If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
Twenty years ago, the UK boasted a thriving record-store culture, with over 2200 indie shops and as many as three on a single block in a single small village.
We're in a fairly unique position as a band, in that we've amassed lots of positive critical attention including a Mercury nomination, whilst still operating - to stretch the seagoing metaphor to breaking point - somewhere so far under the radar, that it's probably actually sonar.
We are on a drive to bring people together, in order to help them succeed. Rather than feel de-motivated by the statistics, we are looking at helping individuals and not numbers. Those more experienced are taking the time to help with those who are up-and-coming. Together we can inspire and smash through our personally designed targets to reach a better future.
I was saddened to learn of the recent passing of the influential album cover designer Storm Thorgenson, with whom I spoke in 2005 during a short transatlantic phone call.
The problem with The Voice is that it's full of double standards and contradictions, shifting notably from what the shows principles were initially laid out to stand for.
Yes, I admit MC Boy was fun, but it's a no from me. But he still got through. Madness. Lets see what happens next. Oh joy.
A chance encounter with a university reject who could sell sand to the peoples of Arabia, known in my industry as 'a promoter', led me incrementally into the world of festival organization. Its been a long trip (sometimes literally), and this opportunity to blog gives me a chance to recall some of the highlights and explain why festivals are less a job, more a crusade...
With the rapid growth in the popularity of psych rock, thanks to bands like The Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and The Black Angels, this years edition of the Austin Psych Fest at the end of April is set up for it's biggest year.
As an artist you go through different stages of your career, one that requires you to be on the road and under the limelight. The other one where you hide yourself for many months whilst you write music and prepare the new material that describes where you are, both musically and artistically.
We're a band that has barely left the touring circuit since our formation, so it's very natural that the seeds of songs find themselves being planted in hotel rooms, bus lounges and the backstages of venues across the globe.
Entrepreneurial pop is something that has always existed, since Sinatra at least.
Music has always offered the choice between escapism and counterattack. At the time of another Tory meltdown - with draconian benefit cuts and the increasing privatization of the NHS - there is no new sound expressing political protest. Ironically people are voicing their disgust through Judy Garland and a Hollywood escapist fantasy from seven decades ago.
U.S R&B singer/songwriter & producer Keyshia Cole announced she will be touring the UK for the first time ever.
Besides the smart lyrics and multiple layers of instrumentation, there are some wonderfully tender moments.
Every week sees gigs by Emerging Icons artists take place up and down the country. New music fans across the UK have the chance to witness some of the freshest acts to emerge on the scene and we're here to let you know well in advance of those shows that are just too good to miss.
This week we've got some electronic genius, a few old faces in new guises, some quirky folk and the latest contender to take the pop kingdom by storm. Sound good? You wait til you hear the tunes...
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