MusicMafia presents Leeds based duo Paris XY

Paris XY are out to push the boundaries of live electronic music with a moody combination of atmospheric electronics and dark poetic vocals.

While currently working hard on their debut album and organizing live summer dates, the band are giving away 5 free tracks at www.parisxy.com.

Paris XY, which comprises of Alice Smith (vocals, cello) and James Orvis (guitar, synths, drum machines), takes influence from a range of artists including Trentemoller, The Knife, Mazzy Starr, Massive Attack and Pantha Du Prince to name a few.

The Leeds-based duo state that the combination of both traditional and electronic genres is a key part to achieving their sound. ‘We are not afraid to try new things,’ says James. ‘I think it's very difficult but also extremely important to experiment and develop your own sound these days.’

After being knocked back by local rock promoters and resorting to performing in the cramped confines of space usually reserved for club DJs, Paris XY decided to start their own night in James' basement last summer.

‘We have a very “DIY” mentality,’ says Alice. ‘If there's no scene available for the art that you're providing then you need to find alternative ways to make things happen.’

Paris XY are currently teaming up with other like-minded bands across the country in order to provide an output for live electronic/dance music. ‘The crossover between live band and producer/DJ is still a grey area, and artists like ourselves find it difficult to fit in with the current scenes and trends,” says James. “There's an ever-growing underground movement for live electronic music and it’s been a long time coming.”

Download Paris XY’s releases for free at: www.parisxy.com

Next event: Basement 005 / Galaxians and Paris XY, 22nd March, Leeds.

All Links and Contact Details:

Website: www.parisxy.com

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/paris-xy

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ParisXy

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqzcCnye6abDUI9KoiDz9UA?feature=mhee

Basement Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thebasementleeds

Panic Attack E.P. http://parisxy.bandcamp.com/track/panic-attack

The Space E.P. http://parisxy.bandcamp.com/track/the-space

The Vigil E.P. http://parisxy.bandcamp.com/album/the-vigil-e-p

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Robbie Williams to play intimate O2 Academy Leeds show in September

Robbie Williams’ fans are used to seeing him perform in front of thousands at record-breaking stadium sized shows. Today, he announced that he’s giving his fans the rare opportunity to get up close and personal by playing a handful of small UK shows in September this year.  

These one-off, very special club shows are a must for any Robbie Williams fan as he returns to play live in venues he played on his first tour as a solo artist in 1997.

Because of the limited number of tickets available, from Tuesday 28th August until midnight Sunday 2nd September fans will be able to enter their contact details via tickets.robbiewilliams.com for a chance to buy.

On Monday 3rd September, names will be selected at random using proven Ticketmaster ballot software to ensure fair allocation of tickets. All successful applicants will be notified that they are being given the chance to purchase tickets by midday on Tuesday 4th September. 

For those fans not lucky enough to receive the chance to purchase tickets on this occasion, there will be future exclusive Robbie news and offers to all who registered their interest.

Dates / Venues:
September 11th Leeds O2 Academy
September 12th Glasgow Barrowland
September 16th Southend Cliffs Pavilion South End On Sea

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China Rats giveaway free track after triumphing in unexpected 'headline' slot at Benicassim

Last wednesday, Leeds-band China Rats headed over to Benicassim to play the Villacamp stage the night before the festival officially started. Little did they know that the next night, they would be playing in front of thousands and thousands of people when Bat For Lashes was forced to cancel her appearance. A terrifying prospect for most bands in their infancy, but China Rats stepped up and delivered.

One of the festival's bookers happened to be in the crowd when the band played in the campsite, he loved what he saw on stage and witnessed a mosh-pitting crowd going mental to the band's short, sharp punk-tinged pop songs. When Bat For Lashes' bus broke down, forcing her to cancel her headline slot on the 2nd stage on the Thursday night, the booker asked China Rats if they fancied filling in.

For a band that formed less than a year ago, the four-piece have already started making waves. Their debut EP was released in April, followed by a great performance at Live at Leeds and a week on the Radio One Introducing playlist with their frenetic and catchy track N.O.M.O.N.E.Y.

They've been busy in the studio recording their next single which is due to be released in September, but in the meantime, they're giving away 'Fly Solo' which has been a much loved track in their live set for a while now:

http://soundcloud.com/chinarats/fly-solo/

https://www.facebook.com/chinarats
Twitter - @ChinaRats
http://soundcloud.com/chinarats
http://www.youtube.com/user/chinaratstv
http://chinarats.co.uk/

Article posted by Musicmafia

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MusicMafia introduces leeds band Cheerleaders

A new 3 piece band from Leeds called Cheerleader.

They formed in the last few months in Leeds where they all live. Their influences are pretty widespread so they say it would probably be better if they didn't list any as we may pick it apart (as if we would!!)

Anyway there is a free download of their song Puzzles below so go have a listen

http://soundcloud.com/CHEERLEADERS/

They also have a facebook page that you can visit

 www.facebook.com/cheerleaderscheerleaders 

Article posted by Musicmafia

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MusicMafia presents....China Rats

MusicMafia presents Leeds band China Rats

China Rats are a four piece rock 'n' roll band from Leeds, inspired by a love of punk’s riotous guitars, 50's pop and classic British guitar bands. Formed in 2011 and comprised of four friends who met while studying in Leeds, the band are already picking up early fans including Alan Raw (BBC Introducing in West Yorkshire), Huw Stevens (BBC Radio 1) and Tom Robinson (BBC 6 Music). They also, very recently, spent the week on Radio 1’s Introducing playlist, which saw day time radio plays from the likes of Fearne Cotton, Scott Mills and Greg James of their possible future single ‘N.O.M.O.N.E.Y’.

 The band’s debut EP “To Be Like I” was released on 30^th April and features three tracks: “To Be Like I”, “Take No Prisoners” and “She Never”. It was written, recorded and produced by the band. “To Be Like I” is an exhilarating whirlwind of teenage angst and given true meaning by intertwining crashing guitar sound snippets of truth.

 China Rats write songs about real life encounters and experiences. Of lead track ‘To Be Like I’, singer Graeme says “its about getting your best on for a Friday or Saturday night and being convinced all the girls are into you when really they aren’t interested at all; they hardly even notice you. I’m sure everyone feels like that sometimes”. On ‘Take No Prisoners’ he says, “I suppose it’s about those trendy kids who only ever seem to 'hang out' and get wasted. It was the first song we ever wrote and the lyrics are pretty self explanatory!”

 Live, the band pack an entertaining set full of 2 and a half minute pop songs and perform them with so much energy and charisma. They recently played a great show at Live At Leeds and have just returned back from London Calling in Amsterdam after treating the crowds to two sets in the same day, the only band to have done that at the festival. You can catch them supporting 
The Crookes at The Borderline on the 29^th May.

Soundcloud - http://soundcloud.com/chinarats/tracks

 China Rats are:

Graeme Thomson – Lead Vocals / Guitar

Luke Smith – Lead Guitar / Vocals

Jedidiah Allcock – Bass / Vocals

George Riley – Drums

Article posted by Musicmafia

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Designer Magazine presents... The Headstart

 

 

THE HEADSTART
(www.facebook.com/theheadstart)

THE UK POP PUNK BAND YOU MUST HEAR IN 2012!

New single 'FEELS LIKE HOME' announced - released 12th March 2012.


(Radio / TV enquiries - tony@screampromotions.co.uk)
(PR enquiries - james@livewire-music.co.uk)

Leeds' premier pop punk act, THE HEADSTART, have announced their brand new single, 'FEELS LIKE HOME' will be released on 12th March 2012. The single, produced by John Mitchell (You Me At Six, Enter Shikari, The Blackout) comes as the bands debut release, ahead of this summer's debut album.
 

THE HEADSTART play songs you can dance to, songs you can sing along to and, best of all, songs which make you ... SMILE! Remember that feeling when you first discovered Blink 182, New Found Glory or Simple Plan? You simply cannot listen to The Headstart's brand of summery pop punk without tapping your foot and the track will be stuck in your head for days.

You may have caught the band on tour with Framing Hanley and My Passion throughout Summer 2011, or at the year's HEVY FEST and the live stage is certainly where the band shine. The band are to tour the single across the UK in February.

The FEELS LIKE HOME Tour calls at:

February 2012:

9th Feb: G2, Glasgow
10th Feb: Riverside, Newcastle
11th Feb: Cockpit, Leeds
12th Feb: Central Station, Wrexham
13th Feb: Dry Bar, Manchester
14th Feb: Met Lounge, Peterborough
15th Feb: B2, Norwich
16th Feb: Bang Bar, Basingstoke
17th Feb: Furnace, Swindon
18th Feb: Nambucca, London
19th Feb: Vudu, Birmingham

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Introducing Acoustic Jim and the wires - Time feat. The Lorelles

Acoustic Jim Hustwit, 31, is a Leeds-born singer song-writer and producer whose catchy infusion of soulful acoustic pop won him the title of ʻBest Male Solo Artistʼ at the Peopleʼs Music Awards.

Jim has just self-released his eagerly awaited debut album “Hanging up My Cape” which he wrote and produced. The album boasts an eclectic contrast of brooding strings, bold brass arrangements and driving bass and beats. The sound is best described as Jack Johnson/Ed Sheeran with the soulful edge of James Morrison and funky side of Jason Mraz.  

Jimʼs catchy hooks and harmonies make him an engaging and accomplished solo performer and he has played at some of London's longest running, and most respected live music venues, including; The O2 Academy, The Half Moon and The Hope and Anchor - joining big names such as The Rolling Stones, The Who and U2.

Previously Jim has launched two incredibly successful EPs, the music from which has been featured as part of MyHammerʼs ongoing TV advertising campaign playing on E4, More 4, Five, Fiver and ITV. Jim has been promoting his music in the UK but also across France and Germany whose respective languages he speaks fluently.   

Jimʼs energetic performances and inspired song writing is all the more impressive considering heʼs only been writing and performing for about three years, since a friend coerced him into performing at an open-mic. When playing solo Jim uses a loop pedal to create vocal harmonies and beat box. For band sets Jim is often joined by session bassist and vocalist Sam Edgington and London Rhythm Schoolʼs Christiano Castellitto on drums otherwise known as ʻThe Wiresʼ

www.acousticjim.com  
www.myspace.com/acousticjim
www.facebook.com/acousticjim

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The Mission invite The Wonder Stuff and Salvation to play their homecoming show

Friday 28^th October – O₂ Academy Leeds

£25.00 adv

 Box office: ticketweb.co.uk or 0844 477 2000

Thursday 7^th July 2011; It is with huge delight that The Mission announce The Wonder Stuff and Salvation as special guests for The Mission’s 25^th Anniversary homecoming show at O₂ Academy Leeds on Friday 28^th October.

This exceptional night, which follows The Mission’s sold out O₂ Academy Brixton show (Saturday 22^nd October), will celebrate their milestone anniversary with Wayne Hussey, Simon Hinkler and Craig Adams reforming the band to recreate the excitement and memories of a generation.

During their 25 years, The Mission have enjoyed worldwide success, in excess of 4 million album sales, racked up 14 Top 40 UK hits, and headlined Europe’s most prestigious festivals, while enduring many line-up changes and experiencing the peaks and troughs that would, and have, surely killed off many other less resilient bands.

As testament to their durability and the quality of both their recorded output and the excitement of their live shows, The Mission still command a fanatically loyal worldwide audience.

The Mission’s Wayne Hussey and The Wonder Stuff’s Miles Hunt have been the best of friends since the bands toured together extensively in the late 80’s and early 90’s, and have toured together in recent years as solo artists.

Leeds-based group Salvation also toured with The Mission in the mid 80’s, and Hussey produced their hit single, ‘Jessica’s Crime.’

This extended line-up honours the long history of friendship and collaboration between the three bands. This don’t-miss reunion promises to be a memorable night for all involved.

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Pulp announce Gig at O2 Brixton Academy, London

Pulp have announced details of a show at London’s O₂ Academy Brixton on Wednesday 31st August 2011.

Tickets for the show go on sale at 9am on Friday July 8th 2011.

Limited to 4 tickets per person, they will be priced at £27.50 and are available via www.seetickets.com and www.ticketweb.co.uk or the CC line, 0870 060 3775

The band appear at the Reading & Leeds Festivals on August 27th and 28th and have just headlined Wireless in Hyde Park.

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Libertines to reform for Reading and Leeds festival

The Libertines are set to reform for a headline slot at the Reading and Leeds festival in August. The band, which centred around the songwriting partnership of Pete Doherty and Carl Barât, have not played together as the Libertines since 2004. A source told the Guardian that the group would be receiving a huge sum for their performance, rumoured to be around £1.5m.

The Libertines formed in 1997, with bassist John Hassall and drummer Gary Powell making up the lineup. The band earned themselves a devoted fanbase following the release of their debut album Up the Bracket in 2002. However, drug problems caused the band to disintegrate around the time of their second, self-titled album. Barât kicked his best friend Doherty out of the band in attempt to make him wake up to his heroin addiction, although this only served to increase antagonism between the pair.

Doherty went on to form Babyshambles while Barât became the frontman of Dirty Pretty Things, who split up in 2008. Relations between the pair have thawed considerably in recent times, however, and they have played on stage together on several occasions since the split. According to reports in the Sun, the group will consider announcing further dates and writing new material if the reunion goes well.

Don't expect the road to be too smooth, though. Doherty was arrested last week on suspicion of supplying drugs following the death of Robin Whitehead at a flat in east London earlier this year.

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