Band Information & Media
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Many more acts coming to this page soon...
Throughout Scouting For Girls’ immensely successful career they’ve sold over two million albums, two million singles, had four Brit Award nominations, an Ivor Novello nomination, had four top ten singles, sold-out Wembley Arena, The Royal Albert Hall and most recently sold-out two nights at The London Palladium and had a series of hit singles all of which were inescapable radio smashes. Scouting For Girls continue to prove they are unstoppable.
The past 2 years have been an unprecedented year in so many ways. And like many of us, indie-pop band Scouting For Girls initially responded by surrounding themselves with sources of comfort and escapism, things from what felt like a simpler time. Going back to the music and culture of their childhoods in the 1980s, the band regrouped in 2020 during what should have been a summer of festivals, and the result is a joyous album of 80s covers alongside some incredible new tracks, and an optimism that 2021 could be everything that 2020 was not! This rained true for the group as they have just completed their 42 date UK and Ireland tour amidst the pandemic in 2021.
Roy commented; “Touring is our very favourite aspect of being in this band and to go out longer and harder than ever is a dream come true. We’re going to put 2020 behind us and put two years of pent-up energy into every night of this tour – We can’t wait to give people the most fun night out of 2021”
During the lockdown’s, Roy had time to extend the bands repertoire, reimagining of some of the biggest songs from the 80s. ‘Easy Cover’, their latest album release, is a joyous celebration of that golden era of music with Scouting For Girls revisiting their favorite childhood musical moments, from Tears For Fears, The Waterboys, Cyndi Lauper, Whitney Houston, Phil Collins and much more.
“We’re not trying to do justice to these songs! That’s impossible. We’re just trying to have fun and take them out on the road to give people the night out they deserve after 2020!”
However, it’s not just covers and Roy (who has songwriting credits with One Direction, Five Seconds of Summer & The Vamps) was soon inspired to write some original material inspired by the decade. Upcoming single ‘I Wish It Was 1989” (“An anthem for 2020!”) and album closer and new single ‘Xmas In The 80s’ (“A nostalgic longing for when Santa was called Father Christmas) are already set to be Scouting fan favourites and show Roy’s unique songwriting at its very best.
Glastonbury rockers REEF are firmly back reenergised like never before with a confident spring in their step which has already seen the band soar back into the UK Top 20 earlier his year with their recently released new album “Shoot me your Ace” produced by Andy Taylor (Duran Duran / The Power Station).
Since the albums release, numerous rave reviews the band have opened for the likes of the Rolling Stones at their Olympic stadium show in Munich, Headlined the Avalon Stage at Glastonbury and as well as playing stand out sets at some of the best festivals across the UK and Europe this summer too. This Summer was very much in bloom for Somerset’s finest rock band and it does not stop there as the band were also recently very special guests for much loved legendary US rockers the Black Crowes on their Shake Your Money Maker UK Tour too.
With a reinvigorated line up which sees original Members Gary Stringer (Vocals) and Jack Bessant (Bass) and long term member Jesse Wood (Guitar) joined by one of the UKs most highly revered drummers Luke Bullen (Bryan Ferry / Joe Strummer / K.T Tunstall) also join the band as a full time member.
Added to this the bands live line up has also been bolstered by the extra addition of North Devon virtuoso Guitarist Amy Newton who has also added an extra special dynamic and energy to the bands already well received live show.
In short there is some strange musical alchemy taking place as this is a band very much in the ascendancy. Yes, the band have sold in excess of 3 million albums worldwide since forming in 1993. Yes, they have also had 9 UK Top 40 singles and 6 UK Top 40 albums as
well as penning arguably one of the biggest rock songs of the 90’s with their Top 10 single Place Your Hands, produced by legendary producer George Drakoulias .
That said it is hard not to feel that this is a band destined for even greater and bigger things as anyone that has seen the band recently will attest too. Gary Stringer is on the vocal form of his life and alongside him Jack Bessant’s bulldozer bass riffs have never sounded so good. The spirit of this band is infectious and the new repertoire is certainly getting people talking as Classic Rock Magazine so accurately summarised when talking about their new album “this is lightening in a bottle stuff”.
British dance-rock quintet EMF formed in Cinderford, England in October 1989. All five original members were veterans of the local music scene before founding EMF, whose name supposedly stood for “Epsom Mad Funkers" (although it was widely speculated that the initials instead represented
"Ecstasy Mother Fuckers").
Within two months of formation, the group played its first gig; after unearthing a Casio sampler and sequencer in a local thrift shop, a light techno element was added to their rock-oriented sound.
Their debut album, SCHUBERT DIP, was released in May 1991. It was certified platinum (over a million copies sold) in the US in September 1991. It had reached a peak chart position of #3 in the UK and #12 in the US, as well as finishing the year at #57 overall.
By the end of 1991, their infectious debut single “Unbelievable” had conquered the charts on both sides of the Atlantic, hitting #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #3 in the UK. The single was certi fied gold (over 500,000 copies sold) in the US in May 1991. The song was in such heavy rotation for most of the year in America, that it finished as the #6 single overall for the year.
Further hit singles that succeeded “Unbelievable” included “I Believe,” “Children” and “Lies.”
In 1992, EMF returned with the Unexplained EP and the much darker full-length effort STIGMA; STIGMA peaked at #19 on the UK charts, and the band toured extensively to promote it. It produced hit singles and EMF live set favourites, “They’re Here” and “It’s You.”
The band released their final full-length album of new material in 1995 with CHA CHA CHA. After a successful European tour, they teamed up with comics Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer on a cover of the Monkees' "I'm a Believer,” which reached number 2 on the UK charts.
The band reunited in the summer of 2001 and released a Greatest Hits CD that coincided with a mini European festival and UK tour. The Greatest Hits CD, called THE BEST OF EMF: EPSOM MAD FUNKERS, featured 2 discs: the first had a collection of singles and fan favourite album tracks, along with 2 brand new tracks: "Incredible" and "Let's Go." The second disc had popular remixes.
The band were primed to write new material and tour more extensively but the sudden passing of bassist Zac Foley on January 2, 2002 shocked the band into silence. The remaining 4 original members spent several years focusing their time on personal projects and their families.
The band reunited in 2007 and have been steadily doing festivals and live shows in the years since. In 2020, the band released a career-spanning vinyl box set and have spent most of 2020 and 2021 celebrating 30 years of EMF. The band surprised fans by telling them that profits from the merchandise sold was being used to record a new album, which will be released in 2022. It will be the first album of all new material since 1995.
Owen Paul is the Scottish singer, producer and co-writer of the 1986 smash summer hit My Favourite Waste Of Time. He produced a triple platinum selling album for the Japanese band 'Buck Tick'; co-produced the 2001 UK Eurovision entry and toured the UK and Europe with Phil Collins as one of 'Mike and the Mechanics.’ He is currently recording a new album of Folk originals, and tours with his 80s show; Owen Paul's 80's and with his solo show; Owen Paul: Overblown Superstar.
On Friday 30th June 2023, at Minety Music Festival, in his acclaimed full band 80's show, as well as his own hit, you can expect to see some of the classics of the time including hits by Simple Minds, U2, David Bowie, Crowded House, Deacon Blue and more.
West country based, Gaz Brookfield, is predominantly a solo acoustic musician. Although, on occasion you will find him on stage with his band, The Company of Thieves.
Since winning Acoustic Magazine’s Singer/songwriter of the year in 2010 he has spent the last decade on the road, building a strong and loyal following all over the UK, and beyond.
He was the first independent musician to sell out Bristol’s, The Fleece, (450 cap), and The Bierkeller, (750 cap) and more recently, SWX, (1000 cap).
With eight studio albums under his belt, the latest of which, “Idiomatic”, hitting the top 10, this fiercely independent musician continues to tour up and down the country. No manager, no record label, no agent, just a guitar, a van, and a steadfastly belligerent refusal to give in.
The first time round, Dodgy were only together for seven years but in that time they sold over a million records worldwide, released three albums and enjoyed 12 Top 40 singles, including 'Staying Out For The Summer', ‘So Let Me Go Far’, ‘Melodies Haunt You’, and the massive hit 'Good Enough' - officially one of the most played tracks on British radio in the last 25 years.
2023 sees the 27th Anniversary of Dodgy’s best selling album, Free Peace Sweet - a fan favourite and deemed a classic album of the era, spawning hits such as ‘In A Room’, ‘If You’re Thinking Of Me’, ‘Found You’ and of course, ‘Good Enough –the band intend to celebrate it’s 27th Birthday next year with a series of celebratory shows. This follows the hugely successful Homegrown Anniversary shows in 2019 that culminated in an unforgettable night at Shepherds Bush Empire
Dodgy’s 2012 comeback album 'Stand Upright In A Cool Place', was a long time coming, 15 years to be precise since the double platinum selling ‘Free Peace Sweet’. From the rave reviews and many media plaudits that were heaped upon 'Stand Upright….' it seemed that the original line up of the band had done the impossible - to reform and make a contemporary and relevant album that surpassed their previous work. Creating a sound with “golden harmonies and echoes of CSN&Y and Fleet Foxes”, and prompting The Word magazine to say "They’ve just made the record of their career by a country mile", The Guardian described the album as a "revelation" whilst it went on to get 4**** reviews in Mojo, Uncut, Q, The Times, The Mirror and The Express.
In 2017 Dodgy released ‘What Are We Fighting For’ on Cherry Red Records, the fifth album from the original line-up of Nigel Clark, Mathew Priest and Andy Miller to amazing reviews and was the first collection of new material since their critically acclaimed reunion album, ‘Stand Upright In A Cool Place’ in 2012. It was also the first album to feature new member Stu Thoy on bass and also featured the incredible Vanessa Wilson-Best from Ultrasound.
Gigs and festival appearances have always been a crucial part of the Dodgy experience, for many they are the perfect festival band. The band have performed at most festivals worth their salt, such as Bestival, Isle of Wight, Camp Bestival, V Festival, Glastonbury, Reading, Beautiful Days, Hyde Park, Kendal Calling and many more across the UK and Europe.
One of the most energetic, exciting and powerful live sounds to hit the South West of England in recent times, The Dirty Smooth are no strangers to the festival circuit, having quickly gained a reputation for playing original, anthemic pop songs, in addition to being tighter than a pair of Lizzo’s hotpants.
Following the release of their debut EP ‘Rise’ accompanied by a number of sold out local shows and radio interviews, the band quickly looked to expand their horizons. The band continued doing what they do best, writing catchy songs and making countless appearances at some of the biggest and best festivals across the South West of England, supporting a seemingly endless list of household names.
In 2017, The Dirty Smooth helped set up and organise Minety Music Festival, Wiltshire which in its first year, was shortlisted at the UK Festival Awards (Best New Festival category) and has since become a well established festival, now into its fifth event year, hosting acts such as Cast, Space, Toploader, Republica & Chesney Hawkes.
The success of their single ‘Seed To The Spark’ (available on all major platforms) demonstrated the band’s unerring talent to pick out rhythmic grooves and strong vocal hooks, offering their fan base a sneak peak of what is to come…
With their debut studio album album ‘Running From The Radar’ currently in post-production (delayed by COVID), the release of their latest single 'Black Jack City' is now available on all major platforms. With imminent new music releases planned, 2023 is already shaping up to be a busy year, with a number of UK venue and festival dates already confirmed. Watch this space!
Scott Mickelson is an artist/producer from San Francisco. His debut release Flickering was on the Grammy ballot for Best Folk Album and Best Roots Music Performance. His follow up full-length A Wondrous Life received great reviews in the US and abroad which led to his first European tour in 2019. He then produced the critically acclaimed Blanket The Homeless benefit compilation which included Grammy winner Fantastic Negrito. In 2020, Mickelson released Drowning In An Inflatable Pool to rave reviews in the U.S. and Europe. On November 19, 2022 the first single/video “UNarmed American” premiered on Americana U.K. The highly acclaimed new full-length Known To Be Unknown was released in April, 2022. Mickelson has since been invited to perform at festivals both in Europe and the U.K. The band is Mickelson (vox/gtr/banjo), Jon Buckett (piano/bass), Lee Moulding (drums/vocals) and Ian Taylor (bass).
Mickelson has appeared in BBC, NPR Radio, Huffington Post, CBS Morning Show, No Depression, Glide Magazine, Paste Magazine, PopMatters, TheBayBridged, Alternative Press Magazine, San Francisco Chronicle, Mix Magazine, Heaven Magazine (NL), etc. He also gained national recognition after winning a band search contest sponsored by MTV/7-Up with a prize of $15,000 and a song in the feature film Along The Way. He has shared the stage with artists including: Nick Lowe, Dick Dale, Dave Van Ronk, David Bromberg, Peter Case, Vandoliers, Jonathon Richmond, Steve Forbet, etc.
“The combination of the layered vocals and instrumental textures, along with a tune that feels immediately familiar, is that ‘UNarmed American’ becomes anthemic.” - Americana U.K.
“San Francisco singer/songwriter Mickelson brings us something that is both reassuringly familiar and yet wholly unique.” - At The Barrier (UK)
“Substance will always win over style at Maverick and US act Scott Mickelson possesses both. He was referred to by anecdote as a cross between Michael McDermott and Billy Joel. Interesting comparison that gains traction for an artist happy to drop the first name.” - ThreeChordsAndTheTruth (UK)
“Mickelson unveils his most politically charged work to date with Drowning In An Inflatable Pool. It’s an album rooted in a collective frustration about the mismanagement of our country by this current White House administration.” - American Songwriter
“this music is the balance between strong, subtle, unexpected, and sophisticated.” - Paste Magazine
“Drowning in an Inflatable Pool combines an anxious energy with alluring melodies to create a remarkable musical experience”. - Twangville
“I call it anthemic when a band or chorus hits all the notes just right and the sound becomes bigger than it should be and Mickelson hits it often enough on this album to make it worthy of the highest of recommendations.” - No Depression
“It’s American folk-Rock with a post punk edge, rustic but scarred.” - Alternative Press Magazine
“Flickering, a buoyant composition showcasing that Mickelson offers undeniable musical charm and instrumental dexterity.” - Glide Magazine
Lots of things started in lockdown. Banana bread became a
thing, Zoom became massive, everyone watched Bridgerton. Tin Gun got started.
More than the sum of its parts their manifesto is to get you
back up and dancing again, to get back out into the clubs and venues and enjoy live music once again. Their songs tackle subjects like the dangers of social media, government
repression and the malaises of today.
Tin Gun are :
Peter Steer – guitars, vocals, keys (Tenek / Sinestar / Agency V)
Tim Dorney – keyboards, bass, vocals (Flowered Up / Republica)
Mark Trueman – keyboards and vocals (Sinestar / Mesh)
Nik Hodges – drums and vocals (Psykelektric)
As you can see quite a history between them with a bit of
pedigree. Primarily studio based (they have over 50 keyboards
between them!) releases have been steadily coming out over the past couple of years. We Are Not Your Enemy and Social
Revelation in 2020 followed by Devils & Angels and Reanimation
EP in 2021.
As well as finishing an album scheduled for spring 2023 they’ve also been working on other projects including remixes for Agency V, Matt Gunn, The Frixion and The Rude Awakening
Tin Gun also have two cover versions being released late 2022,
I feel you, a Depeche Mode song for an Andrew Fletcher tribute
album 6122 and the Psychedelic Furs song Mr. Jones for a Furs
based album of covers called Heartbreak Beat.
Live they have so far played to much acclaim supporting the
Tiny Magnetic Pets around the country (including the seminal Water Rats in London) and are planning many more gigs for 2023.
Live they’re an energetic mix of the electronics and guitars with everyone getting a go on the microphone (or vocoder).
Not a band to sit on their laurels, 80’s flavoured, euphoric indiepopsters -TALK IN CODE- have certainly stayed on the front foot in difficult times, continuing to release music accumulating over 200,000 streams with tracks added to 600 playlists, including 6 editorials!
The band name is derived from the idea everyone relates to music differently – a theme carried through song lyrics with a sense of mystery and being wide open for interpretation. TIC reside in the heart of the South West, UK, often holed-up in their studio, fondly known as ‘The Den’, where all the writing magic happens. With a sense of craftsmanship, the synth soundscapes are developed, the shimmering guitars are applied and the vocals cultivated, all underpinned by a stomping rhythm section to get the most sceptical feet moving!
In February 2022, the band signed to reputable London-based independent label, Regent Street Records. Produced by Sam Bishop at Studio 91 (Amber Run, Fickle Friends, The Amazons) the band has released 2 singles alongside publishing a CD album titled THE BIG SCREEN as they turn the page on their new chapter of music creation.
Described as ‘Daft Punk meets The 1975’ and ‘genre blurring’, the band have been featured by CLOUT, Indie is not a Genre, Indie Buddie and many more publications alongside being well supported by BBC Introducing Networks, Amazing Radio, BBC Radio Wiltshire and several independent stations.
Live, TIC have given their ‘Talker’ fanbase the chance to see them perform with artists such as Years & Years, Scouting for Girls, Cast, Jesus Jones and Sophie Ellis-Bextor through to 80’s icons Tony Hadley, Go West and Marc Almond. TIC have played headline slots on stages across three of their home region’s largest festivals – a true testimony to the perseverance and persistence the band has shown.
TIC cite individual songs as influences more than collections of artist’s work. From retro vibes through to modern day chart-toppers, it’s fair to say the band’s sound spreads across various boundaries….you decide!
Notoriously hard to pigeon-hole, Will Lawton's music crosses a myriad of genres including singer-songwriter, acoustic, jazz, progressive rock, folk and electronic. His work as a music therapist means he has a high degree of self-awareness when it comes to the cathartic, healing power of creativity.
Will is currently active with his band, Will Lawton and the Alchemists who are releasing an EP titled Alchemy in March 2023 with record label, Supermarine Music. The title of this recording is a reference to the alchemical process of creativity fusing Will's masterful song-craft and the band's dextrous flair for instrumental flourishes and lush, subtly evolving arrangements.
Will is also currently writing and recording a studio album with Argentinian guitarist Ludwig Mack. The music in this project reflects the rootsy song-writing energy between Mack and Lawton and is being supported by Kandu Arts and produced by Mac Lloyd.
After learning his trade playing vinyl in the late 90's at free-parties and selected clubs across wales and the south-west, George Penny aka George G-Force has come out of retirement and ready to bring the heat with a unique blend of disco and house vibes.
George regularly plays at some of the coolest cocktail bars in the South West including The Alchemist, Revolution, AllBarOne, Sub13, Walcot House/LOMAH, The Gold Bar, The Common Room, and StayOriginal venues for SelectDJ’s and Genre Music agencies.
He's also been making a name for himself on the festival scene with appearances at Latitude, Wilderness, Shindig and LakeFest as well as residencies for 'FunkyTown' (Disco), 'Getting Jiggy' (House) in addition to 'SATISFUNKTION & Funky Sensation' club-nights promoted by himself with the ethos of trying to bring the fun back into clubbing with good old uplifting, hands in the air music!
In 2022 he's gone international with a guest appearance at YekeYeke an established house music night. curated by CN Williams hosted at the decadent OPM Bar at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton situated in the Jumeirah Beach Resort in Dubai.
More recently with Covid restrictions George has also played numerous live-stream events and online radio shows and recently was runner-up in a national DJ competition for New World Festival against hundreds of entrants and has submitted guest mixes for BBC Radio Bristol.
the soul
destroyers
More of a tribe than a band, the mighty Soul Destroyers have been playing their mix of cheese tinged, horn driven soul since Adam was a lad – the line up has come and gone, some have drifted into the sunset, some have died, and some have (genuinely), during their reign as “Best Party Band in Bristol” (Bristol Evening Post/Venue Magazine), been born, grown up and then joined the band!
A 13 piece line up, with 6 awesome horns, 3 singers and a rock solid rhythm section it is an unnatural phenomenon of truly awe-inspiring musical power.
So yes it’s sort of soul covers from all the usual suspects (Motown, Stax, Atlantic) but don’t be surprised if you end up at some very unexpected musical destinations - ever noticed how bits of soul classics end up in some unusual contemporary tracks? ... well they have and they aren’t afraid to take you there!
the shudders
With energy, driving rhythm and heart felt melodies The Shudders combine their melee of musical influences to produce a refreshing brand of indie-country-rock. Vocal harmonies, screaming guitar, warm acoustic and a commanding rhythm section with which to weave their rich tapestry of noise. It’s a tapestry that could be described as a ‘Crazy Horse - Bright Eyes – Wilco’ for those weaving enthusiasts out there.
After a succession of live performances, sharing the stage with the likes of Miles Hunt of The Wonder Stuff, Chris Helme of The Seahorses, The Young Republic and Ox ~ to mention just a few ~ The Shudders soon found themselves headlining festivals such as The Radio 1 Big Weekend Fringe Festival and the Swindon Shuffle, and playing in venues across the country, including The Borderline (London), The Troubadour (London), The Cavern Club (Liverpool), The Hobbit (Southampton) and The Fleece (Bristol).
Their debut album, produced by Nick Beere at Mooncalf Studios in Wiltshire, was released in December 2009. “The Unfortunate Career of Stede Bonnet, 1688-1718” enjoyed a 3rd place spot in the Amazon folk download chart and established the band as one of the hottest up and coming UK bands.
The follow up, “No Angels in the Slipstream” was recorded between the towns of Skara in Sweden (Dark Secret Ingredient Studios), and Shrivenham in Oxfordshire (The Ladder Factory) during 2015 and was released on 22nd February 2016. The record showcased a darker sound whilst losing none of the bands trademark melodies and harmonies. The first single from the album, “Sorry” was also featured on the International Pop Overthrow Vol.22 CD, released on the legendary Omnivore Recordings label.
Delayed by the pandemic, the band are currently hard at work on their third album which will feature a raft of new songs as well as one or two live favourites, and is due for release in 2023.
Feel. Write. Play. Play some more. Hip Route are just trying to do the same as everyone else - play as much as possible to as many people that will listen!
Individually and collectively we have shared the stage with Ben Howard, Jason Mraz, Newton Faulkner, The Hoosiers, Alabama 3, Them Is Me (ex-Reef and Basemant Jaxx), Ben Ottewell (Gomez) and StringerBessant among others.
So it's all going pretty well so far, gigging loads and 3 self released albums are selling well!
Using the old working ethic of playing live as much as possible, Hip Route make full use of Weissenborn, lap slide, acoustic and electric guitars, drums and bass to create a bigger sound than you’d think
Death Pop formed in the 1980s and released a 3 track ep Rogers Gone Mad, also featuring Ghosts and Picture. The band played extensively in Berkshire and London and achieved radio airplay on the John Peel (Radio One) show.
Jim, Jon. Vic play guitars, write and sing their original songs, ably assisted by Rich on drums, and occasional saxophone provided by South Cerney’s very own Saraan Deguise.
The band have gigged with Glen Matlock and Wayne County of the Electric Chairs, and have gone on to release 3 studio albums - “The Siege of Sebastopol” is available on Spotify and Prime Music and more recent albums "Psychomania" and "Petrol & Glue" have also received cult acclaim status.
Enjoy their post punk songs and swamp rock songs live at Mnety Festival 2023.
The Real Cheesemakers is Wiltshire’s favourite nonsense group.
Following their debut album, Grated Hits, finally released just before the pandemic, the band has grown in stature and built up a strong following. This follows collaborations and sold out shows with Chap-Hop legends Professor Elemental and Mr B Gentleman Rhymer, a failed but popular Eurovision Song Contest entry and an award-winning song for plastic-free July.
In 2019 they played with Creed Bratton from the US Office on a few dates of his UK tour to huge acclaim, and supported Goldie Lookin' Chain at their Xmas bash in Bristol.
Most recently they provided the soundtrack for multi-award winning comedy horror short, Guiltea, winning the gold award for best soundtrack at the Fortean International Film Festival.
“psychedelic, surrealist-edged rock… as if Spike Milligan was Iron Maiden’s frontman, yet they were a Wurzels tribute”
Ben Cipolla
Get Carter are one of Swindon's premiere cover bands. The 5 piece group offer an eclectic mix of crowd pleasing anthems delivered through energetic and edgy performance. Popular, rock, pop and indie favorites are given the treatment through flawless vocals, a tight funky rhythm section and dynamic lead guitars. The band never fail to deliver a memorable musical experience, covering songs ranging from Bastille to Blink 182, Snow Patrol to Stereophonics, REM to Radiohead and Kaiser Chiefs to The Killers with many more between. Get Carter are always busy with gigs but are available for pubs, clubs, parties & special occasions and come complete with all their own equipment including full PA system. Guaranteed to make any event a success, no one leaves a Get Carter gig without having a good time and wearing thin their dancing shoes!
Get Carter
Here Come The Crows are a 4 piece Dirty-Blues, Romantic, Punk-Rock band based in Swindon. Front man from Manchester “Large It” Lee Knott formed the band in 2019. With various band member changes after Lockdown the line up is perfect.
Lee knott on vocals
Paul Mortimer-Jones on Guitar
Martin Lane on Bass
Gavin Loynes on Drums
Expect high energy catchy choruses and a fusion of musical genres whilst remaining true to 'The Typical British Festival band' vibes. Influences are endless, but a bit of Jim Morrison crossed with Iggy Pop whilst dancing with Bez on Steroids
Onika Venus
With a unique vocal style and outstanding musicianship, Onika performs original material in a wide range of styles across the UK. Expect to hear shades of old school reggae with soulful compositions that conjure up many surprises. These days, she performs with her band; Mark Venus (Guitar and Vocals), Dan Boulter (Percussion), Allen Hutkin (Bass), Tom Selway (Brass), and Kayla Kelly (Backing Vocals), but it wasn’t always this way.
Born in South Manchester, Jamaica, Onika was introduced to live music at an early in age in her home village of Resource, quickly learning that music reaches people in a way that nothing else does. Ever since her first performance with her friend Chabe, her soulful voice and reggae style has been capturing the hearts of audiences over two continents.
Upon moving to Kingston, Onika experienced a recording studio for the first time. But just as she started to pursue a music career seriously, her ticket to the UK had arrived. She was heading for London! There, Onika worked with Seanie B from BBC1 Xtra, as well as Tubby T and Miss Dynamite, under her stage name ‘Lady Posh’.
In early 2006, a new era began as Onika fronted the band Slyde. With her unique voice mixing with their Break beat, Techno and House music styles, they recorded 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang' and 'Vibrate to This”, both released on the Finger Licking Label. They were nominated for best new act at the Break Beat Awards that very same year.
After finding success in London Onika moved once more, this time to the musically vibrant city of Bristol. This is where she first met local musician Mark Venus. Over the last 11 years of open mics, festivals, and headline gigs, Onika continues to make strides; building her six-piece band, her debut album 'Everything You Are', and a family of two kids with Mark.
The Funkdamentals are a five piece band playing the very best Funk, Disco and Soul music from the last 50 years. The band feature some of the best musicians in the South of the UK and have played at hundreds of events across the country and internationally. Individually the band members have played with artists such as Atlantic Starr, Odyssey, The Manhattans, Glenn Jones, Dexter Wansel and Archie Bell and The Drells among many others. days - 4 stages - over 100 acts
29th June - 2nd July 2023
Acoustic Duo Ethemia aka Michaela Mott & Berny Poulton hit 2020 running. After the successful launch of their EP ‘Common Ground’ they were invited to support the legendary band ‘The Osmonds’ and the magic was due to continue, but with the Music Industry in great difficulty due to the pandemic, they sadly had to postpone all gigs until further notice. However, they have been busy working on a very timely ‘climate change single’ with all profits being donated to that cause, as well as a new EP called ‘Past Shadows’. This year Ethemia are looking forward to performing and touring once more.
Their distinctive sound with strong vocals, beautiful harmonies, catchy melodies and great guitar riffs brings 'Fleetwood Mac' to mind. Their trademark charismatic onstage chemistry and heartfelt performances certainly leave their mark.
They have toured extensively throughout Europe and the UK, and have performed, and been broadcast on many radio stations including BBC Introducing, The Gaby Roslin Show BBC London, and featured on BBC Radio 2.
Hooch, comprising of some of the most experienced musicians in the South West, is dedicated to performing the biggest hits of the 90’s. They are a group of four musicians who came together from their love and appreciation of musicianship and the nineties scene.
Their music characterises the 90’s nostalgia boom, creating an electric atmosphere and transporting you back in time to the good old days. Hooch take it one step further than Brit-pop, introducing artists such as Robert Miles, Faithless, Bobby Brown, alongside other huge bands from the era likes of Oasis, Blur, Pulp and Ocean Colour Scene.
Join them in re-living the pivotal decade known as cool Britainnia, and get MAD FOR IT!!!
