Last night I had a rare 'night off' - and the choice of gigs and bands to go and see was quite something. Lots of bands I've mentioned on here before, all doing well for themselves and all a delight to go and see.
My gig of choice, ended up being Ellen & The Escapades playing the Our City, Our Music launch, followed by popping in at Die Video Die playing the Grain Division's 4th Birthday Party. Unfortunately, I'm a bit too wet to stay out late, so that was 'it' for me.
But things are busy and involved in Leeds. Other options tonight, included watching Yonderboy at The Library (c/o Brew Records), Mi Mye bandmates Middleman at local haunt The Cardigan Arms and over in Bradford,Johnny Foreigner, Just Handshakes (We're British) and a large supporting cast were playing a charity all-dayer
That familar names, consistently playing around town at exciting line ups, cooperating and playing together, with rumours of split singles, cross supporting - well, it all warms the cockles.
As mentioned previously, at the start of the year I began recording some songs/demo's for Die Video Die (with a pop arrow through the heart). Well, I'm pleased to say after a (very long) break (for the aforementioned degree commitments), we finally finished two songs last week. The band are currently planning a release 'scenario' for the songs, so hopefully they'll escape to the greater world in good time
Before these demo's, keen and observant readers may recall me recording some tracks for The ABC Club. These were an experiment in nearly every shape and form, and for numerous issues remain to all intent and purpose unfinished. However, we should be going into finish them off in the next month, time/travel/location permitting!
And the exciting news is there is more recording to come from me in all shapes and forms over the coming weeks and months, and I hope to keep the blog upto date with what I'm getting up to
Soundtrack to this post: Honour Before Glory demos
And don't forget, after probably a bit of a quiet one, next year is the year when a few Leeds bands that have been bubbling under, release albums or get on a little bit more:
I currently have a list as long as my arm of things I wanted to write blogs about, but I've really struggled to find time the last few weeks - the new years is treating busy and there's so much more I wanted to do. I'm not working entirely as hard as I should be though, and have managed to spend most of the last 2 nights watching telly. Including the last few episodes of Gilmore Girls which managed to chalk up mentions for Midlake, Tokyo Police Club, My Morning Jacket and many more
2008 and was a funny year for me, and this time last year I was completely lost... Infact, a few months ago I was a bit lost. Right now, I have a bit of work to continue doing, and finishing producing these new songs by The ABC Club (pretty much done) and Die Video Die (sounding good). Then I might do something for me
Anyway, as is customary, I've had a list of 'hot new bands' growing for a while, and now everyone else has tipped them, please allow me to join the bandwagon
TIPS FOR 2009
This year, it's clear nobody knows who's gonna be big from the tips, bar the bleedin' obvious - that might still bomb completely through complete over hype and over exposure (hello White Lies). BBC Sound Of... poll is always a good barometer of the industry perception of what's going to be big. Last year, yes Adele, Duffy and others piled to the top of the pile, but there were other interesting features, like Santogold who never quite crossed into the mainstream.
There seem a few top tips, specifically on the BBC year's list, that seem very much of this Santogold ilk - I'm thinking mainly Little Boots and Empire Of The Sun. Two bands who I think are great, but I'm not sure I see them reaching Duffy style levels of mainstream success. Will talk a bit about that in a minute, but my great showbiz mate Steve Lamacq has written a great blog on the current state of tipping for the new year (and I agree on the shoegaze revival)
Here's some new bands I like that will release records this year:
LITTLE BOOTS
Yes, she's everywhere - but in her former incarnation as lead singer of Dead Disco, Dance To The Radio released her first efforts, and they were infact the last band to release a single on Fierce Panda unless I'm much mistaken. She's the nu-rave Madonna, or something, and her collaboration with Joe Hot Chip, 'Stuck On Repeat' is a bonafide Disco Anthem. Will she become huge? I don't know, she has an immense pressure behind her from her label (679) who are rumoured to be dropping bands left, right and centre, and the build up to her push has been going on for absolutely ages. And of course I'm sure the songs I prefer least will be the ones to break her... You can't deny her star quality on Jools Holland though:
Let's get the big guns out of the way. This is the Aussie collaboration between the singer of The Sleepy Jackson (remember their New Rock Revolution anthem - 'Miniskirt'? No?) and modular nu-rave heroes PNAU - responsible for the awesome track 'Embrace' with Ladyhawke. Anyway, they've created this odd world, but the songs sound great, though quite cheesy. I'm suprised they're getting hyped as much as they are, but hey it's pretty cool
Actually, this is more retrospective, as they're album came out last year, but they're coming over for a proper tour at the end of February. These guys are ex-Secret Machines guitarist Ben Curtis, and indentical twins Alejandra and Claudia Deheza. This is the one band I am most excited about it has to be said - their track 'Connjur' is one of my favourites at the minute
Right, I have other things to do now, but put those in your pipe and smoke them. Not very interesting or new really I know, but things I wanted to write. Maybe see you tomorrow
My name is whiskas or Sam to my grandparents. I live in Leeds, UK
I've played in some bands, and helped some bands, and I've started this page as a little personal outlet. I guess this is and will be a work in progress for a little while. Info on all my goings on are here:
With some trepidation, it would be nice to hear what people think, or even suggestions on topics to wax lyric about
Please feel free to drop me and email at whiskas9[at]valuehost.co.uk- an email that I don't check incredibly regular, but I check none the less. Please put 'Nyevsky Prospect' as the subject to help a brother out
