can pop over the road to The Bramley Moore pub (which soon got crowded) for cheaper food and drink.

Review by Mike Stanford

Cult Auzzie Punks The Saints at The Kazimier Liverpool

2015-05-26T11:39:00.005+01:00

Cult Auzzie Punks The Saints at The Kazimier Liverpool

One of the original punk bands, seminal Australian group The Saints visit Liverpool this coming Thursday.

A groundbreaking act whose touchstone first single ‘(I’m) Stranded’ was released prior to The Sex Pistols’ vinyl debut, the Brisbane group were the first Australian punk band to break internationally.

Touring in support of 2014s lauded King of the Sun/Midnight Sun LP which saw the band pair the 2012 studio original with a set of reworked back catalogue classics, Bruce Springsteen’s recent cover version of ‘Just Like Fire Would’ saw the group reach a massive new audience.

Formed in 1973 and taking inspiration from The Stooges/MC5 the primitive, driving rock n’ roll captured on their 1977 debut LP (I'm) Stranded has been cited by Jesus and Mary Chain vocalist Jim Reid as a major influence.

A sizeable inspiration on fellow Aussie Nick Cave, Saints founder Chris Bailey appeared on The Bad Seeds 2003 LP Nocturama.

Moving towards a classic rock sound in the 1980s and developing an ongoing cult following Stateside, the band have inspired legions of musicians in their home country and beyond.

20.00 THURSDAY 28 MAY

THE KAZIMIER

(WOLSTENHOLME SQ)

www.thekazimier.co.uk

Tickets £12.00adv available in store from

Probe Records (School Ln) and The Brink (Parr St)

or ONLINE from

SEETICKETS

Lucy Rose Announces autumn UK tour 2015

2015-05-26T11:34:00.002+01:00

Lucy Rose Announces autumn UK tour 2015

Lucy Rose will head out on a huge UK tour this autumn in support of her forthcoming second album, Work It Out.

The 23 dates kick off on the 19th October at Manchester’s Academy 3 and conclude at London’s The Forum for Lucy’s biggest headline date yet on 18th November. Lucy also performs in Belfast and Dublin on the 29th and 30th October respectively.

Work It Out is released on the 6th July through Columbia Records. It was produced by Rich Cooper and recorded at Snap Studios, London. The record features Lucy’s new single, Like An Arrow, and her recent returning single, Our Eyes.

Work It Out enters a whole new sonic space for the young Warwickshire musician. Where debut album, 2012’s ‘Like I Used To’, introduced a fascinatingly assured acoustic artist, rich of melody and deft of touch, Work It Out is the sound of Lucy Rose creating a bold new context for that voice. No apologies. The acoustic guitar remains present, but there’s nothing folk or shy about this record. It’s all Lucy Rose.

The autumn tour goes on sale from Friday 29th May here, with tickets at £15 (London £16.50).

As previously announced, Lucy Rose will be performing at a host of UK festivals this Summer including Bushstock, Truck, T In The Park, Somersault, and the Reading and Leeds Festival.

Lucy Rose Live:

31st May – Wychwood Festival, Cheltenham

13th June – Bushstock, London

20th June – 110 Above Festival, Leicestershire

21st June – Smoked and Uncut Festival, Swanage

10th July – T In The Park, Perthshire

18th July – Truck Festival, Steventon

24th July – Somersault Festival, Devon

1st August – Kendal Calling, Penrith

29th August – Reading Festival

30th August – Leeds Festival

Autumn Tour:

19th October – Manchester Academy 3

20th October – Bath Komedia

21st October – Cardiff Tramshed

23rd October – Norwich Waterfront

24th October – Wrexham Central

25th October – Carlisle Brickyard

27th October – Aberdeen Lemon Tree

28th October – Glasgow Oran Mor

29th October – Belfast Empire

30th October – Dublin The Button Factory

1st November – Leeds University Union

2nd November – Exeter Phoenix

3rd November – Southend-on-Sea Chinnery's

7th November – Liverpool O2 Academy2*

8th November – Oxford O2 Academy*

9th November – Leicester O2 Academy2*

10th November – Northampton Roadmender

12th November – Newcastle Riverside

13th November – Warwick Arts Centre

14th November – Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms

15th November – Nottingham Rescue Rooms

17th November - Stoke–On-Trent Sugarmill

18th November – London The Forum

www.lucyrosemusic.com

*Tickets from ticketweb.co.uk/ 0844 477 2000

The Ushuaïa Club and Hard Rock Hotel to host Creamfields Ibiza

2015-05-26T11:26:00.001+01:00

The Ushuaïa Club and Hard Rock Hotel to host Creamfields Ibiza

Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel and Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza, two of the hottest party hotels on Ibiza’s Playa d’en Bossa, are joining forces with UK super club, Cream, to bring the globally recognised, award-winning festival, Creamfields, to the party capital of the world.

Creamfields Ibiza will take place on Saturday 1st August across The Ushuaïa Club and The Ushuaïa Tower, which together make up the iconic Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel, and its neighbouring property Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza, all located on the Playa d’en Bossa beachfront.

Headlining this inaugural event is one of the world’s biggest dance acts, The Prodigy, a seminal act that has played an integral part in the evolution of the dance scene since the early 90s. They will be joined by over 25 of the hottest electronic artists including Above and Beyond, Afrojack, Andrea Oliva, Annie Mac, Ben Pearce, Deetron, DJ Sneak, Eddie Temple Morris, Hannah Wants, Ilario Alicante, Los Suruba, Matrix & Futurebound, Mistajam, MK, Modestep, Pendulum (DJ Set), Pete Tong, Sigma, Steve Angello and Wilkinson. Lasting between midday and midnight, the festival promises twelve hours of exhilarating house, electronic, techno and underground beats across the three venues.

Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel and Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza, both part of the Palladium Hotel Group portfolio, will continue to make Balearic history by hosting the first Creamfields Ibiza, which is set to be an unforgettable and legendary moment for the 2015 summer season.

Regular tickets are priced at 80€ and available at www.ushuaiaibiza.com/creamfields-ibiza

CREAMFIELDS IBIZA PROGRAMME:

HARD ROCK HOTEL IBIZA

The Prodigy

Eddie Temple-Morris

Matrix and Futurebound

Modestep

Pendulum (DJ Set)

Sigma

Wilkinson

THE USHUAÏA CLUB (Day)

Annie Mac

Hannah Wants

Mistajam

+ more

THE USHUAÏA CLUB (Night)

Above and Beyond

Afrojack

Steve Angello

+ more

ANTS @ THE USHUAÏA TOWER

Andrea Oliva

Ben Pearce

Deetron

DJ Sneak

Ilario Alicante

Los Suruba

Young Romance to release their new single, Never Learn

2015-05-25T15:49:00.001+01:00

Young Romance to release their new single, Never Learn

Formed in 2013, Young Romance is a London based Noise Pop duo comprising of Claire (Vocal and Drums) and Paolo (Guitar). Their sound however eclipses the boundaries of ‘duo’ with big fuzzy backdrops and soaring vocals.

After early shows supporting Mystery Jets, Slow Club and Summer Camp, 2014 saw the band self-release their critically acclaimed 7" 'Pale' via the Banquet Records imprint. In the Spring of 2014 Young Romance were invited to be part of the Dot to Dot Festival tour, and a run of UK shows supporting The Heartbreaks along with several London shows culminating with an appearance at KOKO for Club NME.

March 2015 saw the band release their four track 'Wild' EP produced by Simon “Barney” Barnicott who has previously worked with the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Peace, Cloud Control, O. Children, Suede and Bombay Bicycle Club. With the first single 'Wasting Time' receiving praise from the likes of Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1), John Kennedy (XFM) and BBC Introducing. The band joined Finnish indie rockers Satellite Stories on their European tour with shows in Germany, Holland, Switzerland and Austria.

May sees Young Romance perform at the BBC Introducing stage at The Great Escape Festival, before playing their first London headline show at The Waiting Room on May 20th. May will culminate with the bands US debut as they head stateside for the New York Pop Fest. To coincide with these shows, the band will release their new single ‘Never Learn’ on May 25th.

www.youngromannce.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/YoungRomanceMusic

https://twitter.com/_youngromance

Concept album Dusklight - An original music-based project

2015-05-25T15:42:00.003+01:00

Concept album Dusklight - An original music-based project

Dusklight' is an original music-based project which features a complex, dramatic storyline and stylish, evocative artwork. The narrative follows a troubled journey across the wasteland of a ruined society, as well as the conspiracies and violence in one of the few remaining cities. It is a postmodern western and a character-driven drama set in a living, breathing world.

'Dusklight' started being written 8 months ago, and came about because he wanted to write an album but he wanted something more, he wanted to tell a story with the music and he liked the idea of incorporating other forms of creative media. He went to Jake Stoker who had been a good friend of his for a long while, a student of train2game (and therefore trained in character and world design) and talented illustrator. They decided they wanted to increase the scale of the project and so asked another friend of theirs, Tom Mead (a published author of short stories and creative-writing masters student) to get involved.

The next few months were spent developing the story and for him putting together the meat of the music. He'd always known he wanted it to be narrated and so he searched online to find an appropriate voice actor, this led him to recruit Jordan Lannan who also stars as Frank Virgo in the opening track. Next up was finding the voice's for the characters he decided on Rosie Abbott and Adam Volz, throughout the album are instrumental cameo's from a number of musicians including Sam Miller of Double Helix notoriety.

Now that the music is finally complete and the book very close to being we're preparing for the Kickstarter launch, which will fund the creation of physical copies of both the book and CD as well as merchandise, plus some special prizes for those who want to further support this entirely independent venture. They've got a long way to go when it comes to getting the word out but in terms of their ambition the sky's the limit.

The Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/DusklightProject

This is an entirely independent release, with physical copy's of the album and book being funded by an upcoming Kickstarter

Danish musician Hannah Schneider announces UK tour dates

2015-05-25T14:29:00.000+01:00

Danish musician Hannah Schneider announces UK tour dates

Danish musician Hannah Schneider is bringing her dreamy electro-infused singer/songriter sound to the UK for a run of dates in June. Following her debut UK album release of "Red Lines" on British indie Lojinx (on Mermaid/Sony in Denmark) Hannah will be bringing her epic one-woman show to the UK for only the second time. Performing all instrumentation herself whilst looping and singing infectious hooks and harmonies, audiences can't fail to be impressed.

Schneider creates melancholic and playful pop, crafted with a love for the singer/songwriter tradition and a fascination with electronic sounds and samples. Inspired by her environment - the sounds surrounding her - Hannah incorporates a diversity of instrumentation and timbre that adds a unique dimension to the expertly constructed pop tunes. Her music is imbued with themes of melancholia and loneliness that are conveyed with an engaging charisma in her voice, instrumentation and expert arrangements.

04 June 2015 The Lighthouse, Deal (w/She And The Junkies)

05 June 2015 Bar 42, Worthing (w/She And The Junkies)

06 June 2015 The Golden Fleece, Nottingham (w/She And The Junkies)

09 June 2015 Red Lion, Bristol (w/She And The Junkies)

11 June 2015 St Pancras Old Church, London (w/Jingo).

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannahschneidermusic?_rdr

Twitter: @HannahSchneide

Instagram: @HannahSchneide

Sleepy Tea releases music video for new single Silver Birds

2015-05-25T14:24:00.000+01:00

Sleepy Tea releases music video for new single Silver Birds

Off the back of their much loved EP 'Specks', Sleepy Tea have returned with the release of a music video for their latest single 'Silver Birds'. Premiering last week on Tone Deaf, the clip has been welcomed with a warm reception, being described as, "A lesson in stunning cinematography and storytelling". Adding to the euphoria of the band's dream pop sound is Hamish Rutherford who directed the reverse time-lapse visuals which required lead singer Tom Wearne to re-learn the lyrics to the song backwards.

Following a successful single launch at Brisbane's The Bearded Lady, 'Silver Birds' will act as the band's final hoorah before heading back into the studio to produce a follow up to 2014's 'Specks'.

Praise for Sleepy Tea

"From the expert craftsmanshift displayed throughout the record you can tell that each track is strong enough to stand alone, whilst at the same time tying in with the others to be an integral part of the album as a complete body of work. There's enough variation of light and shade to keep any song from sounding exactly like one of its brothers and overall the album feels like coming home, a captivating body of work that enchants anyone who listens to it."

- EP Review, AAA Backstage

Facebook | www.facebook.com/SleepyTea
Triple J Unearthed | www.triplejunearthed.com/artist/sleepy-tea

Soundcloud | https://soundcloud.com/sleepytea

Thornaby-on-Tees quintet Cattle and Cane Announce debut album Home

2015-05-25T14:12:00.000+01:00

Thornaby-on-Tees quintet Cattle and Cane Announce debut album Home

Thornaby-on-Tees quintet Cattle and Cane release their début album ‘Home’ on Monday 14th September 2015.

Consisting of siblings Joe, Helen, Fran and Vin Hammill, with Tom Chapman on percussion, the album features twelve tracks that perfectly showcase the timeless quality of the band’s music; shifting even the hardest of hearts with their perfect, soaring harmonies.

Heavily championed by the BBC Introducing team, Cattle and Cane performed at T In The Park and BBC Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park before they’d even released debut single ‘I Will Rise’, which has been featured by Spotify on one of their most popular curated playlists on the front page of the service. Thanks to this and their popular live sessions in the beautiful surroundings of Wynyard Hall, the band have now received well over a million streams online. With a loyal and passionate following, the ‘Home’ album launch will take place on Friday 18th September at the 1000 capacity Teesside University in Middlesbrough – the perfect setting for Cattle and Cane’s mesmerising live show.

Lead singer and chief songwriter Joseph Hammill has spent much of his life kicking against convention, so it is little surprise that he refuses to build an alternative history for how the band took five years from feted performances in their home-town and 2010’s T In The Park via BBC Radio support to produce their début album, ‘Home’.

‘I didn’t feel my songs were ready’, he offers, matter of factly. ‘I was just about to start Uni and Helen hadn't even got her GCSE results yet. T In The Park was a great experience, but looking back, it was probably a bit too much too soon.’

Yet, in this case, patience is most definitely a virtue as ‘Home’ delivers an album characterized by the quintet’s ability to meld soaring choruses and delicate melodies to everyman lyrics that swerve cliché to create a sense of community and shared experience. Sharing vocal duties with sister Helen, this family concern (four fifths of the band are siblings) create a music that revels in its intent to make big gestures and engage with people at root; as Joe would have it ‘..to connect with people and have the crowd signing the songs back at us, that’s the ultimate compliment as far as I am concerned.’

The result is an album that flows from the intricate drive of opener ‘Skies’, blending War on Drugs licks to a rousing dual vocal chorus, through the tribal rhythms of ‘Belle’ to the sumptuous balladry of ‘Red’ and the gossamer camp fire flicker of ‘We Were Children’ via those big communal moments where the choruses of ‘Sold My Soul’ or lead single ‘Come Home’ conjure images of festival crowds jumping in unison.

With a massive hometown show at the 1000 capacity Teesside University in September already close to sell out it would appear that Cattle and Cane’s moment is upon us.

Cattle & Cane release their début album, ‘Home’ on September 14th via Quiet Crown Recordings. To download ‘Come Home’ for free go to http://po.st/sjVAf3.

More Information:

www.cattleandcane.co.uk

www.twitter.com/cattleandcane

www.facebook.com/cattleandcane

www.soundcloud.com/cattleandcanemusic

Gary Numan Reveals details of three night residency at London's Forum

2015-05-24T18:22:00.000+01:00

Gary Numan Reveals details of three night residency at London's Forum

Following on from the success of his Top 20 album, Splinter (Songs From A Broken Mind), and accompanying two-year Splinter world tour, electronic and industrial music pioneer Gary Numan returns to the UK with a THREE NIGHT RESIDENCY at The Forum in London to celebrate his classic albums Replicas, The Pleasure Principle and Telekon on the 21, 22 and 23 October 2015.

Numan will also be playing the Manchester Academy as part of the venue’s 25th Anniversary celebrations on the 24 October.

“Having spent most of the last two years touring Splinter, and with another hectic touring schedule being planned for the release of the new album next year, 2015 seems an ideal time to revisit the three albums that changed my life,” says Numan about the three-night residency.

“These three albums are now considered classics and being able to play each one in its entirety, over three nights in London, will be very special for me, and as for the Manchester show, I have some songs planned for that I don't think I've ever played live before. I very rarely look back at past glories but, with these shows, I intend to not only look back, but to celebrate those early days."

He went on: "Without those songs and experiences I wouldn't be here today. Splinter was widely considered to be one of the best, if not the best album I've ever made. With that achievement I've finally learned to be proud of my history, and that's what these shows are all about.”

This very special residency will see Numan play all three of these classic albums in their entirety, as well as other tracks from his long and distinguished career. Numan’s influence has been recognized by a diverse array of the world’s greatest artists—from Prince to Lady Gaga, Jack White to Kanye West; Beck to Queens Of The Stone Age, and The Foo Fighters to Nine Inch Nails, many of which have collaborated with Numan and covered or sampled tracks from his vast back catalogue.

The Forum, London Residency:

NIGHT 1 – 21 October - Replicas

NIGHT 2 – 22 October - The Pleasure Principle

NIGHT 3 – 23 October - Telekon

PLUS - Manchester Academy 25th Anniversary Series:

24 October - Manchester Academy

Tickets go on sale Friday 22nd May from 9am.

For London tickets www.theforunlondon.com / 0844 847 2405

For Manchester tickets www.manchesteracademy.net / 0161 832 1111

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Flow Festival Slovenia 2015 - Full Lineup Announced

2015-05-24T18:15:00.003+01:00

Flow Festival Slovenia 2015 - Full Lineup Announced

Groundbreaking Lineup Including Pet Shop Boys, Metronomy, Roisin Murphy, Run The Jewels, Caribou And More

Expanding its horizons, The Flow Festival brand has taken an exciting new step, announcing the inaugural Flow Festival Ljubljana, set to take place in the Slovenian capital between June 26th-28th.

Taking over the picturesque city of Ljubljana, the 2015 lineup features an incredible mix of iconic and upcoming talent. Arguably the founding fathers of British synth pop, Pet Shop Boys will be bringing their stunning live show to headline Saturday night, while after rising up the ranks in recent years, Metronomy will top the bill on Friday, with the incomparable Roisin Murphy bringing things to a close on Sunday.

Also on the lineup, cutting edge hip hop legends Run The Jewels will no doubt be a highlight for many, especially in the wake of their critically acclaimed second album while Caribou continue their victory lap of groundbreaking live performances after releasing Our Love at the end of 2014. A testament to Flow's diversity, the likes of Jose Gonzalez, Bonobo (DJ Set), Derrick May, AME and a host of exciting talent from Europe and further afield will also help provide three stunning days of live music across a multitude of stages.

Like its Helsinki equivalent, the exciting new festival will focus on inspiring and current music, urban culture and visual arts, all set in a simply stunning location. Local restaurateurs, breweries and wine producers will be responsible for the festival’s food and drink offering, culminating in a festival like no other. The Ljubljana festival is also held in a unique factory milieu from the late 19th century, adding to its originality.

The inaugural Flow Festival Ljubljana aims to not just bring entertainment, but expand the cultural offer of the region and serve as a successful long-term platform for the artists, entrepreneurs and the local community, further proving that Slovenia is one of Europe's most vital cultural destinations.

Full Lineup

FRIDAY

Metronomy (UK)

Jose Gonzalez (SE)

Derrick May (US)

DJ Koze (DE)

Edo Maajka (BA)

The Stubs (PL)

Kiki (FI)

Aneuria and Ian F (SI)

Symann (SI)

Ichisan (SI)

Nakova (SI)

DJ Zhe (SI)

Bakto (SI)

SATURDAY

Pet Shop Boys (UK)

Run The Jewels (US)

Bonobo DJ set (UK)

Rush Hour label showcase (NL): Antal,

San Proper and Hunee

Bad Copy (RS)

Jonathan (HR)

Trevor Deep Jr. (FI)

Torul (SI)

Jardier (SI)

Niplodok (live) (SI)

Splinterhouse (SI)

“Gumitwist” takeover: Dulash der DJ, Vuka, E.B. King & Wichiwaka (LIVE) (SI)

SUNDAY

Roisin Murphy (IE)

Caribou (CA)

Dixon (DE)

Ame (DE)

Recondite Live (DE)

Artan Lili (RS)

Lil Tony (FI)

Polona Kasal (SI)

New Wave Syria (SI)

Evano and Roiss (SI)

Nitz (SI) & Fraku (SI)

Puff (SI)

Sench (SI)

Kors (SI)

Softskinson (SI)

Loutseau (SI)

Tickets

3-Day Ticket: 95€

2-Day Ticket: 72€

1-Day Ticket: FRI 45€ / SAT 55€ / SUN 45€

http://www.flowfestival.si/tickets

Opening Hours

Friday, June 26th: 17.00-03.00

Saturday, June 27th: 15.00-03.00

Sunday, June 28th: 15.00-03.00

+ afterparties to be announced very soon

Read more about Flow Festival Ljubljana: