It’s well known that Brighton punters are experts when it comes to a good party, so where else would infamous UK club promoters Robin & Partridge (House of Fairy Tales, Underground Rebel Bingo, Mission Room),bring their hottest new club night? Festival goers at eight of our favourite festivals across the country this year have boogied [...]

Donky Pitch are back again so get your dancing shoes on for a second season of raw, synth-tastic, stripped back sub-bass stomp! DP2.1 on Saturday October 23 will see the launch of Donky Pitch record label, all taking place at Jam on Middle Street. With the producers who’ve made it all happen, Spanish beatmaster Mweslee, [...]

British alternative rock of ‘90s origin has, in the noughties, died a slow death and The Charlatans’ latest release has unfortunately done little to change that. The album is mostly a bland adventure in mid-level rock by a group well past their peak - this is after all their eleventh studio album. The first single [...]

Fast becoming the go-to festival for ravers, revellers and general party lovers across Europe, Bestival this year sees the Fantasy theme coming to fruition. Expect a field full of friendly people dressed to the nines in appropriately wacky garb, getting their kicks to the likes of Caspa, DJ Yoda and Mumford & Sons (pictured). Yes, [...]

It’s been three years since their last release and having hired regular producer Chris Zane, their fifth studio album “Root To Ruin” packs a familiar art-punk punch. Simple rhythms, razor-sharp guitars and catchy melodies are all in attendance as the New York five-piece once again show the world how to do no-nonsense indie. For fans [...]

This debut EP regrettably sounds like an undercooked RJD2. From track to track the production intensity is so low that the listener is left adrift in a proverbial waiting room, as each sample, beat and loop seemingly aimlessly precedes the next. However, the layering is clean and well executed, and the skills of track production [...]

Click the banner above to bag a load of money off in the sale at Firetrap online!  PLUS check out the A/W 2010 collection now on sale, click here to go through to the website, type in the code FIRST10 at the checkout to get an awesome 10% off the new stuff too.
We love a [...]

Resident Records are proud to announce that Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. - Sam Duckworth to his mum - will be playing a very exclusive acoustic set in-store on September 13. This autumn sees Duckworth on a 24-date UK tour promoting his brand new third album, out on September 13, but surprisingly no other Brighton [...]

Now in its fourth year, End of the Road started as a festival promoting an intimate feel and ‘to offer the bands a chance to play longer sets.’ For those who didn’t manage to wind their way around the labyrinthine ticketing systems of the larger festivals, a smaller event may be the way forward.
As well [...]

Boston’s finest brass-punkers and general all-round awesome dudes, Big D & The Kid’s Table, are back in town and this time are playing the jazzed up yet insanely intimate surroundings of The Hydrant. You’d be a fool to miss this one, as local heroes The Junk and former Lightyear front man Chas Palmer-Williams will also [...]

Brighton resident, Levellers front man and Metway Studios part owner, Mark Chadwick, will release his debut solo album “All The Pieces” this month via Stay By Records. Chadwick is one of the UK’s most successful songwriters; co-writing 20 chart singles and 6 Top 40 albums (including a Number 1). He states his influences on this [...]

Get your paws on this lot!
All you have to do is join the mailing list (Click here!) to enter, and one lucky winner gets the lot!

Tickets to any O2 Academy gig between September 1 and December
£100 voucher at Dollydagger.co.uk
New Brighton store opening Brighton Place at the end of September
£25 voucher to spend at Ink-d
A [...]

Concorde 2, 26 August 2010
How can one not have a soft spot for The Maccabees? From their two album releases to date, the Brighton-come-South-London five-some exude such ebullient warmth on record it should be enough to make even the most hardened, crusty of souls enjoy them. Their live show however is in a different stratosphere [...]

The Brighton-adopted Seerauber Jenny are to play a couple of dates in our fair seaside town, including a show at Brighton Live in October.
The creation of Fran Barker in a leaky conservatory with just a 4-track, a miscellany of instruments and a bag load of fuzzy influences, the multi-instrumental singer/songwriter is starting to cause quite [...]

Komedia, 25 August 2010
Whilst a barrage of torrential late summer rain pelts down onto the gritty streets of our fair town, Komedia is keeping its collective self warm with conversation, whiskey and some of the most soulful, captivating folk music perhaps to have ever graced these shores. Providence’s prodigal sons (and daughter) The Low Anthem [...]

In an inspiring Scandinavian collaboration, Björk is to release a new track, “The Comet Song” especially for the forthcoming Moomins 3D movie “Moomins and the Comet Chase.”
“The Comet Song” will be available exclusively via a digital download on September 6, and the track is a tantalising taste into highly anticipated Björk-related projects due to see [...]

Hosted by the same guys of the hugely popular Abandoned club night - the result of Facebook group “We Want A New Rock Venue In Brighton” - this Bank Holiday Sunday sees Platinum Rock Legends downstairs at Belushi’s. The night promises the best in rock, metal and alternative music - expect Metallica, Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl [...]

Just what do they put in the water in Portland, Oregon? Indie-folk types Musée Mécanique, who hail from the US state of fevered musical activity, are to visit Brighton on their European tour this September.
One of only three dates in the UK, Musée Mécanique will play The Albert on September 23, and featured will be [...]

Prince Albert, 24 August 2010

Upon arrival, I’ll be honest, I wasn’t really in the mood for being knocked about by hundreds of sweaty students at a punk gig, but the warm-up bands were fantastic and I started to come alive. The crowd were in good spirits (if slightly sweaty) and all fitted the usual Brighton [...]

Polly And The Billets Doux, off the back of an already busy year, are set to embark on a UK tour this autumn. Following a summer of festival appearances and a slot supporting Fun Loving Criminals, the eight-day tour will feature Alan Pownall and the Willkommen Collective’s The Miserable Rich.
Debut album “Fiction, Half-Truths & Downright [...]

Topman CTRL and XYZ Magazine are very proud and excited to announce that the winners of the Support We Are Scientists competition have been chosen.  XYZ received a huge response from bands from the South all vying for the once in a lifetime opportunity to play to a sold-out Audio Brighton supporting NY indie rockers [...]

Since its launch on Channel 4 back in January, Glee has taken over the world and “Glee clubs” are popping up everywhere! Earlier this month The Brighton Ballroom held auditions and this weekend they will host their very own Glee Choir!  The choir, with a live band, will perform all the TV show classics that [...]

My Generation is a new annual event launching this September celebrating modernist music and culture. Brighton and Mod already have a strong relationship, with regular scooter meets on Madeira Drive and (of course) the cult film Quadrophenia, and, curated by the DJ Eddie Piller, My Generation will be a permanent fixture every year.
2011 will see [...]

Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood has announced details of his seventh solo album, his first since 2001. “I Feel Like Playing” will feature a number of guest stars – although none of his current band mates appear.
Ex-Guns n’ Roses guitar legend Slash, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, Pearl Jam vocalist Eddie Vedder, soul icon [...]

UK folk sweetheart Laura Marling handpicked him to support her on her recent US West Coast tour, and having been listed in this month’s Rolling Stone Top 5 Hot List, Dylan LeBlanc is gearing up for his first UK dates next month. The 20-year old hails from Louisiana and will play two London Rough Trade [...]

Black Mountain will release second single from their highly-anticipated forthcoming album “Wilderness Heart” on October 11. “The Hair Song” has been described as more accessible than the band’s previous work, but with the usual west-coast psychedelic groove and soaring harmonies.
The LP is out on September 13 and to coincide the Canadians will undertake a full [...]

Young singer-songwriter Benjamin Francis Leftwich is set to release his debut EP this October. “A Million Miles Out” was produced by Ian Grimble (Mumford & Sons, Manic Street Preachers, Siouxsie & The Banshees) and features five beautifully delicate tracks - including a cover of The Killers’ “When You Were Young.” Out on October 25 via [...]

Not hitting up Reading or Leeds Festival this weekend? Then you could do a hell of a lot worse than getting yourself down to Audio to witness one of the world’s biggest indie bands play one of Brighton’s smallest venues! Returning to action with their stunning new album “Barbara”, expect to hear a mix of [...]

Concorde 2, 21 August 2010

Hip-hopping from Long Beach to Brighton beach, Ugly Duckling are MC’s Dizzy Dustin, Andy Cat and DJ Young Einstein, whose birthday it is tonight. The nice boys of hip-hop introduce themselves with humility, thanking the audience for making it out to an early show.
The group focuses around Einstein’s skilful scratches and [...]

Montreal’s Plants & Animals are to embark on a UK tour next month with one special date in Brighton at Coalition. The indie-rock band formed in 2003 and after releasing various EPs, by 2006 the trio were working with Montreal label Secret City Records. Their debut album “Parc Avenue” was released in early 2008 and [...]

Concorde 2, 19 August 2010, with support from Samsara

Well folks, summer is nearly over. The tans are fading and the dodgy swimming trunks will soon be shoved to the back of the drawer, only to be dragged out next year and instantly slung out in self-disgust. All is not lost though. The nights are bright [...]

The lead singer of a London electro-pop trio has jumped to his death at Belgian festival, not long after playing on stage. On Friday Charles Haddon of Ou Est Le Swimming Pool apparently climbed a telecommunications mast behind the main stage at Pukkelpop and threw himself to the car park below. The 22-year old was [...]

Minimal electronic soundscapist, Franz Kirmann has just released his new EP, “Liza.” He’s a French musician, based in London but raised in Senegal with influences that are equally diverse.
Having studied film he cites seminal Chinese filmmaker Wong Kar Wai along with the equally iconic Michelangelo Antonioni and Sergio Leone. Musically he claims to be influenced [...]

Los Angeles pop-punk band Funeral Party will be bringing their acclaimed live show to Brighton’s Hope on Monday night. Having grown from the backyard party scene in east LA and worked with Lars Stalfors (engineer for Mars Volta) and now all over Radio 1, they’re an already experienced act that have a reputation for tearing [...]

Prince Albert, 17 August 2010

To some, hardcore is a four-letter word. The anti-social sound of disaffected youth, the characteristics of which are beyond comprehension for parents and older siblings alike. To others though, it’s not just a genre but a way of life. A constantly evolving line that’s traceable way back to its origins in [...]

The L.A all girl four-piece Warpaint will release their debut album “The Fool” via Rough Trade on October 25. All hands were on deck throughout production, with Tom Biller mixing and producing (Liars, Sean Lennon), and further mixes from Andrew Weatherall (New Order, Primal Scream, Bjork) and Adam Samuels (John Frusciante).
In addition, The XX have [...]

Concorde 2, 17 August 2010

“I saw the news today old boy… but I saw it on my HDTV ya know…” Who wouldn’t love to hear Pink Floyd, The Beatles and Radiohead all in one set and on one stage? But the scene was set for a tight reggae concert; marijuana smoke in the air, [...]

Manchester hardcore three-piece Kong have just been confirmed as support for 65 Days Of Static’s upcoming UK tour. Notorious for their twisted live show they’ll be heading to a crammed, sweaty venue near you soon. Showcasing material from their forthcoming 10” vinyl release, they aren’t worth missing!
Kong played in Brighton earlier this week with Vile [...]

Brighton trio Esben And The Witch are excited to confirm that they have signed a deal with Matador!  Their debut EP for the label will be a limited 12″, three-track release entitled “Marching Song”, which is due out on October 11.  Their debut album is scheduled for early 2011.
The video for “Marching Song” (see above) [...]

Torche. If you are unfamiliar because you are living under a rock or have been time travelling since the early 2000’s, sit up - it’s time to take notes.  From all over the US, the trio don’t like to be pigeonholed with a genre, but say for arguments sake, we’ll call them “progressive metal” - [...]

Calling all great Brighton bands!
Open a sold-out show for New York’s hottest rockers We Are Scientists! Friday August 27!
This week XYZ have teamed up with Topman CTRL to offer one lucky act the chance to break out and show what they’re made of, by opening for headliners We Are Scientists and main support I Am [...]

Dance act Faithless today announced that they will embark on a nine-date UK arena tour this November and December.  The UK duo, Sister Bliss and Maxi Jazz, have had a busy summer touring their No.2 album “The Dance” with performances at various festivals including Glastonbury and T in The Park.
A collaboration with Fiat (yes, the [...]

If you’ve had to spend all summer listening to everyone’s “awesome” festival stories feeling nothing but bitter envy - fear not, the best may still be to come. The UK may have some of the greatest festivals on Earth but are they situated in a scorching bay surrounded by stunning views of the sea and [...]

BREAKING NEWS:
Brighton’s local superhero rock group, General Bovine and The Justice Force 5 have once again saved the day, this time rescuing 2008 X-Factor contestant Diana Vickers from the evil clutches of The Organ Grinder.
For the full story, click here.

myspace.com/thejusticeforce5

Yes yes, we know we keep going on about this band, but they are just so brilliant that we can’t help it!  Tweak Bird (the brothers Bird; Ashton and Caleb) will release their debut album at the end of the month, and to get you in the mood they have released another free download! Click [...]

Johnny Flynn’s second single “Barnacled Warship” was released earlier this week and to mark the occasion some brand new footage has been made available.  Recorded last month, Flynn and his band The Sussex Wit filmed a handful of live versions of tracks from his album “Been Listening” in The Lexington, North London. Click here to [...]

Latest Music Bar, 16 August 2010

Acoustic performances are easy to come by in this town. You can stroll into a bar on any given night and find all manner of performances. The only problem of course is that with increased frequency, quality control goes out the window. You can never be sure if you’re actually [...]

Komedia, 15 August 2010

Colorado born Laura Veirs has gathered a cult status over her past seven albums with magical realist lyrics and folky handpicked charm.  Support tonight comes from the backing band’s solo projects tonight, firstly from guitarist Karl Blau and then from experimental viola player Alex Guy.
Blau’s socially awkward attempts to chat with the [...]

Carl Barât will release his long-awaited debut solo L.P on October 4. The self-titled album will be available via his label, Arcady, and the first single, “Run With The Boys,” is out on the same day.
The ex-Dirty Pretty Things frontman and the now-reformed Libertines co-frontman (with Pete Doherty, of course) has been very busy recently [...]

Digital, 14 August 2010, with support from Evil Nine
Seldom do our gloriously international-approved seafront clubs attract Brighton talent for headlining slots, let alone a banging double bill that draws much respect from the gathered faithful this evening.
Krafty Kuts has become a mainstay on the global clubbing scene since a certain Norman Cook snapped up “Gimme [...]

With a career spanning over 20 years, Stereolab will release their twelfth album this November, entitled “Not Music.”
The collective reconvened in Bordeaux in the summer of 2007 to record 32 new songs; half of which featured on 2008’s “Chemical Chords” and the other on “Not Music.”  Even though they were recorded at the same time, [...]

The nations biggest youth-based festival will be back this August for its 39th year! Interestingly, the organisers have gone for a slightly more traditional line-up. Over recent years the festival has shifted its focus away from harder rock for a more indie-based feel. This year the formula will go comparatively old-school, with artists such as [...]

Local act The Laylanas rescheduled the launch of their new album “Universal” last month, and they have used the extra time to ensure they bring you the crème of celebrations this month!
The last weekend of August brings with it a veritable Laylana-fest with the album launch now taking place on the evening of August 28 [...]

near Tunbridge Wells, 13-15 August 2010

When the yellow eco buses drew up to the secret location just outside Tunbridge Wells, no one knew exactly what was in store for them at the first music and arts festival to be hosted by the Brighton collective Playgroup. What unfolded was a superb array of performers, musicians and [...]

A creation of former The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster member Andy Huxley (lead singer/guitarist here in Vile Imbeciles), the Brighton-based quintet are simply a spectacle not to be missed. The continually evolving, unpredictable outfit possess more stage presence than the cast of a Broadway musical on a 10-year stint; a synergy of hypnotic flailing limbs [...]

Following the launch show at Hammersmith Working Men’s Club earlier this month, Manic Street Preachers will celebrate their new album “Postcards From A Young Man” by releasing an exclusive new - non-album - track available for free download from their website.
Click here to download “I’m Leaving You For Solitude.” “Postcards From A Young Man” is [...]

Describing their music as “obnoxious ‘90s indie recorded in the ‘60s” this Brighton three-piece are the latest in the current swath of garage-rock groups to be making their way in the local scene. Unlike many of the others though, Kept By Casino seem to have a vision all of their own.
The tracks on their new [...]

LeeFest is the UK’s best grassroots festival and it returns to Highams Hill Farm this weekend for one of the UK’s biggest all-day festivals. Headliners on the main stages include The Futureheads, Does It Offend You, Yeah?, The King Blues and Hot Club De Paris. Joining them as support are electro wonder kids Fenech-Soler, Johnny [...]

British duo The Ting Tings finished recording their second album “Kunst” last month and have revealed that the first track from the record will be released on October 11. The single “Hands” will be mixed by Calvin Harris and it has also been said that Jay-Z has helped out on their new material.
Wanting to write [...]

Standon Lordship, 6-8 August 2010

Arriving at Hertfordshire’s Standon Calling festival after a stuffy six hours in traffic, the atmosphere was electric - even in the car park with sparkling lights around us and the hum of music not too far away, the journey dissipates and you are able to respond to the call of Standon’s [...]

Central Brighton, 07 August 2010

Photography by Victoria Fulton
brightonpride.org

Life, 06 August 2010

Photography by Keith Trigwell
myspace.com/joyorbison

Modern legends The Libertines will play their first gig since 2004 on August 25. They are reforming later in the month for Reading and Leeds and it has been announced that the quartet will perform an intimate warm-up show at London’s HMV Forum.
Tickets for the event won’t be going on general sale, but fans can [...]

JD Samson’s MEN recently announced that they will be releasing their first UK single this September in “Credit Card Babie$.”  The track is great electro-pop - would we expect anything less?! - big disco beats, super catchy lyrics about the themes that MEN do best - politics, gay rights; “Is it really so hard to [...]

The so-called FAB festival will be kicking off on August 15 right in the beating heart of Brighton’s city centre from 11am until 9pm.
Annual festival host and part-time bar manager Chris Gurr has assembled a small army of local talent for us Brightonians to feast our ears on this Sunday, such as The Mountain Firework [...]

Having just signed to Manchester indie label, Red Deer Club, this all-girl trio are gaining popularity in many quarters and, having already been championed by BBC 6’s Lauren Laverne and Tom Robinson, their steady rise looks set to continue. Brandishing delicate with three-part harmonies, quaint instrumentation and a playful charm.
5/10, out now.
Words by Mike Fawcett

myspace.com/stealingsheep

Fresh from the Playboy Mansion, if all of that glorious sun gets a bit too much for you, over the weekend of August 14 and 15 keep your eyes peeled for the Playboy street team doling out their new energy drink at various Brighton locations.
Available in both regular and sugar-free varieties if you please dear, [...]

The Lowland Hundred will be performing a free showcase afternoon at The Prince Albert on August 14 to celebrate the release of their debut album, “Under Cumbrian Sky”.
The melancholic concept album, by Welsh duo Paul Newland and Tim Noble, is all about Aberystwyth, and the showcase, held as a promotion with Victory Garden Records, promises [...]

Jungle lovers are in for a treat when London ragga vocalist General Levy, drum ‘n’ bass/jungle DJ Brockie and Bristol-based Reprazent member DJ Krust headline an event called Jungle Sound Clash next weekend. General Levy is best known for his 1994 hit “Incredible” but also for his  recent collaborations with Jamelia and Krafty Kuts (to [...]

With Brighton in full-on party-mood this weekend with the culmination of Pride 2010, Hectors House is to add to the fever with feature showcase event The Free For All this Saturday.
The night is to be divided in two; from 8:30pm four acts in Anarvis, The Junk House, Trousseaux and Flash Bang Band will be performing [...]

Lout Promotions are very proud to host The Maccabees at the Concorde2 this month.  The quintet have been busy this summer with the UK and European festival circuit, having played at Liverpool’s Sound City, Rockness Festival in Scotland and Latitude in Suffolk (to name a few!) and they are currently in Japan for two dates [...]

The rock’n’soul sextet Foxy Shazam are set to release their debut UK single, “Oh Lord” on September 27.
The single promises cheesy, feel good rock at its best and is both catchy and original. This band have an infectious quality which will leave you in the mood to really rock out - even if you’re too [...]

Kings of Leon have revealed their new album is to be released on October 18. “Come Around Sundown” is the band’s fifth studio LP and tracks will be previewed live during their set at V Festival later this month.
The four-piece have already performed some of the new tunes on their current North America tour; “Radioactive”, [...]

To celebrate signing to Mumford & Sons’ record label Communion Records, Philadelphia Grand Jury have made a free exclusive download available, titled “The New Neil Young.”
The Aussie trio are to release their first single on Communion, “Going To The Casino,” on August 23, which is produced by singer/guitarist/producer Berkfinger who has worked with The Temper [...]

Recently reunited Soundgarden are to release their first collection of music since 1996 in the form of “Telephantasm,” which will be available on September 27 – alongside an array of extras.
Chris Cornell and co. took to the stage together for the first time in 12 years in Seattle earlier this year, and this retrospective new [...]

Keep an eye out for Caro Emerald and her debut single “Back It Up,” released on September 20. The single, taken from her number one album “Deleted Scenes From The Cutting Room Floor,” presents Caro’s blend of old school jazz and modern beats. Her smouldering vocals update the classic Americana sound with a contemporary sheen.
The [...]

Northern trio Fenech-Soler will let loose their first single on B*Unique this September.  “Lies” is a perfect dance floor pop song, and the single features five remixes from Doctor P, Grum, Run Hide Survive, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs and Disco Of Doom. Under various aliases, London’s Hervé has remixed the likes Faithless, The Prodigy, Mark [...]

Blood Red Shoes have just released a ‘making of’ video to new single “Heartsink” (out August 16).  Over 50 BRS fans joined in London recently and were invited to break, twist, rip, tear, burn, smash, trash — destroy — an item that means something to them, all in the name of art.
“Heartsink” is from Blood [...]

Proud Camden are proud to be hosting Hot Club de Paris’ only date in London this summer.  The Liverpool trio are on the bill celebrating Bandango’s 5th birthday tomorrow night and join The Chapman Family, Starman (yes, the Starman from Sky 1’s Pineapple Dance Studios featuring the amusing soon-to-be-rock-god nobility, Andrew Stone) and Kill Her [...]

Mount Kimbie has announced that they are doing a tour in October this year. The UK part of tour will kick off on October 5 at Jam in Brighton.
Dominic Maker and Kai Campose, who make up Mount Kimbie, met at university and started making music together in a home studio in Peckham.
The duo have their [...]

The Charlatans release their new single “Love Is Ending” today, which is taken from their eleventh studio album. “Who We Touch” which is released on September 6 through Cooking Vinyl.
The album comprises of a 2 CD edition package, which includes exclusive early versions of tracks and additional tracks that never made it onto the album. [...]

Boney Black is a talented man who is living his dreams and is on his way to stardom. He has been dubbed as the one to watch by Vernon Kay, Joe Whiley, Zane Lowe and Huw Stevens.
Titus Charles a.k.a Boney Black started making music at the tender age of 10 in his bedroom in London. [...]

Concorde 2, 29 July 2010

Mary Portas, the monarch of marketing, recently stood outside a hair salon in Rochdale and said, “It looks like it was at its best in the ‘80’s and it just hasn’t moved on.” The same could be said about tonight. The audience isn’t littered with young, hip electro-spectives with haircuts and [...]

Concorde 2, 28 July 2010

What did you think of the gig?

Rachele: “Very lovely… Interesting but not the sort of thing I’d normally listen to. Scrag were awesome though.”

Ed: “Well, I think they have a retro vibe. Appeal to a mellow, happier audience. Upbeat.”

Lydia: “Pains Of Being Pure At Heart were very serious but having fun. [...]

The Hundred In The Hands have today announced that their new single “Pigeons” will be released on September 13. This will be closely followed by their self-titled debut LP (release a week later) that has been described as “an album of deceptively complex pop songs” with influences from the underground dance scene in NYC.
The Brooklyn [...]

London dance duo Chase & Status are to release new single “Let You Go” next month. The track sees guest vocals from up-and-coming talent Mali, and it’ll be out on August 15 through Vertigo.
The guys have been busy with touring their live shows and DJ sets but their new album is due for release this [...]

Lissie returns after the release of her critically acclaimed debut album “Catching A Tiger” with new single “Cuckoo.”  Out on August 30, the “Cuckoo” single features a B-side of the YouTube hit, Lissie’s version of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance.”
Lissie recently announced plans for a full UK headline tour in October, following her September tour supporting [...]

Matthew & The Atlas have just released details about a very special, intimate show in London this August.  Matthew and his band will play their last show before they head into the studio to record the follow-up to their debut EP “To The North” at Paradise in North London on August 12. A very exclusive [...]

Students listen up! If you like a good night out at the theatre as much as we do, you’ll love this new venture from UKTickets, London’s leading ticket agency.
Students can now get 10% off ticket purchases to all of London top West End shows including those hard to get ’sell out’ performances. The offer is [...]

Toronto’s Young Empires are playing at Audio in Brighton this Saturday as part of a six-date UK tour.  Their demos are spreading like wildfire and earlier this week, the trio’s first date was to a sold out crowd at Madame JoJo’s in London.  While they’re in our fair seaside city, Matt, Aaron and Jake are [...]

The mighty mighty Sword have announced a massive world tour (well, the States and Europe) to celebrate the release of their third studio album “Warp Riders” (out August 23). The quartet hit UK shores in late November, with nine dates before arriving in Brighton for a night at Audio on December 10. Tickets are on [...]

Matthew P has just released his debut single “Gilly”, in the middle of his summer festival tour that includes stints at Oxegen, Secret Garden Party and Bestival.
Emerging from his Suffolk beachside hut-come-studio Matthew P arrived at Fiction Records earlier this year with a collection of songs. His sound is inspired by years spent living off [...]

Cult alt-rockers Superchunk are set to release their first new album in nearly ten years on October 4! Titled “Majesty Shredding”, it is available to pre-order already, just click here. One would imagine that a handful of live shows will follow and of course we will keep you updated as and when any announcements are [...]

Who in today’s society - and their right mind - doesn’t openly want to go and see an old school burlesque show? Maybe a few of you would pass for the less acclaimed/possibly dodgy invites, but this one is so promising that it won ‘critics choice’ in London and Edinburgh and got [...]

Emerging from the Finnish underground armed with only two Game Boys with which to create all manner of bleeps, beats and grinds, Huoratron (known to his mum as Aku Raski) has seriously stepped things up a notch with “Prevenge.” From the first filthy beat of “$$ Troopers” you can tell that you are in for [...]

Johnny Flynn is to release his second single from album “Been Listening”, titled “Barnacled Warship,” and has unveiled a remarkable animated video to go with it.
The video has been created by an artist involved in Wes Anderson’s Fanatastic Mr. Fox and Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie, called Christian DeVita; remember the name.
Also, Flynn has been confirmed as [...]

Dinosaur Pile-Up are extending their generosity to their fans in the form of a free download of the B-side of their new single. “Birds and Planes” is the first release from new album “Growing Pains”, out October 4, with “Headspinner” available for free for a limited period on the Dinosaur Pile-Up website.
The album release coincides [...]

Having recovered from his Pedals and Beerpumps Tour (which involved cycling 800 miles around the UK playing at pubs), Paul Heaton is to tour the UK in a more traditional and slightly less sweaty manner this autumn.
The tour is to coincide with the release of his new album “Acid Country,” available for your listening pleasure [...]

Consisting of two-thirds of Le Tigre, the exhilarating electro-pop outfit MEN are to release debut single “Credit Card Babie$” on September 6.
The Brooklyn-based outfit (what do they put in the water in that NY borough??) were originally conceived in 2007 by gender provocateur JD Samson, with fellow Le Tigre compatriot Johanna Fateman. As you would [...]

Produced by Sigur Ros’ Kjartan Sveinsson and Davíð Þór Jónsson, Icelandic singer Olöf Arnaulds is set to release the follow up to her 2007 “Við og Við” debut, “Innundir Skinni”, via One Little Indian on September 13.
Olöf left Iceland for the UK just as the Eyjaffjallajökull volcano began to erupt. After playing to and impressing [...]

One of the most talked-about band’s of 2010 – and one of the highlights of this year’s Great Escape – Pulled Apart By Horses release their second single this September, “High Five, Swan Dive, Nose Dive.” The Guardian (in their 4/5 album review) said this of the tune: “’High Five, Swan Dive, Nose Dive’ should [...]

“Flash fiction refers to a story written so it can be fitted on one sheet of paper, or on the back of a postcard,” philosophises singer Ollie, one third of new south London band Flash Fiktion. “It’s not like a novel, drawn-out, something that thickens and develops. It’s a narrative with a quick impact - [...]

Who in today’s society - and their right mind - doesn’t openly want to go and see an old school burlesque show? Maybe a few of you would pass for the less acclaimed/possibly dodgy invites, but this one is so promising that it won ‘critics choice’ in London and Edinburgh and got publicly boot-licked by [...]

British pop sensation Madness are set to tour the UK prior to the release of their second studio album in only three years. Since the release of their new album “The Liberty of Norton Folgate” in 2009, the band’s studio passion was seemingly reinvigorated and now more new material will be unleashed on the general [...]

Psychedelic rockers Rodeo Massacre have released a live recording of the Cooper classic “I’m Eighteen” on Smoky Carrot Records. The track was completed in Raezor Studios while the band were preparing their debut album material alongside the likes of Chris Constantinou (Adam & the Ants) and Preston Heyman (Massive Attack).
The single was released on July [...]

The indie rockers hailing from Texas will be releasing their debut LP on One Little Indian Records this September.
This borderline organic super group have taken elements from The Polyphonic Spree, The Twilight Singers and Cursive. Headed up by Jeff Klein, the proverbial glue or link in the whole outfit, the group’s debut LP is a [...]

Due to popular demand, Thirty Seconds To Mars have announced three extra UK dates as part of their tour this November.  Shows have now been confirmed in Cardiff and Newcastle, and a second show has been set for Brighton!
Tickets go on sale this Friday – July 30 – at 9am, and are available from gigsandtours.com [...]

Jamaica’s reggae legends Chaka Demus and Pliers are in Europe this summer to do just a handful of shows and a Brighton date has been confirmed! They are best known for their massive hits in the ‘90s - as well as the UK number 1 album “Tease Me” – and Chaka’s collaborations with Yellowman.  The [...]

The Coalition is proud to announce that Sebastien Leger will be playing in Brighton on July 31. Leger’s musical abilities stem from a classical background, but in the late 90s he was producing and DJing techno; the Frenchman drawing influence from the US and the likes of Underground Resistance, Derrick May and Juan Atkins.
Leger’s own [...]

Welsh singer/songwriter Pete Lawrie has unveiled the video for the title track from his new EP “All That We Keep,” which is out on August 16.
With his big old raspy growl of a voice, there have been comparisons to the likes of Tom Waits, Ray Lamontagne and - on the quieter moments - a certain [...]

An XYZ favourite comes to town in the form of Japan’s DJ Kentaro. Having won the world championship back in 2002, Kentaro promptly signed a deal with Ninja Tune and stopped competing. With distinctive, slick and precise skills he brings a ton of style to the turntables. Whether this is an AV set isn’t yet [...]

Mercury Prize nominated Mumford & Sons have uploaded two videos of their recent travels across India with fellow Mercury Prize nominated Laura Marling.  This trip saw the band and Marling record a beautiful four-track EP featuring the Dharohar Project, which was release earlier this month.

Click here to watch “Goodbye India - To Darkness”
Click here to [...]

Bobby Gillespie’s new band - Silver Machine - made their live debut in London over the weekend.
The super group - Bobby Gillespie along with his Primal Scream band mates Andrew Innes and Barrie Cadogan, ex-Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock and drummer Zak Starkey, who has worked with The Who and Oasis - played at set [...]

Old Paddling Pools, 21 July 2010, with live music from Maximo Park

It most certainly isn’t every day that you get to see the pioneer of vert skateboarding and creative brains behind one of the decade’s largest video game franchises, Tony Hawk, doing his stuff with our very own West Pier as his backdrop.  The buzz [...]

Hilton Metropole, 21 July 2010

As part of a European tour Tony Hawk made his only UK stop on Brighton beach, with a few world champion friends in tow. Arranged by Quiksilver, Tony seemed happy to have landed in Brighton. “They [Quiksilver] chose the cities but now we’re here I can see why. Obviously [...]

St. George’s Church, 21 July 2010

Doors opened at 7pm; being still at home at this point was risky. Home is far from St. George’s, and with no real concept of geography meant at this point to get to the far-flung venue was a charge straight through Kemp Town. Upon arrival it was in fact a [...]

F**ked Up are releasing the next in their Chinese Zodiac series on September 27. “Year of the Ox” features guest appearances from Nika Roza Danilova of Zola Jesus and Torontian string quartet New Strings Old Puppets.
The six-piece are currently in Europe doing the summer festivals and they’ll be in the UK playing 1234 in Shoreditch [...]

The Les Savy Fav album release party in London this September has now completely sold out, but have no fear - the New York art-rockers are now proud to announce a full European tour in November. Brighton has been included and you can catch the quintet at Komedia on November 15.
“Root For Ruin” is released [...]

Gorillaz are gearing up for their first ever world tour and their plans to take “Plastic Beach” international have just been confirmed.  The band has today announced for this November/December: 20-dates in North America, 10-nights across Europe and the UK before heading south for seven shows in Asia and Australasia.
The previously announced UK dates set [...]

Canadian MC/singer/producer, K-OS, releases new single “Zambony” and the video has now hit the web. “Zambony” is from his album “Yes” which was released late last year, and the clip features Hollywood star Hayden Christensen (of Anakin Skywalker fame!).
Click here to watch “Zambony.”
myspace.com/kos

Prior to the release of their new album “Warp Riders” (on Kemado Records), the heavy metal rock and rollers The Sword have unveiled a free album track download as a thirst quencher for the fans. The track called “Tres Brujas” is available for direct download from their website now.
The album will follow on August 23 [...]

Night Horse will be making their return on September 20 with their second studio album “Perdition Hymns”. The quintet, headed up by lead singer Sam James Velde, are known for their pure rock ‘n’ roll sound, which they claim is heavily influenced by 60s/70s greats such as Thin Lizzy, Fleetwood Mac and The Allman Brothers [...]

The award-winning Italian film director, Gabriele Muccino’s work is coming to Brighton as part of the snappily-titled Peroni Nastro Azzurro Accademia del Film Wrap Party Tour.
The celebration, due to be held at The Basement on September 1, is free for all and promises to be an excellent experience for fans of fine Italian film-making! Earlier [...]

The Tony Hawk & Friends tour wrapped up in Brighton last night.  The tour was a huge success and the Brighton crowds - a sell-out of 3,300 (with almost that again watching from the promenade) - lapped up the awesome talent.  Tony Hawk along with Sandro Dias, Jesse Fritsch, Kevin Staab and Neil Hendrix, gave [...]

Hectors House will play host to the alternative rockers Skinny Machines this month! They describe themselves as a noughties version of Smashing Pumpkins - if they sacked Billy Corgan. This seems like an exciting prospect for Brighton’s music lover’s, so local or not, get down there next week for a night of grungy ‘90s influenced [...]

Brooklyn’s Sleigh Bells haven’t so much released a debut album in “Treats” as unleashed an absolute stomper of a record that confuses as much as it absolutely enthrals. From the abrasive, electro-flavoured hip-hop attack of “Riot Rhythm” and “Infinity Guitars” through to the blissed-out, Bat For Lashes-influenced “Rill Rill”, Alexis Krauss and Derek Miller constantly [...]

Part Japanese, part Kiwi indie-rock sensation Sunset Drive are two EPs into their relatively short, but not unrecognised career. Their sound is similar to the hard-edged screaming rock and roll outfit from New Zealand The Datsuns, yet infused with a garage indie melody. This should appeal to all of you out there who obsess about [...]

Black Country Communion is the new rock super group featuring former Deep Purple/Black Sabbath’s Glenn Hughes, Led Zepplin’s Jason Bonham, guitar player Joe Bonamassa and Dream Theater’s Derek Sherinian, and the quartet have just released the new artwork for their debut album.
The self-titled album will be released on September 20 in the UK and Europe [...]

After both pulling off dynamic Glastonbury performances, LCD Soundsystem and Hot Chip have announced plans to play a series of co-headlining shows this November.
LCD Soundsystem released their third album “This Is Happening” to critical acclaim amid rumours that it would be their last, however their explosive sold out UK tour and Glastonbury shows prove that [...]

San Francisco’s finest garage pop band, The Fresh & Only’s, have now released their double-sided single “Impending Doom/Troubling Vision” on a limited edition 7” vinyl. With influences stretching from Violent Femmes to early ‘80’s Brit indie-pop to the Aussie underground scene of the same decade, the band has recently supported Deerhunter in the UK as [...]

Scrub up, get your summer frock on and your head firmly up in the clouds for one of the South Coast’s most well known brands offering uplifting house music. Glamorous lifestyle label Hed Kandi is back for the weekend - the best of the globetrotting, Ibiza initiated DJ team, cheap shots and bright lights bring [...]

After the furore surrounding the downward career trajectory of last year’s winner of the prize, the Mercury Music Prize seem to have played it safe with the shortlist for 2010. The list comprises almost entirely of well-known acts, bar a few, possibly; Kit Downes Trio and surprise nominees I Am Kloot.
Favourites from bookmakers William Hill [...]

Merton Farm saw temperatures of over 32 degrees and over 200 bands last weekend. More than 1,000 people took advantage of the gates opening early and got settled on the Thursday. Friday got off to a bang with highlights from Male Bonding and These New Puritans. By Saturday crowd numbers had ballooned to over 7,000 [...]

New Jersey’s The Gaslight Anthem has announced the release of the new music video for “American Slang.” The album was released back in June and to celebrate, the band - along with director Kevin Custer - are now unleashing a seven-part “Making of American Slang” series that documents the process of recording the new album.
The [...]

Summer 2010 sees the launch of Malibu By U, a limited edition bottle by the original coconut rum, Malibu. For the first time ever, the iconic white bottle has been turned into a blank canvas so you can design your very own label.
The initiative is supported with a digital gallery where fans can create and [...]

Sunbirds have been making an impact over the past year or so with performances at Glastonbury and In The City, and now they are set to release the soundtrack to your summer.
“River Run” is the new EP from the London four-piece, released on Smoky Carrot Records today!
Sunbirds take influence from ‘60’s Americana and psychedelia, but [...]

Moon Duo are serving up their “sonic stew” to audiences in the UK and Ireland this month, their first date in Brighton at the Prince Albert. The San Francisco duo - Sanae Yamada and Wooden Shjips’ Erik Johnson - released two acclaimed records last year and this tour coincides with their debut album “Escape,” out [...]

THIS EVENT HAS NOW BEEN POSTPONED.
Brighton’s very own country/pop pragmatists The Laylanas are celebrating the launch of their new album “Universal” with a big ol’ party at Hectors House on July 24. Having played alongside such well-known acts as Shane McGowan, Alabama 3 and Noah And The Whale, The Laylanas are bound to kick up [...]

Alex Winston is trained in opera but hails from Detroit, “Rock City”, Michigan; the home to Diana Ross, The Supremes, The Stooges, Smokey Robinson etc, so it’s no wonder musical-Americana flows in her veins - she even once opened for Chuck Berry!  Alex’s dad gave her her first guitar when she was just seven years [...]

Concorde 2, 12 July 2010, with support from Clock Opera

“Is that the only song you know?” Yeasayer’s softly spoken front man Chris Keating is responding to an audience member’s cry for “Ambling Alp”, perhaps the band’s most accessible, sing-along song to date. But an hour or so before one of experimental music’s most exciting bands’ [...]

Brighton band Mirrors just released details of their new single - their first for Skint Records. “Ways To An End” will be available on 7” and digitally from August 23 and includes B-side “Broken By Silence.”
“Ways To An End” was produced by the band and is taken from their debut album, which is currently being [...]

“Hurt Less”, by rock/drum‘n’bass fusion group The Qemists is the second single to be released from their second album, “Spirit in the System”.
Featuring The Shapeshifters vocalist Jenna G, the track is an emotional dance offering with an uplifting, and dramatic melody and bassline. Blending guitars and beats for a Pendulum-style sound, this track could benefit [...]

The Black Cab Sessions are a series of internet shorts with artists ranging from Little Boots to Noah And The Whale to Grizzly Bear performing in a black cab. To celebrate the next show with newfound Aussie darlings Cloud Control, they are offering the chance to join in and film your own Black Cab session. [...]

The general opinion down at Life on Monday night was that the music was, without a doubt, ten times better than even the most off centre of weekly club nights. It was still (as you might find it easy to believe) pop music, but there was one massive difference which set it aside from the [...]

Jam, 12 July 2010

Food Fighters

Food Fighters

Food Fighters

What did you think of the gig?

Emily: “Really love ‘em, I go to lots of their gigs, and Ruderalis’ as well. Great night…”

Will: “F**king amazing. Best Brighton band I’ve seen in months.”

Matt: “Best Brighton band I’ve seen in hours. They are the best superhero rock and roll band I’ve [...]

Chew Lips have announced that they expect their upcoming appearance at Global Gathering festival in Stratford Upon Avon to be “vomit inducing.” Lead singer Tigs revealed, “It will be a roller coaster of emotion; a nail biting, vomit inducing, pop sensation with semen and sequins.”
The dance-pop trio’s debut album “Unicorn” has been described as “a [...]

Richard Ashcroft doesn’t think The Verve will ever get back together. The band’s frontman, who since splitting from the group last summer has formed new group United Nations of Sound, believes there is little point in the band reuniting because they have already achieved so much in their career.
The Verve split twice in their 20-year [...]

LA-based rockers Darker My Love have announced the release of their new album “Alive as You Are,” released July 26 on Dangerbird Records. Recorded at the legendary Hyde Park Studios in San Francisco, the 13 tracks take the band in a new direction, stripping back the distorted sound of the band’s breakthrough album “2″, and [...]

Set in a 16th century manor house, past performers include Florence & the Machine, Mumford & Sons and Friendly Fires, and this year see Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club, Etienne De Crecy, Liars, Casio Kids, These New Puritans, British Sea Power, Efterklang, Giles Peterson, Alice Russell (pictured), Phenomenal Handclap Band, Fucked Up, Sleepy Sun, Wildbirds [...]

World famous skateboarder Tony Hawk is in Europe this month with his Birdhouse team - Sandro Dias, Kevin Staab, Jessie Fritsch and Jean Postec - for a four-date Quiksilver skateboarding tour that takes them to Berlin, Rome, Barcelona and… Brighton!
Every stop of the tour will come with amazing live concerts and DJ sets, with the [...]

Communion label and club night has announced details of a unique musical takeover of London’s Flowerpot pub. Starting with a gig last night, the Kentish Town venue will be open to the public over seven days for a series of one-off gigs. Artists include Sarah Blasko, Angus & Julia Stone, Kill It Kid and members [...]

Johnny Flynn and band The Sussex Wit have announced a headline UK tour this winter. Dates include a show at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire and a show at Kemp Town’s beloved St George’s Church on December 11. Pre-sale tickets went on sale yesterday via the Johnny Flynn website, with general sale tickets available from all [...]

Josh Homme has revealed that the new Queens Of The Stoneage album is “all about wiggling hips” and will recall the sounds associated with their last studio album “Era Vulgaris.” He went onto say that he and the band - Troy Van Leeuwen, Nick Oliveri, Joey Castillo and Dean Fertita - are please the record [...]

The day has come. The Freebutt is due to host it’s last live show for the foreseeable future, in the form of the very talented Adelaide’s Cape.  He is spending his summer on the road with a colossal tour spanning the length and breadth of our fair isles that kicked off in Cambridge on July [...]

Concorde 2, 10 July 2010

This certainly was not a show to miss! Even with surprisingly early doors (being a Saturday at the Concorde) and a beautiful hot summer’s day in our beloved town the crowd were there. This was most likely due to a fantastic line up with support from Kvelertak, Gaza and the mind [...]

De La Warr Pavilion, 10 July 2010

The evening began slowly with some fine-tuning, some muffled whispers from the crowd and sense of understated musical high culture. This was perhaps symptomatic of the venue more than anything else. The De La Warr Pavilion located in Bexhill-on-Sea was ideally suited to a night at the opera. The [...]

Sandi Thom returns from her critically acclaimed spring tour with her smooth and sensuous single “Gold Dust.” The single is from Sandi’s third studio album “Merchants & Thieves,” which reached No.1 in the UK iTunes Blues chart. And it’s easy to see why.
Sandi’s vocals could be mistaken for Christina Aguilera, which blend perfectly with the [...]

Corn Exchange, 9 July 2010

There is a palpable excitement filling the room this evening. The National, five albums into an already illustrious career, are slowly but surely being elevated into the musical stratosphere. Having sold out the Royal Albert Hall two nights running several months ago, clearly the prospect of seeing such an enormous band [...]

Formed through a shared love of justice, spandex and guitar riffs, Brighton’s finest superhero-rock group, General Bovine & The Justice Force 5 finally released their new double A-side single last month featuring the tracks “Fight The Fight” and “J.U.S.T.I.C.E Force Dance.” Inspired by bands such as KISS and the Flaming Lips this six-piece put on [...]

For all budding artists, writers and film makers, De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill on Sea will be holding a series of clubs and workshops this summer, giving young people, children and families the opportunity to get some hands on experience in some of their favourite artistic mediums.
From August 2-6 the De La Warr Film [...]

So is XYZ Magazine!  Keep up-to-date with the happenings on xyzmagazine.co.uk - all of our EXCLUSIVE competitions and ticket giveaways, the latest music news, our live previews, our music reviews, our exclusive interviews and much much more!  Just click here!

To coincide with the release of their latest single “Fits and Starts” on September 6, Musee Mecanique will be playing three dates across the UK. The single, taken from the band’s 2009 album “Hold This Ghost”, will be released on Souterrain Transmissions and performed live by a five-piece rather than the duo that toured our [...]

In preparation for the release of their forthcoming sophomore album “Flaws”, Bombay Bicycle Club have released a series of live videos from gigs all around North London. The power of YouTube has been harnessed to great success in the past by countless acts (Jamie T for example) so in that sense, the youthful guitar rockers [...]

New boys on the pop-dance block, Diagram of the Heart – aka electronic duo Kys Sones and Anthony Gorry – are bounding onto the music scene with their debut single “Dead Famous”, due for release on July 11.
This euphoric track has a poppy Calvin Harris-esque feel, and could well be a contender for this year’s [...]

The world has been waiting since 2006 for another studio album from New York indie rockers, The Strokes, and it seems we may yet wait another nine months until March of 2011.
However disappointing this reality is, the outlook is perhaps even bleaker when you consider the latest statement from Strokes front man Julian Casablancas; “We [...]

Brightonians flocked to the beach in their thousands over the weekend to celebrate what could be the last Paddle Round The Pier. The largest free beach festival in Europe returned to the scorching Hove Lawns with a bang.
The festival stayed true to its surfer roots with endless water activities on offer including the hugely popular [...]

Australian rock band, Violent Soho, is back with an exciting new single called “Jesus Stole My Girlfriend” - out July 26.
Violent Soho self released an album and drove themselves round Australia touring for five years. A copy of the album (that was recorded in their garage!) was given to Thurston Moore who loved it and [...]

Mumford & Sons and Laura Marling are pleased to announce their collaboration with a collective of Indian musicians - Dharohar Project - to create a brand new EP of recordings that are available now on iTunes.
The British artists successfully toured India back in December 2009 and spent many days with the Rajasthani folk musicians in [...]

For all you Orphanites out there Orphan Boy are releasing their new single entitled “Pop Song” on July 19, and releasing new album “Passion, Pain and Loyalty” August 2.
The band also has two free downloads from the upcoming album called “Grand Piano” and “Remember” available, just click here.
myspace.com/orphanboy

Central London, 03 July 2010

Photography by Liz Chambers
pridelondon.org

Mid-way through the biggest American tour of their career, Kele and his three Bloc Party alumni decided to go on a yearlong break from band matters.  In the midst of this hiatus Kele started yearning, and before he knew it found himself in a studio, knocking out synths and programming drumbeats he had no idea [...]

If you’ve never seen Vessels before, then you’ve not lived. Five musicians, several instruments and an extreme amount of talent all combine to fill the missing piece to your incomplete puzzle. The Leeds phenomenon’s are no strangers to Brighton and once again return with an ample amount of impressive material that’ll leave audiences mesmerized. Currently [...]

UNKLE will play alongside long time collaborators Heritage Orchestra at the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Seaon July 10.  The band will showcase Variation On A Theme, a joint venture with Heritage Orchestra. The release of their fourth full-length album, “Where Did The Night Fall”, saw the acclaimed London-based band feature percussion from the progressive [...]

Hector’s House, 27 June 2010

As the majority of the country shuts itself indoors to have a good old sulk at yet more World Cup disappointment, a hundred or so rockin’ souls have gathered on this baking Sunday evening to witness one of psychobilly’s hidden gems, Detroit’s Koffin Kats. The first chance for the assembled faithful [...]

Legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk and the Birdhouse team are in Europe this month for a four-date tour - Berlin, Rome, Barcelona and the final stop in Brighton! Get down to the Old Paddling Pool by the West Pier on July 21 from 6pm to see some of the UK’s top vert skaters, followed by the [...]

Antony and the Johnsons release new album “Swanlights”, on October 11 through Rough Trade Records. There will be a special edition of “Swanlights” available which will include the CD inside a 144-page hard cover book containing Antony’s paintings, collages, photography and writing.
While “I Am a Bird Now” is compelling in its vulnerability and “The Crying [...]

“How To Fake Your Own Life” is Adam Freeland’s first solo release since “The Hate EP” and his first since his band’s “COPE™” album last year. Freeland gave the parts of this track to Étienne de Crécy before he had finished mixing the original, and Étienne beat him to finishing it! Taking the absolutely huge [...]

It’s time to get some fun. in your life. The aptly-named New York three-piece released their debut album “Aim and Ignite” earlier this month and in celebration they’ve been gradually unveiling a collection of lovingly-shot acoustic videos. Filmed in a London flat the videos are available by clicking on the links below.
“All The Pretty Girls”, [...]

Concorde 2, 26 June 2010

Maccadano, maccadano, dano dano dano. These are some of the words you won’t hear at an Elliot Minor gig. Others include “you’re not alone” and “I’m falling too deep.” Just kidding, these are, of course, things you’ll hear at an Elliot Minor gig. Apart from the “maccadano” part but a man [...]

She started out as a busker in New York, associating with the city’s bohemian musos and catching the eye of fellow resident Courtney Love. After playing on Jools Holland clad in jeans and a scruffy top, singing alongside Ellie Goulding at The Great Escape, and her covers of Metallica and Lady Gaga becoming YouTube hit [...]

Blonde Redhead will return this autumn with the release of “Penny Sparkle”. Set for release on September 13 “Penny Sparkle” is the New York trio’s third album on 4AD and marks another “sonic twist” in their already adventurous music.
To mark the release of the album, the band have also announced a European tour with a [...]

New-Yorkers The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart unveil a new video for their new single “Say No To Love”, out on July 5. The single is from the acclaimed self-titled debut album.
The band are due to play numerous festivals over Europe this summer, after which they will return to New York to record their [...]

If you were in London around Brick Lane area last month you may have seen an usual site because The Drums decided to have some fun by recreating their album cover in 3D outside the Rough Trade East store!
It was all caught on secret camera, click here to check out what went on!
myspace.com/thedrumsforever

Rarely does a band manage to marry musical virtuosity with pop sensibility. Chicago’s hottest four-piece, however, have managed to do just that. Maps & Atlases are best described by NME saying that they write “super complex songs [that] sound like Vampire Weekend after a math-rock makeover”. Having just signed to FatCat they are set to [...]

With headline performances on Lounge On The Farm’s main stage – The Cowshed - from Hercules And Love Affair, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas and Toots & The Maytals plus appearances from DJ Yoda, Tunng, and Frankie & The Heartstrings, there is plenty of musical delights to be had this weekend but add in comedy [...]

Recently Jarvis Cocker has been talking about reforming Pulp for next year’s Glastonbury Festival and follow in the footsteps of Blur.
Jarvis recently admitted he often thinks about what it would be like to get Pulp back together, because fans always ask him about the possibility of a reunion happening. He said: “I get asked about [...]

Yeasayer return to the UK for the festival season, playing T In The Park, Latitude and the Reading and Leeds festivals. A few headline shows are scheduled to coincide with the festivals, one of which is at the Concorde 2 in Brighton on July 12. Fans can expect a full UK tour in October, tickets [...]

Everyone loves a bounce and if it’s free you’re there with bells on, right? Every act on this reggae/hip hop/dubstep/electro feast of a line up guarantees movement, plus there are games and party bags like every good first birthday party should have. FFA have found some of the most innovative new acts in the country; [...]

“Call Me” is the second single to be taken from The Pipettes forthcoming and eagerly anticipated second album “Earth Vs The Pipettes.”  Set for release in September, this album looks to build on the success of their 2007 debut. A change of line up later and The Pipettes have reinvented themselves as a shiny polished [...]

The path to success has been a long one for new soul diva, Andreya Triana. From being a sushi waitress to working in a hearing aid shop, she’s certainly gone through the grind. Now though her time has come.
Her debut album “Lost Where I Belong” is out on August 23. Produced by down-tempo king, Bonobo, [...]

Digital, 24 June 2010

Kele Okereke, the singer and front man of indie band Bloc Party, has always fought those stereotypical circles that make any music journalist’s job a breeze. Being both black and gay were not normal things to be in the scene in which Bloc Party formed and Kele’s refusal to talk about his [...]

As everyone heads home after this year’s Glastonbury, here are a few live performance links from some of Stay Loose’s artists.
Mumford & Sons, full set from John Peel stage on Friday.
Bombay Bicycle Club, “Always Like This” from John Peel stage on Friday.
Corinne Bailey Rae, full set from Pyramid Stage on Friday.
MGMT (pictured), full set [...]

German punk rock upstarts The Beatsteaks release their brilliant news album “Limbo Messiah” on July 12 in the UK. Following on from that is their new single “Jane Became Insane”, which is released on July 19. “Limbo Messiah” was previously released elsewhere, but now it’s the UK’s turn for this exciting and explosive album. Check [...]

The three-year wait for this album is finally over. Initially just released in Europe and not in the UK, “Limbo Messiah” explodes onto the music scene in all its catchy, punk rock glory. Each song follows on from the last, like they are meant to be stitched together as one. Harmonies and melodies feature [...]

The highly anticipated new release by UK based producer duo Deelux is due out for release on June 27. “Hot Hot Hot” features remixes from Zombie Disco Squad and Judge Jules. The duo are planning a tour of the UK and the US, including playing at clubbing hot-spots Ibiza and Mallorca over the summer.
dee-lux.co.uk

Welsh ragga-punks Skindred are set to hit the ground running this summer with a string of festival appearances across the UK and Europe, including an appearance at Download’s little brother of sorts, Sonisphere. As frontman Benji Webbe boldly claims, “Sonisphere is gonna be massive and so rockin’ this year! People best be ready for the [...]

Marwoods Cafe, 23 June 2010

Photography by Liz Chambers
myspace.com/z-starmusic

Young blues singer/songwriter Pete Lawrie has announced details of his brand new single “All That We Keep”, which will be released on the August 16 through Island Records.
A perfect summer anthem to soundtrack his forthcoming slots at Glastonbury Festival this weekend, “All That We Keep” follows the release of April’s “How Could I Complain” debut [...]

Dizzee Rascal isn’t “nervous” about playing Glastonbury. The “Holiday” rapper will be performing on the Pyramid Stage at the world famous music this weekend, and will be sharing the limelight with headlining acts such as Gorillaz and Muse.
The confident 26-year-old rapper said: “I’m not nervous. Without trying to sound arrogant, a crowd is a crowd. [...]

The rather talented Adelaide’s Cape has decided, like any good young musician should, that he would rather spend his summer on the road. A colossal tour spanning the length and breadth of our fair isles kicks off in Cambridge on July 1 and doesn’t let up until its culmination in Newcastle on the 31. Click [...]