Surving Uni Playlist

Another year at uni, another uni playlist.

Yes, we are back! Back at uni, back to 'more regular posts' and back to our lives post-festival season.

After how well received last years university playlist was, we decided to make another featuring brand new tracks, new artists and some old favourites.

We call these our 'uni playlist' because we've written up both playlists during lecturers. It doesn't matter whether you're in your second year like us or are just starting first year or you're still at high school about to write your dreaded UCAS statement or not in education at all.

Whether you want to drown our your lecturer, want something to aid your procrastination, want something to play loudly and annoy your neighbours with or just want help in creating your reputation as the person who always plays good music, this playlist is from us to you. Enjoy.

Tenement Trail 2017: 3 Must See Acts

One of the countries best new music events is back for its fifth year. Of course, we're talking about Tenement Trail.

 

Summer is officially over - R&L 2017

Summer is officially over. How can we be so sure? Reading and Leeds finished yesterday.

 

So, how should we welcome autumn? Spend the season watching Reading and Leeds highlights (and of course buy tickets to next years festival).

Reading and Leeds 2017

As usual, the British summer has been a let down but the Reading and Leeds line ups this year make up for it. 

 

Featuring You Me At Six, Kasabian, Mallory Knox, Rat Boy, The Amazons and over another 40 of our favourite live acts, we're actually quite glad we traded our our summer sunshine for this years line up.

We love both festivals so much but for another year we aren’t at Reading or Leeds. No, we’re still in Glasgow. 

But if you’re like us, not in the middle of a field surrounded by strangers but are at home (or even on holiday), you can still pretend to yourself that you’re there in spirit and watch everything online via BBC Iplayer. 

The Albums We Cannot Wait For

Whilst everyones still talking about the Killers come back, the new Arcade Fire album or are still in the process of playing Kasabians 'For Crying Out Loud' a bit too loudly to celebrate its release, we're already looking ahead to some of our long awaited releases all due in the next four weeks.

Summer Playlist 2017

We are playlist people. (You probably already know that.)

Tenement Trail 2017 - More Artists Announced

The slightest glimpse of this years line up should have any new music lover weak at the knees.

 

 

Hitting it out of the park may be a slightly American expression for us to use, but it's exactly what Tenement Trail has done with this years line up.

Turning 5 Years Old

On June 30th 2012 we had the idea to start up a blog. At the time, we never knew of any other bloggers, we didn't realise how big the online world was and we had no idea how much of an impact our descision to create a blog would have on us. 

It's been five year and all we can say is thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Glastonbury 2017: Who You Don't Want To Miss

It's that time of year again. Glastonbury is finally upon us. In two days time, one of the UK's biggest music festivals kicks off once again at Worthy Farm for its 47th year.

Why You Need To Be At XpoNorth 2017

Later this week, XpoNorth returns to Inverness and brings with it over 200 delegates, ranging from game designers and multi-industry reps to fashion designers, writers and musicians.

New Music : 28/05/17

For the next few weeks, we’re focusing on UK acts. Not to ignore the rest of the great new music out there, but we hope you understand our reasoning.

 

The heartbreaking Manchester attacks six days ago left us speechless. The event came as a huge shock to us all, and as frequent gig goers, we questioned our own gig habits. Then we decided to stop.

 

We decided not to live in fear. We chose to go to Slam Dunk yesterday and we are still writing about music today. No one can stop us from doing what we love. No one should be made to feel unsafe anywhere, especially not at gigs and live music events, which are supposed to be celebrations of artists, musicians, new albums, band break-ups and a time to share your love for music with other people. You shouldn’t be made to feel scared. (If you want to know our thoughts on the horrendous event you can read our full post here.)

 

Now more than ever do we need to celebrate and fall in love with our music.

Tenement Trail 2017 - Initial Line Up

The best night in Glasgow for live music returns for another year - Tenement Trail is back!

 

Slam Dunk 2017

Slam Dunk is tomorrow and we cannot wait for it.

Sitting our hotel room across from Birmingham's NEC, we feel like kids on the night before Christmas. Tomorrow is the day. Slam Dunk 2017.

Our Response To The Manchester Attack

We are in shock. Absolute shock. There is no other way to describe what we're feeling.

Unpredicted. Unsuspecting. Uncalled for? Devastating. Forming full sentences are hard at the moment.

Why are we even talking about the attack? This isn't a political or news blog. We never cover other stories so why this?

Well, we're a music blog based in Glasgow. Doesn't seem as if it has anything to do with Manchester but we do in so many ways. Firstly, an attack on the music scene anywhere hits everyone who loves music and loves going to gigs. In some way, you feel like you can relate in the smallest way to those who have been caught up in the attack. Whether you were there yourself, have been in the venue before, or if you can just imagine how horrible it must be to go through. It does effect us all.

We are constantly at gigs and listening to live music. Just the night before, we were watching Declan McKenna play his headline gig in King Tuts. Just the night before, we were at a gig and felt safe. The thought of a music venue being attacked was at the back of our minds.

The horrific attack at the Bataclan in Paris, less than two years ago did have us shaken for a month or two, but we slowly returned to feel safe at gigs. I guess we saw the Paris attack as a one off and very unlikely to happen here in the UK.

We were proven wrong.

The Manchester arena attack is still difficult to think of. An attack which has claimed the lives of so many. Further still, it has caused life-changing effects for thousands of people. How do you survive such an attack and feel safe again, all the time knowing it could have been you? How do you live your day to day life never mind venturing near a venue or gig again without being reminded of the horror you were caught up in?

We were not at the gig, nor were we in Manchester at the time. We watched the story break and unfold on social media and on the news. Fixated to the screens, hoping it was a false alarm. Hoping it was an accident, something going wrong and not deadly. When the official statements were released we felt sick. Who could do such a thing and why? Why attack music? Why attack the people who are just going to see their favourite singer live? Why break apart families, cause such distress and heartbreak for those involved and those not? Why bring such horror to a safe and celebrated place?

Something we see time and time again, is our resilience. Whether in the UK or somewhere else in the world, we see genuine people come forward and help. We see people stop what ever their doing in their own lives and help other people. In the worst of moments, we come together.

Manchester is a proud city. It's a city full of talent and celebrates it when ever possible. It's a city steeped in music and history. Nothing can break its pride nor its people. The UK as a country shows this sense of pride and resilience. As an island nation which jokes about its weather and left the EU in a bid to show it is strong enough to stand alone, nothing can break us.

We don't come from Manchester, but many UK cities share similarities. You can't take our love away from us. Whether its sport or politics or NHS or music - if we love it, no one can take it from us.

The way the country has reacted to this attack is unbelievable. You hear stories of emergency responders saving lives on the scene, taxis drivers giving free rides, hotels letting out empty rooms for free and becoming safe places for the lost and injured. Everything and everyone pulled together to face this horror.

The attack is a tragedy. We can't talk about it without crying. The thought of it being real hasn't even settled in yet. We now understand why people call events like this nightmares. You feel like you might wake up and the event hasn't happened. It feels horribly dream like right now and will for the next few days.

Please, do not let this scare you. We know it sounds ridiculous but please, do not be afraid to go to gigs. Now more than ever do we need to support our music industry.

Gig goers and performers face the same fears but we need to work through this as people who love music, if we ever want to get back to the safeness we felt before. We are resilient and won't let this stop us. We can't live in fear.

As planned, we are attending Slam Dunk on Saturday. The festival is still going ahead, as is Dot To Dot and Radio One's Big Weekend in Hull.


If you do feel unsafe at gigs whether it's because of this attack or other issues, don't be afraid to tell someone. Even if you think something might not happen but it doesn't feel right, tell someone. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Below we've linked the two most important sites at the moment which are of use to anyone confused or caught up in the attack.

Childline (UK) Manchester Attack Help

UK Gov Advice

Airways Debut EP 'Starting To Spin'

Earlier this week, we were given the chance to listen to the debut EP from Airways before it was released. Titled 'Starting To Spin', we've seriously struggled not talking about it.

 

Co-produced by our favourites over in Nothing But Thieves, this EP is everything we could have wanted and more.

Changes Are Coming

Being inactive and quiet is something I'm becoming pretty good at (which is a really bad thing) but things are about to change!

If you haven't been on the website in a while you might not have a clue what I'm talking about but I'm sure you'll catch on.

For seven years this blog has run as an independent alternative music blog (pretty much) without fault. Yes, at times it looks a bit untouched and inactive but I promise something new is always happening. Which is where this new project comes in.

On top of my uni degree and being the sole person keeping this blog alive, I've taken on a big (huge) project, creating, developing and launching my own online magazine.

Working with other writers, photographers, designers, artists and musicians, I'm finally launching Social Sounds later this month.

It has been a mammoth project and surprisingly not very stressful, but the work that has gone into our first issue is pretty insane.

Its release date is still TBC but you'll have it by the end of the month.

If you want to read more you can check out our site and find our pre-release info at -

www.shybutlovesmusic.wixsite.com/socialsounds

(Proper URLs are coming soon!).

March Favourites

I thought it was time to write about the tracks I'm loving at the moment. I've been pretty quiet for the last few months and I'm so sorry about it, but I promise it's going to be worth it. Tomorrow I'm announcing my huge new project, but today as its the end of March, I thought I'd write about some of my favourite tracks and albums from this month.

Debuts We Cannot Wait For

Within the next three months, three debut albums will be released from bands we cannot get enough of. Blaenavon, The Amazons and The Lapelles.

 

Soundcloud Sunday : Eva & The Oak, Bottle Note and Circa Waves

With a collection of new artists, new albums and brand new music, I thought it was about time to revive this neglected series.

 

The Night Cafe : My Sound of 2017

Pretty Vicious were my sound of 2016. Hailing from Merthyr Tydfil, they were the one band I didn't stop talking about all of last year.

 

The small welsh band who played at BBC Introducing's Future Festival last year, are essentially about to let off a small bomb when they release their debut album later this year. With impending riots and chaos due to ensue the day the album drops, if the video for Cave Song is anything to go by,  I know they're going somewhere fast.

This time last year, with only one two track EP and a few singles, it was already clear things were going to kick off.

 

That was last year. 

Sound Of 2017

2017 looks to be the year of new music. Small UK bands are about to break through everywhere, festivals are being headlined by last year's favourites and some of our old favourites are back with brand new music.

 

Sundara Karma 'Youth Is Only Ever Fun In Retrospect'

Last week, I bought my first album of 2017. Sundara Karma's debut album 'Youth Is Only Ever Fun In Retrospect.' The album we have all waited for is finally ours to own.

 

Sound Of 2017 Playlist

A new year means new music and 2017 looks to be huge. 

 

Celebrating new and upcoming musicians is what this blog does best. Full of my favourite tracks, from new artists and some old favourites, you've got near three hours of incredible music ahead.

You can check is out on Spotify (linked below) and on January 31st 23:30 (GMT) I'll be crowning my Sound of 2017.

Sound of 2017 Playlist

Interviewing MISS

Every time I create a playlist, there's always a stand out track. It's always a track that I love or a track which grabs a lot of your attention. This time it came curtsey of MISS and their latest track 'Can I Spend Christmas With You?'

 

 

I caught up with the band prior to the track's release to talk about inspirations, their plans for 2017 and what led them to self-produce all of their music.

Playlist For The Holidays

My two favourite seasons for music are spring and autumn. I'm not trying to be awkward when everyone else in the world seems to love summer and winter, but I have my reasons.

 

FØNX

With a debut single as strong as ‘Hit Me Hard’, airplay on Radio 1 and Radio 6, BBC Introducing backing and performances at LeeFest, Barn on the Farm and Isle of Wright, I’m genuinely surprised more people aren’t talking about FØNX.

 

Two days before his BBC Introducing South set, I caught up with FØNX to talk about his new single, inspiration and the problems the music industry faces online.

Uncertainty : T In The Park 2017

Soundcloud Sunday : Eric Frisch

In my almost mourning state, I came across a video and band which reminded me of the two bands I championed in 2013. With a sound similar to Two Door Cinema Club and group, not-so-serious videos like Vampire Weekend, Eric Frisch just may have became my new favourite musician.

 

 

Soundcloud Sunday : Bitter's Kiss

I've found my way back onto the Soundcloud and straight onto Bitter's Kiss.

Getting Through Uni Playlist

I get very bored at uni. Even in a course I love, there is alot of time where I find mysef day dreaming or having a spare two hours to do nothing with between lectures. Naturally, I turned to music, this blog and decided to make a playlist encapsulating everything I'm currently listening to. (Of course, if I find other tracks I love I'll be adding them in too.)

 

Aptly named, my 'Getting Through Uni Playlist'.

Younger, Louder And On The Rise

In a small crowded room in Glasgow, I watched my favourite band take to the stage. The same band who I had spoken to earlier in the day, were about to play in one of the most historic music venues in the UK.

 

01/09/2016 Explained : Viola Beach

"What is your opinion on Viola Beach and their debut album? Do you think the right thing to do was release it to the public?"

The bands Maida Vale Session for BBC Introducing was my only time to hear them play live. Before I had watched their Sofar Session, days after it was published, and I love it but Madia Vale was broadcasted live, in real time. In all honesty, I didn't realise how good they were until that night. Up until that point, I had heard of them and knew the track 'Boys That Sing'. It was an 'earworm track', a song I couldn't get out of my head. Hearing that song live at Maida Vale proved to me how good they were. The session itself won me over. Once again, it made me remember why I love small bands, like Viola Beach. The bands who need to work their way up through tiny venues and are nowhere near sold out gigs. People who take music seriously but don't take themselves as seriously. The bands who have something to prove. The people who are content with a small gig and a tiny audience, as long as the audience enjoys it.

Crowded Stages and Chaos

01/09/2016

It's a new month.  

 

Reading And Leeds 2016

 

 When does summer end ? For me, its the end of Reading and Leeds.

 

New track. New album. Same old You Me At Six.

938 days since their last release You Me At Six are back with a new single, new album and new(er) sound.

 

 

The Return Of You Me At Six

I have not written about this band in a long time. Mainly because they disappeared last July after the tweet, 'We'll Be Back'.

 

And true to their word, their back.

Summer Playlist

Photo : Samantha Karys for Shybutlovesmusic

To be honest I have no idea where half of this year has went. It has been a huge year for music with so many new releases and debut albums. After the somewhat success of my first summer/holiday playlist I decided it was time for another.

Hide & Seek Interview

Photo : Hide and Seek

Earlier this year I came across Hide & Seek. With only two live demo tracks on Soundcloud and a few videos on Youtube, it felt like a tease to say the least. I instantly wanted to see them live and, alike so many other fans, needed more music. 

 

Then their debut EP was announced.

Skateparks and Sunshine - Summer 2016 Playlists

Even when leaving, 'the Golden Coast' taunted me with its abundance of skateparks and sunshine and in a time zone eight hours behind my home, I decided that would be the final name for my collective playlist. 

 

T In The Park 2016

We waited. We anticipated. We looked forward to another year at Strathallan Castle with a huge line up. And now the gates are open.

Model Aeroplanes Interview

Pretty Vicious Its Always There New Video

 

 Crowned as my Sound Of 2016, Pretty Vicious haven't failed to deliver. 

 

The Ride Next Week

This time next week Catfish and the Bottlemen's second album will be released. The 27th of May has been a date in my diary for a very long time. Just like with the debut, I have it pre-ordered and will possibly again shed a tear when it arrives.

Quiet recently I was asked if I want another album from the band. At first I was sort of in shock from the question. Of course I do, was my obvious answer. I was then asked 'would a second, third or fourth album ever top 'The Balcony'?' That's when I fully understood the questions.

I have said it before, The Balcony is one of my all time favourite albums. In a (good) way it shocked people. The small Welsh band with the funny name from Llandudno produced this incredible debut album which competes very easily with some other musicians second and third albums. Nothing will be better than The Balcony for me. The Ride may be an incredible album but The Balcony is special, to me, beyond the music engraved and encased on every CD and vinyl.

There's not much I can say about 'The Ride', mainly because it isn't out yet, but so far from tracks like Soundcheck and Twice, I'm looking forward to it. It won't be The Balcony but it will resemble it somehow and I'm pretty excited for it. In a way I would love for it to be 'different'. A bit more experimental and not just an extension of The Balcony.

I've always written about how genuine this band are. There's the running joke that it isn't a Catfish and the Bottlemen concert if Van McCann doesn't say thank you 100 times accompanied with a long speech and some sort of mention of Ewan McGregor (viably or audibly). I just hope their genuineness and love for music isn't lost.

They have this passion for music which at very gig creates an atmosphere which is second to none. There are moments during their gigs where the crowd goes mental, from the start of Pacifier all the way through Cocoon to the very end of Homesick. There is a rawness and a shared excitement reverberated in the crowd being happy to completely loose themselves. However, when the crowds calm down, when Hourglass starts and all the camera lights and lighters come out, that rawness is still there. That excitement still exists, just softened and put on hold by McCann playing acoustically. A new album is great but to really know it and love it, you need to hear it live. (Yes I'm hoping for another UK tour at some point soon.)

The day 'The Balcony' was released I played every Catfish and the Bottlemen song I owned. There were only six songs. Six songs I adored. Six songs which made me put so much faith in this band. Six songs which won me over. This time next week, when waiting for 'The Ride', I won't have six songs to listen to. I will have an incredible debut album which went gold. An album which has won so many people over. The album which changed everything. The Balcony.

Study Leave 2016 Playlist

 

 

Four weeks. Four exams. No school. Its that time of year again.

Interviewing Alicewell

If there is one unsigned band who belongs at Reading and Leed's this year, it is this band. 

 

Earlier this month I caught up with the band to talk about influences, favourite tracks and what's next for this breaking-out arena-ready band.

 

Finally, We Can Own Cave Song

Crowned as my Sound of 2016, my Welsh favourites, Pretty Vicious, have finally released the Cave Song as part of their new EP.

 

Hevy Fest Is No More

Enter Shikari were set to headline and the announced line up included Neck Deep, Creeper and While She Sleeps. Now its all gone as we loose Hevy fest.

It's Time To Get Excited : Glastonbury

The line up for Glastonbury was announced just over a week ago and it is incredible, featuring the likes of The 1975, Muse, Jack Garratt, Jake Bugg and Hinds. Of course out of the line up I have my absolute favourites.

 

 Below are a few of my favourite acts who you can catch live this year at Glastonbury and why they are worth seeing live.

JAKL Interview

Catching Up With Brave Baby

Late last summer I stumbled across Brave Baby's 'Electric Friends' album. Barely knowing three songs on the album I instinctively bought it. The artwork alone is something to own proudly.

 

Luna Rosa Interivew

I think their one of the most exciting bands in the world right now. Impossible to hate and addictive, a small band with a big sound who could quiet easily be part of the soundtrack to this summer.

 

Viola Beach: The Next Big Thing ?

Young, talented and ready to take on the world Viola Beach may just be the next 'big thing.' 

As We Once Were Interview

 Alternative pop-punk boys (and girl) As We Once Were are on road to becoming the next big band from Illinois. With a tendency to tell jokes on social media and dreaming of Warped Tour, they might just become your next favourite band. 

"Success isn’t an overnight sprint, it’s a marathon made up of small accomplishments added up together."

Narrow Plains Debut Album Review

Last time I spoke to Narrow Plains the band where in the waiting period, between recording the album and its release scheduled for this year. I have waited along time for this album, and now its finally here.

 

When Thieves Are About Interview

Things don't come easy in this world, and maybe When Thieves Are About effort is about to pay off as they seem to be nearing the edge of something huge. 

 

 

 

Already playing alongside Man Overboard and We Came As Romans this band are destined headline Vans Warped Tour, and on the way will become your new favourite band.

 

 "We play music you don't like in places in you don't visit."

 

 

 

Soundcloud Sunday - Fox Chapel

Nearing the end of last year I came across Fox Chapel. Like something out of an indie summertime haze, I instantly found a band I adored.

2016

Sound Of 2016 : Pretty Vicious

Pretty Vicious. 

 

My (slight) obsession of this year. 

 

My sound of next year. 

 

Sound Of 2016 : The Sherlocks

Hailing from Sheffield and made up of brothers, The Sherlocks seem to be the perfected British indie band.  

 

Sound Of 2016 : Neon Waltz

I fell in love with Neon Waltz when Bare Wood Aisle was released and it became one of my songs of the summer.

Narrow Plains Explain Themselves

There is an indie three piece from London, Narrow Plains, who I love but can't even begin to explain. Earlier in the year I thought it would be best if I got them to help explain themselves.

 

First of all, who are you ?

We are Narrow Plains. An acoustic-indie, trio based in London, consisting of Charlie Ferriday (guitar/vocals), Stuart Connick (drums/back-up vocals) and Roger Connick (bass/back-up vocals).

Is there any meaning behind the name 'Narrow Plains' ?

Narrow Plains doesn’t really mean anything special – we just liked the sound of the words together and thought that it fitted our type of music.

Who are your influences as a band ?

There are lots but we all love to listen to acts like Goo Goo Dolls, Ben Howard, Newton Faulkener, Mumford, Bon Iver.

The most difficult part for me as a music blogger is trying to describe a bands style/sound. What would you describe your sound as ?

We call it “acoustic-indie” but our music probably crosses a few genres and many people term our music “folk rock”. We just try to write and perform songs that are acoustic-based, have strong lyrical content and are fairly simple and straightforward in terms of the melody.

 

As a sound comparision, what other bands have a sound similar to yourselves ?

That’s a bit difficult for us to say but we are really honoured to have been compared to some great modern artists, like the ones I mentioned and Ed Sheeran. Also even to other amazing artists like Bob Dylan and Simon and Garfunkel.

2015 is quickly coming to a close. A year of big festivals and huge announcements in the world of music. What was 2015 like for you as a band ?

It has been a brilliant year! There have been a lot of exciting things for us, like winning the Hard Rock Rising competition at the Hard Rock Café in London. We also won a US-based talent competition, Bands4Good and got the chance to go over to North Carolina and record with John Davenport at his Deep River studios.

We have also signed an album deal with Smart Indie and have spent a lot of time in the studio recording our debut album. This has meant though that we didn’t have as much time to play live so we are all looking forward to getting out on the road next year and sharing our new songs with audiences.

Your an upcoming band with a lot going on. As you mentioned, you haven't toured much this year, so what has been the best show you've played so far and what is your ideal venue/festival to play ?

We have been fortunate enough to play a lot of great gigs at places like The Cavern Club, 100 Club and Barfly as well as a lot of festivals. However, our favourite show to date was at O2 Academy in Islington. It is a great venue and a very special audience who really supported us and sang along to all our songs. We are playing the same venue for our album release show and hope that will be an even better experience!

There are a lot of amazing festivals but for us the pinnacle would be to play at Glastonbury. We have all been there many times as fans and seen some brilliant acts. It would be amazing to play there!

Glastonbury's your pinnacle place. Who would be your perfect band to play alongside ?

Any of those great bands and acts we mentioned before (Goo Goo Dolls, Ben Howard, Newton Faulkener, Mumford, Bon Iver, Ed Sheeran) would be a dream to play with!

All great musicians and bands. What advice would you give to bands who are just starting out, earlier in the music making process than yourselves ?

We would just say that it’s important to stick at what you do best and keep working to improve.

Is being in a band all you thought it would be?

Being in a band has been a great creative experience but has also been a lot of hard work. We do look forward to every new challenge though.

Talking of new challenges, the new years coming quick. Do you have anything planned for 2016 ? Any challenges to overcome ?

Well, our debut album is due out in January 2016 so that will obviously be the major event for us. We will release another single ahead of the album (our double A-side single So Rewind and Keep You Anyway will both feature on the album but we have recorded new versions). Then we will have to see how the album is received before we can really make any other definitive plans to tour and so forth.

Finally, what would you like to say to your fans?

We are really grateful to all our friends, followers and fans for all the amazing support they give us as a band. We love playing to and recording music for people who really appreciate our songs. We really hope that you all enjoy our new songs on the album.

Don’t forget that our debut album is coming out on the Smart Indie label in January 2016!

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Two Yeak Break Interview

This year I've fell in love with so many bands and musicians. Some brand new, unheard of and unsigned. Others are supporting huge headline bands, making a name for themselves on an international level. 

 

 

 

Pretty Vicious Are You Ready For Me Video

This year there's been a lot of bands I've gotten excited about, none more than the Merthyr boys, Pretty Vicious.

Earlier this year National Plastics was crowned BBC Radio Ones Track of The Day and now, its happened again, this time with Are You Ready For Me, on the day of the videos release. 

Their young, incredibly talented, creating outstanding music and bringing to life the indie sound your going to love.

If you haven't already please check this band out. I write about them a lot, but for a good reason. So many bands don't sound this good in their careers, never mind at a collective age of 18.

My definite Sound of 2016.

Pretty Vicious Hottest Record In The World

My favourite band once again are Welsh, this time its Pretty Vicious. Hailing from Merthyr Tydfil with a collective age of under 20, Pretty Vicious are going to be huge next year.

Strange Behaviours Returns For Another Year

Can you blame me for planning to head back through to Stirling for this year's Strange Behaviours Festival?

 

Brightlight City Interview

 

Brightlight City are the only band I have ever come across who sound similar to so many other bands, while having their own sound. I find it just incredible.

The start of 'Reaction' could slot into Fall Out Boys Folie A Deux album. 'The Finish Line', with a few changes could be a You Me At Six single. There's hints of Biffy Clyro and Jimmy Eat The World's sound. I just find this band mesmerizing. Instinctively I knew I just had to talk to them, to discover their influences and who they see themselves like.

Here's what happened when I caught up with Brightlight City, where a shared love for Biffy Clyro and the quest for world domination ensue.

Interivew With SIRACUSE

SIRACUSE. A play on the name of one of Sicily's most beautiful cities, providing the sound of the British adolescence. 

 

Originally the sound of the 1990's, but seems to be flourishing as more and more people seem to be reminiscing, or listening to their parents music. Bands such as Oasis and The Verve are made legend once more, by the children of those who saw them live.

 

Although many new bands try, few can create the hallowed 'indie alternative' sound. However SIRACUSE have not only managed it, they've amalgamated it and made it all their own. 

 

SIRACUSE are more than a band, lost in the sound of the 1990's, their on track to become something incredible. 

 

Firestate Interview.

Soundcloud tricked me with this band. Open as a background app, Soundcloud threw me a curve-ball, 'World Burn' by Firestate. I genuinely thought this was a new song from Lower Than Atlantis or We Are The Ocean. It wasn't until the final few seconds of the song, where I wanted to find the name of the song, did I realise it was in fact Firestate.

Interviewing The Voluntears

The original indie rock sound of the Arcitic Monkeys might be lost as Alex Turner seems to diverge from his bands original sound, however The Voluntears may be able to win over the fan bases hearts.

Like A Drug by Pleasure House. Incredible.

Championed by BBC Introducing, with gorgeous vocals and addictive melodies, Pleasure House are the next big thing.

Interviewing Ravellas

While spending my summer on Soundcloud, I came across Ravellas. I fell in love with this bands only single at the time, 'Momentos and Coke', and since then every release has been perfect.

 I've had a rant a couple times about this band and earlier this week I had the absolute joy of Mac, lead vocalist, guitarist and 'chief', take me through the pre-chaotic world of Ravellas, which consists of S-club 7 fused with the Arctic Monkeys and a lack of Liam Gallagher.

Sunday Playlist : Nothing But Thieves

 

[own edit of debut album cover]

Nothing But Thieves Debut Album Is Only Hours Away

  Its been a long year since I first heard Nothing But Thieves. Purely by chance I stumbled across them. I liked them. They seemed anthemic but with an acoustic quality. Ready for huge world tours yet no one had really heard of them. 

BBC Introducing 2015 Sucess and Going Stateside

 

BBC Introducing is special. This year more than ever, Introducing has came into its own, and maybe its the 'real way forward.' What started in Britain may be able to expand the music industry, far beyond our weather-beaten shores.

Introducing Two Year Break

 

When a bands website says 'Locked away writing music - more to come in 2016' I get pretty excited. 

 

When its a band like Two Year Break who promise this, excitement isn't the word to describe it.

 

 

The Q Awards 2015

 

Every year the Q awards highlights the best talent in the music industry. The 2015 awards however will be tough as it has been an incredible year of music.

UK Vans Warped Tour

The Vans Warped Tour returns to the UK on the 18th of October in London's Alexandra Palace.

Soundcloud Sunday ft. Avion Roe and Firestate

Avion Roe were always destined to be big. Three consecutive Vans Warped Tours, Kellin Quinns support and being signed by Epitaph Records sped up their propulsion into the spotlight. 

Sunday Soundcloud ft. Bad Ideas, Duck House and FRANKLIN

I get side tracked pretty quickly. Researching a tiny piece of information for an essay becomes hours on Soundcloud, 3 posts, a bit of editing and not having the information I started off looking for. This week was no exception.