Nicky Rubin Returns With New Single 'Ukrainian Kiss'

Following press and radio acclaim for his recent Cigarette Song single, singer-songwriter Nicky Rubin is back with another new track and video. Ukrainian Kiss showcases his drivetime rock songwriting skills alongside sweeping strings (provided by longtime Elbow collaborator Stella Page) and poignant lyrics inspired by his first-hand experience of the 2014 revolution in Ukraine.



“The lyric and melody were written at 6am, one blue morning, in the back of a taxi to Kiev airport,” explains Rubin on the roots of the new song. “It was then completed once I was through customs, over a vodka breakfast looking over the runway. I had received an emergency call to leave the studio and got home to find my street deserted, the restaurant below all smashed up, the supermarkets running low on food - and speaking to a friend a mile away I could hear the bullets flying all over the place near the barricades. A ghostly silence pervaded my neighbourhood. The currency was in freefall. The revolution had begun.”

Born under Manchester’s grey skies, Nicky escaped an acrimonious home life as early as he possibly could. His teenage years spent alone on Indian subcontinent set the scene for a lifetime of travel and adventure, forging a street-wise persona, light years away from his origins.

Based in Paris then later Vienna after several sojourns in Africa, Nicky settled for a while in Kiev, where with his band Rubin Hood he built up a sizeable following performing hundreds of gigs all over Ukraine and Russia. His songs are peppered with references to the wilder shores of life; passionate tales of loves lost or unrequited, self-doubt, remote border crossings, refugees and revolution, as seen with his own eyes.

In the wake of the last Kiev revolution, he returned to London and continues to gig all over the city delivering amped-up, powerhouse musical portraits of a peripatetic life truly lived.

Find Nicky Rubin at nickyrubin.net, facebook.com/nickyrubinmusic and instagram.com/nickyrubinmusic now.

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Coming Up On Coronation Street 3rd - 7th June

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SEEKAY Release New Single 'Candlelight'

Seekay is the performance vehicle and persona of an Australian songwriter and poet. Their poetry has been published on both sides of the Atlantic and they have received scriptwriting awards and mentions in the US and UK. Late last year they released their first commercial song Hurts which received positive reviews, airplay and numerous global Spotify listings.

They’re now releasing their follow-up Candlelight, reprising their original, mid-tempo “electronica with a twist” signature love song sound, (nods to Nicholas Jaar and The Weeknd) and adding a breakdown as original and unexpected as Barbara Lewis’ Hello Stranger from the Academy Award winning movie Moonlight. The song was produced in NYC by Chris Halac and mastered by Sterling Sound in New Jersey. The production and arrangement re-enforces the song’s theme of a reluctant but wise relationship break up, a slow and close dance upon the echoes of desire.

Refreshingly and unusually in this totally insta-obsessed era Seekay maintains a very low profile to invite and encourage audiences to focus on the work. The unexpected success of the first song Hurts has strengthened Seekay’s belief that conventional identities aren’t necessary in order to widely engage fans’ desire to feel understood, to feel free of suggestion. They believe that “artistically anything beyond that to me is really the purview of things that detract and distract me from focusing on the things that never change - better songs, better lyrics, great players and producers - and through that - the inexplicable moving of listeners souls, as music has always done.”.

Candlelight is the guiding beacon for personal growth, the discomfort endured adding depth of character amongst it’s shadowy ambience and persistent rhythm. Seekay continues to connect and illuminate music’s enlightened tuition.

‘Candlelight’ by SEEKAY is out now.

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Callow Youth to Release New Single 'Wake Up' This Friday

Manchester’s fast-rising indie-rock teenagers Callow Youth are back today with their new single Wake Up. The anthemic new song follows a string of sold-out live shows, widespread press buzz and two Track Of The Week seals of approval from XS Manchester Radio.

It was recorded with producer Gavin Monaghan (The Blinders/The Sherlocks/Editors) and showcases their festival-ready songwriting hooks and instantly relatable lyrics about youth, love and life.

“Wake Up is about wanting to live in a moment forever and wishing nothing would ever change,” explains frontman Alfie Turner on the new song. “And also, the fact that that's impossible - but I think everyone feels that way sometimes.”

At the forefront of the new indie rock revolution, things are moving fast for Callow Youth. Less than a year after their debut gig, their recent Manchester headline show sold out in less than four hours and their fiery brand of hooky indie pop has earned them slots at Dead Dead Good Weekend, Dot To Dot Festival, Cotton Clouds Festival, Blackthorn Festival, Oktoberfest and Shiiine On Weekender. With a debut album on the cards for early 2020, a growing following across social media and over 70,000 organic, fan-driven streams on Spotify already, Wake Up is only their second official single.

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Suzi Quatro to Release New Single 'Love Isn't Fair'

Even in the highly adrenaline-fuelled music business, it’s rare to find a bundle of energy on a par with Suzi Quatro. The American rock vocalist has successfully worked as a musician for more than fifty years, delivering with unbridled energy her greatest hits such as ‘Can The Can’, ‘48 Crash’, ‘Devil Gate Drive’, ‘If You Can`t Give Me Love’, ‘She`s In Love With You’ or ‘Stumblin In‘ which made her an icon in the 1970s, and wowing her fans again and again with her new material. So, it comes as no surprise that she’s not thinking of retiring. “I’ll retire when I go onstage, shake my ass, and there is silence,” she says, fully aware of the fact that that moment is still a long way off. 2019 saw the arrival of Suzi’s latest studio album, simply entitled No Control in line with her need for artistic freedom, on SPV/Steamhammer. Almost simultaneously, the singer/musician set off on an extensive European tour. No doubt about it: 2019 has been another Suzi year, and there’s still more to come!

Suzi Quatro presents eleven new songs (plus two bonus tracks) on No Control. The majority of the material consists of collaborations with her son from her first marriage, Richard Tuckey. Suzi explains: “This was our first attempt at writing and recording something together. The creative progress began with ‘Don’t Do Me Wrong’. And, through this unusually beautiful English summer of 2018, we sat outside, acoustic bass, acoustic guitar, iPad recording app, and lots of paper, throwing ideas back and forth.” With amazing results, as the new album proves – to Suzi herself not only on a musical but also on a personal level.

For example, on ‘No Soul/No Control’, the first single to be released which features the message “Don`t let go of yourself for anyone”. Suzi: “This is my personal mantra. All you have in this world is you.” Remembering the conception of the number, she says: “We were busy as hell, buried in the songs. Richard had a new idea and showed me. It was very unusual, and I liked it. A very basic guitar and drum track was put down for me to work on the melody and lyric. I went into the living area of the studio and about 15 minutes later, it was done. It flew out of its own accord, as the best songs do.”

The same applies to numbers such as ‘Macho Man’ (Suzi: “It’s a no-brainer that this is an opening live song. You cannot help headbanging to it, it just grabs you”), ‘I Can Teach You To Fly’ (“a definite throwback to the sixties”), ‘Easy Pickings’ (“I’ve been playing this riff on acoustic guitar forever, at least the last ten years. Then all of a sudden, it became a song”) and ‘Love Isn’t Fair’ (“Got this idea sitting in our Hamburg home. I wanted to create a Blondie-meets-Mavericks song, and I think I accomplished that”).

The perhaps most unusual track on the album is called ‘Strings’ and has developed into a true little masterpiece during the studio recordings. Suzi: “This is all about the strings that tie our lives together. Great riff. I drove everyone mad singing nonstop in this weird voice ‘Strings’. I couldn’t get it out of my head, and – hallelujah – it came out in the recording exactly as I’d imagined.” Then saxophone player Ray Beavis asked if he could do a horn arrangement. “I didn’t really hear it, but of course I said yes. What he came up with knocked us all off our feet. What a track!”

You can tell how proud Suzi Quatro is of No Control. Pride and delight at a career which has lasted for five decades and has maintained the creativity of the American rock icon to the present day. Says Quatro: “I’ve never stopped releasing through the years. Back To The Drive in 2006, In The Spotlight in 2011, Quatro, Scott & Powell in 2016. These albums were thought about and planned out in great detail. I am proud of all three releases, very proud. But my new album No Control is its own animal.”

TRACKS
No Soul/No Control * Going Home * Strings * Love Isn`t Fair * Macho Man * Easy Pickings * Bass Line * Don`t Do Me Wrong * Heavy Duty * I Can Teach You To Fly * Going Down Blues * Bonus Tracks (Vinyl only): Heart On The Line * Leopard Skin Pill Box Hat

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Uforia Release New Single 'Crawl'

UFORIA STORM BACK WITH NEW ROCK SINGLE ‘CRAWL’

Following widespread rock media support, Toronto hard rock band Uforia return today with a brand-new single. Crawl is out now on all streaming/download platforms, and offers up metallic riffs alongside driving pop-punk melodies and an anthemic chorus.

“This was the easiest lyric to write,” says Uforia frontman Michael Ursini about the new single. “Crawl is a song about perseverance. The struggle of fighting through all of life’s obstacles can take a toll on the human body and mind. It reminds people to have faith in themselves - it’s pretty much how I feel every day, trying to get ahead in the music industry.”

What began as a solo project for Michael Ursini has morphed into Uforia, a talented four-piece hard rock band that has released three EPs since 2012. The band has won a number of plaudits including being crowned winners of both Hard Rock’s Rising Canada competition and Jack Daniel’s Support-ing Actcontest, and received Mississauga Music awards for “Best Rock Artist” (2017) & Song of the Year (2018). Their single Fight or Flight is heard regularly at Canadian sports stadiums, including the Toronto Blue Jays baseball and the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators ice hockey games. The song also soundtracks the NFL, being played on the Buffalo Bills pre-game playlist.

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Wiyaala Release New Single 'Satellite Baby'

Known to her legions of fans as “The Young Lioness of Africa”, Wiyaala has won over fans across the world, all the more remarkable due to her coming from Ghana, a country with a notoriously conservative music industry, where any challenge to the norm is frowned upon. Her music is a potent fusion of West African folk songs and stadium Afro-pop, brought to life with spectacularly energetic traditional dance moves. “Wiyaala”, which means “the doer” in her local Sissala dialect, is from Funsi, an African village in the Upper West Region of Ghana close to the borders of Burkina Faso and Cote D’Ivoire. Thanks to a musical mother, she “dodged” FGM and child marriage, whilst also being encouraged to be an entertainer, dancer, artist and athlete, despite growing up in a patriarchal society frequently hostile to artistic growth.

Wiyaala, one of the world’s most charismatic artists, has released her second album, Sissala Goddess, a fascinating, often moving glimpse at Africa old and new through the Young Lioness of Africa’s eyes. Sung partly in her home village Funsi’s dialect of Sissala, one of the world’s most endangered languages, she is both celebrating the stoicism and love of those who have supported her as well as challenging traits which are sadly not confined to her local scene – bigotry, jealousy and greed. The album also features Wiyaala’s interpretation of the legendary band Osibisa’s “Woyaye (We are Going)”, a song she has performed live with the band’s founder and singer, Teddy Osei.

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OHNOVA Release New Single 'Easy Way Out' + EP Release & Tour Dates

Glasgow's OHNOVA have just released their latest single 'Easy Way Out', the second from their upcoming new EP called 'I Can't Sleep' that will be released on 24th May. Easy Way Out follows the first single Banjo Mac, combining a serious message with serious riff, this track ramps up the heavy and showcases a fresh slice of OHNOVA versatility

Paul (vocal/bass) talks about the new single, Easy Way Out:

"Easy Way Out is a bit on an anomaly for us - it's our heaviest track by far but also one of our most melodic. As usual for our music it's about finding the strength to get through anything that life can throw at you. That's what I love about the dark, screamed verse which goes into the soaring melodic chorus. It's the dark that turns to light reminding you that 'we all fall sometimes, but it's all about the climb'."

Easy Way Out is available to purchase and stream at all good outlets, check it out at: iTunes, Spotify, Amazon & Google Play

OHNOVA have the following shows lined up, get along and support them in their plans for world domination!

30th May - 13th Note, Glasgow (EP Launch Show) (info)
31st May - Troqueer Arms, Dumfries (info)
1st June - Skinny Jimmy's, Lounge 41, Workington (https://www.facebook.com/events/424567824951841/)
2nd June - The Spinning Top, Stockport (https://www.facebook.com/ohnovaband/app/123966167614127/)
8th June - Vintage Rockbar, Doncaster (info)

26th-28th July - Butefest, Isle Of Bute (stage day/time tba) (https://www.facebook.com/events/312411259556932/)
With the release of the new EP on 24th May, the band explain why 'I Can't Sleep' is so important to them:
"I Can't Sleep is the culmination of a good few years work. We chose these songs because they represent the idea that when life gets you down you need to get back up.

Each song, in it's own way presents a bad situation, but ultimately recognises that you need to fight, move forward and ultimately find the strength to get yourself through. That's what I hope these songs do for the listener because I know that's what rock music has done for us our whole lives.

This is why we make the lighthearted and (in our opinion) funny videos. It's taking the darkness of life and laughing at it. It's the recognition that life isn't all bad, you need to power through the bad to reach the good that will inevitably come around again.".

I Can't Sleep is available to pre-save on Spotify right now, make sure you are one of the first to hear it by clicking here.

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Coming Up On Coronation Street 20-24th May

Monday May 20th - TOYAH SPIES AN OPPORTUNITY

In the cafe, Toyah confides in Leanne how difficult it’s been living with Imran since Rana’s death. She’s horrified to realise Imran overheard every word. Toyah returns home and apologises to Imran. But he’s unforgiving and asserts that she’s made her thoughts quite plain, and it’s over between them. Toyah’s gutted.

Steve is shocked to find the police quizzing Tim over a robbery at a petrol station involving a streetcars cab. What will Steve do?

With Shona increasingly jealous at the time David is spending with Natale, Gail tells him she thinks Natalie has a crush on him and he should keep her at arm’s length, Gail offers to babysit so Shona and David can go out. But with the police breathing down their neck Nick tells David he needs to keep Natalie sweet.

Beth’s upset when Kirk makes it clear she’s still in the dog house as far as he’s concerned. Kirk assures Sean he’s not really cross with Beth, he’s putting it on and he’s actually planning to surprise her with a song he’s written especially for her. Brian quizzes Roy about his trip to Portsmouth, wondering if he solved the mystery of the ring. Roy’s evasive. When Brian reveals that he’s done some further research on the ring and enlisted the help of Wayne, Roy masks his worries and paints on a smile.

Monday May 20th - NICK SEES THROUGH TOYAH

Seeing how upset Toyah is after her bust up with Imran Leanne tells Nick she has invited her to move in and that she was only telling Imran she believed Nick was involved in the factory collapse to humour Imran. Nick is furious and as Toyah makes herself at home Nick lets her know he doesn’t trust her.

Will Steve tells the police he was driving but had no choice as the robber threatened him but will he confess to picking the guy up illegally.

Natalie persuades David to stay late and give her some more training, she thanks him and cracks open a beer. Back at home Shona has prepared a romantic meal but when David finally gets home stinking of beer she is fuming.

When Brian and Wayne try to interest him in their research, Roy ushers them out of the cafe, making out he needs to close up as he’s due at Ken’s. Wayne’s concerned for him. Kirk performs his special song for Beth outside the pub. Beth’s deeply touched. Kirk leaves in a taxi for his musical tour and Beth bids him an emotional farewell.

Wednesday May 22nd - STEVE’S LIFE GOES FROM BAD TO DISASTROUS

Steve is edgy after the robbery but Tracy insists he goes back out driving. Armed with a baseball bat under his seat Steve picks up three lads from a bowling alley but they refuse to pay. As he grabs the baseball bat one of the lads does a runner and is hit by a car.

Nick fears the net is closing in as Paula comes looking for him and Leanne starts to grow uneasy about what’s going on. Nick tells Gary to be vague about how he was paid for the barber shop job and Leanne is shocked when Sarah tells her that Nick paid Elsa out of the factory accounts not the other way round as he had made out.

Shona calls at the barbers to invite David for lunch and kisses him in front of Natalie. David cancels lunch to train Natalie. Shona is annoyed when she calls at the Barbers to find Natalie and David larking about. When she leaves Natalie tries to kiss David.

Sophie and Paula show Sally the photos from their pony trekking holiday in Andalucia. Sally reminisces about the one and only time she went riding and how much she enjoyed it.

Wednesday May 22nd - TRACY’S SHOCKED BY THE SCALE OF STEVE’S DESPAIR

The young lad James gets to his feet and says he is ok, he doesn’t want to make a fuss as he plays for Weatherfield County and would get into trouble. Steve takes him to the cab office but is horrified to find the police there. What will he do?

Leanne, Sarah and Toyah discuss Nick’s dodgy finances, convinced he must have done a deal with Rick the loan shark to fund the barber’s. The girls agree they need to track down Rick.

David tries to let Natalie down gently meanwhile Shona sens Billy to speak to David about how he really feels about her.

Roy tells Wayne he’d appreciate it if he stopped using him to glean information about

Carla. Sally takes her horse riding to the next level splashing out on all the expensive kit after Nck gives her some money to look after the factory whilst he is away with the family.

Friday May 24th - TOYAH, LEANNE AND SARAH ATTEMPT A HEIST

After Sarah backs out at the last minute Toyah and Leanne call at Rick’s office and quiz him about Nick Tilsley. Rick’s adamant he’s never heard of him and the girls leave frustrated. Masquerading as a customer, Leanne phones Rick and sets up a meeting with him at a random address. Having watched Rick set off, the girls break into his office. As Leanne and Toyah search Rick’s office for evidence, they’re horrified to realise there’s someone at the door.

After Natalie hears David and Nick discussing how their plan to keep her sweet backfired she wastes no time in agreeing to a date with a client who is a policeman and makes sure Nick knows exactly what she is doing.

With Tim and Steve at odds and Steve only able to work in the switch the guys are stunned when Tracy Eileen and Liz arrive and announce that they are going to run Streetcars, Tracy and Liz will be driving cabs and Eileen will apply for an operator’s license. E

Sally returns from her riding lesson and suggests to Tim they should buy a horse as the bond between human and horse can be very therapeutic.

Friday May 24th - LEANNE WONDERS WHO SHE CAN TRUST

As Sharon lets herself into the office suddenly Sarah appears - have they all been caught red handed?

David sits n the bistro eavesdropping on Natalie and Andrew her date. Andrew comes over and accuses Dvid of fancying Natalie, as Shona arrives looking for David she overhears Andrew saying he knows David tried to kiss Natalie. Can David get out of this one?

Steve and Tim reluctantly accept that Eileen’s plan is the only viable one but point out it still doesn’t solve the problem of GoLucky. Eileen, Tracy and Liz meet up with Jay and persuade him to produce a Street Cars App at a knockdown price.

When Sally reveals her intention to buy a race horse, Jenny, Sinead and Yasmeen agree to buy in too and form a syndicate. Sally’s thrilled.

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Twins of June Release Debut Album 'Home'

Their debut album is here. Twins of June are releasing their first ever full length album called 'Home', including previously successes 'Around You' and 'Heaven for a Ride'.

The twin brothers, Jesper & Jonas from southern Denmark, are currently enjoying a wave of success after their release of debut EP ‘Memories’. The EP landed the #1 spot on the iTunes chart in Denmark, in 2016 they released a new single called ‘Out of Time’ which reached #2 on this same chart. Their latest single ‘Within My Heart' reached New Music Friday. Local radio stations have been supporting the brothers from the start, while their music also travelled to other countries as Germany, France, Italy, USA, Africa and Indonesia. The brothers are promoting the album with a tour through Germany.

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Spray Release 'I Wonder Where the Wonder Goes' Music Video

Underground pop mavericks Spray release new video for I Wonder Where the Wonder Goes ahead of their new album


British synth band and self-styled indiepop chameleons Spray have announced their fifth studio album, Failure Is Inevitable, for 2019. Ahead of the album, the band have just dropped a new video for the infectious I Wonder Where the Wonder Goes, the latest in a series of video singles released from their upcoming album.

Founded in 2001, Spray is comprised of Ricardo Autobahn (synthesizers) and Jenny McLaren (vocals, guitars), both formerly of The Cuban Boys, who took their chaotic technopunk to No. 1 on the Festive 50 (twice), recorded one of the best Peel Sessions ever and went head-to-head with Sir Cliff Richard in a Christmas Chart Battle (but ultimately lost).

Their hit single Cognoscenti Vs Intelligentsia (a.k.a. The Hamster Dance Song) sold a million copies, reached No. 4 in the UK single charts, landed them on Top of the Pops and, in the words of John Peel, was “the most requested song I’ve had since God Save The Queen.

In a list presented by RockListMusic.co.uk, the Cuban Boys registered as the 30th most popular band in the history of the John Peel Show, ranking ahead of the Inspiral Carpets (31), The Cure (34), Nirvana and The Stone Roses (tied at 35).

BBC producer Mike Engles selected the Cuban Boys' first Peel Session as one of his top 10 all-time favourites, alongside Nirvana, The Damned and Ivor Cutler.

Following the demise of the Cuban Boys, Autobahn and McLaren formed Spray, turning their attentions toward synthpop and releasing their debut album Living In Neon in 2002 on U.S. indie label Ninthwave Media.

This was followed by Children Of A Laser God in 2006, which included their smash cover of Lisa Lougheed's Run With Us (known to most of us as 'The Raccoons' theme song).

Spray was the secret weapon behind the UK's 2006 Eurovision song for Daz Sampson Teenage Life, having written and produced it, as well as singing the treated vocals for that track.

Ricardo Autobahn and Daz Sampson would also collaborate on a dance version of Rhinestone Cowboy under the name Rikki and Daz, recording it with the legendary Glen Campbell himself and filming its expensive video in the Arizona desert. This track went top 10.

Spray also recorded a novelty track as the Barndance Boys called Yippie I Oh, which became a top 30 hit. Under the moniker The Attery Squash, Ricardo's track Devo Was Right About Everything was remixed by Devo themselves. More recently, Spray have been recording music with anarchic BBC star Hacker T. Dog.

Ricardo Autobahn writes music for TV and radio, which can be heard from BBC4 to ITV2 and from Australia to the USA. He also plays keyboards with Welsh punk pop legends Helen Love, also known for their collaboration with Joey Ramone.

Throughout all of this, Spray have continued to record their verbose off-kilter indie-disco synthpop. In 2018 they undertook their first live shows and released the single Anthologised By Cherry Red, which also features on the upcoming album. Reaching number 5 on the 2018 Festive 50 and being voted 'Record Of The Year' by Radio Six International, the song reflects the band’s archetypal sound – a celebration-of-all-things-pop tinged with cynicism, despair and the band’s ironic humour.

Sixteen tracks of feel-good pop, dry wit, acerbic irony and a not-so-nostalgic look at the past, it’s sure to please their ever-increasing army of fans as well as those who like a bit of social commentary with their upbeat electronica.

Failure Is Inevitable will be released via Manchester label AnalogueTrash on the 17th of May 2019, with an intimate album launch show scheduled for on the 31st of May at the iconic Castle Hotel in the city’s Northern Quarter.

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Jimmy's Cousin Releases 'Astor & 8th' + Album Release Date

Irish born, schooled in New York, detouring into multiple careers across Europe, Jimmy’s Cousin is an overnight success that’s 30 years in the making. His first demo was recorded in 1991, his first album, Waxwings, sees the light of day in May 2019 and he has just announced his Irish tour taking place in March and April 2019.

Jimmy’s Cousin writes an ambitious, melodic, close to the bone and a very personal, blend of Vocal Jazz. His debut album is produced By Dave Keary whose guitar playing and musical direction with such acts as Van Morrison, Gregory Porter, Taj Mahal, Roger Daltrey and Bobby Womack, means that he brings a deep vein of musical pedigree to the arrangement and realisation of the songs of Jimmy’s’ Cousin.

Waxwings features some of the top musicians in the country from Paul Moore (Bass), James Delaney (Piano), Des Lacey (Drums), Michael Buckley (Brass) plus a host of others. The result is a close to bone and personal set of songs with an emotive and supportive soundscape.

Waxwings is the quintessential breakup album. If there’s five stages of grief, then they're all on show on this album, loss, heartbreak, anger acceptance, forgiveness, optimism. It's an album about reconciling the conflicting emotions within any relationship. Some of the songs are sad but even the sad ones have an acceptance and an optimism or humour at their heart which rescues them from being too maudlin and points the way forward.

Waxwings is an album about acceptance of the risks associated with truly loving someone. It's an album about the inevitability of loss, about flying into the darkness and touching the face of grief.

So where does than name Jimmy’s Cousin originate from?
“I was raised in a small provincial town and had an older brother named Paul. Everywhere I went I was Paul’s brother. I was following in his footsteps and had no identity of my own. Striking out for New York in the early 90’s I relished the thought of being my own person, with my own identity and moved initially, in with my American cousin Jimmy. He introduced me to all of his friends and of course everywhere I went in New York for the following few years I was known as.... Jimmy’s Cousin!”

‘WAXWINGS’ The Album will be released 17th May 2019

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Wang Chung Release Orchestral Version of 'Everybody Have Fun Tonight'

From icons of the Eighties British invasion - It's Back to the Future for once US #1 'Everybody Have Fun Tonight'

Wang Chung, one of the defining bands of the 80s who conquered the UK, US and global charts, return with their original key protagonists, Jack Hues and Nick Feldman. Having become a staple of movie, TV, game soundtracks and commercials over the years, their name has almost uniquely passed into popular culture. The line “Everybody Wang Chung Tonight” from their mega-hit Everybody Have Fun Tonight has developed a life of its own, prompting the band to appeal to their fans around the world to have it officially recognised in dictionaries as a verb - here combining their electro-pop, new wave sounds with the full backing of the City of Prague Orchestra.

Their combined efforts bring new life to some of their classic tracks, including Dance Hall Days; Everybody have Fun Tonight; Let’s Go and Space Junk. For over 35 years, Wang Chung have enjoyed success around the world, with America, Canada, Australia and the UK in particular taking them to their hearts, with six top 40 hits, including a number one hit. Featuring tracks taken from across their six albums, Orchesography is an exciting opportunity to acquaint yourselves in a new way with a band who have broken through into popular culture like few before.

As well as satiating the appetite for their legion of fans from back in the day, they are also introducing themselves to a brand-new audience who will have heard them featured across popular culture, from their breakout soundtrack to legendary The Exorcist/French Connection director, William Friedkin’s ‘To Live & Die in LA’, to ‘The Breakfast Club’, ‘Sex and the City’, ‘Grand Theft Auto: Vice City’; ‘Breaking Bad’, ‘South Park’ to Rick Grimes’ first and final scenes in ‘Walking Dead’.

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Steve Hewitt Releases New Single 'Bigger Than Words

British singer/songwriter ‘Steve Hewitt’ has crafted a beautiful and accomplished debut studio album release mixing acoustic rock, country, pop, blues and folk with an intimate and soul-bearing honesty that is rarely heard in one track, let alone an entire album. Steve Hewitt's greatest weapon is his ability to translate human emotions and experiences into his song writing sensibilities and deliver music that touches a nerve with listeners.

The Edenbridge/Kent (UK) native has collaborated with producer Paul West (Awesome Source Music) to construct an album that compliments both Steve’s artistic vision and his broad sonic palette. In Steve’s own words – “This Album is full of life, it touches upon heartbreak, hypocrisy, loss, deeper love, truth and wisdom. Every song on this album has been born out of experience”. Despite the evident influences of folk, blues, country and alternative rock flowing through Hewitt’s creative veins, the syncretic approach to drawing from multiple sources has helped shape his own distinctive voice within the Alternative folk roots scene in the United Kingdom. Whilst steeped in the earthy acoustic tones and allowing simplicity to carry the message of his songs, ‘Bigger Than Words’ is tastefully merges natural, acoustic and electronic sounds. An album that pushes and pulls between genre boundaries with each finely crafted track transmitting its own unique character and identity.

Aiming for a more expansive sound to bring his songs to life – Steve Hewitt has enlisted in guests such as UK country trio Orfila and Texan duo The Reed Brothers. Further guests appearances include Cellist Miriam Cox who performed on Steve’s’ ‘Pushing Me Away’ debut single for Engineer Records. Producer Paul West features on vocals/drums along with seasoned musicians Joe Martin (Bass), Jonathan Williams (Keyboards) and Rob Townley (Guitar) all adding their stylistic flair to the studio productions. Whilst firmly keeping a foot in Steve's 'live' sound, the songs have been enhanced and complimented by tastefully arranged instrumentation. Adding the finishing edges to the 10 track album offering - Steve has brought in the highly acclaimed Pete Maher (U2, Lana Del Ray, Kelly Clarkson etc) for mastering duties.

Hewitt has shared stages with Newton Faulkner, Emma Stevens, Toploader, StarSailor and many more and shall be frequenting various UK venues and festivals in support of his album release. Pushing forward with his endless desire to bring his music to the hearts of a national and international audience - Steve Hewitt is out to prove he is in game for the long haul and the future will certainly witness many new releases from this British artist.

Bigger Than Words OUT NOW!

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bigger-than-words/1458824436

Amazon: https://music.amazon.in/albums/B07QGJ6B7Z?trackAsin=B07QCBDBTL

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1b1rxdJc4vRMfUyt5JEjL4

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MeMe Detroit to Release New Single 'Will you be my Lie?' on 17th May + Live Dates

Following 2018’s ‘Life in the now’ EP, Birmingham singer/multi-instrumentalist Maria Rodriguez - aka MeMe Detroit – re-releases track ‘Will you be my Lie?’ as a single alongside brand new remixes by producer DantannaBeatz.

Originally recorded along with band members Paris Moon Fennell (bass) and Barney Such (drums), ‘Will you be my lie?’ covers themes of infidelity and faithfulness. Written in the first person as a character, the song follows the plight of a woman lost and unhappy in her relationship which leads to her getting her head turned by someone other than her partner. Equally excited and troubled at the prospect of something happening, we’re taken on a journey into her imagination and through her inner thoughts of what’s gotten her to this place and whether the risk would all be worth it.


“‘Will You Be My Lie?’ is propelled by pounding beats and sweeping melodic hooks that will stick in the ears on first listen. With a gentle romanticism, it soon builds to an anthemic, emotion-fuelled slice of raw rock ‘n’ roll, showcasing once again MeMe’s innovative songwriting skills” – Get in her Ears

This track follows previous singles De Moe, Churchside Inn and Soc Med Junkies - which are all featured on the e.p.

Gig listings:

Sat May 11th - Actress & Bishop - Drawn together tour w/Havvk - Birmingham
Sat May 25th - UK Bike Fest - Manchester
Fri 7th June – Hare & Hounds – Ok Not Ok fundraiser w/BBC Introducing - Birmingham
Sat 13th July – Fuse Festival - Lichfield

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Phil & Tilley Release New Single 'New Day' Tomorrow + EP Release Date

With a deep commitment to experience and song craft, alternative folk duo Phil & Tilley have cultivated an EP of warm relatability and boundless exploration. Time won’t wait is their fourth and most adventurous studio record yet.

A yearning for travel and playing music has seen Phil & Tilley play across UK, Australia, New Zealand, France, Belgium and South East Asia, but their story continues to take them wherever the music allows them to go. Their wide array of experiences honing a craft of insightful lyricism and experimental acoustics, Time won’t wait is a testament to a pilgrimage of song.

Phil & Tilley started playing music together in 2008, the self- taught musicians began experimenting with ambient sounds as a duo in 2012 within the surrounds of the ancient New Forest (UK). In 2016, Phil & Tilley arrived in Byron bay with little more than their instruments busking until they began to establish themselves. Two years later they are now playing over 250 gigs a year throughout Australia, gaining a rapidly increasing fan base.

Their troubadour philosophy of being on the road as much as they can, playing shows wherever there’s a stage, has helped them gain airplay on National Radio NZ, BBC Introducing (UK) and various local radio shows around Australia. They also had the opportunity to play at TEDx Tauranga (NZ) in front of a 1000 seat, sold out crowd.

The lead single, New Day, a fluttering reverie of reflection and new found direction. The duo’s connection and creative resolve on full display, suspended upon stirring acoustics and vivid storytelling. Time won’t wait is a hearty and progressive treat for those with rustic sensibilities that desire a more expansive atmosphere. Phil & Tilley are the duo to provide such innovation.

For Fans Of: John Martyn | The Avett Brothers | Ben Harper

‘New Day’ will be in Digital Stores on the 10th of May.
The ‘Time Won’t Wait’ EP by Phil & Tilley will be released 24th of May.

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Kytes Release New Single 'Alright' + Live Shows

After Featuring in Noisey and Charting in Germany, Indie-Disco Collective KYTES Return with ‘Alright’

“I'm a sucker for hit-you-over-the-head catchy indie-pop which is exactly the kind of music KYTES create”- Noisey UK
Having proven they’re ones to watch after featuring in Noisey UK, CLASH, Fred Perry and Indie Shuffle, supporting Everything Everything and garnering over 15 million streams on Spotify, Indie outfit KYTES return with their infectious indie- disco anthem ‘Alright’ May 3rd.

The Munich four piece have taken off all around the globe, releasing new music reaching more people than ever before and are currently sat with 400,000 monthly listeners and over 15 million streams on Spotify, having featured on major playlists such as Feelgood Indie, Indie Radar and Alternative Generation.

From nationwide TV campaigns with Vodafone to reaching the Top 100 Airplay Charts in Germany, KYTES have found themselves with a dedicated fan base from day one.

Still keeping their trademark sound whilst surprising fans with every release, KYTES now return with instantly addictive single ‘Alight’ produced by iTunes charting producer filous.

The alternative quartet played together for many years racking up more than 250 shows to date, including festivals such as SXSW, The Great Escape, Frequency, and Melt! and a support slot with Everything Everything.

Now known for their energetic live performances, KYTES will be on the road in May for the FRISBEE Tour, with all dates below.

Atles Wettburo - Dresden | May 10th

Englesburg - Erfurt | May 11th

Jugendkulturhaus Cairo - Würzburg | May 16th

'Alright' will be released independently through the bands label FRISBEERecords on May 3rd.

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The Clouds to Release New Single 'Check Us Out' on 17th May + Details On Live Shows

Elemental dream rockers The Clouds strike again with the release of their latest single, Check Us Out. Underpinned by Raph Whittingham’s rock-solid beat, and layered with driving power chords, it’s an emphatic attention-grabber. Jodi Phillis and Trish Young weave their always symbiotic voices around lyrics celebrating self-belief, determination and perseverance. Dave Easton’s shredding over the outro puts the final seal on what will surely be an instant classic.

Check Us Out will be available on iTunes, Apple Music, CDBaby, and streamable on Spotify.

The Clouds will celebrate the release of Check Us Out with a whirlwind, 3 shows, 2 nights and 1 matinee in June 2019.

Thursday 13th June 2019 Oxford Art Factory, Sydney NSW
Supports - Dropping Honey and Jodi Phillis
Friday 14th June 2019 The Triffid, Brisbane QLD
Supports - Marville and Jodi Phillis
Saturday 22nd June 2019 The Corner Hotel, Melbourne VIC (matinee)
Supports - The Fangin’ Felines and Jodi Phillis

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Runabay to Release New Single 'Dig' on Friday + Debut Album Details

Following widespread media acclaim in Ireland and Northern Ireland, and the BBC 6Music seal of approval from Steve Lamacq, indie-folk band Runabay are back today with their new single Dig. It’s not only a masterful new song but a fitting introduction to the band’s debut and much anticipated album Between The Lines, out on 24 May 2019.

Watch the stunning new video, with an intro from acclaimed Irish beat poet Stephen James Smith and filmed in NYC below.



“Dig captures a moment in time and recounts a typical Irish school experience full of mischief, truancy, wonder and adventure,” explains Runabay vocalist and guitarist John McManus. “The track was inspired by the manner in which teachers strived to extract information about misdemeanours. It’s a track filled with nostalgia in a wholly Irish societal setting.”

Following previous singles which earned a stream of national radio plays and gained the accolade of ‘Play Irish Artist of the Week’ twice on Today FM, the band offer up something moving, timeless and exceptional in Dig.A lush soundscape, accompanied by the talents of the Arco String Quartet (who have featured on albums for Foy Vance), and a driving, cinematic intensity power the new song to new heights and skilfully blend earthy folk and soaring indie-rock.

Runabay have been championed by Steve Lamacq & Tom Robinson (BBC 6 Music), Ralph McLean (BBC Radio Ulster) and have also gained plenty of other accolades - including being selected as part of the legendary Whelan’s ‘Ones To Watch’ earlier this year and being nominated for ‘Irish Single of the Year’ in 2015. They’ve also had a string of glowing press features from tastemakers Hot Press Magazine, ChordBlossom and Culture Hub NI.

Find Runabay at facebook.com/runabayband, twitter.com/runabayband and instagram.com/runabayband now.

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Chernobyl Review

Have you ever watched a show that stays with you long after the final credits have rolled? Staring in the face of disaster, knowing what could be done to save thousands of lives, and screaming angrily as the wrong decision is made by the wrong people that just leads to more tragedy and chaos?

I went into Chernobyl knowing nothing about the actual real life tragedy, and instead just simply trying to have a go at completing a HBO miniseries for once because whilst they tend to be quite stylish, they tend to lack a bit of everything else, and came away feeling deeply saddened for the tragedy that unfolds before our eyes but also unable to look away.

It's of course led by an all star cast of Stellan Skarsgård, Jared Harris, and Emily Watson playing scientists and bureaucrats trying to staunch a nuclear catastrophe and you can probably guess how well that works out.

The show begins with Valery Legasov recalling the not so glory days of the explosion and hiding the cassette tapes from the KGB. The show then goes back two years to said explosion which occurs after reactor #4 has blown up. The junior engineers are quick onto the case in trying to avert a crisis and raising the alarm for how serious the situation is, but their supervisor Anatoly Dyatlov rejects their warnings as claims of hysteria and his only way out is to get the water moving through the core. It is then that he is told that there is no core because it has exploded, but even with numerous junior engineers all recounting this same sorry tale, all that those around them want to do is bury their heads in the sands and pretend everything will be ok.

Chernobyl is a dark and murky show, with the Government who are entrusted to protect the people and make the right decisions for their safety deciding against doing any of that and cutting the town off from the rest of the world so as to not cause hysteria. When the point is made that doing this will actually cause the said hysteria that they're so worried about, they're shouted down because the Government always knows what is best for its people even when it doesn't. The Chernobyl incident might've happened in the 80's, but this is a mentality that many Governments all around the world still carry today, and that overriding sense of frustration at being so powerless never goes away.

To have any chance at all in making a show about such a catastrophic incident work, you need the best of the best actors and thankfully this show has it. Stellan Skarsgård & Jared Harris are two marvelous actors who have never failed to disappoint over the years. Portraying a character in the shows opening who is guilt-ridden and extremely paranoid isn't an easy thing for any actor to pull off, but Jared does it perfectly.

Chernobyl certainly isn't viewing for the light of heart, as the show digs into the aftermath of the explosion, providing accurate enough historical analysis on an event that devastated so many lives.

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