Lets sum up the modern music blogger in a simple conversation between my imaginary friends Dave and Steve... Steve is the blogger Dave is the musician..
Dave : "Hey Steve, guess what!"
Steve : "What??"
Dave : " 2 + 2 is 4"
Steve : " Woah man wtf !!!"
Dave : " I know right"
Steve : "Dave you just blew my mind! you're a fucking genius... I gotta tell everyone about this"
There we have it... an idiot being impressed by an equally unimpressive idiot!
Problem is these days any idiot can pick up an instrument learn 3 chords bang out a beat, go buy some followers online and follow a bunch of attention seeking idiots who don't have the capacity to play an instrument but have enough about them to either write a blog or string 140 characters together to create a tweet.
The problem grows worse because when we look down the chain of bottom feeders online we discover an even fouler being!! this is the idiot who lacks the ability to play an instrument or even blog or tweet. All these plebs can do is follow the other idiots and listen to what they're told and spread the word like some kind of disease hahaha :)
And this nicely sums up the modern music blogger!
Don't get me wrong, there are some fantastic bloggers out there whose
life purpose is to find those golden nuggets in the mountains of shit
(and they generally do). The problem is there are one hell of a lot of
retweeters who can only see Shit Mountain.
Stop being so impressed with these mediocre bands who can't write a song if their lives depended on it! you're really killing the entity that you are so foolishly trying to back! and all the while ignoring the amazing music that is being made by tiny handful of actual talented musicians that deserve to be heard.
I challenge you all only find 1 band to champion in the next week and tell the world about them and them alone not the 100,00 bands you may tweet or share in the meantime.
This is exactly why I write this blog and do my podcast because I refuse to even bother writing about mediocre bands.. you know why, it's not about me or how cool I hope you think I am, it's all about the recognition of unadulterated talent that isn't getting heard because of the saturated feeds full of shit music that you're told to listen to.
I've been doing this for about 12 months now and I can't think of more than about 20 bands that are AMAZING and most bloggers would tweet that in a week!!
So get your heads out of your ass give em a wobble and stop being led down the path by a gaggle of idiots.
Check out these talented musicians and then please tell me I'm wrong!!!
Streamline - https://soundcloud.com/streamlinegrimsby
Second Biggest Pen In The World - https://soundcloud.com/secondbiggestpen
Dead Dreams - https://soundcloud.com/dead-dreams-1
Flying Hour - https://soundcloud.com/tf-h
Lost Cassettes - https://soundcloud.com/lostcassettes
Holy Coves - https://soundcloud.com/holy-coves
Tesla Coils - https://soundcloud.com/tesla-coils-music
Grim - https://soundcloud.com/grimderry
Ruby Tuesday - https://soundcloud.com/rubytuesdayband
Little White Lies - https://soundcloud.com/little-white-lies
The Hobbyist - https://soundcloud.com/hobbyist-1
Black Tooth - https://soundcloud.com/black-tooth-songs
FaceFish - https://soundcloud.com/wills-facefish
GrassCutter - https://soundcloud.com/grasscuttermusic
Camperols - https://soundcloud.com/camperols
Suno Deko - https://soundcloud.com/sunodeko
To name but a few...
If you want to see Grim, Tesla Coils and Lost Cassettes get down to The Ruby Lounge on Thursday and see some real music!.
Monday, 26 January 2015
Saturday, 19 July 2014
Some Innovation please!!!
So it took us a while to evolve into the walking talking idiots that we are today. When I say a while that period differs hugely depending on what imaginary friend you choose to have or whether you decide to believe the Science folk.
Black Tooth hail from Manchester and how refreshing it is to hear a Manchester band stand out from the white noise that is the Manchester music scene. With a dark yet groovy vibe going on these chaps are really worth a listen. There are 6 songs on their Soundcloud page and all of which offer a unique journey that only Black Tooth can take you on.
The first song kicks off on a happy guitar vibe and it really lifts you up and you know you're in for a treat, it reminds me of classic Beck. This track would be a great driving track imagine a sunny day windows down you get the idea :)
The next track "Polyphonic Blues" has a really gritty sound with a really cool vocal sound over the top, very old school vibe here with cool guitar riffs carrying the song nicely.
As we move through the tracks on the page its obvious these guys are very talented song writers each track is catchy and gets stuck in your head. I'd say there's a little bit of all my favourite bands in Black Tooth from The Brian Jones Town Massacre to Bowie.
Overall a perfect example of an innovative band that refuse to conform to the "Copy and Roll" movement.
You know a great band as they can lift your mood with a great riff or a simple hook.Black Tooth are definitely resident in my "Great Bands" category and I would highly recommend a listen and even better go check them out live @ The Eagle Inn in Salford on the 26th of July you won't be disappointed.
- Archeologists estimate that modern humans have been on the Earth for about 200,000 years
- According to Bible scholars--by estimating the generations given, the time would be about 4000 years for the Old Testament and about 2000 years for the New Testament--approximately 6000 years
So which ever path you take your'e looking at quite some time! Now looking back over time not a lot has changed... we still fight over land and whose imaginary friend is the best and unfortunately this will probably go on for the next 200,000 years.
So it's agreed we evolve but we don't learn much? I'll take that as a yes for now :)
approximately 60 years ago a new phase in our evolutionary journey, Rock and Roll was born. And as always this was greeted with frenzy and awe as something entirely original had been born. When in reality it was derived from Rhythm and Blues so another example of nowt new going on here :)
I bring this to your attention as the "Rock and Roller" 60 years on is still on the same blinkered path of "Copy and Roll" much like his forefathers.
Now there have been some visionaries along this "Copy and Roll" journey and they have paved the way for new musicians to be brave enough to try to be different. Not all of them have succeeded mind you but its better to try and fail than conform and in my opinion.
This brings me onto my next band that I would like to bring to your attention -
Black Tooth
Black Tooth hail from Manchester and how refreshing it is to hear a Manchester band stand out from the white noise that is the Manchester music scene. With a dark yet groovy vibe going on these chaps are really worth a listen. There are 6 songs on their Soundcloud page and all of which offer a unique journey that only Black Tooth can take you on.
The first song kicks off on a happy guitar vibe and it really lifts you up and you know you're in for a treat, it reminds me of classic Beck. This track would be a great driving track imagine a sunny day windows down you get the idea :)
The next track "Polyphonic Blues" has a really gritty sound with a really cool vocal sound over the top, very old school vibe here with cool guitar riffs carrying the song nicely.
As we move through the tracks on the page its obvious these guys are very talented song writers each track is catchy and gets stuck in your head. I'd say there's a little bit of all my favourite bands in Black Tooth from The Brian Jones Town Massacre to Bowie.
Overall a perfect example of an innovative band that refuse to conform to the "Copy and Roll" movement.
"Innovative songs executed perfectly"
You know a great band as they can lift your mood with a great riff or a simple hook.Black Tooth are definitely resident in my "Great Bands" category and I would highly recommend a listen and even better go check them out live @ The Eagle Inn in Salford on the 26th of July you won't be disappointed.
Thursday, 17 July 2014
It's been a while
So we return to the stage next Friday. I'ts been a while I hear you cry? and rightly so it certainly has! well we have some new tunes and so forth to kick us back off into the dark dingy murky world that is the "Unsigned Manchester Scene" where Oasis/Stone Roses rip off bands are playing every venue and the zombie audiences act like they've never heard such original music before!!
Wake up folks there's nowt new going on here....
So for a new phase in our musical journey I am bringing in a new idea into Bands on Bands......
Pre gig blogs where I will do a write up on the bands that we will have the pleasure of playing with in the up and coming shows.
Now this is a brave move!!
The 10's of people that have kindly read my blog over the past year will already understand that I don't have a zombie-esque taste in music so this should be interesting idea :)
Don't get me wrong my intention is not to bad mouth anybody, as there really is no need. We all have different tastes and I bet most of the bands we play gigs with don't like our music, but that's part and parcel of taking your music to the masses! you have to be prepared to take some criticism or a bad reception as some people just don't get good music when they hear it and there's no saving some people :(
So the event - https://www.facebook.com/events/645114512229010
On the lineup we have
Wake up folks there's nowt new going on here....
So for a new phase in our musical journey I am bringing in a new idea into Bands on Bands......
Pre gig blogs where I will do a write up on the bands that we will have the pleasure of playing with in the up and coming shows.
Now this is a brave move!!
The 10's of people that have kindly read my blog over the past year will already understand that I don't have a zombie-esque taste in music so this should be interesting idea :)
Don't get me wrong my intention is not to bad mouth anybody, as there really is no need. We all have different tastes and I bet most of the bands we play gigs with don't like our music, but that's part and parcel of taking your music to the masses! you have to be prepared to take some criticism or a bad reception as some people just don't get good music when they hear it and there's no saving some people :(
So the event - https://www.facebook.com/events/645114512229010
On the lineup we have
- Toy Sparrows
- Zilov Gaps
- Empire Signal
Now lets kick things off with a listen of Toy Sparrows - https://soundcloud.com/toysparrows
First impressions!! Well, great vocals for a start and some great guitar melodies going on here it reminded me of Tracy Chapman "Fast Car" meets Ellie Goulding (if that makes sense) I really like the single "Inside My Head" its a strong pop song and it wouldn't be out of place on the radio at all.
Moving on to the Woodland Creatures demo that's posted here there some little gems that I reckon with the same production as "Inside My Head" these guys could have a strong set of songs! I have had a few listens to "Rex Demo" and that one has definitely got stuck in my head :) I'm looking forward to seeing how they'll be delivered live on the night.....
Moving along we find - https://soundcloud.com/zilovgaps
Well I'll be honest I wasn't sure what to make of these chaps at first, The vocals are really strong and dark with some odd arrangements going on its really different it's like an 80's/early 2000's mashup. There's Synths Guitars and even a Xylophone going on here :) I have to say it's clever music with a story to tell... definitely worth a listen and again I'm really looking forward to the live delivery, as it looks like we're in for a treat of a performance from the frontman Matt Carmody - https://t.co/h6U2sWw9te.
Finally we find Empire Signal - https://soundcloud.com/empire-signal
Now to me these guys have a "Manchester" sound very 90's, I really like the first track "Alive" it has a great energy to it and I reckon this track must go down a storm live.
There are some great tracks on their soundcloud page including "The Greatest Thing" and "Turn Myself Around" I have a feeling these chaps will go down well, and I bet they have a good stage presence going off their sound. As you know we're big bass fans and I'm loving the driving bass on these tracks I'm sure Mark will love these chaps.
Then there's us... :) https://soundcloud.com/unassisted
Overall this stands in good stead to be a great mix of original bands playing some great music! We hope to see you there? or you may want to dust off your leather jacket and join the zombie hoards at an Oasis/Roses rip off fest.
Tuesday, 20 May 2014
FaceFish!!!
We all get fed up from time to time! You may get fed up with your job.. you go get a new job and that is ok for a while then you eventually get fed up of that... you go look for another and start the whole process over again, never really getting anywhere! You may earn more money or get to boss more people around. In the end you still end up right back where you started disappointed and expecting what you think you deserve! Well in all honesty you probably don't deserve to not be fed up because you're a waste of space just like the rest of all the pointless carbon based life forms dribbling and managing not to get killed through a series of small miracles on a daily basis!
Where am I going with this you ask? well let me tell you :) the mediocre and boring people who make up this great society we live in far out number the creative and brilliant members of society! In the grand scheme of things we all fall in to the mediocre category... but, for some reason you're born convinced you belong in the brilliant group... take a good look in the mirror my friend you fall into the first group.... So do I so don't think I'm having a pop at you :)
But...... this is great! you should embrace your mediocrity and enjoy the brilliant people who make the music you love, the books you read and the movies you watch. Without them I doubt you'd have much left to do apart from reproduce and make more mediocre versions of yourself !!!
Now not very often the brilliant members of society are picked up high above the shoulders of the mediocre and declared to be so.... And these chaps I am about to introduce you to should be held aloft and carried into the pantheon of the brilliant.
FaceFish
If you follow my blog you know I don't waste my time talking about mediocre bands. We all know there's plenty of them knocking about ready to bore you to death with their remake of their own favourite tunes! Boooo I hear you cry and rightly so... change the record why don't you? Well that's because they lack the ability to change the record.
Not these chaps. They took the record and threw it out the window :) Imagine I created a particle accelerator and introduced the some T-Rex particles, White Stripes particles, Screaming Trees particles and a pinch of Black Keys then turned it to maximum and let it rip. The outcome would simply be Facefish.....
The music is full of swagger, it's not easy to get this kind of groove/rock vibe going only a handful of bands manage to pull this off with such aplomb. The main ingredients of any band is a frontman with plenty of attitude that you can't help but pay attention to and when Wills starts singing you are immediately caught off guard and your attention is truely caught.
On Soundcloud there are three tracks... in my opinion there should be way more than this:) The first track Heart on Fire starts out with a catchy melody driven by a simple groove on the drums the unique sound of Wills' voice jumps straight in and from there on in you're hooked. The vocal melody drops in and out of the music and followed up by the back end of that dirty guitar riff. Simple but stupendously effective. I found myself having a 'I wish I'd come up with this' moment :)
The track is great what I love about this band is that the tracks don't go where you expect them to and thats a refreshing thing to hear for a change. Nice to see a band going to the effort to do something new.
Track 2 starts off with an even bigger guitar riff and some proper swagger from the bass and drums and another great vocal melody, Not only do you get great music there are some clever catchy lyrics here as well. But yet again the track is taking you by the hand in this direction and then you get swiftly pushed in the other direction and pulled back in to that dirty riff... it's very clever indeed! you must have guessed by now I'm liking these guys!
Sadly the last track kicks in at this point! however I must stress that this is by no means a disappointment :) This track starts out a lush laid back dirty riff and drops back with the vocal dropping in, this just makes it even cooler. This band clearly enjoy what they do and this for me makes them stand out. You can tell, or I think I can tell, when a band takes themselves to seriously and for me that spoils the final outcome.. Facefish have produced three quality tracks that scream confidence and creativity and I look forward to seeing them live.
You know the drill go share, shout and tell the world about this band they deserve it.
Monday, 17 February 2014
We all need a hobby
So it's been a while! how are you? I'm ok, I can't complain.. although I probably will :)
So today I have been on my FA coaching course and I was listening to the head coach talk about young players and how only a very small percentage of them will never make it as professional players, and that's only if they're really lucky or extremely talented. A bleak outlook I know. However, the same applies to us musicians who start a band and have great expectations to make it and become a signed professional. I pondered on this as he went on about something else less profound and I thought back to playing football as a kid and how it didn't matter what the outcome would be, all that mattered was that I was playing football and it was awesome :)
Now this is something we should transfer into our music as musicians, imagine if you didn't give a fuck about making it or how many tickets you sold to the fuckwit promoter that insists you sell 10 or 20 tickets, and just enjoyed the music!!! I mean think about it 99.99999999% of us will only ever achieve a gig in a pub or if we're lucky a support slot at a small 02 academy :) either way what does it matter you won't be here for long so get your head out of your ass and resign yourself to the fact you will amount to nothing and I guarantee you will enjoy the music more than you do now, and stop worrying about how many tickets you sell or how cool you look in your leather jacket IT DOESN'T MATTER :)
So the question is, now you have thrown away your inhibitions what do you go for? something that's been done before or something brand spankers? well we know the majority of us go for the first option (present company guilty)
Well why not go for something completely new?
I'll tell you why most of us don't! it's not commercial mainstream is it! simples conform and go for the norm... it's easier... well some people dare to be different and that's what I like in a band :) and these guys are a prime example -
The Hobbyist
These fine artists are from Chicago and I love the way they piece their songs together it's genius. The riffs build like a huge storm brewing and the lyrics are dark and sinister. Just when you think you have the tune figured out your taken off on a tangent and another journey begins, I'm very impressed with how all the "best practises" are ignored and told to jog on as these guys just go and do what they do best (just what you weren't expected) the best example of this is the following track -
https://soundcloud.com/hobbyist-1/soulless-lies
I tweeted this track about 8 months ago and I still love coming back to it and I just can't get bored of this track : )
I highly recommend listening to the rest of the tracks on this page you won't be disappointed :)
Go on have a break from the norm and see how great it can be when a band go for something new
So today I have been on my FA coaching course and I was listening to the head coach talk about young players and how only a very small percentage of them will never make it as professional players, and that's only if they're really lucky or extremely talented. A bleak outlook I know. However, the same applies to us musicians who start a band and have great expectations to make it and become a signed professional. I pondered on this as he went on about something else less profound and I thought back to playing football as a kid and how it didn't matter what the outcome would be, all that mattered was that I was playing football and it was awesome :)
Now this is something we should transfer into our music as musicians, imagine if you didn't give a fuck about making it or how many tickets you sold to the fuckwit promoter that insists you sell 10 or 20 tickets, and just enjoyed the music!!! I mean think about it 99.99999999% of us will only ever achieve a gig in a pub or if we're lucky a support slot at a small 02 academy :) either way what does it matter you won't be here for long so get your head out of your ass and resign yourself to the fact you will amount to nothing and I guarantee you will enjoy the music more than you do now, and stop worrying about how many tickets you sell or how cool you look in your leather jacket IT DOESN'T MATTER :)
So the question is, now you have thrown away your inhibitions what do you go for? something that's been done before or something brand spankers? well we know the majority of us go for the first option (present company guilty)
Well why not go for something completely new?
I'll tell you why most of us don't! it's not commercial mainstream is it! simples conform and go for the norm... it's easier... well some people dare to be different and that's what I like in a band :) and these guys are a prime example -
The Hobbyist
These fine artists are from Chicago and I love the way they piece their songs together it's genius. The riffs build like a huge storm brewing and the lyrics are dark and sinister. Just when you think you have the tune figured out your taken off on a tangent and another journey begins, I'm very impressed with how all the "best practises" are ignored and told to jog on as these guys just go and do what they do best (just what you weren't expected) the best example of this is the following track -
https://soundcloud.com/hobbyist-1/soulless-lies
I tweeted this track about 8 months ago and I still love coming back to it and I just can't get bored of this track : )
I highly recommend listening to the rest of the tracks on this page you won't be disappointed :)
Go on have a break from the norm and see how great it can be when a band go for something new
https://soundcloud.com/hobbyist-1
Friday, 3 January 2014
Two Thousand and Blerghhhhh......
So 2014 kicks off with a sigh and a fart! what have you all got to look forward to this year? more of the same shit? more of the same mediocre music from the legions of mediocre half wits that create the same shit we've all heard before?
Well I'm sorry to say that unless you get off your fat lazy ass then YES that's what you are in for! If you insist on being spoon fed your opinions and not making the effort to seek out the new and the innovative then I pity you my friend...
All it takes is a moment of curiosity and that spark to go off.... I had that moment this time last year and I finally got off my ass and went looking for something new! I picked up my guitar and started something that I didn't know would go anywhere near as far as it did. We met some awesome new people that went out of their way to help us achieve the goals we set ourselves as a band and we did just that... I'm not having a Jerry McGuire moment here I just think we all need that moment, and that's what the new year is all about. It's not about stopping smoking or drinking, it's about living your life for a change and putting a stop to the mundane. Stop making excuses for doing exactly the same things you've been doing every year. If you don't do new things because of what your friends will think about you then you better pick up the phone and ask them what you're allowed to have for your tea tonight. Stop being pussies and doing whats already been done.
I dare you to do something mad this year and report to me after you have done just that :)
Anyways I digress on to the music -
Little White Lies
I know everyone feels the need to talk about local bands and the "scene" but fuck that when something sounds great then why should that matter???
I tell you what it shouldn't.....
This band hail from Poland and tick all my boxes they are as follows -
1 - Do you sound fucking awesome?
2 - Do you make me want to dance?
3 - Do I wish I had written this?
4 - Do I immediately want to listen to this again?
5 - Do I feel compelled to tell everyone I know about this?
I do hope you concur :)
These guys mix quirky vocals and dirty rocking riffs like someone gave them a recipe book... it just comes across as effortless and I love that. As any good band they have smart lyrics that run along seriously catchy melodies, with a great architecture to each song. The vocals are a mix of haunting and sexy at the same time, you can really hear the emotions in the lyrics.
The guitar work is brilliant. Some times technical and beautiful and other times just down right dirty it really does show off the talent of these two :)
I would spend some time on this page if I were you, you are in for a real treat from the up tempo driving songs like Don't Breathe When I Tell You To https://soundcloud.com/little-white-lies/dont-breathe-untill-i-tell-u to the laid back psychedelic journey that is Farewell https://soundcloud.com/little-white-lies/farewell
Enough from me go listen to them!!!!
you know the score go listen, shout and share
Monday, 28 October 2013
Everyday should be a Ruby Tuesday
Talent!!! - a former weight and unit of currency, used especially by the ancient Romans and Greeks.!! or - natural aptitude or skill.... how do we measure it these days? talent shows or maybe even wait for someone influential to profess a band or individual to be a possessor of talent. I highly doubt its a gift from the gods as it takes many years to develop a skill that can be passed off as a talent :) and never-the-less the being that may hand out such "gifts" would need to exist in the first place!!!!
The reason I bring this up is because of all the chatter I see on a regular basis at this time of year... and the reason for this is the X-Factor.. every year its slotted in to climax just before Jesus' birthday! in the hope of having the mindless zombies go out in their masses to purchase the puppetry that is the potential no 1.... now my main grumble here is not the awful auditions that are just public mockery of the retards that decide they're good enough to win the show! but the discussions you see about the "Talent" that these people must obviously possess to progress through the competition! I ask this "Do they actually possess any talent?" I ask this as I truly don't see singing someone else' song as a talent. If, for example they wrote a quality song and progressed on their own writing and performing talent alone, that would be a different case.
Now any artist worth a shit with any integrity would want to work for their reward in being recognised as a "talent" and not just piggy back there way to the top...
I may add that this is entirely my opinion and not the bands ( well I think so anyway ) and if you disagree... well I'm not bothered as you must be wrong :)
My rant about talent brings me nicely onto these chaps Ruby Tuesday.....
Ruby Tuesday
Now it's hard enough making enough noise as a three piece, but these guys pull it off as a two piece and convincingly so. As soon as you're greeted by the first track on their soundcloud page you know you're about to have a great trip...
The opening of "Fools in Belief" is brilliant the drums and guitar are unleashed in perfect harmony it's such a cool sound... everything I love about music is going on here awesome drums, catchy melodies and sweet guitar riffs its magic :) The groove going on here is brilliant. Then as you're sat thinking about what your ears have just experienced you're straight into an equally massive sound as "Fall" kicks off and it's just as magic the guitar work is brilliant I'd like to have a peek at the pedal board :)
there's no doubt that there is an abundance of talent here that needs to be heard and its up to us to get everyone talking about these guys!
If you love music then get on this and shout about it... you'll soon realise that you won't be able to do anything but :)
Wednesday, 23 October 2013
Hoffman, they will see you now!!
If you've been reading my blog religiously (which I doubt) then you may have noticed that I like to speak my mind... Didn't notice?? well I'm gonna do it again :)
This week I have noticed a huge up turn in these so called packages that allow you to gain a massive "following" for a fee.. Your guess is as good as mine how this is done, but I doubt very much that these are real people that are following, liking and playing for this fee! We have been offered these "deals" on many occasions since our inception. I really don't see the point myself as surely it's obvious to the real fans that this is a ruse of the highest degree. I really don't understand the end goal here either! if this is to impress a label then surely they must be aware of these practices? or even be able to sense that such a talentless gathering of fuckwits couldn't gain such a following even with the help of Yahweh himself. I implore you to please stop this behaviour you are fooling nobody. Go get out there and build your own following it may take sometime but at least it will be genuine...
Right rant over... This week we have discovered a gem :) a genius if you will.... if you like some pure dirty guitar and some emotion, then you my friend are in the right place - Matt Hoffman really does have a unique sound, I'm smitten with this guys vocals they're unreal you won't hear anything like this knocking around. The guitar is brilliant I can tell you from experience trying to bang out a tune on your own the way this guy does takes some balls and talent. I feel compelled to cover one of his tune just to see how much energy it would take :)
The other thing about Matt is the way he throws up a tune and then its gone when you go back for another listen he's like the Banksy of soundcloud. My favourite tune is Rosa it has such a cool riff you can imagine this with a band behind it and you have a huge tune on your hands.
This won't be for everyone but you gotta have a listen and show your appreciation for this - no one else is doing this and boy does he do it well -
Saturday, 19 October 2013
It's getting a bit GRIM around these here parts!!
Well it's been an interesting couple of days to say the least... We had our first gig back after my crippling month out :) It was good to get back out there in-spite of the faulty mic stand that forced me into a whole plethora of new positions that I didn't know I could sing and play the guitar in, but that's life you gotta go with the shit rather than stop and have a moan about it! no one likes a whining bitch after all :)
However I was surprised to be greeted by a middle aged chap who had clearly made little effort to get dressed that day :) When we had been in touch with what seemed to be a lovely young blonde lady via facebook who had nicely invited us to the gig under the pretence that it was a "Record Label" showcase... To be honest we were just happy to have a gig regardless of what kudos the promoter had. However, I find this practice very underhand! Imagine being an impressionable young band being invited out under this pretence only to find you're playing to the bar staff and the "promoter"!! it's not cool...
Anyway I digress it was a fun evening :)
I have wanted to have my say on the following artist since I found about him a few weeks ago. I just haven't found the time ( to my shame ) My good online friend Nessi pointed me in the direction of this chap and I've become an instant fan -
GRIMDerry
Now I'm not sure how this comparison will go down but I'm a massive Bjork fan I find her to be such a refreshing and original artist and I've been listening to her music for over 15 years now. When I first listened to Grim I instantly felt intrigued by his style, for me it's easily as refreshing and original and this is so rare these days. The music is so clever there's so many interesting sounds and melodies at play, its the kind of music you can listen to over and over, and with each listen you discover a new sound or melody you missed the last time. I'm also reminded a lot of the genius that is Beck in Grims music.. I don't know about you but I will genuinely listen to an artist and think 'shit I wish I could make music like this' :) and this is exactly the feeling I have listening to Grim... I can't emphasize enough how much you need to go and give this guy a listen! it's simply brilliant.. and it would be a shame to miss out...
However I was surprised to be greeted by a middle aged chap who had clearly made little effort to get dressed that day :) When we had been in touch with what seemed to be a lovely young blonde lady via facebook who had nicely invited us to the gig under the pretence that it was a "Record Label" showcase... To be honest we were just happy to have a gig regardless of what kudos the promoter had. However, I find this practice very underhand! Imagine being an impressionable young band being invited out under this pretence only to find you're playing to the bar staff and the "promoter"!! it's not cool...
Anyway I digress it was a fun evening :)
I have wanted to have my say on the following artist since I found about him a few weeks ago. I just haven't found the time ( to my shame ) My good online friend Nessi pointed me in the direction of this chap and I've become an instant fan -
GRIMDerry
Now I'm not sure how this comparison will go down but I'm a massive Bjork fan I find her to be such a refreshing and original artist and I've been listening to her music for over 15 years now. When I first listened to Grim I instantly felt intrigued by his style, for me it's easily as refreshing and original and this is so rare these days. The music is so clever there's so many interesting sounds and melodies at play, its the kind of music you can listen to over and over, and with each listen you discover a new sound or melody you missed the last time. I'm also reminded a lot of the genius that is Beck in Grims music.. I don't know about you but I will genuinely listen to an artist and think 'shit I wish I could make music like this' :) and this is exactly the feeling I have listening to Grim... I can't emphasize enough how much you need to go and give this guy a listen! it's simply brilliant.. and it would be a shame to miss out...
You know the rule peeps... go listen (and be in awe ) share and shout about it!!
Wednesday, 16 October 2013
12 Bar Blues
Now as a guitarist there's one thing you learn as your bread and butter, and that's the 12 bar blues!! now you can probably hear that this is the basis for like 80% of all songs since its conception. One thing that's hard to pull off is making the 12 bar blues your own. It's not a simple task, trust me I'm yet to do so myself but there are a few people that have done so... one of my favourites being Red House by Jimi Hendrix. It totally hits the nail on the head... your down on your luck, you've lost your woman and no clue of what to do. It's gotta be one of the best lines when he says " my baby don't love me no more, but I'm sure her sister will" :)
It's a story and an emotion that goes hand in hand and it's such a simple and elegant way to get it across, but at the same time proper hard to get right... Now I stumbled across a great 12 bar blues rendition on Soundcloud about two weeks ago and I've listened to it a few more times since just to make sure it was as good as I initially thought, and it just gets better -
David Harris
This chap hails from Manchester and has quite a unique voice its a great surprise when it kicks in, it's like listening to a young Jagger with such a cool groove. Now as I said before its a rareity to get a great 12 bar blues and this certainly is one of the best I've heard in a long while. If you carry on through the rest of the page there are some equally impressive songs. It must be said you know you're listening to a class act as you journey through the tunes on offer. It's a must for sure.
It's a story and an emotion that goes hand in hand and it's such a simple and elegant way to get it across, but at the same time proper hard to get right... Now I stumbled across a great 12 bar blues rendition on Soundcloud about two weeks ago and I've listened to it a few more times since just to make sure it was as good as I initially thought, and it just gets better -
David Harris
This chap hails from Manchester and has quite a unique voice its a great surprise when it kicks in, it's like listening to a young Jagger with such a cool groove. Now as I said before its a rareity to get a great 12 bar blues and this certainly is one of the best I've heard in a long while. If you carry on through the rest of the page there are some equally impressive songs. It must be said you know you're listening to a class act as you journey through the tunes on offer. It's a must for sure.
Mr Harris is clearly a super talent on the guitar, he offers a really unique sound. I can't say I've heard anything like it for a long time. It's refreshing to hear someone not trying to produce the same drivel as the masses and stand out from the crowd. And, he certainly stands out. For example listen to Cherry Blossom its such a beautiful sound I can hear early Iggy Pop with elements of Floyd and Zeppelin mixed in its brilliant.
You know the score people.... go listen, enjoy, and spread the word.
Friday, 11 October 2013
Mr Piggies Playlist
As some of you may know I recently acquired a new phone... upon receipt of a new phone I normally transfer my music to it so I'm not left in silence on the morning commute. However, with this new one I've decided to try out these streaming apps that allow you the freedom to listen to whatever you like. I was given the choice to download some albums... now being left with a blank search tab and the choice to download any album you want!! hmmmmm..... what would you choose? I went for Electric Ladyland by Jimi Hendrix :) I then downloaded Urban Hymns by The Verve and Circus by Lenny Kravitz and then settled on Zeitgeist by The Smashing Pumpkins.. now you may notice there's nothing new in my initial choices and the same goes for my old iTunes library. This isn't through a lack of trying new stuff but all the new stuff I like is from unsigned bands so I use Soundcloud for that.....
Now this brings me onto the task at hand :) this if you in the unsigned world will be aware of a lovely chap who goes out of his way to help us unsigned bands showcase out stuff and list gigs and so on. Yes I'm talking about Mr SqrPig :) He asked me to put a playlist together for his new project that will hopefully become a regular slot on his site... Well I felt somewhat honoured to get the opportunity to let you guys hear my choice.. To be fair its a hard choice and if you are in a band and feel you should have been picked then I apologise... so here goes -
Playlist
Track 1 - Wham Bam - Round
Now these chaps hail from Russia and are by far the most innovative musicians I've come across on my search for new music - I may add that they are nice chaps as well :) you really should pencil in at least an hour to spend on their page and soak in the genius that lies within, you won't be disappointed.
Track 2 - Streamline - Can You Hear Me Now
If you have been cool enough to keep up with my blog then you will have already heard of Streamline :) - if, however, this is your first time on here then you my friend are in for a treat - Streamline will give your ears a well deserved treat. This track is so uplifting and a hug for the soul I always get a great buzz from this track... when you have finished the playlist go check out the rest of their catalogue its a must.
Track 3 - Mad Robot - Got Talent
Now this band were one of the very first that I stumbled across in my early days of Soundcloud. I have to admit there's something really catchy about these guys they have such a lazy groove its brilliant. The sound they produce takes me back to the 90's indie rock scene that influenced me heavily as a kid and I really love having these guys on loop. They have some quality tracks and I really recommend spending some time with Mad Robot.
Track 4 - Dead Dreams - Moonlight Rider
Now I blogged about these guys the other day and I must say everytime I give them a listen it grows on me more and more. With tones of The Doors, Dylan and even a Manchester indie sound mixed in the music that's happening here is exciting to say the least. Even though its a low-fi sound the music speaks for itself and just goes to show you don't need a big budget and a fancy studio to make great music.
Track 5 - Shoot The Rabbit - Scribble
Now these chaps hail from my home town of Bangor and it's great to see that there's some great new music coming from Wales :) they have some great songs that have great energy, melody and superb lyrics. If you just take time to listen to the lyrics you're in for a treat... again pencil in some time to spend on Shoot The Rabbit and you will easily become a fan.... Ardderchog :)
Track 6 - Lost Cassettes - Beat Motel
My final pick is a no brainer - The Lost Cassettes!!! as soon as this track kicks in it's hard not to be drawn in and start tapping the feet :) what a tune this is. So simple in nature but exceptionally clever at the same time. I love the drums in this track they drive the track perfectly and they lay a perfect canvas for the guitars n bass to have some serious fun here. go check out the rest of their songs you won't be disappointed.
Track 7 - The Unassisted - Revolution
Now don't think in anyway that I'm doing some selfless promotion here, I was asked to include a track of ours so here's a track :) I chose this track as its the latest one we've written. Also as we're currently involved in a Kickstarter project to record an EP and this is the track that we're naming the EP after:) and its a great track to end on.......
I hope you have enjoyed my playlist and I hope I get to make another one for you guys at some point.... Stay tuned to http://squarepig.co.uk/ as I can guarantee there will be some exciting playlists to catch..
Tuesday, 8 October 2013
Not so Dead Dreams
I remember the pre-internet days, you'd have to phone people or even pen a letter to a friend! We'd listen to our favourite tracks on Vinyl or through a Walkman and we certainly didn't have a portable telephone... Now you young-uns may think I must be proper old to recall such cave dwelling, but I can assure you I'm not that old! back in these dark cave dwelling days my best mate and I would record songs on a dual cassette player that had a built in microphone. We'd spend days on end writing songs and listening back to them, some where funny others where anthemic (well we thought so at the time)
These days its all to easy to go and get a laptop with a pre-amp and get some serious quality tracks done at home. For me this is a sad turn of events, it means that even the most mediocre of bands can achieve a decent sound with next to no effort. I mean you can even buy views, plays and followers (fans) for your mediocre minimal effort drivel and look like you're doing well! for me I honestly don't see the point. If you have got the talent this will be evident, even on a tape cassette or a built in microphone on an iPhone.
Anyways I digress....
The point of my rant leads me onto this little gem of a band I came across about 6 months ago on my search for some great music and I hope you agree...
Dead Dreams
As soon as these guys kick off I'm swept back to the pre-internet days of my youth and I feel like I have my Walkman clipped to my belt :) the sound these guys create it just brilliant. It's like some one got a time machine and stole some early Bob Dylan recordings. The music is great with a real retro vibe on the guitars and a positively lazy groove that makes my foot tap uncontrollably. The vocals really standout they go with the way they sit with the lazy groove is a perfect match. With a mere 14 twitter followers these guys are clearly an undiscovered gem that you all need to go and shout about...
You know the rules by now!! go listen, share and shout about it :)
Friday, 4 October 2013
Flying by my socks
A sound!! this is what we're told as musicians we should adhere to. A sound! you know what I mean, as soon as you play a track you can tell who it is! If I played Oasis Wonderwall you'd know that was Oasis straight away.. this is to have a sense of familiarity, as we all love familiarity. I think we often perform at our worst in unfamiliar circumstances or as its now popular to use the term 'comfort zone'... for me I don't perform well if I'm in unfamiliar socks!! odd I know... However, we all have an odd familiarity that throws us at times.. for me its socks :) I really have had some bad times in unfamiliar socks! I'd like to see what you're familiar necessities are in the comments box below (We're all friends here we won't judge :) )
Now you may be asking where I'm going with this!! well let me tell you. If you're like me you will spend hours on Soundcloud searching out some gems. You click on a track and immediately move on if you don't hear the familiar tones you expect or need to enjoy a track. This week I've really tried my best to sit with some tracks and try my best to push past the unfamiliar socks feeling... and sometimes it worked and I really enjoyed some tracks (look to the bottom of the page I will share some links)
After a few uncomfortable listens I stumbled across the band that I hope you will give a few listens to and enjoy as much as I do.
The Flying Hour
This band didn't have to try hard for me to sit and listen to their EP it's great and what I like most is that each track has it's own "sound" it's really great to see a band just go with the flow and just make music without adhering to the norm. You start out with an electric synth popesque song called Captain Howdy, my initial thought was wow this is different trying my best to work out if it was in time! you'll see what I mean when you listen. It's really clever indeed and a great track, definitely deserves a good few listens. They have a great driving sound (They might even make it into my cars CD collection) The second track seamlessly falls off the first track with a grand opening and carries on driving you. I really love the vocals its effortlessly cool with loads of bravado. When you move onto the 3rd track it's simply brilliant a total showcase of this bands musicianship. I highly recommend having a listen to this EP 'Hilltown Sessions'.
Having spent a long time looking for some great music it was a relief to find such a cracking EP hiding in the belly of Soundcloud and I hope you enjoy them as I have :)
Links to unfamiliar socks songs that I gave a chance - I would have normally just carried on searching :)
https://soundcloud.com/bill-speed/mystic
https://soundcloud.com/tanglemint/roadtrip
https://soundcloud.com/joshuathomas/starting-something-rough-cut
Now you may be asking where I'm going with this!! well let me tell you. If you're like me you will spend hours on Soundcloud searching out some gems. You click on a track and immediately move on if you don't hear the familiar tones you expect or need to enjoy a track. This week I've really tried my best to sit with some tracks and try my best to push past the unfamiliar socks feeling... and sometimes it worked and I really enjoyed some tracks (look to the bottom of the page I will share some links)
After a few uncomfortable listens I stumbled across the band that I hope you will give a few listens to and enjoy as much as I do.
The Flying Hour
This band didn't have to try hard for me to sit and listen to their EP it's great and what I like most is that each track has it's own "sound" it's really great to see a band just go with the flow and just make music without adhering to the norm. You start out with an electric synth popesque song called Captain Howdy, my initial thought was wow this is different trying my best to work out if it was in time! you'll see what I mean when you listen. It's really clever indeed and a great track, definitely deserves a good few listens. They have a great driving sound (They might even make it into my cars CD collection) The second track seamlessly falls off the first track with a grand opening and carries on driving you. I really love the vocals its effortlessly cool with loads of bravado. When you move onto the 3rd track it's simply brilliant a total showcase of this bands musicianship. I highly recommend having a listen to this EP 'Hilltown Sessions'.
https://soundcloud.com/tf-h/sets/debut-ep-hilltown-sessions
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Flying-Hour/371484236195995
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Flying-Hour/371484236195995
Links to unfamiliar socks songs that I gave a chance - I would have normally just carried on searching :)
https://soundcloud.com/bill-speed/mystic
https://soundcloud.com/tanglemint/roadtrip
https://soundcloud.com/joshuathomas/starting-something-rough-cut
Wednesday, 2 October 2013
Oi you seen my Cassettes!!!!
In my line of work there's one simple rule.... KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) and you know what, this can be applied to pretty much anything with awesome results. Let me give you a few examples......
- Cooking - over complicate this and you become a pretentious twat!
- Writing a Blog :) - over complicate this and you become a pretentious twat also!
- Relationships - over complicate these and you become a standard twat!
- Getting dressed - over complicate this and you look like a twat!
and if you'd have KISS'd all over these then you my friend would be one well rounded chap/chapette
Now the one place this is applied best is in the fine craft of songwriting, you may have guessed where I'm going with this if you've read any of my previous entries........ and yes you got it right! this brings me nicely on to the next band I want to bend your ear about -
Lost cassettes
Now don't get me wrong keeping it simple when you're writing a song is the hardest thing to do ever! its far to easy to go bonkers and over complicate a song! the Lost Cassettes have an outstanding sound that is beyond catchy. I couldn't help but get immediately hooked on Beat Motel, the guitar and drum work is brilliant and when you throw the vocal over the top its a perfect match. I'm a fan of the old school sound and these chaps pull it off perfectly. you can't help but be taken back to an era when music had an attitude and was meant to get you off your ass and jump around!
If there's one thing you do this week it should be listening to these guys. you won't be disappointed. I'd clear my diary as well, I've heard on good authority that they do a spanking live show to boot.
and finally.....
When you're in a band you're often asked "what/who are your influences? and to be honest its a boring question! The Lost Cassettes could easily be compared to The Clash, The Arctic Monkeys or Joy Division but when I listen to them all I hear is class... We need to move away from this and just appreciate bands for their unique sound and these guys are as unique as you like!
Monday, 30 September 2013
Holy Coves Batman!!!
I'm not sure if you're a fan of listening to your favourite tunes while your driving around in your car? I have to say it's clearly a great way to test to how good a tune is, if you haven't tried it and I can't believe anyone out there hasn't, then my god get out of the box you've been living in and go do it now!!!
Now to make it into my CD collection you have to make some great music. For example there's no Beady Eye or Mumford and Sons getting any air time in my car. You're more likely to hear some Rolling Stones, Smashing Pumpkins or Hendrix as I drive by (at the permitted speed limit of course. I'm not a maniac).. But let me bring an unsigned gem that has made it into my collection. The Holy Coves, now these chaps make driving better than its ever been. I suggest you get this album on CD slap it in the car and go for a drive. The opening bars of the first song really sum up the ride you're in for. It's just a massive sound that drives with elegant guitar riffs that blend with the huge drum and bass sound. The vocals stand out with a passion that tells you that each lyric has been lived, rather than plucked out of some make believe bullshit that's been manufactured to fit the song!
The album is just like the band, no nonsense just a straight to the point attitude that will keep you in their pocket until the last track plays out. For me there are some stand out tracks here in Peruvian Mistake, Whats Happened To You Has Happened To Me and Euthanasia. My favourite of all being Euthanasia, that track just gets totally wedged in my head and replays itself over and over its genius! take note that word will not be used often in the coming weeks. Even if you ignore my advice just listen to that song, and you won't be able to pass up the rest of the album.
All in all this album has had many plays in my car and will continue to do so. If you have an ounce of sense you will go here and listen to this band... http://holycoves.bandcamp.com/album/peruvian-mistake and remember to share and shout about it!!!
Now to make it into my CD collection you have to make some great music. For example there's no Beady Eye or Mumford and Sons getting any air time in my car. You're more likely to hear some Rolling Stones, Smashing Pumpkins or Hendrix as I drive by (at the permitted speed limit of course. I'm not a maniac).. But let me bring an unsigned gem that has made it into my collection. The Holy Coves, now these chaps make driving better than its ever been. I suggest you get this album on CD slap it in the car and go for a drive. The opening bars of the first song really sum up the ride you're in for. It's just a massive sound that drives with elegant guitar riffs that blend with the huge drum and bass sound. The vocals stand out with a passion that tells you that each lyric has been lived, rather than plucked out of some make believe bullshit that's been manufactured to fit the song!
The album is just like the band, no nonsense just a straight to the point attitude that will keep you in their pocket until the last track plays out. For me there are some stand out tracks here in Peruvian Mistake, Whats Happened To You Has Happened To Me and Euthanasia. My favourite of all being Euthanasia, that track just gets totally wedged in my head and replays itself over and over its genius! take note that word will not be used often in the coming weeks. Even if you ignore my advice just listen to that song, and you won't be able to pass up the rest of the album.
All in all this album has had many plays in my car and will continue to do so. If you have an ounce of sense you will go here and listen to this band... http://holycoves.bandcamp.com/album/peruvian-mistake and remember to share and shout about it!!!
Thursday, 26 September 2013
Our First Guest Writer - @SirMop26
I've been fortunate enough to have witnessed the evolution of The Unassisted
from the very early days of the band. At the time I was relatively new to
Twitter and entirely new to the world of emerging artists. I happened to mention
to a band that I enjoyed a song I'd recently played of theirs. They replied with
the customary, 'Thanks for listening, glad you're enjoying our stuff'. But, they
added something more in a follow-up tweet. 'Have a listen to The Unaassisted.'
I was in a musical transition point. I'd grown tired of the artists that had
entertained me for years. Though music had always occupied my day from start to
end, its' influence was beginning to wane. So it was without hesitation that I
searched for this new band on SoundCloud. "Hands Dance Hands". I was completely
blown away. Hidden away from the world, here was this track with really just a
handful of plays and this band with just a handful of followers. It was unlike
anything I had listened to recently. Why weren't others taking notice?
https://soundcloud.com/unassisted/hands-dance-hands
I had no clue that there was such a thing as music supporters. I had not heard
of the concept before. I tweeted The Unassisted and let them know how much I
enjoyed the track. The response is still etched in my brain. After that
customary thanks, they continued to say '...means a lot. To be honest, we didn't
think anyone would listen.'
Crazy! Listening still to the track I wondered if they had ever even heard their
own material. Because from my perspective, I was listening to something amazing.
I decided to let others know. Though I had just a few followers at the time, I
haphazardly made my first #nowplaying tweet. I couldn't keep this tune to
myself.
Since then, I've watched the band evolve. They have gained a loyal following. It
seems that all who take the time to listen are instantly drawn in as I was. I
have listened to tracks take shape from an idea to an elaborated work. I have
indulged in recordings of live gigs. I've remained in contact with the band.
They still remain every bit as humble, even with their growing audience. And
from that first motivation to support a band that came about from Hands Dance
Hands, I've grown to actively support many other artists. Thinking back now it
is really rather interesting that Jason of The Unassisted now advocates for
artists to support and promote other bands rather than focusing on self
promotion. Indeed, it was this ideal that first led me to The Unassisted. I
can't recall the band that first pointed me in their direction, but I owe them
many thanks.
from the very early days of the band. At the time I was relatively new to
Twitter and entirely new to the world of emerging artists. I happened to mention
to a band that I enjoyed a song I'd recently played of theirs. They replied with
the customary, 'Thanks for listening, glad you're enjoying our stuff'. But, they
added something more in a follow-up tweet. 'Have a listen to The Unaassisted.'
I was in a musical transition point. I'd grown tired of the artists that had
entertained me for years. Though music had always occupied my day from start to
end, its' influence was beginning to wane. So it was without hesitation that I
searched for this new band on SoundCloud. "Hands Dance Hands". I was completely
blown away. Hidden away from the world, here was this track with really just a
handful of plays and this band with just a handful of followers. It was unlike
anything I had listened to recently. Why weren't others taking notice?
https://soundcloud.com/unassisted/hands-dance-hands
I had no clue that there was such a thing as music supporters. I had not heard
of the concept before. I tweeted The Unassisted and let them know how much I
enjoyed the track. The response is still etched in my brain. After that
customary thanks, they continued to say '...means a lot. To be honest, we didn't
think anyone would listen.'
Crazy! Listening still to the track I wondered if they had ever even heard their
own material. Because from my perspective, I was listening to something amazing.
I decided to let others know. Though I had just a few followers at the time, I
haphazardly made my first #nowplaying tweet. I couldn't keep this tune to
myself.
Since then, I've watched the band evolve. They have gained a loyal following. It
seems that all who take the time to listen are instantly drawn in as I was. I
have listened to tracks take shape from an idea to an elaborated work. I have
indulged in recordings of live gigs. I've remained in contact with the band.
They still remain every bit as humble, even with their growing audience. And
from that first motivation to support a band that came about from Hands Dance
Hands, I've grown to actively support many other artists. Thinking back now it
is really rather interesting that Jason of The Unassisted now advocates for
artists to support and promote other bands rather than focusing on self
promotion. Indeed, it was this ideal that first led me to The Unassisted. I
can't recall the band that first pointed me in their direction, but I owe them
many thanks.
Wednesday, 25 September 2013
Second Biggest Pen In The World
I remember getting my first guitar, I must have been about 6 years old. I recall the first couple of lessons being a right pain in the ass. Pluck this string 4 times and then the next and do this until you use the right fingers in the right order!!!! Wow what a ball ache.. Eventually I started getting really good at it, it became less of a chore and more of a treat. That feeling of music being a treat has always stuck with me. Whenever I pick up a guitar or even sit down at the drums, if I don't get that feeling I immediately switch off and move on to something else. The same applies to hearing a new song, I can generally tell if I like it in the first 5 seconds, more often than not I don't and I move on in disappointment. This leads me onto the next band that I'm about to tell you about, they easily got me in the first few seconds and I'm now hooked.
Second Biggest Pen In The World (SBPITW)
What stands out with these guys is the crazy lyrics and catchy music. I don't think I've ever heard such madness as I found in "Badger Tie", it's so much fun you'll listen to it over and over. SBPITW will put a smile on your face with every song. If it's the lyrics or the catchy licks you'll be smiling, and if not, you sir are dead inside. It's very rare in this saturated market to come across such a talented wordsmith as Jimi Eggleton. Each song tells a story, listen to "Peaches" as an example of exceptional lyrical madness. I can guarantee you will want to listen again.
If you don't believe me watch this video - http://youtu.be/5P8wadM3B8k
One thing these guys do so well is to keep it simple and when bands do this you see how much of an impact this can have. You let the song become the entity it should be, rather than overworking elements that can take a lot away from what you're trying to get across. I think SBPITW do this with such aplomb that you can find yourself totally lost in the song. Take "Until I'm Found" and "Marina and Me" as examples. both beautifully simple yet devilishly clever and enticing.
go check these guys out and follow, share and shout about them to everyone :)
https://soundcloud.com/secondbiggestpen
Second Biggest Pen In The World (SBPITW)
What stands out with these guys is the crazy lyrics and catchy music. I don't think I've ever heard such madness as I found in "Badger Tie", it's so much fun you'll listen to it over and over. SBPITW will put a smile on your face with every song. If it's the lyrics or the catchy licks you'll be smiling, and if not, you sir are dead inside. It's very rare in this saturated market to come across such a talented wordsmith as Jimi Eggleton. Each song tells a story, listen to "Peaches" as an example of exceptional lyrical madness. I can guarantee you will want to listen again.
If you don't believe me watch this video - http://youtu.be/5P8wadM3B8k
One thing these guys do so well is to keep it simple and when bands do this you see how much of an impact this can have. You let the song become the entity it should be, rather than overworking elements that can take a lot away from what you're trying to get across. I think SBPITW do this with such aplomb that you can find yourself totally lost in the song. Take "Until I'm Found" and "Marina and Me" as examples. both beautifully simple yet devilishly clever and enticing.
go check these guys out and follow, share and shout about them to everyone :)
https://soundcloud.com/secondbiggestpen
Tuesday, 24 September 2013
Streaming StreamlineUk
I think when I'm older and the kids have moved out I might start my own Label. I say this because I see so many talented bands that either have no resources to shout about themselves, or just need a helping hand down the right path. I'm not saying I will be the saviour for these unfortunate souls. But, I do feel I'd do my up most to help out in anyway I could. Maybe suggest a chord change or add a sweet hook here and there :) It would be a great way to spend the day. Having said that I'd imagine there's some genuine souls out there on the same quest as I :)
You may have listened to my music past and present and decided you don't like it. The mere notion of my help may turn your stomach. However, we all need a helping hand sometimes. So here's my helping hand whether you like it or not, just go with it and enjoy the ride.
Helping Hand
Sometimes you see some injustice in the world, I found some going on on Soundcloud when I checked in on Streamlines page and saw the small amount of plays they are getting... I clicked the first tune and had a nice little riff greet me with some dark accompanying harmonies... only to be met with an energetic kick in the face into the track!!! thinking why the fuck am I the only one listening to this it's brilliant... I then clicked share and hoped that some of my twitter followers would click and join in (hopefully they will) one thing I love about this band is the guitar work, the solo in the first track is totally out there, it goes against the brain dead solo's that most guitarists invoke in that moment of glory (myself included sometimes) it totally stands out and you almost think nah thats not working and you realise it is, very clever indeed...
https://twitter.com/StreamlineUK_
As you go through the tracks its a great journey full of energy and you get a chilled out rest in Avenue Way, then straight into Can You Hear Me Now. Seriously you gotta listen :)
https://soundcloud.com/streamlinegrimsby
Overall this band offer great music, catchy tunes and in the words of @sophiefe "who doesn't like catchy tunes"
Go and listen to this you won't be disappointed...... Then go and shout about it and tell everyone you know!!!
One more thing... go check em out live it's a right treat...
You may have listened to my music past and present and decided you don't like it. The mere notion of my help may turn your stomach. However, we all need a helping hand sometimes. So here's my helping hand whether you like it or not, just go with it and enjoy the ride.
Helping Hand
Sometimes you see some injustice in the world, I found some going on on Soundcloud when I checked in on Streamlines page and saw the small amount of plays they are getting... I clicked the first tune and had a nice little riff greet me with some dark accompanying harmonies... only to be met with an energetic kick in the face into the track!!! thinking why the fuck am I the only one listening to this it's brilliant... I then clicked share and hoped that some of my twitter followers would click and join in (hopefully they will) one thing I love about this band is the guitar work, the solo in the first track is totally out there, it goes against the brain dead solo's that most guitarists invoke in that moment of glory (myself included sometimes) it totally stands out and you almost think nah thats not working and you realise it is, very clever indeed...
https://twitter.com/StreamlineUK_
As you go through the tracks its a great journey full of energy and you get a chilled out rest in Avenue Way, then straight into Can You Hear Me Now. Seriously you gotta listen :)
https://soundcloud.com/streamlinegrimsby
Overall this band offer great music, catchy tunes and in the words of @sophiefe "who doesn't like catchy tunes"
Go and listen to this you won't be disappointed...... Then go and shout about it and tell everyone you know!!!
One more thing... go check em out live it's a right treat...
Monday, 23 September 2013
We're all in this together
This blog has been written by Guitarist - Jason
One thing I've noticed during my time as a part time musician, is the constant self promotion that most bands (not all) believe will get them the recognition they deserve (or feel they deserve). There's nothing better than getting together and creating a song or two, and getting caught up in the haze of self belief that you are soon to become the next big thing :) Well I can assure you are not alone. This is generally the mentality of most bands, I've been in this situation before and I'm not sure whether mellowing with age has changed me, but I do feel that its important to acknowledge your peers and do your best to give them the recognition they deserve. So on that note, I have decided to start a blog based on my favourite bands that I may have had the pleasure of gigging with, or simply stumbling over them whilst aimlessly trawling the deep dark depths of soundcloud.
Lets begin -
Out of all the gigs we've done so far this year we enjoyed the following bunch of chaps very much indeed.
The Forgotten Saints hail from the Northwest of england, and have a really atmospheric sound that you can easily get lost in. I found myself daydreaming of days gone by during their set, the sound and tone of the vocals almost gives you no other option that to drift into a haze of memories. It's not often you find a band that can instigate such emotion through theirs songs. I defy anyone to go onto soundcloud and not get lost in the tracks they have uploaded.
I would happily recommend anybody to go and see these chaps live. You won't find yourself in a mosh pit or jumping around like a loon .but you will experience a great journey with lush sounds and great lyrics.
don't believe me go have a listen - https://soundcloud.com/theforgottensaints
oh and go follow them on twitter @theforgottensai
One thing I've noticed during my time as a part time musician, is the constant self promotion that most bands (not all) believe will get them the recognition they deserve (or feel they deserve). There's nothing better than getting together and creating a song or two, and getting caught up in the haze of self belief that you are soon to become the next big thing :) Well I can assure you are not alone. This is generally the mentality of most bands, I've been in this situation before and I'm not sure whether mellowing with age has changed me, but I do feel that its important to acknowledge your peers and do your best to give them the recognition they deserve. So on that note, I have decided to start a blog based on my favourite bands that I may have had the pleasure of gigging with, or simply stumbling over them whilst aimlessly trawling the deep dark depths of soundcloud.
Lets begin -
Out of all the gigs we've done so far this year we enjoyed the following bunch of chaps very much indeed.
The Forgotten Saints hail from the Northwest of england, and have a really atmospheric sound that you can easily get lost in. I found myself daydreaming of days gone by during their set, the sound and tone of the vocals almost gives you no other option that to drift into a haze of memories. It's not often you find a band that can instigate such emotion through theirs songs. I defy anyone to go onto soundcloud and not get lost in the tracks they have uploaded.
I would happily recommend anybody to go and see these chaps live. You won't find yourself in a mosh pit or jumping around like a loon .but you will experience a great journey with lush sounds and great lyrics.
don't believe me go have a listen - https://soundcloud.com/theforgottensaints
oh and go follow them on twitter @theforgottensai
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