Monday 30 September 2013

The Bedroom Hour Q&A

Your name: 
Lewis Cosham (Drums).

Where are you from?
Hillingdon, West London.

Band name:
The Bedroom Hour.

Who else is in your band?
Stuart Drummond (Vocals)
Rob Payne (Guitar)
Dan Rider (Bass)
Mark Dudley (Keyboard)

How would you describe yourselves?
Dark/atmospheric indie band.

Who are your main influences musically?
Everyone has their own influences although as a band I'd say it's a mixture of The Cure, Simple Minds, Joy Division, Elbow and some Editors.

What do you hope to achieve in music?
I suppose as a band we'd like people to hear our music and enjoy it, if they can relate to it that's always a bonus and obviously if we can achieve some success along the way our goals will have been met.

What has been the highlight of your music career so far?
I think highlights since I've joined the band could be our gigs in Scotland & Manchester. Those guys know how to party! I really enjoy local gigs around London on a personal note as well.

And what's the moment you want to forget?
I don't really think there's been a moment to forget yet! Probably be a few now that I've said that though.

If you had to choose just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
I suppose one of the songs that shows what we're about is Tyrannosaur, you can give it a listen/buy it from our EP 'Themes' which is on iTunes.

Where can we find out more about your music?
You can follow us on Twitter @Thebedroomhour and like us on Facebook as well. We have a 'street team' on both facebook and twitter where you can find out info and gig details before the general public. Visit our website www.thebedroomhour.com for everything you'll need to know about the band and you can find our EP on all digital download sites such as iTunes and Amazon, physical copies can be ordered from the links on our website.

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask?
Catch one of our upcoming live gigs for a great night out, don't be shy and come and say hi! I'd say some bands offer a completely different experience live and we definitely try to do that!

The Twilights Q&A

Your name: 
Doug McKay.

Where are you from?    
Winnipeg, Canada.

Name of band: 
The Twilights.

Who is in your band?
Rick Roschuk (singer), Ally Ryback (singer), Ed Burnett (drums, vocals), Doug McKay (keys, vocals), Frank Piske (guitar, vocals), Warren Weldon (sax, vocals), Johnny Moore (bass, vocals).

How would you describe yourselves?  
A 50s & 60s rockingly fun group that relives the oldies, but goodies, from the 50s & 60s!

Who are your main influences musically?  
Roy Orbison, Johnny Rivers, The Platters, Buddy Holly, Sam Cooke, Connie Francis, Patsy Cline, Dean Martin, Everly Brothers, and many more!

What do you hope to achieve in music?   
To play for as many people as we can, to entertain our audiences, and bring smiles to their faces as we share the journey down memory lane!

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?  
We played in front of nearly 30,000 people during a professional sports game (north american 'football' game) at a halftime show. 

And what’s the moment you want to forget?  
Many moments with our 'former' ex-lead singer (who stole money from us! And he had a sinus problem!).

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why? 
Secret Agent Man - mainly because we're kinda mysterious, secretive, and mostly men (except for our female singer, of course!).

Where can we listen to it?


Where can we find out more about your music?

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask? 
Yes, we're just humbled Canadians that love music and wish to share that passion with as many people as possible! Cheers!   : )


Sunday 29 September 2013

Paramore storm it at Wembley

I GOT lucky the other week and won tickets from Kerrang Radio to see Paramore at Wembley Arena, so thought I'd take the opportunity to give you guys a little review of the gig.

I took my 12-year-old son along for his first proper concert and we got there in time to see both supporting acts. First up was the oddly-named Eliza And The Bear, a London-based band who feature five guys none of which are called Eliza.

It's a jaunty warm up to get the crowd going and they play a handful of tracks that come across as a mixture of Mumford & Sons and Two Door Cinema Club, but with added youthful exuberance. Sort of like The Coral in their early pomp but less surreal. Their songs, though rather forgettable, do the job at the time and get the crowd bouncing.

Next up is Charli XCX, who regrettably fails to really connect with the audience. Her voice is obviously decent, but she shouts too much and isn't helped but what seems like a sub-standard sound system. Charli also seems to put too much effort into coming across as "hardcore" when she's an out-and-out pop act.
Her biggest reception comes from the hit I Love It, which she wrote and featured on when it became a world-wide smash for Swedish synthpop duo Icona Pop. Other than that, it was just polite cheers for her songs and screams when she mentioned Paramore.

But if Charli brought the enjoyment down a little, it was soon up again. Paramore have a hardcore following of fans and could've just stood on the stage picking their noses and got an amazing reaction. Fortunately, they opt for singing and we all have a good time.

They kick off with Grow Up, followed by Fast In My Car and That's What You Get before really cranking up the scream factor with Decode and then Ignorance. The original trio that remain - Hayley Williams, Jeremy Davis and Taylor York - are full of energy, leaping around, running from stage left to right and making sure the crowd get plenty of face-time. Williams is superb at working the crowd, making sure the "connection" is there and it is clear they are all putting in a shift. Behind them are two more guitarists and the drummer, however, who sit in situ throughout. I would guess they wouldn't mind a run around too.

The songs continue as Now is followed by a few slower tracks and interludes before Hayley and the boys build it back up with Brick By Boring Brick and Crushcrushcrush. But it's with Misery Business - their 18th track of the night so far - that the band seal this as a night to remember.

Mid-way through after a bit of crowd sing-along, Williams stops the song and pulls a fan up from the audience to sing along with her. An excitable Sue - complete with backpack and homemade sign - is the lucky fan and everyone sings along wishing they were up there in her place hugging the sweaty little lead singer.

They go off stage after that but there's little surprise to see them back after some calls for some Paramore-more-more. They re-emerge with Part II, follow that with a little interlude before bringing the house to a climax with Still Into You.

I've been a fan of Paramore's music for some time although as a man in my mid-30s it's not something I think I'm meant to admit. I mean, it's for teenage girls isn't it? Still, in the words of Charli XCX, I don't care. It was a really fun show that didn't take itself too seriously with a band that had a connection with its audience and seemed to enjoy and appreciate them being there. Other so-called big bands I've seen live have barely said "hello" to the audience.

Williams - despite her small frame - is a real powerhouse, who controls and conducts the whole evening, really seals the deal. A top front-person. And a great show.

Joe Moorhead Band Q&A

Your name:
Joe Moorhead.

Where are you from?
I grew up outside of Cleveland, Ohio. Most people laugh at that, as my music is all about island living. The vibe definitely comes from the years back and forth to the Virgin Islands and not Cleveland.

Name of band:
Joe Moorhead Band.

Who else is in your band? 
The band consists of four members. Myself (Acoustic Guitar, Lead Vocals), Jonny Morrow (Lead Guitar), Tyler Lovell (Bass Guitar), and Justin Banks (Drums).

How would you describe yourselves?
The whole band is very laid back. We take the music very seriously but we really don't take ourselves too seriously. No divas in this group. Most would probably describe us as modern day hippies. 

Who are your main influences musically?
People describe our music as Jack Johnson meets Sublime. As those are two artists I personally love, the bands influences range from Ali Farka Toure to Red Hot Chili Peppers. We listen to music from all over the world and are influenced by anything new or unique to us.

What do you hope to achieve in music?
I can honestly say that if we have the opportunity to still be playing music together in years to come we have achieved everything we wanted to in music. We are living our goals and dreams right now.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?
The highlight of our career so far has been being able to sustain a living as musicians. As most musicians will tell you, that is a very hard task and we feel extremely lucky to have that success.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?
We had been on the road a long time traveling through Iowa to Nebraska when our van broke down. We were in the middle of nowhere. After we got towed to the nearest mechanic we found out it was going to take at least four days for parts to come in. The show was in just a few hours so we had to borrow a car from the mechanic to drive to the nearest rental car company (over 45 miles away) to then back track, unload our trailer into the rental cars, and make it to the show. I am happy to say we have never missed a show but that was a test to our mental stability and our bodies exhaustion.  

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
It would have to be the song Bad Day off our new album, Tides Are Rising. The title of the song is almost an oxymoron. Though the lyrics talk about a bad day in the islands, to me, a bad day in the islands is better then a good day anywhere else. The song is fun, not too serious, and laid back. It encompasses the essence of what this band is all about.

Where can we listen to it? 
You can see the video for the song, "Bad Day", here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XECfOUWuoV8


Where can we find out more about your music?

Crumplehorns Q&A

Your name: 
David (Korg/slide guitar).

Where are you from? 
Scarborough, UK.

Name of band: 
Crumplehorns.

Who else is in your band? 
 Matt (bass), Barrie (guitar), Tim (vocals), John (drums), Steve (sax).

How would you describe yourselves? 
Fast, catchy, anti-coalition, post-punk with occasional medieval, folk and blues overtones.

Who are your main influences musically? 
The Nightingales, The Fall and Captain Beefheart.

What do you hope to achieve in music? 
Communicate ideas and energy. Raise money for charities and good causes.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why? 
Recording our first single this year, though we're hoping to trump that with our first gig, supporting The Nightingales on John Peel Day 2013.

And what’s the moment you want to forget? 
None so far but, personally, every moment of my first marriage ;)

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why? 
It would have to be our new single 'Simon Says', a troubling depiction of a relationship going wrong through jealousy and possessiveness. Our songs concern personal struggles such as alienation, depression and loss, as well as wider environmental and social issues.

Where can we listen to it? 


Where can we find out more about your music?

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask?
Our first single ‘Simon Says’/’Harold's Eye’ will be released on Robert Lloyd's Big Print Records on October 25th 2013.
The launch party, which is also a celebration of Keeping It Peel Day, is a free gig with The Nightingales at The Spa Pub, Scarborough, UK.
All profits from the single and donations on the night will go to Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale MIND. 


Saturday 28 September 2013

Melissa Bel Q&A

Your name:
Melissa Bel.

Where are you from?
Burlington, Ontario, Canada.

How would you describe yourself?
Pop with a dash of blues, pinch of folk and a lot of soul.

Who are your main influences musically?
The Beatles have always been my No. 1...then there's Aretha Franklin, John Mayer, The Temptations, Gavin Degraw, Mavis Staples...And I grew up singing lots of Christina Aguilera, so she definitely deserves some credit. 

What do you hope to achieve in music?
To sell out stadiums and win Grammys...lots of Grammys. And do a duet with Paul McCartney. To play all around the world to audiences who are there to hear my music. I dream big :)

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?
There have been a couple...in April 2013 I played my first shows in London, England, opening for Juno winner Matthew Good. I was quite nervous, but the crowd in London was amazing!! And in November 2012 I won a contest here in Toronto at a showcase called HoneyJam and won a trip to perform at a similar showcase in Barbados. It was actually a dream.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?
I don't think anything has been so bad that I'd want to forget it (thankfully!). There have been some less-than-ideal shows and moments for sure, but you always end up taking something out of them and being better for it.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
Let's go with C'est La Vie off of my newest EP (titled Don't Forget to Breathe - shameless plug!). I think it's a good marriage of my blues side and my pop side, mixing some contemporary sounds that I'm experimenting  with, and classic elements that I've always loved.

Where can we listen to it?



Where can we find out more about your music?
instagram/melbelmusic

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask?
I can't wait to come back and play in the UK!! In fact I recently got my UK passport (my Dad is British)...so you might just be seeing a whole lot more of me soon :)

The New Ages Q&A

Your name:
Ludo.

Where are you from?
I'm from the French Alps but I live in Birmingham since a year so I'm now 30% Brummie.

Name of band:
The New Ages.

Who else is in your band?
Ant, Dan and Ben.

How would you describe yourselves?
A cool band from Birmingham in love with music who really like to perform. We are simple people who focus on playing with as much freedom as we can. 

Who are your main influences musically?
Everybody has their own influences and we've got some in common. We don't try to copy something or follow a style we just do what we want. Sometimes it can sound like like Red Hot Chili Peppers, sometimes like Muse... We are eclectic and care about the groove and the feelings. 

What do you hope to achieve in music?
Become pro and do really good gigs all around the world, but for now we are very pleased to play all around England in nice little pubs with such a good atmosphere. 

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?
I don't know it is hard to pick one, we have a lot of very good souvenirs. Our band exists only seven months and we've already done more than 25 gigs. We did two open mics in the same night, one in Birmigham (The Yardbird) and then in Sutton Coldfield (The Gate). It is probably our best performance in Sutton this night, we were in the groove and well together it was perfect. The Bakers Vaults (Oxjam Festival) in Manchester was a very nice venue to play with nice people to finish a mini tour in Manchester - this was a very good day as well. 

And what’s the moment you want to forget?
Nothing honestly and now it is the past. Maybe on the road to Derby my band mates put a crap French song "ces soirées la" very loud in the car for more than 10 times! Haha actually it was perfect, I'll never forget this moment. 

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
The next song that we will create. The next song is always the most interesting. 

Where can we listen to it?
Soon on Soundcloud but for now you can go and listen to Disguise, you will feel better after - www.soundcloud.com/thenewages/disguise



Where can we find out more about your music?
Everywhere don't hesitate to follow us on Twitter and Facebook. 

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask?
Support live music and bands like us where having a good philosophy is very important.

Friday 27 September 2013

Debut EP from Ric Birtill

THIS is The Preston EP - the debut release by Ric Birtill.

It features five songs about religion, romance, employment, agoraphobia and alcohol and is inspired by his life in Preston, Lancashire.

If you enjoy what you hear, find out more about Ric at www.ricbirtill.com, www.facebook.com/ricbirtill or www.twitter.com/ricbirtill


Thursday 26 September 2013

Logaine Q&A

Your name:
John.

Where are you from?
Italy.

Name of band:
Logaine.

Who else is in your band? 
Different session musicians.

How would you describe yourselves?
A rock'n'roll musician (guitarist,singer,songwriter).

Who are your main influences musically?
AC/DC, Iggy  &the Stooges, Stones, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Alice Cooper, Sex Pistols, Lou Reed, Pink Floyd, Kiss..

What do you hope to achieve in music?
Getting very busy and keep writing great new songs.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?
Many up and downs. The time living in L.A was pretty cool.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?
All the times I've been broken with lack of money and inspiration.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
How many times..

Where can we listen to it?


Where can we find out more about your music?

One Man Revival Q&A

Your name:
Andy.

Where are you from?
Sunderland, England.

Name of band:
One Man Revival.

Who else is in your band?
Kyle Smith & Wayne Glaister.

How would you describe yourselves?
Kind of a rock band with a subtle, mellow edge to our sound at times… I didn’t want to be tarnished with the ‘one trick pony’ brush, so we went out on a whim to do a bit of both acoustic and electric.
The band started off as an acoustic act, the ‘Revival’ part of the name is the other band members that have joined after this point. 

Who are your main influences musically?
We’re all into different music genres really, I’m into more American rock (Jimmy Eat World, Foo Fighters etc) whilst Wayne is into Alice Cooper, Slade and the Stereophonics, with Kyle being into Biffy Clyro, Muse and Interpol! A band with many different musical tastes!

What do you hope to achieve in music?
We’re taking things one step at a time really, we’d love to be going on massive tours and going around Europe, but c’est la vie if it doesn’t happen!
As long as people keep coming to see us and keep singing along, that’s all that matters J! 

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?
We’ve played a fair few ‘good’ shows now, but the best place would be Montrose music Festival, the crowd there were just fantastic, best feeling I’ve ever had in music is watching strangers dance to your whole hour set. Unbelievable.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?
Erm, playing at the dog and parrot in Newcastle and as soon as our opening music came on, everyone left. We didn’t even play one second of music, just shows how fickle it can be at times!

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would  it be and why?
If I had to choose only one song I would choose ‘In The End’, It sums up the whole feel of the band totally. I wrote the riff whilst just messing around on Waynes house one night, the song was wrote from start to finish that night and it’s still our strongest song to date!

Where can we listen to it?



Where can we find out more about your music?

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask?
Maybe not just about ourselves really, but to anyone that reads this. Support live and unsigned music, it’s not as easy for the ones you’ve never heard of if you don’t give them the chance as we need people in to keep us going!

Wednesday 25 September 2013

Sirens & Shelter Q&A

Your name: 
Scott Mallard.

Where are you from? 
North Kent, England.

Name of band: 
Sirens & Shelter.

Who else is in your band? 
It's just me!

How would you describe yourself? 
I'm reasonably tall, average build, I sweat a lot, I don't like shaving much and my teeth aren't so great. I spend most of the year in jean shorts and a t-shirt.

Who are your main influences musically? 
Mike Kinsella (Owen), Sam Duckworth (GetCapeWearCapeFly), Good Old War, The Dangerous Summer. 

What do you hope to achieve in music? 
That I sell enough records at a show to afford Dominos pizza on the way home.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why? 
Touring with The Satellite Year and Giants (UK) because I got to ride along in an amazing bus! Either that or playing a sold out show in Barcelona.

And what’s the moment you want to forget? 
Swearing a lot because I was really nervous/excited at family show... this happens too much come to think of it.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why? 
Probably my new single 'Landing Lights' as it's pure passion and emotion mixed with some cool acoustic guitar licks and it's real catchy.

Where can we listen to it? 
It will be on my soundcloud page soon! http://www.soundcloud.com/sirens_shelter

Where can we find out more about your music? 

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask? 
My album 'Through The War' is out on the 10th October 2013 on Engineer Records... you should listen to it!

Dearly Beloved Q&A

Your name:  
Niva Chow aka The Chairman.

Where are you from? 
Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Name of band: 
Dearly Beloved.

Who else is in your band?
Rob Higgins (bass), Gavin 'the Pedal' Maguire, Bobby Wasabi and Rob doesn't have a nickname cuz he's a dick.

How would you describe yourselves?
We are definitely not a band that you can fit in one pretty little genre box. We have influences in punk, garage and classic rock, blues and jazz - people generally are at a loss when it comes to labeling us and I think that's a good thing.
If I had to say something, I guess full throttle, garage fuelled, bass driven rock - with a little Sonny & Cher on the side.

Who are your main influences musically?
We are pretty eclectic band and so are our influences are also diverse - X, No Means No, Sonic Youth, John Coltrane, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, The Dead Weather, The Kills, The Clash, Hendrix.

What do you hope to achieve in music?
We want to drive a Jaguar with a live jaguar wearing chains of gold while racing through the English countryside. Barring that, playing music ‘til we die. It would be truly lovely to make some small lovely contribution to the grand history and landscape that is rock ‘n’ roll.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?
The moment is pretty great. Sold out show in Brooklyn, NY at the Music Hall of Williamsburg opening for Juliette Lewis & the New Romantique. The energy in that room that night was killer and something I will never forget.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?
I don't know if there are any - it's a long glorious ride with many ups and downs.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
I'm super excited about the upcoming release of Enduro in 2014 but for now I'd say "She" - it's got a killer energy about it. Manifesto from our first record is really that - our manifesto!

Where can we listen to it?
We shot a viral video for it, I can't send you that just yet but it's coming!




Where can we find out more about your music?

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask?
After touring across North America the past few years The Beloveds are more than stoked to play to audiences overseas. Chaos, tempered with love. Delivered with great fury.

Tuesday 24 September 2013

New album from Visc

THE Original Rebels is the new album from experimental artist Visc.

Dylan Fellows - the mastermind behind the project - told RealSoundsOK about the evolution behind the new album.

He said: "It's is a monster-themed album. Each song is about a specific monster that scared me as a child, which is why I almost named the album 'Frightened Dylan'. 

"Coming from 'Virtual Friends', my wildly successful second album, I was really lost as to what kind of music to make. I wandered around genres for about a year, trying to figure out what kind of sound I wanted to make, and it was in about January of this year that I realized what was wrong. I was focused on the instrumentation of the album, instead of the theme of it. 

"Once I chose my theme, which was actually pretty easy, the instrumentation sort of fell into place."

The Original Rebels is much darker than its predecessor, but Dylan adds: "I think - and hope - that is still maintains the light-hearted 'it's all a joke' vibe, which I think is an important part in any song I write.

"I used much more guitars than on Virtual Friends and placed the synth work in the background, using it as more of an accent than a structure.

"
I wrote and recorded everything by myself, but to add a little diversity in the background, I had a few friends, including my sister, come record some back-up. I always recommend having some friends stop by to add a bit to the track, even if it doesn't add a ton to the song. It's always a hilariously good time, and it really takes away some of the stresses of recording."

You can download The Original Rebels - along with Visc's other releases - at visc.bandcamp.com for 'Name Your Price'.

To find out a little more about Dylan, check out the Q&A he did with RealSoundsOK back in March.


New EP from Juliette Ashby

BRITISH singer-songwriter Juliette Ashby will release a new EP, Take It Over, on October 6th.

She showcased the five tracks at the Jazz Cafe in her native Camden last week, and she has already received positive feedback from VH1, BBC Introducing and BBC 1xtra. 

You can check out the tracks below and for more information visit www.julietteashby.com, www.twitter.com/julietteashby or www.facebook.com/julietteashby


Dos Ringos Q&A

Your names: 
Trent Harris and Scot Heminger.

Where are you from? 
Originally from North Webster, Indiana now living in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Name of band:
Dos Ringos.

How would you describe yourselves? 
Just a couple guys writing and recording music.

Who are your main influences musically? 
That's a hard one: everything from Drive By Truckers to Allman Brothers and Wilco with some Johnny Cash, Tom Waits and Warren Zevon thrown in!

What do you hope to achieve in music? 
First: a single to get to the top 100, second: a single to get to the top 10, third: be nominated for a Grammy, finally; actually win a Grammy.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why? 
Hearing our songs played on various internet and radio shows.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?
Nothing, i want to remember everything, in the end all we have is memories.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
Long Time. It has a catchy guitar riff and probably represents the Dos Ringos style if there is such a thing.

Where can we listen to it?




Where can we find out more about your music?

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask? 
Should be releasing our first album within the next couple months.