(I Am) Warface Q&A

Karla Da Silva Photography

Your name:

Matt Warface.

Where are you from?

Brighton, England.

Name of band: 

(I AM) WARFACE.

Who is in your band?

Members are Matt Warface (vocals and main songwriter), Lou (guitars), Matt Whitehead (keys) and Alex Whibs (drums).

How would you describe yourselves?

The music is founded in my love of 80's synth pop but with a much more current and darker edge. Kinda a cross between Depeche Mode,  Kasabian and Muse. We are all very laid back guys and we like a good party but I do have a very serious side too. I'm a bit of a control freak. Animal lover. I love to paint. Lou is a great chef. Matt Whitehead loves to DJ. Alex loves women. 

Who are your main influences musically?

Influences for me are the brazen attitude of Jim Morrison, Josh Homme is an amazing and inspiring musician, I love Prince. Too many influences to mention really. Love all music. 

What do you hope to achieve in music?

We want are basically to be as big as bands such as Muse or Coldplay. Music is everything to us. Our be all and end all.  

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

The song that most represents us I'd say is "To Die For". I'm most proud of this track. 

Where can we listen to it?

It can be listened to at https://youtu.be/ppyiHx4gO1M

Where can we find out more about your music? 

www.iamwarface.com

Facebook.com/warfacesounds

Twitter.com/Iamwarface 

Instagram.com/Iamwarface 

Soundcloud.com/Iamwarface 

http://www.youtube.com/c/Warface-sounds

https://plus.google.com/+Warface-sounds/posts

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask?

That's pretty much it. All I really wanna say is I hope anyone reading this enjoys the tracks. It's a bit different from the current norm but still with a dark pop sensibility. It's a labour of love.  

Bedroom demos album release from Porridge Radio

MISERY Radio is a collection of solo bedroom demos released by Porridge Radio.

Dana Margolin - the musician behind the sounds - said her music has been described as "lo-fi emotional vomit".

She told RealSoundsOK: "The album is a collection of some of my favourite of the songs I've written in my bedroom over the past couple of years. It has two previously unreleased tracks, ('p2' and 'our love is shrinking down'), the rest have been available on SoundCloud for a while in no particular order."

The album - released by Eyeless Records - comes with a limited edition CD and zine made by Dana and is available on Bandcamp. 

Visit Porridge Radio on Facebook for more.

Video from Quiet Lions ahead of new EP

ALT-rock quartet Quiet Lions have announced they will release their EP No Illusions later this year.

In the meantime the London/Brighton band have given us the video for The Wolves Of The Capital to keep us going.

Frontman Michael Williams told RealSoundsOK: "I wrote this song while working at a previous job. It is basically about my boss and his associates. The company grew rapidly after the dissolution of several competitors only for its growth to be 'too quick', which eventually led to its downfall.

"They preyed on the carcasses of other companies, hiring people on false promises only to let them go when they had what they needed. They displayed a total lack of compassion and any humanistic qualities.

"We hope a lot of people will be able to associate with the video for the track as it's about workplace dynamics and we've all had a terrible boss or two."

You can watch the video below and also catch them live at The Great Escape festival in Brighton on May 15th. Visit facebook.com/quietlions for more.

Second EP from Psylhouette

KRAUTROCK-influenced project Psylhouette have released their second EP May Be Right.

It follows their debut effort In On The Outside, which won support from BBC Radio 6 Music's Tom Robinson among others.

The group from Brighton describe the style as "influenced by Krautrock, post rock, psychedelia and new wave and artists such as Can, Neu!, Sigur Ros, Mogwai and The Doors".

You can have a listen for yourself below and for more information, head to psylhouette.co.uk or read the Q&A with RealSoundsOK from last April.

Six Time Champion Q&A

Your name: 

Will Smithers.

Where are you from? 

Brighton.

Name of band: 

Six Time Champion.

Who else is in your band?

We have James Dagg (vocals), Simon Glover (guitar), Steve Isted (bass), Richard Titheradge (drums), and myself (guitar).

How would you describe yourselves? 

I would describe us as pop-punk with a twist, we like to infuse our heavier influences with our pop-punk roots to bring a heavier, bouncier twist into the scene, packed with punchy melodies and relatable lyrics. 

Who are your main influences musically? 

We have a huge mix of influences, and this is due to our different backgrounds in music, pop-punk and hardcore are two genres that massively influence us, with bands such as Four Year Strong, Such Gold, A Day To Remember, and Set Your Goals. Their influences are very apparent throughout our songs. 

What do you hope to achieve in music?

For me, music has always been a huge part of my life and playing gigs with my friends most weeks is enough. Saying that though, I'd like to get to the position where we can tour regularly, play with well known bands, and just keep having a good time, because that's what it's all about. 

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

We've actually just come back from a little weekend tour with Homebound and Trash Boat, and for me, this was one of the best experiences, not just since STC started, but ever. It was great to hang out with a really cool bunch of guys, and play shows with them night after night. We also played the Brighton show on the Roam, As It Is, and Light You Up tour. This was a big deal for us as a band and it was amazing to share the stage with bands that I've listened to for a long time. 

And what’s the moment you want to forget? 

I wouldn't want to forget anything thats happened since the band has started. We've had our fair share of bad luck with shows/tours falling through, and losing gear, but nothing that I'd want to forget. 

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

I would have to pick our latest single/video "Expecting Honesty" which is also the title track on our upcoming EP. This song shows our passion for the things we write about, this comes through heavily in James' vocals, it also has elements of all of our influences, it has a bouncy chorus, a catchy lead line and the melodies get stuck in your head. That's exactly what we were aiming for with this song and personally, I couldn't be happier with it. 

Where can we listen to it? 

You can listen to "Old Friends, Loose Ends", and "Expecting Honesty" over on our bandcamp page: http://sixtimechampion.bandcamp.com

Where can we find out more about your music?

www.facebook.com/sixtimechampion

www.twitter.com/STCofficialuk

http://sixtimechampion.bandcamp.com

http://sixtimechampion.bigcartel.com

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask?

We have our second release, "Expecting Honesty" coming out on 1st December. This is a five track EP which we worked really hard writing, and we can't wait for everyone to hear it. 

City Of Ashes Q&A

Your name: 

Orion Powell.

Where are you from? 

We live near Brighton.

Name of band: 

City Of Ashes.

Who else is in your band?

My brother James, Daniel Frederick and Dan Russell.

How would you describe yourselves? 

We get asked this all the time. I'd have to say a story-based rock band really. We don't like the idea of sub-categorising ourselves too much.

Who are your main influences musically? 

All sorts! We all grew up listening to everything from Eric Clapton and Fleetwood Mac to Slipknot, Eminem and everything in between. We've actually played a lot of '80s and '90s pop in the van during our last tour.

What do you hope to achieve in music? 

We have had such a blast so far this year promoting our current album. To see audiences really growing around the country has been incredible. This year also saw our first international show in Dublin and the first video that I produced, which broke through 10,000 views in two weeks (our fastest growing video ever). We have a couple more shows this year supporting some bands that we're very honoured to be involved with including the band Trapt who we all grew up listening to as teenagers. Then we start next year hard with an intense tour in February.

Add to that the fact we have just started writing again for a follow up record and I'd have to say we're really achieving what we want to in music. We just want to keep growing it onto a bigger scale.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why? 

We have had so many that it's hard to pick out just one. For all of us a show held in Eastbourne was quite special as it was our first sell out to just under 300 people. We always try to do something special with shows so we used a lot of pyrotechnics etc at that one which was great fun!

For me personally there are many too. Our show in Dublin earlier this year was the first one a very special family member was able to make so that meant a lot.

And what’s the moment you want to forget? 

Man! We've had a few of those too! Things you try that just don't go right on stage, that you beat yourself up for a thousand times afterwards. They happen. When they do it can be really tough to let go of as we always want to do well. It's all a learning curve though. We have undoubtedly gotten stronger from going through them.

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

I really couldn't. To me that'd be like saying that the others are somehow worse, which I just don't think is fair or logical. Our album is actually a story so to take out a part of it and say it's better than the others would be dishonest to me. It'd be like pulling an abstract chapter from a book and expecting it to make sense.

As for a song that we really enjoy live however, we've been having a blast playing our song 'Waves' at shows of late.

Where can we listen to it? 

https://www.youtube.com/user/cityofashesband/videos

Where can we find out more about your music? 

www.cityofashes.com

www.facebook.com/cityofashesband

www.twitter.com/cityofashes (@cityofashes)

www.youtube.com/cityofashesband

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask?

Our February 2015 tour is already selling really well and we'd love to see some of you there. Here's the ticket link :)

http://cityofashes.bigcartel.com/product/city-of-ashes-february-2015

Of Empires Q&A

Photo by Sam Travis

Your name: 

Jack Fletcher, I'm the singer!

Where are you from? 

Brighton, England.

Name of band:

Of Empires.

Who else is in your band?

Liam Bewey - bass, Matt Berry - guitar, George Le Page - drums.

How would you describe yourselves?

Good old-fashion rock ‘n’ roll with a hint of blues.

Who are your main influences musically?

The Doors, Jefferson Airplane, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Rolling Stones to name a few.

What do you hope to achieve in music?

To make people think and most importantly make them dance! 

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

Releasing our debut EP!

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

Having a near death experience on the motorway on our last tour, lets just say it involved a lot of water at 70mph!

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

Stranger from our debut EP Stranger Sensations. Because we're a new band with a brand new EP, it's a perfectly apt song for where we are right now. It also has everything musically that sums up our live set, a groove in the verse to dance to, a super catchy chorus, huge riffs in the middle to rock out to, we've also tried to encapsulate a lot of 60's vintage vibes that inspire us as a band.

Where can we listen to it?

You can download and stream for FREE at http://ofempires.co.uk

Where can we find out more about your music?

http://ofempires.co.uk

http://soundcloud.com/ofempires

http://twitter.com/ofempiresmusic

http://facebook.com/ofempires

http://instagram.com/ofempiresofficial

Jaya Kosa Does It Again

UK hip hop artist Jaya Kosa has released his single Do It Again.

London-born Jaya was a member of the group Sickness Legion as a grime MC at the age of 13 and - later in life - studied a degree in Music Business and Technology.

Now in his 20s, he said: "It's all well and good being able to sing or rap, but I wanted to go that bit further and hone in on the music business so I could have in-depth creative knowledge of how the industry worked. I'm always looking to come up with fresh sounds."

You can get the track from iTunes and for more about Jaya visit facebook.com/jayakosa

The Modes Q&A

Your names:

Dan & Jon.

Where are you from?

Brighton, UK.

Name of band:

The Modes.

How would you describe yourselves?

We are an alt-rock power duo, formed in the summer of 2013. We met at university, Dan playing guitar and Jon playing drums on a music performance degree course. The Sound is very textual and dynamic, using dirty single note rock riffs and driving drums to create a powerful and punchy mix. 

Who are your main influences musically?

Heavily influenced by Royal Blood, Wolfmother, The Graveltones, The White Stripes & The Black Keys. 

What do you hope to achieve in music?

At the moment our main aim is to break out of the local music scene and make a name for ourselves, eventually leading to playing festival shows and playing to international audiences.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

Being featured in Unsigned & Independent magazine.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

Being asked if we need a bassist every time someone sees us rehearsing.

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

"Not This Time" because it showcases all the elements that we are all about, dirty riffs, pounding drums, improv solos and sweet, sweet jams.

Where can we listen to it?

http://www.themodes.co.uk

Where can we find out more about your music?

http://www.themodes.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/themodesband

http://twitter.com/themodesband

https://soundcloud.com/themodesband

http://themodes.bandcamp.com

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask?

For the most current updates follow us on twitter. @themodesband

Psylhouette Q&A

Your name:
I go by my producer name Shadowless Man on this one, sorry to be faceless.

Where are you from?
Brighton, UK.

Name of band:
Psylhouette ­ probably a silent 'P', but say it if you want, I won't mind.

Who else is in your band?

This one is just me, I play all the instruments and handle all the production. Hopefully there'll be a live incarnation of the project soon featuring some other people. You'll quite often to see Psylhouette referred to with "us" and "they", it's just the way it is.

How would you describe yourselves?

This is a bit of an exploration, to see what comes out if I'm left to my own devices.

Who are your main influences musically?

For this project, I was looking to bands like Can, The Doors, Sigur Ros, Neu!, I doubt I got anywhere close, but it's only my first EP.

What do you hope to achieve in music?

The chance to get the time to develop artistically, that's so important. Few people get there straight away. I'm so fascinated and immersed in music, if anything I do can become a small part of someone else's musical experience, that would be amazing.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

I've been lucky to work with some great people on some great projects over the years.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

There have been tough times, that's for sure, but I think most people who are involved with music sometimes wonder why they bother, but then can't seem to stop doing it.

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

There's only four tracks in Psylhouette's catalogue so far, the title track off the new EP "In on the Outside" might be a good place to start, I've written a few tracks in 7/4, it's such a solid groove.

Where can we listen to it?

You can hear clips from all four tracks on the EP on Soundcloud, follow us too if you have an account ­ https://soundcloud.com/psylhouette/

Where can we find out more about your music?

Trying to be good on Twitter follow us here ­ https://twitter.com/Psylhouette
Facebook page is here ­ https://www.facebook.com/Psylhouette
The main website is just pretty rather than informative ­ http://psylhouette.co.uk/

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask?
The debut EP was out 24th March, it'll be on general digital release on the main outlets like iTunes and Amazon, as well as Spotify, and best of all on our website ­http://psylhouette.co.uk/shop/

New video from Brighton boys In Dynamics

BRIGHTON alt-rock trio In Dynamics have unveiled the video for The House.

The track is the first to be taken from their new Questions EP, released this week.

In Dynamics have again worked with producer Chris Coulter (Arcane Roots, Jumping Ships) after the success of their debut release, which got plenty of air time and praise from Kerrang, Rock Sound, Punktastic, Powerplay, Scuzz, XFM and BBC Radio1.

You can view the video below and if you like what you see/hear then visit indynamics.net

Idlewood Q&A

Band name:

Idlewood.

Where are you from?

Brighton, England.

Who is in your band?

Homer Kelly Tarrant (Lead Vocals, Bass)

Jack Nolan (Guitar, Vocals)

Bryn Parnell (Guitar)

Loz Hood (Drums)

How would you describe yourselves?

Alt-rock, grunge, pop punk.

Who are your main influences musically?

Smashing Pumpkins, Feeder, Pearl Jam, Blink 182, Jimmy Eat World, Weezer... the list could go on..But basically we love the 90's grunge, alt-rock sound and that's what we're trying to bring back!

What do you hope to achieve in music?

Short-term we have an 4/5 Track E.P. coming out later this spring and we hope that it receives well and helps us get out there more. Long term we aim to be playing up and down the country, at festivals in the summers and eventually touring the world!

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

Putting together the band back in November was great, but playing one of our new songs 'Going Home' at Coalition on Brighton seafront in front of about 400 people for our Uni end of term gig was pretty awesome.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

None as of yet, but it's early days! Still plenty of forgettable moments to come for the band i'm sure!

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

'Going Home' is our best yet, it's had the best response for sure and the version that's online is only a demo too! The fully recorded/produced version will be the single of our forthcoming E.P. 

Where can we listen to it?

https://soundcloud.com/idlewoodmusic/going-home-2-0

Where can we find out more about your music? 

https://www.facebook.com/Idlewoodofficial

https://twitter.com/Idlewoodmusic

https://soundcloud.com/idlewoodmusic

http://www.reverbnation.com/idlewood

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask?

Follow us from the links above and keep your eyes peeled for us in the near future for gigs and releases!

Second album from Movement Ten

SYNTH-POP duo Movement Ten have released their album Build Them And They Will Come.

It is the second LP from the Brighton band but the first out on CD.

Movement Ten draw influence from Kraftwerk, Depeche Mode and Joy Division and you can have a listen below.

For more information visit www.movementten.co.uk or soundcloud.com/movement-ten

Normanton Street Q&A

Band name: 

Normanton Street.

Where are you from?

Bradford, Bristol, Macclesfield, Crawley, but all living in Brighton.

Who is in your band?

Elliot Tomas (Drums), Phoebe Freya (Vocals), Bukky Fehintola (Vocals/Guitar), Jack Butterworth (Vocals), Nicholson Davids and Ned Archibong (Guitar/Bass/Vocals).

How would you describe yourselves?

Laid back hip hop and soul.

Who are your main influences musically?

Wu Tang, Lauryn Hill, Alice Russell, Nina Simone, Jill Scott.

What do you hope to achieve in music?

Make a living whilst helping people chill.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

MOVES EP launch 17th August 2013 at Green Door Store, Brighton.

Playing at Glastonbury with a youth choir and supporting VV Brown.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

Freezing late night/morning at the Meadowhall bus station in Sheffield after a really good gig at The Royal Standard. So cold.

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

You Know Who You Are from The Phoebe Freya EP (released December 2013). It is one of the most recent songs we've created.

Where can we listen to it?

You Know Who You Are - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGJJy_kkq8g

Where can we find out more about your music?

Official Site - www.normantonstreet.co.uk

You Tube - http://www.youtube.com/normantonstreet

Facebook - www.facebook.com/normantons­treet

Soundcloud - www.soundcloud.com/normantonst­reet

Bandcamp - www.normanton.bandcamp.com/

MySpace - www.myspace.com/595550530

Apt Q&A

Your name:

Jon Russell.

Where are you from?

Brighton, UK.

Name of band:

Apt.

Who else is in your band?

Martyn Bailey.

How would you describe yourselves?

There is a darkness to the music but always with a shining light... bringing a sense of hope and wonder. 

Who are your main influences musically?

Depeche Mode, OMD, Kraftwerk, A-ha, and so many more

What do you hope to achieve in music?

To reach as wide an audience as possible

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

Apt is just starting but earlier this year I officially remixed OMD. 

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

There's no point having regrets, you just have to make sure you learn and keep growing as an individual.

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

'Epiphany' demonstrates the haunting atmosphere of our mood but moves in such a way that there is a hint of optimism!

Where can we listen to it?

soundcloud.com/Apt-Official

Where can we find out more about your music?

@AptOfficial

facebook.com/AptOfficial

jonteknikmusic.com/page9.htm

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask?

The album is out on Febryary 3rd on CD and download.

Born Ruffians heading to Europe

CANADIAN indie rockers Born Ruffians are heading to Europe on tour next month following the release of the album Birthmarks in April.

They start off with dates in Manchester, London and Brighton in the UK before heading on to France, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.

The Ontario-based group have also released a new video for their single Needle.

Luke Lalonde from the band said: "The beauty of anonymity is basically the subject of ‘Needle.’ The song mostly centers around the 'needle in the hay' as a thing. Needle, to me, is really about being out of the game for a bit and losing touch with that identity in a good way. 

"I think moving through your mid-twenties and not really doing what other people your age might be doing, or what a lot of people my age feel like they should be doing - like a PhD, or buying a house, or having a real job with a salary and benefits - is a bit like the needle falling through the haystack and losing the more youthful ‘the world is my oyster’ feeling."

For more on the band and their tour dates visit www.bornruffians.com, www.facebook.com/bornruffians or www.twitter.com/bornruffians.

Eliza Jaye to deliver debut album later this month

AUSSIE Eliza Jaye will release her debut album The Seed on July 26th.

Her first single Black Heart Rum was released back in September 2011 and it - and its three follow up tracks since - have been picked up by stations across the UK including tastemasters Steve Lamacq and Tom Robinson.

The album has taken stylistic ideas from blues, punk and rock and features Eliza on guitar and vocals and features her sister Anna (Bat For Lashes, British Sea Power) on violin.

She will be playing a launch gig at The Ranelagh in her adopted UK home of Brighton.

You can find out a bit more about Eliza in the Q&A she did with RealSoundsOK back in January and you can visit http://www.elizajaye.co.uk

Check out the video for Black Rum Heart below.

The Ramonas Q&A

Your name: 

Victoria Smith (aka Pee Pee Ramona).
 
Where are you from? 

Brighton, UK.
 
Name of band:

The Ramonas.
 
Who else is in your band? 

Cloey, Margy and Rohnny Ramona.
 
How would you describe yourselves? 

We're a all-girl tribute band to the Ramones.
 
Who are your main influences musically? 

Ramones/punk.
 
What do you hope to achieve in music? 

We would love to play more festivals and shows in Europe and America.
 
What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why? 

Playing a very special one off show with Ramones drummer Richie Ramone at the Camden Underworld, London. That was a huge honour and probably every tributes band dream!
 
And what’s the moment you want to forget? 

When my strap button on my bass broke mid set...the gaffa tape came in useful that day! 

Where can we listen to your music? 

http://www.ramonas.co.uk/audio.htm

Where can we find out more about your music?

http://www.victoriasmith.info/
http://www.ramonas.co.uk/

Anything else you’d like to say about your band that I forgot to ask?

Just a huge thanks to everyone that has supported the band over the years, see you at the next show!