Red Bull Music Academy Sound System Series Announced

redbullcarnival

The Red Bull Music Academy Sound System series will bring a roaming pulpit of sun-drenched rhythms, triumphant beats and street-party antics to three UK cities this summer. Kicking off the mini tour in Bristol on July 5th, the series then veers North for a stop off in Manchester on the 19th, before a boomerang swing down to London’s illustrious Notting Hill Carnival on Monday 25th August.

Launching the tour, Bristol’s St. Pauls Carnival sees the Red Bull Music Academy Sound System stage graced by the inimitable king of house-kissed R&B, Jazzie B presenting ’25 years of Soul II Soul’. Formed initially as a sound system spinning records at house and street parties, it’s fitting that swift-fingered founding father tops the bill. Local boy Redlight goes b2b with Toddla T for a dancehall via 2-step special, self-confessed “Riddim Obsessives” Jus Now let loose some bass-laden Soca beats and Reprazent player DJ Krust knocks out his signature Bristol drumfunk. They’re joined by Black Butter boys My Nu Leng , Mensah’s dubsteppin’ alter-ego New York Transit Authority, house duo GotSome, and Débruit popping out the synth-heavy syncopated beat brawl that’s won him fans the world over.

redbullacademy

Onto the Manchester brigade, headed up by an exclusive carnival set from king of (the) jungle and Kiss FM heavy DJ Hype, who’s unrelenting torrents of drum’n’bass, breakbeat and hip-hop have made him one of his generation’s dancefloor pioneers, alongside local bass cartel lynchpins Murkage and Jamaican/Glaswegian outfit Mungo’s Hi Fi. Ninja Tune’s urban electrosmith and 2010 Red Bull Music Academy graduate Poirier, Levelz, grime fusion mechanic Chimpo and Sheffield’s reggae record mecca Sama Roots step in, with many more yet to be announced.

Completing the Carnival circuit, the Red Bull Music Academy Sound System stage touches down in London, bringing its Notting Hill throwdown back to the Westway. With the line-up set for release in early August, expect that same mashup of luminaries, legends and new blood to soundtrack the capital’s ultimate celebration of summer.

Find out more at redbull.co.uk/rbmacarnival 

Jah Wobble Presents Jasmine Flower Fusion

Event Date: Saturday 12th July 2014

Venue: Pagoda Arts Centre, Henry Street, Liverpool, L1 5BU

 

Presented by global music collaborationist extraordinaire Jah Wobble, the Pagoda Chinese Youth Orchestra and Liverpool Signing Choir come together in a fusion of Chinese folk, dub, grime and reggae.

Jasmine Flower Fusion

Six years ago, Jah Wobble’s Chinese Dub enthralled audiences all over the UK with its hugely successful fusion of Eastern and Western music and dance.  Inspired by this unique project, the Pagoda Chinese Youth Orchestra worked with Jah Wobble to create Jasmine Flower Fusion, an unprecedented mix of Chinese folk song and grime.  Little did Jah Wobble realise that this acorn project would continue to grow and thrive, and five years on, he returns to witness the progress of the youth orchestra, leading the evening performance with award winning songs from Chinese Dub, Jasmine Flower and something new to the young people – Reggae!

 

The International Festival For Business, hosted in Liverpool this year, is funding Jasmine Flower Fusion.  Liverpool’s Resonate Music Education Hub and Our Big Gig, a national celebration of music are also at the heart of the event as Jah Wobble and the Pagoda Youth Orchestra invite the public to join them in the creation of Chinese Music.  The workshop, to be held at the Pagoda Arts Centre, Liverpool runs on July 12th from 2-3pm where people are invited to learn how to make Chinese music on Western instruments and try some of the Chinese instruments for themselves.

 

The evening performance, also at the Pagoda Arts Centre, begins at 7.30pm.  Tickets for each event are £10, admittance to both events costs £15.

 

Commenting on the performance, Jah Wobble promises a heady brew of East-West fusion as Chinese music gets the dub treatment”.

 

 

Artistic Director of the Pagoda Arts Centre Zi Lan Liao said Everyone at Pagoda Arts is very excited about this project and looking forward to bringing the orchestra into a new musical phrase.”

 

 

Interview with Kit Rice

Getting to interview amazing new and exciting talent is part of my job I find so wonderful. Now and then we see brilliant new singers pop up and when you realise you are in the presence of a new rising star it sends shivers down my spine. I had the pleasure of meeting, photographing and interviewing the incredible Kit Rice recently. We chatted for hours and I left loving this chap so much, he and I sat and chatted for well over 2 hours all about his life journey, music and style. He bowled me over how wonderful he was…he is a rising star and one name to really lookout for.

Kit is not only a truly versatile artist with a wealth of musical knowledge behind him but he is a graduate of the prestigious BRIT school, established songwriter and classical violinist making him an emerging talent to really watch out for in the coming year!

Kit’s first iTunes release, Not on My Time EP was self – produced and released in December 2011, followed swiftly by Lies EP in February 2012 which attracted attention from music agents based in Central London.

At just 21, Kit’s debut album Stay Gone was completed with well known producer Cam Blackwood who is known for his work with artists including; Cee – Lo Green and Jamiroquai. His first single BYOB, was released on November 11th 2013 with the music video attracting wide spread attention from both the UK and the US.

Kit has performed numerous gigs at venues around the country including celeb spots such as The Ice Bar and XOYO. Kit was crowned the winner of The Bedford’s Song Slam in 2012 after wowing the judges with original tracks from his album and he has played live acoustic sessions on main radio stations including BBC Radio London.

KIt Rice

Q. Who did you listen to growing up?

A. I listened to a lot of Prince growing up, Whitney and Maria but mostly, with loads of Celine. I listened to classical music mostly when growing up. For years at Brit school I didn’t listen to anything with words. Then I went on to being a Dub Step DJ for a while!
Q. Where do you take your inspiration from when writing songs

A. I have tons of posters in my room from Prince, Snoop dog to Lady GaGa. If I am having a bad day I cam look up and just think what would they do and it normally does the trick.

Kit Rice

Q. You love to perform live, where would be the ultimate place to have a gig.

A. Kensington roof gardens, the actual balcony and strip it back, that would have to be the best place as I love the intimacy and the vibrant nature of the place, obviously Wembley would be incredible but for now that would tick the box. I love intimacy of the smaller venues.

Q. If you could collaborate with any other artist who would it be

A. Prince…he’s just the greatest. Defiantly Prince and brandy a she’s my vocal inspiration

 

IMG_4604 Kit Rice

Q. Your latest release has a really cool video, I particularly love the guy on roller skates! Where would you love to shoot a great video, your dream location?

A. This was shot in a dance theatre owned by my parents, it was a really cool, but my favourite place to shoot would be on a huge yacht just like a JLO inspired version. The new video called NONSENSE out on the 1st of July is really great and the video for that is …well basically nonsense!! You will have to wait to see it, it also will have a 48 hour free down loads too.

 

Q. I see from your twitter….I haven’t been stalking you just researching! You love a good selfie, if you could have a picture with anyone, who would it be? Anyone even from the past?!

A. Prince….I love taking pictures with loads of people. SHOTS is amazing app that Justin Bieber made famous and you can connect with fans that way. I love to connect with my fans.

IMG_4633 Kit Rice

Q. What do you love about fashion and do you have a certain look that you are trying to create.

A. I take a lot of influence from the likes of David Bowie, and Snoop dog. Lady Gaga is one amazing and cool lady. My look is all about looking strong, cool and a bit different.
Q. What can we expect from you over the next 12 months.

A. The new album will be out by the end of the year and now its about promoting myself. Getting myself out there and showing the world what I have to offer. Its very exciting.

 

Q. If you could play live for anyone who would it be

A. I have played in front of Nelson Mandela and that was incredible and very cool. Price would obviously be one all time great that I would love to play live for. To see what he would think..Even if he said dude your doing it all wrong!! HAHA!

 

Q. What is your vision for the future.

A. I want everyone to have heard the album as I was in a really good place when I wrote it and I am incredibly proud of it.. There are some really nice songs about my life on there.

 

Q. Tell us something we need to know about Kit! What’s your message?!!

A. LVE MUSIC…everything is played live, with strings bows etc. Keep it going and get people inspired. Peace and Love.

Watch Kits last BYOB Video

 

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJLpx9E1QlM]

Follow Kit on Twitter @KitMusicUK and pop over to say Hi. Come say hi to me @sarahbacchus and check out our online lifestyle magazine over at SLBStyle.com. For information regarding my Photographic work here is the link to the Sarahbacchus.com site

This interview and shoot was held at the beautiful Mamounia Lounge in Mayfair, I want to thank them for their hospitality and for allowing me to take over an entire room for a few hours! Tweet them @MamounialLounge

 

Jubilee Courts The EP: Go From The Blue Light Into The Moonlight

Release Date: 4th August 2014

Format: Digital Download

jubileecourt

Jubilee Courts are Josh (21), Matt (21) and Harry (19) who were brought together in 2011 by a mutual dissatisfaction with the current music scene and a motivation to do something different.  Gigging throughout their hometown of Northampton in late 2012 to early 2013, the buzz around the band grew and Frank (18) joined as their drummer.  With two members now based in London, Jubilee Courts’ music reflects their changing surroundings and eclectic influences.

 

The band quote My Bloody Valentine, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Bauhaus and Joy Division as musical inspirations.  Lyrical influences come from the literary works of T S Elliott and Delmore Schwartz.

 

The single ‘Room with a View’, released on Stalkers Records in December 2013, was mixed by James Bagshaw, singer of Temples.  A further seal of approval from the Temples frontman came in the form of his percussion performance on the track.  Their debut EP ‘Go From the Blue Light into the Moonlight’ was written in mid-2013. The piece is a minimalistic portrayal of where the band began, a reflection of them growing up in the provincial midlands with some tracks representing the routine and monotony whilst others offer a contrast through undertones of romanticism and the avant-garde.

 

Social Links:

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

 

Tour Dates:

Saturday 2nd August – Roadmender, Northam

The Sons – Relic | Music Profile

Their New Single

Relic

The Sons to Headline First Off Axis Show

Release Date: Monday 9th June 2014 as a digital download

Relic is a heartfelt and gentle song that showcases singer Paul Herron’s accomplished vocal performance against a simple yet effective piano and guitar accompaniment, but the song’s lyrics come from a place of mourning for what has passed.

The Sons, an independent British five piece, draw inspiration for their alternative guitar pop from the likes of Crowded House, Wilco, Paul Simon and Fleetwood Mac.

Creating a current sound with a timeless feel, they are masters at coupling upbeat, catchy songs with rather dark, complex lyrics about the pains and hardships of life.

Having toured the UK & Europe extensively, The Sons have attracted a large and a very loyal following with fans fully funding the making of the band’s third studio album, ‘Heading Into Land’. This record hit the UK album charts upon its release in March 2014, marking a new chapter for the band.

The premiere single from the album, ‘Death Love Money’ was released in January 2014. To mark the release, The Sons invited everyone who pledged money toward the album to a free show at the historic Guildhall Theatre in Derby, England. More than two hundred people packed into the theatre to witness the band debut its new songs, with excited post-gig reactions exploding on social media.

Sydney’s Monks of Mellonwah Touring U.S.A

Monks of Mellonwah are touring the U.S.A for the third time.

monksofmellonwah

Full tour dates are:

Passport Approved (A&R Worldwide Tour, Monks of Mellonwah headlining with guests Lime Cordiale, Hamish Anderson & Giorgi + Leo )
June 6th – Last Exit Live, Phoenix, 9PM
June 9th – Viper Room, West Hollywood, 8 PM
June 10th – The Standard, Fresno, 8 PM
June 11th – The Atrium @ The Catalyst, Santa Cruz, CA , 9 PM
June 12th – The Boardwalk, Orangevale, CA, 8PM
June 13th – Doug Fir, Portland, OR, 8 PM
June 14th – Bodega Nightclub, Reno, NV, 8 PM
June 17th – Crocodile, Seattle, WA, 8 PM

w/Scott Stapp
June 20th – Chameleon Club, Lancaster, PA
June 21st – The Emporium, Patchogue, NY
June 24th – Latitude Live, Pittsburgh, PA
June 25th – The Chance, Poughkeepsie, NY
June 28th – The Machine Shop, Flint, MI
June 29th – Buster’s Billiards & Backroom, Lexington, KY
July 1st – Gillioz Theatre, Springfield, MO
July 2nd – Neumeier’s Rib Room & Beer Garden, Fort Smith, AR

Band: Monks of Mellonwah (Sydney, NSW)
Style: Alternative, Indie, Progressive, Electronic, Pop
Similar to: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Muse, John Frusciante, Incubus, Black Keys
Release: Turn the People (March 7, 2014)
Label: Gatcombe Music Pty Ltd
Members: Vikram Kaushik (vocals), Joe de la Hoyde (backing  vocals/guitar), John de la Hoyde (bass), Josh Baissari (drums)

Bio:
The Monks of Mellonwah are a band from Sydney, Australia whose music displays a masterful and unique blend of intense space, driving riffs and sharp metaphors.

The Monks of Mellonwah consist of; lead vocalist Vikram Kaushik,  guitarist Joseph de la Hoyde, as well as drummer Joshua Baissari and  bassist John de la Hoyde. The creative collision of these four musical  personalities yields a timeless, yet inimitable array of alternative rock, progressive rock and cinematic-themed scores.

Together for only a little over four years, the Monks of Mellonwah  have catapulted quickly into success on a global scale. In addition to  worldwide airplay, the band has gleaned over four-hundred press reviews – as well as syncs and licensing – from the likes of  Bunim/Murray Productions, MTV Networks, Discovery Channel, and FOX  Sports. In addition, the band has already toured the U.S.A, Singapore  and Australia. “M.O.M” were voted “Best Indie Rock Band” in the 2012  Artists in Music Awards and placed as the “International Rock Artist  of the Year” at the 22nd Annual LA Music Awards in 2012.

The Monks of Mellonwah stand more as a quadrangle than a quartet, with  each facet reflecting their cumulative creative goal; to deliver  all-original music in its purest, untainted form. Stylistically, the  band has evolved dramatically over a short period of time, impossible  to be boxed into any genre. There’s a variety of subtle hints of  musical influence that arise from each band member, which include Led  Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, as well as bands such as Muse and Red Hot  Chili Peppers.

Brought together in October of 2009, it was the inherent and  collective love of performing live that melded the members Monks of  Mellonwah into what they are today. They’ve already had the  opportunity to perform at venues around the world which include the  world-famous Whiskey A Go Go and The Avalon Theatre in Los Angeles,  The Mercury Lounge in New York, as well as Sydney Australia’s The  Metro Theatre and The Factory Theatre.

With tours already under their belt in the U.S.A and Asia, the Monks  of Mellonwah continue to blossom. “During the last three years, we’ve  developed both as individual musicians – but more importantly –  collectively as a band also,” adds de la Hoyde. To date, “M.O.M” has  released three EPs, beginning in 2010 with Stars Are Out, a five-track  debut that featured the single “Swamp Groove” – which became the  group?s first popular single on Australian radio. In 2011, they  followed the classic-rock and retro sounds of Stars Are Out with an  edgy alt-rock single release entitled, “Kyoto.”

In 2012 it was the release of Neurogenesis, a five-track EP, which led  to multiple licensing agreements, and press exposure via the EP’s title track as well as the single, “Neverending Spirit.” In 2013, showing their diversity in style, the Monks of Mellonwah released a  three-track cinematic trilogy entitled Sky and the Dark Night. The  film-inspired project epitomizes what “M.O.M” is all about –  interweaving a matrix of multiple genres into one track with an eight minute run time.

In 2013 began release their first full-length album, Turn the People  in three-part volumes with the album in its entirety to be released in March, 2014. Volume 1: “Ghost Stories” was released in June 2013,  followed by Volume 2: “Afraid to Die” in October. The final Volume 3:  “Pulse” is scheduled for release, along with the full album, in March,  2014. Grammy-winner producer and sound engineer Keith Olson (Fleetwood  Mac, Ozzy Osbourne, Grateful Dead) produced five of the tracks on the  upcoming Turn the People album. In 2014, the band plans on touring  both Europe and the U.S.A. in support of the album.

The Monks of Mellonwah set out musically not to repeat past styles, yet rather to pave the future for alternative rock. In doing so, they  take the preeminent sounds of 70s psychedelic rock and 90s alternative  – and blend it into something fresh and new.

Band of Holy Joy Release When a Gift is a Curse

Their new single on Radio Joy

When a Gift is a Curse

Release date: June 16th
Format: Digital Download

For 30 years original Rough Trade Alumini The Band Of Holy Joy have been a main part of the rich tapestry of alternative urban folk punk groups emanating from the UK. The band continues to write about the same outsider concerns with the same measure of spirit and care and man, they still put on a show.

Band of Holy Joy

n the back of great reviews for their latest album ‘Easy Listening’ and to coincide with the band’s appearance, where they headline the second stage at the NME C86 festival at London’s 229 Club on June 14th, Band Of Holy Joy are releasing a digital single ‘When A Gift Is A Curse’ through their own label Radio Joy on Monday 16th June 2014.

The song is a glam hymn to both good living and bad livers and pays tribute to the wayward genius that was George Best.

This is a first in a series of libationary singles spaced six weeks apart and dedicated totally to the joys and pains, the triumphs and tribulations, the art and indeed style attendant to the age old right now remember then forget about tomorrow, beautiful and ugly, sordid and sensual pastime of the older person’s habitual alcohol consumption.

“It’s become something of a tradition for Band Of Holy Joy to release my favourite album of any given year… When A Gift Is A Curse concerns the notion of destructive talent, with George Best taking a leading role…”
Louder Than War, rating 9/10

“..this band still revels in their own potency.”
The Daily Mirror, rating 4/5

“Band Of Holy Joy are an unsung British institution that understands the human heart.”
Mojo, rating 4/5

Villiers – The Dancer

Release Date: Thursday 12th June 2014

Format: Digital Download

“The Dancer weaves its hypnotic magic from the off, with Ben Earnshaw driving the front vocals over yearning guitars, synth and tribal drum beats – the latter excelling where the track rides to its closing notes.”

Little Indie Blogs

villiers

Hailing from Lancashire, Villiers are an Alternative/ New Wave outfit who cite the iconic sounds of New Order and Echo and the Bunnymen as major musical influences. Lyrical inspiration comes from dystopian writers such as J.G Ballard and George Orwell. Since their formation in 2011 the band have released three studio EPs (Light the Fuse, Into the Haze and VLRS) earning them praise and recognition from radio DJs, bloggers and music magazines across the world.

Last summer saw Villiers break onto the UK festival scene with a slot at BeatHerder alongside Clean Bandit, TOY, Temples, Chic ft Nile Rodgers and Groove Armada. This year they played their first headline show at Manchester’s Night and Day, a performance that sealed their reputation as one of the region’s most exciting and innovative new bands.

‘The Dancer’ was recorded and engineered by Nick Gizzi at The Den.

See Villiers live at The Grand, Clitheroe on June 21st 2014 with more dates to be confirmed.