Janice Long to judge at Liverpool Music Awards

One of the UK’s most accomplished and experienced broadcasters, Liverpool born Janice Long, is the latest judge to sign up at the first ever Liverpool Music Awards, which takes place this November.

"I am really excited to be one of the judges for the Liverpool Music Awards. The city has been at the forefront of the music scene for over 60 years and has consistently produced amazing talent” says Janice Long.

The respected panel also includes founder of LIPA, Mark Featherstone-Witty, programme director for the MA in music industry studies at the University of Liverpool Dr Mike Jones, Simon Glinn, executive director of Liverpool Philharmonic Hall & Events, Liverpool Echo music writer Jade Wright, BBC Radio Merseyside's Dave Monks, Craig G Pennington, editor and publisher of music magazine Bido Lito! More names are to be announced in coming weeks.

The awards promises to celebrate the diverse mix of musical talent and entrepreneurial achievements of our city’s music industry.  “I feel extremely privileged to come from Liverpool and have the opportunity to play the music from my hometown on my Radio 2 show. These awards recognise the abundance of wonderful music coming out of Liverpool. Long may it continue" adds Janice.

“Janice Long is a huge icon in the music industry, and is renowned for championing new music. From her days at BBC Radio Merseyside, through to BBC Radio 1 and now BBC Radio 2, Janice has always been proud of her Scouse roots, and the brilliant music which comes from our city. I could not be happier about having Janice on the judging panel, she is such an inspiration.  Apart from her vibrant personality and passion for music, I love that Janice is effectively ‘genre-neutral’, and only distinguishes music as either ‘good or ‘bad.’ This makes her a perfect judge for the Liverpool Music Awards, since they are not genre specific. I am delighted to have Janice's support, and hopefully her involvement will mean that in these final two weeks, even more individuals, groups and organisations will be nominated” says awards organiser Ellie Phillips

In one of those careers completely powered by a passion for music. Janice’s life has been full of amazing memories, legendary gigs and classic moments as a radio and TV host. But because BBC Radio 2’s much-loved late night presenter doesn't shout it from the rooftops, it’s a bit too easy to forget just how many bands and artists she’s been first on the scene with, eager to present them with a national platform. The list of artists she’s championed is distinguished indeed, from Frankie Goes To Hollywood to Amy Winehouse and beyond.

It also says a lot about Janice that the only club she’s ever been a member of was Eric’s, the famous Liverpool nightspot that helped launch so many new wave artists. “I saw loads of gigs there, then I used to go to the Warehouse and see bands five nights a week, while I was working at Radio Merseyside. “This was the end of the ’70s and start of the ’80s, punk had happened, it was very, very exciting, and there were clubs reflecting that, so much so that when I joined Radio Merseyside I suggested they do a programme that covered the scene that was going on. I just wanted to produce it, but they said, “Nobody knows what you’re talking about,” so you do it. That’s when I started doing sessions on radio. I remember going to see Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s first gig at Mr. Pickwick’s in Liverpool. They were just astonishing, everyone was blown away.”

Late in 1982, her own big break arrived. “I got offered the job at Radio 1, because they’d heard about the show, and I was fortunate enough then to be able to start there doing Saturday nights, 7.30 till 10, in Manchester, and they let me do sessions.” A little later, she would host Radio 1’s early evening show four nights a week. With the evangelistic enthusiasm that’s still her trademark, Janice would lobby labels and publishers to sign Frankie. As the Liverpool scene developed, she would also champion the likes of OMD, The Mighty Wah!, China Crisis and Echo & the Bunnymen.

There’s still time to nominate your favourite local artists and industry people for the Liverpool Music Awards. Entries and nominations close on Friday August 17 2012. 

The Fifteen Award Categories include; Live Music Venue of the Year, Live Music Night of the Year, Artist Manager/Management Team of the year, Producer/Production Team of the Year, Recording Studio of the Year, Record Label of the Year, Single of the Year, Album of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Band of the Year, DJ of the Year, One To Watch, Local Music Champion and Outstanding Contribution to Music.

For further details on the Liverpool Music Awards and how to nominate go to  www.liverpoolmusicawards.com

If you are interested in sponsoring one of the awards, please contact sponsorship@liverpoolmusicawards.com

Dog Is Dead to release Glockenspiel Song as next single

Following last night’s exclusive play on Huw Stephens’ Radio 1 show, Dog Is Dead return with their third release, 'Glockenspiel Song', on Atlantic Records available from 23 July. The band are also pleased to announce the title of their debut album, 'All Our Favourite Stories', which will release this autumn. 

Listen to 'Glockenspiel Song' here: http://soundcloud.com/dogisdead/glockenspiel-song-new-single

2012 has seen the band grow from their modest Nottingham roots. After selling out a huge homecoming show at Rock City in December last year - a testament to their loyal native followers - they made their mark around the UK with a massive 30-date headline tour in February. They honed their thrillingly harmonious live show and played shows alongside the likes of King Charles, Bombay Bicycle Club and Tribes. Now after releasing two singles “Hands Down” and “Two Devils” through Atlantic Records, the band have gained continuous support from the likes of Radio 1’s Huw Stephens and Fearne Cotton, BBC 6Music and XFM along with key supporters at The Guardian and NME.

This summer Dog Is Dead will be back on the road to perform the remaining of a huge set of festival dates (17 more in total) across the UK, including Dot To Dot, Hop Farm and T In The Park (full dates below). For the past few months, the quintet have been putting the finishing touches to their debut album All Our Favourite Stories. Having enlisted Nottingham based producer, Guy Elderfield, who has worked on the band’s earlier EPs including Your Childhood, production also comes from lead singer, Rob Milton and David Kosten (Everything Everything, Bat For Lashes). Commenting on the upcoming single, Rob said, “Glockenspiel Song' is our feel good track about our childhood and the place we grew up in. We always planned to re-release this in the lead up to releasing our debut album as while we were blown away by the reaction first time around we always wanted to rerecord it, make a proper video and get it out there to a wider audience - it's a hell of a lot of fun to play and a big live favourite so Summer 2012 is the perfect time to get it out there.”

Things kicked off for the band after Glastonbury 2010, after their performance of fan favourite “Glockenspiel Song” aired on BBC2’s highlights that year – the only unsigned band to appear on the show. This in turn led to a live performance of the track on cult TV show, Skins, and opened up multiple opportunities which are set to continue throughout the year. 

Dog Is Dead are Rob Milton (lead singer/guitar), Joss Van Wilder (keyboards), Trev (bass/sax man) Paul Roberts (guitar) and Daniel Harvey (drums).

FESTIVAL DATES

2 June Bushstock, London 

2 June Dot To Dot, Bristol

3 June Dot To Dot, Nottingham

3 June Evolution, Newcastle

4 June Dot To Dot, Manchester

16 June GoldCoast Oceanfest, Devon

29 June Hop Farm Festival, Kent

30 June Blissfields, Winchester

8 July T In The Park, Kinross-shire, Scotland

14 July 2000 Trees, Gloucestershire

20 July Wickerman Festival, South West Scotland 

21 July Truck Festival, Hill Farm, Oxford

28 July Leopallooza, Cornwall

4 August Belladrum

18 August Summer Sundae, Leicester

19 August Strummer of Love, Somerset

1 September In The Woods, South England


Dog Is Dead have just announced they will be playing Reading and Leeds this summer on the Festival Republic stage!

www.dogisdead.co.uk 

www.facebook.com/dogisdead

Article posted by Musicmafia

AIM Independent Music Awards return for 2012

RECOGNISING INDEPENDENT TALENT FOR THEIR SECOND YEAR

HOSTED BY STEVE LAMACQ (BBC 6MUSIC) & HUW STEPHENS (BBC RADIO 1)
THE BREWERY, CLERKENWELL – 29TH OCTOBER 2012
www.musicindie.com/awards

Following the huge success of their inaugural awards, the Association of Independent Music (AIM) are very pleased to announced that the AIM Independent Music Awards will return once again in 2012, casting a spotlight on the plethora of talent in the independent sector. Doubling in size in direct response to the overwhelming interest in 2011’s event, the AIM Awards will be held on October 29th 2012 at their new venue, The Brewery in Clerkenwell.

Chairman and CEO of AIM, Alison Wenham commented: "The first AIM Awards (2011) was a fantastic event for the artists and companies whose hard work was finally recognised by their peers. We hope that as the awards show grows in size and stature, the wider industry will take note of the unique contribution the indie sector makes to the quality and diversity of the British Music Industry."   

Toasting the variety and creativity of the artists and labels that AIM has supported since its inception in 1999, the ceremony will see the return of renowned champions of credible music, BBC 6Music’s Steve Lamacq and BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens as hosts. 15 awards will be presented, including Independent Breakthrough of the Year, Best Small Label, Best Live Act and Outstanding Contribution to Music, previously bestowed on the mighty Bjork.

BBC 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq commented: “I'm delighted to be co-hosting the awards again after its inception last year. It really was a bit special being in a room with so many influential independent label bosses, including people like Martin Mills and Geoff Travis who put out so many of the records I bought as a teenager. What last year proved is that the AIM Awards does a variety of things. It raises the profile of the indie sector - but it's also very valuable in bringing indie label heads together for a night to swap advice and discuss the future. And on top of that it's terrific to mark some of the achievements of the musicians and labels who've excelled in their field”.

BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens added: “The AIM Awards were a celebration of the thriving independent music scene, a huge and energetic group of people and music that deserve to get recognition for their hard work. Myself and Steve had a blast on the night and in the lead up to the event too, where the creativity really gets put under the spotlight.”

Recognising the accomplishments of a sector that is routinely overlooked by other major music awards, the AIM Awards celebrates a community of artists and entrepreneurs that will always do things their own way, making phenomenal music in every genre and pushing forward new business models and innovations.  Bucking the overall industry downturn, independent sales were up in 2011 (even without the phenomenal success of Adele), proving that public interest in great music is as strong as it’s ever been.

The awards are voted for by an expert panel of judges from across the music industry which this year will include DJ Ras Kwame, Rocksound’s Ben Patashnik, The Quietus’ Luke Turner and Glastonbury Dance Village’s Malcolm Haynes. These judges have been added to the panel to ensure more specialist music genres are well-represented in the nominees and winners - so that the AIM Awards fully represent the breadth and diversity of independent music in the UK. The full list of judges for the AIM Awards 2012 is:

Sean Adams, Founder, DrownedInSound 

Elisa Bray, Music Editor, The Independent 

Nick DeCosemo, Editor, Mixmag 

JJ Dunning, Editor, The Fly 

Arwa Haider, Music Editor, Metro 

Tim Jonze, Music Editor, Guardian.co.uk

John Kennedy, Presenter, XFM 

Ras Kwame, DJ

Steve Lamacq, DJ, BBC 6 Music

Laura Lukanz, Music Manager, 1Xtra

Matt Wilkinson, New Music Editor, NME

Pete Paphides, Music Journalist & Broadcaster 

Ben Patashnik, Editor, Rock Sound 

Katie Parsons, New Music Editor, Kerrang! 

Tom Robinson, Songwriter & Broadcaster, BBC 6Music 

Huw Stephens, DJ, BBC Radio 1 

Paul Stokes, Associate Editor (Digital), Q 

Luke Turner, Associate Editor, The Quietus

Malcolm Haynes, Senior Programmer, Glastonbury Dance Village

Winners at the inaugural AIM Awards included; Adele for Best 'Difficult' Second Album and the PPL Award for Most Played Independent Act, Bjork who received the Outstanding Contribution to Music Award, SBTRKT for Independent Breakthrough of the Year, Stolen Recordings for Best Small Label and Domino’s Laurence Bell who received the Pioneer Award. A Full list of winners is available at www.musicindie.com/awards

Tickets and sponsorship packages for the awards are available now via the AIM website.

Loven releases video Breath

Loven releases video for single Breath

Loven isn’t your average run-of-the-mill MC. A lyricist skilled in storytelling to the beat by merging metaphors and melodies, Loven has spent the last year fine-tuning his production skills to bring to you an eclectic mash-up of razor-sharp rhymes over electronic, grime and dirty dubstep beats that promise to leave your speakers blown in 2011.
‘Breathe’, the first track off Loven’s forthcoming album, fuses bass-heavy dubstep with an Asian sound to give an electrifying fusion which is being described as ‘absolutely sick’ by Bobby Friction (BBC Introducing), whilst sitting at Number 1 on the BBC Bobby Friction Show chart for 3 weeks and garnering incredible mainstream support with airplay on BBC Radio 1.
The track itself tells the familiar tale of confinement and not being able to ‘breathe’, something everyone can relate to on some level. In Loven’s case, it tells of the struggle of underground artists to crossover to the mainstream – “underground can’t drown me now so let me out I’ll breathe myself”. As a production collaboration with esteemed music producer Charles Bosco, the single has already picked up plaudits from a host of tastemakers, namely for its unique fusion of Tamil cultural melancholy and heavy dubstep production.
Loven may seem to have exploded onto the music scene in 2011, but he is by no means a stranger to the music scene. Spitting rhymes over grime beats since the age of 15, he soon picked up a residency at Strawberry Moons in London’s Piccadilly Circus. He became a regular on the London club scene, showcasing his skills at venues such as Equinox, Sound Republic, Eros, Ministry of Sound and Hippodrome, where he soon caught the attention of those in the industry. He then went on to perform at some of London’s most exclusive venues, wowing the crowds at the Regent Street Festival, taking the main stage at the London Mela and swaying a 20,000 strong crowd with his lyrical prowess at the Etnosur Festival 2006 in Malaga, Spain. ‘Teardrops’, a track written by Loven about the suffering of orphans in the aftermath of the 2004 boxing day Tsunami, became an instant hit with people on both sides of the Atlantic and won a whole host of accolades including Veena V’s Top Dog (Club Asia) and Mentor My Demo (BBC Asian Network). Since then, Loven has taken some time out to develop himself as an artist and to learn how to produce and his sound has evolved from 2-step and grime to sublow, dubstep and electronic.
‘Breathe’ is the beginning of a new era for Loven, and comes at a time where underground producers are bringing urban, electro and bassline music to the mainstream. Producing such infectious beats and writing his own tracks, there’s no denying that Loven - in a sea of manufactured bands and auto-tuned popstrels - is definitely one to be watched. Keep your eyes peeled; it’s time for him to Breathe…

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE ‘BREATHE’ VIDEO

For more information check out:
https://twitter.com/lovenmusic
 https://www.facebook.com/likeloven
http://www.youtube.com/user/Lovenmusic

BBC Radio 1 and COME TOGETHER at Space Ibiza 5 August

COME TOGETHER brings another highlight to the dance isle with the live broadcast of its August 5th party on BBC Radio 1. BBC Radio 1 listeners around the world can tune in to an extended Essential Mix broadcast live from Ibiza with some of the most awesome tracks of the summer by the likes of  deadmau5, Magnetic Man, Mark Knight, Jamie Jones, Funkagenda, Breakage and lots more (see line-up below). Annie Mac, Judge Jules, Kissy Sell Out, Jaymo & Andy George, Skream & Benga, Kutski, Chuckie, Toddla T, Heidi and Zane Lowe will also be doing some wicked mixing throughout the evening.  

COME TOGETHER with likeminded music and dance lovers every Friday night at Space Ibiza from July 1 to September 15. Experience the massive vibe of sounds from across the spectrum, including melodic house, electro, progressive, drum & bass, techno, trance, dub step,…the tension is building towards the musical climax of the year. Ibiza is about to go seismic – 12 weeks in a row. 

Annie Mac, Breakage, Chuckie, deadmau5 (unhooked), DJ Q, Funkagenda, Heidi,  Jackmaster, Jamie Jones, Jaymo & Andy George, Judge Jules, Kissy Sell Out, Knife Party (LIVE), Kutski, Magnetic Man (LIVE), Mark Knight, Rob Da Bank, Roska, Shy FX & Donaeo, Skream & Benga, Toddla T, Untold, Yousef, Zane Lowe

 

COME TOGETHER website

Facebook

Twitter

Space Ibiza

BBC Radio 1

Creamfields 2011 Line up to be Announced

CREAMFIELDS 2011

LINE UP TO BE ANNOUNCED FRIDAY 4^TH MARCH

Early Bird Ticket Offer Ends

We can reveal the line up for this year’s award winning Creamfields festival will be exclusively announced on BBC Radio 1 from 7pm on Friday 4^th March www.bbc.co.uk/radio1

The event which sold out in record time last year also scooped the award for ‘Best Dance Event’ for the 2^nd year running in the UK Festival Awards. Standard Camping tickets are on sale now at the Early Bird price of £100+BF, this offer ends at 7pm on Friday 4^th March.

Creamfields returns to Daresbury in Cheshire on August Bank Holiday weekend. Today’s announcement coincides with the launch of the festivals new look website www.creamfields.com

Early Bird camping tickets on sale now from www.ticketline.co.uk / Tel: 0844 888 4401 / www.ticketmaster.co.uk / Tel: 0844 847 2448 / www.dontstayin.com

First HL Music event goes off with a bang!

HL Music in association with PRS for Music – Hoxton Bar & Kitchen – January 25th



There was an air of excitement all around Hoxton Bar & Kitchen last Tuesday night as Electro/Dance/Indie/Pop band Fenech-Soler were about to headline the 1st HL Music event in association with PRS for Music.
Fenech-Soler have been getting rave reviews recently and have been championed by Radio 1 DJ Greg James who came down with Martin from The Hoosiers to have a look at the event and check out the band live for the 1st time.
The guest list was full of top names from the music and fashion industry and they came down to support this new event, which has been designed to showcase the best talent in music.
Manchester band 1913 opened up the proceedings with a powerful, anthemic set which was packed full of hook laden songs and emotion. Ian Lawtons vocals resonated throughout the venue as they stormed through their 5 songs, ending with their 1st single ‘Atlantis’
DJ and stand up comedian Jeff Leach then stepped up to spin the wheels of steel to keep the crowd in tip top shape and get them set for headliners FenechSoler

The venue was now full to capacity as Fenech-Soler took to the stage. From the opening song ‘Battlefields’ it was soon clear to see why these guys had caught the attention of the music industry. Frontman Ben Duffy whipped the crowd into frenzy as each song was delivered with such ease and professionalism. Ending on the catchy and powerful ‘Stop and Stare’ 8 songs just wasn’t enough… we were all certainly left wanting more. These guys are destined for big things and I’m sure we will be hearing a lot more from them in 2011!
Fenech-Soler (Hoxton Bar & Kitchen) Set List
Battlefields
LA Love
Lies
Contender
Demons
Golden Sun
Stone Bridge
Stop And Stare
View a full slideshow of images from our 1st HL Music event over on our Flickr page - http://bit.ly/HLMusicimages


Check out Fenech-Solers new single ‘Demons’ over on their website - http://www.fenechsoler.co.uk
Our next HL Music event is looking set to take place in Manchester around the beginning of April. To be the 1st to know about this event please follow us on twitter @hljeansco and ‘like’ us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/hljeansco and keep checking the Henri Lloyd website for updates – http://www.henrilloyd.com

BBC Radio 1’s Ibiza Weekend

Cream @ Privilege

BBC Radio 1’s Ibiza Weekend

Saturday 7^th August

BBC Radio 1’s Ibiza weekend returns in 2010 and we are pleased to announce an exclusive Cream event to be held at Privilege to mark the occasion.

Cream have put together one of it’s biggest Ibiza line ups to date for this special one off event. The show which takes place in the world’s biggest club ‘Privilege’ will be headlined by one of the world’s biggest electronic live acts, the unstoppable Underworld, they will be joined by Above & Beyond, Pete Tong, Annie Mac, Zane Lowe, Judge Jules, Kissy Sell Out, The Japanese Postars, Jaguar Skills, Alex Metric, Jaymo & Andy George, Kutski and Gareth Wyn. BBC Radio 1 will broadcast performances from the show in a special extended Essential Mix

Last years event sold out, so please purchase advance tickets to avoid disappointment, on Sale now www.ticketline.co.uk / Tel: 0844 888 4401 or www.ibiza-spotlight.co.uk / www.skiddle.com. Info: www.creamibiza.com / Tel: +44 (0) 151 707 1309 for more information

Cream @ Privilege – BBC Radio 1’s Ibiza Weekend

Saturday 7^th August

Underworld

Above & Beyond

Pete Tong

Annie Mac

Zane Lowe

Judge Jules

Kissy Sell Out

Jaymo & Andy George

The Japanese Popstars

Jaguar Skills

Alex Metric

Kutski

Gareth Wyn

EVENT INFO: Privilege, San Rafael, Ibiza, Times: midnight – late, Free Shuttle buses in operation from San Antonio and Play D’en Bossa.

NB. Please note that Privilege is a multi room venue, if your attending the event to solely see one artist, please ensure you arrive early, once a room fills to capacity, a queuing system will be in place.