FADED CADENCE: Fireworks (original)

From their Facebook page: "Faded Cadence are a unique acoustic band from the outskirts of Birmingham. Their combination of catchy vocals and carefully crafted violin arrangements break them out of the usual sounds heard from a teenage group, and by moulding folk vibes and pop into their own genre, they manage to captivate their audience every time, gaining positive reviews worldwide."

MILES KANE: Inhaler

Miles Kane

Miles Kane performs Inhaler live in session for the Zane Lowe show, from the BBC's Maida Vale studios.

FUTURE PERFECT: I Can't Surf

I don't know much about this, except that the splendid animation is by my good old friend who I've not seen in many years - Nick Appleton:

THE VIEW: Grace

Scottish indie rock band The View with their song "Grace" on Topman ctrl mix':

CRYSTAL STILTS: Shake The Shackles

Crystal Stilts was formed in 2003 by Brad Hargett and JB Townsend. After releasing one single and an EP, the pair expanded to five members before signing to Slumberland Records in the US and Angular Recording Corporation in Europe and releasing their critically acclaimed debut, "Alight of Night", in 2008. This is "Shake The Shackles":

LIA NICOLE: Again

Lia Nicole

A sample of a new original song from San Jose based Lia Nicole.

THE HISTORY OF APPLE PIE: Science For The Young

Their name might sound as twee as Belle and Sebastian's book club, but this lot are flying the flag for lo-fi noise rock. (The Guardian) They are: Stephanie Min (vocals), Jerome Watson (guitar), James Thomas (drums), Kelly Lee Owens (bass, backing vocals), Aslam Ghauri (guitar).

GAMU NHENGU: Walking On Sunshine (Katrina Ane The Waves)

Gamu Nhengu Live at Greenock Tall Ships Race 2011:

Bob Dylan: Friday (Rebecca Black)

Respect to Bob for recognising the potential in this song. That's the mark of a real genius.

CROSSWIRES: Animal Heat E.P.

Latest release from Essex / East London based band Crosswires. See their myspace (http://www.myspace.com/crosswiresband) for upcoming gigs and other stuff.

GAMU NHENGU: 3 Demo Tracks

Gamu Nhengu has posted these 3 demo tracks on her souncloud and facebook accounts:

01 Beautiful by Gamuofficial


02 Liar Liar 1 by Gamuofficial


03 Mr Medicine 1 by Gamuofficial

LIA NICOLE: The Glory (Female Version)

About this track, Lia tweeted "Using a Ryan Leslie Instrumental:) voice recorded this on my computer. lol Im not a rapper, just a songwriter. ... "

The glory (FEMALE VERSION) by Lia Nicole by Lia Nicole

BOB DYLAN: Friday (Rebecca Black)

There always was a great song waiting for a great performer to nail it, and now Bob Dylan has done this:

GUNNING FOR TAMAR: Chocolate Hooves

Performed exclusively on the o2 Academy rooftop for Upstairs and BBC Introducing in Oxford. Filmed, recorded and edited by Daniel Paxton and Sam King:

KING OF CATS: Flea

Performed exclusively on the o2 Academy rooftop for Upstairs and BBC Introducing in Oxford. Filmed, recorded and edited by Daniel Paxton and Sam King.

THE GRACEFUL SLICKS: Rubber Necking

Performed exclusively on the o2 Academy rooftop for Upstairs and BBC Introducing in Oxford. Filmed, recorded and edited by Daniel Paxton and Sam King. I like their sound - there's a lot of Bob Dylan in there but it's original all the same. And the name is genius:

VIXENS: Guardian

Performed exclusively on the o2 Academy rooftop for Upstairs and BBC Introducing in Oxford. Filmed, recorded and edited by Daniel Paxton and Sam King.

KINA GRANNIS: Oops I Did It Again (Britney Spears)

The best cover of this I have heard, although Richard Thompson's was pretty good too:

CUBIC ZIRCONIA: Black And Blue

A live performance from The Loft, an intimate venue in Hoboken, New Jersey. The video seems to be as much about advertising the venue as showcasing the band. It is an interesting venue though. Cubic Zirconia describe their music as 'ethnic disco':

EP 03 - Cubic Zirconia Pt. 01 from LIVE AT THE LOFT on Vimeo.

KINA GRANNIS: Stars Falling Down

Kina Grannis on her latest tour, live at The Loft, a cosy venue in Hoboken, New Jersey:

MENTALMOOMIN: Here Is The Dark

A haunting song by Mentalmoomin (Lee) accompanied by her own artwork:

MENTALMOOMIN: All I Want Is You

This is from the youtube channel of Mentalmoomin (real name Lee, I think). Her YouTube channel contains lots of original stuff, a mix of guitar-and-voice songs and some electronic mixes like this one:

KATE McGILL: Set Fire To The Rain (Adele)

Once again Kate McGill gets right to the heart of the song:

KATE McGILL: Friday (Rebecca Black)

Kate McGill, recorded from blogtv. She is keen to point out that this is "just in jest":

BEST COAST: When I'm With You / So Gone

Music Video for Best Coast's "When I'm With You" off the Black Iris 7".
Best Coast is an American indie rock band based in Los Angeles, California, and is often categorized under the subgenres of garage rock, surf pop, and lo-fi. The band currently consists of Bethany Cosentino, who writes all of the band's songs and fronts the group, multi-instrumentalist Bobb Bruno, and former Vivian Girls drummer Ali Koehler. Their single "Boyfriend" was included on the list of best new tracks by Pitchfork Media with their album "Crazy For You", ranking 39th on Pitchfork's list "Top 50 Albums of 2010". The band is recognizable for their fuzzy, low-fidelity sound in the vein of surf rock. (Wikipedia).



...and 'So Gone':

MREE: Bon Iver Medley / Can't Help Falling In Love

"Im Taiwanese and Bulgarian (and American of course). I don't read sheet music, I only play by ear... that goes for guitar too. My covers are basically my interpretation of the song. So don't be alarmed if you hear a song is transposed or if I change the rhythm or use different instruments or change chords or sing a different note or.. you get the point right? Right! I try and change the song into my own intake of it. Im not trying to sound like anyone or make the song 100% exactly like it was made. I just put my own twist on it" (YouTube):

BLACKCHORDS: Until The Day I Die

Blackchords released their self-titled debut album on October 5, 2009 through Dust Devil Music/Stomp. Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Blackchords, fronted by songwriter 27-year old Nick Milwright, have been widely acclaimed on their native turf ("One of the best Australian debut releases", Reverb Magazine) with critics raving that their darkly majestic collection of understated songs recalls the best bits of Ryan Adams, Elbow and Jeff Buckley. "So far the response has been really positive, especially from the fans," says Nick. "We strive to write music that moves and connects with people. It's the reason we want to play professionally." (YouTube)

ORTOPILOT / KATE McGILL: Sound Of The Underground (Girls Aloud)

These two work so well together:

CAITLIN BELL: The Way I Am (Ingrid Michaelson)

Canadian Youtuber Caitlin Bell:

MENTALMOOMIN: It's True / My Cold Bed / God Only Knows

Three original tracks from the YouTube channel of Mentalmoomin (Lee).

WILD FLAG: Future Crimes

From their Myspace:

"What is the sound of an avalanche taking out a dolphin? What do get when you cross a hamburger with a hot dog? The answer is: WILD FLAG. WILD FLAG is a Portland, OR and Washington DC based quartet consisting of Carrie Brownstein, Mary Timony, Rebecca Cole, and Janet Weiss. The members of WILD FLAG have played in numerous and notable bands, including but not limited to: Helium, The Minders, Croissant Cocktail, Feeble Knees, Quasi, Dogz, Sleater-Kinney, @@@, The Consortium, Asia, and Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks."

Here they are performing live, with and original (I think) followed by The Standells' "Dirty Water":

GABRIELLE APLIN: Panic Cord

An original song from Gabrielle, currently on a UK Tour:

ALLISON WEISS: Fingers Crossed

Allison Weiss is based in Brookly, NY, and currently touring. Her website is at http://allisonweiss.tumblr.com/site , where it explains:


"Allison Weiss is an energetic 23-year-old with an electric guitar, an avid online following, and a whole lot of feelings. With her quirky charm and sharp pop sensibilities, Weiss makes losing a little more fun.
'I’m all about catchy, upbeat, feel-good music, but the one thing I seem to aways write about is heartbreak,” she recently told Billboard.com, “I say [my songs] sound like your saddest memories sung to the tune of your happiest.' "

TEGAN KHURMY: Little House (Amanda Seyfried)

Tegan's voice is spot on in this cover:

DEAD MODELS: Rosy / Tonight

Two tracks from the self-titled EP by Essex / East London based band 'Dead Models'.

Rosy



Tonight

DEAD MODELS: Interview

Essex / East London-based band 'Dead Models' have just completed the recording their first album "It's Not Love", a follow-up to their self-titled EP. Their well-crafted, dreamy songs have a retro sound that recalls 60s Britpop and the West Coast 'Beach Boys' sound. I recently managed to snatch an interview with band member Nathan Clarke:

Could you list the names of the band members, and say what they do?

There's Nathan Clarke - Singer/Guitarist, Paul Orwell - Singer/Guitarist, Mark Brown - Bass/Singer & Pat Hurley - Drums

You had an EP out a while back...how did that do?

To be honest we don't know, we know that our friends bought it and people that had been to our gigs but overall we have no idea especially in the US, we haven't had any sales figures from the label yet, we're expecting a big cheque through when the royalties come in, I won't be happy unless it's 5 figures printed on a giant novelty cheque. I don't think so though.

How is the album coming on? Can you give a track listing, and/or say anything about the songs? Where did you record it? How long did it take?

We finished recording last week and finished mixing it last night. Pauls working on the mastering as I type this, I've had a few text  message updates so I'd imagine it'll be all done tonight, the artworks sorted, it's just got to be put together. We recorded it in Pauls bedroom, the dream factory, it's where we record everything we've done. It's such a great way of doing it because everyones comfortable and we have as much time as we need to get it right. Pauls spent about a month crafting it all and he's worked on it solid for hours, we never could have put that much effort and detail into it at a professional studio because it would have cost thousands. There are gonna be 14 songs on there and we have about 6 more that just didn't fit, the tracklisting is

Rosy

Little Cracks

Step Aside

Alright

The Dancefloor

Hold On

Little Thoughts

Give All Your Love

Wait Walk

Take Me In Your Arms

Run Girl

Nothing To You

Tonight

It's Not Love

As you say you are influenced by 50s and 60s styles of songwriting...but are all of the songs you play (on the album and live) originals? Or have you done some covers?

They're all originals at the moment, we talked about covers but there's just not enough time in our gigs set at the moment to drop anything in favour of a cover, we have to keep leaving originals out as theres not enough time when our sets are only 30 mins.

What 50s or 60s artists in particular have influenced you?

The Beatles are a massive influence just down to making us want to be in a band and making music. We love Phil Spectors stuff and Joe Meek, the beach boys, dion, kinks, stones, it's pretty much endless.

Are there any contemporary bands that you listen to a lot and/or have influenced you?

 Other than Arctic Monkeys and The Coral I don't think theres anyone of interest in the UK at the moment, I liked the Vaccines album too but there doesn't seem to be anything else. There are just so many really cool US bands to listen to at the moment though, Girls, Magic Kids, Smith Westerns, Beach House, Best coast...it's crazy.

Are you more influenced by American rather that British music?

We're definitely more influenced by British music as a whole and mainly British bands from the 60's, people like the kinks, idle race, beatles, hollies etc more than anything else but at the moment it's only really the new American bands that are doing it for us.

How do you go about songwriting? Do all band members contribute?

 Normally myself (Nathan) or Paul will have a rough song idea and then the other will fill in gaps and change bits. We tried to do that in rehearsals with everyone contributing but it doesn't work as good as just 2 people sitting in a room. A lot comes from recording too, we find a lot of changes to make once it's demoed.

Have you had any particularly memorable live performances?

The best gig was when we played with Magic Kids at Proud, it was pretty cool, the queue went right down and out the lock, it really felt like we were getting somewhere. One of the most memorable was when we were between drummers and we played "In The City" festival, acoustic as a 3 piece, it took us 9 hours to get there, played 20 mins then 6 hours coming back. We were wrecked!

I’m guessing that you are unsigned atm...have you had any interest from any big labels yet?

To be honest we haven't really tried making contact with any labels as we've just been recording constantly. We've spoke to a couple of a&r guys at two majors in the US but we really want to make sure we get it right.

Can you recommend and other new or unsigned bands that I need to check out?

Our mates band Cross Wires are really cool, they're amazing live! Theres a band called Foreign Office that we played with once and then see support Carl Barat, they're really good. The songs remind me of 80's movies, really cool dancefloor tunes. Also we played with a band called Two Wounded Birds who are really cool and surfy, they're doing really well at the moment.

Do you see yourselves sticking to your current musical style, or are there other things you’d like to try out?

I think we'd only ever write how we write, just because we're influenced by and listen to music in that style. We honestly don't try to write the way we do even though it sounds really retro-y we really don't go out to do that it's just our influences and what we listen to and like. Some of the newer ones are more guitarsy if that makes sense.

Good luck and thanks for the interview Nathan.

Cheers.

Album preview track - The Dancefloor:

GABBY FOR TEA: Visions Of Johanna (Bob Dylan)

Gabby is several notches above the majority in the girl-with-a-guitar genre. She is not afraid to try some less than usual songs to cover, like this one. She even has a go at Syd Barret and some early Pink Floyd songs. She actually gets the mood of the songs she sings. She's also a pretty good classical pianist, and, obviously, harmonica player. She has two existing Youtube channels gabbyfortea and puck0630.

KATE MCGILL: Full To The Brim

This latest song from Kate Mcgill has really got me looking forward to her upcoming tour. Kate has recently been talking about practising with her new band, and about taking her music in a different direction. If you check out her youtube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/katem3 - the tour details are there too) there is a fragment of a song, 'Diamonds And Waste' featuring this new sound, which I like a lot, and judging by the comments it has received so do her fans.

HANNAH TRIGWELL: Give It Up

The official video for 'Give It Up' from Hannah Trigwell's EP 'Hold My Heart'. Her single 'Headrush' is released on 11th April 2011, with a launch party in Leeds on Saturday 16th, details on her website: http://www.hannahtrigwell.co.uk/

MC NXTGEN: Andrew Lansley Rap

A stunning performance from MC NxtGen who offers up, in rap form, the clearest explanation of the current NHS reforms that I have heard, accompanied by the guitar riff from The Animals "House Of the Rising Sun".

"Andrew Lansley, greedy Andrew Lansley, tosser
The NHS is not for sale you grey-haired manky codger..."

Genius! This is the man that should be standing opposite Cameron at PMQs:

LIKELY LADS: Big Dreams / Observations

York-based band Likely Lads are: Ross McLeod - Vocals/ Bass; Ashley Harding -Lead Guitar; Ben Porter - Guitar; Jordan Maher - Drums. On their facebook site they announce that they are "Four lads, catchy tunes and an attitude and energy that's hard to find elsewhere", and I agree:

LAMPLIGHT: On The Run / Circles

Two soulful acoustic tracks, and well-shot videos, from Essex-based band Lamplight. From their YouTube channel:

"Lamplight are Steve Jones Richard Jones and Chris Kemsley. With a huge catalogue of songs the Essex trio have worked with producer Ian Davenport (Band Of Skulls / Radiohead ) they recorded there first demo Circles, Get Away, Butterflies & Radio. Circles caught the ears the eyes of photographer Jeremy Walker and approached the band in the earlier part of 2010 to shoot a music video for the song. For more info on the band contact info@thewhiteroom.org"

THOSE DANCING DAYS: I'll Be Yours

'Those Dancing Days' were recently chosen by Jessie J when she hosted Channel 4's 'Topman Ctrl MX'.

They are, according to their website, "five young women who formed the 14th September, 2005 in a Nacka suburb of Stockholm, Sweden."

In this song in particular they have a feelgood, powerpoppy sound:

VERONICA FALLS: Found Love In A Graveyard

Veronica Falls with 'Found Love In A Graveyard' from Channel 4's "Topman CTRL MX"

"Veronica Falls are based in London, UK and feature members from the now defunct bands The Royal We and Sexy Kids. After touring extensively in 2009 their first single was released through Captured Tracks in the U.S. Veronica Falls’ first British releases are due in the first quarter of 2010. The band consists of Roxanne Clifford (vocals, guitar), James Hoare (guitar), Marion Herbain (bass) and Patrick Doyle (drums)." (LastFM)

VILLAGERS: Pieces

Dublin-based singer/songwriter Villagers, recorded in his own home, for his label, Domino Records:

JOEL VEITCH: I'm Scum And I'm A Racist (Nick Griffin)

A catchy song and music video with a very direct political message from Joel Veitch, hosted by bloggerheads:

PS22 Chorus: Round And Round (Ariel Pink)

The whole Glee thing has pretty much passed me by. I have been encouraged to watch the show by a few friends but so far resisted. The Glee Cast cover songs have failed to impress me. But on the subject of youth choirs, I recently stumbled on this twitter conversation between music journo Alexis Petridis and singer Tracey Thorn:

alexispetridis: This is GREAT RT@davidrsmyth: sure it's been shared before but how feelgood is this kids choir?
alexispetridis: Oh man, their version of Round And Round by Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti is pretty special
tracey_thorn: @alexispetridis And what I love is, it's just NORMAL singing, not show-off look-how-long-my-vibrato-is stage school kind of singing
alexispetridis: @tracey_thorn It's just amazing isn't it? They look like they're really into it. They don't appear to have been coralled into it at all.
alexispetridis: @tracey_thorn Exactly. And the movements are totally free, not choreographed or stagey at all.

So this led me to the PS22 Chorus, and yes, they are fantastic. Their music is genuinely uplifting. Do check out their Youtube channel, where their teacher and inspirational leader "Mr. B." says:

"The PS22 Chorus was formed in the year 2000. We are an ever-changing group of 5th graders from a public elementary school in Staten Island, New York. We are NOT a school for the arts or a magnet program.

The chorus has become a bonafide internet sensation over the last few years, singing choral renditions of classic & alternative pop songs. The kids have sung with Tori Amos, Passion Pit, Crowded House, Queen Latifah, Common, Celtic Woman, Matisyahu, KT Tunstall, Greyson Chance & Kylie Minogue! They have also performed for President Obama and the first family, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Stevie Nicks, Rihanna, Kanye West and so many more! Celebrity fans include Perez Hilton, Ashton Kutcher, and the list goes on!"

STATES OF EMOTION: The Unsung / Perfectly Blue

From their MySpace site:

STATES OF EMOTION are four youthful, passionate, song writers, hell bent on providing a sound drenched in anthemic melody to unite the masses. Set against an eerily optimistic backdrop, the Essex quartet thrive on a combination of melodic guitars, pounding skins and pulse raising vocals to produce a sound that's ship set sail from English shores a long time ago. Creating a sound this unique at a time when the British music scene is at its diverse best can only represent a band with an unpredictable but explosive future. With a compelling unity that has come from playing music together since the age of 14, these groove laden southern upstarts will be able to send shudders from the spit & sawdust venues of a city near you to the rapture of the most illustrious festivals.



'Prefectly Blue' live at Glastonbury, 2009:

PATCH WILLIAM: Four Original Songs

Four original tracks from Patch William, a band I discovered via "BBC Introducing". Here is their Last FM biog:

Patch William officially started in the summer of 2007 with their first gig at Bristol University. The band consists of Ed and Will, who are brothers, George, one of their old friends, and Ali, a recent addition to the band since recording. For their first year playing the band conscientiously gigged around London, recorded at home and promoted themselves culminating in a lucky run-in with producer Steve Levine. Having heard them play Steve quickly signed the band to his label, Hubris records, in the summer of 2008. From this Patch William have been invited to perform a live session for BBC introducing where they recorded three tracks which have subsequently been played on 6 music Radio 2, and Radio 1. The band have recently finished their debut album whereby an EP will be release very soon (26th October 2010) and available to download from itunes, and the album will follow soon after.

Two live tracks:


                                


Two tracks from the "BBC Intoducing" session in 2008:

INCH CHUA: Hurt (original) / Toxic (Britney Spears)

On her YouTube channel Inch Chua says: "Hello there everyone, thanks for stopping by to check what i have to offer the world :) i'm just a smalltime Singer-songwriter from a little dot on the world map called Singapore. i hope you like what you see/hear, and maybe even let it help you in one way or another. :)"

She also has an entry on Wikipedia: "She gained national recognition after being the first Singapore solo artist to be invited to the prestigious South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival. She has since gained visibility with the release of her 2010 debut full length album Wallflower. Her music is influenced by everything from early pop classics, oldies, jazz to alt-rock. Her material is best described as a schizophrenic potpourri of introspective acoustic tunes, chirpy electronica and introspective lyrics."

ORTOPILOT: Black Rain

ortoPilot's (Matt Hutchison) video for his original song "Black Rain". He says "This is a tune I was working on but decided to take it off the album. Here's a pointless video. Enjoy!!" If this is left off the album because it's not up to scratch, then this is going to be a pretty good album.

YASMINE TOURISTE: Blue Moon (original)

Yasmine Tourist from Hamburg on BalconyTV:

UNDER THE DRIFTWOOD TREE: If Only If

Under The Driftwood Tree perform If Only If live at Maida Vale for BBC Introducing:

SAM57: Hearbeats

UK Student Sam57, from Lwestoft, says: "I'm Sam, I play guitar, try to sing and occasionally have a go at other instruments. I mostly play covers because there are so many good musicians in the world who make beautiful music which I'd rather learn than writing my own material."

LISA MITCHELL

Lisa Mitchell has appeared on 'Australian Idol' but I haven't heard much of her since. Here she covers Dire Straits' 'Romeo and Juliet, and her own song 'Stevie':

LIA NICOLE

Some smooth RnB from San Jose based Lia Nicole. Trust me, she is going far. You heard it here first. Unless you already heard it somewhere else. Check out her youtube channel at www.youtube.com/user/Hawaiianpinay314 (she does a pretty good Jessie J cover). This is her own song, untitled, and apparently unfinished, but sounding cool all the same:

HOLLY KIRBY: Who Knows Where The Time Goes

Holly has produced an excellent version of the Sandy Danny song, and made a charming video:

ORTOPILOT / NSG: Review

One of the most impressive YouTube channels around at this time belongs to Manchester-based musician ortoPilot. The range of talent on display here is truly stunning. His cover versions are flawless; a number of his original songs are hits waiting to happen, and the video production is flawless. 'what's the point...' and 'Stay One more Day' are soulful ballads; 'Jolly Good Fun' written with fellow YouTuberNSG (seperate entry to follow) carries a mental health warning: After one listen this song will be a permanent fixture in the song zone of your brain. I always thought the Stylophone was an underrated instrument. Allow yourself plenty of time to browse this channel - just about every song here warrants repeated playing. ortoPilot is without a doubt one of my tips for the top in 2010.

THE BATHROOM GIRL: Fast Car

The Bathroom Girl (Cherry) with a cover of the Tracy Chapman song. I saw Cherry perform live in Camden Town a while back along with ortoPilot and Ana Free, and I can say she is an excellent live performer.

The Bathroom Girl

NICKY MONTE: Love Dealer

Dietcokewithcherry is Nicky Monte, from Groningen, Netherlands, here covering Esmee Denters' 'Love Dealer':

dietcokewithcherry

YASMINA: Because The Night

French singer Yasmina with her cover of the Bruce Springsteen / Patti Smith song. Yasmina seem to have appeared on the French X Factor equivalent, but that's all I know.

Yasmina

LOLNET SEPHY: Heroes

Lolnetsephy is Jacqueline, from Rockville, USA (W. Virginia I think), here with a lovely laid-back Bowie cover:

lolnetsephy

LORD DARLINGTON: Venus In Furs

Lord Darlington is apparently Thomas who resides in Rouen, France, here with a splendid Velvet Underground cover. No uploads to his YouTube channel for two years, so please get on to him!

lorddarlington

HOLLY KIRBY: Interview

Isle of Wight based singer / songwriter Holly Kirby's repertoire includes an impressive selection of original songs and covers. Many have a strong traditional folky feel but her influences are fairly diverse. Her original songs reveal that she is highly talented as a lyricist, a writer of subtle melodies and as a player of a wide range of instruments. She has released a number of singles, and her new album 'A Woman You Don't Know' is imminent. Holly is currently touring the IoW, and is listed (along with Paul McCartney and others!) as appearing at the 'Bestival' in September. Her previous live appearances include a collaboration with Amy MacDonald. Holly has been kind enough to reply to some questions that I put to her recently:

Nick: Hi Holly.

Holly: Hi Nick :)

Nick: Can you remind me when your album is due for release? Did you enjoy working on it?

Holly: I don't have a set release date yet, but it should be sometime this month. It's currently at the printers. All being well, I should receive the copies in about two weeks, which is when I'll release it.Working on the album was such a fantastic experience. I loved being in the studio. I actually compose all my music at home (in the kitchen!) and produce it on the computer, so when I went to the studio I took all the files with me and they tidied them up, and we decided to add and remove bits whilst I was over there. And of course I got to record my voice and guitar using their professional gear, which was great. I was very lucky to be able to work with some lovely people.

Nick: Would you like to be a full-time musician?

Holly: I'd love to be able to make a living doing what I love. Singing and songwriting is my passion and it would be like a dream to do what I love everyday. - But I imagine being a full-time musician is a bit like being unemployed. :-S I've had a little taste of it this year, and it's so hard to get people to give you a chance. You have to build up a name for yourself.

Nick: Do you think the ‘folk’ label makes it harder at all to draw in a wide audience? 

Holly: I've never really labelled myself, so I don't know…I've always said 'celtic/pop/folk' - so it's kind of ambiguous. I think just 'folk' suggests that you only sing 'folk songs' - and I couldn't commit myself to that. I love trying lots of different styles, I think I'd get bored if I plonked myself in just one genre. I do enjoy singing folk songs, but I also enjoy pop, electronic etc….on my websites I've got the little tagline 'A combination of Joni Mitchell and Enya with a quirky twist' to give visitors an idea of my style.

Nick: Do you listen to folk music mainly, or are your tastes more varied?

Holly: My tastes are extremely varied. At my gigs I cover songs by artists such as Sam Sparro, The Rolling Stones, The Cranberries, Amy MacDonald, Blondie, Eurythmics, Dido, Suzanne Vega…and I also love Ultravox, Nena, The Supremes, Loreena McKennitt, The Carpenters, Jeff Buckley, ATB, ELO, Mozart, Verdi, Grieg…I love music that makes you feel something and takes you away from the real world for a time…

Nick: What is it that you like about Joni Mitchell’s music in particular? Is she your major influence?

Holly: I love Joni because she's so unique. She has a certain way of putting things that really gets to me. I think it's a combination of her clever lyrics and complex melodies. And of course her voice is wonderful too. I'm generally influenced more by songs rather than individuals. But there are a few artists whose style I love, so you could say that they are my influences. Joni Mitchell is definitely one. - More on the lyrical side than anything. Joni's first album is dedicated to "Mr. Kratzman, who taught me to love words." - I think my next album should be dedicated to Joni Mitchell, who taught me to love words! Another great influence is Enya. I've been in love with her music since I was very little.

Nick: What was the video competition that you won? Which of your videos was the winner?

Holly: There was a competition on Amy Macdonald's website to win a chance to perform with Amy on stage. You had to upload a video of yourself singing her song 'Poison Prince' to her website and she chose her favourite one - and she picked mine! I was so happy. :) I uploaded the video and then forgot about it, thinking that I didn't stand a chance, but then I got a phone call saying that Amy had chosen my video as the winner! Which was really really cool.

Nick: What was it like appearing with Amy MacDonald? Did you actually perform with her?

Holly: It was so exciting! Yes, I went on and performed the song with her. She played and sang the first verse and chorus, and then I played and sang the next verse and chorus and then we both played and sang together. It was a brilliant experience and one that I'll never forget. :) Here's a link to the video…

Nick: Is there a good music ‘scene’ on the Isle of Wight?

Holly: Yes! I think so - there are lots of up and coming bands, and lots of highly respected older music people. Then of course we've got the Isle of Wight Festival, Bestival, and the Summer Concert at Osborne House. There's always something musical going on.

Nick: Are there other local musicians that have impressed you at all?

Holly: Certainly, I love watching experienced performers and there are very talented ones on the Island. When I played at the Isle of Wight Festival last year I met some great local performers. It's always interesting watching people perform their original songs. Sometimes it feels like you've looked into their mind before you've had a chance to say 'hello'! :)

Nick: Your gig list looks impressive, how are your live appearances going? Do you perform solo, or with other musicians?

Holly: I mainly perform on my own, but I've done a couple of gigs as part of an acoustic duo which was fun. But all my gigs from now on are solo gigs. - I'm really enjoying them and learning something new every time!

Nick: You play an impressive array of instruments...what led you to the Appalachian dulcimer?

Holly: Joni did. :) I perform 'Carey' at gigs, which seems to go down well. I have to learn some more songs on it though...

Nick: Tea Leaves and Old Magazines is a beautiful song...was there any particular inspiration for it?

Holly: Thankyou very much. :) - I think it's just a little microcosm of everything that was going on in my life at the time. I wrote it on a 'miserable' day in February, and I suddenly thought - "why am I saying it's a 'miserable' day - OK, so it's not as bright as it could be, but they're the same trees outside that looked beautiful in the sun, so why should I stick my own negative label on them when it's me with the problem?" At school we were learning about War Literature, so that's where the inspiration for verse two came from. As a whole, the song is about always searching, but never finding. In life we look for answers that we know we'll never find.

Nick: Do you have songs that you particularly enjoy performing?

Holly: I love performing my originals because I can put the most expression into them. - I understand them fully because they came from inside me. A cover song is just my interpretation of the song put forward in my own way…it can never be as complete as an original.

Nick: Your latest videos are very impressive; did you have professional help with them?

Holly: Haha, thankyou. :) No I didn't have help. I do all my videos myself. - Film them, edit them etc. I'm too precise about what I want to do to get someone else to do it.

Nick: Would you recommend a musical gap year to others juggling with the music / university dilemma?

Holly: Hmmm…that's a tricky one. I think I'd say yes to that. When I was applying for Uni I applied for deferred entry, so I knew I had my place guaranteed for 2010. When school ended I didn't feel ready for Uni - like I'd guessed, so I took a 'break' to focus on my music. In this year I've been doing gigs, running a school choir, and produced my own CD…as well as learning how to drive and taking up acting again. It's been a great year for being independent and gaining more experience of the big wide world, and now I do feel a lot more ready for University.

Nick: What was the TV show that you performed on, or is that a well-guarded secret?

Holly: :) Haha! Nooo…it's not a secret. - I was on Stars In Their Eyes Kids when I was 15. - I performed as Enya, which was a wonderful experience. I adore Enya as much as I do Joni, so it was a great privilege. I actually received a little present from Enya herself to say well done! That was incredible!

Nick: Are you looking forward to appearing at the Bestival? 

Holly: YES! Definitely. :) The fancy dress theme this year is 'Fantasy' so I'm trying to think of my costume. I've never been before, but I'm really really looking forward to it. Apparently there's always a great atmosphere.

Nick: Thanks very much Holly.

Holly: You're welcome.

Holly  performs 'Riddles And Rhymes', one of her latest original songs:
 


Holly's version of Snow Patrol's 'Run' from 2007:

 

Holly Kirby's YouTube channel.
Holly Kirby's website. 

THE RUSKINS: Interview

The Ruskins: I live not far from these guys and I used to live even nearer, so I am surprised I havent come across them before. My brief research (i.e. nicking stuff off their Facebook and Youtube channel has revealed the following:

"Eamon, Dave and Ricky, otherwise known as The Ruskins, have gone from strength to strength since appearing on the scene in 2008. From jamming at home on Isleworth's Worton Estate in West London to whipping the crowd into a stage-invasion frenzy at London's legendary Islington Academy."

In fact it seems that their live appearances can often be raucous and thoroughly enjoyable affairs, and I would love to get to a gig of theirs as soon as I can (if you read this, guys, please leave a comment below, and get me on a guest list).

I can personally vouch for the fact that their single/video "Old Isleworth" (below) paints a pretty accurate picture of their local town. It's a cracking tune, a bit reminiscent of The Arctic Monkeys perhaps, and the video apparently features Effy from "Skins" (Kaya Scodelario) and "Shameless" star Elliott Tittensor. They have had radio plays including a spin by Steve Lamacq on Radio 1. Watch out for them.

Also below, Eamon demonstrates a pretty good turn as an acoustic solo artist up on that famous Camden Town balcony.

INTERVIEW: Kate McGill

If you notice that someone who plays the guitar and sings on YouTube happens to have nearly fifty thousand subscribers and over a million channel views then you might think their music is worth checking out. And in the case of Plymouth-based Kate McGill you would be correct. Yes, I said OVER ONE MILLION channel views! In the brief time that Kate has been uploading videos of her playing her guitar and singing in her bathroom she has become an internet phenomenon in the truest sense. She started with simple guitar backed covers, then moved on to writing and performing her own songs, and can be heard making nice noises at the piano keyboard as well.
Kate has made just a few live appearances, but is a regular on blogtv where she also attracts large numbers of devoted followers. She always manages to bring something new and fresh to her covers, and songs such as Little Boat and Short Straw prove her to be a skilled and original songwriter. She recently picked up £25,000 in prize money when she was voted to victory by listeners in the 1click2fame online music competition. She has invested some of that money in a trip to L.A. where she met producers who have worked with the likes of Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus. Kate left University a while back to devote more of her time to music; a good decision in my opinion. It can’t be long before record companies start to become aware of her potential.
I managed to catch up with Kate recently on msn and she kindly allowed me to interview her. Here is the result, pretty much in full and unedited:

Nick says: hi Kate
kate says: hi Nick!
Nick says: so what was the whole 1click2fame thing like?
kate says: aah. 1click erm it all happened really quickly to be honest. I signed up quite quickly and didn't think much of it! I saw the 25 grand available as sponsorship money and thought "fuck this, i'm doing it too". and then within a few months i'd been entered into the quarterfinal to win it... so i don't really have a massive experience of it.
Nick says: were you surprised to get so many votes?
kate says: not really! i plugged it absolutely everywhere, so it was expected but i was surprised to see other people not get as many...and was and still am baffled by this
Nick says: have you got plans now on how to use the prize money?
kate says: yeah, it's pretty much all planned out already! obviously, i've got my new guitar and am planning to get some quite basic recording equipment next month. and it's paid for my trips to L.A, London and soon to be Denmark! it's all going on writing different songs with different people, making sure I get the best out of it all
Nick says: the L.A. trip looked amazing...what were the highlights?
kate says: it sounds cliche, but it was working with the people i was with! they're such talented people, and we all got on really well
Nick says: what inspires you to write songs?
kate says: good question erm. it can be a mixture of a lot of things! including other musicians, such as the obvious Ellie Goulding and Bon Iver. or it can be the cliche ex-boyfriend who i still, at times, pine for. or it can be something as trivial as my brother pissing me off
Nick says: 'what you do to me' is one of my favourites, is there a story behind that song?
kate says: it's basically about the "x" not knowing the effect he had on me at the time. and the effect was a bad one, let's say. it's knowing this and trying to get past it
Nick says: it's a gr8 song. have strangers started to recognise you when you are out and about?
kate says: ha, yes i've had this joyous occasion a few times now! funnily enough, they've both been when I was working and looked a tragic state
Nick says: obv on blogtv ppl are watching you live, do you get nervous abt that, or abt a real live face-to face audience?
kate says: the first time i did blog tv, i was petrified! but i'm a lot better with it now, and it's helped a huge amount when performing in front of the real life human form and not just a screen ha! but i still get stupidly queasy about the thought of doing a gig. I'm going to have to get over that at some point!
Nick says: do you get to see much live music? has anyone impressed you?
kate says: at my last gigs, all 3 artists really impressed me! Natalie Evans in particular - what a talented girl she is. made me realise just how much 'competition' there is around not that that phases me much
Nick says: will you go to any of the festivals this year?
kate says: i'd love to! but i don't have the money for it all - including the travel up there!
Nick says: I understand you have appeared in at least one national magazine. maybe more now. How did that happen? What was it like?
kate says: i've heard from 2 people that apparently i'm in PR weekly this week! brilliant. me and my manager got an email from a lady from Company saying they were doing a feature on "the bedroom popstar" for the March Music Issue, and would I like to be a part of it. i was so excited when I got the email! and the photoshoot was a completely different kettle of fish. incredible nerve-racking and i felt like an absolute idiot - but it was worth it. even if the picture is nowhere near my favourite i've had a few people come across me via the magazine! mental
Nick says: i'll have to look out 4 PR weekly! whats getting all the plays on your ipod right now?
kate says: Ellie Goulding's 'Lights'. can't tear myself away from the bloody thing. i'll listen to that for about 80% of the day, and when i eventually think "come on Kate, move on", I'll just change to Bon Iver. and then i repeat the next day. it's amazing
Nick says: Ellie goulding is amazing! i agree. would you ever like to sing / play with a band?
kate says: definitely! hopefully when I get a good catalogue of songs written, i'll acquire lovely band members to play and record with! can't wait
Nick says: Will you move to London or stay in Plymouth? Or move to L.A.? Or somewhere else?
any idea?
kate says: haha, definitely not L.A! i love England too much, for some reason. i do hope to move to London eventually, but only when i absolutely need to. i'm a home girl, and can't bear to be away from home for longer than a week. i'm also going to have to get over THIS at some point!
Nick says:haha! do you want to be signed to a label or are you happy doing things independently?
kate says: i think i'd like to try the label thing at first! if it went down well and was a good experience, then brilliant! but if not - i know i've got enough support to do it independantly!
Nick says: yes true. any regrets abt leaving Uni?
kate says: none whatsoever. best decision i've ever made
Nick says: how did u get on with vocal coach Stevie Van Lange, when you recorded for 1click?
kate says: she's amazing! so bloody fun to work with and she helps so much. she can see your strengths and weaknessess straight away, and knows exactly how to improve them! not to mention one of the lovliest people i've ever met
Nick says: are you glad u did 1click and not x factor?
kate says: i'd never have done x factor. just not me at all! so glad i did 1click though, they've been brilliant and the sponsorship is an absolute bonus.
Nick says: what is it abt Ellie Goulding that you like her so much?
kate says: honestly, i think it's because there's no reason why i can't follow in her footsteps. and that's so exciting to think of. not to mention her absolutely incredible voice and what she can do with it. i can relate to her songs more than any i've ever listened to. she's on a pedastul, and i can't see her ever stepping down.
Nick says: do you worry abt ppl downloading all your songs for free?
kate says: not the original youtube ones, because they're bad quality - and i'd rather more people find out about me and enjoy me at this stage than get money from it! however, when i eventually release my demos/singles or whatever - i'll be really defensive about the whole thing. i think if you really believe and love an artist, it's important to support them.
Nick says: true. Kate you are of course unsigned at present but do you worry about the way record companies often try to commercialise artists, push and them into a formula?
kate says: definitely i've already felt this pressure which is a shame. if you want to get on the radio and sell records, you have to fit into a certain category it's just up to you what path you want to take
Nick says:really? u have?
kate says: yeeeah like, when writing songs with people, i'll want to go a certain way that perhaps doesn't fit into the 'pop' way of thinking, and it just doesn't happen
Nick says: yeah
kate says: i can understand why. if people can't identify with it, then they won't like it
Nick says: Kate good luck for the future and thank you very much indeed for the interview
kate says: you’re welcome.

Kate McGill performs her original song 'What You DoTo Me':


Visit Kate's YouTube channel and hear and amazing range of original songs and covers.

HANNAH TRIGWELL: Interview

Singer/songwriter Hannah Trigwell is set to release her first EP, with a launch party scheduled for May 13th. Hannah is a skillful songwriter, writing well-constructed lyrics and soft, floating melodies. She has built up a solid fan base via YouTube and BlogTV. She is also a regular busker on the streets of Leeds, her local city, and she has performed on the BBC Radio Leeds "Raw Talent" show.

Hannah kindly agreed to answer a few questions:

Can you say what tracks will be on your new EP? You must be very excited about its release.

The track listing for Hold My Heart is: Whisper, Break Your Fall, Open and Give It Up. Yes, I am ridiculously excited! Apart from Break Your Fall, all of the songs were written fairly recently, but I would definately describe the EP as eclectic. Once I was in the studio the process was so much fun and really interesting to witness how the tracks came together. The EP will be available on iTunes from May 13th, with a launch party at Hifi in Leeds that night to celebrate!

The musicians you recorded with in the studio...had you played with them previously?

I hadn't played with any of the musicians before we got into the studio, but the songs took shape quite quickly because of how talented the musicians were and just the relaxed atmosphere. I had a wicked time recording the EP and the musicians I recorded with brought so much to the tracks, it was a brilliant experience. The recording process itself was really organic, and I love the EP for that.

Would you say busking is a good idea for up and coming singer / songwriters?

I would say so. I have had a lot of opportunities arise when busking through people who I've just engaged on the street. I enjoy busking, but it can get a bit chilly when the sun isn't out, which is most of the time! It's the perfect way to get your music into the ears of hundreds of people who would otherwise not have heard it. I am now represented by Hear Me Roar Management, who first noticed me when I was busking! James Morrison and Tracy Chapman also started out as buskers; it's a great way to get out there.

Do you remember your first ever busking performance?

Yes I do, I was absolutely petrified haha! I feel quite comfortable now, because I have been busking many times so getting my equipment out and generally sizing up the area to see if I could pull off bursting into song isn't so much of a worry now. The first time I went out I was chuffed at the reaction I was getting, that's what has kept me at it.

Have you had any strange / weird experiences while you have been busking?

I have had a few people bust some moves while I've been playing, anything by Michael Jackson is guarenteed to get toes tapping. Last summer the top of the main shopping row, Briggate, got completely blocked by I'm guessing nearly two hundred people who had sat down in the street to watch me play, that was an amazing day. I've also had a few musicians put money in my case, Ricky Wilson of Kaiser Chiefs being the most impressive!

Do you find that writing songs comes naturally to you, or is it something you have really had to work at?

I have always found that writing songs comes naturally to me, I think I have progressed a lot over the last two years but when I'm in the mood to write or I have something to say it seems to just flow out of me. I start off with the music, any simple chord progression usually, and then sing anything and everything, find a hook for the song, it's really just whatever is on my mind.

Do you enjoy performing on youtube and blogtv?

The first time I went on blogtv I got featured and had over 720 people watching me live from all over the world. The internet is just a brilliant way of getting your own music out there. Blogtv is an amazing concept, and it lets people watching interact with with you as you are broadcasting live so you get immediate feedback. Youtube is another platform I find really useful in getting constructive criticism on my original songs, it's helped me to structure my songs properly and find which songs of mine would be most popular if I released them. Now with over 550,000 total views and 3,000 subscribers, I have a large audience from all over the world on the internet, as well as locally on the street busking and at gigs. 

 Have you always performed solo? Would you like to have your own band?

At high school I was briefly the lead singer in a rock-pop band, but I have been playing my own stuff (in my bedroom) for about 4 years, now performing as a solo acoustic act. I do sometimes perform with another guitarist and I'm getting a full band together now to give the songs more depth.

Do you feel that you are part of a Leeds ‘scene’ in terms of music?

I feel as I am playing more gigs and doing more radio sessions more people are becoming familiar with my name and I'm being offered more gigs, so yes. The music scene in leeds is ace, there are so many great unsigned acts here.

What was it like to appear on BBC “Raw Talent”?

It was so exciting. To be invited to get involved in BBC Raw Talent was amazing, and I really enjoy doing live radio sessions. It is another way to get my music across to people who would otherwise not have heard it. To have your music associated with BBC Raw Talent is massive! It is a fantastic experience.

I know you have played quite a lot of gigs locally, but do you plan to do any gigs outside the Leeds area?

Leeds offers a lot of great venues to play at, but there are several places outside of the Leeds area that I am interested in playing. I would love to do a mini-tour in the near future to spread the EP around the UK. For now I am focusing on May 13th- the launch of Hold My Heart!

Thanks very much Hannah, and good luck for the launch!

Hannah performs her original song "What If" in Leeds City Centre:


Check out Hannah's You Tube channel and her website.