BEHIND THE SCENE GLOUCESTERSHIRE Issue #10 August 2014
THE ONLY FREE MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO MUSIC IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE George Montague – Kintsugi – I’m The Envy – Barn On The Farm – 2000 Trees Reviews, opinion and a massive gig guide for August!
BEHIND THE SCENE GLOUCESTERSHIRE BEHIND THE SCENE GLOUCESTERSHIRE is 10 this month – we’ve reached double figures! We’ve had a get-together and invited all our relatives around. Our aunties have pinched our chubby cheeks and we’ve eaten so much jelly and ice-cream that we fell asleep on the sofa wearing a pirate’s hat. It was quite the party. Now that we are in double figures we have great plans for the magazine over the next few months. Remember that we are the ONLY magazine DEDICATED to music in GLOUCESTERSHIRE. We’ve been attending gigs here for 15 years and aren’t going anywhere. Stick with us and enjoy the ride.
Issue #10 August 2014
Cover photo: 2000 Trees Festival by Joe Singh Web: www.snaprockandpop.co.uk FB:http://www.facebook.com/pages/snaprockandpop /284731497557?ref=ts Twitter: https://twitter.com/snaprockandpop
Contact via e-mail: behindthesceneglos@yahoo.co.uk Facebook: facebook.com/behindthesceneglos Website: http://behindthesceneglos.webs.com
NOTT THE NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL WHAT'S THIS ALL ABOUT THEN? It's Cafe Rene's annual summer party! THE REGULARS CALL IT: "The party of the year!" LIVE MUSIC PROVIDED BY: A live samba band and DJs all day. I’LL BE HUNGRY & THIRSTY: There’s a BBQ, Caribbean food, all types of rum and a special Black Beard Rum Punch. SO WE DON'T HAVE TO GET THE MEGABUS TO LONDON FOR IT? No, it's not the Notting Hill Carnival, it's Nott The Notting Hill Carnival. It's in Gloucester. What could be simpler? TWO PINTS OF LAGER & A PACKET OF CRISPS PLEASE: £7.60 to you Sir (well, to everybody actually). BUT I WAN'T TO DRINK RED STRIPE: They'll have that in cans too at a special Shebeen Bar. It is Nott The Notting Hill Carnival after all.
CAFÉ RENE, GLOUCESTER (Sunday 24th August)
…IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE with CHARLIE BAXTER BEST THING ABOUT MUSIC… The music scene here is just so friendly, I've made such good friends with the bands and musicians here, as well as gig promoters and everyone else who makes music happen in Gloucestershire. It really feels like a family. I've travelled around the country playing music but nowhere has the same combination of talent and supportiveness as here.
BEST KEPT SECRET… I wanted to say Grumpy Whiskers but I've just heard the sad news that they have shut down. So I will just say whatever the guys behind Grumpy Whiskers decide to do next!
FAVOURITE BAND/MUSICIAN… There's just so many but if I had to pick only one it would be I, The Lion. Constantly gigging and always stunning, these three chaps make a hell of a noise and put on a fantastic show. I'm very much looking forward to their next release.
FAVOURITE VENUE/PUB...
BEST GIG YOU’VE EVER BEEN TO… Frogfest every year! As for recent one off shows I would pick Klaxons at 2 Pigs because they were a huge influence on me starting to make music, so to see them in a small venue in my hometown was a dream.
The Frog & Fiddle is a true stalwart of the local music scene, with local and touring bands as well as festivals and all dayers. I've had some of my favourite nights at this venue, both as a performer and as part of the audience.
LAST GIG YOU WENT TO… I've just got back from 2000 Trees Festival, which was amazing. We have one of the country's best small festivals right on our doorstep and I highly recommend everyone to check it out next year - I'll definitely be going again!
ONE THING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT MUSIC… The same I would change about music anywhere - I just wish more people would check out their local venues at the weekend instead of staying in complaining that there's nothing to do! It's such a shame when venues shut down or bands break up because the shows aren't attended in the capacity that they deserve.
GIVE YOURSELF A PLUG… You can find me on Facebook and Twitter and also check out my music on Bandcamp and Soundcloud - just search for Charlie Baxter. I'm also making new music with my bands Oui Legionnaires and Last Night's Victory, who are also on the aforementioned websites. I'm always playing live and hope to have a new solo record out before the end of the year.
Having shared a billing with Rick Wakeman and Joss Stone at Henley Festival and appeared at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival, GEORGE MONTAGUE's summer has been as busy as ever and seen him perform to ever increasing audiences. With a residency at London Jazz Festival in November and album number two ready to go (the follow up to 2012's 'Have You Met George?'), I caught up with George to ask him about making music, funding albums and all that jazz. Growing up, music was always played in the Montague household and George reels off a list of artists as long as your arm that have shaped his music: from Earth Wind & Fire, Madness and Prince to bands like Coldplay, Foo Fighters and Outkast, then more recently Pharrell, One Republic and Gotye, the influences are diverse. "I was classically taught double bass from age eleven, which gave me a grounding in music theory with scales and chords and an idea of how music works. The piano was the instrument I found by myself and escaped to when I probably should have been doing my double bass practice, especially when I began deconstructing songs and album piano books by bands like Coldplay. I wanted to try and write songs that made me feel those kind of emotions. And once I started you could barely tear me away from the keys." Double bass at 11, piano at 13, guitar at 15 and later the ukulele too, George is a true multi-instrumentalist which, if you've ever seen him live, you'll know for yourself. "I picked up the guitar and went through the teen-rocker thing, but always came back to the piano." Now, ten years since he started playing the piano he has well over 100 songs in his repertoire which he says just keep on coming.
"I adore songwriting. That, combined with performing, is my passion. Some songs literally just happen, I almost write it and play it at the same time. Those are normally very catchy, honest and often big hits with my wonderful fans. But sometimes they take some coaxing out of their shell. I have had songs that have taken years before they were right, as well as ones that will never be heard. It’s knowing which ones really make me feel something that I can translate to an audience, whether that is deep emotion or just wanting to get up and have a good old boogie!" Soon those people will have a new George Montague album to boogie to. George has started a PledgeMusic campaign to fund the recording of the album. The funds are raised by the fans, with no money leaving their pockets until the final target is reached. And in return for pre-ordering his new album, fans get access to behind the scenes, exclusive bonus content. "People kept asking me, “Where is album two George?” It wasn’t always the plan, I have had talks with labels, but then I kept hearing more about how PledgeMusic would be great for us and my fans! It is because of them that I will be working with the guy who Produced Coldplay’s X&Y album! You should have seen my face when they mentioned they could put us in touch." The new album is completely written, rehearsed, gigged and ready to go. "We just need the time in the studio. So when we reach 100% on Pledge we can do just that. Go in, record the music, make the album and then send it out to everyone who so kindly pre-ordered it and made it possible. I think that is why Pledge also really appealed to me, because I love connecting and talking with the lovely folk enjoying my music online, with YouTube comments or on Twitter and Facebook. I am so grateful to all those kind people, and wanted to give more back to them to say thank you for all their support and love over the past few years. Pledge seemed like a nice way to do that." When the album is released, George will continue his relentless gig schedule accompanied by his full six-piece 'notsobigband' and himself on grand piano. However, he'll still be performing solo and as a quintet, quartet, trio and duo too. "I love the variety. That variety and changing up the sound is what makes it even more fun. Of course I’d love to be playing a full arena tour with a big band and jazz orchestra every night, but I actually really love also playing solo, especially summer festivals with their great vibe, sometimes on Gloria (my acoustic guitar), stripping back songs and leaping about barefoot, with a bass-drum at my feet and just hammering out some tunes to good folk."
An upcoming residency at the London Jazz Festival will see George on the same programme as Grammy award winning Snarky Puppy and Miles Davis collaborator Marcus Miller. "I am truly honoured that they want me to play, let alone give me the whole week to play all over London. It is going to be quite an amazing time, and they always have a great line-up!" And I thought that Jazz music was just for old people. "Haha, well, I love jazz, though I would not call myself jazz. I definitely have jazz influence, and am truly honoured to play these superb jazz festivals. Even though I cannot place my genre I am very happy the jazz community seem to be excepting me as a sort of second cousin twice removed. I would say I have more Jazz Funk, Blues, R&B and Soul in my music."
Although much of his time is spent in London, George is quick to note the virtues of the Gloucestershire music scene. "My favourite gig I have played in Gloucestershire was the Jazz Arena at Cheltenham Jazz Festival for an audience of 600 beautifully engaged, excited old and new fans! We are lucky to have such a great original music scene in Gloucestershire championed by dedicated kind people. I always have a ball going in and playing the BBC Radio Gloucestershire studio for lovely encouraging folk like Claire Carter and Kate Justice. And Brewery Blues (at New Brewery Arts) have always supported me and my music, as well as the Sundial Theatre in Cirencester, the Everyman Theatre and The Frog and Fiddle in Cheltenham. And of course we have some excellent festivals around here too like the BBC Introducing stage at Wychwood. There is a lot of talent in this area. Must be something in the water as they say.“ Don't I keep telling you that? Follow the links below for more information on George Montague and his PledgeMusic campaign.
http://pledgemusic.com/georgemontague http://www.georgemontague.com/
BARN ON THE FARM FESTIVAL Over Farm, Gloucester - 6th June It is Sunday morning and clearly a lot of people had too much of a good time at Barn On The Farm Festival the previous night. As I wander up the track to the entrance from the car park, I see bleary-eyed teenagers gingerly unzipping their tents to glimpse the sunlight for the first time that day, whilst others sit vacantly on the grass considering their next move – do they walk to the tap to brush the taste of cider out of their mouths, or just lie down and hope that the pain will go away? As for me, I’m fresh faced and ready to watch some bands…on a farm…in Gloucester, a mere hop, skip and jump away from my house. I stop and ponder that thought for a moment and think back to when I was a teenager. We didn’t have the ‘next big things’ of folk and indie playing in a field around the corner. We had Reading Festival - a long train ride away with crap nu-metal bands all day and idiots shouting “bollocks” all night long in the campsite. Gloucestershire – you don’t know how lucky you are.
In case it’s not already obvious, Barn On The Farm is held on an actual working farm. The bands play in barns, there are huge tractor tyres to rest your weary bum on and ostriches look at you inquisitively from behind a fence as you make your way in. As country folk know, life on a farm starts early and as a result, WINTER SPRINGS kicked things off at 11am with some happy folk-pop driven by dual female vocalists. They played on the mezzanine level of a barn and everyone listened attentively to songs that are so fresh that one was even written last week. Soon after, FRANKIE DAVIES (pictured) and her band played some upbeat country with massive choruses. She even threw in a Fleetwood Mac cover, which I can only assume is played to mark the fact that today is the British Grand Prix.
Opening up the main stage was KES, whose performance fell somewhere between enigmatic and oddball. Taking cues from The Doors and The Hold Steady, his tortured spoken word seemed to split the opinion of the audience. The same cannot be said for CHLOE FOY (pictured), who performed over on the third stage which doubled up as a chilled out café bar. It’s probably 3 years since I’ve seen her play and in that time she’s gathered together a band and found a quite beautiful traditional folk sound. I could have sat there with my cup of tea and listened for hours. Back on the main stage, KATE MILLAR played an understated set of woozy, electronic music with hints of the 80’s and The Gossip which was easy to lose yourself in on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Later on, PRIDES provided some perfect energetic synth-pop that got people moving, clapping and dancing. Their music is clearly made for festivals like this. Whereas JAKE ISAAC’s music is made for much bigger things altogether. Despite some technical difficulties and a false start, he soon demonstrated his star quality with some upbeat indie-pop. At the back of the room several girls screamed like he was on the X-Factor (please stop, it’s a terrible habit) but you can kind of see how he won them over. With his soulful voice and ability to switch tempos and instruments effortlessly, it won’t be long before JAKE ISAAC’s name starts cropping up more regularly. KYLA LA GRANGE’s thumping beats and rumbling bass shook the sides of the main stage barn and reverberated right through the corrugated metal. It was a quite dramatic electro sound, like Florence Welch with plenty of machines. Quite the opposite, back at the café stage, a small group whooped and hollered before MATT WOODS had even played a song - he bashfully acknowledged them and persuaded them not to clap along as it put him off his timing. He needed only an acoustic guitar, a Ryan Adams-esque set of vocals and a great set of original songs to get everyone’s attention as the sun set and the rain just about held off. And with that, I wandered back past the ostriches and the small sea of tents to the car park and I reflected on the fact that I didn’t see a single bad band at Barn On The Farm. You get the sense that they’ve been categorically chosen for their quality and, as a result, you can often hear a pin drop during performances (aside from the occasional sound of a micro light plane taking off from the edge of the festival field). There’s no litter, there’s little mud and every single person is there for the music. What a lovely festival. I’ll be back next year.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AN OPEN MIC HOST? I've been hosting open mics for probably around seven years.
WHO’D BE AN…OPEN MIC HOST?
WHERE ARE YOU AN OPEN MIC HOST?
I joint-host the open mics at the Cross Keys Inn, off Southgate Street in Gloucester, and the Gloucester Guildhall's Musiclab. WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING AN OPEN MIC HOST? Being able to help people perform with as much confidence as possible by being positively supportive and by getting them the best sound you can. WHAT’S THE WORST THING ABOUT BEING AN OPEN MIC HOST?
WITH MARK COLE
Having to tell late comers that they won't get a chance to perform as you've run out of time.
WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE TO AN ASPIRING OPEN MIC HOST?
IS GLOUCESTERSHIRE A GOOD PLACE TO BE AN OPEN MIC HOST? Yes! In my experience there are great performers across a wide range of music styles, a warm and friendly audience and supportive and enthusiastic landlords/ladies. WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT AN OPEN MIC HOST? I perform in a number of bands, namely Sons of the Delta and The Jigantics, plus solo performances.
Have a list of performers to keep a keep a running order, try and give people equal time. If people want to change the order they perform in they should agree that with performers before them don't make the decision yourself as people can accuse you of favouritism. GIVE YOURSELF A PLUG! I will, thanks! Check out the music I make at www.markcolemusic.com, www.sonsofthedelta.co.uk and www.thejigantics.com Also, please find and 'Like' the bands on Facebook - it really helps get the word around.
KINTSUGI
Life for a new band can be hard. You settle on a name you like, type it in to Google and find that it's been taken by a death metal band from Finland. You try to get some gigs, but the venue won't put you on because you don't have any recordings. You don't have any recordings because you've spent all of your money on rehearsal studios. You invite all of your friends to 'Like' your Facebook page, but only 13 do and you feel instantly rejected. You've got to keep plugging away. You've got to have the right attitude. And it seems like KINTSUGI, a relatively new alternative rock band from Cheltenham have that. Tom, James and Rich that make up the band gave me an insight into what it's like to be a new band in Gloucestershire.
"We're not really like anybody else we've heard around here. We're not punk, we're not metal, we're not indie. We think there's something for everybody in our set list. Lots of our songs use samples to add some depth, as we like our music to not only be songs, but to act as soundscapes, evoking images and feelings in the listener. We can sound pretty big for a 3 piece as a result!" After originally forming through other bands and a chance meeting at a house party (isn't that how most bands get together?), the trio stayed playing together and formed Kintsugi. Tom is the main songwriting force and cites his influences as bands like Biffy Clyro, Deftones, Hundred Reasons and Mogwai, but that's not to say that he thinks that the band sound anything like that - in fact he often struggles to explain to people what they sound like. "He generally resorts to playing them something instead." So what does Kintsugi actually mean? "The word Kintsugi comes from the Japanese art of mending broken pottery with seams of gold or silver, with the resulting piece often being more beautiful than the original. It's used as a philosophy to mean that something can be better in the long run as a result of having been broken in the first place. This resonates with us, both as musicians and as people, so seemed a good choice for us.“
The band have just released their first single, 'When We Were Young' which is available via digital download. "It's about revisiting somewhere where you used to spend a lot of time in your youth, and realising that the reality of the place is different now compared to your memory, and how that affects your relationship with that place." The band have also released some early demo tracks for their EP
on their website which were recorded and mixed at Tom's home studio at his house in Gloucester. "It's very much a DIY job but Tom loves the mixing and production side of the band equally as much as the playing. Although, we'd love to hear what we sound like mixed professionally and get into a professional recording studio and record our EP properly!“ How easy is it for a relatively new band to get gigs in Gloucestershire? "On the whole it's been relatively tricky to be honest, but that's not to say that it's difficult - it just requires a lot of effort, flexibility and persistence to keep contacting venues and promoters until something comes up. Bands can't expect offers to come flying in, so they need to put in the legwork on that side of things. We try to keep up a steady social media presence and spread the word of gigs. Good communication with venues and promoters helps, so we try to make sure we're clear on that front. We do however think more could be done to promote gigs early, and with the right information - adverts with 'sounds like', or 'for fans of’ type information - we think this will help people take a chance on new bands in the area and give them time to make sure they don't have other arrangements." Locally, the band pick out Empire, Reign of Fury and Evesham-based Baron Greenback as some of their favourites. "We really like 2 Pigs in Cheltenham too. It's an excellent venue with great staff and a fantastic sound. We also loved the intimacy of Grumpy Whiskers which has now sadly closed. Hopefully we'll get a chance to play some other venues like The Frog and Fiddle at some point. And finally, what's next for Kingsugi? "Record our EP properly. Gigs, gigs, and more gigs - we'd love a slot at a local festival. We'd also love to take our music further afield, perhaps to London. We're playing both The Fleece in Bristol, and at Oxjam Didcot in August, so it's a step in the right direction! Above all else, our plans involve continuing to write and perform music that we love playing and which makes us feel awesome."
To hear tracks from KINTSUGI, please visit: www.kintsugiband.com www.facebook.com/kintsugiband.
BEHIND THE SCENE GLOUCESTERSHIRE RECOMMENDS…
VENA PORTAE
August 15th The Goods Shed, Stroud
THE ME! ME! ME’S! August 9th 2 Pigs, Cheltenham
KING PLEASURE & THE BISCUIT BOYS August 1st Café Rene, Gloucester
SCOTT JAMES & THE REVOLUTION August 23rd Royal Oak, Bishop’s Cleeve
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GIG GUIDE FOR AUGUST Date
1st
Bands
Venue
Town
Genre
Soul Strutters, King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys, Steve Ajao Blues Giants Sean Saye
Café Rene
Gloucester
Blues
Globe
Stonehouse
Classic covers
Bell Inn
Cheltenham
Acoustic
Huntley Cricket Club
Huntley
Festival
1st
Fred Robert’s Family, Polly & Flo Huntley Beer Festival feat: Leanne Jackson All About Gaga, Thrill Collins, Indigo Kings (6pm) Clair Le Brocq Band
Gloucester
Blues
1st
Which One’s Gerry?
Dick Whittington New Inn
Gloucester
Covers
1st
Steve & The Achievers
Ale House
Stroud
Blues Roots
1st
Filthy Rokkit
Vaults
Cirencester
Rock covers
1st
Gordon Wood
Cross Keys Inn
Gloucester
Blues
1st
Tommy Lewis
Royal Oak
Pop covers
1st
World Government
1st
Cheltenham
Pop punk
1st
Strange Things Frighten Us, DJ’s Eddie & Tom Dom Pipkin
Crown & Sceptre SMV Subtone
Bishop’s Cleeve Stroud
Roots Blues
1st
Synergy
Strand
South Woodchester Cheltenham
1st
The Vine
Cheltenham
Festival
1st
Vinestock feat: Galloping Cows, Hard Stairs, Clay Gods, Alex Petrie, Gareth Harper, Colourmejordan (6pm) Soul Strutters
Café Rene
Gloucester
Funk Soul
1st
Short & Sweet
The Royal
Soul covers
1st
Ed Arnold
Monty’s
Charlton Kings Cheltenham
1st
Adam Cross
O’Neills
Cheltenham
Acoustic
1st 1st 1st
The Convent
Funk Soul
World
Acoustic
Date
Bands
Venue
Town
Genre
1st
Memphis
Fairview
Cheltenham
Covers
2nd
24 Pesos, King Size Slim, The Clarksville Mountain Band, Funke & The Two Tone Baby, Lewis Creaven, Will Edmunds Trio, Solid Gone (2pm) Texas Flood, Apherium, Standing To Fall, Kill For Trophies Stretch
Café Rene
Gloucester
Blues
Lower George Inn
Gloucester
Hard Rock
Brewery
Stroud
Americana
Huntley Cricket Club
Huntley
Festival
2nd
Huntley Beer Festival feat: The Rating, The Lushtones, Muso Centrale, One Direction Adventure (4.30pm) No Parkin’ Blues Band
Gloucester
Blues
2nd
CCTV Allstars
New Inn Courtyard Prince Albert
Stroud
Ska Folk
2nd
Frog & Fiddle
Cheltenham
Festival
2nd
Summerfest feat: Red Seas Fire, Heaven Asunder, Aurora, We Define A Martyr, Five Miles North Of Nowhere, Sharkface (3pm) Which One’s Gerry?
The Station
Gloucester
Covers
2nd
Shark Dentist
Bayshill
Cheltenham
Blues Rock
2nd
Mark Walby
Monty’s
Cheltenham
Acoustic
2nd
Summerfest feat: Freeze The Atlantic, The Hook-Line Riot, Welcome Back Delta, Giants, Milk Teeth & more! (6pm) Fake Republic
2 Pigs
Cheltenham
Festival
Albion House
Cheltenham
Covers
The Red Shift, Which One’s Gerry? Cam Beer Festival feat: Fracture, Severn Soul, Boogie Bop Boys Otis Mack & The Tubby Bluesters
O’Neils
Cheltenham
Covers
Cam Sports Club
Cam
Covers Rock ‘n’ Roll
Ruardean Sports & Social Club
Drybrook
Blues
2nd
2nd 2nd
2nd
2nd 2nd
2nd
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GIG GUIDE FOR AUGUST Date
Bands
Venue
Town
Genre
2nd
Adam Cross
The Quaich
Cheltenham
Acoustic
2nd
Standing To Fall
Gloucester
Hard Rock
2nd
The Rumblestrutters
Lower George Inn Cross Keys Inn
Gloucester
Blues
2nd
Vince Freeman
Royal Oak
2nd
Deckajam
SMV Subtone
Bishop’s Cleeve Cheltenham
2nd
The Vine
Cheltenham
The Lion
Cinderford
Festival
Fountain Inn
Gloucester
Blues
3rd
Vinestock feat: King Solomon, Charlie Baxter, Lighter Thieves, Jim Blair, The Hawthornes, Black Rose & more! (12.30pm) Lionfest feat: The Stand, Harper’s Ferry, Josh Morgan, Beat Harlows, Ed Hanfrey (3.30pm) Oil Slick Fire, Rollo Markee (4.30pm) Red Dog (6pm)
Singer songwriter Live Drum & Bass Festival
Railway Inn
Newnham
Blues
3rd
Emily (3.30pm)
Albion House
Cheltenham
Covers
3rd
Open Mic (4.30pm) Big Jim & The Blues Breakers JB2
Cross Keys Inn
Gloucester
Blues
Exmouth Arms
Cheltenham
Jazz
Lionfest feat: Loose Covers, Drawing Of The Three, Devon Cassells, Tom Browning, Dan & Kate (3.30pm) Vinestock feat: Edd Donovan & The Wandering Moles, Richard Abberline, Ghost Mind, Flying Down Trio (3pm) Russ Kirk (12.00)
The Lion
Cinderford
Festival
The Vine
Cheltenham
Festival
Tunnel House Inn Café Rene
Cirencester
Country
Gloucester
Blues
3rd
3rd
3rd 3rd
3rd
3rd 4th
Connie Lush, Spikedrivers, Keith Thompson’s Band, Matt Woosey Band, Steve Morrison, Damon T
Date
Bands
Venue
Town
Genre
6th
Open Mic
Cross Keys Inn
Gloucester
Open Mic
6th
Tom Browning
Café Rene
Gloucester
Acoustic
6th
Open Mic with Gordon Wood
Bayshill
Cheltenham
Open Mic
7th
Leon Daye
Stroud
Acoustic
7th
Flight Of K
Crown & Sceptre Soho Bar
Cheltenham
Covers
8th
Greg Russell & Ciaran Algar
Prince Albert
Stroud
Folk
8th
Sound & The Sirens
Queen Vic
Stroud
Covers
8th
Bob Smith’s ‘Beerfest’ Open mic
Miner’s Arms
Whitecroft
Open Mic
8th
Marie Lister Trio
Monty’s
Cheltenham
Soul Blues
8th
Vaults
Cirencester
Singer songwriter
8th
Profound Poets, Benji & Hibbz, White Spice, The Corfields, Future Talk , Kirsty Clinch, Jimmy Moore, Charlie Anne I’m The Envy
SMV Subtone
Cheltenham
Hard Rock
8th
John D’Ambrosio (6pm)
Exmouth Arms
Cheltenham
Acoustic
8th
The Furtive, Frazer Lepford
Cotswold Inn
Cheltenham
Acoustic
8th
Waiting For Kate, King Solomon
Fish & Fiddle
Cheltenham
Ska Reggae
8th
Croft Farm Waterpark
Tewkesbury
Festival
2 Pigs
Cheltenham
Indie rock
8th
Lakefest inc: Buzzcocks, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Young Kato, Coco & The Butterfeats & more Delicate Holly, Standing To Fall, Loic, Jay Mansfield Michigan Avenue
Brunswick
Gloucester
Blues
8th
Arankas Cackle
Café Rene
Gloucester
Reggae
8th
Jacob Wellfair, Spencer Rees
Slug & Lettuce
Cheltenham
Acoustic
8th
Subduction
Stroud
Ska
8th
Cheltenham
Acoustic
9th
Fred Robert’s Family, The Jellyfish Jennifer T
Crown & Sceptre Bell Inn Nag’s Head
Longhope
Pop covers
9th
Zephyr
Brunswick
Gloucester
Blues Rock
8th
Date
Bands
Venue
Town
Genre
9th
Binomial
Stoney’s
Cirencester
9th
Croft Farm Waterpark
Tewkesbury
9th
Lakefest inc: Shed Seven, Lightning Seeds, Neville Staple, Erica, Victorian Dad + more! John D’Ambrasio
Synth-pop covers Festival
Monty’s
Cheltenham
Acoustic
9th
Funkbomb
Cheltenham
Funky covers
9th
Cheltenham
Pop punk
9th
Parc Royale, The Penny Black, Spark The Sale Which One’s Gerry?
St Paul’s Tavern SMV Subtone
Gloucester
Covers
9th
DB Smith Blues Trio
Tuffley Rovers Sports Club Bayshill
Cheltenham
Blues
9th
2 Pigs
Cheltenham
Rock
9th
The Vigil, The Me Me Me’s! Honey The Two Anchors
Brewery
Stroud
Sea shanties
10th
Will Kinn (3.30pm)
Albion House
Cheltenham
Pop covers
10th
Open Mic with Bexley (6pm)
Railway Inn
Newnham
Open Mic
10th
The Pushy Doctors
Stroud
Jazz
10th
Broken Boat
Stroud Valleys Artspace Prince Albert
Stroud
Folk
10th
Croft Farm Waterpark
Tewkesbury
Festival
13th
Lakefest inc: Fun Lovin Criminals, Roving Crows, Gaz Brookfield, Edd Donovan & The Wandering Moles + more! Open Mic
Cross Keys Inn
Gloucester
Open Mic
13th
Gypsies of Bohemia
Café Rene
Gloucester
13th
Bayshill
Cheltenham
14th
Drawing Of The Three, Ben Maggs, Alex Petrie, Russ Poole Renny Jackson
Prince Albert
Stroud
14th
Alex Taylor
Soho Bar
Cheltenham
15th
Fiona Bevan, Kal Lavelle
Frog & Fiddle
Cheltenham
15th
Bukky Leo & Black Egypt
The Convent
South Woodchester
Acoustic covers Singer songwriter Singer songwriter Singer songwriter Singer songwriter Afro Beat
Date
Bands
Venue
Town
Genre
15th
The Grass Snakes
Brunswick
Gloucester
Bluegrass
15th
Which One’s Gerry?
The Old Badger
Eastington
Covers
15th
Vena Portae, The Diamond Road
Stroud
Alt-folk
15th
Kickin Radios
The Goods Shed Café Rene
Gloucester
Indie Rock
15th
The Luke Doherty Band
Royal Oak
Classic Rock
15th
The Wizards of Delight
15th
15th
The Smokey Mountain Boys, Boys In The Wood Fred Robert’s Family, Ethemia
Crown & Sceptre SMV Subtone
Bishop’s Cleeve Stroud
15th
Bell Inn
Cheltenham
Weird & Wonderful Country Roots Acoustic
John D’Ambrasio
Monty’s
Cheltenham
Acoustic
15th
Synergy
The Royal
World
16th
2 Pigs
16th
Hired Guns, Erica, Halfway To Here Mizen Experience
Charlton Kings Cheltenham
Miner’s Arms
Whitecroft
Acoustic
16th
Galloping Cows
Cheltenham
Covers
16th
Alex Taylor
St Paul’s Tavern Royal Oak
16th
Binomial
Farmer’s Arms
Bishop’s Cleeve Birtsmorton
16th
Tuff Lov
Albion House
Cheltenham
Singer songwriter Synth-pop covers Covers
16th
Karu
Railway Inn
Newnham
Rock
16th
Snowblind (Black Sabbath Tribute) Five Miles North Of Nowhere, Eden In Progress, Floorboards Beggarman’s Beard, Defy All Reason, Beneath The Divine, Hunter’s Grace Damson Sky
Hillview Music Venue SMV Subtone
Cheltenham
Rock Metal
Cheltenham
Heavy Rock
Lower George Inn
Gloucester
Rock Metal
Monty’s
Cheltenham
Acoustic
Powerslaves (Iron Maiden tribute)
Brunswick
Gloucester
Heavy metal
16th 16th
16th
16th
Cheltenham
Hard Rock
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GIG GUIDE FOR AUGUST Date
Bands
Venue
Town
Genre
16th
Swing From Paris
Brewery
Stroud
Jazz swing
16th
Too Rock For Country
Bayshill
Cheltenham
Rock
16th
Which One’s Gerry?
Nag’s Head
Longhope
Covers
17th
Marcus T (3.30pm)
Albion House
Cheltenham
Covers
17th
Hungry Folk
Miner’s Arms
Whitecroft
Folk
18th
Hattie Briggs, Philip Douch
Painswick
18th
Vena Portae (2pm)
Painswick Centre Rise Records
Cheltenham
Storytelling & Folk Alt-folk
20th
Paul Newman’s Jam Night
Bayshill
Cheltenham
Open Mic
20th
Open Mic
Cross Keys Inn
Gloucester
Open Mic
20th
Life O’Reilly Folk Jam
The Royal
Irish
20th
Gloucester Acoustic Showcase
Café Rene
Charlton Kings Gloucester
20th
Young Guns
Guildhall
Gloucester
Pop rock
21st
Guildhall
Gloucester
Hard rock
21st
A Willhelm Scream, Darko, Stillbust Cut The Funk
The Convent
Jazz Funk
21st
David Julien
Soho Bar
South Woodchester Cheltenham
22nd
Benny J Hayes
Prince Albert
Stroud
Punk rock
22nd
KSH & The Going Goods
SMV Subtone
Cheltenham
22nd
22nd
Swanfest feat: Michigan Avenue, The Swan Them Spitfires, The Hawthornes, Middle Aged Angst, Show Openers (6pm) Bobby G Royal Oak
Acoustic hiphop Festival
22nd
Solid Gone
22nd 22nd
Cheltenham
Acoustic
Acoustic
Rock ‘n’ Roll
Brunswick
Bishop’s Cleeve Gloucester
The Stiff Joints
Café Rene
Gloucester
Ska
Which One’s Gerry?
Black Horse Inn
Nibley
Covers
Blues
Date
Bands
Venue
Town
Genre
22nd
Binomial
Vaults
Cirencester
22nd
Miserden Cricket Club Black Horse Inn
Miserden
22nd
Beer & Cricket Festival: Errol’s Kitchen, The Watts Which One’s Gerry?
Synth-pop covers Funk covers
Nibley
Covers
22nd
Short, Sweet & Curly (6pm)
Exmouth Arms
Cheltenham
Acoustic
22nd
Alex Petrie
Monty’s
Cheltenham
Acoustic
23rd
Witcombe
Gloucester
Festival
23rd
Witcombe Cider Fest inc: Goldie Lookin’ Chain, Ballzee, Jawjee, Charlie Baxter, Check Da Cone, Matt Bond, Son Of Jack, Emi McDade, Michigan Avenue, Ethemia Gravy Train
Lakeside Café
Tewkesbury
Rock covers
23rd
The Red Shift
23rd
Concrete Jungle Festival: Laid Blak, 1Eye, New Town Kings, Imperial Leisure, Troy Ellis, The Simmertones, Captain Accident & The Disasters, King Solomon, Strange Tenants, Alieghicia Scott, SN Dubstation Brynley Thomas
Bourton on the Water Gloucester
Covers
23rd
Coach & Horses Guildhall
Globe
Stonehouse
23rd
Vince Freeman
Monty’s
Cheltenham
Acoustic rock covers Acoustic
23rd
Miner’s Arms
Whitecroft
Festival
23rd
Royal Forest Beer Fest inc: Lar Hughes, Peter Hale, Innocent Bystanders, Dixons Of Dock Green, Bexley Terrell, Damon Thomas, Beat Harlows, Solid Gone (4pm) Adam Okin
South Cerney
Swing covers
23rd
Soulville Express
Lakeside Brasserie Albion House
Cheltenham
Soul
23rd
Subduction
Brewery
Stroud
Reggae
23rd
Subway
The Hatherley
Cheltenham
Covers
Ska Reggae
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GIG GUIDE FOR AUGUST Date
23rd
Bands
Venue
Town
Genre
Beer & Sausage Fest inc: Alice Barlow, Vince Freeman, Mike Maddams, Scott James & The Revolution, Corduroy Kings, David Jullen (1pm) Velvet Love & The Memphis One Beer & Cricket Festival: King Solomon Band Swanfest feat: Galloping Cows, The Pillars, Delicate Holly, 5$ Shake, Small Talk Robot, Because Band, That Eaton Jones Fellow, The Plunderphonics, Huw Thomas, Rock Foundry (12pm) Huw Edward Thomas, Because
Royal Oak
Bishop’s Cleeve
Singer songwriter
Strand
Cheltenham
Miserden Cricket Club The Swan
Miserden
Soul Motown Reggae
Cheltenham
Festival
SMV Subtone
Cheltenham
Westonbirt Arboretum
Tetbury
23rd
Treefest inc: In Situ, Gordon Wood, Emily McGrory, The Hot Tin Roofs, Corky, Ells & The Southern Wild, Louise Latham, Nicky Swann, Cadbury Sisters, Rob Richings. (10.40am) Which One’s Gerry?
Acoustic Indie Festival
Five Alls
Cheltenham
Covers
24th
Over The Hill
Lakeside Café
Tewkesbury
Covers
24th
Brian Black, CJ (2.45pm)
Albion House
Cheltenham
Covers
24th
Jennifer T
Cinderford
Pop covers
24th
Treefest inc: The Shudders, Mischa & His Merry Men, David Waddington, Blind River Scare, Mouton Gater, Missin’ Rosie, Charlie-Anne, Andrew Davies, Christine Kinder (10.50am) Which One’s Gerry? (5pm)
Cinderford Rugby Club Westonbirt Arboretum
Tetbury
Festival
The Crown
Lechlade
Covers
23rd 23rd 23rd
23rd 23rd
24th
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GIG GUIDE FOR AUGUST Date
Bands
Venue
Town
Genre
24th
Which One’s Gerry? (8pm)
Old Spot
Dursley
Covess
24th
Beer & Cricket Festival: Vital Logistics Brian Black
Miserden Cricket Club Royal Oak
Miserden
Covers Covers
Witcombe
The Swan
Cheltenham
Festival
24th
Witcombe Cider Fest inc: Sonique, Duke, Alec Pritchard, Josh Flowers & The Wild, Smith & Jones, DJDZ, Edd Donovan & The Wandering Moles, Normanton Street, King Solomon. Swanfest feat: Oui Legionnaires, Tommy Drums, Aural Candy, The Red Shift, The Timbres, Alex Petrie, Charlie Baxter, I’m The Envy, Polly Anna Gannaway-Pitts, Adam Cross, Folkin’ Amazing, Rock Foundry (12pm) Shootin’ The Crow
Bishop’s Cleeve Gloucester
Railway Inn
Newnham
24th
Bon Giovi (Bon Jovi Tribute)
Kingshill
Dursley
Rock Country Hair Rock
24th
Nott The Notting Hill Carnival
Café Rene
Gloucester
Festival
24th
Dave Clifford
Globe
Stonehouse
25th
Westonbirt Arboretum
Tetbury
The Swan
Cheltenham
Festival
25th
Treefest inc: Nick Felix, Leon Daye, Alison Hustwitt, Keith Hyett, Newquay Times, Darren Hodge, Smith & Jones. (11am) Swanfest feat: The Furtive, Stressechoes, John Madden, The Wanted Men, Black Rose, Fred Roberts’ Family (12pm) Thrill Collins (6pm)
Pop rock covers Festival
The Royal
27th
Open Mic
Cross Keys Inn
Charlton Kings Gloucester
Skiffle Covers Open Mic
24th 24th
24th
25th
Festival
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GIG GUIDE FOR AUGUST Date
Bands
Venue
Town
Genre
27th
Mike Parker
Café Rene
Gloucester
Americana
27th
Johnny Duff’s Open Mic
Bayshill
Cheltenham
Open Mic
28th
Flight Of K
Soho Bar
Cheltenham
Covers
28th
Vince Freeman
South Cerney
29th
Stroud Fringe Fest: Largo Embargo, I The Lion, Four Mile House DMA, Odile Rault
Lakeside Brasserie Bank Gardens
Stroud
Singer songwriter Festival
Brunswick
Gloucester
Not sure
The Convent Brewery
South Woodchester Stroud
Folk
29th
Edd Donovan & The Wandering Moles The Bob Porter Project
29th
Victoria Bolley
Globe
Stonehouse
29th
Mark Walby
Monty’s
Cheltenham
Pop soul covers Acoustic
29th
Crown & Sceptre
Stroud
Rock
29th
Stroud Outer Fringe: The Dustmites, Thee Pulsations, The Red Propellers, Jibberish (5.30) Which One’s Gerry?
Gloucester
Covers
29th
Mystic Royals
St Oswald’s Village Café Rene
Gloucester
Reggae
29th
Open Mic
Miner’s Hall
Cinderford
Open Mic
30th
Jennifer T
Belfry
Littledean
Pop covers
30th
The Red Shift
Northleach
Covers
30th
Too Rock For Country
Ox House Wine Bar Lakeside Café
Tewkesbury
Covers
30th
This Way Up
Albion House
Cheltenham
Covers
30th
Stroud Outer Fringe: Chinese Burn, Thee Ones, Soul Destroyers (6pm) Chris Webb
Crown & Sceptre
Stroud
Punk, R&B
Monty’s
Cheltenham
Acoustic
29th 29th
30th
Americana
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GIG GUIDE FOR AUGUST Date
Bands
30th
Metallica Reloaded (Tribute)
30th
Venue
Town
Genre
Cheltenham
Metal Thrash
Vapor
Hillview Music Venue Miner’s Arms
Whitecroft
Acoustic
30th
Knebakeye
SMV Subtone
Cheltenham
30th
Stroud Fringe Fest: The Outcast Band, Jam Tidy, The Leaking Machine, Ben Maggs, The Convulsions, The Indigo Kings, Small Talk Robot, Pete Taylor Which One’s Gerry?
Bank Gardens
Stroud
Britpop covers Festival
The Wharf
Over
Covers
Phoenix Festival inc: Miracle Master Isolation + support
Abbey Gardens
Cirencester
Festival
Lower George Inn 2 Pigs
Gloucester
Hard rock
Cheltenham
Prince Albert
Stroud
Singer songwriter Folk
30th 30th 30th 30th 30th
Reuben Lovett, Calum Lewis, Ed Hanfrey, Grace Palmer ODi
30th
Sound & The Sirens
Old George Inn
South Cerney
Covers
30th
Emily Mew
Bayshill
Cheltenham
31st
Stroud Fringe Fest: Steve & The Achievers, Missin’ Rosie, Benita Johnson, Hattie Briggs, Clutching At Straws, Sarana VerLin, Becky Syson, Taeppeda Phoenix Festival inc: Sound & The Sirens, Duke, Thrill Collins, Future Talk, Curious Little Big Band + more!
Bank Gardens
Stroud
Singer songwriter Festival
Abbey Gardens
Cirencester
Festival
31st
PLEASE CHECK WITH THE VENUE BEFORE YOU TRAVEL! WE’VE COLLATED ALL OF THESE GIGS A MONTH AHEAD AND SOMETIMES THINGS CHANGE AT SHORT NOTICE!
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GIG GUIDE FOR AUGUST Date
31st
31st 31st
Bands
Venue
Town
Genre
Stroud Outer Fringe: Mustard, Stretch Allegro, Mudfolk, The Scrutineers, Doctors Slash & Payne, Thee Watts, Popgang, Art Of Mix, Floydi Davis Jr. & Dom Peringon (1pm) Sax Appeal (3.30pm)
Crown & Sceptre
Stroud
Festival
Albion House
Cheltenham
Jazz covers
Katey Brooks, Kara J Richards (2pm)
Black Book Café
Stroud
Acoustic Folk
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 If you use our gig guide to inform your website, radio show, blog etc, then we’d love for you to give us a credit. It’ll make the hours spent collating it worth it and spread the word that little further!
2000 TREES FESTIVAL
Upcote Farm, Cheltenham
11th – 13th July 2014
As I do my best not to miss the right turning that I miss every July, I feel a sense of deja vu I've been getting for the last six years. Once again I'm driving to 2000 Trees and I know that as soon as I've gone past those 'Stay in 2nd Gear' signs, negotiated the rocky track without destroying the undercarriage of my car and handed in a crumpled five pound note to the girl in a hi-vis vest, I can take my spot in the car park and enjoy one of the best festivals for new music in the country. I know that I say this a lot, but it is literally on our doorstep. The Thursday night at 2000 Trees is an intimate affair. As people start to arrive, the traders serve their first customers and the two tents that are open host familiar festival bands and some comedy. The tents gradually fill up through the evening as the acts turn from relative unknowns (for example, the Pavement-esque WILDCAT STRIKE) to very well knowns (headliners DAN LE SAC VS SCROOBIUS PIP). Of the bands I see, OXYGEN THIEF gets a rousing reception for his/their beefed up Reuben gone acoustic sound and THE RETROSPECTIVE SOUNDTRACK PLAYERS go down nearly as well with slices of book and film themed pop-rock. It's like a game of charades up there - song one, film, three words, first word rhymes with 'tool.' But the top of the pops is clearly BEN MARWOOD, the self-effacing singersongwriter from Reading who 2000 Trees has taken to like a long lost son. Even his sound check gets cheers and applause, and a rip-roaring 'Oh My Days' is the highlight of a sing along packed set from a genius at clever wordplay. I don't quite understand why young lads in the crowds who are wearing vests decide to punch each other in the nether regions, but each to their own personally, I preferred to watch the bands. On Friday the festival site begins to fill up so I make my way to the new and improved Croft (the stage formerly known as the Greenhouse), located far enough from the hubbub of the general festival that it feels like you're away from it all. The sound is now so much better that you can sit outside of the tent, soak up the sun and still hear the bands loud and clear. Or, if you are the woman I see at 3 in the afternoon clutching 10 shots of Sambuca between her fingers, get absolutely hammered whist DANCING YEARS play some gentle folk in the background. [Ben Marwood photo above by Craig Simmonds]
The Forest Sessions is the other part of the site where you can recover from the 6 pints of Badger's Bottom cider you drank the night before. In amidst trees and hammocks, bands play stripped down acoustic sets whilst everyone just kind of lies down and falls asleep. ERGO SCHMIDT and THE CADBURY SISTERS (who even ventured into the crowd for one song) are the pick of the bunch that I see. "We're representing the mellower side of 2000 Trees," remarks the lead singer/keyboardist of ERGO SCHMIDT. He isn't wrong.
I wander down to the main stage to catch ITCH, whose set is immediately cut short as everything goes kaput (technical term). If this was 5 years ago he would have jumped in the crowd and played acoustically on his ukulele, but he isn't in the King Blues any more so he says his thanks and leaves the stage. Back at the Croft, EUGENE QUELL bash out a wall of distortion and feedback which is a bit much for me. So I use the eco-toilet (quite simply a hay bale to aim at for the fellas whilst you dodge the wasps who circle around your old man – and no, I didn't take my dad with me). I overhear a conversation in which a young lady is explaining the principle behind 'straight edge' for her friends who had never heard the term. "If you're 12 then you're just not old enough to drink. But if you're older than 12 and don't drink then you're straight edge," she says, slurring her words slightly. I'm not sure Earth Crisis would agree with that, but anyway...DAVE MCPHERSON from INME (a man who clearly does not live a straight edge lifestyle judging by the disappointment on his face when he knocks over his can of Carlsberg mid-set) performs the first of many sets over the weekend. Road-hardened and with a wealth of experience, McPherson engages the massive crowd that has gathered on the hill with a mix of old and new material of heart-on-sleeve acoustic rock.
Saturday for me begins with SAM GREEN & THE MIDNIGHT HEIST performing a lively set of 'folk and roll' at the Croft. Whether it's the hay bales or the slide guitar that does it I'm not entirely sure, but people spring to life and dance to some modern bluegrass. Well, all except one girl who is curled up on the floor in the foetal position whilst everyone around her is doing the dosey doe. One too many last night, perhaps? When no encore is performed there are plenty of boos (the crowd clearly have no idea of strict festival set timings) and then they settle down and form an orderly queue to buy CDs - a very middle class riot. Unfortunately, DOLOMITE MINOR (not a chord that I've ever played on my guitar) have to follow that and suffer initially with an unfortunate clash between themselves, Jamie Lenman, Wolf Alice and Public Service Broadcasting on the other stages. Undeterred, the grungy twopiece from Southampton thrash out a dirty, rock 'n' roll sound and by the end of their set the sparse crowd has grown into a decent one with even a small moshpit at the front. I guess that's the power of good, simple music - it just draws you in. The long haired frontman pulls his guitar strap from over his head and drops the instrument on the floor before walking off with all of the incredulity of Kurt Cobain. We wait whilst CRAZY ARM soundtrack all 37 of their instruments, including a double-bass, banjo and a shaker (the trickiest of all to sound check - you've got to get that shakin' right). Tonight is CRAZY ARM featuring EMILY BARKER, an amalgamation of their rock stuff and their country stuff. The lead singer is dressed all in black and looks like James Hetfield, yet sounds like
Bruce Springsteen on 'The Seeger Sessions' album. These are punk & western songs. All around me blokes with identikit beards sing along at the top of their lungs to 'Song Of Choice' whilst 'Fields Of June' gets the punk rock treatment. EMILY BARKER rounds it off by launching herself into the crowd for a spot of crowd surfing and everyone that is there gets the sense that they've just witnessed something magical. I've probably seen 100 sets at 2000 Trees over the years and without a doubt this makes my top three.
There's not a lot of point seeing anything else after that (it would be like doing 20 minutes on the treadmill after you've just ran a marathon) but I catch a little of FRIGHTENED RABBIT on the main stage who seem like nice guys and their particular brand of indierock goes down well with a large crowd. For a moment I ponder how I’ve now watched FRIGHTENED RABBIT more times than fellow Scottish indie band Belle & Sebastian. I only have myself to blame. So I make my way for home and as I drive in second gear over those rocks and cobbles again, I thank the rock gods that after 15 years of going to gigs, there are still bands out there that make me feel like I did when I was 16. And it happens every year on a farm on the outskirts of Cheltenham.
THE SMOKEY MOUNTAIN BOYS
ALSO ON THE BILL: Boys In The Wood - Local hip-hop/ska. PRICE: It's FREE! FOR FANS OF: Country & Western, Hank Williams and the TV show Rawhide. WHERE CAN I BUY A STETSON FOR THE GIG?: Oh, come on now. But if you're actually serious, try Cotswold Costumes in Stroud. I THOUGHT SUBTONE WAS A CLUB: Since Sound Music Venue closed, they are now putting on gigs at Subtone from 8.45 on Friday and Saturday nights before the clubbers arrive. PARKING: Behind the venue, it's free after 6pm on Montpellier Street. DID YOU KNOW? That The Smokey Mountain Boys have a CD available called 'Live From Peterborough'? It is genuinely the only thing to ever come out of Peterborough. TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM: Didn't you hear me? It's FREE!
SMV SUBTONE, CHELTENHAM 15th AUGUST
T E X A S F L O O D ALSO ON THE BILL: Apherium from Yeovil and local bands Standing To Fall and Kill For Trophies. GENRE: Hard rock and heavy metal. THEY DESCRIBE THEMSELVES: “Blistering guitar playing, coupled with extravagant bass lines and all this backed by thundering drums. Pure raw energy.” WHAT SHALL I WEAR? Your battered Iron Maiden 1988 UK tour t-shirt should do nicely. SINCE WHEN HAS IT FLOODED IN TEXAS? Good point, well made. IS THERE REALLY A FREE BUFFET? Normally, yes. DIDN’T THE VENUE USED TO BE CALLED…? The Pig Inn The City. WHAT TIME DOES IT OPEN? 8pm and it’s free entry all night. FINALLY, LET ME GET THIS RIGHT, THERE WILL BE SAUSAGE ROLLS? Yes!!!
LOWER GEORGE INN, GLOUCESTER 2nd AUGUST
behindthesceneglos@yahoo.co.uk
Dear Behind The Scene Gloucestershire, I am a 21 year old male and love going to gigs with my mates and don’t mind paying a few quid to get in. The only problem is that when I am having a conversation I often have to shout over the bands to be heard. Would it be considered impolite to ask the sound guy to turn it down a bit so that we can talk about the football during the gig? Yours, Gary
Dear Gary, Just exactly what planet are you on? You PAY to go to a gig and then TALK over the bands? If I was the sound guy I would shove a microphone right up your backside and throw you out by your collar. If you want to chat, do it in Wetherspoons. Otherwise, shut up and show some respect. Thanks for writing in, BTS Glos Dear Behind The Scene Gloucestershire, I’m going to watch my favourite band next week. Is it acceptable to wear one of their t-shirts to the gig? From Mary (aged 17 ½) Dear Mary, No, it is NEVER acceptable. It is not a uniform. A band t-shirt is a tool to a) support the band financially, b) a conversation starter when you go to University and c) to look cool and aloof at OTHER band’s gigs. Thanks for writing in, BTS Glos
VINESTOCK returns to THE VINE in CHELTENHAM on 1st – 3rd of August for its 10th year. For the fourth year running, the CHELTENHAM UNDERGROUND have been involved in putting together the three day indoor festival (this year in conjunction with other local promoters CALMER*). As usual there promises to be live music, alcohol and turf running through the pub. Oh, and the whole thing is free too (assuming that you are over 18). VINESTOCK is a fundraiser for PoD Charity and WellChild. I spoke to Erin from PoD Charity to find out exactly what they do. What is PoD Charity and who does you support? “PoD Charity is based in Cheltenham and was established to provide additional funding to the charities and NGOs that PoD Volunteer supports. We support local initiatives improving the lives of people and animals and helping to conserve the environment in 9 countries worldwide (Belize, Cambodia, Ghana, India, Nepal, Peru, South Africa, Thailand and Vietnam).”
Where will the money go? “Last year the money that we raised at Vinestock allowed PoD Charity to provide meals for 30 school pupils and 10 street children in Nepal for one year and supported ongoing elephant research in South Africa. This year at Vinestock we are hoping to raise money to support the Children’s Home that we work with in Belize to allow them to provide support for more abused, neglected and abandoned children and to build a new enclosure which will allow our Elephant Care project in Thailand to rescue an elephant from the tourist industry.”
PoD Charity : http://www.podvolunteer.org/pod-charity.html If you would like to get involved personally then you can do this by volunteering on the projects overseas through PoD Volunteer: http://www.podvolunteer.org/
For information on WellChild please visit: https://www.wellchild.org.uk/
Who to look out for at VINESTOCK… For fans of: Early Sun Johnny Cash, two fifths of the white stripes and as much of JB Lenoir as can be handled
HARD STAIRS EDD DONOVAN & THE WANDERING MOLES
THE HAWTHORNES For fans of: Frank Turner, Mumford & Sons, Billy Bragg.
GIVEAWAY!!!
On August 4th Edd Donovan & The Wandering Moles release the second single off the album ‘Something To Take The Edge Off.’ Titled ‘The Stone,’ it’ melodies and harmonies make it a great example of the instantly catchy folk they’re known for. When asked about the song, Edd said, "The Stone is a celebration of life; our existence; our self; that we are born and then we die and the bit in the middle, well that’s up to you. But the lyrics implores us to make the most of it and get creative." The EP also features a cover of ‘It Must Be Love’ and a reworking of ‘The Stone.’ Dubbed as a summer version, it demonstrates the band’s pop sensibilities as an upbeat reggae rhythm runs through the song. See our gig guide for the band’s final summer dates in Gloucestershire before a tour in the Autumn. To be in with a chance of winning a signed promo copy of ‘The Stone,’ just e-mail your name to: behindthesceneglos@yahoo.co.uk
LAKEFEST - Croft Farm Waterpark, Tewkesbury 8th, 9th, 10th August Festival season rolls on in Gloucestershire with LAKEFEST, a showcase for local and national acts. The headliners each day are: Buzzcocks, Shed Seven and Fun Lovin’ Criminals. But more importantly, [spunge], Edd Donovan & The Wandering Moles, Blue Horyzon & The Roving Crows represent Gloucestershire. For more information visit: www.lakefest.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 JULY… 6th July 2014
Ethemia, Moments (Quirk Of Fate) https://www.facebook.com/Ethemia Sundae Club, Everything is Fine (Single) https://www.facebook.com/sundaeclub
20th July 2014 Edd Donovan And The Wandering Moles, The Stone (Something To Take The Edge Off) http://www.edddonovan.co.uk/ Now We're Older, Megan Lloyd Davies (Single) https://www.facebook.com/pages/Megan-Lloyd-Davies/102675233252617 27th July 2014 Dan Hartland, Caught In The Rigging (Young Man's Game) http://www.danhartland.com/ Juey, Gin - (recorded live for the show in 2012) http://www.iamjuey.com/
I’M THE ENVY The next few months will be busy for Gloucestershire 5-piece I'M THE ENVY as they are set to release their new EP, 'Evolve.' Following on from previous releases in 2012 and 2013, which were well received and propelled them to 45th overall in the Download Festival Red Bull band competition, the band have now settled on a line-up for this release.
"As the band members changed so did the music and we finally found a group of young musicians that understood each other." The aforementioned EPs went from being, "light and fun," to "heavy yet melodic." But the 'Evolve' EP, produced by guitarist Sam Corder, aims to push things on further for the rock band. "We decided it was time for a new EP and that Sam would produce it himself. The band have now used many different influences and ideas to create a new vibe on rock music. Not to give too much away but elements of the EP will certainly grab the listener and is full of surprises." The band even travelled to Bournemouth to record vocals with Pash Stratton of Saint The Sinner.
https://www.facebook.com/imtheenvy https://twitter.com/Im_The_Envy
Having supported The Dead Lay Waiting in Cheltenham and Altered Sky in Bristol, the band are beginning to spread their wings and hit towns and cities further afield than Gloucestershire. "It's hard starting out as a band, especially in Cheltenham. Getting gigs for the first time isn't really a problem, it's the impression you leave behind. You MUST persevere because the results really pay off and that gig you were waiting for will come. We tend to play in venues in Bristol, Birmingham and Wolverhampton. Cheltenham's Sound Music Venue really look after the bands that play there so if we were to have a favourite that would be it." As well as releasing their new EP in the Autumn (which will be available on ITunes and as hard copies at gigs), the band plan to record a music video for the track 'I Knew.' "We have invested in merchandise, equipment and props on stage for our live performances to really give the best show we can. We are also playing a festival in Greece in 2015 so that will really be an experience to remember."
I’M THE ENVY play the following dates: 8th August SMV Subtone, Cheltenham 9th August The Louisiana, Bristol
16th August The Fleece, Bristol 30th October The Robin 2, Wolverhampton (supporting Anti Nowhere League)
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SOUND AND THE SIRENS SOUND AND THE SIRENS are a covers band who are playing multiple gigs in Gloucestershire this August. If that's your thing, then read on to hear what Heidi (one of the two vocalists from the band) says about their busy summer. "We're not JUST a covers band though, you won’t catch all the familiar ‘done to death' songs. We cover six decades of music - pop, rock and indie." With the ages of the band between 24 and 52, choosing a set of songs to perform has ended up with an eclectic mix.
At only 3 years old, Sound and the Sirens have moved fast from performing in quiet big country pubs to festivals in front of thousands of people. "To us, every venue is treated with the same professional dedication. None of us are full time musicians so every gig is booked and played because we want to be there, not because we need to be there! We are six friends with a mutual interest who put a lot of hard work into our hobby, because of this we have great fun at every gig and fun is infectious!"
So if you fancy hearing and dancing to some lively pop, rock and indie covers in the summer, where can you catch SOUND AND THE SIRENS? "Our first August stop is The Tunnel House, in Coates Near Cirencester on 1st August as part of a three day music, beer and cider festival. Then on the 8th August we are playing at a personal favourite of ours, The Queen Vic in Stroud, which is always a great crowd who dance to our sound check and don’t stop all night."
Then on the 30th August the band are opening the ‘Day of Smiles’, a charity event at The Old George Inn, South Cerney. The event raises money for Down’s Syndrome via a Scooter and Classic Car Rally with camping. "We'll follow that by a swift drive to Royal Wootton Bassett for an evening gig at The Waggon and Horses!" says Heidi.
"Finally, on 31st August we are squeezing the last ounce of energy out of the crowd at The Phoenix Festival, Abbey Grounds, Cirencester. As the last act on (and our 4th gig of the Bank Holiday), it will be quite some finale and we will have a film crew in tow, so brace yourselves!" And if you're on holiday in August, don't worry, because SOUND AND THE SIRENS will be back at the Brunswick in Gloucester on 28th November.
www.facebook.com/soundandthesirens1 www.soundandthesirens.com With throwaway pop-punk songs like ‘L.A. Party’ and ‘Wilmington Summer Break,’ you’d be forgiven for thinking that cLOSERS are from some sunny town in the USA. In fact, they’re from some sunny town in Italy. Whilst not exactly a hot-bed for pop-punk bands, being from Europe didn’t do Sweden’s Millencolin any harm in the late 90’s (although how cLOSERS found their way to Cheltenham based Screamlite Records I’ll never know). In fact, Millencolin aren’t a bad starting point if you want an indication of how cLOSERS sound. The vocals are more awkward in their delivery but the musicianship ticks all of the boxes for that (L.A. Party/cLOSERS or Fat Wreck/Epitaph sound. There are hooks, songs about girls and a general vibe of, LOSERS E.P) “We’re young and having fun.” However, what the EP really lacks is a bit of variety and one really killer track.
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OLD GIG PHOTOS HAMSTER WITH MANGE at Peppers, Cheltenham
The long, hot summer of 2001 (aren’t they all when you’re young?) Every Tuesday there used to be free gigs in the back room of Peppers in Cheltenham. Local bands played and brought their mates with them. It wasn’t called supporting your local scene or anything like that, it was just kind of what we did because nobody had invented Facebook yet. My mate’s band were called Hamster With Mange and didn’t take themselves too seriously (how could you with a name like that?). You may now know this room as ‘the back of Copa’ or ‘where The Study used to be’ depending on your age. Sadly, to the best of my knowledge, nobody moshes under a hanging basket there anymore but why not grab an expensive pint of foreign lager and start a mosh pit there next Friday night?
PHOENIX FESTIVAL
Abbey Grounds, Cirencester -30th & 31st August The Phoenix Festival takes place on the 30th and 31st of August in Cirencester’s Abbey Grounds. The whole event is FREE to enter and features over 30 local bands and musicians over the course of two days. The Saturday is headlined by Miracle Master, a rock band from Germany, whilst Sunday’s bill is topped by local beat-box band Duke. “Last year the first Phoenix Festival created a real buzz and was a huge success with over 18,500 people attending. This year we expect it to be even more successful as the excitement and anticipation grow in the build up to the event,” said Clare Bartlett, volunteer event manager.
In fact, the whole event is run by volunteers, including 10 young people from Ozone Cirencester that make up the festival committee. As well as live music, there will be a festival bar with real ales brewed by the award winning Corinium Ales and crafts and gifts stalls. In the skies will be Breitling Wing Walkers from Cirencester and on the ground various side-shows such as a Rodeo Donkey, Gladiator Jousting, Circus Skills, Bouncy Castle and a pop-up skate park. Finally, on Friday 8th August there is a pre-festival launch party at The Vaults in Cirencester with music from the popular Profound Poets.
To see a full list of artists, traders, activities and supporters visit http://www.phoenix-festival.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/Phoenix.Festival.Ciren https://twitter.com/ThePhoenix_Fest
BEHIND THE SCENE GLOUCESTERSHIRE ISSUE #10 AUGUST 2014
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