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Welcome to a new feature on Chordblossom called “We Put It To You“!
Every month we are set to survey a wide range of people involved in the local music scene, from fans to bands to those behind the music. Querying their thoughts, theories, memories and opinion on a variety of topics.
This month we’ve kept it simple, as we edge towards the half way point of the year we wanted to know…
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On Friday 7th June 2013 I witnessed local musician Peter McAuley aka Rams’ Pocket Radio launch their debut album. The gig was unique as it featured a wealth of local artists who had taken time out of their busy schedules to help out. Seeing Peter share the stage with the likes of Soak, Gareth Dunlop, Owen Strathern, Nathan Connelly, David C Clements and Duke Special was special and showed that the much touted local solidarity in the scene still exists. Not to mention the opportunity to pick up Rams’ debut album before general release was too good to miss.
// [highlighter color=”red”] Rob Brown [/highlighter] – CB Live Reviews Editor
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My record of the year so far has to be the new Jetplane Landing. A straight-ahead thunderbolt of staccato grit. I first heard this bandwhen I was thirteen and they totally changed how I thought about writing songs, both musically and in the things that inspire you. I realised you could do whatever you like, it’s without limits. Every single release has amazed me. They’re all so different. This one is just essential rock music. Pure tense!
// [highlighter color=”red”] Ryan McGroarty [/highlighter] – Wonder Villains & Future Chaser
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Public Service Broadcasting live at the Stiff Kitten. A gig experience like no other – nostalgic, hypnotic, and above all, entertaining. Plus their songs are top notch.
// [highlighter color=”red”] Christopher McBride [/highlighter] – Blogger / Radio Radio Presenter
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This is the reason I love music, this feeling that will not go away. This is music. Pure and simple. A writer I admire tweeted over two years ago that ‘Anyone who doesn’t like the King Creosote / Jon Hopkins record is a total bastard’ – That record was called Diamond Mine. He was right about that LP and exactly the same sentiment can be justifiably expressed about “Aces” by Ruen Brothers. Let it into your life.
// [highlighter color=”red”] Davy Matchett [/highlighter] – Head of Third Bar Artist Development
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My 2013 highlight has got to be Anamanaguchi‘s “Endless Fantasy” record. They solely financed it with the second most successful Kickstarter ever and it’s just amazing, fun, energetic, and positive music for life! You can really hear how much time they put into it. Plus they play our style of music! My favourite track is totally “Prom Night”!
// [highlighter color=”red”] Rory Powers [/highlighter] – Team RKT
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This year so far has passed very quickly, probably due to how busy I’ve been with the band and my own ventures. I think so far thehighlight has been the people we’ve met to be honest. We got to Europe for the first time this year and people there were so good to us. I can’t pinpoint any moment, but that whole trip was one I’m very glad I had the pleasure of taking part in.
// [highlighter color=”red”] Jamie Neish[/highlighter] – More Than Conquerors
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I’m having the most action packed musical year of my life! We just got the new Mojo Fury album masters back, we shot the first videowhich is out soon and we are planning tours and launch shows. I’ve also finished what will be my first solo album. I’ve been producing some amazing tracks/albums for Malojian, Wookalilly , Deadlights, Orla Lynch & Those Ghosts. RunawayGo & The Answer have shot music videos at my house, one of which included a bouncy castle, a swimming pool, loads of naked people and an MJ impersonator! However my musical highlight has been getting a vintage 1950’s Premier drum kit off gumtree, its just beautiful.
// [highlighter color=”red”] Mike Mormecha [/highlighter] – Mojo Fury / Head of Millbank Studios
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My musical highlight of this year has been hearing the music of one Mr John Fullbright. He’s a 25 year old songwriter from the same town as Woody Guthrie in Oklahoma.The guy is one of the finest guitar players I’ve ever heard, not to mention harmonica playing, and to top it all off he’s one of the best lyricists of the past 30 years with a voice that oozes with sincerity, wit and pathos. I’m fairly confident he’ll be a household name in 5-10 years. Outstanding. I think I fancy him a bit.
// [highlighter color=”red”] Tony Wright [/highlighter] – VerseChorusVerse
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My musical highlight of 2013 so far was the Villagers gig in Glasgow at the start of year. After seeing them twice 2012, I was really excited for the release of his album “Awayland”. During his song ‘”In A New Found Land You Are Free” it felt like Conor was quietly sharing a special moment with the crowd.
// [highlighter color=”red”] Lily Bailie [/highlighter] – Art Student / Radio Presenter
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Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Derry was an incredible three days of music. There was a plethora of world class acts on show but to my own surprise my highlight had to be Saturday’s show stealer Iggy Azeala. Her unrelenting energy and raw passion on stage was captivating, even if it did border on the ridiculous at times. A real superstar in the making.
Locally And So I Watch You From Afar‘s third record “All Hail Bright Futures” was an absolute triumph with Ed Zealous’ “Medicines” my favourite track of the year so far. On the new music front DC’s colour co-ordinated rap trio RdGldGrn have got me the most excited. 2013 has been very kind to us indeed.
// [highlighter color=”red”] Peter Cinnamond [/highlighter] – CB Interviews Editor
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That’s what this months panel think, what’s your opinion? Agree? Disagree? What’s your answer? Post your thoughts below and get the discussion brewing.
If you’d like to get involved in this feature or have an idea for future question get in touch at interviews@chordblossom.co.uk
