Born in the Rhondda with strong Gibraltarian roots, Caitlin has developed a huge passion for percussion. With a strong, rich vocal and a knack for instant pop hooks, Caitlin blends honest songwriting with an exciting rhythmic core. Whether it’s sharing the bill with other up-and-coming artists, supporting well-established bands, or headlining her own show, Caitlin Lavagna will always bring the fiesta so people can let loose and shake their frames!
Caitlin cites her influences from a wide range of Indie rock/pop and reggae artists beginning with bands like Sting and Fleetwood Mac all the way up to Florence, Pink and Adele. She is massively influenced by strong female vocals and rhythm!
Caitlin Says: “I wrote this song after someone really hurt me. I was so shocked by their choice of words when I finally asked if we could make things official, that it made me realize how brilliant it was that they wanted to (and I quote) ‘Run A Mile’. This song helped me process anger, low self-esteem and anxiety because of someone who actually never treated me well in the first place. I hope people enjoy the song and appreciate the production. I hope people understand that although the song came from someone saying something horrible to me, it has actually helped me understand my worth and allowed me to process a lot of the toxicity I experienced chasing something that didn’t exist with someone who never cared.”
The fantastic ‘Run A Mile’ is out now on all streaming platforms.
Smolik/Kev Fox the duo from Poland break all the boundaries when it comes to musical genres. The pair met at a concert in Warsaw and connected over their mutual musical fascinations and immediately locked themselves in the studio for a few days. It has made for a unique and excellent collaboration.
Their first joint release was promoted by the outstanding single ‘Run’. Since then they have gone on to create many epic tracks, full of melancholy melodies that are hypnotizing and unique and Kev Fox’s distinctive vocals finish them off just perfectly.
Out now is their new eagerly awaited album ‘Belly Of The Whale’.
From the Midlands, phenomenal talent Ruby J fuses multiple genres with her own unique style. Inspired at the age of 13 to pick up the guitar by the likes of Tash Sultana, Arctic Monkeys and more. Now 18 years old, Ruby has been honing her craft and talent, she has stage presence like no other that encapsulates her audience.
Ruby J has gone from strength to strength with each release, he latest being the fantastic ‘Home’. From the outset you are captivated by her unique voice, the percussion and the groovy beats with a retro feel.
Four-piece rock band hailing from Ayrshire in Scotland initially started off as a side project but decided to give it a real go in 2021, the band have been busy since then. They’ve gone on to release some cracking singles such as ‘Hypnotised’ and ‘Spaceman’ followed by the release of their fantastic debut album ‘Candlewood’.
The band return with their latest single ‘Minnie’s Haberdashery’, packed out with powerful riffs that rule the song it makes it a strong single.
Box Of Trash have been busy touring Scotland pulling in crowds and gaining more fans. Keep an eye out for more dates from these lads. These are ones to watch!
Annie Hardy is the outspoken, boundary pushing visionary and lead vocalist from renowned and widely revered grunge/punk band Giant Drag with whom she attained massive success.
The band released their first EP ‘Lemona’ in 2005 on UK tastemaker label ‘Wichita Records’ which led to a record deal with ‘Kickball/Interscope’ who later went on to release ‘Hearts and Unicorns’ for the band, to much critical acclaim from the likes of NME, Pitchfork and The Guardian to name but a few.
Annie and Giant Drag then took a break from the limelight before deciding to make a comeback in 2013 and self-release ‘Waking Up Is Hard to Do’ with a vinyl release by Canadian DIY label ‘Yeah! Right Records’.
Annie’s first solo LP ‘RULES’ (Full Psycho/Yeah! Right Records) was recorded and released by her after she suffered extreme personal tragedy, following the death of her infant son aged just a few days old from SIDS and while Annie was already understandably in the depths of grief for her baby boy, her partner and her son’s father, battle rapper Cadalack Ron aka Robert Paulson also tragically passed. Perhaps unsurprisingly ‘Rules’ is a heavy listen but she and producer Joe Cardamone truly make suffering into art form with this release. The record boasts an array of musical guests including DJ Bonebrake (the drummer of Los Angeles historic punk band X), Don Bolles (The Germs), Stephen McBean (Black Mountain, Pink Mountaintops) and Petra Hayden (That Dog) to name just a few.
Present day Annie Hardy is vibrating at a different rate. 2021 found her starring in the Blumhouse horror film Dashcam directed by Rob Savage and producing her own show Band Car (the internet’s number one live improvised music show broadcast from a moving vehicle).
Annie Hardy has gathered her thoughts and her inner strength to rediscover her sass and energy and has decided that the time is now right to release brand new music. She has commented on her self induced hiatus from the industry by saying:
“Before now it seemed utterly pointless [to make and release new music] due to the state of affairs in the music industry, but then I remembered that the point is to do it for my fans, all 12 of them, to get my music out there and it’s not even me. It’s through me, for me and for others”.
Annie’s latest release “Lord Cum Into My Life” finds her frankly and honestly talking/singing, about elements in her life which she feels are missing and how she and others try to fill those voids with bad decisions and actions that lead them to paths of ultimate destruction. Being mindful and observing holy people and how their lives are fulfilled by God, led Annie to delve deeper into the subject matter giving it her own unique spin and turn of phrase as only she knows how!
‘Lord Cum Into My Life’ is a song for everyone seeking a God-like presence in their lives whether they’re religious or not, to sustain and fulfil their inner strength, power and belief to carry them forward and onto a higher, peaceful, pain free plain no matter what life’s despicable fate life throws your way.
Musically, the track is paired back with syntheisted beats, letting Annie’s poignant lyrics take centre stage and with lyrics like “Lord am I a victim of the night? and “I don’t wanna be like this”“Demons on Earth, I want to go back to Heaven, God it hurts” perhaps this is an entirely personal song for the artist or perhaps it’s just a very observant observation that only someone who has suffered extreme pain in their lives can truly comprehend? Either way, this track is a lot deeper than first listen would allow you to believe. It’s insightful in the extreme and Annie is inviting you to take just a glimpse into another world and embrace a different concept that might just free you.
Annie has said of the track:
“I was coming out of a stagnant period where I was allowing myself to be part of one of these situationship type things where someone who is living out of their fear-programmed head vs the heart-centre where truth comes from is at war within themselves. I had to put an end to the entire friendship to restore balance within myself and as soon as I did I pressed record and this song came out in one fluid movement. I was aware that in life we tend to be distracted by things that don’t matter. The only thing that matters is our connection to God which is the energy of all creation and truth and love. When we live from the heart, things like creativity are effortless.”
So who/what does Annie Hardy think God is?
“The all encompassing loving energy of creation by which this entire world was created”.
‘Imperial Mind’ is the exciting debut single from the Manchester-based band Crook On The Wall. ‘Imperial Mind’ sets out the teenaged four-pieces’ intentions with authority and panache.
Fronted by Cole Johnson, whose outstanding Morrissey-esque vocal is the center-piece of ‘Imperial Mind’, Crook On The Wall also features the talents of songwriter and lead guitarist Elliot Carson whose ability to craft something special is obvious on this first release.
‘Imperial Mind’ was produced and mixed by Luke Owens (SHADE, Sarah Owens, Samm Hewitt) at Dusk till Dawn studios in Manchester. The songs’ captivating vocals and thought-provoking lyrics create a powerful and melodic tone. Crook on The Wall makes a powerful statement with this first release, bringing true meaning and emotion into the world of music.
From the beginnings of writing and practicing while at high school, the band, whose members are aged between 14 and 16, have a distinctive flair for originality with their distinct sound and their insightful lyrics. ‘Imperial Mind’ provides deep insight into many politically challenging areas of society while also showcasing their incredible musicianship that belies their young ages.
“Handling their set with confidence and passion” – Jessica Draper Mann (from a recent live review).
Crook On The Wall has an array of new music in the upcoming months and their live performances are renowned for being lively. This talented young band are a part of a new movement on the Manchester music scene.
In a brand new weekly piece, Music Scene Wales will feature a fresh new single chosen from the best on the independent music scene by the Indie Revolution team, those being Music Scene Wales, Yr Wyddfa Records, This Is The Music, Upcoming Bands and Wax and Beans.
First in our new feature this week is Hazy Sundays mesmerizing new single ‘Wires’. Emotional and heartfelt its reminiscent of 90s classics, a real musical treasure.
Glaswegian, alternative rock band Arcade State release their phenomenal new track ‘Life Is Not Linear’ The track is a punch to the gut. They bring a heavily guitar driven sound with this new single, inspired by Scottish legends Twin Atlantic and Biffy Clyro, they showcase the perfect blend of melody and raw power.
The song is based on reflections of a difficult year for frontman, Ciaran Murray, with significant loss and a bought of depression inspiring the lyrics. Despite this the song has extremely uplifting powers with a positive message telling you that you can get through the tough times.
Formed in 2020 the five piece are at the forefront of the bustling Scottish music scene, full of hard hitting anthems, pounding drums and beautiful melodies, these are definitely ones to watch!
2023 is looking like the year Megan Wyn finally captures the imagination of the people who have somehow missed her slow and steady rise through the ranks over the last two years.
At the age of just 18, the young starlet-to-be has already achieved so much in her already fledgling career, but latest release, ‘You Don’t Get It’, has certainly started to see Wyn make some serious in-roads.
After the release in August 2023, Megan has been booked for numerous tastemaker metropolitan festivals dotted around the country including Twisterella and Beyond The Music, as well as, choice support slots with the like of Swim Deep and Andrew Cushin.
At radio, Megan has already had playlist support from Radio X alongside a live session with John Kennedy. She was also booked to do do a live session with BBC introducing Manchester last minute, whilst gaining repeat support at BBC Radio London and BBC Radio Merseyside.
Wyn was also Huw Stephens’ Artist of The Week on BBC Radio Wales and added to the station’s playlist.
Now, Megan returns with hugely impressive new cut, ‘Familiar Faces’. Taking cues from contemporaries such like Sam Fender, Olivia Rodrigo, and many more, the young artist sounds like the shackles are finally off.
Different to her previous dreamlike release, the track is fast-paced, seething and has a point to make. There’s a sense of real exacerbation in lines like: “They only throw stones to leave a scar”
What makes it different to most records though, is the way in which Megan has drawn upon her influences new and old. Her love of Amazon’s blockbuster series, The Six, almost oozes out of your speakers as her PJ Harvey-esque croon delivers ear worm after ear worm.
Rare that an artist is effortlessly cool whilst calling upon pop sensibilities relentlessly. Wistful but assured in equal measure, it sounds exactly like a teenager figuring themselves out.
Speaking about the song, Megan said: “Familiar Faces was written at the start of summer after breaking off a situationship with someone who let jealousy and other people come between us. It’s a bittersweet song about the love you have for this person but the angst and anger that comes with jealousy ruining something that could have been great.”
‘Familiar Faces’, was written with and produced by Alex Quinn (The Royston Club, Lottery Winners, Michael Aldag) over the course of an extensive period of writing in Summer 2022.
Previous years saw Megan play The Great Escape, Truck Festival, Y Not and Isle Of Wight Festival. And she completed her debut headline tour earlier in the year.
An old head on young shoulders, Megan rightly feels that she has reached her starting point. With live experiences already in the bag, it was just a matter of honing her sound and landing on something that was truly representative of herself.
It’s also true that moving from her native Anglesey just off the Welsh coast, to her now home of Manchester at the age of 16, would have helped Megan develop not only as a musician but most importantly as a woman.
Megan grew up wanting exactly what she has now, the ability to put pen to paper and have songs fall out of her, to play shows to packed out venues in Manchester, as well as, elsewhere. And most importantly, play the festivals she probably would have attended anyway.
Stanleys have today released their new 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.
Stanleys’ guitarist Jake Dorsman describes the song as “a story of love, loss, hope and despair.” He continues by explaining that “’I’ll Try’ symbolises a step into the future for us. It’s a massive change in terms of our sound and production. With a mature but approachable sound, it’s a perfect single to start the releases from our new EP. It’s definitely one of our favourites and we can’t wait to play it live.”
Stanleys continue to roll on in 2023, with the announcement of their biggest headline shows to date, performing at The Camden Assembly, London on Friday 24th November and Academy 2, Manchester on Saturday 25th November. Tickets are on sale now, available here.
This announcement follows a sold-out run of dates in May, where the quartet performed to raucous crowds in Newcastle, Glasgow, Cardiff and Southampton alongside a string of high profile festival performances including Liverpool Sound City and Neighbourhood Weekender. Earlier this year, Stanleys also performed alongside Inspiral Carpets at their sold out Albert Hall show, and they will join Reverend and the Makers tomorrow as very special guests. As well as this, they also recently announced their first ever festival headline spot, topping the bill at Isle of Wight Festival on the This Feeling stage.
Performing at The Lathums’ sold-out show at O2 Victoria Warehouse, as well as sold out shows at O2 Ritz with Jamie Webster and The Lottery Winners; all on top of selling out their own headline Manchester Club Academy show (which was twice upgraded), Stanleys have a strong-hold on the North West scene. And it’s now only a matter of time before the rest of the country are hanging onto every word.
UK TOUR DATES
Friday 3rd November – Independent, Sunderland
Saturday 4th November – O2 Academy Sheffield (with The Sherlocks)
Friday 10th November – Dead Wax, Birmingham
Friday 17th November – Shiiine On Festival, Minehead
Indie Revolution 