January 2022 – Page 6 – 1st 3 MAGAZINE

Over the last decade, the Media Wall has polluted the Gallery with the image exhaust of the contemporary web and supported a new generation of artists responding to photography’s new life on-line and on-screen. However, all good things must come to an end, and in 2022 the Gallery will bid the Media Wall farewell, while the Digital Programme will continue expanding its physical and online presence beyond the screen.

As the Media Wall gasps its last pixelated breaths, selected works from its 10 years of life will flash across its screen over 5 weeks from 11th January – 13th February 2022. Collectively these projects explore themes of identity, representation and commodification from the aftermath of Web 2.0 to an AI spring.

Curated and organised around three volumes by Katrina Sluis and Sam Mercer, the programme bears witness to photography’s shifting role in an increasingly automated and algorithmic visual culture.

Volume 1: Image Proliferation
11 – 23 January

Born in 1987: The Animated GIF by various artists (2012)
For the LOL of Cats: Felines, Photography and the Web (2013)
One Terabyte of Kilobyte Age by Olia Lialina and Dragan Espenschied (2013)
Motherlode (2013)
Sun/Screen by Penelope Umbrico (2014-2015)
d(^_^)b Miku, Monsters and Musicians (2015)
PowerPoint Polemics featuring work by Clunie Reid (2016)
Food for Being Looked At (2017)

Image: Penelope Umbrico, Sun/Screen, A commission for the Media Wall at The Photographers’ Gallery 2014

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Bright Young Things – Cliché Cult

12th January 2022

Music News

‘Say It Like You Mean It’ is the fourth single from Leeds brightest young act Cliché Cult, due for release on 28th January 2022 via Shoplifters Union.

After a very impressive first year as a band, from being played on BBC Introducing and XS Manchester to playing for This Feeling and supporting fellow Leeds up and comers ‘Skylights’, they can hold their heads up high after a successful debut year as an act.

Cliché Cult

2022 is the year they wish to break forward and hit new targets, with releasing more music than they ever have and playing as many live shows as possible. It looks to be a very busy year for them.

CLICHÉ CULT – SAY IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT by shopliftersunion (soundcloud.com)

Say It Like You Mean It is a song that Cliché Cult have had in their locker for quite some time and feel like it is the perfect song to kick off the new year. Recorded and Mixed by The Crib’s and New Model Army producer Jamie Lockhart, they really have stepped up another level with the production on this track.

Jimmy Sweeney – Vocals and Rhythm Guitar

Robin Green – Drums

Jake Clayton – Lead Guitar

Jimmy Ingham – Bass

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Soundcloud

Hitting It Hard – Harley & The Wolf

12th January 2022

Music News

Harley & The Wolf are an energetic four piece band from Belfast, combining hard hitting riffs, delicate dual harmonies & anthemic vocal melodies.

Drawing heavily on old school classic rock and modern alt rock, the band take their influences from Irish greats such as Thin Lizzy & The Cranberries alongside the likes of My Chemical Romance, Deaf Havana and Architects.

In 2020 the band released their debut single ‘For What It’s Worth’ which was followed up in 2021 with the release of both ‘Lost Hope & Mixed Blessings’ and ‘Just A Memory’. All 3 tracks would lay the foundation of what was to be their debut EP ‘Youthful Souls’ which is released on 28th January. The title track of the EP will be also released simultaneously for airplay!

“This EP has been a decade in the making. To finally be able to put it out and share it with the world is something we’re incredibly excited about, these songs mean a lot to us and we can’t wait for people to hear them!” - Harley & The Wolf

‘Youthful Souls’ – Track Guide

Track 1: JUST A MEMORY
“The struggle of mental health in trying to form relationships when substance and alcohol abuse seems to be the only way to deal with problems”

Track 2: LOST HOPE & MIXED BLESSINGS
“A fight against the routine of the daily grind and no matter what life throws at you, you can always face it head on and fight for your dreams”

Track 3: YOUTHFUL SOULS (BUILD A BRIDGE)
“A nostalgic tale of youth but as life progresses and friends drift apart and forget each other, moving on is the only choice”

Track 4: FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH
“A one sided relationship that has ran it’s course and the realization that it has to come to it’s conclusion”

HARLEY’S SPOTIFY MIXTAPE
A collection of songs that inspired the members of Harley & the Wolf as musicians as well as providing inspiration throughout their writing process
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2GGhii01mIgKa5nES2hvtr?si=32d245daf11148c4&nd=1

Harley & The Wolf are:
Christi McCullough (vocals/guitar) Conor ‘Rico’ Ritchie (guitar/vocals)
Pete Barber (drums) & Ryan Noble (bass/vocals)

Spitting It Out – VALIDOR

10th January 2022

Mainly Metal

Bob Katsionis’ Symmetric Records proudly presents the return of an underground cult legend: VALIDOR!
Having already released three studio albums: “In Blood In Battle” (2011), “Dawn Of The Avenger” (2012) and “Hail To Fire” (2016) and the re-issue of their debut album in 2020, it is about time to move on to their next chapter.

“Full Triumphed” continues the epic journey of VALIDOR! The band is led by guitarist/singer/songwriter Odi “Thunderer” Toutounis and once again we get 9 new chapters telling stories of War, Ancient Greek Heroes, Roman Gladiators, Gods & Demons and even iconic 80’s culture legends like the “Silverhawks” or Robocop on the track “Man Of Steel”!

The epic storytelling of bands like Virgin Steele and Bathory, the raw power and big sound of Manowar are here combined with the galloping guitars of Iced Earth, plus the Dorian melodies of Running Wild and Blind Guardian and even some thrash and speed metal passages to form the truly unique sound of VALIDOR: Blood Metal!

In the words of Bob Katsionis: “I’ve been working with Odi since 2009. While looking like a guy who listens to nothing by Manowar, Odi carries a background of musical influences spanning from early Black Metal to Greek composers like Manos Hadjidakis or Basil Poledouris and from King Diamond to Death, Kreator, and Megadeth! So, making music with a guy with such an open mind and a clear target of what he wants to achieve, is nothing but a pleasure. His sense of melody and groove is also second to none! I also admire his desire to sing the songs all by himself even if he’s not your typical “epic metal singer”. The way he spits out every word is so meaningful and powerful that it could not be replaced by anyone. And for me, this is what makes projects like Validor so special through time.”

Producer Bob Katsionis handles the lead guitar, bass, and keyboard duties once more and the line-up is completed by drummer Apollo Giannoulis.

Artwork was once again made by Kostas Tsiakos (www.papergoblin.com) also responsible for some great art behind Warlord, Born Of Fire, Dexter Ward and many more.

Following the policy of other Symmetric Records releases, “Full Triumphed” is not going to be fully available through any streaming service (like Spotify or iTunes etc.) and can only be ordered directly from Symmetric Records’ Bandcamp website in digital or physical form on a Deluxe Digipak CD with an 8-page booklet and for the first time on a fiery-red CASSETTE to please even the most old-school fans and can only be found here:
https://validor.bandcamp.com/

TRACKLISTING:

1. Dawn Of New Age
2. Son Of Steel
3. Man Of Steel
4. Strong Winds
5. Blood Metal Legions
6. Silverhawks
7. Gladiator
8. The Ten Thousand
9. Conquest Of Steel

All Music & Lyrics by Odi Thunderer

LINE UP:

Odi Thunderer: Vocals, Guitar
Bob Katsionis: Lead Guitar, Bass, Keyboards
Apollo Giannoulis: Drums & Classical Percussion

CREDITS:

Produced and mixed by Bob Katsionis
Recorded Jan-Feb 2021 at Sound Symmetry Studio, Athens, GR
Mastered by Nasos Nomikos at VU Productions, Piraeus, GR
Artwork by Kostas Tsiakos (www.papergoblin.com)
Logo by Odi Thunderer

https://www.facebook.com/validor.gr/

Owning Mediocrity – gürl

10th January 2022

Music News

gürl are antipop: fruity loops and butcher knifes, bubblegum and razor blades, diva choruses with heavy guitars and trap production.

Think “Ashnikko meets Loathe and Billie Eilish meets Bring Me The Horizon“. Vocalist Joshua Dalton comments on their new single ‘ANTIPOP’, a celebration of mediocrity that is anything but mediocre:

“ANTIPOP is an anti-anthem for those disenfranchised by the notion that killing yourself in the pursuit of success is somehow noble. It's about burnout and the idea that you should abandon friendships, love, that you should starve yourself and never sleep, so you achieve that dream. Well, honey, I really hope you get it, I really hope it's worth the sacrifice, because if it isn't, then you're left totally broken. It's a song that sticks its middle finger up to the idea that ‘you can buy a house by the age of 20 if you just stopped eating avocado on toast.’ If working hard but also making time to just have a duvet day makes us mediocre, then we're gonna own that mediocrity.”

Returning from Steel City Studios after having worked with Phil Gornell (BMTH, All Time Low) and James Veck-Gilodi (Deaf Havana), gürl are making a name for themselves at the bleeding edge of alternative music.

Listen to their new single ‘ANTIPOP’ here: https://linktr.ee/klangmachine

Meanwhile, the band also announced that they will be playing their first show of 2022 this month. A night of ANTIPOP and Rap Metal featuring gürl and NO:IR, two of Bristol‘s hottest newcomers teaming up to hit London‘s Black Heart on Friday, 14 January.

NO:IR, will headline the evening with their dark and unsettling take on modern rap metal. After breaking 100,000 streams with their first singles, NO:IR released their latest EP “Are We Really Alive?” in 2021, and their latest video “Spineless” is out now. It’s time to let off some steam and ring in a big year for live music!

Tickets are £8 advance / £10 at the door and bands, venue, and everyone involved thank you for supporting live music 🤘

Get tickets, listen to ‘ANTIPOP’ by gürl, and watch ‘Spineless’ by NO:IR here: https://linktr.ee/klangmachine

https://www.facebook.com/thegurlband

Expect The Unexpected – TOMORROW’S GHOSTS FESTIVAL

9th January 2022

Mainly Metal, Music News

TOMORROW’S GHOSTS FESTIVAL 2022 are thrilled to announce their primetime Saturday night headliner….THE LOVELESS.

Established in 2018, Tomorrow’s Ghosts Festival takes place annually at The Pavilion in Whitby (UK). A celebration of all things Gothic that also embraces a wide range of alternative culture, the festival aims to host both established and up and coming bands to reflect the diversity of the goth and alternative music scene as well as similar highlights from the mediums of film, art, guest appearances and theatre. Previous editions have hosted acts including Wayne Hussey & The Divine, Peter Hook & The Light, New Model Army, Paradise Lost, Fields of the Nephilim, Pop Will Eat Itself, The Chameleons, Pink Turns Blue, Salvation, Evi Vine, The Membranes, The Eden House, Sometime The Wolf, The Society, Terminal Gods, Sweet Ermengarde Saigon Blue Rain, Christine Plays Viola, Mercury’s Antennae and Clan of Xymox.

Comprising the singular shadow-cast tones Marc Almond, the snaking melodies of Sigue Sigue Sputnik axeman Neal X, the thunderous rhythm section of Iggy Pop’s touring troupe Mat Hector and Ben Ellis, plus the haunting Hammond organ sound of the esteemed James Beaumont; together they are THE LOVELESS.

Garage Rock in its rawest, most gripping guise.....

Making their Tomorrow’s Ghosts debut in 2022 with a headline set, expect the unexpected when The Loveless bring their devilishly dark arts to Whitby Pavilion next Halloween.

A project designed to take its constituent parts back to where they all began, The Loveless pledges itself to the pulp appeal of Garage Rock in its rawest, most gripping guise.
Drawing material from Marc Almond’s immense back catalogue as well as from the oeuvres of Lou Reed to David Bowie, warped 60s R&B staples to lost garage-rock gems, The Loveless could be accused of being a “covers band”. And yet with a demonstrative talent for chiselling cuts down to their most primeval rock roots.

First appearing on the live stage in 2019, The Loveless spent the lockdown of the last few years recording their debut studio release. A self-titled 7-track mini album released just before Christmas 2020, the record saw swaggering Iggy Pop covers (“Kill City”) rubbing shoulders with leather-clad garage originals (Shadows of Knight’s “Dark Side”); dark dancehall standards (“Putty In Your Hands” by John Patton and Eddie Snyder) sparring with daring mash-ups of Deep Purple and The Sweet. And despite the insidious nature of gentrification that has made the area a theme park of its former self, guitarist Neal X swears the ghosts of old Soho make their presence felt in the twilight hours and late-night grooves of The Loveless’ version of Smoky’s ‘Hot, Hard & Ready’.

Having played just a handful of live shows since their formation, The Loveless’ headline set at Whitby’s Tomorrow’s Ghosts Festival will be a rare opportunity to see some of the world’s finest musicians in unbridled form and embracing their dark sides.

Miss this at your peril..

PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED – Already shaping-up to be a vintage year, The Loveless will join a line-up sporting a smorgasbord of gothic and alternative desirables drawn from across Europe & the USA.

Headlining the Friday night, original goth rock messiahs Fields of the Nephilim have been previously announced to be topping the bill that night. One of Goth’s most significant artists, Carl McCoy and co. will be reacquainting audiences with their magnetic, macabre appeal and a boundary-pushing arsenal that includes scintillating singles such as “Moonchild”, “Psychonaut”, “Summerland” and so much more.

Elsewhere, other incredible acts confirmed to be appearing at Whitby’s premier gothic and alternative arts festival include very special guests Into A Circle, Ghost Dance, and Balaam And The Angel, as well as exclusive performances from Bootblacks, All My Thorns, AND Evil Blizzard present… ‘Blizzoween’.

TICKETS
Tickets for Tomorrow’s Ghosts Festival are on general sale NOW. Links and prices are as follows:
Friday Night Tickets – 28^th October 2022– £38.00 Advance STBF
General Sale: https://bit.ly/3l2LRlS

Saturday Night Tickets – 29^th October 2022 – £38.00 Advance STBF
General Sale: https://bit.ly/3xiOMMd

Weekend Tickets – Friday 28^th & Saturday 29^th October 2022 – £70.00 Advance STBF
General Sale: https://bit.ly/3r6EjTg

Courage To Change – Battle Beast

9th January 2022

Mainly Metal

After re-signing to Nuclear Blast in early 2021, the Finnish heavy metal sextet Battle Beast are getting ready to unleash their force upon the world in the shape of their brand new masterpiece Circus of Doom.

The album is set to be released on January 21st 2022 via Nuclear Blast and in true Battle Beast fashion, the 10 tracks blend true heavy metal with pop and rock-vibes, paired with Noora Louhimo’s unique voice.

The band have released their inspiring and powerful third single ‘Where Angels Fear to Fly’, accompanied by a music video.

Get the single digitally, here: https://battlebeast.bfan.link/where-angels-fear-to-fly

Janne Björkroth comments, "'Where Angels Fear to Fly' was born of gratitude to those who have had the courage to change the world. With the song we want to show our respect for those who have been cracking unequal structures for generations. It was inspired by our grandparents and other brave pioneers who have worked hard for a more equal society. 'Where Angels Fear to Fly' is dedicated to everyone who has encountered discrimination, unfair obstacles, or prejudices in their lives. It is written as an empowerment song for those who have to struggle to be heard and to gain the appreciation that every single one of us deserves."

Unfortunately Battle Beast have announced that their planned EU/UK tour dates have been postponed due to the pandemic, but they are currently working on replacement dates. The band have advised fans to hold onto their tickets, information HERE.

Since their 2011’s debut album Steel, Battle Beast have achieved over 200 million digital streams. Alongside the huge #1 success of their last three albums in the album charts of their home country, Finland, their last album No More Hollywood Endings (2019) also reached a remarkable #11 in German album charts.

https://battlebeast.fi

Making Her Name – Sidney Bird

9th January 2022

Country News, Music News

Sidney Bird is a southwestern darling making a name for herself in New York City. Born and raised in Arizona, Bird holds her own in the western pop scene, alongside artists like Kacey Musgraves and Leon Bridges.

A true crossover act, she feels a strong creative impulse when home in Arizona, writing all of her songs there before fleshing them out with producers in Brooklyn.

“I grew up listening to Barenaked Ladies, Norah Jones, Joni Mitchell,” says Bird. “Then became obsessed with Katy Perry, Britney Spears––all the popstars.”

Bird’s background in comedy and musical theater fuels a deep love for world-building and storytelling: “Sometimes I feel like I’m playing characters through my music, using them as a vehicle to express honest and genuine feelings.” Her 2020 debut album “Bad Timing,” featuring singles like “Kisses” and “Wild,” has garnered over 1.7 million combined streams to date. In 2021, Bird followed up with her EP “Big Heart,” debuting the project live at Rockwood Music Hall at the end of the year. With a wealth of music ready for release and a dedicated community of listeners, Bird is well-positioned to make 2022 her year.

Sidney is super excited to share her new single “Renaissance Man”, set to release on January 11th.

Here's what she had to say about it: "I wrote 'Renaissance Man' after reflecting long and hard about my childhood and how my parents raised me. I feel so grateful that I have such amazing and supportive parents, and I aspire to be like them one day. Although I am not looking to have kids anytime soon, this song is about the children I wish to have one day, and a thank you letter to my wonderful parents".

https://sidneybird.com

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do – CANNIBAL KIDS

9th January 2022

Music News

Expanding their creativity, CANNIBAL KIDS went for gloomy imagery in their new video “JEANS”.

The visual depicts what it’s like to feel hurt and lonely, when nothing makes sense, sinking into flashes of emotion.

"With this single we went for a much more aggressive and somber vibe rather than our usual glossy pop sound. “JEANS” is about two people breaking up and the worst time in their lives and how much it hurts to let someone go when you need them the most. The music video is experimental, full of animation and super-cut editing." - Damian Gutierrez, vocalist/rhythm guitarist

Stream “JEANS”
https://open.spotify.com/track/34RihplIKaRf7jbaL68xRx
https://smarturl.it/cannibalkids

CANNIBAL KIDS brings an original sound to the scene with their edgy, funk influence. Smooth vocal melodies, catchy lyrics, and dancey grooves combine with a high-energy live performance sure to be a crowd favorite.

Rooted in south Florida, the band has millions of streams on Spotify alone and recently completed a national tour. Now, CANNIBAL KIDS have released their new video for their latest single “JEANS” on January 7th 2022, featuring creative and experimental animation and editing.

https://www.cannibalkids.com

Sleek And Polished – VALA

7th January 2022

Music News

On 14th January 2022, Manchester indie-pop band VALA kickstart the new year with their latest track “You Don’t Want My Love.” The first of four in a collection of new songs, building up to their latest EP.

With a genre-crossing sound, VALA, are a fusion of indie rock and pop, incorporating melodic hooks and smooth guitar riffs which has clearly seen them likened to indie giants like Arctic Monkeys and The Strokes. “You Don’t Want My Love” sees the band brave new territory with their sound as the transistor vibe houses fluid, sleek riffs and dreamy pop vocal melodies. The new release also offers a stripped back alternative version of the track of a B-Side

“You Don’t Want My Love” sees the band brave new territory with their sound as the transistor vibe houses fluid, sleek riffs and dreamy pop vocal melodies. The new release also offers a stripped back alternative version of the track of a B-Side.

On discussion about the new track, VALA frontman, Joe Knowels stated “Everyone in Camp VALA is buzzing to finally be putting this song out. It has been in the workshop for a couple of years now, being fine-tuned since I first wrote it one Christmas on a guitar that hadn’t been played since I was a teenager. It has reached its final form. We produced the track entirely ourselves and in the mix- ing phase, received a helping hand from producer Gordon Raphael who took the time to absorb the tracks and, after tidying up the vocal mix on “You Don’t Want My Love”, sent the tracks to his mastering engineer, Frida, who polished them up ready for release. The advice he gave was in- valuable and was a very generous ear for the project.”

The past year hasn’t been easy but VALA, have still managed to excel, releasing their debut EP
“Swimming Kit” with lead single “She’ll Play Heck” making it onto Spotify’s Lo-Fi Indie playlist as
well as sitting just shy of 80k streams. The band have also sold out a headline gig at Manchester’s
legendary Castle Hotel and a slot at Rotterdam’s iconic festival for new artists; Left of The Dial.

“You Don’t Want My Love” is released via Shoplifters Union Records and distributed via AWAL on
14th January 2022. The first of four tracks assisted by legendary Strokes producer, Gordon Raphael.

Upcoming Shows:

15th January – YES Basement, Manchester
29th January – Finsbury Pub, London

https://facebook.com/VALAManchester

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Monthly Archives: January 2022

Say Your Goodbyes – The Photographers’ Gallery

Image: Penelope Umbrico, Sun/Screen, A commission for the Media Wall at The Photographers’ Gallery 2014

Homepage | The Photographers Gallery

Bright Young Things – Cliché Cult

‘Say It Like You Mean It’ is the fourth single from Leeds brightest young act Cliché Cult, due for release on 28th January 2022 via Shoplifters Union.

Cliché Cult

CLICHÉ CULT – SAY IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT by shopliftersunion (soundcloud.com)

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Twitter | Website

Soundcloud

Hitting It Hard – Harley & The Wolf

Harley & The Wolf are an energetic four piece band from Belfast, combining hard hitting riffs, delicate dual harmonies & anthemic vocal melodies.

Spitting It Out – VALIDOR

https://www.facebook.com/validor.gr/

Owning Mediocrity – gürl

gürl are antipop: fruity loops and butcher knifes, bubblegum and razor blades, diva choruses with heavy guitars and trap production.

https://www.facebook.com/thegurlband

Expect The Unexpected – TOMORROW’S GHOSTS FESTIVAL

TOMORROW’S GHOSTS FESTIVAL 2022 are thrilled to announce their primetime Saturday night headliner….THE LOVELESS.

Miss this at your peril..

Courage To Change – Battle Beast

After re-signing to Nuclear Blast in early 2021, the Finnish heavy metal sextet Battle Beast are getting ready to unleash their force upon the world in the shape of their brand new masterpiece Circus of Doom.

https://battlebeast.fi

Making Her Name – Sidney Bird

Sidney Bird is a southwestern darling making a name for herself in New York City. Born and raised in Arizona, Bird holds her own in the western pop scene, alongside artists like Kacey Musgraves and Leon Bridges.

https://sidneybird.com

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do – CANNIBAL KIDS

Expanding their creativity, CANNIBAL KIDS went for gloomy imagery in their new video “JEANS”.

https://www.cannibalkids.com

Sleek And Polished – VALA

On 14th January 2022, Manchester indie-pop band VALA kickstart the new year with their latest track “You Don’t Want My Love.” The first of four in a collection of new songs, building up to their latest EP.

https://facebook.com/VALAManchester

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