#theindiebuzz

[emmusicmatters]

Artistically Accomplished & Cultivated – Matthew Whitaker @ MMU Acoustic Lounge 08/05/13

Where you aware that Hive Radio Manchester’s home university actually throws a fantastic live bash every Wednesday afternoon? Well Em Music Matters was thrilled to discover MMU Acoustic Lounge and she is very excited to tell you all about it! Each week MMU’s own Holden Art Gallery sees a lovely little acoustic set from a talented up-and-coming act at around 12:45. A beautiful space becomes filled with some incredible, extraordinary sounds, you know where to eat your butties on a Wednesday lunch time now! (Oh and has it been mentioned that this rewarding experience is absolutely free!?) Get down!

Recently MMU's own creative hub presented soothing sounds  from classically trained guitarist and singer-song-writer Matthew Whitaker. Em Music Matters afterwards was thrilled to catch the talented chap for a natter... 

Finding poignant and handsome classical piano piece Apricity on Matthew's soundcloud page before the event left Em Music Matters expecting the tranquil scene of a restful pianist on this afternoon, yet she was blown away by the pleasant surprise of the cheerily faced, bearded fellow being armed with a guitar and a perplexingly lulling voice. We find that despite its splendour, 'Apricity is the first sort of piano piece' Matthew has composed, 'I got given a piano for my birthday by my family and it's just a result of that really' he exceptionally modestly explains, 'I'm not much of a pianist'.

Matthew soothingly sings.

Once part of formerly thriving band 'Whiskey Cats' Whitaker has spent the past year or two following his own sounds. Classically training in guitar 'from an early age of about nine' he brings something different to the musical table, presenting intricate melodies and chords to us today, happy to be 'in this lovely little room which has a nice acoustic in it.' Matthew illuminates us on how using his classical knowledge as a singer-songwriter only became apparent to him in recent years: 'it's something I should incorporate as it's something not everyone can do, and it's sort of a part of me as well.' The endowed musician elaborates on a clueless younger self, unaware of his unique ability 'When I was about 15 I started writing songs, it didn't occur to me at the time to involve the kind of things that I'd learnt from classical guitar... I think they sounded like any sort of songs a 15 year old could write, I'd be thoroughly embarrassed is anyone was to hear them now!' he laughs. 'Only in the last 2-3 years have I realised it's something I should be doing,' we are told. Thank goodness he did, or else the world may never have been graced with such aptitude of the guitar strings.

Older and wiser with the listening of classical masters such as Debussy behind him as influence, Matthew shows a sampling of his tunes available on MySpace such as; The Man With The Anvil Hat, an enchanting, cooling tale of  a man 'waiting for a stroke of luck'  to drift us into the calm on a mid-week afternoon. We are also indulged with cover of a heart-warming Everybody's Talkin', Matthew's smile heard amiably through his vocals as well as seen upon his countenance, the accompaniment strummed exquisitely.

We are excited to discover that this vastly gifted artist has an album in the making, which features a drummer, double bass and electric guitar 'to decorate the songs', he also often gigs with a full band having songs 'I feel I can't play just on an acoustic guitar.' What is even more exhilarating is the fact the album is being produced with the likes of later Charlatans and New Order producer Jim Spencer. But we are told 'As you can imagine he is a very busy man!' so the record will be mixed and completed 'as and when he's got time to finish.' Both Em Music Matters and Hive Radio Manchester await in anticipation...

Listen out for his music and further chat on Hive Radio Manchester’s The Indie Buzz 10-12 Wednesdays!

Check out our chat available on demand...

http://www.mixcloud.com/HiveRadioManchester/emily-schofield-the-indie-buzz-interviews-matthew-whitaker-mmu-acoustic-lounge-080513/

Blog written by Emily Schofield.

A fan of Em Music Matters? 

Like me on Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/EmThinksMusicMatters

And follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmMusicMatters

[emmusicmatters]

Last weeks Biggest Buzz track of The Indie Buzz @ www.hiveradio.co.uk took a turn for the different. An unlikely collaboration that works. 

[emmusicmatters]

The trio Stealing Sheep from Heavenly records where crowned Queen Bee's of The Indie Buzz on www.hiveradio.co.uk this week! After catching the voodoo pop and pyschedelic trio from Liverpool at Sounds From The Other City I felt theit pagan and mysterious sounds deserved recognition!

[emmusicmatters]

A Exuberant Evening!- Ben Mcewan, JJ Rosa, Soul Saboteur and Brother & Bones @ Jabez Clegg - 25/04/13.

One fine Thursday evening Em Music Matters and lovely fellow presenter on Hive Radio Manchester, Kate Quinn where invited by acoustic-rock/electric-blues band Soul Saboteur to their mere yet marvelous second gig at Jabez Clegg (event presented by Dusty Pop Entertainment), alongside an exuberance of other exceptional acts: soothing Ben Mcewan, funky soul-sister JJ Rosa and rocky-folk boys Brother & Bones. We were also graced with the pleasure to chat with James Stone, lead singer of Soul Saboteur. Four fantastic musical artists in just the one evening left the crowd in contentment...

The initial delight of the night came from opening singer-songwriter Ben Mcewan armed with his 7 piece band and a delectable mixture of instruments; including a puzzling flat Cello (which upon sensible consideration must have simply been an electric adaptation), keyboard, guitar, double bass and more. The down to earth, lulling cozy and gentle sounds brought the event off to a soothing start, treating the crowd to an early glimpse of charity single Eyes Of A Soldier available June 29th, meaningful and moving.

(Serving one: a chilled slice of Ben Mcewan.)

Our second course of entertainment came from a favorite lady of Hive Radio Manchester: JJ Rosa (read a previous blog on the unfathomable female here: http://hiveradio.co.uk/2013/02/24/jj-rosa-the-deaf-institute-manchester-05022013/). A saucy and soulful distinctive diva, Jessie performed a little differently for us this evening, presenting an acoustic set, stripped back and solo. The unique noise of this talented lady were not to fault without her band however, Jessie's rock-pop/hip-hoppy vibe even more invigorating undressed down to its capable core. A mistress of the guitar and with  a poignant voice and individual style, she indulged us in new demo Cry Out, captivating and catchy number with the earthiest of authentic beats, alongside emotive Talk To Me, oozing with cool-girl-power Step Aside and spine-tingling, room-silencing, touching cover of Hendrix's Little Wing.

(Next up a flavorsome set from fantastic songstress: JJ Rosa.)

The band we had our eye on for the night next braced the stage for what was just their second gig but alarmingly gratifying. Having 'only been together for like three months' tonight's performance is more than impressive, though Soul Saboteur may be a new venture, it'smembers it seems are each massively musically experienced. They collaborate strongly to generate bluesy and impassioned rock, the backbone of the bands craft James Stone (Stoney) who's powerful lyrics and soulful vocals place a unique and distinctive mark on the bands work.

We are fortunate enough to chat to Stone, the front-man and youngest in the band backstage, 'I'm 28, not like the rest of the band, (I won't say their ages but they're quite old', he cheekily jokes as he tells us the band came together through auditions for artists with 'the same idea.' Residing in Preston and Manchester so far the band from have already an impressive EP: Clip Your Wings (recorded at West Orange Studio, Preston) under their belts and have been busy booking gigs and getting their newborn yet notable band out there.  

(Thirdly a helping of fresh, both electric and soothing Soul Saboteur.)

Manchester based musician Stonie previously worked in The Loaded Dice for eight cultivating years, currently studying a degree in Popular Music. This may explain his outstanding flair as a lyricist, his vocals consisting somewhat of poetry and soul, his spirit bringing a soothing ambience to the band. The endowed front-man explains his words are 'all autobiographical, people I see, experiences... but if the tenants in the lyric is me I often make it someone else... I don't know it's quite scary I think, if everyone knew exactly what you were saying about yourself...' Careful not to bear his soul but creative and emotive Stonie claims: 'I'm all for a good lyric but I wouldn't go and explain exactly what it was about so they could see inside me.' Stone may be the brains behind the exceptional song-writing but, 'everyone brings their own bit to the table,' he explains...

Lead guitarist Carl Morgan demonstrates his years of capable experience, once a session musician and music teacher, rocking out at The Royal Albert Hall in 1990. Whilst drummer Jason Griffiths makes evident his skills on the kit from the very young age of 11! The band are recently to appoint (I am sure another talented member) new bassist Andy Hall.

The set list from these edgy, marvelously melancholy blues brothers consists of tracks from their first EP. The title track Clip Your Wings a slow, restful enchantment with a solid beat and blissful melody is received well as Stone sings 'Clip your wings tonight, you don't deserve to fly. It's never falling out of love that bites,' both haunting and a little bit beautiful. A second favorite of Em Music Matters Dark After Dark, mysterious and moody vocals alongside professional accompaniment. 

So, we ask it's lead what's to come of this blossoming band? 'I could sit here and do we'll be at Wembley next week or expect to be watching countdown and eating a pack of peanuts, you know what I mean?... I hope to be moving as fast as we can... but steady progress will do me.' Well from Em Music Matters viewpoint, a punishment of day-time TV definitely isn't on the cards for Soul Saboteur, but who knows what the future holds for this talented bunch.

(A final course: some heavy folk rock from Brother & Bones.)

Finally but not lastly the night introduced a Mumford & Sons meets heavy hair-swishing, head-banging rock band Brother & Bones. Though Em Music Matters has to admit mid assignments she had to rush off for the train, only catching a glimpse of the set, one track of heel bashing, guitar hammering and folksy vocals was enough to win her over. Be sure to check them out as she certainly will be further!

Check out Em Music Matters chat with Soul Saboteur….

http://www.mixcloud.com/HiveRadioManchester/emily-schofield-the-indie-buzz-interviews-james-stone-soul-saboteur-at-jabez-clegg-manchester/

 Listen out for music from all these artists and further chat on Hive Radio Manchester’s The Indie Buzz 10-12 Wednesdays!

Blog written by Emily Schofield.

A fan of Em Music Matters? 

Like me on Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/EmThinksMusicMatters

And follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmMusicMatters

[emmusicmatters]

This weeks Biggest Buzz track on www.hiveradio.co.uk 's The Indie Buzz. This brilliant folky bands new album Heart Of Nowhere is HERE!

[emmusicmatters]

The Queen Bee of today's The Indie Buzz on www.hiveradio.co.uk had to be the wonderful Flo & her machine with her track from the Gatsby soundtrack. Hitting screens next week with a fantastic musical score and the basis of an amazing American novel!

[emmusicmatters]

Rocking Out With His Socks Out - Alex Hulme @ MMU Acoustic Lounge 1/05/13

Where you aware that Hive Radio Manchester's home university actually throws a fantastic live bash every Wednesday afternoon? Well Em Music Matters was thrilled to discover MMU Acoustic Lounge and she is very excited to tell you all about it! Each week MMU's own Holden Art Gallery sees a lovely little acoustic set from a talented up-and-coming act at around 12:45. A beautiful space becomes filled with some incredible, extraordinary sounds, you know where to eat your butties on a Wednesday lunch time now! (Oh and has it been mentioned that this rewarding experience is absolutely free!?) Get down!

Last week the elegant high ceilinged and creatively highlighted Holden Building saw the innovative sounds of singer-song-writer Alex Hulme in the afternoon sunshine. Em Music Matters was even lucky enough to catch the dear fellow for a quick chat after his chilling and charming set...

(MMU Acoustic Lounge runs every Wednesday 12:45, Holden Art Gallery.)

Amiable Alex Hulme an artist whom 'hops ship' across the North West, gigging from Manchester to Liverpool, found himself down at MMU Acoustic Lounge this Wednesday after gigging here 3 or four times earlier this year. He enlightens us he is a big fan of the venue: ' I love it, it's really, really cool to come down, it's a lovely little space, and no-one boo's, which is good!' The Liverpool based lad wows a crowd of revising students over their afternoon tea or lunch with his pop/folk feeling, melodious and harmonious, Alexs woo's his listeners with his impressive yielding, soft and compassionate voice. Watch out Ben Howard, you've got competition.

Today's session serves us with a variety of tracks, both his own compositions and a few artistically spun covers. Alex surprises and astounds eardrums with his loops, a master of the foot pedals, ditching the shoes in the gallery's relaxing ambiance  he rocks out this afternoon with his socks out! (Odd socks, reflective of Alex's quirky and fantastically out-of-the-box musical manner!) He tells us how he has been writing and recording since he was a mere ten years of age once owner of 'an awful line-six rift tracker thing that does everything in little four or eight bar phrases,' advancing later to lord of the loops. Dreamy echoes and harmonies are formed by Alex's talented toes!

(Alex in action.)

Alex tells us 'I very much lead a double life' gigging both his own music and cover sessions: 'I do my own stuff which I put my heart and energy into' in the week mostly we are told, but by weekend Alex hits pub and clubs with ingenious interpretations of well-known tracks, 'I'm not a fan of doing exact reiterations of a song, as a writer I like to put my own spin on it... put my own stamp on it.' And that he just does, the sampling of his covers today such as Paolo Nutni's: Last Request and Jessie J's : Do It Like A Dude, see the songs transformed by Alex's touch, advanced into something to marvel. Not the same-old, same-old guy with a guitar bashing out the Top 40 for a bit of recognition, but an imaginative and original performer. 

Hulme is most remarkable however, in presenting his own tunes. We are treated to tracks of his own efforts such as: All That I Have a serenade of echoes and resonance, amongst many other sensational numbers.

(Talented toes: Alex is master of the foot pedals.)

Having studied at Paul McCartney's school (and now performing arts university) in Liverpool, Alex found the chance to audition for and in fact achieved a one to one session with former The Beatles rock and roll star. Bashful and modest Alex tells 'it was amazing, absolutely incredible....' the talented chap once even 'had a jam with Billy Ocean as well.' Of course as these phenomenal opportunities arise he had to 'be a bit cheeky and grab a few quotes from them,' and just as his renowned fans, Em Music Matters is in awe of Alex's aptitude and ability.’

QUOTES FROM FURTHER FANS...

Sir Paul McCartney: "A beautiful song and a wonderful melody."

Billy Ocean: "A great voice and a great understanding for melody."

Check out Em Music Matters chat with Alex Hulme….

http://www.mixcloud.com/HiveRadioManchester/emily-schofield-the-indie-buzz-interviews-alex-hulme-mmu-acoustic-lounge/

And Listen out for his music and further chat on Hive Radio Manchester’s The Indie Buzz 10-12 Wednesdays!

Blog written by Emily Schofield.

A fan of Em Music Matters? 

Like me on Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/EmThinksMusicMatters

And follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmMusicMatters

[emmusicmatters]

From Sensational Psychedelia to Great Grunge - Temples & Drenge @ Night & Day, Manchester 23/04/13

Last Tuesday saw Em Music Matters joined by a few of Hive Radio Manchester's finest, at Manchester's Night & Day Cafe to catch a dubious combination: Temples and Drenge. The whole bunch where pleasantly surprised to find in the Northern Quarters small, yet intimate and characteristic venue that the couple made a powerful and perplexing paring. From the neo-psych, trippy-hippy, mysterious, 60's Beatles-esque Temples to the fantastically filthy sounds of heavy rock and grunge act Drenge, our eardrums where left both eerily enlightened and gloriously grimy. Each equally gifted band where kind enough to let the over-excited likes of Em Music Matters pester them with a dictaphone for a quick chat, after such stirring sets it was very lovely of them indeed...

After a mind-spinning show we grab the Temples backstage to hear how two of the bands members; Tom (bass guitar) and Sam (drums), are feeling 'exhilarated' after their first night on tour with Drenge whom they themselves where excited to watch as they have 'a lot of hype about them at the moment... and well deserved!' A first experience of what Tom describes as the bands 'cinematic'  sound, (though they find labelling their music is 'a tough question to answer, we want people to make their own opinion,') saw songs from the boys E.P. Which  features colourful and creative psychedelic debut single Shelter Song, along with bursting B-side Prisms. Bringing it old-school kaleidoscopic and mind-blowing this a band for fans of Tame Impala to get their ears around.

When asked what the future beholds for wondrous Temples the band claimed they are 'hoping to do an E.P towards summer... just gigging as much as we can at the moment', fans of any intimate venue like tonight's 'we like any venue that's really small, has character.' After adventures to Paris for Record Store Day with label friends at Heavenly records (Charlie Boyer and The Voyeurs, Toy, Stealing Sheep) we are told to get down to the Soup Kitchen on May 21st to catch their 'label mates' Charlie and co.

(Trippy Temples.)

Moving in the musical-sphere from stupefying hypnosis to the dirty grunge experience of Drenge the night took an awesome transition. Catching up with the rock-duo and brothers from Castleton the pair; Rory (drums) and Eoin (guitar/vocals) after the set feel 'extremely sweaty' and 'need a shower right now' just like ourselves following the whirling mosh-pits created in honour of the Loveless brothers more than satisfactory sound at 'possibly the sweatiest gig we have ever done.' Our ears are left ringing after enduring fantastic filth, songs such as the epic: Bloodsports, a punky-rock racket of enormity and magnitude, along with Dogmeat from the same E.P and equally the epitome of mucky marvel.

The Loveless brothers create an immense sound for a mere two-some, keeping it in the family to avoid 'too many ego's' thinking perhaps if they were to expand they may 'one day get our Dad in to play saxophone or something.' Growing quick and vast they much hyped (quite rightly so!) duo tell us of their favourite venues across Manchester including Deaf Institute and the springy floored HMV Ritz after supporting The Mystery Jets. The boys promise another single to come to soon 'called Backwaters, about where we live,' them residing between Manchester and Sheffield, the other side of the Pennines, we were lucky enough to sample the next track on tonight's set and were very impressed. 

(Dirty Drenge.)

Watch this space folks, Drenge are here to rattle your ear drums with rock and Temples are here to warp your minds with psych. Both Em Music Matters and others at Hive Radio MCR cannot wait to see where the talented and unique acts go from here.

QUOTES FROM FURTHER FANS:

Tommy Smith: 'Drenge are definitely for fans of Queens Of The Stone Age and Nirvana.'

Zach Roddis: ' Temples are the revival of psychedelia at its' very best. They made Night & Day come to life.  Drenge: A gutsy set, full of twists and turns. The energy notched up after 'Bloodsports'. Their sound was dark and full of promise. Expect big things from Drenge in the future.'

 Check out Em Music Matters chat with each band....

http://www.mixcloud.com/HiveRadioManchester/emily-schofield-the-indie-buzz-interviews-temples-drenge-night-day-cafe-manchester/

And Listen out for both Temples's and Drenge's music and further chat on Hive Radio Manchester’s The Indie Buzz 10-12 Wednesdays!

Blog written by Emily Schofield.

A fan of Em Music Matters? 

Like me on Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/EmThinksMusicMatters

And follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmMusicMatters