Liverpudlian Rosenblume releases All Through The Fire, All Through The Rain

Liverpudlian Rosenblume releases All Through The Fire, All Through The Rain

Liverpudlian troubadour Rosenblume has announced details of his first official EP release:  'All Through The Fire, All Through The Rain’. 

Taking its name from the stirring eponymous track "All The Fire, All Through The Rain", the EP comes as a labour of love from singer-songwriter Daniel 'Rosenblume' Ross after nearly two committed years in the making. 

Inspired by the folk greats of Greenwich Village, Laurel Canyon and beyond, this confident debut release displays Rosenblume's penchant for songs wrought with passion and emotion, breathing new life into an art of writing long forgotten. 

The EP's titular track and lead single "All Through The Fire, All Through The Rain" opens up this sepia sewn collection, Rosenblume's honeyed vocals flowing over delicate Stephen Fretwell-styled acoustica in this ode to loyalty and devotion, channelling the subtle, catchy melodies the likes of Damien Rice, John Mayer and even Paolo Nutini would be proud of.

Speaking about its personal subject matter Rosenblume revealed: 

"Through life’s challenges, I think it’s human nature to fight for something or for someone you would consider yourself loyal or devoted to. We all have dreams and ambitions...Through every obstacle and challenge (or through thick and thin as the saying goes) I’ll still be here. I felt this in particular summed up the themes of the EP. " 

Despite being written in August 2014 and being the last track in which to be penned for the record, it didn't take long for Rosenblume to realise the striking track's place as a mainstay on the release. Award-winning producer Tony Draper (Justice Collective, Natalie McCool, Kalandra, Mike Crossey) then took the helm on the mixing desk in 2015 to finish the EP.

'All Through The Fire, All through the Rain' EP will be officially released on 27th April 2015, available digitally from all online stores and stream sites. Catch him at Live dates below.

Tour Dates 2015

April 23rd - Leaf, Liverpool

May 4th - Oporto, Leeds

May 5th – The Castle Hotel, Manchester

Listen – Indie Shuffle Premiere - http://www.indieshuffle.com/rosenblume-all-through-the-fire-all-through-the-rain/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RosenblumeMusic

Twitter - https://twitter.com/RosenblumeMusic

Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/rosenblume

Website - http://www.rosenblume.com/

Psychedelic legends Kaleidoscope at Leaf Liverpool

Psychedelic legends Kaleidoscope at Leaf Liverpool

When the Sixties finally ended the band consisting of singer and lyricist Peter Daltrey, guitarist and songwriter Eddy Pumer, bassist Steve Clark and drummer Danny Bridgman were veterans of the forever changing revolutions and evolutions of that decade`s mercurial musical culture. Starting out as The Sidekicks in 1964, they played R’N’B to the amphetamine fuelled Mod circuit before transforming into fully-fledged London psychedelic dandies in 1967. Accordingly they renamed themselves Kaleidoscope. At the fin de siècle of the Sixties they morphed into the more aptly sombre Fairfield Parlour – before enjoying a side project as I Luv Wight especially for the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970 where they played on a stage also trodden that iconic weekend by such timeless acts as The Who and Jimi Hendrix. 

With every passing decade since their demise the band’s recorded legacy has continued to rank amongst the most highly prized artefacts that define the psychedelic genre – which is now critically regarded as an essential moment in music history. Their seminal debut album, `Tangerine Dream` is now considered to be one of the finest examples of English psychedelia with original copies of this album fetching in excess of £1000. Similarly 1969’s heavier edged follow-up ‘Faintly Blowing’ and 1970’s ‘From Home to Home’ are also fetching hefty sums. 

Strong original material and unique arrangements form the foundation for Kaleidoscope’s enduring appeal and reputation. Equally their ability to incorporate new studio innovations directly into their music has also contributed heavily – a fact that was acknowledged at the time by Alistair Taylor, The Beatles’ publicist. Despite being multi instrumentalists, like The Beatles, Kaleidoscope also found the limitations of performing live as a quartet prevented them from satisfactorily replicating their studio sound. Consequently the band never strayed further afield than the university college and club circuits of Britain and Europe. 

Following the bands demise, Daltrey continued to write, sometimes in collaboration with other artists. It was during one such in 2012 with Californian neo-psyche heavyweights The Asteroid No.4 for their album ‘The Journey”, that Peter was approached by another key player on the US psyche scene: Rob Campanella from the Brian Jonestown Massacre. Rob was keen to assemble a band of talented multi-instrumentalist’s who could note perfectly re-create the authentic sound of Kaleidoscope, with a viewing to touring and performing some shows. This culminated with a performance in 2012 at Euro Ye-Ye in Spain and in 2013 at The Austin Psyche Festival in Texas, USA. 

Autumn of 2013 then saw a triumphant return to the London stage with an almighty performance at the appropriately baroque: Islington Town Hall. Performing in front of 400 adorning fans, it was here that Peter was re-united with original surviving band members: Eddie Pumer & Dan Bridgeman, whilst this time being backed by Glasgow’s own psyche-folk troubadours: The Trembling Bells. A band with a hugely impressive musical output and perfectly suited to backing Peter, having spent the last couple years also touring and backing another 60’s psyche-folk legend: Mike Heron of The Incredible String Band fame. 

Fans of Kaleidoscope and Fairfield Parlour and devotees of quintessentially English psychedelia are clearly in for a treat.

20.00 THURSDAY 2 APRIL

LEAF

(BOLD STREET)

www.thisisleaf.co.uk

Tickets £12.50adv available ONLINE from

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Matthew E. White at Leaf Cafe Liverpool in April

Matthew E. White at Leaf Cafe Liverpool in April 

Matthew E. White has been touring the globe in support of forthcoming album ‘Fresh Blood’ due for release on March 15th through storied indie label Domino, the LP is the follow up to White’s 2013 debut ‘Big Inner’ which received critical rapture on both sides of the Atlantic. 

Combining soul, gospel and classic R n’ B with stunning arrangements, the album was described as 'A masterpiece' by the Observer and ‘One of the great albums of modern Americana 9/10' by Uncut alongside a five-star Guardian review and a place on Albums of the Year lists worldwide. 

20.00 Saturday 18 April

LEAF ON BOLD STREET

www.thisisleaf.co.uk

Tickets £14.00adv available ONLINE from 9am Friday 16 January

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MATTHEW E. WHITE

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Jon Gomm Announces 2015 UK Headline Tour

Jon Gomm Announces 2015 UK Headline Tour 

Virtuoso guitarist, independent musician and viral success story Jon Gomm is happy to announce an extensive UK headline tour for March 2015 with a view to road-testing brand new material and giving recent converts the chance to experience a live performance of tracks from his latest album, the beautiful and critically acclaimed Secrets Nobody Keeps. The run of dates will be the first extensive UK tour since his mammoth 28 date sell-out headline tour in October 2013 (full dates below).

"Since the last UK tour I've been gigging Secrets Nobody Keeps on various continents (Africa and South America being my newest conquests) and played so many European festivals I lost count, including some big ones like Download and Electric Picnic” comments Jon on his hectic schedule throughout 2014 “My next plan was that I wanted to make sure my new post-Passionflower online audience got to hear my old tunes, so I gathered up my most requested songs, and I've filmed a new series of live-in-the-studio videos I'm calling Live In The Acoustic Asylum sessions, which I'm drip-feed releasing throughout 2015. I also have a few brand new songs I'm pretty excited about, which I'll be testing out on this tour."

Produced by Whiskas, founder of legendary DIY label Dance To The Radio, Secrets Nobody Keeps was 100% crowd funded in the short space of 4 weeks in a whirlwind PledgeMusic campaign that drew on the power of Jon’s millions of fans and viewers worldwide.

The album title itself is a nod to Jon’s gratitude for the power of social networks. Ever since the day a simple one word Tweet from Stephen Fry linking to Jon’s Passionflower video (7.5 million views and counting) started the snowball rolling on his career, he’s been an advocate of, in his own words, “having that private little moment of discovery on Youtube, then sharing the music everywhere.” Gomm’s list of high profile fans also includes the legendary Eric Clapton, Chaka Khan, Jon Anderson, David Crosby, Tommy Lee and Devin Townsend.

Tickets and information at http://jongomm.com/live-dates

2015 UK Headline Tour Dates:

March 2 - WORCESTER - Marrs Bar

March 3 - CHESTER - Telfords Warehouse

March 4 - NOTTINGHAM - Glee Club

March 6 - BIRMINGHAM - Glee Club

March 7 - SITTINGBOURNE - Avenue Theatre

March 8 - NORWICH - Owl Sanctuary

March 9 - WAKEFIELD - The Hop 

March 10 - YORK - Fibbers

March 12 - HUDDERSFIELD - Bar 122

March 13 - EBBW VALE - Ebbw Vale Institute

March 15 - CARDIFF - The Moon 

March 16 - BRISTOL - Colston Hall

March 17 - SOUTHAMPTON - Joiners

March 18 - LONDON - Jazz Cafe

March 19 - MILTON KEYNES - Stables

March 21 - DEVIZES - St Marys Church

March 22 - DEVON - Kingkerswell Church

March 23 - CAMBRIDGE - Junction 2

March 24 - BRIGHTON - Komedia

March 26 - LIVERPOOL - Leaf

March 27 - MANCHESTER - Gorilla 

March 28 - NEWCASTLE - Cluny 2

March 30 - SHEFFIELD - Corporation

April 4 - LEEDS - Brudenell Social

Timber Timbre make Liverpool debut at Leaf Cafe

Timber Timbre make Liverpool debut at Leaf Cafe

Acclaimed in a recent five star album review by The Guardian as ‘the soundtrack to a western directed by David Lynch’, Timber Timbre make their Liverpool debut in mid October.

Reaching an international audience via cult TV series Breaking Bad which featured their track Magic Arrow, the Canadian folk/blues trio issued their fifth album Hot Dreams to huge praise in April.

The follow up to Creep On Creepin’ On (2011) shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize alongside eventual winners Arcade Fire, the band are part of the fertile Toronto music scene spearheaded by Broken Social Scene, with the new album also being nominated for a second year running.

Signed to revered UK indie label Full Time Hobby alongside The Lesiure Society and Tunng tours of North America with Laura Marling and Feist have spread word of Timber Timbre’s intense atmospheric live power.

19.30 Thursday 16 October

LEAF

(Bold St)

www.thisisleaf.co.uk

Tickets £10.00adv available ONLINE from

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EVENTIM

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Twitter:

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Music zine Burn The Manual Launch to be held at Leaf Cafe

Performers: Blossoms, Go Fiasco, Tyron Freeman, Marvin Powell, plus special guests.

After becoming one of the top ten blogs in the UK for Arts and Culture, The Music Manual decided to launch Merseyside's very first 2-page music zine - Burn The Manual and July 18th see's this spectacular creation make it's official launch at Leaf Tea Shop and Bar. 

Heralded as the 'new wave of compact journalism', Burn The Manual looks to support and promote anything musically related in the area and what better way to launch this than to have a massive shindig full of the premium talent The Music Manual empire has discovered over its two years in operation along with special guests to see the night through. Along with many special guests on top of the announced Go Fiasco, Tyron Freeman and Marvin Powell-Manchester band 'Blossoms' shall be headlining the event with their psychedelic wave of instrumental capability.

Venue name: Leaf Tea Shop and Bar
Date: 18 July 2014

Start and end times: 8pm - 2am

Price: £7 OTD

Category: Live music

Facebook Link http://www.facebook.com/events/1516502245244638/?source=29

Lauren Jones

Creator of The Music Manual

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Linda Perhacs to play Leaf Cafe Liverpool

Frequently cited as a ‘lost classic’, Linda Perhacs's stunning debut album ‘Parallelograms’ has developed a devoted following since its low-key release in 1970. Combining Joni Mitchell singer-songwriter craft, Arthur Lee-style arrangements and production from Oscar winning composer Leonard Rosenman the LP was reissued to huge acclaim in 2008.

The warm reception encouraged Linda to return to music and second album ‘The Soul of All Natural Things’ was issued in March, 44 years after her debut.

Released though Sufjan Stevens’ label Asthmatic Kitty and featuring Julia Holter and Ramona Gonzalez of Nite Jewel as guests, the disc scooped four stars from the Observer and the New York Times, with Mojo hailing the LP ‘a spectrally hypnotic work of prismatic beauty’.

Linda’s first ever visit to the UK; her forthcoming gig at Leaf is a unique chance to see a genuine cult legend up close, in what will probably be the last chance to see her on these shores.


19.30 Tuesday 3 June

LEAF
(Bold St)
www.thisisleaf.co.uk

Tickets £13.50adv available NOW from
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Twitter: @Harvest_Sun

Nathaniel Rateliff at Leaf Liverpool

We have the greatest pleasure of opening our 2014 gig calendar with a debut Liverpool show by Americana/folk troubadour Nathaniel Rateliff.

Hailing from Denver, Colorado and a mainstay of the city’s fertile music scene, the New York Times hailed the songwriter as a ‘local folk-pop hero’.

Racking up support slots with Bon Iver, The Low Anthem and Laura Marling, Rateliff became known in the UK through a superb appearance on the BBCs Later…with Jools Holland in 2011.

New album ‘Falling Faster Than You Can Run’ set for release on January 20th follows 2010s hugely lauded debut LP ‘In Memory of Loss’, which was garlanded with 4 star reviews from Mojo, Uncut and Q who described the LP as ‘Warm and intimate...Somewhere between M Ward and Bill Callahan’.

20.00 Friday 24 January

LEAF

(Bold Street)

www.thisisleaf.co.uk

Tickets £8adv available online now from

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And in paper form from

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0151 708 8815

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY HERE

www.nathanielrateliff.com

Twitter: @NRateliff | @Harvest_Sun

Cassetteboy to play LEAF Liverpool 3rd Birthday

Tweet your musical requests to @Cassetteboy 

Saturday 23rd November

at LEAF on Bold Street, Liverpool / First Floor / £10 / Doors 10pm 

http://thisisleaf.co.uk

Cassetteboy’s hilarious YouTube videos have mashed-up everyone from Alan Sugar to Harry Potter, and have been watched over 20 million times. Now they’ve teamed up with DJ Rubbish, freestyle rapper and Peckham’s biggest idiot, to create an unforgettable night. To celebrate LEAF on Bold Street’s 3rd Birthday, the cut ‘n paste maestro will get behind the decks for a stomping performance on Liverpool soil. Part comedy club, part disco, all party, this will be the only night in town that plays Madonna and MasterChef, 50 Cent and Jeremy Paxman. Plus with prizes, swearing, stupidity and maybe 1 too many LEAF birthday cocktails, this will be a night to remember. Tweet your musical requests to @Cassetteboy (remember to tell him which night you’re coming). 

Cassetteboy are a cut 'n' paste duo from Chelmsford, Essex. They re-edit footage of TV shows to make celebrities talk about sex and drugs, and are somehow making a career of it. They released five albums in the early 2000s, including The Parker Tapes, which received a mark of 8.7 on Pitchfork, if that's important. They have toured extensively, playing in the USA, Canada, Greece, Poland and Colchester. They also perform at Glastonbury every year. 2012 was a bit rubbish because the festival wasn't on, so their show just confused a bunch of cows.

Cassetteboy are best known for their YouTube videos. Their smash hit The Bloody Apprentice, in which Alan Sugar talks about sh*tting frying pans, has been watched four and a half million times. They have also tackled David Cameron, Downton Abbey, Harry Potter, and The Only Way is Essex. A recent video in which Prince Andrew described the Queen's org*sms was banned by the BBC. Cassetteboy have 60,000 YouTube subscribers and 19,000,000 total video views.

Their work has been featured on Radio One and regularly appears on Rude Tube. They enjoy long walks in the country and have kind eyes.

2013 sees the launch of 'Cassetteboy vs DJ Rubbish' off the back of their hugely successful Edinburgh Fringe show.

Merseyside's GIT music Award set for November Leaf launch ahead of 2014 Kazimier spectacular

Liverpool’s premier new music prize The GIT Award returns on Saturday November 16 2013 for its third successive year.

The process to find the 12 GIT Award shortlisted nominees opens today ahead of the special showcase ceremony at The Kazimier on Friday 11 April 2014.

Dubbed the ‘Scouse Mercury Prize,’ the GIT Award is the first regional award of its kind championing new emerging talent within Merseyside’s eclectic arts and music community, pushing innovative musicians right across the world.

The overall winner of the GIT Award 2014 will receive a cash prize of £1000 when revealed at the Kazimier next April.

A special Inspiration Award, recognising significant outstanding achievement in Merseyside’s music industry will also be presented. The recipients of the 2013 Inspiration Award was won by the Hillsborough Justice Collective while in 2012 the team behind Liverpool’s Kazimier club picked up the honour.

Sam Crombie, from the Kazimier said: “We’re excited to play host to the GIT Award as it takes an ambitious step forwards in 2014.”

Launched in November 2011, the GIT Award, founded by Liverpool-based blog Getintothis, is now an annual fixture on the Merseyside music scene, supported by musicians, industry figures and national media.

Among the judging panel during the GIT Award’s first two years were NME, 6 Music’s Tom Ravenscroft, The Quietus, The Guardian, Liverpool Football Club, Q Magazine, Vice Magazine and the cornerstones of Liverpool’s music scene.

Matt Wilkinson, New Music Editor at NME said: "The Liverpool music scene is as thriving and eclectic as it's ever been, but it's vital The GIT Award recognises the artists who are striving to make such a difference. Once again I'm proud that NME is playing our part in the Award process."

Open to all artists and bands from or based in Merseyside, the GIT Award has showcased the region’s rich musical diversity, from the thriving hip hop scene to its electronica artists, from its long-established country and roots community to punk, folk and metal.

The 2014 Award, which will be officially launched on Saturday November 16 at Leaf on Bold Street, is no different.

The GIT Award 2014 launch event at Leaf on the evening of Saturday 16 November – which is open to the public and free to attend – will premier new artists and unique collaborations by some of Merseyside’s hottest artists.

On the night, there will be an exclusive collaboration between Liverpool gothic-pop band Bird and singer-songwriter Natalie McCool.

Both artists have received huge national acclaim and will take time out from their debut UK tours to collaborate for a GIT Award exclusive.

The evening will also include a performance from Wirral band VEYU. First tipped by Getintothis, the band have played just two gigs yet have already received national attention including plays on 6Music. Two brand new Liverpool electronic artists Kalax and Nights will also play sets, the former specialising in cinematic ambience, the latter dark progressive beats. The night will also include a DJ set from Club EVOL founder and GIT Award judge Steve ‘Revo’ Miller plus Waxxx resident and Liverpool cosmic disco staple Paul Hutchinson.

Peter Guy, Liverpool ECHO journalist and editor of Getintothis, said: “When the GIT Award was established two years ago we had no idea how it would snowball, placing new Liverpool music at the forefront of the national consciousness and have the impact it has had.

“From the first year when GIT Award nominee Esco Williams had a MOBO Award created in his honour, to coverage of all 12 nominees across the BBC, MTV and the national print press, to last year's blanket national radio and online coverage - the GIT Award has provided a multi-media platform for Merseyside music to thrive.

“Last year we were hugely honoured to have Yoko Ono personally invite the 2013 winners Baltic Fleet to support her at Meltdown Festival as part of the GIT Award prize - an event she curated as part of her 80th Birthday – we hope this year’s Award is equally as special and continues to place the focus on the incredible musicians working within our community.

“This year's launch at Leaf – a venue which has supported the GIT Award since the beginning - will be a fantastic night of new music, while the Award night itself next April in the Kazimier will be one not to miss.”

Musicians, bands and creative types who would like to enter for this year’s prize are asked to send four tracks to getintothis@gmail.com or alternatively post to Peter Guy, The GIT Award, Liverpool Daily Post & ECHO, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L69 3EB.

Businesses who would like to get involved with the GIT Award can email getintothis@gmail.com for more information

Guitar Virtuoso Jon Gomm Seeks Musicians To Open UK Tour Dates

After 2 years touring all over the planet, viral sensation and guitar virtuoso Jon Gomm is hitting the road on home soil with his first major solo UK tour this Autumn, playing the Youtube hits that first brought him fame and premiering songs from his forthcoming album Secrets Nobody Keeps.

Jon is pleased to announce that if you are a band or solo artist, you can now apply to play the opening set at one of the upcoming dates. Gomm well remembers the pain of applying for support slots in his hometown, only to find it was already taken by a touring support artist, often on the same label or agency roster as the headliners. Where possible, Jon wants to give the chance to local musicians.

How To Apply :

1) Go to the facebook event for the one gig nearest you (listed at http://bit.ly/GomUK )
2) Please post a direct link to video or audio of your music (e.g. Youtube, Soundcloud, or Bandcamp) as a post on this event page.
3) Jon will personally select a shortlist of bands.
4) We'll invite the guests of the facebook event to vote for who they'd like to see.

The final choice for support artist will then be made by Jon in conjunction with the concert venue/promoter, and will be subject to terms and conditions set out by the venue/promoter. For a few gigs, support artists have already been chosen (for special reasons).

Full information for how to apply is on this page:  http://bit.ly/GomUK

Jon Gomm UK Tour Dates:

30th August - Newport - TBC
31st August - Swansea - The Garage
1st September - Kent - Avenue Theatre
4th September - London - Surya
5th September - Bristol - Thekla
6th Septmber – North Devon - The Factory
7th September - Cardiff - The Moon Club
9th September -Guildford - The Boileroom
10th September - Worcester – The Marrs Barr
11th September - Birmingham - Hare and Hounds
12th September - Liverpool - Leaf Cafe
13th September - Leeds - Brudenell
14th September - Manchester - Sound Control
16th September - Nottingham - Bodega
17th September - York - Fibbers
19th September - Belfast - The Black Box
22nd September - Lincolnshire - Alchemy Festival
23rd September - Hull - The Backroom
24th September – Milton Keynes - The Stables
25th September - Bury St Edmunds - Apex
27th September - Glasgow - Berits and Brown
28th September - Troon - The New Troon Folk Club
29th September - Edinburgh - The Voodoo Rooms
2nd October - Preston - The Continental
3rd October - Newcastle - Cluny 2
4th October - Macclesfield - Cabin 5150
5th October - Huddersfield - Bar 1:20
6th October – Penrith - Penrith Playhouse

Tickets are on sale now via http://www.ticketwerk.co.uk and http://www.jongomm.com


Jon Gomm’s new album ‘Secrets Nobody Keeps’ is released on Performing Chimp Records later this year (date TBC).

Silent Cities debut EP Eigenlicht @ Leaf Cafe Liverpool

A forthcoming event Rebel Soul will be running in collaboration with Mellowtone. The event is called ‘Eigenlicht’ and will be held at Leaf on Saturday 18th May 2013. The event is to mark the release of Silent Cities debut EP, ‘Eigenlicht’ and will be an evening of visual wonderment and strange musical happenings, including live music, VJing, crafts and shadow puppetry.

If you're not aware of Silent Cities, he's been described as "The Real Deal" by BBC 6 Music's, Tom Robinson, and has also received a lot of positive feedback from Lauren Laverne (BBC 6 Music), Simon Raymonde (Bella Union) and Paul Du Noyer (NME, Q, Mojo, The Word). The digital and physical release of the EP will take place at the launch, but is available to stream now at: http://wherethesilentcitieshide.com/

GIT Award winner revealed and special award for Justice Collective

A spectacular celebration of Liverpool’s thriving music scene, the GIT (Getintothis) Award Showcase, took place in the city’s Leaf venue this evening, Friday 19 April.

The GIT Award 2013 winner is Baltic Fleet.  He received his GIT Award trophy - designed by Liverpool Art Prize nominee Jayne Lawless - from the Quietus editor John Doran and Merseyside music journalist and former Q editor Andrew Harrison.

Baltic Fleet is the guise of Paul Fleming, touring keyboardist of Echo and The Bunnymen. His debut record was named Rough Trade's album of the year and his latest record Towers follows suit with flawless electronic melodies, breezeblock beats and an effortless futuristic edge. The judges believe Towers captured the sprawling vitality of contemporary music and married this to a sonic landscape which is indicative of its birth; Northern working class cities which thrive on industry and making things happen.

The Inspiration Award went to The Justice Collective who took a version of He Aint Heavy, He’s My Brother to UK Christmas Number One 2012 with all proceeds going towards Hillsborough Families legal costs in their fight for justice.

The Farm’s Peter Hooton who helped organise and appeared on the charity single and accepted the Inspiration Award on behalf of Justice Collective said: 

“I accepted this award on behalf the tremendous team behind the Justice Collective - they were truly inspirational and everyone involved from the music industry gave their time and effort free of charge. But really this is an award for the 24 year campaign for justice by the families and survivors. It was a truly remarkable achievement to get a Christmas No1 within such a short period of time and just shows what people power can bring about when they believe in a cause. I dedicate the award to John Glover and Anne Williams, true campaigners for truth and justice!”

Steve Rotheram MP, one of the chief organisers behind The Justice Collective said: 

“Music has the innate ability to express and even amplify in people a mixture of emotions. The Justice Collective captured the country’s feelings towards the Hillsborough disaster and the establishment-led cover up with a beautifully produced piece of music that rightly took its place at the top of the Christmas charts.  

“The Justice Collective project was a story of solidarity. Everyone who took part did so for free and with the best interests of the victims, families and survivors of one of the greatest injustices of the 20th century at heart. In the year of the London Olympic Games, Diamond Jubilee and a US Presidential Election, it was Hillsborough and the fight for justice for the 96 that dominated the news. I am proud that we played a small part in keeping the topic of Hillsborough at the forefront of the news agenda and in doing so hopefully inspired millions of people through this piece of music to educate themselves on the real TRUTH of Hillsborough and its devastating aftermath.”

Liverpool Football Club, who were present filming the occasion, prepared a special video of the making of the single while Liverpool FC legend Kenny Dalglish made a special video honouring the members of the Justice Collective and hailing their Inspiration Award. There were also special messages on the night from Liverpool FC great Jamie Carragher and Everton FC defender and keen music enthusiast Leighton Baines gave poignant messages of support for the Justice Collective in receiving their Inspiration Award.

Tyler Mensah was crowned People's Choice winner - as voted for by readers of Bido Lito! Getintothis, Seven Streets and Juice FM. Fifteen-year-old Tyler, who records hook-laden urban pop, received his memento from GIT Award charity partner Simon Howes of CALM.

On the night there were live performances from the nominees including Baltic Fleet, metal band Conan, alt-folk rising star Nadine Carina and electronic artist John Heckle.

Among the other live performances were Bill Ryder-Jones, Paulo Isocore, Bird, The Wild Eyes and China Crisis' Gary Daly who performed Wave Machines' Punk Spirit on their behalf as they toured in France. Sense of Sound's a capella choir collaborated with electro artist GhostChant for Jetta's Start A Riot as she prepared to finish recording her debut album in Los Angeles.

GIT Award founder, Peter Guy, hailed the night saying: “The GIT Award champions the unity and team-work that's evident in Liverpool's arts community, it's this ethos which is pushing new, innovative art right across the world - this is a city with the finest new music - and much of it was here tonight in this room. Roll on The GIT Award 2014.”

GIT Award 2013 - date, venue and charity partner confirmed

Liverpool's GIT Award 2013 - date, venue and charity partner confirmed

LIVERPOOL’S GIT Award 2013 will take place at Leaf on Bold Street on Friday April 19, where the shortlisted artists are expected to perform – with the winner collecting £1000 in prize money on the night.

The GIT Award, dubbed ‘the Scouse Mercury Prize,’ enjoyed a hugely successful inaugural year in 2012 and the stakes will be even higher when the 2013 winner of this now established award is revealed later this year.

The evening at Leaf, which also played host to last year’s ceremony, is invite only and will include performances from those shortlisted. The shortlist, which will be announced in March, will be devised by a 12-strong judging panel including 6 Music’s Tom Ravenscroft, Q editor Andrew Harrison, NME radar editor Matt Wilkinson plus the cornerstones of the Liverpool music scene.

The overall winner will receive a cash prize of £1000 while a special Inspiration Award, recognising significant outstanding achievement to Liverpool’s music industry (won last year by the team behind Liverpool venue, The Kazimier), will also be presented.

Natalie Haywood, owner of Leaf said: "We are delighted to host the GIT Award at Leaf for the second year running. It is a highlight of our events and Liverpool's music calendar. We can't wait to open up the doors and the stage to Merseyside's hottest artists. Last year's showcase was such a fantastic party and we are ready for round two!"

GIT Award organiser Peter Guy said: “I couldn’t be happier to be working with Leaf again. Last year’s event was a stellar night with respected industry figures from around the country travelling to Liverpool to see our very best musicians performing live. Leaf and their staff played a significant part in ensuring a spectacular first year for The GIT Award.”

Former Liverpool Art Prize nominee, Jayne Lawless, will design and make this year’s GIT Award and The Inspiration Award.

Jayne, a fine art graduate from Anfield, has exhibited work in London, New York and Poland, said: “I’m really pleased to have been asked to make this year’s Awards. After meeting with Peter I had a good sense of the ethos of the awards and felt inspired by a fellow ‘doer!’ I am passionate about music and art so it was an easy decision. I am a sculptor that has worked in many different materials, from welding steel to painting nylon tights with yacht resin. I respond to the environment and individual project I’m working on and am looking forward to this challenge.”

Liverpool-founded charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) has been chosen as the official charity partner of the GIT Award,  fresh from winning a Guardian Charity Award and announcing its three new Merseyside Music Ambassadors; GIT Award nominee Esco Williams, Stephen Langstaff and Anton Powers.

Merseyside CALMzone co-coordinator Simon Howes said: “Music is one of the most powerful outlets there is. The region’s music scene expresses heartache, worries and innermost thoughts every night of the week in rehearsal spaces, bedrooms, studios and stages to audiences of thousands and in private. To be the charity partner for an event as iconic as the GIT Award is a privilege for us and a testament to the long love affair we've had with Merseyside music since our launch in 2000.”

GIT Award organiser Peter Guy adds: "Adding a charity partner to the development of the GIT Award is a natural step for us to take.  We couldn’t ask for a better fit, the guys at CALM do a first class job and work tirelessly within the local music sector helping so many get help and support.  We’re really excited to be working more closely with them."

Since its inception the GIT award has captured the music industry’s attention, becoming the first regional award of its kind to champion new and emerging music and garnering national and international industry and press recognition.

Liverpool has long been considered a hotbed of musical talent and The GIT Award is committed to putting the city’s most innovative new bands and artists on the national and international stage.  The closing date for entries is February 28 2013.

To enter this year’s prize musicians are asked to send four tracks to getintothis@gmail.com or post to Peter Guy, The GIT Award, Liverpool ECHO, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L69 3EB.

Businesses who would like to get involved can email getintothis@gmail.com for more information.

Leaf Cafe Liverpool - August Listings

August Listings

Wednesday 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th August
Spotify Wednesdays

Pick a song. Write it down. Pass it on. GET ON DOWN.
Trip the light fantastic every week at Spotify Wednedays, when you take control of our playlist to fill the evening with your favourite riffs, melodies and lyrics.

8pm / Ground Floor / FREE entry 
Thursday 2nd and 16th August
Jelly Liverpool

Don’t labour alone in the solitary salt mines! Jelly Liverpool is a casual all day work-together for anyone with a laptop and some grafting to be done. Surround yourself with fun, creative people and maybe pick up a bit of what they do too, twice monthly at LEAF on Bold St. Whether you’re a creative who needs inspiration or a professional who wants to escape working from the cabin feverish working from home hum-drum, Jelly welcomes you to get involved with a cup of tea and a delicious sandwich.

9am – 5pm / First Floor / FREE Entry 
Friday 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st August
Beaten Tracks DJ Set

Dust off those blue suede’s and send your feet to a metaphorical Mecca all in the name of music. Expect funk, Soul, Reggae, Afrobeat, Latin, Blues and Jazz nuggets. A truly global collection, for you to sink your feet in to. Dance till you drop.

10pm/Ground Floor/FREE Entry
Saturday 4th, 11th & 18th August
Jess Gascogine DJ Set – Weekends Throughout August

Our resident Jess wears her influences on her sleeve, setting hip hop, soul, funk, house and disco alight like fire crackers on a dance floor. Every weekend throughout August.

10pm till late / Ground Floor / Free Entry
Sunday 5th August
HopeLGBT present…The Official Pride Finale

HopeLGBT, Love Music Hate Homophobia and Liverpool Pride are pleased to announce the official Pride finale event. Join us at Leaf for an evening of music, comedy and the arts to close the weekend. In aid of Michael Causer Foundation.

6pm/First Floor/ £3 suggested donation OTD

Tuesday 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th August
Out of the Bedroom Open Acoustic Mic

A bustling evening of acoustic acts that sits perfectly with a cup of tea. Our host Jonny Sands brings together the best of Liverpool’s acoustic acts and spoken word artists every Tuesday at LEAF. Performers should bring their own instruments for a chance to perform. For more information please e-mail johnnysands13@gmail.com

8:30pm / Ground Floor / FREE Entry

PLUS

Tuesday 7th and 21st August
The Language Circle

Join the bubbling mix of individuals for some international exchanges, sharing language, knowledge and socialising with friendly faces.
For more information about the Language Circle’s programmes, check Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheLanguageCircle

6:30pm / First Floor / FREE Entry
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Wednesday 8th August
“Adolf in Toxteth” After Party

1912 saw a 23 year old Adolf Hitler descending up on Liverpool. Ian Carroll’s play “Adolf in Toxteth” tells the story of life with a failed artist and future fuhrer.  Hitler spent a six month period visiting his half brother in Toxteth. This Kitchen sink drama tells of family life with a megalomaniac. The play runs from the 7th to the 11th of August at the Actor’s Studio on Seel St. Join us to celebrate the opening of this intoxicating play, with music from The Last Gambados.

7.30pm/FirstFloor/FREE
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Saturday 11th August
Game Dev North 6: Revolutions

An informal game industry meet up for all. From AAA to Indies, Jounros to Freelancers, we welcome you all with open arms and a wonky gamers thumbs up.

5.30pm/FirstFloor/FREE Tickets from Eventbrite: http://bit.ly/Myjkug

Sunday 12th August
Life Drawing

Artists, students and enthusiasts alike are welcome to join the twice-monthly relaxed drawing sessions, set in the alluring atmosphere of the first floor at LEAF. Hosted by sculptress Ella Perry, she’ll be happy to provide you with some basic materials although artists are welcome to bring other mediums.

7-10pm / First Floor / £9OTD
 
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Monday 13th August
Urban Craft Collective’s Knitting Club

A nifty little crafting group that want to spread their expertise across the land. Whether you want to perk up your purl stitch or increase your rate of cross stitch there is something for all. Swap, share, natter and be inspired whilst sipping on a delightful cuppa and gorging on a rich chocolate cake. Whether you’re a novice or a pro pop along with your needles and hooks. For further information please contact Kate Blakemore via urbancraftcollective@gmail.com

7pm-9pm/Ground Floor/FREE

Tuesday 14th August
Open Hub

With all the essentials provided – tea, wifi and desk-space you’ve got everything you need for a productive day of postgraduate study. If you’re an LJMU research student or a postgraduate looking for a change of scenery, or maybe you’re looking for some new faces to chat with about old problems - pop along to the Open Hub for a day of free co-working and a free sarnie.

9:30 am – 4:30pm / First Floor / FREE Entry

PLUS

Tuesday 14th and 28th August
Create and Write

Muse, imagine, create and write. Learn some new writing skills, meet some delightful souls and have a lovely cuppa all at the same time. Talk about two birds and one stone.

7pm/Ground Floor/£3OTD
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Saturday 18th August
Harvest Sun presents… Damien Jurado and Megafaun

Harvest Sun presents an exciting double bill lined with DAMIEN JURADO and MEGAFAUN. Damien's newest LP, Maraqopa, has been a constant on most people’s playlists since its release back in February. The same goes for Megafaun's self-titled 4th release from last year – a downplayed effort of the rustic instrumentation compared to their earlier LPs, swapping it for a more traditional, country-rock setup. Sounding not all to distant from American legends the Grateful Dead it’ll be a night filled with Americana-esque Psych-Folk in all it glory.

8pm / First Floor / Tickets £10 from Probe Records (School Lane), The Music Consortium (Bold St) or online at Ticketweb: http://tiny.cc/4b92ew


Monday 20th August
Chess Club with Paul Tallant

Every chess master was once a beginner – so get your practice in and some free chess advice from the Knight in the Know, Mr Paul Tallant every month at LEAF. Play with other ‘Clubbers’ or just join to watch other players in action, picking up hints and tips as you go. 

6.30pm / Ground Floor / FREE Entry

PLUS

Book Club with Jennie Connolly

Set in 1948, ‘Small Island’ focuses on the diaspora of Jamaican immigrants, who, escaping economic hardship on their own "small island," move to England. Their reception is not quite the warm embrace that they have hoped for… Revolving around 4 main characters, the book jumps between people and time making in one of the defining books of the decade by the Guardian 2009.  Join Jenny and gang for some good food, a great cuppa and a relaxing dialogue about this fascinating observation on an unorthodox life. For more information contact Jennie on jennifer.connolly@live.co.uk.

8pm / Ground Floor / FREE Entry


Tuesday 21st August
Branching Out 

An informal networking event, where you can bang heads with some of Liverpool’s finest creative minds. Grab a cup of tea and let loose with your ideas.

9am-11am / Ground Floor / FREE Entry


Saturday 25th August
Chew Disco DJ Set

A new addition to the DJing clan at LEAF.  Khalil and Emma, organisers of the queerfeminist club night and video/performance art project Chew Disco have collaborated with the likes of FACT, Islington Mill, AND Festival, Cheryl-NYC, Off the Hook, and Homotopia among others. They will be setting your feet on fire, making you hop like your dancing on hot coals and assisting you in having a good old knees up. Expect an eclectic mix of new and vintage house party jams: post-punk, electro, dance punk, obscure 80s trash, club classics, NYC no-wave, new and old school hip hop, alternative anthems and more. 

10pm/Ground Floor / FREE Entry


Sunday 26th August
Retro Sundays

Presenting a rail to rail supply of coveted vintage clothing, footwear and accessories. Every last item is genuine vintage with an affordable price tag and part of a sustainable, eco friendly system. You can also continue to revel in your Retro Sunday with an Afternoon Tea and complete all the necessities of a Sunday – relax, shop, eat and drink.

11am – 5pm / First Floor / Free Entry
Afternoon Tea 0151 707 7747 Booking Essential

Strings and Things at Leaf Cafe - Review

Upstairs at Leaf Cafe is fast becoming synonymous as a venue for showcasing talented young singer/songwriters and now they have paid host to the first night of "Strings and things", the brain child of Ian Weller of StillHet Music Promotions. 

The night certainly lived up to its name, with a backdrop of a whole lot of string from floor to ceiling and with guitars a plenty, keyboard's and a very blue violin to name but a few instruments providing the music for the night.

The night was a chilled out affair, with plenty of ambiance provided by the setting and also the different musical styles on offer. We were treated to folk style songs with a bit of upbeat country twang inserted in to get your toes a tapping and some beautiful vocals to accompany it from, Ivy and the Chance, witty lyrics from, Just By Chance about how bad Sue is at Sudoku and the perils of thrush along with some superb guitar playing from the duo and a soulful set from Yarbo,who decided to end the final night of his UK tour here. Yarbo's lyrics come from the heart and attach themselves to yours and you could have heard a pin drop during his set.

The two highlights of the night for me though were Charley Blue, a girl from the countryside who has a penchant for the violin, rapping and the odd bit of beat boxing as she left her tap shoes at home. With an eccentric and eclectic style, Charley Blue brought us some jazz, rock and rap throughout her set including "Frisky" and her take on Wretch 32's "Traktor" and I've got to admit, I much preferred her witty version of it.

Charley Blue took to the stage again as support vocals and that blue violin in hand with Laura James and the Lyres,(she was the only Lyre able to make it that night). Cumbria born Laura James oozes talent,from her sublime acoustic guitar playing, gentle angelic vocals to her beautifully innocent lyrics, that only come along with youth. Each song told a story and each word captured everybody there. With songs like "Crocodile Tears" and love song "Bluebell" this young singer/songwriter has the sweetest disposition on stage and you can't help but float along with her music. A truly captivating performance from someone so young.

Hopefully this will become a regular night, whether at Leaf or another venue that can help create such a fabulous ambiance to so many talented musicians out there. I can only advise that when it happens again, you get yourselves down there as you will not be disappointed one little bit.

Article posted by Musicmafia