The Ultra Violets Release New Single ‘(She Don’t Smell Like) Roses’

Sep 15, 2023 — Leave a comment

The Ultra Violets are an indie pop/rock quintet from Cornwall comprising Perran Nicholls on vocals, guitar, Marc Willoughby on lead guitar, vocals, Adam Knucky on bass, Stuart Morrall on keys and vocals and Tyler Harris on drums.

Formed in 2020, during a time when love was needed the most, the band’s debut single ‘ROMANCE’ was released in April 2021 (8.6k Spotify streams) and was mixed by Dave Sanderson (Reverend & The Makers). It’s a song telling a story celebrating love between two people. The track gained the band airplay on the likes of Radio X and Amazing Radio.

“…their debut single ‘Romance’ has the festival main stage written all over it.” – ClunkMag

The bands follow up single, ‘WATERGATE BAY’, was released in October 2021(4.8k Spotify streams) and was aptly dubbed to be “definitely a crowd- pleaser” by RGM Mag and thus confirmed by a chorus singing 6000 strong audience whilst the band were playing support to pop legends McFly at The Eden Project.

“I love that, so good, The Ultra Violets, Watergate Bay, there is a romance about it!” – Janice Long – BBC Radio Wales.

The band’s first single of 2023 (released in June) is the tongue in cheek ‘SEX’ which is a pure rock n roll anthem filled with fuzzing guitars, distorted gravely vocals and massive chorus chanting hook lines.

“Exciting and quite riveting, “SEX” by The Ultra Violets will knock your socks off the second you hit play” – Illustrate Magazine

“..they boast an energetic charge that completely overwhelms the listener, making the whole listening experience rather compelling. ‘SEX’ is the band’s latest single, an irresistible slice of fuzzy rock and psych elements, boasting saturated vocals and a fierce lyrical character.” – Mesmerized Mag

“Dubbed “…the best-dressed band I’ve seen in a long time” by The Pigeon Detectives, counting McFly as celebrity fans, and being adored by thousands (millions in the near future) of people singing along to their songs, The Ultra Violets can stand up and say: “we’re f**king awesome!”. – Other Side Reviews

Given the plethora of positive feedback to date, the band are now raring to go with their follow-up single ‘(She Don’t Smell Like) Roses’.

‘Roses’ is a track that is jam-packed with glorious hooks and jangles and now somewhat signature for the band, magnificently catchy, sing-along chorus lines. There’s a definite retro inspired sound with hints of the 60’s mixed with a dash of mad-chester magic. Vocally, the harmonies are layered, enhancing what was already a rich tapestry of sound. Frontman Perran’s vocal gives the record a classic aesthetic to great effect all wrapped up in very pleasing 3.09 mins of pure pop perfection.

Lead singer Perran has said of the single:

“Roses is about having an altercation with someone who thinks they know better, but in reality they are no better – the lyrics are very back and forth highlighting how the persons in question need each other to survive no matter what.”

To date, The Ultra Violets have supported indie legends The Pigeon Detectives and Space as well as pop legends McFly. Playing stages at Boardmasters, Leopallooza and the Isle of Wight festival.

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

Raging Sons Release New Single ‘Feel Love’

Sep 15, 2023 — Leave a comment

RAGING SONS are the 3 piece alternative rock band from Limerick in Ireland consisting of Fint Tynan on Vocals, Colum Kelly on Guitar and Adam Reeves on Drums.

The trio burst onto the scene in 2021 with their critically acclaimed debut album titled ‘20:20’; which was dubbed “a fire starter” by Hot Press Magazine. This followed a string of ear-catching singles, including RTÉ 2FM’s Track Of The Week ‘Breathe Easy’, which collectively amassed 200K+ streams on Spotify and all despite the band being a completely independent outfit.

March 2023 saw the release of ‘Talk’, the bands much anticipated first single since their debut album, which garnered much national interest and was picked as Spin South West Track Of The Week.

Raging Sons are now on the cusp of releasing their second single of the year: ‘Feel Love’ which is an infusion of electronic, industrial, and alt-rock that explores love from different perspectives.

The new track showcases the band’s unique sound with a medley of dark, enigmatic synths, roaring guitars, driving bass and powerful drums all forming a hurricane around mercurial and absorbing vocals. It’s a track full of energy, angst, stoicism, heart, and honesty.

The band have said of the track:

“Lyrically, ‘Feel Love’ is a love song from different perspectives. Finding it, having it, losing it, trying to get it back. Right person, wrong time. Wanting someone to wait for you until you’re ready to make that step. It speaks to highs: “feel on high” when love is at its best, and to the lows: “falling to my knees” upon failure, finishing on the line “I feel love, now I’m crawling”, evoking a desperation to get back what you have lost. ‘Feel Love’ is about not looking back: “they say tomorrows on the run as today’s mystery”. Love is often guesswork, so you may as well keep moving.

Musically, we hark back to the debut album 20:20 on ‘Feel Love’, with a blend of electronic and industrial sounds sitting with our traditional alternative rock elements of gnarly guitar, big drums, and rolling bass. ‘Feel Love’ is inspired by the likes of Richard Ashcroft, Elbow and Nine Inch Nails in its electronic, industrial, rock distillation. Combined, ‘Feel Love’ is an infusion of electronic, industrial, and alt-rock that explores the theme of love from different perspectives.”

The track was written collectively by the trio and was Recorded & Produced by Ben Wanders at Wanderland Recording Studio in Limerick.

Previous Accolades

• “Absolutely fantastic” – Chris King (RTÉ 2FM) (On Raging Sons’ single ‘Breathe Easy’)

• “They could be the most exciting Irish band you will hear this year. With the pandemic providing a rare opportunity to get stuck into working on their new album ’20:20′, Raging Sons don’t just blend genres, they smash down walls to create a unique sound, with compelling lyrics driven by a knack for storytelling you’d struggle to find anywhere else. Think Nothing But Thieves, with more grit and more depth.” – Ali Dowey (RTÉ 2XM)

• “… like Arcade Fire, Coldplay and U2 got together to make and album” – The Sounds Won’t Stop

• “melodious and avant-garde” – Rowan Blair Colver (Sound Read Six)

• “gorgeous synth melodies, roaring guitars and meticulous drums” – Robin Mumford (Our Sound Music)

• “We can’t get enough of this band” – Jeremy Bregman (Indie Top 39)

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

Lewca Releases New Album ‘Boombap for Boomers’

Sep 15, 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” 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”!

‘Boombap For Boomers’ 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. The album is out now across all streaming platforms.

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

This Is The Music August Recommends

Sep 15, 2023 — Leave a comment

In the first of an exciting new series for Music Scene Wales, ThisIsTheMusic recommends five must listen to tracks from August 2023

What a fantastic month August was for guitar music with some superb releases that really struck a chord. It was really tough whittling down my recommendations to just five tracks, so I decided that I needed to include one extra!

So here is the ThisIsTheMusic recommends for August 2023

The Shed Project: Ghost Town

Bolton’s finest rocknroll band return with a taster from their forthcoming second album and it’s an instant classic. Relatable lyrics about the demise of a northern town under successive governments (it could be written about any town in the country), jangly guitars and frontman Roy Fletcher’s finest vocal yet. Bring on album number 2!

Issy Sutcliffe – Baby Bye

Debut single from the former Dirty Blonde, frontwomen and it’s an absolute corker. Full of swagger and chaos, dirty guitar hooks and a thunderous bass line that will have you pressing repeat on this track. Can’t wait for more new music before the end of the year.

San Quentin – Feed The Ego

Southend’s finest, San Quentin have released their debut EP, Feed The Ego and it’s full of anthemic choruses catchy guitar hooks and relatable lyrics. The song choice here, is the EPs title track, and is about the difficulties artists are up against and features a superlative rap that is worth checking out!

Basic State – To Feel Alive

Cardiff 5-piece Basic State latest single, To Feel Alive, a psychedelic odyssey that’s full of groove and sounds like early The Verve. Absolute classic.

Ben Walker – Just A Boy

Ben Walker hails from Montrose in Scotland and in just 4 releases has showcased his amazing musical talent. His latest single is a heartfelt and emotional stomping gem from the rising Scottish solo star and is an artist I’ve championed since 2021. The sky is the limit!

The Rogues – Skinny Dipping

Glorious upbeat melodies and jangly guitars see the Newport band release an anthem to soundtrack the summer. The Coral would be proud of this track.

For everything ThisIsTheMusic you can find me across social media here https://linktr.ee/ThisIsTheMusic_

The Rise of The Indie Artists show is on Future Hits Radio every Thursday from 7pm

Mark
ThisIsTheMusic
ThisIsTheMusic Socials

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

FOCUS Wales at Reeperbahn Festival 2023!

Sep 14, 2023 — Leave a comment

We’re excited to be presenting a showcase at Reeperbahn Festival, Germany on 21st September 2023 with performances from Adwaith, Mace The Great, and Gillie. Join the team behind the FOCUS Wales festival at Sommersalon, Spielbudenpl. 22, Hamburg, from 1pm for complimentary drinks and networking (arrive early to avoid missing out), followed by music from Wales from 2:00pm.

MORE INFO HERE

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

San Quentin Release New EP ‘Feed The Ego’

Sep 14, 2023 — Leave a comment

Hailing from the seaside town of Southend-on-Sea, San Quentin are the alternative indie rock band who quite simply put, make massive stadium sized anthems with rousing riffs and catchy chorus hook lines. They are a bunch of real working class lads who are looking to take over the music scene as we know it!

San Quentin formed when songwriter Liam Cass and singer Owen Eves first got together with drummer Luke Johns and bassist Nick Keep back in 2019. They were later joined by Dan Ridgwell as the lead guitarist in 2020 and San Quentin was born.

The band’s name is inspired by the iconic Johnny Cash album ‘San Quentin Prison’. Johnny Cash being a major inspiration to songwriter Liam because of his working class background and relatable story telling lyricism coupled with a real rebel attitude.

2022 was a massive year for the band seeing them named as “BBC introducing” Ones To Watch, a sold out 400 capacity headline show with This Feeling, a debut headline London show at the iconic The Water Rats, and an electric performance at The Isle Of Wight Festival.

The start of 2023 saw San Quentin up the ante once more with the release of their first single to be taken from their debut EP entitled ‘You’re Lost’ (Feb 23 – 8k Spotify streams) which was released to much praise from the likes of John Kennedy on his Radio X show, BBC introducing, and Apple Music who added the track into their editorial playlist.

This was followed by the more recent release of ‘Serotonin’ (June 23 – 2.6k spotify streams) and again which was picked by and given a worldwide exclusive first spin by John Kennedy on Radio X radio show. The track was also picked up by Richer Unsigned who made the band their Artist Of The Week and by Our Sound Music who ran an exclusive premiere of the accompanying music video.

“San Quentin are at the forefront of the revival of British guitar music! Due to cries of ‘one more song’ the band swaggered back on stage do just that and finish off their set by playing Step Off, proving that they are well and truly rising rock n roll stars and will soon be a band on everyone’s lips.” – This Is The Music

“This lot are continuing their ascent as one of the more impactful names on the rise right now” – Mystic Sons

“San Quentin are a solid rock act that brings back the roots of the genre” – Illustrate Magazine

“It’s in your best interest to keep an eye out for this electrifying band” – Richer Unsigned

The ‘Feed The Ego’ EP consists of 5 tracks in total being the three previously released tracks of ‘You’re Lost’ ‘You’ve Got Some Nerve’ and ‘Serotonin’, plus the latest release of the title track ‘Feed The Ego’ and the additional track of ‘You Can’t Stop Me This Time’.

The whole ‘Feed The Ego’ EP is an electrifying mix of raw and driven indie rock showcasing stadium sized anthems that are carried along with heart pounding percussions, thrilling guitar sequences and commanding vocals. ‘Feed The Ego’ is a major contender for EP of the Year Status and it will no doubt cement this incredible band even further in their rise to stardom.

Lead songwriter Liam has said of the track:

‘Feed The Ego’ was created from observing how artists artificially inflate their popularity by using tactics like fake followers, bot streams, and likes, all to boost their own sense of importance. The term “Ego” is used ironically to highlight that despite a seemingly positive facade, there’s an underlying insecurity that can only be remedied by seeking validation from others. The writing process drew inspiration from the Marshall Mathers LP, aiming to capture a mix of humour and seriousness, similar to the album. Musically, influences from Rat Boy and Jamie T can be heard. The goal overall was to convey the humorous side of the situation while also carrying a deeper message.

We wanted the whole thing to be kind of a funny take on the situation, but still have that deeper meaning behind it, you know? I called the track ‘Feed The Ego’ in a sort of tongue-in-cheek way. Basically, even though things might look all great on the surface, there’s this underlying insecurity that only goes away when others give them the thumbs up.”

All tracks on the ‘Feed The Ego’ EP were written by Liam Cass and the EP was recorded at SS2 Recording and was mixed and mastered by Rees Broomfield.

Upcoming Gigs/Tours –

September 23rd – Real Time Music – Chesterfield

September 30th Gathering Sounds Stockton

TICKETS CAN BE FOUND HERE

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

Stellar Echoes Release Debut Album ‘Now Is All There Is’

Sep 14, 2023 — Leave a comment

Can you hear an echo?

South Wales based Stellar Echoes fuse elements of alternative, indie and psych rock.
Their debut album was recorded at Kings Road Studio in Cardiff after singer, guitarist and songwriter Huw Webb found a renewed rush of enthusiasm to write music again after being stuck in lockdown.

Stellar Echoes consists of Huw Webb (Vocals, Guitar), Dan John (Guitar), Dean Powell (Bass) and Michael Nash (Drums).

So give their fantastic new album a listen, you won’t be disappointed! Out now on all streaming platforms.

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

Dirty Slippers Release New Single ‘Wide Open’

Sep 13, 2023 — Leave a comment

DIRTY SLIPPERS are the four piece indie pop rock band originally hailing from Budapest who following their musical success are making the move to London. The band is made up of Lazar Lobo-Szaloky on vocals and guitars, Bebi Ferenczi on drums, Dominik Felleg on bass and Daniel Vikukel on keyboards.

To date, the band’s music has gained more than 1.8 Million views on Youtube and over 100k streams on Spotify alone.

The band’s debut entirely English single of ‘Honest Kid’ which was released in February 2023 has already amassed over 41K streams on Spotify and received praise such as:

“Honest Kid’ is a heady mix of yearning nostalgia and aching optimism, of rock and the wonderfully theatrical. It’s a track sure to give you goosebumps long after the first listen”. – RGM Magazine

“We were impressed with the choices of notes and the ethereal and emotional feel that it lends to the track. The layered vocals in the chorus are a superb touch and serve to bolster the lead vocal perfectly. There are some glorious harmonies throughout this track – particularly in the breakdown section before the solo”. – Send Me Your Ears

“Just when you think the industry is jaded with looped pop songs, out comes a fresh act such as Dirty Slippers ready to take the biz by storm and prove their talent with impeccable vocals and instrumental weight”. – Illustrate Magazine

DIRTY SLIPPERS have very recently recorded a new 10 track English speaking album at the world famous Abbey Road Studios with Grammy-nominated producer Tim Palmer (U2, Bon Jovi and Goo Goo Dolls). The first offering from the album is the ultimate rock masterpiece of ‘Wide Open’.

‘Wide Open’ is straight off the bat rock n roll anthem for the masses with its rhythmic drumming, interspersed with mesmerising guitar hooks and crystal clear stand alone vocals, worthy of stadium sized status.

The band have said of the inspiration behind the track;

“‘Wide Open’ is a motivational hymn for the youth in a modern world, when everything is much harder, the people are more aggressive and the daily problems in our life are even worse. It’s a story of a person whose life is hampered by many difficulties and he often feels that everything and everyone has conspired against him. But despite this, he fights like a one man army for his dreams, to find happiness and the meaning and mission of his life.”

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

This House We Built Release New Single ‘Nobody’s Fool’

Sep 13, 2023 — Leave a comment

Carrying glowing endorsements and reviews from Dave Ling (Classic Rock) – “Immensely promising quartet playing a confident, summery, sometimes funk-fuelled style that will leave you grinning from ear to ear” and Rob Evans (Powerplay Rock & Metal) – “The best independent album I’ve heard this year”, This House We Built are already on rock solid foundations on which to build a successful career in the music scene.

The real bricks and mortar of the band are a heady mix of bands from England’s Scarborough Strip (think Sunset Strip but with less debauchery, more chips, and an untapped resource of talent since five Little Angels flew big in 88’).

Players Scott Wardell (vocals guitar), Andy Jackson (guitars vocals), Chris Mayes (drums & vocals) and Wayne Dowkes White (bass & vocals) finally came together just prior to the world shutting down in 2020.

Rather than dwell on not being able to bring their collective talents to the stage, they started the socially distanced writing sessions that bought the plot for the house they were about to build. Each man brought a different musical path to the band, and you can hear them all as the album unfolds.

Eclectic influences ranging from classic rock, funk, emo, nu-metal and melodic rock are mixed perfectly across the ten songs and brick by harmony laden brick they build a unique sound that transcends all the aforementioned genres.

The house is a veritable musical mansion and when you add in stellar song writing that is equally at home penning stadium anthems as they are challenging difficult life situations such as depression, alcoholism, and Alzheimer’s you start to realise ‘This House We Built’ are not simply here to rent, they are a long-term musical mortgage investment.

The band have also just released their very own craft beer ‘This Beer We Built’ this will also be making an appearance at festivals up and down the country, the idea with this is to help fund their second album, “the more folks drink our beer, the more recording time we get! Everyone’s a winner 😉 say’s Vocalist Scott Wardell.

The band are keeping very busy and have several festivals planned up and down the country this year, they are also halfway through writing their second album and have just been given the opening slots to Tyketto’s up and coming Winter tour.

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

She Burns Red Releases New Single ‘Crosshairs’

Sep 13, 2023 — Leave a comment

“HOPE, TRUST and HUMANITY are not just words, it’s everything we’re fighting for, it’s everything we are”.

Scottish rock outfit She Burns Red are the “truth” when it comes to gritty feral infused slabs of hard crunching rhythms and standard flying rock anthems.
Riffs go wild, melodies are plentiful and make no mistake, She Burns Red are potential game changers.

Vocalist/Guitarist Andy Moore & Vocalist/Bassist James McCulloch have been the two constant members and after a few line-up changes She Burns Red solidified with the additions of Scott Hanlon (ex-Anchor Lane) on Drums and Lead Guitarist, Naz (an Italian living in Edinburgh) in 2020.

Their Toby Jepson (Little Angels/Wayward Sons) produced Take Back Tomorrow EP gained the interest of Raz White, and as soon as covid lockdown ended, they struck a management deal that would see the band become the talk of the UK live music scene over the next 12 – 18 months.

Performing at Call of the Wild Festival, Rockwich, Rockmantic Weekender, Winter Rocks & most recently Love Rocks Festival in Bournemouth, not forgetting, supports to Wayward Sons, Black Spiders, Florence Black, Mason Hill, South of Salem & Trucker Diablo in Northern Ireland, this combo lives for the road, meeting fans and creating amazing memories for all who get involved.

Quote about the song:

Crosshairs speaks of bad relationships and how they can affect you. Looking towards hope when all around you seems lost. It is far too easy to lose sight of what you have and blame others for what is happening to you when sometimes the answer to the question of what is wrong is yourself. (James)

Words written by Andy, music by She Burns Red. We previously recorded a version with Toby Jepson for our last EP, but the song has taken on new life since then with the addition of Naz and Scott. We felt it was right for updating.

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