SINGLE REVIEW: Pretty Mafia – ‘Benny Blanco’

11 Jun 2021

Pretty Mafia (a band name I happen to think is very very cool) do indie rock, and in the case of ‘Benny Blanco’ gritty indie rock. It’s the tale of a modern-day gangster influenced by classic 90’s gangster epic screenplays.

Actually to describe this as indie rock is somewhat misleading, because what this actually sounds like is a cross between Oasis and a spaghetti western soundtrack. Yes it’s all twanging guitars, drawled vocals, that shuffle groove and clever chanted backing vox.

What makes this extra special is the guitar; the guitar is spectacular It would actually work instrumentally, it’s that good. But it’s not an instrumental – and that’s a fab thing because the words and the lead vocals are fab.

Add to this some clever drumming – an object lesson in less is more. A groove to die for, and you have something fucking brilliant. Something that’s fantastic musically and lyrically, and is done in a very unexpected way.

Get to it people!

The info

Pretty Mafia are a 4-piece indie rock band from Wakefield, West Yorkshire – that made waves with their introduction to the music scene at the start of lockdown in 2020, formerly known as Ascendo.

https://www.facebook.com/PrettyMafiaOfficial

EP REVIEW: Artio – ‘Shapeshifter: As Above’

Frank

8 Jun 2021

This is a terrifying good EP, it’s that simple. You probably knew it was going to be this fucking good if you’ve heard the two tracks already released – ‘Billionaire Nightmare’ and ’Your Name’. I hope you have, so it shouldn’t come as any surprise.

So for those of you that still need convincing (is there anyone out there who still needs convincing?) here goes.

Opening track ‘Billionaire Nightmare’ was our first hint of the new full-on Artio – hey this is what I said

‘they’ve let the brakes off here. Yes, there’s that big synth feel but it’s combined with something wilder, something that’s loud and out there, hard guitar. That feel reflects what the song is about, the band explain ‘Billionaire Nightmare is about using your uniqueness to derail a system that was designed to defeat you. It’s about being different, whether that means bending the rules of gender, fashion, beauty, masculinity, femininity, or sexuality. It’s about not fitting in, not feeding the men at the top who profit from insecurities, inequality, racism and cruelty. You don’t have to shapeshift to fit in anymore, because that’s what they want you to do. So be your own master, become their worst nightmare.’ Loud and raucous it may at times but the track doesn’t lose those moments of subtlety you expect from Artio, these clever touches of sounds that surprise, those layers of sounds that encourage you to dive deeper and deeper into the song. And over this wonderful sound Rae sings, she sings with a strength that amazes, a strength that says she means every word of those lyrics’

And the only thing I want to add – listening back to the track – is that damn this thing is powerful.

‘Teeth’ is one of the previously unreleased tracks. This is a track I want to submerge myself in. The thing that leads you into the depths of this song is the voice – the contrast in her voice between the loud sections and the quiet sections, the venom with which she delivers the lyrics. This is, and this is based on a mere 10 or 11 replays so I admit I might be wrong, about the end of a relationship, a bad relationship, and what she thinks of the other person. Not much is the summary, but it’s the detail in the words that’s the killer blow.

Musically it goes from dreamy electronica – in a stark contrast to the words Hol is singing; a fantastic move on the band’s part – to bombastic angry noise Noise that drives my large speakers into overdrive. Utter sonic joy.

Next up is another previously released track ‘Your Name?’ It does that quiet/loud building to an even louder thing. And no I’m not damning with faint praise because Artio always bring craft and feel to the party. The choice of sounds is clever, there is nuance in the loud crashing, there is a pop edge to the quiet bits that soothes the soul, a calm before the storm. And there is the most fabulous spooky intro.

The other thing you expect with Artio is a song that has meaning, is about something. Your Name’ is the first track that queer front-woman Rae has written about being openly bisexual since coming out in 2020. It’s about momentarily falling in love with someone, knowing you may never see them again and justo the max.t wanting to know their name. It’s something we can all relate to. It’s 2½ minutes that are full of yearning, that drag you through the emotional mill, that put you in that situation completely.

The loud crashing sections bring to mind that feeling that hits you like a hammer. The quiet, the internal thoughts that run through at your head at breakneck speed.

Look, I have not the slightest idea what ‘Dracula’ is about. It might come to me with further listens. But while I’m doing that I have the track to enjoy. Musically it’s not quite as bombastic as some of the other tracks – I say this but on the other hand there are some rather wonderful dirty sounds in there; industrial synth in full flow.

But the kicker here is that the bombastic is replaced with a wonderful hint of pop sensibility – it seasons the loud bits, it charms to the max. So this makes the task of trying to work out what the song is actually about something to look forward to.

The closing track ‘BluBlud’ is another song that oozes light and shade – the contrast between the oh so smooth big synth pop sections – filled with those clever sounds that Artio chose so well – and the louder ‘let loose’ sections is enough to drive you into sonic ecstasy. And the point at which it just explodes, utter joy.

Artio just seem to get better and better. This is very much a new Artio but you can still hear the old Artio in there. It’s not a change in direction but a progression. They seem to be a band that wants to take as far as they can, and probably beyond. And while in the past you may have danced your ass off to them; now’s the time to mosh.

But in all the loudness there’s a cleverness, the nuance of sound is still there; and it’s this what makes them so bloody good. This EP is yet another pinnacle in their journey; and it’s bound not to be their last.

FESTIVAL NEWS: Beyond The Woods Festival announce full line-up for 2021

LSF Staff Writers

7 Jun 2021

Beyond The Woods Festival returns to Stourton Woods, Lincs from Friday 6th – Sunday 8th August 2021 for an essential weekend of new music talent. Teaming up with tastemaker & radio presenter Abbie McCarthy for a Good Karma Club takeover on Friday night, the festival can finally announce their full lineup for 2021. A wave of exciting talent including folk favourites The Staves and Flyte, viral indie-pop sensations DECO, and rising stars APRE, Bull, CJ Pandit, Emily Pilbeam, Faers, JJ Draper, Mona Vale, Project Hilts, Rebekah Fitch, Sad Boys Club, The Rills, Lottery Winners, The Activators and VISTAS.

Playing across Beyond the Woods’ five stages, they join a bill boasting headline sets from Alfie Templeman, joesef, Baby Queen, Luz and Master Peace – announced earlier this year.

Speaking about the festival, Abbie McCarthy said “Bring on Beyond The Woods festival this summer! I’ve managed to get 5 of my favourite new acts on one stage in Alfie Templeman, Joesef, Baby Queen, Luz & Master Peace – this is going to be one HUGE party!”

Abbie has been hosting her sold out Good Karma Club nights in intimate London venues for a number of years with the event quickly becoming known as one of the best places to catch rising stars, having hosted the likes of Tom Grennan, The Amazons, Pale Waves and many more.

2021 will also see Beyond The Woods continue their support for rising local talent. Teaming up with BBC Introducing in Lincolnshire and Access Creative College, the festival adds an early stepping stone for acts and students in the area hoping to make it onto one of BBC Introducing’s national stages – a combination that has proven success with the likes of Holly Humberstone appearing at Beyond The Woods early in her career thanks to the local BBC team.

The local lineup for 2021, announced today will see emerging Lincolnshire artists Ben Simmons, Burridge, Ell Ivy, Duccbod, Indigo Bay, Jaz Beeson, Jazz Lingard, Jimmy Harvey, Kings & Bears. Marshall, Pylons, Vigilantes and Who’s Misty join Beyond the Woods 2021.

BEYOND THE WOODS FESTIVAL 2021 – FULL LINEUP:

Alfie Templeman // APRE // Baby Queen // Ben Simmons // Bull // Burridge // CJ Pandit // Deco // Duccbod // Ell Ivy // Emily Pilbeam // Faers // Indigo Bay // Jaz Beeson // Jazz Lingard // Jimmy Harvey // JJ Draper // Joesef // Kings & Bears // Lottery Winners // Luz // Marshall // Master Peace // Mona Vale // Olivia Dean // Project Hilts // Pylons // Rebekah Fitch // Sad Boys Club // The Activators // The Rills // The Staves // Vigilantes // Vistas // Who’s Misty

Tickets:

Early bird tickets for Beyond The Woods Festival 2021 have now sold out.

Phase 1 tickets are on sale now – pricing as follows:

Phase 1, Includes Camping, £60.50 inc. booking fee
Under 16, Includes Camping, £38.50 inc. booking fee
Under 12, Includes Camping, £27.50 inc. booking fee
Under 5s free (but still need to reserve a ticket)

Maximum of 20 tickets / Under 16s must be accompanied by an Adult 18+

Tickets are available from: https://beyondthewoods.co.uk

About Beyond The Woods Festival:

Beyond The Woods Festival is an independent event run by a group of friends and music lovers. Originally starting as JoeFest, an 18th birthday party in a back garden in Lincoln, the event has grown to become a fully licensed public event which has been based at Stourton Woods, Baumber, near Horncastle, Lincolnshire since 2017.

About Abbie McCarthy:

Abbie McCarthy is the go-to-girl for the best new music recommendations. Abbie currently presents BBC Music Introducing in Kent, a radio show that is greatly respected amongst members of the industry and music fans alike for its top music curation. Abbie has discovered and championed a vast array of great acts and is very popular with listeners because of her warm, fun presentational style and infectious sense of humour

Abbie is the mastermind behind Good Karma Club, a gig night championing the hottest new bands around. The sold out nights have also featured a fair few famous faces in the crowd over the years, including Alex Turner, Bastille & Catfish and the Bottlemen. The platform has provided early shows for the likes of Tom Grennan, The Amazons, Pale Waves and many more.

You can also catch Abbie on your TV screens, via 4Music & The Box Network, hosting Boxfresh, a show that shines a spotlight on the biggest new artists on the planet.

Aside from music, Abbie’s other passion is sport, which really shone through in her entertaining coverage of the Women’s World Cup for Chelsea Women’s FC’s socials. You’ll also find Abbie guesting frequently on BBC Two’s new football show, MOTDx, a fun, youth-focused spin-off of the legendary brand.

EP REVIEW: Charlotte Beatrice – ‘Reminisce’

Frank

5 Jun 2021

‘Reminisce’ is Charlotte’s debut EP and what an absolutely lovely thing it is. A set of songs that show the power of a song that is well written, sung and played.

She describes what she does as country-pop. I might have a level of disagreement with that because there’s a lot more to her songs than that. That’s the summary, let’s dive in.

The title track ‘Reminisce’ is country with a pop edge, or indeed pop with a country edge (you takes yer choice) but there is also a delightful sprinkling of bedroom-pop that dusts the whole song in a sparkling shimmering glow. It’s fun musically, musically it leaves you grinning and somewhat breathless from dancing wildly around the room. But there’s a bittersweet feel to the words as Charlotte tells the story of a break up at the age of 16. And those words are from the heart, there is a truth in them. That contrast between the music and the words is the key here, it makes this fabulous.

‘Wanna Make You Mine’ takes a very much country feel, but this is electric country. And let me tell you this song would be lovely if it did that all the way through, truly lovely. The icing on the cake is that after an atmospheric guitar break it evolves into being country rock. Mark my words this isn’t loud or heavy it’s just a rock feel; that reminds me of Fleetwood Mac in some ways.

The story of a long distance relationship ‘In My Dreams’ marks a return to that bedroom pop feel. Voice, acoustic guitar provide that ‘I’m singing in my bedroom feel’. But as I’ve come to expect there is always something special and in this case it’s an acoustic solo that is absolutely stunning.

‘Promise’ has a richer full band feel. It’s country rock – Charlotte in full voice, full on electric guitar. The passion in this song is incredible. This is one you just have to hear.

Before writing this review I thought long and hard about how soon in the review I might mention that Charlotte’s style comes from country because country can have, how do I put this, a certain set of assumptions about what that means musically. And Charlotte’s songs don’t fit into that set of assumptions; they are a wonderful mixture of things with a country feel that runs through them. It’s what makes these songs hang together musically.

The other thing that makes the songs work together is that Charlotte’s words are from the heart and have the ring of real life, of real experiences.

And of course we can’t not mention the wonderful playing and Charlotte’s voice which is fantastic. You can hear she just loves to sing.

I didn’t think I’d like these songs – even music reviewers make assumptions about things – but I’ve been won over; I ended up loving them. That’s the power of a song that is well written, sung and played. This is lovely.

The info

Growing up Wakefield, West Yorkshire, Charlotte Beatrice began her passion for music at the age of 9 where she performed in musical theatre productions at Amateur Dramatics Societies. She is now an accomplished professional singer and songwriter.. The EP contains songs she has written representing different aspects of her own life, added with her own country pop flair. Now studying at Leeds Conservatoire, Charlotte is looking forward to further releases as well as getting back to gigging after a long time away!

Charlotte’s philosophy is: Sometimes in life all you need in life is to take a deep breath… and just sing

SINGLE NEWS: COLE LC drops ‘Busy Tone’

LSF Staff Writers

3 Jun 2021

COLE LC has also announced his upcoming debut mixtape “Outside Looking in”, pre-order here.

Over the past 4 years COLE LC has steadily built himself a strong following in Leeds, from days spent busking and performing in local talent shows. Broadening his audience further with freestyles uploaded across social media, COLE LC quickly picked up recognition from fans for his effortless harmonies and his ability to switch to witty wordplay on raps.

Now ready to showcase his vocal delivery, range and rap ability, while fusing the worlds of R&B, rap and alternative pop across his own records.

Catch COLE performing across the UK on the following dates:

Aug 27-29th: READING & LEEDS FESTIVAL
Sep 11th: MANCHESTER – PARKLIFE FESTIVAL
Nov 19th: LEEDS – THE KEY CLUB
Nov 22nd: LONDON – COLORS

More About COLE LC

COLE LC has come a mighty long way — and he’s pulled it off in a staggeringly short space of time. With music piquing his interest at age 13, the young singer studied his craft and took singing lessons with local legend Cleve Freckleton. Busking around Leeds and uploading freestyles on social media quickly captured local attention.

Yorkshire-based YouTube channel First Media TV approaching COLE LC to perform as part of their Blue Room series, saw epic results. Swiftly booking him for a second performance, both videos quickly circulated far and wide. Fans of the freestyles flocking back to his Instagram account, to lap up the outpour of content from Cole. This demand and excitement steadily flowing outside of Leeds, it wasn’t long before the major labels started knocking at his door. A meeting with Columbia Records soon followed and, before long, the rest of the industry was sitting up and taking notice of the young artist merging soulful melodies with a rap and drill aesthetic.

Fusing the worlds of R&B, rap and alternative pop into a fluid, melodious sound, COLE LC’s influences and musical heroes are as eclectic as you might expect. Listing his biggest inspirations as Mike Skinner, Potter Payper, Mahalia, Lil Baby and Ed Sheeran. “I want to be unpredictable, but consistent,” he says, and it’s clear he’s working hard to learn as many lessons from his heroes as possible. He draws as much as he can from those figures, expressing his admiration for Lil Baby and Sheeran’s work-rate, Skinner’s presence on and off stage, and Mahalia’s humility, progression and lack of compromise.

EP NEWS: lostboy drop debut EP ‘Bad News’

LSF Staff Writers

3 Jun 2021

Sheffield indie-pop risers lostboy unveil their eagerly awaited debut EP ‘Bad News’ via Ditto Music, and share lead single, ‘Self(ish)’.

The ‘Bad News’ EP is an exploration of the stress and emotion endured by the band during the events of the past year and a half, and a tribute to the UK’s ability to carry on and call for change even in the toughest of times; as Max elaborates “The EP as a whole is an insight into the thoughts and feelings that were evoked in me during the national lockdowns. I wanted to write songs for everybody, songs that people could listen to and relate to. The ‘Bad News – EP’ just about sums up the shit show we’ve all endured this last year and a half; the songs credit our British ‘carry on’ attitudes, call out for change and touch on taboo topics many of us (myself included) have been reluctant to address.”

Themes of mental health come into play on lead single ‘Self(ish)’ – an intimate glimpse into the reality of real people’s real life problems, and Max’s way of putting a positive spin on an incredibly tough time experienced by one of those closest to him, as he explains “Self(ish) was inspired by a personal struggle my best friend, and bassist, shared with me. I wanted to make what was a negative experience for him into something positive and empowering for all of us, in the hope that sharing his experience might help others who have struggled with the same issues”.

The band have also just announced their partnership with CALM for the EP release, with all proceeds from the release being donated to the charity.

lostboy’s debut EP, ‘Bad News’ is out now via Ditto Music and available on all digital platforms.

ALBUM NEWS: Come Play With Me announce compilation ‘Side by Side’ – released 11th June

LSF Staff Writers

3 Jun 2021

Come Play With Me have announced their forthcoming compilation ‘Side by Side’: a callout to support women, marginalised genders and LGBTQ+ artists based in Leeds and further afield around the north of England. The album is the latest in a series of exciting releases from the much-respected Leeds label, following last year’s ‘Come Stay With Me’ compilation fundraising for local artists, and their ongoing 7” singles club series.

The album features a collection of 12 brand new diverse tracks from an exceptionally talented group of artists including emerging shoegaze/dreampop sensation Bored At My Grandma’s House, renowned composer and Carnatic vocalist Supriya Nagarajan, art-rock collective Dilettante (led by multi-instrumentalist Francesca Pidgeon), and soul/pop singer-songwriter Tyron Webster. Due for release summer 2021, the album will be available both digitally and on limited vinyl via the CPWM website along with various online streaming services.

The first single taken from the compilation comes from ambitious hip-hop talent Jamaal Monarch. Raised in Manchester with Pakistani roots, Jamaal’s music fuses modern production with intelligent wordplay and tender vocal melodies. His track ‘Love’s A Joke, I’m The Butt Of It’ sees him ruminate on the pursuit of love and relationships, showing both a sense of humour and a vulnerability that allows the listener to view the world through his unique lens.

Tony Ereira, Come Play With Me director on ‘Side By Side’:

“We’re ridiculously excited to be working with an incredible group of musicians on this album. There’s such an amazing diversity of music being made in and around Leeds right now – but we wanted to show off some of the equally amazing diversity of musicians making it too. There isn’t a duff track on here and there’s hopefully plenty to keep everyone interested. We feel dead lucky to be working with this lot and showing them all off to the world!”

Full ‘Side by Side’ tracklist:

1. Tyron Webster – Love Ya, Pt. II
2. Dilettante – Single Serve
3. Bored At My Grandmas House – China Doll (Demo)
4. Long Legged Creatures – EZY8667
5. Witch Of The East – Somethings Wrong
6. LADY – Foolish Love
7. Supriya Nagarajan – A Paradox Of Opposites
8. DHRAMA – Another Life
9. Shauna – Modes Of Thinking (Club Quarantine Rework)
10. The Elephant Trees – Day 42
11. Jamaal Monarch – Love’s A Joke, I’m The Butt Of It
12. DIVE – Take Me Away

‘Side by Side’ is available to pre-order here: https://cpwm.awesomedistro.com/products/694225-cpwm206-side-by-side-lp-compilation-album-ecomix-vinyl

Come Play With Me is a Leeds based development organisation, record label and magazine first launched as a singles club in 2015. Since its inception the label have supported a huge number of artists from the region as well releasing over 30 releases on vinyl for Leeds artists including the ‘Come Stay With Me’ compilation released in Summer 2020 to raise funds for contributing artists following Covid-19 related loss of earnings and opportunity. CPWM are also responsible for a number of events including LGBTQ The Music & HERFest.

‘Side By Side’ is supported with funding from The National Lottery Social Enterprise Support Fund and PRS Foundation

FESTIVAL NEWS: ‘THE GATHERING’ Summer 2021 shows – one day festival touring the UK this Summer

LSF Staff Writers

2 Jun 2021

FEATURING: Frank Turner w/ Matt Nasir
PLUS SUPPORTING LINE-UPS INC: Skinny Lister, Pet Needs, Guise, Berries, Ducking Punches, Non Canon, Samamantics, Deux Furieuses

The Gathering is a unique one-day festival that will be hitting the road over the summer months and bringing with it a busload of stellar acts to a space near you.

In a series of one-off events taking place in Bideford, Frome, Liverpool, Gloucester, Hull and Manchester, Xtra Mile Recordings invite you to a full day of music and meet-ups.

Arranged in collaboration with Frank Turner, the folk/punk stalwart will be headlining each event (with accompaniment from Matt Nasir), with a revolving cast of Xtra Mile-signed acts lined up to support throughout the day. Expect performances from Skinny Lister, PET NEEDS, Ducking Punches, Non Canon, Deux Furieuses, BERRIES and Guise, alongside XMR favourites Samantics. (The festival bills vary from venue to venue).

After a catastrophic year for the Industry as a whole, with the Covid pandemic dealing blow after blow for everyone in the sector, The Gathering shows are intended to help to kick-start the return of live music across the UK. In true punk rock style, the shows see Xtra Mile and Turner taking matters into their own hands with a set of versatile events that can either be socially distanced or full capacity depending on the maximum safety of the audience, performers and crews and in accordance with any national restrictions in place at the time of the event.

Speaking about The Gathering shows, Frank Turner says “At a time when the pandemic has wreaked havoc all across the live music industry, I feel like it’s important to get back to the basics – playing live music to entertain a crowd. This summer, with Xtra Mile and friends, I’m taking the punk approach – do it yourself, find a way. I can’t wait.”

Chiming with the ethos of these festival shows, Turner has just released a new single, aptly titled: ‘The Gathering’. Featuring guest appearances from Jason Isbell and Muse’s Dom Howard, the track is an upbeat, Glam-esque stomp, with lyrics that anticipate our return to normality. The track is “about that moment when you come together in a room full of people, and you lean on a stranger and sing along with the chorus and get the words wrong,” explains Frank.

Offering a space for those scenes to be real again, The Gathering shows will provide an unmissable re-introduction to live music this Summer.

Join The Gathering at these dates and venues as follows:

2021 UK ‘Gathering’ Live Shows

JUNE
19 – Bideford, The Big Sheep*
26 – Frome, Cheese & Grain*
27 – Frome, Cheese & Grain*

JULY
8 – Liverpool Top Rope Brewery* – competition winners only
17 – Gloucester Llanthony Secunda Priory*
18 – Gloucester Llanthony Secunda Priory*

AUGUST
21 – Manchester Urmston Sports Club (full band show)

SEPTEMBER
3 – Hull, Zebedees Yard*

* duo shows with Matt Nasir

Tickets available now from https://frank-turner.com/live-gigs/

** If any show is cancelled due to Covid restrictions, rescheduled date or a full refund will be given. Shows will be operating in line with all Government guidelines for everyone’s safety. **

SINGLE NEWS: Artists United Collective – a new mega-group have come together to release a new charity single in aid of the Music Venue Trust

Frank

2 Jun 2021

The #saveourvenues campaign gets an 18-artist boost as mega-group ARTISTS UNITED COLLECTIVE release carousing Music Venue Trust fundraising single ahead of Euro 21…

It was always music or football for street kids aiming high and now, as the fabric of music in the UK remains under threat, new mega-group, ARTISTS UNITED COLLECTIVE, featuring artists such as Zuzu, Trampolene and The Crooks stamp their collective feet with a collaborative, fundraising cover of The Farm’s 1991 hit, All Together Now. Released this week, just a fortnight before Turkey and Italy kick off the delayed Euro 2021 competition in Rome, artists and organisers hope the emotive cover finds the passion of the terraces and raises vital funds for the UK’s suffering live venue community.

Woven indelibly into the fabric of UK chart-indie, the emotionally-charged All Together Now was originally released in November 1990, drawn from the Liverpool six-piece’s chart-topping album, Spartacus and reached No.4 in the UK Singles Chart. The new version, also featuring the first artist to hit the top of the UK Folk Chart and Liverpool storyteller, Jamie Webster alongside indie rabble-rousers Rats, The Royston Club and Shambolics, was specially recorded at a time of rising optimism that the nation’s live music venues could be open and on their way to recovery by autumn 2021. Each artist has pledged their time and energies to raise money for the survival of an industry that has given them their voices.

Stating that there are 556 venues at risk of closure, the Music Venues Trust launched the #saveourvenues campaign to draw together fundraising initiatives undertaken by artists and music fans who heard the call of grassroots venues closed by the Covid pandemic. UNITED ARTISTS COLLECTIVE is the latest gathering of musical minds to raise money for venues and venue staff and maintain public awareness that the UK’s bright summer will likely see most of the nation’s vital music venues stay dark.

Pulling together the artists, managers, labels and more of the 18 featured artists, also including The Lathums and rising stars Lottery Winners, Rianne Downey and Nikki & The Waves, the ARTISTS UNITED COLLECTIVE PROJECT has been initiated and produced by a partnership of fashion brand and music event sponsors, Scott’s Menswear, promoters This Feeling, Liverpool-based label and management company, Modern Sky UK and Rich Turvey of Parr Street Studios, Liverpool who took up duties behind the mixing desk.

Paul Ramsdale of Scott’s Menswear said of the initiative: “Our iconic small venues not only provide the path for artists on their way to greatness, but provide a sense of pride, community and celebration of both the local and national music scenes. ‘All Together Now’ being sung by exciting, new talent at a time when we’re emerging from a long period of lockdown should inspire us all to dig deep to make sure those venues are still around, whilst celebrating a long summer of festivals, football and renewed togetherness.”

Dave Pichilingi, CEO of Modern Sky UK, added: “We’ve so much music talent around the UK and, simply, they will have nowhere to grow if we lose live venues. It’s a battle that we’re very much in together, so recording a new version of ‘All Together Now’ with some of the artists that have come through, and still love playing our at-risk venues made perfect sense. This summer brings hope in music, football, vaccines, festivals and sunshine and this anthem fits that sense of optimism.”

Witnessing the latest version of his song go out into the world, The Farm’s Peter Hooton added his support, saying: “Good luck with the release I hope it raises lots of money for the Music Venues Trust, which is the lifeblood of the music industry.”

The single is the fourth occasion on which All Together Now has been repurposed to coincide with a major football tournament, with the Everton FA Cup Final team recording a version ahead of their 1995 Wembley appearance, England’s official Euro 2004 song being a reworking with DJ Spoony and a lesser-heard rarity recorded with World Cup 2006 mascot Goleo VI and Atomic Kitten celebrating that tournament with a mainland Europe-only release.

Released digitally via Modern Sky UK, all profits from the digital downloads, streaming revenues and associated merchandise of the ARTISTS UNITED COLLECTIVE will go direct to the Music Venues Trust. For more information on the #saveourvenues campaign visit: https://saveourvenues.co.uk/#/

SINGLE NEWS: Dialect releases ‘Ey Up (FT. K dot)’

LSF Staff Writers

1 Jun 2021

Leeds based rapper Dialect (aka Marcus Shellington) has unleashed the new track “Ey Up (ft. K. Dot), a relentless track that takes the urgent flows of modern day grime, welding them onto a proudly northern 4×4 bassline thrill ride.

‘Ey Up’ is inspired by where Dialect grew up and resides, West Yorkshire. Accompanied by K dot, one of Sheffield’s hometown heroes and respected MC the track is a vital West meets South team up.

Dialect says, “Eyup is fully inspired by where I’ve grown up and reside, which is west Yorkshire! Accompanying me is K dot, one of Sheffield’s hometown heroes and an undoubtedly respected MC in the UK, he fits the agenda for this track all the more. The hard 4×4 bassline sound is signature to the North and with it being produced by nastee boi, a legendary Leeds artist and DJ, it’s only made this more of a statement that we stand proud to rep Yorkshire.”