music

Scott Weiland passes away

/ James Fenney

scott weiland

The former lead singer of Stone Temple Pilots and rock supergroup Velvet Revolver has died. Scott Weiland was found dead in his tour bus aged 48. He is said to have died in his sleep. Although no official cause of death has been announced, Weiland had a history of drug abuse and a member of his backing band the Wildabouts was arrested for cocaine possession. With hits such as ‘Plush’, ‘Vasoline’ and ‘Interstate Love Song’, Weiland was a talented but troubled soul who helped influence the next generation of rock bands in the US.

Red Hot Chili Peppers to headline Reading and Leeds

/ James Fenney

rhcp

The twin festivals of Reading and Leeds have unveiled their first line-up announcement for 2016. It included Slaves, the Courteeners and the 1975 as well as headliners Red Hot Chili Peppers. RHCP last topped the bill in 2007. Their set may well include new music as the band have been busy recording their 11th album, their first in 4 years, which is supposedly “very different and unique”. It will be the second album without guitarist John Frusciante. The band is a strong booking and it will be interesting to see what other headliners are in store.

The ultimate drum battle

/ James Fenney

It’s the showdown we’ve all been waiting for; rock legend Dave Grohl versus everyone’s favourite Muppet Animal. The Foo Fighters frontman faced the drummer of the house band The Electric Mayhem on the latest episode of The Muppets. After some trash talk and a couple of smashed drum kits they called it a draw, but who do you think is the winner?

Spotlight!: Billie Marten

/ James Fenney

billie marten

Rising singer/songwriter Billie Marten may only be fifteen, but she has talent beyond her years. The stunning sparse arrangements on songs like ‘Bird’ and ‘Ribbons’ put her angelic voice at the forefront. Growing up listening to Nick Drake it should come as no surprise that she can craft a lyrically driven song with a blissful melody. Her talents don’t end there however, the melancholy ‘As Long As’ features some intricate acoustic fingerpicking and her unplugged cover of Royal Blood’s ‘Out of the Black’ is one of the best and most surprising cover versions I have heard in a long while.

Her latest EP ‘As Long As’ is out now and is sure to impress fans of Laura Marling, Birdy and Gabrielle Aplin.

Foo Fighters release surprise EP

/ James Fenney

foo-fighters-saint-cecilia-ep-release

Following a mysterious countdown clock on the band’s website, Foo Fighters have released a surprise EP. The five track Saint Cecilia EP was made from demos recorded in the hotel of the same name in Austin, Texas during sessions for their most recent album ‘Sonic Highways’. If the tracks are any indicator of what the future may hold for the band, then they will be back on top form after the misstep of ‘Sonic Highways’. The EP is being offered as a free download and Dave Grohl has dedicated it to the victims of the Paris attacks.

Benjamin Clementine wins Mercury Prize

/ James Fenney

benjamin_clementine

Avant garde pianist Benjamin Clementine has won this year’s prestigious Mercury Music Prize for his album ‘At Least for Now’.  He followed in the Mercury tradition of rewarding lesser known acts and beat more famous albums from Florence + the Machine and bookies favourite Jamie XX. His compelling and poetic music has been widely compared to Nina Simone. He has delivered one of the most memorable Jools Holland performances in recent years and has earned such famous fans as Bjork and Paul McCartney. The award is well deserved recognition for an unspeakably talented artist.

David Bowie premieres new song

/ James Fenney

Rock legend David Bowie has premiered his latest single ‘Blackstar’, the title track from his upcoming 25th studio album. The song begins as an odd mix of electronica and jazz, before gradually becoming more pop orientated. The equally surreal video features astronauts, solar eclipses, devil worship and gyrating scarecrows. At ten minutes in length it certainly goes against the norm for singles. Bowie has demanded that there are no shortened radio edits however a snippet of the song is used in the credits of the new Sky crime series The Last Panthers. If the track is anything to go by then Bowie’s new album is going to be pretty out there.

Live Review: Catfish and the Bottlemen, Rock City Nottingham, 10th Nov 2015

/ James Fenney
Photo credit: Jordan Curtis Hughes

Photo credit: Jordan Curtis Hughes

These four Llandudno lads have quickly become the hottest indie band in the world. They have toured relentlessly in support of their debut album ‘The Balcony’, including delivering one of the stand-out sets at this year’s Glastonbury Festival. Even their harshest critics can’t deny that they are one of the best live acts around and the band have one of the first ever BBC Music Awards sitting proudly on their mantelpiece. Every stop on their latest UK tour was sold out, but I managed to squeeze in to a packed venue to see them in their element. Continue reading →