The latest news from the Music World

Quite Great Publicity Promotes Dr John’s Legendary Ilfracombes November Rock Festival

2016-01-14T11:30:43Z

Festival season is far from over in November – Ilfracombe Rocks Festival in Devon is a must for every classic rock’n’roll fan who loves to dwell in nostalgia as well as discover what’s new in the magnificent world of rock these days.

After having been a massive success in 2015 the first 100 super early bird tickets for 2016 are already on sale at an extraordinary price of only £20 for the whole weekend and a very affordable £9 per head a night for accommodation –don’t miss out and grab yours now!

Having grown over the years, Ilfracombe Rocks will accommodate up to 1500 music lovers this November. The three-day event is held from 4^th-6^th November 2016. Brought to life by iconic radio presenter DJ John Forster, known for hosting the number one unsigned rock music show on the net called ‘Dr. John’s Unsigned Rock Surgery’ on Rockbandom Radio, this event is a true gem for admirers of handmade sonic bliss. Located in John Fowler’s Holiday Park in Devon the annual celebration of gritty guitars and amplified solos is a perfect way to spend a rock’n’roll weekend not only for hardcore bikers in leather jackets, but for the whole family!

This year’s headliners are some of the most excellent tribute bands in the scene. Thunderstruck, The ZZtops and Higher on Maiden will be bringing back the days of rock revolution. While there’s certainly a whiff of nostalgia in the air, the festival is also host to some of Europe’s finest new unsigned rock bands. This is a brilliant way to get to listen to potential stars on the rise and the stadium fillers of tomorrow!

Dr. John’s motto is simple – the DJ wants to promote good quality music and says: “the unsigned scene is possibly the most under-listened aspect of rock music. In many cases it is far superior to the mainstream and more honest. Many of them don’t get anywhere near the airplay and exposure they deserve.” That is why he decided to extend his work at the radio and give emerging artists an additional platform to get heard.

To get your super early bird ticket for the whole weekend just go to http://www.drjohnsunsignedrocksurgery.co.uk/the-surgery-live-2016/ !

LINKS:

https://www.facebook.com/ilfracomberocksa2016/?fref=ts

www.facebook.com/DrJohnsUnsignedRockSurgery/

http://www.drjohnsunsignedrocksurgery.co.uk/

http://www.drjohnsunsignedrocksurgery.co.uk/the-surgery-live-2016/

New music platform Amplify the Anthems set to transform 2016 for Unsigned artists

2015-12-07T15:26:57Z

Amplify the Anthems is a new concept aimed at delivering a platform for unsigned artists to perform and compete in a structured environment. Encompassing a competition dynamic for all acts involved, with charts based on views, likes and sales, plus an opportunity for bands to develop their tour dates. The new platform will have a regional bias so bands and artists can compete and work alongside other musicians. The artists who perform best regionally will then be invited to participate in a national event in 2016 with a range of prizes to be allocated for the winners, with up to and beyond £5000 going to first place.

First 100 artists can sign up for FREE! Use code: ATADEC2015

Each artist who signs up will be asked to enter one of their key tracks as a first stage entry. Artists must either upload a music video or track and will be moved up or down based on the amount of views, likes, and a nominal value created through donation downloads and sales of merchandise, with ATA only taking a small 20% revenue share! The artists will have the chance each month to have another track or video featured. Amplify the Anthems will then arrange a touring structure at some of the best independent venues including Scotland, Northern Ireland and of course England. The sites ranking system will allocate who the top performers are in each region with the Top 5 being asked to perform culminating in the Top 55 artists, 5 from each of the eleven regions then being eligible for the national event.

If this was not exciting enough the TOP 3 artists nationally will win cash prizes and also relevant prizes essential to help acts grow from recording, manufacturing and distribution through to promotion, full details will be available from December onwards at www.amplifytheanthems.com

One of the most important aspects of the site outside of the competition and chart focus will be the aim of allowing bands and artists to create new music by connecting with like minded artists.

As co-founder Adam Johnson explains-

‘Throughout the UK many artists are able to produce exceptional music, however they don’t necessarily have the capacity to do so. Either through a lack of equally talented performers/musicians involved, or perhaps the inability to get hold of a rehearsal/recording studio during the creation process.

Amplify the Anthems will have a unique ‘Search and Discover‘ mechanism allowing artists to advertise that they are looking for, either a band to join or if they are looking for new members. This will be filtered through music genre and region whilst adding further information such as musical ability and future scope/commitment to the band.’

Adam continues ‘The second aspect of the Search & Discover functionality allows punters to, once again, advertise in order to sell, buy, give away or acquire musical equipment and instruments. Music tuition/lessons can also be advertised which will once more be broken down through regional and musical requirements.’

www.amplifytheanthems.com will be set to combine a functionality that artists have already become accustomed to, in a truly user friendly way. Allowing new sign ups to add information easily about gigs and gathering information on fans and even backing. The aim is to be the single largest collection of live music venues and events, making it extremely easy for music lovers to find gigs in their local area any night of the year, as artists can add their upcoming gigs and keep it up-to-date.

This exciting new way for artists to interact and build their brand is set to transform the way musicians approach their music online. As it grows through 2016, it will become a must have tool for all bands serious about making a career out of the thing they love most, their music.

Links:

http://www.amplifytheanthems.com/

https://www.facebook.com/amplifytheanthems/

https://twitter.com/amplify_anthems

https://www.instagram.com/amplifytheanthems/

*Prizes are subject to Amplify the Anthems terms and conditions. See website for details.

For more information go to WWW.AMPLIFYTHEANTHEMS.COM and contact ask@quitegreat.co.uk putting www.amplifytheanthems.com in your subject bar.

BBC Radio WM - Interview With Echo Factory Founder Ajay Naik

2015-11-24T11:53:53Z

Interview with Ajay Naik founder of Echo Factory and presenter Arshia Riaz on BBC Radio WM, skip to 1:43:00 into the show to catch them!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p037kbss

Are you looking for a high powered, exciting learning environment that caters for your every musical need? Look no further than Echo Factory! Their unique and tailor-made approach is geared towards enabling students to make it in the music world. And, they have all the resources to equip you with the necessary skills, knowledge, experience and contacts.

Based in Leicester’s vibrant Cultural Quarter, Echo Factory’s newly refurbished building houses its own live venue, record label, recording studio, band practice facilities, cutting edge business hub, music classrooms, lecture theatre, café/bar and chill out zone.

In the UK, the traditional music schools no longer cater for the real needs of young musicians. Echo Factory delivers a life-changing, real-world and relevant experience which draws on your passion for creativity, collaboration and – most importantly – music.

Echo Factory is the perfect place for aspiring musicians, producers and music industry professionals.

Offering courses that truly give students 360 degree knowledge of the global music industry, the results are impressive. All students gain direct access to industry, with placements, showcases and the opportunity to launch their own businesses. Courses include:

· BMus (Hons) Contemporary Music Performance degree
· BA (Hons) Music Business degree
· Music Business short courses
· Private instrumental lessons

To apply for a course, contact Echo Factory now, on 0116 253 5657 or info@echofactory.co.uk

For more information, please visit the Echo Factory website: http://www.echofactory.co.uk

Complex Premier: Jungle Legends Ragga Twins Return With Brand New Single "Vigilante"

2015-11-24T10:26:25Z

COMPLEX PREMIER - http://uk.complex.com/music/2015/11/premiere-ragga-twins-vigilante

Check out 'Vigilante' here: https://soundcloud.com/fatback-records/ragga-twins-feat-pyda-vigilante-final-mix/s-0Xl1S

East London duo Ragga Twins are set to release their new hard hitting electro jungle dub track ‘Vigilante’ with accompanying remixes from Serial Killaz, Martron and Trufix.

Ragga Twins are a dynamic jungle/dub collective made up of Deman Rockers and Flinty Badman. Frequently attributed as being the founding fathers of jungle music, the Ragga Twins have been crafting and building a genre for over 20 years from their humble roots in Hackney to festival stages at Glastonbury and Bestival and support slots with the likes of James Brown.

In a recent interview with the Ragga Twins, Dazed commented on the duo describing them as: “bringing their reggae roots to the hardcore genre in the form of rewinds and lines they’d perfected from their sound system days, the siblings also helped the jungle scene to grow and become one of the most influential music trends in living memory.”

Live dates:

27.11.15 UCOJ
28.11.15 Russia
4.12.15 Hootanannys
5.12.15 The Winter Convention
11.12.15 Jungle Therapy
12.12.15 Nicky Blackmarkets 360 degrees
19.12.15 Philly blunt launch party
31.12.15 Moondance

31.12.15 Bournemouth

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/raggatwinz/

www.twitter.com/raggatwinz

Bassman75 returns with emotive new single

2015-11-17T11:56:00Z

Stream here: https://soundcloud.com/bassman75/dont-judge-me-fast-life

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zi9m_IYZCHI

Legendary R&B artist Bassman is set to release ‘Don’t Judge Me’, his stellar follow up to hit ‘Jamaican Grind’. Although it carries on the dance tangent it is very much a personal ode. Inspired by hardship and medical trauma Bassman felt the best way to convey his emotions was through the medium of music. After an allergic reaction to penicillin and the concept of death very much a reality Bassman decided it was time to write about his experiences. Music saved him and he is now intent on sharing his artistry with as many people as he can.

Stellar new track ‘Don’t Judge Me (Fast Life) is out January 29th

Links:

http://www.bassman75.com/

https://www.youtube.com/user/Bassman75VEVO

https://soundcloud.com/bassman75

https://www.facebook.com/bassman75grindmusic

https://twitter.com/bassman754

https://instagram.com/bassman75music/

Save Sandi Thom

2015-11-13T16:38:13Z

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjKKt59yrbk

The outpouring of Sandi Thom with regards to her not achieving playlist status on Radio 2 and Bauer brings to a head a subject and condition that relates to many musicians highlighting the mental stress they go through when releasing music and attempting to build their career when negative things happen to them. It is a series of symptoms that for over twenty years or more we have seen in artists especially those who have been dropped by major labels and it highlights a discussion that needs to be had that labels should take into account how they ‘drop’ an act. This is not the case with the Sandi Thom situation as she is independent and it is clear that she was suffering from symptoms more closely aligned to pregnancy perhaps. The subject of artist depression within the music industry is still one that it feels Sandi has ignited and needs to be recognised.

Sandi Thom’s meltdown highlights a much bigger issue suffered by musicians, depression, which should be recognised.

It is an incredibly stressful life releasing music and trying to attain fame , and once attained , trying to hang on to success.

Sandi Thom with her heartfelt outpouring online relating to not achieving playlist status with a release simply highlights issues that the Quite Great Label services team have encountered as a growing issue within the music industry. The issue of artists feeling rejection from major media outlets when they are criticised in print , online or in broadcast media is all part of musicians building a career but it also brings to the surface a question as to who owes a duty of care to the artist? This is especially true when understanding the mental stresses that come with an artist or band who has their deal with a major label or a major independent label terminated and suddenly they are found without structure or direction, therefore opening up the debate as to whether those who have signed a band or artist owe a duty of care and hence some type of counselling service to the band in order to negate the risk of short term or long term mental stress or even depression.

One minute the world is potentially at an artist’s feet with everyone doing everything they can to help them sell their music, create and adapt their image as well as giving them dedicated care and attention. Then when they are ‘dropped’ everything stops , and the silence is truly deafening.

Over night the label may potentially cease direct involvement but how wonderful it would be if there was some in built mechanism that could run alongside this that enabled some type of counselling as it is clear when this happens, to a musician it is like a marriage break up so why not treat is as such.

The end of any relationship, especially a long term one, can be truly harrowing for all concerned , but when an artist / label relationship comes to an end maybe the artist symptoms such as despair, rejection, sadness and even anger, should be in some way taken into account and some aid offered.

Having worked with Sandi Thom when her career was just starting it is clear that this momentary emotional blip relating to radio play should just be a temporary thing. However, it is something that all developing artists who do not have labels and are trying to build a career need to prepare for as rejection of any kind is hard for the individual to take but it must be remembered that broadcasters especially wish to play music that the public will embrace so if rejected on one occasion, an artist needs to dust themselves down and create music which they believe in , if the major radio stations do not play your release it may not be that your music is not right it may simply be that the timing of your release ie leading up the Christmas is just a tough time for all artists and a reorganising of their release pattern may help. Most of all the artist needs to maintain belief and keep improving as only their determination and belief will keep things moving forward given that the music industry is based around obstacles, whether it be radio play, TV exposure, that elusive print feature or the breakthrough review on a leading website and once that is understood then a developing artist can prepare for the tough road ahead, but as any successful artist or band finally understands, success brings so much that outweighs the tough times that it took to achieve that success. Every artist wants star status but only the strongest achieve it.

In situations like the one we have just experienced with Sandi Thom, one would hope that the key industry players such as major record label executives and representatives from organisations such as The Musicians Union would come together and discuss a strategy in which artistry can be nurtured and valued by all.

Rebecca James strikes out with hard hitting remix

2015-11-12T12:54:48Z

Rebecca James is a Pop, urban, singer-songwriter who blends vocal harmonies with a modern urban sound. Throw in a twist of classical training and a taste of youthful exuberance and you have an exciting and dynamic pop star.

Backed by the likes of BBC 1Xtra on previous releases, and the original version of On My Way being chosen as BBC Introducing track of the week, Rebecca is back with On My Way, the Gifted remix, which features the very talented V Simmons.

Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/rebeccajamesmusic/on-my-way-ft-vsimmons-gifted-remix

This remix puts Rebecca in a totally new space which only goes to show off her versatility. Her stunning vocals blend well with the trap style synths and compliments this more gritty remix with charm and bold expression.

After lining up on stage next to some of the UK’s biggest artists at The Wembley Arena and completing her own national schools tour, this has already been an impressive year for the Welsh born singer, and with her mixtape due out November 2015 as well as other exciting things planned for 2016, it would be best to keep an eye on Rebecca James for the coming year.

‘On My Way (Gifted Remix) will be available from November 23^rd

Links:

http://www.rebeccajamesmusic.com/

https://www.facebook.com/rebeccajamesmusic

@RebeccaJames_

Snoop Dogg Discovers New English Teen Star

2015-11-09T13:00:48Z

Teen pop darling Skyler has joined hip hop legend Snoop Dogg for her debut offering ‘Fire’. At the tender age of 16, Skyler is crafting dynamic pop hits way beyond her years inspired by the likes of Beyoncé and Christina Aguilera and bands The 1975, All Time Low and Blink-182. Her first collaboration with Snoop Dogg sets the bar pretty high and she is perfectly at ease with the prospect of stardom.

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zn8MfeoiTKE

Hailing from Los Angeles, California and with firm routes in sunny Bournemouth, England, Skyler has got what it takes to break markets in both the US and the UK. The new single ‘Fire’ is her way of making an impact on the world and lighting up people’s lives. As well as being a burgeoning pop star, Skyler loves helping animals and frequently volunteers at animal rescue centres.

On top of a yearning passion for music Skyler is obsessed with everyone’s favourite Antarctic inhabitant, The Penguin. Aside from a fierce passion for these furry flightless birds, Skyler enjoys the exciting world of British football and is a staunch supporter of Arsenal Football Club, waking up in the early hours of the morning to watch her favourite team play.

Skyler is lyrically articulate, vocally stunning and musically in tune and is on her way to cement herself as a lasting pop act.

‘Fire’ featuring Snoop Dogg is out January 29th. Catch the story in the Metro newspaper today!

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/Skyler-680024642128632/

https://instagram.com/skylersmusic/

https://twitter.com/skylersmusic

THE KINKS - SUNNY AFTERNOON, THE VERY BEST OF (2CD) Released 16th October 2015

2015-09-15T14:36:58Z

Original Kinks recordings of songs from the successful West End musical ‘Sunny Afternoon’, including the hits ‘You Really Got Me’, ‘Waterloo Sunset’, ‘Sunny Afternoon’, ‘Dedicated Follower Of Fashion’, ‘Lola’, ‘All Day And All Of The Night’ and more.

"I never heard a Kinks song that I didn’t like" - David Bowie

One of the most iconic and influential British bands of all-time, The Kinks release

‘Sunny Afternoon, The Very Best Of ’ – a must-have 2-disc retrospective – on October 16^th on the BMG label.

The album features original versions of all the songs from the hit West End musical with added bonus tracks not included in the production plus some of Ray Davies's personal picks he feels fit into the context of the release, including other Kinks hits and classics, BBC interviews and BBC session tracks.

Along with a total of 9 UK top 5 hit singles including 3 Number 1s, the album, unlike other Kinks compilations, features tracks chosen by Ray that were not originally hits but over the years have become so due to TV shows, films and covers by other artists.

Following a sold-out run at Hampstead Theatre, ‘Sunny Afternoon’ opened in the West End in 2014 and won 4 Oliver awards including Best New Musical, Best Actor In A Musical, Best Actor In A Supporting Role In A Musical, and Outstanding Achievement In Music for Ray Davies.

From the very instant ‘You Really Got Me’ roared to Number 1 in 1964 The Kinks (along with The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Who) came to define a generation and confirm Britain as the rock ‘n’ roll centre of the world.

With incomparable legendary frontman Ray Davies at the helm, brother Dave on lead guitar, Mick Avory on drums and Pete Quaife on bass, classic after classic followed ‘You Really Got Me’ into the charts, from ‘All Day And All Of The Night’ – which, along with its predecessor, is credited with helping to invent heavy metal and punk– to the risqué ‘Lola’, the pastoral ‘Tired Of Waiting’ and ‘Sunny Afternoon’, a chart topper when England won the World Cup in 1966.

Their 1967 smash hit ‘Waterloo Sunset’ is widely considered to be among the greatest singles ever released – with Pete Townsend, Blur’s Damon Albarn and Paul Weller citing it as one of their everlasting favourites.

The influence of The Kinks on generations of British and US music makers is incalculable, from glam rockers such as David Bowie, Mott The Hoople and Marc Bolan, to the new wave of Ian Dury, Madness, the punk of The Clash and The Pretenders (who had two top 40 hits with Kinks covers), to the heavy metal of Metallica and Van Halen to recent acts like Blur, Oasis, Mumford & Sons and Supergrass… the list goes on.

The Kinks and Ray Davies in particular have been resurgent recently with not only the West End musical being phenomenally successful but also Ray closing the 2012 London Olympic games with a stunning rendition of ’Waterloo Sunset’, watched by nearly 1 billion people worldwide, and also releasing his autobiography ‘Americana: The Kinks, The Road and The Perfect Riff’.

The Kinks – ‘Sunny Afternoon, The Very Best Of’ tracklisting:

DISC 1

1 You Still Want Me

2 I Gotta Move

3 Just Can't Go To Sleep

4 Denmark Street

5 A Well Respected Man

6 Dead End Street

7 Dedicated Follower Of Fashion

8 You Really Got Me

9 Set Me Free

10 Till The End Of The Day

11 This Strange Effect (BBC Session)

12 Stop Your Sobbing

13 This Is Where I Belong

14 Where Have All The Good Times Go

15 All Day And All Of The Night

16 This Time Tomorrow

17 Maximum Consumption

18 Sitting In My Hotel

19 I Go To Sleep (Demo)

20 I'm Not Like Everybody Else

21 Too Much On My Mind

22 Tired Of Waiting For You

23 The Moneygoround

DISC 2

1 Sunny Afternoon

2 A Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy

3 Days

4 A Long Way From Home

5 Waterloo Sunset

6 Lola

7 Look A Little On The Sunny Side

8 Party Line

9 Who'll Be The Next In Line

10 Tell Me Now So I Know (Demo Version)

11 Starstruck

12 Victoria

13 Brainwashed

14 Powerman

15 Gotta Be Free

16 The Way Love Used To Be

17 Kinks BBC Interviews (1964-1966)

18 You Really Got Me (BBC Session Track)

19 Tired Of Waiting For You (BBC Session Track)

20 Death Of A Clown (BBC Session Track)

21 BBC Interview

22 BBC Interview

23 BBC Interview

24 Death Of A Clown (BBC Session Track)

25 WPIX U.S. TV Interview (1965)

www.thekinks.info/

Bad Touch To Play Time Out London - Rising Stars Night of Blues and Rock at Jazz Cafe Tuesday November 10

2015-08-11T14:25:37Z

Time Out Rising Stars is back! This time, they've handpicked five of the best blues and rock artists on the scene to entertain you for one exclusive Time Out evening at Camden Town’s historical Jazz Cafe.

The whole thing only costs you a tenner! Where else can you catch the next generation of rock stars in an intimate setting for that little? Nowhere, that’s where! Rising Stars of Blues and Rock is exactly what the November pages in your diary have been begging for – don’t miss out!

Quite Great are thrilled to announce Bad Touch will be on the bill for the night of awesome Rock and Blues!

Get you tickets now!

http://uk-offers.timeout.com/deals/event-rising-stars-of-blues-and-rock