GIT AWARD 2015 - ‘One to Watch' winner named ahead of Merseyside bash

GIT AWARD 2015 - ‘One to Watch' winner named ahead of Merseyside bash

With just days to go until the winner of Liverpool’s GIT Award 2015 is announced at the city’s Kazimier venue on Saturday 4 April, organisers can reveal the winner of the One to Watch prize is 23-year-old rock and roller Louis Berry.

Huyton-born Louis Berry wins this year’s One To Watch Prize, which is awarded to one emerging artist and selected by the Merseyside  judging panel, having released just one track to date - yet was named Radio 1’s ‘hottest record in the world right now.’

Described by Getintothis’ Peter Guy as ‘channelling the energy of Jerry Lee Lewis through the story-telling of Dylan’, Berry follows on from the inaugural One To Watch winner Låpsley who has gone on to sign a deal with XL Recordings and release her critically-acclaimed debut EP earlier this year.

Berry’s debut offering .45 was tipped by national print press and radio and after playing just two gigs he signed a contract at each; a publishing deal following an explosive BBC Introducing set and recording terms after lighting up East Village Arts Club.

Louis has recently been in London recording more tracks ahead of a first full release. Berry will celebrate his One To Watch win with a live performance at the GIT Award 2015 ceremony on Saturday April 4.

The nominees for the main award are All We Are, Circa Waves, D R O H N E, Gulf, Hooton Tennis Club, Roxanne Jones, Låpsley, Esa Shields, Sundowners, Xam Volo, Jane Weaver and We Are Catchers.

Nine of these will feature in live performances plus specially created visuals at the Kazimier, transformed into an Aztec Jungle for one night only, alongside one-off performances and DJ sets.

The GIT Award this year will be hosted by Impropriety, Liverpool’s premier improvisational comedy group.

Angie Waller, of Impropriety, said: "Impropriety are overjoyed to be hosting this year's GIT Award. In our true style expect irreverent introductions and heroic stupidity galore."

This year, the Kazimier will transform their unique venue into an exotic Aztec Jungle, with guests encouraged to embrace the theme and dress the part for this invite only event.

The evening will also include entertainment from the spectacular Batala drummers, Arkopsy’s in-house jam band and the Krukthrust DJs.

GIT Award show producer, Joel Murray said: "The GIT Award represents a kaleidoscopic of music from the Liverpool scene - it has given much desired attention to so many emerging and experimental acts that otherwise maybe would not be given the recognition they deserve. It's a pleasure to be working with such talents."

Now in its fourth consecutive year, The GIT (Getintothis) Award, champions the best of Merseyside music providing a snapshot of the year in music, recognising significant artistic achievement across a range of musical styles.

This year’s shortlist was selected by national industry figureheads consisting of Bella Union Records’ Simon Raymonde, The Quietus editor John Doran, Heavenly Recordings’ boss Jeff Barrett, UK Music’s Dot Levine, author and journalist Simon Price, 4AD Records’ Rich Walker, Clash Magazine editor Robin Murray, Jarri Van der Haegen, editor of Belgian buzz blog Disco Naivete, XFM deputy programme manager Mike Walsh and Amazing Radio’s Shell Zenner.

The judging panel was completed by respected Merseyside music players including Liverpool Music Week director Mike Deane, Arts Club manager Victoria Smith, Sound City and Club EVOL promoter Steve Miller, Liverpool International Music Festival curator Yaw Owusu, Bido Lito! editor Christopher Torpey – and GIT Award founder and Liverpool Echo journalist, Peter Guy.

Also on the night, a special Inspiration Award, recognising services to Liverpool’s music industry will also be presented. Previous recipients are Africa Oye (2014), Hillsborough Justice Collective (2013) and The Kazimier (2012).

All awards on the night plus unique commemorative mementoes for all 12 nominees will be created by Liverpool design agency ArchiPhonic while Liverpool Craft Beer will provide refreshments.

GIT Award founder Peter Guy added: “This year’s GIT Award is the most exciting yet – not only have we ten first-time nominees but we’ve a show of great ambition and the Inspiration Award will resonate with not just Scousers but music-lovers around the country. Saturday’s show at the Kazimier is going to be a night that lives long in the memory – the whole of Liverpool will be watching.”

For all other details: www.getintothis.co.uk

GIT Award 2015 Shortlist Revealed Ahead Of Spectacular Ceremony At The Kazimier

GIT Award 2015 Shortlist Revealed Ahead Of Spectacular Ceremony At The Kazimier

General manager at 4AD Records and GIT Award 2015 judge, Rich Walker, said: “What a great award to be asked to help judge. Working at 4AD, there’s never a shortage of new music to listen to but I’ve particularly enjoyed discovering what a fertile and supportive scene Liverpool currently has. More cities really should copy the GIT template and do their own award.”

Now in its fourth consecutive year, The GIT (Getintothis) Award, champions the best of Merseyside music providing a snapshot of the year while recognising significant artistic achievement across a range of musical styles.

And the 2015 shortlist is no different...

From Double Six-signed groove funk trio All We Are to Transgressive Records’ rock and rollers Circa Waves through to surf-pop Domino signees We Are Catchers; Tim Burgess-affiliated electro duo D R O H N E, XL Recordings hype star Låpsley, swaggering Heavenly Recordings’ slouchers Hooton Tennis Club and Wire Magazine-endorsed enigma Esa Shields; emerging soul-pop diva Roxanne Jones, Finders Keepers-signed cosmic singer-songwriter Jane Weaver, swirling UK buzz band Gulf, Skeleton Key Records’ revellers Sundowners and neo-soul rising star Xam Volo – this year’s GIT Award shortlist represents a kaleidoscopic musical picture few cities in the world could match.

This year’s shortlist was selected by national industry figureheads consisting of Bella Union Records’ Simon Raymonde, The Quietus editor John Doran, Heavenly Recordings’ boss Jeff Barrett, UK Music’s Dot Levine, author and journalist Simon Price, 4AD Records’ Rich Walker, Clash Magazine editor Robin Murray, Jarri Van der Haegen, editor of Belgian buzz blog Disco Naivete, XFM deputy programme manager Mike Walsh and Amazing Radio’s Shell Zenner.

The judging panel was completed by respected Merseyside music players including Liverpool Music Week director Mike Deane, Arts Club manager Victoria Smith, Sound City and Club EVOL promoter Steve Miller, Liverpool International Music Festival curator Yaw Owusu, Bido Lito! editor Christopher Torpey – and GIT Award founder and Liverpool Echo journalist, Peter Guy.

Reflecting on this year’s shortlist, Dot Levine, from UK Music, said: "It was a huge honour to be a GIT Award judge. The standard in Merseyside is exceptionally high and we have heard some incredible music. It was a very difficult task choosing the shortlist - but boy did I enjoy the debates!

“The whole process for the Award has been brilliant. As a national judge, who attended an evening of debate in Liverpool, just being surrounded by some of the most engaging and inspiring music lovers based in the north west was a great moment for me."

Dubbed ‘the Scouse Mercury Prize,’ backed by Yoko Ono and the cornerstones of Merseyside’s flourishing cultural community, the winner of the GIT Award 2015 will be revealed on Saturday 4 April 2015 at The Kazimier in Wolstenholme Square. Like previous years, the winner will receive a specially commissioned trophy and cheque for £1,000.

Having relaunched for the fourth year at Liverpool Music Week in November 2014 up until the closing date at the end of January 2015, the GIT Award judges met on six occasions, discussing more than 330 eligible artists and bands, before carefully whittling them down to just 12.

Those 12 will now feature at the industry showcase on Saturday 4 April 2015 and will include performances from the shortlisted artists plus a dramatic aftershow featuring live music, DJs and specially produced set piece spectacles.

This year, a specially commissioned Merseyside team will transform the unique setting of the Kazimier into an Aztec Jungle while 50 lucky souls will also have the chance to log on to the Kazimier website and obtain a pass to this once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

Also on the night, a special Inspiration Award, recognising services to Liverpool’s music industry will also be presented. Previous recipients are Africa Oye (2014), Hillsborough Justice Collective (2013) and The Kazimier (2012).

Bella Union boss and GIT Award judge Simon Raymonde, added: "The waiting is almost over. The GIT Award shortlist is now finalised – and what a near-impossible job that was! You have 12 outstanding talents, all equally deserving of the Award. Quite how we will whittle this down to one I don't know but the good news is that whoever does win will be a beacon of light for all future artists from the area. April 4, The Kazimier - enter it into your phone now.”

All awards on the night plus unique commemorative mementoes for all 12 nominees will be created by Liverpool design agency ArchiPhonic who have overseen projects in the Baltic Triangle

GIT Award founder and chair of judges, Peter Guy, said: “The GIT Award 2015 shortlist represents a new phase in Liverpool and the wider region’s artistic development; these artists are creating new sounds quite unlike any other and surpassing most other cities in the world. This year there’s 10 brand new names on the shortlist selected by judges who travelled from all corners of the UK to Liverpool to listen to them and deliver the final shortlist - it proves what a vital time in Merseyside music’s history this truly is. Saturday April 4 at the Kazimier is set to be another monumental occasion.”

Limited tickets and event link: http://www.wegottickets.com/event/308044

For all other details: www.getintothis.co.uk

Circa Waves announce new single T-Shirt Weather

Circa Waves announce new single T-Shirt Weather

Circa Waves have announced details of the release of a new single. T Shirt Weather will be released through Virgin on Monday 30th March 2015 and features the B-side 101.

Produced by Dan Grech and recorded at the historic RAK studios in London in late 2014, T Shirt Weather is the latest in a startling run of singles which has seen them make the Radio 1 daytime playlist with former tracks Fossils, Young Chasers and So Long.

Taken from their forthcoming debut album, Young Chasers, also released on March 30th, the long-player is a thrillingly immediate, intuitive and anthemic collection which stands as testament to lead singer Kieran Shudall’s rise as one of the best songwriters in the UK right now.

Last year was a success-punctuated 12 months for Liverpool’s fastest-rising stars; one of the runaway successes at New York CMJ, the coveted opening slot on the NME Awards tour, performances in front of packed tents at Reading / Leeds and Latitude and a prestigious appearance on the 2nd stage at Glastonbury plus a euphoric sold-out UK tour in November culminating in a show at London’s Heaven confirmed them as THE most exciting guitar band in Britain right now.

The band have also just been announced as one of ten acts picked by iTunes as part of their ‘New Artists 2015’ list.

Finally, they embark on their biggest UK tour to date, which includes a  show at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire.  Support on the tour comes from Genghar & Rat Boy, and Spring King in Manchester.

The full list of shows is as follows:

APRIL

8th                                                  Newcastle                                                    Riverside

9th                                                  Glasgow                                                       Garage

10th                                                Sheffield                                                        Leadmill

11th                                                Liverpool                                                       Academy

13th                                                Nottingham                                                Rescue Rooms

14th                                                Birmingham                                     Library at the Institute

16th                                                Portsmouth                                        Wedgewood Rooms

17th                                                London                                        Shepherd’s Bush Empire

18th                                                Manchester                                                 Ritz

Tickets for the shows are available via the following link:

http://www.gigsandtours.com/tour/circa-waves

Circa Waves Announce Biggest U.K. tour to date and details of new single

Circa Waves Announce Biggest U.K. tour to date and details of new single

Circa Waves have announced details of the release of a new single. Fossils will be released through Virgin on Monday 19th January 2015.

The single is taken from their forthcoming debut album, details of which are to be announced shortly. Recorded as part of the album sessions at RAK studios with producer Dan Grech, Fossils, available on 7” and download, will also feature a cover of The Ronettes Be My Baby on the B-side, recorded at the historic Capitol Recording Studios in Los Angeles.

This year has seen the band go from an opening slot on the prestigious NME Awards tour alongside Interpol, Royal Blood and Temples in February to a completely sold-out headline UK tour in November.

This summer also saw the band appear at most of the UK’s leading festivals, playing to packed tents at Reading / Leeds and Latitude and a prestigious appearance on the 2nd stage at Glastonbury being highlights.

Having also played a number of the most respected festivals around the globe over the summer, including Summer Sonic in Japan, Oya in Norway and Splendour In The Grass in Australia, the band  supported The Libertines at their Alexandra Palace shows in London.

Finally, the band have announced details of their biggest UK tour to date. The shows in April 2015 follow their recent run of  sold out dates which culminated in rapturous gigs at London’s Heaven and a hometown show at the Kazimer in Liverpool.

The full list of shows is as follows:

APRIL

8th                                Newcastle                                Riverside

9th                                Glasgow                                   Garage

10th                               Sheffield                                   Leadmill

11th                               Liverpool                                   Academy

13th                               Nottingham                               Rescue Rooms

14th                               Birmingham                               Library at the Institute

16th                               Portsmouth                                Wedgewood Rooms

17th                               London                                     Shepherd’s Bush Empire

18th                               Manchester                               Ritz

Tickets for the shows will be on general sale at 9 am on Friday the 28th of November  - link here below

http://www.gigsandtours.com/tour/circa-waves

T in the Park 2014 - Saturday Review

T in the Park 2014 festival Saturday Review

We arrived at Balado (for the very last time due to it moving site) to grey clouds and the imminent arrival of rain but that wasn't letting anyone's spirits become dampened, no matter how soggy they may be about to get. As usual, the atmosphere was a buzz with anticipation of the fantastic Saturday line up. With so many talented artists participating this year, Music Mafia are bringing you what we considered the best of the best. 

Starting off we were heading over to the main stage when I was distracted by the music coming out of the BBC Introducing Stage where Brown Bear were the first act up and what a way to start. This Scottish based band were a brilliant choice to kick things off. Exuding energy, Brown Bear had the crowd bouncing along with their fresh indie rock songs and lead singer, Matt Hickman's distinctive vocals leaves you wanting more. You can understand why they were chosen to support The Libertines recent gig at Hyde Park. Check out their latest single Dead or Alive or the hauntingly melodic Olive Grove single to see why you should be keeping an ear out for these guys. You won't be disappointed.

Next up for us was a Liverpool favourite, Circa Waves in King Tuts Wah Wah Tent. Lead singer, Keiran Shudall has definitely matured in both music style and song writing over the last few years and although I absolutely loved the Fly With Vampire days, I am totally impressed with Circa Waves. New single Young Chasers and Stuck in my Teeth are an indication of why these guys are being heralded as the next big thing and are in such demand and its safe to say a true indie pop band has been born because of Keiran not willing to give up on his dream. With comparisons to The Libertines and The Strokes, they certainly have all the stage presence of a band that has been been around for a lot longer than 16 months. With an extremely busy schedule during festival time, supporting The Libertines and going on tour in November, there's no excuse to not catch them somewhere in the UK over the next few months.

Another young up and coming artist who we previously reviewed at this years Soundcity Liverpool, Chlöe Howl. A talented young singer songwriter whose vocals and lyrics surpass her 19 years of age. With a confident stage presence from the outset this young singer showcased powerful vocals with a touch of heartfelt mellowness when needed all wrapped up  with her 80's syntho pop style with a modern contemporary twist.

Next up was come back disco queen, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, who last appeared at T in the Park 18 years ago. With a new album out, Wanderlust, Sophie showcased her new album which has a slightly darker, more grown up sound and I have to admit, I preferred. Many of the tracks still have the upbeat pop style that has become synonymous with her music but with a rockier edge to them. I loved Love is a Camera,  fairytale about a witch who steals souls using a camera and 13 Little Dolls, a doozy of a song with a fast tempo and catchy lyrics that you find yourself singing later on that day.  With a quick on stage change of outfit and a few wolf whistles from the crowd, the disco queen emerged to wow the crowd with her extensive back catalogue, including Take Me Home and the huge hit Murder on the Dance Floor to name but a few. I think its safe to say that Sophie Ellis Better enjoyed her return to T in the Park just as much as her fans did. 

Carrying on with the dancier theme, we found Clean Bandit at the Radio 1 stage later that day with their fusion of funky dance, syntho pop and classical music. With one track blending flawlessly into the next they provided a good hour of fun and upbeat music including AandE, the infectious Running Around and of course show closer, their number one hit Rather Be. Even with the grey skies, they managed to lighten up the day with their unique style. 

Festival veterans and one of the original Indie legends James took to the main stage for a hour of crowd surfing, manic dancing, old favourites and brand new tracks from their new album La Petite Mort. There's not much you can say about James that hasn't been said already so how about they were absolutely amazing. After 20 odd years in the business, they still clearly love doing what they do and it shines out across the main stage area. Front man Tim Booths interaction with the crowd, zealous dancing and general fabulousness makes these a must to see at any chance you can get. Even suffering from "man flu" doesn't stop him. Ok his voice wasn't at full par because of it, but he refuses auto tuning so kudos to him for being real and still managing to be the bundle of energy we have all come to love. Playing new single Curse Curse along with Moving On and Frozen Britain from their new album, some might say that concentrating on new material may be a bit risque for an hour set, but they totally pulled it off. Mixing in Come Home, Laid and after a democratic vote by the crowd, Sit Down. Only quibble is the predictability of the crowd themselves. James have a vast back catalogue so give them a break and if you get to vote again.....choose the alternative. Thankfully no one sat down this time!!

Pharrell Williams arrived on stage to huge cheers and instantly started a high energy set with an array of hits including NERD classics, Daft Punk collaboration Get Lucky and of course his massive single Happy. No one was still during his set including Pharrell himself who wasn't going to let a "bit" of rain stop him entertaining the crowd. 

Between the two Saturday closers it was hard to choose who to see, so we had to split them up. Calvin Harris was on our first leg and boy are we glad we did it that way round. Who would have ever guessed that he would have Will Smith, yep that's right The Fresh Prince of Bell Air, to introduce him. Would have been nice for someone to tell him he was in Kinross, not Glasgow, but seeing as he travelled a whole lot of miles to get here , we'll forgive him for being about 30 miles out. Calvin Harris performed a fantastic set with the Fresh Prince by his side partying away to his greatest hits and so so many fireworks it was hard to tear ourselves away to from the party atmosphere to go and see one of our favourites a Elbow over at the Radio 1 stage.

Elbow performed a wonderfully chilled out set with all the classics we know and love including Bones of You and One Day Like This as well as some new material released this year. New York Morning being a particular favourite of mine. Front man Guy Garvey is an amazing performer and holds the crowd in the palm of his hand during each song and always makes you feel like he's talking to old friends when he interacts with the crowd and I'm glad we managed to wind down our Saturday in his company....the perfect ending to a perfect festival day.

Review by Alison GogginFor more photos of Saturday click HERE

GIT Award winner announced this Friday plus new 'One To Watch' prize winner named

Merseyside’s top music prize The GIT Award 2014 is just days away with nominees set to perform at a spectacular specially redesigned Kazimier in the heart of Liverpool city centre on Friday 11 April 2014.

The nominees - All We Are, Evian Christ, Circa Waves, Dan Croll, Ex-Easter Island-Head, Forest Swords, Mad Brains, Ninetails, Outfit, Bill Ryder-Jones, Tea Street Band and VEYU – will feature in live performances plus specially created visuals at the Kazimier alongside one-off performances and DJ sets from a raft of creatives.

As the ceremony approaches, organisers can now reveal the winner of a brand new One To Watch prize  - awarded to one under-18 artist - selected by the GIT Award judging panel.

In just six months, 17-years-old female electronic artist and producer Låpsley has received international recognition with her self-produced track Station.

Receiving almost 500,000 plays on her SoundCloud alone for her two tracks Station and Valentine, Låpsley has  received airplay on Radio 1 and 6Music while being featured in NME and being the toast of the international blog scene.

Låpsley, who has played just one gig on Merseyside, will feature at the GIT Award at the Kazimier and her prize will include studio time at Liverpool's legendary Parr Street Studios plus mentoring from sponsors Merseyside Arts Foundation as well as support from Liverpool International Music Festival.

The industry showcase on Friday April 11 is strictly invite only and will include performances from eight of the shortlisted artists plus an aftershow and specially produced set piece produced by the Kazimier team.

The GIT Award host is the High Priest of Party, known only as Howard Be Thy Name. Infamous for his high octane live performance, spectacular human light shows, kaleidoscopic projections and artistic high jinks. He's collaborated with everyone from Mick Rock to Echo and The Bunnymen and his holiness Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama - expect something unforgettable - and explosive array into the fantastical!

This year, the Kazimier will transform their unique venue into a decadent studio of lavish 70s pomp and glitz complete with sequins, navel grazing necklines, ultrasuede leisure suits and all manner of shimmer and sparkle with guests encouraged to dress the part.

Fifty members of the public have also been given the chance to attend the ceremony through a ticket draw on the Kazimier website - http://www.thekazimier.co.uk/ .

Now in its third consecutive year, The GIT (Getintothis) Award, champions the best of Merseyside music providing a snapshot of the year in music, recognising significant artistic achievement across a range of musical styles. 

This year’s shortlist was selected by national industry figureheads consisting of The Quietus editor John Doran, Music Week editor Tim Ingham, former Creation Records’ boss Alan McGee, BBC Radio 6 Music’s Camilla Pia, author and journalist Simon Price, Popjustice editor Peter Robinson, Guardian journalist Jude Rogers, XFM deputy programme manager Mike Walsh and NME radar editor Matt Wilkinson.

The judging panel was completed by respected Merseyside music players including Liverpool Music Week director Mike Deane, Sound City and Club EVOL promoter Steve Miller, Liverpool International Music Festival curator Yaw Owusu, Bido Lito! editor Craig Pennington – and GIT Award founder and Liverpool Echo journalist, Peter Guy.

Dubbed ‘the Scouse Mercury Prize,’ backed by Yoko Ono and the cornerstones of Merseyside’s flourishing cultural community, the winner of the GIT Award 2014 is revealed on Friday April 11 at The Kazimier in Wolstenholme Square - picking up a cheque for £1,000.

Live visuals, the One To Watch Award and mementoes for each nominee will be created by Liverpool architectural design agency ArchiPhonic who have overseen projects in the Baltic Triangle. Meanwhile Liverpool’s Royal Standard Art Gallery director, Mike Aitken will create two specially designed awards for the winners of the GIT Award 2014 and The Inspiration Award.

But who will win this year’s coveted prize? Find out in seven days’ time!

www.getintothis.co.uk

Liverpool Git Awards 2014 shortlist announced

Liverpool’s premier music prize, The GIT Award can today reveal the 12 shortlisted artists for the 2014 edition.

The GIT Award 2014 shortlist is:

All We Are, Circa Waves, Dan Croll, Evian Christ, Ex-Easter Island Head, Forest Swords, Mad Brains, Ninetails, Outfit, Bill Ryder-Jones, Tea Street Band and VEYU.

Now in its third consecutive year, The GIT (Getintothis) Award, champions the best of Merseyside music providing a snapshot of the year in music, recognising significant artistic achievement across a range of musical styles.

This year’s shortlist was selected by national industry figureheads consisting of The Quietus editor John Doran, Music Week editor Tim Ingham, former Creation Records’ boss Alan McGee, BBC Radio 6 Music’s Camilla Pia, author and journalist Simon Price, Popjustice editor Peter Robinson, Guardian journalist Jude Rogers, XFM deputy programme manager Mike Walsh and NME radar editor Matt Wilkinson.

The judging panel was completed by respected Merseyside music players including Liverpool Music Week director Mike Deane, Sound City and Club EVOL promoter Steve Miller, Liverpool International Music Festival curator Yaw Owusu, Bido Lito! editor Craig Pennington – and GIT Award founder and Liverpool Echo journalist, Peter Guy.

Dubbed ‘the Scouse Mercury Prize,’ backed by Yoko Ono and the cornerstones of Merseyside’s flourishing cultural community, the winner of the GIT Award 2014 is revealed on Friday April 11 at The Kazimier in Wolstenholme Square - picking up a cheque for £1,000.

Mike Walsh, XFM Head Of Music, said: "The GIT Award shortlist proves yet again that Liverpool continues to be one of the most consistently creative and musically rich cities in the world. The strength and diversity of artists on this list reminds us why Liverpool is still the benchmark for other cities to envy."

Since its re-launch in November 2013 up until the closing date at the end of January 2014, the GIT Award received more than 500 entries with the judges carefully whittling them down to just 12.

The industry showcase on Friday April 11 is strictly invite only and will include performances from the shortlisted artists plus an aftershow and specially produced set piece spectacles by the Kazimier team.

This year, the Kazimier team will transform their unique setting into a decadent night of lavish 70s pomp and glitz complete with sequins, navel grazing necklines, ultrasuede leisure suits and all manner of shimmer and sparkle as guests are invited into a gold lame world of an era trying desperately to cling onto its fading grandeur. Fifty lucky souls will also have the chance to log on to the Kazimier website and obtain a pass to this once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

On the night, the overall GIT Award winner will receive a cash prize of £1,000 and a special inspiration Award, recognising services to Liverpool’s music industry (won by The Hillsborough Justice Collective in 2013 and the team behind The Kazimier in 2012), will also be presented.

NME's Matt Wilkinson, said: "The GIT Award 2014 shortlist is seriously impressive. What I like most about it is the sheer variety of the nominated acts. None of them fit together on paper as they're all so different musically, yet each act is pushing the boundaries in their own special way. Liverpool is thriving in its own diversity - and I can't remember the scene being this eclectic for decades."

New for the GIT Award 2014 edition, an under-18 artist will receive the One To Watch Prize receiving studio time at Liverpool's legendary Parr Street Studios, mentoring from sponsors Merseyside Arts Foundation and a slot at the Liverpool International Music Festival.

Live visuals, the One To Watch Award and mementoes for each nominee will be created by Liverpool architectural design agency ArchiPhonic who have overseen projects in the Baltic Triangle.

Meanwhile Liverpool’s Royal Standard Art Gallery director, Mike Aitken will create two specially designed awards for the winners of the GIT Award 2014 and The Inspiration Award.

GIT Award founder and chair of judges, Peter Guy, said: “The 2014 GIT Award reaffirms my belief that there’s no region in the UK that can match the artistic ambition, technical craft and musical innovation that’s currently unfolding across Merseyside. Each of the artists on this year’s shortlist have garnered international press and radio while entertaining sell out audiences in Tokyo, South Africa, Sydney, New York and almost the entirety of Europe – and yet, most exciting of all, the majority are in their infancy. April 11 at a transformed Kazimier is set to be an exhilarating evening.”

Liverpool music lovers know their city is home to some of the finest creative talent in the world.

However, eyes and ears elsewhere may need convincing. The inaugural 2012 GIT Award readdressed all that and its 2014 edition is set to spread the message even further.

Limited tickets & event link, Monday March 3: http://www.thekazimier.co.uk/listing/00000000280/

For all other details: www.getintothis.co.uk

Jungle, Fuck Buttons, Circa Waves Announced for Liverpool Sound City 2014

Jungle, Fuck Buttons, Circa Waves Announced for Liverpool Sound City 2014

Liverpool Sound City has unveiled the first wave of acts for its seventh festival: an exciting and eclectic live bill including Kodaline, Gruff Rhys, Fuck Buttons and Clean Bandit who yesterday achieved their first UK number one single with ‘Rather Be’.

The bill also features a host of breakthrough artists including Jungle, Wolf Alice, Darlia, Circa Waves, Thumpers and many more who will play in a range of diverse and unique venues in Liverpool city centre between 1-3 May 2014. The second wave featuring additional headliners will be announced in February.  

Irish rockers Kodaline will be headlining the iconic Anglican Cathedral during the festival following in the footsteps of previous Sound City headliners like Noah and the Whale and The Walkmen.

Earlier this month Liverpool Sound City announced legends John Cale and Thurston Moore as keynote speakers for the LSC conference and CEO David Pichilingi is delighted to be taking the festival to the next level.

“It’s shaping up to be the best Sound City to date,” he said. “We have always strived to bring the best to Liverpool and we have definitely delivered this year on both the live and conference side.”

Additional speakers and live acts will be revealed next month.

Three-day festival only wristbands are currently available on the website at the early bird price of £44 until Monday 3 February:

 http://www.liverpoolsoundcity.co.uk/home/tickets-and-info.aspx

NME Awards Tour 2014 - Line up and Dates

Packed to the brim with the hottest music, the NME Awards Tour 2014 with Austin, Texas returns for 2014. Interpol, Temples, Royal Blood and Circa Waves are all confirmed to perform on the legendary tour, which kicks off in Glasgow on 18 March and ends in London on 27 March. Tickets go on presale at 9am on Wednesday 22 January via www.NME.COM and are available on general sale from 9am on Friday 24 January. 

New York rockers and kings of the post-punk revival, Interpol will headline the NME Awards Tour 2014 with Austin, Texas. The band’s fashionably dark atmospheric sound coupled with intricate guitars, Paul Banks’ somber baritone and a striking visual presence make Interpol an unmissable headliner. Expect hits ‘Slow Hands’, ‘Obstacle 1’, ‘NYC’ and ‘Evil’ plus a first look at some new material.

They supported the Rolling Stones last year and now Temples have secured the main support slot on the infamous tour. The Brit psychedelic four-piece have gained critical-acclaim over the past 12 months and will bring crowds a taste of sixties vintage pop. The band’s debut album ‘Sun Structures’ is due for release 10 February.

Nominated for the BBC’s Sound of 2014 and due to support the Arctic Monkeys this summer, noise-rock band Royal Blood will also be hitting the road with NME in March. The hotly-tipped two-piece pack a powerful punch live and are set for great things in 2014.

Securing the sought-after NME Awards Tour opening slot is Liverpool quartet Circa Waves.  The band have made quite a name for themselves already with single ‘Get Away’ chosen as ‘Hottest Record in the World’ by Radio One’s Zane Lowe.

NME editor, Mike Williams, says: “Here at NME we are always championing the best new talent, so securing three of Britain's most in demand breakthrough bands to kick off proceedings for the tour is totally exciting. Backed up with the world-beating return of Interpol – one of the most important bands to come out of New York ever – is also a massive coup for us.”

The NME Awards Tour is one of the most important events in the music calendar and has been instrumental in launching the careers of some of the biggest acts in music, including Arctic Monkeys, The Killers and Florence + The Machine.

The first leg of the NME Awards Tour 2014 begins at Glasgow’s O2 Academy on 18 March before travelling to Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Nottingham, Birmingham, Bristol and wrapping up at London’s O2 Academy Brixton on 27 March.

The NME Awards Tour 2014 with Austin, Texas concludes two months of awe inspiring music events from the 2014 NME Awards season, including the NME Awards Shows which kick off on 3 February running up until 25 February at venues across London and the NME Awards 2014 night on the 26 February at London’s O2 Academy Brixton. 

Tickets go on presale at 9am on Wednesday 22 January via www.NME.COM and are available on general sale from 9am on Friday 24 January. Tickets include a 50p donation to Teenage Cancer Trust.

TOUR DATES:

18 March                   Glasgow O2 Academy

19 March                   Leeds O2 Academy

20 March                   Manchester Academy

22 March                   Liverpool O2 Academy

23 March                   Nottingham Rock City

25 March                   Birmingham O2 Academy

26 March                   Bristol O2 Academy

27 March                   London O2 Academy Brixton

Visit www.NME.com for further information.