Music News Monthly - January 2023

ZYE CA$H

COUNTRY

ARTIST ZYE CA$H RELEASES VIRAL NEW SINGLE "LOVE SOMEONE"

With over 10,000 pre-saves and pre-adds across streaming platforms, country cross-genre artist Zye Ca$h releases his new single, "Love Someone."

The track was produced by Jake Angel Beats and mixed by Brandon Manley The track was written by Zye himself alongside Dustin Lamoureaux

As a single father and a following of nearly half a million on TikTok, Zye Ca$h has begun promoting his next single "Love Someone," which fits the entire brand of who he is as a single father and his hope to find love in the future.

"I wanted to release something that was a message I could connect too," tells Zye. "As I'm a single father, I wanted that to be a core part of my career as I do everything for a purpose to support my family. With "Love Someone," I hope people can take this song and relate to it just as much as I do "

Prior to the release of the single, Zye received thousand of pre-saves and pre-adds on the track which continue to climb every single day.

You can connect with Zye Ca$h on TikTok and Instagram

FREYA RIDINGS

FREYA RIDINGS

British music gem Freya Ridings makes an epic return to prominence with the release of her brand new single “Weekends” – and also announces the 5th May 2023 release of her eagerly anticipated second album Blood Orange.

Taking shape as the album’s first single, ‘Weekends’ is a dancefloor-ready, string-laden singalong with a touch of Nile Rodgers-style glitterball disco energy to it. But Freya’s soaring, velveteen vocal doesn’t hold back when exposing the loneliness that engulfed her early in 2020 as she sings, “I don’t really have friends, I don’t go out at weekends, I don’t have a lover left to hold ”

It’s a song which came from one very specific moment in Freya’s life As she recalls, “There was a breakup when I got given my first platinum disc for ‘Lost Without You’ . I had no one to call and I was sat alone in a bar in King’s Cross. I'd chosen to put the energy into my career, and you miss so many birthdays, people just stop inviting you because they don't think you're around. It looks as though I had thousands of people around me, but actually I was the most alone I’ve ever been So that song felt like me being scarily honest with myself, which was hard ”

The process of writing ‘Blood Orange’ was one of uncertainty. Plans to begin with sessions in Los Angeles were jettisoned by lockdown, those challenging circumstances made all the worse by going through a break-up at the same time. So whereas her previous accomplishments and a fresh new adventure in LA should’ve put Freya on a high, instead she was broken-hearted and back in her childhood bedroom

With little else to do, Freya dug into the deeper recesses of her emotions to write a soul-baring set of new songs - many of which became instant fan favourites when they were debuted during low-key live-streamed performances from the living room of her parents’ home. Eventually lockdowns and break-ups were reduced to unwelcome memories, and the rekindling of an old flame provided the final spark to provide ‘Blood Orange’ with an uplifting antidote to contrast the sadness that first inspired it.

Freya says, “It's an album of two halves, 18 months of me being really heartbroken and alone and then 18 months of being the happiest I've ever been So it's those two halves, the bitter and the sweet, and the transition from one to the other, and allowing yourself to go through that.”

The lightning-in-a-bottle emergence of Freya Ridings with ‘Lost Without You’ and her self-titled debut album made her one of the surprise international success stories of recent years. The single made Freya the first female artist to have an entirely self-written Top 10 hit since Kate Bush’s original release of ‘Running Up That Hill’ in 1985, and in the process set-up her debut album for immense global success: a #3 UK chart position, a billion+ streams, and a phenomenal 47 Platinum and Gold certifications from all around the world.

Starting 2023 on top form, stay tuned for everything Freya has planned for the year as she slowly peels back the layers of Blood Orange.

INREVIEW LIAMFENDER 'LOVEWILLCONQUER'

Back in October 2022, North East singer songwriter Liam Fender released his new single 'Love Will Conquer" ' via Humble Angel Records.

It comes across as a heartfelt and honest account of having nothing but a dream and the notion that one day you will make it, but in the end, it's love that gets you through.

A great track filled with emotion and with an uplifting message, urging the listener to take time to look around and see what they already have. If your big plans go pear-shaped, you will still have solid foundations to keep you from falling apart.

The song itself is catchy, with Liam's distinctive voice adding a real depth to the track that draws the ear in and makes you want to hear more. Dare I say a timeless classic? Yep, I guess I just did.

I'm certainly hoping to hear more from Liam in 2023. If you would like to keep up to date with the latest from Liam Fender, bookmark his links here: https://ffm.to/liamfender

INREVIEW THEGRAFT 'ITSTOOLATE&ITSOK'

Indie rock outfit The Graft dropped their latest EP 'It's Too Late & It's Ok' in November on Spotify and threw their hat in the ring of the world of British born music as a real contender with attitude.

The Graft have a classic punk sound with a dash of 90s indie and a hint of Sisters of Mercy at times. Hailing from Camden and first hitting the live music circuit in 2016,

The Graft are not new to the game and are definitely representing NW1 in a good light.

Putting an original twist on a classic sound is no easy task, but it is something that The Graft has managed to do with ease. The EP comes off the back of the band's debut single, 'Jenny', released in May 2022, and has carried forward the energy of its predecessor.

A strong 2022 is a sign of good things yet to come from The Graft, and 2023 is looking set to be another fantastic year for the indie-punk rockers. Visit their Spotify page and don't forget to share their music.

INREVIEW PLATRONIC 'THEHEALING'

With a unique style of their own, electronic music duo Platronic have carefully crafted their brand new concept EP to have maximum impact From start to finish, 'The Healing' is a real treat for the ears Taking the traditional nineties trance sound and blending it with a modern twist

If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, in a good way, then look no further than 'The Healing' Whether its lead track, 'Resisdance' with its danceable beat, or 'The Forest' which is a more chilled track filled with hypnotic chanting that will take

your mind off the day-to-day struggles and transport you momentarily into the relaxing world of Platronic, you will not be disappointed

Platronic's catchy dance sounds mixed with more mellow instrumentals are a delight. Finishing off the EP with an upbeat electronic synth filled track, 'The Beginning' is a euphoric instrumental with an overall positive vibe

The EP has layer upon layer of musical brilliance all packaged up in a neat 3 track bundle. Available wherever you stream your music from January 6th. Visit platronicmusic.com to find out more.

Platronic are: Platronic are Finnish composer/producer Some-E and German singer-songwriter Kay Burden

ANCHOR LANE

INREVIEW ANCHORLANE

Glasgow rock trio Anchor Lane have been hard at work over the last few years, the release of their debut album, ‘Casino’, back in 2020 gave them a new wave of dedicated fans. Conor, Lawrence, and Graeme have gone on to play live shows up and down the UK, including huge festivals like Download, Isle of Wight, Stone Free, and Belladrum, as well as guest spots with Cheap Trick and Eagles of Death Metal. Despite their extremely busy schedule, Anchor Lane hasn’t let that stop them from putting pen to paper and plectrum to string to write their second album, ‘Call This A Reality?’.

The album is twelve tracks of gloriously heavy rock played with passion and an energy that is kind of contagious Pick any of the tracks on this album and you will not be left wanting, each would stand alone as a single in its own right That said, the highlights for me include the album’s namesake, ‘Call This A Reality?’, ‘Nitroglycerin’ and ‘The Mischievous Song’ which really stood out

There is something for everyone, ‘I’ve Been Waiting’ is ideal for those seeking a more modern, clean sounding rock track, while ‘Choke’ is there for those looking for something fast and heavy.

Anchor Lane have come a long way in a short time, and their journey continues this year with a UK headline tour starting in Glasgow on the 28th of January The album, ‘Call This A Reality?’, is available from 27th of January Visit anchorlanemusic com for details

Check out Anchor Lane live Upcoming Gigs

28/01/23 Garage G2 Glasgow 02/02/23 Nightrain Bradford 04/02/23 St. Doms Newcastle 05/02/23 Retro Manchester 07/02/23 Yardbirds Grimsby 09/02/23 The Junction Plymouth 10/02/23 Cobblestones Bridgwater 11/02/23 Asylum 2 Birmingham 12/02/23 Eleven Stoke-On-Trent 14/02/23 Live Rooms L2 Chester 15/02/23 Craufurd Arms Milton Keynes 16/02/23 Rescue Rooms Nottingham 24/02/23 Krakatoa Aberdeen 25/02/23 The Mash House Edinburgh

Helltern is a metal band from Curitiba (Brazil), formed in 2019, in a sound that is intended for metal regardless of its classification or limitation. Proof of this is in the band's latest release, the second full album "Alighieri's Visions", inspired by the work "Inferno", the first part of Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy!

'Alighieri's Visions' began production shortly after the release of the first album in May 2021, and the ideas for the concept of the album came from the book that the band's founder Maurício Heibel was reading at the time, "Inferno", by author Dan Brown, and had an insight to write about Dante's nine circles of hell, but transporting it to our current reality.

Songs 01 through 09 are in order of Dante's circles of hell and the 10th is an overview of the 09 circles.

The album follows 'A World Without Mercy', the band's first album. And about the difference between the albums, Maurício Heibel comments: "The main difference I think was the experience and maturity acquired, for example, fitting the lyrics and vocal lines together were much easier than on the first album, the creation of riffs and solos as well".

The band also announces that the 2023 releases are already in the production phase, and that more information about Helltern's third album, completely different from the previous two albums, will soon be announced.

All material was mixed and mastered at Funds House Studio by Aly Fioren, with production also signed by Aly Fioren and Maurício Heibel.

BLACK STAR RIDERS

Just a few days ahead of their new album Wrong Side Of Paradise, Black Star Riders are thrilled to announce the launch of their brand new single Catch Yourself On. In addition, to celebrate the forthcoming record, frontman Ricky Warwick will participate in a series of instore dates throughout the UK, playing a selection of the new tracks in an intimate acoustic setting

Wrong Side Of Paradise is available for pre-order worldwide here. Formats include: limited coloured vinyl (including green, blue, red and black/white split), black vinyl, signed CD, cassette and digital download A special edition of the album containing two bonus tracks can be found on CD (which comes with a 24-page song booklet) and USB stick formats Various collector bundles are also available, including one with an exclusive 12".

The band's UK tour in February 2023, a special 10th anniversary run of dates, as well as their headline sets at Planet Rockstock and Earache Records' 35 Years Of Noise party, see the band welcome back guitarist Scott Gorham and original drummer Jimmy DeGrasso for the celebrations.

UK Tour Dates:

Ricky Warwick comments: " 'Catch Yourself On' is a phrase often used in my home country of Northern Ireland, it's used to tell someone to 'stop being ridiculous' or 'to get real' We're sadly becoming slaves to technology and social media (guilty as charged) We don't think twice about sharing our inner most feelings and thoughts with a world of strangers... We seem to be losing the ability to think for ourselves. Technology is controlling us, instead we should be controlling technology It feels like it's already surpassing human interaction "

Catch Yourself On is taken from the band's forthcoming album Wrong Side Of Paradise, which features 11 tracks, and was recorded in the Autumn of 2021 at Studio 606 in Northridge California and Toochtoon Sound in Redmond Oregon with producer and longtime BSR associate, Jay Ruston

Saturday 11th February Belfast, Limelight Monday 13th February Nottingham, Rock City

Wednesday 15th February Norwich, UEA

Thursday 16th February Ipswich, Corn Exchange Friday 17th February Manchester, O2 Ritz

Saturday 18th February Wolverhampton, KK's Steel Mill

Sunday 19th February Leeds, O2 Academy

Tuesday 21st February Cardiff, Tramshed

Wednesday 22nd February Bristol, O2 Academy

Thursday 23rd February Glasgow, SWG3 Friday 24th February Newcastle, O2 City Hall

Sunday 26th February London, O2 Shepherds Bush Empire

Tickets are on sale now from https://myticket co uk

Special Guests Michael Monroe and Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons on all shows except Belfast where Trucker Diablo open.

NOEL GALLAGHER'S HIGH FLYING BIRDS

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds today reveal details of forthcoming album 'Council Skies', released on 2nd June via Sour Mash Records and available to pre-order now. Available on CD, LP, HD Digital, 3LP and 2CD Deluxe limitededition formats featuring remixes by The Cure's Robert Smith, and Pet Shop Boys. Full format details below.

From the evocative album title to the cover art, to the lyrics themselves, 'Council Skies' sees Noel Gallagher reclaiming his past and paying homage to his Mancunian roots His most varied and accomplished solo record to date, Noel's fourth solo studio album is a record framed by confidence, risk-taking, surefooted creative freedom, and great emotional depth.

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds today also release a brand new single and music video 'Easy Now', taken from the forthcoming album Infused with psychedelia, the track gently swells and is beautifully framed by backing vocals and waves of organ chords.

Featuring one of the world's breakthrough new talents and Critics Choice Award nominated Milly Alcock, who recently starred as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen in the HBO smash hit series and Golden Globe winning House of the Dragon plus a cameo from Noel himself, the new music video sees the protagonist bursting with emotion as 'Easy Now's transcendent power takes over. 'Easy Now' was directed by multiple UK Music Video Awards winner, Colin Solal Cardo. Watch here

Council Skies' was recorded at Noel's own Lone Star Sound Recording Studios in London, with the album's lusciously orchestrated strings recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. Produced by Noel with long-time collaborator Paul 'Strangeboy' Stacey, the album also features performances from Johnny Marr on three tracks, including recent single 'Pretty Boy' 'Council Skies' takes its title from a book by revered northern illustrator and friend of Noel, artist Pete McKee. It covers themes of youthful yearning, and unbridled ambition.

Speaking of the album, Noel says: "It's going back to the beginning Daydreaming, looking up at the sky and wondering about what life could be that's as true to me now as it was in the early '90s. When I was growing up in poverty and unemployment, music took me out of that," he says. "Top of the Pops on TV transformed your Thursday night into this fantasy world, and that's what I think music should be. I want my music to be elevating and transforming in some way "

The artwork, shot by renowned Manchester photographer Kevin Cummins, sees Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' live equipment setup placed on the original centre spot of what was Maine Road Football Stadium, with this year marking 100 years since the ground was opened as the former home of Noel's beloved Manchester City FC

Throughout the accompanying album artwork, Cummins captures locations poignant to Noel's formative yearsculminating with a striking image of Manchester's Piccadilly train station, marking the moment Noel left his home city for London This visual representation perfectly encapsulates the themes, journey and emotional heart of 'Council Skies'

New single 'Easy Now' follows the recent release of 'Pretty Boy' - the first track to be taken from the new album which was acclaimed by fans and critics alike and received widespread national radio support, added to the A list across all key networks

June 2021 saw the release of 'Back The Way We Came: Vol 1 (2011-2021)' – a diverse Best Of album marking a decade of Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. This Gold certified album was the bands' 4th consecutive UK Number 1 and the 12th UK Number 1 album across Noel's career 2021 also saw Noel named as Record Store Day's official ambassador

Last summer Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds headlined a host of outdoor live shows culminating in a career-spanning performance at Glastonbury's Pyramid stage to one of the weekend's biggest crowds. UK live dates for this summer have recently been announced – details below - with more headline shows to follow before the end of the year

'Council Skies' is available to pre-order now on CD, heavyweight vinyl with bonus 7" featuring an exclusive acoustic version of 'Pretty Boy', LP picture disc plus various HD digital formats including a Dolby Atmos spatial audio version Deluxe limited-edition formats will also be released including a 3LP and 2CD featuring remixes by The Cure's Robert Smith, Pet Shop Boys and a stunning Radio 2 session version of 'Live Forever'. A lyric sheet of title track 'Council Skies' is included with all album pre-orders via the official store.

You can cram a lot into forty years, and there are few that have managed to do more in four decades than the masters of Metal, W.A.S.P. Right from the start, they were unafraid to court controversy with their antics during live shows, earning W A S P a reputation for shocking live performances The Shock Rockers were banned from several countries at one point and even caused religious organizations, Local City Councils, Parliaments, and the Washington D C Senate to hold hearings in an effort to bar this group from selling records and trashing stages everywhere they played.

Fast forward forty years, several lineup changes, and sixteen studio albums later, and W.A.S.P. are back on the road, bringing their sensational live show to longtime fans and new fans alike. With a lifetime of hard hitting tracks to choose from, W.A.S.P. fans can be sure of one thing, they are there to rock, and rock they will Frontman and founding member Blackie Lawless has been at the helm since the start, and his writing and performance over that time have crafted the unique sound that W A S P are renowned for With millions of record sales under their belt and numerous sold-out shows, W.A.S.P. have gone from strength to strength and show no sign of slowing down.

As part of their 40th Anniversary tour, W.A.S.P. will be hitting UK shores in March. Blackie Lawless will be joined by longtime bandmates Mike Duda on bass, guitarist Doug Blair on guitar, and Aquiles Priester on beating the hell out of the drums. Taking the fans all the way back to where it all started as well as giving fans a chance to see their extraordinary stage show

So join W A S P for this very special 40th Anniversary World Tour Witness Live the Winged Assassins spectacle of “SHOCK and ROLL” as they take you Back Back to the Beginning!

MARCH 2023

17th Manchester Academy 18th Wolverhampton KK’s Steel Mill

19th Nottingham Rock City 21st Glasgow O2 Academy

22nd Newcastle O2 City Hall 23rd Bristol O2 Academy 24th London Roundhouse

Tickets are available from www Myticket

NOISY

Photo:Isaac Lamb

Rude by name, rude by nature, the new offering is an attitude-driven anthem, sonically flirting between the likes of Justice, Basement Jaxx and Fat Boy Slim. ‘RUDEBOY’ will get even the laziest of listeners moving and cements the collective amongst the most exciting acts spearheading 2023. Along with the new offering, NOISY are set to host their celebrated and sold-out club night Fast FWD To Friday tonight at Brighton’s Prince Albert, with support coming from rising singer Charlotte Plank.

On the new single and Fast FWD to Friday club night singer Cody said: “RUDEBOY is about feeling completely locked into music, whether you’re in a club, or in a packed tent at a festival or on a night bus with your headphones on. When it hits the music takes you and you can't think about anything else. It started with the lyric “I put my shades on”. I was just thinking about being at a festival, with the sun shining and feeling euphoric. . We were listening to a lot of Chemical Brothers and Justice at the time and so we wanted a heavy bass beat driven song and it all flowed from there.

That feeling of euphoria is exactly why we are buzzing for the return of Fast FWD to Friday too, everyone in a room with the music taking you away, we can’t wait for it.”

The past few years have been all gas no breaks for NOISY. Collaborations have been bountiful, from High Contrast remixing ‘24/7’ to releases with the likes of The Prototypes, 1991 and Zero. The music truly comes to life on stage, and the group enjoyed knock out festival slots at the likes of Reading & Leeds (Radio 1s Dance Stage), Mad Cool, Kendal Calling, Neighbourhood Weekend. The group also opened for Mike Skinner ahead of embarking on their UK headline tour which came to London for a sold-out XOYO show last year.

NOISY’s touring schedule has been eventful in more ways than one. In 2021 the group made the headlines between shows when their tour van was stolen outside their tour manager’s flat one night, along with synthesizers, FX pedals, guitars, amps; the lot. With a never say die attitude though, the trio came across some of their equipment on eBay and planned a sting operation to reclaimed all of the equipment.

This self-sufficient, DIY mindset is one of the driving forces of NOISY (comprised of singer Cody, guitarist Connor and producer Spencer), who pride themselves on owning creative control, writing, recording and producing all of their music, designing their own merch and often shooting their own music videos. So with that in mind, allow us to reintroduce NOISY. Your new favourite band, that sound nothing like a band.

SHADOW SMILE

Sheffield's rising stars of Alternative Metal 'Shadow Smile' return with their new single 'Signed In Blood'. This is the title track from their crowdfunded debut album expected to be released in coming months. Produced by Daniel Jeffery and Mixed by James Pinder (The Wildhearts, While She Sleeps, Malevolence) at Treehouse Studios (UK), the single provides an explosive taste of things to come from the British outfit featuring Connor McGovern (Vocals), Adam Smith (Guitar), Ethan Goebel-Todd (Bass) and Joe Fletcher (Drums)

After eight successful self-released singles, 'Signed In Blood' shows Shadow Smile have channelled their varied influences (ranging from contemporary acts like Bring Me The Horizon and While She Sleeps to the stadium filling sounds of Metallica, Def Leppard and Queen) into an accessible yet defined take on Metal, perfect for the 21st century

As part of an overarching concept album about the Seven Deadly Sins, 'Signed In Blood' is written from the perspective of Mephistopheles and sees the listener begged, taunted and bribed into selling their soul. This acts as a metaphor for the way in which people are guilt-tripped into following societal trends and often turn their back on their own core values for prizes that simply aren't there.

Lead vocalist Connor McGovern comments - 'We wanted this song to be a modern take on songs like 'Sympathy For The Devil' by the Rolling Stones where the listener is being told why they should forget their morals and join the dark side. Those songs have always been a lot of fun and fit perfectly with the dark Shadow Smile imagery'.

Independently released on 13th Jan 2023, Signed In Blood is available on major streaming platforms.

Formed in 2020, THE HYBRIS spent the next years writing and producing their debut album 'Music, Vol. 1', which was released in June 2022. It is a truly international project, the trio lives in Germany, France and the US and writes and produces their music remotely.

"Impostor Syndrome" is the next output of the group, released on Jan 13th, 2023. The song is about a feeling many of us know - not being good enough. Not good enough in your job, not good enough for relationships, not good enough to create anything of value. It's a dialogue with a well-meaning friend.

"Our music moves between pop, punk, indie rock and alternative rock, I think it sounds some kind of retro. The songs are sometimes quite different, "Impostor Syndrome is a bit more punk than other songs of the band, but we still try to create a consistent, recognizable style. People quickly compare you with existing bands, critics have compared us to bands like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Killers, Billy Talent or Foo Fighters – which is an incredible compliment for us." (Ringo).

A little bit more about The Hybris: The HYBRIS is an international Alternative Rock project of three friends. Originally all members lived in Germany, they know each other for many, many years. In the past they played in different combinations in various punk, rock, pop and hardcore bands. Then the trio was spread all over the world for professional or family reasons, today they live in Nice, in L.A. and in Cologne, but still – and more than ever – make music again. They write and produce everything on their own, in a joint virtual recording studio. Every member plays various instruments and contributes what the current piece of music needs.

And why this name? In Greek tragedy 'Hybris' stood for exaggerated self-pride, arrogance, excess of ambition causing the transgressor's ruin. The perfect headline for the age we live in.

Their lyrics often show political attitude –well, rock songs without attitude are crap, right? But why these silly masks? Isn't this mask thing worn out? THE HYBRIS creates their music as Ringo Rabbit, Beanie Bison and Malcolm Mandrill – three wannabe superheroes on a mission to save the world. "We felt like doing something 'different'. At first it was a stupid idea, but meanwhile we think it is pretty cool."

Some suspect, they want to make themselves more interesting than they really are. Others believe it is a smart move – since they're incredibly ugly in real life.

18TH OF NOVEMBER 2022 SAXON

Formed in 1977 and with 23 studio albums under their belt, the NWOBHM legends Saxon have been on the road with their world tour promoting their latest album 'Carpe Diem'.

The 'Seize The Day' tour has seen the band play venues from Berlin's Admiralspalast to London's Roundhouse. The mammoth tour has seen Saxon play the iconic Cambridge Corn Exchange in Glasgow as well as Newcastle City Hall which is where we were lucky enough to catch a show

With a loyal fanbase that spans the generations, it was little surprise that the atmosphere in Newcastle was buzzing with anticipation. You could sense that people were there to have a good time.

LIVE REVIEW

From the really young to the more mature metal fan, the whole crowd had a really good vibe about it.

The lights dimmed, and the openers Diamond Head took the stage. Singer Rasmus Andersen was full of energy and really got the crowd going. A band that has a huge following in their own right, Diamond Head put on an awesome set for the Newcastle crowd. Playing a seven track set, they definitely had more than enough stage presence. Rasmus at one point climbed the balcony during the show to say hi to the fans above the stage. In a later social media post, the vocalist did mention that the venue management wasn't best pleased with his stage antics, but the crowd lapped it up. Encouraging the audience to get their horns up, the crowd obliged and rocked out.

A short break gave the audience the chance to catch their breath and stretch their legs while the crew switched over to Saxon's stage set Diamond Head singer Rasmus took the opportunity to roll a stage case through the auditorium disguised as a roadie.

As the house lights dimmed, the excitement from the crowd started to build, and the chant of 'SAXON! SAXON!' filled the air. As the intro to their album's lead track, 'Carpe Diem' added to the atmosphere, the band walked onstage The cheer from the audience was a deafening testament to how highly Saxon is revered in the heavy metal community.

The stage lights started up as Biff took to the microphone. The band is showing no sign of slowing down as they blast out an epic twenty track set. It is easy to overstate how good an artist or band is live, but for Saxon, there is no doubt that they have finely honed their performance skills.

After belting out 'Age of Steel', Saxon frontman Biff said, "This is one of our favourite city's....NEWCASTLE." he then went on to ask, "Where are all the f****ng seats?" a nod to the recent renovation of O2 Newcastle City Hall which has seen the seating in the stalls upgraded, enabling the venue to remove them for gigs.

With a flawless show that included their classics 'Heavy Metal Thunder' and 'Never Surrender' featuring alongside a good chunk of the new album, including 'The Pilgrimage', 'Age of Steam' and 'Damnbusters' to name a few, Saxon really gave their loyal fans exactly what they wanted

Closing the show with a five song DOUBLE encore, which saw the Masters of Metal play 'Denim and Leather' and Saxon staple 'Princess of the Night ' . After forty years of Metal, Saxon proved as ever, that they are up there with the best of them If you are lucky enough to have Saxon come to your town or city, be sure not to dither over getting your ticket. Seize the day and get yourself along, you won't regret it

The album 'Carpe Diem' is available right now wherever you stream your music or from saxon747.com

On the 40th anniversary of their formation, the mighty Los Angeles-born guitar-driven heavy metal icons ALCATRAZZ are set to team up once again with British longest running allfemale rock band Girlschool for a co-headline UK tour in February 2023.

Both bands successfully completed an incendiary full European co-headline tour in 2022 and will bring their electrifying and footstomping performances to eight cities across the UK

Jimmy Waldo (ALCATRAZZ) comments: "The band just keeps getting better every show! Across Europe last year we had a fantastic response and enthusiastic fans nightly! Us touring with Girlschool really brings the METAL to town and we are looking forward to bringing it to the UK... THE home of Heavy Metal! Black Sabbath, Saxon, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, are we excited?... Are you kidding me?!"

Denise Dufort (Girlschool) adds: "We are looking forward to once again performing for all of you and sharing the stage with our friends Alcatrazz, we had such a great time across Europe last year, we can't wait for these UK dates!"

With neo-classical "shred lord" Joe Stump on guitar, founding members Jimmy Waldo and Gary Shea, plus the addition of Doogie White, ALCATRAZZ are offering a high energy metal show covering the ALCATRAZZ classics plus Doogie's own work as a member of the Michael Schenker Fest and Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow. Newly joined by drummer Larry Paterson, formerly of Blaze Bayley Band, Alcatrazz are a metal supergroup in the true sense of the word.

Marking forty-five years filled with sheer passion, stamina and talent, Girlschool will ensure bold, heavy and fast shows loaded with classic gems and fan favourites.

Kicking off in Buckley and ending in the iconic London venue Underworld, this tour is a must for all metalheads.

ALCATRAZZ + GIRLSCHOOL Co-Headliner UK Dates 2023:

Feb – Tivoli Venue, Buckley (UK)

Feb – Waterloo, Blackpool (UK)

Feb – Bannermans, Edinburgh (UK)

Feb – Nightrain, Bradford (UK)

Feb – Trillians, Newcastle (UK)

Feb – Eleven, Stoke (UK)

Feb – The Robin 2, Wolverhampton (UK)

Feb – Camden Underworld, London (UK)*

2022 show original tickets still valid For tickets to the UK dates please visit: www.alcatrazzofficial.com

Following this incredible run of dates, both bands will be gearing up to release brand new records in the summer 2023 More info to be announced

SAMTAR

SAMTAR'S Shadow of the King's Charade Out Now

SAMTAR, music-obsessed virtuoso, plies his craft with an unrepentent vigor and passion. Navigating the forests of genre, SAMTAR follows a path to sounds unknown by combining style and influence from all sources. Sam chose to eschew chasing promotions and focus instead on loving his life through creating music, exploring the outdoors, and translating the ethereal into song. The music Sam creates is human and close, it has a momentum of its own and entreats the listener to be a traveler along the journey to their own peace.

Shadow of the King’s Charade, the newest album from alternative one-man band SAMTAR is out now. Comprised of 13 wildly imaginative compositions, the album stands out as an artistic, genre-blurring journey through the multiverse.

Get Shadow of the King’s Charade on digital and limited-edition CD at samtar.bandcamp.com.

Stream the album now on Spotify.

Shadow of the King’s Charade was written, performed, recorded, mixed, and mastered by SAMTAR. Additional bass tracks on tracks “Wild Boys” and “You Bleed” performed by Jamie Giesen. Album artwork by Colin Bolger (https://www.dabulgadesign.com/about)

SAMTAR grew up on the likes of System of a Down, The Black Dahlia Murder, Opeth, Sonata Arctica, Muse, Jimi Hendrix, Sublime, and Nirvana. Now he unites these divergent influences with driving bass lines, hook-heavy guitar melodies, powerful vocals, and a healthy dose of synthesizers. He notes some of his biggest vocal influences being from artists like Mike Patton (Mr. Bungle/Faith No More), and Tony Kakko (Sonata Arctica). He also takes inspiration from sci-fi/fantasy films and literature. Tracklisting:

BILLIE MARTEN

Billie Marten has today announced her fourth record Drop Cherries for release on 7 April via Fiction Records. Recorded entirely on tape in Somerset and Wales late last summer, Drop Cherries marks the very first time that Billie Marten has both written and coproduced (with Dom Monks) one of her records; following critically-lauded 2021 album Flora Fauna, Feeding Seahorses by Hand (2019) and Writing of Blues and Yellows (2016)

The new album's lead single 'This Is How We Move' also arrives today after premiering with Chris Hawkins on BBC 6 Music this morning, with Marten explaining: "A song about finding the natural rhythm and pacing between two people. Working together and flowing as one – the relationship dance. John Martyn / JJ Cale ease of recording. Double bass Nick Pini. 'You keep the garden, and I'll take the view, this is how we move.' Different wants and needs, catering for each other's happiness. DESERVING TO BE LOVED."

Flora Fauna was lavished with praise by the likes of CLASH (9/10), The Line Of Best Fit, Uncut, NME, Dork, The Independent, Gigwise (all 4* reviews) as well as The Sunday Times Culture and DIY in 2021 The record also landed multiple radio playlists at national broadcasters BBC Radio 1 (twice Hottest Record in the World for 'Creature Of Mine' and 'Human Replacement'), BBC 6 Music (including a string of A List records) and Radio X.

With a fourth record looming over her, Billie Marten at last learned to stop thinking about what others want to hear and finally started to trust her own instincts. "When I'm trying to write, the creative door is closed most of the time," she says. "When it briefly opens, I know I've stumbled across moments of true emotion and insight; they give no warning and are often unpredictable. I can't force the process, something I'm realising more with each album. And that's why I know that Drop Cherries is a collection of songs expressing genuine intuitive feeling "

The title is taken from a tale she heard from a friend just before she was starting to create songs for the album, and the title track came soon after. It's a metaphor where the gift of cherries stands for offering someone your love; doing anything you can to make them happy. "Dropping cherries," she begins, "is such a strong, visceral image that I tried to channel throughout recording in Somerset and Wales, to capture the vibrancy, unpredictability, and occasional chaos one experiences within a relationship."

"Imagine stamping blood-red cherries onto a clean, cream carpet and tell me that's not how love feels " Drop Cherries is a series of vignettes highlighting different pieces of a relationship, while trying to fit them together. From celebrating moments of the mundane ('Just Us'), through deep existential questioning ('Devil Swim', 'Acid Tooth', 'Arrows'), to the final resolve which is the pure simplicity of sharing a moment with someone you love ('Drop Cherries', 'I Bend To Him').

It's often the case that each record has to be a new 'statement' for the artist, a re-branding, a progression. But Billie Marten's statement is always the same: "I'm simply searching for clarity. I'm re-examining the same feelings I had when I first started writing: I feel different to others, so I'll write about what that's like and see if I can work out why that is "

"If I ever do, maybe I'll stop writing "

British Heavy Metal legends Saxon unveil the first single, "The Faith Healer", from upcoming, More Inspirations – set for release on March 24th via Silver Lining Music. Following the release of Inspirations in 2021, More Inspirations is the second 'deep dish' serving of the influences which have fed the mighty Saxon's immensely successful 40+ year career. The first single is an astonishing take on The Sensational Alex Harvey Band's "The Faith Healer".

Frontman Biff Byford comments "We used to see The Sensational Alex Harvey band play this back in the day, they started the set with it, such a fantastic song and fantastic band... big influence!"

Whether getting feral with The Animal's "We've Gotta Get Out Of This Place", letting loose a high-octane take on Alice Cooper's "From The Inside", or laying down a ferocious tribute to KISS' "Detroit Rock City", More Inspirations is a joyous trip into the sounds which galvanized the Barnsley boys and continue to get spun on home stereos and tour buses.

Produced by vocalist/co-founder Biff Byford, with Seb Byford helping record the music alongside mixing engineer Jacky Lehmann, More Inspirations also includes enthusiastic takes on Alice Cooper, Rainbow, ZZ Top and Cream, as well as a thunderous "Razamanaz" by Nazareth, a tasty take on The Who's "Substitute", and a thick groove take on Uriah Heep's "Gypsy". Whether this is your first dance with such classic songs, or you've come to see where Saxon were born, More Inspirations delivers the goods and then some. Following the success of the Seize the World Tour 2022, Saxon will be back on the road in March 2023 for a string of European dates, with special guest's German metal titans RAGE. For a full list of confirmed dates, tickets, and additional information visit their website..

Mimi's powerful vocals and lyrics are brought to life in the music video, directed by Drew Kirsch, as she takes viewers on a journey of hindsight, revenge, and reclaiming power that every scorned lover dreams about. The song was written by Mimi Webb, Connor McDonough, Toby McDonough, Ryan Daly, Castle, Cirkut, and produced by Connor McDonough, Ryan Daly, and Cirkut.

Mimi will stop by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert this Monday, January 16 for the TV performance debut of the new single. Additionally, she continues her ascent as one of the biggest artists to watch as she garnered a nomination for Best New Artist at the 2023 BRIT Awards.

Mimi's highly anticipated debut album, Amelia, will feature 12 tracks including her smash hit "House On Fire," and latest single "Ghost of You " The album is titled after her full first name, Amelia, which will give fans insight into both sides of the budding starAmelia, the girl from the UK countryside who loves to be at home with her family, friends, and dogs; and Mimi, the pop artist who loves to be up on stage traveling the world. Amelia is available for pre-order now.

Following the album's release, she will hit the road for her 2023 headline tour, The Amelia Tour. The 31-date tour will make stops across Europe and the UK, kicking off on March 11 in Madrid, Spain at Shoko continuing with stops in Berlin, Oslo, Paris, Manchester and more before concluding on April 24 in London, UK at O2 Academy Brixton. Multiple shows have already sold-out including Dublin and all UK dates. Full tour routing below. Tickets are available now at mimiwebb.com.

In just two years the breakout artist has racked up over 852 million global streams to date, and multiple hit tracks including "House on Fire" and "Good Without." Mimi's performed at the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in London, opened for Children In Need, has played numerous festivals such as Capital FM's Summertime Ball, Isle of Wight Festival, and Montreux Jazz Festival, and on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and ELLEN. She has garnered praise from the likes of British Vogue, Rolling Stone, Harper's BAZAAR, GRAMMY.com, and Billboard. Mimi shows no signs of slowing down as she gears up for the release of her debut album.

2023 THE AMELIA TOUR DATES: DATEVENUECITY

April 1 UEANorwich, UK *sold-out

April 3 O2 City HallNewcastle, UK *sold-out April 4 O2 AcademyGlasgow, UK *sold-out April 6 Ulster HallBelfast, UK *sold-out

April 7 3 Olympia TheatreDublin, Ireland *sold-out April 8 3 Olympia TheatreDublin, Ireland *sold-out April 10 Guild of StudentsLiverpool, UK *sold-out April 11 O2 Victoria WarehouseManchester, UK *sold-out

April 14 O2 AcademySheffield, UK *sold-out

April 15 O2 AcademyLeeds, UK *sold-out

April 17 Rock CityNottingham, UK *sold-out

April 18 O2 AcademyBirmingham, UK *sold-out April 20 O2 AcademyBristol, UK *sold-out

April 21 PavilionsPlymouth, UK *sold-out

April 22 O2 AcademyBournemouth, UK *sold-out April 24 O2 Academy BrixtonLondon, UK *sold-out