Staffordshire talent showcased at Hippy Horror Festival

               

Staffordshire’s musical talent showcased its strength at the Hippy Horror Festival in Stoke-on-Trent this weekend (October 26-28).

On a weekend where the ice-cold weather only spurred people on, hundreds gathered to hear local acts at the Foxfield Railway in Blythe Bridge.

Hippy Hippy Shake Company owner, Richard Buxton, organised the extravaganza following the success of the Easter festival, Hippy Haze.

Stoke band Six Towns, recently nominated for MTV’s Brand New Unsigned Artist 2013, performed on the Saturday evening in striking skeleton costumes.

Bassist Matt Litherland said: “We played Hippy Haze back in April and it was cracking the first time Rich Buxton put it on.”

“We’re influenced by anything with guitars really; Kasabian, Oasis, Led Zeppelin. All the cliché ones,” said guitarist Simon Harry, “Rock ‘n’ roll is what we are.”

Moral Panics frontman Daniel Johnson. 
Pic: Maanik Chadda

Singer-songwriter Emilio Pinchi was also praised by his fellow acts.

The 18-year-old from Liverpool recently released his EP, Popular Myth and Conflict.

“We saw Emilio Pinchi and he was cracking,” said frontman Liam O’Brien, “for a guy who stands there on his own with an acoustic guitar it’s just fantastic.”

With drummer Josh Morris, the band will be at The Sugarmill in Hanley on November 15 as part of Radical’s Rising Presents.

The Get Alongs, The Control and The Rivalry headlined the festival on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday respectively.

Fans and acts were dressed to scare with their Halloween-themed costumes.

Dressed in bloody boiler suits, four-piece 3’s a Riot were preparing for their Saturday support set.

Lead vocalist Joe Tomasso said: “We played Hippy Haze earlier in the year and we were the main support to The Get Alongs, and now we’re main support to The Control.”

Guitarist Toby Simcock added: “I loved Emilio Pinchi’s set. The Motives were good, as well as The Control, Translucid and Fat Mess.”

Drummer Dan Thompson and bassist Dan Aydon make up the band that will perform at Sheffield’s O2 Academy on December 1.

Stoke rockers Moral Panics have been gathering plenty of attention lately and attracted the largest ‘mosh-pit’ of the festival at the time for their closing number.

“It was impressive,” said lead vocalist Daniel Johnson, “I saw quite a few people that I’d never seen before singing the words to old songs as well as new songs.”

Once they have headlined The Sugarmill on December 17, the band is set to record an album early next year.

The Hippy Hippy Shake Company sell milkshakes and smoothies in their Newcastle-under-Lyme and Hanley stores.

Moral Panics drummer Eden Longson said: “I must support his (Rich Buxton) business more than anybody else! Every time I go to Newcastle-under-Lyme I go to the Hippy Shake.”


                                 

Video by Sharna Swaby and photo slideshow by Jovi Mullen.

Cream of Staffordshire talent set for Hippy Horror Music Festival

Preparations for the 3-day festival have undergone,
Pic: Daniel Rowlands

The annual Hippy Horror Music Festival will feature a range of Staffordshire’s best musical talents across three days.

The festival, organised by the Hippy Hippy Shake Company, begins today and will end on Sunday evening (October 28) at Foxfield Railway in Blythe Bridge.

More than 40 local acts will be performing as part of the largest line-up of unsigned artists ever to perform at a single event locally.

Popular upcoming acts will include The Get Alongs, The Control, The Rivalry, and Six Towns, who were recently nominated for MTV Brand New Unsigned Act for 2013.

Managing director Richard Buxton, said: “The image of our milkshake bars has always been based around music-based icons and themes, so it made sense to get involved with the local music scene.”

The company has two shops, one in Hanley market in Stoke, and the other in Newcastle-under-Lyme town cetnre.

HippyHaze, a similar event that took place at Easter, proved a great success earlier in the year.

Richard added: “HippyHaze was a great success for us, so we decided to put Hippy Horror on in order to provide the younger community with something different to do at Halloween whilst supporting young musicians.”

Food and clothing stalls, face-painters and a bar will be available for fans to enjoy.

Festival-goers are encouraged to attend in Halloween fancy-dress.

Full weekend tickets can be purchased on the door for £28 whilst Saturday and Sunday tickets are available for £15. Friday day tickets are £7 and all include camping.

Check out the Facebook event for more details about the line-up.

Stoke's Sugarmill hopeful to become NME's Best Small Venue

Courtesy of The Sugarmill, NME Britain's Best Small Venue

NME are looking to crown the best small venue in Britain and Stoke-on-Trent's Sugarmill is in the running.

Following the Sugarmill's 2011 triumph for the Best Small Venue in the Midlands, the Hanley nightclub is looking to improve on the accolade.

They previously beat Nottingham's The Rescue Rooms and the Custard Factory in Birmingham to top the poll.

Sugarmill promoter Danni Brownsill said: “We won all the heats that were voted for, so that meant the world to us to know that people supported us so much.”

Glasgow King Tut's, winners of the 2011 poll, will not be eligible to receive the title again.

“What we do know is that our customers are amazingly dedicated and are as passionate about The Sugarmill as their local venue as we are.

“We aren't some faceless corporation, we are a small independent business, and we treat out customers like family, and they respond to that.

The Sugarmill must win the regional title again to be apart of the 2012 national shortlist.

“We are what we are and do what we do because of them as much as we work hard, we are nothing without them.”

Spring has seen the likes of Maximo Park, Hadouken! and Mystery Jets been announced to play at the prestigious venue.

“I think we're incredibly lucky to have such a passionate music scene in Stoke, especially as we are a small city. The fact that bands with a big profile want to come and play here is a testament to our great crowd.

The Stoke music scene has seen a great rise with the likes of local talents such as Aaron Mobberley, Jim McShee and All The Young.

“I personally believe that it is the smaller venues which are the heart and soul of the UK live music scene.

“Every band has to cut their teeth on this circuit, every city has a venue like this, where people see their first shows, where people who share a passion for music get together and enjoy it collectively.”

To vote for your favourite venue visit the NME website and explain your choice in 100 characters or fewer. The first round of voting closes on April 20.

Check out this promo video for the Sugarmill by Liam R. Dawson below:

Sugarmill from Liam R. Dawson on Vimeo.

Maximo Park sells out Hanley Sugarmill in an hour

Mercury Prize nominated Maximo Park are set to perform an intimate gig at The Sugarmill in Stoke-on-Trent.

The Newcastle indie rockers will visit the prestigious Hanley venue on May 8.

The critically-acclaimed band sold out the event in little over an hour.

Sugarmill Promoter Danni Bronwsill said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Maximo Park back to The Sugarmill, and honoured that they chose to come back here for one of their Great Escape warm ups.”

Only two shows were announced ahead of their headlining slot at Brighton Dome's Great Escape, the other being at The Duchess in York.

“It's been a few years since they have played here,” said Danni.

“Last time it was a phenomenal show that absolutely went down in local legend and Sugarmill history.

“We have seen the band go from strength to strength since then, so we're excited to have them back in such an intimate venue.”

Courtesy of The Sugarmill, Maximo Park will grace the stage again

After being nominated for the 2005 Mercury Prize for their debut album, A Certain Trigger, the band has released two successful follow-ups with a fourth to arrive soon.

“It's going to be a great night, the anticipation and buzz around the show is massive. 

"Maximo Park, as always, are sure to rip the place apart and make it a show to remember.”

In a recent public NME poll, The Sugarmill beat Birmingham's Custard Factory and The Rescue Rooms in Nottingham amongst others to win the accolade for Best Small Music Venue in the Midlands.

Promoter Dan Nixon said: “We are extremely proud to have topped the poll as the Best Small Venue in the Midlands.

“It is wonderful to be recognised by a respected music magazine such as the NME and the fact that it was the public who voted us into this position really means so much. To the people who voted: we salute you!”

Below is the video for Maximo Park's Apply Some Pressure: 

                               

Laura Marling set for Stoke-on-Trent's Victoria Hall

Courtesy of Laura Marling, A Creature I Don't Know

Beautiful folk singer Laura Marling is set to perform at Victoria Hall in Stoke-on-Trent.

The 22-year-old Londoner is on the road in support of her latest album A Creature I Don't Know this Sunday (11 March).

The tour follows success from previous albums Alas, I Cannot Swim and I Speak Because I Can. The albums were nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in 2008 and 2010 respectively.

She won the 2011 Brit Award for British Female Solo Artist and was nominated in the same category this year, only to miss out to Adele.

Marling was apart of the rising London folk scene alongside the likes of Noah & The Whale, Mumford & Sons and Johnny Flynn.

Purchase tickets at ATG Tickets or by calling 0844 871 7677.

See the official video for Laura Marling's 'Sophia' below:

Radiohead Announce 2012 UK Tour Dates

Original magazine cover from 2011

Radiohead have announced the following 3 2012 UK tour dates for their album The King of Limbs:

Saturday 6th October - Manchester Arena - Manchester

Monday 8th October - O2 Arena - London

Tuesday 9th October - O2 Arena - London

Pre-sale tickets went on sale today (7 March) and will go on general sale on Friday 9th March at 9:00am GMT.

Tickets will be available from Ticketmaster.

Check out Radiohead's unique video for 'Lotus Flower' below:

Dog Is Dead's Two Devils out now

 

Courtesy of Dog Is Dead, 'Two Devils'

UK Release: 05/03/12 - Your Childhood Records

Dog Is Dead's new single 'Two Devils' is available to buy now!

The indie-pop band have delivered another gem of a single with an intriguingly beautiful video to match (see below).

It includes new track 'The Well', a Bombay Bicycle Club remix of 'Two Devils' and an acoustic version of recent single 'Hands Down'.

Read about their appearance at Stoke-on-Trent's The Sugarmill last month in this article and review.

Purchase the single from iTunes, HMV or Rough Trade.

King Charles set for The Sugarmill debut

Courtesy of King Charles, LoveBlood by King Charles

Eccentric music act King Charles is coming to The Sugarmill in Hanley.

Having toured with Mumford and Sons across the UK and the US, the West London performer is bringing his magic to Stoke-on-Trent this evening (1 March).

The surreal indie singer/songwriter fuses elements of folk-pop and surf-rock.

There will be local support from We Were Evergreen, Dinosaur Dancefloor and Jack Martello.

Charles Johnston, of King Charles, said: "There will be local support from We Were Evergreen, so I’ll be able to find out about Stoke on the evening, which I am very much looking forward to."

King Charles has also supported the likes of Laura Marling and Noah and the Whale.

"I have a wonderful time with all of them", said Charles. "I have covered a lot of ground across England and America, opening their shows, all forming an enormously exciting cluster of moods, moments and memories."

He signed a global contract with Universal Republic through his UK independent label Mi7 Records.

His debut album LoveBlood will be available from May 7.

"There are 11 songs, beginning with LoveBlood, and finishing with Wilde Love. The latter is my favourite because the lyrics are my favourite verses from ‘The Ballad Of Reading Gaol’ by Oscar Wilde and I am so in love with it and excited to have been able to make a song of it."

Tickets can be booked via www.thesugarmill.co.uk or by calling 01159 454 593.

Dog Is Dead deliver at Stoke's Sugarmill

Courtesy of The Sugarmill, Dog Is Dead

Dog Is Dead raised the roof and spirits at The Sugarmill after a riveting set sent the audience into raptures.

The night provided an eclectic mix of Indie talent from across the country.

The Stoke-on-Trent club hosted local regulars Moral Panics, London-based Fiction and Nottingham headline act Dog Is Dead on Friday 24^th February.

Dog Is Dead comprises of Robert Milton, Joss Van Wilder, Lawrence Cole, Paul Roberts and Daniel Harvey.

Keyboard player Joss, 20, was pleased to see so much variety in the reactions to their music. He said: “It went really well, definitely the maddest crowd we've had this tour. We hadn't had a fight pit yet!”

Lead vocalist Robert, also 20, added: “I think live, it's more like a rock show, but in the studio, the beauty is more refined.”

The band are currently on a UK tour with upcoming performances in Leeds, Ireland and the highlands of Scotland.

Single 'Two Devils' will be available from Monday 5^th March. An album is set for release in the autumn.

Fiction's Mike Barrett, Nick Barrett, James Howard and David Miller were joined by passionate Danish percussionist, Jakob.

Mike, 24, said: “This is our first time playing in Stoke. This size venue is nice because it's not too big and it's not too small, it's perfect.

“Last night we played an academy and it's just too big, too cavernous. When the venue's too big, you're cut off from the crowd, and also the band.”

Fiction are supporting The Maccabees at Nottingham's Rock City on Thursday 8^th March, and the following night at Brighton Dome. They have previously supported Bombay Bicycle Club and Viva Brother.

Their debut album is due to be released in September under Cooperative Music's Moshi Moshi Records.

Moral Panics teenagers Eden Longson, Daniel Johnson and Charlie Maskrey opened the night with a selection of songs from their recent debut album entitled Ambush Reality.

Daniel, 19, said: “We've headlined here three times and supported numerous different bands. Chris, the promoter, is a good friend of ours and he asked us about Dog Is Dead and we were very pleased.”

Courtesy of The Sugarmill, Fiction

Promoter Chris Wilson, 26, said: “Both Dog Is Dead and Fiction are quality bands with growing reputations and we always aim to bring the best new music to the people of Stoke.

“Moral Panics are a quality local act with a big future so we were delighted to have the opportunity to add them to the bill.”

“I believe all of the bands were very well received. Moral Panics showed why they deserved to be on the bill, showcasing a brand new song. Fiction made plenty of new fans and Dog Is Dead went down a storm.”

Sugarmill regular Adam Rosario, 19, said: “I really enjoyed Dog Is Dead. Their stuff has cool influences from acts like Mumford & Sons and Two Door Cinema Club.

“The Sugarmill always does well in getting talent outside of Stoke, although tomorrow I'm seeing a really good Stoke band called Six Towns, can't wait.”

Below are the set lists for all of the acts:

Moral Panics

Chasing Metaphors
Move My Feet
Pan To Sky
Breath
Voids
Hurricane

Fiction

Day of Flying Ants
See Me Walk
Step Ahead/Step Behind
Big Things
Be Clear
Careful
The Apple

Dog Is Dead

River Jordan
Head in your Hands
Young
Talk through the night
Two devils
Burial ground
Hands Down
Teenage Daughter
Glockenspiel song

Jim McShee's The Coffin Nail EP Available Now

Courtesy of Jim McShee, The Coffin Nail

Visit iTunes now to preview Jim McShee's country blues EP release The Coffin Nail.

Check out frequent updates from Jim via his Facebook page.

Below are links to previous posts featuring Jim McShee:

31/01/12 - Stoke-on-Trent folk star set for The Sugarmill album launch

07/02/12 - The Old Brown Jug to host Stoke folk talent

13/02/12 - Stoke Musicians Treat Locals at Old Brown Jug


Below is the recording of Jim's appearance on BBC Introducing from Stoke on Friday 27th January:

Stoke Musicians Treat Locals at Old Brown Jug

Courtesy of Leo Robinson, Aaron Mobberley

The Old Brown Jug showcased an array of talent from the Stoke-on-Trent folk music scene on Wednesday 8^th February.

The night opened with Heritage, followed by surprise act Jim McShee, Aaron Mobberley, Cult Party and headliners Dressed Like Wolves.

The Newcastle-under-Lyme pub provides an Indie Showcase on most Wednesdays.

Heritage comprises of Sian Matthews on vocals and guitar, Ben Cornwell on guitar, and Alex Liebeck on cello and piano.

Sian, 17, said: “I sometimes find it challenging because we only have a short set. I don't think it was as good as our Sugarmill gig, but it's a different environment so we'll have to get used to it.”

Modern blues artist, Jim McShee, was added to the bill late to provide a short acoustic set welcomed favourably by the locals.

Jim, 20, said: “This is an excellent place. The atmosphere has settled the foundations of the building, it's really lovely. I know they have bigger bands playing four band set-ups, but I think it's always got a place for Stoke acoustic music.”

Aaron Mobberley opened with crowd-pleaser 'Crayons', one of BBC Introducing from Stoke's Top 10 songs of 2011.

Aaron, 19, said: “I feel really comfortable in this place with whoever comes in really. Any gig I play just feels really homely and welcoming.

He added: “These last few weeks have been the busiest ever, but I've loved every part of it. It's been brilliant.”

Cult Party's Leo Robinson performed a lengthy, well-rounded set which provided a chilling atmosphere.

Leo, 17, said: “I've played here a couple of times. My old band, Gallo Viso, used to play here quite a bit, but we haven't practiced that much recently. I've been focusing on my own stuff.”

Courtesy of Leo Robinson, Cult Party

Dressed Like Wolves' lead Rick Dobbing felt some things could have gone differently.

He said: “Well the recording is really mellow, but when you want to play live you get bored of playing quietly. You want to be louder than everyone.”

When asked whether he would liken himself to Adolf Hitler in the third Reich, Rick agreed.

He added: “They are my songs. To be honest, they don't really contribute anything in the way of writing. I look at my songs and think I want electric guitar and stuff because they're better instruments. It's not a collaborative thing.

“It's like when Leo had his friend play; it's his stuff and that's the way it is for me. They're sort of helping to fill the gaps, but it's your thing. I don't class it as being a proper band.”

Old Brown Jug local, Nicholas Joseph, said: “I enjoyed most of the night, but it was a shame to see songs being ripped off. I want them to perform the best that they can be. I noticed that when I started making my points heard they started turning the volume up.

Courtesy of Leo Robinson, Dressed Like Wolves

“In performance, aggression sometimes gets the point across. You ask 'where's the passion?'”

Local musician Josh Barnett was quick to praise Cult Party. He said: “We played in Gallo Viso together and Leo really is an amazing songwriter. He's just a genius when it comes to writing songs.”

He added: “Leo, Aaron and Jim are the best three people I know around here. Sian as well; she's got such a good voice and writes great lyrics.”

The support acts of the night are part of the rising folk scene in Stoke and have become close friends.

Jim added: “I went to college with Aaron and we were both doing the same kind of thing so we got on really well.

“Leo (Robinson) from Cult Party was in another band called Gallo Viso before and we used to play with him all the time because we were really close friends with him.”

Aaron said: “It's a nice little group we've got together because there isn't much folk in Stoke.”


Below is a recording of Aaron Mobberley performing 'Crayons' at BBC Introducing from Stoke:

Below are the set lists for all of the acts:

Heritage

Song Two

Down

Light

Young but Old

Lost Found Gone

Jim McShee

Slaughter Hill
Helping Hand
Fishing Blues (Traditional)
Good Old Days Gone By
Green Green Rocky Road (Traditional)
Oh Faithful
The Coffin Nail Blues
Bloody Knuckle Blues

Aaron Mobberley

Crayons

Roulette Running Gold

What Did You Do To My Heart

Spare room

Cult Party

Come Back Margaret
Undead
Searching For
Bat Cave
Meadowshadow
The Fouth Dimension
School
City Bike
Softer Edges
Hurricane Girl
Fakie Cultslide
Tomb Raider

Dressed Like Wolves

Cancel The Sky
Messengers
Wax House
Foreign Bodies
I Heard The Devil
Emerald Green
Daydreamers (Ship Song)
Stories

Cheshire's Proud Proud People to Release EP

 

Courtesy of Proud Proud People, The Sky Suspended EP

Listen to Proud Proud People's How To Be Humble above.

The Sky Suspended by Proud Proud People will be available to buy on iTunes from Monday 13^th February.

The release follows a successful EP debut with 2010's How To Be Humble.

The five-track EP takes inspiration from The National, Guided By Voices, Interpol and Elbow.

Trumpet player, Michael Clay, 26, said: “Whilst we were very happy with our first EP, we didn't feel that it put across how we sound live. This EP sounds huge in places, but still captures the 'folk' stylings that we build our songs around.

“We're very eager to get it out to as many people as possible and get their feedback, and to rack up the gigs in the next few months.”

The Sandbach band played on Rob Adcock's BBC Introducing from Stoke on Friday 10^th February. Of Proud Proud People, he said: “Cheshireʼs finest indie-folk band.”

They performed live tracks 'Optimus Prime' and 'Warhorse' and recorded an acoustic cover of Drake and Rihanna's 'Take Care'.

Aaron Mobberley, well-respected talent of the Stoke folk music scene, did a surprise interview on the show before later performing at The Full Moon.

Tom Robinson, of BBC Radio 6, said: “They tell us they wanted to create something honest and lyrical...ladies and gentlemen of the jury, their case is proven...a fine collective.”

Courtesy of Proud Proud People, Proud Proud People

They are assigned to Jonathan Rathbone and Jack Gardner's Manchester-based Butter Bridge Records.

The label aims to help release organic, poetic and original music from across the North of England.

Michael said: “We usually write by way of layering, perhaps starting with the guitar parts and then laying everything else on top of it a bit at a time, refining it at each stage.”

He added: “We have our album launch party on Saturday 18^th February at Kraak, in Manchester's Northern Quarter. It's part of an arts festival put on by our label and will go on from 7pm until the wee hours.”

The album was recorded, produced and mastered by Christophe Bride of Oxygene Studios in Manchester.

The band members include Cody Barton, Andy Cargill, Ben Emerton, Michael Clay, Emily Tate, Harry Uden and Joe Nelson.

The EP also features Foden's Brass Band's trombonist John Barber and guitarist Sam Jarvis of instrumental band Talons.

Check them out on Facebook, Twitter and on their official website.