The Heavy North At The Camp And Furnace December 1st

The Liverpool six-piece play their biggest headline show to-date THIS FRIDAY (1st December) to celebrate the release of the band’s second studio album ‘Delta Shakedown’.

Following the success of last year’s sold-out headline show at the Arts Club Liverpool, the blues rock band will be performing at the Camp and Furnace in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle as a 12-piece band featuring the Northern String Quartet, backing singers Rosalie Galvin and Molly Fryo, trumpet player Lozza Taylor and saxophone player Ste Powell.

The Heavy North will also be joined by singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jay Lewis (CastThe ZutonsThe La’sCracatilla), as well as Wirral 4-piece Ambedo Blue and local folk singer-songwriter Ellis Murphy.

This year has seen The Heavy North embark on a UK tour, perform overseas in Spain and Gibraltar, as well as an appearance at the sold-out Kendal Calling Festival in The Lake District.

The band’s recent singles ‘Where Are You Now?’‘Round Again’ and ‘Give A Little Love’ have attracted regular airplay from BBC Radio 2’s The Rock ShowRadio X and BBC Introducing, as well as the band’s sound being described as “absolutely brilliant” by legendary actor and new music champion Robert Carlyle MBE.

Formed in 2018, The Heavy North released their debut 4-track EP ‘Dive Bar Blues’ in December 2020 followed by the critically acclaimed debut album ‘Electric Soul Machine’ in April 2022. The band feature Kenny Stuart (singer), Jose Ibanez (producer and guitarist), Andrew Horrock (bass player), Ste Penn (keys player), Mark Rice (drummer) and Jack Birch (guitarist).

The Heavy North’s show kicks off a month-long festive programme of Christmas events at the Camp and Furnace in the heart of the Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle.

Tickets for Friday’s show are available from SeeTickets, Ticketweb and Skiddle. Alternatively please visit www.theheavynorth.com for more information.

Emily Marsden – Editor
#MusicSceneWales
@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

Tom Anthony Releases New Single ‘Symphony’

After exploring the realms of indie rock and punk with previous singles “Where Shadows Roam” and “Tearaway”, Tom Anthony once again showcases his range with his latest offering, ‘Symphony’.

“Symphony” tells of Anthony’s personal journey of separation from and reunion with music. It’s a candid and introspective look at his 15 year hiatus and inspirational return fueled by the need for artistic expression in a lockdown world.

“Symphony” is a deeply autobiographical and intimate piece, in which Anthony pours his musings, regrets and realisations into every note and syllable. This single reveals a more contemplative and refined side to Tom Anthony’s sound, while retaining the emotion and poetic insight that characterizes his music.

A record in the tradition of singer-songwriters, “Symphony” delivers a fresh take on the classic style of artists like Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley and Ryan Adams, and represents yet another aspect of Anthony’s varied influences.

This honest slice of insight into Tom Anthony’s story acts as a precursor to his forthcoming album slated for early 2024, and it’s a testament to Anthony’s ability to intertwine his life experiences with diverse musical elements, creating songs that resonate and stay with the listener long after the last chord has been struck.

With “Symphony”, Tom hopes to reach the hearts of those who have left a passion behind, helping them to
rediscover and reconnect with the thing that sets their soul alight. It’s an anthem for dreamers, believers and those unwilling to let life get in the way.

Emily Marsden – Editor
#MusicSceneWales
@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

Mosaics Release New Single ‘Tears On The Underground’

MOSAICS are back with their fourth single release ‘Tears on the Underground’. The four-piece is embracing the positive shimmering sounds of the current indie-rock landscape more than ever before, with soaring soundscapes lighting up the sky. An energetic rhythm section drives forward glittered lead guitar lines and even a noteworthy saxophone line that follows the choir-like vocal melodies. The main vocal is infectious in its delivery, leaving the lyrics looping in your head long after the piano fades away.

The band speak on the new release, “’Tears on the Underground’ draws upon themes of mental wellbeing on public transport, or indeed any busy urban environment. This song was inspired by the awkward silence of passengers towards an individual visibly struggling on the tube. Is everyone too busy, or do they just not know what to say? Maybe this person wants to be left alone? Who knows. Everyone at one moment in their life at least has had their own struggles whilst on public transport.”

Fusing the best of the 90s rock revival with all the shine of contemporary indie, MOSAICS combines observational, fuzzy tones and anthemic choruses for their signature sound. With multiple TV sync placements worldwide, MOSAICS are making waves with features on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, BBC Introducing & Future Hits Radio. The band also beat over 5000 artists to the finals of the Hot Vox: New Blood Isle of Wight Festival 2023 competition.

Live, they have brought their sonic influences of Sam Fender, Inhaler & DMA’s to support indie heroes Reverend and the Makers on their sold-out UK tour. The band have their sights set on becoming floor fillers at the indie disco. With a steady run of singles to their name, they are sure to continue to grow with ‘Tears on the Underground’.

Emily Marsden – Editor
#MusicSceneWales
@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

Mirari Releases Debut EP ‘The Last Cowboy’

Cardiff artist Mirari announces the release of his debut  EP ‘The Last Cowboy’. This highly anticipated debut sets the stage as a complete introduction to the eclectic artist. The two singles (‘Class of Deja’ & ‘FIRST CLASS’) released ahead of this EP offered a glimpse of things to come and have received a wealth of support from BBC Radio 1Xtra, Kiss Fresh & ChoiceFM. ‘Class of Deja’ was also added to Spotify’s own Grime Shutdown Playlist.

Mirari’s sound is both unpredictable and undeniable. ‘Class of Deja’ is a hard-hitting classic grime record taking inspiration from the likes of Kano, Skepta & Chip. Meanwhile, ‘FIRST CLASS’ is a melodic blend of Afrobeats (paying homage to his Nigerian heritage) and Baile Funk. The success of both records despite their differences indicates Mirari’s prowess and flair as a musician. This is something his fans in Cardiff are well aware of as he continues to build a cult-like following in the region with a string of exceptional live performances through 2023 (Tiny Rebel Fest, Focus Wales & New Skool Rules).

The last few years for Mirari has been about earning his artistic stripes, putting the rounds in. His EP, ‘The Last Cowboy’ is about stating his case as THE premier artist coming out of South Wales. He describes the music “as an experience to live with. I build a world and invite you to live in it”. The music is an audio journey featuring everything you would expect from a Classic Western movie but with Mirari’s vocals driving the narrative accompanied by a backdrop of production that is both cinematic and theatrical. It explores themes such as honour, redemption and the struggle between good and evil characterised by urban London life. The music creates a setting that is sparse and multi-layered – similar to the contrast of the typical American frontier during the 1800s: vast landscapes, deserts, small towns and rugged terrains. It features hard-hitting beats, twangy guitars and epic scores that add to the atmosphere and tension and it’s out now.

Emily Marsden – Editor
#MusicSceneWales
@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

Focus Wales Announce The First 70 Artists for 2024!

FOCUS Wales are thrilled to reveal the first 70 new music acts for their 2024 festival, which is set to be their biggest edition to date.  Among the first acts announced today are…
Spiritualized | The Mysterines | The Royston Club | Deerhoof | Snapped Ankles | The Bug Club | Skinny Pelembe | Adwaith | Flamingods | Angeline Morrison | CVC | ISLET | Willy Mason | Cerys Hafana | Benefits | Melin Melyn | Plus 180 more acts still to be announced! See the full list of 70 acts announced today at the link below. 

SEE FULL LINE UP HERE

Focos Wales 2024 Tickets on sale now! BUY TICKETS HERE



Emily Marsden – Editor
#MusicSceneWales
@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

Macy Releases New Single ‘Third Person’

MACY is the incredible young Welsh songstress who has been releasing music since 2020 and who has amassed incredible ratings on streaming platforms in such a relatively short space of time, in excess of 1 million streams worldwide, as well as being played on and receiving praise from the likes of BBC introducing, BBC Radio Wales (where she was added to the A- List for several single releases) and BBC Radio ONE. 

Having started releasing music in 2020, Macy has released an impressive 13 singles to date, Mostly notably ‘Pink Bandana’ from 2022 which has amassed over 235,938k streams on spotify alone, ‘Swear Down’ which was championed by BBC Radio ONE (51k spotify streams) ‘Shoulders Back’ from June 2023 (47,071k Spotify Streams) and her most recent release of ‘Forget Me Not Blue’ from September 2023 (43,220k Spotify Streams).  

In what can only be described as a whirlwind past 12 months, MACY has amassed an impressive international following, with over a Million streams worldwide with the numbers ever rising! 

MACY released her first EP, ‘Words4Luv’ last year and now follows this up with her second EP release entitled ‘Third Person’.

The new EP features 4 tracks including the previously released singles of ‘Shoulders Back’‘Forget Me Not Blue’ and the recently released single of  ‘New Light’ as well as the title track of ‘Third Person’ .

MACY has said of the EP “The Third Person EP is a mixture of tracks personal to me and the way I feel or have felt… it represents me looking at my life and my future in a brand new way”

The new song and title track from the EP ‘Third Person’ shows a whole new side to the songstress opening up a more indie sound and vulnerable vibe to her music. It’s a pleasingly delicate soundtrack with harmonious vocals coupled with ticking back beats and poignant lyrics “I wish I could see through your eyes, I wish I could myself in the third person”

The new track is released with an accompanying music video that sees the young star transformed into a simulated, animated computer character going about her day in a virtual cyber world which is perfectly befitting the track as its whole ethos is about how Macy feels she is perceived  and viewed by others. 

You can watch the official music video for ‘Third Person’ HERE NOW 

MACY’s songs are undoubtedly becoming well known for their infectious, feel-good lyrics delivered in Macy’s own individual style, and this single follows suit, playing with current sounds and trends while all wrapped up  in a traditional MACY flair. 

MACY’s journey to date has seen her undertaking several key appearances in 2022/23, including appearances at Clwb Ifor Bach and 110Above, culminating in an amazing solo performance at the star studded BAFTA CYMRU awards ceremony, at St Davids Hall, Cardiff in October, presented by Alex Jones MACY also performed at The Principality Stadium, in front of a 50,000 capacity crowd as well as performing at FOCUSwales, Rebel Fest and The Foodies Festival (Cardiff & Bristol). MACY further performed live on BBC Radio Wales (The Quinnells at Xmas) alongside Emile Sand. 

Macy has upcoming gig on the 22nd December, an acoustic gig at the Norwegian Church in Cardiff for Generation W.

Emily Marsden – Editor
#MusicSceneWales
@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

Coastal Fire Dept. Release New Single ‘Close To You’

‘Close To You’ is an upbeat and fun post-grunge/alt-rock track dealing with people who get attached to inanimate objects!  
 
The lyrical idea came to Ollie after seeing multiple TV shows like Jerry Springer where people came on and talked about their attachment or attraction to ice sculptures, cuddly toys etc. We probably all have our favourite things we love to own or collect or admire!
 
The song came out of the recording session with a dirty driving Foo Fighters feel but the band weren’t sure how to end it…then they had the idea of a neat little breakdown!  A little different for them!
 
The song was written around the same time as previous singles ‘What Do I’ and ‘Cry Your Heart Out’ so has a little of the same vibes. Enjoy the driving beats, the catchy chorus & the final breakdown.
 
‘Close To You’ will appear on our EP ‘Flood The Saltpans…Save The Vale’ out the on January ‘24.
 
CFD are influenced by US bands like Nirvana, Pixies, Local H, Balance & Composure and Teenage Wrist.

Emily Marsden – Editor
#MusicSceneWales
@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

Olive Grinter Releases Debut Single ‘Maybe It’s Time’

With ‘Maybe It’s Time’, Olive Grinter establishes herself as a vibrant new voice in the UK folk scene. A deeply personal reflection of relationships and their end; ‘Maybe It’s Time’ is a resolution to continue beyond heartache. At once both universal and unique to her own experiences, Olive captures a highly assured vulnerability that is reserved only for the most accomplished song-writers and performers. 

A student of Jazz, Olive’s performance is impeccable in its delivery from the most technical to the most subtle vocal movements. Accompanied only by her guitar, she embodies the entire sonic space, starting and concluding the song with the same candid intimacy. Entirely unpretentious, ‘Maybe It’s Time’ is a true marriage of story and performance; a work of art truly greater than the sum of its earnest parts, drawing comparisons to contemporaries such as This is The Kit, Snowpoet and Laura Marling. 

As the first single from her debut album, due in early 2024, ‘Maybe it’s Time’ was recorded alongside producer Sam Barnes (AhGeeBee, Part Time Signals, Boy Azooga). Of the album, Olive writes: 

“These songs are reflections of conversations with myself and what I’d like to express to others. It’s a small part of a long journey. A reflection on how we see ourselves: within the chaos of life, within the chaos of connecting with those around us, and an attempt to spread kindness and support in the moments we need them most. It is a warm embrace, open arms, a hug.” 

‘Maybe It’s Time’ is a beautiful song and I eagerly await the album next year. The debut single is out now across all streaming platforms.

Emily Marsden – Editor
#MusicSceneWales
@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

Yama Rama Release New Single ‘Influencers Must Die’

One of Scotland’s best kept musical secrets, Charlie Clark is a multi-talented singer /songwriter, musician, and more. First rising to prominence as a founding member of acclaimed Glasgow indie-pop foursome Astrid, Charlie has been a pro-active presence in the underground music scene for over two decades. From his role in Scottish supergroup The Reindeer Section to his own projects Broken Arrow and MJ12, Clark has earned a cult status amongst public and peers alike, becoming a go-to guest musician to the likes of Mogwai, Arab Strap and Snow Patrol in the process.

Charlie Clark spent some time recording music as a solo artist in 2021 releasing several tracks under renowned  music mogul, Alan McGee’s Creation Records label. 

After reforming Astrid for some new music and a whistlestop tour at the beginning of 2022, 2023 sees Charlie Clark revved up with a new found passion and a rediscovered purpose to start making the music again that he loves the most. Charlie is ready to bare his soul with his brand new band project YAMA RAMA. With Bob Dylan Influenced vocals and The Cure style riffs, Yama Rama’s songs are personal, honest and raw, like they are springing straight from the pages of a diary. The band’s aim is to let you into their emotional state and let their listeners know that they too are not alone in their darkest days and that love is ever present.  

Yama Rama is made up of Charlie Clark on lead vocals and guitar, Christopher James Johnston on Vocals and Guitar, Mark Makay on Bass and Billy Hudson on Drums. 

Having recently signed to the ever expanding Bubblebrain Records last month, Yama Rama are now gearing up for the release of their debut single on the label entitled ‘Influencers Must Die’

‘Influencers Must Die’ is a tongue in cheek title to a song that looks at the society in which we live where so many are seemingly influenced to do, say or buy things because a paid influencer tells them to do so or as so many musicians seem to be doing these days focusing more on the social media stats than the music itself, turning themselves into comedy actors on the likes of TikTok in the hope to influence people to listen to their music rather than promoting their music. Influencers Must Die is a track that sets to redress the balance and to keep it all about the music. 

With fuzzing guitars and fast paced drumming coupled with determined vocals breaking down into chanting, rousing chorus hook lines, Influencers Must Die is an extremely catchy tune that will resonate with many and will no doubt only seek to further cement Charlie Clark and Yama Rama into their musical cult-like status. 

Charlie has said of the single himself: 

“Influencers Must Die” is a response to the obsessive nature of social media and its effects on everyone, including myself.  It’s tongue is firmly in its cheek but it’s hard to know if I’d feel the same way about The Velvet Underground or The Doors if they were sharing every mundane aspect of their life on TikTok…….

I love the mystique about a lot of the music I listen to. It’s simply about the music and not personality overload.”

Influencers Must Die was recorded and produced by Jason Shaw (Cambodian Space Project) at Fuzzface studios in Largs.

Emily Marsden – Editor
#MusicSceneWales
@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

Skanger Releases New Single ‘Talk To Yourself’

SKANGER are an electro / alt indie band hailing from Dublin in Ireland, consisting of Mark Healy on Vocals and Guitar,  Terry Hackett on Drums and Ingmar Kiang on Bass Guitar.

The trio recently released their second single ‘Talk To Yourself’ to be taken from their upcoming  album ‘Love and Violence’ which is scheduled for release Spring 2024. 

‘Talk To Yourself’ is the second single to be lifted from the album and follows in the footsteps of ‘Dim The Lights’ which was released in April of this year. 

Skanger have amassed a large and loyal following in their native Ireland having received praise, features and repeated plays from the likes of HotPress, Rte magazine and Radio 1, Dublin City FMThe Irish Times, and TG 4 television to name but a few. 

The band are now looking to break out of Ireland and release their music on to a wider audience. 

The latest single release of ‘Talk to Yourself’ is a track that really showcases the band musically. It’s an upbeat sound coupled with melodic guitar riffs and a steady drum beat mixed with meaningful lyricism. The track really draws you in and asks you to pay attention and listen.  

Described by singer Mark Healy as

 “a simple message about a complicated problem that many people struggle with every day,” 

This song through the medium of music explores the deeper issues of mental health and its impact upon us and further seeks to remind us to treat ourselves and others with kindness and respect.  

‘Talk To Yourself’ is accompanied by a music video featuring Healy driving in and around Dublin City taking in all the familiar sights and landmarks along the way, his gaze often stopping to focus on the camera as he looks directly at the viewer asking them “Why don’t you be kind to yourself ? ” Watch the official music video here now 

‘Talk To Yourself’ was composed collectively by the band and was recorded in Dublin and produced by Ingmar Kiang.

Emily Marsden – Editor
#MusicSceneWales
@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com