September 2024 – Page 6 – 1st 3 MAGAZINE

MJ Lenderman – the North Carolina-based singer, songwriter, and musician – has released the final taste from his upcoming new album, Manning Fireworks, out this Friday via ANTI-, with the instantly addictive new single “Wristwatch.”

Following in the footsteps of the “slacker anthem of the summer” (The FADER) “She’s Leaving You” and the “Manning Fireworks thesis statement” (UPROXX) “Joker Lips”, “Wristwatch” sees Lenderman again provide us with a world-weary story that straddles the line between humour and sadness, as he sings of someone that’s too proud of what they have to be humble about what they’ve forsaken.

“I got a beach home up in Buffalo / And a wristwatch that’s a compass and a cell phone,” Lenderman deadpans, before eventually realising it’s just “a wristwatch that tells me / I’m on my own.”

Listen to “Wristwatch”

Recorded at Asheville’s Drop of Sun Studios and co-produced with frequent collaborator Alex Farrar, Manning Fireworks is an instant classic of an LP and a remarkable development in Lenderman’s story as an incisive singer-songwriter, whose propensity for humour always points to some uneasy, disorienting darkness. The punchlines from his previous albums are still here, as are the rusted-wire guitar solos that have made him a favourite for indie rock fans looking for an emerging guitar hero. Executed with a precision and care that make his songs feel like short films, Lenderman simply offers everyday anxieties and enthusiasms in uncanny ways.

Pre-order Manning Fireworks

MJ Lenderman is hitting the road in Europe and the UK this November in support of ‘Manning Fireworks’. Full list of dates is below and tickets for the available shows can be found here.

Mon. Nov. 11 – Berlin, DE @ Privatclub
Tues. Nov. 12 – Hamburg, DE @ Hafenklang
Thu. Nov. 14 – Amsterdam, NL @ Bitterzoet
Fri. Nov. 15 – Brussels, BE @ Botanique Witloof Bar
Sat. Nov. 16 – Paris, FR @ Point Ephemere
Mon. Nov. 18 – London, UK @ The Garage [SOLD OUT]
Tue. Nov. 19 – London, UK @ The Garage [SOLD OUT]
Thu. Nov. 21 – Manchester, UK @ YES Pink Room [SOLD OUT]
Fri. Nov. 22 – Leeds, UK @ Brudenell Social Club [SOLD OUT]
Sat. Nov. 23 – Dublin, IE @ Workman’s Club [SOLD OUT]
Sun. Nov. 24 – Dublin, IE @ Whelan’s

In the Loving Memory of You – Never Too Late

4th September 2024

Mainly Metal, Music News

Every six hours, someone commits suicide in Sweden.

That means four people voluntarily end their lives every day, and that’s not counting drug overdoses or “accidents.”

In response to this, Gothenburg-based record label Suicide Recordsis releasing the compilation album “In the Loving Memory of You” on September 10th. The album features 16 bands with brand new songs, and all proceeds from this album will go to Suicide Zero, a Swedish non-profit organization that has been working towards a society without suicides since 2013. In addition to the bands, several partners and sponsors have contributed to funding the project, so that as much money as possible can go directly to Suicide Zero. Behind the project is Suicide Records founder Roger Andersson, who himself has a history of substance abuse and mental health issues.

“After three incredibly tragic deaths among my close ones, there is no other path to take. I simply MUST do this. The album touches upon emotions such as anger, grief, frustration, despair, and powerlessness in the face of the fact that someone close to you chooses to end their life as the final and only way out of the darkness. Suicide Zero works hard and purposefully so that none of us have to experience this, and therefore I hope that we can raise a substantial amount for their important work.” – Roger Andersson (Founder of Suicide Records and initiator of the project)

In the Loving Memory of You
The compilation album will feature 16 brand new songs by the following bands: Grand Cadaver, Skitsystem, Knivad, Demonic Death Judge (Finland), M:40, Downfall Of Gaia (Germany), The Moth Gatherer, Fredag den 13, Besvärjelsen, Novarupta, Fabian Brusk Jahn, Rainbird, Ulmus (Spain), Division of Laura Lee, GUHTS (USA), and Firebreather. Worth noting in this esteemed company are the punk icons Skitsystem, who, with their participation on the album, will be releasing their first new song in a staggering 18 years!

“When we were approached to contribute to this compilation album, it was a no-brainer to say yes. Even though I am fortunate to be spared from personal experiences regarding this issue, every suicide is a tragedy for society. No one should have to experience such emptiness that they see no other way out. Music is like therapy for many people, and by contributing with what we do best, we hope to help raise as much money as possible for Suicide Zero. They always have someone who is ready to listen if you need support.” – Mikael Stanne (Grand Cadaver, The Halo Effect, Dark Tranquillity)

To achieve a uniform and massive soundscape, renowned Johan Reivén at Audiolord Mastering in Gothenburg will take care of the mastering. If you recognize Johan’s name, it’s likely because he is the drummer in LOK, and since 2023, he’s also the stand-in drummer in Hardcore Superstar.

The album cover was incredibly important for the overall concept, as it is intended to respectfully reflect the emotions that arise when someone close chooses to end their life. To the great joy of everyone involved, none other than Error! Design in Barcelona agreed to do all the artwork, which is really big in the rock community. Error! Design is known for their detailed album covers, posters, and designs for iconic bands such as Metallica and Mastodon. The beautiful work on the cover of “In the Loving Memory of You” was truly a bullseye.

In addition to Audiolord Mastering and Error! Design, the following companies contribute and sponsor the project through their services: Vinyl Plant in Estonia handles the physical record pressing, Republic 66 and German Metal Blade Records manage all PR work, Hårt Tryck produces a limited edition T-shirt to be sold for the purpose, and Danmark Music Group assists with digital distribution. Additionally, there have been private donations, but these donors wish to remain anonymous.

The album “In the Loving Memory of You” will be available for purchase as a double vinyl and sold exclusively through Bengans.se as well as Suicide Records’ own Bandcamp.

Background and History

Roger Andersson, founder of Suicide Records and initiator of the project, was born in 1975. Despite a happy childhood and good parents, he felt an early attraction to everything that was a bit dangerous. Roger was simply a natural thrill-seeker and therefore discovered alcohol and drugs early in life. What started as fun and exciting quickly spiraled into a rampant addiction. Beer and weed were soon old news, and Roger experimented with every drug he could get his hands on, often combined with large amounts of alcohol.

In his twenties, Roger was what many would call a full-blown junkie, living day by day in pursuit of drugs and new thrills. Eventually, it all became too much, and he attempted to take his own life to escape his demons. Thankfully, the attempt failed and instead became an awakening from the fog Roger had been living in for many years.

In 1997, the decision was made—it was time to get sober and drug-free. So, a successful treatment was initiated, and today marks 27 years since Roger last consumed any illegal substances.

In 1998, Roger moved to Gothenburg, and music became his new addiction. He quickly became part of the city’s music scene, making a name for himself as a highly driven and enthusiastic figure in the industry. In 2006, he took the plunge and realized one of his long-held dreams—Roger founded the record label Suicide Records, determined to only release music he himself was willing to pay to listen to. He still lives by this philosophy to this day, and to date, the label has been behind over a hundred releases. Furthermore, in less than two years, Suicide Records will celebrate its 20th anniversary! Talk about a turning point in life and, not least, a living testament to the fact that it is NEVER too late to change.

In December 2022, Roger unfortunately experienced a tragic suicide in a family close to him, which hit him hard. As if this weren’t enough, another person in Roger’s own family chose the same path in April 2023. Marked and saddened by these two tragedies, when one of Roger’s close friends died of a drug overdose just a few months later, it became almost impossible for him to comprehend. In this unfathomable sorrow, Roger decided to actively work against mental illness and suicide for the rest of his life. Turning to his network and friends in the music industry to create something that could contribute to helping others became a form of therapy for Roger. As he describes it himself: “After three incredibly tragic deaths among my close ones, there is no other path to take. I simply MUST do this.”

Suicide Records
https://www.suiciderecords.se
https://suiciderecordsswe.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/suiciderds
https://www.instagram.com/suicide_records

Piper Connolly – An Enjoyable Musical Tumble

4th September 2024

Music News

In the realm of alt-pop, Piper Connolly emerges as a fierce innovator, her music a vibrant mélange of introspection and sonic exploration.

Hailing from the arid deserts of Phoenix, Arizona, Piper’s journey began with a passion for the unconventional and a determination to forge her own path.

Comparisons to industry icons like Avril Lavigne and Paramore underscore the appeal of Piper’s sound. With her “unique voice cutting through the noise of today’s ‘lazy whisper range’ popular music scene”, Piper emerges as a standout new artist that seamlessly blends elements of rock and pop, new and old, inviting listeners on an enjoyable musical tumble.

From a very young age, Piper found solace and expression in songwriting, her compositions reflecting the raw emotions of life’s complexities and newfound experiences. Drawing inspiration from all manner of music, from early rock and roll, and jazz, to 90s grunge and ska with a steady undercurrent of R&B and soul, she’s worked to hone a sound that defies blunt categorization, blending elements of indie songwriting, alternative and pop into a storied sonic landscape.

Her single, “kiss like me” is an irresistible and cheeky rebuttal to a crush the artist had. She shares, “It is the ultimate “the grass is greener on THIS side” song. It’s fun and flirty and we wrote it as a fusion of old and new- it features asolid homage to Billy Idol, whom I love, & a modern nod to Olivia Rodrigo.“

Onstage, Piper commands attention with a magnetic presence and an infectious energy honed over years of live performance. From intimate club settings to expansive festival stages, she captivates audiences with her dynamic performances.

Beyond her music, Piper is a vocal advocate for authenticity and self-expression, using her platform to champion individuality and empowerment. As she explores the boundaries of alt-pop, she continues to inspire others to embrace their true selves through her music and activism, serving as a beacon of creativity and authenticity in a world hungry for genuine voices and connection.

https://www.facebook.com/thepiperconnolly

Sohodolls – Blurring The Lines

4th September 2024

Music News

The next Sohodolls single to drop ahead of their long-awaited new album is ‘Territory Of Your Heart’, a heavy synth-pop song about an imagined intense relationship between two alphas from different worlds.

“I always wondered what the dynamic was like between Caesar and Cleopatra. Sometimes you can fall for someone who feels like you’ve finally met your match”, explains principal Sohodolls songwriter Maya von Doll. “This song is about falling for someone other-worldly that blurs the lines between feeling protected and being controlled. And it’s also that moment of headiness where you don’t care which it is because it’s new and exciting and feels like fantasy”, she further reveals.

Like its predecessor ‘Napoleon Baby’, Maya von Doll takes inspiration from some of the most formidable historical characters to depict and relate to moments of her own modern life in 2024. But while, ‘Napoleon Baby’ was an electro-pop dance-floor filler, ‘Territory Of Your Heart’ plumbs darker pop depths with Maya von Doll’s seductive airy vocal sweeping over a swarm of thick driving bass loaded analogue synths. Produced by Ängelsson (Camila Cabello, Demi Lovato, Swae Lee, Tory Lanez, Iggy Azalea), the track is a slick and infectious ride through deep passions that sits somewhere between the retro sounds of The Eurythmics, Kate Bush and alt-pop of Charlie XCX and Billie Eilish.

You like to live fast, but you kiss slow, like to undo everything that I know. And your fingers know no borders. Know my body better than I could ever hope to”, Maya von Dollsings, as her exhilarating erotic fantasy develops alongside the track’s crystalline synthwave moods and dark grungy gloss, creating a powerful sense of danger and intrigue.

Having climbed up the viral Billboard charts in recent years via the help of Madonna’s daughter dancing to one of their 00’s tracks on TikTok, and with Netflix’s top 10 series ‘Geek Girl’ championing their recent single ‘Bad’ this year, plus a slew of new press and radio attention from the likes of BBC Radio 1’s Nels Hylton, Absolute Radio’s Frank Skinner and Atwood Magazine, the revived and refreshed Sohodolls are continuing on their mission with ‘Territory Of Your Heart’ to stake their claim as one of the best ‘lost’ 00’s bands who are also very much on the pulse and highly relevant for 2024.

https://www.instagram.com/sohodolls/

https://www.facebook.com/Sohodolls

GIGANTIC ALL DAYER – The Bigger Than Ever Bash Is Back

4th September 2024

Music News

Back for the Bank Holiday 2025 with a big, big, love. Announcing the return of the… GIGANTIC ALL DAYER.

The one-day music bash that always believed bigger is better is returning to the festival circuit, and with a new home.

Rising-up in Bristol’s Marble Factory on Saturday 3rd May next year, Gigantic will be back with a colossal line-up of classic indie sounds, stacked across 12 seismic hours.

– THE HEADLINERS –

With its behemothic bill locked-in for 2025, the festival is thrilled to confirm its headliners for the day… INSPIRAL CARPETS. A vital component of the infamous ‘Madchester’ movement, Inspiral Carpets formed in Oldham in 1980 and went on to score 3 Top 10 albums (‘Life’, ‘The Beast Inside’ and ‘The Revenge of the Goldfish’) and 11 Top 40 hit singles including “This Is How It Feels”, “Saturn 5”, “Move”, “Caravan” and “She Comes in the Fall”. One of the era’s most celebrated and enduring acts, the Inspirals have cemented their status with a series of rave-reviewed comeback shows and a hit-packed compilation last year. Now, in the year of their 35th Anniversary together, attendees of the Gigantic All Dayer ‘25 will be able to experience these indie big-hitters in full swing with a special ‘GREATEST HITS SET’ especially for the occasion.

– MORE MASSIVE ACTS –

Also in attendance will be Gigantic favourites, NED’S ATOMIC DUSTBIN. Returning to the All Dayer with their radioactive clash of sounds in tow, the Stourbridge scene staples will be rekindling their cult status with a set likely to lift from classic albums like 1991’s ‘God Fodder’ and its mighty follow-up ‘Are You Normal?’. Bagging 5 Top 40 hits during their seminal 90s run (inc. “Happy”, “Trust”, “Not Sleeping Around’, and more), the band reformed in 2007 and have been delighting their hardcore fanbase with live tours ever since. Performing with their full and original line-up (Dan, Alex, Matt, Rat and Jonn), get ready to bask in the glow of Ned’s Atomic Dustbin once more at Gigantic 2025.

Former Carter USM stalwart and solo renaissance man JIM BOB, will also be appearing at next year’s fest for what will be one of just a handful of indoor shows of 2025. With fourteen top 40 singles and four top ten albums (including a number one) with Carter USM, in his prolific solo career Jim Bob has also released twelve successful solo albums; with recent records ‘Pop Up Jim Bob’ and ‘Who Do We Hate Today’ both top forty smashes (26 and 34). Most recently, Jim has been touring with ‘Thanks For Reaching Out’, a record that’s been hailed as “a stone cold masterpiece”. A man who’s more than aware of what makes a big festival set (having notably headlined that other festival down the road called Glastonbury, back in 1992), at Gigantic next year fans can expect a set of mega hits and deeper cuts from across his career.

Fans of seminal Scottish indie sounds can look forward to THE SOUP DRAGONS, with the Belshill band bringing their “Divine Thing” to Gigantic ‘25. Shaking the Official UK Charts Top 5 with their innovative cover of the Rolling Stones classic “I’m Free”, the band released a slew of classic albums including ‘This Is Our Art’, ‘Lovegod’, and ‘Hot Wired’ in the late 80s and 90s, before splitting in 1995. Reforming with their full and original line up last year, The Soup Dragons will make their Gigantic debut in style at the Marble Factory in 2025.

Plus, in something of a festival exclusive, NORTHSIDE are announcing their live comeback with Gigantic All Dayer for a special show at the 2025 event. Buoyed by the resounding reaction to a new reissue of their 1991 Top 20 album, ‘Chicken Rhythms’ on Record Store Day this year, the Mad-chester originals will be back to perform highlights from their debut such as hits “Shall We Take A Trip” and ”My Rising Star” at what will be their first live gigs since 2015. With their Gigantic set also due to be their first performance in the city since their Bristol Studio show of 1991, this is a once-in-a-blue moon treat not to be missed.

And as they approach their 40th Anniversary, THE DARLING BUDS, are also confirmed to be appearing at next year’s fest. Formed just across the border in Newport, the iconic Welsh band and longstanding Peel favourites released three records of their distinctly charming indie-pop (‘Pop Said…’, ‘Crawdaddy’, and 1992’s ‘Erotica’) before splitting. Reforming for new dates and to release their first recorded material in some 25 years in 2017 (the ‘Evergreen’ EP), the new-look Buds now consist of Andrea Lewis Jarvis, Chaz Watkins and Matt Gray from the early 90’s line ups on guitars, Erik Stams on drums and Dave Corten on bass. With live gigs now a rare but special treat, the Buds are the sweetest cherry on top of 2025’s Gigantic All Dayer’s stacked indie pie.

– OFFICIAL AFTER PARTY – BEZ VS SHIIINE ON DJ’S –

And if all of the banging live acts above aren’t enough of a fix, fans will be able to twist their melons into the early hours with an official after party hosted by the mighty… BEZ, who will be leading proceedings straight after the Inspirals.

Lock up your daughters and call the cops, as the Happy Mondays havoc-maker will be going head to head with the sound system of the SHIIINE ON DJ’S to bring you a night of carnage and chaos to end the festival on a high.

Expect big hits from the Hacienda years, Madchester Classics, and solid gold indie staples.

– GIGANTIC: BACK, AND BIGGER –

Gigantic ran from 2014 – 2019 in Manchester as a single day event on the late May Bank holiday weekend. It welcomed the very best of indie to celebrate great music with great fans. It had great street food, great real ale and cider. Over the 5 years our stages were graced by Echo & The Bunnymen, The Wonder Stuff, The House of Love, Gang Of Four, Pop Will Eat Itself, EMF, Jim Bob, Jesus Jones, The Primitives, The High, Ned’s Atomic Dustbin, The Wedding Present, The Chameleons, Juliana Hatfield Three, Milltown Brothers, Thousand Yard Stare, CUD, BOB, Bentley Rhythm Ace, The Darling Buds, The Bluetones, Echobelly, Crazyhead, Inspiral Carpets, The Frank & Walters, BMX Bandits, The Telescopes, S*M*A*S*H, Bivouac, Credit To The Nation, Back to the Planet, Jack Adaptor, EAT, Hurricane#1, Diesel Park West, The Woodentops, Mark Morris & Sultans of Ping F.C.

With the intervention of the pandemic, plans for the next edition of the event were abandoned…Until now. Fast forward to the brighter times of 2025 and Gigantic is back, with a brand new home in the South West of England.

Speaking about the return of Gigantic and its new Bristol home, festival organisers says:

“We relocated. Now after 5 years of no Gigantic we are back. We’ve moving to Bristol as we wanted to find a new home in a truly independent venue space that could offer us the great indoor and outdoor spaces for our fans to relax in and enjoy everything we expect the event to be. Great value in a great place with good vibes. The Marble Factory is that space where we feel at home and can continue to bring fans a great one day party with great bands, music, food, drinks and people. A big, big love.”

– ALL DAY REAL ALE & CIDER FESTIVAL // STREET FOOD –

Standby for further news on a smorgasbord of street food, refreshing real ale, and scrumptious cider options to be available at the ALL DAY REAL ALE & CIDER FESTIVAL as part of Gigantic 2025.

– GIGANTIC ALL DAYER 2025 LINE-UP –
The complete line up for the Gigantic All Dayer is as follows:

INSPIRAL CARPETS (GREATEST HITS SET)
NED’S ATOMIC DUSTBIN
JIM BOB
THE SOUP DRAGONS
NORTHSIDE
THE DARLING BUDS
BEZ! Vs SHIIINE ON DJ’S – YOUR GIGANTIC AFTER PARTY HOSTS

– TICKETS AND DETAILS –

The Gigantic All Dayer will take place @ Marble Factory, Bristol on Saturday 3^rd May 2025.

Doors 1:00pm / Curfew 1.00am (over 18s past 11pm). No Readmission After 7:00pm.

Age restriction: 14+

Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday 4th September, priced at: £49.99 +STBF.

Get your tickets here: www.giganticalldayer.com

GIGANTIC ALL DAYER 2025… A BIG, BIG LOVE!

FOR MORE INFORMATION
www.giganticalldayer.com
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Nick Hudson – Folk Alchemy

3rd September 2024

Music News

Brighton experimental artist Nick Hudson presents ‘Catherine in the Curate’s Garden’.

This is the latest audio-visual offering from his album ‘Kanda Teenage Honey’, an expansive 16-track collection recorded in a former Soviet movie studio in Georgia in the build-up to the country’s current unrest, an explosive combination of circumstances that recently earned him coverage in Billboard.

“Originally, ‘Catherine In The Curate’s Garden’ was a folk song, written eight years ago when I was living in an industrial unit on the south coast of England. It never sat comfortably in those rustic garments and while writing ‘Kanda Teenage Honey’ it made itself known as a simmering, swampy, gothic art rock piece. I asked my friend Stuart Dahlquist of Asva/Sunn O))) and Burning Witch to grace it with his inimitable bass tone and we subjected the drums to some infernal alchemy,” says Nick Hudson.

“The lyrics narrate the de-martyring of two saints – Sebastiane and Catherine, who shame and dispose of the curate who has judged and condemned them, before conjoining in sexual and romantic ecstasy in a throng of lupine cheerleaders. Call it biblical speculative fiction if you will, with a queered-up slant. This is echoed in the video wherein we recreated a sequence from Carl Dreyer’s vanguard silent film ‘The Passion Of Joan Of Arc’ (1928) – I actually storyboarded this sequence and we shot it frame for frame in a junkyard in Tbilisi, with my Russian gangster rapper friend Tex2ra (yes, a male) as Joan and a host of Pasolinian non-actors cast for their compelling visages and on-screen energies.”

This follows Hudson’s most recent videos for ‘Unspent Youth‘ and ‘Sky Burial While Alive’, featuring a prologue text on dictators, spoken by Alfreda Benge – collaborator and wife of legendary British composer Robert Wyatt. The video was filmed at the Bologna villa used in the Pasolini‘s film ‘Salo’ (itself a notorious and damning critique of fascism) and in Tbilisi with a cast of international performers.

Having earlier previewed the singles ‘For My Silence’ and ‘Khevsureti’, this album was born of geographical explorations amidst musical territory that is hardly touched on. Mixed by and featuring Toby Driver of Kayo Dot, this album involves such luminaries as Mogwai’s Stuart Braithwaite, Stuart Dahlquist (Asva, Burning Witch, Sunn O))), Lizzy Carey (Bat For Lashes), Robert Wyatt collaborator Alfreda Benge, Christopher Nell (legendary German performer and collaborator of US theatre visionary Robert Wilson), and soprano prodigy Poppy Efemey.

Recorded with Ilya Lukashev at Leno Studio and Sano Studio in Tbilisi, this album was mastered to analogue tape by Paul Pascoe(Barry Adamson, Beat Hotel, Sleaford Mods) at Church Road Studios in Hove, Hudson collaborates with some incredible Georgian musicians and his friend Seva, a Russian dissident who fled the FSB, having worked for Navalny. Hudson explains, “He contributes a poem narrating his thoughts on exile, through which I’ve layered field recordings of the recent Tbilisi and Paris protests, where many of us got tear-gassed.”

In 2021, Hudson released his ‘Font Of Human Fractures’ album and the ‘K69996ROMA:EP’, following his band The Academy of Sun‘s opus album ‘The Quiet Earth’ in 2020. He has collaborated with such legends as Wayne Hussey (The Mission), Matthew Seligman (David Bowie, Tori Amos, Morrissey), Massive Attack’s Shara Nelson, plus David Tibet (Current 93) and queercore icon GB Jones. His vast output also encompasses painting, film and a novel.

‘Kanda Teenage Honey’ is out now everywhere digitally, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. Also available as a 4-panel CD digipak with an 8-page full colour booklet, it features artwork by Nick Hudson and Berdia Arabuli and photography by Carl Solomon, Jack Hubbell Rosene and Kenneth Anger.

Hudson also recently published his book ‘The Land Exists So The Seas Don’t Argue’, showcasing a decade of lyrical output iplus ephemera with a foreword by renowned Scottish author Chris Kelso.

CREDITS
Composed, arranged and produced by Nick Hudson
Engineered by Ilya Lukashev & Nick Hudson at Leno Studio and Sano Studio, Tbilisi
Steinway recorded by Ilya Lukashev & George Gvarjaladze at Leno Studios, Tbilisi
Mixed by Toby Driver
Mastered to analogue tape by Paul Pascoe, Church Road Studios, Hove
Nick Hudson – organ drone, vocals, field recording manipulation
Stuart Dahlquist – bass
Gigi Koberidze – drums
Kianna Blue – Issa G Thang
Ilia lukashev – drum production, engineering, tom alchemy
Toby Driver – mixing
Paul Pascoe – analogue mastering
Video directed, produced, filmed & edited by Nick Hudson at Junkyard, Tbilisi
starring Text2ra, Jamie Khan, Alfred Veta, Ali Gamrov, Sonya, Gary Mallard, William Sitnin, Nick Hudson. Thanks to Polina Tengelin and all at Junkyard.
Album artwork by Nick Hudson and Gary Mallard
Artist photography by @_Carl_Solomon_
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

LaFrantz – Feel Like An Outlaw

2nd September 2024

Country News, Music News

LaFrantz is the culmination of a journey that began in Salt Lake City, where two kindred spirits, Jack and Meg, united by their love for music, decided to chase their dreams together.

After forming a band that opened for acts like The Head and the Heart, Cold War Kids, and OK Go, they left behind a promising run to pursue something greater in Los Angeles.

The move wasn’t easy—filled with hardships and near breaking points—but their passion for music kept them going. They decided to temporarily shift their focus and try their hands at the songwriting route. It was in L.A. that Jack got called to join a pivotal songwriting session with Benson Boone. That session changed his trajectory, and reignited the creative spark between him and Meg. The pair continued to songwrite for other artists until it became apparent that it was time for them to be the artists again prompting them to launch LaFrantz.

Now, as an established songwriter, Jack has written for artists including Benson Boone, JVKE, Garrix, Bazzi and Bishop Briggs among others.

Their debut single, “RATTLESNAKE” is a modernized, Southern rock n’ roll inspired pop track. The move-inducing wild and raucous song is brought to life through a determined, foot-stomping beat, catchy lyrics and twangy instrumentation. Inspired by 70’s rock n’ roll and artists such as Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, and The Allman Brothers Band, LaFrantz blends past influences with contemporary pop hooks and melodies to craft something that is refreshingly unique, yet comfortingly familiar. “RATTLESNAKE” is a distinctive and infectious track that will slither its way deep into your brain.

With an underlying message that life is too short, the duo shares, “Blast this song when you’re in the car with your windows down and wanting to feel like a badass, when you’re at a party with your friends wanting to DANCE, or when you’re on a dusty desert road-trip wanting to feel like an outlaw.”

LaFrantz are certain to turn heads with “RATTLESNAKE” marking the start of an exciting new chapter.

https://www.facebook.com/lafrantzmusic

RANDALL KING (Live Review) – A Honky-Tonk Hurricane

1st September 2024

Country News, CREATURE FEATURE, Music Reviews

Randall King set Islington Assembly Hall ablaze on 28th August with a performance that was nothing short of a honky-tonk hurricane.

From the moment he fired up the already over-excited crowd with a booming, “Are you ready to honky tonk?” it was clear this would be a night to remember.

The venue was understandably packed with what was probably the best-looking crowd of cowpokes London has ever seen, all ready to two-step the night away.

This ain’t no different to Texas—it’s hot!"

King, backed by a killer band—three guitars, keys, and drums—delivered a set that was as tight as it was explosive. The production was top-notch, with lights and sound that made the whole place feel like the hottest spot in town. Early on, King joked, “This ain’t no different to Texas—it’s hot!” capturing the sweltering energy that filled the hall.

King’s band was a force of nature, driving each song with precision and passion."

The setlist was a knockout, featuring bangers like ‘Tonk Til I Die’ and ‘Hey Cowgirl.’ But it was ‘What Doesn’t Kill You’ that truly shook the rafters, with live drums pounding so hard they seemed to echo in the bones of everyone in the room. The guitar solo on ‘Hard to Be Humble’ was pure fire, leaving the crowd howling for more, while ‘Mirror, Mirror’ and ‘Damn You Look Good’ had everyone swaying like a cornfield in a summer breeze, the music binding them together in a collective dance of unity and energy.

King’s band was a force of nature, driving each song with precision and passion. Every note was spot-on, every beat perfectly timed, delivering a sound that was both gritty and polished. Tracks like “Burns Like Her” and “Coulda Been Love” hit hard, packed with the kind of raw emotion that only a true country artist can deliver.

a country star on a meteoric rise."

By the time King wrapped up, the crowd was floating on a wave of electric energy. Randall King owned this sweaty London night, leaving no doubt that he’s a country star on a meteoric rise. This all-out honky-tonk revival in London was an experience we were all lucky to witness.

https://www.randallkingmusic.com

Randall King played Islington Assembly Hall on 28th August 2024 – Support from Dan Smalley (separate review)

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Monthly Archives: September 2024

MJ Lenderman – Some Uneasy, Disorienting Darkness

MJ Lenderman – the North Carolina-based singer, songwriter, and musician – has released the final taste from his upcoming new album, Manning Fireworks, out this Friday via ANTI-, with the instantly addictive new single “Wristwatch.”

In the Loving Memory of You – Never Too Late

Every six hours, someone commits suicide in Sweden.

Piper Connolly – An Enjoyable Musical Tumble

In the realm of alt-pop, Piper Connolly emerges as a fierce innovator, her music a vibrant mélange of introspection and sonic exploration.

Sohodolls – Blurring The Lines

The next Sohodolls single to drop ahead of their long-awaited new album is ‘Territory Of Your Heart’, a heavy synth-pop song about an imagined intense relationship between two alphas from different worlds.

GIGANTIC ALL DAYER – The Bigger Than Ever Bash Is Back

Back for the Bank Holiday 2025 with a big, big, love. Announcing the return of the… GIGANTIC ALL DAYER.

Nick Hudson – Folk Alchemy

Brighton experimental artist Nick Hudson presents ‘Catherine in the Curate’s Garden’.

LaFrantz – Feel Like An Outlaw

LaFrantz is the culmination of a journey that began in Salt Lake City, where two kindred spirits, Jack and Meg, united by their love for music, decided to chase their dreams together.

RANDALL KING (Live Review) – A Honky-Tonk Hurricane

Randall King set Islington Assembly Hall ablaze on 28th August with a performance that was nothing short of a honky-tonk hurricane.

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