Formed in their native Weston-Super-Mare, Towns are four close friends who grew up together with an inspiration taken from 90’s guitar music. Keen to do things their own way Towns have spent 2011 hosting band nights in Bristol, which has seen the likes of Tribes and The Chapman Family headline, releases a cassette through local label Howling Owl Records and continued to write, record and hone their shoegaze inspired sound.

Following on from earlier demo tracks ‘Fields’ and ‘Heads Off’, which saw the band garner attention from the likes of NME & Vice, Towns are now gearing up for the release of split-single ‘Gone Are The Days’, which sees the band team up with Brighton friends Damages, who they met at their aforementioned Bristol band nights.

Recorded in a few hazy days with producer Owen Morris (Oasis, Verve) new single ‘Gone Are The Days’ is wrapped in luscious reverb filled, driving shoegaze guitar overtones and wistful vocal melodies that are reminiscent to bands from the 90s Britpop era, and sees Towns continue and develop from where previous material left off.

Set for its split single release through Cartoon Records, ‘Gone Are The Days’ will be released on 30th Jan 2012.

“Baggier, bubblegummier version of Yuck” – NME
“Keeping a watchful eye over these young lads” – VICE

www.townsband.co.uk/

Agent – Lee Taylor

The brainchild of 26-year-old Brighton born singer/songwriter Mike Rosenberg, Passenger is redefining the troubadour for the 21st century. Formerly a five-piece band, Passenger has now pared back to basics, quite literally bringing music to the streets on a series of lengthy busking journeys across Australia, America and the United Kingdom. A classic journeyman musician, cut from the same mould as Van Morrison, Neil Young and John Prine, Passenger has the unique ability to move from the humorous to heartbreaking with every song.

After a year spent crisscrossing the UK and US with his debut album Wicked Man’s Rest, Passenger’s markedly stripped down and soulful second album Wide Eyes Blind Love was brought to the public as it was created: on the road. Setting up on street corners across the UK and Australia, Passenger halted passers by in their hundreds; all connecting to the mellifluous tones and powerfully hewn lyrics emanating from this lone figure and his guitar. This is music as Passenger means it to be, unvarnished and honest, just pure talent and powerful tunes that tap straight into the heart of the crowd.

Struck by the dynamic freedom of the troubadour life, Passenger developed the grass roots method of Wide Eyes Blind Love into the germ of a new album. Impressively and entirely self funded through busking income, Passenger set about recording a series of collaborations with musical friends met along the way. Flight Of The Crow is the remarkable result of Passenger’s intrepid journey, with Australian artists Lior, Josh Pyke, Katie Noonan, Boy & Bear, Kate Miller Heidke, Philadelphia Grand Jury, Brian Campeau and Elana Stone, Matt Corby, Jess Chalker and Dead Letter Chorus all lending their voices to this serendipitous creative venture. Flight Of The Crow was recorded in Sydney’s famous BJB studios over February and March of 2010, and co-produced by Berkfinger (AKA Simon Berkleman from Philadelphia Grand Jury).

As a second album born of the road, Flight Of The Crow speaks to the compelling quality of Passenger’s music and the striking sincerity of his lyrics, both of which are matched by his dedication to this grass roots style of craftsmanship and collaboration. How utterly remarkable that a lone musician can travel the globe, and literally from the street, connect with some of Australia’s finest musical talents to produce a self-funded album. This is the stuff of legend, with Passenger clearly evoking the humble, hardworking creativity of the troubadours of old.

Agent – Colin Keenan

THE VICTORIAN ENGLISH GENTLEMENS CLUB get pleasure from building cold-hearted shambolic weirdo pop music with drums, voices, electric mandolins, an Indian shruti harmonium, a self- made bow-screamo (wire nailed to wood), sparrows, telephones and a church bell hit with a hammer. They listen to Grinderman, Liars, ’154′ by Wire, Deerhoof, Cardiacs and ‘Flowers of Romance’ by PiL, but have an affinity with the three-minute pop song. A bag of 3 noisy, existentialist, Dada-esque punk mercenaries who have been sent from afar (Cardiff) to re-ignite the discordant DIY art school blaze. With unashamedly lo-fi leanings they’ve progressively evolved from minimalist post-punk to the far darker no-wave feel which they now piss proudly from every pore.

TVEGC formed at Cardiff Art School, art being a driving force behind the bands creation. With no clue of what a band should do they started playing terrible shows immediately, using a lot of visual imagery and songs that had a tendency to implode. The first 34 demos were recorded in a city centre youth project for £3.20 an hour. They quickly got good and Fantastic Plastic Records released the sparse and shouty self titled debut in 2006. Love On An Oil Rig followed in 2009 on This is Fake DIY Records – a darker, heavier record influenced by a discovery of Wire and PiL. The new album, Bag Of Meat (2011) is a weird dark pop record, the most accessible and coherent. TVEGC have toured enough times to drive round the UK and Europe blindfolded, played the USA three times, and toured with Sons And Daughters, Archie Bronson Outfit, Deerhoof and British Sea Power. They write daily and are, as always, working on a brilliant and original new record.

Agent – Colin Keenan

“With its succinct, she-wolf-in-ewe’s-clothing connotations, Kitty the Lion’s name provides a clear pointer to this young Glasgow quintet’s smart, mouthy, adrenlin-fuelled folk-pop.” Celtic Connections brochure 2011

“The song-writing really showcases the talent of this band, with harmonies and hooks adding to Anna’s lyrics and honest delivery. A band I can actually believe in.” Ally McCrae, Radio 1

In the two short years since the release of Kitty the Lion’s debut single, the band have gained considerable support and acclaim from the Scottish music scene and beyond, earning them coveted slots at Rockness and T in the Park, and the chance to play to thousands at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay festivities at the turn of 2011. In the last year, the band have played several dates with Communion Record’s Ben Howard, and had their music featured in BBC drama series ‘Lip Service.’

The finely-crafted lyrics by front-woman Anna are perhaps the defining aspect of the band. Word-play and double-entendres characterise Kitty the Lion’s songs, as well as the waspish delivery of the lines: “imagine a less laconic, much cleverer, Scottish Lily Allen” (The Scotsman). What matters most to the band though are their ballsy live performances, causing a fine racket and setting every toe tapping.

Having released two singles and and a three-track EP on their own label, Kitty the Lion are now preparing to release their debut album in the summer of 2012. During their time playing together, the band’s sound has matured and developed, and they are looking forward to showcasing the new material in the coming year.

Agent – Colin Keenan

Welsh band, Toy Horses, seem poised to break into the mainstream with their inventive, exciting and radio-ready indie gems. Early demos became a word-of-mouth and internet viral success in 2010, gaining national (BBC Radio 1, BBC Wales, BBC 6music etc) and international radio play and were made “Featured Band” on various music sites including Myspace, XFM, ThisIsFakeDIY etc.

Within a very short space of time they were flying out to America to record their debut album with Wilco’s Ken Coomer, became Nic Harcourt’s (KCRW DJ, Music Editor LA Times) & Steve Lamacq’s pick of SXSW and saw Stephen Fry proclaim Toy Horses his “new favourite indie band” to his 3.3m followers on Twitter. If you take in to consideration that all of this has happened without any active self-promotion, you start to see a genuine, natural phenomenon.

Début album ‘Toy Horses’ (released 2011) has been a critical success (“Critical List – The Independent, “Album Of The Week” – Daily Mirror, ***1/2 – Rolling Stone, “Timeless Classic” – Music Week, “The best thing to come out of Wales since the M4″ – Hit Sheet) and was among the early bookies favourites for the 2011 Mercury Prize. Adam & Tom from the band have also recently been invited by J. R. Rotem’s Beluga Heights in L.A. to write for some of the worlds biggest selling artists including Jason Derulo, Sean Kingston, Drake etc.

Having received fantastic live reviews for their first headline UK and European tour, 2012 is shaping up to be a very exciting year for Toy Horses.

www.facebook.com/toyhorses

Agent – Lee Taylor

There’s a difference between retro chique and the reinvention of a genre. Bleech manage to give their burning guitars, heavy drums and howling vocals a modern touch of “NOW”. They have breathed new life into the genre, which even Kurt Cobain pronounced dead.

Bleech released their first single ‘Is It True That Boys Don’t Cry’ on Ban*Jam/Island Records on limited edition vinyl. On the week of its release the single was on the NME ‘Songs To Listen To This Week’, NME Radio A- list and
Radio 6 playlist as well as Best of Myspace Number 1.

Their second self released single ‘The Worthing Song’ was Clash Magazine ‘Single of the Month’ and was NME Radio A-listed.

Bleech has built an impressive fan base including Steve Lamacq, John Kennedy, Lauren Lavern, Mark Richardson (Skunk Anansie/Feeder), Billy Lunn (The Subways). They have supported Wolfmother, The Kooks, The Subways, Pete Doherty, The Rifles and The Joy Formidable on tour.

2011 sees Bleech releasing a 4 track EP and expanding their tour to the States. The band has been named the new face of Kangol Headwear’s AW11 global campaign. Their debut album ‘Nude’ will be out early 2012.

Bleech’s energetic, powerful live performances along with melodic catchy songs make this hotly tipped band one to catch.

www.youtube.com/officialbleech
www.musicglue.net/bleech
www.facebook.com/bleechofficial
www.twitter.com/bleechmusic
www.bleechblog.blogspot.com

Agent – Colin Keenan

Skint & Demoralised began as a fusion of performance poetry and Northern Soul-inspired grooves when 18-year-old Wakefield lad Matt Abbott began to work with Sheffield-based producer MiNI dOG over MySpace in May 2007. Demos were written and recorded via e-mails, and in November of the same year their track ‘Red Lipstick’ was played by Steve Lamacq and Colin Murray on BBC Radio 1. Lamacq named the band at #3 in his Top 100 New Bands of the Year at the end of ’07, and by the start of 2008 their demos were nearing 10,000 free downloads.

In March 2008 they signed a deal with Mercury Records which saw them flown out to New York City to begin sessions for their debut album ‘Love, And Other Catastrophes’. They recorded with legendary soul session band The Dap-Kings (who also played on Amy Winehouse’s ‘Back To Black’) and in November 2008 their debut single sold all 500 copies of a limited 7” on pre-order. The track, ‘The Thrill of Thirty Seconds’, was named as Colin Murray’s Record of the Week on Radio 1.

A headline tour and the release of ‘This Song Is Definitely Not About You’ was followed by a hectic summer schedule – which saw the band become a hit on the major festival circuit – and in July the track ‘Red Lipstick’ was released. Despite heavy airplay on Radio 1, the track failed to make it into the Top 40 and Mercury called it a day before the album was even released.

Matt went back to his performance poetry routes whilst working at HMV, blending his material with stand-up at Latitude and Leeds Festival over summer 2010. Abbott and MiNI dOG decided to record an album of material at their home studio in Sheffield with no budget or solid plans in place, and then in spring 2011 they agreed a deal with independent label Heist or Hit Records. Second album ‘This Sporting Life’ was released on 2nd August as part of a 2CD Bonus Edition alongside the previously unreleased debut. Single ‘The Lonely Hearts of England’ saw them return better than ever and the band are completing 2011 with a full UK tour, including dates with The Crookes and Art Brut.

http://www.skintanddemoralised.co.uk/

Agent – Lee Taylor

The Brute Chorus are quiffed and moustachioed Vicar’s son James Steel (Vocals, Guitar and
Harmonica), Cumbrian Nick Foots (Vocals, Guitar, Keyboard and Stuff), Hampshire country boy
and son of a Dylan-fanatic Mark Austin (Vocals, Drums and Percussion), and Essex born Dave
Ferrett (Vocals, Bass). The band all live together in Whitechapel, East London.

Love, religion, fables, mythical beasts and the odd Greek Tragedy – they’re all here. The Brute
Chorus blend a writhing mix of pop, circus burlesque and, most noticeably, rockabilly that you will
not be able to stop tapping your toes to. It’s a fairy tale, a fable and a hoe-down!

With a nod and a reference to rock n roll, blues, post punk and even a good measure of ramshackle
folk thrown in, The Brutes deliver the goods with one of the most exciting live sets this side of the
Atlantic.

“..Tom Verlaine and Jonathan Richman gone rockabilly..” – Clash Magazine

Starting out with a residency at London’s infamous The Hawley Arms, The Brutes put out their first
two singles on the pub’s label Bumpman. After a year of relentless touring and widespread acclaim
from radio men like Steve Lamacq and Zane Lowe, the Brutes decided to record their debut album
in front of a live audience at The Roundhouse in Camden. It received a host of 5 star reviews from
Clash, Artrocker , BBC and Drowned in Sound amongst others.

The Brutes recently recorded their second album in a freezing hall in the Lake District. The album
‘How the Caged Bird Sings’ will be released very soon and singles ‘Could This Be Love’,
‘Heaven’ and ‘Birdman’ have already received extensive radio including a live session for Marc
Riley on 6music, single of the week on Kerrang Radio and Ar tist in Residence on XFM.

Live, the band are brimming with energy and replete with confidence built on an impressive gigging
schedule, they strut, stutter and howl their way through their live sets. They have toured with Martha
Wainwright, Rumble Strips, Ida Maria and even a trip to the seaside with Peggy Sue and The Pirates
as well as numerous headline UK and European shows.

MySpace
YouTube channel
‘Birdman’ single video
Soundcloud
Facebook
Twitter

Agent – Colin Keenan

The Neat “Unquestionably, they’re the finest new guitar band we’ve seen in an age!” says The Fly and they are not wrong, after a busy year supporting Warpaint and The Young Knives The Neat are a not only fresh and hip but they are a tour de force live due to an abundance of wild yet controlled energy. Praise has come from high places as these BBC 6 darlings were joint winners with the Mercury prize winners the xx on Steve Lamacq’s ‘Roundtable Music Of The Year’ and have gained single of the month twice by Artrocker Magazine for ‘in youth is pleasure’ and there most recent single ‘Hips.’ Undoubtedly this band are on the rise so do not miss them before they are off again!

http://soundcloud.com/theneat
www.theneat.blogspot.com

Agent – Lee Taylor

In their strongholds, especially Manchester and southern Europe – in Greece, they play to tens of thousands – Puressence are treated as idols. Elsewhere, they’ve had chart success in the days when the charts mattered, though they’ve never benefitted from being part of any trend. When schoolmates James and Tony Szuminski (drums) met Kevin Matthews (bass) and founding guitarist Neil MacDonald on the bus to The Stone Roses’ legendary Spike Island show in 1989, they formed a band that married the presence and attitude of the Roses to a darkly haunting and molten guitar rock that last hit the heights during the era of Joy Division and Echo & The Bunnymen.

Most recently, reviewing Puresssence’s homecoming show at Manchester’s Ritz in April 2011, John Robb wrote, “This is the real sound of Manchester- just like the Chameleons or the early Roses- those fluid rock bands with imaginative guitar players and charismatic singers building soundscapes- this is the very core of Manchester that has nothing to do with fashion or the much edited lineage that dominates the city’s narrative.”

20 years since Puressence formed, they’re still improving, still refining, still expanding. The clichéd press approach to the band – that they deserve to be much more widely recognised – becomes less relevant as time goes on.

“It makes me laugh when people underestimate me,” a combative James grins. “My appetite for music is just getting whetted. To me, the band is massive because we write massive music, and through word of mouth, we get bigger every year. As long as I can find the germ of an idea and create something from it, and get it across live, with passion, and people tell me they love it, I’ll keep going. And we’ll only stop when we stop feeling that.”

“It’s only a matter of time before the world catches on how earth shatteringly important Puressence are.” The Guardian

“An epic quartet fronted by a voice of rare power & distinction” Mojo

www.puressence.co.uk

Agent – Colin Keenan

When Little Man Tate decided to call it a day in October 2009, Jon Windle had one of two choices – go and find himself a ‘day’ job – or maybe give it one more crack and see if the world was ready to listen to what he had to say. Not that it was quite that straight forward…

In fact, it was only during a break between studio sessions writing for other people that the bug bit gain. “…I was at this charity do in Rotherham and one of the organisers, a friend, was nagging me to get up and do a number. I was like, “Nah, nah” and they were all “go on Jon, go on Jon”….so we just did a couple of covers and a couple of LMT numbers and I loved it! I remembered what I loved about performing and it all just came back to me….”

Freshly inspired Jon now had a new project to whet his lyrical appetite, as the wintry nights drew in, he kept himself busy with countless scraps of paper and battered guitar strings which, eventually, led to the body of material that would become his debut solo album.

Released on 18th October 2010, almost a year to the day after the demise of LMT, Step Out The Man (Tiny Teeth Records) received both critical and public acclaim.

Although more mature than previous work, Windle has stayed true to his roots and fundamental beliefs around song writing “…I love country music, love the way it tells a story…I want to write about specific events, not general social commentary…”.

Accompanied by blistering high energy live performances, he has proved to the cynics that he has the ability to move away from the comfort of a group, and stand out to be counted in his own right – captured perfectly in the tone of the title track to last years album.

Writing and recording is well underway for album number two. More live dates will follow as Jon continues to spread his word to anyone who will take the time to listen to it.

www.jonwindle.co.uk

Agent – Colin Keenan

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Misty’s Big Adventure are an 8 piece band from Birmingham led by Grandmaster Gareth, who John Peel once pronounced “The New God”. Since 2004, Misty’s Big Adventure have released four studio albums to critical acclaim, with the NME calling their last album “a masterpiece”. They have toured all over the UK with The Zutons, The Guillemots, The Magic Numbers, Dodgy, The Bluetones, 50 Foot Wave and most recently with Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip. They’ve also made many festival appearances including End Of The Road, Green Man, Bestival, and Get Loaded in the UK and also in Germany, Holland, Poland and Lithuania.

They have recorded radio sessions for Stuart Maconie, Gideon Coe, Tom Robinson, John Kennedy and Rob Da Bank, as well as being played by Don Letts, John Peel, Phill Jupitus, Huw Stephens, Janice Long, Chris Hawkins and Irwin Chusid amongst others.

Dave Gorman is a big fan and asked them to write the theme music for his BBC2 show Genius. One of their songs is currently the theme tune for a new Radio2 show called Jimmy Carr’s Comedy Cuts. Their new album The Family Amusement Centre features a guest appearance by Sir Patrick Moore and will be out this year. Previous albums have featured a Noddy Holder voiceover and Gruff Rhys eating vegetables! Grandmaster Gareth has also collaborated with Broadcast, Jeffrey Lewis, Kimya Dawson, Pram and The Zutons.

http://mistysbigadventure.com/

Agent – Lee Taylor

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A collector of her own bones and things that puzzle or spin new thoughts, Cara Sebastian was always a little awkward and uninterested in talking about the weather. Born in France and shuffled through various cul-de sacs in the Midlands, she was often facing something new. She became addicted to notebooks early on and continues to fill them up with small things worth noticing. Her primary pieces are rooted in 80’s & 90’s pop and soul music which have leant her her clear songwriting ideas and romantic and almost melodramatic character. After being introduced to Jimi Hendrix, Bjork, and PJ Harvey in one sitting Cara sneakily sold her saxophone and bought a guitar.

Her self-taught style has mostly seen comparisons to an early Ani Difranco who inspired and excited Miss Sebastian for many years, and has helped her trace her way through a couple of albums with numerous collaborators. Now Cara’s influences range from old skiffle & swing through to prog and wonky blues.

Cara Sebastian is a guitar thumping- string twanging- old record of a person who likes to observe people and catch herself at her most extreme. She has just finished recording an EP in a tiny bedroom in Dalston with one mic and an old friend who refuses to record digitally, and is very proud with how its turned out and that they didn’t kill each other in the process.

The ‘Wolves’ EP is now available to download for free online and she’ll be playing an adventurous selection of live shows solo and with her full band around the UK from January 2012.

www.carasebastian.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/carasebastian

Agent – Lee Taylor

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Davey Horne is a prodigious talent from Falkirk, Scotland. Sounding like the best bits of Neil Young, Prince and Eli ‘Paperboy’ Reed, Davey and his band will break your heart and put it back together in the space of one show.

After playing just a handful of gigs, Davey has gathered a large following and has supported Miles Kane and was hand picked to support Kassidy on their UK tour.

Currently playing festivals and gigs across the UK, Davey will begin recording a debut EP which will be released in the autumn.

http://soundcloud.com/daveyhorne

http://www.facebook.com/daveyhorne

Agent – Colin Keenan

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Spotlight Kid are a Nottingham-based shoegaze band whose lineup consists of drummer Chris Davis on drums, Rob McCleary and Katty Heath on vocals, Karl Skivington and Chris Moore on guitars and Matt Holt on bass.

Spotlight Kid have supported The Joy Formidable, Esben & The Witch and played at the 2011 Glastonbury Festival. Selected by a panel that included Zane Lowe, Steve Lamacq, Jo WIley, Tom Robinson and Emily Eavis – they appeared on the BBC Introducing stage.

The band have been played on BBC Radio 6music Tom Robinson, Gideon Coe, Radio 1 Jen Long show and have recently been selected to be playlisted on daytime Radio 1. Spotlight Kid’s music draws influences from the likes of My Bloody Valentine, Spacemen 3, Lush and Swervedriver. It features mixtures of shoegazing, Krautrock and 90s psychedelic rock.

www.spotlightkidsound.co.uk

Agent – Lee Taylor

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A four piece from Northampton, The Moons were founded in 2008 by singer, songwriter and guitarist Andy Crofts, formerly the bassist in The On-Offs and today Paul Weller’ s keyboardist. The group have just finished recording their second album, Tales Of The Unexpected, the follow up to 2010’ s Life On Earth. The album, a 14 tracker, was recorded over three weeks at Edwyn Collins’ West Heath Yard studio in London with Edwyn and Seb Lewsley producing four of the 14 tracks and it is signature Moons, defined by strong songwriting, delicious harmonising and tight musicianship.

Influences range from Joe Meek and Syd Barrett to The Zombies and the high points are many, including the startling Jennifer Sits Alone, the garage nugget Double Vision Love, a frenzied reworking of live favourite It’ s Taking Over and the duet Something Soon with Paul Weller.

The group have also just appeared on the JD Set celebration of the Smiths as a guest of Primal Scream’ s Mani, which was aired on Channel 4. The Moons’ line-up is completed by bassist/keyboardist Tom Warmsley, drummer Ben Gordelier and guitarist James Edward Bagshaw. As a member of indie band Sukie, James wrote a 2008 Number 1 indie hit Pink-A-Pade. He also plays keyboards in the Lightning Seeds.

The Moons’ debut album 2010’ s Life On Earth was an indie Top 30 hit and a HMV One To Watch. Paul Weller played piano on album track Wondering and played guitar on track Last Night On Earth. Sold out headline slots at London’ s The Borderline and 93 Feet East followed as did a storming show at the Isle Of Wight’ s Summer Madness festival. The group also supported Ocean Colour Scene on a country wide tour culminating at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Press
“ I really like the way The Moons mix Joe Meek with great Bowie-esque chord changes and choruses then add a psych energy to make out there sounds that you’ re still humming two days later.” – Nick Power, The Coral

“ Great songs and playing, well thought out arrangements, a lot of love has gone into this record.” – Paul Weller

“ I think the group sounds terrific – great vocals and sound, lots of sixties atmosphere.” – Rod Argent, The Zombies

“ Emotional, funny, quirky, warm, sad, reflective, thoughtful and unique songs. Love the guitars and the vocal sincerity.” – Dave Davies, The Kinks

“ It’ s a pleasure to hear a great new band who echo the finest traditions of songwriting and performance whilst keeping them alive and vibrant.” – Ian Broudie, Lightning Seeds

www.themoons.co.uk

Agent- Lee Taylor

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Rod is best known as a songwriter/guitarist in the Scottish group Idlewild. Alongside Roddy Woomble and Colin Newton he formed the band in 1995. Over a period spanning 15 years the band have toured the world as headliners and also in support of Pearl Jam, R.E.M., U2, The Rolling Stones and many more. Their album “100 Broken Windows” was recently voted Scottish album of the last decade by fans in the Skinny magazine and continues to have a fanatical following. Their follow up album “The Remote Part” debuted at number 3 in the UK charts with the single “You held the world in your arms” reaching number 9. The band have released seven studio albums to critical acclaim and continue to sell out concerts across the globe.

Aside from his work with Idlewild, Rod is also a singer songwriter under his own name, releasing a debut solo album “A sentimental education” in 2010. He has also collaborated on several other projects including the currently unreleased “George is Jones” album with American singer Inara George.

More recently Rod alongside Emma Pollock has been curating and organsing music events for The Scottish Mental health Arts and Film festival every September/October. Born out of this “The fruit tree foundation” was set up by Rod and Emma to bring together various artists to collaborate, write and record an album in aid of promoting awareness of mental health wellbeing. The project has been a huge success and the first album “First Edition” features members of Frightened Rabbit, Sparrow and the workshop and Twilight Sad with James Yorkston, Jenny Reeve and Alasdair Roberts working alongside Emma and Rod. The album is released worldwide in mid June 2011.

Given the busy schedule Rod has kept up for the last 15 years you might think he would want to take a break whilst Idlewild were on down time but no…. Enter “The Birthday Suit”. Over the early part of 2011, Rod has been working in the studio on this latest record. Sounding more akin to early Idlewild, the record is a noisy yet poppy return to Rod’s roots and that combined with involving a collection of local musicians and friends, he felt that that it should be presented as a new band.

The first single “Do you ever?” will be released as a free download on August 30th 2011, with a follow up and the album to be released in late October. Audio tasters of a few songs are available on Rod’s solo page on facebook.

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Agent – Colin Keenan

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Due out for its official release on 13th February 2012 via US label All Things Go, ‘Sol’ is the first offering from Newcastle based Anglo-Italian four piece M A U S I.

Born in Milan, siblings Daisy & Thomas moved to the UK in 2008 where they subsequently met and moved in with Englishmen Ben & Benji at University in the North East. Formed in 2010, the band cite French collectives Pony Pony Run Run, Phoenix and Breakbot as their biggest influences, as well as an unashamed love for pop favourites Uffie and Penguin Prison. Mausi create blissful up-beat pop, that harnesses a carefree Rivieran edge and driving disco feel; that is no more present than in single ‘Sol’.

The track was made available free in the summer of 2011 alongside self-written, directed and produced video receiving 15,000+ hits and coverage on NME.com and The 405. ‘Sol’ was featured as 6Music’s Nemone’s video of the week and has picked up support from Bethan Elfyn (6Music), Amazing Radio and Artrocker. Finally leading to ‘Sol’ being snapped up for its official release on February 13th 2012 through Neon Gold approved US label All Things Go, accompanied by a LIGHTWAVES remix.

‘Sol’ will be available to download and as a physical limited edition 7” on 13th February 2012 via All Things Go.

For music and live date information please visit:
www.wearemausi.com
@wearemausi
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Agent – Colin Keenan

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Among Brothers are a Cardiff-based six-piece, who have been compared to bands like Efterklang, Grammatics and Anathallo. They fuse electronic rhythms, theatrical chants and percussive flourishes to create vibrant pop-influenced arrangements anchored by narrative themes.

Their debut EP, Homes, was released earlier this year on their own label, Barely Regal Records. Homes features the song ‘Sam, Isaiah and the Wolf’, which was chosen by Bethan Elfyn as one of her top tracks of 2010, alongside bands like Warpaint, Foals and Islet. They have also featured on The 405′s compilation: ‘Heroes Of January And February 2011′, which also featured Toro Y Moi, Vessels and Munch Munch. 

Among Brothers were described as “one of the festival highlights” by SWN organiser John Rostron, after playing the Barely Regal stage at SWN Festival 2010 to a sold out venue. This year, the band have gone on to support prominent bands such as Jeniferever, Hjaltalin, and The Thermals. Shortly after returning from their Spring 2011 UK tour, Among Brothers will be playing the Introducing stage at the Radio 1 Big Weekend in Carlisle.

http://amongbrothers.tumblr.com/

Agent - Colin Keenan

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After a busy and exciting 2009, releasing their debut EP and playing shows with the likes of Porcupine Tree, Explosions in the Sky and Cymbals Eat Guitars, North Atlantic Oscillation’s debut album, Grappling Hooks, is released on March 22nd on Kscope.

The band have been described as prog-pop and electro-rock, but really they just make music. The music has soaring harmonies and loud guitars and dreamy synths and heavy drums and strange effects and unexpected changes-of-mind.

NAO are the Scottish based trio of Sam Healy (vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, synths, sax, percussion), Ben Martin (drums, percussion, programming) and Bill Walsh (bass, synth bass, vocals). They describe themselves as playing their instruments within a computerised wall of sound.

“Super exciting new Rock n Roll for a new decade” Zane Lowe, BBC Radio One

“They really are quite alarmingly good” Drowned in Sound Single of the Week

“NAO may well be your favourite new band” Artrocker

www.naoband.com

Agent – Lee Taylor

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Masters In France came together in 2009, in Caernarfon, Bangor, North Wales. They quickly garnered a lot of media coverage releasing material in both English and their native tongue. Their debut single ‘Yn y Ddinas’ selling 500 copies in its first week.

2010 saw Masters in France play Wakestock, SWN Festival and BBC’s Big Weekend Fringe. Over half way through 2011 and Bangor’s Masters In France have already had quite a year. Kicking of with a single release on Beggars Banquet’s Too Pure label, the band subsequently gained a spot on the Radio 1 playlist, recorded two sessions for the station, and played at 2011’s Radio 1 One Big Weekend. Now set to release their debut EP ‘Inhale’, the band are once again off on tour around the UK, culminating in an appearance at the Huw Stephens curated Swn festival.

Previous radio support from Huw Stephens (Radio 1), Jen Long (Radio 1), Greg James (Radio 1), Scott Mills (Radio 1), Fearne Cotton (Radio 1), Dev (Radio 1), Edith Bowman (Radio 1), Tom Robinson (6Music), Eddy Temple-Morris (XFM) John Kennedy (XFM), Loz Guest (Kerrang!), Caroline Beavon (Q) Owen Davies (NME), The Selector (NME).

www.myspace.com/mastersinfrance

Agent – Lee Taylor

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Tango in the Attic are really struggling to write the first line of this biog. We know how important it is for the first line to grab your attention and compel you to read on, so we are really trying. Once we get that first line out of the way we can start to tell you about how five guys in their early twenties, having grown up together in the small Scottish town of Glenrothes, formed a band whilst studying at Edinburgh University.

We found some practice space under a vintage clothes shop where we really started to develop our sound. Borrowing antique organs from grandparents, thieving cowbells from unsuspecting farmers and grabbing every unused table lamp we could get our hands on, we created an instrumental and ambient environment that has contributed directly to our overall style.

We take influence from the best pop, avant-garde and east coast garage music made over the last forty years. Acts such as Paul Simon sum up for us the art of writing a good pop song in an original way and we admire the pioneering work of bands such as The Velvet Underground for their unique approach to instrumentation and arrangement.

Taking heed from these examples, we attempt to write pop songs that are both unobvious but undeniably optimistic, encouraging listeners to engage and enjoy our energetic, uplifting music. We echo this sentiment through our live performance which succeeds in transferring our musical energy to the feet and hips of an ever growing and gratifyingly loyal fan-base.

Our live show has grown from playing small local gigs to touring nationwide. In the summer of 2009 we played several small festivals along side our National festival ‘T in the park’. Our performance there was enjoyed by 2000 festival goers who crammed themselves into a packed tent during an already impressive festival line-up. In addition to the public response we received very positive reviews in the national and music press.

In just under 18 months we’ve established ourselves as one of the freshest and exciting bands in Scotland. This is reflected in the admiration we have received from BBC Radio 1 amongst others in the media.

This progression was further established when our song Jackanory was selected by national fashion retailer Schuh as a synchronisation for their latest UK and Ireland wide TV campaign. This has cemented Tango in the Attic as a credible yet accessible, published artist.

We have self released three singles in 2009 which have grown positively in turn and as such given us the opportunity to tour our products extensively.

In July 2010 we released our debut record ‘Bank Place Locomotive Society’ on our own label. This has recieved rave reviews on both sides of the atlantic. A full touring schedule had been planned for this product. We have self financed all these projects so far and have managed to sustain a good financial balance. This has been aided in part by our strong merchandising function, which has helped us to establish a recognisable and successful brand image.

We are very serious about our progression and see this music business as a ‘business’ we have a strong business plan with a good product and understand the need for professional services such as press pluggers and agency

Nevertheless, we can’t even begin to tell you any of this until we find that all important first line! Wish us luck.

www.myspace.com/tangointheattic

Agent – Colin Keenan

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Adam Ficek is most commonly known to the general public for his day-job as drummer in notorious British rock act Babyshambles. As a member of the band fronted by Pete Doherty, the most talked- and written-about rock star of our time, Adam has seen the best and worst of life at the casualty-laden core of the music industry, but what many people don’t know is he is also a talented multi-instrumentalist who writes and performs beautifully crafted songs under the nom-de-plume of Roses Kings Castles.

Originally conceived as a creative outlet whilst Babyshambles were on holiday, Roses Kings Castles became something more than a means of occupying himself during down time. “I continually write, whether it’s big band arrangements, electro riffs or folk-pop songs. I just needed an avenue to walk down.”

The Roses Kings Castles sound is lost somewhere between Belle & Sebastian’s pastoral warmth and the hallucinatory six-string invocations of Syd Barrett, and manages to blissfully combine astute acoustic pop melodies with the finest elements of classic British songwriting.

Adam’s eponymus debut album has sold more than 3,000 copies since its release in September 2008 and a number of dates around Europe and America has seen him picking up many new fans across the globe. A string of low-key UK and Scandinavian shows in Spring 2009 saw Adam previewing new material, and working with a full band.

Following the release of a 6 track limited edition cassette only release (!) in May 2009, Adam re-entered the studio and cut a number of tracks. The first fruits of his labour were released as the ‘Apples & Engines’ EP, and a new album, Suburban Time Bombs was recorded in the months that followed.

The first single from the album, ‘One Born Every Minute’ was issued on 3rd May, and will be followed by an album this summer.

www.myspace.com/roseskingscastles

Agent – Lee Taylor

Leeds-based four piece Club Smith (Sam Robson: Main Vocals/Guitar, Vijay Mistry: Drums, Lee Clark: Bass/Vocals, Neil Clark: Keys/sampler/vocals) release their debut AA side single ‘No Friend Of Mine’ / ‘Young Defeatists’ on 6th June 2011 via Front Wall Records. Promo copies feature a remix by Copilots (Jamie Ellis of Battle and Russell Lissack of Bloc Party).

The tracks have been produced by Will Jackson (Pigeon Detectives/The Music) and mixed by James Kenosha (Dinosaur Pile up/Pulled Apart by Horses /Grammatics). The propulsive rhythms, fuzzing bass and rabble-rousing vocals lay the foundations for a dark, dense slice of angry post-punk. Sam, a fearlessly candid and articulate lyricist, carefully negotiates the melodrama of the every day and the timeless struggle of the angry young man, to create impassioned and emotive lyrical content which deals with his growing despair over the state of the country today…a call to arms perhaps?

Now, with the band very much in existence, they have already picked up radio plays from indie arbiters of taste Steve Lamacq (who came to see them play in London) and Tom Robinson, who had the band in for interview after their shows on the BBC Introducing stages at Leeds/Reading 2010. They’ve also had plays from Huw Stephens, Frank Skinner (Absolute Radio), Rory McConnell (Radio 1) and have supported The Naked and Famous, Iliketrains, The Sunshine Underground, The Mystery Jets, Two Door Cinema Club, The Neat and Hockey.

www.clubsmith.co.uk
www.facebook.com/clubsmithmusic
www.twitter.com/clubsmith
www.youtube.com/joinclubsmith

Agent – Lee Taylor