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Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and promotional features by
Ross Muir
Freelance Music Writer, Music Promotion & Support
"Putting the Words to the Music"
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Contributing writer & reviewer: Nelson McFarlane
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Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and promotional features by
Ross Muir
Freelance Music Writer, Music Promotion & Support
"Putting the Words to the Music"
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Contributing writer & reviewer: Nelson McFarlane
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Muirsical Thoughts, Muirsical News
Gypsy’s Kiss, who sit atop the very top of the Iron Maiden family tree (Steve Harris was a member of the band prior to forming Maiden) will release their brand new album, Piece By Piece, on 18th July.
The album, which includes 2024 single 'We've Come to Play,' can be pre-ordered at:
ww.gypsyskiss.bandcamp.com or www.gypsyskiss.net
"We are immensely proud of this album," says band founder and ever-present David Smith.
"We believe we have added more depth and variety to both our songwriting and recording; this album demonstrates where we are now, in 2025, but with a nod to our classic rock and metal roots."
The 12 track album, recorded at Pearce’s Farm Studios in Wokingham, features David Smith (lead & backing vocals, guitars), Jonathan Morley (guitars, backing vocals), Fraser Marr (guitars), Ross Hunter (keys, backing Vocals), Robin Gatcum (bass) and Stuart Emms (drums).
The album, which includes 2024 single 'We've Come to Play,' can be pre-ordered at:
ww.gypsyskiss.bandcamp.com or www.gypsyskiss.net
"We are immensely proud of this album," says band founder and ever-present David Smith.
"We believe we have added more depth and variety to both our songwriting and recording; this album demonstrates where we are now, in 2025, but with a nod to our classic rock and metal roots."
The 12 track album, recorded at Pearce’s Farm Studios in Wokingham, features David Smith (lead & backing vocals, guitars), Jonathan Morley (guitars, backing vocals), Fraser Marr (guitars), Ross Hunter (keys, backing Vocals), Robin Gatcum (bass) and Stuart Emms (drums).
Gypsy’s Kiss celebrated their 50th Anniversary in 2024, having been formed in East London
in 1974 by David Smith & Steve Harris (their first paying gig came in April 1974 as the band Influence; the name change came shortly thereafter).
Disbanding in 1975, Gypsy’s Kiss were resurrected by David in 2018, initially featuring original vocalist Bob Verschoyle.
The band have since gone on to release several singles, 2019’s 7 track mini-album Heat Crazed Vole (remastered in 2002 with three bonus acoustic tracks) and 2021’s acclaimed album, 74.
They have also gigged extensively through the UK & Europe over the past few years, playing venues and festivals alike, and toured with the late Paul Di’Anno, Praying Mantis and Blaze Bayley.
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in 1974 by David Smith & Steve Harris (their first paying gig came in April 1974 as the band Influence; the name change came shortly thereafter).
Disbanding in 1975, Gypsy’s Kiss were resurrected by David in 2018, initially featuring original vocalist Bob Verschoyle.
The band have since gone on to release several singles, 2019’s 7 track mini-album Heat Crazed Vole (remastered in 2002 with three bonus acoustic tracks) and 2021’s acclaimed album, 74.
They have also gigged extensively through the UK & Europe over the past few years, playing venues and festivals alike, and toured with the late Paul Di’Anno, Praying Mantis and Blaze Bayley.
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Bywater Call, the acclaimed southern soul & roots rock septet from Toronto, will return to the UK in November for eight concerts (see dates further below).
Additionally, on 27th November, they will play the Planet Rockstock Festival in Wales.
Special Guest at all tour shows is award winning South African blues rock singer-guitarist Dan Patlansky, who will perform solo as LSSE, his brand new Loop Station Show Electric.
Tickets are on sale via thegigcartel.com
The band have also released a brand new single, 'Love The One You're With.'
A dynamic, extended-jam cover of the classic Stephen Stills tune (and a favourite of Bywater Call concert goers), it will feature on the band's forthcoming live album Sunshine, released 22nd August.
The album is available to pre-order on CD & vinyl here.
"This song a great representation of our live show and the chemistry between all the band members," says lead singer Meghan Parnell. "You really get to hear the power of the vocal, then the craftsmanship of the instrumentalists as I step away from the mic and let them do their thing. No live version of this song is the same. Every time we perform it, it’s a journey."
Stream the single here.
Additionally, on 27th November, they will play the Planet Rockstock Festival in Wales.
Special Guest at all tour shows is award winning South African blues rock singer-guitarist Dan Patlansky, who will perform solo as LSSE, his brand new Loop Station Show Electric.
Tickets are on sale via thegigcartel.com
The band have also released a brand new single, 'Love The One You're With.'
A dynamic, extended-jam cover of the classic Stephen Stills tune (and a favourite of Bywater Call concert goers), it will feature on the band's forthcoming live album Sunshine, released 22nd August.
The album is available to pre-order on CD & vinyl here.
"This song a great representation of our live show and the chemistry between all the band members," says lead singer Meghan Parnell. "You really get to hear the power of the vocal, then the craftsmanship of the instrumentalists as I step away from the mic and let them do their thing. No live version of this song is the same. Every time we perform it, it’s a journey."
Stream the single here.
Bywater Call has been making waves across the globe. Their live performances have been highlights of many a European festival, including a set at the legendary Moulin Blues festival in the Netherlands. They have also earned nominations from the Independent Blues and Maple Blues Awards, including Entertainer of the Year and Best Female Vocalist.
The band were also nominated for the 2024 UK Blues Awards International Artist of the Year.
In 2024, Bywater Call released their third album Shepherd, which yielded six singles including 'Everybody Knows' and 'Holler,' which were put on high rotation on Planet Rock Radio.
The album was also selected as Classic Rock Magazine’s Top Blues Album of the Year.
The band were also nominated for the 2024 UK Blues Awards International Artist of the Year.
In 2024, Bywater Call released their third album Shepherd, which yielded six singles including 'Everybody Knows' and 'Holler,' which were put on high rotation on Planet Rock Radio.
The album was also selected as Classic Rock Magazine’s Top Blues Album of the Year.
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John Lees’ Barclay James Harvest have announced the forthcoming release of their long awaited new album, Relativity. It will be available through Esoteric Antenna & Cherry Red Records on 17th October.
Several years in the making, the album is a 78-minute collection of songs loosely based upon the concept of human and cosmic interaction, and relationships.
Produced by the band and mixed by acclaimed engineer Stephen W Tayler(Kate Bush, Rush, Howard Jones, Rupert Hine, Tina Turner, to name but five), Relativity is a true group effort by John Lees (vocals, guitar), Craig Fletcher (bass, vocals), Jez Smith (keys) and Kevin Whitehead (drums).
The result is one of the finest albums by any incarnation of BJH in many years.
The music of Barclay James Harvest has endured for over fifty years through a series of classic albums (including the platinum selling Gone to Earth) and memorable concert performances, such as the free concert on the steps of the Reichstag, in the heart of the then divided city of Berlin before 175,000 people (the recording of which went to #1 in Germany and #15 in the UK).
The band also played an open-air concert in Berlin’s Treptower Park in 1987 in front of an estimated 170,000 fans; this was the first time a western rock band had performed an open-air concert in what was then East Germany.
Through songs composed by John Lees such as 'Mocking Bird,' 'Child of the Universe,' 'Poor Man’s Moody Blues' and the legendary 'Hymn,' the band has continued to attract a loyal and dedicated global following.
In 1998 the band announced a sabbatical, which led to the end of the original Barclay James Harvest.
With members of the band pursuing solo projects, John Lees immediately teamed up with fellow BJH founder member, keyboardist "Woolly" Wolstenholme; they formed what would eventually become John Lees’ Barclay James Harvest, along with Craig Fletcher and Kevin Whitehead.
The band was honoured in 2008 by being bestowed the Lifetime Achievement award at the annual Radio Regenbogen Awards (the German equivalent of the UK BAFTA's).
In 2009 Jez Smith joined JLBJH as a second keyboard player; sadly, Woolly Wolstenholme passed away in 2010.
The band, with Smith, continued, releasing the highly praised North in 2013. Five years later John Lees received the Visionary award at the annual Prog Awards in London.
The band’s most recent European tour, in 2023, resulted in sold-out concerts in the UK, Germany, France and Switzerland, as well as a live album & concert film with an 80-piece orchestra.
Relativity will be available in multiple formats: Standard CD, Digital Download, Streaming, Limited 2LP Gatefold Vinyl, and a Limited Edition 3Disc box set.
The latter includes a region free Blu-ray audio disc of Stephen W Tayler’s 5.1 Surround Sound mix of the album, plus a CD of highlights from a previously unreleased concert recorded at RosFest, Pennsylvania, featuring Woolly Wolstenholme.
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Several years in the making, the album is a 78-minute collection of songs loosely based upon the concept of human and cosmic interaction, and relationships.
Produced by the band and mixed by acclaimed engineer Stephen W Tayler(Kate Bush, Rush, Howard Jones, Rupert Hine, Tina Turner, to name but five), Relativity is a true group effort by John Lees (vocals, guitar), Craig Fletcher (bass, vocals), Jez Smith (keys) and Kevin Whitehead (drums).
The result is one of the finest albums by any incarnation of BJH in many years.
The music of Barclay James Harvest has endured for over fifty years through a series of classic albums (including the platinum selling Gone to Earth) and memorable concert performances, such as the free concert on the steps of the Reichstag, in the heart of the then divided city of Berlin before 175,000 people (the recording of which went to #1 in Germany and #15 in the UK).
The band also played an open-air concert in Berlin’s Treptower Park in 1987 in front of an estimated 170,000 fans; this was the first time a western rock band had performed an open-air concert in what was then East Germany.
Through songs composed by John Lees such as 'Mocking Bird,' 'Child of the Universe,' 'Poor Man’s Moody Blues' and the legendary 'Hymn,' the band has continued to attract a loyal and dedicated global following.
In 1998 the band announced a sabbatical, which led to the end of the original Barclay James Harvest.
With members of the band pursuing solo projects, John Lees immediately teamed up with fellow BJH founder member, keyboardist "Woolly" Wolstenholme; they formed what would eventually become John Lees’ Barclay James Harvest, along with Craig Fletcher and Kevin Whitehead.
The band was honoured in 2008 by being bestowed the Lifetime Achievement award at the annual Radio Regenbogen Awards (the German equivalent of the UK BAFTA's).
In 2009 Jez Smith joined JLBJH as a second keyboard player; sadly, Woolly Wolstenholme passed away in 2010.
The band, with Smith, continued, releasing the highly praised North in 2013. Five years later John Lees received the Visionary award at the annual Prog Awards in London.
The band’s most recent European tour, in 2023, resulted in sold-out concerts in the UK, Germany, France and Switzerland, as well as a live album & concert film with an 80-piece orchestra.
Relativity will be available in multiple formats: Standard CD, Digital Download, Streaming, Limited 2LP Gatefold Vinyl, and a Limited Edition 3Disc box set.
The latter includes a region free Blu-ray audio disc of Stephen W Tayler’s 5.1 Surround Sound mix of the album, plus a CD of highlights from a previously unreleased concert recorded at RosFest, Pennsylvania, featuring Woolly Wolstenholme.
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Acclaimed Canadian roots-rockers The Commoners will be returning to the UK in December for a 10-date headline tour (see tour dates poster further below).
A Planet Rock 48–hour ticket pre-sale starts at 10am on Wednesday 9th July.
Tickets go on general sale at 10am on Friday 11th July from Gigantic.com and Commoners.ca
"The UK has become a second home for us," says The Commoners bassist, Ben Spiller. "Over the last few years, we’ve had the pleasure of rocking dozens of shows across five unforgettable UK tours and festivals."
To coincide with the announcement of the December tour, The Commoners have released 'Too Soon To Know You,' from their latest studio album, Restless, as a single. It's available to stream on Spotify and YouTube.
"The song is a reflection on the fleeting nature of connection, and the bittersweet feeling of having had someone in your life when the timing wasn't quite right to make the connection last," says drummer Adam Cannon, who continues: "Recording it was a real collaborative effort; we tracked live off the floor and layered it with raw vocals and textured guitars and organ to evoke that sense of vulnerability."
A Planet Rock 48–hour ticket pre-sale starts at 10am on Wednesday 9th July.
Tickets go on general sale at 10am on Friday 11th July from Gigantic.com and Commoners.ca
"The UK has become a second home for us," says The Commoners bassist, Ben Spiller. "Over the last few years, we’ve had the pleasure of rocking dozens of shows across five unforgettable UK tours and festivals."
To coincide with the announcement of the December tour, The Commoners have released 'Too Soon To Know You,' from their latest studio album, Restless, as a single. It's available to stream on Spotify and YouTube.
"The song is a reflection on the fleeting nature of connection, and the bittersweet feeling of having had someone in your life when the timing wasn't quite right to make the connection last," says drummer Adam Cannon, who continues: "Recording it was a real collaborative effort; we tracked live off the floor and layered it with raw vocals and textured guitars and organ to evoke that sense of vulnerability."
The band's December tour follows on from the release of The Commoners - Live in the UK, which is available on CD and Vinyl here, and Digitally here.
Featuring nine songs, the album includes Commoners anthems and fan favourites with added parts, extended sections, all performed live on the band’s 2024 UK Tour.
Featuring nine songs, the album includes Commoners anthems and fan favourites with added parts, extended sections, all performed live on the band’s 2024 UK Tour.
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Canadian gothic/ dark-pop act The Birthday Massacre, who recently released their tenth, and best to date studio album Pathways (read FabricationsHQ's review of the album here) will undertake a 13 date UK tour though October & November.
Ticket details can be found at the band's website: https://thebirthdaymassacre.com/
Ticket details can be found at the band's website: https://thebirthdaymassacre.com/
The Birthday Massacre, who formed in 1999, gained widespread recognition with their second release, the extended EP Violet, which featured standout songs 'Blue' and 'Happy Birthday.'
Released tthe following year as a full album, it cemented their signature sound of eerie, ethereal melodies and heavy, driving riffs.
Later albums such as Under Your Spell (2017) and Diamonds (2020) fully immersed listeners in their unique blend of dark whimsy and melancholy, while recent Billboard charting album Fascination (2022) and new album Pathways explore their mastery of atmospheric gothic-rock and dark-pop storytelling.
The Birthday Massacre are: Chibi - vocals; Rainbow - guitars, programming, vocals; Falcore - lead guitar;
Phillip Elliott - drums; Owen - keyboards; Brett "Bat" Carruthers - bass
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Released tthe following year as a full album, it cemented their signature sound of eerie, ethereal melodies and heavy, driving riffs.
Later albums such as Under Your Spell (2017) and Diamonds (2020) fully immersed listeners in their unique blend of dark whimsy and melancholy, while recent Billboard charting album Fascination (2022) and new album Pathways explore their mastery of atmospheric gothic-rock and dark-pop storytelling.
The Birthday Massacre are: Chibi - vocals; Rainbow - guitars, programming, vocals; Falcore - lead guitar;
Phillip Elliott - drums; Owen - keyboards; Brett "Bat" Carruthers - bass
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Fully independent, award-winning singer-songwriter Rebecca Downes has released a new single titled 'Falling Into You.'
The song, a vibrant, contemporary rocker with a bluesy underside, was written by Downes and her co-writing colleague and guitarist Steve Birkett. Stream the single here: https://lnk.to/FallingIn2U
'Falling Into You' is the second song to be showcased from the singer's forthcoming, and sixth, studio album A Storm is Coming (due on 31st October).
Of the new single, and hinting towards the next album, Rebecca says: "As usual, the new album will be an eclectic mix; Falling Into You is a driving tempo rock song about falling for someone you probably shouldn’t. Unlike the dark, ominous overtones of previous single These Days, it is upbeat and lively. I think people will find it a really driving and energising song.”
The song, a vibrant, contemporary rocker with a bluesy underside, was written by Downes and her co-writing colleague and guitarist Steve Birkett. Stream the single here: https://lnk.to/FallingIn2U
'Falling Into You' is the second song to be showcased from the singer's forthcoming, and sixth, studio album A Storm is Coming (due on 31st October).
Of the new single, and hinting towards the next album, Rebecca says: "As usual, the new album will be an eclectic mix; Falling Into You is a driving tempo rock song about falling for someone you probably shouldn’t. Unlike the dark, ominous overtones of previous single These Days, it is upbeat and lively. I think people will find it a really driving and energising song.”
'Falling Into You' and 'These Days' follow on from recent digital/ streaming EP Stranger Blue, which featured five re-imagined, studio recorded covers (some had previously been played live when Rebecca Downes & Steve Birkett performed acoustic shows).
The EP, which showcases another side of Rebecca Downes, includes a moody, jazz-blues interpretation of Gnarls Barkley's soul-pop hit 'Crazy,' a deeply immersive take of 'Sign Your Name' by Sananda Maitreya (Terence Trent D’Arby) and Downes' 2023 Christmas cover of Melissa Etheridge’s 'This War Is Over.'
More all-original singles will be released through the summer months, acting as further tasters for the forthcoming studio album.
Rebecca Downes' next live appearance is at the Upton Blues Festival on Saturday 19th July, where she will be performing with Steve Birkett and drummer Neil Ablard on the Meadow Stage in ‘Stripped Back’ format.
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The EP, which showcases another side of Rebecca Downes, includes a moody, jazz-blues interpretation of Gnarls Barkley's soul-pop hit 'Crazy,' a deeply immersive take of 'Sign Your Name' by Sananda Maitreya (Terence Trent D’Arby) and Downes' 2023 Christmas cover of Melissa Etheridge’s 'This War Is Over.'
More all-original singles will be released through the summer months, acting as further tasters for the forthcoming studio album.
Rebecca Downes' next live appearance is at the Upton Blues Festival on Saturday 19th July, where she will be performing with Steve Birkett and drummer Neil Ablard on the Meadow Stage in ‘Stripped Back’ format.
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Rising UK rockers Revenant have released a new single, 'Runaway Rage.'
Taken from their sophomore EP Best Medicine (click here for FabricationsHQ’s review), 'Runaway Rage' is just that, a swampy, swaggering slide-affected take on trying to control anger when it’s almost uncontrollable.
Taken from their sophomore EP Best Medicine (click here for FabricationsHQ’s review), 'Runaway Rage' is just that, a swampy, swaggering slide-affected take on trying to control anger when it’s almost uncontrollable.
Formed in 2023, the Revenant quartet of Sam Lay (vocals, guitar) Matt Hudson (guitar), Robin Nutley (bass) and Carl Donoghue (drums) bring a huge rock sound with a southern spin.
Their debut EP 'What A Time To Be Alive' was released to critical acclaim in May 2024; it was followed by the live mini-album ‘What A Time To Be Live.’
Praise for the Best Medicine EP
"This will put them firmly on the map" - Rock Radio UK,
"An excellent EP from start to finish" - Metalplanet Music
"There is nothing not to like here" - Maximum Volume Music
"The best medicine the band could prescribe for their ever-growing fanbase" - FabricationsHQ
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Their debut EP 'What A Time To Be Alive' was released to critical acclaim in May 2024; it was followed by the live mini-album ‘What A Time To Be Live.’
Praise for the Best Medicine EP
"This will put them firmly on the map" - Rock Radio UK,
"An excellent EP from start to finish" - Metalplanet Music
"There is nothing not to like here" - Maximum Volume Music
"The best medicine the band could prescribe for their ever-growing fanbase" - FabricationsHQ
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Oklahoma's finest, Hillbilly Vegas, are coming back to the UK later this month for their six date Feels Good Tour (see poster further below).
To celebrate the announcement, the band’s new single, 'Feels Good,' was released on Independence Day, 4th July. Taken from their forthcoming album, the breezy southern rock and roller is the perfect fit for summer festival season.
'Feels Good' is available on all digital platforms via https://slinky.to/FeelsGood
To celebrate the announcement, the band’s new single, 'Feels Good,' was released on Independence Day, 4th July. Taken from their forthcoming album, the breezy southern rock and roller is the perfect fit for summer festival season.
'Feels Good' is available on all digital platforms via https://slinky.to/FeelsGood
Returning later this month to what has become their second home, Hillbilly Vegas will play main stage festival slots at Maid of Stone, Steelhouse, and the Rock 'N' Blues Custom Show.
The band has also slotted in club dates in Sheffield and Reading, along with a guest slot in Wolverhampton as support to Wolfsbane.
Ticket links and details for the Feels Good UK Tour are available here:
https://www.hillbilly-vegas.com/tour
Hillbilly Vegas’ debut release, The Great Southern Hustle, gained rave reviews.
UK audiences were then treated to the live Hillbilly Vegas experience in 2024 at Planet Rockstock, WinterStorm and dozens of club shows.
Hillbilly Vegas are:
Steve Harris (lead vocals, guitar), Stacy Thornburg (guitar, vocals), Johnny Reed (guitar, vocals), Todd Ronning (bass), Geraldo Dominelli (keys, guitar), Gunnar Molton (drums).
The band has also slotted in club dates in Sheffield and Reading, along with a guest slot in Wolverhampton as support to Wolfsbane.
Ticket links and details for the Feels Good UK Tour are available here:
https://www.hillbilly-vegas.com/tour
Hillbilly Vegas’ debut release, The Great Southern Hustle, gained rave reviews.
UK audiences were then treated to the live Hillbilly Vegas experience in 2024 at Planet Rockstock, WinterStorm and dozens of club shows.
Hillbilly Vegas are:
Steve Harris (lead vocals, guitar), Stacy Thornburg (guitar, vocals), Johnny Reed (guitar, vocals), Todd Ronning (bass), Geraldo Dominelli (keys, guitar), Gunnar Molton (drums).
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North Carolina rock ‘n’ rollers Preacher Stone have released a brand new single to coincide with American Independence Day.
'Writing On The Wall,' a song full of swagger, grit and questioning lyricism, was released on 4th July.
It's available on all good digital platforms.
Ever affable band frontman Ronnie Riddle wryly smiles on the story behind the song...
"We were on the road, talking about life and the term 'ghosted' came up. I had the line 'I said I love you too, no sooner than you heard the word a change came over you', and we built the song around that. You just don't know why, or will ever know, when someone is in your life so much, then overnight they disappear."
'Writing On The Wall,' a song full of swagger, grit and questioning lyricism, was released on 4th July.
It's available on all good digital platforms.
Ever affable band frontman Ronnie Riddle wryly smiles on the story behind the song...
"We were on the road, talking about life and the term 'ghosted' came up. I had the line 'I said I love you too, no sooner than you heard the word a change came over you', and we built the song around that. You just don't know why, or will ever know, when someone is in your life so much, then overnight they disappear."
Preacher Stone’s high-octane, guitar driven rock ‘n’ roll is about, and talks to, the common man.
Live, their swaggering performances have earned them a legion of faithful fans known as The Congregation.
Having endeavoured through past adversity, the band stand proud as a brotherhood of Ronnie Riddle, Ben Robinson & Darrell Whitt (guitars), Jim Bolt (bass) and Wyatt (drums).
Their song 'Not Today' was featured on two seasons of the hit Fox TV series Sons of Anarchy, while lengthy tours across the USA, UK & Europe have seen them share stages with legendary names such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, and Deep Purple, to name but three.
Their latest album, V, was released in 2024, garnering stellar reviews across the board.
"Authentic to their very core" - Maximum Volume Music
"An album that demands attention" - Metal Talk
"A proper rock and roll party" - Emerging Rock Bands
"It’s edgy, it's raw, it’s high emotion" - Powerplay Magazine
"V keeps the southern flag flying, Preacher Stone style" - FabricationsHQ
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Live, their swaggering performances have earned them a legion of faithful fans known as The Congregation.
Having endeavoured through past adversity, the band stand proud as a brotherhood of Ronnie Riddle, Ben Robinson & Darrell Whitt (guitars), Jim Bolt (bass) and Wyatt (drums).
Their song 'Not Today' was featured on two seasons of the hit Fox TV series Sons of Anarchy, while lengthy tours across the USA, UK & Europe have seen them share stages with legendary names such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, and Deep Purple, to name but three.
Their latest album, V, was released in 2024, garnering stellar reviews across the board.
"Authentic to their very core" - Maximum Volume Music
"An album that demands attention" - Metal Talk
"A proper rock and roll party" - Emerging Rock Bands
"It’s edgy, it's raw, it’s high emotion" - Powerplay Magazine
"V keeps the southern flag flying, Preacher Stone style" - FabricationsHQ
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The UK’s leading and acclaimed melodic rockers FM have announced the forthcoming release of their new, and fifteenth, album, Brotherhood; it follows on from the recent announcement of their Brotherhood UK Tour, which takes place across 14 dates in September.
Tickets are available from thegigcartel.com and FMofficial.com
Special Guests at selected dates are Brave Rival, Rosalie Cunningham and Jack J Hutchinson (see tour poster and info on each act further below).
Brotherhood will be released by Frontiers Music Srl on September 5th; the album is available to pre-save digitally, and pre-order on CD and Vinyl, from https://ffm.to/fmbrotherhood
The album has been preceded by lead-off single 'Living On The Run.'
Tickets are available from thegigcartel.com and FMofficial.com
Special Guests at selected dates are Brave Rival, Rosalie Cunningham and Jack J Hutchinson (see tour poster and info on each act further below).
Brotherhood will be released by Frontiers Music Srl on September 5th; the album is available to pre-save digitally, and pre-order on CD and Vinyl, from https://ffm.to/fmbrotherhood
The album has been preceded by lead-off single 'Living On The Run.'
Formed in the early 80s, FM have gone on to become one of the UK's seminal rock bands. The band feature Steve Overland (vocals), Merv Goldsworthy (bass), Pete Jupp (drums), Jem Davis (keys) and Jim Kirkpatrick (guitars).
"From our meeting in a Notting Hill pub in 1984 to our 'one off' comeback gig at Firefest 2007, it's great to now tour beyond our 40th Anniversary shows," says Pete Jupp. "Who'd have thought we'd ever reach such a milestone?"
"From our meeting in a Notting Hill pub in 1984 to our 'one off' comeback gig at Firefest 2007, it's great to now tour beyond our 40th Anniversary shows," says Pete Jupp. "Who'd have thought we'd ever reach such a milestone?"
Rosalie Cunningham is an award-winning singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who came to prominence through her former bands Purson and Ipso Facto.
In 2019 Cunningham released her Mercury Music Prize nominated, eponymous debut solo album.
Second album Two Piece Puzzle was released in 2022; it was followed by To Shoot Another Day in 2024.
Portsmouth-based Brave Rival – Lindsey Bonnick (lead vocals), Ed Clarke (guitar), Billy Dedman (bass), Donna Peters (drums) – have built a reputation as one of the UK’s best new bands.
Debut album Life’s Machine (2022) put them on the map, catching the attention of critics, fans, and Joe Bonamassa, who called them one of his "favourite discoveries."
2024's Fight Or Flight raised the musical stakes further, earning a broad array of critical acclaim.
Riff-driven blues rocker Jack J Hutchinson blends classic rock swagger with modern, raucous grit.
With a reputation for electrifying live shows and albums packed with riffs, hooks and deep grooves, as heard on latest album Battles (2024), Hutchinson continues to carve his own path in the blues-rock world.
A live album, Battle Scars, is due in October.
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In 2019 Cunningham released her Mercury Music Prize nominated, eponymous debut solo album.
Second album Two Piece Puzzle was released in 2022; it was followed by To Shoot Another Day in 2024.
Portsmouth-based Brave Rival – Lindsey Bonnick (lead vocals), Ed Clarke (guitar), Billy Dedman (bass), Donna Peters (drums) – have built a reputation as one of the UK’s best new bands.
Debut album Life’s Machine (2022) put them on the map, catching the attention of critics, fans, and Joe Bonamassa, who called them one of his "favourite discoveries."
2024's Fight Or Flight raised the musical stakes further, earning a broad array of critical acclaim.
Riff-driven blues rocker Jack J Hutchinson blends classic rock swagger with modern, raucous grit.
With a reputation for electrifying live shows and albums packed with riffs, hooks and deep grooves, as heard on latest album Battles (2024), Hutchinson continues to carve his own path in the blues-rock world.
A live album, Battle Scars, is due in October.
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Following the release of her new album Some Kind of Feeling, critically acclaimed Australian singer-guitarist Orianthi has announced six dates in the UK at the top of 2026 (see tour poster below).
A 24-hour ticket pre-sale is now underway at PlanetRock.com
Tickets go on general sale on Friday July 4th via The Gig Cartel
Some Kind of Feeling was released digitally by Woodward Avenue Records in June.
The CD will be released on August 15th, followed by Vinyl on September 19th.
The album is available in all formats from: https://orcd.co/OrianthiSKOF
The multi-talented Orianthi has collaborated with Alice Cooper, Dave Stewart and Richie Sambora; she was also hired by Michael Jackson’s for his London performances the year of his untimely death.
She then went on to become a successful artist in her own right, starting with Top 20 Billboard pop hit 'According to You' and gold-selling Geffen album Believe, released in 2009.
A 24-hour ticket pre-sale is now underway at PlanetRock.com
Tickets go on general sale on Friday July 4th via The Gig Cartel
Some Kind of Feeling was released digitally by Woodward Avenue Records in June.
The CD will be released on August 15th, followed by Vinyl on September 19th.
The album is available in all formats from: https://orcd.co/OrianthiSKOF
The multi-talented Orianthi has collaborated with Alice Cooper, Dave Stewart and Richie Sambora; she was also hired by Michael Jackson’s for his London performances the year of his untimely death.
She then went on to become a successful artist in her own right, starting with Top 20 Billboard pop hit 'According to You' and gold-selling Geffen album Believe, released in 2009.
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Cherry Red Records have announced the forthcoming release of Chameleon – The Very Best of Toyah.
Scheduled for release on 5th September, Chameleon is the first career-spanning collection to encompass Toyah Willcox’s full recording history.
Spanning 45 years of music, the impressive collection includes the hits 'I Want To Be Free,' 'It’s A Mystery,' 'Thunder In The Mountains,' 'Brave New World,' 'Good Morning Universe,' 'Rebel Run' and 'Don’t Fall In Love,' alongside classic album cuts up to the 2021 Top 20 album Posh Pop.
Chameleon also lives up to its name; it highlights Toyah’s musical longevity as a singer/actress that burst out of the punk/new wave scene in the late 1970s, became a pop icon in the 1980s and who has remained an ever-evolving creative force across five decades.
The album will be available in three formats – 2LP Gatefold, 2CD, and a 3CD+Blu-ray Box Set.
CD1 collects 20 hits and classic cuts from 1979-1983 by Toyah the band, formed by Toyah Wilcox, composer & guitarist Joel Bogen, and Pete Bush.
While the hits have had a lasting legacy beyond the charts, album cuts such as 'Jungles of Jupiter,' 'Race Through Space,' 'We Are' and 'Angel & Me' are as revered by the fans as the singles.
CD2 is dedicated to Toyah’s solo recordings from 1985’s Top 30 hit 'Don’t Fall In Love' up to recent single 'Roses In Chains,' which Toyah performed at Glastonbury 2024.
Fans will also delight in the inclusion of previously unreleased track, 'Worst In Me.' A personal favourite of Toyah’s, the song comes from the album sessions by Sunday All Over The World, the band which Toyah and husband & renowned guitarist Robert Fripp formed and toured with in the late 1980s.
Scheduled for release on 5th September, Chameleon is the first career-spanning collection to encompass Toyah Willcox’s full recording history.
Spanning 45 years of music, the impressive collection includes the hits 'I Want To Be Free,' 'It’s A Mystery,' 'Thunder In The Mountains,' 'Brave New World,' 'Good Morning Universe,' 'Rebel Run' and 'Don’t Fall In Love,' alongside classic album cuts up to the 2021 Top 20 album Posh Pop.
Chameleon also lives up to its name; it highlights Toyah’s musical longevity as a singer/actress that burst out of the punk/new wave scene in the late 1970s, became a pop icon in the 1980s and who has remained an ever-evolving creative force across five decades.
The album will be available in three formats – 2LP Gatefold, 2CD, and a 3CD+Blu-ray Box Set.
CD1 collects 20 hits and classic cuts from 1979-1983 by Toyah the band, formed by Toyah Wilcox, composer & guitarist Joel Bogen, and Pete Bush.
While the hits have had a lasting legacy beyond the charts, album cuts such as 'Jungles of Jupiter,' 'Race Through Space,' 'We Are' and 'Angel & Me' are as revered by the fans as the singles.
CD2 is dedicated to Toyah’s solo recordings from 1985’s Top 30 hit 'Don’t Fall In Love' up to recent single 'Roses In Chains,' which Toyah performed at Glastonbury 2024.
Fans will also delight in the inclusion of previously unreleased track, 'Worst In Me.' A personal favourite of Toyah’s, the song comes from the album sessions by Sunday All Over The World, the band which Toyah and husband & renowned guitarist Robert Fripp formed and toured with in the late 1980s.
CD3, which is exclusive to the Box Set, collects 17 rarities and collaborations from 1980-2024.
Remastered rarities include an alternate mix of 'Rinaphobia' (recorded with Blood Donor in 1980) alongside the first version of 'It’s A Mystery' to be committed to tape.
There’s also previously unreleased 90s material with Kiss of Reality, including two unreleased songs from their 1992 gig at The Orange Club, London.
Bringing things up to date are the previously unreleased rarities 'Blue Pearl' and 'Darkest Moment/Well Connected;' the latter was recorded with Chris Guard (Indians In Moscow) for the radio drama Children Of The Circus.
The Box Set is completed by the first ever Toyah Blu-Ray, which collates 12 promo videos (brand new transfers from the original master reels), 22 classic BBC appearances and 6 songs from recent concerts.
A special bonus feature is an exclusive, extended video of 'Brave New World;' edited to the full album version, the video includes previously unseen footage from the 1982 video shoot, without any AI processes.
A 48-page booklet completes the fully comprehensive Box Set edition.
Pre-order (all formats) here: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/artist/toyah
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Remastered rarities include an alternate mix of 'Rinaphobia' (recorded with Blood Donor in 1980) alongside the first version of 'It’s A Mystery' to be committed to tape.
There’s also previously unreleased 90s material with Kiss of Reality, including two unreleased songs from their 1992 gig at The Orange Club, London.
Bringing things up to date are the previously unreleased rarities 'Blue Pearl' and 'Darkest Moment/Well Connected;' the latter was recorded with Chris Guard (Indians In Moscow) for the radio drama Children Of The Circus.
The Box Set is completed by the first ever Toyah Blu-Ray, which collates 12 promo videos (brand new transfers from the original master reels), 22 classic BBC appearances and 6 songs from recent concerts.
A special bonus feature is an exclusive, extended video of 'Brave New World;' edited to the full album version, the video includes previously unseen footage from the 1982 video shoot, without any AI processes.
A 48-page booklet completes the fully comprehensive Box Set edition.
Pre-order (all formats) here: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/artist/toyah
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Welsh born Australian blues rock musician Gwyn Ashton will release a brand new album, Grease Bucket, on September 12th on Fab Tone Records.
A sonic blast of contemporary guitar-driven rock, 60s R&B, blues and soul, the ten track album is Ashton’s first full-length electric power trio recording since 2012's critically acclaimed Radiogram.
From the fuzzed, 60s surf beat of lead-off single 'Something That The Cat Dragged In' (played on a modified 1960s Japanese five-string slide guitar) to hypnotic chillout album closer 'Blues For The Tortured Soul,' Grease Bucket should impress the most ardent fan of swampy, greasy, sleazy slide guitar, with a contemporary twist.
A sonic blast of contemporary guitar-driven rock, 60s R&B, blues and soul, the ten track album is Ashton’s first full-length electric power trio recording since 2012's critically acclaimed Radiogram.
From the fuzzed, 60s surf beat of lead-off single 'Something That The Cat Dragged In' (played on a modified 1960s Japanese five-string slide guitar) to hypnotic chillout album closer 'Blues For The Tortured Soul,' Grease Bucket should impress the most ardent fan of swampy, greasy, sleazy slide guitar, with a contemporary twist.
Grease Bucket can also be heard as the main course following two non-album track appetisers – 2021’s Download Only single 'Lonely On The Run' (#3 in Classic Rock Magazine's Tracks of The Week), featured Neil Murray (bass), Mark Stanway (organ) and John Freeman (drums), while 2023’s protest song 'Get Outta Town' featured lead guitar from Richard Fortus (Guns N Roses), harmonica from David Blight (Cold Chisel) and The Superjesus rhythm section Stu Rudd & Travis Dragani.
Recorded with a pile of vintage guitar, amps and effects, and chock full of hip songs, hooks and grooves, Grease Bucket showcases Gwyn Ashton with all guitars blazing, supported by some of Australia's finest musicians, including Screaming Believers bassist Chris Lambden, Icehouse drummer Paul Wheeler and gospel, soul & rock singer Andrea Dawson on backing vocals.
It may also be Gwyn Ashton’s strongest album to date.
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Recorded with a pile of vintage guitar, amps and effects, and chock full of hip songs, hooks and grooves, Grease Bucket showcases Gwyn Ashton with all guitars blazing, supported by some of Australia's finest musicians, including Screaming Believers bassist Chris Lambden, Icehouse drummer Paul Wheeler and gospel, soul & rock singer Andrea Dawson on backing vocals.
It may also be Gwyn Ashton’s strongest album to date.
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American blues rock singer-guitarist man Eric Gales is set to release his new album, a powerful and moving homage to his late brother Manuel Gales on A Tribute To LJK.
Pre-order here: https://lnk.to/ericgales
Released digitally on 29th August and physically on 24th October via Provogue, A Tribute To LJK features appearances from Buddy Guy, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Roosevelt Collier, Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith (the latter pair also co-produced the album).
The album is preceded by lead-off single 'Somebody,' featuring Buddy Guy and Roosevelt Collier.
Talking about the first single, Eric says: "Somebody is just a really dope song, man, and I thought it was a great way to end the record. Buddy Guy is a legend; he knew my brother, and they played together, so I think it was easy for him to agree to do this song. It’s an anthological sort of tune, in how it starts off acoustically, blows up big, then comes back down again."
Pre-order here: https://lnk.to/ericgales
Released digitally on 29th August and physically on 24th October via Provogue, A Tribute To LJK features appearances from Buddy Guy, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Roosevelt Collier, Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith (the latter pair also co-produced the album).
The album is preceded by lead-off single 'Somebody,' featuring Buddy Guy and Roosevelt Collier.
Talking about the first single, Eric says: "Somebody is just a really dope song, man, and I thought it was a great way to end the record. Buddy Guy is a legend; he knew my brother, and they played together, so I think it was easy for him to agree to do this song. It’s an anthological sort of tune, in how it starts off acoustically, blows up big, then comes back down again."
"This record has been a long time coming," says Eric of the new album. "I wanted it to be the ultimate tribute to my late brother, Little Jimmy King (Manuel Gales), to keep his memory alive and make sure people remember who he was and still is. All the songs, except one, are his originals. I wanted to deliver his tunes to the world through my eyes, and I wanted it to be badass – and that's exactly how it turned out."
To understand why Tribute To LJK might be the proudest moment of Gales' career, you have to follow the thread back to the late 1970s and a hectic family home in Memphis, Tennessee.
"I'm the youngest of five siblings, so I grew up with all my brothers, and everybody played guitar," recalls Eric. "Manuel was ten years older, and it was great to have him to look up to. I was so proud when he started his own band; he was off to the races. Then, after all his years of grinding away at his craft, to hear that he was touring with Albert King's band in the late 80s was awesome."
Manuel graduated from Albert King's lineup to front his own 90s outfit, Little Jimmy King & the Memphis Soul Survivors. Eric, still in his teens, and his sibling Eugene, signed to Elektra Records for 1991's The Eric Gales Band.
In 2002, Manuel died of a heart attack aged just 37 ("It hit me hard, man. It's still not easy that he's no longer here").
As for Eric, he recalls a string of "wrong turns" that led to his 2009 incarceration at Shelby County Correction Center for possession of drugs and a handgun. "It was my own decisions that led to that," he admits.
Eric Gales' trajectory since those dark days has been dizzying, with a run of accliamed Provogue releases including 2017's Middle Of The Road (featuring Gary Clark Jr and Lauryn Hill), 2019's Billboard #1 The Bookends, 2022's Grammy nominated Crown and the soundtrack of director Ryan Coogler's 2025 smash-hit horror movie, Sinners.
A Tribute to LJK, which opens with a poignant spoken-word introduction by Danuel Gales (Manuel's twin brother), is more than the sum of its parts – for while the music plays, Manuel Gales lives again.
"I foresaw a great record," considers Eric, "but I didn't foresee it turning out as amazing as this.
My brother is there throughout this whole record; I can't wait for it to start turning people's heads."
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To understand why Tribute To LJK might be the proudest moment of Gales' career, you have to follow the thread back to the late 1970s and a hectic family home in Memphis, Tennessee.
"I'm the youngest of five siblings, so I grew up with all my brothers, and everybody played guitar," recalls Eric. "Manuel was ten years older, and it was great to have him to look up to. I was so proud when he started his own band; he was off to the races. Then, after all his years of grinding away at his craft, to hear that he was touring with Albert King's band in the late 80s was awesome."
Manuel graduated from Albert King's lineup to front his own 90s outfit, Little Jimmy King & the Memphis Soul Survivors. Eric, still in his teens, and his sibling Eugene, signed to Elektra Records for 1991's The Eric Gales Band.
In 2002, Manuel died of a heart attack aged just 37 ("It hit me hard, man. It's still not easy that he's no longer here").
As for Eric, he recalls a string of "wrong turns" that led to his 2009 incarceration at Shelby County Correction Center for possession of drugs and a handgun. "It was my own decisions that led to that," he admits.
Eric Gales' trajectory since those dark days has been dizzying, with a run of accliamed Provogue releases including 2017's Middle Of The Road (featuring Gary Clark Jr and Lauryn Hill), 2019's Billboard #1 The Bookends, 2022's Grammy nominated Crown and the soundtrack of director Ryan Coogler's 2025 smash-hit horror movie, Sinners.
A Tribute to LJK, which opens with a poignant spoken-word introduction by Danuel Gales (Manuel's twin brother), is more than the sum of its parts – for while the music plays, Manuel Gales lives again.
"I foresaw a great record," considers Eric, "but I didn't foresee it turning out as amazing as this.
My brother is there throughout this whole record; I can't wait for it to start turning people's heads."
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Newly formed hard rock band Fireheart have released a new single titled 'Inner Remedy,' which follows on from debut single, the southern-tinged rock ballad, 'Staring At The Sun.'
A weighty number that switches from midtempo heavy rock to an energised and uptempo rock-metal instrumental section, 'Inner Remedy' is as heavy hitting as it is purposeful.
Available on all streaming platforms, you can also buy the 'Double A Side' Vinyl SIngle version, along with other merch, here: https://fireheart.uk/shop/
A weighty number that switches from midtempo heavy rock to an energised and uptempo rock-metal instrumental section, 'Inner Remedy' is as heavy hitting as it is purposeful.
Available on all streaming platforms, you can also buy the 'Double A Side' Vinyl SIngle version, along with other merch, here: https://fireheart.uk/shop/
Formed in December 2024 with a core message of resilience, unity, and speaking openly about mental health, Fireheart unites five seasoned musicians who each bring their own style and experience from bands in the hard rock scene.
Fronted by Sons Of Liberty vocalist Russ Grimmett and featuring lead guitarist Lee Jason (formerly of Ryders Creed), rhythm guitarist Kev Baker (formerly of The Hot One Two), bassist Bret Barnes (Kira Mac) and drummer Chris Hopton (formerly of the Gypsy Pistoleros), Fireheart live up to their name, channelling their collective experiences, struggles and triumphs into a sound that is already resonating deeply with rock fans.
Blending influences from the likes of Alter Bridge, Black Stone Cherry, The Wildhearts and Black Label Society, Fireheart bring a fresh, contemporary edge to their music.
Despite having released only two singles, Fireheart has already captured massive attention.
In just six weeks they had amassed over 2,000 Facebook followers, and their limited-edition merch drop, originally planned for 14 days, sold out in just 35 hours due to demand.
Fireheart isn’t just a band, it’s a movement, one that the industry is already taking notice of, with tour and festival offers rolling in before the band has even played a single show.
To top it off, Fireheart has partnered with Earache Distribution to release their debut EP later this year.
Official website: https://fireheart.uk/
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Fronted by Sons Of Liberty vocalist Russ Grimmett and featuring lead guitarist Lee Jason (formerly of Ryders Creed), rhythm guitarist Kev Baker (formerly of The Hot One Two), bassist Bret Barnes (Kira Mac) and drummer Chris Hopton (formerly of the Gypsy Pistoleros), Fireheart live up to their name, channelling their collective experiences, struggles and triumphs into a sound that is already resonating deeply with rock fans.
Blending influences from the likes of Alter Bridge, Black Stone Cherry, The Wildhearts and Black Label Society, Fireheart bring a fresh, contemporary edge to their music.
Despite having released only two singles, Fireheart has already captured massive attention.
In just six weeks they had amassed over 2,000 Facebook followers, and their limited-edition merch drop, originally planned for 14 days, sold out in just 35 hours due to demand.
Fireheart isn’t just a band, it’s a movement, one that the industry is already taking notice of, with tour and festival offers rolling in before the band has even played a single show.
To top it off, Fireheart has partnered with Earache Distribution to release their debut EP later this year.
Official website: https://fireheart.uk/
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British old-school blues troubadour Connor Selby will release his new album, The Truth Comes Out Eventually, on 29th August via Provogue. Pre-save/ order here: https://lnk.to/ConnorSelby
To celebrate the announcement, and following on from lead-off single 'Someone,' the title track has been released as a second taster from the album, with accompanying video.
Connor Selby is also now touring the UK through to September (see dates poster further below).
Of the slow and soulful, horns-backed title track, Connor says "It's about the feeling of not knowing or not being able to be the person that others expect of you and the despair and confusion this brings trying to navigate a world where you feel like you're playing to a different set of rules as everyone else.
You can try and fake it, but the truth will come out eventually, so you might as well make peace with it.
That's the story of this song, which I'm particularly proud of; it's one of my most personal."
To celebrate the announcement, and following on from lead-off single 'Someone,' the title track has been released as a second taster from the album, with accompanying video.
Connor Selby is also now touring the UK through to September (see dates poster further below).
Of the slow and soulful, horns-backed title track, Connor says "It's about the feeling of not knowing or not being able to be the person that others expect of you and the despair and confusion this brings trying to navigate a world where you feel like you're playing to a different set of rules as everyone else.
You can try and fake it, but the truth will come out eventually, so you might as well make peace with it.
That's the story of this song, which I'm particularly proud of; it's one of my most personal."
Life can often throw you around, leaving you mentally and emotionally battered and bruised; not everyone knows how to deal with those situations.
Connor Selby, like many others, has found it difficult to verbalise these feelings and emotions, so music, is his way of expressing himself - his emotional communication.
"I honestly don't know why I find songwriting the only way to get these emotions out," reflects Connor.
"It's just the way it is. Music is the way I've always been able to express myself. Mental health is a big part of this album's songwriting. Either my mental health or someone else's."
When he talks about where his place is in this world, this is where Connor Selby belongs - evoking a calm and assured confidence with emotive storytelling, while dancing along his fretboard in a style that’s as lyrical as the song’s words.
The multi award winning Connor Selby has supported The Who at Wembley Stadium and shared the stage at London's Hyde Park Festival alongside the likes of Pearl Jam and Stereophonics.
He has toured with powerhouse singer Beth Hart, including a performance at the iconic London Palladium. His tour CV also includes shows with Robert Cray, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Betty LaVette, and P.P. Arnold.
Connor Selby, like many others, has found it difficult to verbalise these feelings and emotions, so music, is his way of expressing himself - his emotional communication.
"I honestly don't know why I find songwriting the only way to get these emotions out," reflects Connor.
"It's just the way it is. Music is the way I've always been able to express myself. Mental health is a big part of this album's songwriting. Either my mental health or someone else's."
When he talks about where his place is in this world, this is where Connor Selby belongs - evoking a calm and assured confidence with emotive storytelling, while dancing along his fretboard in a style that’s as lyrical as the song’s words.
The multi award winning Connor Selby has supported The Who at Wembley Stadium and shared the stage at London's Hyde Park Festival alongside the likes of Pearl Jam and Stereophonics.
He has toured with powerhouse singer Beth Hart, including a performance at the iconic London Palladium. His tour CV also includes shows with Robert Cray, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Betty LaVette, and P.P. Arnold.
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California Irish, the new band founded by and featuring The Answer's Cormac Neeson, have released a new single titled 'Julie Ann.' Stream the single here: https://ada.lnk.to/LFDF
Of the single, the band's fourth and final before the release of debut album The Mountains Are My Friends on 18th July (CD & Digital; Vinyl a few weeks later) Cormac says: "We wanted Julie Ann to sound like The Byrds, so it's full of lush and thick four-part harmonies and jangly, 12 string guitars - and a psychedelic cow bell!
It will also hopefully scratch that Laurel Canyon itch until the full album can be listened to on 18th July.
If you’ve been looking for your new soundtrack of the summer then congratulations to you!"
Of the single, the band's fourth and final before the release of debut album The Mountains Are My Friends on 18th July (CD & Digital; Vinyl a few weeks later) Cormac says: "We wanted Julie Ann to sound like The Byrds, so it's full of lush and thick four-part harmonies and jangly, 12 string guitars - and a psychedelic cow bell!
It will also hopefully scratch that Laurel Canyon itch until the full album can be listened to on 18th July.
If you’ve been looking for your new soundtrack of the summer then congratulations to you!"
California Irish are a new seven-piece group hailing from Belfast that work their own niche within the world of 60s America (and the Laurel Canyon music of the late 60s), folk, Americana, and everything in between.
The group initially came together briefly to perform a Neil Young-inspired theatre show production called Re-Harvest, in which the musicians who now make up California Irish performed the classic albums Harvest Moon and Harvest back to back.
The sound of California Irish flies in the face of modern techniques that often lose the warmth of the original compositions. Instead, the group opted for a one off and unique shared human experience with musicians who feed off each other’s energy, and create compelling four-part vocal blends around one single microphone in a warm alt-folk celebration.
Those creative processes led to an album's worth of songs titled The Mountains Are My Friends, which will see release on 18th July on 7hz Productions.
"This is the opposite of boring AI generated, no soul perfection" says Cormac of the forthcoming album.
"We recorded in a room together over four days, allowing the music to breathe when it needed to, looking at each other for our cues and feeding off each other’s energy. It felt like a dream… but it’s the most real thing I’ve ever done in music."
Pre-order physical copies of the album at: https://eyesoremerch.com/california-irish/
Pre-order the digital/ streaming album here: https://ada.lnk.to/Mountains
California Irish are:
Cormac Neeson (vocals, acoustic guitar, psychedelic cowbell); Susy Coyle (vocals, percussion); Donal Scullion (acoustic, electric guitar, vocals); Chris Kelly (lap steel, mandolin, acoustic, electric guitar, vocals); James Doone (bass); Simon Templeton (piano, Hammond, Wurlitzer); Conor McCauley (drums)
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The group initially came together briefly to perform a Neil Young-inspired theatre show production called Re-Harvest, in which the musicians who now make up California Irish performed the classic albums Harvest Moon and Harvest back to back.
The sound of California Irish flies in the face of modern techniques that often lose the warmth of the original compositions. Instead, the group opted for a one off and unique shared human experience with musicians who feed off each other’s energy, and create compelling four-part vocal blends around one single microphone in a warm alt-folk celebration.
Those creative processes led to an album's worth of songs titled The Mountains Are My Friends, which will see release on 18th July on 7hz Productions.
"This is the opposite of boring AI generated, no soul perfection" says Cormac of the forthcoming album.
"We recorded in a room together over four days, allowing the music to breathe when it needed to, looking at each other for our cues and feeding off each other’s energy. It felt like a dream… but it’s the most real thing I’ve ever done in music."
Pre-order physical copies of the album at: https://eyesoremerch.com/california-irish/
Pre-order the digital/ streaming album here: https://ada.lnk.to/Mountains
California Irish are:
Cormac Neeson (vocals, acoustic guitar, psychedelic cowbell); Susy Coyle (vocals, percussion); Donal Scullion (acoustic, electric guitar, vocals); Chris Kelly (lap steel, mandolin, acoustic, electric guitar, vocals); James Doone (bass); Simon Templeton (piano, Hammond, Wurlitzer); Conor McCauley (drums)
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Flamenco-punk glam rock 'n' roll band the Gypsy Pistoleros have announced a new label following issues that saw their recently released, and best-to-date album Church of the Pistoleros fail to make the UK Album Charts, even though it had the sales to do so.
The album will see a worldwide re-release on the 13th September; this will include a brand new, limited edition coloured vinyl option for in-store release.
Never a band to shirk from the facts, the band have made an Official Statement on the situation.
"To our beautiful weirdos, the outlaw rockers, radio renegades, press rebels, and the global underground: It’s time to break our silence. It’s time to speak our truth.
Our latest album Church of the Pistoleros outsold many of the records that did chart – including our own previous charting release. Three times over – yet due to a catastrophic breakdown in the submission process, and an industry ruling that denied our physical sales retroactive validation, our rightful place on the UK Album Chart was wiped out.
We stayed silent out of respect. But now?
Church of the Pistoleros has been officially withdrawn from the Earache Records webstore and distribution.
The New Church Records is Here. Not born in boardrooms. Not signed off by algorithms. No suits. No scripts. The New Church Records is our altar of rebellion.
'The old ways are dead. The industry is a mausoleum. We are the resurrection.'
Church of the Pistoleros returns 19th September on The New Church Records – fully re-released worldwide, including a brand new limited-edition coloured vinyl for in-store release (there are now six colours available in a lucky dip style order).
The album will be distributed globally via Plastic Head Music (D2C, in-store, digital), plus special limited re-pressings of The Mescalito Vampires and Duende a Go Go Loco albums (Vinyl and CD's will be released all via PHD too).
Accompanying the re-release will be a cinematic music video from Jay Shredder, and a gothic visual revelation for album track Dance Naked in the Rain – dark, brooding, and soaked in myth.
The Future.
A brand-new full-length album is underway, conjured once again with the genius of producer Dave Draper.
We’ve officially joined forces with Jay Shredder (SLL Studios) as manager – a visionary, a firestarter, a true believer. He leads Gypsy Pistoleros into this next era with purpose, with power, with no apologies."
The Gypsy Pistoleros:
Gypsy Lee Pistolero (vocals), Kerry Pistolero White (bass, backing vox), Shane Pistolero Sparkz (guitar, backing vox), Pip Pistolero Sampson (drums)
2025 live dates
Jul 11 – The Tivoli, Buckley – w/ Marc Valentine & Dixie Dix
Jul 12 – Holy Diver, Stockport (FREE ENTRY) – w/ Marc Valentine & Dixie Dix
Jul 19 – Anvil Rock Bar, Bournemouth – w/ Rebel Pixies & Ruff Dog Elliot
Aug 9 – Rebellion Punk Festival, Blackpool
Sep 13 – Duffy's Bar, Leicester – w/ Spitting Feathers & Dixie Dix
Oct 3 – Cornwall Rocks Festival, Looe
Nov 28 – Planet Rockstock, Trecco Bay
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The album will see a worldwide re-release on the 13th September; this will include a brand new, limited edition coloured vinyl option for in-store release.
Never a band to shirk from the facts, the band have made an Official Statement on the situation.
"To our beautiful weirdos, the outlaw rockers, radio renegades, press rebels, and the global underground: It’s time to break our silence. It’s time to speak our truth.
Our latest album Church of the Pistoleros outsold many of the records that did chart – including our own previous charting release. Three times over – yet due to a catastrophic breakdown in the submission process, and an industry ruling that denied our physical sales retroactive validation, our rightful place on the UK Album Chart was wiped out.
We stayed silent out of respect. But now?
Church of the Pistoleros has been officially withdrawn from the Earache Records webstore and distribution.
The New Church Records is Here. Not born in boardrooms. Not signed off by algorithms. No suits. No scripts. The New Church Records is our altar of rebellion.
'The old ways are dead. The industry is a mausoleum. We are the resurrection.'
Church of the Pistoleros returns 19th September on The New Church Records – fully re-released worldwide, including a brand new limited-edition coloured vinyl for in-store release (there are now six colours available in a lucky dip style order).
The album will be distributed globally via Plastic Head Music (D2C, in-store, digital), plus special limited re-pressings of The Mescalito Vampires and Duende a Go Go Loco albums (Vinyl and CD's will be released all via PHD too).
Accompanying the re-release will be a cinematic music video from Jay Shredder, and a gothic visual revelation for album track Dance Naked in the Rain – dark, brooding, and soaked in myth.
The Future.
A brand-new full-length album is underway, conjured once again with the genius of producer Dave Draper.
We’ve officially joined forces with Jay Shredder (SLL Studios) as manager – a visionary, a firestarter, a true believer. He leads Gypsy Pistoleros into this next era with purpose, with power, with no apologies."
The Gypsy Pistoleros:
Gypsy Lee Pistolero (vocals), Kerry Pistolero White (bass, backing vox), Shane Pistolero Sparkz (guitar, backing vox), Pip Pistolero Sampson (drums)
2025 live dates
Jul 11 – The Tivoli, Buckley – w/ Marc Valentine & Dixie Dix
Jul 12 – Holy Diver, Stockport (FREE ENTRY) – w/ Marc Valentine & Dixie Dix
Jul 19 – Anvil Rock Bar, Bournemouth – w/ Rebel Pixies & Ruff Dog Elliot
Aug 9 – Rebellion Punk Festival, Blackpool
Sep 13 – Duffy's Bar, Leicester – w/ Spitting Feathers & Dixie Dix
Oct 3 – Cornwall Rocks Festival, Looe
Nov 28 – Planet Rockstock, Trecco Bay
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John McLaughlin will release Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 2022 on August 8th, wordwide via earMUSIC.
The memento of an outstanding performance with his longtime band, The 4th Dimension, the album will be available as a Blu-ray+2CD Digipak, 2LP Gatefold and Digital Download.
Pre-order here: https://johnmclaughli.lnk.to/LiveatMJFPR
The album is preceded by first single 'Abbaji,' which is a tribute to esteemed Indian table player, Alla Rakha (also known as "Abbaji"). The track's meditative atmosphere and rhythms bring a deep sense of nostalgia, and remembrance, in the name of the late table maestro.
The memento of an outstanding performance with his longtime band, The 4th Dimension, the album will be available as a Blu-ray+2CD Digipak, 2LP Gatefold and Digital Download.
Pre-order here: https://johnmclaughli.lnk.to/LiveatMJFPR
The album is preceded by first single 'Abbaji,' which is a tribute to esteemed Indian table player, Alla Rakha (also known as "Abbaji"). The track's meditative atmosphere and rhythms bring a deep sense of nostalgia, and remembrance, in the name of the late table maestro.
On July 11th, 2022, John McLaughlin returned to the Montreux Jazz Festival with The 4th Dimension and award-winning special guest Jany McPherson on piano and vocals.
The results were a masterclass in fusion for the audience of Stravinski Auditorium, who heard favourites such as 'New Blues Old Bruise' and 'El Hombre Que Sabia,' as well as Pharoah Sanders' 'The Creator Has a Master Plan.'
John’s McLaughlin’s history with the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival spans fifty-two years as a headlining artist and sometime guest performer.
"I've said it many times before - The MJF is the greatest festival in the world. The night of this particular recording was no exception and we musicians rose to the occasion. This performance is outstanding for all of us. There was joy, virtuosity, and a fantastic collective experience." - John McLaughlin
John McLaughlin revolutionized jazz, bringing a fusion of world music, jazz, and blues to the mainstream with his Mahavishnu Orchestra and recordings with Santana and The Rolling Stones, as well as his groundbreaking Live in San Francisco albums with Ali Di Meola and Paco de Lucia.
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The results were a masterclass in fusion for the audience of Stravinski Auditorium, who heard favourites such as 'New Blues Old Bruise' and 'El Hombre Que Sabia,' as well as Pharoah Sanders' 'The Creator Has a Master Plan.'
John’s McLaughlin’s history with the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival spans fifty-two years as a headlining artist and sometime guest performer.
"I've said it many times before - The MJF is the greatest festival in the world. The night of this particular recording was no exception and we musicians rose to the occasion. This performance is outstanding for all of us. There was joy, virtuosity, and a fantastic collective experience." - John McLaughlin
John McLaughlin revolutionized jazz, bringing a fusion of world music, jazz, and blues to the mainstream with his Mahavishnu Orchestra and recordings with Santana and The Rolling Stones, as well as his groundbreaking Live in San Francisco albums with Ali Di Meola and Paco de Lucia.
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Critically acclaimed Canadian rock and roll band The Damn Truth, who recently released their fourth/ self-titled studio album, will return to the UK for a November headline tour.
Tickets are on sale via www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/The-Damn-Truth.htm
Special Guests on all dates are Parker Barrow, a high energy, blues-infused southern rock 'n' roll band featuring husband-and-wife duo Megan Kane (lead vocals) and Dylan Turner (drums), along with guitarist and musical director Alex Bender.
Their debut album Jukebox Gypsies (2023) was met with great reviews, while the music video for single 'Back To Birmingham' racked up over a million views on YouTube.
Tickets are on sale via www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/The-Damn-Truth.htm
Special Guests on all dates are Parker Barrow, a high energy, blues-infused southern rock 'n' roll band featuring husband-and-wife duo Megan Kane (lead vocals) and Dylan Turner (drums), along with guitarist and musical director Alex Bender.
Their debut album Jukebox Gypsies (2023) was met with great reviews, while the music video for single 'Back To Birmingham' racked up over a million views on YouTube.
Praise for The Damn Truth:
"Harking back to the golden era of rock, and dressed for the part, to say The Damn Truth don’t disappoint is something of an understatement." - Sonic Abuse
"A fresh revivalism of the psyche music scene from the mid 60’s" - Jeff Laufer, Editor of Rock Bands of LA.
"Probably the finest rock ‘n’ roll band on the planet right now." - Metal Planet Music
"The Damn Truth stand tall as the must see must hear rock & roll band on the circuit. And that’s no damn lie." - FabricationsHQ
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"Harking back to the golden era of rock, and dressed for the part, to say The Damn Truth don’t disappoint is something of an understatement." - Sonic Abuse
"A fresh revivalism of the psyche music scene from the mid 60’s" - Jeff Laufer, Editor of Rock Bands of LA.
"Probably the finest rock ‘n’ roll band on the planet right now." - Metal Planet Music
"The Damn Truth stand tall as the must see must hear rock & roll band on the circuit. And that’s no damn lie." - FabricationsHQ
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German jazz guitarist and jazz-pop/soul singer Torsten Goods, has released a new single titled 'Summertime Heartache.'
It’s the second song, following lead-off single 'Rocket Girl,' to be showcased from forthcoming new album Soul Deep, set for release 12th September.
Stream the single here: https://orcd.co/summertimeheartache
A romantic, West Coast vibe'd ballad echoing Al Jarreau, Steely Dan and George Benson, plus a string quartet and jazzy saxophone lines by Jakob Manz, Sumertime Heartache relates a bittersweet tale of a summer love lost to distance and time.
The smooth pop-jazz of 'Summertime Heartache' and upbeat groove of 'Rocket Girl' set a new direction for Torsten Goods, one that marks a transition into the realm of neo-funk/ jazz artists such as Dirty Loops, Cory Wong, Snarky Puppy and Vulfpeck.
It’s the second song, following lead-off single 'Rocket Girl,' to be showcased from forthcoming new album Soul Deep, set for release 12th September.
Stream the single here: https://orcd.co/summertimeheartache
A romantic, West Coast vibe'd ballad echoing Al Jarreau, Steely Dan and George Benson, plus a string quartet and jazzy saxophone lines by Jakob Manz, Sumertime Heartache relates a bittersweet tale of a summer love lost to distance and time.
The smooth pop-jazz of 'Summertime Heartache' and upbeat groove of 'Rocket Girl' set a new direction for Torsten Goods, one that marks a transition into the realm of neo-funk/ jazz artists such as Dirty Loops, Cory Wong, Snarky Puppy and Vulfpeck.
Soul Deep, the follow-up to 2023’s Soul Searching, features twelve new songs (ten self-composed, two co-written with Bluey Maunick of Incognito) presents Torsten Goods as a mature artist, one heavily influenced by soul, neo-funk, jazz, blues, and the summery West Coast/ AOR sounds of late 70s California.
Soul Deep also deals with Goods' visual transformation due to alopecia (a sudden and persistent hair loss); a very personal album, the now 44-year-old musician chronicles stories from his life and his relationship with his soul mate, now his wife.
Feature tracks include yearning ballad 'Summertime Heartache' (featuring strings and saxophone by rising star Jakob Manz), Steely Dan tribute 'Summer Rain,' 'Live by the Heart' (a duet with Kim Sanders), plus the dance-inducing new single.
A Soul Deep tour beginning in autumn 2025 will take Torsten Goods through Germany, as well as Austria, Switzerland, the UK and Ireland (his mother's birthplace).
He will be joined by his regular bandmates Jan Miserre (keyboards, piano), Felix Lehrmann (drums) and Björn Werra (bass), all of whom have been performing together for 16 years.
Torsten, whose prodigious skills won him a scholarship to study jazz guitar in New York while in his teens, is also musical director for German artist Sarah Connor, and artistic director of two jazz festivals in southern Germany.
He also performs with trumpeter Till Brönner and trombonist Nils Landgren.
(photo by Michael Romacker).
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Soul Deep also deals with Goods' visual transformation due to alopecia (a sudden and persistent hair loss); a very personal album, the now 44-year-old musician chronicles stories from his life and his relationship with his soul mate, now his wife.
Feature tracks include yearning ballad 'Summertime Heartache' (featuring strings and saxophone by rising star Jakob Manz), Steely Dan tribute 'Summer Rain,' 'Live by the Heart' (a duet with Kim Sanders), plus the dance-inducing new single.
A Soul Deep tour beginning in autumn 2025 will take Torsten Goods through Germany, as well as Austria, Switzerland, the UK and Ireland (his mother's birthplace).
He will be joined by his regular bandmates Jan Miserre (keyboards, piano), Felix Lehrmann (drums) and Björn Werra (bass), all of whom have been performing together for 16 years.
Torsten, whose prodigious skills won him a scholarship to study jazz guitar in New York while in his teens, is also musical director for German artist Sarah Connor, and artistic director of two jazz festivals in southern Germany.
He also performs with trumpeter Till Brönner and trombonist Nils Landgren.
(photo by Michael Romacker).
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Southern California roots rockers Robert Jon & The Wreck have announced the release of their next, and ninth, studio album, Heartbreaks & Last Goodbyes.
Pre-order here: https://shop.robertjonandthewreck.com/
Due August 22nd via Journeyman Records, the album was produced by Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Rival Sons) at his recording studio in Savannah, Georgia.
The Savannah sessions were also a major turning point for the band, as bassist Warren Murrell elaborates: "For the first time in our history, we had the opportunity to live at the studio while recording… we got to immerse ourselves fully in the music, writing, recording and refining songs every day for over a week. Dave Cobb has a way of getting under the hood of a song, pushing it further than we ever thought possible; his guidance challenged us in the best ways and helped bring this album to life in a way we’re truly proud of."
The band have also released a final single from the album, 'Keep Myself Clean.'
A midtempo southern stomp and swampy grind, the new single finds the band digging into their heaviest themes yet.
"Keep Myself Clean came together in Savannah from a few different ideas, with producer Dave Cobb’s brilliance shaping an entirely new concept," says guitarist Henry James. "It was raw, menacing, and powerful; Dave even plays a few guitar tracks on it. We rolled tape with that energy still fresh in our fingers. Lyrically, it’s a cautionary tale inspired by life in the fast lane."
Pre-order here: https://shop.robertjonandthewreck.com/
Due August 22nd via Journeyman Records, the album was produced by Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Rival Sons) at his recording studio in Savannah, Georgia.
The Savannah sessions were also a major turning point for the band, as bassist Warren Murrell elaborates: "For the first time in our history, we had the opportunity to live at the studio while recording… we got to immerse ourselves fully in the music, writing, recording and refining songs every day for over a week. Dave Cobb has a way of getting under the hood of a song, pushing it further than we ever thought possible; his guidance challenged us in the best ways and helped bring this album to life in a way we’re truly proud of."
The band have also released a final single from the album, 'Keep Myself Clean.'
A midtempo southern stomp and swampy grind, the new single finds the band digging into their heaviest themes yet.
"Keep Myself Clean came together in Savannah from a few different ideas, with producer Dave Cobb’s brilliance shaping an entirely new concept," says guitarist Henry James. "It was raw, menacing, and powerful; Dave even plays a few guitar tracks on it. We rolled tape with that energy still fresh in our fingers. Lyrically, it’s a cautionary tale inspired by life in the fast lane."
'Dark Angel' follows the release of six other singles that will feature on the upcoming album: soul-blues number 'Long Gone' (co-written with John Oates), reflective ballad 'Ashes in the Snow,' the rollicking 'Sittin’ Pretty,' the melodically light and rocking shade of 'Highway,' southern-country-rock song 'Better Of Me,' and southern rock meets country-soul rocker 'Dark Angel.'
Each single spotlights a different facet of the band’s evolving sound, which will be heard complete on their most ambitious album yet.
Stream 'Keep Myself Clean' here: https://ffm.to/wbo0dj8
Each single spotlights a different facet of the band’s evolving sound, which will be heard complete on their most ambitious album yet.
Stream 'Keep Myself Clean' here: https://ffm.to/wbo0dj8
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Up and coming UK rock quintet Silveroller have signed a new worldwide management deal with German based Hot Socket Music.
To celebrate, the band have released a new video for their song 'Black Crow,' the lead-off track from their outstanding debut EP At Dawn, which was released last year.
The live footage video features new guitarist Kenny Tashjy who joined in the spring.
To celebrate, the band have released a new video for their song 'Black Crow,' the lead-off track from their outstanding debut EP At Dawn, which was released last year.
The live footage video features new guitarist Kenny Tashjy who joined in the spring.
"Absolutely thrilled to be working with Hot Socket Music and Brad Marr," says Silveroller frontman Johnnie Hodson. "Brad is someone I've known for a while and when he laid the plans out for how he sees Silveroller growing and what can be achieved, we could see his work ethic matched with our own; he had to become part of the team that's growing around the group. Truly excited to be getting down into the hard work and growing what has been a great year already for us."
"There are a lot of good bands out there but Silveroller stands out above the rest," adds Brad.
"From the first listen of their debut record I was hooked. They have it all, great songwriting, great musicianship and great showmanship on a live stage. Their future is bright and I am stoked to be a part of it."
Silveroller have just completed successive tours with The Karma Effect and Dutch psychedelic soul-blues trio DeWolff.
Purchase At Dawn here: https://silveroller.bandcamp.com/album/at-dawn
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"There are a lot of good bands out there but Silveroller stands out above the rest," adds Brad.
"From the first listen of their debut record I was hooked. They have it all, great songwriting, great musicianship and great showmanship on a live stage. Their future is bright and I am stoked to be a part of it."
Silveroller have just completed successive tours with The Karma Effect and Dutch psychedelic soul-blues trio DeWolff.
Purchase At Dawn here: https://silveroller.bandcamp.com/album/at-dawn
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South-east London based James O'Hurley, a modern-day troubadour who mixes a contemporary sound with dark Americana, nu-country/ Celtic, blues, folk and rock, has released 'Saint Jude' as a final single from his debut solo album A Certain Stranger.
Saint Jude is an up-tempo number that mixes darker atmospheres with a Motown back beat and echoes of the early big music of The Waterboys.
"The lyrics to Saint Jude are my favourite on the album," explains James. They are incredibly personal words that I think everyone can relate to; the idea of being left to pick up the pieces and searching for answers.
What seems impossible might just be the thing that sets you free. You just have to keep believing."
Saint Jude is an up-tempo number that mixes darker atmospheres with a Motown back beat and echoes of the early big music of The Waterboys.
"The lyrics to Saint Jude are my favourite on the album," explains James. They are incredibly personal words that I think everyone can relate to; the idea of being left to pick up the pieces and searching for answers.
What seems impossible might just be the thing that sets you free. You just have to keep believing."
The Official video for the single was directed by Erim Ahmet, who also produced and performed drums, piano, organ, bass guitar & percussion on the track alongside Pete Briley of The Outlaw Orchestra, who contributed electric, lap and pedal steel guitars and backing vocals.
Praise for A Certain Stranger:
"Simply Mesmerising" (Goth Girl)
"Well crafted and highly individualistic" (FabricationsHQ)
"The soundtrack to your next favourite TV show or long road trip" (Emerging Rock Bands)
"As organic as it is distinctive" (Vents Magazine)
James O’Hurley and his band will be performing a selection of key live dates at beautiful and unique venues throughout the summer on his Midnight Moon Tour, including:
4th July - Bigg Theatre, Stevenage
15th August - The Victoria Institute, Arundel
James O’Hurley Website: https://jamesohurley.com/
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Praise for A Certain Stranger:
"Simply Mesmerising" (Goth Girl)
"Well crafted and highly individualistic" (FabricationsHQ)
"The soundtrack to your next favourite TV show or long road trip" (Emerging Rock Bands)
"As organic as it is distinctive" (Vents Magazine)
James O’Hurley and his band will be performing a selection of key live dates at beautiful and unique venues throughout the summer on his Midnight Moon Tour, including:
4th July - Bigg Theatre, Stevenage
15th August - The Victoria Institute, Arundel
James O’Hurley Website: https://jamesohurley.com/
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Chimpan A, the electronica-inspired Prog duo comprising singer Steve Balsamo (Jon Lord/ Eric Woolfson/ Jesus Christ Superstar) and Robert Reed (Magenta/ Cyan/ Sanctuary), will release their third album M.I.A. Vol.1 on 29th August.
At the very core of the project is what the pair describe unapologetically as an "old-fashioned" response to the "TikTokification" of music (M.I.A. stands for Music Is Art).
The new album therefore honours the vinyl album tradition, with clearly defined sides A and B; the first side has shorter, more commercial tracks, while Side B is made up of longer pieces.
In advance of the album, the band are releasing four singles, one a month, as both a physical CD and Digital Download.
Each has an original track alongside a cover; the covers can be seen and heard as a brave decision, given each is, in their words "probably untouchable" sacred cows, including the Jimmy Webb penned Glen Campbell classic, 'Wichita Lineman'.
At the very core of the project is what the pair describe unapologetically as an "old-fashioned" response to the "TikTokification" of music (M.I.A. stands for Music Is Art).
The new album therefore honours the vinyl album tradition, with clearly defined sides A and B; the first side has shorter, more commercial tracks, while Side B is made up of longer pieces.
In advance of the album, the band are releasing four singles, one a month, as both a physical CD and Digital Download.
Each has an original track alongside a cover; the covers can be seen and heard as a brave decision, given each is, in their words "probably untouchable" sacred cows, including the Jimmy Webb penned Glen Campbell classic, 'Wichita Lineman'.
Drawing influences from the rhythms of Peter Gabriel, the commercial songs of Tears For Fears and the raw emotional impact of Blue Nile, the duo approached the making of the album with the only rule being that there were no rules. There are songs about home, loss, family, addiction, a pair written for Richard Mylan’s play Sorter, and one sampling Swansea composer Karl Jenkins.
"The project has been a joy," says Steve Balsamo. "I love the collaboration and bringing together amazing musicians and crashing them into each other to see what happens" (a number of guest players feature, including Magenta vocalist Christina Booth, bassists Guy Pratt and Neil Fairclough (Queen), and Francis Dunnery).
"It always comes down to songs, though, so songwriting is the backbone of the project, but what we’ve tried to do is deconstruct and mess with the process. It was all a kind of chance, or synchronicity."
"Musically it shouldn’t work, but it is just so exciting hearing sudden changes of style - going from Euro dance, and suddenly having a burst of jazz, or folk," adds Rober Reed.
M.I.A. Vol.1 will be released on 29th August through Tigermoth Records.
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"The project has been a joy," says Steve Balsamo. "I love the collaboration and bringing together amazing musicians and crashing them into each other to see what happens" (a number of guest players feature, including Magenta vocalist Christina Booth, bassists Guy Pratt and Neil Fairclough (Queen), and Francis Dunnery).
"It always comes down to songs, though, so songwriting is the backbone of the project, but what we’ve tried to do is deconstruct and mess with the process. It was all a kind of chance, or synchronicity."
"Musically it shouldn’t work, but it is just so exciting hearing sudden changes of style - going from Euro dance, and suddenly having a burst of jazz, or folk," adds Rober Reed.
M.I.A. Vol.1 will be released on 29th August through Tigermoth Records.
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Blues rock’s resilient icon Walter Trout will release his new album, Sign Of The Times, on 5th September via Provogue. Pre-order link: https://lnk.to/waltertrout
A brand new single, 'Artificial,' has been released as the first taster of the forthcoming album.
The opening number from Sign Of The Times, 'Artificial' is a scornful, satirical, blues harmonica backed rebuke of the fake world we risk creating. "We got artificial photos, artificial music, you could go on and on," considers Walter Trout. "I’m freaked out by AI. I read articles about how it’s gonna do all these wonderful things in the medical world. Then I hear Bill Gates say that eighty percent of jobs are gonna disappear. What happens then?"
A brand new single, 'Artificial,' has been released as the first taster of the forthcoming album.
The opening number from Sign Of The Times, 'Artificial' is a scornful, satirical, blues harmonica backed rebuke of the fake world we risk creating. "We got artificial photos, artificial music, you could go on and on," considers Walter Trout. "I’m freaked out by AI. I read articles about how it’s gonna do all these wonderful things in the medical world. Then I hear Bill Gates say that eighty percent of jobs are gonna disappear. What happens then?"
A street-level social observer and lyrically honest songwriter, Walter Trout has never told his fans what to think, how to feel, or where to stand politically.
But in an era when his home nation – and the wider world – is ripping at the seams, Sign Of The Times is a primal scream and pressure valve for all of us.
"I wanted to reflect upon what’s going on in the world," explains Walter. "For me, writing these songs is therapy. They’re not just about what’s happening out there, but how it affects you in your head. Sign Of The Times became the obvious title."
Sign Of The Times, which follows on from last year’s Billboard Blues #1 album Broken, once again features lyric writing assistance from Walter’s wife and manager Marie.
"This album flowed pretty easily," Walter reflects of the writing process. "I had so many song ideas and pages of lyrics from Marie. We could have kept going and made a triple album!"
Featuring longtime drummer Michael Leasure, bassist John Avila and keys man Teddy 'Zig Zag' Andreadis, the subject matter of Sign Of The Times has helped create one of the toughest-sounding records in Walter Trout’s catalogue.
"I really felt like rocking on this album," continues Walter. "We had heavy things to talk about, and we went for it musically too."
Still a road warrior at the age of 74, and having just undertaken a quartet of US west coast dates, Walter Trout will embark on a run of 43 shows from July through to November, in the USA, Canada & Europe.
Dates and ticket info at: https://www.waltertrout.com/tourdates
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But in an era when his home nation – and the wider world – is ripping at the seams, Sign Of The Times is a primal scream and pressure valve for all of us.
"I wanted to reflect upon what’s going on in the world," explains Walter. "For me, writing these songs is therapy. They’re not just about what’s happening out there, but how it affects you in your head. Sign Of The Times became the obvious title."
Sign Of The Times, which follows on from last year’s Billboard Blues #1 album Broken, once again features lyric writing assistance from Walter’s wife and manager Marie.
"This album flowed pretty easily," Walter reflects of the writing process. "I had so many song ideas and pages of lyrics from Marie. We could have kept going and made a triple album!"
Featuring longtime drummer Michael Leasure, bassist John Avila and keys man Teddy 'Zig Zag' Andreadis, the subject matter of Sign Of The Times has helped create one of the toughest-sounding records in Walter Trout’s catalogue.
"I really felt like rocking on this album," continues Walter. "We had heavy things to talk about, and we went for it musically too."
Still a road warrior at the age of 74, and having just undertaken a quartet of US west coast dates, Walter Trout will embark on a run of 43 shows from July through to November, in the USA, Canada & Europe.
Dates and ticket info at: https://www.waltertrout.com/tourdates
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Following their successful tour of the UK in April, Netherlands psychedelic rock 'n' soul trio DeWolff will return to British shores in October for the second part of their Muscles Shoals Club Tour.
Tickets (for all upcoming DeWolff dates) available via the band's website: https://www.dewolff.nu
The band will be promoting, and performing songs from, their latest studio album, Muscle Shoals, which was released in December last year and recorded at the legendary FAME Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound Studios in Alabama.
Tickets (for all upcoming DeWolff dates) available via the band's website: https://www.dewolff.nu
The band will be promoting, and performing songs from, their latest studio album, Muscle Shoals, which was released in December last year and recorded at the legendary FAME Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound Studios in Alabama.
DeWolff – Pablo van de Poel (guitar/vocals), Luka van de Poel (drums/vocals), Robin Piso (Hammond/ Wurlitzer) – has spent the year touring through Europe, bringing their psychedelic rock 'n' soul to audiences in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and the UK.
Muscle Shoals spawned three singles – the gentle and soulful 'Let's Stay Together,' rock 'n' rolling groover 'Natural Woman' and the infectious pop & soul-rock of 'In Love.'
Of the latter number, Pablo van de Poel says: "It’s about being with someone for a long time and you meet someone else, and they really turn your world upside down by challenging the promises you make to your partner when you have a long term relationship. There's a line that goes 'tell me babe why can't we meet, at the dark end of the street,' which is a reference to Dark End of the Street, written by Muscle Shoals songwriter Dan Penn."
A heavy and successful touring regime has seen DeWolff preach their Electric Gospel on a cruise, in a castle, and various festivals.
The band have toured with The Black Crowes and played shows with Blues Pills, Deep Purple, and TOTO. They can also count Seasick Steve as a fan.
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Muscle Shoals spawned three singles – the gentle and soulful 'Let's Stay Together,' rock 'n' rolling groover 'Natural Woman' and the infectious pop & soul-rock of 'In Love.'
Of the latter number, Pablo van de Poel says: "It’s about being with someone for a long time and you meet someone else, and they really turn your world upside down by challenging the promises you make to your partner when you have a long term relationship. There's a line that goes 'tell me babe why can't we meet, at the dark end of the street,' which is a reference to Dark End of the Street, written by Muscle Shoals songwriter Dan Penn."
A heavy and successful touring regime has seen DeWolff preach their Electric Gospel on a cruise, in a castle, and various festivals.
The band have toured with The Black Crowes and played shows with Blues Pills, Deep Purple, and TOTO. They can also count Seasick Steve as a fan.
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British hard rocker and former pro MMA fighter Kris Barras has launched a new musical collective that takes him back to his contemporary blues rock roots.
The new band, Hollow Souls, will embark on their first UK tour in October and November (see tour poster further below).
The first recorded results of this new, highly energised band was debut single 'Borderline,' featuring American blues rocker Jared James Nichols on lead guitar.
A second single, the blues grungy and guitar gritty 'Shotgun,' co-written with and featuring singer Jon 'Marv' Harvey (of Canadian southern rock band Monster Truck), has now been released.
Both songs will feature on the band's debut EP, set for release in September.
Stream/ play 'Shotgun' here: https://www.submithub.com/link/hollow-souls-shotgun
The new band, Hollow Souls, will embark on their first UK tour in October and November (see tour poster further below).
The first recorded results of this new, highly energised band was debut single 'Borderline,' featuring American blues rocker Jared James Nichols on lead guitar.
A second single, the blues grungy and guitar gritty 'Shotgun,' co-written with and featuring singer Jon 'Marv' Harvey (of Canadian southern rock band Monster Truck), has now been released.
Both songs will feature on the band's debut EP, set for release in September.
Stream/ play 'Shotgun' here: https://www.submithub.com/link/hollow-souls-shotgun
From humble beginnings in Torquay to trading licks with Joe Bonamassa and Billy Gibbons on the world stage, Kris Barras has slowly but assuredly moved up the rock ladder from his blue rock origins through hard melodic rock to the metal-tinged vibrancy and darker sound of latest release Halo Effect, which was a Top #5 UK Album Chart success.
While Kris Barras and the Kris Barras Band are firmly intrenched in the world of heavier music, the guitarist is still a bluesman at heart.
Inspired by the U.S. supergroup Supersonic Blues Machine (in which he also performed) Barras created Hollow Souls, initially a homegrown jam band to serve as a creative sparring exercise during his downtime.
Featuring long-term collaborator, multi-instrumentalist & producer Josiah J Manning, utilising Josiah’s Plymouth-based Momentum Studios as their base and working with a studio rhythm section of drummer Joe Harris (Toby Lee / Lack of Afro) and bassist Leighton Allen (Callum Scott/ The Hoosiers) the band, once joined by ex KBB backing singer Phoebe Jane, became far more than the sum of its parts.
While Kris Barras and the Kris Barras Band are firmly intrenched in the world of heavier music, the guitarist is still a bluesman at heart.
Inspired by the U.S. supergroup Supersonic Blues Machine (in which he also performed) Barras created Hollow Souls, initially a homegrown jam band to serve as a creative sparring exercise during his downtime.
Featuring long-term collaborator, multi-instrumentalist & producer Josiah J Manning, utilising Josiah’s Plymouth-based Momentum Studios as their base and working with a studio rhythm section of drummer Joe Harris (Toby Lee / Lack of Afro) and bassist Leighton Allen (Callum Scott/ The Hoosiers) the band, once joined by ex KBB backing singer Phoebe Jane, became far more than the sum of its parts.
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UK-based, award winning singer-songwriter and guitarist Leoni Jane Kennedy, who was recently voted #4 in PROG Magazine’s Readers Poll for Best New Artist, has released an Official Music Video for her latest single, 'Jesse.' Stream the track here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/leonijanekennedy/jesse
The soulful and beautifully crafted 'Jesse' is the third of seven singles to be released this year; it follows the melodic light and rockier shade of 'Different Kind Of Woman' and the equally melodic but darker colours of the lyrically introspective 'Closer.'
Collectively the septet will form Leoni Jane Kennedy's debut album of all-original material, Synthetic.
"Jesse was written about a friend who saw me through tough times with his character and stories throughout his own life," explains Leoni. "He was one of the first friends I made when I moved down to Guildford for University studies and we immediately clicked, despite our 40+ year age gap."
As regards the video, directed by filmmaker and illustrator JJ Eringa, Leoni continues: "It was really important to me that the music video captured our friendship and JJ has done an incredible job! Jesse and I both truly felt a sense of honour seeing this as although we're generations apart in age, it's never stopped us from being so totally vulnerable, open and honest with each other about absolutely everything. It's a friendship I will value for the rest of my life; to have it encased in a short film is so incredibly beautiful."
The soulful and beautifully crafted 'Jesse' is the third of seven singles to be released this year; it follows the melodic light and rockier shade of 'Different Kind Of Woman' and the equally melodic but darker colours of the lyrically introspective 'Closer.'
Collectively the septet will form Leoni Jane Kennedy's debut album of all-original material, Synthetic.
"Jesse was written about a friend who saw me through tough times with his character and stories throughout his own life," explains Leoni. "He was one of the first friends I made when I moved down to Guildford for University studies and we immediately clicked, despite our 40+ year age gap."
As regards the video, directed by filmmaker and illustrator JJ Eringa, Leoni continues: "It was really important to me that the music video captured our friendship and JJ has done an incredible job! Jesse and I both truly felt a sense of honour seeing this as although we're generations apart in age, it's never stopped us from being so totally vulnerable, open and honest with each other about absolutely everything. It's a friendship I will value for the rest of my life; to have it encased in a short film is so incredibly beautiful."
Leoni Jane Kennedy is creating a new wave of rock with progressive influence in her rhythmic and melodic structures.
Winning her first title with an Under 19s singer-songwriter award in 2014, Leoni Jane Kennedy went on to receive a Yamaha sponsorship, an endorsement from Orange Amplification and further songwriting awards.
In 2018 Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor chose her from hundreds of applicants to receive the Freddie Mercury Scholarship, financing her university tuition fees. Leoni graduated with First Class Honours before moving to London where she is currently studying a Masters Degree in Songwriting.
Primarily a PRS guitar player, her talents on the instrument were recognised when she was chosen as a PRS Guitars Pulse Artist; in 2024 she was promoted to full PRS Guitars Artist Endorsee.
Leoni’s first album, 2023's New World Woman, an acoustic reimagining of songs by Canadian prog and rock legends Rush, was a great success, earning her plaudits and praise from Rush fans.
Described as a force of nature, Leoni Jane Kennedy, who is also a member of The Anchoress’s touring band, is recognised by many in the UK music industry as one to watch.
Leoni Jane Kennedy will support The Beautiful Darkness and The Anchoress, as well as tour as lead guitarist for The Anchoress, at the following UK dates:
Wednesday 11th June: The Anchoress (and as Support) - West End Centre, Aldershot
Thursday 12th June: The Anchoress (and as Support) - The Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes
Friday 11th July: The Beautiful Darkness (as Special Guest) – The Shed, Leicester
Friday 8th August: The Beautiful Darkness (as Special Guest) - The Fiery Bird, Woking
Wednesday 12th November: The Anchoress - The Horn, St Albans
Friday 14th November: The Anchoress - Union Chapel, London
Website: https://www.leonijanekennedy.com/
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Winning her first title with an Under 19s singer-songwriter award in 2014, Leoni Jane Kennedy went on to receive a Yamaha sponsorship, an endorsement from Orange Amplification and further songwriting awards.
In 2018 Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor chose her from hundreds of applicants to receive the Freddie Mercury Scholarship, financing her university tuition fees. Leoni graduated with First Class Honours before moving to London where she is currently studying a Masters Degree in Songwriting.
Primarily a PRS guitar player, her talents on the instrument were recognised when she was chosen as a PRS Guitars Pulse Artist; in 2024 she was promoted to full PRS Guitars Artist Endorsee.
Leoni’s first album, 2023's New World Woman, an acoustic reimagining of songs by Canadian prog and rock legends Rush, was a great success, earning her plaudits and praise from Rush fans.
Described as a force of nature, Leoni Jane Kennedy, who is also a member of The Anchoress’s touring band, is recognised by many in the UK music industry as one to watch.
Leoni Jane Kennedy will support The Beautiful Darkness and The Anchoress, as well as tour as lead guitarist for The Anchoress, at the following UK dates:
Wednesday 11th June: The Anchoress (and as Support) - West End Centre, Aldershot
Thursday 12th June: The Anchoress (and as Support) - The Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes
Friday 11th July: The Beautiful Darkness (as Special Guest) – The Shed, Leicester
Friday 8th August: The Beautiful Darkness (as Special Guest) - The Fiery Bird, Woking
Wednesday 12th November: The Anchoress - The Horn, St Albans
Friday 14th November: The Anchoress - Union Chapel, London
Website: https://www.leonijanekennedy.com/
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Following the success of 2023’s critically acclaimed, Americana flavoured album Songs From The Blue Room, Luke Morley (Thunder, Quireboys) returns to the solo spotlight with his new solo album Walking On Water, due for release on 1st August. Pre-order here: https://slinky.to/WalkingOnWaterLM
Following the release of first, the title track, followed by the upbeat escapsim of second taster single, 'Natural High,' comes the upbeat rock and roll of 'Snakeskin Parachute.'
Stream the single here: https://slinky.to/SnakeskinParachute
"This was a random title I'd written down a few years ago; I liked the bizarre combination of the two words," explains Luke. "I had no idea what it meant until I started writing this tune - I guess 'Snakeskin’ is a metaphor for my musical past and the ‘Parachute’ is me trying to convince myself that if my solo records don’t go down too well, I could always eject and land softly back where I was in my heavy rock comfort zone!"
Following the release of first, the title track, followed by the upbeat escapsim of second taster single, 'Natural High,' comes the upbeat rock and roll of 'Snakeskin Parachute.'
Stream the single here: https://slinky.to/SnakeskinParachute
"This was a random title I'd written down a few years ago; I liked the bizarre combination of the two words," explains Luke. "I had no idea what it meant until I started writing this tune - I guess 'Snakeskin’ is a metaphor for my musical past and the ‘Parachute’ is me trying to convince myself that if my solo records don’t go down too well, I could always eject and land softly back where I was in my heavy rock comfort zone!"
Eager to once again bring his solo work to the stage, Luke Morley wil play seven UK shows in September to support the new album.
"I actually took a bit of persuading to tour with the last album as I wasn’t sure whether I’d enjoy the role of lead singer and frontman," adds Luke. "But once I’d come to terms with doing it my own way, I really enjoyed it, so there’s no hesitation with this album. I can’t wait!"
Luke Morley - Walking On Water UK Tour Dates:
Thursday, 11th September - Manchester, RNCM Concert Hall
Friday, 12th September - Glasgow, St Luke’s
Sunday, 14th September - Sunderland, Fire Station
Monday, 15th September - Leeds, City Varieties
Tuesday, 16th September - Bristol, St George’s
Wednesday, 17th September - Brighton, Old Market
Friday, 19th September - London, Bloomsbury Theatre
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"I actually took a bit of persuading to tour with the last album as I wasn’t sure whether I’d enjoy the role of lead singer and frontman," adds Luke. "But once I’d come to terms with doing it my own way, I really enjoyed it, so there’s no hesitation with this album. I can’t wait!"
Luke Morley - Walking On Water UK Tour Dates:
Thursday, 11th September - Manchester, RNCM Concert Hall
Friday, 12th September - Glasgow, St Luke’s
Sunday, 14th September - Sunderland, Fire Station
Monday, 15th September - Leeds, City Varieties
Tuesday, 16th September - Bristol, St George’s
Wednesday, 17th September - Brighton, Old Market
Friday, 19th September - London, Bloomsbury Theatre
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Scarborough based contemporary rockers This House We Built have released a brand new single, 'Addiction.'
The song is also the first taster from their second album, Get Out of The Rain, which is set to release in the Autumn.
Stream the new single here: https://earache.lnk.to/Addiction
Speaking about the new single, frontman Scott Wardell says "Everyone’s addicted to something, whether it’s coffee, adrenaline sports, alcohol, drugs - or buying guitars!
The song came about at a jam with the band, when we started to focus on trying to get a real hook of a riff going. We’re all big fans of 80s and 90s metal, and wanted to encompass that in the song, too - something that was going to clout you in the face like an 12lb haddock!"
For the accompanying video, the band avoided the more obvious addictive themes, instead focusing on the adrenaline-fueled world of motorsport (the video was filmed at the NY500 Café near Pickering).
The song is also the first taster from their second album, Get Out of The Rain, which is set to release in the Autumn.
Stream the new single here: https://earache.lnk.to/Addiction
Speaking about the new single, frontman Scott Wardell says "Everyone’s addicted to something, whether it’s coffee, adrenaline sports, alcohol, drugs - or buying guitars!
The song came about at a jam with the band, when we started to focus on trying to get a real hook of a riff going. We’re all big fans of 80s and 90s metal, and wanted to encompass that in the song, too - something that was going to clout you in the face like an 12lb haddock!"
For the accompanying video, the band avoided the more obvious addictive themes, instead focusing on the adrenaline-fueled world of motorsport (the video was filmed at the NY500 Café near Pickering).
Speaking about the forthcoming album, Scott Wardell adds: "We’re very chuffed with the new material and cannot wait for the mixes coming back from Dave Boothroyd at 6DB studios in York. Dave is the guy who produced our self-titled first album. You can expect a similar vibe to the debut, with a few surprises; we like to keep our music varied and different; I think that’s what people liked about the first album."
Praise for the debut album:
"An immensely promising quartet" - Dave Ling, Classic Rock
"The best independent album I’ve heard this year" - Rob Evans, Powerplay Magazine
"This House is Built on multi-faceted, but extremely solid, rock foundations" - FabricationsHQ
This House We Built – 2025 Summer Tour & Festival Dates
May 31: Call of the Wild Festival, Lincolnshire Showground
June 7: Rock The Lakes, Lincoln
June 19: Supporting Gun (Acoustic Show), Nightrain, Bradford
June 21: Love Rocks Festival, Dorset
June 27: Wildfire Festival, Scotland
July 4–6, : SOS Festival, Whittles @ Tokyo, Oldham, Manchester
July 20, : Maid of Stone Festival, Maidstone, Kent
Sept 6: Rocking The Bowl Destination, Steelyard after party, Sheffield
Nov 7: Whitby Rocks, Whitby Pavilion
Nov 14: Rockmantic, Yardbirds, Grimsby
Nov 22: Pickering War Memorial Hall, Pickering
Nov 27-29: WinterStorm Festival, Scotland
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Praise for the debut album:
"An immensely promising quartet" - Dave Ling, Classic Rock
"The best independent album I’ve heard this year" - Rob Evans, Powerplay Magazine
"This House is Built on multi-faceted, but extremely solid, rock foundations" - FabricationsHQ
This House We Built – 2025 Summer Tour & Festival Dates
May 31: Call of the Wild Festival, Lincolnshire Showground
June 7: Rock The Lakes, Lincoln
June 19: Supporting Gun (Acoustic Show), Nightrain, Bradford
June 21: Love Rocks Festival, Dorset
June 27: Wildfire Festival, Scotland
July 4–6, : SOS Festival, Whittles @ Tokyo, Oldham, Manchester
July 20, : Maid of Stone Festival, Maidstone, Kent
Sept 6: Rocking The Bowl Destination, Steelyard after party, Sheffield
Nov 7: Whitby Rocks, Whitby Pavilion
Nov 14: Rockmantic, Yardbirds, Grimsby
Nov 22: Pickering War Memorial Hall, Pickering
Nov 27-29: WinterStorm Festival, Scotland
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New and swaggering southern rockers The Georgia Thunderbolts, having just brought their mix of southern rock, heavy rock and Americana to Europe for the third time, are in the UK for the very first time for six shows in England, including a performance at the Maid Of Stone Festival (see poster further below).
Tickets available at: https://www.georgiathunderbolts.com/tour-dates
The band – TJ Lyle (lead vocals), Zach Everett (bass, harmony vocals), Bristol Perry (drums), Riley Couzzourt & Logan Tolbert (guitars) – have undertaken a lot of performance miles in a very short time. They have supported and shared the stage with the likes of Black Stone Cherry, Deep Purple, ZZ Top, The Marshall Tucker Band, the Allman Betts Band, Blackberry Smoke, The Outlaws and The Kentucky Headhunters.
The band, who hail from Rome in Georgia, have also picked up support from BBC Radio 2 and Planet Rock Radio, while Powerplay said of their latest and second album, Rise Above It All, "If heartwarming southern rock and blues is your passion, then this is certainly the album for you."
Rise Above It All, which features the quintet's signature blend of southern rock, blues and heartfelt Americana, was released in August of last year on Mascot Records.
Tickets available at: https://www.georgiathunderbolts.com/tour-dates
The band – TJ Lyle (lead vocals), Zach Everett (bass, harmony vocals), Bristol Perry (drums), Riley Couzzourt & Logan Tolbert (guitars) – have undertaken a lot of performance miles in a very short time. They have supported and shared the stage with the likes of Black Stone Cherry, Deep Purple, ZZ Top, The Marshall Tucker Band, the Allman Betts Band, Blackberry Smoke, The Outlaws and The Kentucky Headhunters.
The band, who hail from Rome in Georgia, have also picked up support from BBC Radio 2 and Planet Rock Radio, while Powerplay said of their latest and second album, Rise Above It All, "If heartwarming southern rock and blues is your passion, then this is certainly the album for you."
Rise Above It All, which features the quintet's signature blend of southern rock, blues and heartfelt Americana, was released in August of last year on Mascot Records.
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Oklahoma's finest, Hillbilly Vegas, will return to the UK later this month for their Feels Good Tour.
Back in what the band now see as their second home, Hillbilly Vegas have been asked to play main stage slots at Maid Of Stone, Steelhouse and the Rock ‘N’ Blues Custom Show festivals.
While over for the festival dates, the band has also confirmed club dates in Sheffield and Reading, along with a show in Wolverhampton as special guests to Wolfsbane.
The songs 'Feels Good' will be released in early July as a new single from their forthcoming album.
The breezy, summer rocker is sure to be the perfect fit for festival season, as well as an appetiser for the new album, which is set for releases in October (the band are arriving in the UK a week earlier than the shows to spend time in the studio putting the finishing touches on the new album).
Hillbilly Vegas’ debut release on Conquest Music, The Great Southern Hustle, garnered rave reviews; fans and audiences were then treated to the live Hillbilly Vegas experience in 2024 at Planet Rockstock, WinterStorm and dozens of club shows around the UK.
Ticket links and details for the Feels Good UK Tour are available at: www.hillbilly-vegas.com/tour
Dates:
18 July - Maid of Stone Festival, Kent
20 July - KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton*
23 July - Greystones, Sheffield
24 July - Face Bar, Reading
25 July - Rock ‘N’ Blues Custom Show, Derbyshire
26 July - Steelhouse Festival, Ebbw Vale, Wales
*Special Guest support to Wolfsbane
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Back in what the band now see as their second home, Hillbilly Vegas have been asked to play main stage slots at Maid Of Stone, Steelhouse and the Rock ‘N’ Blues Custom Show festivals.
While over for the festival dates, the band has also confirmed club dates in Sheffield and Reading, along with a show in Wolverhampton as special guests to Wolfsbane.
The songs 'Feels Good' will be released in early July as a new single from their forthcoming album.
The breezy, summer rocker is sure to be the perfect fit for festival season, as well as an appetiser for the new album, which is set for releases in October (the band are arriving in the UK a week earlier than the shows to spend time in the studio putting the finishing touches on the new album).
Hillbilly Vegas’ debut release on Conquest Music, The Great Southern Hustle, garnered rave reviews; fans and audiences were then treated to the live Hillbilly Vegas experience in 2024 at Planet Rockstock, WinterStorm and dozens of club shows around the UK.
Ticket links and details for the Feels Good UK Tour are available at: www.hillbilly-vegas.com/tour
Dates:
18 July - Maid of Stone Festival, Kent
20 July - KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton*
23 July - Greystones, Sheffield
24 July - Face Bar, Reading
25 July - Rock ‘N’ Blues Custom Show, Derbyshire
26 July - Steelhouse Festival, Ebbw Vale, Wales
*Special Guest support to Wolfsbane
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Celebrated blues singer & guitarist Larry McCray has just released his new album Heartbreak City.
Purchase here: https://shop.ktbarecords.com/collections/larry-mccray
Recorded at the iconic Sunset Sound in Hollywood and produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, Heartbreak City features contributions from Reese Wynans and Kirk Fletcher, guest guitar from Bonamassa, and background vocals from Jade Macrae and Dannielle De Andrea.
The album features lead-off single 'Bye Bye Blues,' which channeled the finger-snapping sound of late 60s and early 70s soul R&B, and the soulful blues groove of 'Bright Side.'
Written by Josh Smith, Michael "Harvey" Price and Steve Shepherd, 'Bright Side' was originally penned for the late and great Bobby "Blue" Bland. It sat unreleased for decades until Smith brought it to McCray, knowing he was the one to bring it to life.
Purchase here: https://shop.ktbarecords.com/collections/larry-mccray
Recorded at the iconic Sunset Sound in Hollywood and produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, Heartbreak City features contributions from Reese Wynans and Kirk Fletcher, guest guitar from Bonamassa, and background vocals from Jade Macrae and Dannielle De Andrea.
The album features lead-off single 'Bye Bye Blues,' which channeled the finger-snapping sound of late 60s and early 70s soul R&B, and the soulful blues groove of 'Bright Side.'
Written by Josh Smith, Michael "Harvey" Price and Steve Shepherd, 'Bright Side' was originally penned for the late and great Bobby "Blue" Bland. It sat unreleased for decades until Smith brought it to McCray, knowing he was the one to bring it to life.
Heartbreak City follows on from 2022’s Blues Without You.
Debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard Blues chart, Blues Without You both marked, and celebrated, McCray’s return after a seven-year hiatus.
In 2024, he was inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame, a testament to his deep roots in the state and his enduring impact on American music.
Larry McCray was born in Magnolia, Arkansas, and raised in Saginaw, Michigan, where he developed a searing guitar style and emotive voice that would earn him comparisons to the genre’s greats.
A pioneer of modern blues-rock, McCray helped shape the genre throughout the 90s with albums on Virgin’s Point Blank label and through collaborations with legends such as B.B. King, Albert King, and Buddy Guy.
After years of grinding it out on the road and surviving personal struggles, Larry McCray has emerged with a renewed sense of purpose, heard to fine effect on Blues Without You and, now, Heartbreak City.
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Debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard Blues chart, Blues Without You both marked, and celebrated, McCray’s return after a seven-year hiatus.
In 2024, he was inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame, a testament to his deep roots in the state and his enduring impact on American music.
Larry McCray was born in Magnolia, Arkansas, and raised in Saginaw, Michigan, where he developed a searing guitar style and emotive voice that would earn him comparisons to the genre’s greats.
A pioneer of modern blues-rock, McCray helped shape the genre throughout the 90s with albums on Virgin’s Point Blank label and through collaborations with legends such as B.B. King, Albert King, and Buddy Guy.
After years of grinding it out on the road and surviving personal struggles, Larry McCray has emerged with a renewed sense of purpose, heard to fine effect on Blues Without You and, now, Heartbreak City.
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Marillion guitarist Steve Rothery and electronic composer Thorsten Quaeschning of Tangerine Dream have announced and premiered their collaborative instrumental project Bioscope through the track 'Kaleidoscope.'
Stream 'Kaleidoscope' here: https://bioscope.lnk.to/KaleidoscopePR
The track, which showcases Rothery’s unmistakable melodic guitar work and Quaeschning’s mastery of analog electronica, is the first track to be heard from their forthcoming debut album Gentō, which will be released 22nd August on earMUSIC.
The album also features performance from Elbow’s drummer Alex Reeves, whose rhythmic finesse and musical intuition bring depth and subtle momentum to the entire album.
Stream 'Kaleidoscope' here: https://bioscope.lnk.to/KaleidoscopePR
The track, which showcases Rothery’s unmistakable melodic guitar work and Quaeschning’s mastery of analog electronica, is the first track to be heard from their forthcoming debut album Gentō, which will be released 22nd August on earMUSIC.
The album also features performance from Elbow’s drummer Alex Reeves, whose rhythmic finesse and musical intuition bring depth and subtle momentum to the entire album.
The Bioscope project began in early 2020, gradually developing through focused sessions in Berlin and at Steve Rothery’s home studio in Southwest England.
Each of the five instrumental tracks draws inspiration from man's endearing fascination with the moving image. From soaring guitar themes that recall the best of progressive rock to sequencer-driven passages rooted in Berlin School electronica, the immersive and dreamlike music unfolds like a film without images.
(The name Bioscope comes from the Greek bios (life) and skopeein (to look). Before cinema, it meant "a view or survey of life").
Gentō will be available in retail stores as a CD+Blu-ray Digipak, including the full album in High-Res, Dolby Atmos and Dolby 5.1 Surround Mix.
A heavyweight 2LP Gatefold edition will also be available, as will Digital Audio.
Pre-order Gentō here: https://bioscope.lnk.to/GentoPR
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Each of the five instrumental tracks draws inspiration from man's endearing fascination with the moving image. From soaring guitar themes that recall the best of progressive rock to sequencer-driven passages rooted in Berlin School electronica, the immersive and dreamlike music unfolds like a film without images.
(The name Bioscope comes from the Greek bios (life) and skopeein (to look). Before cinema, it meant "a view or survey of life").
Gentō will be available in retail stores as a CD+Blu-ray Digipak, including the full album in High-Res, Dolby Atmos and Dolby 5.1 Surround Mix.
A heavyweight 2LP Gatefold edition will also be available, as will Digital Audio.
Pre-order Gentō here: https://bioscope.lnk.to/GentoPR
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Fresh from winning Blues Band of the Year at the 2025 UK Blues Awards, blues-rock quartet Brave Rival have announced a new EP, due for release in Autumn 2025.
The as-yet-untitled EP will mark the band’s first release as a four-piece, signalling an exciting new chapter in their evolution.
The EP, which will be produced by Tarrant Shepherd, will have its sessions both recorded and filmed, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the band’s latest material.
"Towards the end of last year, when we made the decision to continue as a four, we immediately knew we wanted to get new music out that would reflect our new line up but also our determination and creativity as a band," says bassist Billy Deadman.
"When we received the news that Chloe would be leaving the band, that was of course devastating for us all," continues singer Lindsey Bonnick. "I remember the four of us having a meeting to decide what we should do and should we continue? But it was instantly apparent to us that we wanted to keep going, that we had more to give."
"Really, it feels like we are blossoming into this harder edged but still beautiful version of Brave Rival" adds drummer Donna Peters.
"Whilst we spent the start of this year considering if we should appoint a new second singer, we had gig commitments to fulfil, so we decided to tackle them head on as a four," explains guitarist Ed Clarke.
The vibe didn’t change as much as you might expect. 80% of the band is now 100% of the band, so the energy is still as strong and focused as ever."
A launch gig for the EP is set to take place at the 100 Club in London on 15th October, followed by a full UK tour.
Tickets for the show are on sale now via:
https://www.solidentertainments.com/presents.htm#BRAVE-RIVAL-LONDON
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The as-yet-untitled EP will mark the band’s first release as a four-piece, signalling an exciting new chapter in their evolution.
The EP, which will be produced by Tarrant Shepherd, will have its sessions both recorded and filmed, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the band’s latest material.
"Towards the end of last year, when we made the decision to continue as a four, we immediately knew we wanted to get new music out that would reflect our new line up but also our determination and creativity as a band," says bassist Billy Deadman.
"When we received the news that Chloe would be leaving the band, that was of course devastating for us all," continues singer Lindsey Bonnick. "I remember the four of us having a meeting to decide what we should do and should we continue? But it was instantly apparent to us that we wanted to keep going, that we had more to give."
"Really, it feels like we are blossoming into this harder edged but still beautiful version of Brave Rival" adds drummer Donna Peters.
"Whilst we spent the start of this year considering if we should appoint a new second singer, we had gig commitments to fulfil, so we decided to tackle them head on as a four," explains guitarist Ed Clarke.
The vibe didn’t change as much as you might expect. 80% of the band is now 100% of the band, so the energy is still as strong and focused as ever."
A launch gig for the EP is set to take place at the 100 Club in London on 15th October, followed by a full UK tour.
Tickets for the show are on sale now via:
https://www.solidentertainments.com/presents.htm#BRAVE-RIVAL-LONDON
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Buffalo born, Nashville based soul-blues singer-songwriter & guitarist Mick Hayes has released a brand new song titled 'Feeling Lowdown.'
Built on a gritty blues groove and moody soulfulness, the song explores the frustration, heartbreak and emotional toll of fighting through the mental anguish of 2020 and the global pandemic.
Built on a gritty blues groove and moody soulfulness, the song explores the frustration, heartbreak and emotional toll of fighting through the mental anguish of 2020 and the global pandemic.
'Feeling Lowdown' follows on from previous single, the equally impacting 'Checkered Past.'
Both songs were produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, and feature Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Reese Wynans.
'Checkered Past' was also the first song to be released from what will be Mick Hayes' eleventh independent release, Lies & Letdowns. Recorded at Ocean Way Nashville Studios, the new album is part reflection, part reinvention.
Mick Hayes has been a full-time musician since his early twenties; since 2003, he has gone on to release ten albums of original material and performed for thousands of fans as direct support for rock legends such as the Doobie Brothers, Deep Purple, Cheap Trick and Peter Frampton.
Along the way, Mick has received guitar lessons from Steve Vai, caught the attention of Stevie Wonder and Michael McDonald, and appeared on reality TV (as well as navigating a few misguided management contracts).
In 2020, Mick released My Claim to Fame. Recorded at Fame Studio in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the album was met with critical acclaim.
Shortly after the album’s release a global pandemic reshaped the world; the subsequent lockdowns and uncertainty allowed Mick time to reflect and reassess his musical direction.
In 2023, after two decades of personal and professional growth, Mick relocated to Franklin, Tennessee. Embracing his new life as a Nashville resident, he found renewed momentum in the city’s vibrant music scene.
Those ensuing years and a personal re-evaluation have led to his highly anticipated return with his eleventh independent release, Lies & Letdowns.
A rawer, deeply personal album, Lies & Letdowns chronicles the past five years of struggle and growth.
The warm sounding, sixties soul-blues sonics of 2020 album My Claim To Fame, recorded on vintage equipment at the legendary Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, was a significant, box ticked career moment for Mick Hayes. The reflective, poignant and personal Lies & Letdowns promises to be the same.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Both songs were produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, and feature Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Reese Wynans.
'Checkered Past' was also the first song to be released from what will be Mick Hayes' eleventh independent release, Lies & Letdowns. Recorded at Ocean Way Nashville Studios, the new album is part reflection, part reinvention.
Mick Hayes has been a full-time musician since his early twenties; since 2003, he has gone on to release ten albums of original material and performed for thousands of fans as direct support for rock legends such as the Doobie Brothers, Deep Purple, Cheap Trick and Peter Frampton.
Along the way, Mick has received guitar lessons from Steve Vai, caught the attention of Stevie Wonder and Michael McDonald, and appeared on reality TV (as well as navigating a few misguided management contracts).
In 2020, Mick released My Claim to Fame. Recorded at Fame Studio in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the album was met with critical acclaim.
Shortly after the album’s release a global pandemic reshaped the world; the subsequent lockdowns and uncertainty allowed Mick time to reflect and reassess his musical direction.
In 2023, after two decades of personal and professional growth, Mick relocated to Franklin, Tennessee. Embracing his new life as a Nashville resident, he found renewed momentum in the city’s vibrant music scene.
Those ensuing years and a personal re-evaluation have led to his highly anticipated return with his eleventh independent release, Lies & Letdowns.
A rawer, deeply personal album, Lies & Letdowns chronicles the past five years of struggle and growth.
The warm sounding, sixties soul-blues sonics of 2020 album My Claim To Fame, recorded on vintage equipment at the legendary Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, was a significant, box ticked career moment for Mick Hayes. The reflective, poignant and personal Lies & Letdowns promises to be the same.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blues-rock guitarist Jack J Hutchinson will be back on the UK road this autumn with his power trio in support of his brand-new live album Battle Scars, due in early October.
The album was recorded on Hutchinson’s most recent UK tour and builds on the momentum gained having shared bills with bands such as Blackberry Smoke, Jeff Beck and King King.
Battle Scars features ten tracks, several of which are lifted from his most recent album Battles, which made the Official UK Charts last year.
The record gained over 120K streams in its first week alone and featured two Planet Rock playlisted tracks, 'Constellations' and 'Bullets.' 'Days Are Gone' was featured on the BBC Radio 2 Rock Show.
"Some of my favourite albums are live records, whether it be Neil Young’s Weld or the Black Crowes and Jimmy Page Live at the Greek," says Jack. "We were fortunate to have the tapes rolling across two nights in London and Coulsdon on the Battles tour and the band, featuring Greg Smith (bass) and Phil Wilson (drums), were absolutely cooking. It’s got an energy that’s impossible to recreate in a studio. I can’t wait for people to hear it!"
A Very Limited Edition Blue & White splatter vinyl of Battle Scars (hand signed and numbered) can be pre-ordered via Jack J Hutchinson's Bandcamp page:
https://jackjhutchinson.bandcamp.com/album/battle-scars-live
Jack J Hutchinson UK Autumn Tour Dates
4 September – Grimsby, Docks Academy *
5 September – Barnsley, Birdwell *
13 September – Gloucester, Guildhall *
27 September – Chester, Live Rooms *
1 October – Sittingbourne, The Appleyard
8 October – Oxford, The Bullingdon
9 October – Bristol, The Louisiana
10 October – London, The Black Heart
11 October – Carlisle Blues Rhythm and Rock Festival
12 October – Edinburgh, Bannerman’s
13 October – Night and Day Café, Manchester
17 October – The Flying Circus, Newark
*Supporting FM
Tickets on sale now via jackjhutchinsonmusic.com
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The album was recorded on Hutchinson’s most recent UK tour and builds on the momentum gained having shared bills with bands such as Blackberry Smoke, Jeff Beck and King King.
Battle Scars features ten tracks, several of which are lifted from his most recent album Battles, which made the Official UK Charts last year.
The record gained over 120K streams in its first week alone and featured two Planet Rock playlisted tracks, 'Constellations' and 'Bullets.' 'Days Are Gone' was featured on the BBC Radio 2 Rock Show.
"Some of my favourite albums are live records, whether it be Neil Young’s Weld or the Black Crowes and Jimmy Page Live at the Greek," says Jack. "We were fortunate to have the tapes rolling across two nights in London and Coulsdon on the Battles tour and the band, featuring Greg Smith (bass) and Phil Wilson (drums), were absolutely cooking. It’s got an energy that’s impossible to recreate in a studio. I can’t wait for people to hear it!"
A Very Limited Edition Blue & White splatter vinyl of Battle Scars (hand signed and numbered) can be pre-ordered via Jack J Hutchinson's Bandcamp page:
https://jackjhutchinson.bandcamp.com/album/battle-scars-live
Jack J Hutchinson UK Autumn Tour Dates
4 September – Grimsby, Docks Academy *
5 September – Barnsley, Birdwell *
13 September – Gloucester, Guildhall *
27 September – Chester, Live Rooms *
1 October – Sittingbourne, The Appleyard
8 October – Oxford, The Bullingdon
9 October – Bristol, The Louisiana
10 October – London, The Black Heart
11 October – Carlisle Blues Rhythm and Rock Festival
12 October – Edinburgh, Bannerman’s
13 October – Night and Day Café, Manchester
17 October – The Flying Circus, Newark
*Supporting FM
Tickets on sale now via jackjhutchinsonmusic.com
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Heartline: The Authorised Biography of Robin George shines the spotlight on and tells the full story of one of British rock’s most overlooked yet extraordinary talents.
Written with full cooperation from Robin himself until his sad passing in 2024, the biography, by acclaimed music writer Martin Tracey, reveals the trials, triumphs, and tenacity of an exceptional musician whose promise never faded.
The book also features rare photos, exclusive interviews and a foreword by Vix FUZZBOX.
From his 1985 breakthrough hit single 'Heartline' (Radio One’s Rock Record of the Year) to collaborations with the luminary likes of Phil Lynott, Robert Plant, Glenn Hughes, Roy Wood and John Wetton, to name but five, Robin George effortlessly blended rock and pop.
With striking looks and world-class flair as a guitarist, producer, singer and songwriter, Robin seemed destined for superstardom – yet cruel twists of fate (including studio thefts, industry collapses and the tragic loss of key collaborators) conspired to keep global fame and the recognition he so fully deserved agonisingly out of reach.
Heartline: The Authorised Biography covers all the above, as well as Robin’s musical rise from his West Midlands roots, the stories behind those key collaborations, the missed opportunities, the tragedy of significant lost recordings, and his charitable LovePower and Peace project that featured over 60 artists (including Sean Harris and Ruby Turner).
Of the book Debbie, Robin’s wife says: "Knowing that this biography was being written meant the world to him... and the fact that he’d be remembered for his music was so important."
The book is out now in paperback and eBook/ Kindle.
Available for order via Amazon (Worldwide): https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1917504160/ref=sr_1_1
Robin George website: www.robingeorge.co.uk
More info on the author Martin Tracey here: www.martintracey.co.uk
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Written with full cooperation from Robin himself until his sad passing in 2024, the biography, by acclaimed music writer Martin Tracey, reveals the trials, triumphs, and tenacity of an exceptional musician whose promise never faded.
The book also features rare photos, exclusive interviews and a foreword by Vix FUZZBOX.
From his 1985 breakthrough hit single 'Heartline' (Radio One’s Rock Record of the Year) to collaborations with the luminary likes of Phil Lynott, Robert Plant, Glenn Hughes, Roy Wood and John Wetton, to name but five, Robin George effortlessly blended rock and pop.
With striking looks and world-class flair as a guitarist, producer, singer and songwriter, Robin seemed destined for superstardom – yet cruel twists of fate (including studio thefts, industry collapses and the tragic loss of key collaborators) conspired to keep global fame and the recognition he so fully deserved agonisingly out of reach.
Heartline: The Authorised Biography covers all the above, as well as Robin’s musical rise from his West Midlands roots, the stories behind those key collaborations, the missed opportunities, the tragedy of significant lost recordings, and his charitable LovePower and Peace project that featured over 60 artists (including Sean Harris and Ruby Turner).
Of the book Debbie, Robin’s wife says: "Knowing that this biography was being written meant the world to him... and the fact that he’d be remembered for his music was so important."
The book is out now in paperback and eBook/ Kindle.
Available for order via Amazon (Worldwide): https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1917504160/ref=sr_1_1
Robin George website: www.robingeorge.co.uk
More info on the author Martin Tracey here: www.martintracey.co.uk
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The surviving members of the original Alice Cooper Band – Alice Cooper, guitarist Michael Bruce, bassist Dennis Dunaway and drummer Neal Smith – have reunited to release what will be their first album together in over 50 years.
The Revenge Of Alice Cooper, due to be released on July 25th via earMUSIC, is a highly anticipated, 52 year follow up to 1973’s Muscle Of Love, the final album by the Alice Cooper Band (disbandment of the original line-up followed in 1974, with Cooper going on to forge a hugely successful, and ongoing, solo career).
The album is preceded by the single 'Black Mamba,' which follows the horror movie/ shock-rock form of songs that featured so prominently on classic Alice Cooper Band albums such as Killer (1971), breakout album School’s Out (1972) and Billion Dollar Babies (1973).
Featuring Robby Krieger of The Doors, the track is, hiss-fittingly, a venomous introduction to the return of the Alice Cooper Band.
The Revenge Of Alice Cooper, due to be released on July 25th via earMUSIC, is a highly anticipated, 52 year follow up to 1973’s Muscle Of Love, the final album by the Alice Cooper Band (disbandment of the original line-up followed in 1974, with Cooper going on to forge a hugely successful, and ongoing, solo career).
The album is preceded by the single 'Black Mamba,' which follows the horror movie/ shock-rock form of songs that featured so prominently on classic Alice Cooper Band albums such as Killer (1971), breakout album School’s Out (1972) and Billion Dollar Babies (1973).
Featuring Robby Krieger of The Doors, the track is, hiss-fittingly, a venomous introduction to the return of the Alice Cooper Band.
The Revenge Of Alice Cooper also features a posthumous appearance by the band’s original lead guitarist Glen Buxton, who passed in 1997.
Buxton can be heard on a previously unreleased song What Happened To You, featuring his original guitar part.
Additionally, one of the two bonus tracks that will feature on limited box set and limited smart format editions of the album, includes a raw, alternate take of Return Of The Spiders, from 1970.
The track was recently unearthed from the original multi-tracks that had been missing for fifty years, now brought up to date and mixed by Bob Ezrin, who is back at the production helm for the new album.
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Buxton can be heard on a previously unreleased song What Happened To You, featuring his original guitar part.
Additionally, one of the two bonus tracks that will feature on limited box set and limited smart format editions of the album, includes a raw, alternate take of Return Of The Spiders, from 1970.
The track was recently unearthed from the original multi-tracks that had been missing for fifty years, now brought up to date and mixed by Bob Ezrin, who is back at the production helm for the new album.
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Soulful songstress Jo Harman has released the first studio recording purely under her own name since before the pandemic.
The oft-covered Soul R&B classic 'Someday We’ll All Be Free' is, more than ever, a song for our times.
Its origins, however, go back more than fifty years when the lyrics were written by Edward Howard about the mental pain his friend, Donny Hathaway (who wrote the music and was the original artist), was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia (a condition that tragically cost Hathaway his life when only 33).
The accompanying video-visuals play to Jo Harman’s 's values, not least her work at the forefront of Amnesty International's My Body, My Rights campaign.
Its theme also portrays that, in difficult times, there are people of great courage, bravery and sacrifice that come to the fore, giving hope to all.
The oft-covered Soul R&B classic 'Someday We’ll All Be Free' is, more than ever, a song for our times.
Its origins, however, go back more than fifty years when the lyrics were written by Edward Howard about the mental pain his friend, Donny Hathaway (who wrote the music and was the original artist), was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia (a condition that tragically cost Hathaway his life when only 33).
The accompanying video-visuals play to Jo Harman’s 's values, not least her work at the forefront of Amnesty International's My Body, My Rights campaign.
Its theme also portrays that, in difficult times, there are people of great courage, bravery and sacrifice that come to the fore, giving hope to all.
Produced by Jo Harman's long-time collaborator, Mark Edwards, and featuring a tasteful guitar solo from Terry Lewis, Harman’s soulfully smooth R&B arrangement is as impacting as her voice is captivating; a vocal performance that manages to capture the emotive soulfulness of Donny Hathaway’s original and the spiritual nature of Aretha Franklin’s outstanding, Gospel-arranged version.
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Following the success of second album The Soul Food Store, which topped the Amazon Blues Chart upon its release in Spring 2022, Matt Pearce & The Mutiny are back with a new live album, Soul Food Served Live.
Of the recent release, Matt Pearce says "Why Soul Food... Served Live? The easy answer is cos the band was really cookin’! When I heard the live recordings, they all sounded so great, and the songs sounded so different from the studio versions, that it just seemed like a no-brainer to capture this moment in time and share it with the world.
Apart from the angelic Daliah, this is a totally different bunch of groovers that played on the studio albums. They added unexpected flavours to it that brought the songs to life, as did the wonderful audiences we played in front of!
Of the recent release, Matt Pearce says "Why Soul Food... Served Live? The easy answer is cos the band was really cookin’! When I heard the live recordings, they all sounded so great, and the songs sounded so different from the studio versions, that it just seemed like a no-brainer to capture this moment in time and share it with the world.
Apart from the angelic Daliah, this is a totally different bunch of groovers that played on the studio albums. They added unexpected flavours to it that brought the songs to life, as did the wonderful audiences we played in front of!
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Mission Jupiter, a Belarus alternative metal band with darkly atmospheric undertones, have released a new single entitled 'Crippled Country.'
The song features on their recently released album Aftermath.
Lyrically, the atmospherically charged 'Crippled Country' is, as the band comment, "about hoping for the best in dark times. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. In times of darkness, do you fight or flee?"
The song features on their recently released album Aftermath.
Lyrically, the atmospherically charged 'Crippled Country' is, as the band comment, "about hoping for the best in dark times. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. In times of darkness, do you fight or flee?"
Previous singles, 'Self Destruction' (their heaviest and punchiest song to date), 'Human Nature' and 'Sometimes It Hurts' will, like 'Crippled Country,' all feature on Aftermath, an album album that should appeal to fans of alternative hard rock/ metal, progressive rock and even Eurovision-esque crossover rock with a Cocteau Twins twist ('Jak Spyniajecca Bol,' recorded in the group’s mother tongue and translated as 'How The Pain Stops').
Formed in Minsk, Belarus, and with two previous albums under their belt, the band recruited captivating vocalist Kate Varsak prior to writing and recording for upcoming third album, Aftermath.
The results are a set of dramatic alt-metal-rock songs with modern production values that should see the band soar within the genre.
Mission Jupiter are:
Kate Varsak (vocals); Vlad Shvakel (guitars); Eugene Zuyeu (drums); with Dmitri Soldatenko (saxophone)
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Formed in Minsk, Belarus, and with two previous albums under their belt, the band recruited captivating vocalist Kate Varsak prior to writing and recording for upcoming third album, Aftermath.
The results are a set of dramatic alt-metal-rock songs with modern production values that should see the band soar within the genre.
Mission Jupiter are:
Kate Varsak (vocals); Vlad Shvakel (guitars); Eugene Zuyeu (drums); with Dmitri Soldatenko (saxophone)
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British Pop Royalty, The Blow Monkeys and The Christians, have announced a co-headline UK tour for October (see tour dates further below).
Tickets: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/the-blow-monkeys-the-christians/
The Blow Monkeys new album Birdsong will be released ahead of the October dates, while 2025 marks 35 years since The Christians UK chart-topping album, Colour.
The Blow Monkeys, fronted by the charismatic Robert Howard (aka Dr. Robert), epitomised the glamour of mid-80s pop.
In 1986 Animal Magic became their breakthrough album, courtesy of the single 'Digging Your Scene,' which delivered success on both sides of the Atlantic.
Further success and worldwide touring followed before the band split in 1990; their subsequent reformation in 2008 led to a septet of further albums and, now, forthcoming and thirteenth studio offering, Birdsong.
The Christians (the name coming from the surname of frontman Garry and his two brothers who initially founded the band) released their self-titled debut in 1987.
Still the highest-selling Island Records debut, the acclaimed album spawned five hit singles - 'Forgotten Town,' 'Hooverville,' 'When the Fingers Point,' 'Ideal World' and 'Born Again,' all of which remain evergreen fan favourites.
The band’s second album Colour, which included the single 'Words,' knocked Phil Collins’ …But Seriously off the top of the UK Album Chart at the start of 1990.
More recent studio releases include Speed of Life, We (which featured the popular Hillsborough tribute 'Big Red Sky') and Sings & Strings.
Tickets: https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/the-blow-monkeys-the-christians/
The Blow Monkeys new album Birdsong will be released ahead of the October dates, while 2025 marks 35 years since The Christians UK chart-topping album, Colour.
The Blow Monkeys, fronted by the charismatic Robert Howard (aka Dr. Robert), epitomised the glamour of mid-80s pop.
In 1986 Animal Magic became their breakthrough album, courtesy of the single 'Digging Your Scene,' which delivered success on both sides of the Atlantic.
Further success and worldwide touring followed before the band split in 1990; their subsequent reformation in 2008 led to a septet of further albums and, now, forthcoming and thirteenth studio offering, Birdsong.
The Christians (the name coming from the surname of frontman Garry and his two brothers who initially founded the band) released their self-titled debut in 1987.
Still the highest-selling Island Records debut, the acclaimed album spawned five hit singles - 'Forgotten Town,' 'Hooverville,' 'When the Fingers Point,' 'Ideal World' and 'Born Again,' all of which remain evergreen fan favourites.
The band’s second album Colour, which included the single 'Words,' knocked Phil Collins’ …But Seriously off the top of the UK Album Chart at the start of 1990.
More recent studio releases include Speed of Life, We (which featured the popular Hillsborough tribute 'Big Red Sky') and Sings & Strings.
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Renowned singer, songwriter and voice of The Moody Blues, Justin Hayward, has teamed up with singer-songwriter, producer and conductor Mike Batt to create a brand new, digital-only 2-track single.
The A-side features a vocal & orchestral rendition of 'Life In A Northern Town,' released forty years after the Dream Academy original. The song features Justin Hayward on lead vocals and Mike Batt on the chorus voices.
The single’s B-side is a new live version of The Moody Blues 'Hope and Pray,' which was recorded in Kent, Ohio as part of Hayward’s recent Blue World Tour.
The A-side features a vocal & orchestral rendition of 'Life In A Northern Town,' released forty years after the Dream Academy original. The song features Justin Hayward on lead vocals and Mike Batt on the chorus voices.
The single’s B-side is a new live version of The Moody Blues 'Hope and Pray,' which was recorded in Kent, Ohio as part of Hayward’s recent Blue World Tour.
"Mike and I have known each other since we were young," says Justin. "I always loved the atmosphere and mood he created, and didn’t hesitate when he asked me to be part of his production of Lewis Carroll’s The Hunting of The Snark in 1987.
"Soon we were putting together the album Classic Blue, featuring Mike’s orchestral arrangements of some of our favourite songs. Most of those songs were recorded live, with me in the vocal booth, and Mike conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra playing his gorgeous arrangements. These are the moments we love and live for!
"The chance to revisit those feelings was an opportunity I wasn’t going to pass up. Last year we fixed a new recording session, again with The LPO. Life in a Northern Town, the first release from those sessions, is a song that is at the top of both our lists of favourites."
Stream / buy the single here: https://justinhaywardwithmikebatt.lnk.to/LifeInANorthernTown
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"Soon we were putting together the album Classic Blue, featuring Mike’s orchestral arrangements of some of our favourite songs. Most of those songs were recorded live, with me in the vocal booth, and Mike conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra playing his gorgeous arrangements. These are the moments we love and live for!
"The chance to revisit those feelings was an opportunity I wasn’t going to pass up. Last year we fixed a new recording session, again with The LPO. Life in a Northern Town, the first release from those sessions, is a song that is at the top of both our lists of favourites."
Stream / buy the single here: https://justinhaywardwithmikebatt.lnk.to/LifeInANorthernTown
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Multi award winning Irish artist Dom Martin is teaming up with Birmingham’s soul-blues rockers Blue Nation for a run of co-headline shows across the UK and Ireland in November.
Ticket link: https://www.solidentertainments.com/presents.htm#DOM-BLUE-TOUR
After a hugely successful 2024 tour, where Blue Nation supported Dom Martin and his band, the two acts developed a chemistry and a friendship. The next step became obvious - a fully-fledged, co-headline tour.
"We booked Blue Nation as support in 2024, not really knowing what to expect," says Dom. "But straight away we bonded through soul and music. Their music is one thing, it’s an amazing sound experience with thought provoking lyrics, but they also shine as people. This co-headline tour is going to be very special!"
Blue Nation share the excitement: "We’re beyond excited to be co-headlining with Dom. It’s rare for two bands to connect so well offstage and complement each other onstage. We’ve all been talking about these shows, and while we can’t reveal everything just yet, one thing’s for sure - the fans are in for a hell of a night, with a few surprises thrown in!"
Both Dom Martin and Blue Nation have been making serious waves in the blues-rock world, earning high praise from both press and fans.
Towards the end of last year Dom Martin released the highly acclaimed Buried Alive, a live double album showcasing both the full electric band and his solo acoustic performances; Blue Nation released their best to date studio album The Ordinary People, which also garnered critical praise.
Ticket link: https://www.solidentertainments.com/presents.htm#DOM-BLUE-TOUR
After a hugely successful 2024 tour, where Blue Nation supported Dom Martin and his band, the two acts developed a chemistry and a friendship. The next step became obvious - a fully-fledged, co-headline tour.
"We booked Blue Nation as support in 2024, not really knowing what to expect," says Dom. "But straight away we bonded through soul and music. Their music is one thing, it’s an amazing sound experience with thought provoking lyrics, but they also shine as people. This co-headline tour is going to be very special!"
Blue Nation share the excitement: "We’re beyond excited to be co-headlining with Dom. It’s rare for two bands to connect so well offstage and complement each other onstage. We’ve all been talking about these shows, and while we can’t reveal everything just yet, one thing’s for sure - the fans are in for a hell of a night, with a few surprises thrown in!"
Both Dom Martin and Blue Nation have been making serious waves in the blues-rock world, earning high praise from both press and fans.
Towards the end of last year Dom Martin released the highly acclaimed Buried Alive, a live double album showcasing both the full electric band and his solo acoustic performances; Blue Nation released their best to date studio album The Ordinary People, which also garnered critical praise.
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Iconic keyboard player and composer Rick Wakeman and his band, the English Rock Ensemble, will be back on the road in October to perform his classic albums The Six Wives Of Henry VIII and The Myths And Legends Of King Arthur And The Knights Of The Round Table, in their entirety.
The line-up features Rick leading the band on keyboards, supported by Dave Colquhoun (guitars, backing vocals), Adam Falkner (drums), Lee Pomeroy (bass, backing vocals), and Adam Wakeman (keyboards, guitars, backing vocals). Mollie Marriott will again be the lead vocalist.
Pre-sales for the shows will start on Thursday 6th February at 10am.
"To still be playing both these suites of music at the age of 76 is a remarkable milestone in my life. With a stunning array of musicianship surrounding me, I only wish I could be in the audience watching and listening, so all those sitting out there will have to do it for me!" - Rick Wakeman.
The line-up features Rick leading the band on keyboards, supported by Dave Colquhoun (guitars, backing vocals), Adam Falkner (drums), Lee Pomeroy (bass, backing vocals), and Adam Wakeman (keyboards, guitars, backing vocals). Mollie Marriott will again be the lead vocalist.
Pre-sales for the shows will start on Thursday 6th February at 10am.
"To still be playing both these suites of music at the age of 76 is a remarkable milestone in my life. With a stunning array of musicianship surrounding me, I only wish I could be in the audience watching and listening, so all those sitting out there will have to do it for me!" - Rick Wakeman.
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Due to demand, Level 42 have added a further four shows to their World Machine 40th Anniversary Tour, which will visit 32 UK venues (with 10 already sold out) through September, October & November.
The tour, which features Special Guests Roachford, will open in Aberdeen, and now close at Becketwell Live in Derby. See tour dates further below.
Tickets: aegpresents.co.uk/event/level42
World Machine was the album that changed everything for Level 42, and set them on the path to super-stardom.
Released in 1985, it was a hit on both sides of the Atlantic, and since certified double Platinum.
The band’s sixth album, World Machine refined the funky pop fusion that had grown from their jazz roots, to make Level 42 one of the biggest groups in the world.
The album, which features the singles 'Something About You' (an American Top 10 hit) and 'Leaving Me Now,' showcased a true progression in style, which itself led to their massive Running In The Family album the following year.
Of the tour, bassist extraordinaire Mark King says "As our amazing fans will know, World Machine marked a turning point in the band’s career, not least in the international success the album gave us. I am so looking forward to seeing you all out there next Autumn when we can romp through all those songs again, together. Love to all!"
The tour, which features Special Guests Roachford, will open in Aberdeen, and now close at Becketwell Live in Derby. See tour dates further below.
Tickets: aegpresents.co.uk/event/level42
World Machine was the album that changed everything for Level 42, and set them on the path to super-stardom.
Released in 1985, it was a hit on both sides of the Atlantic, and since certified double Platinum.
The band’s sixth album, World Machine refined the funky pop fusion that had grown from their jazz roots, to make Level 42 one of the biggest groups in the world.
The album, which features the singles 'Something About You' (an American Top 10 hit) and 'Leaving Me Now,' showcased a true progression in style, which itself led to their massive Running In The Family album the following year.
Of the tour, bassist extraordinaire Mark King says "As our amazing fans will know, World Machine marked a turning point in the band’s career, not least in the international success the album gave us. I am so looking forward to seeing you all out there next Autumn when we can romp through all those songs again, together. Love to all!"
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"A language works best when we have something interesting to say. Many music teachers never find out what their students have to say; we only tell them what they are supposed to say." - Victor Wooten