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FESTIVAL NEWS: Let’s Rock announce 2023 Line-Ups – The UK’s Biggest Retro Festival Series

By
LSF Staff Writers
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A celebration of all things pop and ‘80s, Let’s Rock offers gloriously unpretentious non-stop fun, with legendary musicians performing hit after hit to a crowd of all ages, many of whom come dressed in their finest ‘80s fashion. Each of the one-day festivals, which happen all over the UK from May until September, features two headline acts plus a host of stars from the era when pop ruled the world.

In a line-up packed with iconic artists, Let’s Rock 2023 headliners include Soft Cell – who will be making their Let’s Rock debut – The Human League, Bananarama, OMD and Wet Wet Wet plus very special guests The Boomtown Rats. Other performers across the seven festivals announced today include Tony Hadley, Kim Wilde, Heaven 17, Midge Ure, Nik Kershaw, Soul II Soul, Go West, Neville Staple, The Beat, The Undertones, The Farm, Heatwave, Five Star, T’Pau, Roland Gift and many, many more.

Electronic music pioneers Marc Almond & Dave Ball aka Soft Cell have sold over 10million albums worldwide and enjoyed twelve UK Top 40 hits in the early ‘80s, including their mega global No.1 smash “Tainted Love” plus further Top 5 singles “Bedsitter”, “Say Hello, Wave Goodbye” and “Torch.” The duo reformed in 2018 to play a stunning sold-out reunion show at London’s 02 and this year released their first album of new material in two decades, the critically acclaimed ‘*Happiness Not Included.’ The past twelve months have also seen Soft Cell tour their legendary 1981 debut album ‘Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret,’ playing it in full for the very first time. Soft Cell’s debut Let’s Rock summer 2023 headline shows will be their first outdoor festival shows since 2003.

Let’s Rock works with many charities including official charity partner Child Bereavement UK, who support families and educate professionals when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a family is facing bereavement. Since partnering with UK Live in 2014, Child Bereavement have managed to raise over £800,000 at the Lets Rock festivals, an amazing accomplishment.

LET’S ROCK FESTIVAL SERIES 2023*

MAY 20 – LET’S ROCK THE MOOR

MARSH MEADOW, COOKHAM, BERKS

OMD, THE BOOMTOWN RATS + KIM WILDE, SOUL II SOUL, NIK KERSHAW, THE FARM,
T’PAU, ROLAND GIFT, HUE & CRY, DOCTOR AND THE MEDICS + MANY MORE
Tickets: https://letsrockthemoor.com/

JUNE 17 – LET’S ROCK LEEDS

TEMPLE NEWSAM, LEEDS

SOFT CELL, OMD + TONY HADLEY, THE REAL THING, THE FARM, MIDGE URE, HEATWAVE, SLIM JIM PHANTOM (STRAY CATS), ROLAND GIFT, HUE & CRY + MANY MORE
Tickets: https://letsrockleeds.com/

JUNE 24 – LET’S ROCK SCOTLAND

DALKEITH COUNTRY PARK, MIDLOTHIAN

THE HUMAN LEAGUE, WET WET WET + TONY HADLEY, THE BEAT, THE FARM, MIDGE URE, SLIM JIM PHANTOM (STRAY CATS), ROLAND GIFT, HUE & CRY + MANY MORE
Tickets: https://letsrockscotland.com/

JULY 1 – LET’S ROCK EXETER

POWDERHAM CASTLE, KENTON, EXETER

SOFT CELL, BANANARAMA + TONY HADLEY, MIDGE URE, THE UNDERTONES, THE BEAT, THE FARM, GO WEST, ROLAND GIFT, SINITTA + MANY MORE
Tickets: https://letsrockexeter.com

JULY 8 – LET’S ROCK SOUTHAMPTON

SOUTHAMPTON COMMON, SOUTHAMPTON

SOFT CELL, THE BOOMTOWN RATS + KIM WILDE, SLIM JIM PHANTOM (STRAY CATS),
NEVILLE STAPLE, HEAVEN 17, THE FARM, GO WEST, HEATWAVE, SINITTA + MANY MORE
Tickets: https://letsrocksouthampton.com/

JULY 15 – LET’S ROCK SHREWSBURY

THE QUARRY, SHREWSBURY

SOFT CELL, THE BOOMTOWN RATS, MIDGE URE, HEAVEN 17, THE UNDERTONES,
NEVILLE STAPLE, T’PAU, HUE & CRY, CHINA CRISIS, FIVE STAR + MANY MORE
Tickets: https://letsrockshrewsbury.com/

AUGUST 5 – LET’S ROCK NORTHERN IRELAND

WARD PARK, BANGOR

SOFT CELL, THE BOOMTOWN RATS + KIM WILDE, MIDGE URE, THE UNDERTONES,
ROLAND GIFT, SINITTA, HUE & CRY + MANY MORE
Tickets: https://letsrocknorthernireland.com/

*MORE LET’S ROCK 2023 FESTIVALS TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

EP REVIEW: Daisy Dorothy – ‘Bloom’/’Alicanto’

By
Frank
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This is Wakefield songwriter Daisy Dorothy’s debut release; and it’s beguiling and captivating.

The two songs on the EP (look I know ‘we’ could have a discussion about whether a two track release is an EP or an AA Single release, but the info I was sent says EP) seem to hover around a sort of old style Americana/Country and folk sound.

‘Bloom’ immediately impresses with a vocal that is quietly full of emotion over a beautifully sparse guitar and string lifting timeless Country tinged sound. Gentle harmonies add a richness that doesn’t disturb the fragile sound but rather adds to the world weary feel. The words are right up front, and they are fascinating, words to savour. In a way it reminds me of The Cowboy Junkies – one of my favourites from way back when – in the way it’s intimate.

And now to ‘Alicanto’. I had to look up whether Alicanto meant anything, and found it was the name of a mythical nocturnal bird (more info here). How, whether the song is directly about the bird or is using the bird in an allegory is up to the listener. I lean to the latter. These are words to ponder over.

The sound on this is slightly more up tempo and adds what I swear is a pedal steel into the mix. It retains that Country feel but it has some Folk in there. What runs through the music is the feel of wind or perhaps flying. It feels more like a sound piece; an exploration of the feelings and atmosphere of the song. Lovely

This is an incredibly impressive debut release. Daisy Dorothy has a musical style all of her own. The songs are beautifully written and put together just right. Simply beautiful. I have a new Yorkshire singer/songwriter to add to my favourites list.

The EP is also available as a limited edition cassette from Chalkpit Cassette Club – order via Bandcamp.

The info

In 2021, Daisy completed #YoungTeam, an education programme run by Wakefield’s acclaimed multi venue festival, Long Division. Working closely with the team, Daisy was mentored by music industry professionals, able to work alongside other young musicians and given opportunities to support her own music. Now a Young Team graduate, Daisy has gone on to play festivals and numerous gigs around Yorkshire as well as being a budding photographer.

Since early July, Daisy has been working closely with producers Rob Slater (Yard Act, Crake) and Jamie Lockhart (The Cribs, Post War Glamour Girls) at Greenmount Studios.
#YoungTeam is an educational project created by Long Division and funded by Wakefield Community Foundation. They work with young people from Wakefield postcodes to deliver a Silver Level Arts Award – equivalent level to GCSE. The qualification focuses on developing young people’s creative and leadership skills with a DIY ethos, from which Long Division and Long Division Festival were formed.

FESTIVAL NEWS: Buy your ticket to the 30th Marsden Jazz Festival and help secure its future

By
LSF Staff Writers
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Emma Rawicz

One of the longest-running jazz festivals in the UK needs your support to bring word class live music to rural Yorkshire and ensure its survival.

Marsden Jazz Festival returns for its 30th year on 6th-9th October 2022 with an electrifying lineup of award-winning, international acts, including Gary Crosby, Emma Rawicz, Arun Ghosh, Ruby Wood and Robert Mitchell.

This year, Marsden Jazz Festival is self-funded through ticket sales for the first time in its 30-year history, following an unexpected change in how the festival is funded. Without subsidy, the support of local residents, fans of the festival and travelling jazz-enthusiasts is more important than ever.

To ensure Marsden Jazz Festival 2022’s success and safeguard the celebrated festival’s future into its fourth decade, festival organisers are urging audiences to buy a Full Festival or a Day Pass to show their love and support and experience some incredible live music.

Barney Stevenson, the artistic director says: “You can make a big difference in the future of Marsden Jazz Festival in 2023 and beyond by investing in tickets this year. We are confident that you will enjoy our superb programme of nine gigs in St Bartholomew’s Church. Our tickets are incredible value — advance purchase Full Weekend Passes cost just £9.44 per gig, under 30s go half-price, and if you’re under 17, you pay just £1 per day – and your purchase will have an impact that lasts beyond this festival.”

The heart of Marsden Jazz Festival is the spacious and acoustically stunning St Bartholomew’s Church, which is being transformed into a world-class venue with a specially built stage and bar facilities. Alongside St Bartholomew’s, there’ll also be the global culinary adventure that is Street Food Alley, and the Market in the Park, a short walk away, and will tempt audiences with food and gifts in between the stellar music.

Over half the available Festival Passes have already been snapped up by eager music fans who want to invest in the future of Marsden Jazz Festival. With less than 2 weeks until the music starts, people who want to see Marsden continue to be a global centre for live jazz are advised not to leave it to the last minute.

Buy tickets and browse the festival programme at www.marsdenjazzfestival.com

SINGLE REVIEW: The Battery Farm – ‘Wooden Spoon Number’

By
Frank
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It’s a while since I’ve reviewed anything from The Battery Farm. Now they describe themselves as Gutter Punks but don’t let that constrain your musical imagination; they are apt to go left field, surprise. In evidence I present ‘Wooden Spoon Number’ a song which sounds like mutant Kraut Rock/Post-Punk.

There are hypnotic sparse drums and bass, big expansive choruses. And sections of pure lovely noise. There are what I can only describe as squelching sounds. It musically intrigues and excites with the odd sounds and the sinuous rhythmic pulse. It is both beautiful and harsh, both jarring and beaty as hell. It shouldn’t be this earwormy but it is. And, as if you need telling, it’s way way danceable.

The band offer this explanation for the song ‘It is a song about the rich inner life of the wooden spoon, and how when it feels pushed to it, that rich inner life can take on a murderous bent. Or is it about something else entirely?’ Not the first time I’ve seen a song explanation that’s as confusing as the song itself, but it’s the best by a long way. This is a song that reveals itself by repeated listening; a process I have yet to finish.

It is hard to make a song that sits on just the right side of strange, that has just the right amount of weird. Too much and it begins to slide into novelty. The Battery Farm have kept this track on the right side.

This is a bloody fantastic release, straight out of the left-field, injecting itself into your head where it will sit forever.

The info

‘Wooden Spoon Number’ is the 2nd single from our forthcoming debut album FLIES – itself out 18th November on Rare Vitamin Records.

The Battery Farm are a Gutter Punk four-piece from Manchester playing punishing, pulverising rock music brimming with pain and passion. They were formed in March 2019 by brothers Ben and Dominic Corry. It was formed as a cry of despair; a terrified and furious response to a world that rapidly seems to be going wrong. This is reflected in the sound of the band, which is frantic, visceral and violent but also laced with beauty and melody. Our sound has been compared to bands like PIL, Fugazi and Pere Ubu while maintaining something thrillingly real, original and human. They write about ourselves and the world they see around them with guttural honesty and searing compassion.

SINGLE REVIEW: Pop Vulture – ‘C.M.E.’

By
Frank
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Pop Vulture are taking a wandering musical path through all kinds of good things – kraut rock, new wave, noise rock, post-punk – and with ‘C.M.E.’ have rested for a time on that New York post-punk vibe, you know that No Wave thing. I know that’s a little vague, so to be more precise it’s a Talking Heads at least you may get that initially but there’s something – a big something – of a James Chance and The Contortions feel going on here; without the saxophone but with the funk and groove.

So yes, this is a track you can dance to, and for me to dance in a way I haven’t for quite some time. This seems to be what the band had in mind – Luc Gibbons (Drums and Vox) says ‘Put on your dancing shoes and two-step away the mundanity of modern living, the pressure to succeed and the people who say it’s easy to’.

This is all stabbing guitar over a bass line that thrills, sparse drums, and a vocal that is declared rather than sung. Bursts of percussion punctuate the track. It’s a driven urgent sound that’s going to excite you and cause compulsive dancing.

The song is a meditation on success and a satire on self help. The lyrics come with a feel of interprovisation that matches the music.

Look Pop Vulture get better and better with each release, and you never quite know where they are going musically. But this is all part of the thrill. This release ticks all the right boxes – topic that’s of now, musically it’s an absolute joy, and it’s just what we need right nowm something you can dance to. This is a must listen.

‘C.M.E.’ is the first single from ‘Pop Vulture 2019-2022’, a collection of works, past and present, spanning the rock, the roll and everything in between. It’s a physical representation of Pop Vulture’s journey so far.

Pop Vulture 2019 – 2022 will be available on limited edition green glittery tape from October 14th 2022 via Come Play With Me in collaboration with Chalkpit Cassette Club. Available for pre-order now.

SINGLE REVIEW: Del Scott Miller – ‘She Who May Never’

By
Frank
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0

Another beautiful release from Del. He can do things with words, voice and guitar that on the one level impress with sheer technical skill and on the other, and more importantly, weave those things into something that moves you emotionally.

The guitar here is gentle and subtle. So sparse is the sound that the space in the music is so much bigger than sound. But each of those plucked notes is so carefully chosen to tell the emotions and story of the song. And over this Del sings the words simply; this is no fireworks laden vocal. But it’s just what the song needs. Musically this is truly beautiful.

Del’s songs are always about something and I’m fortunate to have been given a clue to help me at least start to understand it. The key is that ‘The ‘She’ of the song is the personification of lost time, potential and opportunities’. I’m not saying this is going to magically unlock the song, but it gives us a starting point, iit lifts the corner of the veil.

This is a song that can be enjoyed as a beautiful musical experience or a song to appreciate, to think about. Or better yet both. Simply put, this is gorgeous.

SINGLE REVIEW: Midland Railway – ‘She Loves Ted Bundy’

By
Frank
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Look, I know that you all have a question about this single, and I’m going to answer that question right now so we can get it out of the way. The band explain ‘the song was inspired by frontman Nick’s girlfriend Lizzie, and her insane obsession with serial killer Ted Bundy. Though Lizzie initially protested that the song made her sound “mental”, it quickly became clear that many, many other women are also unhealthily obsessed with Ted Bundy, which Lizzie found very comforting’.

So it’s that kind of obsession with true life crime, and I did manage to find one article, from Vogue no less, that attempts to explain woman’s interest in it – ‘This might be the reason why women are obsessed with true crime stories’. Whether you agree that ‘many, many other women are unhealthily obsessed’ with true life murder in general, or Ted Bundy in particular. It’s more arresting than the inspiration for most songs, isn’t it.

There’s also the fact that there’s a long history of songs inspired by killers – ‘Gary Gilmore’s Eyes’ by The Adverts for example. There’s this page of songs inspired by serial killers – List of songs about or referencing serial killers  should you be inclined to check it out. So this is carrying on a musical tradition.

Now we’ve got that out of the way. What does this track sound like? Well it’s a pop-punk dance-along, singalong (although you may feel a bit uncomfortable with the words) bundle of fun with a tune that’s so catchy it should come with a health warning. Honestly, it is. I say pop-punk but it comes with a hefty dose of punky New Wave – there’s a bit that reminds me of The Vapors’s ‘Turning Japanese’ and a dash of B-52s. And it’s DIY enough to add that touch of wonderful chaotic joy. All kinds of gorgeous things I’m sure you’ll agree.

Bloody hell, people, this is wonderful.

The info

Having met each other through a combination of gigs around Manchester University, Magic The Gathering Tournaments, and the LTA Local Tennis Leagues, Midland Railway have developed their unique brand of melodic nerd-rock that combines Weezer-inspired guitar sounds with some Bright Eyes-inspired misery, Magnetic Fields-esq dark humour, and some extremely specific references to the band’s interests, hobbies, and experiences, leading to songs about topics such as Pokémon, online football management, and serial killers. Midland Railway are Nick (vocals + guitar), Sarah (bass + vocals, and Dan (lead guitar). All the best bands are named after railway companies, and Midland Railway are on track to join this exclusive club.

CONCERT NEWS: Halifax Choral Society to present Bach’s Mass in B Minor with the 18th Century Sinfonia – Victoria Theatre, Halifax – 30th October 2022

By
LSF Staff Writers
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The Halifax Choral Society and 18th Century Sinfonia will be presenting J S Bach: Mass in B Minor at the Victoria Theatre Halifax on Sunday 30th October at 6:30pm.

The Mass in B Minor is a monumental work and the consecration of a whole life. It is a choral masterpiece that is a synthesis of every stylistic and technical contribution the Cantor of Leipzig made to music. This gala autumn performance will be conducted by Philip Collin: Artistic Director and Conductor of Halifax Choral Society and will feature world class soloists: Soprano Zoë Brookshaw, Alto Kate Symonds-Joy, Tenor Alastair Brookshaw and Bass Frederick Long.

One of the Baroque period’s most celebrated choral masterpieces, and indeed of all classical music, Mass in B Minor (1733–38) was JS Bach’s last major work before he died. It was never intended to be performed as a whole within the liturgy, and its various movements date from different periods of Bach’s life. Bach actually never heard the Mass performed in its entirety and it wasn’t until 1859, more than a century after Bach died, that the entire work was performed as a whole piece.

This two-hour Baroque masterpiece consists of 27 movements, in 4 parts. It is a technically astounding and emotive piece that will have audiences reaching the highs of enchantment and the lows of melancholy, as the music lifts and descends on a melodic journey.

Due to its the complicated nature, Bach’s Mass in B Minor is rarely performed live and this performance in Halifax is the only opportunity to enjoy Bach’s last composition in the North of England this year, meaning that fans of classical and choral music are in for a real treat.

Tickets for this show are available from £12. Purchase tickets online, www.victoriatheatre.co.uk, or by calling the Box Office on 01422 351158

VIDEO SINGLE NEWS: West Yorkshire guitarist Michael Alan drops video for ‘Thank You’

By
LSF Staff Writers
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West Yorkshire guitarist Michael Alan delivers news of his video release for the melodically charged rock guitar ballad ‘Thank You’. Taken from his forthcoming and unashamedly instrumental debut album ‘Calling’ – the track ascends from its classical guitar themed introduction into heavier melodic rock adventures. Soaring anthemic melodies and emotive hook lines, re-occurring motifs and articulately arranged song dynamics all add to the flowing sense of drama and feeling encased in Michael’s latest and ‘stream only’ release.

Formerly releasing under the moniker of MK or Mike Kremastoules – the Leeds (UK) born and bred musician frequently draws stylistic comparisons to greats such as Gary Moore, Bill Nelson, Dave Gilmour, Joe Satriani and many more. After paying his dues as the lead guitarist in 80’s NWOBHM movement outfits Ded Ringer (Neat Records) and Streetfighter, Michael continued to maintain his presence on the British rock scene whilst embarking on a career as a professional actor. Artistically inspired during the pandemic lockdown of 2020, Michael produced a collection of guitar-driven instrumentals that reflected his deep love of classic rock, blues, metal and progressive rock. A diverse range of compositions shaped to have their own individual voice and unique character. This material has since evolved into the finely crafted works that all feature on his Calling album and co-produced with Dave Johnson (Spellsound Studios -UK).

Those already familiar with Michael’s work may have heard the retro hard rock fuelled ‘Run’ and the ballad- like single ‘Butterfly’. Two well received and contrasting offerings that garnered much support from independent press/radio stations across the UK and far beyond. These singles and his new release ‘Thank You’ – all provide an insight into a mature performer striving to create memorable and timeless melodies. His focus has never been to try and push the boundaries of modern guitar playing techniques. Michael Alan’s guitar is his ‘voice’ and his music aspires to express what words fail to say through sheer melody, tonality, dynamics and most of all – emotion.

The British artist (with proud Greek heritage) is now joined at live shows by fellow comrades Dave Johnson (Guitar), Lincoln J Roth (Bass) and Bob Pears (Drums). Official news announcements of his Calling debut album shall be arriving soon.

Connect with Michael Alan at:

www.facebook.com/michaelalanofficial
www.instagram.com/michaelalanofficial
www.tiktok.com/@michaelalan201
www.michaelalanofficial.com

FESTIVAL NEWS: Musicport is back!

By
Frank
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0

Billed as the ‘Musicport Club Weekend 2022’, audiences can expect an unforgettable weekend of international music, art and culture – a two-day celebration of artists and DJ’s across three indoor stages along with market stalls, a festival bazaar, children’s activities and workshops.

Local, national and international artists will perform across unique performance spaces including the ‘The Club Stage’, ‘The DJ Hub’, and the infamous Bob’s ‘BlundaBus’ – a stalwart at the Edinburgh Festival providing an intimate and unique venue.

The prestigious festival, founded by Jim and Sue McLaughlin back in 2000 has grown to be one of the best known and loved international festivals on the music calendar. Last year, Jim and Sue announced that they were to step back from the day to day running of the festival and are handing over the reins to local music industry professional Simon Williams.

Simon says: “We are very proud of the great line-up for the Musicport Club Weekend. Very much a gathering of friends, this year the event will be even more intimate and close up than ever with all of the best loved elements of the Musicport Festival, which will return in 2023. This year’s event will mix live acts and our wonderful resident DJs alongside workshops, comedy, and open mic sessions.”

Already confirmed to perform include South African band BCUC, top guitarist Justin Adams and gimbri player Mohamed Errebbaa, composer and multi-instrumentalist Luke Carver Goss, percussionist Gary Hammond, Bulgarian-born folk singer Eugenia Georgieva, York based band ‘Bull’ and ‘The Ukrainians’.

Musicport community outreach team will be providing music workshops to WHISH, Whitby Library and the Whitby Children’s Hub on Friday 21st October. On Sunday 23rd a fantastic children’s activity workshop will take place in the main hall, ‘The Big Sing’. Parents are welcome to attend for free for the duration of the workshop.

Early Bird Tickets are available until Friday September 23rd.

Dates

10am Saturday 22nd October 2022 – 19:00 Sunday 23rd October 2022

Venue

Whitby Pavilion,
West Cliff, Whitby YO21 3EN

Tickets

Eventbrite, link from Musicport website www.musicportfestival.com and https://musicportfestival2022.eventbrite.co.uk

By phone from Whitby Pavilion on 01947 824770

Musicport Ticket Answerphone: 01947 469 369

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