‘She’s Done It Again’ captures the band’s euphoric live shows, where fans sit atop their friend’s shoulders and hands remain aloft in the air from start to finish. With a belting chorus, the track possesses the anthemic qualities Stanleys have promised ever since their debut.
Singer Tom Concannon shows a new side to his voice, shifting between pop, rock and blues, while guitarist Jake Dorsman’s signature guitar licks remain consistent throughout, before taking centre stage halfway through with a piercing guitar solo. Bassist Harry Ivory and drummer Rob Hilton keep things tight elsewhere, a kickdrum propelled intro bound to get fans clapping along at their upcoming live shows.
This release follows recent single, ‘I’ll Try’, the first new music since their sold-out tour in May and their debut EP, which charted in the Top 5 of the UK Official Vinyl.
The band says: “This song is a culmination of the steps forward we are taking promising to elevate the atmosphere at each live show, while also serving as the pinnacle of our recorded sound. From its punchy, driven rhythm, to its anthemic chorus melody, the latest single provides the energy that defines us as a collective.”
Freyja Elsy, a classically trained musician and self-taught electro-pop producer hailing from Cardiff, has been independently releasing singles for the past three years and has introduced her live performances during 2023.
Freyja Elsy’s EP delves into a profound exploration of various themes, capturing the monotony and disillusionment of a repetitive existence in single ‘Over It‘.
Freyja Elsy has received acclaim from BBC (6Music/Radio Wales), Freshonthenet, and international blogs and radio, earning her the reputation of an exceptionally accomplished musician and producer. Her debut single, ‘Lungs,’ left critics and listeners in awe, described by Adam Walton from BBC Radio Wales as “off-the-scale evocative.“
Hollows are a 3 piece Alternative Rock band based in Manchester. The band met in the city and formed the current line up in mid 2021. Since then, releasing a series of singles which were met with support from BBC Radio 6’s Steve Lamacq, Radio X’s John Kennedy, BBC Introducing, XS Manchester and editorial playlists on Apple Music.
Frontman Sean Davies believes that the current line-up of Dan Dyson on drums and Jack Barnes on bass has finally given the band an identity and a sound they can be proud of. Hollows are looking forward to releasing new music in 2023 after a second sell out show in their home city, support slots for the likes of Space and Peter Hook and The Light and a summer tour under their belts. The band are now signed to Revolver Records.
Described as 'Gritty and Epic' by Radio X's John Kennedy, this label debut from Hollows is an ode to the alternate rock sounds of the 90's with intense guitars from the outset and a powerful vocal that moves the song forward. This energetic song will certainly remind you of festival season all year round.
In the third instalment of an exciting new series for Music Scene Wales, ThisIsTheMusicrecommends six must listen to tracks from October 2023
October was a great month for the release of new music for the new music British guitar scene and showcased the quality of bands and solo artists on show! It was a tough choice, but here are my six recommendations from October
The Strifes – Dancing in The Wind
Hertfordshire 4 piece The Strifes showed why they are the real deal with their second single Dancing In The Wind that’s full of swagger and 90s bravado. A stomping pace awaits the listener and euphoric guitar riffs. The Strifes are a band that will be impossible to ignore
Megan Wyn – Familiar Faces
2023 continues to be a fantastic year for Welsh solo star Megan Wyn. With her first headline tour earning rave reviews plus radio support from the likes of John Kennedy, Huw Stephens and ThisIsTheMusic, Megan has shown why she is a superstar in the making. Her second single is an incredible anthem full of swagger that packs an almighty punch and continues Megan’s rise to the top of music industry.
Plastic Heart – the giver of stars
Plastic Heart latest single The Giver Of Stars is an energetic powerful and rip roaring rocknroll anthem. With catchy singalong choruses this Mancunian 5 piece are a band to well and truly keep an eye on in 2024!
The 76 Club – Beside Myself
Burton on Trent, 4-piece The 76 Club leave a lasting impression on their 2nd single Beside Myself an energetic, punchy indie rock anthem with an irresistible vocal that oozes class.
Crook on The Wall – Imperial Mind
Manchester new boys, Crook On The Wall, released their highly accomplished debut, and have already amassed over 3k Spotify streams. Imperial Minds is spine tingling debut that features a powerful vocal, thought provoking lyrics that bring a different vibe to the indie scene
The Ritz – Give Me A Sign
Epic, euphoric second single, Give Me A Sign, from Burton on Trent 4-piece The Ritz is one of the most energetic displays of rocknroll you’re likely to hear this year. With tunes like this The Ritz are a band ready to rise up the indie scene ladder
MACY is the incredible young South Wales based 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 is set to follow this up on the 24th November 2023, with her second EP release entitled ‘Third Person’.
The new EP will feature 4 tracks including the previously released singles of ‘Shoulders Back’ and ‘Forget Me Not Blue’ as well as two previously unheard tracks being a third single release of ‘New Light’ and the title track of ‘Third Person’ which will be released along with the EP.
The latest single to be released, ‘New Light’, is an exciting and fresh, fun-filled track perfectly befitting the mainstream being reminiscent of the likes of Mimi Webb, Anne Marie and Lizzo.
MACY has said of the track “This track is from my forthcoming EP, Third Person. It is a personal EP and this track represents me looking at life and my future in a brand new way, or new light”
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.
Upcoming Gigs/Tours –
22nd of Dec – Acoustic gig at the Norwegian Church in Cardiff for Generation W
Music Scene Wales’ Single Of The Week, chosen by the Indie Revolution Team is the 90s nostalgic ‘Hey Man’ by Cardiff based Rock band Pacifica. The band were formed in early 2021 during the pandemic. The group consists of four school friends. Their goal is to become the biggest they can while staying loyal to their Welsh roots. ‘Hey Man’ is instantly captivating and blows you away.
DAYZIES are an alternative/indie rock band formed in late 2021 from Newcastle Upon Tyne.
The band comprises Liam Parker on vocals and rhythm guitar, Francis (Frankie) Murray on bass, Mark Hardingham on lead guitar and Josh Mitchel on drums. Liam, Frankie and Josh are all old school friends with Liam and Frankie first being in a band together when they were at college.
In May 2022, DAYZIES attained success with their debut single release of “SHORT LIVED ROMANCE”, which received radio play all across the UK on the likes of BBC INTRODUCING as well as multiple international radio plays. To date the single has attained 12k streams on Spotify alone.
The band have organically built up a loyal fan base selling out their own headline shows as well as playing support on gigs to the likes of ANDREW CUSHIN, DEADLETTER, BILK, SHAMBOLICS, THE NATIVE, THE FEENS & ROSELLAS.
Following their initial release, DAYZIES followed this up with their second single ‘I LOVE IT’ which was released in May 2023 and which proved to be a popular release with both radio and press alike further propelling the band forward into a name synonymous with ones to watch on the indie music scene.
Having recently signed to the ever expanding Bubblebrain Records, the band are now gearing up for their second release of the year with ‘Eskimo’.
Liam says of the track:
“The track is about relationships, ‘Eskimo’ is a nickname for an ex-girlfriend who had a parka with this big hood like an eskimo so I would call her my eskimo. Musically, it’s a bit more punk indie than what we’ve released before with lots of heavy guitars!’
The lyrics go: “She said it’s all in my head and I can’t think straight. And she’s making it hard for me to concentrate. My feet are tired, my knees are weak and it’s getting cold, please stop making a scene, my little Eskimo.”
“Overall thought, I think it’s a reminder of how much technology has interfered with our ability to communicate on a human level.”
‘Eskimo’ is accompanied by a bonus B-side track of ‘Bad’ and it will be exclusively released by Bubblebrain Records and available to purchase now.
PREVIOUS PRESS ACCOLADES
“Jangly guitars and angled indie riffs. New North East ones to watch for sure” – Gigslutz
“A punked up assault of sound filled with lurking rhythms, crunchy guitars and snarling vocals. It exudes a wild untamable energy and has a chorus that packs some real punch, making the track a super satisfying rock n roll listen – NARC Magazine (I Love It)
“DAYZIES have already accompanied some big up and coming names in the grass roots scene on sold out shows so I reckon the Newcastle rock quartet have already drummed up a bit of noise for themselves. But if they haven’t this track should absolutely do the trick. –RMG magazine (I Love It)
Dusty Cut is the wistful music project of award-winning writer Phil Jones. Dusty Cut craft songs about friendships and loves gained and lost, fights in restaurants, Scottish islands and the sea. The band are based in Cardiff and released their debut album ‘Hawaii’ in 2017.
The band have developed a warm sound that incorporates moody folk, 70s rock and a hint of strangeness inspired by eccentrics like Gruff Rhys, Arthur Russell and Big Thief.
Best Friend’s Wedding is about being the least traditional person at a traditional wedding. It was recorded at King’s Road Studio in Cardiff and mastered by Charlie Francis.
Following on from their last release, ‘Minnie’s Haberdashery’, Scottish four piece Box Of Trash release their fantastic new EP ‘Look At Me’.
Frontman Lyle says of the EP “Our ‘Look at me’ EP is a showcase of the different dynamics of song writing we can bring as a band; we have the hard-hitting rock n roll side and the slower softer ballad side and everything in-between”.
It’s an EP full of dark bass riffs, heavy guitars, a bit of psychedelia and stomping riffs.
The band have been busy touring, pulling in crowds all over Scotland. They have previously released some cracking tracks such as ‘Hypnotised’ and ‘Spaceman’. Keep an eye out for these guys!
Laurie Wright is nothing less than a force of nature possessing a raw and genuine talent that many can only dream of. Having graced the stages of the famous Glastonbury Festival aged just a mere 16, you can start to gauge the level of talent that he possesses.
Life hasn’t always been easy for Laurie though, with opportunities presented to him at such a young age they also brought with them a downside. Things compounded and he found himself regularly facing homelessness between the ages of 19-28.
While the global pandemic and various lockdowns saw many struggling, it was during this time that Laurie really turned his life around once and for all. He cleaned up his act, and began to seriously focus once more on his music. Starting off with him winning The Libertines‘Talented Fans’ Competition and being called the ‘next big thing’ by Carl Barat. Liam Gallagher also proclaimed himself a fan by tweeting ‘I’ve heard him, I like him.’
His album features 3 previously released tracks of ‘Butter Side Up Boy’, ‘West End Lover’ and ‘Wings of Platinum and Gold’ as well as 7 previously unreleased tracks.
Out now are limited early bird tickets for the double headline ‘Get On The End Of It’ tour for 2024 .
Upcoming Gigs
Cheltenham – Frog and Fiddle – April 5th Bristol – Exchange – April 6th Brighton – The Green Door Store – April 12th Leeds – Santiago Bar – April 13th Manchester – Gullivers – April 19th Glasgow – Classic Grand – April 20th Birmingham – Hare & Hounds – April 27th
Indie Revolution 