For Folk's Sake - journalism, PR and musings from Sophie Parkes and the folk world

What a way to end the year!

2009-12-15T01:53:00.000-08:00

For Folk's Sake has been nominated in the Spiral Awards for 'best club or venue'! Not bad for a night that's been running only a little over a year.

Winners are decided by public vote so please take a few seconds to clickety click for me: http://www.spiralearth.co.uk/spirals2010/club.asp

Introducing... Citylifers

2009-11-27T02:37:00.001-08:00

Since the MEN's online version of City Life went quiet - it's still being updated, but now by in-house staff - the music scribes have joined together to form Citylifers. And I've joined in, too.

Here's my first album review. To be honest, the album made me a little crazy - I couldn't decide if I was here or there - so if it sounds like a load of twaddle, then it probably is.

http://citylifers.co.uk/album-reviews/

Twaddle. What a great word!

Citylifers

2009-11-02T13:52:00.000-08:00

Out of the ashes of the MEN's now-defunct City Life has grown 'Citylifers' - a music review site where former City Life contributors congregate.

And here's my first offering as the official folk correspondent:

http://citylifers.co.uk/2009/10/20/the-unthanks-formerly-rachel-unthank-and-the-winterset/

Temple Cloud Country Club score a fantastic 4 star review

2009-10-26T08:35:00.000-07:00

And from none other than Mark Edwards!

We were all mightily chuffed :-)

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/cd_reviews/article6883963.ece

Oh, and my Jim Moray article appears in the MEN today

2009-10-23T06:03:00.000-07:00

and if you're in the area, be sure to check out his gig tonight in the recently refurbished Manchester venue, Band On The Wall.

Judy Dyble in Flux Magazine

2009-10-23T06:00:00.001-07:00

...courtesy of the mighty Rich Hanscomb

Samson and Delilah launch their debut album today!

2009-10-19T07:34:00.000-07:00

Get on down to your record shop or click a button - get hold of your copy of the self-titled debut album from Samson and Delilah which is released today!

They're also in the midst of playing dates all round the country - including For Folk's Sake! - so be sure to catch them while you can.

In other news -

Temple Cloud Country Club are due to be reviewed in the Sunday Times this weekend which is very exciting.

Monster Ceilidh Band go from strength to strength with some lovely bits of press and airplay, including some from over the pond at Folk Alley and Dirty Linen, both in America.

Twelfth Day are gearing up for recording their debut album, and have had the most gorgeous shots done courtesy of the marvellous Shirlaine Forrest. Look out for a taster in the form of a demo which will be dropping onto doormats very shortly...

Julie Fowlis in the MEN

2009-10-02T04:00:00.001-07:00

Here it is... I've never spoken to a nicer lady!

http://www.citylife.co.uk/music/features/14641_gaelic_songstress_julie_fowlis_at_rncm

Yesterday...

2009-09-29T08:41:00.000-07:00

... I had the pleasure of interviewing two top folk musicians in one day.

Julie Fowlis is back in Manchester on Saturday, playing at the RNCM alongside a whole host of Celtic food as part of the Food and Drink Festival. (Haggis anyone?!)

And Jim Moray talks about being typecast, ahead of his date at the newly refurbished Band On The Wall.

I'll let you know when and where they can be found xx

Ballad of Britain

2009-09-25T07:13:00.001-07:00

I'm ploughing through this as I can't put it down! Even when I feel sick on the bus!

http://willhodgkinson.turnpiece.net/gallery/1317

Bright Young Folk review Monster Ceilidh Band

2009-09-11T02:10:00.000-07:00

http://www.brightyoungfolk.com/gigs/make-me-a-dancer-monster-ceilidh-band/record-detail.aspx

End of the festival season for me

2009-09-10T08:55:00.001-07:00

Well, Moseley was a lovely end to the festival season.

You can read my review here: http://www.spiralearth.co.uk/news/festivalstory.asp?nid=3411

I don't mention the cider, though - man, that was good!

Eliza in City Life

2009-09-09T06:30:00.000-07:00

She was amazing as ever:

http://www.citylife.co.uk/music/folk_blues/reviews/17091_beguiling_eliza_leaves_crowd_entranced

Found it! Devon Sproule...

2009-09-01T08:13:00.000-07:00

I rarely do 'question and answer' style interviews but this one seemed to work nicely... and it was done via email so it makes things a little easier :)

This was done last summer (2008) though, so it's a little out of date...

First of all, you're having a massively busy summer. You seem to be at every festival there is! What's been your highlight so far?

My drummer George brought his 7-year-old son Harrison to Green Man. It was his first festival and the mud was almost to the top of his little Wellies! One of his favorite bands, the Super Furry Animals, was headlining the Main Stage, but they came on late — not til almost midnight. Harrison, who had been a real trooper, made it to the beginning of the set, falling asleep 30 seconds into their first song. It was a real heart-wrenching, adorable moment.

How do UK festivals compare to the ones back home?

I’ve only played a few festivals in the US. Kerrville Folk Festival has a wonderful, community vibe to it. It goes on for two weeks and it’s incredibly hot, way out in the Texas desert. Like the rain here in the UK, the heat at home can be a real drag but can also add to the feeling of adventure.

You've been playing some of the UK's best known folk festivals - quite well known for being elitist and only putting 'true' folk artists on. Has this been your experience? Considering your music is derivative of a few different genres, were you surprised as your invitation?

I thought Cambridge would be the folkiest of the lot. But after seeing loads of different genres represented and having talked to a bunch of long time attendees, it seems like they were actually one of the first festivals to get really ecclectic with their line-up. Maverick was probably the least ecclectic of the bunch but the music was still good and it was great fun to see a bunch of English people in cowboy hats.

While you've been here in the UK, have you had the chance to visit the county of your namesake? Did you sample any of its famous clotted cream and scone afternoon teas?!

Yeah – we went to Devon last weekend actually, for the North Devon Folk Festival in Ilfracombe. It was lovely but I couldn’t match the enthusiasm of my bandmates, who had camped there as young’ns and were just puddles of nostalgia the whole time. Our Devon experience ended on a rather bad note, getting charged extra at the B&B because my bass player puked up a curry in his room, after a night out in the Ilfracombe night clubs. Now, who says folk music isn’t exciting?

I saw you play at the Royal Northern College of Music supporting Rachel Unthank and the Winterset. I see you're supporting them again - but this time, on tour in America. How does your music compliment theirs and vice versa? How do you think they'll go down in America?

My hope is that Rachel and the gang will have the exotic-foreigner advantage in the US, sort’ve like I get here in England. Their northern accents are so pronounced and they tend to chat a lot onstage, so the folks at home will probably dig that. In general, good audiences seem to enjoy artists who have obvious roots, but who don’t just play traditional music. And the Unthanks definitely fit that category.

It's been over a year since 'Keep Your Silver Shined' was released... that's right, isn't it? What's next in store? Are we to hear more about married life?

I’m recording for a couple days with my English band next week, before heading back to States. Hoping that we’ll get some keep-able stuff from that session. I’ve got about eight new songs, so that’s most of the way to a new record. And let’s see, on the subject front...there’s a new, homesick song that I wrote here, between UK festivals. There’s a been-married-a-few-years song called Don’t Hurry For Heaven. And a few that mention my sister-in-law — sort’ve the lady in my life — Maria. So I guess it’s still pretty domestic, pretty Virginia-centered. There’s just a little less folk-style fingerpicking, a little more groovy stuff in its place. Maybe I’m finally putting all that Jesse Winchester listening to good use!

When I've seen you play, your husband got up to accompany you, too. Do you ever write together? Or is it a case of presenting your music to each other for suggestions/criticism/approval?

We tend not to tour together. Paul has helped me with my last two records — enormously. But as far as collaboration, pretty much all we do it this once-a-year Valentine’s Day show in our hometown, when we play old country and jazz covers.

I was startled when I read in an interview that you said you 'did a lot of women's music when you were a teenager.' Then I realised you meant writing from the perspective of being a woman. Why would you say this doesn't form the basis for your music now?

I think I meant that early on, I listened to and was inspired by a lot of women artists -- Bjork, Liz Phair, Ani Difranco — and their strength and independence was possibly even more important to my growth as was their actual music. Nowadays, I still listen to women — a lot of Lucinda Williams recently, and I did love Amy Winehouse’s last CD — but have spent much of my twenties catching up with all the talented men.

Do you ever encounter blatant sexism whilst performing, writing or recording? Or do you think it may be a little easier being a solo artist and playinh music which isn't quite mainstream? What advice would you give to a young girl who was just starting out as a musician and songwriter?

I guess it really mostly depends on who you choose to work with. In business matters, my husband and I have found that agents, promoters, and venue people (especially men) are often less polite with Paul than with me, and I think that has to do with my being a woman. Sometimes, if we’re in a guitar shop together, salesmen will assume that I know less. Sometimes sound guys are like that too. But in general, independent music seems pretty good in that sense.

Every interview I have read mentions your community 'alternative' upbringing - does it irritate you that this is always brought up?

Good question, Sophie. Thanks. Well, I’m always a little torn on questions about Twin Oaks. I love talking to people about it, think it’s great to let people know about a radically different way of living. But when an article is published that talks more about my communal upbringing than my music — well, that can be a little frustrating.

Towersey Village Folk Festival

2009-09-01T03:08:00.000-07:00

I had an amazing time at Towersey, running around with the Spiral Earth team. I was so impressed with Spiral Earth's planning and organisation, and I really think the end result, a DVD of the festival, will be brilliant! (And so did the festival-public, judging by the amount of pre-orders taken)

I even enjoyed presenting! God only knows what I’ll look like, though. My hair was so greasy by the final day that I looked like I worked in a chippy!

My highlight of the weekend was definitely Karine Polwart's set. Somehow I've never seen her play before, and she blew me away! Seeing Mawkin juggling various guests in the place of irreplaceable Jim Causley was entertaining, too.

As was Devon Sproule's exclamation backstage:

"I just went outside and a guy came up to me and said 'I saw you at Green Man. You were better. You're too polished'", she laughed, obviously disappointed. "I think he was German."

Which reminds me - I did a really nice interview with Devon for my friend's zine which I believe was never published. I'll dig it out and put it on here.

And the most touching thing over the weekend was Demon Barbers’ Bryony Griffiths, who told the audience that her grandma had passed away in April, but had intended to come and see her set at Towersey, only living down the road.
Moseley next weekend!

Monster Ceilidh Band - again!

2009-08-26T03:33:00.001-07:00

It's all go on the Monster Ceilidh Band front - here's a clipping from the Newcastle Chronicle...

iHerd it first!

2009-08-25T14:37:00.000-07:00

OK, strictly I didn't, but I am slightly in love with that pun... expect to see that cropping up again and again.

Anyway, did I mention that I'm doing some PR for the lovely Monster Ceilidh Band? Not only are they due to release their debut album, Make Me A Dancer, but they've also been snapped up by the folks at iPhone. Their music now accompanies an application (or is it an app? I'm not sure of iPhone etiquette! In fact, it might not even be an application. What even is an application?!!) called iHerd which, judging by this little demo, looks mightily fun: http://www.youtube.com/user/1Baawolf#play/all/uploads-all/0/0TDmcjCJ8dQ

Now I just need to get an iPhone to see/hear it in the flesh!

Towersey Festival

2009-08-25T14:29:00.000-07:00

Spiral Earth is the official online media partner at this year's Towersey Folk Festival and the SE guys have kindly invited me down to help them out with a bit of filming. Spiral Earth have been commissioned to produce a commemorative DVD of this year's festival and I'll be interviewing some musicians and audience members on camera.

It's typical that Towersey just falls after my birthday though - so much for being thin on camera! I'm full of birthday cake and birthday cheese!

Anyway, the lineup looks fab: http://www.towerseyfestival.com/

Ewan MacColl memorial concert and reissue of Journeyman

2009-08-21T02:31:00.000-07:00

The lovely folks down at Manchester University Press are reissuing Ewan MacColl's autobiography, Journeyman, to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of his death. There will also be a memorial concert at Peel Hall in Salford. Here's the press release below...

The memorial concert for Ewan MacColl (25 January 1915 - 22 October 1989) looks set to be a landmark folk occasion, commemorating the life and work of one of the major architects of the English folk revival.

But far more than a prolific songwriter, folk singer and teacher, he was the founder with Joan Littlewood here in Manchester of radical theatre, a playwright and actor, and a passionate supporter of radical causes.  

The concert, which will be held at Peel Hall in Salford on 27th October, also celebrates the re-issue by Manchester University Press of Journeyman Ewan MacColl's vivid and entertaining autobiography. This new version has been re-edited from his original manuscript, and includes a new introduction by Peggy Seeger, his partner for the last thirty years of his life. Copies of the book will be on sale for £10 during the concert.

  Peggy Seeger is joined at the concert by folk singers old and new. Among those taught by Peggy and Ewan in their 'Critics Group' were Sandra Kerr, John Faulkner, Bob Blair and Brian Pearson, all variously singing, writing, acting and teaching. Sandra teaches on the influential Folk and Traditional Music degree course at Newcastle University, the best training ground for folk musicians today. John Faulkner, now artist in residence at the Galway City Museum, took part in Travelling People, last of the famous MacColl/Seeger Radio Ballad series, a form revisited by the BBC in 2006. Writing for and singing in this award-winning recent series were two of the most well-known folk singers today, Jez Lowe - perhaps the best modern songwriter in the folk idiom - and Bob Fox. The line-up is completed by David Ferrard, a young Scottish/American writer of songs of peace and protest.  Tickets cost £10, and go on sale on 14th September.

Call the MUP office on 0161 275 2310 for all ticket enquiries. Copies of Journeyman, the new edition of Ewan MacColl's best-selling autobiography, will be on sale at the concert for just £10.

Excellent Judy Dyble review

2009-07-30T13:44:00.001-07:00

The reviews for Talking With Strangers are rolling in. Here's an excellent one in Record Collector:

http://www.recordcollectormag.com/reviews/review-detail/4433

Latest issue of Fiddle On

2009-07-29T15:59:00.001-07:00

I've been a little greedy and gone interview mad! My interviews with Dougie MacLean (cover story), James Delarre, Fiona Driver and Kate Thompson all feature.

I've just had the pleasure of interviewing the wonderful Joe Broughton, too, so look out for that in a future edition.

Mary Hampton - what a voice!

2009-06-10T04:14:00.000-07:00

Here's my review: http://www.citylife.co.uk/music/reviews/16584_mary_hampton_captivates_deaf_institute

New album review

2009-05-27T07:47:00.000-07:00

For all you Fairport fans: http://spiralearth.co.uk/NEWS/Review-story.asp?nid=2906

PR PR PR

2009-05-20T05:59:00.000-07:00

I'm really lucky to be working on a couple of exciting PR projects at the moment.

The first is PBS6, a folk and hip hop collaboration project which is the brainchild of percussionist, Will Lang. Will's recruited some fine musicians from both scenes to collaborate on original material, some of which derives from a period of time he spent in Australia with musicians there.

The second is the brand new album from singer, Judy Dyble. The album is fantastic and made with some legendary names from the music world, past and present.

Keep your eyes and ears peeled for both...

Big Whistle Weekend

2009-05-06T03:33:00.000-07:00

They cut the pun... I don't blame them:

http://www.citylife.co.uk/music/news/13333_big_whistle_weekend

A chocolate bar for the correct guess of which pun I used...?

The Awkward Recruit

2009-05-06T03:31:00.000-07:00

I have fallen in love with this album. If there were more stars, I would have given it more...

http://www.citylife.co.uk/music/release/5849

Over-enthusiastic? Me??

New review on Spiral Earth

2009-05-05T03:10:00.001-07:00

In the aftermath of a soggy bank holiday weekend, here's a new review of a band based in Manchester:

http://spiralearth.co.uk/NEWS/Review-story.asp?nid=2786

busy bee, that's me!

2009-04-27T03:55:00.000-07:00

A couple of new pieces...

In this month's fRoots, I've got a piece on Rachael McShane. She's an amazing lady. I'll get a scan ASAP and put it in the gallery.

My interview with the Single Cell collective is in the current issue of Mule. It's in the gallery if you want to take a peek.

I'll also be interviewing the Oysterband's John Jones about his crazy endeavours, walking to each gig on his solo tour. Yup, walking.

I've recently interviewed Fiona Driver for a future issue of Fiddle On, and reviewed Mawkin:Causley's first full-length album, The Awkward Recruit, for Citylife.

My friend runs a great zine called The Rookie Files and I've got an interview with my own band mate in there. Self-indulgent? (ahem)

Fiona Driver

2009-03-30T12:22:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a fiddler! I've just completed an interview with her and she had so much interesting stuff to say that my article just went on and on... needs a rather major editing job! Look out for it in a future issue of Fiddle On.

New blog on Spiral Earth...

2009-03-09T04:02:00.000-07:00

... this time about our merger:

http://spiralearth.co.uk/news/story.asp?nid=2491

Latest issue of Fiddle On

2009-03-08T04:02:00.000-07:00

Make sure you catch the latest issue of Fiddle On magazine, there's a really interesting interview with the queen of fiddlers, Liz Doherty...

... oh, and there's two articles by a certain someone... a report from the Folk Awards and an interview with amazing young fiddler, Georgina Clarke.

Mia Darlone - Below The Belt

2009-03-02T15:23:00.000-08:00

Here's my interview with the wonderfully gifted, Mia:

http://www.citylife.co.uk/theatre_dance/news/12672_mia_darlone_hitting_below_the_belt

My Lau review

2009-03-02T15:21:00.000-08:00

http://www.citylife.co.uk/music/folk_blues/event_review/33969_lau

They were that good. I must review the album, too. It's a corker.

Interview with Erika Lopez!

2009-01-31T02:23:00.000-08:00

Have a look at my interview with Erika Lopez which featured in yesterday's Manchester Evening News: http://www.citylife.co.uk/theatre_dance/news/12261_spoken_word_maverick_erika_tours_welfare_queen

I'll put up the unabridged version on here soon! And make sure you get down on Thursday, it's going to be a cracker!

Sophie
x

Roundup....

2009-01-28T11:50:00.001-08:00

Things have been absolutely, wonderfully manic. But that's how we like it!

Firstly, an interview I conducted with Manchester poet, Phil Golding, was in Tuesday's MEN. You can see the online version of it here: http://www.citylife.co.uk/arts/literature/news/12247_for_better_or_verse_for_phil___
and I'll put a scan of it in the gallery. Phil's such a great bloke and since the interview has appeared in the paper, he's been invited to come on to a radio programme. Good on him!

Another review for the MEN can be found here:
http://www.citylife.co.uk/music/folk_blues/event_review/29984_blue_blokes_3
Ian Anderson's Blue Blokes 3 played at The Met in Bury last week and were great. It's a shame there wasn't a bigger crowd to greet them.

And I'm delighted to have been invited by the wonderful Will Lang (of Park Bench Social Club fame) to help out on the press side of things for his new project currently in the pipeline. The project will see a mixture of folk and urban musicians coming together on a collaboration which sets out to prove the two genres aren't all that different. Pilot gigs have had a wonderful reception so watch this space!

So that leaves next week and the BBC Folk Awards...

Did you recently send me an email about a PR project?

2009-01-26T06:26:00.001-08:00

Did you recently contact me about a PR project?
Unfortunately an email which I think may well from a real person(!) about a potential PR project landed in my junk mail and was deleted before I could read it. If that was you - apologies! Please contact me again and I'll endeavour to be in touch immediately!

And another roundup...

2008-12-28T03:06:00.000-08:00

... straight outta Manchester:

http://www.citylife.co.uk/music/news/11914_sophie_parkes__top_five

I've just come to appreciate how cumbersome my surname is when used in this fashion!

My 2008 roundup and forthcoming stuff..

2008-12-23T05:43:00.000-08:00

Well, what a year. If you're interested in reading my top ten albums and my journalistic highlights of the year, have a look at the Spiral Earth roundup: http://spiralearth.co.uk/news/topten08.asp
Make sure you read what Iain and David have to say, too - they're brilliant and have travelled the length and breadth of the country to bring the best folk news, reviews and interviews to the web.

I'm using the gorgeous festive downtime to catch up on some stuff, and plan my next moves. I've just had the privilege of interviewing children's novelist, Kate Thompson, about her fiddle playing for a future issue of Fiddle On, so be sure to look out for that. Hopefully, I'll be interviewing Dougie MacLean in the near future, too.

Merry Christmas!!

Young Folk Award 2008/2009

2008-12-09T13:26:00.000-08:00

On Friday 5th December, I travelled to London's Queen Elizabeth Hall on the South Bank for the Young Folk Award. Although I've always followed the award and its competitors, I've never made it down to the finals.

And on arrival, my geeky star-struck side promptly came out when the first person I saw, stood by the entrance, was Jim Moray - who, once himself a finalist, was attending on judging duty. Then it became a bit of a spot-who-is-in-the-audience moment, but I didn't get much further than Simon Nicol, Colin Irwin and a bloke I knew I recognised and turned out to be a member of Mawkin.

Anyway, starting promptly at 7.30pm, Mike Harding trotted on stage and the performances began.

First up was Tyde, a trio from Northumberland playing guitar, fiddle and accordion. Technically Tyde were fantastic, not surprising considering that they met when playing in Folkestra, and their two sets of tunes were unabashed and confident. I even let out a whoop at applause time, though on reflection I realised they probably lacked that energy and dynamism to make them winners.

Lucy Ward was a brave young lady - fancy chastising Mike Harding on stage! (Mike mistakenly said that she'd won a songwriting competition in 2009) That certainly got the crowd on side! Her rendition of Mike Waterson's 'Stitch In Time', sung unaccompanied, possessed everything you'd want an unaccompanied song to possess.

Megan and Joe Henwood... well, we'll come to them later ;)

Maz O'Connor is often guest singer for the band Last Orders but here sang two songs unaccompanied. Although enjoyable at the time, I have to confess to not being able to remember what she sang. I knew I should've brought a notepad and pen like any other self-respecting journo!

Emily Hoile and Alice Burn, once I'd got over the fact that they are both aged sixteen yet look older than me, played a set of tunes on clarsach and pipes. Again, their musicianship and technical ability was obvious, but it seemed that technique got in the way of interpretation and feeling. It seemed a little souless at times.

Jaywalkers couldn't have been a bigger contrast. A duo of mandolin and fiddle from the north west of England, 15 year old Jay's voice was astonishing.

Of course, Mike Harding stressed how difficult the judges' job would be, and although that comment always seems a polite cop-out, it was matter of fact here. The standard of the acts was enormously high but incredibly varied. I thought if I wanted one of the competitors to record a CD, I would have chosen Tyde. But if I was thinking purely about festivals, then I would've picked Jaywalkers because they were so compelling to watch.

As it so happened, Megan and Joe Henwood, a sibling duo from Oxfordshire, were crowned the winners. Megan's voice is truly heart stopping - it's distinctive, idiosyncratic, yet gorgeous - and the sensitive accompaniment from saxophonist Joe was thought provoking without being overbearing. Admittedly, the duo aren't at all traditional whilst previous winners are, so I wasn't surprised to see the mudcat message board awash with complaints.

Nevertheless, I'll be interested to see how they develop over the next year.

My review of James Yorkston

2008-11-20T08:37:00.001-08:00

Hot off the press:

http://spiralearth.co.uk/NEWS/Review-story.asp?nid=1972

An interview with...

2008-11-17T01:35:00.001-08:00

... the wonderful Bella Hardy:

http://www.citylife.co.uk/music/news/11526_bella_hardy___edale_folk_fiddler_with_a_great_future

For Folk's Sake part trois...

2008-11-05T07:56:00.001-08:00

My second piece in the MEN

2008-10-31T13:12:00.000-07:00

I'm delighed that today marks my second article in the MEN - a small interview/gig preview with Julie Fowlis. She plays at the RNCM on Monday, so make sure you get down and see her. She's phenomenal!

And I'll scan in the article and put it up ASAP :)

I try my hand at broadcast journalism...

2008-09-23T04:27:00.000-07:00

... with a bit of a giggling interview.

Following the link to see my interview with Ric Sanders at Cropredy Festival:
http://spiralearth.co.uk/festivals/Cropredy08.asp

I'd had wine and cider beforehand, blame it on that.

Sorry!

2008-09-19T06:19:00.000-07:00

I've not written in aaaages... more to do with general busy-ness, rather than lack of anything to talk about! No pc or internet access as much to do with it, too :)

Anyway, I'm now a contributor to www.citylife.co.uk so check out: http://www.citylife.co.uk/music/news/10691_eliza_carthy__folk_royalty and this (which actually featured in print in the MEN - scan to follow shortly!): http://www.citylife.co.uk/music/news/5392_sessions_launch_for_kirsty

Tony Wilson - cropping up again!

2008-08-01T01:39:00.000-07:00

I've been published in Clash which is quite nice: http://www.clashmusic.com/live-review/tony-wilson-experience-more

And here's my review of Interpol for FM http://www.thefugitivemotel.org.uk/?p=511

The Pigeon Detectives are my new favourite band: http://highvoltage.org.uk/displaydemoreview.asp?num=3878&band=1632 (had you there for a moment, right?!)

...and I think that's it for now. Look out for a new interview with Kirsty McGee in preparation for her forthcoming new album (hopefully for publication in the MEN), and interviews with Devon Sproule and Dougie MacLean. Exciting stuff!

The Tony Wilson Experience - my experience

2008-07-02T08:57:00.000-07:00

At 10am on the longest day of the year, two hundred handpicked creative individuals, the ‘talent’, gathered together in Manchester’s Hard Rock Café, nervously shuffling through their goodie bags and hastily consuming canapés, wondering what the Tony Wilson Experience was all about, and what the next 24 hours would bring.
Peter Saville, Elliot Rashman and Sir Richard Leese, well known ambassadors for the city in their various roles, also confessed that they, too, were not entirely sure what was in store but hoped that the event, held in memory of Anthony H. Wilson approximately a year after his death, would be ‘shambolic enough to be useful.’
And so it began. It was Steve Coogan and Peter Saville, with Alex Poots, director of Manchester International Festival, who first took to the stage in the giant tipi in Cathedral Gardens, tentatively discussing Tony’s impact on the city and themselves as professionals in their creative disciplines.
The first few hours continued in this rather formal fashion, with the ‘experienced’, the likes of broadcaster Stuart Maconie, property mogul Tom Bloxham, Hacienda designer Ben Kelly and Artistic Director of Liverpool’s Capital of Culture honour, Jayne Casey, sharing anecdotes about their experiences of Tony and the Hacienda, and the creative impact of Manchester on the global stage.
As confidence and beer consumption grew, however, the audience realised that a discussion about a past with which they could not identify was not the Tony Wilson Experience they had in mind, one plucky individual grabbing the microphone to state that as a person in his mid twenties, the Hacienda bears no relevance to his life and his experience of the city and the focus should be on Tony’s legacy and the creative future of the city and its residents.
How right he was. From that moment onwards, microphones flew around the room and the event finally became participatory and interactive, much to the evident delight of its organisers.
Quite frequently debates became furiously heated, such as Irvine Welsh and Paul Morley’s discussion about the possible trend of dumbing down of culture, or Kevin Cummins and Karen McBride’s vehement defence of the role of the professional photographer. The peak was Stella Grundy’s 3am interrogation of Shaun Ryder who retaliated by throwing a jug of water over the former punk singer turned actress.
Perhaps most invigorating was the wonderfully shambolic open mic session which saw the young talent finally taking over the microphone to share resources, finding out where in Manchester, for example, cheap art studios could be rented, or how to better promote spoken word performers.
The Tony Wilson Experience was decidedly ramshackle yet inspiring, sometimes pretentious and definitely motivating – undoubtedly an event Tony Wilson would have relished.

Rock n Reel and The Tony Wilson Experience

2008-06-26T02:28:00.000-07:00

Check out Issue 10 of Rock n Reel - this one above - as my review of the Levs at Manchester Apollo is included, as well as a very psychedelic advert by a certain band called Air Cav :)

The Tony Wilson Experience last weekend was fab. I didn't quite make the 24hours and left for home at 8am, but it was a jam packed 20 hours - full of thought provoking discussion between the audience, the handpicked 'talent', and the 'experienced'. Think it's going to be a regular event from now on so watch this space...

Kerfuffle album review

2008-06-20T08:33:00.000-07:00

I like it!

http://spiralearth.co.uk/reviews/to-the-ground-review.asp

Result!

2008-06-16T09:27:00.000-07:00

I've been chosen to take part in this weekend's Tony Wilson Experience: 'Reification'. It's a 24hour long conversation about the creative industries and will take place in Urbis and Cathedral Gardens with some of the very best - Radcliffe and Maconie, Peter Hook, Matt Greenhalgh, Alan McGee, etc.

The organisers picked 200 'young talent' who had previously applied through the website -and that's me! Now I've just got to pluck up courage to go up to people with our promo and to talk to them about my writing...

When fans discuss your review...

2008-06-12T04:42:00.001-07:00

... it's interesting how they react. I do exactly the same when I read the reviews of my own band. And it's fine when they make assumptions about where I go when I watch music, what music I listen to generally, whether I'm paid or not. I put myself and my opinions in that position. That's fine.

But when they make a blatant comment just because I happen to be female? Well, you just wouldn't say it about a bloke, would you? (Apart from the fact that it wouldn't make sense... ha ha) But you know what I mean!!

http://www.stoney.mu/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=54&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=0

They're essentially saying that my music taste depends on my hormones and whether I'm on my period. Hilarious. They may as well hark back to Victorian times and say that I'm 'hysterical.'

My New Favourite Band...

2008-06-10T03:38:00.001-07:00

... is Babel. And here's the living proof:
http://www.thefugitivemotel.org.uk/?cat=12

Wahoo! First review of the next single!

2008-06-04T08:49:00.002-07:00

And here it is: http://www.music-dash.co.uk/releases/release.asp?item=5413

What a corker!

For Folk's Sake - what a weekend!

2008-05-27T06:38:00.000-07:00

Well... what a weekend. MAPS was a busy, manic, wonderful success. Our For Folk's Sake night attracted a scarily huge crowd who massively enjoyed our performers - and many have since requested that it be a regular night! You never know - maybe it could be?! Watch this space!

So an enormous thank you to our performers, the staff at Cup, the audience and the lovely folk at MAPS. Maybe we'll do it again some time!

If you weren't at the event and didn't get a copy of the latest issue of For Folk's Sake, let me know and I'll get one to you. Ooh, and there's plenty of delightful badges going, too!

And in the new writing department - check out my review of Mabon's OK Pewter on Spiral Earth: http://spiralearth.co.uk/reviews/mabon-okpewter-review.asp

Right, I'm off to rest, then go violin shopping then Wychwood! Phew!

Motel and Monday!

2008-05-22T08:19:00.000-07:00

My first feature for the Motel, entitled I'd Marry That Voice, can be found here: http://www.thefugitivemotel.org.uk/

And, delightfully, kindly Kate the editor included my event on Monday at Cup as one of her things to do over the weekend. Excellent! Thanks, Kate.

For Folk's Sake - It's MAPS festival! And only a week to go!

2008-05-19T04:10:00.001-07:00

Here's the delightful artwork courtesy of the wonderful Kris Kendal:

Camp Bestival!

2008-05-16T02:44:00.000-07:00

I've applied to cover Camp Bestival on behalf of the wonderful Rock n Reel magazine and all being well, I'll be there. And in the sacred space entitled 'Interview requests', I've garnered strength and courage and wobbily scribbled... KATE NASH. I wonder if I'll get it! I'm sure I can come up with a rousing interview ;)

The Fugitive Motel

2008-05-14T03:04:00.000-07:00

Manchester's Fugitive Motel collective are well known in the area and beyond for their humorous and witty responses to music - and now I've joined them! The Motel can be found here: http://www.thefugitivemotel.org.uk/ so look out for my ramblings on there from now on!

Hardanger fiddles and Scots accents...

2008-05-12T07:14:00.000-07:00

I've just had the pleasure of interviewing Sarah-Jane Summers, Scots fiddle extrordinaire http://www.myspace.com/sarahjanesummers1
She's possibly the only person playing traditional Scots tunes on a Hardanger fiddle, and is lovely to boot. She's in a Norwegian-influenced band called Fribo who are currently thinking about a new album - so look out for them shortly!

The interview probably won't be out until November (all Fiddle On's are jam packed until then!) but hopefully it'll be worth the wait...

2008-04-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

It's all confirmed... The lineup for the night I'm running at Cup (Monday May 26th, free in!) as part of the Northern Quarter's MAPS festival will be...

Music from:
Kirsty McGee and Mat Martin
Jenny McCormick
The Bee's Niece

and Spoken Word from:
Joolz Denby
Gaia Holmes
Mike Garry
Jackie Hagan
Fergus Evans
Dominic Berry

There'll be a book stall courtesy of the wonderful Comma Press and the launch of the second issue(!) of For Folk's Sake.

I can't wait! MAPS is going to be fab. I'll post up the flyer artwork as soon as my lovely graphic artist friend Kris has done them...

It's just another manic... every day

2008-04-25T12:25:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been unbelievably busy here with the day job, so all's been quiet on the writing front.

Nevertheless, I did manage to catch the undescribably wonderful Lau last week at the Met in Bury, which is also quickly becoming my favourite venue - but maybe I'm biased due to their amazing schedule.

Anyway, here's a link to my review: http://www.spiralearth.co.uk/news/story.asp?nid=1066

And another to my Fairport review of a gig a little while back: http://www.spiralearth.co.uk/news/story.asp?nid=1058

New review on High Voltage

2008-03-20T11:12:00.001-07:00

And since listening a few times more, I think I'd upgrade it to 4/5...

http://www.highvoltage.org.uk/displaydemoreview.asp?num=3534&band=2185

Dead Meadow

2008-03-11T08:44:00.001-07:00

My Dead Meadow review: http://www.highvoltage.org.uk/displaydemoreview.asp?num=3516&band=1909

My first piece for FRoots

2008-03-10T06:13:00.001-07:00

It's been a long time coming, but I have finally had a piece published in the well-known magazine, FRoots. Judy Dyble is a fantastic woman and a fabulous musician, so I as honoured to interview her. There's a scan of the piece in my gallery section on the website. Enjoy!

Live review of Park Bench Social Club

2008-03-10T04:20:00.001-07:00

They're lovely souls over at Spiral Earth...
http://spiralearth.co.uk/news/story.asp?nid=890

My aural wishlist..

2008-03-05T08:36:00.000-08:00

... There are so many fantastic looking (and sounding, from the clips I've heard) new albums out at the moment that I'm dying to get my paws on. If only my bank had the same viewpoint!
So here's my current album wishlist:
* Jackie Oates - The Violet Hour
* Ruth Notman - Threads
* Heidi Talbot - In Love and Light
* Bella Hardy - Night Visiting
* Jenna Reid - Laughing Girl

Would you look at that?! They're all women!!

More thoughts on music journalism

2008-02-28T11:12:00.001-08:00

It really is an interesting debate. This guy and I exchanged a few emails. Here's what I had to say:

It's not my profession - I wish it was - but I rarely see a penny for my writing. Just a free ticket to a gig, an occasional CD.

But aren't you interested in what kind of response your music gets? Surely you do? I certainly do. My band has just released a single and we got some ace reviews - some poorly written, some very well written - but we got one really bad review. As it happens, it was very well written. And it was interesting because the journalist assumed a lot about us from our music - he thought we sounded big headed and arrogant,for one, which is hilarious because we're actually quite shy. And the bad review bugged me for days. I was furious and couldn't let go of it. What do you make of the reviews of your music?

I can understand why people are so negative about music journalism - it's often so poorly written and the observations are so unfounded. But if you read a really good piece of journalism which then makes you turn to the music - either to see whether the flaws they picked on are right, or whether it's as good as they make out - surely that's never a bad thing? If someone wrote an ace review about your music and it lead to more people having a listen, surely that's good?

My first love is folk music. Folk musicians are often dependent on music journalists and the specialist press because they won't have their records played on the radio like pop bands, for example, would. I asked two of my favourite folk musicians if they'd do an interview with me as they'd just recorded a new album and they pounced on it because it was good exposure for them. I wanted to have a chat with some ace musicians. And, needless to say, I won't get a penny for it, but I can be rewarded by the fact that maybe a couple of people who read my review will go out and get the CD, or look out for them at a folk music festival this summer.

I'm sure there are loads of really shitty music journalists. Many are often bitter failed musicians, some simply can't write, or don't have any taste. I'm sure there are some who are label execs and music industry types who don a miraculous pen name to write glowing reports about the new band that are going to rake in the millions - for him/her.

But please be assured that there are many who - like me - are just so mad about music that they feel compelled to write about it: what they like, what they don't. If it pays, then good for them. If it helps out a few musicians along the way,then great.

Rows about music journalism

2008-02-28T08:32:00.000-08:00

I recently participated in an online discussion on 6music regarding the necessity of music journalism. And someone's a little upset that I defended it - and (lo and behold) - that I appear to be a music journalist! http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=60895450&blogID=335750602

Well of course I'm going to defend it! I bloody write it! And of course music journalism is biased... that's the whole point, it's an opinion! Music, and the rest of the arts, are created subjectively; are received subjectively - that's the WHOLE POINT!

However, of course, there is also well written and poorly written music journalism - and the well written stuff is a piece of art in itself. I believe that good criticism (and I mean, 'good' as in 'well constructed') only accentuates the good/bad points of the original focus - and surely that's what art, and arts criticism, is about?!

This debate has raged on forever. See Oscar Wilde's essays on the subject, or Walter Pater's The Renaissance - they express far better than I ever would!

A published poem

2008-02-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

I met an excellent performance poet called Fergus doing Crow of Murders. He is currently writer in residence at Contact Theatre and today performed a piece entitled 'Sticks and Stones', a word-cycle based on the theme of bullying. Unfortunately I was unable to get to the theatre to see this, but Fergus has published a chapbook to accompany his piece of theatre, in which he published a new poem of mine, 'Sara.'

I'm tres chuffed! :)

As soon as I get a copy, I'll scan it in for the gallery.

And whilst we're still on the subject of Crow of Murders and poetry, we're appearing at Taurus bar in the Village on March 13th. Yay!

My gorgeous new gallery and more writing...

2008-02-26T11:17:00.000-08:00

Check out my gorgeous gallery page, courtesy of Chris. You can see some of my cover features and what not. Gives the eye a break from all those words, at least!

And thanks to Steve for adding more reviews to my Sophie's Choice section on Triste magazine: http://www.triste.co.uk/sophieschoice.htm He's a little apprehensive about the hate mail I might receive, but I'm sure any artists would know my opinion doesn't account for much...

Another review...

2008-02-25T09:59:00.000-08:00

... http://www.spiralearth.co.uk/reviews/3-daft-monkeys-social-vertigo.asp

And thanks to everyone who came to the Air Cav single launch on Friday. It was absolutely fantastic and I still haven't recovered!!

Crow of Murders

2008-02-12T10:42:00.000-08:00

Well, it's all over. This weekend just gone, I was one of a group of around twenty who took part in a queer poetry installation at Contact Theatre. The brainchild of Dominic Berry, each poet was required to write a poem exploring the notion of queer love (not necessarily about sexuality) and the poems were woven in to a script. Audiences could come and go as they pleased, and the whole script was performed twice back to back. http://www.contact-theatre.org/whats-on/events/258/crow-of-murders.htm

It was intense, immense and lots and lots of fun. I've made some great new friends and learnt loads from really inspirational people. There's so much talent in Manchester, it's untrue!

There's a nice write up here, with some lovely photos: http://stompin-about.blogspot.com/2008/02/crow-of-murders.html

My first review for Spiral Earth...

2008-02-11T07:50:00.001-08:00

... happens to be reviewing the new single from my most favourite band in the world - ever! And, my god, was it difficult being objective!

http://www.spiralearth.co.uk/news/story.asp?nid=785

A rant!

2008-02-11T02:17:00.000-08:00

When I realised I hadn’t heard anything from the editor in what seemed to be an alarmingly long time, I checked out the Rant! Magazine website to see what was happening.
But I was told the domain name had expired.
As is custom, emails also failed to make their cyber way to the editor and other Rant! cohorts which used that domain.
So I thought ‘give it a week, there might be a big overhaul, site refurbishment, something like that.’
But nothing.
I had the editor’s number – although had never used – so I sent a meek text in her general direction (London, I think)
Still nothing.
So the next rung on the ladder to discovery was an email to Rich Hanscomb, former Rant! music editor, current contributor to wonderful publications such as The Stool Pigeon and Flux, amongst others, and guitarist in Brighton’s Junkboy.
And he told me that ‘Rant is no more.’
He didn’t elaborate.
So it sounds like Rant really is dead and gone which saddens me greatly. I can honestly say I cut my rock and indie writing teeth there, and enjoyed the freedom they provided me to play with words and generally talk twaddle. Actually, I was really mean to a great deal of musicians (ahem! If they can call themselves that!) through Rant, taking the magazine title quite literally to heart. Thanks Rant.
Editor Irene – send me an email and explain yourself!

The Folk Awards 2008

2008-02-06T08:59:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend the evening's shenanigans, but it looked (and sounded!) fantastic. And attracted some serious media attention by all accounts - 6Music set up a noticeboard dedicated to 'Folk music - is it the future of music?'

Here are the results, though, in case you were wondering:

Folk Singer of the Year - Julie Fowlis
Best Duo - John Tams and Barry Coope
Best Group - Lau (just got their new album and love it!)
Best Original Song - Prodigal Son John Martyn
Best Trad. Track - Cold Haily Rainy Night The Imagine Village
Horizon Award - Rachel Unthank and the Winterset (whoop!)
Musician of the Year - Andy Cutting
Best Live Act - Bellowhead (well deserved!)
Lifetime Achievement - John Martyn
Good Tradition Award - Shirley Collins
Folk Club of the Year - Dartford (when will it be Banbury, hey?!)

Rachel Unthank and the Winterset

2008-02-01T06:27:00.000-08:00

Despite 2007 belonging to this group, Rachel Unthank and the Winterset have recently had to deal with the departure of pianist and comedienne Belinda O'Hooley. It's a real shame, but I'm sure the new arrival will be fantastic.

Here was my review of their RNCM gig last year:

http://www.rootsworld.com/0603123/reviews/unthank07.shtml

Spiral Earth

2008-01-29T04:31:00.000-08:00

Check out the excellent Spiral Earth: http://www.spiralearth.co.uk/

I've been a reader for a while, as it combines a lovely earthly blend of English trad. folk with some of the heavier 'crusty' stuff which rules my world. And all being well, I shall hopefully be writing for them very soon!

Bits and pieces over at High Voltage

2008-01-29T04:25:00.000-08:00

Since writing the review, I've been listening to this even more and reckon it deserves 5/5, not just the measley 4/5 I gave it! : http://highvoltage.org.uk/displaydemoreview.asp?num=3390&band=2111

My friend Astrid Weekes (ahem!) comes out to play: http://highvoltage.org.uk/displaydemoreview.asp?num=3424&band=286

Chris Bathgate: http://highvoltage.org.uk/displaydemoreview.asp?num=3391&band=2112

Trust me, it was evil: http://highvoltage.org.uk/displaydemoreview.asp?num=3392&band=2113

Cruel to be kind, eh?

Celtic Connections 2008

2008-01-28T06:46:00.000-08:00

It was decidedly Celtic weather conditions for the entire weekend I was at Celtic Connections in Glasgow. The torrential rain didn’t relent, the gales continued to blow. But that, as cringeworthy as it sounds, added to the experience. Crisp winter days and fragile sunshine wouldn’t have suited the tumultuous tunes and ballads of lovelorn youth which raged all weekend. Kilts were still worn with pride, enthusiasts trudged dutifully from one venue to another dodging the frequent umbrella carcasses along the way.
Friday morning brought a new experience to the fold – stadium folk. Swathes of Scottish schoolchildren filled the main auditorium of the Royal Concert Hall and the musicians on offer couldn’t have wished for a more enthusiastic attentive audience. Glo-sticks shone in appreciation, clapping soon deteriorated in to a mixture of in, out and not-so-sure time. Recent Young Folk Award winners, Jeana Leslie Siobahn Miller, were met with eager renditions of their songs as their young listeners joined in, and the resident Hoose Band had them all – including their teachers – dancing in their seats. The skill of Lori Watson and her Rule of Three would surely send all the young musicians present back to their teachers begging to learn to play like her.
Not wanting to break our umbrellas on our first day in Glasgow, we decided to find indoor attractions to escape the howling gales. The Gallery of Modern Art kept us entertained for what seemed like hours with Turner Prize winners, recent commissions and interactions.
Then it was a toss up. Did we go to James Yorkston and King Creosote at the ABC, knowing we would have to leave early to be able to reach in time Kris Drever’s full rendition of his 2006 album, Black Water, at the Old Fruitmarket at 9.30pm? We decided that yes, this was what we would have to do.
I can’t put my finger on why James Yorkston is so compelling. My aversion to one-man-and-his-guitar combos means I rarely pay them attention. But James Yorkston has had me enthralled for years and in this setting, with his performance understated yet passionate, the audience are hanging on every note. ‘Shipwreckers’ is played second, which as a favourite of mine I prefer to come later, but it didn’t matter as this time we were treated to a sinister treatment of ‘Blue Bleezin’ Blind Drunk.’
But it was apparent that the audience were really here to see King Creosote, and the atmosphere soon reflected this. Suddenly, everyone seemed pissed, and the King, grinning and genuinely ecstatic at his reception, was being lovingly heckled from every angle. The Celtic Connection here was a little more tenuous, as what followed was jangley indie pop with psychedelia and slide thrown in, but it didn’t seem out of place. Although 9.30pm was rapidly approaching and the attempt to try to see Kris Drever slowly diminishing, we weren’t perturbed as King Creosote was simply too nice and polite a person that it would seem preposterous to leave. And when he finished on ‘KC Rules OK’, breaking it to the audience gently that it was ‘time for me to go’, each musician took it upon themselves to carry on with the montage which had slowly built up, allowing the King to quietly slip away.
After a rediscovery of the taste of Irn Bru, Saturday morning at the Box Office was a gloomy affair – why I thought the Peatbog Faeries wouldn’t sell out was soon called in to question. Although I had a press ticket, there wasn’t a single one left for Emlyn. So we decided to nip off to see Ceol Mor and the Young Tradition finalists at the Strathclyde Suite and worry about the mighty Peatbogs later.
Ceol Mor is the young answer to The Unusual Suspects, with fiddlers, pipers, brass section, whistles, accordions, clarsach, and drums. Sidestepping any patronising, it was fascinating to see a collection of young musicians who were not only talented, ut obviously enjoying the music they were playing. The material played was mainly commissioned work, focussing on Scottish identity and ending in a rousing set of tunes which had the musicians frantically tapping their feet and laughing.
Later in the Strathclyde Suite I had the privilege of sitting in on Jenna Reid’s sound check. Every corner I turned in Glasgow this weekend, I had seen a fiddle player from one corner of Scotland or another. But Jenna seemed something completely different. The heart racing speed in which Jenna played was matched with an effortless grace and a sense of calm. Her material seemed Old Time and modern, Scottish yet other-worldly. I was disappointed that I wouldn’t be seeing the launch of her new album, The Laughing Girl, that evening with help from Swedish band, Vasen.
But pleased as Emlyn had managed to cadge a ticket for Peatbog Faeries from a kindly lady outside the ABC. Breabach opened the evening, one of the piper’s mothers standing nearby and grinning ear to ear. Brebach were in awe of the headliners, and kept their set time to a modest minimum. And worthy of the praise, the Peatbog Faeries brought their fusion of trad Scottish tunes and electronica to the fore and, with chaotic lighting and arms punching the air, it was though we were transported to a rave.

All in all, a fantastic weekend was had at Celtic Connections. It’s almost a pity that it goes on for three weeks, as you know that you’re inevitably missing out on some excellent performances and discoveries.

Rock n Reel and FRoots

2008-01-03T04:04:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

And I'm pleased to say the first issue of Rock n Reel in 2008 has an interview between myself and Piney Gir on the first page. Piney's lovely: multi talented, inspirational, innovative, so make sure you check her out! http://www.pineygir.com/

Also, the next issue of FRoots is set to have my interview with Judy Dyble in the Root Salad section. Judy will be a name familiar to all Fairport Convention fans, as she was the female vocalist on the first self-titled album, and her new material sounds like it's going to be fantastic, too!

And now that I've well and truly discovered how to post pictures...

2007-11-16T07:53:00.000-08:00

... you can see Air Cav in the programme too!!

Thought you might be interested in some piccies of YouandBoo...

2007-11-16T07:33:00.000-08:00

Air Cav in Paris

2007-11-15T09:48:00.000-08:00

Well, what a weekend.
Little did we know that we would be headling the 'Haciendazed' night at La Fleche D'Or in Paris - in fact, I was terrified about the whole affair anyway, so when I found out we were headlining, I was in a mess! The club - which was a wonderful, kooky, odds-and-ends sort of place - was rammed, the set up delightfully professional, complete with a theatrical curtain which opened during the first few bars of A Call To Arms much to our delight. And everyone bopped away! We had a massive English contingent supporting us, consisting of Mancunian comrades and my Brummie family, but it was actually the Parisiens who started the mosh pit - the English just joined in!
I was more of a mess after the gig actually. Bearing in mind I was pissed and overcome, we then had people coming up to us, chanting our name; the boys were being molested, autographs were signed. It was mad.

Rock n Reel! Whoop!

2007-11-05T06:26:00.000-08:00

Rock n Reel is an excellent magazine which reports and reviews on an eclectic mix of music genres, but with emphasis on - funnily enough - rock and folk music.
So I was delighted to find my Moseley Folk Festival review on their online issue:

http://www.rock-n-reel.co.uk/features1.cfm?Feature=21&Image=0

I've also got an interview with Piney Gir lined up to feature in the December print version - which you can actually buy in WHSmith!

New writing

2007-10-30T09:35:00.000-07:00

I've got a few more bits and pieces up on the Rant magazine website and this time round, I've really come to know my stumbling block - music you would vaguely, loosely and desperately place in the category 'electro.'
So you might understand this review http://www.tilfeldigproductions.com/rantmagazine/?p=1403
I think I made a cop out.

Granby Row recording and ITC

2007-10-19T07:38:00.000-07:00

Last night I was pleased to be invited to add a bit of violin to a new recording by Manc band, Granby Row. The track is completely different to any of the stuff we do in Air Cav, so I was a little worried they wouldn't like what I came up with.
Luckily they did and they were all such nice blokes. And Tom the producer and Simon Phinn the manager! I was very lucky to be involved and I wish them the best of luck for their gig at In The City this weekend.

Which brings me nicely on to my next subject... In The City!
Tomorrow night, Air Cav are headlining the Elah Valley/Fugitive Motel fringe event at Centro in the Northern Quarter. It should be an ace night, with the likes of Gideon Conn, Julian Donkey Boy and My Side of the Mountain on the bill. I'm also going to be milling around many of the various events this weekend on the prowl for Rant Magazine and I'm really looking forward to it. Make sure you get out and about, supporting local unsigned acts as it's going to be great!

What a week!

2007-10-15T05:20:00.000-07:00

Two Oxjams, one Aftershow and one All Dayer = four extremely late nights and lots of fun!

The Aftershow was particularly brilliant due to the stage invasion at 1.30am... and we're booked to play there again on November 29th.

Oxjam Number Two - particularly memorable because of obscene heckling from a certain audience member. Al took to the mic to tell him exactly what he thought! Excellent!

So to next weekend... In The City. Air Cav will be headlining the Elah Valley/Fugitive Motel fringe taking place @ Centro on the Saturday night

See you there!

That Manchester All Dayer - tomorrow!

2007-10-05T06:53:00.001-07:00

Check it (and us!) out:

Bellowhead Review

2007-10-04T09:23:00.000-07:00

Bellowhead?
Well, I've long adored the talents (ahem!) of Mr. Boden and Mr. Spiers, be it as a duo, as a pair of Ratcatchers, or even solo.
But nothing prepared me for Bellowhead live.

Have a look at my review here:
http://www.tilfeldigproductions.com/rantmagazine/?p=1205

Off to see Kate Rusby at the Lowry tomorrow so no doubt there'll be a review floating about somewhere in the near future.

Oh, and I'm interviewing Borders fiddler and academic, Lori Watson, on Saturday morning so keep your eyes (and indeed ears) peeled (or should that be pealed?!)

Then... it's gig week! Yes, Air Cav are about to embark on the world record for most amount of gigs crammed in to two weeks alongside juggling full time jobs!

see myspace.com/aircavmusic for the full bunch

ta-ra!

Someone's picked up on my review!

2007-10-02T01:17:00.001-07:00

It's funny to think people actually read my reviews. I've just discovered the forums on turinbrakes.com have acknowledged my review and posted it on their message board for all fans to see:
http://forums.turinbrakes.com/viewtopic.php?p=152006&sid=6cfacd007d333c09670604e643c182bc
They don't seem to have made a comment on my particular one, though...

Anita Roddick

2007-09-11T08:34:00.001-07:00

OK, so I refused to buy anything from the Body Shop after it was sold to L'Oreal... but still, I was really saddened to hear about the death of Anita Roddick. Her books were inspirational, much as that word is overused, and I wish I had such a hands-on approach to things. What a shame.

Some new writing up on the web...

2007-09-05T05:34:00.000-07:00

Hello there

I thought you might be interested in some of my new writing that's up and about on the web.

Firstly, an interview with Tunng:
http://www.highvoltage.org.uk/displaydemoreview.asp?num=3038&band=1284

My miniature thoughts on Green Man festival:
http://www.thefugitivemotel.org.uk/?cat=27
A more extensive review is going to be posted up on the Rant website any time soon...

And How I Became the Bomb and Piney Gir single reviews at Rant magazine:
http://www.tilfeldigproductions.com/rantmagazine/

That's all for now!

Break the Siege

2007-08-31T09:45:00.000-07:00

Hey

Just to let you all know I'll be playing with Boo, Badger the Hermit and Defunkles at the Green Room on Friday 7th September for the Break the Siege - Free Gaza event:

Break the Siege is a fundraiser event to support the transport and delivery of aid to Gaza, where the current political climate prohibits this.
A group of more than 80 individuals – human rights aid workers, journalists, aid workers, Palestinians, Israelis and internationals – have arranged to take a boat from Egypt to Gaza to deliver this aid, enabling the most in need to benefit from the provision of milk and medicine.

Single Cell Recordings, a new collective and record label based in Manchester celebrating the diversity and movement of sound, imagination and people across boundaries, will be hosting the evening with the following line up:

Badger The Hermit - Post-jazz, post-pop, post-a-letter
Boo - Acoustic ramblings inspired by soft fruit, the sea and good cake.
Defunkles - Epic spacefunk prodigies kidnapped from a warehouse party and smuggled to South America via India and Morocco.
Shimbalshells - Collaborations and works in progress from Single Cell collective members.

See http://www.greenroomarts.org/archive/events/break-the-seige/ for more info

7pm, £4 (£2.50 unwaged)

Ooh, before I forget...

2007-08-28T08:18:00.000-07:00

Air Cav are playing the glorious Fiction Non Fiction at Tiger Lounge exactly a week today... that's Tuesday 4th September. And it's free in, so no excuses!

Shambala Festival... what a weekend!

2007-08-28T03:44:00.000-07:00

I have just returned from my first festival as an 'artiste,' and man, was it a weekend.
Shambala is a lovely little festival, free from the big names and corporate branding that other festivals have become synonymous with in order to survive.
And to avoid major security issues, the festival organisers posted very limited directions. At first the website proclaimed that the festival was inbetween Towcester and Market Harborough. As my bandmates were all travelling down when I was at work, I decided to make my own way from Manchester via my parents' house in Banbury in the hope they would kindly take me the rest of the way. Sadly, as geography has never been my strong point, I didn't realise the festival was in fact 47.5 miles away, and much as my dear dad tried, there was no way he was going to take me the entire distance, especially when he had a Villa match to attend.
Anyway, I got there with very little hassle in the end, and set up camp with the Single Cell Recordings crew in the 'artist's camping'. After a practice gig the night before at the Bedouin Lounge, 'Boo' kicked off the Sunday night festivities in the Manchester run Rebel Soul Village, three tipis put together for performance space and an eaterie, with all proceeds going to direct action campaigns.
All the bands playing come under the banner of Damien Mahoney's Single Cell Recordings, so after Boo, Lunar Coup, a swingy-jazzy band, took to the stage to warm up the shivering masses. Badger the Hermit, playing original and arranged jazz chillout influenced pieces, were next. Will Lenton, the multi-instrumental whizz, kindly invited me on stage to join in with the gorgeous Bjork track 'Unravel'. Finally, Defunkles, a shambal-ic (see what I did there?!) arrangement of Damien Mahoney's beautiful electronic tracks made its debut with 12 of us on stage... after one rehearsal. It was manic to say the least, but we all danced away and enjoyed it. So much so we went on until 1 in the morning and the security closed us down, despite the fact we had two more acts to go!

http://www.myspace.com/singlecellrecordings
http://www.myspace.com/defunkles
http://www.myspace.com/lunarcoup
http://www.myspace.com/dimitrism