Music Scene Wales

Redeemers Release New Single ‘Copenhagen’

Jul 4, 2023 — Leave a comment

One of the North-West’s most anticipated bands, Redeemers, have today released their second studio single, ‘Copenhagen’. A live acoustic version of the track has been circulating on Youtube for over a year and now the five-piece indie-rock band have released the full version on all major streaming platforms.

Featuring the blistering signature lead guitar of Eoin Harkin, ‘Copenhagen’ is an established fan favourite at live shows. With an intro that deceives the listener and heightens the impact of frontman Matty McCallum’s trademark vocal, ‘Copenhagen’ is delivered with panache. 

On the release, the songwriter and lead guitarist Eoin Harkin says: “..the song isn’t actually all about Copenhagen. It’s about a trip I took to Scandinavia when I was eighteen and each verse details a person I thought was memorable on the trip. The idea for the chorus was about finding a place and realising how much you’ve enjoyed your time there and not wanting to go back to normality..”

‘Copenhagen’ follows up the Manchester band’s debut single ‘Venue Affair’ which was released to great acclaim and was played several times at FC Manchester’s home games.

Fronted by the charismatic Matty McCallum, Redeemers are lead guitarist Eoin Harkin, drummer Jake Conroy, rhythm guitarist Matthew Spooner and bass player Reece Douthwaite. 

Emily Marsden – Editor
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Kath and The Kicks Release New Single ‘Neptune’

Jul 4, 2023 — Leave a comment

A powerful three piece which consists of Kath Edmonds – Vocals & Guitar, Tony Harrison – Bass and Matt Larkin – Drums. Formed in 2018 and hailing from Leeds and Wakefield, Kath & The Kicks have been creeping through the UK rock scene with their previous singles ‘Stay Away From Me’, ‘Walls Between Us’ and ‘Let It Out’ receiving airplay from Planet Rock, Radio X and Kerrang! Radio. 

The band are featured on this year’s HARD DRIVE festival line up in Leicestershire on September 9th, 2023, and will be playing shows throughout the summer. With plans to release more power singles in 2023, ‘NEPTUNE’ is the latest hard-hitting rock track from this trio that continue to cement themselves as one of the UK’s most enthralling acts, both live and in the studio.  
 
Said of the song:
“NEPTUNE was written in our early days and has evolved over time as our live sound has developed. Initially as a set-opener, NEPTUNE has always been about power and impact. As a 3 piece, our attitude is to maximise every single sonic possibility; the song creates space to showcase the rock/grunge range we have as a band. Moving between two different feels, the song combines classic power rock vocal melodies and arena style drums over the chorus, alongside the gnarly bass line and spacious guitars in the verse. Our aim is always to fill our sonic space with balanced energy. Written about upholding an internal compass, NEPTUNE talks about strength in solitude and the power of being honest, both to those around you and to yourself.” Kath

For fans of: 
Skunk Anansie, Idles, Royal Blood, Muse, Guano Apes, No Doubt, The Runaways.

Upcoming Live gigs:
11th August – Dublin Castle, London main headline support 
9th Sept – HARD DRIVE FESTIVAL at The Victoria Bikers Pub, Leicestershire (headline set)

Emily Marsden – Editor
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musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

The Heavy North Release New Single ‘Round Again’

Jul 4, 2023 — Leave a comment

Is it even possible for a band to keep getting better with each release? For The Heavy North it is! If these two singles are anything to go by then we’re in for a treat. A sign of exciting things to come.

Six-piece rock band The Heavy North have announce their next single ‘Round Again’ is out now ahead of the band’s second album ‘Delta Shakedown’ expected later this year.

‘Round Again’ marks the second single from The Heavy North’s upcoming album following the release of ‘Where Are You Now?’ back in March which was featured on BBC Radio 2’s The Rock Show with legendary Johnnie Walker as well as BBC Introducing and Radio X.

Discussing the meaning behind the new single ‘Round Again’ The Heavy North frontman Kenny Stuart said “It’s a song about being complacent with day-to-day routines whilst longing for a wilder, more carefree time”.

“Round Again is also a response to our last single ‘Where Are You Now?’ which was about wondering what people from our past are up to now, but with this time we’re reflecting on our own circumstances and situations”.

The band have just played their first overseas show before returning to the UK to play the band’s first major festival show at Kendal Calling Festival on Saturday 29th July.

Earlier this year the band also announced their biggest headline show to date at Liverpool’s Camp and Furnace on Friday 1st December 2023. The huge hometown show follows The Heavy North’s sold out 500-capacity Arts Club show last year where the band performed their debut album Electric Soul Machine from start to finish, accompanied by a 12-piece band featuring a string quartet, a brass section and backing vocalists.

The Heavy North’s brand new single ‘Round Again’ is available on all download and streaming platforms now.

Delta Shakedown is available to pre-order now on 12” gatefold vinyl (blue or red colour disc) exclusively from Wax and Beans Records in Bury.

For more information and tickets for The Heavy North’s upcoming live shows visit http://www.theheavynorth.com

Emily Marsden – Editor
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musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

New Music From Jeremy Gluck and Paul Hazel

Jun 28, 2023 — Leave a comment

The text for Taopolis has its genesis in a series of dates Jeremy Gluck’s band The Barracudas played in Tokyo in 2013. Enthralled by the city and in his hotel room in Shinjuku, the words flowed to try and capture the spirit of a city that after only four days he never wanted to leave.

We invited renowned Tokyo Dadaist Jack Seiei to produce a video for the track, his expertise in collage and video art bringing a fresh and innovative perspective to the project. Recording artist, digital fine artist, and prolific electronic music and video art collaborator, Jeremy Gluck is perhaps best known as lead singer of cult surf-punk band The Barracudas, the subject of a recently released 3CD retrospective on Cherry Red Records.

As a solo artist he has had songs covered by artists such as Lydia Lunch and Rowland S. Howard (The Birthday Party, Crime and the City Solution, These Immortal Souls), and Nikki Sudden (Swell Maps), with whom two latter artists he recorded the first supergroup alt.country album, ‘I Knew Buffalo Bill’ in 1987. In 1997 Gluck began a journey into experimental electronica that led to him working with some of the genre’s leading lights, including Martin Rev, Brendan Moeller, Dub Gabriel, and Youth.

Paul Hazel is a music producer and multi-instrumentalist. He has studied electro acoustic composition with Simon Emmerson and completed the ‘Search and Reflect’ method with free jazz drummer John Stevens. He has had many releases on labels such as Rising High, Rotation, Inspiral, 2Kool, Welsh Modular Alliance, and SWND. As part of the band Blue Train he hit the Billboard dance charts with Get Movin’, released on Masters At Work. He has composed and produced the music for a number of commercial films and TV programmes. Short films of his own have been exhibited in Japan, Venice, and at several galleries across Wales.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

Smokin Eskimo Release New Single ‘The Universe Is Kind To Me’

Jun 28, 2023 — Leave a comment

Smokin Eskimo are very pleased to announce the release of their 10th single The Universe Is Kind To Me

Recorded at Foel Studio with Mike Bew in October 2022, The Universe Is Kind To Me
is the latest release from Smokin Eskimo since The Happy Wanderer in April which has gained the band successful reviews and radio airtime across the globe.

The Universe Is Kind To Me is 3 minutes and 12 seconds of pure rock n roll energy – something completely different to what Smokin Eskimo have previously released. Heavily inspired by the late great Wilko Johnson, this song delivers raw gnarly vocals, a fast paced belting drumbeat, a booming baseline and high energy guitar riffs.

Chris, Jim and Jake are now concentrating on writing new songs to continue the streak after spending 2023 playing countless gigs & festivals including Manchester, Shrewsbury, Staffordshire and Sheffield. And later on in the year will be heading to Camden to play the legendary Dublin Castle for the first time.

The band have also been very busy in the recording studio with plans for a debut album this year.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

GIITTV’s 20th Anniversary event: Adwaith, Chroma, Carwyn Ellis, The Honest Poet, papaya noon, Half Happy, Kaptin (DJ) – The Gate, Cardiff, Saturday 30th of September

Jun 23, 2023 — Leave a comment

Today, we are excited to announce that joining our 20th anniversary event at The Gate in Cardiff on Saturday 30th of September 2023, are one of Wales’s best-kept secrets, righteous bilingual noise pop trio Chroma, as main supports.

They are gearing up for the release of their debut album and 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, and practitioners of soulful lo-fi pop Papaya Noon, who will 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 encyclopedic collection of hip hop, soul, disco music and beyond.

They join a bill that already boasts three awesome acts. Two-time Welsh Music Prize winners and GIITTV favourites Adwaith who will be headlining, emerging artist The Honest Poet, who blends soul, hip hop, and pop into personal songs full of heart. Opening the show are one of our tips for 2023, Half Happy, a wonderful bittersweet indie pop band who have captured our hearts in recent months.

Doors are 3pm with the acts starting at 4pm. Tickets are twenty pounds in advance and more on the door, book here.

This event is in conjunction with our friends at Joyzine who are also celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, we will be helping promote events around this landmark in due course. Also the charity Hope Not Hate and the fine online publication the Zine.

 An independent publication, GIITTV, started 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, I started posting my early reviews from the Cardiff University newspaper, Gair Rhydd on a basic Yahoo Geocities page. Over the years I was then joined by writers from around Britain and the world, GIITTV has evolved through many incarnations and evolutions as a website and publication, now boasting 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 around. We have always championed the artists that excite us no matter their level or label from throughout the country and beyond, providing a platform for emerging artists and groups. The site also has 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 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, helping to promote several charity shows including G Spot in London and Mind Fest in Cardiff, staging shows by the likes of Frightened Rabbit, My Sad Captains, Orphans and Vandals, HMS Morris and Vessels and many more. Our deputy editor, Simon Godley, received an award for best festival journalist at the Festival Congress.

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 passion of our writers, the support of labels and artists, and the readers. We hope this event marks this special occasion in style, with an event celebrating some of Wales’s finest artists and acting as a thank you to everyone involved, set in the heart of Cardiff at one of the city’s most impressive venues- a converted church with listed status as a building.

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

NEWS: Chroma, Carwyn Ellis, Papaya Noon And Kaptin (DJ) Complete GIITTV’s 20th Anniversary Event At The Gate, Cardiff In September – God Is In The TV (godisinthetvzine.co.uk)


Emily Marsden – Editor
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musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

Mithras To Play Swansea

Jun 23, 2023 — Leave a comment

Mithras / Absolution / Mortuary Spawn / Deliberate Miscarriage

Saturday 22nd July

Hangar XVIII Music Venue, Swansea

Mithras are back from their 6 year hiatus and are playing Wales for the first time in their 20+year career. On top of that, they’re playing songs never heard live before, meaning this will be a spectacular gig that any self respecting metalhead will sorely regret missing. Support comes from a stellar all UK line up – Birmingham’s Absolution, Mortuary Spawn from Leeds, and South Wales up-and-comers Deliberate Miscarriage.

Tickets are available here – https://ticket247.co.uk/Event/mithras-plus-support-at-hangar-xviii-at-hangar-18-music-venue-swansea-147972



Emily Marsden – Editor
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@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

Faded Shades Release New Single ‘My Place (Or Your Place)’

Jun 23, 2023 — Leave a comment

The Indie-pop rockers Faded Shades recently released their new single- ‘My Place (or Your Place)’, which is their finest work to date. It is a reflection of the preparation and dedication the band have been putting into developing their sound and growing their fan base since the trio first hit the scene pre-Covid.

Hailing from Kent, Faded Shades are fronted by the charismatic Joe (singer/songwriter/guitarist) who is joined by Liam (bass) and Charlie (drums). Inspired by the likes of Paul Weller, Oasis & The Rolling Stones; Faded Shades present a refreshing, unique interpretation of modern rock n’ roll of which this latest release, ‘My Place (Or Your Place)’ is a perfect example.

Faded Shades tell tales of nights out and relationship breakdowns amidst small triumphs which are subjects many can relate to. They have an incredible following that packs out clubs across London and their debut album has racked up over 100k streams. 

Sounding upbeat and altogether feelgood, ‘My Place (Or Your Place)’, lyrically the song is about falling in love with a girl you perhaps shouldn’t have but having zero regrets. Catchy and melodic, this latest track from Faded Shades is a shimmering delight; a crisp guitar tone and uptempo drums underpin Joe’s delightful vocal.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

Caitlin Lavagna Releases New Single ‘We Lost Track’

Jun 23, 2023 — Leave a comment

Born in the Rhondda with strong Gibraltarian roots, Caitlin has developed a huge passion for singing and rhythm. With a strong, rich vocal and a knack for instant pop hooks, Caitlin blends honest song writing with an exciting rhythmic core. Whether it’s sharing the bill with other up and coming artists, jumping into character and costume and taking to the stage to act, sing and dance or headlining her own show, Caitlin 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. She is massively influenced by bands like Sting, Fleetwood Mac and Biffy Clyro as well as solo artists like Florence, Pink and Adele. Santana, Haim and Lady Gaga remain constant sources of inspiration as well as listening to Musical Theatre and Classical Music.

Her latest single ‘We Lost Track’ is out now on all streaming platforms.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

Amaya And The Echoes Release New Single ‘The Fall’

Jun 20, 2023 — Leave a comment
Following on from their debut EP No Way Back, Amaya and the Echoes have returned with a stunning new single, ‘The Fall’, from the upcoming EP ‘Altered World’.
Blending orchestral dark pop with electronic influences, Amaya and the Echoes continue to evolve a distinctive and unmistakable sound.

This unique style takes influence from artists such as Au/RA and FJORA, whilst maintaining an identity of its own.

Whether listening at home, on the move or catching an enigmatic live performance, Amaya and the Echoes are an act not to be missed…
Amaya says:“Inspired by the present day doom and destruction left by climate change, ‘The Fall’ is a reflection on humanity’s failure to heed the call for urgent change.

The lyrics paint a picture of a world’s inevitable collapse – a consequence of neglecting warnings and failing to address critical issues as time passes.

The song highlights society’s indifference towards its own rapid decline, as we are blinded by our naivety and lack of action.

The studio video was brought to life by the producer Dobromir Vasilev who work for The Recording Studio London.”

Emily Marsden – Editor
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@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com