James Blunt Tops Stereoboard's Poll of Top 10 Most Loathed Artists
Ever since August, when everyone was shouting about Axl Rose and his famous lack of punctuality – as displayed with the usual amount of arrogance at Reading and Leeds – we haven’t been feeling the love here at Stereoboard. In fact, it’s been quite the opposite. So last week, we asked you to come up with the person you dislike the most in music and we’ve been waiting with bated breath for the results to come in. Will it be Axl? Or maybe Liam? Or possibly even one of the countless “musical” delights that Simon Cowell and his X Factor have kindly unleashed on the world?
Written by: Rob Sleigh | Date: Thursday, 04 November 2010
Foo Fighters - Stereoboard Tour of The Week (Feature)
One year on from the Them Crooked Vultures album and, with no sign of a follow-up in sight, the three supergroup members are getting back to their usual routines. Following the performances by Queens of the Stone Age at Reading and Leeds this summer, Dave Grohl is seemingly following his occasional bandmate’s lead and re-joining his main group as frontman. The few months spent at the back of the stage have obviously taken their toll and now he is taking up his guitar to reclaim his rightful place at the microphone.
Written by: Rob Sleigh | Date: Tuesday, 02 November 2010
Stereoboard’s Weekly Roundup - Katy Perry, Kings of Leon, Usher +
Welcome to the weekly Stereoboard roundup! Each week, we’ll be taking a look at the bands and artists that you’ve been reading about and buying tickets for over the past few days. We’ll check out each of these acts to find out why they’ve been causing so much excitement and we’ll also give you the news on what else they’ve been up to.
Written by: Rob Sleigh | Date: Friday, 29 October 2010
Lil Wayne: Proof That You Can’t Spell RAP STAR Without P, R, A, and T (Feature)
You know what? I’m the best Tiddlywinks player in the world...Bitch. Yeah, I know you didn’t ask, but I thought you just needed to know. I could flick you so hard I’ll make your grandkids dizzy. Yeah, and what? I’m into the cup faster than Mel Gibson at an open bar. So what you gonna do about it?
Written by: James Conlon | Date: Friday, 22 October 2010
Still a Feisty Pain in the Arse... Skunk Anansie Talk to Stereoboard
Most would agree that there has been no shortage of band reunions within the past couple of years – some were long-awaited, while others were long-forgotten. Even more recently, a number of fondly-remembered ‘90s Brit rock acts have added themselves to the ever-growing list – Cast, Shed Seven and, of course, Blur to name a few. Now all we need is Sleeper, Elastica and Pulp and the collection will be complete. A short while ago, one of the more unexpected, though equally appreciated, reformed bands joined the great return – or should that be Slight Return? That band was Skunk Anansie.
Written by: Rob Sleigh | Date: Tuesday, 12 October 2010
Brainwaves, Downloads … and Lap Dancing (Feature)
Obviously I can't be sure, but I bet I'm not the first person to say that apart from being a talented singer/songwriter, Robyn Hitchcock is a clever chap in more ways than one. I've even thought of pretending I'm a lifelong fan, hoping that those who believe in the birds-of-a-feather adage might think I'm a bit of a bright spark myself.
Written by: David Evans | Date: Friday, 01 October 2010
The X Factor: Scouting Talent or Strangling Creativity? (Feature)
As X-Factor fever yet again takes over our TV screens and obliterates any microcosm of common sense that may have been lingering in the minds of the masses I find it increasingly difficult to understand it’s real value. Granted, millions are pocketed by Herr Cowell and his lapdog Louis and it evidently makes great viewing as illustrated by the statistics. But does the show actually add anything of real substance to an already fiercely competitive music industry?
Written by: Daniel Lynch | Date: Thursday, 30 September 2010
Why Katy Perry Is Trying To Steal Your Children (FEATURE)
Last month saw the release of Katy Perry’s latest album, 'Teenage Dream.' To the extreme shock and surprise of absolutely no-one, the album went straight in at Number One, with the first single released from the album, 'California Gurls' (her spelling, not mine) also hitting the top spot. Now far be it from me to take anything away from this success: Perry is a talented singer, adored by thousands of people worldwide. If album sales are what you’re after, then she’s definitely doing something right, and there’s nothing that a silly man sitting on a computer can do to change that.
Written by: James Conlon | Date: Tuesday, 21 September 2010
Alvin Purple (Band Of The Week)
Our Band Of The Week, is a feature designed to promote the wonderful unsigned and indie label talent on offer in the UK right now. Alvin Purple are this week’s choice. A Leeds based electronic, indie-pop outfit, who began their musical career in 2008, by making a bedroom demo, armed with only a laptop and a couple of microphones. The response that the demo received caught the four piece a little off guard, causing them to decamp to Leeds and concentrate on writing and rehearsing on a farm in the middle of nowhere.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Sunday, 19 September 2010
Open Up And End Credits - Liverpool Music Week 29/10 to 25/11
Next month sees the start of the 8th annual Liverpool Music Week – the UK’s largest indoor winter festival – and electonica features heavily in this year’s line-up.
Written by: Les Roberts | Date: Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Mona (Band Of The Week)
Our Band Of The Week, is a feature designed to promote the wonderful unsigned and indie label talent on offer in the UK right now. This week however Stereoboard crosses the pond to highlight the musical talent of Nashville based four piece Mona. So far Mona have caused quite a stir in the UK, they have been featured by other music news outlets, reaching number 1 in the buzz chart and have featured in the top 50 bands of 2010, this is before the group have even released a song.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Friday, 10 September 2010
Stereoboard Chats With Experimental New York Band, Yeasayer
Stereoboard catches a quick interview with Yeasayer’s Ira Wolf Tuton, while they set up for a gig. We look ahead to the set they have just played at Leeds Festival and also discuss life on the road, as the band head onto a massive tour with dates in the USA and UK. The New York group, who released their second album, Odd Blood earlier this year, continue to achieve acclaim, producing their experimental indie pop sound and dazzling live audiences with their visual and musical brilliance.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Sunday, 05 September 2010
Littlemores (Band Of The Week)
Our Band Of The Week, is a feature designed to promote the wonderful unsigned and indie label talent on offer in the UK right now. Littlemores are this week's Band of the Week. An extremely gifted, young four piece from York, whose ska infused, Indie music continues to wow crowds with its mix of jangly guitars, trumpet and accordion accompaniment with excellent, witty lyrics.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Saturday, 04 September 2010
One Man's Meat - A Feature by David Evans
Nigh-on twenty years before the first of the Batman blockbusters hit the big screen, the TV series was broadcast in the UK; and if ever an American import epitomised the one-man’s-meat-is-another-man’s-poison adage, this was it. Due in no small part to the advance razzmatazz, the public expectation was of action-packed, edge-of-the-seat tales of the Caped Crusader’s derring-do. And so when each and every episode turned out to be a slapstick parody in which the villains were camped up by aging or little known actors, it was no wonder that the sound of disappointment rang loud … fast forward forty-plus years and the fight scenes remain famous for the introduction of words like ‘zap’ and ‘wham’ and ‘pow’ plastered across the screen – a neat trick which served to mask wide-of-the- mark punches and sets and furniture that were reduced to smithereens simply because they were cobbled out of cardboard and balsa.
Written by: David Evans | Date: Tuesday, 31 August 2010
The Hall Of Mirrors (Band Of The Week)
Our Band Of The Week, is a feature designed to promote the wonderful unsigned and indie label talent on offer in the UK right now. The Hall Of Mirrors are this week's selection. A 7 piece psychedelic pop/French pop group from London, who produce a sound which is very reminiscent of groups such as The Velvet Underground and Jefferson Airplane.
Written by: Adam Simpson. | Date: Saturday, 28 August 2010
INTRODUCING: Colour of Sound Release New Single 'Open Room' - Listen Now
Step aside Manic Street Preachers and Stereophonics, Colour of Sound have arrived! Emerging Newport band Colour of Sound will release their stunning new single 'Open Room' this October. You can watch the video for the single below. Taken form their debut album 'When', music fans will be enraptured by the release, which overflows with a spell binding combination of soulful guitar rock, moving vocals, charming lyrics and an all round brilliant level of musicianship. Inspired by folk forefathers Neil Young and The Band, 'When' by Colour of Sound will be released on Red Grape Records on 27th September 2010.
Written by: Nigel Sachdev | Date: Wednesday, 25 August 2010
Every Avenue - Tell Me I'm A Wreck (Video of the Week)
Every Avenue's stunning video for new single "Tell Me I'm A Wreck" is Stereoboard.com's video of the week. Directed by Stephen Penta (Innerpartysystem, The Killers, Alesana), the video for the Michigan pop punk band's new single is a very personal take on the sassy singalong hit single from acclaimed new album 'Picture Perfect'. Featuring interviews with the band's family, friends and loved ones, the video has been resonating with fans worldwide since it's premiere on MTV2 earlier this week, and is currently Kerrang! TV's video of the week.
Written by: Nigel Sachdev | Date: Monday, 23 August 2010
Spring Offensive - Band of the Week (Feature)
Our Band Of The Week, is a feature designed to promote the wonderful unsigned and indie label talent on offer in the UK right now. Spring Offensive are this week’s Band of the Week. A very talented 5 Piece from Oxford, who can fall rather nicely into the alternative-indie category, but do not for one minute imagine that their music is categorised that easily. Indeed, the group play a very diverse and unique array of music, all functioning to progress the meaning of the groups wonderful, creative lyrics.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Saturday, 21 August 2010
Stereoboard Interviews Brazilian Group Chapa Ahead of Album Release
Stereoboard Interviews Chapa, the three brothers from Brazil, who are set to release their first English language album, Creation Room on October 4th. Marcos Chapa, from the group, who are now based in London, spoke with us at stereoboard, about the history of the band, the UK groups who have inspired them and their anticipation, ahead of their new album.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Monday, 16 August 2010
Secret Sirens - Band of the Week (Feature)
Our Band Of The Week, is a feature designed to promote the wonderful unsigned and indie label talent on offer in the UK right now. The first group in this series are the fantastic unsigned Yorkshire act Secret Sirens.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Saturday, 14 August 2010
Stereoboard Talks Touring and Record Labels with Spring Offensive
Stereoboard interviews unsigned band, Spring Offensive during the Manchester leg of their UK tour. We find out what the band have achieved through touring and also how the band feel about life as an unsigned band and whether the draw of a label to organise your tours etc, is something which they desire right now. This is the penultimate leg on your UK tour, why did you decide that now was the right time to go on tour and how has the tour gone?
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Thursday, 12 August 2010
From Colour It In To Wall of Arms - Evolution of The Maccabees (FEATURE)
Little did I know standing in a sweaty, packed out tent at Oxegen a few years ago that the band I was listening to would very soon become one of my favourite bands. I was hugely sceptical of the whole Indie genre having been brought up on a staple diet of rock, metal and blues, but with no other bands on at the same time I had any interest in, I had thought why not. After being dragged to the tent by a friend who had heard these guys were good, I was less than enthusiastic when the five-piece took to the stage.
Written by: Daniel Lynch | Date: Wednesday, 11 August 2010
UK's Foremost Brit-Ska Band: The Communicators At Boomtown Fair 2010
Next weekend will mark the fourth year of the UK’s Boomtown Fair, a unique festival that offers up the best ska and party bands across the world, including live gigs from an array of gypsy, folk, reggae, dub and country and western acts.
Written by: Jon Stickler | Date: Saturday, 07 August 2010
Stereoboard Interviews The Lottery Winners - 2010 Live And Unsigned Champions
Following on from winning Live And Unsigned, Stereoboard Interviews The Lottery Winners. We find out what winning the competition has meant to the four piece from Leigh and what the band have in the pipeline now they have the title of Live And Unsigned 2010 winners under their belts.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Thursday, 05 August 2010
A Dubstep Too Far? - A Feature by David Evans
If the truth is known, I didn’t deserve to drop lucky on my first ever visit to a car boot sale: after a Saturday night on the town, with a newt following me around taking notes, I should have spent the morning between the sheets, sleeping off the effect of five too many Tequila slammers. I gave the wife du jour a mouthful each time she tried to rouse me, and might possibly have stomached the nagging if the Paracetamol had been close at hand … and if the dog hadn’t been so nimble I would have toe-ended it down the stairs for wagging it’s tail so noisily.
Written by: David Evans | Date: Saturday, 31 July 2010
Life As An Unsigned Band Part 3 - The Sound Engineers (FEATURE)
So far we’ve seen how bands form, practice, get gigs and release music (PART 1) and how promoters work in their jobs of organising gigs, recruiting bands and advertising the show (PART 2). However, there are people working almost behind the scenes who are integral to this whole process. This section will explore the role of the sound engineer. For anybody who doesn’t know, this is the guy who, at a gig, painstakingly mics up every single instrument, drum and voice, and balances all the volumes so that the listener can hear as much as possible with optimum clarity.
Written by: Daniel Lynch | Date: Wednesday, 28 July 2010
Its Grim Up North - Why Is It So Hard For Unsigned Northern Acts To Make It?
Being an unsigned band is not an easy task. Financial issues, working around full time jobs and studying, or just getting a gig. The list of problems are endless and groups often have to do everything themselves. Management, promotion, photography, web sites, whilst still trying to play and write good music. And all this comes with no guarantees, even the fact that you are a fantastic group, with a good fan base and a huge online following means nothing. Getting that elusive record deal is a lottery and only a few lucky ones ever receive the winning ticket. A quick look at MySpace will reveal the vast number of unsigned acts out there all aiming for the same goal and a huge number of these groups are pretty good.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Wednesday, 28 July 2010
Stereoboard Interviews Acclaimed Singer/Songwriter Josh Ritter
Stereoboard received the opportunity to interview acclaimed singer/songwriter Josh Ritter, following the release of his 6th recorded album, So Runs The World Away and ahead of his impending UK tour in September. The artist who has been named as one of the top 100 songwriters of all time and compared with the great Bob Dylan talks about inspiration, his 10 year career so far and the music business.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Saturday, 24 July 2010
No Vuvuzelas… No Flags… No Fun – Are Music Festivals Getting Boring?
Well, the World Cup is over for another four years and, once again, England have failed to return home with the trophy. The last few weeks repeatedly brought bitter disappointment to the English fans, culminating in the team’s defeat by Germany, and many tears have since been shed. However, as always, there is some good news to follow the bad. The endless and monotonous drone that has provided the soundtrack to every match during the entire month-long tournament is finally over. This is, of course, a reference to the infuriating noise-maker that is the vuvuzela.
Written by: Rob Sleigh | Date: Thursday, 15 July 2010
Interview: Stereoboard Talks With Hip Hop Artist, N'FA
N’FA (No Fixed Abode) is a London born rapper, who grew up in Australia. The rapper hit the headlines at the end of 2009, after it emerged that Heath Ledger had produced the music video for N’FA’s track, Cause An Effect, which was released on June 28th. The video was shot in Heath’s garage and was made, just before The Dark Knight. The film which captured Heath at his acting best, just before the Hollywood star sadly died.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Tuesday, 13 July 2010
Interview: Factory Records Legends A Certain Ratio
In the 1970’s Factory Records began revolutionising the way British music was produced and the way artists were managed. The original creation of Tony Wilson and Alan Erasmus, Factory Records soon shaped the Manchester music scene and sowed the seeds for the 90’s Madchester Revolution that followed. The list of acts working under the label are huge and diverse, containing some huge names such as Joy Division, New Order, The Happy Mondays and A Certain Ratio. Factory did not do things the normal way, or the cheap way. Famed for never really making any money, no expense was spared, record sleeves, posters, flyers were all pieces of art in themselves as Peter Saville was given the creative freedom and ultimately the cash needed to produce the artwork that the label was famed for.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Saturday, 10 July 2010
Interview: Aussie Rockers JET
Stereoboard grab the opportunity to interview Australian rock group Jet, prior to their upcoming gig at The Shepherds Bush Empire in London on the 18th of this month. We find out a little more about the group and the upcoming gig as well as their latest album ‘Shaka Rock.’
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Saturday, 03 July 2010
Interview: Paul McCartney's Guitarist - Brian Ray.
I had the fantastic opportunity to interview Brian Ray. Brian is an award winning musician, singer and songwriter who has worked as a session musician for the likes of Rod Stewart, Kelly Clarkson, Smokey Robinson and Etta James. But it is as Paul McCartney’s sideman that he is most famed. Playing bass and guitar alongside the ex Beatle. Brian is soon to release some solo material, with an album and a couple of singles on the way as well as touring the USA this summer with Paul McCartney once more. I took the opportunity to interview Brian and find out a little more about his solo venture and also what it is like to work with a British Pop Icon.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Thursday, 01 July 2010
Interview: Dogs Talk Indie Music, U2 and State of Music Industry
I interviewed Dogs, when they played in York on the 20th of this month. The groups lead singer Johnny Cooke took the lead during the interview and let me into his deep personality, the groups desire to make music they enjoy, for themselves and their despair at today’s music industry and the way indie music has turned mainstream, opposing the ideals from what it was formed. Johnny also spoke fondly about the group’s relationship with Paul Weller, with whom the group have worked. Paul Weller is said to be a fan of the group, who liken their early sound to The Jam. Johnny told me how he is shocked every time Paul Weller calls him.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Tuesday, 29 June 2010
Michael Jackson: The Making of a Myth - Part 1 (FEATURE)
One year on, from the shocking events that took place in Los Angeles in the summer of 2009, and the universe of questions Michael Jackson’s extraordinary death threw into orbit shows no signs yet of abating. That Jackson actually died on June 25 is not in question. But it is the manner in which he departed that birthed an epilogue of controversy. Courtesy of TMZ‘s first truly global scoop, conversely at 14:26 pm – recorded as the moment the vitality in Jackson’s body officially flickered and died, the world as we knew it would galvanize into unprecedented hyperlife. AOL would call the ensuing web meltdown a “seminal moment in Internet history.” Jackson’s death would precipitate a virtual news blackout of anything that wasn’t Jackson related. From then to now, speculations of the Grisham-type variety about the state of Jackson’s health and body to conspiratorial scenarios involving AEG, Sony, Jackson’s last advisers, and his doctor – have raged like wildfire across the media.
Written by: Deborah Ffrench | Date: Monday, 28 June 2010
Interview: American Singer/Songwriter E from Eels
After 14 years in the music industry, American act Eels, embark on a world tour later this year, including a visit to The V Festivals in Staffordshire and Chelmsford on the 22nd and 24th August, following the release of the new album ‘Tomorrow Morning’ which is the 3rd album from a trilogy, which have all been recorded in about 18 months, following on from ‘Hombre Lobo’ and ‘End Times’ I interviewed Mark Oliver Everett or E from Eels, to find out a little more about the American singer/songwriter’s world tour and his 14 year career.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Saturday, 26 June 2010
Interview: Nu Metal Group, Earthtone9
Earthtone9, were a nu-metal group, formed in 1998, who really took off after their 2000 album arc’tan’gent. It is ten years since that release and to celebrate that anniversary the group have released a 16 track greatest hits compilation, entitled, Inside Embers Glow, the group are also embarking on a small tour and playing at this year’s Damnation Festival. I interviewed the group’s singer Karl Middleton, to find out more about the revival and see why it all went wrong in the first place, back in 2002, when seemingly things were going so well. The group have often been asked about getting back together, there where stumbling blocks in the way for the group including fall outs within the group, “the main personality clash in the band was between Owen (Owen Packard - the bands guitar player) and Si (Simon Hutchby – the band’s drummer) so it depended upon them becoming friends again.” All that is in the past though and the band have put aside any earlier fall outs to get together and perform again.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Wednesday, 23 June 2010
The Unsigned Guide Edition 4 - The Ultimate Resource for Unsigned Bands
In recent years there has been a significant shift in the way the music industry works, and the Internet has empowered artists to establish themselves independently without needing the support of a major recording contract to 'break through'. Back in 2003 Louise Dodgson launched an invaluable resource for unsigned bands, called 'The Unsigned Guide', for those wanting to break beyond their immediate localities and towns. Detailing a list of contacts in different areas of the music industry, 'The Unsigned Guide' quickly became a bible for the unsigned and emerging sectors.
Written by: Nigel Sachdev | Date: Wednesday, 23 June 2010
Interview: Irish group The Coronas
Stereoboard.com writer Adam Simpson had the pleasure of interviewing The Coronas front man Danny O’Reilly. The Irish group’s success has been quite amazing so far, bagging an award for the best Irish album, the acts following is growing and growing, especially after playing at some big festivals and working with people such as Paul McCartney and John Cornfield. The group have been busy lately playing at several festivals, notably The Isle Of Wight, I wondered how the group had found these venues.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Saturday, 19 June 2010
Interview: Yorkshire Rock Act The Humour
Recently I had an interview with Yorkshire rock group, The Humour. They'll be playing at the Download Festival this weekend, and I spoke with them before they went on stage at The Cockpit in Leeds, to play their album release party gig. The band celebrate the release of their debut album, 'Your Gonna Pay', which is due for release later this month.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Sunday, 13 June 2010
FEATURE: This Ain’t A Love Song... So What’s New?
Before I get started on the meat and two veg, so to speak, it would be wrong to borrow the song title without paying tribute to Scouting for Girls’ well-deserved success. They are a hardworking band; write genuinely good pop songs and are tireless in support of their two chosen charities. I like them a lot … I’m also grateful to Roy and the boys for prodding a notion that has been cat-napping at the back of my mind for way to long … It’s that time of year when I could be forgiven for waxing lyrical about cloudless skies and butterflies hovering around pink-hued acacia blooms; but more than likely, it’s the sight of tawny-limbed lovelies in tight-fitting tank-tops and flouncy rah-rah skirts that stirs the romantic man in me. And what’s more, a stroll through any city centre would show that I’m not a stand-alone guy.
Written by: David Evans | Date: Saturday, 12 June 2010
FEATURE: Is a Band Bigger Than Its Singer?
Last month, Thin Lizzy announced that Ricky Warwick of the Almighty would be joining them as their third lead vocalist following the departure of John Sykes, who had been the band’s singer since they originally reformed in 1996. In the same month, the Faces were confirmed as headliners of this August’s Vintage at Goodwood festival in West Sussex, with a certain Mick Hucknall due to stand in for Rod Stewart on vocals. Both of these announcements beg the question: how much do a band need their lead singer?
Written by: Rob Sleigh | Date: Friday, 11 June 2010
Freebass Interview: Stereoboard Spends Time With Bass Supergroup
Stereoboard.com writer Adam Simpson spends time with latest supergroup Freebass. Freebass consists of three bassists Andy Rourke (formerly of The Smiths), Peter Hook (formerly of New Order and Joy Division) and Gary "Mani" Mounfield (formerly of The Stone Roses and currently in Primal Scream) and singer Gary Briggs (formerly of Haven). It's been 5 years since Hooky and Mani came up with the Freebass idea, in a few hours the guys are going to be playing their first gig at The Duchess in York. I wondered if this had been a frustrating time for the group.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Wednesday, 09 June 2010
Interview: Cha-Cha Frontman Blain McGuigan
Following the recent release of London based group Cha-Cha's first album, 'We Are', I interviewed the groups multi talented front man and bass player Blain McGuigan. I wanted to find out a little more about this exciting three piece and what the future has in store now that they have released their catchy and unique sound to the general public.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Tuesday, 01 June 2010
FEATURE: To Push or Not To Push? Atmosphere vs. Personal Space
Whilst making my way towards the stage for the Vampire Weekend set at Coachella this year, I went to make a move between two ladies standing roughly half a metre apart. One of the ladies saw me coming, turned her nose up and shuffled across to fill the space. Being a little drunk and keen to fill the gaps nearer the front, I nudge past with a brief “Sorry Love” as I went. I turned to see her flip me off, which fuelled my antagonistic side and I blew her a kiss before heading further forward just in time to see her turn slowly purple. This was not the first time during this festival that I was met with similar hostility in a sparsely packed crowd and with the UK festival season underway, I began to pose the question, to push or not to push?
Written by: Nick Hewitt | Date: Tuesday, 25 May 2010
FEATURE: Download Festival 2010: 30 Years of Donington - Interview with Promoter Andy Copping
There are just a few weeks to go until Download and it already looks set to be one of the biggest musical events of the summer. This year's festival will mark the 30th Anniversary of rock music at Donington. In the run up to the June event, Stereoboard caught up with the man behind the festival, promoter Andy Copping, to discuss Download 2010 as well as Donington's thirty-year history. With three legendary acts topping the bill, it is shaping up to become the most successful year in the history of the site. That is no small feat either. Especially as last year's festival was the first to sell out. "We sold-out at Download 2009 for the first time, with seventy-five-thousand people. We've surpassed that figure already and we've still got three weeks to go." As in previous years, Andy has managed to book an impressive line-up of rock artists, including three of the best headliners on 2010's festival calendar. On Sunday 13th, Aerosmith, who are celebrating their own 40th Anniversary this year, will headline the weekend. This performance, which will be their third appearance at Donington since 1990, follows an eventful few months for the band. Towards the end of last year, singer Steven Tyler dramatically left the group, only to return a few months later after reports that Aerosmith were looking for his replacement.
Written by: Rob Sleigh | Date: Sunday, 23 May 2010
FEATURE: Genius of Jack White & The White Stripes - Proof that Rock and Roll Is Not Dead
It’s the kind of thing my dad would call racket. Heck to me it’s a hell of a racket too, but for some inexplicable reason, it’s fantastic. To start with, somebody who’d only started playing a week before could have been drumming. And yet, the simplicity works. It lets the rest of the music and melody (for want of a better word) do the work. The rest of the music emanates from a variety of beaten up, plastic in some cases, dishevelled guitars. For any guitarist who knows their stuff, ‘tone’ is something of a holy grail. You either got it or you ain’t. Variables can be guitar wood, room temperature, even the sweat on your hands according to some connoisseurs. A plastic guitar is almost sacrilege. And when the second guitar was obtained in exchange for moving a fridge, you know you’re not dealing with the best of equipment. But somehow it sounds amazing. It’s the absolute lack of ‘tone’ that makes it such a great ‘tone.’
Written by: Daniel Lynch | Date: Friday, 21 May 2010
FEATURE: Life As An Unsigned Band Part 2 - The Promoters
Where would we be without fantastic stage shows, pyrotechnics, massive moving figures, flying drum kits, and thousands of people crammed into venues, or up to the eyeballs in mud? Such is the diversity of live performances among modern bands that the show is as important as the music itself. You could be witnessing the spectacular lighting show of a Muse gig one night, the giant walking Eddie at an Iron Maiden gig the next, or be treated to the masters of stage presence such as Eddie Vedder or Steven Tyler on another day. However, none of these bands woke up one morning with the money and expertise to build such amazing shows. They all cut their teeth in local bars and clubs learning their trade as musicians and performers. They are what many unsigned bands aspire to be.
Written by: Daniel Lynch | Date: Friday, 14 May 2010
FEATURE: Kele Okereke In State Of Flux
What has happened to London's most beloved, platinum-selling purveyors of sentimental, dancefloor indie? Well, according to Bloc Party, the band is on hiatus, providing perfect opportunity for its members to stretch their legs (and maybe even spread their wings) for a little bit.
Written by: Jacob Mier | Date: Monday, 03 May 2010
FEATURE: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Thank goodness I never found a bookmaker willing to take my bets on pop music’s next big thing. The fact that bands like the Howling Bells and The Concretes aren’t topping the bill at Glastonbury, conjures up a picture of a bookie’s outstretched podgy hand and a glum-faced me. Of course I’ve backed the occasional winner in the last few years: I was one of the first to be raving about Franz Ferdinand and long before the Arctic Monkeys made the charts, I had them marked down as the bizz. But what’s there to shout about? As my granny used to say: ‘Stand a blind cat in a fish tank and sooner or later he’ll be munching on a guppy’.
Written by: David Evans | Date: Saturday, 24 April 2010
