Canal-St Music Scene

“Great classic Britpop exactly what is missing in our time, in the best traditions of Blur and Mansun”- Artum Online.

Popular indie band from Manchester, Rawcuss are set to release their brand new four-track EP, Feelings this August.

Since gaining airplay for their debut single, TV Fantasies, from the likes of BBC Radio Manchester and Steve Lamacq on BBC Radio 6 back in 2011, Rawcuss have made a lasting impression on the local music scene.

Their second single John Travolta achieved a great response from their loyal fan base and U.S Radio DJ Kimmi Ramone said; “I love this sound, it’s a mix between The Kinks and The Buzzcocks with a smidging of Talking Heads in there.”

The band regularly plays at Manchester’s top venues and has ventured all over the UK playing various successful festivals. With outstanding sets at Goodwood Vintage Festival (Surrey), Landed Festival (South Wales), Cadence Festival (Tyldsley) and Beached Festival (Castlefield) - where they shared a stage with none other than The Futureheads - they are well underway of getting the recognition they deserve.

The brand new EP will feature three already-released popular tracks; TV Fantasies, John Travolta and Manchester News, along with their brand new single, Feelings. Each track on the EP has an accompanying music video; which are all available to watch online.

The EP will be pre-released on Monday 30th July 2012. Now available to pre-order via popular online stores such as Amazon and 7Digital.

The official release date for Feelings - the single and four-track EP is Monday 27th August 2012.

Published on - Thu, 19 Jul 2012

Cadence Festival is Tyldesley’s leading music festival for upcoming, local talent. Following last year’s unforgettable success, the event is back again on 15th and 16th June for a jam-packed weekend of immense live music and bags of fresh new talent.

Previously showcasing the likes of The Lottery Winners and Jeremiah Ferrari at last year’s showstopper, this year brings you The Voice’s David Julien, all the very best signed acts of Longevity Records such as Rawcuss and Super 8 Cynics, last year’s headlining act – former front man of Inspiral Carpets - Tom Hingley and the Lovers plus many more outstanding acts throughout Friday and Saturday.

Manchester’s independent label, Longevity Records will again be sponsoring the main stage, along with The Railway playing host to the Acoustic stage. The Indie Bus stage is confirmed to be held at The Queens and there will also be a comedy stage at The Half Moon, an over-50s stage at The Mort Arms and poetry performances at Tasty Bite Cafe. The main stage will be set up in Town Hall Square and raring to go from 2pm on the Saturday.

In addition to the acts that will be rockin’ the stages, there will be even more bands featured in The Black Horse pub on Elliott Street, alongside indie DJ sets from Mark B. Guest DJs will be taking over Bar M both nights of the festival.

Ian Jackson, the founder of Cadence Festival and Longevity Records says; “Tyldesley deserves an up-to-date music and arts festival which caters for all ages and tastes.”

The idea of the festival derived from Jackson’s plan to showcase more unrecognized talent, providing an open window for all new and gifted musicians, of all genres, to freely play live in front of a crowd and rightly show off their talents. Strictly for the benefits of others, the festival gives hope for those who love making music, generating enjoyment for the festival-goers and, most importantly, demonstrating to the public that there is real aptitude out there.

Cadence will be hitting Tyldesley on 15th and 16th June, and to top it all – entry is FREE. Don’t miss out!

Published on - Tue, 05 Jun 2012

Parklife Festival returns this year for some more party mayhem, bringing its colossal carnival to Manchester to mark its third year success!

Featuring the likes of Dizzee Rascal, The Flaming Lips, Nero, Noah and the Whale, Crystal Castles, Kelis, The Rapture and many more outstanding acts, commencing the week of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee; this year is set to be a guddun’.

Tons of people crowded together for one gigantic party, with plenty of diverse music varying from drum ‘n’ bass to dubstep, house music, indie bands and much more; all ready to tear the place up.

On the Saturday, the main stage will be featuring THE FLAMING LIPS, NOAH & THE WHALE, KELIS, THE CUBAN BROTHERS, DJ YODA, KRYSKO & GREG LORD+ SPECIAL GUESTS: CHIC FT NILE RODGERS, coinciding with many other superb acts who will be taking over the smaller stages.

The Sunday will welcome DIZZEE RASCAL, LABRINTH, AZEALIA BANKS, DELILAH (LIVE), MURKAGE (LIVE,) MISTA JAM JUICY DJS+ SPECIAL GUESTS: DE LA SOUL onto the main stage, and the rest so don’t miss out!

The two-day festival will take place this weekend on the 9th and 10th June at Platt Fields Park,Wilmslow Road, Manchester M14 6LA.

After-parties will carry on afterwards on the Saturday at Antwerp Mansion, Rusholme from 10pm until the early hours.

Get your tickets NOW;

Festival:http://www.skiddle.com/festivals/parklife/

After-party: http://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Manchester/Antwerp-Mansion/OFFICIAL-PARKLIFE-AFTERPARTY/11664318/

Published on - Tue, 05 Jun 2012

Landed Festival, jam-packed with Music, Arts and Entertainment, takes place on Welsh territory this May, commencing the success of last year, for some real enjoyment and communal spirit.

Talents from near and far are gathered together for a celebration of originality; ranging from music, to art, to comedy to anything you can think of. There are two, but soon to be three, stages for the showcasing of some very much differentiated aptitude.

There will be an open air cinema provided, alongside a child’s play area, theatre, a digital gallery, puppet shows, craft workshops, circus performances, comedy and much more, plus stages that facilitate your preferred tastes, this May Day Weekend.

The live music performers on the bill range through; Slamboree, Fight the Bear, Rawcuss, Creative Recyling, Vagabondi Puppetry, Panic Circus and many many more, which you can find out on the website.

This weekend is set to be a great success for Landed 2012 and let’s hope it’s even bigger than last year this time. For more information, go to;

www.landedfestival.co.uk

Published on - Thu, 03 May 2012

Commencing their success of attaining their track, Room 502, onto the Radio 1 Breakfast Show; due to an advantageous encounter with DJ, Chris Moyles, at last year’s One Big Weekend in Carlisle - not to mention, a recent outstanding set with The Mystery Jets - Cumbrian lads; House of Three Hands have now signed with Longevity Records.

So far, six very different, outstanding bands have been signed to the independent label, otherwise known as; Rawcuss, Vanilla Gorillaz, Rebellious Jukebox, Route 19, Dresden and Phantomz; all gaining their well-deserved opportunities for publicity through the work of PR, music videos, reviews, events, interviews and much more, courtesy of Longevity.This small, DIY label holds big future plans and illustrates just what is missing in today’s major labels; loyalty and dedication.

House of Three Hands are an aspiring alternative rock trio; encompassing previous experience sharing stages with the likes of Madness, The Futureheads, Razorlight, Kid British and ex-Libertine; Carl Barat. The freshly-signed lads are all set to record their next cluster of singles at Manchester’s one and only Blueprint Studios in June; home to the recordings of Johnny Marr, Elbow, Lady GaGa and countless more.

There is also talk of a video shoot subsequent in July.

Jake Wedgwood (guitar/vocals), Alex Brown (bass) and Dave Annis (drums), intend to bring their pop-grooves and indie influences to Manchester this year with the plan to release three singles and an EP, with Longevity Records. Existing, recently recorded track, Cannonball Caberet, along with popular favourites; Room 502 and Byron Bay are available to listen to online now.

For more information, go to;

www.myspace.com/houseofthreehands

www.longevityrecords.com

Published on - Thu, 12 Apr 2012

Atmospheric, morose and inspirational. Manchester-based modernistic, alt-pop band, Dresden, release their self-titled collected works of electronically enhanced emotion; combining powerful and momentous lyrics with the melodic resonance of technology. From the vocals of Ryan Magee, derives raw emotion and composure.

Enough is Never Good Enough defines feelings of insignificance with a simple keyboard melody, bringing life to the soft vocals and unbridled chorus’; song writing at its simplest, yet deeply effective. While, the broken-up, choppy drum beats, haunting synths and fading echoes in Hospital declare a more dark and ominous side to the album, drawing in a sense of solitude. Hardcore, isn’t what it says on the tin, but beautifully written and instrumentally moving; a magnificent and heart-rending record.

This 8-track album will take you to another place. A place of tranquillity. See for yourself.

A mellow and refreshing composition.

The album will be released on ITunes this weekend curtosy of Longevity Records.

Alternatively, listen to it online at;

http://dresdenmusic.com/

Published on - Thu, 29 Mar 2012

It’s been a tough couple of years for Katy, since her divorce from Russel Brand, and it predominantly shows in her most recent music video, Part of Me.

The video sees Katy as a break-up victim, who cuts off her hair, tapes down her breasts and joins the army to gain combat training. The lyrics solemnly say; “This is the part of me that you’re never gonna ever take away from me, no. This is the part of me that you’re never gonna ever take away from me, no. Throw your sticks and stones. Throw your bombs and your blows. But you’re not gonna break my soul” Deep stuff.

Although Brand states that he will always ‘adore’ Katy and he was reported to have been ‘nothing but nice’ throughout the divorce, this new song signifies the true feelings behind the 27-year-old.

New album; Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection is said to reveal some raw emotion from the singer and is set for release on 27th March!

Watch the video for Part of Me NOW

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuwfgXD8qV8&feature=player_embedded

Published on - Fri, 23 Mar 2012

In an age where music is no longer an ardour, but a business, there is still hope. Simply take a harder look in between the lines; in this case, in between the backstreets of the not-so renowned fraction of Manchester’s real and gritty, not to mention down-right outstanding in parts, music scene. You will find something great, something worth swinging your hair and spilling your beer for.

Boddickers fill that void; the one that is shamefully missed out in today’s musical society. An aspiring heavy rock trio, dominating small stages with unbridled passion and facial hair to spare. They arrive, seize their instruments, fuelling them with heavy doses of distortion and superb riffs, and then unleash their inimitable sound upon their bewildered audience…

Xan Holbrook (bass, vocals), nephew of Elbow’s Guy Garvey, Tony Litherland (guitar, vocals, synth) and Jim Catell (drums) will bring you crude humour, raw sound, and a guaranteed passionate performance.

So, if you love to rock and fancy hearing some new music, Boddickers will be playing:

Sunday 8th April Satan’s Hollow, Manchester

Friday 13th April 1 in 12 Club, Bradford

Monday 23rd April The Crescent, Salford

For more information and music, go to:

http://www.boddickers.co.uk/gigs

Get The First EP for just £2.50 NOW

http://boddickers.bandcamp.com/album/the-first-ep

Published on - Tue, 20 Mar 2012

After the release of single, Shady Love,featuring Alexander Ridhain January, the long awaited fourth album from The Scissor Sisters is now set to launch on 28th May!

The album has been described as ‘future-pop’ by front man, Jake Shears, and is believed to contain collaborations with Calvin Harris, Pharrell Williams and Diplo. The next single, Only the Horses, released 20th May, is co produced by Calvin Harris; who seems to be making sufficient appearances on a number of tracks with the stars these days, including Madonna.

Due to third album,Night Work,only reaching Gold, whilst first two albums Scissor Sisters and Ta-Dah reached Multi-Platinum, they’re holding out hope that they can still bring back the Magicwith this one! A collection of futuristic pop with a taste of Shears’ rapping, promiscuous lyrics and bags of finger snapping ‘mmm hmm’ attitude…

The tickets for their only released tour date of 2012, London’s Shepherds Bush Empire, are now on sale! They will be playing on 16th and 17th May.

Keep your eye out for more dates!

Published on - Fri, 16 Mar 2012

The Village Folk Club is a wholesome event that takes place every month in our very own Taurus Bar on Canal-St.

Bringing together folk in all of its forms. Whether it be singing, storytelling, dancing  or musicianship. The Village Folk Club will not dissapoint.

Belinda O’Hooley and Heidi Tidow are two musically creative, lyrically observational and truely inspirational women who met on the Huddersfield music scene in 2009. Their musical style is of a chamber folk genre, containing elements of their shared Irish musicical heritage. Their voices contrast in such a beautifully melodic way that they overwhelm their audience.

Their album, The Fragile is out now and has recieved glowing reviews including 4 stars from The Guardian, Uncut, MoJo, Songlines and Spiralearth. Dai Jeffries, Folking.com, says; “the confidence, power and earthiness of their voices both solo and in harmony are what shine through this excellent album.”

O’Hooley & Tidow will be gracing Taurus Bar Tuesday 20th March.

There will also be a featured a performance by Sister in Arms Rapper, as they prepare to compete at DERT.

Doors open 7:30pm. Starts 8pm.

Entry £10/£7.50

Don’t miss it!

Published on - Wed, 14 Mar 2012

Since her tragic accident, badly injuring her spine in 2011, it seemed Harvieu’s singing career was over. Doctors claiming she’ll never walk again and her dream of playing Glastonbury, fading into a dark abyss… The future seemed hopeless for the 21-year-old.

Though the Salfordian bounced back and proved that dreams are meant to be lived, especially when you’re from Manchester! A call from hero, Jonny Marr (The Smiths) in hospital to wish her well and request her record with him when she’s better gave her the push she needed to pull through. This was her dream and her destiny.

So here she is today. Receiving a 5 star review from The Guardian’s Tim Jonze on the launch of her new album, Through the Night; this will be released on the 23rd April. Her voice has been described as “nuanced with an effortless haze that feels like late summer” by Economic Voice’s Paul Daniel, not to mention her name is listed on the BBC Sound of 2012. She’s been compared to the likes of Adele, only, in an oppositional sense – “anti Adele”, due to her retro jazz influenced and beautifully effortless sound.

She shyly creeps on stage, crutch in tow, mutters a modest phrase of gratitude and blows away her audience; usually equipped with a pint of lager for some liquid confidence. A truly original and outstanding sound; a lovely change for modern music.

Ren Harvieu’s UK Tour Dates have been announced so get your tickets NOW to see Manchester’s next big thing!

Sun 1st – Manchester, Ruby Lounge

Mon 2nd – Glasgow, King Tuts

Tue 3rd – Birmingham, Glee Club Studio

Wed 11th – London, Bush Hall

Get tickets here:

http://www.ents24.com/web/artist/167376/Ren_Harvieu.html

Published on - Tue, 13 Mar 2012

Madonna has come a long way since the release of her first self titled studio album in 1983. Now she’s back with her twelfth one; 2012’s MDNA.

She kicked off the Super bowl weekend with her new official single and music video from the album; ‘Give me all your Luvin’” with Nicki Minaj and M.I.A, and alongside this, released the MDNA track list onto ITunes, which initially got the fans talking…

Consequently, with the release date drawing closer, sneeky peeks of the album have already been reviewed by The Guardian, The Telegraph and The Mirror; causing a stir amongst critics, who appear to be unsure whether to love it or hate it!

A mixed track by track review from The Guardian’s Music Blog states, under one of the track titles, “memo to Madonna: massive pop stars knowing about dubstep is probably a bit old hat now”. Also, the album has been labelled as “weak” in some cases. According to The Telegraph’s Neil McCormick; “lyrics appear to have been added as an afterthought” but as for The Mirror’s Dean Piper, apparently; “she’s nailed it.”

Nonetheless, with collaborations from William Orbit, French Electronic DJ; Martin Solveig and none other than Benni Banassi, you can already predict what to expect with this one. So, if you love Madonna and you like to dance about in your bedroom whilst getting ready for a night out – go out and buy it. You’ll probably love it. The woman may be 53 years of age, but she can still get you on your feet. Much like your mum at weddings.

Tracklisting:

1. ‘Girls Gone Wild’
2. ‘Gang Bang’
3. ‘I’m Addicted’
4. ‘Some Girls’
5. ‘I Don’t Give A’
6. ‘Turn Up the Radio’
7. ‘Give Me All Your Luvin”
8. ‘B-day Song’
9. ‘Superstar’
10. ‘I’m a Sinner’
11. ‘Masterpiece’
12. ‘Falling Free’
13. ‘Love Spent’
14. ‘I F—ed Up’
15. ‘Beautiful Killer’

+ 3 BONUS TRACKS.

The album release date is 26th March. Purchase it and tell us what you think!

Published on - Fri, 09 Mar 2012