Seasons Greetings

So here it is, an update on my blog. After living in the USA for a month, I can happily say that I feel comfortable here; it just feels like living in another part of the country, with new city, places and people to meet.  Of course the best thing is being close to your other half, knowing that there isn’t a flight or obstacle that will stop you spending a moment together, feels amazing and such a relief. As for the paperwork, for me especially it continues, from social security to driving, more money and forms are needed. Thinking ahead, hopefully by this time next year, there will be no more and I can work towards developing my career and continue my monthly podcasts.

As what has happened in the mean time, take a gander at the few shows I recently went to below. The last UK shows were, Alien Ant Farm and the brilliant Allusondrugs with some great local and international supports. Then my first ever gig over the pond, here in USA, was a radio Christmas show. The Mini festival starred Bastille, Awolnation and Andrew McMahon, and safe to say was an event. All three acts commanded the crowed as their own.  Overall, it was a warming and electrifying show all round, made even better by finding two dollars on the floor, poor people I tell you.

Another standout moment of my time here so far was my first Thanksgiving, surrounded by family and my better half we got to host the brilliant holiday complete with tasty food. As well as meeting my new nephew in law, happiest baby ever!

So to the future and the New Year, in terms of music another podcast is coming soon with interviews to follow but due to no travel they will be less often. Personally, the wedding is less than two months away! We both can’t wait and are excited to host one of the biggest days of our lives. To celebrate our love with others and eat great food is no better way to do it.

Here is to the future friends, happy holidays 2016.

 

Hamburg Demonstrations

Not content enough with bringing back the Libertines in 2016, enigmatic front man Pete Doherty is back yet again with a new solo LP, entitled Hamburg Demonstrations. The LP is not available until early December to the public but we grabbed an exclusive copy to give you an insight on what to expect.

For those not used to Pete’s music, this is the second solo album he has released. Like the first this record captures the heart and imagination of Pete and the world we currently live in. From the exciting opening track of ‘Kolly Kibber’ to third track ‘Birdcage’ the sound is iconic and fresh. The same can be said for next track, ‘Hell To Pay At The Gate Of Heaven’ but the lyrics are more hard hitting, reflecting the terrorist attacks currently effecting the world. This leads on to an emotional tribute to Amy Winehouse in ‘Flags From The Old Regime’. The middle part of the album could be the weakest of this body of work but will more than appeal to diehard fans. Current single ‘I Don’t Love Anyone (But You’re Not Anyone)’ is a brilliant representation of this album as a whole and would not look out of place in a Tom Petty or Adam Green compilation. The album closes on one of my favourite songs off the record, ‘She Is Far’, as the track highlights the romantic and beautiful side to Pete’s writing.

This is a record which reflects both on topical events and the classic signature sound of Nick Cave; however, it has been brought forward to the 21^st Century by Pete with his eclectic eye. Hamburg Demonstrations is just a taste of what Pete Doherty has to offer as a poetic lyricist and master of his age. Pre-order the record now to see what it is all about.

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

https://twitter.com/petedoherty

A Grand Gig

After being around for just over a year the two piece of, Lets Eat Grandma have accomplished so much from Jools Holland to releasing their debut album to a flood of people, they will be the band on every ones lips come next year.

With that in mind and after picking up their album I decided I must see this spectacle in person. So I headed down to Leeds to see the band support Anna Meredith at Belgrave Music Hall. Not only was it my first time in the venue, a brilliant restaurant/venue similar to Headrow House, it was my first time seeing all three bands.

First band, XAM DUO are no stranger to Leeds venues and no stranger to a large crowd it seems as they demonstrate the ability to capture the audience’s attention by becoming one with their instruments. Think of the ambient sounds of Gold Panda to Apex Twin and you will not be far from their sound.

The second support and reason we are here is, Let’s Eat Grandma. From the enigmatic stage entrance they stun the audience jumping from instrument to instrument within a batter of an eye lid. They play a set far too short, with tracks from their debut album and a new one titled Believe (I think). They have little interaction with the audience but this is certainly forgiven in these early stages of their music, as they grow as stage performers.

Main performers, Anna Meredith and her band equally capture the audience’s attention with their unique and eclectic rhythms. This topped the night off with a bang and rapturous applause. This show was one of them, I was there moments and wouldn’t change it for the world.

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

http://letseatgrandma.co.uk/

The Show Lies Skyward

Some new bands falter by wanting to replicate what has come before, however with new prog-rock band Foes, they are setting out their unique style by reaching skyward harnessing galactic melodies.

Three supports open the night up tonight, the first is a cool local band who’s name is all but a bitter at the moment and fail to grip me. The second is a band I have championed before with their impressively wild yet beautiful set they leave the audience stunned and wanting more. On to the equally talented touring band, Siamese all the way from Germany. There set is one for headline shows, as they fire on all cylinders gaining new fans each show. It could be there catchy tunes or the introduction of a violin to this metal environment. They came, saw and conquered tonight.

Foes maybe a new band on the scene but the members have a lot of mileage, having toured across the country in many a different bands they have both experience and practice at putting on a show. Tonight’s show demonstrates their professional yet talented musicianship as they take the show skywards, it might be a small show to them but to them it feels like it’s their biggest to date. Their supersonic songs are backed up by brilliant showmanship, bring the audience into their world. This is what live music was made for.

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

https://www.facebook.com/foesuk/

More Than A Ullage

After jetting around the world the Eagulls are back promoting their new album, ‘Ullage’ on their home turf of Yorkshire.

Tonights show is a welcome return to Eagulls, selling out the Adelphi tonight was easy for this band, but it was the support acts that sealed the deal. First act tonight was a last minute addition of the Eagulls driver, a kind humble gent know as 99 Watts, who is simply enjoying playing with this keyboard and pedals. Second support should need know introduction, it is home grown lads, Life. With this being a warm up show for their Slaves UK and European tour they don’t hold back providing a raucous set from start to finish.

Touring support and arguably join headliners is Protomartyr from Detroit, their set was certainly unique as plough through a long list of tracks. Their show was not for me as it did little to excite me. As for actual headliners, the Eagulls provided a much better soundtrack for the night with their melodic sounds and captivating chords. Playing songs off both albums they capture and inspire the audience’s attention from start to finish. The Eagulls are a great representation of the quality music scene the UK has to offer at the moment, and this has been recognised further as Eagulls spread their wings again, touring Asia as part of culture showcases on behalf of British arts council.

This is one band who will flourish as their shows grow bigger and bolder.

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

http://www.eagulls.co.uk/eagulls/

Flying High

After being in the music business for over ten years, The Pigeon Detectives have managed to maintain their position as one of the stand out bands on the scene. Not only do they have a loyal following they have the musical credentials to back it up. Gearing up for another album release (as yet untitled), they show no signs of slowing down, and announcing yet another almost sold out tour for March 2017.

Judging by the new track, ‘Lose Control’ it is easy to see why fans and newcomers alike are getting behind this band once again. The track hints is nostalgic yet still fresh, still being true to their roots unlike other Yorkshire acts like Kaiser Chiefs who are adopting more electronics. The show tonight reflects the old school ethos of the band by them inviting along a brand new band to open for them. The support delivered in warming up the crowd for the headliners but it was the headliners that sold this show out months in advance.

As The Pigeon Detectives launch into their first song the venue comes alive with the dedicated fan base out in force tonight at the Welly Club in Hull. Singalongs are standard and mosh pits are many as the Leeds band unite the audience as one, with hit tracks, ‘This Is An Emergency’ and ‘I’m Not Sorry’. This is not The Pigeon Detectives come back but them carrying on flying high as an act to see as they hit the road next year!

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

http://thepigeondetectives.com/

Turnover In Town

Warming, humbling and baked with passion, Turnover serve up a delicious helping of emotional poetic songs all the way from Virginia Beach.

First act, Mathletics is a two piece who certainly have enough energy for five men with their hard hitting riffs and bold stage presence they, demonstrate their potential as they improve their craft. Second act on the rest of the tour is, Virgin Kids. whom again provided their own unique style to the night with some surf rock, perfect for driving down the 605 in California. Also they are awesome guys who were nice and accommodating to this journalist unlike some bands who “cant” even say a few words about their band. Back to the music of the night, it was Turnovers turn to grace the stage, complete with Will Smith back drops they stroll on and launch into their moving set.

Turnover may lack the rock star image or philanthropy that I and most others at a rock gig are used to. However, what they lack in exhibitionism they make up for in beautiful and honest tales of life as four brothers. Their set is composed of ‘Cut’, ‘Diaz’ and the awesome ‘Dizzy’ which closes the show in style.

This captivating set leaves the audience ready for more, but as this band grows this will be a rare occurrence in Hull as they play bigger venues, reaching wider audiences, similar to artists like Brand New or La Dispute.

 

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

https://www.facebook.com/turnoverva

Lets Twist Again

Twist on down again to one of the best festivals around, why? First the ticket price of £15 is the cheapest around and cheap price does not mean cheap acts. With Clean Cut Kid, Frankie & The Heartstrings and Eliza Shaddad being just a handful of the quality acts present across the five stages of the festival. This year’s festival keeps on growing the reputation of Twistrella festival and Middlesbrough as a whole and is certainly worth checking out in 2017.

 

The day of Twistrella arrived for me, filled with both excitement and dread I headed down to Middlesborugh. Excited about the amount of great acts but dread due to the amount of bands I wanted to see and interviews I had organised (8 in total) and after being fed and watered the madness begun. First off was the band I have been obsessed with since January, Clean Cut Kid. Playing a good length set they smash through hit after hit for the equally energetic audience. ‘Vitamin C’, ‘Pick Me Up’, ‘Jean’, the list is endless, so get learning the words now for their future arena tour.

As their set was closing at Teesside University, I raced over to WestGarth Social Club to check out the three piece that is, Tough Tits. Their wild chaotic melodies charmed the almost filled room. Unique in sound and style, these three girls are on the right path for “world domination” as they so rightly want. The Townhouse (The Keys) was the next venue on my trajectory, a place where I seen the 1975 perform, however todays act was more mod than pop in the form of Alistair James. A cool crooner, armed with a guitar blew away the crowd with a swaggering dose of rock ‘n’ roll. Acoustic sessions are usually hit or miss, Lunna who performed at TS one, acoustic stage certainly hit the sport with the beautiful angelic tones. While follow up, Zach Said failed to impress but was worthy of a listen especially to his surprising cover choice.

Back to the Westgarth and Trash completely nailed it as a future headline band with their own brilliant style. Tom Joshua and Drifts both equally shine with their confident and bold sets. Then a rather interesting set came from a band who are small but mighty, Mouses. After just seeing them last night in Hartlepool I was treated to their unique acoustic set over at Sticky Fingers a brilliant rock bar in Boro. The set it’s self was weird for the band to play yet still captivating and great as far as I am concerned. I then carried on with some interviews as I headed over to Teesside University again to chat with Chad (aka cape cub) in all his glory. Being a home town show this was already going to be special for the band but equally special was the brilliant turnout for their set. I finally got see what all the hype was and they were not wrong, a brilliant set delivered with pin point accuracy taking you into the world of CC. Another high quality act is the beautiful sounds of Eliza Shaddad, who travelled from London for the show today.

Marsicans unleash their energy once again, this time upon the Teesside audience. As ever they serve up a good helping of delicious melodies with a side order of smiles, making everyone in the room feel welcomed into the Leeds bands new found family. Two bands close the night for me at Twistrella festival, first off is Frankie & The Heartstrings with the iconic back catalogue of tunes, brilliant sound and brilliant guys. Second and finally is the lovable duo again, Mouses who closed the show at Teesside University. Once again they break down the barrier between audience and crowd by having a stage invasion and playing like their lives depended upon it. Pure heart at the centre of their music, which will ring out until their next tour.

Thanks to everyone for setting up interviews, playing wild shows and giving me the time of day to say hello. An epic festival with heart and soul, deep routed with the music scene. I for one cannot wait to see what they will pull out the bag in the future, so check out the links below to see what the future holds.

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

http://www.twisterella.co.uk/

More Than A Squeak

After working in the industry for quite a while I have had the great opportunity of listing to many great new acts, and this next act is no different. Making more than a squeak on the scene, Mouses’ have seemed to come out of nowhere with their debut album and hit the ground running. Their debut album, entitled after the band, has been back by many critics whilst gathering fans from across the nation. From track opener ‘Bryl’ to closer ‘Pope’ it serves up a beautiful portion of rock n roll drizzled in energy. The album is a reflection of the live, both exciting and wild and surprisingly one of my contenders for album of the year.

The live show is certainly one I wanted to check out, so was surprised when they announced a show two days prior to me coming home, in Hartlepool. Naturally I jumped at the chance and headed down. The first two acts were good, 'Kick Yrself' are a two piece still finding their sound while second act, Dressed Like Wolves provides a beautiful set of acoustic emotion. As time progresses to the headline act, the little café fills up more to witness the two piece in action. Sure enough they are on top form tonight playing their debut album almost in full, with standout moments coming from new single ‘Hollywood’ and balled ‘Icarus’. As ‘Icarus’ is the quietest part of the set the audience find it important to show their support by sitting down and relishing in the more relaxed part of the show. However, no one stays quiet for long as the energy is cranked back up to close the set in style.

A brilliant show in a tiny café, one which am sure will become stuff of legends once they are playing bigger shows.

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

https://www.facebook.com/mousestheband

Beans On Toast, Small Talk

Beans on Toast, do you want to introduce yourself and tell us your talents? What have you been up to today?

Good morning, I'm Beans on Toast drunk folk singer from Essex. I've just woken up. I'm on tour across the pond right now and currently in Chicago. Which is very nice indeed, a great city and I'm playing at a place called the beat Kitchen tonight.

When was the last time you had beans on toast, what is the perfect beans on toast (type/presentation/etc)?

They don't have Beans on Toast in the USA, which is a pain cos nobody understands my name out here. Wasn't long ago since I had it, but if I'm honest I do prefer spaghetti hoops, that just didn't have the same ring to it.

You are going out on a huge long tour playing around the UK, what are the personal essentials you pack for tour, any lucky mascots?

No much to be honest, I like to travel light. T shirt, pants, guitar, phone, wallet. Don't need much else to tour.

Are you heading out on this tour alone?

No i"ll be with my long time touring partner and right hand man Mr Bobby Banjo and where possible my wife Lizzy Bee will join us. On the tour is also the band Tensheds, a fantastic duo from Hebden Bridge and Sky Smeed a Country singer from Kansas, Sky will be jumping in the van with us aswell. He's a blast.

Do you have any bad travel or tour stories from the past?

Bad stories?? Not me officer. It's all good out here. Never been one to complain.

You are heading out on tour in preparation for your new album, ‘A SPANNER IN THE WORKS’ which sees you take a new direction including electronics. How did you come to start experimenting with this new sound?

This was my 8th album, I like to make each one with a different person in a different place and decided to do this one utilizing the incredible array of sounds you can make on a laptop computer, I wrote the whole album on guitar then set about to record them without guitar at all. We put the whole thing together in a few sessions. It was fun and I'm really proud of the record.

You collaborated with Scampi Dan on this album did his decisions influence how the album turned out?

Dan's a really good old friend of mine, so was a pleasure to work with. It was actually him that suggested doing a record without guitars so that was a big influence.

Are we expecting more loops at the shows turning you into a punk Jack Garrett?

Not at all. Live shows will stay with the guitar, banjo, harmonica set up. Thats who the songs were written. Not gonna start bring a laptop on stage, that not my vibe.

Can you pick one song to sum up the album?

Probably Afternoons in the sunshine which will be the next song that people hear from the record. It's got bass heavy samples, interesting drum loops and some live trumpet. Which gets the idea across.

Final last words?

Just be nice and keep it real x

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

http://beansontoastmusic.com/

Successful sessions

Successful sessions

The weekly live music night at The Polar Bear, entitled The Sesh will sorely be missed by me as I leave Hull this year. After discovering it with my better half over three/two years ago at Linnet And Larkin I have made an effort to come and see what Hull and unsigned artists have to offer.

Tonight is no different with the night being woken up by, Wake Up In Vegas. Local lads that pen international music, soaring choruses which dream of grander stages. Next up is Marsicans, a band I had heard of but not listened too, which is a shame since their brilliance is transpired through showmanship and quality song writing. The talent has been recognised locally and nationally with them playing many festivals including Glastonbury. They seamlessly breakdown the barrier between audience and stage by making everyone feel welcome and involved with the show. The music is fresh, exciting and guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Marsicans debut physical EP is out now, so don’t be absent from the party any longer, pick up this gem of a record.

As the night comes to an end it can only be left to now local legends, The Hubbard’s to close the night in style. With their perfectly crafted rhythms and unique vocals they fire through a much too short set of captivating tunes, from ‘Dog Bite’ to ‘Alison’. Before closing the show and this packed out room, they play the title track ‘Cold Cut’ off their debut EP. The track is a good example of what they have to offer and helps bridge the gap for their new material which should be coming soon, your new band for 2017, City Of Culture will be The Hubbard’s so check them out now before it is too late. 

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

http://www.theseshhull.co.uk/

Kings of Millennium

The stars are finally aligning for this GOLD standard band, moving them from King No-One to King Someone.

Three support acts were enlisted tonight to warm the crowd up for the showmanship of headliners, King No-One. First of is a local solo artist who fancies himself the next Jack Garrett with more tunes he could be as for now it was a decent show to pass the time. Before new act The Queen Riots hit the stage with an audacious style, raw and edgy. There act is captivating, mainly thanks to their unique vocalist and certainly ones to watch, call it a gut feeling but with the right tuition these lads can cause a riot on the scene. Final support, The Waviers, definitely make a scene with their set tonight, complete with audience participation like, singing their songs back to them. A perfect set and one King No-One had to try and better.

However, as always there is no need to worry as the lights go down the tension comes up. The anticipation from the audience to this band’s debut UK headline tour could not be more exciting, as this is a chance to show the nation they are in this for the long haul. With support flaring up all over

social media from fans and critics alike it is hard to escape the excitement of the band in their foetal stage. King No-One have everyone gripped from the opening of philosophical all the way to closing cords of millennium, In my opinion this was their tightest show as a band complete with crowd pleasing moments and a fine body of work (“hits”) to date. This band are larger than life and after following them for about 2 years I think they are finally making their way to the throne.

This tour demonstrates that King No-One can become King Someone, with their growing fan base and catalogue of hits am sure it is only a matter of time.

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

http://www.kingno-one.com/

Government Approved

The saying goes good things come to those that wait, and waiting me and my other half have, almost four years knowing each other we are finally on the last leg of being together in the same country as equal citizens (almost). Personally, the excitement is almost too much to contain as the final month approaches.

The final part of the visa application was the US embassy interview, scared as I was I made the long trip down again to London, this time taking in a sight or two. Arriving in London I headed straight to Camden market to see the sights and check out the various shops. After picking up a few Christmas presents, I stumbled across the peculiar sight of a brilliant interpretation of the mad hatter (from Tim Burton’s world), truly brilliant, as he would say. Before a great gig at The Borderline, I hunted down a takeaway and come across the famous Harry potter musical in all its glory, maybe one day it will tour state side. After an okay sleep in a restless hostel, I high tailed it over to the science museum to check out the moth and Amy Johnson exhibition being based in Hull it’s good to see how far the legends spreads. 

Then the time had come, the interview which would change the rest of my life was imminent. Entering through security I accidently left in a pair of scissors in my bag from work and boy did it take me a good ten minutes to find them with security watching my every move, scary as I found them I was ushered into the building. After meeting the dated waiting room and sitting down, I was greeted with some USA national tour guides interesting they may be they didn’t have one for Wisconsin, gutted!

The first time I was called up was to check my paperwork, while waiting for the second time, I stared out the window and noticed a state flag outside the window, curiously, and it was the Wisconsin state, my home with my home girl. Three hours and twenty minutes later I approached the window and raised my hands, after a few questions and confirmations, I heard the words, you’re approved. I could have fell to the ground and wept as my pain, our pain was almost over... I left the embassy and welled up as I knew the next chapter of our lives was only about to begin. Now time for a pizza and a beer to celebrate.

PS new drop dead store looks awesome, although needs more stock.

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/