The Black Lamps are an alternative post-rock and ambient guitar band from Barnsley, South Yorkshire with a deep history. Members Greg Firth (bass), Dean Ormston (drums), Lyndon Scarfe (guitars and keyboards) and Liam Stewart (vocals and guitars) have played their part in many a celebrated band throughout the previous three decades including Creatures of Habit, The Danse Society, Party Day, The Second Coming, Silent Scream and This Colossal Youth. January the 12th 2015 will see the band release their self-titled debut album through independent label Of National Importance Records.

GoGo Penguin is three piece acoustic, electronica, jazz outfit band from Manchester, UK, featuring pianist Chris Illingworth, bassist Nick Blacka, and drummer Rob Turner.

They're on a UK tour throughout March 2015 and we thought we'd catch up with the guys to chat about guest musicians, social media and penguins, here's how we got on....

“Darkly regal stuff” The Crack

LISTEN TO BRAND NEW, NON-ALBUM TRACK 'DHARMA & GREGED' NOW

Rock torchbearers Gov’t Mule are celebrating their 20th anniversary with an extensive tour and a series of dynamic live archival releases that highlight the group’s versatility and epic, fearless live performances. No two Gov’t Mule shows are alike, as the band draws on the more than 300 songs in their repertoire (and often a host of special guests) to create a unique experience each and every time. Their steadily expanding fan base knows that the Mule always has something special waiting for them. Expect the unexpected.

In 2014 Arthur Brown truly solidified his status as probably the greatest showman on earth.  At over 70 years old he performed all across the UK, Sweden, Germany and Russia, showing venues, festivals and audiences that he is the real deal; the ultimate performer; his set an operatic, theatrical and thrilling spectacle.

“Delightful electronica possessive of the beautiful human spirit” – Wonderland

“Life-affirming 80s-style synthpop that whirls around you, a cyclone of feeling with strong shining vocals, all painted in glorious gleaming waves: the inexplicable pull of love” – The 405

Have you heard The Ropes’ new EP?

I think most people that know them heard about them when Tricky sampled their track "Love Is a Chain Store". 

Lori Campbell is a Sidmouth born but Bristol based folk singer songwriter who loves nothing more than playing her guitar to people who will listen. 

We met up with Lori after her set when she recently support cult legend 'Beans on Toast' in Exeter, we found the noisiest area possible (sat on the stairs at the back of the Arts Centre where people were coming and going) and attempted to do an interview, we shouted at each other about topics such as claims to fame, Bristol nightlife and zero waste CD packaging, here's how we got on....

"Lusty, late night, urbanite...an emphatic statement of things to come" NME
"After-hours, dub-step soul, this sensational, sit-up-and-listen" Sunday Times
"In one fell step, Honne have established themselves as a potent, provocative new voice" Clash
"A lush, seductive jam…perfect" Nylon

We recently did an interview with Jordannah Elizabeth and she sent me an email shortly afterwards to tell us of a kickstarter campaign that she launched in order to get her new album off the ground.

After a run of U.S. dates with St. Lucia and Betty Who, and a first time trek through Europe (that included supporting Kate Boy at XOYO), Joywave is back today to share Giorgio Moroder's remix of their hit single "Tongues."

After sharing the first two singles from his forthcoming debut album and finishing the US leg of hisB4.DA.$$ world tour, Joey Bada$$ is back today to share the official release date of his album along with a trailer for B4.DA.$$. 

A pulse-quickening return, all bellowed voices and brusk instrumentation - Clash Magazine

Xtra Mile Recordings’ newest signings SKINNY LISTER unveil details of their forthcoming second album and a UK headline tour for Spring next year. 

It was refreshing to see a more 'mature' audience donning puffa jackets, baggy jeans and ‘old skool’ Adidas Shell Toe trainers rather than the normal array of skinny jeans, tattoos and beards which The Exeter Phoenix Arts Centre usually attracts, then again, you don't often get a legendary Hip Hop DJ dropping by to ply his trade less than a week before Christmas....

Will Varley is a folk singer songwriter and is based in Deal, Kent. He's also a self confessed Jesus lookalike who isn't against the idea of taking part in some religious re-enactments if his music career goes tits up. We met up with him prior to playing in Exeter where he was supporting legendary drunk folk singer Beans on Toast, we chatted about drinking with strangers, walking tours and playing silly party games with Bob Dylan, here's how we got on....