Geppetto And The Whales release their debut single 1814

Geppetto And The Whales release their debut single 1814

Geppetto And The Whales are an indie, psychedelic, folk, pop, rock band from Belgium. Something of a big deal over there, they recently released their debut album ‘Heads Of Woe’ with much acclaim in their native Benelux region after being signed to Warner Music and now they are delighted to release a single to the rest of mainland Europe and the world. 

This debut single ‘1814’ is a dark though beautiful love song based on a truly fascinating war story and is sure to become a winter felt anthem. Sander Sterkens from the band explains, “We're very excited to introduce to you our single '1814'. This song is based on a 200 year old diary from someone who lived in the same village as we do. He had to fight in a Napoleonic war against his own people, was captured in Russia, escaped and made his way home on a 7000 miles foot journey. The way he describes the feeling of coming home after so many years is what we've tried to capture with this song. We hope you feel it too.”

The single is backed by the incredible B-side ‘Heads’ which offers a slice of beatnik groove and vocal harmony in a retro yet unique way. Both tracks give a reflective taste of the versatile quality dripping throughout Geppetto And The Whales, and indeed every single track on ‘Heads Of Woe’. A beautifully crafted debut, which sounds mature though full of youthful promise at the same time. It blends beautiful little melodies with overwhelming soundscapes and live the band demonstrate why they are repeatedly flagged as a must-see at some of Europe’s biggest festivals where they’ve shone, like Eurosonic and Pukkelpop.

The album comes two years after they made it to the finals of Humo’s Rock Rally in 2012 (a prestigious platform in Belgium which helped launch bands like dEUS and Balthazar) and a year and a half since releasing debut EP ‘People Of Galicove’ to rave reviews. Of their album their biggest national paper De Morgen describes ‘Heads Of Woe’ as, “a pure, often Beatlesque record on which the songs aren't stuffed with more than it needs, and on which the beautiful three-part harmony jumps in the eye. Songs such as Jonathan, Heads and 1814 are accompanied by bright and pure melodies, and the music breathes in a wide, rustic atmosphere..."

‘1814’ is complimented by a striking animated video and Geppetto And The Whales will venture onto UK shores for dates across most cities including Hoxton Bar & Grill in London on December 17th. Debut single ‘1814’ is being self-released outside of Benelux on December 1st 2014.

Swedish Band Chirping to release new single Ambitions

Swedish Band Chirping to release new single Ambitions

Chirping are an indie pop rock band hailing all the way from Sweden. The boys have been busy working on their new material, performing with Tove Lo and doing various shows all over Scandinavia.

Now they have decided to release their much anticipated new single Ambitions. Taking inspiration from the likes of The Cure, The Smiths, The Vaccines, The Drums and The Strokes, Chirping are all about authenticity, attitude and whooping hook lines.

The four-piece, consisting of Carl, Johan, Björn and Viktor, have a very strong DIY attitude. They spent a long period of time building their own rehearsal room and recording studio from scratch where they self-produced and self-mixed Ambitions. At the very last hurdle they had decided to bring in a mastering professional called Thomas Eberger who has worked with a countless amount of Swedish stars including The Hives.

The result is a clear-cut and straightforward track with a chorus giving way to another rush of serotonin each time it comes on. Carl’s low and quirky vocals are fresh, cool and honest, and he delivers his lines with the heart-on-sleeve sincerity resembling Julian Casablancas and Ian Mcculloch.

As the title suggests, Ambitions has got a go-get-it attitude, and it will be available for sale and download 27th October.

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/chirping/ambitions

Website: http://www.chirping.se

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chirpingband

Twitter: https://twitter.com/chirpingband

Mad Caddies On Tour This Autumn In Manchester

Mad Caddies On Tour This Autumn In Manchester

24th November at Manchester Club Academy 

Mad Caddies Plus Support

Since their inception, during high school in California nearly two decades ago, the Mad Caddies have toured the world countless times delighting fans with their unique blend of reggae, punk, ska and pop, and with their newest album Dirty Rice the Mad Caddies have proven they're just as impassioned and energetic as ever. In many ways the band's first full-length in seven years sees them coming full circle, demonstrating while trends and times have changed, the Mad Caddies' commitment to creating dynamic music has only grown stronger. 

Yet the Mad Caddies are a difficult band to pin down. We're not sure what's more impressive, the fact that Mad Caddies have sold over 400,000 albums or they've managed to combine a wide range of influences - - dixieland, reggae, punk, ska - - into a collection of songs which are incredibly diverse yet still make for a cohesive listen from start to finish.

"We love the fact that we're able to expand our sound with every album," Lazor explains, citing the fact that the band goes over just as well at family-friendly festivals as they do late-night rock shows alongside their punk peers.

"I don't know many bands who are able to have such a wide range of songs and styles at their disposal.” 

Dirty Rice is the culmination of the band's already remarkable career, but like many works of art, creating Dirty Rice wasn't an effortless process. In fact, the Mad Caddies originally started working on the album in 2009 but weren't happy with the results and decided to go back to the drawing board. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise because when they returned they had gained two more songwriters—original drummer Todd Rosenberg and new keyboardist Dustin Lanker (formerly of the Cherry Poppin' Daddies)—who alongside vocalist Chuck Robertson, guitarist Sascha Lazor, trumpet player Keith Douglas, trombonist Ed Hernandez and bassist Graham Palmer make up the Mad Caddies.

"We’re excited with this lineup because the new additions bring so much to the table with their musical knowledge and songwriting skills," Robertson explains, "That's very evident listening to these songs." 

Produced by the Mad Caddies and Rosenberg at his own studio (which is incidentallly located in the same building where the band rehearsed in high school) Dirty Rice's in-house nature allowed the band to explore creative ideas that wouldn't have come to fruition in the traditional big-budget setting.

"Writing and recording this album in Todd's studio really allowed us to experiment, not only with the actual composition but also with the layering and arrangements," Robertson explains.

The result is an album that features everything from the reggae-influenced pop of "Shoot Out The Lights" to the hardcore punk introduction of "Love Myself" and all of the sonic territory in between. 

The band also got integral assistance from NOFX frontman and Fat Wreck Chords founder Fat Mike who had a major role in shaping the direction of Dirty Rice and helping them pair down over 30 songs into the final twelve selections.

"Mike has worked with us since our first record and he came down and gave his honest and unbiased opinion on a lot of these songs and that outside perspective really helped make this album a lot better,"  Lazor explains, adding that Mike also helped write the New-Orleans-meets-reggae rocker "Shot In The Dark" with the band in just ten minutes,

"Mike was critical but at the same time he made the process fun and easy.”

Plenty of life experiences and milestones inevitably occurred between the making of Dirty Rice and their last full-length 2007's Keep It Going but the Mad Caddies have never stopped pushing forward no matter what obstacles lie in their way. The band wanted to keep evolving musically and create new material for the enjoyment of their fans who have supported them in America as well as all the places around the globe where they’ve performed from South Africa to Japan. 

When asked about one of the secrets to their success, Lazor explains,

"We don't really have a lot of drama in the band…We know each member's personality pretty well at this point and we get along pretty well, especially when we're cramped in a bus or van."

As we said at the beginning, there isn't an easy way to explain the Mad Caddies because there's nothing typical about them and that may be why they’ve lasted so long and their fan base keeps growing with them.

"The last 20 years have been great and over the course of the next 20 years I'd love to see us become one of those bands where you just have to check 'em out because you can't explain their sound. I feel like we'll be able to be around for a long time," Robertson summarizes, citing the fact that the Mad Caddies now have second-generation fans, "Right now we feel more unstoppable than ever.”

Tickets available from www.glasswerk.co.uk and usual outlets

http://www.madcaddies.net/

Mad Dog Mcrea - UK Tour

Mad Dog Mcrea blend a unique mixture of folk rock, pop, gypsy jazz, bluegrass and 'shake your ass' music. From self-penned songs of adventure, drinking, love and life, to traditional songs of gypsies, fairies, legless pirates and black flies - Mad Dog never fail to capture their audience with their infectious songs.

Earlier in 2012, Mad Dog set off on their first major UK tour in support of their recently, released, critically acclaimed album “The Whirling Dervish,. That tour comprised over 30 dates and stretched from The Isle of Sky to Lands End! It was such a success that they have now announced a second 24-date UK tour, which will take their tally of live performances in 2012 to well over 100, including 21 festival appearances.

High profile fans of the band include BBC Radio 2's Mike Harding (who has played them a number of times on air), Seth Lakeman and the Levellers, who invited Mad Dog to perform on their most recently released album.

There is only one way to experience the full force of the Mad Dog Mcrea live experience, and that is to come to and see it for yourself. With 24 tour dates between now and Christmas, this is the perfect opportunity to see this brilliant band live, so get yourself a ticket and have yourself a Mad Dog of an evening. You won't regret it!

http://www.maddogmcrea.co.uk/

MAD DOG MCREA

THE HAPPY BUS TOUR – WINTER 2012 Thu 1-Nov Oxford The Jericho www.thejerichooxford.co.uk 0871 220 0260
Fri 2-Nov Nottingham Bodega www.bodeganottingham.com 0871 220 0260
Sat 3-Nov Leeds Brudenell Social Club www.brudenellsocialclub.co.uk 08444 771 000
Sun 4-Nov York Fibbers www.fibbers.co.uk 08444 771 000
Thu 8-Nov Manchester Ruby Lounge www.therubylounge.com 0871 220 0260
Fri 9-Nov Liverpool Mello Mello www.mellomello.co.uk 0871 220 0260
Sat 10-Nov Doncaster The Leopard www.bmconcerts.co.uk 08444 771 000
Sun 11-Nov Newcastle The Cluny www.thecluny.com 08444 771 000
Tue 13-Nov Leicester The Musician www.themusicianpub.co.uk 0115 959 7908
Wed 14-Nov Northampton Roadmender www.theroadmender.com 0115 912 9000
Thu 15-Nov Birmingham HMV Institute www.hmvinstitute.com 0843 221 0100
Fri 16-Nov Gloucester Guildhall www.gloucester.gov.uk/guildhall 01452 503 050 
Sat 17-Nov Devil's Bridge Hafod Hotel www.wildwestwales.com 01970 890 232
Sun 18-Nov Cardiff Bogiez www.bogiez.com 0115 959 7908
Wed 21-Nov Rochester Royal Function Rooms www.royalfunctionrooms.com 0115 959 7908
Thu 22-Nov London Jazz Café www.jazzcafe.co.uk 0843 221 0100
Fri 23-Nov Brighton The Prince Albert www.facebook.com/ThePrinceAlbert 0871 220 0260
Sat 24-Nov Isle of Wight Newport Football Club www.gigantic.com 01983 882 204
Sun 25-Nov Newton Abbot The Jolly Farmer www.facebook.com/thejollyfarmer 01626 354 010
Tue 27-Nov Southampton Talking Heads www.thetalkingheads.co.uk 08444 771 000
Wed 28-Nov Guildford Boileroom www.theboileroom.net 01483 440 022
Thu 29-Nov Bristol The Fleece www.thefleece.co.uk 0117 929 9008
Fri 30-Nov Great Torrington The Plough AC www.theploughartscentre.org.uk 01805 624 624
Sat 1-Dec Plymouth The Great Hall www.gigantic.com 0115 959 7908

Angelo set to release mythical dance anthem Narcissus Drowned

NYC’s own electro-pop crooner, Angelo, has been causing a quite a stir on the New York scene and is set to bring his distinctive sound across the pond with the release of his new single, ‘Narcissus Drowned’ on February 13^th 2012.

Angelo represents a new direction for pop music. Taking lyrical inspiration from ancient mythology and transforming it into irresistible modern pop-dance anthems, Angelo proves that he’s not just a pretty face. ‘Narcissus Drowned’ represents the brains behind pop; articulate, attractive and undeniably addictive, Angelo is headed for an exhilarating 2012.

Praise has already been high for Angelo whose previous singles have been greeted with rave reviews and with remixes of his latest offering by names such as Buzz Junkies, Eddie Banda and Buffetlibre, ‘Narcissus Drowned’ is set to raise the bar even higher.

"2011 has seen the glittering emergence of Angelo, a highly talented New York artist who looks set to take over the torch for the fusion of pop and dance culture that the city has championed so well for decades." - Data Trasmission (www.datatransmission.co.uk)

"Up and coming New York pop singer Angelo brings the perfect combination of brain, brawn and beats to his music." - Arjan Timmermans (www.arjanwrites.com)

"Angelo’s International appeal has sparked and looks set to rage on into a firing blaze..." - Nerdy Frames (www.nerdyframes.org)

For more information and to stay up to date with all things Angelo please visit:

twitter: @angelodago

www.facebook.com/AngeloMusic

www.soundcloud.com/angelomusic

www.hearangelo.com

Kay 2 x The Strange Days - The Strangest Day

West London based Kay 2 & The Strange Days release their highly anticipated, self produced debut mixtape titled ‘The Strangest Day’.
Having grown up on a small council estate in Chelsea / Fulham with a rich Moroccan and Irish heritage, music played a monumental part in the upbringing of Kay 2 & The Strange Days, something which has transcended into the music they make today. "It's basically Pop and Hip Hop, with a mixture of any other genre we like," they reveal, whilst name checking the likes of J.Cole, Wiz Khalifa, Mayer Hawthorn, Kid Cudi and Curren$y as some of their musical influences.
They've already peaked at Number 2 on the Myspace UK Unsigned Music Charts, and received interest from countless record labels, distribution companies and tastemakers from across the industry. The duo also appeared on Channel AKA’s recent ‘Streets, Grime and Life’ compilation CD alongside the likes of N Dubz, Skepta, Loick Essien, JME, Chimpunk, Wiley, Ghetts, Lethal Bizzle and many more.
At 17 tracks deep, ‘The Strangest Days’ is a collection of some of Kay 2 & The Strange Day’s best work to date. Featuring mostly all of group member Mike’s production (barring ‘Hard To Say’ which is a cover of The Streets – At The Back Of The Line), the mixtape takes listeners on a uniquely obscure journey through British life viewed in the eyes of two music loving, weed smoking, thought consumed teenagers, who are just trying to make sense of ever present madness unravelling in front of their eyes.
Comprised of some devilishly abstract sampling, effervescent percussion, gentle guitar riffs and awe filled string sections, the instrumentation maintains a familiar aura throughout without becoming repetitive, whilst the duo’s blend of gawkish lyricism and honest chorus lines demonstrate exactly why Kay 2 & The Strange Days are being tipped as one the UK’s most exciting new music acts.

 CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD MIXTAPE

Water Media presents The Passenger feat Hatty Keane

Leading multi-platform creative media company Water Media launch their latest online video series titled 'The Passenger', with an exclusive appearance from 16 year old songstress Hatty Keane. Taking a relaxed approach to the usual media interview scenario, the series features cutting-edge interviews with music artists and personalities from the comfort of a London cab.
Talking to presenter / driver-for-the-day David James, Hatty performs an exclusive accapella and discusses her beginnings, her current music releases, her dislikes of comparisons and her dream collaborations, and even reveals how any admiring boys should approach her! At just 16 years of age, Hatty is being tipped as one of the UK's hottest pop sensations by both industry members and fans alike, and reveals all in this honest, personal, one to one interview.
Motivated by anything avant-garde, radical or unconventional, Water Media are steadily making a name for themselves as a major trend setter in new age visual communications, and with the ability to fill any space, stay fresh, neutral, transparent, clear and refreshing, there's only one question left to be asked.. Can you live without Water?

Please blog / post / share the video.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

For more information on Water Media / Hatty Keane visit: http://www.watermedia.tv
http://www.twitter.com/watermediatv
http://www.youtube.com/watermediatalents
http://www.facebook.com/watermediatv
http://www.tumblr.com/watermediatv
http://www.twitter.com/hattykeane

The Social Club to support Saves The Day - Tour Dates

 

he Social Club are proud to announce a 5 date tour support for rock favorites Saves The Day this November.

Recently signing to Alcopop! Records , The Social Club continue to grow as one of the most exciting pop rock-punk bands on the scene.  This small handful of support show yet more heads & ears are turning fondly.  The band have also committed to touring with label friends The Attika State this October. (Full details below.)

Dates

	Date	Venue	Location	Tickets
	Oct 15	The Croft w/The Attika State	Bristol, United Kingdom			RSVP
	Oct 16	The White Lion w/The Attika State	Watford, United Kingdom			RSVP
	Oct 17	The Edge of the Wedge w/The Attika State	Portsmouth, United Kingdom			RSVP
	Oct 18	The Labour Club w/The Attika State	Northampton, United Kingdom			RSVP
	Oct 19	The FIghting Cocks w/The Attika State	Kingston, Jamaica			RSVP
	Oct 20	The Avondale w/The Attika State	Southampton, United Kingdom			RSVP
	Oct 24	The Old Blue Last w/ The Attika State	London, United Kingdom			RSVP
	Nov 22	Talking Heads w/ Saves The Day	Southampton, United Kingdom	Tickets		RSVP
	Nov 23	Concorde 2 w/ Saves The Day	Brighton, United Kingdom	Tickets		RSVP
	Nov 24	New Slang @ The Hippodrome w/ Saves The Day	Kingston, Jamaica	Tickets		RSVP
	Nov 25	Crauford Arms w/ Saves The Day	Milton Keynes, United Kingdom	Tickets		RSVP
	Nov 26	O2 Academy 2 Newcastle w/ Saves The Day	Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom			RSVP

Radio City Live announce another trio of artists coming to Liverpool

Radio City have today announced another top trio of artists who will join the bill at Liverpool’s hottest concert this summer. Nicola Roberts, Wonderland and Liverpool’s own Chelcee Grimes will be joining a star studded line up of artists who all be performing their best hits at Radio City Live on 10^th June 2011. Part of the most successful girl band of our generation, and with over 20 million record sales behind her, Nicola Roberts will be coming home to Liverpool for her first exclusive solo performance, including her new single ‘Beat of my Drum’. Wonderland, who were voted ‘Best Band’ at this year’s Glamour Women of the Year Awards, will also be performing their latest hits on the Echo Arena’s stage, having previously toured with the likes of Westlife, Boyzone and Olly Murs. And this year, the station will be showing support for a local up and coming artist. Chelcee Grimes has been highlighted as UK’s brightest emerging talent and as a local Liverpool girl, Radio City Live is proud to announce she’ll be joining the bill. These pop princesses will all be joining NE-YO, LMFAO, Tinchy Stryder, Scouting for Girls, Mike Posner and Example, who were announced as part of the line-up last month. Radio City’s Station Director Richard Maddock thinks it will be their biggest concert yet: “This year’s line up is absolutely incredible and we can't wait to bring all these artists together for one night of the best pop hits from the past year. Adding these ladies to the bill has been the icing on top of a very big cake and we’re sure it’s going to be an unforgettable evening for Liverpool.” Tickets are on sale now from just £25 plus booking fee from the Liverpool Echo Arena Box Office, online at  radiocity.co.uk or by calling 0844 8000 400.

Prince 'owes more than $500k in taxes'

Prince reportedly owes around $506,000 in taxes.

Carver County tax records show the ‘Purple Rain’ singer – real name Prince Rogers Nelson – and his companies PRN Music Corp. and Paisley Park Enterprises Inc. owe the combined sum in delinquent property taxes to the state of Minnesota for 2009.

PRN Music Corp. – which is based in the musician’s Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen, which is located west of Minneapolis – alone owes more than $227,000 in taxes to the state and other government bodies.

Prince, 51, now has until April 21 to file an objection to the sum he and his businesses are alleged to owe, if he does not "a court judgment will be entered against the properties for the unpaid tax, penalty, interest, and costs”, according to local newspaper the Chaska Herald.

However, he has until now and May 2013 to pay off the sum until any forfeiture process could start against Prince's listed properties.

According to Laurie Engelen, taxpayer services manager for Carver County, the pop legend was late in paying taxes on his studio in 2006 and 2008, and on a piece of land he owns in 2008, but eventually settled the matter.

Gorillaz announce two star-studded London Roundhouse shows

Gorillaz have announced details of two star-studded shows at London's Roundhouse.

Taking place on April 29 and 30, the dates will be the group's first in the capital since 2001.

Playing in support of their new album 'Plastic Beach', the live shows will feature Damon Albarn, The Clash's Mick Jones and Paul Simonon, Mos Def, Gruff Rhys, Shaun Ryder, Bobby Womack, The National Orchestra For Arabic Music, Bashy, De La Soul, Kano and Little Dragon.

Also featuring animation and artwork by Jamie Hewlett, the gigs will be the band's first full UK performance since 'Demon Days Live' at the Manchester Opera House in 2005.

Tickets for the show are priced at £45 and go on sale this Friday (March 26) at 9am (GMT), while pre-sale tickets are available for subscribers to the Gorillaz fan club from 7.30am (GMT) tomorrow (March 23).

For more information, visit Gorillaz.com/G-Club.

Lady Gaga sued by music producer

Lady Gaga has been accused by a songwriter and music producer of squeezing him out of her lucrative career after he co-wrote some of her songs, came up with her stage name and helped her get a record deal.

Rob Fusari has filed a 35 million US dollar (£23 million) lawsuit in New York City against the Grammy Award-winning singer, saying his protege and former girlfriend ditched him as her career soared.

Although he initially dismissed her, Fusari realised she had star potential after hearing her play in his New Jersey studio in 2006, the lawsuit said, and he spent the next few months working with her every day and "radically reshaping her approach", persuading her to drop rock riffs for dance beats.

As they co-wrote songs such as Paparazzi, he transformed Germanotta into Lady Gaga, the lawsuit said.

According to the lawsuit, Lady Gaga and Fusari's relationship turned romantic and became a business partnership in May 2006, when they created a joint venture called Team Love Child LLC to promote her career. Fusari's share was 20 per cent, it said.

Fusari says he introduced Lady Gaga to a record executive who ultimately shepherded her to Interscope Records, which released The Fame in 2008. The album has sold more than three million copies in the United States; Fusari has a producing credit.

But the lawsuit says their personal and business relationship had soured by then and he has been denied a 20 per cent share of song royalties, 15 per cent of merchandising revenue and other money he is owed. He acknowledges getting cheques for about 611,000 US dollars (£400,855) but says that is not his full share.

Tinie Tempah holds onto chart number one

Rapper Tinie Tempah has held onto the number one spot for a second week with his debut single Pass Out.

Rhianna remains at number two with Rude Boy while Justin Bieber's song with Ludacris, Baby, was the highest climber, up 185 places to number three.

Despite being ahead in the first official mid-week chart, Gorillaz's third album, Plastic Beach, was beaten by Boyzone's Brother.

Last week's top album, Ellie Goulding's debut, Lights, dropped to number 16.

Other new entries in the top 10 include Amy MacDonald at number four with A Curious Thing and the cast recording of Andrew Lloyd Webber's new musical Love Never Dies at number 10.

It was a mixed week for Lady Gaga; although her album The Fame dropped three places to number five, her single with Beyonce, Telephone, climbed 19 places to 12; possibly due to the song's controversial nine-minute video being released this week.

Elsewhere in the singles chart, Cheryl Cole moved up two places to number eight with Parachute while Florence and the Machine and Dizzee Rascal dropped two places to number seven with You got the Dirtee Love.

The cast of the television show Glee were down eight places to 28 with their cover of Journey's Don't Stop Believin', with the original version at number 31.