Lewca Releases New Single ‘Monday Morning’

Sep 19, 2023 — Leave a comment

LEWCA is an English singer/songwriter/musician now resident in France, never having been one for convention, LEWCA started life being born in a squat in Brixton, and by the time he was aged nineteen, he was living in a squat in Paris… After studying fine art and dabbling in film, LEWCA started making music just before, in his own words, he was “too old to die young”. Influences for LEWCA range from decadence to debauchery and musically from the likes of The Clash, The Streets, Ian Dury, ASAP Rocky, the Sleaford Mods, LCD Soundsystem, Bob Dylan, Eminem, Tom Waits, & more…

After being in a few bands that fell apart for various reasons, LEWCA decided to go it alone in 2018, his seriousness for a desire to succeed crept in, in around 2019, but then the pandemic hit in 2020 putting laid to his plans for a while.

Not being deterred, however, LEWCA’s first EP was released in Dec 2020, with two more being released in 2021, then followed by a remix EP, a charity EP, and the Album; ‘Friday Night Rockstar’.

Previous releases have seen LEWCA being championed on the likes of BBC Radio 6 Music and featured in official Apple iTunes music charts.

Although LEWCA collaborates with various different musicians on his projects (most often ex band members) his main partner in crime is S.O.A.P.(aka DJ Sonofapitch – Chinese man, Taiwan MC) who is a Parisian drum & bass DJ & Beatmaker whom LEWCA first met when they shared a billing at a gig together in 2013. Their partnership has grown from a shared love of wonky beats, UK soundscapes & a healthy dose of humour!

Since 2018 the duo have released 3 EP’s, & have been working together on two albums : “Friday Night Rockstar” which was released at the very end of 2022, & “Boombap for Boomers” which is out now.

LEWCA composes and sings all of the lyrics and toplines on the tracks and is also a sometimes kazoo player! While S.O.A.P is more on the instrumentals playing keys, saxophone and doing “wicked DJ stuff”!

LEWCA is now gearing up for the release of the ‘Boombap For Boomers’ album by releasing a couple of the featured tracks, one such track being the tongue in cheek, yet astonishingly accurate and perfectly timed track of ‘Monday Morning’

It will probably come as no surprise that ‘Monday Morning’ is a track that’s all about that Monday Morning panic we all have and at no time is this more prevalent than the back to school Monday Morning especially after the long, long 6 week summer holidays. This is a track that will resonate with parents everywhere!

Musically the track is heavily influenced with reggae beats and trumpet notes throughout.. It’s a very happy go lucky soundtrack interspersed with very relatable story telling lyricism about the trials and tribulations of getting the kids off to school.

‘Boombap For Boomers’ from which the single ‘Monday Morning’ is taken was recorded in S.O.A.P.’ s basement studio over the period of a year and all tracks were all mixed by S.O.A.P. and have been Mastered by Blanka.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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Gypsy Pistoleros Release New Single ‘Come On Eileen’

Sep 18, 2023 — Leave a comment

Are Gypsy Pistoleros set to release the greatest rock cover version since Alien Ant Farm’s, Smooth Criminal, or Cilla Blacks version of ‘Eye of the Tiger’?

They take it to a whole new level with a reworking of the world famous iconic Dexy’s Midnight Runners classic “Come on Eileen” It’s out now via Earache Records

“It’s the ultimate rock therapy! We aim to reclaim a song that has seeped into the world’s consciousness and fabric through drunken wedding, Xmas, birthday, hen & stag parties, etc. With all the messed-up memories associated with loads of them. We are going to rewrite history with an updated cracker. Wipe the slate clean!

Plus, you can understand the words in our version. Nearly” – Lee.

This single is taken from the brand-new forthcoming genre defining album ‘Duende a Go Go Loco!’ Released Friday 3rd November.

‘Duende a Go Go Loco’ has been recorded, mixed, and produced by fast-rising legend Dave Draper (The Wildhearts, Nickleback, Kerbdog, Terrorvision) at The Old Cider Press Studios, Pershore. The full album Digital/CD & Vinyl packages are out November 3^rd.

Gypsy Lee Pistolero: We played ‘Come on Eileen’ for the first time at a recent HRH Festival, and the crowd went nuts. Some critic had called us the Dexy’s Midnight Runners of Rock. We decided, let’s own it. We had to release it; the reaction was that ridiculous.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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Vida Release New Single ‘You Tell Me’

Sep 18, 2023 — Leave a comment

Vida, the six-piece collective from Clackmannanshire have released their great new single. ‘You Tell Me’. Written by the band’s drummer Jamie Piggott, the track is reflective and fits perfectly within their popular catalogue of jangly, acoustic based songs.

About ‘You Tell Me’, the band say: “It’s a ‘self-reflection’ of situations in life that everyone can relate to, excess, losing control once in awhile and getting back on track, the ebb and flow of life really. When Piggott brought the song to the rest of the band, we all knew instantly that it was a Vida track, it sticks to the true jangly acoustic nature of our writing.”

Vida’s sound is a throwback to the golden era of Britpop and a 1960’s psychedelic sound while also creating their own distinctive feel. Vida have featured at multiple festivals such as Isle of Wight, Reading, YNOT, Kendal Calling and TRNSMT. Their breakthrough came in 2016 when they released the hit single ‘Fade Away’ which has amassed over a staggering one million streams.

The band have previously worked with Steve Craddock of Ocean Colour Scene and Kieren Webster of The View who both produced some of their work. Vida took a hiatus in 2019 and they reappeared last year with their new line-up which consists of Nathan Evans, Jamie Piggott, Greg Ballantyne, Colin Davidson, Jacob Franklyn and Evan Cameron. With more releases in the pipeline and a possibility of an album before the end of the year, 2023 is really the hard working band’s year, with this new single, ‘You Tell Me’ cementing their intentions.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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The DSM IV Release Music Video For ‘Reclaim The Night’

Sep 18, 2023 — Leave a comment

Formed and fronted by the magical and mystical Guy McKnight of the much revered and critically acclaimed cult favourite; The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster. Created in Liverpool in 2019 the band have won over audiences all over the UK and Europe with their idiosyncratic musical character getting unsuspecting audiences hyped to hysteria with their strangely seductive,noise-rock, synth-pop industrial sound that delivers nothing short of a unique musical experience. Their music is cacophonous and epic, featuring rich textures and melodic hooks that keep listeners captivated and the band have proved themselves stadium worthy in their own right, following their tours with Gods such as The Sleaford Mods and The Libertines.

THE DSM IV take their name from the ‘Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders vol IV’, as used by the American Psychiatric Association.

Guy’s interest in the manual was born out of his experiences in dealing with his own mental health;

“Mental health problems still carry so much stigma, through ignorance, fear, misunderstanding and intolerance. While I’m not necessarily an advocate as such for the limited categorisation, labelling and medicating of people, I’ve no doubt saved a lot of people too. The manual can be a contentious subject. Illness is part of the human condition and the reality of life and death. It’s not something to be looked down on.”

The band’s album ‘NEW AGE PARANOIA’ seamlessly brings together stories, beats, guitars & noise in an inspiring collection of kaleidoscopic reflections about right & wrong, dark & light, joy & pain, sin & shame – all at once sobering & yet intoxicatingly dream filled.

The single to be taken from the album ‘RECLAIM THE NIGHT’ is a powerful soundscape,filled with electronic beats and synths combined with thought-provoking lyrics, creating a mesmerising and enticing atmosphere inviting the listener into another dimension, another world where you can be set free of shackles to reclaim and entertain yourself in joyous abandonment without fear or judgement.

The accompanying video to the single is unleashed on the world today and it’s everything you would expect from this totally unpredictable outfit.

‘Reclaim The Night’ is a hypnotic, groundbreaking track from The DSM IV, featuring a blend of pulsing beats, mesmerising synths, and intriguing lyrics. With its innovative soundscape and hypnotic melodies, this track has a mass appeal across the genres and decades.

As Clash magazine astutely observed, this band bridges the gap between the primal garage punk of The Stooges and the screeching futurism of Suicide. There are clear influences from these artists, but The DSM IV put their own spin on those sounds, creating something that feels both classic and cutting-edge. In short, this is a band that defies easy categorisation and that I feel is a very good thing!

In the official music video to the track the story follows the band walking the streets while boxing and being caught on fire ….and on a night out at a raucous Liverpool pub, where they perform the single ‘Reclaim The Night’ amidst an intriguing array of colourful characters, featuring bins on heads, latex masks, a playing card and a fez making various memorable appearances throughout coupled with the pure cinematic brilliance as scenes and scenarios cut back and forth, leaving the viewer to decide between the dream and the reality.

The video perfectly captures the infectious energy of the song and the band’s performance. “THE DSM IV make music for the people…living in strange times. Poetry in motion. Nasty & Nice Tunes……with lashings of magic & just a spoonful of spite.”

Upcoming Gigs

22.09.23 – Shacklewell Arms, London

23.10.23 – Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh

02.11.23 – The Tin at The Coal Vaults, Coventry

Emily Marsden – Editor
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Pelikan Rogue Release New Single ‘Crawl’

Sep 18, 2023 — Leave a comment

Pelikan Rogue are going from strength to strength in 2023 with their long-anticipated new releases. Following 2019’s undeniably catchy ‘Podium Queen’, vocalist Scott Russells’ foot-tapping ode to his dancer wife, fans were treated to a more melancholy and poignant tune in the summer of 2023 with the release of live favourite ‘The Vet’, which once again saw the involvement of J.P. Reid of Succiopero & Marmaduke Duke alongside talented Ayrshire producer Tony Strachan.

Complimenting the watertight rhythm section of Andy Strachan (bass) and Adrian Chow (Drums),new guitarist Gus Manson brings soaring guitar solos and hooks that captivate audiences from Liverpool’s Cavern Club to Glasgow’s King Tuts to packed-out festivals.

The new single ‘Crawl’ shows the depth that new keyboard player Gavin Lauchlan has added to the band through layers of meticulously crafted synths and pumping dance piano. Manson’s guitar hook is an instant earworm, culminating in a solo that reverberates through venues up and down the country.

Despite the upbeat and catchy feel of the song, audiences will find an oddly dark edge to Russell’s powerful lyrics in a cautionary tale of overindulgence and bad decisions.

With more music to come in 2023 and sold-out shows booked, expect the buzz around Pelikan Rogue to grow even louder!

Emily Marsden – Editor
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Own World Release New Single ‘Simulate’

Sep 18, 2023 — Leave a comment

Formed in 2022 after their ground floor flat started subsiding into the earth, Own World is the new musical project of Joe Sigee (vocals; guitar) and Matthew Lawrenson (synths; bv’s) — who were joined by Alex Bailey (bass) and Holly Hardy (drums) after relocating their living room to an industrial estate in Tottenham.

There, in a bright orange studio surrounded by kebab meat factories and church gospel choirs, the four-piece (which includes two members of R&S Records alumni Vondelpark in Lawrenson and Bailey) decided to make good after a few years of cloistered experimenting and tentative release plans.

Subsisting on a diet of XTC, Arthur Russell and YMO, the band invested in a panoply of analog synthesisers ahead of a series of escapes to a mountainside cottage in Wales. There, they filled endless hard drives with all kinds of idiosyncratic music. They finally decided to take stock of their hazy and nostalgic creations,
recording a wealth of tunes back in London — later to be mixed by Domino artist and producer Wilma Archer, and pioneering electronic artist Lxury.

‘SIMULATE’ is their second release after featuring on Slow Dance Records’ 2023 compilation with ‘In Style’. ‘SIMULATE’ is a dusky and mysterious track fuelled by stuttering percussion, lurching bass and a cosmic synth melody. Embellished by the melodic inflections of Sigee’s trance-like vocals, and opiated by a layer of glistening harmonies, the track harks back to ‘90s trip-hop and ‘00s dream pop while also pointing towards something altogether more unique.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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GIITTV 20th Anniversary Event

Sep 17, 2023 — Leave a comment

To mark twenty years since God Is In The TV Zine started, we are throwing a party at The Gate, in Cardiff on Saturday 30th September 2023, featuring incredible bands and artists. The bill includes the two-time Welsh Music Prize winners and GIITTV favourites Adwaith who will be headlining. Main support comes from bilingual noise pop trio Chroma fresh from supporting Foo Fighters and ahead of the release of their debut album Ask for Angela this October. They will be joined by master Welsh songsmith Carwyn Ellis of Rio 18, Colorama and The Pretenders live band, who will be playing an exclusive stripped back set, plus emerging artist The Honest Poet, who blends soul, hip hop, and pop into personal songs full of heart.

Opening the show will be one of our tips for 2023, Half Happy, a wonderful bittersweet indie-pop band who have captured our hearts in recent months. Great practitioners of soulful lo-fi pop Papaya Noon will then ease you into the late afternoon.

Finally, on the decks we have former Boomtown booker and local legend Kaptin who will be bringing the party with his encyclopaedic collection of hip hop, soul, disco music and beyond. We are incredibly excited to be bringing this event to such a historic venue from 3pm onwards until late, in association with Hope Not Hate, our friends at Joyzine who are also celebrating their twentieth year, and The Zine. Tickets are £20 in advance, more on the door, order your tickets here.

An independent publication, GIITTV, started life in 2003. This was an era even before blogs, before YouTube, and Twitter. Inspired by webzines like Drowned in Sound and the punk zine spirit of Repeat fanzine, editor Bill Cummings started posting early reviews from the Cardiff University newspaper, Gair Rhydd on a basic Yahoo Geocities page. Over the years he was then joined by writers from around Britain and the world. Since then GIITTV has evolved through many incarnations and evolutions as a website and publication and now boasts a passionate and hardworking editorial team, over 200 writers, and the contributions of artists and web designers, without whom this website would not have grown and thrived for so many years. With a solid following, we hope we have grown into one of the most lasting online portals for music and culture that is around today. We have always championed the artists that excite us from throughout the country and beyond, no matter their level or label, providing a platform for emerging artists and groups. The site has also had a special focus on Welsh music over the last decade, championing the new Welsh wave of artists. We have developed this by spotlighting as many genres as we can in the principality, sponsoring a stage at the Focus Wales festival and by featuring the likes of The Anchoress, Adwaith, Carwyn Ellis, Aderyn and many more artists besides on our podcast Show Me Magic.

As well as delivering a stream of quality writing, our achievements over the years include raising £5000 for Help Musicians from a R.E.M. Covers compilation that was endorsed by the band and helped to promote several charity shows including G Spot in London and Mind Fest in Cardiff. We have also staged shows by the likes of Frightened Rabbit, My Sad Captains, Orphans and Vandals, Rose Kemp, Love Inks, Eric Chenaux, Slow Down Molasses, HMS Morris, Vessels and many more. Our deputy editor, Simon Godley, received an award for best festival journalist at the Festival Congress in 2015.

With an independent voice free of corporate constraints, we have always believed in giving new artists and writers a platform to gain experience, hone their craft, and explore their passions. We are powered by the goodwill, knowledge, and enthusiasm of our writers, the support of labels and artists, and the readers. We hope this event – set in the heart of Cardiff at one of the city’s most impressive venues- a converted church with listed status as a building – marks this special occasion in style with an event that celebrates some of Wales’s finest artists and which will act as a huge thank you to everyone involved.

Tickets here: https://www.gigantic.com/giittv-20th-anniversary-tickets/cardiff-the-gate-arts-centre/2023-09-30-15-00—

Emily Marsden – Editor
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The Stray Pursuit Release New Single ‘Mama’

Sep 16, 2023 — Leave a comment

Hailing from Swansea, The Stray Pursuit emerges as a dynamic force in the realm of Alternative Rock. Distinctive for their guitar-driven riffs and captivating vocals, each track becomes an embodiment of their eclectic musical tastes. Inspired by bands like Green Day, Stereophonics and Guns N Roses, their music resonates with a unique fusion of influences.

The four-piece consists of the lead singer Aaron Morgan, lead guitarist Dylan Evans, bassist Fred Wilkinson, and drummer Ben Lewis. They had their first gig in November 2018, quickly followed by a string of sold-out shows. Including Swansea’s renowned music hub Sin City in March 2019 with their debut single release show of “Out of This World”. Since then, they have supported The K’s, featured on This Feeling’s ‘Big in 2020’, and played alongside Sub Focus, Steel Bangelz and Caity Baser at the Swansea Student Summer Ball 2023.

The band’s origin story traces back to an unexpected bus ride that led Aaron and Fred to forge an unexpected bond. Despite being rivals in separate bands, their chemistry became undeniable during a jam session. The addition of exceptional talents lead guitarist Dylan and drummer Nicky solidified the line-up.

Tragedy struck when founding drummer Nicky Bevan passed away in December 2022. The devastating loss catalysed a renewed purpose for the band: to honor Nicky’s legacy and prove their potential for greatness. The pandemic-induced hiatus and Fred finishing university provided a window for maturity for the band. Emerging from this break in June 2022, and Ben joining the band later in April 2023, The Stray Pursuit re-entered the practice room, channelling their energy into crafting new tracks and elevating their stage presence and live performance.

A new chapter unfolded at Longwave Studios in Cardiff, where they collaborated with producer Romesh Dodangoda to record their debut EP. Scheduled for release by December 2023, this EP promises to be a testament to their growth and artistic evolution.

About the song:

Delving into the intricacies of a strained relationship between a son and his mother, ‘Mama’ becomes an emotional canvas where frustration and confusion are elegantly woven into a quest for clarity, improved communication, and a shared understanding.

The song’s foundation is built upon a commanding bassline, driving the rhythm with unwavering intensity. Intermittent pauses and calculated breaks strategically highlight moments where the titular word ‘Mama’ is delivered with unwavering vocal prowess, charged with raw power and undeniable passion.

This punchy and enthralling composition not only captivates the senses but offers a tantalising glimpse of the journey The Stray Pursuit promises to embark upon.

Produced under the expert guidance of Romesh Dodangoda, at Longwave Studios in Cardiff, this single aims to leave an indelible mark on the auditory landscape.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

Fatal Vision Release New Single ‘Thick As Thieves’

Sep 16, 2023 — Leave a comment

June 23rd, 2023 marked the triumphant return of Canadian melodic rock band Fatal Vision, with the release of their sophomore album Twice on the Pride & Joy Music label. Fatal Vision’s debut album Once re-introduced the band in 2022, charting at #10 on the Japanese import chart, and in Canada, Mexico, and Switzerland on the iTunes rock chart.

Twice shows Fatal Vision continuing to delve into a rich tapestry of sounds both familiar and modern. The thirteen tracks nod to Fatal Vision’s key influences, including Survivor, Bad English, Loverboy, Night Ranger and REO Speedwagon.

The first single, “In My Fantasy”, is a hard rocker reminiscent of Bon Jovi at their peak, followed by the post-apocalyptic, Asia-like “Tomorrow Never Comes” and the obvious Alice Cooper influences of “Welcome to my Nightmare.”

The album also features power ballads “End of the Dream” (a duet with upcoming Nashville female artist Christine Corless, also featured on Once), “The Last Summer Night”, and “Don’t Fall In Love With A Dreamer” (which includes a record-setting 26-second final note by Marwood) as well as the mid-tempo duet (again with Corless) “Time Has Left Us As Strangers”, the melancholic offering “Ghosts of Yesterday”, rock number “In The Middle Of The Night” and the triumphant conclusion “Start Again.”

Videos are being filmed for each of these tracks as an ongoing story of a lost love and the possibility of second chances is played out.

Once again, the album has been graced by hard rock royalty, including Alessandro Del Vecchio (Edge of Forever, Hardline), Harry Hess (Harem Scarem), Paul Laine (Danger Danger, The Defiants), Marc Lafrance (Loverboy, Motley Crue), JK Northrup (King Kobra, XYZ) and Jeff Scott Soto (Journey, Trans-Siberian Orchestra) on backing vocals, Mark Holden (Boulevard) on saxophone, and Northrup and Derry Grehan (Honeymoon Suite) contributing additional guitars.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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Benny The Moth Releases New Single ‘Flavour Of ’95’

Sep 16, 2023 — Leave a comment

Benny The Moth are the four piece genre defying, high impact band hailing from Jersey Channel Islands consisting of Lionel Gomes on Vocals, Tom Kennedy on Guitars, David Michel on Bass and James Evans on Drums.

No strangers to the scene, the band first formed in 2002 starting life in the province of Gorey in Jersey, which is not only famous for reasons, now undoubtedly, linked to the band but also for the nocturnal insect life that resides there amongst its merriment of lights and rich fauna. And of course it’s also from where the band took inspiration for their somewhat unusual moniker!

Following the release of their track ‘No War’ on Bubblebrain Records in December 2022 and the remix version by Ian McCoy in February 2023, the band are now on the cusp of releasing their debut EP entitled ‘Rise and Fall’ the first single from which is the straight off the bat, frenzied drumming, high octane belter of ‘Flavour of ’95’

Get ready to groove down memory lane with Benny The Moth’s latest single, “Flavour of ’95.” With a playful and infectious energy, the band invites listeners to bask in the nostalgia of the legendary 1990s while embracing the present moment.

“Flavour of ’95,” masterfully weaves lyrics that capture the essence of a generation that refuses to be defined by age. The verses resonate with the theme of breaking free from societal constraints, as the band proclaims, “Society will shape your life, but the way you live only you decide.” This empowering message sets the tone for a track that celebrates individuality and unapologetic self-expression.

The chorus exudes a sense of carefree revelry. Benny The Moth artfully blends humour and nostalgia, bridging the gap between generations with a wink and a nod to the past. As the song delves into its second verse, Benny The Moth draws from their own experiences, having “been around and seen it all.” The lyrics encourage listeners to embrace the rhythm of life, dancing and flowing to the beat of their own hearts.

Through vibrant storytelling, the band creates an anthem that captures the spirit of celebration and the joy of being present in the moment. “Flavour of ’95” is an irresistibly catchy track that reflects Benny The Moth‘s musical prowess and knack for storytelling. By blending a fun and slightly cheeky tone, the band underscores their relatable journey while inviting listeners of all ages to unite in a collective dance down memory lane. The song is a testament to the timeless spirit of celebration, encouraging us all to savour life’s flavours, just like they did back in ’95.

As a whole, Benny The Moth are a band who effortlessly combine elements of reggae, dub, punk, ska and rock with a dash of Latin and Jazzto their music. They’ve successfully combined elements of everything they love into one big melting pot and the result is a delectably delicious new wave genre of something which is fresh, vibrant and beyond exciting! They’ve produced a brand new genre of genreless music for the masses to revel in and enjoy. This is one band for sure that can’t be and won’t be pigeonholed!

‘Flavour Of ‘95’ was recorded at Orbital Studios in Jersey and was produced and mixed by Lucas Saunter. The track is being released on all digital streaming and download platforms by Bubblebrain Records and is published by Sentric.

The ‘Rise and Fall’ EP is scheduled for release on Bubblebrain Records on the 15th September. The EP will comprise four previously unreleased tracks including the lead focus single of ‘Flavour Of ‘95’ together with 3 other tracks being ‘Naive’, ‘She’s Elastic’ and ‘Rise and Fall’.

Upcoming Gigs / Tours

Having just enjoyed playing packed out gigs in Southampton and Brighton Benny and The Moth are now looking to play more UK dates with London, Liverpool and Manchester all on the list with dates and venues to be announced shortly.

Confirmed dates are as follows:

Sat 16th Sept (with Dodgy) Blue Note, Jersey
Sat Sept 30 Headlining the Corn Riots Festival, Jersey

Emily Marsden – Editor
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musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com