Friday 30 May 2014

MCR's Gerard Way among 50 more acts for Reading and Leeds

THE backstage areas at Reading and Leeds Festivals are going to be rammed this year - the organisers have just added another 50 acts to an already bulging bill.

Topping the list of new additions is former My Chemical Romance frontman Gerard Way performing his first ever solo UK show.

And ensuring there is lots for every musical taste on the line-up, hip-hop heavyweight Schoolboy Q has signed up along with Maverick Sabre, as have Aussie thrash-pop duo DZ Deathrays and screamo titans La Dispute.

Sigma, Indiana, We Came As Romans, Brutality Will Prevail, We Are Scientists and Little Matador are also among the gazillion new additions that are too many to list here.

But if you do want the full list - as well as how to get any of the remaining tickets - head over to readingfestival.com or leedsfestival.com now. Now dammit!

Thursday 29 May 2014

Harper stream new EP Mono No Aware

Photography by Luke Weall
ALT-rock four-piece Harper are streaming their new EP Mono No Aware ahead of its release.

The London/Essex outfit recorded the EP earlier this year at Shelter Studio in Dalston and was produced by Dominic Rippel.

Matt from the band gave RealSoundsOK a track-by-track run down of Mono No Aware, as follows...

Cast in Stone - This song came together pretty organically, and when we were discussing the tracks we wanted to record, we knew we had to have this in there, and it had to be the opening track. 

Eastern Road Dance - The oldest song on there, but also one of our favourites. We tried experimenting with different textures and vocal harmonies. Our producer was great when it came to this, he really encouraged a lot of experimentation that has ended up on the E.P. Even though it's probably the oldest song we play live now, the outcome of its recording has breathed a new life into it. A good driving song, or so the boys in the band that can drive tell me.

Bringing Me Down - This song is again, a lot of fun to play. Unlike the first two tracks, which are us kind of presenting a new world of ours, Bringing Me Down is a bit more straight forward. We wanted to incorporate some classic song structures but give those structures our own feel, keeping it heavy, but a bit more danc-ey perhaps.

Ligature - Probably our most far out song, and definitely one that shows what we're about in the studio. It's a difficult one to pull off live. But that's not to say it lacks anything, if anything we knew we wanted this to end the E.P, and show our progression throughout the 15 minutes that make up Mono No Aware. When Jam was recording his bass part, we knew we were onto something. It's a real show-piece of the rhythm section in the band.

You can listen to the EP below or at soundcloud.com/HarperBandUK and for more on Harper, check out the Q&A they did with RealSoundsOK back in January by clicking here.

Apostle Q&A

Your name:
James Edem Udofia.

Where are you from?
Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria.

Name of band:
Heaven Is Mine Entertainment.

Who is in your band?
Apostle and AIE.

How would you describe yourselves?
I’m lovely, fair in complexion, tall and a little bit slim, good looking. I’m irresistible and a lot more.

Who are your main influences musically?
Just me. I’m inspired through my own inspiration, but actually I listen to rap music like Lacre, Tubymag and the rest. I’m just me.

What do you hope to achieve in music?
My goal in the music industry is to preach the gospel, for the scripture says go into the world and preach the gospel, and I'm doing it through a musical way. I sing to inspire people and also bring them
closer to God. Through the message I put on in a musical form.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?
Actually, I promise to help those who are in need of help, and also I own a label so as to help those who have the talent of singing to prove to the world what God has given them. Also in every
career they must be a challenged. But with God, all things are possible.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?
Whenever I listen to one of my favourite tracks titled Jesus Loves Me, I remember that there is hope in life and all my pains and bother is being taken away. He died on the cross for my sins. I'm so proud to be a true son of God, Heaven is mine.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be?



Where can we find out more about your music?

Wednesday 28 May 2014

Joaquim Barato Q&A

Your name:
João Caldeira Bispo.

Where are you from?
I'm from Portugal, but am living in Lima, Peru.

Name of band:
It's a one-man music persona called Joaquim Barato.

How would you describe yourself?
I'm interested in deconstructing the concept of the standard song, while keeping some of its characteristics, and on producing music that goes beyond genre barriers. My music has been described as dreampop, ethereal, post-rock, indie folk, shoegaze.

Who are your main influences musically?
My music is influenced by artists such as Slowdive, Dakota Suite, Mogwai, David Sylvian, Low, Red House Painters, Pink Floyd, Neil Young and Joy Division, among others. 

What do you hope to achieve in music?
My aim is to set moods, emotions and get reactions from listeners with each song, and somehow challenge them to keep an open mind and an attitude of acceptance.
Sometimes disregarding technical rules, I allow my songs to breath their own life into existence, owning their beauty and supposed flaws.
I could say my music is a sort of statement of love for this world, and for individuals as part of a whole.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?
Every time a new song is born, and every time someone connects to a song, that's a highlight for me, a moment of discovery and awe.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?
Every moment that has marked me in some way counts, even if I haven't enjoyed it. It has passed, whether I forget it or not.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
I have enjoyed composing and producing the song "You Go In Circles You Are The Universe" very much, and have released it recently on my split EP with Finnish duo Flying Cape Experience, so that would be a good representation of my sound.



Where can we find out more about your music?

I See Angels Q&A

Your name: 
Paul Baird.

Where are you from? 
Manchester, England.

Name of band: 
I See Angels.

Who is in your band? 
Paul Baird - Vocals/Guitar/Keys
Martin Cowan - Bass
Chris Norwood - Drums
Lowell Killen - Guitar

How would you describe yourselves?
Purveyors of fine cinematic dream-pop.

Who are your main influences musically?
We absorb as much music as we can, new and old. Lasting influences include: Cocteau Twins, Radiohead, Ennio Morricone, Sonic Youth, Massive Attack, Pixies, David Bowie, Other Lives, QOTSA, Stina Nordenstam, Charles Mingus, Kate Bush, Dead Can Dance, Nirvana, St. Vincent, Elliott Smith, Pink Floyd, John Grant, Peter Tosh, Liam Hayes & Plush, Chavez, The Beatles, Talking Heads, Dif Juz, Prince, The Replacements, tUnE-yArDs, John Coltrane, R.E.M., Galaxie 500... 

What do you hope to achieve in music?
Be the best band in the world. Our parents think we've already cracked it.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?
This Q&A ranks pretty highly.
We've also made a couple of albums that we're fond of and played some shows at venues like Manchester Apollo and The Fuzz Club in Athens, Greece, that made us feel all gooey - emotional stuff. 

And what’s the moment you want to forget?
Being stuck in a Swiss airport for 24 hours at Christmas due to bad weather - hungover, exhausted, not knowing if or when we'd get home. We'd partied like wild beasts through the night after a show in Greece - after a quick pit stop at the hotel to collect our belongings, we journeyed to the airport only to face redirected flights to Switzerland and agonising delays. The waiting and the wondering was made worse by the epic come downs we were all having. It felt like we experienced all the extremes of being in a touring band in a 48-hour period - we loved it. We hated it.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
Atoms (Breakdown) - you said pick one and it's the first one that popped into my head. It's an okay pop song I guess. It's no more representative of us than any of our other songs - we like to mix things up a bit. It's easy to sing along to. 

Where can we listen to it?



Where can we find out more about your music?

Anything else you’d like to say that I forgot to ask?
We have a new EP on the way very soon - in the meantime you can download both of our albums for name your price/free at Bandcamp.

Tuesday 27 May 2014

Scary Cherry and the Bang Bangs Q&A

Your name:  
Scary Cherry.

Where are you from?  
We are from Dallas, Texas.

Name of band: 
Scary Cherry and the Bang Bangs.

Who is in your band? 
Scary Cherry, Minx the Jinx, NovaCraig, Robadala and Alan Mallets.

How would you describe yourselves?  
Glitter punk.

Who are your main influences musically?  
It comes from all over...from Iggy Pop to Queen, Lou Reed, Trent Reznor, Muse, Joan Jett, Alice Cooper, Sweet, Johnny Cash, Cheap Trick.

What do you hope to achieve in music?  
Just to be able to keep creating music that we like. Would really love to play in Europe!

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?  
With the Bang Bangs we have had several milestones...from winning the OurStage/MTV grand prize, opening up for Slash and MegaDeath, Lords of Acid, Misfits. The Independent Music Awards nominating our debut album GIRL for Best Rock Album and Don't Wanna for Best Rock Single 

And what’s the moment you want to forget?  
When I had to perform with food poisoning. It went off well, but man, it was friggin tough!

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
That's a tough one. Crazy Jane because it's soft, hard and a bit fucked up...same with Tracked Down and Don't Wanna is just Balls (or ovaries) to the wall...it's just a hard call for me...all I can say is JAM OUT WITH YOUR GLAM OUT!!!

Where can we listen to it?


Where can we find out more about your music?

Anything else you’d like to say that I forgot to ask?  
The band was born out of all female flat track roller derby here in Dallas. I (Scary Cherry) played for five years. I was a captain, a coach and on the travel team. Our music is a lot like derby...hard hitting, full of sexy violence and fun!  xoxox 

Duncan Stagg & The Threadbare Band Q&A

Your name:
Duncan Stagg.

Where are you from?
Bristol, but currently living in Abu Dhabi for a little while.

Name of band:
Duncan Stagg & the Threadbare Band.

Who else is in your band?
The line up for the upcoming EP was:
Me - Vocals, Guitar, Banjo
Alex Hawker - Horns, Keyboards, Backing Vocals, Bass
Jai Widdowson-Jones - Drums
Since then we have been playing with the marvellous Chris Axe on bass for the live shows.

How would you describe yourselves?
I guess Americana/country rock would be the broad term. I started out writing and recording in my bedroom, so there was always a melodic acoustic aspect to my writing. Since getting together with the band though, I have been enjoying playing the sort of drunk country rock bar tunes that go great with the sound of breaking beer bottles. So I guess a mix of that really!

Who are your main influences musically?
I would say Sam Beam of Iron & Wine has been a huge influence. His songs are simple but so stunning, they are like lullabies for adults. It seems so easy when you break it down, C Am F G and a nice melody, but you could spend a lifetime trying to achieve what he does with it.
Deer Tick influence the other side of me, John McCauley is a great songwriter. He has some amazing lyrical ideas and great musical moments, but when you see them on stage with all the energy and antics, it seems like all of that is so natural and he's just there to have fun with his friends. That's a great thing to see.

What do you hope to achieve in music?
I want to write a great song, play a great show with some great friends and generally have a great time! It's a lot to ask for, but dream big right? I also want to see the world, but I have no money. So if I could do that on a tour then that would be really handy!

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?
When I had just started playing and singing (I grew up a metalhead guitarist wanting to bust double-tapping solos over everything), I posted a few videos on youtube of me covering some songs, such was the norm. Then out of the blue I had an email from John McCauley of Deer Tick asking if I would be up for playing a song with them on their UK tour. I didn't believe it for a while but sure enough, couple of months later I was onstage with them at End of the Road Festival! That was crazy.
More recently, I played at my favourite bar in Bristol (Under the Stars, the one on the boat) surrounded by all my friends just before I left the country. I tricked them all into going there under the pre tense of a leaving party, but got the band together and we managed to shoot a music video as well. It's still being edited at the moment but I'm really excited about it!

And what’s the moment you want to forget?
I haven't had any dramatic on stage problems really, I've missed cues and started in the wrong key after a few too many brews etc, but nothing too drastic.
I have written some truly awful songs mind. I recently found some of the really early stuff I wrote when I was a typical heartbroken teenager. It's horrifying to think I might have showed them to somebody.
Also don't get drunk at a party and start playing the guitar. Sometimes it may work and it will be a great night, but more often than not you will just look like an idiot.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
Tough one, if I wanted to represent Duncan Stagg & the Threadbare Band then it would probably be Tiger Cub from my upcoming E.P. It's big and loud with a horn section, call and response backing vocals and a guitar solo. So it's a lot of fun!
If I wanted to represent Duncan Stagg the chap who writes and records in his bedroom with a few glasses of wine, then it would probably be Tales. Gentle fingerpicking acoustic, a story and a few nice harmonies. Tales also happens to be one of the few tracks that I have a video of, so there's that.

Where can we listen to it?



Where can we find out more about your music? 

Anything else you’d like to say that I forgot to ask?
The E.P. will be coming out pretty soon. I'm waiting until I'm back in the UK before I release it, would be pretty pointless if the only shows I could play were via Skype.
Until then, I have a few covers and things on my old soundcloud page, or there are a few videos on youtube I did with my good friend Sinead Clare (fantastic singer and artist) and Mike Isaacs (great producer, he did my E.P.).
Also, thanks for your time!

Monday 26 May 2014

The Coppertone is back with EP

BLUES rocker The Coppertone releases her EP The Bakery today.

It is her first album since her break and subsequent campaign to regain control of her music from her old label.

It's been two years since she put out a record or played a live show, during which time Amanda - aka Red - says she has written more than 200 songs.

She told RealSoundsOK: "My fans helped liberate me to really start again, there are not many chances in life when we are so blessed.

"I knew I needed to honour them and honour myself. It took a lot of strength to stop, sit in that stillness and really process everything that had just happened in order to figure out the next right step forward.

"I made a lot of changes for the integrity of my art. Changes that took time, which included leaving my former label and starting back up from scratch. One woman, one step at a time.

"The Bakery is my triumphant return. It's about integrity, art and authenticity."

You can listen to the EP below and for more information visit thecoppertone.com or find her on Facebook.


Upbeat but emotional sounds from Ivory Hours

ALT-pop outfit Ivory Hours will release their new album Mary on June 3rd.

Luke Roes from the Canadian band describes it as "a smorgasbord of six of the best pop tunes we've made to date".

He told RealSoundsOK: "The music is upbeat and colorful, while lyrically undercut with themes of loss, relationships and depression.

"Before Mary, my sister Annie and I were living in Vancouver, but moved back home [to London, Ontario] to be closer to our family after the loss of our brother. Since then we've pursued music with a renewed passion.

"As a younger songwriter it sometimes felt like I had to seek out chaotic experiences in order to tell compelling stories, but time has shown me that hardship will eventually find everyone.

"Songs can't change difficult circumstances, but I hope they can help people navigate them."

You can get a taste of the band below and for more information visit ivoryhours.com or facebook.com/ivoryhours


New video from Monica Alcorano

SINGER songwriter Monica Alcorano has released a video for her track Touch Is Gold.

The London-born pop artist is currently working on an album release for later this year having teamed up with producer OD Hunte (Emeli Sande, Leona Lewis, Wretch 32).

You can view the video below and for more on the artist visit monicaalcorano.com

Fiona Hare Q&A

Your name: 
Fiona Hare.

Where are you From?
Cape Town, South Africa.

How would you describe yourself?
Funny, outgoing, compassionate.

Who are your main influences musically?
Any music from the 1970s, Chopin piano concertos, Gonzales, Abdullah Ibrahim, Idan Rachael, Keith Jarret, Afro Cellt Sound System, Led Zepplin, Sarah Mclachlan, Loreena McKennitt, Cat Power, Tracy Chapman, Alela Diane, Tori Amos, Jewel, Heather Nova, Eddi Brickel, Elliott Smith, Vrou Vrou, Feist, Nina Simone, Imogen Heap, The Shins, Creedance Clearwater Revival, Crosby Stills, Neil Young, Paul Simon, Jethro Tull, The Beatles, Hot Chip, Soul Wax, my dad's violin, blue grass, anything celtic, or tribal.

What do you hope to achieve in music?
I write for me, it’s very personal, it’s like breathing, you can’t not do it. I write music to remember the world, music is how I decipher and navigate the world. Fame is not important. It never will be. I hope that people will enjoy and connect to my music. I’ve been told by people recently “It’s like you’ve taken everything I’ve ever experienced and put it in a song”, “It’s like you’ve gotten inside me head, and put all my emotions and everything I’ve felt into music.” So that’s pretty rad.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?
Releasing my first album.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?
Late nights, driving to gigs. You have to slog through cold storms and rain and freezing winters alone, set up alone, and sing alone. It can be tiring and lonely at times. But then, when you pick up your guitar and sing, the warmth comes back to you and you know why you’re doing it. It’s rewarding. I’m grateful to my folks for not letting me quit piano and guitar in school. I wanted to at times but they wouldn’t let me. That builds character.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
No ways that’s difficult! I love them all, but I really love This is the Thing, it was recorded last, it’s a mix of electronica and nu-folk, a good balance of what I do. And it’s pretty dark, it’s about forbidden love, and falling in love with someone you’re not supposed to. Unrequited love. But all the songs are different and will appeal differently to people and what they’re going through at the time.

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?
Well we’re remixing some of the tracks which I’m looking forward to hearing, it will be different, I’m keen to hear what comes out. It will be more commercial. I kept the album purely folky and instrument orientated for me, to keep totally authentic to who I am. Hearing them mixed as a dance track will be wild! 

Sunday 25 May 2014

YJ Q&A

Your name: 
YJ.

Where are you from? 
South London.

How would you describe yourselves? 
Passionate, creative, hardworking.

Who are your main influences musically?
My influences are from life experiences, friends experiences, just living and absorbing everything.

What do you hope to achieve in music? 
I hope to inspire and touch people with my music globally. Leave a legacy and bring people together. 

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?
Sold out my second headline show.

And what’s the moment you want to forget? 
I don't have moment I would like to forget, cos everything is a lesson whether it's good or bad. 

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why? 
'Where Do We Go?' For the simple fact that it is very honest, and that's what my music is about. Honest and creating music that people can relate to. 

Where can we listen to it? 



Where can we find out more about your music? 
Twitter: @TheLifeOfYJ
Soundcloud: OFFICIALYJ 
YouTube: OFFICIALYJ 

Stone Em All Q&A

Your name:
Robert Hotton.

Where are you from?
Guernsey, Channel Islands.

Name of band:
Stone Em All.

Who else is in your band? 
I am on vocals, Lee Oliver and Bobby Didcott are on guitars, Saad Frihmat is on bass, and Tom Jones hits the drums.

How would you describe yourselves?
We are an alternative metal band.

Who are your main influences musically?
All the band members have varied tastes. Saad is a huge Pearl Jam fan. Bobby is Megadeth through and through. Lee is the king of Black Metal. Tom loves sludge, and I am a Mike Patton fanatic.

What do you hope to achieve in music?
For the band to be sustainable as a full time entity and for us to be able to break in to the European Festival circuit.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?
We have two highlights so far. Last year we were rated 17th in the Marshall Ultimate Band Contest. Also we've made it to this years Bloodstock Festival Metal2TheMasses final in the Channel Islands. The highlight was that we made it through to the final from the audience vote.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?
Too many to count! But onwards and upwards, we are looking to the future now.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
At the moment I would have to say Splitsville, as it was the first of a new wave of songs that we are working on, where we have taken up a new direction. We are still in the recording process of this new material, but you can see a live clip of us performing Splitsville from a recent show.

Where can we listen to it?


Where can we find out more about your music?

Saturday 24 May 2014

Debut LP on the way from Champion Lover

TORONTO outfit Champion Lover are releasing their eponymous debut record on June 20th.

The band - Edward, James, William and Erik - told RealSoundsOK they play "noise-punk to make you want to get as fucked up as we do". They also promise the album is "pummeling".

They added: "Bands always talk about meeting in High School. We beat them by a decade - we met in grade four. Except for Erik, we met him later in our home town of Weston. But Weston is kind of a shit hole, so we're grateful we got out."

You can stream the album below and for more information visit championlover.ca or facebook.com/championlovermusic

Body Count are back with Talk Shit, Get Shot

RAP metal pioneers Body Count are back with new album Manslaughter due out on June 16th via Sumerian Records.

The band - fronted by hip-hop hero Ice-T - have given us a taste of what's to come with a video for first single Talk Shit, Get Shot, below.

Ice-T founded the band with guitarist Ernie C and they are backed by bassist/songwriter Vincent Price, drummer Ill Will, and new guitarist Juan Garcia of Evildead.

For more on the band visit facebook.com/bodycountofficial


Seth Lakeman releases Last Rider

FOLK singer-songwriter Seth Lakeman has released the single Last Rider, taken from his album Word Of Mouth.

The album sees the West-country man unearth hidden histories and unsung heroes from in an around his native Devon and Cornwall.

He will be playing at London's Albert Hall on June 6th as part of BBC Radio 2's D-Day 70 Years On concert.

Of the single Last Rider, he says: "It is a rolling, rhythmic song written about a final journey taken by an old steam engine driver. It features the fabulous banjo playing of Leon Hunt and leads you through the rattling tracks of the railway."

Seth will be on the road again in October to play a UK tour with his band playing tracks from the new album and live favourites. His previous albums include the Mercury Music Prize nominated Kitty Jay and the gold-selling Freedom Fields, which featured the hit singles Lady of the Sea and The White Hare.

Free track Werewolves from Calling All Cars




UK-based Aussie rockers Calling All Cars have unveiled new track Werewolves, available as a free download.

The Melbourne band have spent the last few years building a reputation for themselves Down Under and have supported for the likes of AC/DC, Queens Of The Stone Age, Foo Fighters, Green Day and Biffy Clyro.


They are currently working on an album and to find out more about the band visit facebook.com/callingallcarsmusic


You can watch the video for Werewolves above and download the track below by following the instructions


Video for Shine from Calgary

INDIE pop trio Calgary have released the video for Shine, taken from the band's Fight Fire With Fire EP.

Frontman Jakob Deist formed the band with bassist Kirill Teslia and guitarist Pete Wicker after turning down an approach from producers to take part in last year's UK X Factor.

You can download the single for FREE at soundcloud.com/calgary-uk/calgary-shine and view the video below.

For more on the band visit facebook.com/calgaryuk


New video from Feel Bad Hit Of The Winter

THE Feel Bad Hit Of The Winter have released their first video for the track Mind The Monsters, from their self-titled debut EP.

And you can download the six-track EP by the Kansas City post-punk outfit from thefeelbadhitofthewinter.bandcamp.com

For more on band, visit facebook.com/feelbadhitofthewinter

Wednesday 21 May 2014

Nightmares release Carnival of Souls from Suspiria album

ATLANTA five-piece Nightmares have released new track Carnival of Souls from the forthcoming debut album Suspiria - out on June 2nd on Rise Records.

Recorded over the course of a year with Drew Fulk at Third Sound Studios in North Carolina, the band brought in David Bendeth (Bring Me The Horizon, Of Mice And Men, Asking Alexandria) to mix the album.

The album is available to pre-order now at nightmaresmerchnow.com and you can listen to the song below.

For more on the band visit facebook.com/nightmaresofficial


Smoove and Turrell back with Broken Toys

NORTHERN Soul outfit Smoove and Turrell will release their third album Broken Toys on Monday, June 9th, through Jalapeno Records.

Having toured in recent years with the likes of Nile Rodgers & Chic, Martha and the Vandellas, the band has a number of shows across the UK and Europe this summer including Brighton's Great Escape Festival, Kendall Calling and and album launch party at London's Jazz Cafe on May 29th.

You can listen to a preview of Broken Toys below and for more on the band visit smooveandturrell.com