Welcome to Unsigned Muso Magazine! Or as we like to affectionately call it – UM! The music industry can be intimidating so we’re here to offer advice and share tips from muso’s and industry experts at the top! We are currently working on Issue 3 which will be distributed all across the UK! Previous issues have seen interviews and features with Alled from Kids in Glass Houses, Birdy, J2K from Roll Deep, Sonic Boom Six and many more all offering their thoughts and advice on how to make it as a band or artist in the music industry. Have something to say? UM is all about you! So tweet and post your thoughts on our Facebook at facebook.com/unsignedmusomag and Twitter (@unsignedmusomag) and we promise to respond!
In fact do the opposite; always treat your rehearsals as if you are playing an important gig. Playing gigs is a way to impress and attract new fans so always put in maximum effort, you never know who could be watching.
2. Always be on time
Nothing makes a worse impression than arriving late, especially if it means missing your sound check. Not only is this annoying for the venue and event organisers but it means you won't be prepared for your show and therefore won't play at your best.
3. Don't be a prima donna
If you annoy venue staff by being demanding and acting like you own the place you are very unlikely to be asked back. Also, it's probable that one venue or promoter will have ties with others and pass on the message of your diva ways giving you a bad reputation.
4. If you make a mistake, don't react
If you realise you’ve done something wrong on stage, be professional and don’t react. Keep going and pretend it never happened rather than highlight your mistake. Fans will forget about it a lot sooner, if they even noticed it in the first place.
5. Interact with the audience
A lot of the members of the audience will never have seen you play before. Make them remember you by interacting with the crowd and making them feel part of the show.
6. Pay attention to support acts
Being polite will get you far. If it is your headline gig, make sure you arrive in time to see your support acts. No doubt you will have been a support act at one stage of your musical career so you’ll know how good it feels when other bands pay attention to your music.
7. If you are the support act, stay until the end
If it doesn’t happen to be your headline gig, it’s just as important to stay and watch the headliners. They have been kind enough to invite you to be their support so thank them by being interested in their music. As a support act, at the end of your set it is always polite to introduce who is up next.
8. Be grateful to the venue
If you show you are thankful to the venue it’s likely they’ll want you back. If you build a good rapport with a certain local venue, this will help you on your way to building a strong, supportive local fan base.
Southsea Fest 2012 @ Albert Road, Portsmouth - September 15th
For one day only Portsmouth’s Albert Road is bustling with over 100 bands and thousands of music fans to celebrate the acclaimed Southsea Fest. Southsea Fest is an independent music festival and today it celebrates its 6th anniversary.
Southsea Fest is the best place to find unsigned and upcoming acts from around Britain. Kicking off at midday, and taking place in a range of venues and pubs throughout Albert Road, everywhere you look there’s a band or artist playing.
It’s around 2pm at Southsea Fest and at the One Eyed Dog pub on Elm Grove artist El Morgan performs her county folk, with only an acoustic guitar and her vocals she proves this is all she needs. She has an emotional, raw sound which is spine-tingling. Accompanied by a friend on one of her songs for backup vocals she sings a heartfelt song about her dad and ‘4am’ as a supporting Southsea Fest crowd watch.
Hangmen follow with their amazing rock ‘n’ roll surf sound, with fast guitars and infectious rhythms. Their instrumental set stands out from the other bands playing Southsea Fest today, they’re energetic and fun.
Over at one of the most popular Southsea Fest venues, Little Johnny Russell’s, folk singer Sean McGowan has taken to the stage, today he’s a one man band as he’s missing his guitarist and backing vocals from Dean Paul. With a Frank Turner sound and the working class feel of The King Blues, Sean McGowan shouts through his acoustic set. The charismatic vocalist tells the Southsea Fest crowd “let’s have a giggle” as he fires through angry protest songs.
Above Southsea Fest pub The Kings, The Loft is crammed with punk rockers where Lucky One Die First thrash through their ear-splitting, beer-spilling set. Met by a rowdy moshing crowd their frantic hardcore punk is a destructive scream of anger and conflict.
It hits 6pm at Southsea Fest and the drinks are still flowing although outside, Albert Road seems to have quietened down a little. Huw Olesker & the Barebackers are playing at the Wedgewood Rooms greeted by a small and friendly crowd. Nearly grown up Huw Olesker is leaving his songs of marmite and touching terrapins behind for more serious protest songs. Ukulele playing Huw Olesker sings in a Joe Strummer meets The Skints way, mixing up reggae influences with a folk sound. Although young, this band seem to know what they’re talking about when it comes to politics and are an act that anyone who attented Southsea Fest shouldn’t have missed.
Essex based Dingus Khan are crazy. With three drummers and three bassists these guys make a lot of noise. With eight members altogether, they barely manage to squeeze onto The Social Clubs tiny Southsea Fest stage. They are chaotic and fun to watch with an increasingly sweaty singer. Their indie influenced rock ‘n’ roll involves screeching guitars and a load of enthusiasm from all eight members. If this wasn’t enough they even have actions to song Phone Me an Ambulance, hilariously brilliant good fun.
The sun is starting to set on Southsea Fest and the last bands of the night are setting up, Plymouth based headliners Crazy Arm have packed out the One Eyed Dog. Tonight they play as a full punk band, acoustic stuff aside. Opening with the heavy and hectic ‘Bandalito’ the band play to an eager and dedicated crowd. They’re passionate and energetic, sounding like Bruce Springsteen meets Foo Fighters with their melodic country punk rock. They play crowd pleasers ‘Broken by the Wheel’ and a few songs off their latest album including ‘The Endless Carriage’. On the cider soaked floor the Southsea Fest crowd sing every word to ‘Still to Keep’ and make drunken human pyramids towards the front of the stage. Even though their set is cut short tonight by earlier bands overrunning they manage to fit in first ‘Blind Summit’ off their Born to Ruin album; a stand out track with duelling guitars and aggressive powerful vocals from Darren Johns. Crazy Arm put their heart and soul into their Southsea Fest performance, outstanding.
Whether you’re a rap artist, in a band or even a poet motion graphics artist Gavdude can bring your lyrics to life with his videos. Following a personal project where he animated the lyrics from an Eminem freestyle motion graphics artist Gavdude was commissioned by Interscope Records to produce a video for the track Let’s Go by Blink 182’s Travis Barker. Now he’s working on a video for this year’s Live and Unsigned Grand Final winners, Coco and the Butterfields.
Unsigned Muso were lucky enough to interview the motion graphics artist Gavdude to drag out all his top industry tips so we can pass the secrets on to you guys to get the job you really want. Here’s what he had to say:
Q: Can you explain what motion graphics is to our readers?
A: Motion graphics is the use of video footage and/or animation to create the illusion of movement. Simply put it is video editing using a computer to create special effects which can range from simple title credits seen in TV or films, to the special effects we see in the Hollywood blockbusters.
Q: What is your background and were there other areas of design you worked in before settling on motion graphics for the music industry?
A: I am an Art Director and Graphic Designer by trade and have worked in various disciplines including Editoria, from the The Official Man United mag to luxury titles such as Orient Express. I did advertising for companies like HSBC, Shell, Vodaphone and Nokia and I also worked in the digital industry doing things like creating websites and apps.
Q: If you had one, what would your job spec say?
A: Creative, an experienced all-rounder. Guarantees to make your eyes pop!
Q: What was your first motion graphics video for?
A: It was initially for just for me. I found an Eminem freestyle that I loved and created a video for it to see what I could do. I was quite pleased with it and thought, why not stick it on YouTube? Then BAM, I was given my first professional job!
Q: How did the opportunity to create a video for Travis Barker come about?
A: After a buzz on YouTube, my Eminem video was posted on the Aftermath (Dr.Dre’s label) website. Then Eminem’s manager, Paul Rosenberg, posted it on his blog. He also manages Travis Barker so he approached me through Interscope Records to work on the video.
Q: How does it work with the client, do they tell you what they want or do you simply take your own inspiration from their music?
A: Every client is different but most like to see my vision, perhaps in a storyboard first. Some like to contribute or give some direction, but generally it’s left to me. If they like what they see in a rough cut then I’m allowed to proceed. I like to listen to the track many times and I imagine the visuals in my head as though it were a movie soundtrack.
Q: What tips would you give to anyone planning to develop their design career in the music industry?
A: Just do it. Make a video and put it on YouTube. Design or redesign your favourite artist’s album covers, tour posters, logos etc. Build your portfolio and show you have a passion for the industry.
Q: Do you work freelance? And if so, do you get enough income to do this as your full-time job?
A: I am currently freelance and have several projects in the pipeline with a broadening pool of contacts (but still open to offers, by the way!)
Q: How long did it take you to actually do that job you enjoy? What is the worst job you ever did?
A: It took a couple of years after Art College to get into Design. I had to work as an office clerk pushing paper while I spent my evenings applying for the jobs I really wanted. I had a folder stacked with “Thanks for applying, but unfortunately…” letters. It’s important to persevere and don’t give up.
Q: We heard you are doing a video for the winners of Live and Unsigned, Coco and the Butterfields, what made you select them for the project?
A: Having seen them previously at the Brighton Auditions, then at the Southern Area Finals in Portsmouth and eventually at the Final itself—they were without the doubt the most original and exciting act I had seen in the competition. The fact that they blend a hip-hop vibe in with a more traditional folk style really interested me and I believe there’s the possibility for some great visuals to support their music.
Q: Can you give some top tips for making a motion graphics video?
A: Draw or write down your ideas on paper first. It is important to imagine how every scene will look, move and work before you get onto a computer. Use the computer only as a tool to realise your ideas and storyboard.
Q: Where can our readers check out your work?
A: I have my own Vimeo channel with a few examples of my work. You can find it at: vimeo.com/user4899941
Q: What would be your 3 top tips for designers looking for a career in the music industry?
A: 1. Build your portfolio, showcasing your skills and passion.
2. Apply for jobs.
3. Apply for more jobs. Keep knocking on those doors, one of them will open.
Motion graphics artist Gavdude is offering you the chance for to win one of his motion graphic videos, worth £10,000. You can enter the Lyrics2Life competition now by following the link through Facebook – whether you are rap, rock, acoustic or a solo act you can enter today for free. The competition closes on November 20th. Terms and conditions are available through the Facebook link.
Selling music online for unsigned acts: Welcome to another instalment of UM's Unsigned Tips, giving advice on how to promote songs to fans and make money by selling music online for unsigned acts.
Now, more than ever it’s important for unsigned acts to take the do-it-yourself approach when it comes to promoting and selling music online. With less record labels signing artists it’s crucial for musicians to adopt that hands-on attitude.
As an unsigned act the first obvious way of making money from your music would be to gig, but it’s unlikely every gig will involve receiving large sums of money, if at all. However, by selling music online you could, over time, start to earn some money that could be reinvested into your act on things like merchandise, your website and studio time. We’ve got a few tips for unsigned acts to help you on your way to start selling music online.
SELLING MUSIC ONLINE FOR UNSIGNED ACTS: THE IMPORTANCE OF PROMOTING AND SELLING MUSIC ONLINE
It’s not exactly a secret that CD sales are becoming a thing of the past but, with this decline, comes a rapid increase of digital music sales. Now is the perfect opportunity to utilise the incredible invention that is the internet and start promoting your act and selling music online instead of heading the traditional route of selling CD’s.
There’s no better way to get your name out there and make a bit of money whilst doing so than selling music online. Plus, it costs an awful lot more time and money to create a small batch of CD’s than it does selling music online.
What comes next is to make sure you put your digital tracks on as many major platforms as you can in order to reach as many music fans as possible. This is where we can help.
SELLING MUSIC ONLINE DIRECTLY TO FANS
Selling music online directly to fans can benefit you in a number of ways. Firstly, there’s the more personal element that means you can engage with your fans and create relationships, but also, selling music online directly means you don’t have to pay anybody else money to sell your tracks for you.
The Pledge Music campaign is one way of raising money for unsigned artists all over the world to help support their musical endeavours. The website potentially allows artists to sell music online by setting a minimum ‘pledge’ price to cover the cost of a particular EP or album they are trying to promote. Artists can then offer exclusive content alongside the album to encourage fans to donate a little bit more on top. An advantage of selling music online using Pledge is that the site has no rights over any music created through the platform, you have complete independence. Charlie Simpson, of Busted and Fightstar fame, charted at number 6 in the UK album chart after he launched his music campaign through Pledge.
Amazing Tunes is another site allowing artists to sell music online direct to fans. It allows you to easily upload an unlimited amount of tracks. Artists can reach out to new fans, sell music online directly to them and in return receive 100% of the download profits. The website Band Camp works in a similar way and has no sign up fee.
The main thing to remember is without fans it will be near impossible to raise funds independently. Selling music online relies on the artist’s willingness to work hard and promote their act in order to build a loyal fan base that will be excited by the notion that you’ll be selling music online.
SELLING MUSIC ONLINE THROUGH ONLINE RETAILERS AND DISTRIBUTORS
Selling music online through sites such as TuneCore, TuneTribe, CD Baby and SongCast allows unsigned artists a chance to sell their music on a number of online stores all at the same time. These sites are known as aggregators and allow you to sell music through top online retailers such as iTunes, AmazonMP3 and Spotify alongside many others. TuneCore’s first customer was none other than Frank Black of the Pixies back in 2005. Today TuneCore represents about 10% of the 20 million songs on iTunes which, if you work it out, is a hell of a lot.
Ditto Music is another aggregator offering the opportunity of selling music online through multiple online stores including iTunes, Spotify and eMusic. Selling music online this way makes you eligible for entering music charts all over the world. There’s an initial start up fee but after that you\\\'ll have the rights to your music and 100% of the royalties that your music generates.
Remember to take into consideration that the sites charge a small fee for the privilege of selling music online, but this is bound to pay off the long run. More often than not, there is an initial payment to set up an account but other than that, song royalties go to you.
All the mentioned sites have made selling music online quick and simple; just upload your track, add some artwork and choose which online store you want to sell it from. Done, and all in just three easy steps.
Avoid using more than one aggregator site when selling music online. Using different aggregators will result in your track having multiple barcode numbers, which will both submit to iTunes resulting in two versions of the same content and both copies will be removed altogether.
There are many advantages to using aggregators; they allow unsigned musicians to sell music online through digital distributors that would not deal directly with an individual artist, they can also help you sell to overseas markets and usually provide their own marketing support.
However, selling music online using aggregators doesn’t mean all the hard work’s done for you. Don’t expect people to stumble across your music. You will still need to work hard to promote your act, otherwise your tracks will only sit there untouched amongst the millions of others.
SELLING MUSIC ONLINE FOR UNSIGNED ACTS – WHICH STORE TO CHOOSE
The majority of people, when thinking about buying music online, will head straight to iTunes. This isn’t surprising considering that currently iTunes has an almost 80% market share in the digital music industry. However, to reach as many fans as possible it is important to consider what other sites are good for selling music online.
Unlike iTunes, Amazon MP3 sell music online Digital Rights Management free. This means multiple people can have access to the one track purchased and the open MP3 format means it can be played on any device or computer. Allowing fans to be able to share your songs is a great way to get your name known. The more people that know about you, the more people will be able to buy your music.
As well as making money by selling music online using Spotify, artists can earn royalties too. You can earn money every time someone listens to one of your songs. This is great for both you and your fans because they can listen to your music for free while you earn money and promote your music.
When selling music online, the main thing to remember is to make sure you do some research before you decide how and where to sell music online. There are so many options out there, make sure you choose the right ones. Always look out for what charges you can incur using certain stores, the plan is to make money by selling music online not spend it!
Wherever you decide to sell your music from, always keep in mind that putting it on the web is just one small step. It takes a lot of hard work and effort to make selling music online a success. If you’re prepared to put in the time you will soon notice the benefit.
REVIEW: Battle of the unsigned bands @ Newcastle's Head of Steam - 7th September 2012
Moody Gowns, The Wind-up Birds and So What Robot
It was Leeds vs. Newcastle at the latest ‘The Outsider’ night at The Head of Steam. Representing the NE were 80’s inspired, whimsical progsters ‘So What Robot’ who were joined by two travelling bands from North Yorkshire – ‘The Wind-up Birds’ and ‘Moody Gowns’. It was a close call as to who won. ‘So What Robot’ are a thrill to watch; in particular for the astonishing bass skills of their front man Paul Bentley who flawlessly riffs his way through their prog-pop repertoire while never missing a note or a line. ‘The Wind-up Birds’ were less impressive, but hugely enthusiastic. The most ‘Leeds’ out of the two, front man “Kroyd” is like Johnny Vegas (in sound NOT looks!) giving a sermon; it's passionate, northern poetry delivered in a frantic style. The endearing “taa very much” at the end of each song was a particular highlight for the Geordie crowd. 'Moody Gowns' offer Punk, post-punk, ska, electronica, you name it - there’s plenty to keep you occupied. Fronted by Nathan Woolsey who has a sort of Johnny Rotten type appeal/look, moves around the stage like a space invader, while whacking his effects pad like an excitable child. Excellent stuff. The winners though were the locals – seriously, go and check 'So What Robot' out this year.
REVIEW: Unsigned live music event in Derby @ The Vic - 27th August 2012
Our loyal UM Derby rep, Adam Humphreys, has been to a unsigned live music event in Derby at The Vic to check out both the acoustic talent and live bands that are up and coming in and around Derby. Check out how the unsigned live music event in Derby went.
Arriving at the unsigned live music event in Derby there were two stages; one for acoustic artists, at the front of the house by the bar and the other for bands, further down the back. The unsigned live music event in Derby progressed back and forth between the bands and the artists giving the audience a double helping of great music, all in just one evening. Here’s the line-up from the unsigned live music event in Derby:
She Will Be Hollywood
A four piece band that got the unsigned live music event in Derby started. Armed with a grunge like sound with a punk rock edge and fully energised vocals, courtesy of the lead singer, got the night off to a good start.Great live and worth listening to again.
James Thomas
Next, over at the front of The Vic was James Thomas. This solo artist entertained the audience with his acoustic melodies along with his superb vocals giving a good intimate performance. He even treated everyone to a Mumford and Sons cover. James Thomas is an extremely good artist with a strong acoustic performance.
Red Sky Legion
Heading towards the back I saw this five piece from Mansfield rock the unsigned live music event in Derby with a great performance, giving it all they had got. Packed with some full-on energised stage antics from the lead singer as well as some very good singing from the bassist too.
Georgia Robinson
The next helping of acoustic music came from Georgia Robinson. This solo artist showcased her superb vocal abilities which went down a treat. Georgia even indulged the audience with a Ben Howard cover. Fantastic performance from start to finish.
Arrah Unheard
Whilst backstage at the unsigned live music event in Derby, a four man band performed a set that consisted of rock and grunge influences, with a bit of metal thrown in. Despite a couple of technical problems that occurred during their slot they ploughed on regardless, treating the crowd to further guitar riffs and energised vocals. Throughout their slot the lead singer engaged with the audience, going up to the edge of the stage and getting them to join in the antics. Superb performance, keep your eyes on this band.
David Lacey
David performed a smooth acoustic set demonstrating his singing abilities, vocal range and top guitar skills, treating the crowd to a nice and easy going performance. Overall, thoroughly melodic and a very good artist in the making.
Daniel Angelus
And for something different over at the back solo artist Daniel Angelus, armed with a keyboard and very good vocal range kicked off a musical landscape of sounds that evolved every few minutes into something completely different. Delivering a show which had some 80’s sounds supported by a backbeat, Daniel gave a very good show. Keep your eyes on this one, a superb artist.
James Dalby
This solo artist delivered a lively set that contained some good harmonies and vocal skills. He also delivered some entertaining combination numbers that included sections from Goyte and Eagle Eyed Cherry. By far though, it was his take on South Park Chef’s Salty Balls that got the biggest reception. Superb artist and worth seeing live if you get the chance.
Just James
Don't be deceived by the name, rocking the backstage of the unsigned live music event in Derby was a six man band (five men and one woman to be precise) treating the crowd to an amazing performance that consisted of everything from dub-step to punk, hip-hop to reggae and electronic to rock. The amazing six got full crowd attention and even managed to get members of the audience moving. A truly fantastic band that delivered an ever-changing landscape of excellent music.
Micro Jupiter
Lastly, the unsigned live music event in Derby ended with a band that reigned in a full crowd. The fantastic four piece got the crowd into full swing as they ended the night with a superb set, a mixture of dub-step, electronic and rock music. With great vocals by Natt Webb and Sam Gomm, the four lads rocked the night away. A brilliant band to top off an awesome night.
Unsigned live music event in Derby: Words and photographs by Adam Humphreys
ONES TO WATCH: 7 unsigned bands to watch out for in Derby!
UM Rep for Derby, Adam Humphreys, gives us the lowdown on seven unsigned bands to watch out for in Derby…
The Struts
A four piece rock band whose style mixes eighties with indie-rock sounds. Their influences range from The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Queen to modern day acts such as Kaiser Chiefs and Oasis. Lead singer, Luke Spiller, has a panache similar to Mick Jagger and Steve Taylor. The Struts are definitely a band worth seeing, the charisma from the lead man is guaranteed to get the crowd moving in no time!
Micro Jupiter
Micro Jupiter’s music is a mix of edgy rock/pop, dubstep and electronic beat with an unique edge. These four guys make up a band guaranteed to grab the audience’s full attention with the powerful vocals of lead singer Sam Gomm, additional backing vocals by Nat Webb and Jamie Thompson and fully charged guitar riffs. Micro Jupiter are a total stunner of a band!
Courtesan
Courtesan are a three piece rock, new wave and indie act who take influence from bands such as Radiohead, Funeral for a Friend, Placebo and Nirvana. These guys definitely know their rock and indie and can really get a crowd going. Great guitar riffs and superb vocals from the front man John Phodgson.
Whitemoor
A five piece whose style is alternative and indie with a small serving of pop. The lead singer Benny can really hold a note and both the bass and guitar players, Barrington and Luke, demonstrate superb guitar riffs. Whitemoor know how to please the crowd moshing!
Crushing Blows
This Derby duo have the ability to create a massive, upbeat sound. Frontman Chris Jones simultaneously masters plucking great riffs with manic movements. Great rock music and a good beat from the drummer and hurricane man himself, Hurricane Andrew. Even the vocals are energetic!
The Fontana Instincts
Fantastic five piece group with a touch of Muse influence to their music. Great vocals from the lead singer Tom Campbell and Magdalena Komorowska, also adding some great guitar riffs this is one band that you won’t be disappointed by. A must-see in Derby.
Sidewinderz
A four piece group from Derby that combine both punk and indie sounds in their music with an energetic edge. Along with their vocalist Joe Pierce, they have the ability to entertain a crowd with their sounds whilst keeping them in the mood.
Our UM Rep for Derby, Adam Humphreys, shares the best muso hot spots in Derby!
The Victoria Inn a.k.a The Vic; situated just opposite the train station, just on the cusp of the town centre. Many known bands have played there during their early years and the locals and visitors definitely enjoy going for a taste of both local and main-stream bands such as Kasabian, Snow Patrol, Biffy Clyro and The Subways to name a few.
The Waterfall; situated literally opposite the road from The Vic, has also played host to some gigs and band such as Lost Alone and Crushing Blows have played there in the past
The Assembly; this venue is within the town itself just opposite the road from the Guildhall Theatre has been the location for many well-know acts in both comedy such as Frankie Boyle and Ed Bryne and musicians such as Joan Armatrading and Kate Rusby to name but a few have also played there.
The Shakespeare; located on Sadler Gate St plays host to many music nights ranging from reggae to dub step and rock. Many local bands have played here.
Ryan’s bar; you can find Ryan's bar on Peter’s St. Hold’s open-mic nights every Wednesday and Sunday and houses acoustic, rock and pop musicians. James Morrison was discovered playing here.
The Venue; plays host to many music nights ranging from know artists such as Ash to up-and-coming musicians such as Hilda-may and even local bands courtesy of weekly music nights held by promoters Radar Love. Max Raptor has played here.
Written by Adam Humphreys
Derby UM Rep
Go to our website for more Unsigned Muso articles www.unsignedmuso.co.uk
Our Brighton UM rep, Kaye Inglis, went to see Brighton unsigned band Yourgardenday at The Live Music Zooberon 1st Birthday in July 2012. Here is what she had to say:
Robin Coward, the man behind the music of Brighton’s yourgardenday, played an integral part in the launch of the Live Music Zooberon - one of the city’s most successful independent live music nights. This was a fact that organiser Mark Stack was quick to point out at the night's first birthday party in July.
yourgardenday has been around in some form or another for several years. After playing at Glastonbury in 2010, a brief hiatus ensued, before Robin met drummer and talented vocalist Peter Rowley at one of the open mic nights he hosts in the city. The present incarnation was born soon afterwards.
The music is optimistic, positive and hauntingly beautiful; cleverly catchy chord combinations crafted by a man who clearly thinks in music combine with intelligent and thought-provoking lyrics. The addition of Peter’s drumming has given the music a whole new dimension.
Their opening song ‘Something in the Music’ is a firm favourite among fans, an instant earworm that suggests music is in some way imbued with a magical or drug-like quality – certainly the case with this song. This is just one example of the cleverness that goes into these songs.
There were a couple of issues with sound, and disappointingly we weren’t treated to the exquisite harmonies the duo have performed at other recent gigs, but the quality, strength and skill of Robin’s voice are quite exceptional.
The only real disappointment of the evening was the high banister around the stage area, making it impossible to see Robin's intricate piano finger work up close.
Nevertheless, the pair put on a good show. Last One Falling Over, their second song, is a long number that never gets boring and features a great drum and piano-solo. It's a great song but they made the right decision in moving this from being the show opener. That and the quirky Picture Every Point that followed can both be heard online.
This was followed by an older number, the haunting The Feel, before one of the most recent songs, another bouncy piece called Spring Is Springing. In this Robin shows off his exceptional voice.
They rounded off their set with ‘Lover, Do You Mind?’ – another more recent addition with rolling chords that recreate the sounds of waves crashing against the shore.
There are many themes that run through yourgardenday songs – spirituality, sexuality, a genuine love for and slightly bemused wonderment at the world being just a few. The music is at times punky, at times poppy and at times music-hall with a huge range of influences including everyone from Elliott Smith to the Muppets.
Brighton is awash with a great many talented bands and artists; yourgardenday is one you should definitely keep an eye on.
In the next issue of UM we catch up with Alex Baker from Kerrang! Radio - Here's a sneak preview of one of his tips:
"Too many bands try and sound like their favourite bands, originality comes from just doing what you want to do because you want to do it and not worrying about whether it’s fashionable or the sound of the moment. Bands like Enter Shikari started out because they loved Trance and they loved Metal. You have to do what’s true to you - if you don’t believe in your music, no one else will."
Issue 2 will be available from mid July - more details on how to get your copy soon! In the meantime limited copies of Issue 1 are still available, email [email protected] with subject 'subscribe' and your postal address for your FREE copy now!
Have you got your copy of Unsigned Muso Magazine yet? We are offering the first 10 people to email [email protected] with their full address and 'Subscribe' in the subject a copy of Issue 1 posted directly to them for FREE! In Issue one we have an interview with Aled from Kids In Glass Houses, a feature on Birdy and her rise to success and an exclusive feature written by Barney fromSonic Boom Six giving advice to bands plus much more!
Don't spend your life worrying about getting signed. I know it's everyone's dream to get signed, but a lot of bands these days seem to overlook the fun part and treat it too much like a career option. It's more and more common for bands to record and make videos before they've even played shows. I can always tell who those bands are as soon as I watch them play.
Aled from Kids in Glass Houses. A sneak preview from our interview with Aled in our first issue of Unsigned Muso Magazine coming soon!
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