The Sons, an independent British five piece, draw inspiration for their alternative guitar pop from the likes of Crowded House, Wilco, Paul Simon and Fleetwood Mac.
Creating a current sound with a timeless feel, they are masters at coupling upbeat, catchy songs with rather dark, complex lyrics about the pains and hardships of life.
Having toured the UK and Europe extensively, The Sons have attracted a large and a very loyal following with fans fully funding the making of the band's third studio album, ‘Heading Into Land’. This record hit the UK album charts upon its release in March 2014, marking a new chapter for the band.
The premiere single from the album, ‘Death Love Money’ was released in January 2014. To mark the release, The Sons invited everyone who pledged money toward the album to a free show at the historic Guildhall Theatre in Derby, England. More than two hundred people packed into the theatre to witness the band debut its new songs, with excited post-gig reactions exploding on social media.
Tour Dates: 15 May - Jam Cafe, Nottingham 31 May - Hucknall Fake Festival 7 June - The Venue, Derby - Relic Release Party and Off Axis Show 27 June - The Goodship, London
Bad Lieutenant's Jake Evans Launches Solo Single 'This is Life'
Based in Macclesfield, in the north west of England, it was the reputation of Jake Evans’ first band Rambo and Leroy that brought him to the attention of New Order’s Bernard Sumner. The subsequent success of Bad Lieutenant earned Jake his status as one of the UK’s most exciting musicians, leading to invitations to open for Paul Weller, New Order, Johnny Marr and Doves’ Jimi Goodwin. Jake is now so well established it comes as a surprise to many that ‘This Is Life’ is only his second solo single release.
With the likes of Bernard Sumner describing Jake’s debut single as “triumphant”, Xfm’s Clint Boon declaring that “it doesn’t get much better than this”, highly praised appearances at Festival No 6 and the iconic Jodrell Bank music festival, Jake Evans is attracting a large and ever-growing following of fans who are hooked by his heartfelt lyrics and effortlessly cool brand of post-rock indie.
‘This Is Life’ is a sweeping anthem blending influences from pop, rock and soul to create a euphoric soundscape, driven by Jake’s masterful guitar playing and unmistakable vocals.
Longfellow to release New Single Siamese Lover in 2014
Heroically crestfallen alt-popsters Longfellow put the seal on a grand old year by, well, preparing for 2014. Their ‘Siamese Lover’ single may not be released until January 27th, but Steve Lamacq has already played it on BBC 6 Music after he was impressed by their vibrant set at the Shacklewell Arms recently. Further radio support has followed from Radio 2's Jo Whiley.
2013 has seen our stout-hearted troubadours tickle the public’s underbelly with their self-released 'Gabrielle' single in the summer and be embraced into the bosom of Fierce Panda Management not long after. In late October Longfellow also supported Keane at their anniversary show in Tunbridge Wells Forum.
It all fits, too: if you like your music with an epic overview and a melancholic undercurrent then Longfellow could well be Your New Favourite Band. Five heartbreakers-in-waiting they consist of Owen Lloyd (vocals), Tom Warhurst (drums), James Thomas (electric guitar), Isaac Shiman (bass) and Ali Hetherington (piano / synth). They lurk in South London and create a modest, authentic and soulful mixture of indie and pop, bolstered by fearless melodies and large choruses.
'Siamese Lover' is released on January 27th on Label Fandango / Fierce Panda, thereby joining excellent releases by the likes of Desperate Journalist, Felt Tip, Feldspar, I Am In Love, Machine Room, The Starkins, Habitats and more. Longfellow kick off 2014 with this show here…
Club Fandango & fierce panda present PANDAMONIUM ‘14 @ London Highbury Buffalo Bar Tuesday January 7th - EL BORN + THE TRAPS + LONGFELLOW (onstage 9.00pm) + FELDSPAR. Early furred £4.00 tickets from: www.wegottickets/event/250657
'High Tyde' are a fresh new indie band from Brighton, UK. They're releasing a brand new unheard, exclusive single Get up Tonight on September 15th on i-tunes
Their previous track was featured on BBC radio and they recently sold out both headline shows at the Haunt and Concorde2 in Brighton. They have an official EP release in October, with a tour to promote it in late November, traveling all round the main cities in the UK. They also headlined Arundel festival last night with over 1000 people turning up!
A clever twist on Kendrick Lamar’s, ‘The Recipe’, The Fugees’, ‘Ready Or Not’ and ‘Aaliyah’s, ‘More Than a Woman’, ‘Borderline’ is the start of a new musical direction for Cleo and is the first of three new tracks that will be available for fans to download for free every two weeks.
Raised in Ladbroke Grove by musical parents, Cleo’s music fuses her unique heritage (her mother is half Serbian, half Spanish and her father is Jamaican) and is something that is truly her own. She's that girl from school who always dared to be different, with a retro style that says New York block party with a touch of St Martin's college reunion. “If all else fails, it’s all about the big hair and big earrings” she says.
Cleo’s independent debut single ‘High’, achieved massive underground success having been A listed on BBC Radio 1Xtra and Choice FM. The video, set in West London, amounted over 200,000 hits on YouTube and lead her to the stages of T4 On The Beach and Lovebox. In 2012, Cleo was signed to Island Records and released debut promo ‘Never The Right Time’ which was added straight to the Choice FM playlist and playlisted at BBC Radio 1 and Radio 1Xtra. Cleo’s been working hard in the studio and from the sound of these new tracks has really made something special - Cleo’s characteristic velvety vocals make this track a real banger and we can’t wait to hear what else she’s been working on.
Valentiine are Vanessa (guitar/vocals), Erica (bass/vocals) and Shelly (drums/vocals), 3 girls who reincarnate the heavy 90’s into something beautiful - dirty pop hooks drowned in the honesty of screaming vocals with seething cheerleader harmonies over the top. Their live shows fill the room with a dark beauty and simple melodies that’ll rent a room in your head and refuse to leave.
After 3 years earning their musical stripes, crowding out Melbourne’s most loved dirty little pubs and playing the likes of St. Kilda Fest and the Cherry Rock festival, they left their iconic combi van behind and in September 2012 set off on a European tour covering22 showsthroughout UK, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, including sets at OxJam Festival in Leicester and Grungapolooza festival in Leipzig, Germany.
Their European jaunt caught the eye and ears of both Integrity Records (Million Dead, Reuben, Miniature Dinosaurs) and a UK manager.
Vanessa: "Having the label chosen by Kat Bjelland for her post-Babes In Toyland releases come in for us was so cool. We were like' Where do we sign? And who's buying the beers?'"
'Love Like' is the first single taken from the eponymous debut album, of which Australia'sBeat Magazine says:
“The three young Melbourne ladies have taken one for the team here and smashed it out of the park on their scorching debut album. It’s proper, raw, gruelling femme-rock” 'Love Like' is out on April 8th, through iTunes, Amazon and other reputable download stores. The album and a further UK tour follow in June.
MusicMafia presents 22 year old songwriter Black Vendetta
Black Vendettais a 22 year old songwriter and rhythm guitarist, from Harrogate. He spent 3 years of his life in bands, one of which was within touching distance of making it work, and in the end it was only drummers, bassists, singers, lead guitarists, venues, people in general, circumstances in general, life in general and my location at the time that prevented him from achieving this.
School predictably failed and thereafter finding little else in Harrogate other than the guy who plays Marlon in Emmerdale (whoapparently is a truly miserable bastard if you ever happen to see him in real life!) and a truly awful nightclub known as the moko lounge, he decided to come to London and change his strategy along the way.
He is a solo artist , using guest singers for the purposes of live performance. If topic matters such as depression, alienation, rejection, recreational drug misuse, failure, cripling anxiety disorders and the occasional reference to death float your boat then my word does he have a treat for you!
Straight out of the heart of Cumbernauld The Preventers are a 6 piece pop/rock/soul band who are hitting the Glasgow music scene in a big way.
With they main influences being Elvis and Paolo Nutini it was a must listen for me. So it was with much eagerness that I sat down to listen to the two tracks "One Last Night" and "Irreplaceable love" and I wasn't disappointed.
The first track "One Last Night" is a rip-roaring explosion to the ears. As soon as I heard the opening bars I was tapping my foot. Now I could see why their influence came into play with a mixture of both Elvis and Paolo Nutini in full effect right down to the the stuttering end (you can almost imagine Elvis swaying his hips and legs and girls screaming) The gorgeous countryblues style guitar and the addition of the saxophone only add to the glorious track.
In stark contrast "Irreplaceable love" is a slow country/western style track which shows off lead singer Sonny Leto's vocals. Opening with a grand organ it almost feels that you are there to listen to a sermon and when the raspy, gravel-like vocals of Sonny come in to break the tranquillity of this it makes you sit up and listen.
The two songs go to show the versatility of this band and definitely make you want more. If there is an album in the pipeline, I for one cant wait to hear it!
The Preventers will be hitting the road soon with there 1st gig outside of Glasgow on the 16th Feb 2013 in Edinburgh at Cab Vol. They will be playing gigs across Scotland and a few in England in 2013 so watch out for them coming your way.
The 23 year old London, England based singer/songwriter, fyfe, sent us his debut single and this seems to be getting quite a buzz at the moment and we can see why.
”Solace” is crisp,vivrbrant and soulful that sticks out immensely from the glorious vocals that stand out over the guitars and angel like choir voice.
This single comes in at 3.49 but its so good that it seems a lot shorter and you actually want to hear more once its finished.
Keep an eye out for this guy as we think you'll be hearing more from him in the coming months.
RnB anthem ‘Illusions’ released by UK artist Keiran
UK based recording artist Keiran begins his independent worldwide takeover with the release of ‘Illusions’, a stunning RnB anthem produced by Gifted The Great.
Keiran may not be a name you are familiar with, but as part of the new UK unsigned scene, he’s most certainly one to watch out for in 2013. His first single ‘The Mask’ was released to critical acclaim in August 2011, and February 2013 will see the launch of the singer / songwriters 6 track-debut EP ‘The House of Illusions’. Raised in Birmingham, Keiran takes his musical inspiration from many genres, including R&B and Pop, but it is the singers individual sound that seperates him from the crowd.
‘Illusions’ is the latest single release from Keiran, and sees him deliver a crooning vocal performance over a bass-filled production, creating an anthem destined to get R&B and Pop fans on their feet.
The single is accompanied by a brilliant visual courtesy of director RKZ
Barry Southgate releases christmas single O Holy Night
Our good friend, Barry Southgate has released his brand new Christmas single, O Holy Night.
Barry says "I’m such a huge fan of 90′s R andB, the way artists used to harmonize and layer their vocals. That was a huge inspiration for me recording this"
Melinda Ortner announces free stream of new single, Sweet Little Lies
Award-winning Californian songwriter Melinda Ortner announces that her forthcoming single, Sweet Little Lies, is now available to stream online. Officially released October 8th and taken from the forthcoming EP Strangers, released on September 17th, Ortner reveals a little more about the single’s origin;
“Sweet Little Lies is an angsty, poetic statement and inner monologue that more girls than not have at one point related to…the headspin and mind game of getting led on by someone you think is fantastic…and then...nothing…And when you thought this one might be different. I’ll be fully candid here and say the subject of the story was from an online dating website. I was younger and much more stupid. Deep down, I knew the B.S. men pull for a little tail, and by the same token we girls eat it up knowing all too well it’s a load of crap but we do it anyways..for the chance that he’ll prove us wrong, or just because it still feels fucking good to be swooned, charmed and flattered. Fake sugar is just as sweet as the real shit right?”
Recorded at Drop Out Studios in Camberwell and mixed by legendary post punk producer Mick Glossop (Van Morrison, Magazine, Public Image, The Wonder Stuff) and mastered at Skye Mastering by Denis Blackham.
Sebastopol’s sparse and atmospheric sound has been described as like a modern, darker reboot of The Police, incorporating elements of dub, post-punk, gothic dream pop, and even 1970s French rock.
The band consists of Nick Powell on vocals and bass, Phil Richards on guitar and Tom Standage on drums. The album's title is a wartime radio call-sign from the 1940s, signalling the start of a message. For the band it has the double meaning of introducing a simpler and starker musical approach. The album contrasts upbeat melodies with lyrical themes dominated by imagery of failure, loss, water and rebirth. Also, vampires and Zeppelins.
“…great songs, intelligent arrangements and dynamic performances….it deserves all the credit and success it will undoubtedly receive.” - MICK GLOSSOP
“Sebastopol are way ahead of any other new band I've ever mastered. They have it all, great lyrics, great playing, great ideas, and great production. The world should hear Sebastopol, and enjoy.” - DENIS BLACKHAM
“Their new debut album is even better and captures their live energy. This band has definitely got something very special going on!” -- IAN SHAW
The album has been almost two years in the making from concept to final mixes. The concept? Now there’s a story…It all started with the sharks. Sent to a remote island off Nova Scotia in 2010 to make a film about shark attacks on seals, documentary-maker Nick Powell found himself stranded for a week when bad weather prevented aircraft from landing to pick him up. He returned to his first love of music and began writing songs inspired by his predicament. On his return to civilisation he called two of his old friends and told them it was time to make an album. They formed SEBASTOPOL to bring Nick's songs to life. "Perhaps this explains why the lyrics have such strong themes of water, death and loss," says Nick.
The band's name “SEBASTOPOL” comes from the non-standard guitar tuning used throughout the album. “Sound-wise, it’s a very dynamic album” says Phil. “Instead of producing everything to be as loud as possible, the songs retain a sense of musical ‘space’ which contributes to their intensity and makes them more engaging.”
The album's artwork features an image of pioneering computer scientist Alan Turing, whose 100th birthday would have been in 2012, and who led the wartime code-cracking effort. "Turing has been in the air this year anyway, but there are such strong parallels between now and the 1940s, when he was doing his work," says Tom. "The 1940s was a time of economic austerity, yet at the same time a computer revolution was underway, and with the advent of the atom bomb optimism about technology had given way to fear of its consequences."
In June 2012 Sebastopol signed to Warm Fuzz, the independent label run by award winning producer Ian Shaw.
Marshall McFly feat Shimmer and Lee Brasco present the single Tell Me
South London based rapper Marshall McFly presents 'Tell Me' - the lead single from his forthcoming 'Marshalls World' mixtape.
Marshall released his first mixtape in 2008 (titled 'Back To The Future'), and has since been perfecting his craft and developing himself as an artist under the watchful eye of his management (TV Management), limiting himself to numerous collaborations (including an appearance on Shystie's recent 'You're Welcome' EP) and the release of his 'One Call Away' single, which recently featured in the film 'The Man Inside', which stars Bashy and is currently showing in cinemas nationwide.
Marshall is now ready to emerge from the studio, armed with a selection of new music ready to grace the ears of old and new fans alike. 'Tell Me' is the first new record of many to come from Marshall, and sees him team up with fellow UK artists Shimmer and Lee Brasco to present a fresh example of UK urban music at it's best. Backed by soulful, Dipset-esque production courtesy of Rapid (Ruff Sqwad), the release signals the emergence of a new name in the world of UK music.
The 'Marshalls World' mixtape is due for release in September, with a follow up EP titled 'Cross My Heart Hope To Die' also lined up for release before the end of the year.
I Am Giant announce new single Purple Heart and support dates with Slash
I Am Giant have announced their new single ‘Purple Heart’ will be released on September 10th2012. Currently winning support on BBC Radio One as Zane Lowe’s ‘Next Hype’ as well as on XFM, Kerrang! Radio and Q Radio, ‘Purple Heart’ is the first single taken from the band’s forthcoming album ‘The Horrifying Truth’, released this October.
In what is proving to be a mammoth month for the London based 4-piece, I Am Giant have also been announced as support to rock legend Slash on his upcoming Australian tour, before returning to the UK for a full headline tour, including a single release show for ‘Purple Heart’ at The Garage in London on September 13th.
With an impressive 56,000+ loyal fans on Facebook and over 1,000 international members of their ‘IAG Army’, I Am Giant have amassed a huge worldwide following with four #1 rock singles and a #2 album in New Zealand, music videos featuring skate and surfing icons Tony Hawk and Kelly Slater, a UK tour with Taking Back Sunday, performances at Big Day Out in Auckland and Sydney, opening for Stone Temple Pilots in Singapore, touring throughout Asia several times, and playing the prestigious Viper Room and Mercury Lounge in the US.
This October sees the highly anticipated European release of I Am Giant’s debut album ‘The Horrifying Truth’, recorded with acclaimed producer Forrester Savell (Karnivool, Dead Letter Circus, The Butterfly Effect).
On ‘The Horrifying Truth’, I Am Giant have bound together what they describe as “a collection of stories, thoughts, observations and exploration” into a cohesive and hard-hitting explosion of sound and melody. From the first song and forthcoming single ‘Purple Heart’ to closer ‘After The War’, the sharp lyrical themes draw the listener into the band’s growing awareness of mortality and loss of innocence.
And yet, I Am Giant have produced an album fuelled by youthful idealism, not despite but because of the hard-learned lessons that are a reality of modern life. ‘The Horrifying Truth’ is pure, unadulterated rock, with its heart on its sleeve and an unquenchable fire in its soul.
I Am Giant release the single ‘Purple Heart’ on September 10th. The debut album ‘The Horrifying Truth’ is released this October.
I AM GIANT UK TOUR 2012;
12th Sept - BIRMINGHAM - Roadhouse
13th Sept - LONDON - The Garage (single launch show)
Noelia presents the superb UKG remix of her new single 'My Everything', featuring the production wizardry of UK garage legend K Warren.
Noelia was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and raised in Miami, Florida. She rose to fame in 1999. Her eponymous debut album was certified Gold in the United States. During her career she has had 10 Latin Billboard Top 40 hits, and has 18 worldwide gold and 9 worldwide multi-platinum certified albums, along with one RIAA-certified Gold (500,000) record in the United States.
Noelia has now sold more than 4.5 million Albums worldwide, won multiple awards and has also won Latin Billboard’s Award Album of the Year. She has crossed borders to Europe to be acknowledged as the “International Singer of the Year” in Italy, at the prestigious Festival Bar.
In mid 2011, Noelia made history in the Hispanic Market in the United States by breaking a record for online audiences with her intimate online Concert produced by Hispanic Media Giant Univision. The concert attracted more than 3.5 million Viewers! It is an unprecedented record in the history of Hispanic or Spanish online events. In April 2012 Noelia makes an historic double hot shot - debuting in the same week in The Billboard Dance Charts and Billboard Latin Hot Track with her hit song “Kiss Me”. In 6 weeks the single video had over 2.5 million views.
‘My Everything’ is the brand new single from Noelia, featuring the production talents of esteemed US legend Timbaland. The pop dance smash is set to light up this summer’s dance floors across the globe, with remixes from some of the UK's hottest producers including Soulshaker, Galea AND Cenko and K Warren UKG. Noelia will be based in Europe throughout the summer to support this release and to tour as her popularity grows this side of the water.
The video for 'My Everything' has recently been filmed in Miami Beach and will be released soon.
Noelia has a new album 'Mind Blown', produced by Timbaland, due for release later in the year.
Jack Savoretti releases Breaking the Rules single + Autumn tour dates
Breaking the Rulesis the second single taken from Jack Savoretti’s Top 5 Indie Album Breakers Chart release Before The Storm coinciding with his Autumn UK tour starting in October and ending the year performing with Jools Holland at the Royal Albert Hall.
“My new single Breaking The Rules is probably the first song I've written where I'm talking about what I do instead of how I feel. It's about doing things on your own terms... and that's what touring is really about."
Taking to the road with his band The Dirty Romantics, Jack has already toured the UK and Ireland throughout spring along with enjoying a summer of festivals including playing with Bruce Springsteen at Hard Rock Calling and boutique festival Wilderness captivating audiences wherever he goes.
"The last tour was far too short... Just when we and the fans were really getting into it we had to come home. There's nothing worse than getting into a tour and coming home... This time around we will be out for longer, playing to more people and in places I've never been before.”
Produced by the hugely sought after Martin Terefe and The Suppliers (Mary J Blige, James Morrison and Jason Mraz) this third studio album has already received massive support from The Guardian, Independent, Gay Times and Daily Star along with BBC Radio 2 playlisting Knock Knock and Take Me Home. Further afield Jack’s duet with Sienna MillerHate & Love has also been used in The Vampire Diaries.
While his writing has always surpassed expectation, this new collection of songs sees an artist coming of age. Lyrically it remains a quintessential Jack Savoretti album, yet the recordings are far more diverse than ever before. With the romantic introspective poetry ever present, there is someone new, a darker, more experienced vocalist asking no longer for acceptance but looking for the good times and on his own terms.
“4/5” Sunday Express
“one to watch.” Jo Whiley
“astonishing in every way” Janice Long
“raw, soulful and yearning…a voice that sounds like the truth” Neil McCormick, The Daily Telegraph
Ahead of the August 27threlease of his forthcoming studio album“NothinBut Love”,ROBERT CRAYis currently streaming the first single to be taken from it,“(Won’t Be) Coming Home”, exclusively onSoundcloud. The song has just been added to the BBC Radio 2 playlist.
“NothinButLove”is Cray’s 16thstudio album and marks the latest milestone in a career that has produced 15 Grammy award nominations (5 wins), over 12 million record sales worldwide, thousands of sold out concerts across the globe, and his own signature line of Fender guitars. Since the release of his 1986 break-out album“Strong Persuader”, Cray has performed and recorded alongside Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, BonnieRaittand John Lee Hooker. Cray was recently inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame at the age of 57; making him the youngest living legend to receive the prestigious honour.
South Finesse debut new single 'Taking Off' on 1xtra
Versatile UK urban group South Finesse unleash their debut single 'Taking Off'.
Comprising of vocalist EmmieJay, brothers Lynx and O’Slick, Melodee and Producer Joe90, the Berkshire-based group’s debut single 'Wanna Ride' was selected as 'Unsigned Track of the Week' by BBC Radio 1Xtra on DJ Targets ‘Homegrown’ show in February 2011, soon becoming the most requested unsigned track on the station.
The 'Wanna Ride' music video was playlisted on Channel AKA, going straight to number 1 in the channel’s charts and staying there for two weeks.
In September 2011 South Finesse launched their new single 'Take Over Radio' on to iTunes. The music video was a hit on Channel AKA and FLAVA and is still being requested to this day.
The group, whose positive image and infectious tunes have won them scores of fans across the UK, have extensive live experience, having supported acts such as Professor Green and DJ’s including BBC Radio 1’s Tim Westwood.
The band have spent the past year working on their album with top producer Joe Lawrence, aka Joe90. Chart topping producer and published songwriter Joe90 runs ‘Bossman Studios’ and has worked on the X Factor producing backing tracks, as well as producing/writing for artists such as Aggro Santos, Alesha Dixon, East 17, Electrovamp, Black The Ripper and many more.
South Finesse are a group not afraid to try something new. With Joe90, they have experimented with a variety of genres to create their own sound, taking inspiration from each other’s past and charting their journey together.
South Finesse are now aiming for worldwide success and are set release their new single 'Taking Off' this September, which comes from their new EP of the same name.
South Finesse said: “South Finesse is not about grime. We have a fresh, positive message for this generation and feel we could be a fresh of breath air in the UK music industry. We’re childhood friends and know each other inside out. We share a great sense of humour, work very well together and have always supported each other through thick and thin, which we hope comes across in our music”.
Industry insiders are already commenting that South Finesse could work extremely well in America and worldwide and they have begun attracting interest from sponsors and major record labels.
With the previous success of 'Wanna Ride' and the strength of their new EP, this is a band who have differentiated themselves from other acts not only by their unique sound but by their ability to create a hit rather than just a catchy song. All of these are reasons why South Finesse is one of hottest new groups to watch.
