BAND OF BADGERS PRESENTS #7

TO DOWNLOAD CLICK >>HERE<<

OR SUBSCRIBE VIA iTunes BY CLICKING >>HERE<<

Bonjour. Salut! Allo! Allo! Fear not, this episode is not going to be in French. As cool as that would be I don't have anywhere near the kind of language skills that would require. It was fun speaking French when passing through Paris last year on the way to Rome, however. I think I managed considerably well given the only use of the language I seem to make these days is during some office banter at work. Maybe in the future then (just kidding). This episode of the podcast I've reserved for a revisit to a number of bands and artists who I've played on previous occasions. I know I've played others twice already and I'll continue to play others from time to time as well. More than twice in fact. Take the likes of Sam Beeton. I'm surprised this is only his second appearance because like I mention in the show I purchased the amazing deluxe 2 CD album of season 1 of his Record Club, which you can buy >>here<<. Therefore, I could play several podcasts made up just from Sam's tremendous tunes. And I would but it would of course be unfair to the so many others I also want to share. I just wanted to do this one special show as a nod and thank you to all for letting me play their fantastic music on Band of Badgers Presents.

A huge thank you to US indie author of Joe Vampire, Steven Luna who has written some very kind things about me as a prelude to an interview he has featured me in on his blog. You can read me waffling on >>here<< and make sure you check out the other interviewees Steven is featuring as part of his Reader Spotlight series. I also thank Steven for his support in promoting Band of Badgers Presents and all my music endeavours. Read my review of Joe Vampire >>here<< and get your copy. It is out in hard copy now too so there's no excuses for those of you without an e-reader or for those of you who just still prefer real physical books. Links are via the blog. The follow up to Joe Vampire is due out later this year, I believe and I have read it already so can advise you're in for another Joetastic treat. Thanks again Steven, for your support. Follow Steven on Twitter @JoeVampireBlog.

I must mention I'm yet to complete a write up of the Campervan proposal I put out there last time but I am on it. I have a bit more time before I think I need to be approaching potential sponsors. I am so going to go ahead with it because what do I have to lose? The worst thing they can all do is say no or not reply. It's one of those kinds of things where you need to keep on going with it. To keep running with it and so I plan to do just that. I finally found time to catch up with another hilarious episode of Flight of the Conchords recently. What made me laugh so hard I was almost in pain was the mention of a campervan gig they did. It was a sell out. With an audience capacity of one it was going to be of course. So funny! The guys then went on to play several gigs in a lift (elevator). I hope the tour Down Under is going well for the guys and really hope they head over to the UK next for some dates. I am just about half way through season 2 now so I have plenty of episodes left to keep me entertained. And then the radio show to follow. Also in that last episode I watched, their crazed demented obsessive and only fan, Mel, got her own song. I'll stop rambling on about it now anyway but I urge you to check it out if you haven't before. You can also hear their Bowie's in Space song in podcast #3. There so should be more shows like this on TV. It would make TV a much more interesting place.

Bakewell Music Festival was great. It was a really nice intimate and chilled out event. Any more laid back and I'd have been lying on a lilo floating on a swimming pool in the Bahamas, I think. Not a bad thing by any means. I'm currently finishing off part 2 of Truck Festival so once that's done and online I'll get right on to the Bakewell one because I have so much music from it I'd like to share I'm almost bursting to get on with it. I won those tickets as well so I'm doing pretty well so far this year.

I must mention briefly, Blue Ridge Mountains by Fleet Foxes came on my iPod shuffle for the walk home from work on Friday (that's right there was no jog this time - it was the end of the week and I was beat). It is amazing how it totally transformed the landscape. I was walking through greenery at the time near to the bank of the river Nene so it already wasn't too bad. This song however managed to raise mountains in the distance. It moved me somewhere else with considerable force. This is part of the beauty of music! 

The Playlist:

1. Twenty Three - fiN
2. Into the Sky - T. J. Courtney
3. Shadow Kisses - Mutineers
4. Three Words - Whitemoor
5. Rain Down On You (Live) - Sam Beeton
6. Less Is More (Live) - Angel Kelly 
7. Butterfly - Andrew Page
8. Tell Me - Aidan Logan
9. Faults & Fears - Luke Jackson
10. Back To The Sea - Under A Banner
11. Lady of the Night - Winter Mountain
12. Strength of Strings - The Dreaming Spires

Mutineers at Sound Control, Manchester

Friday 28th September.

The capacity for this venue is only 500 so this should be a really nice intimate gig for the Mutts but still of a decent size. Support comes from Amida, Bison & Wold and Andy James (acoustic) (no his name isn't Andy James Acoustic - seriously, people!). I am actually very tempted to move my whole life to Manchester or surrounding areas in order I can attend this to be perfectly honest. Mutineers are doing amazingly since the release of their sensational debut album, Friends, Lovers, Rivals. If you don't yet have this in your iTunes collection then I'd like to know why the heck not?? Get on it by clicking >>here<< because at the bargain price of £5.99 you'd be crazy not to. Then get on to this gig. Tickets cost just £7. Such great value for a Friday night of top quality true indie music. Tickets are selling fast so avoid disappointment and get yours right now by clicking >>here<<. If I do manage to move myself up there in time you may well see me about. Seriously though guys, let's get supporting such great local talent! You can also follow them on Twitter of course and I advise following @MikeyMutineer because he is one funny chap and will keep you well entertained.

Sam Beeton

Sam Beeton's Record Club just gets better and better! That isn't to say the long list of songs that came before what is now being offered are of any less quality. Indeed, the quality this young singer-songwriter puts out is so high it's a good job I don't suffer with vertigo. There have been 3 volumes in Season 2 so far. The latest offering is called The Night which you can sample below as well as watch a video Sam put up on his own website via YouTube. It shows him working hard on putting down the drums himself. So much talent! If you like what you hear don't forget you can join the Record Club at any point during the year. You will still receive all the songs that have been recorded and sent out up to that point. Much more from Sam to come in the future. In addition to checking out the below make sure you also take a look at the other amazing live acoustic videos Sam did for The Old Vinyl Factory Sessions. They are sublime!

Sam Beeton, Jeckyll and the man from The Old Vinyl Factory Sessions on Vimeo.

Angel Kelly
I cannot neglect to mention the track playing by Angel Kelly is available as a single via iTunes >>here<< so get clicking and buying. I'm eagerly awaiting the follow up EP to Angel Song which is sure to be another fantastic offering. Keep up to date via Angel's website and you can follow her on Twitter @AngelKellyB.

Andrew Page

Andrew Page seems to be one very busy chap I must say. Every couple of days recently he seems to be loading up a new video on YouTube. Be it a cover of some inspiring classic or one of his own fantastic tunes from debut album Open The Door, they always knock my socks off so to speak. Every time I've written or spoken about Mr Page I've made it crystal clear how desperate I am to see him perform and this need is thanks to the many videos of various performances, I have had the pleasure to watch. In fact, in light of all these amazing places he has played and is playing (on the sofa, rooftop, park bench) I wonder if he'd pop up and play in my front room?

He is appearing at Grendon Festival and while this is not too far away from me, it is unlikely I may be able to make it down that weekend. Unlikely is not impossible however so with a bit of added luck (come on luck, shine down on me) I may well end up down there and having this wish fulfilled. Andrew was kind enough to sign up as the first artist to play in one of my campervan live sessions next year. In spirit, I know, with nothing set just yet. But if it all does fall into place what a wonderful kind of gig it could make. Follow Andrew on Twitter @andrewpagemusic.

Aidan Logan

Aidan's most recent gig was at Auntie Annies in Belfast last Thursday. He has kindly offered to chip in for my own personal helicopter so I can get over for the next gig. In which case I can probably make the Mutineers gig on 28th September too. Without the upheaval of moving all my stuff and life up to Manchester. I guess it is bad for my carbon footprint, however. Fear not though as Aidan is also working on a teleportation device I can use instead. Although to be fair I wouldn't want this scientific project to interfere with the recording of his album, which I believe is entering its final phase. Exciting. I cannot wait to hear more of this guy's songs. The album is set to be quality and definitely one for the collection. Follow Aidan on Twitter @AidanLogan.

Under A Banner

The website describes them perfectly as an intense and powerful alternative/acoustic rock band with an impassioned core of two musicians. Adam Broadhurst on vocals, all guitars, keyboards, harmonica and the mighty writer of such wonderful lyrics. Jonathan Millington plays drums, percussion and cajon. 

The whole ethos to these guys is one that encourages the value of the worthy but so far as music being about human nature and experience as opposed to the hollow tosh current pop music seems to be. Perhaps some music has always been such tosh (thinking back to the 80's PWL era, here but people still buy this stuff so the debate can go many ways I suppose)? For some proper well written, powerful and emotive songs make sure you visit Under A Banner's website where you'll find all kinds of links. 

Also keep up to date with them via Twitter @underabanner where I am certain Adam will be tweeting about the release of the album! It is going to  be a corker!

A Tribute to Nebraska - 30 years on.... at:

The Slaughtered Lamb in London - Sunday 30th September.

At the time this blogcast is published there may well not be any tickets left for this amazing event. I am gutted beyond belief that I will not be able to make it down for it. It is just because it is in London (as perfect a place for such an event as that is) and the cost to get down on the Sunday is too expensive to a poor moi. We have our unfit for purpose rail networks (well most of them anyway) to thank for that. Oh and of course the incompetence of the Government on the other hand too. Then there is the added fact I have work on the Monday morning. Tristan Tipping from Clubhouse Records did say he'd spoken to the bosses where I work so they knew to expect me in late that Monday nursing a hangover but I'm doubtful they would be so accommodating. Appreciate your efforts though, thanks mate. Gutted beyond belief like I said (typed?).

The event is being run by Clubhouse Records, Arkster Promotions and friends who are all coming together '...to celebrate one of Bruce Springsteen's most enduring records, Nebraska, 30 years to the day after its original release'.

It runs from 19:30 to 23:00 and performing on the night will be:

Danny George Wilson // Case Hardin // Jack Day // Trevor Moss & Hannah-Lou (more from these guys below) // The Redlands Palomino Company // The Dreaming Spires // The Hi & Lo // The Cedars // The Arlenes // Mad Staring Eyes and more....

It is set to be something truly special so grab one of the final remaining tickets (8 at time of writing this) because at just £6 per ticket what is the excuse for not going along? I mean for those of you in and around London or who have the ability to get there. Sadly, that is not my case at present. *cries* Click >>here<< for tickets.

I caught the tail end of Hi & Lo's set at Truck Festival a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it. I wish I'd have made it earlier for the whole thing but I have no doubt I will be seeing them play at some point over the next few months and if not then next year for sure.

Get listening to the below too. This is currently a FREE EP, The Proud Surrender from Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou recorded on a 4-track cassette in a barn in rebel country, the Pay De La Loire, France. Songs are taken from their forthcoming album La Femme De Fontenaille due for release on 5th November. You can pre-order this now should you wish by clicking >>here<<.

More Chess Anyone?

Well if more chess means more music from US indie folk band Pawns or Kings then yes please. I will have as much chess as I can possibly manage. And then I'll have some more. Not that I'm greedy. Okay, when it comes to music this great then yes I can be very greedy but that's the whole point, surely? After writing on the blogcast how I 'fell in love' with their music when listening for the first few times I looked back thinking, was that really the right kind of thing to say. Many many repeated listens later I totally stand by it. In particular, the song embedded on the last blogcast, Come To Pass gets me every time. It is so beautiful, so emotive and so....well, perfect, in my eyes. It has something. It has THE something, which excites me for what is to come from this bunch of guys from the American mid-west. 

I have been exchanging messages with Ed from the band regards music including the Avett Brothers, who's album 4 Thieves, I did already have but hadn't listened to at that point. After seeing a cover Ed put up on YouTube I checked out the album and loved it so I will be looking more into the Avett Brothers soon as I get chance. In addition to this, he pointed me in the direction of Matthew and the Atlas, a London-based UK folk band. Ironic that it took this message exchange with an American musician for me to be introduced to a UK band that are based just over an hour's drive down the road. I'm very grateful for the recommendations though, thanks Ed.

When checking out the videos Pawns or Kings have on offer up at YouTube I stumbled across a few covers as well. The guys have their new EP, Pomme de Terre, due out imminently and I was sent an MP3 of one of the tracks, Names and Maps which is outstanding. The guys actually filmed them recording it as part of their popular Silo Sessions and you can watch that video below. At first I thought the name of the EP was just something to do with France or the french language but I am informed it comes from the Pomme de Terre river. Oh to live amongst the magical lands of the Ozarks. It sounds like my kind of place with some amazing people to boot. Right, I think my plans of relocating to Manchester and Ludlow to take in gigs will need revision. I am moving to the Ozarks. End of discussion. *checks flights* It is certainly a place now added to my long list places in the US I still need to visit.

Because there are just so many I could not resist including a couple more either. The second is Down by the Riverside Part 1 featuring another new song from Pomme de Terre EP, called Wandering. Don't forget to follow Pawns or Kings on Twitter @pawnsorkings.



Their cover of Souls Like Wheels by the Avett Brothers blew me away (there, I've said it for the first time this show). Watch, listen and see if it does the same to you. I know it will! You can view that >>here<<.

IN BRIEF...

Tom Morris And You Were The Hunter ALBUM release

I do wish I didn't have to be so brief here but I had to include another piece about Mr Morris as his brand spanking new album and follow up to We Were Animals, And You Were The Hunter is out NOW. I won a competition last week via Facebook and Twitter thanks to Tom and now have all the available downloads of everything he's released solo since last June. With many artists that wouldn't be too much exactly. Welcome nonetheless but still, an EP or two and perhaps an album. Not so with Tom and the epic nature of his prolificness. It's great for me as I have so much to get listening to from the quality musician. I've also completed the set by purchasing the downloaded version of this new album too. All that remains is to get myself to a gig soon. I am working on it. Big thanks to Tom although my friend and companion Randomness was involved. I do so like randomness.

Out of Fiction, in to Fact:

Having been recently signed up to Engineer Records, Kent-based alternative rock band I.R.I.S have spent most of this year out on the road playing various gigs in support of their smashing EP Out Of Fiction. It is one hell of a banging selection of songs that really blows the roof off wherever you might play them (unless you're outside in which case it may just blow the first few layers of the atmosphere off instead). They released the EP independently just before getting their deal which saw them re-release it in full splendour. These guys are ones to watch so please sample the EP below and get buying if this is your style. Keep updated with them because they are due to announce some exciting tour news very soon. You can follow them on Twitter @irisbanduk.

Meet Mr Carroll courtesy of Tom Smith
I simply MUST include another song from the amazing Tom Smith from Dublin. I will be playing a song from Tom in a podcast very soon and will be featuring much more about him in a future blogcast. For the moment just enjoy this latest offering from him, which is magnificent!
Don't Throw Stones at Grimsell in the Glasshouse

Another great recent find. Or actually, I believe Rob Hirst followed me on Twitter first. Some amazing songs up on the soundcloud page which really ended my Monday in true style last week. Music like this is how all Monday's need to finish. It is Monday today (hopefully, if I finish writing this up in time), so why not end yours with this tasty track.

Sean Taylor
I first saw Sean Taylor at Beautiful Days festival last year and thoroughly enjoyed his set. I must admit with so much new music all about me this year I had not followed up on him as I should have done. I am seeking to rectify this and will start by featuring this inspiring video featuring his song, Stand Up. The video itself was put together by Colm McCarthy and the song is from Sean's forthcoming album Love Against Death. Sean dedicates the song to the anti-cuts and Occupy Movements all over the world. You see, very inspiring indeed! More from Sean to come in due course.

The Reckless Shrimp Festival

Ludlow - 15th & 16th September

Ludlow has a castle. Ludlow also has its very own festival of folk, americana and roots music. Therefore, before moving my life to Manchester so I am able to get along to the Mutineers gig mentioned above, I plan to also move to Ludlow along the way. Then I'll be able to get myself to this magnificent event. The added bonus with Reckless Shrimp (I know that sounds like some dodgy Chinese dish the way I wrote that) is that it is all indoors so whatever the late summer weather, you'll be covered. Now, following the majority of this summer featuring endless downpours it is most likely September will be as dry and hot as hell. However, even if it isn't there is no risk of being rained on at Reckless Shrimp. I speak (again, type!) from experience after attending Bakewell Festival which was all indoors too. For the most part the weather for that weekend was great. It was dry and hot, sunny and warm. However on the Sunday the downpours came so it was handy to be indoors for the majority of it.

The festival itself has a beautiful ethos at its core which you can read more about at the website >>here<<. Amongst the many artists playing are the below I'd love to be able to make it for. The others will no doubt be every bit as amazing as these but the below are just on my own personal list at the moment:

Jim Moray

The Dreaming Spires

Butch Hancock (2 sets)

Ewan McLennan

Danny George Wilson

The Hi & Lo

Trevor Moss & Hannah-Lou

iTunes Festival 2012 - SEPTEMBER

Who can complain about a totally FREE music festival held at such a prestigious venue as The Roundhouse in Camden, London? The iTunes Festival is in its third year this year and for a reason I've not researched I'm afraid, the month long event is happening in September as opposed to July. I applied for a handful of the nights last year as I did the year before but I was unsuccessful. That first year however, I managed to bag what I'd say were probably the most sought after tickets. It was the year of their breakthrough into the mainstream even though they have a sound as far from it as you can probably get. Mumford and Sons who were supported that evening by Laura Marling. Larua was amazing showcasing what was her latest album at the time, I Speak Because I Can, I had a bit of a strop because so many people were talking so loudly it was drowning out her beautiful music. I could have hit people, honestly. But then that would not have been in the spirit of tranquility and all that jazz. Thankfully I refrained from doing so and proceeded to enjoy Mumford and Sons while surrounded by an ocean of youngsters. So yes, thanks iTunes. Made me feel ancient. It was totally worth it to see the band live and perform a catalogue of their smash hits from Sigh No More.

I am yet to see them again having failed to secure tickets for one of their stopover gigs at several lesser played at towns throughout the UK. I tried on three different devices simultaneously but it was crazy!

I've said before, it is strange this band specifically have been accepted such as they have in this way. It makes it so hard for true fans to be able to get to them and enjoy. That isn't a swipe at those sheep who follow what they're told to. Or who follow what is trendy and 'in the news' even though it kind of is the way of it. I'm all for Mumford and Sons having their place in the limelight because they do deserve it. I just think it's a shame for so many other similar bands who aren't given the time of day. Even though they play a similar style. Anyway, apologies this wasn't meant to be a rant about the music industry or anything like that.

I've applied for a handful of nights again this year and I have everything crossed I get at least one of them:

Band of Horses & Jack White

Jake Bugg & The Killers

One Republic & Matchbox Twenty 

Frightened Rabbit & Biffy Clyro

Willy Mason & Mumford and Sons

AND FINALLY:

Time to bring this blogcast to a close. I honestly just keep going on but there is always so much I want to share or feature. Sadly, there are always going to be things I have to neglect or miss out but they will have their place at some point. This little nugget is so late an addition if I'd have not have had the technical issues with my laptop (the damn mousepad) it wouldn't have featured. It was only uploaded a few hours ago and I saw a Facebook update from the band's Jay Tennant. This is a demo from new band The Silent Union. I don't have room to say more just now but expect to hear more from them in the future.

The next podcast will be something a little different. It will be a streaming only special so I may feature a few bands and artists I'm not able to get necessary permissions from to feature on the downloadable podcast. There will be a few more established but still indie based acts, which I'm really looking forward to playing. Normal service will then resume with podcast #9.

Until then, peace to all of you. Thanks for listening and reading.

Tweetle Tweet Follow @roberto_baggins Tweet to @roberto_baggins