IAN PROWSE / BERNACCIA / NIX NOUGHT NOTHING / LIZZYSPIT / HAARTS / PARADISE CIRCUS / THE KUT / STUNTMAN MIKE / MAINI SORRI ALL RELEASE NEW MATERIAL….
I received information on a bunch of class acts that are/have releasing/released new material in February or March, please read on to learn a little bit about each of them….
IAN PROWSE
Ian has described the song as “a real Liverpool song for a real Liverpool girl” and is about the day his baby daughter Rosalita was christened in St Nicks, the sailors’ church by the city’s Pier Head. Not exactly a religious man, Ian squared it with himself by imagining that she was being baptised in the Mersey, that and the fact that they took her straight to the Cavern afterwards for a “rock ‘n’ roll” ceremony.
God and Man is being released simultaneously with the new album, appropriately enough on St Patrick’s Day, 17th March. On the same day, Ian will perform at the Knitting Factory, NYC for Liverpool Sound City.
Who Loves Ya Baby follows on from the success of The Best of Ian Prowse, a compilation of his work with the band’s Pele andAmsterdam, which was released to critical acclaim in 2012. This new album sees Ian cut loose as a solo artist and features twelve brand new songs, all perfectly showcasing his considerable talents as a songwriter and performer par excellence.
“An absolute triumph, I've played it four times on the trot already” - (Miles Hunt - The Wonder Stuff)
“The man who gave us the classic Does this train stop on Merseyside does it again” - (Elvis Costello)
“An epic album, 9/10!” - (Ian McNabb)
“He sure knows how to pen a proper song this fella, the music shines” - (Christy Moore)
Ian Prowse, often called the “Scouse Springsteen”, is best known for his work as main man with the groups, Pele (1990s) and the 7-piece group, Amsterdam (2000s). One of his most famous songs, Amsterdam’s Does This Train Stop On Merseyside, was a huge favourite of the late DJ John Peel – he featured the song on his last ever Festive Fifty and it has been well documented that it often reduced him to tears on air. The song has gone on to be covered by many others, including Christy Moore, Miles Hunt and Ian McNabb.
In recent years, Ian Prowse has completed a couple of degrees, “just for the hell of it” and the album is, in part, inspired by his degree in Modern History and Masters in Irish music, for which he wrote his thesis on Iris Music. He has also become a father for the first time.
Who Loves Ya Baby will be supported by a series of live dates in the UK, spanning March through May. The shows will be a mix of solo appearances alongside shows with Amsterdam, with whom he still performs.
For full live dates visit : www.amsterdam-music.com
BERNACCIA
Blending atmosphere, fiction and truth into their lyrically captivating music which tells tales of troubled souls, emancipation and the well trodden road, all nailed to the floor by the blues. Their official debut single Armada weaves Blues, Roots and Indie to create a audio brew of fine musical ingredients
After the critical success of The Keeper , released last year the bands follow up No Club saw them gain more new fans in the media and earned support slots with Wolf People, Twisted Wheel and Royal Blood.
Armada is the first of a single a month sequence starting this as part the bands Cinema release trilogy. Each track will be connected to a piece of exclusive artwork that will be available as an early bird exclusive to the first eager listeners of the debut download Armada. The main focus of the release will be the centre track Circuit Ryder which will also be accompanied by a video from Melting Point Media. All videos and tracks will then be shown at a premiere at a secret venue to be announced very soon.
“For a lot of bands round these parts, the sound of The Brian Jonestown Massacre is a lot like the clitoris. They spend a lot of time going after it, but despite bragging heartily about it in interviews and being told by their pals they’re bang on, they’ve never actually been anywhere near it. But for Bernaccia, I can report with panting glee that they’ve not only found it, but they know exactly what to do with it. The sound, not the other thing. Riff-led and captivating throughout, this foot stomping dirty slice of neo-psychedelia bliss should be sought out immediately" - Narc Magazine
Bernaccia certainly know how to write well-judged and twangy rock if this atmospheric single is anything to go by. Its a driving, bluesy affair which grabs you from the off,relying on a lean and mean tempo to keep any bluster at bay. Utterly captivating." - The Crack magazine
Links :
www.facebook.com/bernacciamusic
NIX NOUGHT NOTHING
Revealing a craftsman-like attention to structure and interdependence, Nix Nought Nothing blends traditional roots with a raw intimacy, and takes the contemporary folk song to a grander, more eclectic level -- one undeniably his own.
He imparts his lyrics with a powerful and impassioned voice, and layers his vocals to create choirs of insightful harmony. Drawing on his experience as a jazz pianist and film composer, Nix Nought Nothing accompanies his vocals with a suite of instruments, combining each layer to create sumptuous, expansive soundscapes.
“The Storm,” Nix Nought Nothing’s debut album, embodies ancient and nautical themes in a heartfelt exploration of loss and redemption. Written and recorded in just 28 days in Brooklyn, New York, and Hampshire, England, the album combines complex and varied styles into a body of work that is distinct and whole. Through waves of tension and release, “The Storm” carries the listener through realms of mystery and magnificence.
“I wanted to produce something almost improvised and raw,” - Nix Nought
Nothing says, “but I also sought to evoke the grandeur and imagination I’d grown accustom to from scoring film. ‘The Storm’ takes both of those elements and attempts to build something more ambitious but still personal.”
These qualities are front and centre on the album’s first single, “Sticks and Stones.” A commanding song with powerful melodies and rousing lyrics, the track is simultaneously cinematic and heart-wrenchingly sincere. Its stirring verses and rousing chorus combine with swells of music that result in a sound both timeless and yet unmistakably new.
Links :
LIZZYSPIT
Lizzyspit returns with a stunning four track EP entitled Trouble Lies Deep.
A digital success story with well over 1.5 million+ global fans who tune into her live online performances, download her music, watch and share her videos. Her online fans, known as her 'Spits' are helping propel her into the mainstream music market through their dedicated fan pages on Google+, YouTube and Vube.com.
In addition to building a strong online presence, Lizzy is a seasoned live performer, having performed at venues all over the UK, including The Troubadour London, The Camden Roundhouse and Manchester’s Lowry Theatre. She has also performed at New York’s famous Bitter End, along with The Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney.
In 2012/2013, she performed a series of concerts for Google & YouTube after becoming the number 1 followed female artist on Google+ in Australia. Having returned home to the England in December 2013, she currently sits at number 5 in the UK, and is in the top 300 globally of Google+ users. Last year, her fans also nominated her for a Shorty Award, which saw her place second globally in her category YouTube Music.
Her songs have been played on mainstream radio by Steve Lamacq, Janice Long, Alex Lester, Simon Bates and by numerous local BBC (and other) radio stations. Most recently, one of her songs ‘Kidding Myself’ was placed on an episode of Toddlers & Tiara’s over in theUSA. She has also been reviewed and written about in publications such as The Guardian (UK), Acoustic Magazine, The Telegraph (Australia) and The Huffington Post, along with countless other blogs/sites/magazines.
Links :
HAARTS
Seasons Change marks the band third studio release since summer 2013. An ever growing fanbase on the live circuit in their nativeCumbria as well as the media have seen the band ascend from under the radar to appearing on numerous radio shows and websites.
Supporters in the media include Indie Minded, Female First, Something You Said. Radio fans include Radio 1’s Ally McCrae, BBC Cumbria Introducing, On Air Tunes, Castle FM, ICR Radio, Stroud FM, Breakthru Radio, NE 1 FM and many more.
Another slice of shimmering supreme sounding guitar msuic featuring the distinctive vocals of Philip Hampson is delivered in the bands latest single and is supported by an official video. The band are produced by Gavin Monaghan and have supported The Boomtown Rats at the opening of a new music venue in their home town Carlisle.
The main band members met at secondary school and have regularly played 100 minute live sets in pubs and clubs, with the highlight being invited to a special Radio 1 Gig on the eve of the big weekend in 2011.
“… lead singer Phil Hampson sharing the kind of intensity, persona and charisma you would expect of someone who’d been gigging for decades” - Radio 1 Introducing show DJ Ally McCrae
Band links
Website: www.haartsofficial.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/haartsofficial
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Haarts_
PARADISE CIRCUS
Birmingham based band Paradise Circus are a rapidly emerging band capturing all that’s good about the British music scene with their debut single Drunk.
Lead singer/guitarist James O’Gorman, drummer Jake Brown and bassist Dan Woodhead combine to produce spirited songs that echo the highs and lows of today’s youth.
Their sound is a gritty twist on British pop with soul and indie rock undertones. Powerful vocals, catchy tunes and clever lyrics create their unmistakable style and sound that is gaining the band ever increasing popularity.
The band play live with the intensity and raw energy of a young band but with the polished skill and cohesion normally found only in long-standing bands. Taking their inspiration from an eclectic mix of many great artists such as The Jam, The Strokes, and Otis Redding, the band’s undeniable talent is in creating vibrant, soulful and emotive songs.
“Paradise Circus are stars waiting to shine. Their soulful vocals and gritty urban story lyrics will captivate you on first listen.” - Gavin Monaghan - Magic Garden Studio
“They are one of the best young bands today.” Guy Holmes Kundun Music & Media
“Their live show is impressive and it looks as though all the recent support slots this year have done them a world of good. It’ll be the fruits of their work with local producer Gavin Monaghan that will be the thing to look out for next.” - Counteract Magazine
Currently working with producer Gavin Monaghan, who is notable for his work with The Editors, Scott Matthews and The Twang, the boys are fresh from the studio and are about the hit the UK with their debut single ‘Drunk’.
We leave the final words on the single with the band…“We’re really excited about the single, although it was difficult deciding which track to release first, we’ve got loads of great songs to choose from... ‘Marry Me When I’m 40’, ‘Where d’You Wanna Go’ and ‘In It For Himself’, amongst others”. “We eventually decided on ‘Drunk’... an unapologetic ‘beery’ anthem, guaranteed to hit the spot with anyone who likes a night on the town and a few pints!”
Links
www.soundcloud.com/paradisecircusmusic
The Kut
Inspired by bands like Deftones, L7, Hole, Incubus, Placebo, Nirvana, Faith No More and others, The Kut are a London rock trio with a great live show.
Having been voted into in the winning spots for MTV UK Brand New Unsigned Poll at the end of November, their forthcoming single 'NO TRACE' was produced by James LeRock Loughrey (Skindred / White Zombie / My Vitriol / Lionel Richie, Manic Street Preachers, Page & Plant, Bjork, Def Leppard). The Kut -‘No Trace’ is is dark and emotive track taken from the forthcoming ‘Makeup’ EP. Having had the privilege of playing London 2012 Olympics and the Paralympics after being selected by the Teenage Rampage Foundation, other noteworthy shows include performances at various UK festivals and a sold out UK tour - 'The Love Hate Vampire Shotgun System Circus Tour'.
The band also performed DJ sets for Kerrang! Klub, London and a string of 14 dates on the Club Criminal tour. The band’s last video ‘Closure’ was playlisted on Sub TV, Tuune, NME TV (Radar), and 6 USA cable channels, Comcast Cable, CableVision, Time Warren Cable, RCN, and FiOS.
"Absolutely love this, I want more music from them, they're gonna come on in a few weeks. It's The Kut.. It's No Trace… " - Sean McGinty : BBC Introducing Radio Lancashire
STUNTMAN MIKE
Building on the stunning debut track Triangles, which left Stuntman Mike’s Twitter account red hot, with the number of followers jumping from 220 to well over 3,000. The new single will be accompanied by a video which sees the band enjoying a trip on Glasgow’s subway inspired by the video for The Police’s 1978 single ‘So Lonely’. It’s taken from the forthcoming album Triangles that was produced and mixed by Stuart Mcredie, who has previously worked with Belle & Sebastian, The Fratellis, and Kelly Clarkson. Mastering by Calum Malcolm who has also worked with a number of established Scottish artists such as Deacon Blue and Simple Minds.
“……they’ve mastered the art of the singalong rock anthem. Stuntman Mike may still be in their infancy, but boy are they growing up fast!” - Jim Gellatly
”……cool, clean, crisp rock executed to perfection!” Aaron Phillips – Amazing Radio
The band occupy their own make-shift rehearsal space within the football stadium of local team Airdrieonians FC, often providing the soundtrack to the verbal rollicking given by the team’s manager. An daily growing army of fans have been nicknamed the ‘Stuntanians’ and some fans claim the band have following super powers…
Scott Hetherington (vocals) : 20 Can run the 100m in under 11 seconds, Billy Mulholland (guitar) : Arranges holidays around fine wines, beer, and cheese, Affy Ahmad (drums) : Black belt in Karate.
Although not politically motivated, Stuntman Mike’s lyrics portray a recurring feeling of frustration at the financial and social injustice felt by the band and many of the working class in both the UK and North America. Priding themselves on being a strong live act, Stuntman Mike have already supported a diverse range of artists such as Kassidy, The Dykeenies, The Damned Things, Gun, Barry Hyde (The Futureheads) and the Virgin Marys.
Band links
Twitter : @StuntmanMusic
Web : www.stuntmanmike.co.uk
Facebook : www.facebook.com/stuntmanmikeofficial
MAINI SORRI
Following on from the widespread UK radio support for her 2013 single Just A Dream, Maini looks for break into the mainstream with her well of Scandinavian creativity. Last year was a breakthrough year in the UK for Maini with her single being supported by East London Radio, Indie Radio, Stroud FM, Covent Garden Radio, NE 1 FM, Riviera FM and many more.
Maini is a Finnish singer-songwriter living in Sweden and composing music since she was only 8 years old. Her first compositions were for the piano, but it was as a songwriter and a singer she has made her breakthrough.
Maini writes music and lyrics under a strong inspiring spirit, and this is why her songs come across to be very genuine and relatable to her audience. Once you have had chance to listen to her music you can see that Maini has her own style quite unlike anyone else.
Maini has performed her own songs in concerts and on radio and TV creating a beautiful and melodious atmosphere each time. She has a clear and beautiful voice and has studied songs by several eminent song teachers along with music theory and composing.
Maini's early 2013 single Hold Me was released in Sweden. A must see, the Hold Me music video is being promoted to MTV and all over the USA by Trilogy Music Group in Hollywood. The music video was directed by W.A. Henderson from Hollywood, was included inStyle City Music Presents TV show that airs on over 100 TV stations in America and around the world, among them Cape Town TV in South Africa. Hold Me video was also aired on Bobby T Show in USA, a TV show that's got 2 national Billboard Music Video Awards.
A whirlwind few months saw Maini win Emubands/Alchemy mastering prize in July as well as featuring on the cover of Pop Vulture in September.
Links :