2012 MUSIC OVERVIEW: A REVIEW PART IV - LIVE MUSIC

Hey folks. Apologies for not being a tad more brief and being able to complete this overview/review all in one post way back in January. That would have been much neater and more appropriate. But then of course I would have no doubt missed out even more than I already did with those top albums that started it all off. And yes, I know we are now half way through March already (a whole quarter of the way through) but you know, technically if we take it to be the financial year, I am still in time. Cutting it thin I know. There's just so much to look back on and include! It actually makes me dizzy doing so. The year went so quickly and don't even get me started on the speed this one is going at. When thinking about Luke Ritchie's The Water's Edge being the first album I reviewed back in early March I'm like WTFing at this crazy time speed. Surely there must be some kind of 'Big Bad' The Doctor needs to come and sort out. Could it be The Rani did not perish during that Last Great Time War, and is now somehow siphoning off our time? I remember writing that review up just before going to Wales for a weekend break. While there I watched the awesome Norwegian film Troll Hunter. Not sure that needs to be expressed here but if you haven't seen it yet, you should do! I can't recall if it was last year I first saw Scott Pilgrim Vs The World, or if it was 2011. No matter, it is one of those films I can (and do) watch over and over. Again, if you've not seen it, give it a try. Oh dear. Digressing once more. And so early on too. There is no hope! 

Let's crack on before Christmas really does come to smack us in the face again. Do make yourself comfortable and put those feet up. Grab a nice cup of tea or coffee, a beer or glass of wine perhaps. Once again, the below are those that really stuck out as something special last year. However, that doesn't mean I hold any of the other gigs, bands or artists in any less esteem. I'm passionate about live music and enjoy pretty much each and every gig as something unique and individual. As with the albums, I will undoubtedly miss some and for this I apologise in advance.

GIGS

Editors - Birmingham - June

Their latest album has been a long time coming. Originally scheduled for release in October 2012, the departure of Chris Urbanowicz last April set this back and the date has since been revised to some time this year. This gig, one of only two UK dates in Birmingham, had all the same electrifying energy of previous shows. There is something deeply mesmerizing about Tom Smith! As band frontman he exudes such charisma, captivating all in attendance and holding us all in thrall. Oh yes, he maintains a trademark intensity that reverberates out from the stage in tidal waves. The set list included many fan favourites from the previous three albums as well as a few of the new tunes, like Sugar and Nothing. Even with Chris gone now, they sound strong and musically tight. Absolutely fucking* amazing! The band have not long returned from Nashville where they've been recording. Various festival announcements have been made including Reading and Leeds amongst many European ones. *expletive wholly necessary

Thanks to a work colleague who is a friend of the band, I did have the opportunity to attend a big charity gig they were a part of last December (along with The Courteeners, The Temper Trap & others). Sadly due to the timing, finances and work I was unable to make it. Curse my situation!! Come on someone, give me a job doing this please! Apologies. *composes self before continuing* Needless to say when they tour the new album later this year I will certainly be there. At least once, possibly twice, maybe even more. Thankfully the Editors are a band who have been consistent in producing something different with each album so far. It's always better, yes, but with the differences they adopt and utilize, what came before remains as powerful. If that makes sense? I'm really quite excited about this new album and it is definitely going to be one of the highlights of 2013, musically, I think. http://www.editorsofficial.com/

Luke Jackson - Rugby - October

This young man possesses such a power it belies his youth. I'm not afraid to admit I was quite moved by his sensational performance at this solo gig at Rugby Roots Club. I am very much a fan of Luke and believe this year his level of exposure is going to go stratospheric. Not wanting to miss out and given how much I thoroughly enjoyed this October gig I bagged my tickets for his recent local solo show at The Stables in Milton Keynes last month. Even though money is scarce these days and I will have to be even more selective about the gigs I attend this year, there was just no way I was missing out on this one!

I won't repeat my review here other than to point you in its direction >>here<<. It is quite a thorough one at that but I think the quality of what Luke offers music fans deserves a complete and full appraisal. I will say that if this is your kind of music, or even if it isn't what you may typically enjoy, if you go see Luke live you will come away feeling moved I assure you. That power he has possesses some magic that will have you wanting more and quick smart.

There are number of dates up on his website so if he's somewhere near you it makes sense for you to get to a show. It does not make sense to miss out on what will be a musical highlight of 2013 for you. There will of course be more dates going up as the year goes on. Meanwhile and to keep right up to date head to Luke's Facebook page and give it a like. He's regularly posting updates including many a new video. Oh and you can also read my review of the outstanding gig at The Stables >>here<<.

http://www.lukepauljackson.co.uk/

Shearwater - Brighton - March

I've been a fan of this US indie folk rock band ever since stumbling across them thanks to the name of a character in a book I was reading in 2008 (The Castle series by Steph Swainston). I bought their album Rook, which was out that year and I have been hooked ever since. For me, Rook will always be my personal favourite from them but 2012's Animal Joy has some top tunes on it too. Seeing them play live was a dream realised. They didn't do too many dates in the UK but this one in Brighton happened to coincide with me seeing a play about Anne Boleyn there. I snapped up tickets as soon as I saw it advertised and had music writing/coverage been my job I would have been in London for their return in November. Shearwater are underrated in my opinion but they have a loyal fan base spanning the globe. Live, they were superb even though there were a few big changes to the line-up. Didn't matter in the slightest however, as they played like they'd all been together forever. These guys are definitely on the list of bands you MUST try out! Leviathan, Bound shuffled on to my iPod shuffle on a walk home from work just recently. Sublime! http://shearwatermusic.com/

Winter Mountain - Leamington Spa - March

Now, these guys were a real find! I usually tend to read up on the support acts for most shows I attend and check out a few of their tunes beforehand. Not so much to sing along, more to familiarize myself with the sound. I didn't get chance to do this for this Seth Lakeman gig in March so Winter Mountain were a true surprise on the night. Two such interesting and genuinely lovely guys who met while backpacking across the US in opposite directions. They both hopped on a train to Memphis (I think, if memory serves me correct), got talking and the rest is history. Their performance completely blew me away and this year should see them release their debut album on Cara Dillon's Charcoal Records. To whet your appetite you should grab their EP from iTunes by clicking >>here<<. If they happen to be billed to play near you, either as headline or support then make sure you go see them. You will thank me for telling you to do so afterwards.
http://www.wintermountain.co.uk/

Trevor Moss & Hannah Lou - Oxford (Tom McRae) - November

I could have seen this duo at Truck Festival in July had I not been my regular self regards organization. Organized chaos is the way I work, at times, and to be fair it has stood me in good stead. If it's not broke don't fix it. Well, perhaps a tweek here and there wouldn't hurt. I have a diary this year in which I'm being ultra (perhaps just under ultra if I'm honest) organized. Anyway, I'd booked my Tom McRae ticket as soon as he announced he was touring solo to promote Part 2 of his Alphabet of Hurricanes album, From The Lowlands. As always Tom was magnificent but I've reserved this mention for the support because they were phenomenal. Trevor and Hannah-Lou's vocals come together so effortlessly and produce sounds that are just exquisite. They toured endlessly last year as they geared up for and released their album, La Ferme De Fontenaille. A cracking album, four songs from which you can sample via The Proud Surrender EP below. Then get clicking and buying and then along to a gig if there's one nearby. In addition to supporting for Tom McRae, they did their own tour of social clubs and got to support the wonderful Beth Orton amongst so many other marvelous gigs. They are also on the bill for this year's Wood Festival so don't miss out on that one. More about this festival soon.

http://trevormossandhannahlou.com/

An Evening With Gilmore & Roberts

Katriona Gilmore & Jamie Roberts - Wellingborough - October

This was a special night indeed. What a venue too! Tables and chairs laid out making it feel like we were at an awards ceremony. It was as if the walls were made especially for taking in the music and feeding it out to the our ears via direct aural tunnels. Sublime! This would not have been possible but for the deftness of skill from this stunning duo. This tour was primarily to showcase new songs from their most recent release, third album The Innocent Left, but we were treated to a number of other top tunes from the previous two as well. Opening with Jamie's Scarecrow got the feet a-stomping right from the off. With that jig-inducing fiddle combined with the fierce guitar strum as the sad, sorrowful story of the subject's failure is played right into your mind. A booming start for the pictures painted via music and vocals were vivid enough as to be mistaken for hallucination. This brilliance was only extended further as the night went on and the tunes came rolling out from the stage. The second song was another deep character piece, this time from Katriona in the form of a famous military doctor history saw fit to remove. This is one of the beauties of this kind of music, and this kind of act. They write and play songs that entertain, that move but ones which also educate. I'd never heard of Doctor James before hearing this. I read up on her immediately after, such is the level of interest the song invoked within. 

Katriona and Jamie are everything I expected them to be. Two of the most pleasant and humble musicians I've had the pleasure to watch play. Their interaction with the audience never ceased throughout the entire evening. Whether this was via them detailing how and why they came to write certain songs, or when Kat tested us to see if we could guess what her original song Silverscreen was about (I'm not telling), they warm you to them instantly. There was a real sense of getting to know them on a deep personal level. The explanation behind the emotions that shaped some of the songs made them resonate all the more. For example, Letters was written from Kat's great-grandmother's point of view. She was a Dane who worked for the BBC World Service during World War Two. She had countless letters passing through her, all the time yearning for one from her son. Amazing as a recorded track, played live it not only transports you back through time but it pulls tightly on those heartstrings. Likewise, Traveling In Time was for her granddad following the memory loss resulting from the stroke he had. This was an open window right to her soul and one delivered with such grace it's hard not to let a tear or more escape. Particularly as it bought forth feelings about the elder people in my own life, past and present. It is a wonderful gift to immortalize them in songs such as these. Fleetwood Fair took us into an interval with its kick-ass chorus Kat tried to get us all to join in with. To give the audience their due, many did.

It's not exactly uncommon these days but from all I've seen, Jamie's lap tapping guitar skills are amongst the very best. These were demonstrated aptly with The Stealing Arm as it opened up the second half of the evening. This is based on a traditional song from circa 1800, rewritten and worked to a leg-jigging tune.

No Rest For The Wicked told of their not so rock and roll lifestyle of driving up and down the country while on tour. Yes they do love it and admit they'd have it no other way but how there certainly isn't any energy left to chuck TVs out of hotel room windows. And that's when they are lucky enough to have a hotel room instead of kipping on someone's floor or in the vehicle itself after an overpriced meal out of a service station. This was followed by one of my overall favourites, Shuffle and Deal. Everything about this song is sublime. Kat shared how far from being the gambling sort, she learned to play poker at a festival using gravel for chips. The character of the song is a little deeper in trouble than this. Jamie did a grand job standing in for Larkin Poe with his backing vocals. Although they were quite rightly masculine, he delivered them with the gentle grace befitting the song.

Then there were the instrumentals such as Over Snake Pass and Seven Left For Dead. As enjoyable as these tracks are on the album, that enjoyment is quadrupled when seeing them performed live. They really launch themselves into these pieces. Don't get me wrong, the vocals on the others never hide the high quality of their musicianship, both individual or combined, it's just eye-opening to see them play this way.

Their reworking of the traditional False Knight On The Road bought the evening to a hallucinatory close. I don't know how they manage it but while your eyes are never off them as they play and sing, at the same time the images of the girl besting the antagonist are striking. The whole story is played out in full view. Without actual visuals and thanks simply to the skills and abilities of Gilmore & Roberts. It was Jamie's original song Louis Was A Boxer, based on a customer in the Subway sandwich shop he worked in while at university, that provided the encore. At the end Kat thanked everyone for coming out on a very cold Saturday night and urged us all to get our friends and relatives out to support live music  in the future. I went to a lot of gigs throughout 2012 but this was one of the finest, without a doubt. It was my first time seeing this pair but I can assure you it was the first of so very many to come.

They are about to embark upon a Spring Tour so check out the dates at their website and get yourselves along. You won't regret it! They'll also be featuring at some festivals throughout the summer no doubt, before setting out on an Autumn Tour when I hope to catch them again, if not before. http://www.gilmoreroberts.co.uk/

Willy Mason

There were many more gigs from last year of course and you should know me by now - I would love to give them all some space here. I must at the very least give a brief mention about the Willy Mason gig at The Musician in Leicester back in May. If I had the arts of powerful sorcery at my disposal (I'm still on moving a pencil a centimetre off the table), I would have physically relocated this pub down to Northampton, long ago. Or perhaps merely punched out a spatial portal enabling me to step through to it as and when required. These are just little details. But, yes, Willy Mason, what a performance!! Mystical, magical, marvellous music! It was like being transported so effortlessly to the deep south without breaking a sweat. If only every Monday night contained such entertainment. He is mesmerizing live and I urge all who are fans, or even just those who may only listen to him in passing and enjoy his tunes, to get to a show as soon as you can. It was also at this gig I saw the enigmatic Jinnwoo who opened as first support and is definitely someone you should check out!

FESTIVALS

Sadly, I was unable to make it to Beautiful Days last year but I sure made up for that by attending not one, but two other small independent festivals. I always considered Beautiful Days to be a relatively small affair. In comparison to Truck and Bakewell however, Beautiful Days is colossal. The small size of these other two is by no means a bad thing. It serves to make you feel even more directly connected to the musicians and bands you get to see. You can (and should) read my full two part review of Truck and then get to their website to bag your tickets to this year's event. They are flying out. More on that festival soon too.

Bakewell Music Festival was smaller still with an added bonus of stages being under a roof. Good job too as with the 'traditional' wash out of a summer we had last year, there were a number of downpours in between the bursts of sunshine and heat. Here, I saw Seth Lakeman for the second time of the year, always an outstanding first class performance. Other bands/artists that stood out for their quality were Jake Morley, with his lap-tapping guitar and poignant lyrics; Neon Railroad with their rockier sound and some great original songs; Sam Draisey, who performed a few covers with a real flair of originality and who's entire set was outstanding; Ryan Lauder with one of the strongest performances of the weekend. Special mentions for the headliners, Flight Brigadegyp, Gypsy Fire and of course Mr Seth Lakeman, who all made the Saturday night one of heightened merriment. I must give a nod to String Driven Thing's song Hey Jack too because as an Ode to the great Jack Kerouac, it really struck deep with me. Then, as the electrics blew and there was niether amp nor lights, country/soul band Phantom Limb closed the festival in true acoustic and unplugged style. They came down off the stage, hauling their instruments behind them and set up in the middle of the marquee. The remaining audience gathered round for what was a splendid intimate set.

It is back on the Truck for the 'they're so damn good they knock you over sets'. Little did I know at the time but this was one of The Last Republic's final gigs as a band as they disbanded not long after. This was a very sad fact and one I'm still crying over. They were just such a fantastic band playing inspiring and truthful music. Their set at Truck was one of my top highlights! Boat To Row build up such a huge momentum with their multi-instrumental juggernaut and had me knocked over by the force as well as so elated I was almost on the ceiling of that tent. I was looking forward to The Dreaming Spires and enjoyed them so much I went for the repeat acoustic performance in the Merch tent the following day. It was like sardines in a can in that tent but totally worth it. Conor O'Brien and his Villagers captivated me with tunes from debut album Becoming A Jackal and a few from their now released follow up Awayland. Tim Minchin could easily have closed the night with his side-splitting (as in literally and being in need of sowing up afterwards) comedy genius songs including the banned on TV Woody Allen Jesus. 

Due to previous negative press I'd read, I will admit I hadn't been expecting anything too amazing from Saturday night headliners and festival closers The Temper Trap. I was most pleasantly surprised with what we got to see and while they were not the best band overall, they were very close, closing the proceedings in perfect style. The most phenomenal, outstanding and sensational act of the whole event has to be Scottish rock band Frightened Rabbit! It was great to get more intimate with their music on the second stage but they should probably have been on the main stage with the crowd they drew and how much they had the audience in the palm of their hands. The band have recently released their latest album, Pedestrian Verse, which you can buy from their website - http://www.frightenedrabbit.com/.

So, that's about a wrap (not a rap, oh dear, imagining myself rapping is rather amusing - perhaps one day....for charity) for the live overview but like I say all the gigs I went to were pretty amazing. Not to neglect Don Broco outperforming We The Kings, as great as they were. What I could hear over the screaming girls that is.

Until next time folks, Peace to you all.

Oooh...off to see Stornoway on Saturday, oh yes!

JUMP STRAIGHT TO THE OTHER PARTS OF MY 2012 OVERVIEW/REVIEW:

PART I   >>here<<
PART II  >>here<<
PART III >>here<<

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LET'S GET WIRED: INTRODUCING AN INTERVIEW WITH THE SCHOLARS

INTRODUCING THE SCHOLARS, FEATURING AN INTERVIEW WITH THE BAND AND THEIR **NEW SINGLE** WIRED.

Introducing The Scholars.

Since being directed to their MySpace page about a year ago, The Scholars fast became one of my favourite new indie bands. Now, indie is not a genre as many will scream and shout and I agree, it is not. But then, indie in the context I use it frequently refers to the independent nature of whatever it is that is being discussed. In my honest opinion, the fact The Scholars are an unsigned band is a heinous crime given the star quality of not only what has come from them before but even more so with the phenomenal music they are producing today. Their latest single Wired is released on Monday 8^th October as a FREE download. Check it out for yourself and get on board! Share the music, get in touch with the band via their Facebook page, and offer your comments, thoughts and suggestions. Most importantly talk about how great they sound and demand their tunes get played on your favourite radio station and that they must play gigs in your towns. It's still about word of mouth these days folks or tweets of tweeps, if that's your thing.

There are some fine radio stations and shows out there but there’s a whole heap of junk too. The same repetitive noise some of them play should warrant their controllers and presenters be jettisoned into deep space (without breathing apparatus or space suits). What is needed is for them to embrace the true music stars of the future and they need look no further for inspiration than The Scholars. Naming the band as one of a few of my own Bands of the Moment, I’ve featured them on my podcast no less than three times already. While they continue making such kick ass songs like Turbulence, This Heart’s Built To Break and the latest, Wired I will continue to play them again and again. This band is what modern music should be all about! It drives it on for a fan of real hard working musicians like myself and hits home the message that there really are so many amazing acts out there that, for all their brilliance remain just under the radar. Only just though, as these guys are primed and ready for launch. The bottom line is your support for highly professional talented bands like The Scholars, is needed and very much appreciated.  

The band itself emerged in a rather gradual manner, beginning with Adrian Banks and Chris Gillett back in 2007. Both were playing in various other bands until they finally started writing together by the time that year was out. They started big too, by way of writing a full 10 track album called Turbulence. Recorded on a 4 track, they managed to persuade a local producer to record it for them. Cue the addition of a drum playing friend and an initial 3 piece set up was born. Unfortunately, they were a band with an album but no gigs with which to showcase it.

Various individuals came and went as the early days was no doubt more about testing what worked and with whom in what way. How would they build up a live performance making music fans take notice and want to hear and see more from them? How were they going to take those early accomplishments to the next level? It was a constructive process that paid off when a quintet finally emerged by the middle of 2008. Then it was show time as the new complete line-up was ready to be unleashed on unsuspecting (but very lucky) audiences.

That initial album, Turbulence, consisted of various demos of a number of different styles. I’d say it was a work of raw creative genius. I mean this in the sense that maybe not all of the tracks would have been perfect, ready to release or indeed great (they may very well have been all these things, I must add) but much more importantly they were a way, for Adrian and Chris at least, to figure out what they were capable of together musically (and in turn, as a band) and exactly what they may be able to achieve in the future. Five years on and they are still writing together, having produced some of the finest alternative electronic rock songs I’ve had the pleasure of coming across. I was so enthused I found myself returning regularly to their MySpace page anticipating new releases.

Turbulence, the album, may not have been released to the world but the title track was released as a single in 2009 and led to an interview on BBC6 Music with Tom Robinson. Listening to the song it's easy to understand why it generated such interest following its release. It has everything needed to grab your attention and pull you in for more. Superbly written lyrics, striking vocals from Adrian and utilising sounds that embed themselves deep down in the musical parts of your brain. Festival slots throughout that summer followed so The Scholars were on the move at last. Their inclination for doing things on a grander scale seeped into their live endeavours as they won a BBC Introducing Battle Of The Bands after just a few weeks out on the road. The momentum kept building as they were spurred onwards, working hard at playing shows and writing new material. Going on to share bills with the likes of Two Door Cinema Club, The Boxer Rebellion, The Cinematics, The Big Pink, Chapel Club, Animal Kingdom, Wintersleep and A Silent Film, they have also played the wonderfully laid-back and independent Truck Festival as well as Wychwood Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse.

2010 saw the guys become heavily involved with an independent feature film. Turbulence was its name and musical romantic comedy was its game. They played a major role in this venture and Adrian had a starring role, satisfying the acting side of his professional ambitions. Producing the soundtrack for the film as well as being an important part of the story itself meant more exposure for those early songs, especially the terrific tune that is Turbulence but also the likes of Blood Runs Blue. Although still at an experimental stage with regards their sound, the seeds planted from the work on that initial unreleased 10 track album were growing fast and bearing sumptuous tasty fruits. Emulating some of the styles of their favourites bands to an extent, which is only a natural part of the process, The Scholars' own distinct sounds were emerging from their hard work and dedication.



Debut EP, Arrival/Departure was released in 2011 and it was after hearing this I was well and truly hooked on to them. No way was I letting go. My initial thoughts were, sounds similar in style to the Editors. As a huge fan of that band I didn't want just an imitation of course but there was no worry about that with Arrival/Departure because Adrian's uniquely distinct and engaging vocals married with the sweeping electronic synths and powerful melodies provided the perfect mix. Indeed, after hearing this I wanted a full album immediately. If you don't have this EP in your collection I urge you to rectify this situation quick smart. A direct link to where you can purchase this at iTunes is >>here<<.

This Heart's Built To Break was the second single to be released but in January this year and fans got this little gem all for FREE. It is still available as a FREE download so make sure you grab your copy and share the information and link (below) with the world. Again, following the release of this single I desperately wanted an album from the band and while this is selfish of me, I think it will be hard for you not to agree this is something that MUST happen, in time. In order for us to help make it so, we need to ensure we all get right behind this amazing trio right now. That's right, they recently lost two band members but no, not in the sense of having left them behind somewhere. Adrian, Chris and Leigh are not that careless. Producing such great stuff, they cannot be. You will find out a little more about this recent change in line-up from the interview below as well as discovering loads more from the guys themselves.  

Interviewing The Scholars

As the first band interview to be featured on this blog, I shall be eternally grateful to Adrian and Chris who kindly answered this barrage of questions I sent to them. All this for you wonderful readers, listeners and fans of great musical taste to learn more about them and the band. As they launch their latest single, Wired on 8th October let's delve in and when you're done if you haven't already check out the unofficial video for Wired at the top of the page. From Monday 8th I'll also embed the single so you can simply click and be able to download your own copy.

Wired is the first of five new songs the band have for us and what a start for their 'relaunch' as a trio again. I say relaunch but the efforts of former members Tim and Josh are not and never will be forgotten. Wired has everything required to propel The Scholars back into the stratosphere of the modern music world. Brimming with a quality sorely lacking on the radio playlists today it should only be a matter of time before we are hearing them added to such lists in order to do the all important job of vastly increasing the quality of radio output. 

Starting with answering a question about the conception of the band, a brief history from the beginnings up to today, I used some of this information for the above write up. Here's what else Adrian had to say:

We've been lucky enough to do a lot of things a lot of bands at our level haven't but we've had just as many lows as highs and it's still to this day a struggle to make a serious mark in the music industry. It's a broken industry and for any band out there it's so so hard but we keep battling on! Recently we changed to a Trio again. Two of our very close friends just couldn't commit the time anymore and we respected them for there honesty and was so proud of the work they did and the place they got us to today. They will be sadly missed and this year has been particularly hard for us. BUT we're still here and we'll still be making music. 

Who came up with the name The Scholars and how was the name settled upon?

A: Way back in the formation of the band we were struggling for a name, but it came from a visit to Stratford upon Avon when my Dad saw "Scholars Lane" and told us….and it was as simple as that! No legendry story I'm afraid to say! 

As a collective how do you approach the song writing and the recording process? Is there primarily one member who writes etc…? 

A: Me and Chris write the music together, it's just kind of worked that way - we were never adverse to other members contributing, but being brothers and living under the one roof meant we could knock out demo's at a great pace, it just seemed to work. Normally when a demo's finished, we would offer it up to the rest of the band and they would tell us if they liked it or not. We'd work on demos we liked and they developed in our live shows and sift out which ones worked and which didn’t! 

What kind of effect, if any, has the recent alteration in the line-up had on how you make music together as a group?

A: Being a 3 piece has made this process a lot easier and almost more collaborative - Leigh has some great synth pads which he adds for texture and we've been able to really fill out our live shows with some of our new gear which is all operated from the drums! We've also embraced the extra space in our music and explored more keyboard and harmonic ideas. We've written some new songs recently which we are so proud of and can't wait to road test them on new audiences!  

For those reading about you for the first time, having not heard any of your songs, how would you sum up your overall sound? What about the kind of sound you are aiming for?

A: Wow..okay.. a mixture of Electro Rock and 80's new wave with a moody dance feel..something like that.. We never aimed for a sound but it evolved from early demos to definitely the more darker elements of Alt Rock. Due to my low singing voice and aggressive guitars we do get compared to bands we like, but I think its certainly moving away from that into a more defined sound that seems to be quite refreshing to new audiences, which is great! I think in the early days we sounded very like the bands we admired but that’s a natural thing I think. You listen to bands you like, you write music, there will always be crossovers. It's just what you do after that makes things interesting.. 

Chris: The other day someone compared us to The Chameleons, which I thought was pretty cool. It's good that we mostly get compared to decent bands.

Considering Social Networks, it has become evident to me that certainly in the early days and even for a number of years to follow, it requires bands (or indie artists of many areas) to really work hard and relentlessly at self-promoting. Are there still times when you feel like giving it all up and just playing Skyrim instead or heading to the pub after work? What encourages you to keep at it?

A: All the time! And For the record, me and Leigh are massive Skyrim fans and we still somehow fit it in. It’s bloody hard to keep doing. Ideally you want a company to jump on board and manage that side for you.. but its all money. Tim, our former 2nd guitarist and PR man was incredible at keeping the band alive online and working around him not being in the band has been a massive challenge. Chris has really taken it on board to crack on with the emails and talking to management types - with regards to social networking - I like to do that myself - I also design posters and have quite a large say in artwork and image for the band. Leigh is a dap hand at making our videos and editing various things to keep our visual online marketing interesting. We all talk to each other and all have opinions on our online structure and so far it seems to work. Having our own little areas just builds into the larger picture. It’s a lot of time and effort but the buzz we get from playing live and the reaction we get from people when we release stuff is enough to keep going. We all love music and playing and writing – that’s what it’s all about….time for a drink ;) 

Do you think Social Networks (and/or even the internet in general) are helping or hindering real quality emerging talent? Why? (Although let’s face it, Simon Cowell has done his best to annihilate quality talent via the television).

A: It's great exposure for any emerging talent, but at the same time its so saturated its hard to know where to look. The likes of X Factor esq shows really blind what the reality is to make it as a successful act with a career and not quick cash for covers. Some blogs are useful for sifting through the shit – and spotify is a great tool. Anything that exposes people in the right way that can benefit upcoming bands is invaluable to reach the right audience. If you dig a little you’ll find so much more than what TV and Radio1 expose us to.

  

What are your thoughts on how the music industry itself operates these days?

A: Battling with the economic fall and the internet age has shifted the industry to a place where money is few and far between. There's not much trust anymore and it's trying to work itself out, except no one seems to know how. Once the problem with illegal downloading can be worked around things will hopefully pick up, but until then bands are going to have to find new and more inventive ways to get out there – the industry now is enough to put people off getting into making music, maybe we’re crazy?    

What would you say has been your biggest challenge as a band so far?

A: Adjusting to a 3 piece for me, I think we would all say various things - but that or just trying to get out there and finding new ways to do it! Always trying to write a better song is the goal.

C: Agreed. Trying to capture our sound on record has been something that has driven me to insanity over the last 4 or 5 years, and if something is not right to me, it can really create a pretty tense atmosphere. With these new tracks, it was the most relaxed I've ever been in a studio.

  

As musicians, there are no doubt numerous bands and individuals of all kinds of styles that have influenced you all, both in terms of general jamming for fun and professionally. Name just ONE each that you’d have to say has had the most impact on how you ‘make’ music right now.

A: This will divide people but I don’t care….Chris Martin

C: John Frusciante. But Simon Green (AKA Bonobo) has also had a huge impact on the way I make music.

Would any one of you ever appear on a reality TV show if it meant getting the band some exposure? If not all of them, which ones would you refuse point blank to do?

A: Road to V? Otherwise, none of them. We refuse to watch any of them but we can understand why people want to use it as an exposure platform. Just not really us. It does more damage than good. 

You have five really great songs ready to unleash on the world, the first of which, Wired is released on Monday 8th October as a FREE download. What is the impetus for a) releasing them one at a time as opposed to a full EP and b) why for free?

A: We've been advised by companies and friends that singles are the way forward. People are unfortunately losing interest in albums and releasing singles can get you way more exposure than an EP - unless you’re in a position where you have a big enough fan base. 

Explain what Wired, is about?

A: Lyrics I write about are normally based on a personal experience or an onlookers view to a situation. I try to, on the most part get away from telling the listener what I’m thinking and instead provide them with a story or an idea that they can make fit into their world. It always pleases me when people explain their idea of a song I've written even if it's not what I've envisaged. It’s boring to be told what to think, right? Wired is about how someone gets under your skin and knows how to push your buttons. “You know how I’m wired” refers to the fact that everyone feels in control but when someone can control you – just how hard it is to escape them and the effect they have on your life.

What hurdles are in the way of you making a full album and can you see these being conquered? What kind of shape might such a longer record take?

A: One word. Money. – If we were to record an album, it would have to be with some money behind us to really capture what we would want on record. 

Are there any big named bands you would love the opportunity to support on a UK (or even beyond) tour? Which ones? 
A: For me - Coldplay, The National, Muse, Interpol....any pioneering band that we grew up listening to really. I’d love to play with Elbow, just from an advice point of view – they are a real hardworking band.

What about collaborating with any other people musically, bringing them into the band for a project perhaps? Alternatively, any specific music producers you want to work with?

A: Too many to write down but I think we'd all be open to working collaboratively if it was done in the right way with the right people and was interesting for us all! Crossing genres can either really work or ruin you. I guess it’s who you’re aiming for. In terms of producers…umm…really admire Peter Katis, Jacknife Lee, Brian Eno and Jeff Saltzman.

You’ve made it through and are heading out on your first UK headline tour. What qualities or sound in a supporting act(s) would you look for?

A: I’d want to look for a band who have been on the unsigned circuit a while who we may have played with who deserves a break. 

What would you consider has been your biggest and most accomplished gig so far? Does this differ from what you’d choose as your favourite gig?

A: Biggest gig would be supporting The Boxer Rebellion with We are Augustines last year around the release of our EP - it was a fantastic day playing with two bands we hugely admire. 

C: Our Arrival/Departure EP Release party at The Regal in Oxford will always live long in the memory - incredible venue, soundguys and lighting.

Do any of you have any pre-gig rituals?

A: Paying for parking and grabbing a quick dinner…oh and deciding on a setlist. I normally sing in the car to warm my voice up.

How do you like to best unwind after a show?

A: Gah, I wish we say we could but the reality is we don’t. We often pack up and head home. The nearest is probably listening to BBC4 on the way. If the bands we're playing with are good we'll stick around and enjoy the show. Leigh likes to grab a few beers, he's a laid back kinda fellow, except when Tottenham lose. 

Can we expect some shows to come following the release of Wired? Where would you most love to play?

A: We will be doing a few shows around the Midlands following the release. Would love to play...err….SO many! Wembley, Reading/Leeds, Roundhouse and Glasto. Well, in England anyway. Shameless plug, but for our shows, best visit our facebook!  

If you weren’t in a band or into music like you are, what would you be doing with your lives instead?

A: I’m a jobbing actor as well as juggling a music career. I think I’d always want something involved in the arts.

C: If I wasn't in a band I'd still be looking for a job within music.

Music guilty pleasures: Name an album or band/artist you owned or liked when you were a kid/teenager that makes you want to go back in time and have a word with yourself? (if there is one) 

A: I brought a Stained album once. God, it was tripe. Why did I do it?!

C: I bought the single 'Escape' by Enrique Iglesias. No regrets.

I’m aware Adrian is an actor. What aspirations do you have regards that part of your professional life?

A: I grew up acting and it was music that I got into later. I love both though. I trained as an actor and I’m lucky enough to have a great agent who puts me up for loads of stuff - Ideally I’d love to be involved with a comedy series or feature film – but as long as I’m working in either I’ll be happy. I get a different buzz off each. Acting you get to put your stamp on someone else’s idea where as music exposes what you make. You can't hide behind someone else’s work.

You were involved in the making of the independent film Turbulence which has recently been selected for a premier at Edmonton International Film Festival. This should expose the band to more people in a completely different setting, what are your thoughts and hopes on this? 

A: We are so lucky to be involved in this film and I was extraordinarily lucky to be a main character as well as being involved in providing the soundtrack. It’s been some time since we did the film but its great to see it still make waves, especially abroad! It certainly gives us a new audience. It was a fantastic project to work on and we’ll have to wait and see what comes of it.

What are amongst your most important non-musical influences? 

A: For me, the Media in general. I write a lot about how devastating it can be and how it moulds people’s perceptions. I really hate it and the effect it has on society but it’s great to draw on. Other than that….Art, friends and family.

What kind of plans do you have for, say, the next twelve months? 

C: I think we've been doing this long enough to now be realistic with our goals. As long as we can stick to our plans for the releases, and continue to write better songs, then we will be heading in the right direction.



Once again, my sincerest thanks to Adrian and Chris for the above and all the best with the release of Wired.  Keep fully up to date with all things The Scholars at their official page via Facebook. As Adrian pointed out you will find all these gig dates on the Facebook page so go hit that all important 'like' button and prepare for some awesome live shows. Get along and support the band, let's help them get to where they deserve to be!

Banbury Folk Festival - 12th October

Oxjam, Purple Turtle, Oxford - 13th October

AKA, Banbury - 26th October (Free Entry)

The Bell, Adderbury - 3rd November

The End, Birmingham - 23rd November

Winter Warmer, Fat Lil's, Whitney - 16th December

The Scholars are:
Adrian Banks
Chris Gillett
Leigh Taylor

You can (and should) follow The Scholars on Twitter @TheScholars.

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THE NEBRASKA SESSIONS: A TRIBUTE

Back on the blog post (blogcast) for Band of Badgers Presents #7 I featured a little piece about a forthcoming gig celebrating thirty years since the release of Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen. That gig is fast approaching, taking place at The Slaughtered Lamb in London this coming Sunday (30th September). I would move a mountain to be there myself but I'm afraid I've not eaten quite enough spinach. As I mentioned before it is chiefly due to the lack of decent and cost effective transport we have to suffer in the UK but also due to work commitments. There have been tears and even more so with the amazing videos that have been going up on the Clubhouse Records Facebook page. These are below for your enjoyment, being recorded sessions of the artists involved in the venture.

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

01 - What a sensational a capella version of the title track. Just watch these two sing in perfect harmony. Amazing!

From Tristan Tipping at Clubhouse Records:

The Nebraska Sessions - A Tribute

Back in 1982 Bruce Springsteen released 'Nebraska', a collection of sparsely recorded tracks originally intended to be demos for his sixth studio album.

02 - Wow. You may or may not know I'm a huge fan of The Dreaming Spires already but they knocked me off the sofa when I first watched this a few days ago. Great stuff. I wonder if they'll be singing Atlantic City at their gigs in November. Hope so.

Almost exactly 30 years later the UK's Clubhouse Records gathered a group of musicians together at The Betsey Trotwood pub in London to pay tribute to this fantastic album.

Throughout the course of a single day, 10 bands recorded the albums 10 tracks live straight to 4 track cassette tape just like The Boss did back in the day.

03 - The WOW factor continues apace with this stunningly beautiful, country version of Mansion on the Hill.

The sessions were filmed for posterity and collected together here for your enjoyment.

Acts involved on the day include; Trevor Moss and Hannah Lou, The Dreaming Spires, Danny George Wilson, The Cedars, Case Hardin, The Redlands Palomino Company, The Hi and Lo, Mad Staring Eyes, The Arlenes and Michele Stodart.

04 - An astounding version of Johnny 99 from Case Hardin that will get those legs, hips and shoulders a-movin'. This is Americana, heart and soul!

Audio produced, recorded & mixed by Trevor Moss. Video direction, lighting, camera and edit by Pierre Thiebaut, and the project is accompanied with a set of beautifully taken stills by Martin Tyler. 

Plans to release the tracks as an album for digital download are now underway.... (Clubhouse Records).

05 - Danny proves he is still very much the champion with his version  of Highway Patrolman. With backing assistance from Trevor Moss & Hannah Lou.

I, for one, am excited about this album getting a release even if only as a digital download. The Boss is such a highly regarded figure among so many in the music business today. Quite rightly so, as he's carved out his successful career being a legendary song writer and hugely talented musician. He is the reason many follow their heart's desire into the industry themselves, even if they have a long hard road ahead of them.

06 - Steve Pulford of The Arlenes is a State Trooper indeed playing out this track.

The Nebraska Sessions is a genius idea and the calibre of the musicians involved here demonstrates the level of star quality there is out there these days. I am going to enjoy these videos from the sessions now and if you don't see me for a while I may well be recovering in hospital following almost drowning in my own tears at not being able to attend this very special gig on Sunday.



07 - What better way to leave you wanting more than The Cedars' wonderful rendition of Used Cars?

All the videos can be found on the Clubhouse Records YouTube channel >>here<<.

The final three videos from The Hi and Lo, Mad Staring Eyes and Michele Stodart will be released via You Tube and shared on the Clubhouse Records Facebook page over the next 48 hours. I will add these as they go live. Please share what you like and make sure you shout out about how much you will be wanting a copy of this fantastic tribute album. A big well done goes to all those people involved in producing this. Have a great night on Sunday!

www.clubhouserecords.co.uk 

Update: Saturday 29th September:

As promised the final few videos are coming in. Please enjoy and share them all.

08 - Mad Staring Eyes provide something amazingly original with their rendition of Open All Night.

09 - WOW. I have been well and truly wowed by all of the videos in the Nebraska Sessions but there's something really special about The Hi & Lo's MyFather's House. Amazing!!

10 - Finishing the Nebraska Sessions off in fantastic style is Michele Stodart with Reason to Believe.

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Play It Again Sam: Introducing Sam Beeton

I know I wrote up a little about how much I'm enjoying Sam's music in a recent blog post but I've since written an 'Introducing' article I think should be shared. If you've not yet checked out what this hugely talented guy has to offer then quick, get to it before Valerie the banjo playing badger hunts you down and does unspeakable torturous things to you. 'What kinds of torturous things?' You may well ask but then they'd be speakable as opposed to unspeakable as I made clear. Now go! Get to Sam's website before it's too late!

Introducing Sam Beeton

I’ll start this off with a relatively simple but much deserved WOW! It’s amazing just to contemplate the sheer amount of talent Sam Beeton exudes as he goes about everything he’s currently doing. A 23 year old singer-songwriter from Nottingham he’s demonstrated musical and lyrical abilities that have been nothing less than phenomenal. 

This is no run of the mill singer-songwriter either and the originality stretches far beyond the music. Wanting to offer dedicated fans something different he set up The Record Club. This is a unique concept putting him, as an independent artist, in direct contact with subscribers. Receiving a new signed and personalised CD every month gives the feeling these varied and dynamic songs are being written and recorded just for you. Following the success of Season 1 last year Sam recently kicked off Season 2 in April but there is no cut off point for joining. It doesn’t matter at what point throughout the year it is you will receive all of the songs already released in that season so far. 

Volume 1 of Season 2 arrived a few weeks ago with the two gorgeous sounding tracks, Call Me the Loner and Something Out of Nothing. The former starts with a gentle guitar strum before more sounds enter the mix and Sam’s soft and delicate vocal begins lamenting about his need to be alone. All this to a melody that hooks itself somewhere deep inside your mind where it rests snugly waiting to play itself back to you afterwards. Being a tune that is more likely to nudge awake your legs and shoulders, encouraging them into a little jig, the latter perfectly showcases the flexibility to his already very proficient style.

Something I'm finding so inspiring is the versatility he demonstrates in the songs I've heard so far. Hearing just the first couple of samples is enough to sell the deluxe double CD of the complete season 1 for all those who missed out on subscribing to it last year. Featuring 22 astounding tracks including the beautifully cryptic Storyteller, which was released as a single via iTunes on 26^th March, this track alone further exhibits the diversity of his skills as a songwriter. And this is before even considering the likes of Good Natured Child and Rain Down On You which just blew me clean away.

Citing influences including Jeff Buckley and Paul Simon together with the likes of James Morrison, Paolo Nutini and Benjamin Francis Leftwich I would go so far as to say he actually beats most of these and at the very least isn’t too far off meeting the legend of Paul Simon.

The great thing about his already prolific output is that while yes at times with songs like Rain Down on You and Good Natured Child, he may sound similar to a younger Paul Simon, his vocals still have a very distinct and original sound all of their own. The songs offered are also so varied revealing this is no one trick pony. They echo a confidence to his performance that belies his young age.

Hearing lyrics that require some deeper thought if the listener is to prize them apart and truly get what they’re about is a refreshing change. Sam is a rare talent indeed and one the music industry needs very badly if it is to retain any credibility in the face of the manufactured reality television pop world.

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Check out www.sambeeton.com for lots more information about this wonderful artist.

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