BEHIND THE SCENE GLOUCESTERSHIRE Issue #9 July 2014
A FREE MAGAZINE FOR MUSIC IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE Erica – Clay Gods – Wychwood Festival – Secret House Show – Reviews, opinion and a massive gig guide for July!
BEHIND THE SCENE GLOUCESTERSHIRE Each month I desperately try not to start this introduction Issue #9 with, ‘It’s been another busy month…’. But, in truth, it has July 2014 been another busy month. Aside from all of the gigs, festivals and musical shenanigans that have gone on, June was nearly a matter of life or death for me personally. After a routine operation became slightly less routine, I was lying in a hospital bed hooked up to an oxygen feed. Having finally got to sleep at around 1am, I was woken by a machine next to me beeping relentlessly. Dazed, I thought that it was the end. A nurse ran in and pulled back the curtain. “Is this yours?” she asked, as she held a clock radio in her hand. It was my dad’s. He’d lent it to me for the night to listen to the football. The alarm was going off and, realising that it was not some kind Starsailor at of life support monitor signally my dying breaths, I sighed in relief and apologised to the nurse. Swiftly, I took the Gloucester Guildhall cover photo by batteries out as I really didn’t fancy being on my last legs Craig Simmonds. again. By the way, enjoy July’s magazine. It’s about music.
Contact via e-mail: behindthesceneglos@yahoo.co.uk Facebook: facebook.com/behindthesceneglos Website: http://behindthesceneglos.webs.com CIDER FEST at The Railway, Cheltenham July 4th, 5th & 6th Cider Fest returns to The Railway in Cheltenham and features live music, a barbecue and of course, plenty of cider. All this whilst raising money for Wellchild. For further information visit the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/40515674629355 7/ Some of the musicians appearing over the weekend include: Charlie Baxter The Red Shift Hard Stairs The Hawthorns Delicate Holly So What Gaf and Peach That Eaton-Jones Fellow
Polly Gannaway-Pitts Neil Morris Adam Cross Shayne Gardener The Wanted Men Steve Kent Paul White Fred Roberts' Family
WHO’D BE A…BUSKER? HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A BUSKER? 20 years, initially in Herefordshire and Gwent. When I was working full time I would busk once a week. In the last 18 months I have been busking full time.
WITH IAN STEWART
WHERE ARE YOU A BUSKER? Mostly Cheltenham, sometimes Gloucester. I have played most towns in Gloucestershire and the surrounding areas. WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A BUSKER? Playing makes you feel good and hopefully others too. Also making friends, seeing people smile or even dance a little. WHAT’S THE WORST THING ABOUT BEING A BUSKER? You need a thick skin - not everybody gets busking. IS GLOUCESTERSHIRE A GOOD PLACE TO BE A BUSKER?
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT A BUSKER?
Gloucestershire is as good as anywhere else. Busking is an unregulated activity, if you're law abiding you can play everywhere.
It's not very rock & roll but I enjoy hill walking and gardening. I'm currently relearning the violin and learning keyboards, although sounding more like Les Dawson than Richard Clayderman.
WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE TO AN ASPIRING BUSKER?
GIVE YOURSELF A PLUG!
Get out and do it, mix things up. Instrumentals are good, provide change and give your vocals a rest.
I have nothing to plug. I did have a self released CD 4 years ago and currently planning another featuring rock & roll/blues originals. I'm on Facebook.
Edd Donovan, Chris Tye, Dan Hartland at Grumpy Whiskers, Cheltenham 11th June 2014 "They've got our bowls," I tell my girlfriend as we drink our bottled lager on the counter at Grumpy Whiskers in Cheltenham. "They must have been to Wilkinson when they opened this place." Yes, that's the kind of conversation you get from me on a Wednesday night out - budget retailers and crockery. She was hanging off my every word. Grumpy Whiskers is a rolling treadmill of musical entertainment. Whether it's punk bands, jam sessions or a bloke who does covers, there's almost always something on. Tonight is the turn of singer-songwriters Edd Donovan, Dan Hartland and Chris Tye who perform in the cafe's basement. I can only think that Roy Hodgson missed a trick by not taking the England World Cup squad for a pre-tournament waffle at Grumpy Whiskers because the basement is humid. It would have been perfect warm weather training for Brazil, as I lose about 6 pounds in sweat throughout the evening (and I really don't have 6 pounds to lose). There is barely room to swing a cat in the basement (perhaps that's why the place is called Grumpy Whiskers, after testing the cat swinging theory before it opened) yet still everyone stands at the sides and the back of the room like they're at a school disco. Thankfully, no one plays 'Agadoo‘ tonight. Dan Hartland fingers picks his way through half an hour of sweet Americana. He reminds me of John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats as he drops his head and moves from the front to the back of the stage. Occasionally, the chap upstairs who plays covers of 'Hotel California' and 'Valerie' drowns out Dan's quieter moments. But apart from that, the mix in the basement is great and his vocals are spot on. I resist the urge to shout out, "You sound EXACTLY like you do on your record." He really does. After a short break, Birmingham's Chris Tye treats everyone to a set of gentle folk resting somewhere between Sam Russo and Jack Johnson. Beautiful harmonies and an air of wistfulness are enough to make you drift off to somewhere nice. Pin-dropping stuff. We leave soon after as I can't stand any longer in the basement (sorry, that should read, 'Can't stand UP any longer in the basement.' I'm not being tortured - I just have a bad leg) so we miss Edd Donovan's set. I went on Twitter the next day and stole what Dan Hartland said: 'Lovely, literate sound.' I know, I know. #lazyamatuerjournalism Dan Hartland
Erica are a band who are getting out there and doing things for themselves. From putting on their own gigs in a barn on top of a hill to recording songs with New Romantic legends, the band are firmly in charge of their own destiny. Intrigued by all of this, I chatted to them about small towns, magazine reviews and a little something called Funhouse. Erica were born and bred in Winchcombe. Although their main business is making rock music, they still work in the area. "We write and rehearse in an iron barn on a hill overlooking Winchcombe. We call that space The High Land and the barn is Funhouse. There is a sense of space up there which is more connected to the songs than the town has ever been." The band write hard-driving anthems that are reminiscent of classic American rock bands like Pearl Jam. This despite growing up closer to the B4078 than Route 66.
"We often hear Kings of Leon as other people's reference point to our music and we certainly love them. Interestingly, there are definite echoes of their working class southern family thing in what we have around us, and where we come from. For us though, the Godhead is Led Zeppelin and in particular the 'Physical Graffiti' album it showed us how time signature and structure can be opened up and played with. Wait until you hear what's coming next.“ Nevermind what's next, for the moment current album 'Sons of the High Land' is gaining good reviews, including 4K's from Ian Winwood at Kerrang! It was recorded in Pershore with local producer Dave Draper. "Every second of the album was born on that hill. There are 12 tracks and if you like guitars and melody then you have come to the right place. Kerrang! radio has been spinning 'Loaded Gun,' 'Hollywood' and 'Never Punch Your Granny When She Shaves‘ and we've had play from
SubTV and a lot of student radio which has been very cool and much appreciated. Amazingly Gloucestershire local radio don't seem interested - oh well!"
Phony & The Freaks are appearing, as well as Alan McGee signing Tess Parks who is flying in from Canada. "We figured that if we build it they will come. And they do."
If others aren't interested then that matters not a jot to Erica, they prefer to focus their energies on doing what they believe in. Funhouse, a place out in the sticks where music is made and enjoyed, is testament to that. "Funhouse is where the music is born and beaten into shape - when we started out live we very quickly came up against the pay-to-play thing and rapidly decided that was not for us, so we have opened up our land and barn to a series of happenings with Funhouse at the heart of that." For those who aren't sure what pay to play is, it's a way of venues guaranteeing income from their gigs, often at the expense of the bands. I.e. If you want to play at their venue then you need to sell 20 tickets - not always very easy if you're a bunch of youngsters who are probably relying on lifts and favours from parents yourselves.
The Funhouse treatment is not just reserved for those with connections to the late 90's Britpop scene, as plenty of local bands have passed through too. "We think Delicate Holly might grow into something interesting and Standing to Fall at 16 years old are crazy talented. We really like Stressechoes too - very elegant," say Erica.
"We always get an audience so we are able to offer a full house to local bands. We always pay even if only in beer and we put a top quality PA in and good engineers. Under 18's are welcome, there's free camping, a cheap licensed bar and house DJ (Peeks Jr). Where else are you going to see musicians who have sold millions on a local stage at an affordable price and then get to hang out with them? It's what makes us tick and the good word is getting out there." So much so that in August, Bonehead from Oasis and his new project
So with Funhouse proving to be a whole lot of fun (although there are no prizes to be won) and the album doing well, what's next for Erica? "We are in a phase of creating new music whilst gigging the album. Steve Norman from Spandau Ballet will be playing some saxophone on the new tunes - we would love to hear from local trumpet and brass players. I guess one of the highlights this year will be a Saturday afternoon main stage performance at Lakefest. Lee Martin, who puts the festival together along with Dave Paige, has been a great champion of the band for which we will always be grateful. Funhouse is where it's at and we want to take that to the next level. Our manager worked very closely with Oasis and we have plans to do some incredible things." So, the next time you're on a Duke of Edinburgh hike or Sunday afternoon ramble in the Cotswolds and hear the faint sound of guitar, bass and drums in the distance, that'll be Erica - truly the sons of the high land.
http://www.ericaband.co.uk/
ALEX LIPINSKI
…IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE with RUSS POOLE BEST THING ABOUT MUSIC… The number of gigs/open mics/festivals happening all around the county each week, supported by people who love and appreciate a whole range of genres. ONE THING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT MUSIC…
FAVOURITE BAND/MUSICIAN… Too many to choose from! I'm going pick a few: The Roving Crows for their energy, Way Out West for being so incredibly unique, Emi McDade for her amazing voice and song writing and Damon T for his awesome sound.
I would make all open mic performers/support acts stay to watch and respect the other acts on the bill. I also hate it when musicians are expected to play lots of gigs for free, not even for petrol money or food/drink. The amount of time, effort and preparation that goes in to each performance can sometimes goes unnoticed. BEST KEPT SECRET… Peppers Cafe - Awesome, intimate venue that attracts a really nice attentive crowd.
BEST GIG YOU’VE EVER BEEN TO…
FAVOURITE VENUE/PUB...
1. Brother & Bones, Frog and Fiddle 2013 & 2014 2. Duke Special, Guildhall - 2009 & 2013 3. Athlete, Guildhall – 2009
The Guildhall and Cafe Rene.
LAST GIG YOU WENT TO… Lauren Faith, Emi McDade, James Patrick Richards & Megan Lloyd-Davies at SMV in Cheltenham. So much talent in one room!
GIVE YOURSELF A PLUG… I've got an EP out!! It's called ‘One More’ and it's available on iTunes for only £2.49 (or you can be cheeky and get it on Spotify). I'm currently recording my next EP but for more info/gig dates go to www.russpoole.co.uk, or ‘Like’ me on facebook.com/russpoolemusic
My top 5 gigs in Gloucestershire by…John McLellan It’s a tough task, picking only 5, so blessed are we with musical riches in the glorious county. Salif Keita at WOMAD didn’t make it and neither did Primal Scream at the Guildhall. The following, in reverse order, did:
5. Hot Feet, Bank Gardens, Stroud Fringe, September 2013 Hot Feet’s homecoming at the end of a summer that had seen them playing Glastonbury, Cambridge and WOMAD was always going to be special. The final band on the final evening, the sun went down behind them, as they showed us all why they’re attracting attention from Guy Garvie, Marc Riley, Mark Radcliffe and Bob Harris.
3. Les Triaboliques, The Prince Albert, May 2011 The Prince Albert is an amazing pub and as we now know, attracts musicians from across the globe. Les Triaboliques, as you’d expect, are a trio. With a cancellation on their “World Tour” they ended up in The Albert on a Tuesday evening. How many Gloucestershire pubs can boast a World Music trio consisting of Justin Adams (Robert Plant), Lu Edmonds (Public Image Ltd, Spizzenergi, The Mekons) and Ben Mandelson (Bellowhead producer). With an array of weird and wonderful instruments including a 2 foot piece of copper pipe – you can cover the end with your finger to produce 2 harmonic series Ben explained – we were treated to an evening of sublime sounds in an unexpectedly intimate setting. World class.
4. Huun Hur Tu, The Prince Albert, Stroud, July 2013 It’s the Tuesday before WOMAD. Landlady Lotte Lister gets a call. “Would you like some Mongolian Throat Singers on Monday night?” Even by The Albert’s standards this was extraordinary. Huun Hur Tu are just on the Russian side of the border with Mongolia. Playing 2 stages at WOMAD over the weekend, they were free Monday night. The place was rammed. Huun Hur Tu in traditional costumes with hand-made instruments. Jaw dropping.
Why not send your top 5 gigs in Gloucestershire to me? E-mail behindthesceneglos@yahoo.co.uk
2. Ian Siegal, Upton Blues Festival July 2008 Ian Siegal’s heartache sounds authentic perhaps because he is the most underrated singer, songwriter and guitarist of any genre on the blues side ever seen in the UK. He is a consummate performer telling the story of every song, warts and all. Often with his band, here Ian sat with greased back hair, cigarette hanging from his bottom lip, cowboy boots, checked shirt, vintage archtop, and treated us to authentic American music that was alive and vital. He sounds like Howling Wolf and Lady Day, often in the same song.
1. Marcus Cheltenham Jazz May 2012
Miller, Festival,
Bass Maestro and Funkmaster General, Marcus Miller brought the cream of rising US jazz players and still managed to eclipse them all with his trademark pork pie hat, his effortless cool and ability to communicate each nuance to an adoring audience. Marcus is a multiinstrumentalist, introducing a bass clarinet at one point, but he’s also a producer and composer of note. Cheltenham Jazz. Another jewel in the county’s crown.
John will soon be bringing The John Mac Show to Busstop Radio: @busstopradio
WYCHWOOD FESTIVAL Cheltenham Racecourse, 30.05.14-01.06.14 You know that you’re at a family orientated festival when, in amongst the beer tents and food stalls, is one that sells bum bags. Reading Festival this is not – there’s not a burning portaloo or herbal high in sight. You see, Wychwood Festival occupies a kind of middle ground – there’ something for everyone. There’s big name stars from the 80’s for the mums and dads, plenty of entertainment for the kids and more up-and-coming bands than you can shake a muddy wellie at for people like me. As I arrived and got my bearings on Friday afternoon, from a distance I heard the familiar voice of EMI McDADE on the Musiclab Open Mic right at the end of the arena. A few powerful keyboard-led ballads from the young singer-songwriter put some bums on seats in a secluded corner of the festival. On the main stage, the UKEHOLICS opened things up with some well-chosen covers on double bass and ukulele (such a big stage, yet such a small instrument). It seems that the double bass is now the weapon of choice for many musicians, as at least six other bands were peddling them throughout the weekend. And speaking of which, fellow double-bass devotees THRILL COLLINS made the main stage theirs soon after with a set filled with 80’s and 90’s classics. I never get tired of watching a 40 year old women in a Thrill Collins audience finger pointing to a Backstreet Boys song like she’s at a Metallica show. One 20 minute rap medley later and the three lads were straight in the signing tent* with the second biggest queue of the weekend (after the Levellers, I was reliably informed).
I’d planned to watch some other acts, but missed them all because THRILL COLLINS were just so bloody good. However, on the BBC Introducing stage I did catch folk-duo MISERS who provided a gentle start to proceedings in the tent and indie quartet BOY & BICYCLE, a young Bloc Party styled indie band. Although not exactly ground breaking, they were likeable enough. Maybe one day I’ll become a member of the Boy & Bicycle Club. And with that, I zig-zagged myself to the exit through a mass of camping chairs laid out in front of the main stage like sun loungers around a hotel pool in Majorca. People marked their territory and kept their place all weekend. But not me - I preferred the comfort of my own bed so I drove home ready for day two.
And day two started with Stroud’s unassuming HATTIE BRIGGS on the BBC Introducing stage. She gave up University to be a folk singer - a wise move considering her ability to captivate an audience at 10 paces. Displaying the confidence found only in youth, midway through her set she sang one song in French. I can’t even ask for directions to the supermarket when I’m on holiday, so well done to her for getting through the whole song without reverting to a GCSE English/French dictionary. Near the end of her set, a fella leaned over to his wife and whispered, “She’s good, isn’t she?” Yes, she is. But then so is the immensely talented, slightly hyperactive, multi-instrumentalist GEORGE MONTAGUE who bounced around like the Duracell bunny for half an hour or so. Short of his normal backing band, he fought off background noise from the belly dancing tent behind him to entertain the audience with his one-man-band acoustic jazz set. To complete the hat-trick of solo singersongwriters on the BBC stage, TOM BROWNING from the Forest Of Dean played a Hattie Briggs (above) very watchable set of original material. He was George Montague (right) heartfelt at times and neck-straining at others. I’d watch again. One of the best marketed bands in Gloucestershire at the moment is EDD DONOVAN & THE WANDERING MOLES and to prove the point, they had small children giving out their flyers prior to their performance. I didn’t have time to Google ‘child labour laws’ on my phone, but I assume that the children were being paid minimum wage and given suitable breaks throughout the day (or at least an icecream and a chance to wee in a bush). As the main focal point for the band, Edd is sometimes droll (“This first one is a crisis song called The Day I Lost My Wife”) and often reflective (see songs such as ‘House on Fire’). ‘The Wandering Moles’ provide able backing to Edd’s Bob Dylan-esque folk songs which warmed the tent on a fairly grey and drab day
To broaden my horizons, I walked over to the Big Top to take a chance on THE GASLIGHT TROUBADORS. Dressed as Victorian gentlemen, they had screen projections, roaming lights and a belly dancer rotating her midriff to some scratchy beats. I didn’t really get it. Other festival goers looked similarly nonplussed with expressions that seemed to say, ‘When’s it going to get going?’ It never really did. Later in the day I overheard a woman tell her boyfriend, “It was all a bit weirdy music and then along comes a belly dancer!” I couldn’t put it better myself.
Andy Oliveri (above left) Bad Manners (left) Back in the BBC tent ANDY OLIVERI and his backing band (or as I like to call them, ‘Welcome To The Solemn Andy Oliveri & Sisters Cadbury’s Marathon’**), a mish-mash of musicians from various Cheltenham bands on drums, trumpet and double bass, which added a bit of something extra to his solo stuff. Resting somewhere between Neil Young and Bright Eyes, he bared his soul through thoughtful folk ballads sung with uninhibited honesty. Over on the Main Stage, BAD MANNERS’ sound check sounded better than most bands full set. When the (now not so) big man Buster Bloodvessel arrived on stage, the sun popped it’s round, rarely seen yellow face out from behind the clouds for the first time all weekend and you just got the feeling that the music had now kicked up a notch. Despite Buster’s voice being ravaged from over 30 years of singing about cheap, extra strength lager, their summery ska vibes went down a treat with a growing crowd in the sunshine. Which unfortunately meant that young indie band PIXEL FIX had so few people watching them in the Big Top that they could have passed around a duty free Toblerone, told the audience to all take a piece each and still have some left over to munch on at the end of their set. The life of a fledgling band is not always an easy one. But then neither is the life of a 30 year old with a bad leg, therefore I let the second day of the festival roll on without me and headed home as evening set in.
Rising early on Sunday, I did a few hours’ work before driving back over to a now sunny Racecourse where THE VINYLS were just getting going in the Big Top, opening up way before midday. Coming across as The Libertines playing Beatles covers and dressed in blazers and ties a la Busted, the band gave it all their all but they too suffered with a sparse crowd as most people stayed away from the tent to soak up the sun. Who can blame them? I now sit here in mid-June writing this and there’s thunder outside. David Cameron’s Britain! Take all the sun you can get!
KSH & The Going Goods (below)
The Vinyls (above) Anyway, on the flipside KSH & THE GOING GOODS were the chief beneficiaries of the blazing sunshine on the Main Stage. A self-proclaimed ‘happy hip-hop’ band, they mixed bits of Ugly Duckling with Sublime and entertained a decent midmorning crowd. ‘Sitting On The Fence’ was the standout track, although it probably should have been renamed ‘Sitting On The Camping Chair’ for this festival as the site was looking more and more like Go Outdoors as the weekend wore on. POLLY & THE BILLETS DOUX won the ‘Worst Stage Banter At A Family Festival’ award for 2014 as the singer (I didn’t catch her name) discussed at length the foxes she picks up on the road to supply her taxidermy hobby. Definitely needs work. Although they were essentially another Mumford-double-bass-folk-beard band, she did have a commanding and soulful voice. Having heard enough about road kill for one weekend, I wandered over to watch THE ELLIPSES in the BBC Introducing tent who did half an hour of moderate alternative rock, similar to early Muse with a few harmonies thrown in for good measure. They showed a bit of potential for a band who are obviously just starting out. Then, with more work on the horizon, I called it a day on Wychwood for 2014 and set off for home. Sure, there were a few bands that I missed (such as Gabby Young & Other Animals), but 17 acts over three days wasn’t a bad hit rate at all. * The signing tent doubled up as Rik’s Records, the second friendliest retailer I’ve ever encountered (behind that chap Cheltenham’s Wilkinson). ** It turns out that Mars actually made Marathon bars, not Cadburys - nevermind.
behindthesceneglos@yahoo.co.uk
Dear Behind The Scene Gloucestershire, I'm studying for my A-Levels and recently formed a band with my mates. We've been rehearsing in Jack's nan's garage for the last few weekends and I've learnt 7 chords in total (including a B Minor). In return for taking her old lawnmower to the tip my nan gave me £20. Next week we have our first gig - do I spend the money on a new haircut or do I spend it on flyers to advertise the show? Obviously I want to look my very best in the photos and possibly take a selfie whilst on stage to put straight onto Facebook (probably between our first and second encores). Yours, Tony Dear Tony, This is obviously a double-edged sword. On the one hand, if you spend the money on flyers then you'll maximise your chances of a good sized crowd (despite looking like you've been dragged through a hedge backwards). But on the other hand, if you splash out on a haircut then, although you'll undoubtedly look dapper, there will be no bugger at the gig to see you because you haven’t advertised it! In this situation I always think to myself, "What would Ian Mackaye from Fugazi do?" The answer? HE'D PRINT THE FLYERS, GET GUY PICCIOTTO TO GIVE HIM A GRADE 1 ALL OVER WITH SOME CLIPPERS AND SPEND THE LEFTOVER MONEY ON A VEGAN WRAP, OF COURSE. Thanks for writing in, Behind The Scene Gloucestershire
BROOKE SHARKEY, ADAM BEATTIE, CLAYTON BLIZZARD – Secret House show
I first saw CLAYTON BLIZZARD play in Bristol 6 years ago. It was the same day as the Euro 2008 final and I'd driven from Cheltenham to Bristol via Cardiff (and back again) on a road trip punctuated by pub meals and mix CD's. The things you do when you're young, eh? Maybe my mind is clouded somewhat by the years in between spent indulging in humdrum work life, but I'm sure that CLAYTON BLIZZARD looks younger now than he did back then. I mean, it's not really all that important to this review, but if he's invented some kind of time machine then I want to know about it.
We all assemble in the living room and sit on the pillows on the floor before Clayton enters the room and whispers in people's ears about things he's seen that perhaps he didn't want to. We all feel slightly uncomfortable, but it's an engaging start. Like Banksy, Clayton has travelled from Bristol to Cheltenham and makes no attempt to hide his accent, taking us on a West Country acoustic-rap odessy about life in 21st Century Britain. He's a pure wordsmith and comes up with the best lyric I've heard for a long time - "If cod stocks are low, let them eat hake." We all laugh. ADAM BEATTIE, on the other hand, delivers an altogether different kind of set sparse folk songs sung in a Scottish drawl that rely heavily on imagery and storytelling. Opening song 'Ben Hee,' about a hill in the North East of Scotland, literally takes your breath away. At the end of it somebody is heard saying, 'Wow.' Wow, indeed. Then, in a game of instrument swapsies, BROOKE SHARKEY gives Beattie the double bass she has been playing and takes the lead herself. Her songs burn slowly, sometimes in English and sometimes in French as per her upbringing. Her voice is tender and Beattie's double bass backing is slow and accurate. Throughout the evening they talk of life on the road and getting from one place to another. This is what's great about house shows (not just the cheeseboard selection at the end). House shows have the intimacy that regular gigs lack - this is music without security guards, it's in your face (in a good way) and at the end of it you get a warm glowing feeling that lasts for days. "What did you do over the weekend?" my workmates ask on Monday morning. "Oh, we just went to a gig in somebody's house," I reply.
BEHIND THE SCENE GLOUCESTERSHIRE RECOMMENDS…
THE RADIO NASTIES July 18th Café Rene, Gloucester
DARREN HAYMAN
July 11th Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
HATTIE BRIGGS
June 20th Subscription Rooms, Stroud
THE LION AND THE WOLF
July 16th Grumpy Whiskers, Cheltenham
THE TOMMY DRUMS, BECAUSE, IZZY RANDALL July 18th 2 Pigs, Cheltenham
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GIG GUIDE FOR JULY Date
1st
Bands
Venue
Town
Genre
Frog & Fiddle
Cheltenham
Psychadelic Blues
Cheltenham
Open Mic
Stroud
1st
San Francisco Nights feat: Sam Andrews, Bex Marshall, The Former Members Acoustic Open Mic
1st
Truckstop Honeymoon
St Paul’s Tavern Prince Albert
2nd
TBC
Café Rene
Gloucester
Folk Americana A mystery
3rd
Funke & The Two Tone Baby
Prince Albert
Stroud
Blues Funk
3rd
Full Band Open Mic
Cheltenham
Open Mic
3rd
Vine Freeman, Rachel Lea
St Paul’s Tavern Soho Bar
Cheltenham
3rd
Cara Dillon
Roses Theatre
Tewkesbury
Singer songwriter Folk
3rd
King Solomon
Stonehouse
Reggae
3rd
The Dunwells
The Woolpack Inn The Convent
Folk rock
3rd
Dangermouse
3rd
Open Mic with Kingsley Salmon
Cheltenham
Open Mic
4th
Lost Monkey
Marlborough Arms Grumpy Whiskers Queen Vic
South Woodchester Cirencester
Stroud
Pop rock
4th
Americana Night
Mr Twitchett’s Stroud
Americana
4th
Which One’s Gerry?
Fairview
Cheltenham
Covers
4th
Aranka’s Cackle
Black Horse Inn
Nibley
Ska
4th
Rock
Cinderford
Folk
4th
Rabbit Foot
Lydney
Blues
4th
Ed Arnold
Grumpy Whiskers White Hart Inn The Severn View Monty’s
Cheltenham
4th
2000 Trees Warm Up feat: I, The Lion Dixons Of Dock Green
Cheltenham
Acoustic
4th
Sons Of The Delta
Brunswick
Gloucester
Blues
Covers
Date
Bands
4th
Polary Bear
4th 4th
King Solomon’s Reggae Jam with Aleighcia Scott Kickback
4th
Venue
Town
Genre
SMV at Subtone Cotswold Inn
Cheltenham
Rock
Cheltenham
Reggae
Stone
Covers
Connor Owen
Stone Cricket Club Miner’s Arms
Whitecroft
4th
Barn On The Farm Festival
Over Farm
Gloucester
Singer songwriter Festival
4th
Joe Price
Café Rene
Gloucester
Blues rock
4th
Cider Fest
Railway
Cheltenham
Festival
5th
Codex Alimentarius, Iyn Sky, Rise Of Athena, Kill For Trophies Human Projects, Red Light Rebels, Officer Down
Lower George Inn
Gloucester
Metal
Cheltenham
Punk
Cheltenham
Festival
5th
Midsummer Fiesta (see our preview for bands) Olas, Erica, Why We Love
Grumpy Whiskers Basement Montpellier Gardens 2 Pigs
Cheltenham
Rock
5th
Mad For It
Queen Vic
Stroud
Pop rock
5th
Erica
Prince Albert
Stroud
Rock
5th
Neil Morris
Cheltenham
Acoustic Folk
5th
Mangledwurzels
Grumpy Whiskers Main Room Football Club
Bishops Cleeve
Covers
5th
John Dambrosio
Monty’s
Cheltenham
Acoustic
5th
Vine Farm
Stroud
Festival
5th
Brownshill Folk/Blues Music Festival Open Mic
Fairview
Cheltenham
Open Mic
5th
King Solomon
Stonehouse
Reggae
5th
Funkbomb
Community Festival Cotswold Inn
Cheltenham
Funky covers
5th
Desert Monkeys (Arctic Monkeys) Milefest
SMV at Subtone Hartpury
Cheltenham
Tribute
Gloucester
Festival
5th
5th
5th
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GIG GUIDE FOR JULY Date
5th
Bands
Venue
Town
Genre
Lansdown Hall
Stroud
Festival
5th
Eppyfest feat: Flutatious, Henry Fool, Andy Pickford, Thumpermonkey, The Fierce & The Dead Barn On The Farm Festival
Over Farm
Gloucester
Festival
5th
Binomial
Globe
Stonehouse
5th
Jennifer T
Hearts Of Oak
Drybrook
5th
Rabbit Foot
Railway Inn
Newnham
Synth-pop covers Singer songwriter Blues rock
5th
Thick As Thieves Cider Fest
Charlton Kings Cheltenham
Covers
5th
Charlton Kings Club Railway
5th
Ashes To Angels, Within These Walls, We Define A Martyr
Cheltenham
Goth Punk
5th
Bex Jazz Trio
Stroud
Jazz
5th
Subway
Cheltenham
Covers
5th
Sax n Axe
Hillview Community Centre Stroud Brewery Albion House Social Club Bayshill
Cheltenham
Covers
6th
Cider Fest
Railway
Cheltenham
Festival
6th
Frog & Fiddle
Cheltenham
Tribute
6th
Get Rhythm (Johnny Cash), Patrick Duff Unplugged Open Mic (6pm)
Roses Theatre
Tewkesbury
Open Mic
6th
Barn On The Farm Festival
Over Farm
Gloucester
Festival
6th
Swing From Paris (2.30pm)
Exmouth Arms
Cheltenham
Jazz
6th
Forest Folk Singers Night
Miner’s Arms
Whitecroft
Folk
8th
Cabin Boy Jumped Ship, Roads To Nowhere, We Define A Martyr, SharkFace, Box Road Avenue Sweet Baboo
Brunswick
Gloucester
Metal
Prince Albert
Stroud
Indie
8th
Festival
Date
Bands
8st
Acoustic Open Mic
9th
10th
Emi McDade, Dan Hartland, Kingsley Salmon, Drawing Of The Three Live @ Gloucester Acoustic Showcase 2000 Trees Festival feat: Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip, Ben Marwood David Julien
10th
Full Band Open Mic
10th
Venue
Town
Genre
St Paul’s Tavern Bayshill
Cheltenham
Open Mic
Cheltenham
Singer songwriter
Café Rene
Gloucester
Acoustic
Upcote Farm
Withington
Festival
Soho Bar
Cheltenham
Acoustic
Cheltenham
Open Mic
Open Mic
St Paul’s Tavern Prince Albert
Stroud
Open Mic
10th
Reel Big Fish
Guildhall
Gloucester
Ska
11th
Gravy Train
Queen Vic
Stroud
Rock
11th
Snowapple
Prince Albert
Stroud
Acoustic
11th
2000 Trees Festival
Upcote Farm
Withington
Festival
11th
Acoustic night
Cheltenham
Acoustic
11th
Gloucester Ukulele Band (6pm)
SMV at Subtone Peppers Café
Gloucester
Ukulele
11th
Steelyard Blues
Café Rene
Gloucester
Blues Rock
11th
The Familiars, Benson Doyle
The Vaults
Cirencester
Indie Rock
11th
Hells Bells (AC/DC)
Brunswick
Gloucester
Tribute
11th
Cheltenham
Experimental noise Indie pop
11th
Which One’s Gerry?
Grumpy Whiskers Everyman Theatre Royal Oak
Cheltenham
11th
Cryfest feat: His Naked Torso, Brown Torpedo, #cuddlesquad Darren Hayman, Woodpigeon
Hucclecote
Covers
11th
Electric Chameleon
Cheltenham
Funk
11th
Crystal Balloon, Lucy Jarrett, Mark Saunders
Grumpy Whiskers Main Room White Hart Inn
Cinderford
Acoustic
9th 10th
Date
Bands
11th
Mumbo Jumbo
12th
Biscuit & The Biscuit Badgers
12th
Fake Republic
12th
Which One’s Gerry?
12th
Venue
Town
Genre
New Brewery Arts Prince Albert
Cirencester
Blues
Stroud
Acoustic
Charlton Kings Stonehouse
Covers
Robbie Williams
Charlton Kings Club The Woolpack Inn Five Alls
Cheltenham
Tribute
12th
Open Mic
Fairview
Cheltenham
Open Mic
12th
Masterplan
The Strand
Cheltenham
Britpop
12th
Gaf & Peach
Cheltenham
12th
Band TBC
Cheltenham
Acoustic covers No idea
12th
The Rating
Grumpy Whiskers SMV at Subtone Bayshill
Cheltenham
Rock covers
12th
Frog & Fiddle
Cheltenham
Rock
12th
Onto Us, Colourflow, Old-so Eden, Saul Blease 2000 Trees Festival
Upcote Farm
Withington
Festival
12th
Check Da Cone, Joe Green
Cheltenham
Indie Rock
13th
Binomial
St Paul’s Tavern Tetbury Fiesta
Tetbury
13th
Open Mic
Brewery Arts
Cirencester
Synth-pop covers Open Mic
13th
Hattie Briggs (12.30)
Painswick
Folk
15th
Acoustic Open Mic
Cheltenham
Open Mic
16th
Gaf & Peach
Painswick Centre St Paul’s Tavern Café Rene
Gloucester
16th
The Lion & The Wolf
Cheltenham
16th
Life O Reilly Folk Jam
Grumpy Whiskers The Royal
Acoustic covers Singer songwriter Folk
17th
Full Band Open Mic
17th
Flight Of K
St Paul’s Tavern Soho Bar
Charlton Kings Cheltenham Cheltenham
Covers
Open Mic Rock n Roll
Date
Bands
Venue
Town
Genre
17th
Open Mic
Prince Albert
Stroud
Open Mic
18th
Grumpy Whiskers The Convent
Cheltenham
Pop-punk
18th
The Woahnows, Austeros, Guerilla Monsoon, The Amistad Ed Harcourt
Indie Pop
18th
Acoustic night
18th
Cheltenham
18th
Drawing Of The Three, Stressechoes, Luke Philbrick Tommy Drums, Because, Izzy Randall The Radio Nasties
SMV at Subtone Bayshill
South Woodchester Cheltenham
18th
Acoustic
2 Pigs
Cheltenham
Singer songwriter Indie
Café Rene
Gloucester
Garage Rock
Which One’s Gerry?
The Woodlands
Cinderford
Covers
18th
Manalishi
Queen Vic
Stroud
Rock
18th
Tom Bedlam
White Hart
Cinderford
Acoustic
18th
Sicknote Steve, Damon T
Brunswick
Gloucester
Folk Blues
18th
Jessica Rhodes
Exmouth Arms
Cheltenham
Soul pop
18th
Helele
Prince Albert
Stroud
Funk Jazz
19th
Which One’s Gerry?
The Fox
Leafield
Covers
19th
Lower George Inn
Glouceter
Metal
19th
Warlord UK, Left For Red, Broken Jaw, Valous, Desalvo, Beneath The Devine, Smackhandle, Upevil, Oberyn, Outright Resistance (2pm) Atrevido, Judgement, Oakhaart
2 Pigs
Cheltenham
Rock Metal
19th
Scott Lee Jackson
Bayshill
Cheltenham
Acoustic
19th
Sam Jones
Royal Oak
19th
One Day Remains
Singer songwriter Rock covers
19th
Ross Graham John Steeds
Charlton Kings Stroud
Acoustic
19th
SMV at Subtone Charlton Kings Club Queen Vic
Bishop’s Cleeve Cheltenham
19th
James Carr & The Comrades
Lakeside Bar
Tewkesbury
Blues
18th
Old Pop
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GIG GUIDE FOR JULY Date
Bands
Venue
Town
Genre
19th
Open Mic
Fairview
Cheltenham
Open Mic
19th
Fracture
Berkeley
Rock covers
19th
Everyday Sidekicks, Axiel View
Cheltenham
Metal
19th
Kickback
Berkeley Playing Fields Hillview Community Centre The Strand
Cheltenham
Covers
19th
Peche, Wayne Brown
Cheltenham
Acoustic
19th
Gloucester
Festival
20th
Summer Sound Festival feat: Little Comets, Sunshine Underground, Xcerts Clyde Jefferson (6pm)
St Paul’s Tavern Gloucester Park Railway Inn
Newnham
Funk Reggae
20th
Which One’s Gerry? (3.30pm)
Cheltenham
Covers
20th
Ruth’s Curtain
The Albion Social Club Prince Albert
Stroud
Rock
20th
Thrill Collins (2pm)
Gloucester
Skiffle covers
20th
Chris & Wendy Moreton
Gloucester Quays Food Festival Miner’s Arms
Whitecroft
Folk
21st
Rxy, Running For Drugs
Cheltenham
Punk
21st
Cheltenham
Hardcore
22nd
Elephantitis, In Arms, Sleeping Lessons, World’s Best Dad, Fight Rosa Fight Emi McDade
Gloucester
22nd
Peter Knight’s Gigspanner
Grumpy Whiskers Main Room Grumpy Whiskers Basement That’s Entertainment Roses Theatre
Tewkesbury
Singer songwriter Traditional
22nd
Acoustic Open Mic
Cheltenham
Open Mic
22nd
The Stanfields
St Paul’s Tavern Prince Albert
Stroud
Acoustic
23rd
Frank Cinelli
Café Rene
Gloucester
Acoustic
23rd
Tantz
Prince Albert
Stroud
Jazz
Date
23rd
Bands
Venue
Town
Genre
Croft Farm
Tewkesbury
Covers
23rd
Cotswold Biker Night feat: Kickback Open Mic
Bayshill
Cheltenham
Open Mic
24th
Full Band Open Mic
Cheltenham
Open Mic
24th
47Soul
St Paul’s Tavern Prince Albert
Stroud
World Music
25th
Grant Sharkey, Pony & Trap
Cheltenham
Indie
25th
Richa
Cheltenham
25th
Dan Hamilton, Pete Quin
Cinderford
Alternative Rock Acoustic
25th
Which One’s Gerry? (6.30pm)
Grumpy Whiskers Main Room Grumpy Whiskers White Hart Inn Exmouth Arms
Cheltenham
Covers
25th
Alex & Andy (Stressechoes)
Bell Inn
Cheltenham
Acoustic
25th
The Vaults
Cirencester
Punk
25th
The Useless Eaters, 50 Shades Of Punk Last Edition
Café Rene
Gloucester
Ska Punk
25th
Padraig Lalor - Ismay's Dream
The Convent
Irish Folk
25th
Sticks & Stones, Forty Four Hours, Amateur Drive By, Evenu Lower Than Atlantis
2 Pigs
South Woodchester Cheltenham
Guildhall
Gloucester
Pop-punk
Peppers Café
Gloucester
25th
Drawing Of The Three, Russ Poole (6pm) Lewis Crevan Band
Bayshill
Cheltenham
Singer songwriter Blues
25th
Snatch It Back
Brunswick
Gloucester
Blues
25th
Knebakeye
Cheltenham
Indie covers
26th
Band TBC
Cheltenham
Don’t know
26th
Station Road
SMV at Subtone SMV at Subtone Queen Vic
Stroud
Rock
26th
Open Mic (Andy Wright)
Cross Keys Inn
Gloucester
Open Mic
26th
Mizizi
New Brewery Arts
Cirencester
Reggae Blues
25th 25th
Pop-punk
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GIG GUIDE FOR JULY Date
Bands
26th
Two Rivers Studios Globe
Cheltenham
Rock Metal
26th
Feral Sun, Scout Killers, Kill For Trophies Talullah Windmill
Stonehouse
Soul Funk
26th
Which One’s Gerry?
Five Alls
Cheltenham
Covers
26th
Bayshill
Cheltenham
Blues
26th
Otis Mack & The Tubby Bluesters Boys In The Wood
Railway Inn
Newnham
Hip-Hop Ska
26th
Binomial
Croft Farm
Tewkesbury
26th
2 Pigs
Cheltenham
26th
Bleachroom, City Under Sky, The Heartless Hero, Rush Tactics Ashcroft Wind Quintet
Synth-pop covers Heavy rock
Stroud
Um…wind
26th
Hip Route
Stroud Brewery Prince Albert
Stroud
Blue rock
26th
New York Minute Open Mic
Charlton Kings Cheltenham
Covers
26th
Charlton Kings Club Fairview
27th
Thrill Collins
Cheltenham
Skiffle covers
27th
The Black Feathers, Russ Poole (2pm) Blues Jam with Gordon Wood & Luke Philbrick (12pm) Open Mic (3pm)
Jolly Brewmaster Black Book Café Peppers Café
Stroud
Acoustic
Gloucester
Blues
White Hart Inn Roses Theatre
Cinderford
Open Mic
Tewkesbury
Swing covers
Prince Albert
Stroud
Reggae
27th 27th 27th
Venue
Town
Genre
Open Mic
28th
The Big Band With Five Star Swing Nuru Kane
28th
Tom Can’t Make It
Cross Keys Inn
Gloucester
Blues
28th
Kingsley Salmon, Damon T (6pm) Mike Sanchez
Peppers Café
Gloucester
Blues
Café Rene
Gloucester
Blues
Steve Walwyn, Sam Powell (6pm)
Peppers Café
Gloucester
Blues
28th 29th
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GIG GUIDE FOR JULY Date
Bands
Venue
Town
Genre
29th
Sam Brookes
Prince Albert
Stroud
Acoustic
29th
Acoustic Open Mic
Cheltenham
Open Mic
29th
Russ Poole, Dave & Bruce
St Paul’s Tavern Cross Keys Inn
Gloucester
Acoustic
29th
Steve Walwyn
Café Rene
Gloucester
Blues
30th
Keith Thompson (6pm)
Peppers Café
Gloucester
Blues
30th
The Worried Men
Café Rene
Gloucester
Blues
30th
Cross Keys Inn
Gloucester
Open Mic
31st
Official Blues Fest Open Mic (Mark Cole) Tommy Allen’s Traffiker (6pm)
Peppers Café
Gloucester
Blues
31st
Tommy Allen’s Traffiker
Café Rene
Gloucester
Blues
31st
Gordon Wood & Friends
Cross Keys Inn
Gloucester
Blues
31st
Open Mic
Prince Albert
Stroud
Open Mic
31st
Full Band Open Mic
St Paul’s Tavern
Cheltenham
Open Mic
Nearly 200 gigs listed. Don’t ever say that there’s nothing going on in Gloucestershire! IF YOUR GIG ISN’T LISTED IT’S BECAUSE YOU DIDN’T SEND IT TO ME! HERE’S MY E-MAIL FOR NEXT MONTH… behindthesceneglos@yahoo.co.uk
Please check with the venues before travelling. These things change so often over the month. Most of these gigs will have a Facebook event page or be on some kind of website to get more details from. I just collate them all together!
From the 4th-7th of July, the great young things of the folk world descend again on Over Farm in Gloucester for BARN ON THE FARM FESTIVAL. Having previously hosted the likes of Ed Sheeran and Bastille, the organisers obviously have an eye for the next big thing. I asked some of the acts…
“WHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT FROM YOUR SET AT BARN ON THE FARM?” People have described me as a soulful, rhythmic singer. I like to open myself up & allow people into my feelings with my songs. Hopefully me and my band can do that for everyone on Saturday. ELLA MARTINI www.facebook.com/ellamartini
I’m really looking forward to coming back to Barn on the Farm because of it’s intimacy. I hope to keep it chilled out and of course I’m bringing a few ballads and my classic terrible jokes. LAUREN AQUILINA http://www.bytherivers.co.uk/ Barn On The Farm is a unique and inspiring festival. It seems to us it is a place where artists showcase not only their music but also themselves as people. We will be there with hearts on our sleeves and I'll be telling you what I think about love, family and truth. LLOYD YATES https://www.facebook.com/LloydYatesMusic
“WHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT FROM YOUR SET AT BARN ON THE FARM?” The audience can expect loads of tropical dance moves, Hawaiian necklaces and huge dirty samba beats! MODEL AEROPLANES www.soundcloud.com/modelaeroplanes
This will be the first show with my new band, and we’ll be playing new arrangements of older material, alongside some entirely new songs that we’ve written together. I’ll also be playing a few songs on my own with my piano. There’ll be a few nods to our current listening habits thrown into the mix, and though much of the set will be somewhat darker than my previous shows, we’re definitely going to have fun! REBECCA SHEARING http://www.rebeccashearingofficial.com Expect an energetic set filled with half decent dance moves and feel good tunes. ELIZA & THE BEAR http://elizaandthebear.com/
Positive upbeat skankin' vibes! BY THE RIVERS http://www.bytherivers.co.uk/
MIDSUMMER FIESTA Montpellier Park, Cheltenham -Saturday 5th July On Saturday 5th July, the Midsummer Fiesta returns to take over Cheltenham's Montpellier Gardens for the day. With over 8000 visitors to last year's event, you'd be well advised to take your picnic blanket and find a space nice and early for the festivities. Between 12pm and 9pm there will be live music, dance, entertainment for children and plenty of food and drink available. Strategy and engagement assistant, Hannah Wright, says: “It’s a great opportunity for these acts to get involved in their local community, and showcase what they have to offer Cheltenham.�
If you're interested in the music, then this year's line up is as follows: 12.00 The Coronettes. 1.00 Delicate Holly 2.00 Not Taken 3.00 Ukeholics 4.00 Cheltenham Rock Choir 5.00 Life O'Reilly Band 6.00 Charlton Blues Kings 7.00 Kick Back 8.00 The Ramrods But if you're more interested in exercise than live music, then there is street dance, zumba and salsa all day in the criminally underused 138 year old bandstand. Bring your trainers and a water bottle. For further information, visit: http://www.midsummerfiesta.com /index.html
BELIEVE IN GLOUCESTER MUSIC CAMPAIGN That's Entertainment in King's Walk, Gloucester is a music shop that wants to stock the CD's of every single band in Gloucestershire - now that's ambition. Store manager Craig Simmonds explains: "We want to stock every Gloucestershire based artist that has recorded a CD and put it on sale in a prominent place in That's Entertainment. This way we will be a one stop destination for customers to browse and find out all about the talent in Gloucester." Inspired by the 'Believe in Gloucester' campaign, which has aims to give a boost to communities, retailers and businesses in the city, the 'Believe In Gloucester Music' campaign has similar aspirations. "We feel that it's important to promote the city in a positive light and showcase things that make it special. Music is a hugely important factor to us and we believe that the support of the local community can really help a band or musician to get the recognition they deserve." That's Entertainment takes a smaller than average cut of the revenue from the CD sales and the rest of the money is paid directly to the artist. "The store is run by huge music lovers who want to use their position to help bring the talent to the masses. We think that if we have the facilities for someone to sell their music then we should use it as anyone that wants to be heard deserves to."
Further plans are also in place for the Believe In Gloucester Music campaign, such as monthly live in store performances on the third Tuesday of each month (starting with Emi McDade on July 22nd) and local music being played in store every Thursday. "We believe that there's nothing better than live music and as a result we've partnered with the incredible guys at LeapAudio who will be providing equipment and running the sound for these sessions, meaning they'll be of the highest professional quality. We'll be looking at recording the sessions too to upload to YouTube (depending on the band's permission) and possibly a DVD release where the proceeds go to charity or securing more equipment."
In fact, it wasn't that long ago that Frank Turner performed at the store (then called Fopp) back when he was a travelling troubadour who wore a hat and sang Lemonheads covers. Just look at him now. Finally, Craig notes that, "It's an idea I've been looking to get off the ground since we opened. Everyone involved is doing it free of charge purely as a labour of love and a passion for the local music scene.“ For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/#!/BiGmusicTE Follow on Twitter: @BiGMusicTE Leap Audio: www.leapaudio.co.uk
The Mystery Train Radio show on Severn FM Every Sunday from 10.00pm-12.00am, THE MYSTERY TRAIN RADIO SHOW plays host to the best local and national songwriters, old and new. If you miss the show then you can catch up by visiting Severn FM’s ‘Listen Again’ facility. http://www.severnfm.com/ http://www.themysterytrainradioshow.com
GLOUCESTERSHIRE ACTS PLAYED ON THE MYSTERY TRAIN RADIO SHOW IN JUNE… 1st June 2014 Dan Hartland, Maryland (Young Man's Game) http://www.danhartland.com/ The Drawing of the Three, Ashes (Broken Walls) http://www.drawingofthethree.co.uk/ 8th June 2014 Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo, The Cormorant And The Heron (Dear River) http://www.emily-barker.com/ Edd Donovan & The Wandering Moles, We Are The Wandering Moles (Something To Take The Edge Off) http://www.edddonovan.co.uk/
15th June 2014 Emi McDade, Through My Eyes (single) http://emimcdade.com/ Joe Summers, Cobwebs (Exclusive) https://www.facebook.com/joesummersmusic
CLAY GODS Clay Gods are a dynamic new rock band from Gloucestershire who are ready to take on the county. With their debut EP soon to be recorded, I caught up with Charles Paxford, the driving force behind the band, and found out that after a few false starts the band are ready to go. Clay Gods are Charles on guitar, Tom on vocals, Gavin on bass and Colin on drums. Charles and Tom are from Gloucestershire whilst Gavin and Colin are from Wales and Scotland respectively. Charles has played guitar for more than 20 years on the Gloucestershire rock circuit and had some success with Darkstar Safari in the early noughties. "I've always worked with originals bands, I can't see the point of doing covers, it's like doing karaoke. I want to create! Although it's definitely the harder road to take." Despite some "dark and difficult years," Charles says that he finally got himself together and decided on what he wanted in life (and from a band). "I wrote a load of new songs as I had something to really write about now, settled on the sound, advertised and found Tom, and we have we worked together shaping the band and finding the right people.“ Influenced by everyone from AC/DC to the Smiths via The Manic Street Preachers, Charles cites The Who as his favourite band whilst Tom is a massive Bruce Springsteen fan. "I never have a sound in mind when I write, and I think that's really important. If you do, then you've already limited where that song
might go and what it might be. It’s important to leave your options open and let the song be whatever it wants to be. One of the things I love about rock is that it’s such a broad church, you can throw pretty much anything into the hat. Our biggest influence though should always be ourselves.“ Despite plenty of gigging experience, is it difficult for a new band in Gloucestershire to get gigs? "It seems it can be very tricky for an originals band to get gigs in Gloucestershire. Instead, we’ve taken the route of establishing
ourselves on the Bristol circuit, which seems to be more receptive to original bands. We’ve played The Fleece several times, The Exchange, The Old Bank, The Louisiana and a few others. We have had a couple of cracking gigs at Sound Music Venue in Cheltenham and we would love to play more in Gloucestershire. But some doors in our home county seem to be opening for us at last, with dates coming up at Vinestock and Subtone." "As a punter, I love The Prince Albert in Stroud, but as a band, I think we’re a bit loud for them! As far as other local artists go, Delicate Holly, Ed Donovan and Britpop funsters Masterplan are all cool."
The band are going to be recording their debut EP 'Shadow and Noise' later this year in Wales. "We will be decamping to the Welsh countryside to record it later in the year. We will be making a short documentary for our website and a video too." Gigging as much as possible around Gloucestershire and the South West is high on the agenda in the next year or so. The band are are at Vinestock on August 1st (8.30pm), The Louisiana in Bristol on September 24th and Subtone on November 8th. For Charles, the best way to stand out as a band is, "To have great songs and to be an exciting live act." The aim for next year is to, "Work hard at being the best live band we can be. So it’s all go..."
www.claygods.co.uk www.facebook.com/claygods
2000 Trees Festival (2009 & 2010) I first went to 2000 Trees Festival in 2009. I clocked off work at ten past one on the Friday afternoon and, within half an hour, was standing in a field in driving rain drinking a can of cider. I've repeated this pattern most years since. From then, the festival has grown and morphed into a showcase for the best British underground music. There's now a stage for more abrasive bands (The Cave), generally better sound and various hidden gems by the way of unplugged sets and secret sessions. The little festival in Withington is now part of the national festival calendar alongside others such as Truck, Green Man & End of the Road. Over the next few pages are just a small selection of my photos from the festival in 2009 and 2010. I have loads more, but they are mainly of us drinking heavily under a gazebo or of the backs of people's heads in the Leaf Lounge.
Our old camping spot next to the main stage. Within spitting distance. 2009
Jim Lockey & The Solemn Sun on the Main Stage.
The Subways go climbing in 2010.
Imperial Leisure’s impromptu set around a tree after dark.
Come on kids, pick up your litter – you’re not at Reading Festival now! 2010
The Greenhouse stage has always been the best place to hear relaxed, acoustic bands. I read a review after 2010 that said Frank Turner didn’t have a big enough sound to headline a festival. Really?!? Look at him now. Bloody amateur internet bloggers.
Jim Lockey & The Solemn Sun have played most stages, most years. Sometimes they even play in the audience.
For those of you going to 2000 Trees this year, here are a few tips: Get in the queue early for a Pieminister, drive in second gear on the cobbles and don't drop any litter. Go and watch Flange Krammer on the Thursday (if he's there), see Joe Summers on the Friday and whatever you do, don't sit in your campsite playing the guitar you brought with you as you'll just look like a twat - get out there and watch some bands.
MILEFEST Hartpury, Gloucester -Saturday 5th July Milefest takes place for the fourth time on Saturday 5th of July in the serene surroundings of Hartpury, just outside of Gloucester. 19 bands will play on two stages as a fundraiser for Milestone School. The whole thing is headlined by Stringer Bessant, who feature two members of 90's indie band Reef. Advance entry costs as little as £4! I've dug out my Casio FX-115MS Scientific Calculator and blown off the dust that's gathered since my GCSE Maths lessons and done some calculations. A single ticket will cost you just over 21p per band, one with camping 47p and the hypotenuse of my triangle is exactly 13cm.
Main Stage
Acoustic Stage 8:15pm Kitten and Bear 7:30pm Jonathan Tarplee 6:45pm The Torn Cloud
6:00pm Lotti
5:15pm The Drawing of the Three 4:30pm Damon T 3:45pm Lila J 3:00pm Frankie Le-Bon
10:15pm Stringer Bessant 9:15pm The Rascels 8:30pm Check de Cone 7:45pm Forgery Lit 7:00pm The Tommy Drums 6:15pm Jemima Surrender 5:30pm Tripwire 4:45pm The Cotard Delusion 4:00pm Moonlight Drive 3:15pm The Cadbury Sisters 2:30pm New York Minute.
Last year the event made £4651.50 for Milestone, a community Special School that provides for approximately 290 children with a wide range of special educational needs. Since the festival has been running just short of £11,000 has been raised. Tickets are on sale, £4 (£5 on the day) and £1 for under 14s. Camping will be £5 per tent. Tickets are available from Hartpury Post Office, Milestone school in Longlevens or by phone: 07794587133.
Issue
Deadline for submissions
Online on…
August July 27th July 29th STUNTED GROWTH (Sun 1.05pm) September 28th August 30th TAFFY WAS A THIEF (SatAugust 4.40pm) TELLING TALES (Sun 4.30pm) October September 26th September 28th TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD (Sun November October 27th October 29th 8.30pm) THE ANTIDOTE (Sun 6.30pm) December November 26th November 28th THE ANTI-PODES (Sun 7.30pm) THEJanuary BEAT GOES ON (Sun 10.30pm) December 28th December 30th THE BOOGALOOS (Sat 6.50pm) DEADLINES THE KILLER ACES (Sun 3.35pm) Never a deadline! Here are our submission dates for adverts, THE miss OLD WASHOE (Sat 2.30pm)
reviews, interviews, and gigs for the gig guide.
E-mail behindthesceneglos@yahoo.co.uk for inclusion!
BEHIND THE SCENE GLOUCESTERSHIRE
ISSUE #9
JULY 2014
Content created by BEHIND THE SCENE GLOUCESTERSHIRE. As usual, not a lot of proof reading has gone on. That’s for people with time. Please excuse any bad spelling, grammar etc. When we have a nice big office and a few thousand pounds of advertising income rolling in each month, we’ll employ a proof reader. Photos that have been credited have been used with permission. Photos that are not credited were either taken by me, given with some permission (e.g. “Use a photo from our Facebook page) or found on Google images. If you want an image removed because it belongs to you, contact me and I’ll do so.
E-mail: behindthesceneglos@yahoo.co.uk Twitter: @behindsceneglos Facebook: facebook.com/behindthesceneglos Website: http://behindthesceneglos.webs.com/ Tumblr: behindthesceneglos.tumblr.com/