150 more artists added to this year’s line up and Brighton is looking very good for The Great Escape in May. The latest announcement features a host of emerging talent including Wunderhorse, Lauren Mayberry, Soft Play, Jalen Ngonda, Gallus and Been Stellar.
In line with its tradition of supporting new music, the festival will also be working with a number of independent labels who will be showcasing their artists on the Saturday – an impressive list that takes in Fat Possum, City Slang, Alcopop, Big Scary Monsters, Future Bubblers, Nice Swan, Secretly, Chess Club, Heavenly Records and Fat Cat.
There are still some tickets available, now with options to purchase single and two day tickets. If you can, get down for the whole weekend though. If you’ve been before you’ll know how vibrant the city becomes during TGE, if it’s your first time prepare to find your new favourite band and discover a hive of musical activity on every corner.
Lime Garden, Ugly & Ladylike at Chalk, Brighton, 8th March 2024
Last night saw Lime Garden playing a hometown show to end their tour at Brighton‘s Chalk. Always a popular booking, the band were ably supported by Ugly and Ladylike.
Gallery from Mike Burnell Hosted by Love Thy Neighbour
SON Estrella Galicia at The Prince Albert, Brighton, 23rd March 2024
Following successful events across London, SON Estrella Galicia (the music/events arm of the independent family owned Spanish beer brand) are heading to the coast for a day full of good music, good beer and good food. A micro-festival with a sustainable twist, the evening promises ‘Live Music, DJs, Beer Culture, Gastronomy and positive impact’. Alongside beer tasting from the premium Spanish brand, there will be beer pairing recommendations with local Mexican street foodies Carlito Burrito, and collaborations with Leave No Trace, WE and a community beach clean up to produce a statement mural in the Prince Albert Hall. The message reflects the battle for sustainability faced by local, independent venues, and there’s never been a better time to support your local music scene in holding their ground. This feels especially timely as The Albert has been one of several Brighton pub with live rooms recently to face threat from applications to convert neighbouring buildings to housing or holiday lets. There have been too many venues across the UK closed following unsubstantiated noise complaints from new buyers moving into established urban areas, and it seems to be a constant fight to stop this happening again.
The event on 23rd March also plays host to Cardiff’s punks with the best sequential dance moves Panic Shack, who will doubtless receive a very warm welcome back to the seaside, and a heady mix of genres spanning jazz, psych, folk and rock from Brighton’s own Plantoid. Add in DJ sets from Kike Louie, Lee Petryszyn and Henry WP, and you have all the makings of a night to remember.Check back for any late ticket availability here.
Dark Arts Festival at Belgrave Music Hall, Leeds, 2nd March 2024
Took a trip to Leeds for the latest instalment of Dark Arts, the biannual showcase curated by Super Friendz for ‘punk, left-field electronica and outsider indie music’. Leeds has a host of great venues set up to perfectly showcase emerging artists, and arts hub Belgrave Music Hall is no exception. Saturday saw 10 acts lined up to play across the day, and kudos to the bookers in putting together a line-up that never waned.
Highlights included an early set from Velkro – those of you wondering what happened to Priestgate can find most of them here with new vocalist Rosie Donoghue, all the energy of their past incarnation with more focus on the sound and a nod to the heady days of goth and shoegaze.
Mini supergroup Miss Tiny are formed of the multi-talented Ben Romans-Hopcraft (Childhood, Warmduscher) and all things Speedy Wunderground Dan Carey. The project sees Ben on vocals behind the drumkit and Dan on guitar, the wealth of experience from both parties culminating in something quite captivating.
Two bands on the bill both taking electronica to a different level were The Itch and Ebbb. Interestingly, again both are made up from other well respected bands (The Itch – Lazarus Kane, Yassassin, Opus Kink, Regressive Left, and Ebbb – Butch Cassidy, Enter Laughing, Kyoto Kyoto). Collaboration seems to be the vehicle for musical creativity as each push further forward in amalgamating their respective sounds.
The room got considerably busier for the arrival of VLURE’s first outing of the year. With people travelling from Europe to catch them, it’s clear that the buzz around this band is going nowhere. I’ve seen them play on many stages and have to say the Leeds crowds are up there in terms of displaying pure enjoyment at their sets. It’s a privilege to see them in places this size, surely it won’t be possible for much longer but be assured they can upscale and hold a bigger venue with ease. The perfect melting pot of pounding electro-dance tracks, astute production, and a connection with the audience that bigger names can only dream of.
Headliners Bo Ningen have remained a constant on the psych scene for many years now and still offer up as animated and intense a show as ever. A fitting end to the day, and a showcase from the promoters to be proud of.
A full scale stage show from Fever Ray on Saturday, as they brought their unique brand of avant garde pop to London. Adam Hampton-Matthews went along to capture the grandeur on camera – gallery below.
Live – Yard Act at Pryzm Kingston (for Banquet Records), 29th February 2024
Band and fans alike headed to Pryzm in Kingston on Thursday to celebrate the release ofYard Act‘s new album Where’s My Utopia? If you missed the show, there are tour dates across the UK and Europe starting from 13th March.
Hosted by Banquet Records Gallery from Adam Hampton-Matthews
FIZZ & Maya Delilah at Chalk, Brighton, 29th February 2024
Bringing the party to Brighton’s Chalk, indie-pop outfit FIZZ entertained the sold out crowd with songs from their acclaimed debut album The Secret to Life last night – support came from talented singer-songwriter Maya Delilah. Gallery from Mike Burnell below.
Just wanted to say a big welcome to all our new readers, we’ve had lots of contact over the last month and it’s great to have you all on board. For those of you new to Breaking Glass, music and photography is at the core of what we do – lots of live music coverage at gigs and festivals big and small, photo galleries and photographer features, interviews, reviews and other related topics. Hopefully you’ll find some of your favourite artists along with some new discoveries.
You can follow our socials for a heads up on new features landing here:Instagram | Twitter
Meryl Streek & Polite Bureaux at Green Door Store, Brighton, 28th February 2024
There are definite peaks and troughs in trends of new music, and phases where it feels like things are coasting and a little safe. Not to knock that for those looking for familiarity, but it genuinely warms my heart to see some of the newer acts coming through that dare to be different and produce material they believe in, rather than what they know will be accepted en masse. Last night’s gig at Green Door paid testament to that in style.
Opening act, Brighton based Polite Bureaux should be well up on your to see list if you haven’t done so yet. With an album release pending, there are new tracks added to their set which surely cement their progress towards a bigger audience. This is not the mass produced Everyone-sounds-like-The-Fall spoken word so widely available, it’s skillful wordplay with pulsing drum beats and synth/bass riffs that bounce through the room. Really looking forward to seeing what’s next.
Headlining the evening, Dublin’s Meryl Streek provides up close and personal effrontery with lyrics that take direct aim at the Irish government and the Catholic Church amongst others. Judging by the current den of political incompetency, it seems little coincidence that running the country and ruining the country are only one letter apart, and Meryl Streek is here to challenge that with no holds barred.
Barely a second standing still, his performance is confrontational and engaging in equal measures, hints of grime and trip-hop providing the perfect musical backdrop to the tirade of spoken stories heading across the crowd. The set goes by too fast and again, comes highly recommended.
An excellent night, make no mistake that punk is back knocking your door down, but this time it wants you to dance. Give thanks for that.
Shining bright amongst the current wave of noteworthy new music coming out of Leeds, Adult DVD have come a long way since their lockdown inception. Multiple synths, dance-inducing tunes and a wry sense of humour make for an impressive live performance and, after catching a recent gig, we were keen to find out more about what the band have coming up on the horizon…
Hey, how are you all – can you give us a quick intro to Adult DVD and who’s involved?
Harry: Heya, all good thanks. There are 6 of us in DVD; myself, Harry – lead vocals, Greg – synth/vocals, Danny – Guitar/synth, Jake – synth, Jonny – Drums, and George – Bass/vocals. We’ve been going for around 3 years.
We caught your recent gig in Brighton which went down an absolute storm with the crowd, how was it for you?
H: Brighton was great, we had so much fun, definitely the highlight. Also, everyone was so nice to us, a beautiful place. We can’t wait to come back, it’s already confirmed, but more on that soon.
And how did the rest of the tour dates go, what kind of reaction are you getting generally?
H: Overall, a great run! It felt like things have grown since the last headline run for sure. Two sell-out shows, we were chuffed!
Tell us about the current Leeds scene, what makes the city such a catalyst for new music?
Greg: Leeds is home to multiple iconic venues and the music scene is pretty eclectic! Because Leeds is small you can find yourself at multiple shows throughout the week, discovering new music and new artists on your doorstep.
There’s a whole lot of synth on stage when you play, who would you count as having made great synth music across the decades?
G: For me, it would be the French artist Dombrance and his previous band DBFC. I have yet to see him live and annoyingly he is playing the day after us at the Pelpass Festival in Strasbourg. H: CSS! They are back touring this year, can’t wait.
Do you have a favourite track that you’ve written so far – what’s the story behind it?
H: Yacht Money. Lyrically it’s actually quite morbid, it’s about growing up, the good life, financial troubles (selling the yacht) and getting old, all within 4 minutes 28 seconds. It’s everything we could want in a song.
If all of you had to take part in a reality TV show which one would you choose and who would win?
H: Come Dine With Me. We are always discussing what everyone had for their tea, whenever we see each other. Jonny would win by a mile, his curries are great. G: I’m a celeb’, I just want to meet Ant and Dec.
As a follow up, you get invited to appear on Mastermind – what’s your specialist subject?
H: Knowing what everyone had for their tea. The rest of the band I mean, not everyone in the world. G: Oh easy! the names of all the minions.
What are your plans for the rest of the year?
H: We are currently working on some new stuff that will be out this year. We are touring in Europe too over May.
G: We have some more UK gigs later in the year, which will be announced soon.
And if there’s one thing you could tick off your 2024 bucket list, what would it be?
H: Play the Vegas Sphere. G: Maybe some pyrotechnics next time we play Brighton and crowd surfing. H: Not near the pyrotechnics though, please.
Check out more fromAdult DVD here, and don’t pass up on the chance to see them live when those new dates are announced. Maybe take some kind of fire blanket with you, but definitely go along.
JOHN & Fräulein at Concorde 2, Brighton, 23rd February 2024
Unassuming by name, but a force to be reckoned with on stage, JOHN put on a great show at Brighton’s Concorde 2 last night. Support came from the always excellent Fräulein.
A PR agency with a love of music at their core… Interview with Jamie Otsa by Kieran Tibbert
Wall of Sound PR is a boutique public relations and digital marketing agency, focusing on raising a diverse and interesting roster of alternative and underground music. Director Jamie Otsa gave me an in-depth insight into Wall of Sound as a whole, some of their clients, and what the future holds.
How are you doing, and where are you in the world right now?
Jamie: I’m good thanks, if a little tired! I’m currently working from home on The Wirral just outside Liverpool. I used to have some office space at Static Gallery in Liverpool with a few other music industry colleagues, but most of us moved out during COVID. Me and my partner had our first baby in 2022 and I wanted to be around more at home to help and see him growing up, so I’ve been juggling the PR day job with my new role as Dad to an extremely energetic 2-year-old ever since.
Let’s start by talking a bit about the PR Agency itself. How did it all get set up and start, and how has it changed over the years?
My route into PR was a bit unorthodox – I used to be in a band called The Hot Melts, and we signed a deal with Epitaph Records for our debut album. We did a lot of touring with bands like Eagles of Death Metal, The Damned, and Albert Hammond Jr, as well as playing SXSW and other festivals, but ultimately didn’t sell enough records to keep the dream alive.
After the band, I started working at The Barfly in Liverpool, managing night gigs, and from there moved into promoting my own shows and festivals. I was also writing about music for a lot of blogs and websites, so I had first-hand experience of liaising with PR folks from the other side of the fence. After a while I moved into management working with Marmozets and a band called Decade from Bath, and with it being such early days there was no budget for PR.
With my limited experience I started doing little bits and pieces for them for free and had some real success at Kerrang!, Rock Sound, BBC Radio One and a bunch of other places, and it felt like I could feel my way through and start to take the PR role more seriously. From there I just branched out and it was mostly through word of mouth that I was able to turn Wall of Sound PR into a real prospect in about 2012. Since those early days of working with mostly unsigned bands we’ve been lucky to work with some of my favourite independent labels including Alcopop! Records, Big Scary Monsters, Run for Cover, Epitaph Records, Cooking Vinyl and more, and have worked with some big names like Moby, Toyah Willcox, Robert Fripp, Nile Rogers from CHIC, Jamie Lenman and Gogol Bordello over the years.
I partnered up with our head of radio Lee Jackson in around 2016, originally offering print and online PR services as well, but we’ve offered dedicated radio plugging since 2020 and Lee has really kicked on that side of the business with amazing results at national radio. We’ve also been lucky to work with some other excellent folks over the years, as well as provide a lot of work experience placements to young people looking to get their foot in the door in a slightly more conventional way than I did. Many of them have gone on to work at Live Nation, Hold Tight PR, William Morris Agency, NME and others, so it’s been really rewarding to be a part of that and help people get a foot on the ladder.
You work with a lot of upcoming artists and record labels, so what’s one thing you would say makes Wall of Sound stand out that little bit more?
I think our good nature, authenticity, and transparency are some of the big things people like about working with us. We’re easy to work with and we have a huge passion for music. Both Lee and I have a very strong work ethic, and we put in the hard yards for our clients every day. As we’ve both got experience in bands ourselves, we understand what it’s like for musicians and labels, and as such are well placed to give them honest and transparent feedback that is of genuine use and value to them. We genuinely want what’s best for everyone we work with.
We also pride ourselves on being a progressive and forward-thinking agency with a social conscience, and as such are actively involved in promoting the work of LGBTQIA+ and ethnic minority artists, whilst also looking to promote music with a strong moral compass and political message wherever possible. We also just love a stone-cold banger, but even better if it’s got a political bite to it.
I like to think we’ve got a great ear for new music and keep our quality bar very high, and we also limit the amount of acts we work with concurrently and turn down a lot of work in the process.
A big day on the music calendar each year is Record Store Day. Tell us about how you, or some of your artists, will be getting involved this year?
RSD this year is all about DITZ and Heavy Lungs for us, who are releasing an amazing Live at The BBC split LP on Alcopop! Records that include both their live sessions for Deb Grant and Tom Ravenscroft on BBC Radio 6 Music. Absolute ripper.
One of the latest groups you’ve welcomed to the roster is Scattered Ashes. Tell us a bit more about these guys.
So, these guys are supporting Meryl Streek, another of our artists, on his UK tour dates right now and they’re an extremely exciting, abrasive, and angular Irish post-punk four-piece from Dublin, running in a noticeably darker lane than many of their contemporaries. We’ve only just added them to the roster, but I can say there’s going to be some new music coming this year, and it’s a highly polished showcase of material that immediately impressed us when we heard it for the first time.
For you personally, who have been some of the standout artists within your roster that people should keep tabs on?
We try not to do favourites as I genuinely have a lot of love for everyone we work with and I’d be here all day naming awesome bands, but some of the acts who are currently doing really well and on a steep upward trajectory right now are Cherym, Meryl Streek, CHROMA, The Menstrual Cramps, Heavy Lungs, Problem Patterns, and CLT DRP.
Have you noticed any significant changes to the music scene over the past few months or years which could affect Wall of Sound in the future?
How long have you got? Independent venues and record labels are facing huge financial challenges, artists are struggling to make a living, the media landscape is becoming increasingly cut-throat and difficult for writers to carve out stable careers, and we’re all constantly worried about AI making everything we do completely redundant. I think the Tories have done their absolute best to crush the arts and musicians in this country over the past 12 years, but we all seem to still be surviving somehow. There are some amazing, resilient people doing great work across the sector and one of the best things about the independent music business is its ability to adapt and overcome and react very quickly to changes. We try and stay ahead of the curve and provide value for our clients in whatever areas are relevant to them right now and will continue to do so.
What plans does Wall of Sound have for the future, to potentially branch out to a bigger audience and develop further?
I’m always very wary of striving for growth for growth’s sake. I think it’s a faulty mindset that’s at the root of a lot of our problems as a society. I like the fact we can provide a personal and approachable service, and really give our time to our clients. Obviously, we want to keep on growing our profile and our clients’ profiles, but I’m happy with the current size of the company and the freedom and autonomy it gives me in my life with a balance of responsibilities. I’ve never enjoyed being ‘the boss’ or the admin side of the job, and me and Lee have a great partnership going on that has been really working for our clients, so I’m reluctant to fix what isn’t broke. We will always need to adapt to changes and have increasingly seen digital marketing roles crossing over with traditional PR and radio plugging, so that’s certainly something we’re across and looking at more seriously for the future.
What can you tell us about any upcoming music set to be released by some of your artists? Why should people check them out?
We’ve got a huge year lined up already so far with some exciting projects – on the Alcopop! Records front BO NINGEN will be releasing an alternative soundtrack to Alejandro Jodorowsky’s cult film The Holy Mountain, with big second albums coming from both Indoor Pets and Gaffa Tape Sandy, as well as a brilliant new LP from Mammoth Penguins on Fika Recordings. There are also amazing debut records coming from independent newcomers Mumbles, Rory Ryan, Y Dail, Ida Kudo and Mothman, The Man, all of whom are well worth your time.
I’m really pleased we’ve started a new partnership this year with South Wales punk label Scene Report Records, and they’ve got some ace releases from IRKED, Fast Blood and Disciple BC coming up. They really know their onions when it comes to punk and hardcore bands so loads ofexciting stuff coming there. You should check them all out because we only work on quality stuff, that’s why!
What other live gigs or events do you have coming up this year, which people can look forward to? Do any stand out for you in particular?
Pretty much our entire roster tour relentlessly as they are all extremely committed and hardworking, so you can catch everyone I’ve mentioned on the road this year. We’re always lucky to have a big turnout at festivals, you can find a lot of our bands at Manchester Punk Festival, 2000 Trees, The Great Escape, ArcTanGent Festival and more this summer…
You can find more from Wall of Sound PR via the links below:
You Me At Six, The XCERTS & HEIGHTS at Concorde 2, Brighton, 19th February 2024
In a special show for War Child as part of BRITs Week, You Me At Six took the headline slot at Brighton’s Concorde 2 on Monday, with support from The XCERTS and HEIGHTS. Mike Burnell caught the show and the pictures below…
Victorious Festival, Portsmouth, 23rd – 25th August 2024
With the line-up ever growing, this year’s Victorious has a huge assemblage of artists ready to take the stage. Alongside daily headliners Fat Boy Slim, Jamie T and Biffy Clyro, there are newer names who will doubtless also bring in big crowds, such as Wet Leg, The Murder Capital, Panic Shack and Personal Trainer.
The event takes place on Southsea Common, though you would barely recognise it as the festival village sets up adjacent to the sea – castle and museum included. Offsite camping was introduced a few years ago, and loads of family friendly activities make this a popular choice for all ages.
You Me At Six | Deaf Havana | Call Me Amour at Portsmouth Guildhall
As long-time fans grab what may be their last chance to see You Me At Six before they head their separate ways next year, we have not one but two glimpses into the current live dates for you. First up, Hannah Mesquitta went along to capture their Portsmouth show on Sunday, and check back in later for another day, another venue. Gallery below with support from Deaf Havana and Call Me Amour.
The Vaccines, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers & Divorce at Brighton Dome, 18th February 2024
Continuing to pack out venues on their Pick-Up Full Of Pink Carnations tour, The Vaccines headed to the seaside for another great show at Brighton Dome last night. With support from rising stars Divorce and the excellently named Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, the evening’s entertainment value was high. Mike Burnell was there to catch the show, gallery below…
Live – Adult DVD, SAD DADS & Room Service at The Prince Albert, Brighton
With headliners Adult DVD coming highly recommended, Thursday’s gig at The Albert held lots of promise, and didn’t disappoint. First up though, we saw a different side to Room Service, playing a largely acoustic and seated set. Despite the change in pace, they sounded great and set the atmosphere for the evening. Resolutely not seated, SAD DADS were up next with bags of indie-surf energy and a fine array of sunglasses, don’t let the fact that they don’t appear to take things too seriously belie the talent in the band.
With as much synth as you could fit on the stage, Adult DVD are Yorkshire’s answer to Kraftwerk with a bit more humour in their lyrics and performance. There are layers to the music that are much more complex than they make them look, an idiosyncratic hybrid of electronica, techno and dry pop that has the crowd singing, dancing and loathe to let them finish their set. Seemingly this was their first show in Brighton; if they listen to the demand it will by no means be their last. Passing that high recommendation on for sure.
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes at Roundhouse, London, 15th February 2024
Seemingly always on top form,Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakeshave somehow managed to stay at the top of their game for close to a decade now. Another energy-filled performance at Camden’s Roundhouse last night paid testament to their ongoing ability to draw in the crowd, no matter what size the venue. Adam Hampton-Matthews was there to catch the show – gallery below…
Set in Motion, Rough Trade Nottingham, 9th February 2024
It’s looking like 2024 will be a busy year forSet in Motion, who played a fantastic gig on Friday night to a sold out Rough Trade Nottingham. Milly McPhee was there to capture their set, gallery below.
End Of The Road Festival (EOTR), Dorset, 29th August – 1st September 2024
Festival line-up announcements coming in thick and fast now and, although a big player on the circuit, EOTR manages to retain a certain sense of intrigue and respect. Its line-up may well feature some better known names but also always includes a huge chunk of emerging talent, some of whom will doubtless go on to become household names. On the higher end of the bill this year (announced so far) are the likes of Slowdive, IDLES and Baxter Dury, with Bill Ryder-Jones, CMAT, Sprints and English Teacher not far behind. Lots more names to check out too, including the varied mix of Gurriers, Sarah Meth, Big Special, Jess Williamson and Freak Slug.
Very much worth your while keeping an eye on the ‘more to be announced’ list, but plenty here already to justify a ticket purchase. See poster/website for full details of artists confirmed so far and check the link for ticket purchases.
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