Novellas - Debut singles released this week

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Novellas are a three piece that blend dramatic, guitar driven songs with cinematic ambience. Focusing on pop sensibility and with one goal – to create songs that sound huge. This week sees the release of their double A-Side of debut singles, recorded at Brighton Electric (The Cure, Royal Blood, Foals).

Having been played on BBC introducing: The South, this Portsmouth-based band are rising fast since their live debut in April last year. We caught their set at Portsmouth's Wedgedwood Rooms a few months ago and sure we will be seeing more of them this year. 

A great band ethic of "played with raw emotion and our art worn proudly on our sleeves" you can check out the singles here:

Novellas are a three piece that blend dramatic, guitar driven songs with cinematic ambience. Focusing on pop sensibility and with one goal – To create songs that sound huge. Influenced by alternative guitar music from the mid-sixties onwards they draw from Experimental Rock, Dream pop, and Indie. Making their live debut in April 2015 they spent their first 8 months averaging a gig every 9 days and playing as many cities as they could. This time also saw them appear in magazines, and make their radio and festival debuts. They released a video for ‘FOOLISH’ filmed live during their set in June 2015 which hit 3,000 views in two days. December 2015 saw them at Brighton Electric studios (The Cure, Royal Blood, Nick Cave) to record two debut singles which are set for release in early 2016. They have nothing to hide - Just three boys and one huge sound. Played with raw emotion and their art worn proudly on their sleeves. novellasband@hotmail.com

GALLERY / VIDEO - Divorcee / Mister Lizard / Joythief / Scared Of Everything

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MRB Design brought another mixed bag of sweets to Southsea's favorite Edge of The Wedge this Monday in the form of four distortion-based bands ... check out our galleries below!

THE DIVORCÉE
Portsmouth based weird / loud / chaotic / fun / couldtakeitmoreseriously / mathcore widdles, woo's, waah's and woes.
https://www.facebook.com/TheDivorcee
https://thedivorcee.bandcamp.com

MISTER LIZARD
London based heavy / spazz / weird / fun / loud / ooohwhatsthatsmellcore
Lots of bends, widdles and "Yaaaay".
https://www.facebook.com/misterlizardnoise
https://misterlizard.bandcamp.com

JOYTHIEF
Portsmouth based, straight up, balls to the wall "fuck you" Grindcore.
https://www.facebook.com/Joythiefuk
https://joythiefuk.bandcamp.com


SCARED OF EVERYTHING
Portsmouth based beautiful / intense / skramz / skrim / screamo / nothinglike'underoath', moreliketraditionalscreamo
Lots of deep-shooting words and twinkle-to-crash guitar riffs.
https://www.facebook.com/scaredofeverything
https://scaredofeverything.bandcamp.com

DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 36 MORE BANDS

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DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES

36 MORE BANDS

 

JANE’S ADDICTION, NOFX, SIXX:A.M., BURY TOMORROW,

PERIPHERY, ALIEN ANT FARM, AMON AMARTH AND MORE

 

MAIN STAGE NAMED ‘THE LEMMY STAGE’ IN HONOUR OF

LEMMY KILMISTER

 

Download Festival, the world’s premier rock and metal event, adds 36 new acts to an already meaty bill, including Jane’s Addiction, NOFX, Sixx:A.M., Alien Ant Farm and Amon Amarth. Download Festival takes place on 10-12 June 2016 in Donington Park. Tickets are on sale now; a special early bird ticket rate is available until 12 February.

Joining headliners Rammstein, Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden for three days of unmissable rock are the mighty Jane’s Addiction – Perry Farrell, Dave Navarro, Stephen Perkins and Chris Chaney – ready to bring their dizzying blend of funk-infused rock to Donington. The band are one of the most exciting and frenetic live acts in the game, fronted by the legendary Farrell whose spellbinding power onstage is sure to transfix the masses this summer.

Sadly Motörhead will no longer be performing at this year’s Download Festival, in honour of a true rock ‘n’ roll icon who inspired so many others on the bill, Lemmy Kilmister. This year, Download Festival’s Main Stage will be named ‘The Lemmy Stage’ in tribute to a much loved and missed legend. Download are working with Motörhead’s management on a tribute to the great man during the slot he would have performed on.

SoCal pioneers NOFX are coming to stir a hurricane-like frenzy with their politically charged punk with its tongue firmly in its cheek. Sixx:A.M., featuring former Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx, will inject their brand of old school-style, high-octane rock into the hallowed grounds of Donington.  Anti-Flag will bring a blast of white hot three-chord punk this summer. The band are about to tour the US with their new album, American Spring, and Download is currently their only UK show.

South coast metalcore mob Bury Tomorrow have been busy packing out increasingly large venues across the country over the past few years, installing themselves as one of the most exciting homegrown acts to emerge in the genre. Swaggering US rock gang Escape The Fate will come to rage with their energetic, visceral live shows that are the stuff of legend. Prepare for some nu mental antics when Cally foursome Alien Ant Farm takes to the stage at Donington. Their album ANThology featuring singles ‘Movies’ and their cover of Michael Jackson’s ‘Smooth Criminal’ turns 15 this year.

Next up, Amon Amarth; get ready to be at the mercy of these monolithic Swedish warriors whose fist-pounding take on Viking metal is not to be missed. Periphery are also confirmed and are one of the most revered acts in the progressive metal scene. Electric Wizard, the reigning kings of doom, return with their relentless, ritualistic blackness. Rightfully regarded as one of the heaviest bands in the world, expect some hefty, deep and crushing riffs that build, consume and destroy.

Monster Truck will provide an amped-up, modern take on good old fashioned bluesy rock. The Canadian rockers pack searing guitar riffs, intense vocals and just the right amount of vintage appeal. Graveyard have been capturing the hearts and minds of the rock world over the last few years, establishing themselves as one of the best live acts on the scene. The Swedish three-piece will also bring a blast of retro-cool to Donington.

Municipal Waste will lead the thrash metal party charge. The band plays with expert precision and intensity, embracing and feeding off the crowds’ constant chaos. Japanese phenomenon, One OK Rock have skyrocketed in popularity over the last few years. The enigmatic four-piece have been on tour with All Time Low and have just been announced to support Issues later this year. Nottingham’s Heck, formerly Baby Godzilla, will also bring the carnage to Donington.

Pop-punk upstarts Hill Valley High are ready to rock with their energetic and infectious party vibes; Turbowolf, renowned for their debaucherous live shows, will bring some of the chaos to Donington; Grand Magus are set for one hell of an exciting live show with bulldozer riffs and powerful vocals courtesy of frontman JB Christoffersson. Southern rockers Whiskey Myersprovide some straight up, booze swilling, highway-driving, great country music.

Cane Hill have been pounding the pavements since their inception a few years ago and will bring their fresh interpretation on nu metal. With a set list guaranteed to be full of huge moments, London rockers Zoax are also confirmed. Canadian three-piece Danko Jones will have crowds in the palm of their hands with a smart mix of hits, fan favourites and cuts from their latest album, Fire Music; and Shvpes, formerly Cytota, are ready for a lethal concoction of aggressive hardcore and hard-edged metal.

With a raucous mix of death and doom backed with atmospheric black metal, The King Is Blind will blow the lid off Download Festival. Buckle in for one full on live set of head bangers from these metal behemoths. Berlin trioKadavar have quickly become one of the most prominent acts in the European heavy underground, bringing retro, blues-fuelled psychedelic grooves to the masses at this year’s festival. As Lions, the new band from former Rise To Remain members Austin Dickinson, Will Homer and Conor O’Keefe, also join the bill.

Slaves (US), featuring the show-stopping vocals of Jonny Craig, will add drama and rock dynamism to the bill. Wage War will bring their heavy hitting sound, ready for an all-out energetic, circle pit inducing set, while Palisadesprovide their swirling concoction of hook-laden metal for the dance club masses.

Bristol crew Ashestoangels will add to their growing legions of fans with a hearty, gothic rock-tinged masterclass; London up and comers The Kennethswill perform some unapologetic, brash and bouncy punk, and indie-rockersMuncie Girls will make a splash with their unique injection of book-smart lyrics and streetwise musical sass.

Last but by no means least, Download also welcomes newcomers Reigning Days, who have hit their thunderous musical stride with latest single ‘Friendly Fires’, released last month. Brighton born quartet Black Peaks will pack a punch with their mix of hardcore and progressive rock. Strange Bones will bring unashamedly loud guitars and a real raw edge. The Blackpool trio are turning the heads of the rock scene off the back of their debut single, ‘Sick Of It All.’ Finally Transatlantic tech-heads Good Tiger will bring their fusion of metal, prog riffs and hardcore energy. 

Download Festival is the home of rock music and takes place on the sacred grounds of Donington Park, which have been associated with rock since the eighties. The festival attracts icons of rock and metal to its main stage, plus some of the best and hottest new acts in the world. AC/DC, KISS, Metallica, Aerosmith, Guns N’ Roses, Rage Against The Machine, Slipknot, Linkin Park and many more have all headlined its main stage.

Tickets for Download Festival are on sale now. A special early bird ticket rate is available until 12 February. For further information, please visitwww.downloadfestival.co.uk

Krista Papista - Interview

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Photo Credit BLØR

Photo Credit BLØR

We chatted to Krista Papista this week, an emerging artist whose self-coined “Sordid Pop” blends Electronica with a Punky Pop edge ... like a cross between the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Charli XCX with a Riot Grrrl attitude.

So you started your musical journey at 14 creating songs at home, what first turned you on to music in a big way?

Music and movies always used to blow my mind. They made more sense than reality to me, or reality made sense because of music and movies. I think I realized I wanted to just do music when I learned guitar chords as a teenager, after a few years I learned how to use electronic software programs which excited the f**k out of me ... and then finally I learned how to use cameras and editing programs in uni which made me realize I can illustrate my vision in both music and videographic terms.


You produce your music videos as well as writing music, would you say these are these thought provoking art pieces as a way of conveying your message? If so, what message would you like to get across?

Yes of course the aim is to provoke thoughts, stimulate certain emotions..there’s always room for several interpretations for each video and song..in some of the tracks I aim to awaken certain sensitivities in people, other tracks are pure reckless music fun, other tracks are to awaken certain repressed parts/thoughts of the brain..See the message differs from song to song, the visuals change in every video therefore the concept changes and the influence of it too..but I like to polish my music and videos with a sense of a mystery, a layer of vulnerability where people can take the song and video, make it their own and give their own meaning to it, I like doing that.

Who would you site as your musical influences ... your work seems to draw on a range of genres?

My taste in music, in food and in people is ridiculously broad. But some musicians and certain songs have taken a precious place in my heart and musical memory;
Chet Baker
Don Mclean
Erik Satie
Arleta – Bar to navagio
Manos Hazidakis
Kraftwerk
Serge Gainsbourg
Elvis
Maria Callas
Lou Reed
Groovezone – eisbaer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s91MBFwc4Bs
Andy Williams – Moon River
Johnee Mercer – Personality
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou4f8us7_GU
Tom Petty
The who
Sex Pistols
Bikini Kill
Hole
Nirvana
The Zombies
Scissor Sisters
Pet shop boys
You know I really love this new band called “Misun”
Manos Loizos
Haris Alexiou
Anna Vissi
GREEK POP MUSIC
Yazoo – Only you
Erasure

How about your creative process, what really inspires you to create particular songs? Are your songs sometimes autobiographical or social comment?

Sometimes I’ll be out and I get a melody stuck in my head, I kind of know if it’s a good one or a shit one..I record it on my phone..then I go home and play around on my keyboard with the melody, then I open my notebook and start composing the song..the process might take from 2 weeks to 2 years depends on what’s going on.. My songs are sometimes about what happened to me, sometimes I write about what happened to other people, sometimes I write about what I wish would have happened but most songs are just my enthusiasms.

Are you very image conscious? You have a great unique look. We think the strong elements that really have teeth blended with the stripped back piano in your new single “I Wish I Had Blue Eyes”really echo the Kinderwhore fashion associated with the whole Riot Grrl scene.

 Image conscious, yes of course I am aware of it if I’m into visuals..I appreciate a good sense of style, taste in clothes is a beautiful thing but it’s really not a big deal..Yes I obviously love the Riot Grrl scene..:)

If you had to pick out one female icon in music to celebrate who who it be and why?

Kathleen Hannah cause she did actually make a change. Watch the “The Punk Singer” documentary. Also Maria Callas, her music makes me cry, the way she sings.

What about the lads, is there a male icon in the music industry you would love to work with?

Of course; I’d love to work with Mike Handreas and Robert Alfons ... perhaps with both of the them on the same track. Also I would love to work with Pete Doherty, I don’t care what anyone says..I think his great.

How do you see the music scene generally in 2016. Is there anything you would change if you had a chance?

I think there’s a lot of exciting bands coming out right now..there’s something fresh happening in this post-internet music era..i think people don’t go out that much to gigs of up n’ coming bands as much as they used to..also there’s not much money involved in music anymore and I mean it would be great if everyone listened to more to Armenian music but who gives a shit

Where would you like to see yourself this time next year, any burning ambitions?

Yeah I want be happy.

Defeater announce 2016 UK tour

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Defeater, the US hardcore band announce March 2016 UK dates,

Birmingham O2 Academy 3, 14 March 2016
Glasgow Cottiers Theatre, 15 March 2016
Manchester Star & Garter, 16 March 2016
London Scala, 17 March 2016

If you can't wait 'till then there's a 7'' out now featuring "Still & True" and "Let Me Down"; previously only available as the digital bonus tracks from their last record.

Fickle Friends Announce UK Headline Tour

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Brighton 5 piece Fickle Friends have announced a 28 date UK headline tour off the back of their shimmering single ‘Say No More’. Already a favourite at the band’s live shows, the track is a feel-good anthem combining 80s-flavoured synths and a glorious fresh indie-pop sound. The tour will also give fans an opportunity to hear new music from their forthcoming debut album.
 
The band have been cutting their teeth the old fashioned way, with 2 years of solid touring, including sets at major festivals such as Bestival, BBC R1 Big Weekend and Secret Garden Party, not to mention a sold-out show at Dingwalls in London in November. All the long drives and late nights have paid off, forging Fickle Friends into a slick polished monster of a live band. This hard work also helped catch the attention of Polydor Records, who signed the band in January 2016.
 
Away from the stage the band has been whipping up a frenzy in the blogosphere and were the most written about unsigned artist of 2014 according to accumlator Hype Machine, and have even picked up over 5 million plays on Spotify across their debut singles - with 'Say No More’ even making it onto the BBC Radio 1 Introducing Playlist.

Fickle Friends are Natti Shiner, Sam Morris, Jack Harry, Christopher Hall and Jack Wilson; the band’s debut album is penciled in for late 2016.

We caught their set at Dials Festival last year where the then unsigned Fickle Friends impressed the crowd. 

Following the success of Dials Festival in 2015 the team behind it have announced a new series of music events for 2016 that will run instead of a multi-venue festival. The new Dials Days and Dials Nights promise more of the same exciting discoveries and the same friendly atmosphere that led to it being named Best Non-Camping Festival by ULX Music. Find out more on the link below:

http://www.wedgewood-rooms.co.uk/WhatsOn/LiveMusic/DIALS.aspx

FICKLE FRIENDS UK TOUR DATES
(Clean Cut Kid supports indicated by *)

02-Feb-16 Guildford Boileroom
03-Feb-16 Cardiff Moon Club
04-Feb-16 Bournemouth 60 MP
06-Feb-16 Bedford Esquires
07-Feb-16 Leicester Scholar *
08-Feb-16 Bristol Louisiana *
09-Feb-16 Chester Live Rooms *
11-Feb-16 Stourbridge River Room
16-Feb-16 Liverpool Studio 2
17-Feb-16 Reading Oakford Social *
19-Feb-16 Southampton Joiners *
20-Feb-16 Totnes Devon Arts Centre *
21-Feb-16 Colchester Arts Centre *
23-Feb-16 Norwich Waterfront *

24-Feb-16 Nottingham Bodega *
25-Feb-16 Manchester Sound Control *
26-Feb-16 Sheffield Lead Mill *
28-Feb-16 Newcastle Think Tank *
29-Feb-16 Edinburgh Electric Circus *
01-Mar-16 Aberdeen Tunnels
03-Mar-16 Glasgow King Tuts
04-Mar-16 Stockton Kubar
05-Mar-16 Lincoln Engine Shed
07-Mar-16 Hull Fruit *
08-Mar-16 Leeds Oporto *
09-Mar-16 Birmingham Rainbow
11-Mar-16 Aldershot Arts Centre
12-Mar-16 Brighton Patterns *

WEEZER - NEW ALBUM and NEW TOUR

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WEEZER have just announced their new self titled album will be out on April 1st - yep you heard that right ... pretty much sure it will get the nick name the white album.

Playing a few album release dates listed below and following up with a Summer US tour along with Panic At The Disco

March 30 - Brooklyn, NY @ Warsaw (SOLD OUT)
April 03 - Manchester, UK @ Academy One (on sale 1/22 at 9am GMT)
April 05 - London, UK @ O2 Brixton Academy (on sale 1/22 at 9am GMT)
April 08 - Amsterdam, NL @ Heineken Music Hall (on sale 1/18 at 10am CET)

LUCY ROSE - Live Review / Gallery with support from Flytes

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LUCY ROSE – WEDGEWOOD ROOMS, PORTSMOUTH, 15th November 2015, Review by KEITH (MR TEETHS):

The main support act this evening was due to be Mercury Music Prize nomination C Duncan, who unfortunately cancelled on the afternoon of the show due to losing his voice, this in turn meant the last minute addition of Lucy Rose’s keyboard player (under the moniker Swamp Mother) with Flyte being moved up a slot on the bill.

Much though industry awards can be considered controversial given they’re not chosen “by the people“ it was still a shame C Duncan had to pull out as the Mercury Music Prize has been largely successful in launching the careers of Dizzee Rascal, Elbow and Franz Ferdinand to name but a few.

 

It also meant that as a result of her early stage time I missed Swamp Mother and instead witnessed Flyte, who to be fair seemed to have a large following of their own and with tonight being a sell-out also had plenty of new fans to potentially win over with their middle of the road indie.

Their frontman interacted with the crowd, reminiscing on having played a battle of the bands at the Wedgewood rooms and although in that environment I may have enjoyed them a little more when it came to it ultimately Flyte were all a bit too bland for my liking.

 

When Lucy Rose took to the stage, I have to admit I still knew little about her – except for the fact that whilst she may well be tiny in stature, she had managed to sell out the Wedgewood Rooms, something that she too found very exciting and genuinely surprised at the turn out for the night.

Her popularity was soon understandable, for Lucy Rose is more than just another female singer songwriter, if she was to appear with just an acoustic guitar (which for one song in the encore she did) I feel her talents may be a little lost as having the full band really brought her songs to life.

Lucy Rose’s first album “Like I used to” was recorded in her parents’ house and soon reached top twenty in the UK album charts, it’s no wonder then that from her humble beginnings to being propelled into the mainstream Lucy appeared somewhat nervous about the reaction her new album “Work it Out” would receive, between songs she often reiterated how there were no expectations upon her first release and is now aware of the expectations for the second.

When it came to it though putting down her guitar and stepping behind keyboards for the more stripped back “Nebraska” showed there was definitely nothing to worry about, ok there was a little of the Saturday night curse with people talking but as soon as things picked up with more lively numbers such as “Koln” there was plenty of crowd interaction – from cheesy handclaps to Lucy Rose noticing a dance routine near the front of the crowd, everyone appeared in good spirits and as the encore came to a close after a mammoth 18 track set-list it was no wonder the Wedgewood Rooms was the place to be on such a wet and windy evening.