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