Due to the ongoing coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, a new date has now been announced for the first ever Creation Day Festival. 

The festival, which had been due to take place this May, will now be entertaining music lovers over the weekend of 28th-29th May 2022 at Wolverhampton’s beautiful West Park.

Organisers are planning to include the majority of the artists from the original line-up and there will be a few new surprises too. The full line-up will be announced in the coming months.

In an official statement, the Creation Day Festival organisers say:

“As everyone knows, it’s been a really tough 12 months and although things are starting to look brighter, we’ve taken the difficult decision to move the date of Wolverhampton’s first ever Creation Day Festival so that everyone can enjoy the event safely and to the full.

Music lovers will now be able to enjoy two full days of the best live performances over the weekend of May 28 and 29 2022 in the spectacular surroundings of West Park.

We’re planning to include the majority of the artists from our original line-up and there will be a few new surprises too – all guaranteed to offer a memorable weekend in our beautiful park.”

We all need a light at the end of the tunnel, and we all deserve a chance to enjoy ourselves. For fans of great music, Creation Day Festival is that chance.”

* * * *

Tickets already purchased for this year’s festival will automatically be transferred to the new date.

Partners Toura Toura Festivals and Alan McGee (founder of the iconic Creation Records label), alongside the local council, have decided to postpone Creation Day to ensure it can be enjoyed safely and to the full. 

Councillor Steve Evans, cabinet member for city environment adds:

“In view of the recent announcements by the Prime Minister and taking into account his proposed roadmap of easing lockdown, we have taken the difficult decision to postpone this year’s Creation Day Festival to the same weekend next year. We know this will be disappointing news in what has been a very challenging 12 months. But due to the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, we feel it is the responsible decision to take. However, I’m pleased to say that we have a new date confirmed and we are committed to making Creation Day Festival an amazing event to look forward to in 2022.”

Creation Day festival forms part of City of Wolverhampton Council’s ongoing commitment to re-light the city, help boost the local economy and offer high-profile events to attract visitors. The two-day event will be organised by the council in partnership with Toura Toura Festivals and Alan McGee. 

Alan formed Creation Records in 1983 and it went on to become one of the key labels in 80s and 90s indie music. Over the years, he has worked with such major acts as Primal Scream, The Jesus and Mary Chain and Oasis.

Tickets for this year’s festival will automatically transfer to the new date. If this date isn’t suitable, a full refund will be available. Ticket holders will be contacted directly with further details or to request a ticket refund visit Submit a request – Ticketmaster

To keep up to date with news on the Creation Day Festival visitwww.creationdayfestival.com or follow Creation Day Festival on social media.

FOR MORE INFORMATION :  www.creationdayfestival.com

ERASURE (Andy Bell and Vince Clarke) have launched a brand new video, evoking the spirit of Hallowe’en with a spooky short for ‘Fallen Angel’:https://youtu.be/tAgkT1yEhT8 

Starring Heidi N Closet (star of season 12 of RuPaul’s Drag where she was crowned Miss Congeniality) and model Alexa Abraxas, the video was directed by Brad Hammer, responsible for the fabulous video for ‘Nerves of Steel’.

The new video appears ahead of the release of a brand new 12”, and a CD box set, due out on 4 December 2020. The 12”  features a brand new remix of the single from Mercury Music Prize nominated Georgia, whilst the CD single boxset collects remixes from each of the album’s singles - ‘Hey Now (Think I Got A Feeling)’, ‘Nerves of Steel’ and ‘Fallen Angel’ - including previously unreleased versions and forthcoming remixes from Confidence Man and Ben Rainey. The 12” vinyl is housed in a glamorous mirror board sleeve on orange neon vinyl while the CD set is similarly glammed up and comes in a mirrored box with three art cards and a booklet.

The band, currently celebrating the release of their new album, The Neon, which went into the UK Official Albums Chart at #4, their highest chart position since 1994, and went straight to #1 in the UK Official Independent, Vinyl and Cassette Albums Charts, also recently announced the first leg of their eagerly anticipated dates.

October 2021 will see Erasure bring The Neon to venues across the UK, Ireland, Germany and Denmark, kicking off at the Glasgow Armadillo auditorium on 1 October, with a London date at the O2 Arena on 17 October. 

ERASURE - THE NEON TOUR - 2021 DATES

1 Oct 21 - Glasgow, Armadillo - SOLD OUT

2 Oct 21 - Glasgow, Armadillo - SOLD OUT

4 Oct 21 - Dublin, 3Arena

6 Oct 21 - Edinburgh, Usher Hall

7 Oct 21 - Edinburgh, Usher Hall EXTRA DATE ADDED

9 Oct 21 - Manchester, O2 Apollo - SOLD OUT

10 Oct 21 - Manchester, O2 Apollo - SOLD OUT

12 Oct 21 - Cardiff, Motorpoint Arena 

14 Oct 21 - Bournemouth, International Centre

16 Oct 21 - Birmingham, Utilita Arena 

17 Oct 21 - London, The O2

18 Oct 21 - Brighton, Centre

21 Oct 21 - Frankfurt, Jahrhunderthalle 

22 Oct 21 - Berlin, Max-Schmeling-Halle

24 Oct 21 - Cologne, Palladium 

26 Oct 21 - Copenhagen, Royal Arena

27 Oct 21 - Hamburg, Barclaycard Arena

28 Oct 21 - Leipzig, Immobilien Arena

Tickets for these unmissable dates are on sale now

Buy the album: https://mute.ffm.to/TheNeon

Pre-order The Neon Singles: https://mute.ffm.to/cdbx-fa

Fallen Angel on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tAgkT1yEhT8 

 * * * *

THE NEON SINGLES 12” TRACKLISTING

Side A

Fallen Angel - Georgia Remix

Hey Now (Think I Got A Feeling) - Nimmo Remix Extended Dub

Nerves of Steel - Bright Light Bright Light Remix

Side B

Shot A Satellite - Initial Talk Extended Dub

Hey Now (Think I Got A Feeling) - Daybreakers Dub

Nerves of Steel - Extended 12” 

THE NEON SINGLES 3 CD BOX SET - TRACKLISTING - 3 CD Set

CD 1 

Hey Now (Think I Got A Feeling) - Daybreakers Remix

Hey Now (Think I Got A Feeling) - Daybreakers Dub**

Hey Now (Think I Got A Feeling) - Daybreakers Instrumental**

Hey Now (Think I Got A Feeling) - Philip George Remix

Hey Now (Think I Got A Feeling) - Philip George Dub Remix**

Hey Now (Think I Got A Feeling) - Philip George Remix Instrumental**

Hey Now (Think I Got A Feeling) - Nimmo Remix

Hey Now (Think I Got A Feeling) - Nimmo Remix Extended Dub**

Hey Now (Think I Got A Feeling) - Nimmo Remix Instrumental**

Shot A Satellite - Initial Talk Remix

CD2

Nerves of Steel - Extended Mix

Nerves of Steel - Bright Light Bright Light Remix

Nerves of Steel - Bright Light Bright Light Remix Dub**

Nerves of Steel - Bright Light Bright Light Remix Instrumental**

Nerves of Steel - 7th Heaven Radio Edit

Nerves of Steel - 7th Heaven Club Mix

Nerves of Steel - 7th Heaven Dub Mix**

Nerves of Steel - 7th Heaven Remix Instrumental**

Shot A Satellite - Initial Talk Extended Dub**

CD3

Fallen Angel - Georgia Remix

Fallen Angel - Georgia Dub**

Fallen Angel - Georgia Remix Instrumental**

Fallen Angel - Confidence Man Remix

Fallen Angel - Confidence Man Dub**

Fallen Angel - Confidence Man Remix Instrumental**

Fallen Angel - Ben Rainey Remix 

Fallen Angel - Ben Rainey Dub**

Fallen Angel - Ben Rainey Remix Instrumental**

Shot A Satellite - Initial Talk Remix Instrumental**

** - previously unreleased

For more information:

www.erasureinfo.com 

www.mute.com

JESS GLYNNE - will be performing a huge show at Doncaster Racecourse next Summer.

Taking place on Saturday 14 August 2021, this special ‘Live After Racing’ event will provide a full day at the races, followed by a showstopping headline set by the pop superstar. 

Tickets will go on sale from 9am Friday 27th November, or Wednesday 25th for O2 presale Customers. 

Jess Glynne is a Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter from North London who has established herself across the globe as the voice of a generation. 

Signing with Atlantic records in 2013, Glynne broke into the mainstream with her mesmeric vocals on the chart-topping hits "My Love" by Route 94 and "Rather Be" with Clean Bandit. Paving the way for an unstoppable chart run to come, Jess notched up further hits in "Right Here" (with Gorgon City), "Real Love" (with Clean Bandit) and "Not Letting Go"(with Tinie Tempah), making her mark as one of the most potent new vocalists in pop. 

Jess released her smash debut album I Cry When I Laugh in 2015, a record that went straight in at #1 in the UK albums chart, became the second fastest selling album of the year and has since certified as a 4× Platinum record with over 1,200,000 copies sold to date. 

Releasing its much anticipated follow-up Always in Between in 2018, the record swiftly followed-suit went straight in at the top of the UK charts. Making history as the first ‘British female solo artist to have seven number one singles in the UK Singles Chart’ with its lead track "I'll Be There"; Glynne went on invade the charts with a string of killer singles from the record including "These Days" (with Rudimental, Macklemore & Dan Caplen), "All I Am", "Thursday" and "One Touch" (with Jax Jones).

Taking her pop to the people, Jess embarked on her mammoth Always in Between Tour throughout 2018-19, playing huge shows across Europe, the UK and the United States. Going from strength to strength, Jess received five Brit Award nominations, including Best British Female and Best British Single, in 2019. That same year, she also joined the Spice Girls as a special guest on their Spice World tour; further cementing herself as a household name and a force of nature on the live stage. 

More recently, Jess unwrapped news of a surprise festive cover of Donny Hathaway's ‘This Christmas’, A testament to her enduring popularity, Jess is now sizing up what is expected to be her record-breaking eighth UK number one this Winter.

Renowned for her euphoric live shows, Jess Glynne’s set at ‘Live After Racing’ promises to be a chart-busting celebration to remember. The perfect Christmas present, tickets go on general sale this Friday 27th November.

JESS GLYNNE @ DONCASTER RACECOURSE - SATURDAY 14 AUGUST 2021

GATES: 11:001st Race: 13:10 Last Race: 16:35 Curfew: TBC

TICKETS GENERAL SALE THIS FRIDAY, 27 NOVEMBER https://www.ticketweb.uk/event/jess-glynne-live-doncaster-racecourse-tickets/10785055

O2 PRESALE - THIS WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER https://www.ticketweb.uk/event/jess-glynne-live-doncaster-racecourse-tickets/10785055?dlac=o2pre

FOR MORE INFORMATION  http://jessglynne.co.uk/

New Record Label Launches Giving A Voice To Marginalised Artists In The North

Inherently northern, No Such Thing is the UK’s newest independent record label. With a commitment to championing diversity through its roster and fusing music with the visual arts, No Such Thing is set to challenge the status quo in a time of great industry and societal flux. Founded by Dirty Freud and Ruby Tingle, who between them have over 20 years in the industry, No Such Thing launches on Friday 26 February.

“What sets No Such Thing apart is our commitment to giving a voice to artists from under-represented groups - whether that’s ethnicity, sexuality or disability,” explains co-founder and honorary northerner, Dirty Freud, an electronic musician and music producer. 

“We’re passionate about levelling the playing field in the music industry. That’s why we’ve set the ambitious target of 70% releases to come from LGBTQ+ and Black and minority ethnic artists. As a Black artist myself, I know that doors don’t always open that easily if you don’t fit the mould. Or if they do, you’re expected to fit into a stereotyped box. We’re here to challenge that, to empower our artists and give them back creative control.”

Ruby Tingle, a Sheffield-born, Manchester-based musician and visual artist, adds, “There’s so much creativity in the north, which we’re here to harness. This is a really exciting time to be doing something different in the music industry.”

No Such Thing launches with six of the region’s most exciting new artists on its roster: Szou, Leftwinter, Iora, Kaspa., Off Noise and Jaayns.

Find out more at No Such Thing 

• ‘BIGGA BAGGARIDDIM TOUR’ WILL TOUR 24 CITIES ACROSS THE UK AND IRELAND, INCLUDING BOURNEMOUTH, BRIGHTON, CARDIFF, GLASGOW, LEEDS, LIVERPOOL, MANCHESTER, NOTTINGHAM AND LONDON’S SSE WEMBLEY ARENA, PLUS MANY MORE
• NINE NEWLY ADDED DATES INCLUDE ABERDEEN, BELFAST, CASTLEBAR, CHELTENHAM, KERRY, NORTHAMPTON, PLYMOUTH, STOCKTON AND STOKE

UK, February 24th: Iconic English reggae band UB40 have today announced brand new dates for their 24-date UK & Ireland ‘Bigga Baggardiddim Tour’, kicking off in Castlebar, Ireland on 19 November 2021. Celebrating the release of the forthcoming new album “Bigga Baggariddim”, founder members Robin Campbell, Brian Travers, James Brown, Earl Falconer, Norman Hassan, and long-time members Duncan Campbell, Martin Meredith, Laurence Parry and Tony Mullings will perform new tracks, alongside the band’s timeless classics and greatest hits, including Food For Thought, One In Ten, Kingston Town, (I Can't Help) Falling in Love With You and Red, Red Wine, amongst many, many others.

Tickets go on general sale Friday, 26th February at 10AM here. Exclusive pre-sale tickets are available now here. Tickets for the rescheduled dates will remain valid.

The ‘Bigga Baggardiddim Tour’ will travel across the whole of the UK and Ireland for UB40’s highly anticipated return to the road. After kicking off in Castlebar, the tour will visit Aberdeen, Belfast, Blackpool, Bournemouth, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hull, Kerry, Leeds, Liverpool, London’s SSE Arena Wembley, Manchester, Northampton, Norwich, Nottingham, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Stockton and Stoke.

Robin Campbell, Guitarist and Vocalist says: “We really believe this will be the last time we’ve had to move theses dates because of Covid, we’re going stir crazy and just want to get back on the road again.”

Norman Hassan, Percussionist and Vocalist says: “We just can’t wait to feel the vibe & love of a live crowd, dancing and singing, moving and a grooving! That’s what’s we live for!”

James Brown, Drummer says: “It’s been so frustrating not being able to play gigs. It’s what we love to do. We can’t wait till we are back on the road, doing what we do best, performing on stage to a packed crowd.”

2021 sees the arrival of UB40’s new collaborations album “Bigga Baggariddim”, the follow up to the band’s critically acclaimed and internationally successful 1985 release “Baggariddim”. Much like “Baggariddim”, when UB40 invited other artists to voice over their riddims, “Bigga Baggariddim” is an international celebration of Reggae, featuring New Zealand’s House of Shem, India’s Reggae Rajahs, reggae veterans Inner Circle, Tippa Irie and Winston Francis, and upcomers Gilly G. Kioko, BLVK H3RO and Leno Banton. The album also includes tracks with Pablo Rider and Slinger, who both featured on the 1985 “Baggariddim” album.
 

As for so many, Covid has been devastating for the music industry. During lockdown the band have launched weekly UBZoomy broadcasts on their social media and their new exclusive UB40 app to stay connected with their fans. Every Sunday night from 7PM the band get together for album listening sessions, fan Q&A’s, guest interviews, guest performances and to watch UB40 archive footage together. 

The Sunday night UBZoomy’s have become a firm fan favourite and fans can now purchase an exclusive ticket bundle, including the ‘UB40 at 40’ Live DVD, a pre-order of the new “Bigga Baggariddim” album and a year’s premium membership to the UB40 app, shortening the wait until the tour kicks off later this year. Additionally, in the run up to the new album release and the 2021 Tour, the band will share lots of engaging and exclusive content, competitions and all things UB40 on the app for fans to enjoy. 

Access the app here.

UB40 formed in 1978 and have since transcended their working-class origins to become the most successful reggae band in the world, selling more than 100 million records worldwide and spending over a combined 11 years in the UK album chart, alongside 40 UK hit singles, including their three No.1 singles (I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You, Red Red Wine, as well as “Baggariddim”’s I Got You Babe Ft. Chrissie Hynde making UB40 one of the most successful British groups of all time.

Tickets for UB40’S UK and Ireland tour go on general sale Friday, 26 February 2021 at 10AM here. For access to the exclusive ticket pre-sale for the brand-new dates, sign up here
 

Tickets for the rescheduled dates will remain valid.

www.UB40.global
Twitter: @UB40OFFICIAL
Facebook: @ub40official
Instagram: @ub40official

Over in West Leeds there are two great venues in the small town of Farsley . The Constitutional and soon to be opened The Old Woollen. There are some great gigs lined up for later this year featuring amongst others Don Letts and The Futureheads. 

Don't forget to make sure that you check back regularly for updates on gigs and further news re The Old Woollen.

The Constitutional 

Facebook

Twitter

RAG’N’BONE MAN ANNOUNCES ‘LIVE AFTER RACING’ SHOW @ DONCASTER RACECOURSE

SATURDAY 17th JULY 2021 TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY 26th March || PRE-SALE WEDNESDAY

RAG’N’BONE MAN will appear at Doncaster Racecourse this Summer for a huge outdoor show. 

Taking to the stage on Saturday 17th July 2021, this special ‘Live After Racing’ event will provide a full day at the races, followed by a showstopping headline set by the neo-soul megastar. 

This one-off Doncaster date will swiftly follow the release of the UK singer’s highly anticipated second album, ‘Life By Misadventure’ this Spring.

Tickets for the show will go on general sale from 9am Friday 26th March, or Wednesday 24th March for O2 presale Customers. 

* * * * *

Rag’n’Bone Man is the alias of Sussex singer and songwriter, Rory Graham. His 4x Platinum debut, ‘Human’, shot to No 1 in the UK upon release in 2017 and became the fastest-selling album by a male artist of the 2010s, with Graham picking up both BRIT and Ivor Novello awards along the way. Four years later, Graham has been teasing the release of his new album ‘Life by Misadventure’, which is confirmed for release on 7 May, via the Columbia label.

Defying expectation in a bid to tear up the rule book, Graham went to Nashville to write and record what would become ‘Life By Misadventure’. The bulk of the album was produced and recorded by Grammy Award-winning producer and multi-instrumentalist Mike Elizondo (Eminem, 50 Cent, Fiona Apple, Alanis Morissette), and was recorded purposefully like a live album, so the sound would be real and 100% human.

Guest musicians on the upcoming album include long time collaborators Ben Jackson-Cook (keyboards, co-songwriter and co-producer of the album), Bill Banwell (bass, and co-songwriter) and Desri Ramus (backing vocals), who are joined by drummer Daru Jones (Lazaretto-Jack White) and guitarist Wendy Melvoin (who joined Prince’s Revolution at the age of 19). Said to be about growing up and moving forward, ‘Life By Misadventure’ will see Graham delivering an album of depth and soul, primed for big singalongs on the summer festival circuit. 

Now firmly established as one of Britain’s most successful artists of the past decade, the pop superstar is poised to re-assert himself as one of its most authentic and original talents on the live stage in 2021. With a clutch of powerful material at his fingertips, expect his Doncaster appearance to be brimful of bold new cuts and rousing old favourites, including “Human”, “Skin”, “Giant”, “Run” and the critically-acclaimed new single “All You Ever Wanted” .Guaranteed to be one of the summer’s most unmissable live fixtures, Rag’n’Bone Man’s ‘Live After Racing’ show will be a night to remember. Tickets go on general sale this Friday 26th March.

RAG’N’BONE MAN @ DONCASTER RACECOURSE - SATURDAY 17 JULY  2021
GATES: 15:301st Race: 17:30Last Race: 20:40On Stage: 21:00

* * * * * *

TICKETS - GENERAL SALE THIS FRIDAY, 26 MARCH https://www.ticketweb.uk/event/ragnbone-man-live-doncaster-racecourse-tickets/10907425 

O2 PRESALE - THIS WEDNESDAY https://www.ticketweb.uk/event/ragnbone-man-live-doncaster-racecourse-tickets/10907425?dlac=O2PRE

FOR MORE INFORMATIONw/ https://www.ragnboneman.com

Aiming to capture the voice of a nation, Yorkshire indie-rock quartet Sounds Like A Storm return with a brand new single, ‘Make It Better’.

Listen // Watch 

With sold out hometown headline shows at Leeds venues including The Wardrobe, Keyclub and Oporto, and support slots for The Blinders, Twisted Wheel and VANT resulting in festival appearances at Reading and Leeds (BBC Radio 1 Stage), Live at Leeds and Bingley Weekender, the band now have their sights firmly set on a national breakthrough.

A gritty, glam-rock take on their exhilarating indie-rock, ‘Make It Better’ finds Sounds Like A Storm exploring their idea of hope. Fuelled by irony, it’s a song about life and the things you love; the idea that for things to get better, you have to believe in something. 

“At the time I wrote this song my dad was in hospital, I wrote this tune one night in the month of January, it came from nowhere. I suppose lyrically I am picturing things I love, this escapism from hospital wards and the trauma of what I was going through. The juxtapositions bounce in and out throughout the song, this feeling of isolation and loneliness felt unusual at the time, but now for everyone in the world through the pandemic has become almost second nature.” explains frontman Sennen Ludman.

“The song is set to deliver hope, things will get better, they may not be the same as before but they will get better.”

“Undeniably adroit at their art - undoubtedly just the tip of the iceberg”  - Yorkshire Evening Post

Follow Sounds Like A Storm:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | MusicGlue | Spotify

Fresh off the heels of the release of DJ Python’s “Young Buck” remix, which saw support by Pitchfork, BBC 6Music and more, Braids is thrilled to reveal today two brand new songs titled “Slayer Moon” and “2020”. Recorded during the sessions of their last album Shadow Offering, the new tracks were premiered by the band last night during their WWWorld Premiere live concert on their YouTube channel. 

Watch it here.

The band shares their inspiration behind the songs: “Slayer Moon is inspired by a Sailor Moon phone case I bought in Tokyo, at 3 am while on tour in Japan. Growing up I was obsessed with Sailor Moon, particularly with the ability to magically transform from a normal girl into a full-on mystical and powerful Sailor Scout, battle-ready to combat the evil forces of the world.”

“What a deal, legs with more potential than my life” 

“Sailor Scouts have the longest legs ever drawn - so long that I drew a parallel between their immaculate legs, and our frenetic modern minds, lost in the ego abyss of the infinite scroll.”

“I can’t figure out my life blood, what should I prescribe to?”

“‘2020’ was written sometime in 2017, after a long period of being alone – in an abstract sense of the word – while reaching for fleeting physical closeness. I was with friends, but my heart was lonely and longing for companionship, my body confused with the unfamiliarity of new and shallow encounters. 

I had been meditating a lot during this time “tracing a line through the centre of my body” – a process of inward-looking that I veer towards when I take the time to sit. I titled the song ‘2020’, in 2020. Revisiting the song's lyrics through the eyes of our present reality struck a chord with me. I felt as close to the song as when I had first written it. I find that I am asking myself similar questions while in this pandemic, without my friends, my family, my familiar structures.”

“I am of all things, love and hate. Placing the pieces of myself, hopefully, without judgment, without bitterness. To not knowing, who I am entirely. Who am I, without them? Who am I, without you, in my life?”
 

Listen to Slayer Moon / 2020 by clicking here. 

Watch the Slayer Moon visualiser by clicking here.
 

Braids most recent album Shadow Offering coproduced by Chris Walla, is out now via Secret City Records. A luscious and expansive release, Shadow Offering leads us through a sonic tapestry of narrative. With heartbreaking honesty and precision, listeners traverse a nuanced and complicated world: one full of beautiful contradictions. This release was critically acclaimed around the globe. In the United Stated, 

The New York Times said, “Raphaelle Standell-Preston sings with openhearted earnestness,” while The Fader exclaimed, “The whole thing builds to a frantic final third in which the chaos and confusion is palpable." (About “Snow Angel”). Consequence of Sound added about “Young Buck” - “a bouncy good time; in the tug-of-war between mind and matter, these pulsing synths are clearly on the side of the body.” Stereogum said Shadow Offering “feels like the culmination of what Braids have been building towards over the last 10 years. It’s glimmering and assured, an album that’s constantly refining and one-upping itself.” The album was greatly received in the United Kingdom as well. The Line of Best Fit gave it 9/10, and described as “a gloriously intricate fourth outing [...] Braids have refined themselves, ready to offer mature, emotional soundscapes of understanding,” while Clash Magazine and Uncut rated the album 8/10. 

Listen to the “Young Buck” remix by DJ Python by clicking here.

Watch the "Young Buck" remix by DJ Python video edit by clicking here.

Listen/Buy Shadow Offering by clicking here. 

Watch “Just Let Me” video here. 

Watch “Snow Angel” video here.  

Watch “Young Buck” video here. 

Watch “Eclipse (Ashley)” video here. 

Braids online 

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter 

Secret City Records online 

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter 

A retro-tinted charmer beamed from another era, SILVERTWIN release their new single: ‘Ploy’ (24th March).

STREAM HERE

Like a ray of sunshine filtered through a pair of seventies aviators; Silvertwin’s music is as warmly familiar as your childhood soundtrack, yet with a timeless turn of phrase and knowing sense of fun that places them alongside peers such as The Lemon Twigs or Whitney. 

And their first release of 2021, “Ploy” glows with an artfully nostalgic vintage aura; think Paul McCartney produced by Jeff Lynne, or vice versa perhaps. 

Lost in the anxious and troubled thoughts that often accompany new found love, “Ploy” was written by the band’s Isaac Shalam at his childhood home but in a world of his own. Looking for a way to express the feelings that wracked him, Shalam turned to the piano to try and channel the swelling emotions captured by Brian Wilson’s surf-pop majesties; before arriving instead at something soft and simmering of his own soulful touch. 

““Ploy” is kind of about the insecurity or paranoia that comes with a blooming relationship” says Shalam. “I suppose initially I thought of the riff as my attempt at trying to write something Beach Boys-esque by having simple chords but a bass line that moved back and forth. It was a new style of song-writing for me as up until then I’d mostly used guitar, but I wanted to begin using piano as the anchor for the songs I was working on at the time.”

Recorded at Electro-vox Studios in West Hollywood in LA, “Ploy” was produced by Foxygen’s esteemed Jonathan Rado (The Flaming Lips / The Killers / Father John Misty). With the prominent piano playing delivered by Shalam, its melody is uplifted with additional baroque-pop flourishes courtesy of a string quartet. Giving the record its classic finish, “Ploy” was mastered by Frank Arkwright at Abbey Road Studios and mixed by Cenzo Townshend. 

Masterminded by Isaac Shalam, Silvertwin are the new band your life is sorely missing. Raised on a diet of seminal cuts from the 60s, 70s and 80s consumed via the family car stereo, from early-on in high school Shalam felt a yearning to recreate the sounds he had grown up with all his life. Looking for a vehicle to bring his self-penned songs to life, Shalam formed Silvertwin while at college in London; a quintet of like-minded souls including Alicia Barisani, Dan Edery, Lauric Mackintosh and Antonio Naccache.

Quickly impressing audiences and industry alike, the Silvertwin name soon caught the ear of Foxygen’s Jonathan Rado who invited the band to develop their studio sound with him at LA’s prestigious Electro Vox studios. Spending the last year readying a clutch of songs for wider release, “Ploy” is the first of those sessions to materialise. 

Playing their first official shows in 2020, the band drew a sold-out capacity crowd to a two night residency at London’s Pin-Ups venue by word-of-mouth sensation. With new dates and a debut album being planned for later this year, stay-tuned for more news and releases from Silvertwin in the coming months...

Looking forward to returning to the live stage for the first time since, Silvertwin are pleased to confirm 4x socially distanced shows over two nights at Paper Dress Vintage in Hackney on 19th May and 16th June respectively. 

Full dates and details as below.

SILVERTWIN 2021 LIVE DATES

Wed 19 May - Early Show 8pm - Tickets

Wed 19 May -  Late Show 9:30pm - Tickets

Wed 16 June - Early Show 8pm - Tickets

Wed 16 June -  Late Show 9:30pm - Tickets

FOR MORE INFORMATION  https://www.wearesilvertwin.com

Article written by John McEvoy

Single released - 23rd April

Stephen Springall has produced a captivating slice of Americana with his debut single ‘Midas Touch’. 

His distinctive vocals, all accompanied by slide guitar and acoustic harmonies deliver a refreshing take on a much loved genre, and it features a Hammond organ, and well, let’s be honest, who doesn’t like a Hammond Organ! 

It's worth mentioning that with this single, Stephen has managed to bring a fresh perspective to a musical style that  has been covered in all its various formats by a huge number of bands and artists, and credit should go to him for that! 

Stephen clearly knows good music when he hears it, as he’s played with both Nick Corbin and Karrie O’Sullivan, both of whom we’ve had the pleasure of chatting with for Wall of Sound. 

Midas Touch is out now, and I would urge you to look this one up. This is an accomplished debut from an artist who deserves to be successful. 

Links:

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Review written by Liam McEvoy

Released 21st May

An artist that undoubtably has a big future IORA releases her newest single ‘FIND ME’ this Friday 21st May 2021. 

With her newest single IORA has produced a storming Electronic dance track that with its thumping drum beat, intricately woven synthesisers and IORA’s unique vocals is sure to have people dancing in nightclubs once they reopen.  

IORA is an artist that is already attracting much attention and rightly so. With her newest single ‘FIND ME’ IORA is sure to garner even more attention and truly is an artist to keep an eye on for the future. 

Further info and links:

IORA most recently received support from Radio 1’s BBC Introducing with Gemma Bradley and the Chillest Show with Sian Eleri.  She was also played on the BBC Introducing North West for the  Live Lounge Special. A Roundhouse Resident Artist alumnus, IORA has big plans for 2021 and has kept herself busy over lockdown. 

This included the closing song for the Headstock’s show on United We Stream in memory of Ian Curtis.  The show was to raise money for Mental health Charity ‘Mind’, performing with the untold Orchestra and the northern session Choir. IORA has also done live streams for Liverpool Sound City, BBC Introducing Manchester, and the Roundhouse ‘Rising’ festival hosted by Moses Boyd. 

IORA has also featured as the singing voice of the lead character in Multi Award-winning short film ‘Time Bascule’ by Di Maidstone, which won best experimental film at Athens, Montreal and Los Angeles, Indie X, Film festivals. Most recently, 

IORA can be seen performing in ‘Deep Blue’, an Arts Council supported piece of New Writing Gig theatre.

Past live shows have included: playing a headline show at Manchester’s Band on the Wall, to launch the debut EP ‘eYes Of a bEAst’ (supported by PRS Women Make Music); a sold-out show at the Roundhouse (supporting Badly Drawn Boy); sold-out shows at the Kazimier Garden Liverpool and the Roundhouse London (both supporting Stealing Sheep).

IORA has won support from Reform Radio and The Arts Council to help fund the video for this track. Thanks to ‘No Such Thing Records’, IORA worked with Mel Roberts, Sarah Eyre and Holly Rush to create some stunning visuals. Regarding this track, she has said the following:

“I’m excited to release this track, it has a dark edge and energy that I want everyone to hear.” 

IORA’s new song, Find Me, is about searching for perfection when there is no such thing. To quote Stephen Hawking ‘...without imperfections, neither you nor I would exist.’  

https://www.instagram.com/ioramusic/

https://twitter.com/IORAmusic

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHAuQm3lYw0BRKJWVOoWdBg

https://www.facebook.com/IORAmusic

nosuchthingrecords@gmail.com

Reviewed by Liam McEvoy

EP released 21st May

The Dublin based four piece released their newest EP Parallel Lines on the 14th May 2021. A storming three track EP that shows the best of this punk inspired quartet.

Opening with title track ‘Parallel Lines’ this is a terrific track that feels truly anthemic and it’s as though it was written to play to stadiums. This is followed by ‘Love is not an option’. This is a track that has a creeping ominous atmosphere. With its bass that gallops forward at lightning speed driving the track forward and the drawling vocals of frontman Robert Dalton’ it’s a track that exudes atmosphere is a fantastic way. 

The final track on the EP is ‘Love is not an option – Wastefelllows Love Hangover Remix’. This takes what is very much a track bass driven track and shifts it making it an electronic drum and synth laden track that is vastly different from the original but equally as brilliant. 

Out now this is an EP that is not to be missed as it shows the best of a band that has big things to come. 

Links:

www.scatteredashesdublin.com

Sonic PR

Ireland’s new hotly tipped alt-pop queen, FYA FOX unveils her brilliant new single, ‘Sunset’ out May 21st. 

Traversing rolling hills of sparse, panoramic songwriting, FYA FOX is the exciting new prospect from Ireland spinning tightly wound yarns of brooding and emotive alt-pop. A classically trained vocalist straying beyond Ireland’s traditional country/folk scene, FYA’s influences span from Banks, Lana Del Rey and London Grammar.  

Wasting little time to resurface following her recent single ‘Body’, FOX’s new track, ‘Sunset’ marries her arresting vocal with a free flow of prickling alt-pop production. It’s a stunning offering from an artist harbouring all the hallmarks for future stardom.   

FYA FOX: "This song is really about this idea/belief of meeting again in an afterlife. The SUNSET is kind of that space between this life and the next." 

FYA’s previous two singles ‘Body’ & ‘White Lies’ have already been supported by 2fm, Today FM and the likes of Hot Press, Record Of The Day, Nialler9, The Last Mixed Tape, Flavour Magazine, Fortitude & Alfitude + many more. 

‘Body’ was added to the BBC Radio Ulster ‘Where Music Matters’ playlist which features ten new tracks across the BBC Radio Ulster playlist each month and her debut, ‘White Lies’ received its world exclusive with Radio One’s Gemma Bradley on BBC Across The Line. As well as being added by Hattie Pearson to the influential Co-op Edit UK playlist, her music has featured on a number of prestigious Spotify playlistsincluding ‘FreshFinds’ (750K followers).  

FYA FOX’s new single, ‘Sunset is out on May 21.  

Links to FYA FOX:

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | SOUNDCLOUD | SPOTIFY 

The Charlatans are to release 'A Head Full Of Ideas' a career spanning boxset and CD, and announce accompanying 30th anniversary UK tour. 

==============================

THE CHARLATANS proudly announce their (Covid) delayed release of their 30th Anniversary tour and a 6 vinyl LP Box Set out on the 15th October

Released on Then Recordings through Republic Of Music, ‘A Head Full Of Ideas’ is a five album, and exclusive 7”, career-spanning box set that sums up their remarkable progress from 1990 Manchester scene hopefuls to one of the UK’s most enduring and best-loved bands. The accompanying tour begins at Belfast, Limelight 22/11/21 and finishes in Aberdeen on 20/12/21. 

The band have notched up 13 Top 40 studio albums - three of them number ones - alongside 22 hit singles, four of them top 10. The rollercoaster highs have been accompanied by some shattering lows, any which one of them could have felled a less resilient band, from nervous breakdowns to near bankruptcy and the deaths of two founder members. 

Somehow, they have not just carried on but adapted and transformed. The classic Charlatans sound - driving Hammond organ, Northern Soul and house-influenced rhythms, swaggering guitars and Tim Burgess’s sunny yet somehow yearning vocal - is instantly recognisable. And in spite of everything they have been through their music is now more relevant than ever, The Guardian described their last album, Different Days as “one of their best ever”. 

This limited box set, is a diverse collection portrayed over five Transparent blue vinyl LP’s, spanning their hits, classic live performances, unheard demo’s and rarities and remixes. Within the box will also be an exclusive Original Demo’s 7” featuring ‘Indian Rope’/’The Only One I Know’, as well as a signed print of a tour poster from the early 90’s, a booklet featuring unseen photographs and sleeve notes by friend and journalist Dave Simpson. There will also be triple vinyl LP version and 2CD deluxe of the box set featuring the hits albums plus the live album, and finally a cd or vinyl of just the hits albums. 

Their iconic and hugely adored live track One To Another (circa 1997) provides the titles for the individual vinyl collection within the box set. Each piece of vinyl is named after a lyric from the song.

Tour dates:

November 2021

22nd Belfast, Limelight

23rd Dublin, Olympia

25th Wrexham, William Aston Hall

26th Bristol, O2 Academy

27th Birmingham, O2 Academy

29th Bexhill De La Warr Pavilion

30th Bournemouth, Academy

December 2021

2nd Oxford, O2 Academy

3rd Cambridge, Corn Exchange

4th Manchester, O2 Victoria Warehouse

6th Lincoln, Engine Shed

8th Liverpool, Invisible Wind Factory

9th Newcastle, City Hall

10th London, Brixton Academy

16th Nottingham, Rock City

17th Leeds, O2 Academy

18th Glasgow, O2 Academy

20th Aberdeen, Music Hall

Links:

Charlatans

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram 

Spotify

Apple

Sonic PR

The #1 karaoke mobile app Yokee Karaoke, announces the launch of a brand new in-app feature ‘Music Clips’. Available now, the new feature will enable singing fans who have dreamt of starring in their own music video to shoot a short video based on their own recording of a song from Yokee Karaoke’s extensive catalogue of music.  

With newly introduced hands-free recording technology, users will be able to shoot music videos that are based upon their own vocal recordings and free of any prior app singing limitations. Those after a professional finish can use the app’s special audio effects to further enhance their vocals, then the music videos can be uploaded to the user’s feed and shared amongst the ever-expanding Yokee Karaoke community.

Seeing a huge surge in demand during the global pandemic and the closure of karaoke bars, Yokee Karaoke saw over 500,000 hours of user generated content recorded and shared on the social platform in the past year, with Tones And I’s global hit ‘Dance Monkey’ currently the app’s most popular track, shortly followed by Dua Lipa’s ‘Levitating’ and Lewis Capaldi’s ‘Before You Go’.

Following this boom Yokee Karaoke fans have seen several new features added to the app alongside the addition of ‘Music Clips’, including the ability to host karaoke parties at home with family and friends via Bluetooth casting technology, and an advanced machine-learning and user personalised feed where the app social feed will automatically display to users the best in-app performances that the user may be interested in, based on multiple factors such as region, performance interactions, engagement parameters and many more.

Yokee Karaoke is available to download via the App Store, Google Play and HUAWEI App Gallery, boasting an extensive catalogue of over 100K licensed songs for users to select from, with a limitless choice of genres and greatest hits from fan favourites including Billie Eilish, Queen, Adele, Justin Bieber, amongst hundreds of other artists. 

It is the most popular karaoke mobile app available for download worldwide, with a social network and community of 1M+ monthly users actively creating and sharing their own music content via the power of their own singing voice and performing skills. Alongside users choosing to use Yokee Karaoke solely for entertainment purposes, the app uniquely offers anonymous singers huge exposure via its extensive social platform, with the opportunity for undiscovered talent to build their way to the top and garner fans worldwide.

 A CELEBRATION OF PRIDE MONTH FEATURING PERFORMANCES FROM LGBTQ+ ICONS: LADY GAGA | KYLIE MINOGUE | MILEY CYRUS | ELTON JOHN | GEORGE MICHAEL | DONNA SUMMER | CYNDI LAUPER & MORE

FULL PERFORMANCE VIDEOS:
 

Kylie Minogue ‘Can’t Get You Out Of My Head’ - Aphrodite: Les Folies tour
Lady Gaga ‘Bad Romance’ - The Monster Ball Tour
Madonna ‘Ray of Light’ - Sticky and Sweet Tour
Miley Cyrus ‘We Can’t Stop’ - Bangerz Tour

June 3rd - To further support and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, Qello Concerts by Stingray, the world’s leading concert streaming platform, has today announced the launch of the Celebrating Pride Collection, a digital showcase of live performances and documentaries from the world’s biggest LGBTQ+ icons. Available to stream now, online and on Amazon Prime, the Celebrating Pride Collection will feature 14 full concert performances and documentaries from the likes of Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Kylie Minogue, Madonna and more.
 

The Celebrating Pride Collection is a celebration of Pride Month and embracing the LGBTQ+ community, through Qello Concerts’ visual collection of live performances from the world’s biggest artists. The collection will include a stellar line-up of concerts including Kylie Minogue, Aphrodite: Les Folies tour, Miley Cyrus Bangerz Tour, Madonna Sticky and Sweet Tour, Lady Gaga The Monster Ball Tour, George Michael Live in London, Elton John The Red Piano, Sam Smith Live at the iHeart Festival and much more. Additionally music fans can also enjoy the 2012 feature length documentary Freddie Mercury: The Great Pretender, about Queen singer Freddie Mercury.

Available now, The Celebrating Pride Collection from Qello Concerts is available to stream online and on Amazon Prime here.
The Pride Month Collection
Freddie Mercury - The Great Pretender
Lady Gaga - Lady Gaga Presents The Monster Ball Tour At Madison Square Garden
Madonna - Sticky and Sweet Tour
Kylie Minogue: Aphrodite Les Folies - Live in London
Elton John - The Red Piano
George Michael - Live in London
Miley Cyrus - Bangerz Tour
Donna Summer - VH1 Presents: Live and More Encore
Sam Smith - Live at the iHeart Festival 2014
Disclosure - The Wildlife Festival 2015
Ricky Martin - One Night Only
Cyndi Lauper - Front and Center Presents Cyndi Lauper
Janelle Monáe - Dirty Computer
Culture Club – Live in Sydney