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/

The emerald of Emarosa

A lot can happen in five years, with a lot changing in the music industry its hard to stay afloat as a band. Kentucky band, Emarosa have managed to keep gears going by releasing another great album (131) and returning to a well over due UK tour. Although the shows might have decreased for the band the passion and excitement has not.

First up treating the audience tonight is Grumble Bee, a talented solo artist who occasionally swaps his acoustic guitar for an electric to play with his band. A great exposure tour for him as he premiers new and old songs, a must on anyone's playlist.

Next up is a fresh pop trio from London, who have been wowing crowds over on the Vans warped tour. Their sound is diverse and refreshing, delivering catchy music to get everyone involved.

Final act tonight is what most people have come for the return of the USA kings. Delivering a hit filled set, the boys pour through their back catalogue of albums and some new ones to sweeten the deal. Although their current guitarist is currently on sick leave his replacement steps up to the mark. A brilliant set which is both exciting and emotional, thanks for returning, see you soon Emarosa.

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

https://www.facebook.com/emarosa/

The best free festival ever!

New location, new artists, same great festival, Hull Trinity Festival returned with local and national acts for your musical taste buds, welcome to the City of Culture 2017.

The best part about this festival is the very basis of which it is built on, the discovery and promotion of new and exciting talent. There are a few national touring acts however, the majority of acts are local, allowing them the chance to have their time in the lime light to wow the crowds. The local scene has some diverse yet all-star and unique sounds, one of these comes from the raw and visceral punk band, Life. Their performance is just one dimension to this talented city.

The Saturday starts with The New republic finding their feet on this big stage. Next up, two piece Chambers provide a diverse and exciting set. Streaming lights, fail to get the party started with their electro pop. The Froot 67, take everyone back to the 1970’s with their progressive rock, destined for bigger stages. Avalanche Party show how far they have come as artists by taking the stage by storm. It was then left to Fire (TUF) to keep the energy level high, however, they stepped it up even further, getting everyone from the front to the back involved. Surprise guests Life do what they do best, put on an unforgettable show before Black Delta Movement prove why everyone is talking about them at the moment. Final act and headliners, Clean Cut Kid, I have followed since the turning of the year and for good reason. They have been playing a zillion shows across the UK over the past year and are building a strong fan base with their super infectious rhythms and lyrics. Tonight, they prove why they got signed so early and why they deserve to headline the show. Hailing from Liverpool, they still manage to pull in a large audience and even have a sing along to new hit, “We used to be in Love”. What you waiting for check them out now!

Still sore from the epic Saturday, many soldiered on to the Sunday event which seen The Hoosiers headline. Although I was not present, from the pictures and feedback I have seen online they drew one of the biggest crowds to Hull. Before the headliners though was the brilliant local scene, including new singer, Yasmin Coe and funky band, Young Jack both of which demonstrated what Hull can muster from a free festival, check out more online now and get ready for the biggest year yet in 2017.

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

 https://www.facebook.com/HullTrinityFestival  

GLA

Standing proud of their roots the Scottish band are back with their anthem filled, fist pumping, chart stomping new album, GLA.

Twin Atlantic’s fourth album is steeped in Glasgow and Scottish passion from the word go, the album itself is named after the city’s airport, GLA international. The lyrical content reflects aspects of the cities party vibe and of the sport team proudness. The opening two tracks, “Cherry aligator...” & “No Sleep” are certainly a step away from pop directed last album (Great Divide), as they supercharge the album into a mosh pit of an opener. Indeed these tracks are also electrifying live, when picking up the album I decided to head down to Leeds for an album signing and free live show. The band played five tracks from the new album, all be it pretty tamely it was great to see new material in an open forum, the free poster and guitar plectrums were a good bonus also!

Back to the album, Twin once again prove they can write an anthem fit for stadiums with the song correctly titled, “EX-EL”. A song which might see them take their shows XL. Most tracks like, “Valhalla” & “The Chaser” are heavy yet still tailor to the masses by displaying an underlining, dare I say it groovy baseline. Again reflecting the cities culture of having a great time. Closing track “Mother Tongue” signs off the album in the most poetic style, one of my favourite songs of all time, a must listen.

Through both the lyrical and musical content the album represents Glasgow and indeed Twin Atlantic through a positive light, showing they are worthy of bigger stages. Overall, the album tailors too many genres and is one of the best albums of the year, showcasing passion and talent whilst having fun.

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

http://www.twinatlantic.com/