Festival Picks.

Muddy wellies on, hair dripping with rain and a (blantanly overpriced) pint in hand. Its that time of year again, folks- and guess who couldn't be happier?! With legends like The Stone Roses, The Who and Red Hot Chili Peppers featuring on lineups its an exciting time to be a festival goer/a breathing human being.
However, its not just the big names in bold that deserve attention. I can guarantee that 60% of the best bands you'll see this summer are ones you've (unfortunately) probably not even given enough love to yet.
With Catfish and The Bottlemen gracing Reading's Introducing stage only 3 years ago, nows the time to whack on those fake Raybans and discover your new favourite.
 
THE CROOKES
where can you find them? Tramlines, Testifest & Kendal Calling
Sheffield favourites THE CROOKES are shooting across the country this summer, just for us. Their poetic lyrics dance around their upbeat guitars and melodic vocals and they'll have you dancing too. After seeing them play venues that can't hold them, I cannot wait to see the lads play their latest album 'The Lucky Ones' out in the open this summer.
TOP PICKS: The World is Waiting, I Wanna Waste My Time on You, Afterglow...

LIBERTY SHIP
where can you find them? Live in Barnsley, Tramlines, Kendal Calling & Blackthorn
With their immensely well-received debut single, 'Learning to Fly', turning heads and a number of sold out shows under their belt, these lads are really kicking up a fuss. Why? The Sheffield four have the ability to captivate almost any audience with their energetic sets, funky basslines and exemplary chemistry. Holding harmonies that rival The Stone Roses and lyrics Dylan would be proud of, its time to fill up your hipflask and get yourself out of your tent to see them this summer.
TOP PICKS: Don't Wish, Learning to Fly, What Point...

APRIL
where can you find them? Godiva Festival & more TBC
One of my favourite discoveries this year has been APRIL.
These lads from Nuneaton cannot be ignored. They're creating music that memories will be made to and I'm not sure you'll have a much fonder memory this summer than belting out their tune, Ten Miles High, with your best mates in the (hopefully) beaming sun.

The JACQUES
where can you find them? Kendal CallingIncredibly charming and talented, these Bristol boys have got my whole-hearted attention. They're giving us energy that channels Sonic Youth and addictive riffs that you want to sing even louder than the endearing lyrics. Moody, yet refreshing, be sure to check THE JACQUES out.
TOP PICKS: Eleanor Ring Me, Pretty DJ, The Artful Dodger...

THE BIG MOON
where can you find them? Truck Festival, Bushstock, Latitude, Kendal Calling & more
They've supported favourites PEACE and YAK, they're cool as fuck, their latest single Cupid oozes magic and I think its about they get the attention they deserve. Not only have they mastered the perfect crescendo (which coaxes even the most solemn toe tappers into having a proper boogie)the chemistry these four ladies have is absolutely unreal. You get the impression that they definitely know something that we don't and I'm excited to find out what that is this summer. Check em out!
TOP PICKS: Cupid, The Road, Sucker...

MARIKA HACKMAN
where can you find her? Tramlines & more TBC
Unbelievably dreamy and undeniably angelic, Dirty Hit's Marika Hackman has recently released her debut album, We Sleep At Last, which speaks for itself. I'm personally dying to hear the album (that feels like you're being tucked up in bed whilst Oscar Wilde tells you a bedtime story) live; absolutely perfect for the hazy summer. Get yourself down to see Marika and feel what its like to let yourself be drowned in honey.
TOP PICKS: Animal Fear, Itchy Teeth, Drown...

MILBURN
where can you find them? Y Not, Kendal Calling & more TBC
'But Eleanor everyone knows about Milburn', YES,  just hear me out...
These well established legends took their 8 year break and have resurrected just in time to be the best act you'll see this summer. With tunes that have inspired the likes of Arctic Monkeys (despite the bollocks NME is spouting in an attempt to crawl even further up Alex Turner's backside, yeah, I didn't know it was possible either) and lyrics I've seen grown men scream, you cannot go wrong with Milburn. Honestly.
Why are they on this list? Because its more or less sacrilege to miss them, so I'm reminding you that its just not an option for those of you who didn't realise.
TOP PICKS: Roll Out the Barrel, 17, Storm in a Teacup


SUNDARA KARMA
where can you find them? Secret Garden Party, Tramlines, Y Not & more.
If you could capture 'that summer feeling' and sell it, it would go by the name Sundara Karma. (Particularly Indigo Puff, which encaptures that 'walking-home-from-a-party-at-5am-watching-the-sun-come-up-with-your-friends' feeling that you can never quiet put your finger on.)
Without even realising it you probably know atleast 3 of their tunes! Their riffs are bright and electric, Sundara Karma will have crowds dancing under the sky and you should defiantly be in the middle of that crowd. 
TOP PICKS: Flame, Indigo Puff, Loveblood

Bowie.


Once every lifetime a musician will come about and embed themselves into every fragment of society. They do not necessarily have to be musical geniuses; although Bowie was, but they cause a shift.

David Bowie created a landslide.

He was fearless, both with his music and with his attitude.
 He made it okay to be different, to look different and was one of the first in his generation to smudge the boundaries of gender- which legends like Michael Jackson and The Cure relied on.
He was a brutally honest, no-nonsense musician, in platform shoes, creating music that lifted people out of their bodies. Name me one person that hasn't dance round to Let's Dance in their underwear or burst out into Changes in the backseat of a car.
He was a transcendent artist and a man filled with enigmatic charm, matched with his raw passionate talent- Bowie soared above the rest.
He nurtured his audience and was a guiding hand and an encouraging smile to the kids in school and the suits in the office that saw themselves as something different or something more.

Ambitious but never obnoxious, Bowie was beyond human and now he is finally more than just a mortal being.

To an artist that has soundtracked huge parts of my life, that I somehow thought would out live me, Rest in Peace Goblin King x

Listen to my Top Ten Bowie Tracks

If you'd have told thirteen year old me, with my 'What became of the likely lads?' tshirt and my school folder ,which I'd scribbled the full names of each of the boys in the band across, that five years on I would be stood sipping rum in a field with The Libertines performing infront of me, then my mind would've exploded...and that is precisely what happened Friday night at Leeds Fest. Theeeeeey're back! (and with an album that's out done the rest)

When The Libertines announced their return to the music scene after eleven years half the world was cheering and three-quarters were wondering if they'd successfully make it back at all. However, a few days ago, after they failed to make an appearance at their London gig due to a disappearing Doherty,their highly-anticipated album Anthems for a Doomed Youth hit us all.

Structurally the new anthems on this album are very similar to the past releases, with Carl and Pete's raspy vocals mixed with bouncy beats and catchy hooks. They still seem to tell a poetic story in each of their tracks, but without it at all being obnoxious and being refreshingly honest. However, as you progress through the album, its clear the band have matured and become more polished- somehow without losing their values.

The track 'Anthems for Doomed Youth' itself is a rather obvious nod to The Libertines troublesome past and landing back into the real world. With lines such as, 'racking up the lines of shite', and, 'Yes we thought that they were brothers then they half murdered each other', being references to the bands# drug habits and the front-men's bittersweet relationship. Pete Doherty, who spent time in rehab before the album was recorded in Thailand, claimed that this song is based around the events that occurred after the band signed to Rough Trade records. 

Fan favourites still stand as Gunga Din, Fame and Fortune and Lust for The Libertines.  Particularly Gunga Din, which was released as  a single this July. This single came hand in hand with a music video which reassured fans that The Libertines may have got older, wiser and somewhat less intoxicated as the foursome rowdily walked the streets like drunken youths.

Aswell as the new tunes, You're My Waterloo, made the album! Gary claimed was the only one of the older songs to make it on the album due to the fact the band didn't want to seem 'lazy'.

Dubbed as their best album yet, its exciting and nerve-racking to see where Anthems for Doomed Youth will carry the likely lads and hopefully a tour is in check.

It's only a few days after Tramlines Festival and the city and its inhabitants are still recovering. Bottles and flyers litter the streets, everyone seems to still be hungover but Liberty Ship are already back in the practice room after playing the main stage on Sunday.

*Credit to Glenn Ashley*

Liberty Ship are Sheffield's very own indie four-piece, including Lewis Hancock (lead vocals and acoustic guitar), Jack Eddison (lead guitar) , James Brown (bass) and  Kierran Bond (drums). They were still doing their GCSEs when they played their debut gig and  the lads have been no strangers to the music scene since. Before they could even drink at their own shows, they'd toured with a number of established legends, King Charles and Reverend and The Makers, as well as supporting Coventry's The Enemy, whilst still playing a number of their own headline gigs. Eight years on and they're now releasing music that demands attention.

With a lot of hard work these lads seemed to have found a way to break away from the typical mainstream 'indie' sound and make a strong impact. 'We've grown up and our sound has grown up a bit too', lead guitarist Jack explains. It's easy to get drowned in the Soundcloud generation of musicians where anyone can upload music at the click of a button, but Liberty Ship seem to have their heads safely above the water. So now, leaving their teenage years behind, they're breaking the mold and placing their stamp on the music scene. 

Even during their rainy Tramlines set there was a certain exemplary warmth in the crowd. Their mix of songs gathers a diverse audience, with crowd pleasures such as, 'Neon Light' and the band's favourite 'Fire Your Love', matched with slower love songs, 'For You'. 'We've got quite a large audience', says Kierran. Which is true, standing in the crowd you could see an array of different people, from students to bearded men in flat caps and I 'm pretty sure a Tinder first date were dancing next to me. 

What's noticeably admirable about Liberty Ship is their attitude towards music, and not just their own either. After spending some time with them you quickly  get a sense of how laid back they are, but it's matched with a passion which is clearly exhibited in their live performances. They'll try their hand at anything if it means promoting their music and having fun, such as playing an acoustic set on the tram during the Tramlines weekend. Alike other 'new generation bands' they seem to realise that platinum records aren't handed out on silver platters, but unlike the majority they're more than willing to work hard to produce quality music which demands recognition and that they love themselves.  'We'll definitely get a collection of songs we're happy enough with to put together for an album in the distant future' Brown claims. 

If you want to create your own sound in Sheffield then you first have to find a way to break free from the shackles of being compared to the Arctic Monkeys, as Liberty Ship found out. 'It's literally only cause we're from Sheffield and we play our own instruments!', they laugh when being asked about this bold yet common comparison. Whilst they claim that the Arctic Monkeys aren't a huge influence to  their own unique sound, they're  quick to show respect for the High Green A-Listers. 'When we first started playing as a band, at places like The Boardwalk, there was a load of Sheffield bands knocking about such as the Arctic Monkeys and Milburn. That was definitely inspiring cause it made it clear that you can do it when they're making it', Jack explains.
'Our sound isn't really like anyone else', bassist James says. 'We get asked to compare ourselves to other bands a lot, but that's not reyt something we can do', Jack adds. You would certainly file 'the Liberty Ship sound'  as indie, but they're quite right when they claim their sound is somewhat undefinable. It combines an established sound of old school rock mixed intensely with the wild exuberance of being a teenager in today's society. 

It’s not just a particularly dedicated portion of Yorkshire that’s coming round to the quartet’s charms either. Liberty Ship have been showing up on the radars of those across the nation, playing festivals in Wales and even being asked to play private parties by eager moon-eyed fans. 'It's all just a lot of fun', the band tell me.  As passionate as the band seem to be, you can't deny they're having a lot of fun. In between writing songs and (probably not) revising in school the band gathered some rock n roll stories. 'There was a story involving a table and a window', Jack laughs, going on the explain how the band decided to throw a table and an ironing board out of a window after playing The Leadmill in their teens. 'We went round with a bunch of flowers to say sorry though', Lewis quickly reassures us. 

You can expect to see a lot more from Liberty Ship in the following months, not only are they darting across the nation to play festivals, they're headlining their own gig at The Leadmill in Sheffield. The very same venue which has played a host to Arctic Monkeys and Pulp  is welcoming Liberty Ship back after two years, this October. Get yourself a ticket online and for a fiver you can become part of their inevitably promising story.

*Credit to Colin Wright*

*serious voices now*

The internet is commonly seen as a 'threat' to journalism. Whether you like it or not we're now in an age where with three clicks you can set up a platform to share your opinions and have them exposed to thousands of people.
There has been an uprising of freelance journalists, working solely off their own backs...which have again become seen as a 'threat'.
However, are these contemporary 'non-traditional' journalists a threat to journalism? Or are they just a threat to large, well-respected music journalism companies and their incomes? 

I think it's important that just like we welcome new musicians and fresh-faces to the ever-evolving music business, we do the very same for the world of journalism. 
Identically to the way in which MP3's revolutionized music, whilst somewhat wounding the sale of CDs, you cannot argue that the results of the rise of the MP3 were efficacious. In the same way, blogs are rising and major magazines are taking the fall, but they're still selling thousands of copies weekly! If you prefer, look at Tindr. Sure it may have taken the romance and initial excitement out of dating, but you can't deny it's practicality as it moves romance into the 21st Century...plus is it really like people now walk round bars with their eyes closed, refusing to buy anyone a drink? Ofcourse not. 

Personally, I have been shunned as 'unprofessional' for not writing for a magazine. Just take a step back though and look at the bigger picture.

Jim Morrison once said, 'whoever controls the media, controls the mind'. He isn't bloody far off either. One week you'll see some kids in the back of NME with their Jamie T haircuts' and their debut album being given four out of ten stars. Wait though, cause if you give it a fortnight this same album will have landed them their own cover-spread. Suddenly their someone and everyone loves them. Don't be fickle with your opinions and stick by your guns. Because money can't be the main motivator to why you're doing your job or what's the point?

In the soundcloud generation of musicians, where anyone can post their music online and get it out there, we've reached a beautifully overwhelming chaos. New music is now easily accessible, but great new music is lost, drowned and diluted. Darlia have their heads above the water.

The band are a three-piece from Blackpool, often compared to Nirvana (although how much of that is based on shaggy haired Nathan is arguable), have made an impact on the music scene with their hits Napalm and Queen of Hearts.

They've released three EPs(which you can nosey at, here)and a mini LP. They've had sell out UK shows, they're currently touring the world and they've popping up across the UK for festivals left right and centre. They're standing out as one as the 'one's to watch'.
So why do they stand out? Well, I think it starts with how stripped back they are. They've taken rock right back to its roots and thrown in some dirt- making them appeal to a huge range of people.

Their track names themselves hold  a lot of promise- Napalm, Pandemonium, Choke on Bones. Darlia aren't full of empty promises. Each song mixes raspy vocals and (dare I say) Nirvana-esque heavy, bursting riffs. It's the type of music that teenagers will mosh to in crowded sweaty rooms, middle-aged punks will admire and new rock revival will profit.

What this space for an interview soon. 

This year we've been faced with one of the most disputed and controversial line-ups for years. Whilst the mixture of pop/folk, pop-punk and music legends has some people already packing their wellies and taping their hipflasks to their ankles, it has some others claiming that this could be the end for the 54 year old festival.

The main issue music fans seem to have is the folk/pop band Mumford and Sons holding the place of a headliner, where Queens of The Stone Age stood the year before.
The fact that whilst year the main stage was bombarded with indie-legends and this year pop-punk seems be dominating the main stage has also caused a bit of a rumble.
Although...really, where is the problem? It appears that many people are looking at the line-up with their hands over their eyes. Whilst, for me, I'm more inclined to be at the main stage for The Libertines, Alt-J Jamie T and The Cribs (oh my god, why is no one freaking out about The Cribs?!) I can't wait to dance my legs off to Panic! At The Disco! Plus, it's I find that the acts that are the most exciting are those performing on the NME and Festival Republic Stage!

Don't starve yourself of indulging on the smaller acts on the smaller stages! The smaller, developing acts are what these types of festivals are about- so when you've necked your £7.50 rum and coke and you're waiting in the rain for Metallica, dance on over to a smaller tent and discover somebody new!

Recommendations: 

1. Peace (NME)

2. Swim Deep (NME)

3. Coasts (NME)
4. Wolf Alice (NME)

5. A$AP Ferg (Dance)
6. Rat Boy (Festival Republic)

7. Everything Everything (NME)

8. Catfish and The Bottlemen (NME)

9. Banks (Dance)
10. Slaves (NME)

11. Tyler The Creator (NME)
12. Darlia (Festival Republic)

There has been concern voiced that this blog is no longer active, I can confirm that it is and new posts will be published after this Friday!

Due to outside factors I haven't been able to publish anything for a while, but I have some very exciting interviews and such coming soon!
Stay tuned.

GIG REVIEWS: Catfish and The Bottlemen, Circa Waves & The Wombats

This year I made a great sacrifice. Instead of waking up on Easter Sunday and forcing my body into a chocolate-based coma, I decided to spend my Easter funds on experiencing what Britain's Best had to offer.
Two favourites meet the new kid on the block.

Catfish and The Bottlemen (Little Comets) - O2 Academy, Sheffield
Here we go again!
Festivals aside, this is by far the biggest venue I've ever seen Catfish and The Bottlemen fill.
Classically, the band opened with Rango and closed with beloved Tyrants and packed the rest of the setlist with The Balcony hits. One thing you can always expect from a Catfish and The Bottlemen gig is energy and diversity- mums, dads, teenagers, awkward first Tindr dates (just to the left of me) and grandads all dancing together and shouting back the lyrics to belters like 'Kathleen'.
As always, the band were flawless with their performance. A particularly significant moment was Van's performance of the acoustic track, Hourglass, from their debut album- which was like caramel to the ears. Somehow the audience all seemed to harmonise and it created a spectacular atmosphere that isn't easily forgotten or created.


Circa Waves (Genghar, Ratboy) - Leadmill, Sheffield
The chances are that if you haven't heard of Circa Waves then you've still definitely heard them. There is pretty much no escape. These four young uns from Liverpool are flooding (see what I did there?) our stereos and will certainly be part of your summer soundtrack!
I'd been impressed by Circa Waves upon seeing them perform as support to The 1975 in September, but here I was only months later in the audience to one of their own sold-out shows. Hats off to them!What the setlist maybe lacked slightly in variety was completely made up for with enthusiasm! Their hits, 'T-Shirt Weather' and 'Fossils', particularly had the crowd moulded into a ball of energy. I noticed that these lads may be the 'newbies' but he dynamics of the group itself works perfectly! There didn't seem to be a member that was lacking in confidence or talented! That was impressive to witness...

The Wombats (Darlia) - Leadmill, Sheffield
This is a band that I, personally, had been so excited about seeing live that before even entering the venue I think I'd used all my energy on bouncing about on the bus into town. Now, taking off my fourteen year old fangirl hat and slipping into my objective boots, did I truly think that The Wombats performed well?
Yes. They provided an absolutely explosive set.
The setlist weaved between quirky classics, 'Techno Fan' and '1996', and their ardour filled Glitterbug tracks, 'Give Me a Try' and their latest hit, 'Greek Tragedy'. All in all, this was probably one of the best gigs I've ever attended and definitely my favourite Leadmill gig.
I only hope that I have the privilege of seeing them again!

K I N G  C H A R L E S

I'm a firm believer that you should never judge a book by its cover, however any judgement you pass upon setting eyes on the enigmatic front man of King Charles is probably pretty accurate. 

Packed inside Sheffield's Plug King Charles' support act, Sasha Siem, warmed up the crowd with haunting folk-esque vocals. Funnily enough, cider in hand, I watched this lovely lady perform inches away from the frontman himself (although he was somewhat less easy to recognize without his bouffant hair and I'm not too sure why he wasn't wearing shoes...)

The band themselves kicked off their set with the effortlessly gorgeous, Carry Me Away. As the first chords were played I was suprised with such a slow slong to start, however Carry Me Away completely set the mood for the rest of the set. Well played, KC.


The band carried out a high-level performance, flitting between new poetic love songs and high-tempo LoveBlood classics. King Charles' accent seemed to compliment lyrics such as; 'with a guitar in my hands or a gun in my hand, I would give it all up for your hand in my hand' or 'the brightest lights cast the darkest shadows'.
I was particularly fond of Loose Change for The Boatman and the live performance of Bam Bam had so much energy. 


All in all, the gig was £12 well spent- plus, happily to meet fans after his set and shouting out to his previous support acts, King Charles actually seemed like a really sound guy. Aw. 


(apologies for the lack of original footage, my camera died at 30%, cheers Apple)

V A L E N T I N E S  D A Y 

You're either alone, smitten, heartbroken, on a awkward date with some guy you met on tinder who's profile seemed promising but he just used the word 'reem'...or maybe somewhere inbetween.

So for whatever you're feeling, here are a few love songs:

friday I'm in love // the cure
sally cinammon // the stone roses
toothpaste kisses // the maccabees
I love you (but you're green) // babyshambles
I wanna be yours // arctic monkeys
skinny love // bon iver 
only you // yazoo
I don't wanna miss a thing // aerosmith
tee shirt // birdy
every other freckle // alt-j
cocoon // catfish and the bottlemen
lovesick // peace
taking pictures of you // the kooks
be my wife // david bowie
yellow // coldplay
video games // lana del rey
secret door // arctic monkeys
I follow you into the dark // death cab for a cutie
wonderwall // oasis 
simple as this // jake bugg
five years time // noah and the whale
hand in glove // the smiths
strawberry fields // the beatles
always where I need to be // the kooks
chasing cars // snow patrol
there is a light that never goes out // the smiths
ask me anything // the strokes
505 // arctic monkeys
only love // ben howard
lost on me // peace
kiss me // jason walker
look after you // the fray
float forever // peace

And a few songs for if you're feeling a bit delicate:
someday // peace (side note: someone hug harry, this is bloody angelic)
creep // radiohead
go your own way // fleetwood mac
broken army // catfish and the bottlemen
you could be happy // snow patrol
cornerstone // arctic monkeys
boys don't cry // the cure
undo // the 1975
happy birthday jane // the enemy 
out of the black // royal blood
losing my religion // r.e.m
habits (stay high) // tove lo
marquee // the courteeners 
hallelujah // jeff buckley
nothing lasts forever // echo and the bunnymen
coat of armor // george ezra
do me a favour // arctic monkeys
fallingforyou // the 1975
no buses // arctic monkeys
hold back the river // james bay
simple pleasures // jake bugg
tomorrow // james

P E A C E // L I V E

The Queens Social Club in Sheffield (with interior very similar to The Phoneix Club, who said wall streamers belong in 80s American Proms, eh?) was pretty packed on the last day of January this month. Peace are baaaaaack!


Humbly walking onto stage, following their brilliant support band (The Moon), Peace played a beautifully put together setlist extraordinarily well. 

Higher Than the Sun 

Follow Baby 

O You 

Gen Strange 

Lost On Me 

Money 

California Daze 

1998 (Delicious) 

Bloodshake 

Float Forever 

Sugarstone 

Wraith 

Someday 

Lovesick 

World Pleasure

You got everything that you'd expect from a Peace gig; sweat, crowd-surfing, bold prints, 60s dance moves, stage invasions ,cider, synth...sweat. Although, I would happily say that Peace kicked off 2015 really well. There was a vibe in the room that meant that even the casual 40 year old men, at the back, who aren't sure why they're there were atleast tapping their feet and at best dancing like John Travolta. 

The best songs live were by far 1998 (Delicious), Follow Baby and Wraith, for me. Each of these songs was played closely to the studio finished version, but with a raspy live vibrance that some bands fail to execute well.

Casually walking through the crowd  before hand, the band are utterly humble and obviously unaware that it's a matter of months till the world will be bowing at their feet. 

T H E  W O M B A T S

A good (but utterly useless) friend of mine told me that 'The Wombats are a Year 8 band' when declining the offer to come and see The Wombats tour this April...but after their recent release, Greek Tragedy, someone is definitely kicking themselves.

The Wombats are back and they're better than ever. 

Whilst still holding that typical synthy 'The Wombats' sound that does make you want to swig warm cider in a sunny field, they seem to have matured somewhat!

Their deep lyrics beautifully juxtapose with the upbeat nature that the band have captivatingly endorsed, evident in tracks such as; Techno Fan, Jump Into The Fog and Tokyo.


The Wombats are releasing their fourth album GLITTERBUG on APRIL FOURTH and their tour kicks off in Bristol this APRIL!

P E A C E

Much like fur coats and turtlenecks, you either love them or your kidding yourself...it's PEACE. 

The band, made up of the lovely Koisser brothers, Dom Boyce and Mr Douglas Castle, released their debut album 'In Love' in 2013 and to the delight of long haired, Doc-Marten-wearing indie lovers everywhere, their new album 'Happy People' is released on the 9th of February 2015!

It's worth taking note that Peace have really captured the essence of creating your own sound and running with it, mixing funky beats with synthy tones this band oozes summer and makes you feel utterly in love with tracks; such as, Lost on Me, Float Forever and Wraith. Not only this they're known for conveying political messages in many of their songs. You can easily find pro-peace (funnily enough), anti-capitalist and feminist tones in their music- which is completely refreshing and simultaneously stimulating. Who doesn't love that?

Whilst the band have received a lot of publicity recently and are the midst of a UK tour right now (which I somehow managed to get tickets for!!) the sheer number of people who do not know about these guys shocks me! So spread the word and give them a listen:

1. Lost on Me ☮

2. Fur ☮

3. Follow Baby ☮

4. California Daze ☮

5. World Pleasure ☮

6. Wraith ☮

7. Flirtin' USA ☮

8. 1998 ☮

PEACE'S SECOND ALBUM 'HAPPY PEOPLE' IS AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER!

(I'm in the process of re-uploading the last three months of content for you guys, someone hacked me...again)
El x

H O Z I E R

Resembling a contemporary Jesus, with the angelic vocals to match, an artist that I have really been indulging in at the minute goes by the name Hozier.
The Irish singer/songwriter released his debut EP, Take Me to Church, earlier this year- after choosing to drop out of his music degree in Dublin years previously. His hit single, sharing the same name as his EP, seemed to astonish the world, quickly soaring in the charts.

So, if you hadn't heard of Hozier's enchanting lyrics, beautiful melodies and vocals previously, then maybe you'll of heard about his statement music video for his debut single?


Whilst Hozier claims that the song itself is about his first true romance, where he worshipped his girlfriend and being with her was almost like being a religion, where he was completely intoxicated with her, his music video gives off a different impression.
The video tells the tale of two, gay lovers who not only wish to protect eachother, from menaces (with thug like exteriors) following them, but also a box bound in chains...which we never see the content of. 

The video gives this song a completely new context. After seeing the video it's hard to ignore the suggestions in the song that religion is the cause of much prejudice, especially to homosexuals. All you have to do is take a look at the lyrics to see these undertones that I'm bringing light to; 'everybody's disapproval', 'every Sunday's getting more bleak', 'fresh poison each week', 'we were born sick, we heard them say it' and even lines such as, 'There is no sweeter innocence than our gentle sin'.

So, maybe, Hozier isn't just a musical saint, but also a contemporary revolutionist? 

J O H N  W A U G H I N T E R V I E W

In the depths of Manchester, this September, I had the chance to have an exclusive little chat with the very talented, John Waugh. Not only has this guy jetted across the world, playing saxophone in one of the best bands of the decade, The 1975, but he's also doing some pretty exciting stuff in his own band (The New Standard) and tells us how to get drunk The 1975-style!                      ************************

What made you want to play the saxophone as appose to another instrument?
I actually started playing the piano first. Then there was a really close family friend of mine, George, when he started to notice I was taking a real liking to music he started showing me some really cool bands, like Steely Dan and saxophone players, like Michael Brecker.

So they’re big inspirations to you?
Yeah. So naturally I quite liked how it (the saxophone) sounds and how it looked and everything. George was very influential and showed me the right type of stuff to get me really into it.

Since picking up the saxophone did you decide that that was the instrument for you, then?
Yeah, definitely. I mean, I was so young when I chose to play, my reasons for choosing it was based on the fact that I thought it looked and sounded really cool. (laughs) That was kind of really it, to start with, and then when I began to properly play it I grew into it a lot more.

It's a renowned cool instrument, you’ve done yourself well! (laughs)
You’re currently touring with The 1975, how’re you finding that?
Oh yeah, really good, it’s great.

How was it you actually got involved with them?
I’d known Matty for a long time and there are members of our crew that I went to school with and I’ve got really close friends that have been involved in the band, working around them as they kinda blew up. Then I met the other guys whilst we were recording the album and then earlier this year I started touring with them. But, it’s mainly through a guy named James Booth, who’s a photographer, who has filmed and done photography on the tour...

Yeah,James Booth is really really good at what he does.
He’s amazing. I grew up just along the road from him, so he was kinda the gateway to them, I guess.

That’s brilliant! Looking at The 1975’s debut album, that’s just gone platinum, which is really cool, can I ask how it came about with composing your solos and your work on tracks, such as Heart Out and Pressure? Did you write them, or where they written for you to play?
With Heart Out that’s a bit different, because it’s essentially the hook of the chorus, so Matty was very clear on what he wanted me to play. But with Pressure that was a lot more open, we did about four or five takes and then the guys all pieced that together whilst I was away…Now, with Me, I did that in my friend’s bedroom in Huddersfield and I think that was about January. So that was quite a while after I’d done the recording session for the album. That was quite cool, it was nice to have another person believe in it and be able to put all the recordings together.

It must be nice to work with your friends on such an amazing, creative project like this.
Absolutely, yeah, it’s great. I think it works a lot better aswell…you know if you’re working well with your really close friends, who are absolutely amazing at what they do.

When you started touring with The 1975, there was already quite a large fanbase. How was it to be projected out to an already large fanbase, on the tour?
I do kinda feel like I’ve done my own rite of passage, cause I’ve been playing in lots of bands as I’ve grown up. Obviously, to play with The 1975, though, it is so different to playing with my other bands. Overall, I do feel very secure with where I am now though, because of the time I've spent with my other bands.

So you should!
But I’m still very…I don’t know if it’s nervous, but I was very aware that I was going into a band that already had a very big gathering and reputation. They’d already had a lot of exposure. No, I would say I was a little bit nervous then actually (laughs) I just didn’t know how people would take to me being on stage with them, but it was really good, the more I did it the more that I realised that I had nothing to worry about. Everyone was really cool. Also, it’s mainly about the guys and I’m more a side line to it. As much as I do have my responsibility and role in the band, I can walk away from it feeling like I've made an accomplishment but I can relax. It is their band.

You’ve been across the world with these guys, which was your favourite city?
Oh, I loved San Francisco. It’s so full of history, like this place we went, every crawl space was just full of history and memorabilia…it was amazing. But anywhere in the States is really fun. We went to Japan though too, that was really crazy.

I saw that, it looked mental.
Yeah, it was good. I loved Australia aswell, Splendour in The Grass. We met and made friends there, it was cool. It is hard to say all round though.


You have been to so many places, it’s impressive…in the UK though, which was your favourite festival to play?
Glastonbury. Hands down, Glastonbuty. I’d gone to Leeds festival a couple of times before but…

Ofcourse, it’s a rite of passage!
It is! (laughs) I’d played smaller festivals before, ones that aren’t so big over here. But Glastonbury was my first major festival. Being on the main stage, wow, I don’t know, there was nothing like it. I think it’s probably the best festival in the world.

Was it at all overwhelming standing out there in front of thousands of people who worship what you’re doing?
I had to have a word with myself beforehand (laughs) but the anticipation of going on stage is so much worse than being out there. Once I’ve done the first note, I’m fine. It was amazing to see that many people out there though…like 60,000 people?

60,000.
Crazy, overall, so good though.

Would you say you get into a zone or are you overly aware?
I would say at first, like at Glastonbury, I was so aware. But now, you just get used to it...maybe, well no, you're never just used to it. But, I kind of get in bubble. But with Glastonbury was incomparable to another other gigs, it was surreal and crazy reality.

It's not just about The 1975 for you though, you’re also part of other bands, such as The New Standard, how do you find managing your time?
The 1975 are busy a lot, so I guess my other projects are dictated by how much time I’m spending touring with them. But I did have three weeks at home in Newcastle…during that time, I was doing other stuff. With The 1975, it’s a completely different world, whilst with The New Standard it’s much smaller. Just a band that some of my Newcastle friend’s put together, but it’s a really really good band though. I am really proud of The New Standard.

You played a gig the other week, that had a good reception!
Yeah, we did play that smaller gig and it went really well. It was really nice that a few The 1975 fans came down aswell, it really means a lot to us, I'm very thankful, even as a really small band there is a tiny bit of a crossover. 

So who are the New Standard?
Well the full name of the band is actually Stuart Davies and the New Standard. Stuart is a good friend of mine, it was his idea to set it up.I just kinda forced my way in really (laughs) I was like 'wow, that sounds really cool, I'd love to be a part of it'. He sings and plays guitar, there is a drummer called David. He's an amazing drummer from the North East, we have a talented bassist called, Ian... His nickname is Dodge, I never call him Ian (laughs). I knew him from another band I used to play in called Nick Pride and The Pimptones (laughs), wow, they were a really good funk and soul band. Then an amazing jazz pianist, Paul and Liam, with organ fender sounds..it's cool.

What can we expect from you?
The New Standard?
Yeah, gigs?
Hopefully so! It won't be until about the end of December-ish...I'd love to release an EP and have a little UK tour. I'd love that.

I think you'd get a lot of support.
Hopefully, the other night was definitely an eye opener to the fact that having the right people in the crowd is really helpful.

What advice would you give anyone wanting to start their own band?
I think it's good if you can really take your time with a band. Obviously, depending on your circumstances, if you have a family it might be hard, with responsibility... but if you're really young then I'd say allow 10-15 years to properly develop. Does that sound extreme? (laughs)

Well, you're not going to become a rockstar over night.
Exactly! I think maybe there are too many quick fixes these days, with TV game shows, like The X Factor...all be it, it's a success, but that's more a TV show. Good entertainment but I think it's so far removed from what being in band.

It takes away the magic.
Yeah, so I reckon, just don't take too many shortcuts and enjoy what you're doing. The only reason you should be playing in a band is because you love playing in a band, if you're in a band to become famous...well you're a bit of an idiot. I think there are so many ugly connotations attached to 'fame', but being successful that's brilliant. Even if you're not famous and you enjoy being in a band then you'll still feel a satisfaction...and that's what matters.

FAN SUBMITTED QUESTIONS:
CHANE // HONG KONG: HOW IS PERFORMING WITH THE 1975 DIFFERENT TO PERFORMING WITH THE NEW STANDARD AND EXTRA CURRICULAR? 
Mainly, I'd say exposure. The places we play, like from 10,000 to a little bar. I can be in a different country everyday, it's crazy. The fundamentals of playing together are kinda the same, I guess.

GEORGE: ARE THERE ANY NEGATIVES TO NEW FOUND FAME?
I wouldn't really consider myself to have 'fame', as such. It depends on how you look at it, it's so flattering to have even a handful of fans recognize me. But, obviously it's off the back of something already very successful, so it's hard to regard it as my own success. I won't turn my back on it, but I'm enjoying myself. Even if it's a bit overwhelming and taking some getting used to.



EMILY: HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR SPARE TIME?
I really like sleeping and eating...food...yeah, food? I really don't do much(laughs) And chilling out, listening to music!
Music is like food to me...as crazy as that sounds (laughs). I listen to a lot saxophonists, but then other bands...and I really love Paolo Nutini's new album.

It's so jazzy, it's brilliant.
So good, and we met him a few times at festivals and stuff. What a guy! He's so lovely and genuinely humble, I love the guy (laughs).
(Check out his recommendations)

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURTIE ALCOHOLIC DRINK?
I'd say beer, I do like to drink when I'm out. We've had this thing recently, cause I really don't like tequila, but we have a shot of that and then chase it with a shot of pineapple juice. It's weird, cause it kinda neutralizes it...you're still aware you've had a shot, but it's surprising how much it works (laughs)
(at this point I am sad due to the fact my drink is tequila)

ABBY // TENNESSEE: DO YOU HAVE ANY PRE-SHOW RITUALS?
Not really, I just try and get calm, practice, hang out I suppose...but no, I guess not (laughs)It was lovely to speak to the very talented, humble John Waugh, please check out his stuff and keep tuned for the video linked to this which will come out in the following days!
Thankyou for reading!

T H E B A L C O N Y  R E V I E W

You discover a band like this once, or maybe twice, every generation. They're one of those bands that come along and impact your life just when you need them. Each of their songs just speaks to you, to the point that you can lose yourself in their music completely.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you my band of the generation, Catfish and The Bottlemen, with their highly anticipated,debut album, The Balcony.




HOMESICK - To open the album, we start coincidentally with the first song that I ever heard from these lads. We begin with a soft start, a steady tempo and Van's gorgeous, raspy vocals. This tune, about Van's long distance relationship struggles, is the perfect mix of everything you look for in a good song. We have amazing technique from Billy Bibby and Benji Blakeway, pure talent on percussion from Bob Hall and phenomenal lyrics executed beautifully by Van McCann.

KATHLEEN - It's arguable that this is the song which really kickstarted it for Catfish and The Bottlemen. When Radio One added it to the playlist, 'Catfish and The Bottlemen' were on everyone's lips and Kathleen's everywhere were being told they're 'simpatico' on a daily basis. All with good merit though! This song could easily be described as sexy, as we mix together the drums and the vocals to create a perfect harmony.
COCOON - Cocoon is a prime example of the versatility of this band. Cocoon and Kathleen are almost a juxtaposition of eachother. It gives the album a kick right in the middle, so you go from dancing about to feeling like you need to tell someone that you love them. A key theme in this album seems to be pursuing love, against all the odds, and it shows in this song. 'Fuck it if they talk, fuck it if they try and get to us' is a particularly prominent lyric in this song- when hearing it played at Leeds fest you could  see how much this song is cherished in today's society. It's a true love song, but one that you can enjoy without feeling that you need a bucket and a box of tissues at hand.

FALLOUT - We then move onto another single, Fallout. This opening of Fallout is much slower than most Catfish and The Bottlemen songs, but this only highlights the beautiful crescendo when drums meets affetto vocals. I'm a big fan of Fallout, it's a belter and half and when you've stood in a crowd and heard hundreds of people singing this and dancing manically, then you'd understand me when I say that this song is one of the most powerful on the album.
PACIFIER - ...'she deffo didn't like that no' is a lyric that I must sing to myself on a daily basis. You know why? Because once you've heard this song once, it will never stop playing in your head. Pacifier has become part of the soundtrack of my life, and I love it! This song has an almost 'The Kooks' feel to it, which doesn't go a miss in the centre of the album. The album version is quite different to the version  I'd heard on EPs, the guitar feels more electric and when the music reaches a climax it's much more distinctive. After, Fallout, the lyrics of Pacifier seem so much more relevant and for some will be much more relatable than say, Cocoon or Business.
HOURGLASS - this song is the most definitely the one on the album that stands out to me and a welcome breathe of  fresh air, it isn't really like anything I've ever heard from the lads. We start off with a little sigh and spoken from the gorgeous (new drinking game: one shot everytime I describe Van McCann as gorgeous, guaranteed results) Van McCann, then some acoustic gutair. However, we have typical, sexy lyrics, with almost a humourous, yet utterly adorable, twist. We get 'I struggle at night with dreams of fucking you all the time'  and 'I wanna call them stupid shit' paired with, 'I wanna bring you home myself'. The vocals in this chorus are harmonized beautifully, which really reminds me Radical Face's, Welcome Home...is there anything this band can't do?
BUSINESS - Business is really relatable song, particularly if you've ever been in one of those situations where you just crave someone's presence- despite all their flaws, because to you all they aren't flaws at all. Billy Bibby's skills really shine through on this song, going to show how well the dynamics of this band work together. Anywhere else on The Balcony, so the placing of this song is perfect.

26 - Another new song on the album is this one! I'm a big fan of the opening of this song, I can see it being a house party favourite/one of those 'dance-around-your-bedroom-in-your-underwear songs. Again, this is a very drum prominent song, which deals with growing up with a relationship that still seems quite immature. Hence, the title, 26. I'm a big, big fan. 

RANGO - unlike, Pacifier and Tyrants I don't think that Rango has changed much for The Balcony. We're still given The Wombats' (dare I say it?!) backing vocals in contrast with heavy drums from the very, talented Bob Hall. Rango will always remain a favourite!
I'm actually surprised that it hasn't had more attention already!
SIDEWINDER - I'm so so happy that this belter made it on the album, instrumentally it's much more heavy. We are given a beautiful hooks by Billy and Benj and gorgeous lyrics from Van McCann, who's vocals seem more polished in this version
. 'I want to endorse you, I want you to exhaust' is what I would have tattooed on my soul...if that was a thing...which it isn't...but do you see what I mean?
TYRANTS - this song remains my favourite song ever, it's much different to the version that I'm used to. However, this version is much softer and more delicate, especially to begin with- but man, oh man, it works. It makes the lyrics seem more prominent and when we reach the crescendo, after 'let's hit the ground' you really yourself becoming absorbed by the power that this song gives. It's a brilliant way to end a brilliant album.

Star Rating: *****