FIRST STOP FESTIVAL - NEWS & REVEIW The first ever First Stop festival hit the Traitors Gate Saturday 26th March, after a few last minute line up changes it finally got into full swing & set the bar higher than ever on the local scene! The first act on the day was Local singer/songwriter Luke Sanders who hit the stage armed with new material plus some classics from his first EP Mary. Essex newcomers Wax Colour were next up & performed a crowd pleasing set of there latest material - its hard to believe this band only played there first gig this year! Next up were local favourites Different People one of the most talked about bands breaking the Scene at the moment having recently signed to Back Water Channels, there performance was the tightest i have seen of them yet & can see why they came to the attention of label owner Barry Banks, we expect big things from these guys this year. Next was a Traitors Gate first in the Form of Southend based Muertos – not
On a sterling performance musically butt also treating us to an outstanding visual display on the screen behind the stage. A Traitors Gate first but definitely not last performance – ill be looking forward to seeing them again, next time Mr Hurdo gives them the call. Ren Stedman stepped up at the last minute after Eden Royals were forced to back out at the last minute. Another solid performance from local lad Ren, show exactly why he has received so much major label attention in the past few years. One of the most impressive performances of the night come from Figures – returning home after their recent move into the London gig circuit. George, Jack & Jake delivered a powerful set mainly of tracks from their recent EP but they also treated us to a new number – these guys show us what Essex prog rock is made of . Then came the Nova Twins – well what can i say?? These girls
Are destined for the BIG time – having just been shortlisted for this years Glastonbury festival there tore into their set, sending the crowd wild, even more impressive considering it was their first time on stage at the Traitors Gate playing to a fresh audience. They smashed it in every sense of the word & become instant local favourites . Top night, Top acts & worth spending every minute of my Saturday afternoon & evening in the crowd – until next time.....
Different People Update Different People – The local Grunge band recently signed by Back Water Channels are on fire at the moment. They have been tearing through the Essex Scene recently with hit performances at The First Stop festival & more recently at celebrated Essex venue Chinnerys. With talk of a Grunge comeback on everyone's lips at the moment will these guys be the band to lead the way?? With the coolest scene from the 90’s on the verge of a huge comeback Different People are perfectly placed to ride their way into the mainstream in the next few years, and with the ever steady Barry Banks behind them its hard to see how they can fail. Last month I witnessed their tightest
REN STEDMAN – EP RELEASE Local legend Ren Stedman has just release his latest EP – English weather. Featuring five brand new tracks a bargain @ just £3.95 on ITunes – individual tracks can be downloaded for just 79p each!! Ren has been promoting his new EP in a run of gigs in Essex & London recently, so keep an eye for a show near you soon! The songs speak to a wide array of struggles we may all be going through and it will help audiences experience their own journey in a much more optimistic way, “writing this EP was a way of painting a picture of some of the harder times I’ve been through”, commented Ren when asked about his process in creating this EP. So don't delay – buy it today!
Performance yet & with new material written & ready to be shown off to eager audiences now is the time to catch them live. Everyone wants to be that guy that caught the act in a small venue just before they hit the big time – it will be a story to tell the grandkids in years to come!
FIGURES LAND LONDON HEADLINE SHOW After setting the O2 academy alight back in march Thurrock's finest Figures have landed a prestigious London Headline spot at Surya - London On April 29th – This promises to be there biggest gig yet & I encourage all that can attend to go along & show your support. Support acts on the night are From the cave, The yacht club & free your mind. Tickets on the door just £5!!
TRAITORS SELECT LANDS AT THE TRAITORS GATE The first ever Traitors Select night set the bar for Thursday nights entertainment in Thurrock. Promoted by scene legend Tony Buckley the first instalment was a smash hit featuring not only a stripped down set from Tony’s own band Bow Flats but a surprise acoustic set from top local rockers Queensbury's rounded off the night. Luke sanders also took to the stage trying out new material on one of the Open Mic spots available on the night. The next Traitors Select will be held on 21st April featuring Tony alongside Ren Stedman. The new event solidifies Thursday nights at The Traitors Gate & runs on Thursdays opposing ALT which also features fortnightly on a Thursday night. Video footage was taken on the night for anyone who missed out & can be found on the Golden Cage Media YouTube channel alongside many other acts that have passed through the doors over the past year. For future event details keep your eyes peeled on Facebook & Twitter.
JORDAN GRAY VOTED OFF THE VOICE SEMI FINALS Jordan Gray has certainly been the most talked about act to emerge from the Thurrock scene after her roller coaster ride on BBC’s The Voice. After not making it past the first round local girl Jordan re-entered the competition & went on to deliver a series of solid performances making her the audiences favourite. That however was not enough to go on to win the show outright after being voted off the shows semi-finals. Somehow though we don't think this will be the last we will see of Jordan. Her show stopping performances & all round like ability will see a race from major label to land her signature. Its also worth remembering that the winners of TV talent shows are rarely the ones who go on to have the most successful careers & we are certain this will be the case for Jordan to. We are hoping that before the major labels get her signed up she comes home to do at least one last gig at her home venue Las Iguanas at Lakeside!
Ms Gray said – “I never expected to get this far and I only ever wanted to reach the finals. When your in the bubble its addictive, its all about The Voice. But once it pops you can breathe again – but you do miss the magic. But I would do it all over again if asked!”
WHARF UPLUGGED KC Music promotions where back at the Wharf pub in Grays, performers on the night where Ren Stedman , Kieran Mcloughlin-Spink (Fortify & Within Our Honour). & James Gregory. Its great to see Kieran back in action after spending most of the last year in the studio with his latest outfit – Fortify. Ren as previously mentioned has just released his latest EP.
KC MUSIC PROMOTIONS BACK IN THE SPOTLIGHT Thurrock based promoter Beth KC is riding high after the success of her Wharf unplugged night & is nearly ready to announce a plethora of gigs starting this summer. So far only one line up has been officially announced & features The finalist of last months Unsigned competition Shavargo & Spoiler! Get ready for a top night of live music at the Traitors Gate – entry is free & the event will be held on 9th July.
THURROCK ARTS COLLECTIVE & G.A.S.S - NEWS Thurrock's newest & biggest players in the Thurrock music & visual arts scene – Thurrock Arts Collect & G.A.S.S are linking up to promote some of the biggest cultural events in the area over the coming months. The Great Artistic Showdown & Showcase – is the brain child of local artist John Gathercole. Starting in 2008 John invented the concept of live art paint off’s & recently brought his idea to Thurrock. Johns events consist of four artists & four canvasses, they each have 20 mins on their canvass before transferring to another artists canvass, all works are then raffled off & all proceeds go to charity. Add to the mix highly regarded local live music promoters Thurrock Arts Collective & you have a cultural bomb about to explode. The two groups are currently approaching venues as they get ready to take their show on the road. There are already rumours of a big summer time event in the town centre in Grays plus lots of other mini events being held in local pubs. Keep upto to date with all the latest news on the Thurrock Arts Collective Facebook page & John Gathercoles Great Artistic Showdown & Showcase Facebook group. This is also the place for any local artists & bands to get there names down for any up & coming events.
Thank you to all the musicians, bands & Artists involved in Thurrock Scene. Next months Issue promises to be bigger & better as more writers & curators get involved. If you want to be featured in next months issue send us any information & images to our Facebook page & we will try our best to fit you in!
GIGS COMING UP THIS MONTH TRAITORS GATE Thur 14th – ALT – Hazy days Fri 15th – Black Pearl – Rock Covers Sat 16th – Brightlight City + Stewart Archer Sun 17th – SKA & Reggae Night Thur 21st – Traitors Select Fri 22nd – Rural Outcasts – rock Covers Sat 23rd – Stephan rudd & Anna Marie Childs Thur 28th – ALT – South Monster Fri 29th – Thurrock Arts Collective
GREENLINE ALL THE BEST THURROCK SCENE TEAM!
SAT 16TH – One More Time
THE SHIP Fri 15th – Double Treble