Music Scene Wales

Stanleys Release New Single ‘I’ll Try’

Oct 13, 2023 — Leave a comment

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 

Friday 24th November – Camden Assembly, London 

Saturday 25th November – Manchester Academy 2 

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

See The Witch Release Self Titled Debut Single

Oct 9, 2023 — Leave a comment

Alternative, hook heavy four-piece See The Witch release self titled debut single filled with eldritch riffs, ritualistic rhythms and presiding vocals. 

Hailing from Swansea the band is for fans of Ghost, Royal Blood and Billy Talent.

Check out See The Witch now on all streaming platforms.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

The Now Release New Single ‘Get Out’

Oct 6, 2023 — Leave a comment

South Wales four piece The Now are proud to release a brand new single ‘Get Out ‘ via Trew Music, ahead of the release of their debut album in Spring 2024.

The infectious ‘Get Out’ is a fast moving classic, that will grip the listener from the very first hearing and
simply refuse to let go.

Recorded at Real World Studios and produced by Grammy Award winning Oli Jacobs, who has previously
worked with Harry Styles and The 1975, ‘Get Out’ tells the story of an emerging band who have been
severely let down by their record company and having to start their career all over again.

In 2021, the band’s single, ‘Dr Jones’ managed to start their rise to success with it featuring on BBC Radio 2, The Rock Show with Johnnie Walker and also numerous plays on Planet Rock with Wyatt. The first single, ‘Holy’ from the band’s debut EP in 2022 gained a huge amount of airplay around the globe. Apart from plays on BBC and numerous independent stations in the UK, it was “The Coolest Song in the
World” for a week in Little Steven’s Underground Garage on Sirius XM across North America.

2023 saw the first single ‘Devil Inside Me’ from the album once again picked as “Coolest Song In The
World” in Little Steven’s Underground Garage Sirius XM show as well as Track of the Week on Planet Rock!

Having recently supported Reef and Florence Black and performed at The Isle of Wight Festival, The Now
are on a mission to leave no head left unturned and one can be sure, this is only the beginning for the band.

The Now consists of: Shane Callaghan on Rhythm Guitar & Lead Vocals, Will Scott on Drums, Callum
Bromage on Guitar & Vocals and Jay Evans on Bass Guitar & Vocals.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

Tom Anthony Releases New Single ‘Where Shadows Roam’

Oct 5, 2023 — Leave a comment

Following on from his last track ‘Tearaway’, Tom Anthony’s fab new rock anthem with a hint of country tells a dark tale of murder, madness and how little we really know about those around us.

The record has received much accolade as it has been awarded Record of the Week on a couple of radio stations like Breeze FM in Spain, and it’s on the Welsh Connections Playlist, among others.

Tom Anthony has been in and out of bands since his teen years but lost touch with music when he entered the real world of responsibilities, 15 years later, during the Covid lockdown he picked up his old, battered guitar and threw himself into writing and recording an album due to be released in early 2024.

‘Where Shadows Roam’ is out now on all streaming platforms.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

pMad Releases New EP ‘Sword’

Oct 5, 2023 — Leave a comment

Paul Dillon is a solo artist called pMad hailing from Portumna, Co. Galway, Ireland and produces Goth, Post-Punk, Indie Rock music. 

The albums ‘Who Why Where What’ and ‘I in Power’ showcase pMad’s captivating sound, addressing themes of self-survival, personal growth, and global concerns like the Climate Crisis.

The EP is filled with tunes from the heavier side of the latest pMad album ‘I in Power’. The EP includes the tracks ‘Down’, ‘Fire’, ‘Fury’ and both versions of ‘Sword’, the Radio Edit and Album Version. Bringing you through half the brilliant pMad new album ‘I in Power’.

If you like Rammstein, Depeche Mode, The Sisters of Mercy, Industrial, Post-Punk, Gothic, Indie, Rock music, then it is a must!!

Emily Marsden – Editor
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Downtown Patriots Release New Single ‘We Don’t Need You’

Oct 4, 2023 — Leave a comment


Hailing from Essex, solo singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Danny Watts started the Downtown Patriots project in 2011 following the release of his two debut EPs “Guiding Light” and “Love”. 

Songs are built on a foundation of rock music but over time morph into whatever Danny feels like at the time.  “I just like to make music I want to listen to, rather than be dictated to by what’s popular or what is “in” at the time. My music tastes are so varied, so if I want to write a song on a ukulele or a banjo I will.  I’m currently working on a whole host of songs that range from more acoustic folk, to garage blues and I’m also working on an instrumental album too.”

The song was written in the early 2000’s as a personal rant against the current political establishment.  Every generation desires change at some point, and this song is as poignant as it was 20 years ago.  The will of the people is always stronger than a government and ultimately in a democratic society it is the people that decide whether they want a particular political party or not.

Danny’s music embodies the unapologetic spirit of the ’90s Seattle grunge scene but generates new sonic territory by infusing contemporary production techniques.

His new single and EP are out now.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

BlackSheepLad Releases New EP ‘Lost Time’

Oct 4, 2023 — Leave a comment

Phil Mellen aka BlackSheepLad recently released his stunning ‘Lost Time’ EP – a collection of personal songs that showcases both his creativity and songwriting prowess.

Phil says ‘I am delighted to release this new EP with 5 brand new songs, all based on the theme of time, and how we spend it. I am very proud of this collection and hope you enjoy it.’

Phil plays everything instrument-wise and sings all of the vocal parts on every track. 

Track 1: Going to Sleep as the sun comes up – Originally written in 2020 about not being able to sleep when ill with Covid and has recently been revived during live performances, it was finally recorded in early 2023.

Track 2: Always the Grey – A song written about the frustrations of social media and the lack of nuance in debates that take place and how that can spill into real life.

Track 3: Grow old with me – a beautiful love song about wanting to be together till the end.

Track 4: Making up for lost time – A partner song to track 3 about finding love later in life and making the most of it.

Track 5: Timepiece – An instrumental that builds up in layers to a final crescendo.

This great EP is well put together, with a lot of thought and heart. Out now on all streaming platforms.

The tracks were mixed and mastered by Lynn Carol Monk at Wobbly Music’s Bakehouse studios.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

This Is The Music Recommends September 2023

Oct 3, 2023 — Leave a comment

In the second of an exciting new series for Music Scene Wales, ThisIsTheMusic recommends six must listen to tracks from September 2023

September was a fantastic month for the release of new music for the British guitar scene and really showcased the quality of bands and solo artists on show! It was a tough choice, but here are my six recommendations from September.

The Heavy North – Give A Little Love 

A surprise release from the Liverpool 6 piece and what a great surprise it was!! The bands 3rd single from their forthcoming second album “Delta Shakedown”, is Melodic and majestic, with an anthemic chorus that’s full of positivity. Roll on album number 2!! 

Northern Hospitality- Runaway Like Me 

Scintillating second single from Hartlepool that well and truly knocks the door off of its hinges. The opening guitar riff is full of intent, that screams attitude and is packed full of energy. The snarling vocal has a hint of Liam Gallagher about. In just two singles Northern Hospitality have shown they are the real deal. 

Subterrania- Shine 

Hailing from South Wales, Subterrania have established themselves as one of the most exciting bands around.  Shine is an effortless anthem, that most bands long to write, full of swagger and soaring stadium ready guitar solos. With a battle of the bands semi final (11 October at Bunkhouse) incoming, Subterrania are a band set to be on everyone’s lips 

Maystones- High Society 

Hertfordshire 5-piece Maystones have thrown everything into their first single of 2023. From huge synths to chugging bass lines and melodic guitars, Maystones have well and truly taken things up and notch with their sound. Supporting The Kairos at London’s iconic Water Rats on October 6th 

Shambolics – Never Be Mine

2023 has been a great year for Shambolics. They’ve released their debut EP U Serious Boi, played their biggest headline gig to data at Glasgow Garage and supported The View on a string of dates becoming their new favourite band in the process. Never Be Mine is a high-octane foot stomper of a track and features the bands trademark vocal harmonies. With their debut album set for release in next year, their time is now… Mon the shams!! 

Come At The King – Old Town Fighter 

If garage rock is your thing, then look no further than Come At The King who released their riotous and instantly addictive rocknroll debut album Overgrown, which is an album of the year contender. Old Town Fighter is a foot stomping anthem packed full of drive, swagger and is sure to be stuck in your head. 

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

Check out the ThisIsTheMusic meets Podcast on Spotify https://spotify.link/doe8lrNNzDb

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

Mark Speller
ThisIsTheMusic

Weedway Release Debut Album ‘A Shedsworth’

Oct 3, 2023 — Leave a comment

An Eclectic mix of sounds, shapes and atmospheres with positive tones and vibes in a Reggae Style…An Introduction to WeedWay!

Weedway are delighted to finally announce the release of their debut album ‘A Shedsworth’ which is available on all digital platforms now.

After the release of their first single, the instrumental ‘Huskies‘ in late 2020 which introduced the Dublin band to the world, they followed up this year with the release of ‘Itchy’ a hard hitting track with a skanking & ska type flavour, also ‘Not Yet’ and ofcourse ‘Because Of You,’ all receiving great airplay globally.

Their new album opens with another hard hitting track ‘Up & In’ with some mellow, laid back tracks to come like ‘BDF BEG,’ ‘Can I Have That’ and also the driving force ‘In The Mood,’ veering towards the end of this twisting and mood turning album, ‘A Shedsworth’ finishes off by churning out an eerie instrumental track ‘Cannibal’.

Out now across all streaming platforms.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

Awst Releases New Single ‘Afallon’

Oct 3, 2023 — Leave a comment

Awst releases his bittersweet new single ‘Afallon’ that captures childhood memories, out now.

Awst is the project of Eryri musician Cynyr Hamer. Awst returns with bittersweet new single ‘Afallon’ a hazy wistful song about not being able to recapture childhood memories of long hot summers in the 90s, spending time with family in his grandparents home. Hamer says “over the years our grandparents’ home has become like a mythical magical place which exists only in our memories, like the mythical story of Avalon.”

With a redolent, glowing, psych tinged strum and lilting vocals, it’s a wistful and gorgeous window into childhood and fond memories. The accompanying video is a snapshot of that place and time, filmed by his dad through a larger camcorder in the early 1990s.

“And to be in the place of my home, now I seek for that place far within my memory”

Having been involved in various other bands over the years, such as Worldcub, Hippies Vs Ghosts, and We Are Animal, Awst is Cynyr’s more personal solo brainchild. Active since 2021, a handful of releases are already under the belt, including debut album ‘Haul/Lloer’ follow up self titled album ‘Awst’ and newly released album’ Mewn Côf’. All released within a year.

Awst’s songs are crafted from acoustic melodies, layered with dreamy guitars and synths, with the occasional horn sections. The material is written and recorded entirely by Cynyr on a tascam multitrack recorder in a caravan up in the Eryri hills. The songs are recorded almost always on first takes, keeping the live element of excitement of playing the parts for the first time, with spontaneity, playfulness and freedom captured in the music. The songs often conjure up nostalgic feelings at the end of summer, capturing bittersweet memories and sounds.

Having played electro-acoustic sets at numerous shows in the past year, including FOCUS Wales Festival and FOCUS Wales’ Dydd Miwsig Cymru event,  Awst set out to release his third album, with the single ‘Hafan’ being the first to appear, followed by second single ‘Aros Tan Ddydd’, ‘Afallon’; is the third and final single to be released from his summer album release titled ‘Mewn Côf’.

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