49 – ‘Ruby Surge’, ‘Aestrid’ and ‘Hollywood Tramp’
Ruby Surge:
Ruby Surge’s facebook page here
“Emerging from the depths of a drinking town in West Wales is a gang of five lads armed with anthemic, rocking tunes to break free from the shackles of mundane life.
Ruby Surge have been going for a little over 18 months, carefully crafting and strengthening their stomping set while playing gigs across the South Wales area.
Trapped by the quicksand effect of small town life, the boys are intent on making a better life for themselves through music, while aiming to improve the lives of others, if only for a three-minute song or a 45-minute show.
“Music is our way out, it’s a constructive way of day dreaming, if you like,” said lyricist Lee MacGregor.
“A lot of our tunes are written as a form of escapism – looking at the positives you can get from life, how things can get better, and they can.
“But we’re human, so others are written in anger. Times are hard, people are struggling and we feel it as much as the next person. But, again, from that we’re taking positives by writing songs, rather than smashing windows and filling our boots.”
Frontman Mathew Morris Jones emphasises the importance of playing live.
“There’s no better feeling than watching people really getting into your band’s tunes, even singing them back to you – at that point you know you are making a difference,” he said.
“Rock ’n’ Roll is not about the sex and drugs and all those clichés, it’s about having it on stage, giving people a break from their lives.” ”
(Biography info obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Aestrid:
www.aestrid.com
“Founding member, Bo Menning delivers a sound that could be categorised as something like Indie music. Songs patched together by many different sounds, picked carefully and each placed in the right puzzle. Creating something intense and emotional with melodies flying around like sparks. Like tracks that start off with the sound of a lonely choirboy echoeing down the hall, followed by a build up to where the heavens meet the stars and crashing into a patchwork of melodies that keep on expanding and expanding. In the process of songwriting Menning works purely from his broken memories and images that got stuck somewhere in him as he’s trying to re-assemble them in sound. You can taste the feeling escape in the songs as you picture yourself in the woods along with Menning’s highly emotive mix of sounds and vocals. This all results in an intense, at times blood-curling, live performance, playing with a whole range of elctronics and acoustic sounds.
For the last 3 years Bo Menning has been locked away from the world in his Omega Studio working on Aestrid’s 2nd album. Creating this bubble around himself had its ups and downs, but something pure and unique. That’s for sure.
Aestrid released their first album in 2005: ‘In d’Esprit Pornographique’, which was well received with a lot of positive reviews. The new album, ‘The Echo Resistance’ has been mixed at Real World Studios in Box, UK, by Marco Migliari (New Order, Massive Attack, Sigur Ros, Peter Gabriel, K’s Choice) and will be released in early 2011.”
(Biography info obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Hollywood Tramp:
www.myspace.com/hollywoodtrampmusic
“Hollywood Tramp are four young musicians with a desire to create music that takes elements of the familiar and turn it into something new. Now close friends, the band came together through mutual friends and a genuine love for music, forming in the Summer of 2009. Hollywood Tramp draw influence’s from all spheres of music and that is reflected in the playing style of each member. On lead vocals, rhythm guitar and piano/keyboards is Sean Colley. The front-man, founder member and chief songwriter. Philip Swan plays lead guitarist and backing vocalist. Akin to Amadeus Mozart, Phil’s first gig was at the age of seven. Steven Dent is Hollywood Tramp’s bass player extraordinaire. Steve often occupies a place next to Phil on backing vocals and is quite adept on the cello too. Holding the whole operation together is Drummer/percussionist Rowan Cox, who’s drumming style has been forged by a heavy influence of Hip-Hop. Having picked up his first pair of drumsticks aged 9, he hasn’t looked back since.”
(Biography info obtained from the band’s facebook page)
47 – ‘Nightworkers’, ‘Jacknife Holiday’, and ‘Culsh’
Nightworkers:
Nightworkers’ facebook page here
“Nightworkers have drawn inspiration from artists such as The Rolling Stones, The Brian Jonestown Massacre and UNKLE, to create a contempory Rock’n’Roll sound with elements of blues and electronica. The lyrics are evoked from life influences such as Bill Hicks, Peter Joseph and Bob Marley. ”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Jacknife Holiday:
www.myspace.com/jacknifeholiday
“Formed in 2009 from the ashes of UK metal giants ‘STRAIN’ and Northern titans ‘DISPLACEMENT’, Jacknife Holiday has already proven to be a serious force, with a live show as brutal as PC’s vocal attack and the bands thunderous riffs, this band has in just 6 short months gained serious UK and US recognition. With massive hype about the forthcoming debut album, Jacknife Holiday is a sludging groove force to be taken on board.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Culsh:
“I remember watching Andre Agassi playing Wimbledon in 1992 and thinking ‘this guy is my idol’. My Dad then showed me a video of Mick Jagger performing Brown Sugar at Madison Square Gardens, and I changed my mind.
Growing up in Glasgow, I spent a lot of time listening to whatever my parents were playing in the car. More often than not, this included Nina Simone, Queen, The Beatles and Bob Dylan – I still know all the words to Subterranean Homesick Blues.
I left Scotland when I was 15 to live in Barcelona, where I picked up my first guitar – musically I’d been limited to piano up until then. From there, American campus music was a big influence whilst at University in California – Dave Matthews & Goo Goo Dolls were always on in the background
I guess music has always been around in my life, but it wasn’t until quite a bit later that I started writing my own. Living in London, I’m surrounded by so many great up & coming artists who are each inspiring in their own right.
Life’s a charm and I’m enjoying writing about it.”
(Quote obtained from Culsh’s official website)
37 – ‘Eliza Jaye and The Tarts’, ‘Codes’, ‘Air Castles’ and ‘The Good Suns’
Eliza Jaye and The Tarts:
www.myspace.com/elizajayeandthetarts
(No biography info available on the artist’s website)
Codes:
“C O D E S . are an alternative/electronic quartet from Dublin, Ireland. Expansive yet melodic. Powerful yet delicate, their music colours the void between the ambience and longevity of soundtrack music and the energy and immediacy of live music..
Soaring vocal harmonies, dreamy arrangements and a calculated cryptography of electronic beats, piano, glockenspiel and analogue synths permeate their sound.
Codes debut album “Trees Dream In Algebra” which was recorded in Gloucestershire UK & mixed in Auckland, New Zealand with acclaimed producer Greg Haver (Manics, SFA) and mastered in NYC by Greg Calbi (U2,Interpol,Kings of Leon) is out now. It was the winner of Best Album 2009 in Phantom FM Dublin’s annual awards, is featured in hotpress magazine’s top 200 Irish albums of all time and was nominated for The Choice Music Prize 2010.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Air Castles:
“Air Castles is a London based band led by Swedish born singer-songwriter Max Mansson.
Starting off as a home recording project in 2008 by the then 19-year-old Mansson, Air Castles has since recorded an EP and an album together with Magnus Lindberg of Cult of Luna.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
The Good Suns:
(No biography info available on the artist’s website)
36 – ‘Ronit’, ‘Lunch’, ‘The Broken Tea-Set’ and ‘Israel Cannan’
Ronit:
“A passionate and captivating musician, Ronit has developed a devoted following around Australia that grows with each performance. Audiences are drawn to her strong vocals and emotive honest lyricism, while being floored by her fiery guitar playing. Her sound is a melting pot of soul, roots and rock with hints of Middle Eastern inspired melody, due in part to her Israeli heritage.
Before emerging as a solo artist, Ronit cut her teeth in several established Melbourne bands and toured with popular Reggae/Dub band The Red Eyes as a backing vocalist, gaining vast live playing experience around the country. She is now accompanied by a six piece live band featuring some of Melbourne’s finest musicians, who compliment and embellish Ronit’s catchy songwriting perfectly. Whether playing with her band, or performing intimate solo concerts, Ronit has fast been creating a reputation as one of the city’s premier and most exciting live acts. Just as comfortable playing in large venues as she is playing in smaller jazz clubs and classic Australian live music pubs, she has performed supporting such iconic Australian acts as The Whitlams, Tim Rogers, Renee Geyer, Mark Seymour, James Reyne and Vanessa Amorossi.
Ronit’s music has been used exclusively in the internet based advertising campaign for the established ‘Nevenka’ brand fashion line, and quite recently was used in a successful short film called ‘The Wake’ directed by Gemma Lee. ‘The Wake’ was selected to screen at Palm Springs Short Fest in June 2009 to critical acclaim, and was recently chosen for the prestigious Tribeca film festival in New York.
Ronit released her debut EP ‘Heavy’ through MGM in June 2009. The past couple of months she has been on a whirlwind Summer tour of the US and the UK. ”
(Quote obtained from the artists’ Official Website)
Lunch:
“The product of four years writing music together in differing projects, Lunch is the collective masterpiece of songwriters Tom Cale & Josh Jackson, merging the boundaries of as many genres as possible.
Together with bass player James “Mull” Mulligan, the trio are crafting the future sounds of your afternoon mealtimes that will have enough resonance to keep you hungry for more all day, no matter what course of the banquet you find yourself indulging. ”
(Quote obtained from the artists’ facebook page)
The Broken Tea-Set:
Israel Cannan:
“In 2010 Israel Cannan travelled 20,000 kilometers around his homeland Australia singing songs in the streets and capturing hearts in the process.
This year he decided to trade the streets for the stage and headed to the UK armed with the new album “Walk” in which he wrote, recorded and played all the instruments on. After only a week in London Israel was showcasing at Cargo alongside fellow Australians The Jezabels, Little Red, Luluc at “The Aussie BBQ”.
From there came shows at some of London’s most prestigious venues including The Troubadour, Borderline, The Bedford where Israel continued to wow audiences with his heartfelt melodies and powerful lyrics.
Meanwhile back in Australia National Broadcaster Triple J were featuring Walk on their Unearthed podcasts and The AU Review even named “Walk” as #19 on the top 40 Albums of 2010 (Worldwide).
With shows and festivals being confirmed in the UK & Europe over the summer including Groundswell festival (France) alongside Jason Mraz and Newton Faulkner Israel’s Walk looks like its just getting started..”
(Quote obtained from the artists’ facebook page)
34 – ‘Jax Walker’, ‘Chaser’, ‘Some Skeletons’ and ‘Wyndham North’
Jax Walker:
“A culture clash, Jax Walker is a musician / producer & illustrator interweaving a deadly combo of classic Hiphop with sprawling, electronic indie. A brain blast of Pulsating Basslines, Bulletproof Beats, Trashy Keyboards and Human Voice, the most fun you can have with your own ears!
Backed by his head turning live band, Jax regularly packs out some of the most notorious haunts across the country, recent gigs include the Waterats, The Deaf Institute, Nottinghill Arts Club, Antwerp Mansion, Proud Camden, the Night & Day et al. With future ear bursting releases on the agenda, expect big things over the coming months.”
(Quote obtained from the artists’ myspace page)
Chaser:
(No biography info available on the artists’ website)
Some Skeletons:
(No biography info available on the artists’ website)
Wyndham North:
(No biography info available)
33 – ‘Cult With No Name’, ‘Evaney’, ‘SpyGenius’ and ‘Statuesque’
Cult With No Name:
“‘Post-punk electronic balladeers’ Cult With No Name, comprise the East London duo of Erik Stein and Jon Boux. Having been the first international signing to LA label Trakwerx in 2007 (founded by Jackson Del Rey of Californian punk legends ‘Savage Republic’), ‘Cult With No Name’s two studio albums to date – ‘Paper Wraps Rock’ and ‘Careful What You Wish For’ – have been met with considerable critical acclaim.
Leading UK music journalist Mick Mercer proclaimed the band his discovery of 2007 (with both albums sitting in his subsequent annual top ten lists), Blaine L. Reininger of genre-transcending legends ‘Tuxedomoon’ collaborated on their second album, Don Letts spun tracks on BBC6, and more recently Brett Anderson (Suede) asked ‘Cult With No Name’ to open for him for the launch of his new album.
Having provided the music for two blacker than black comedies at the Edinburgh festival (‘Moz and the Meal’ and ‘Bored Stiff’), it’s fitting that ‘Cult With No Name’ turned their attention to cinema for their first DVD release, ‘Lightwerx: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari’. Cult With No Name’s compulsive and compelling soundtrack extends their ability to instantly create evocative moods over 51 breathtaking minutes, on a journey that takes in mystical ambience, nerve-shredding distortion, popular and unpopular song, electronica, and vast, futurist soundscapes. ”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Evaney:
SpyGenius:
“An electric 4 piece band who use a 60s vocabulary to craft 21st century music with a postmodern twist.
If you appreciate the jangle-meistering of the Byrds and Beatles, the harmonies of Crosby, Stills and Nash and the lyrical wit of Robyn Hitchcock, you’ll love Spygenius.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s Official Website)
Statuesque:
www.myspace.com/statuesquemusic
32 – Congratulations to ‘Twin Brother’ and ‘Rams’ Pocket Radio’
Congratulations to Twin Brother and Rams’ Pocket Radio who have recently announced that they will be appearing at this year’s Glastonbury Festival. Over the past six months, I have photographed Twin Brother and Rams’ Pocket Radio and the images have been featured on this LondonUnsignedMusic Blog.
They will both play on the ‘BBC Introducing’ stage which showcases brand new musical talent from across the country and is a great opportunity for the bands to perform at the world-famous festival.
Twin Brother will be performing on Friday 24th June 2011 and Rams’ Pocket Radio will perform on Saturday 25th June 2011. If you are heading down to Glastonbury, be sure to check them out!!
Meanwhile, here are a few images of their performances that I photographed earlier this year:
Twin Brother performing in Camden (January 2011)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Rams’ Pocket Radio performing in Kentish Town (May 2011):
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Twin Brother: www.myspace.com/twinbrotheruk
Rams’ Pocket Radio: www.myspace.com/ramspocketradio
31 – ‘Some Velvet Morning’, ‘Electric Penguins’, ‘Rams Pocket Radio’ and ‘ Age of Giants’
Some Velvet Morning:
“Rock band start a revolution! Amazingly in only 6 weeks Some Velvet Morning raise a staggering £100K album launch budget with new model record label My Major Company UK.
Some Velvet Morning’s lead track on their forthcoming album “How To Start A Revolution” was on the international trailer for ‘Kickass’, the Matthew Vaughn Hollywood blockbuster. Their distorted basslines and pounding beats have woken up audiences around the world offering them a sound to believe in again – “You won’t fool the children of the Revolution.”
Some Velvet Morning like to do things differently. Recording live to tape, rather than computer in their large north London studio, the Fish Factory, the band have built momentum over the last three years with a series of radio friendly gems including BBC and XFM playlisted singles ‘Losing My Mind’ and ‘Propaganda’ from album “Silence Will Kill You.”
‘Losing My Mind’ took the band to the states to record a show (Fearless) for Fox TV, followed by a tour of the East Coast. It wasn’t long before the rest of the world caught on. Some Velvet Morning have taken their sound to the South of France, Russia and most recently Asia, where the band performed for 3000 fans as part of the Heineken Greenspace festival.
Some Velvet Morning’s roof top publicity stunt nearly got them arrested: With a nod to the Beatles, the band shunned council authorities by performing live on the roof of the PRS For Music in London, blasting their cries of the revolution across six blocks around Soho. Oxford Street also hosted another ‘heritage’ gig this year, when Some Velvet Morning supported the legendary Yardbirds at the 100 Club in February. Shows with The Levellers, Reef and at the British Moto Grand Prix at Silverstone followed.
Whilst learning from masters of the UK’s buoyant musical past, Some Velvet Morning continue to break new ground by veering away from the normal pop fodder of teenage crushes and heartbreak, preferring instead subjects such as religious tolerance, western political indoctrination and McCarthyism.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Some Velvet Morning‘s “How To Start A Revolution” featured on the International movie trailer for Kickass:
Electric Penguins:
www.electricpenguins.get-ctrl.com
“Electric Penguins are back to tempt you with their self-recorded and produced long player entitled “II”. The 12 track feast of psychedelic cuts slides dreamily between electronic, folk and ambient soundscapes with acoustic and club elements dispersed throughout the record. Whirly and trippy audio effects, vocoders, moogs, mellotrons, organs, deeply layered strings and naked pianos mash and mix to maximise melody. Amongst the delights featured are the folksy love song to London, “Highgate Hill” and the kraut-club inspired combo-track“Airships/Soundproof 45”.
With live supports to Devo, Annuals, Sebestian Tellier and krautrock legends Roedelius prompting gushing reviews like this…“They led the audience through a delightful soundscape, lit up superbly by angelic vocals and magical lyrics. Splicing together bits of Kraftwerk, Laurie Anderson, Sigur Ros, The Postal Service, Pink Floyd, Alison Moyet and Brian Eno with old English folk ballads the band weave a remarkably rich audio tapestry”(Hot Press)…it’s little wonder the Penguins live rep as a “must see audio visual experience” is rock solid.
In addition to widespread domestic critical acclaim, Nic Harcourt has also supported Electric Penguins on his highly influential Morning Becomes Eclectic programme on L.A’s KCRW Radio and UK trade mag Music Week featured the Penguins as a high point of Irish music scene talent on their recent sampler. Mark Cummins has formerly collaborated with Pink Floyd’s orchestral arranger Edward Shearmur and contributed to endeavours with Massive Attack cohort Gavin Wright. Paul Murphy is a Dublin based producer of various rock bands and composer of multiple tv and film projects.”
(Quote obtained from the artists’ Official Website)
Rams Pocket Radio:
www.myspace.com/ramspocketradio
“RAMS’ POCKET RADIO is Peter McCauley, a drummer, pianist, jack-of-all and songwriter from Lisburn, Northern Ireland. Unfettered personal expression is the impetus of the project, and with the timeless works of the 1950’s product designer, Dieter Rams’, in mind; purity, simplicity and longevity are the first concerns.”
(Quote obtained from the artists’ facebook page)
Age of Giants:
(No biography info available on the artists’ website)
30 – ‘AmberSuit’, ‘Matchbox Preston’ and ‘The Lightness of Being’
AmberSuit:
“We move in amber when all the sounds are just one and the music is everything, forever…
Hailing from the dreamy shores of the algarve, singer Lara and guitarist Luis fled to London in search of new frontiers – further polluting an already potent roster of experience evident throughout their highly characterised songwriting. With the addition of talent from South Korea and London, their fertile writing disposition now had a 4-piece vehicle. The increased diversity and disparate influences of the group soon forged what has become the vivid, unique voice of Ambersuit.
After a short, intense period hammering out their unmistakable, gunpowder-packed shows accross London and the South East, the band dove into the studio to record their first 4 singles as a flagship for the already weighty collection of songs and DIY tracks to their name. Soon to embark on their first UK-tour, Ambersuit are primed to nimbly hoist their cavernous bag of earthy, gut-felt songs beyond their London-area testing-ground, and turn a page in their intrepid memoirs.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
www.facebook.com/matchboxpreston
The Lightness of Being:
The Lightness of Being is a London-based band formed in Mid-2009, comprising four musicians with a desire to create alternative rock with a slight experimental, sometimes hard-hitting edge. The line-up consists of Sergiusz Brudek (Drums), Gabriel Lim (Vox/Guitar/Keys), Sam West (Guitar), Chris French (Bass). They have recently completed an EP that will be released upon completion of artwork. Another EP is currently in the works.
(Quote obtained from the band’s website)
29 – ‘The Touch’, ‘Vetoes’, ‘The Recusants’ and ‘Pharaohs From The Grave’
The Touch:
“The Touch initially made a name for themselves with their party inducing Dance-Punk sets around Adelaide in 2008. Since then the band has expanded their sound adding ethereal vocal hooks, multi-layerd washes of synth and intricate guitar interplay whilst loosing none of their energetic delivery. The band has played numerous high profile Australian festivals (Big Day Out, Parklife and One Movement) and supported bands like Phoenix, Ladyhawke, Miami Horror, The Swiss and many more. ”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Check out The Touch‘s music video for ‘SHOT’:
Vetoes:
(No biography info available on the artists’ website)
The Recusants:
(No biography info available on the artists’ website)
Pharaohs From The Grave:
www.myspace.com/pharaohsfromthegrave
“An alternative punk rock band of London musicians Emily Wolf O, Katharine Kibela, UJ and Par Mahn. Formed in 2009. Set to release their EP ‘Machines’ in June 2011.”
28 – ‘Mishima’, ‘Les Aus’, ‘Junkyard Choir’ and ‘Allies’
Mishima:
(No biography info available on the artist’s website)
Les Aus:
(No biography info available on the artist’s website)
Junkyard Choir:
“Junkyard Choir are a London-based alternative rock band formed in 2006, whose original lineup had previously played together under the name “Dirt”. Currently comprising of guitarist and lead singer Mark Woods, bassist Kevin Hiscox and drummer Tom Herbert, the band are known for their unique blend of rock, blues, punk and waltz, having been described as “swampy rock’n’roll” [1], “gypsy punk” [2] and “mariachi-esque polka-rock”.[3] Frontman Mark Woods was, for three years (2003-2006), one of the main vocalists in Do Me Bad Things.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Allies:
“Formed by Brothers Andrew and Steve Murphy, and joined by Drummer Alex Ribchester and Bassist Simon Walsh, Allies are a modern Alternative Rock Band combining Big Riffs, intense melodies and classic song writing, to produce powerful and at times “haunting rock” . ”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
27 – ‘Boy Mandeville’, ‘Safari’, ‘Raquels’ and ‘Lion Tops’
Boy Mandeville:
(No biography info available on the artist’s website)
Safari:
(No biography info available on the artist’s website)
Raquels:
www.myspace.com/raquelsofficial
“Raquels are are four piece indie band based in Basildon, Essex. Being from a place so sinonymous with crime, violence and all the spoils of the nouveau riche you can’t help but feel it has had an unquestionable influence on their music. Dark and brooding like the history surrounding the Basildon club from which they take their name with sharp glacial guitar sounds, drum beats faster than a Ford XR2 & a vocal delivery so honest you cannot doubt the twisted tales of everyday life in a typical new town.”
Lion Tops:
25 – ‘Club Smith’, ‘Dustland’, ‘Southern’, and ‘Gorgeous George’
Club Smith:
(No biography info available on the artist’s website)
Dustland:
(No biography info available on the artist’s website)
Southern:
www.myspace.com/thisissouthernmusic
“Hailing from Belfast, Southern are a musical trio consisting of siblings Thom and Lucy Southern and one of the best exports of the past 12 months. Lead vocalist and songwriter Thom Southern got his start busking around Belfast and Dublin for pocket money. At the tender age of 17 he won ‘Belfast Busker of the Year Award’ which gave him a coveted slot in the Belfast Nashville festival. Through the festival he won the ‘Katherine Brick Award’ for ‘Young Songwriter of the Year’. Soon afterwards Thom joined together with his sister Lucy and their childhood friend Jonny Lee.
It was not long afterwards that Southern began to make a big impact on the Belfast and Dublin music scene playing with well-known artists such as John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, Steve Harley, Nanci Griffith, John Hannen, Benitta Hill and Iain Archer.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Gorgeous George:
www.gorgeousgeorgetheband.tumblr.com
“Gorgeous George play a mixture of balkan folk, eastern european jewish klezmer, and manouche jazz, with cockney voices and lyrics about overtime, saturday afternoon results and everyone wearing the same bloody aftershave. bonjour.
We like eastern europe and south west london and we’re here to unite the two.
We are currently working hard on our debut EP ‘Dangle The Carrot’ for a mid-may release and doing lots and lots of gigs.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
23 – ‘Hey Sholay’, ‘Dirty Goods’, ‘Escapists’ and ‘Bill Davro’
Hey Sholay:
“It’s raining in Sheffield – manholes splutter up yesterday’s throwaways, spray-spitting black umbrellas convulse in the wind like fevered crows as the streets fill with the commuting hoards, all wincing their way to work through the wind and torrents with their one dry eye on the prize… But above these busy passageways glows a lit window. And through the haze of ever-moving warm colours, the light spells out five moving figures. These five individuals make up the collective Hey Sholay. Having met in varied musical avenues, a Tuesday night cult ceremony, and all being of like-mindedness – they formed to write new folklaws – with the only goals of nurturing creativity and enjoyment. What emerges from this room has a firm nod towards past styles of strumming wire to beating skins – as this common ground is the way they were raised. However, their hands remain tightly cupped, as they peek between knuckles into something so delicate and fluttering in their palms – something new to them and perhaps even the outside world. Now the overwhelming urge to share themselves is setting cracks in the window above the street – the soft murmur of music is creeping through the split glass – and the most acute of hearing are edging a glance towards the flickering lights… But for now – the rain goes on, as does the music. And neither show signs of letting up until they can all afford timeshare somewhere where the paving doesn’t splutter at your ankles…”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Dirty Goods:
http://www.myspace.com/dirtygoods
“DiRtY GoOdS make dirty, electronica-infused music, with a sound that call upon the vocal styling of Prince, mixed up with the synth-led sounds of Chromeo and MSTRKRFT.
The band consist of Antony James smith&devine, James Alexandros T Woodville & Mikee Gregg formerly of indie-rock outfit ‘Jump The Underground’.
‘The idea was sparked from listening to lots of Chromeo and Prince’ explains Woody and singer Antony-james adds ‘it’s mixed with rock and blues roots as that is generally where I come from’, Mikee also states ‘we all have our individual influences on the band ranging from Prince, Zeppelin, Muddy Waters and Costello to more modern acts such as Chromeo, Daft Punk, Calvin Harris and Justice’.
To date the band have played popular dance nights and venues around the UK including London’s ‘Forgive Me Lord For I Have Synth’, ‘Cargo’s Free Fridays’ and ‘Play It By Ear’.
In their first year they supported the likes of Calvin Harris and The Noisettes, been featured on several TV shows and toured USA playing venues such as The Roxy, L.A. and Fontanas, New York.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s Official website)
Escapists:
Escapists are a four-piece from London, striving to make epic, cinematic music. Think the bombast of Arcade Fire, the Harmonies of Mumford & Sons with the musicality of Death Cab.
(Quote obtained from the band’s Official website)
Bill Davro:
“Following an insurgence of bands readdressing the Brit-pop movement of the 90s, Bill Davro are bringing Alternative Pop back to the underground lexicon. Combining Jazz, Jangle Pop, Garage infused rhythms and melodic guitar hooks, the signature Bill Davro sound reflects what has come before but has been somewhat overlooked in recent years. There sound simultaneously sounding traditional and modern: a fresh and bright (sometimes jagged) explosion of pop phantasmagoria. The shifting moods of singer and lyricist Kieran Gallimore elevate the music in to a dimension of maturity and self-reflexivity (almost Wordsworthian), offering an assortment of emotive lyrics and thought provoking imagery, floating ‘as lonely as a cloud’ atop the ringing guitar lines and driving rhythm. Kieran’s lyrics have been likened to Ian Dury and Morrissey, using regional vernacular to express true to heart emotion lyrically. The band, in their live performance, transform the genteel (and somewhat vulnerable) sound in to an exciting, energetic happening guaranteed to grab you by the waist and move your hips to the swinging groove. Bill Davro have a distinct identity and sense of purpose that sits them quite comfortably (if not slightly aware of the height) on a platform of their own.
Bill Davro are always hard at work writing, recording and spreading their good name like jam on toast. Their latest (self-titled) EP is the band’s recent achievement but by no means is this all they have to show for themselves. The band have been seen in weird and wonderful venues which just goes to show their complete commitment to the music but also remain elusive. Bill Davro, however, also like to show their faces equally as much. Having played the Clothes Show Live at the Birmingham NEC, Kendal Calling music festival, been finalists for AKG Unsigned Heroes in London (to name just a few stints). Bill Davro are quite at home in any town; in front of a crowd or in front of each other. Currently gearing up for a summer of gigs, festivals, and writing and recording for their next EP, Bill Davro will surely be busy this year so catch them in a venue near you….”
(Quote obtained from the band’s Official website)
22 – ‘For Abel’, ‘The B.Goodes’, ‘Neo Ferns’ and ‘Dakota Beats’
For Abel:
“We are For Abel. We make music. We want to make you sad because we feel like that too sometimes. We want to make you happy because thats what everyone wants to be.
Since acquiring limbs we have have flown far afield as showcasing at SXSW in Texas, as well as playing much closer to home in fields and lesser established premises. For Abel have been featured by BBC Radio’s Steve Lamacq, Vic Galloway, Huw Stephens, Colin Murray, Tom Robinson & Jim Gellatly and have also been digitised on the wireless by many others including XFM and NME Radio. The Skinny, Art Rocker, NME and numerous British tabloids have also thrown their arms towards For Abel in loving fashion.
We Are For Abel
You Are For Abel”.
(Quote obtained from the band’s myspace page)
The B. Goodes:
www.myspace.com/thebgoodesband
“The B. Goodes were formed with John Brett & Phil Jackson writing and recording in late 2008 and by Summer 2009 were joined by Jay Goodrich & John Randall (formerly of Rosalita), with a shared view to write and perform original music taking influence from the 50’s, 60’s & 70’s. The sound which came out was a mixture of beat, surf, soul and rock ‘n’ roll. The B. Goodes are an energetic and dynamic live act with the emphasis very much on having fun.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s myspace page)
Neo Ferns:
“Neo Ferns is the musical vehicle of London based singer-songwriter James Andrews. Formulated around a love of the acoustic guitar, he began developing a sound from an early age with the intention of taking the genres of folk and pop in a different direction. Although heavily influenced by the greats of those styles, the real focus of the music is to create atmosphere and space, combining a soft and reserved vocal style with thoughtful lyrics, he’s always enjoyed the art of music experimentation, resulting in a haunting but undeniably distinctive form of indie-folk. That’s not to say he isn’t fond of collaboration. The project has seen the work of several musicians contribute to provide a dynamic and complex sound.
The project is attracting lots of attention at the moment, both on the airwaves from radio play, and around the streets of London Town from many successful recent shows, such as supporting Merge signed Wye Oak on their first European Headlining Show, it’s a representation of the years of hard work and determination towards the project. This is what Spoonfed.com said “Ethereal, minimal pop makes for comforting listening. Minor tweaks and seemingly insignificant electro-bleeds can transport an average group to a great one. Neo Ferns have done just that, going that extra mile has evidently paid off in their indie-electro airy squeezes. “. The recently released ‘Five Weeks’ E.P on Octopus Escape signalled a changing sound, with a more standard rock approach. But like every release in the past, the sound has always changed, being the beauty of the project as it evolves. Who knows what’s coming next?”
(Quote obtained from the artist’s Official Website)
Dakota Beats:
“Dakota Beats are a 5 piece Indie band based in Dudley. From the ashes of The E-Go’s the Dakota Beats are set for a very exciting 2011. Dakota Beats have gig dates booked nationwide and management in the form of Jolene Chalk. Dakota Beats have recorded their first 3 track EP called ‘No New Faces’ with Editors, Ocean Colour Scene and The Twang producer Gavin Monaghan”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
21 – ‘The Contras’, ‘CourageHaveCourage’, and ‘The Transpersonals’
The Contras:
CourageHaveCourage:
www.myspace.com/couragehavecourage
The Transpersonals:
www.myspace.com/thetranspersonals
20 – ‘The Bright Young People’, ‘Healer/Monster’, ‘Tin Pan Gang’, and ‘Paperface’
The Bright Young People:
www.myspace.com/thebrightyoungpeople
Healer/Monster:
Tin Pan Gang:
http://www.myspace.com/tinpangang
Paperface:
http://www.myspace.com/thisispaperface
19 – ‘Arms of Atlas’, ‘LeCarla’ and ‘Eat Off Your Arms’
Arms of Atlas:
Arms of Atlas‘s ‘Hour of the Night’ Official Music Video:
LeCarla:
Check out LeCarla‘s Official Music Video for their debut track ‘DILLIGAF’ which was released in May of last year:
Eat Off Your Arms:
www.myspace.com/eatoffyourarms
Check out Eat Off Your Arm‘s video for their song ‘Sit and Grin’:
17 – ‘Tankus The Henge’, ‘Kitty Junkbrother’, and ‘Doyle & The Fourfathers’
Tankus The Henge:
“The world of Tankus the Henge is uplifting and wild, dark and heartfelt. A five piece powerhouse of a band drawing visual and musical influences from old time Fairgrounds to modern day Circus; The Beatles to Tom Waits and Gogol Bordello to Radiohead, they embody a look and a sound that lies somewhere between their South East London home and the carnival town of New Orleans.
With their charismatic frontman, Jaz Delorean, looking like a lost character from a Terry Gilliam film and the pump and grind of the Tankus the Henge sound generating a groove that makes it impossible to stand still, their live show ebbs and flows like a small boat on a turbulent sea.
Any other band who billed themselves as “the most fantastic band in the world” would rightly quake in their boots at having to live up to such fanfare. Tankus the Henge defy you to contradict them!”
(quote obtained from the band’s official website)
Kitty Junkbrother:
www.myspace.com/kittyjunkbrother
“KittyJunkBrother was made in Camden. Hair is her own. She likes her cat Brian and days in which she is not under any obligation to do anything. Freedom to dine on the stars overhead and sing songs about lovers that fled; that is what a JunkBrother likes. To travel the world with a dime in your shoe, got no time for the system that seems to fuck you.”
(quote obtained from the artist’s myspace page)
“Doyle & The Fourfathers are a Southampton based band who formed in September 2009. The band consists of Lead singer and songwriter William Doyle, Guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Ben Clark, Bassist Michael Goozee and Drummer Alex Urch.
Inspired by all great and enduring artists of the last 60 years, the band’s sound is a refreshingly honest coalescence of nostalgia and innovation. Their music presents a diverse sonic palette, yet is always underpinned by assured and evocative songcraft.
The band’s most notable successes of 2010 include performing at the triumphant ‘Save 6 Music’ protest gig at the 229 Club in London and playing a live session for Marc Riley on his BBC 6 Music show, as well as gaining recognition from other DJs on the station. The band have also built up a modest yet passionate fanbase in a short space of time.
Having released their single ‘The Governor of Giving Up’ on October 4th 2010, Doyle & The Fourfathers have finished recording their first full-length album, “Man Made” the release of which will be supported by a UK tour in early 2011.”
(quote obtained from the band’s official website)
Check out ‘Doyle & The Fourfathers’ performing on BBC Radio earlier this year:
16 – ‘The Dallas Guild’, ‘The Jons’, ‘Lennox’ and ‘Raven Beats Crow’
The Dallas Guild:
www.myspace.com/thedallasguild
“The Dallas Guild was one of the few unsigned bands to soundtrack a major TV ad campaign with their self-released single Men in White Coats…
Bridging an unlikely prog/pop highway of Pink Floyd’s 70s soundscape psychedelia and ELO’s punchy synth drenched pop songs, The Dallas Guild have just put the finishing
touches to their debut album ”Hello Darkness” and recently returned from supporting MGMT and LCD Soundsystem in Israel.”
(biography info obtained from The Dallas Guild’s facebook page).
The Dallas Guild performing in Israel whilst supporting MGMT and LCD Soundsystem:
The Jons:
“The Jons exploded onto the scene in 2009 and have steadily been gaining fans and throwing parties ever since.
Their first single ‘Walk Towards The People’ was released by Pirates Press Records in time for their storming performance at the final of the 2010 Live and Unsigned Competition, where they were crowned the runners up, beating over 10,000 other musicians to the honour. Competition judge Noddy Holder described the boys as ‘a band you’d want at your party’.”
(Biography Info obtained from The Jon’s Official facebook page).
Lennox:
“Female fronted rock with balls of steel and hearts of gold, Lennox formed only in June 2010 from the remains of 2 local bands – but quickly turned the new line-up into something very special…
Lennox went to Surrey in October to record their 4 track EP with Matt O’Grady, producer for You Me At Six, The Blackout and Deaf Havana to name a few and have come back to their hometown fighting to get noticed and spread the word that Lennox have arrived, and they won’t be going anywhere!”
(Biography Info obtained from Lennox’s Official facebook page).
Raven Beats Crow:
www.myspace.com/ravenbeatscrow
15 – ‘Jonny Cola & the A-Grades’, ‘Holy Coves’, ‘Shiva’ and ‘Retraplayer’
Jonny Cola & The A-Grades:
www.jonnycolaandtheagrades.net
Holy Coves:
Shiva:
Retraplayer:
13 – ‘The Usual Pleasures’, ‘Ray Edwards’, ‘The Merry Gang’ and ‘Screen Violence’
The Usual Pleasures:
www.myspace.com/theusualpleasures
Ray Edwards:
The Merry Gang:
Screen Violence:
12 – ‘Cairo Son’, ‘The Palace of Justice’, and ‘Hot Monocles’
Cairo Son:
The Palace of Justice:
www.myspace.com/thepalaceofjustice
Hot Monocles:
11 – ‘In Like Flynn’, ‘Bwani Junction’, ‘King With No Throne’ and ‘Drafts’
In Like Flynn:
www.myspace.com/inlikeflynntheband
Congratulations to ‘In Like Flynn’ on entering the UK Unsigned Top 40 Chart at No.36 with their track “Johnny Brooker”! Check it out on their myspace!
Bwani Junction:
King With No Throne:
Drafts:
London Unsigned Music 