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: 

                               

Q&A with French group We Were Evergreen

Courtesy of We Were Evergreen, We Were Evergreen

After hearing that quirky French group We Were Evergreen were supporting King Charles on tour I caught up with Michael Liot to get a proper insight into their world.

They are in the middle of a US and European tour and will return to the UK on 29th May to headline Bush Hall in London.

How do you feel your French background affects your music?

Our influences come from all over the place. There might be something French in our music; probably in the more electronic parts of it, as well as our way of writing. French "chanson" has a storytelling tradition which could be found in some of our lyrics or our way of singing. And artists as diverse as Mathieu Boogaerts, Para One & Tacteel or The Do have probably had an impact on us.

You guys have such a unique sound, who influences you?

Pop music in all its dimensions, South American rhythms, Walt Disney films, some classical music, and our experiences growing up.

Where did the name come from?

We Were Evergreen is both a nonsensical and non-grammatical phrase: it comes from our affection for youth and our preoccupation with passing time.

How would you describe your music?

Courtesy of We Were Evergreen, Headline Show: 29th May

As something you should listen to.

What has it been like supporting King Charles on tour?

It's been great. It was our second support tour in the UK and we were able to visit many great places and reach many audiences. King Charles and his band were amazing; great people as well as great performers, we can't wait to see them again.

I find the video for 'Penguins & Moonboots' so intriguing! Who comes up with the ideas for your videos?

We made this video a long time ago; during the band's early stages. It was made by and with friends; the ideas were brought in by everyone. We shot it in three whole days in one single room, almost without sleeping. It was crazy!

Where's your favourite place to perform? (Don't feel like you have to say somewhere in the UK!)

We loved playing UK festivals this summer - Wilderness and Secret Garden Festivals especially. It seems UK Festivals have more creativity and more atmosphere than the ones we've seen in France. Other than that, we love intimate venues. Our dream place to play would be La Maroquinerie in Paris.

What can you tell us about your London EP launch in May?

A new EP will be out in early summer which will include our single 'Baby Blue'.

What else have you got planned for the future?

Quite a few festivals this summer in the UK and in other European countries - and our first album, which should come out at the end of the year or early 2013.

Find out more from We Were Evergreen and buy tickets at their official website, Facebook and Twitter.

Below is We Were Evergreen's music video for 'Penguins & Moonboots':