Music
Meet: Ty, and hear about his new releases, label and gigs
One of the best releases we have heard this year on Backseat Mafia came from UK Rapper, Ty and his Kick and a Snare EP. Born Ben Chijioke, he was born and still lives in London. More importantly, he has been at the forefront of UK Hip-Hop for over ten years, starting with his album …
Live Review: Canyon Family, The Payroll Union & Mudcats Blues Trio: Americana at The Harley, Sheffield 11.05.2013
Highlighting a night of Americana, this gig brought together three bands that ring true to that expression. We were able to experience everything covering country, folk, alternative and blues. This is one of the best overall gig nights I’ve been to as it was well thought out and actually had a structure in its choice …
Meet: Skillit – Rapper, Actor, Comedian
I blame it on my brother. I was happy with my music choices at the time. Me and Billy Bragg, The Smiths, The Housemartins, The Cure – we had this special thing going on. Then one day he (let’s not forget prior to this he had bought things by Bon Jovi and Europe) suddenly came …
Track: Harleighblu releases new single, Enough Now
I spoke about my parents record collection before. What reminded me of it was reading about 21-year-old Nottingham singer Harleighblu. This smokey voiced sultry soulstress (I’ll stop there before I get involved in some ‘s’ rated alliteration record attempt) who was deeply influenced by her mother’s collection of soul gems. Using that as a starting …
Track: New single from Manchester electro artist Bipolar Sunshine – Rivers
Marmite and Manchester. Be a good book title that, for someone like Stuart Maconie or something. It’s also true. I’ve had occasions to be there (hasn’t everyone in the UK) whether that be football (away days, eh?) concerts, record shopping or even seeing my sister when she lived there. And wandering round that old city …
Not Forgotten: The Family Cat reissue news and an interview with Fred.
I stumbled on The Family Cat. The record shops I frequented all had it. I picked it up so many times, mainly because it had something that appeared fantastic. The Family Cat is such a fantastic name for a band, and the artwork on debut mini-album ‘tell ’em we’re surfin’ is utterly brilliant. So I …
Meet: An interview with New Model Army
New Model Army are back on the road (including a stop-off in beautiful Sheffield on Saturday 11 May, playing Plug with a series of UK and European dates (including a clutch of festivals across the summer). Their 14th studio album is in the process of being finalised (they’re giving NOTHING away about the title and …
Album Review: White People and the Damage Done by Jello Biafra and the Guantanamo School of Medicine
I first came across The Dead Kennedys when I was in my early teens, I was obsessed with the singles chart at the time and they were a band who, somehow, did not get their records played so much on the chart rundown on BBC Radio 1 on Sundays. I guess if Frankie’s Relax got …
Meet: Altadore Interview
As soon as I heard Altadore’s “Golden Hills” I knew it would be a colossal missed opportunity to review the record but not try to get an interview and find out some more about them. Luckily for me and you, lead singer David Katz said ‘yes’. What ensues is lengthy, but I hope you will …
Live Review: Mark Morriss / The Herberts – Firebug, Leicester Friday 26.4.2013
….Only found out on Tuesday that Mark would be playing in Leicester with his new band The Herberts at Firebug, a fabulous little venue in the heart of the town centre. Walking distance from where I live, this was an opportunity definitely not to be missed. Always a fan of The Bluetones and recently of Mark’s …