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SEATON ROCKS FESTIVAL 2017 The Strypes, Space and Cast Head to Hartlepool

Dead Kennedys at the 02 Academy Post-Mortem of The Wytches The Darlington Rum Experience at The Georgian Theatre Artist Spotlight: Mausoleums WE’RE LISTENING! We Speak to Saint Etienne as ISSUE #23 JUNE 2017 They Head to the Sage FOLLOW Review of Coquin Migale’s NE VOLUME ON SOCIAL latest Single MEDIA And much, much more!

PICK UP OUR FREE NORTH EAST MUSIC/CULTURE MAGAZINE! LET’S GET EVEN LOUDER NORTH EAST VOLUME!!!!! NEWS! PG.25 Durham Blues Festival! WELCOME! PG.28 Seaton Rocks 2017! Thank you so much for picking up PG.5 Gig Preview: Dead Kennedys at the 02 Academy! NE Volume magazine - the magazine INTERVIEWS! produced by local music and culture fans, PG.6 Festival Preview: for local music and culture fans. Music Box Festival in Darlington! PG.35 The Firelight Opera! Did you know that it’s now been two years since we released our first edition? PG.7 Gig Preview: PG.35 Serinette! How time flies, ey? And, we’ve now Watermill Sessions Live #2 PG.36 Avalanche Party! moved into an actual office (no more at Sedgefield Manor House! working from a tiny room at home). Of Emily Maguire! PG.37 course, we wouldn’t still be here without PG.10 Gig Preview: PG.38 Saint Etienne! your support so I just want to say a huge The Radio Set at Surf Cafe! thank you, you’re all amazing. Anyhow, PG.40 Chloe Chadwick! moving on, in this month’s edition we chat Festival Preview: PG.11 PG.41 Beans On Toast! to Beans on Toast as he prepares to play Brass Festival in Durham! Willowman Festival; we provide you with our honest opinion of the Kooks at 02 CULTURE CORNER! GIG REVIEWS! Academy, Newcastle; we keep you up-to- date with what’s happening in the region PG.14 Dance: PG.44 Meet The North in Newcastle! this month including: Hilton Valentine at Milonga at Theatre Royal! the Georgian Theatre in Stockton, The PG.45 The Kooks Lake Poets at the Spa Hotel in Saltburn PG.15 Stage: at the 02 Academy, Newcastle! and Weirds at the Cluny 2 in Newcastle; Heads Up at ARC! in our culture section we provide you PG.46 The Purnells with details of the upcoming Stockton PG.16 Literature: at the Georgian Theatre, Stockton! Book Festival, and so much more. Stockton Book Festival! Just to remind you, if you’ll be running an PG.46 Hunter & The Bear event or bringing any new material out in at Trillians, Newcastle! July/August/September then please email ARTIST SPOTLIGHT! our team at [email protected] and Artist Spotlight: we’ll do all we possibly can to include PG20 Mausoleums! ALBUM/EP/SINGLE REVIEWS! a review/news piece in our July edition which will be released on Friday 30th June. PG.50 Coquin Migale, Jake Wilkinson, FEATURES! Social Room, Toxic Melons, And thank you so much for your support Aqua Velvas, The Beer Pigs! these last two years, it really does mean the world to me. PG.22 Life Of Vinyl! PG.24 Coxhoe Festival! PG.56 - JUNE GIG LISTINGS! Lee Allcock Editor - NE Volume Magazine

All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced in whole or part without permission from the publishers. The opinions expressed in NE Volume belong to the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of NE Volume or its staff. NE Volume welcomes ideas and contrbutions but can assume no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations. NE Volume holds no responsiblilty to incorrect content supplied in adverts. NE VOLUME NEWS GIG PREVIEW: DEAD USE NE VOLUME KENNEDYS TO PROMOTE YOUR GIGS/BAND/LOCAL BUSINESS! AT 02 ACADEMY, NEWCASTLE Promote your gigs, band and your local Written by Meghan Ewart business to more than 16,000 music and culture fans in the North East! One of the first American punk rock bands to break the UK, Dead This magazine, with a readership of 16,000+, is a fantastic CONTACT Kennedys, bring their controversial tool for local gig and event promoters, bands and North lyrics to Newcastle this month. The East businesses to market themselves to local audiences. band formed in 1978 and have made NE Volume is a North East magazine delivered FREE a huge name for themselves with to a range of communities in the North East - covering their thought-provoking songs based Middlesbrough, Stockton, Hartlepool, Darlington, Redcar, on political figures, authority, pop Newcastle, Sunderland, and many more. Our next issue GIG PREVIEW: will be out on Friday 30th June so get in touch now to get EDITOR: LEE ALLCOCK culture and the punk movement itself. involved! The Californian-born band’s 1980 SUB-EDITOR: DAMIAN ROBINSON debut album ‘Fresh Fruit for Rotting Our prices start from £65.00! We produce LISTINGS: EMILY HOOK Vegetables’ hit at number 33 in the UK EMMA album charts. Songs such as their first adverts in eighth, quarter, half, full page and double page spreads. If you would like a full CREATIVE: TOM BROWN single ‘California Uber Alles’, released in NE Volume advertising pack sent out, please - 1979, got the whole music world talking and provoked the debate of possible contact [email protected] Contact information STEVENS or call us on 01642 237348. rock censorship. In 1982, the punk Email: [email protected] | Phone: 01642 237348 rockers’ second album ‘Plastic Surgery Our trained journalists can write your copy while our + JOE MARTIN www.nevolume.co.uk/contact Disasters’ caused the bands’ critics professional designers can help to put your adverts together. AT ARC, STOCKTON to change tact, when the album cover So whatever your requirements are, we are here to help! won the ‘World Press Photo Award.’ Magazine designed by Tom Brown Graphic Design. Written by Tyler Moore ‘Frankenchrist’ became the bands’ For quotes on Design and Consultancy services contact Tom Brown at: [email protected] | www.tbgraphics.co.uk As part of ARC, Stockton’s new Studio third album in 1985 before they split Folk programme - showcasing the talents in 1986 after releasing releasing their of rising folk stars - Emma Stevens will be album, ‘Bedtime for Democracy.’ Court performing new material from her third city of Nashville. Alongside Emma comes attendances and name changes to suit the needs of the media could not deter NE Volume is a proud supporter of studio album ‘To My Roots’ to a Teesside support from Joe Martin. Based in Leeds, crowd this month. and strongly influenced by artists such as this band from success. Finally, their self- LET'S GET SOCIAL! The British singer-songwriter embarked Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and James Taylor, penned lyrics won them a gold award on a solo career in 2012 with her unique young singer-songwriter Joe Martin has in June 1987 with their compilation combination of folk and country seeing managed to create his own montage of album, ‘Give Me Convenience or Give her display her multi-instrumental skills country and Americana blues, gaining him Me Death.’ Ray, Peligro and Fluoride across the globe. a lot of attention. After founding the band reformed in 2001 despite missing band Praised by the late Sir Terry Wogan as Fitzwallace in 2013, Joe is no stranger members and previous refusals from ‘Just Magical’, and supported by Chris to the music scene having performed at music outlets to sell the bands’ music. Evans, Emma debuted her single ‘Riptide’ some of the UK’s most renowned and And October 2007 saw the release of on his breakfast show to over 10 million distinguished folk and Americana festivals, their best of album, ‘Milking the Sacred viewers which rocketed the track up most notably ‘Country 2 Country’. Cow.’ Dead Kennedys will revert back the charts to become iTunes Single Leaving the band behind in 2016, Joe to their iconic sounds to please nobody of the Week and gained over 200,000 pursued a solo career and is currently but their fans. Newcastle’s 02 Academy downloads. planning to return to Nashville to work will be the venue where the band are FOLLOW US TO KEEP UP-TO-DATE WITH THE NORTH EAST ‘MvC Live Sessions and Signed Memorabilia Auctions fund Emma will be bringing her multi-talents on new material expected to be on an EP reborn as once again they let the lyrics state of the art cancer equipment/initiatives into the NHS to Teesside to show off her collection due for release early next year. do the talking. Dead Kennedys play the and vital awareness campaigns’ MUSIC AND CULTURE SCENES! WWW.NEVOLUME.CO.UK of new songs inspired by diverse The gig takes places at ARC, Stockton 02 Academy, Newcastle on Tuesday Published monthly by NE Volume. Printed by JAK HQ Limited (www.jakinc.uk) 20th June. Tickets, priced at £22.50, are www.musicvcancer.com childhood inspirations and authentic, on Saturday 10th June. Tickets, priced at Unit 4 Station Road, Chester-le-Street, DH3 3DY. [email protected] folk culture from a month spent in the £8.50, are available from arconline.co.uk. available from ticketmaster.co.uk. For more information please contact [email protected] @musicvcancer | /musicvcancer

4 5 NE VOLUME NEWS NE VOLUME NEWS

GIG PREVIEW: GIG PREVIEW: THE LAKE WATERMILL POETS SESSIONS AT THE SPA HOTEL, LIVE #2 SALTBURN AT SEDGEFIELD

Written by Thomas Anderson MANOR HOUSE Photography by Ian West Written by Meghan Ewart Photography by Wayne Bordoli Something wonderful is in store for Teesside’s very own seaside capital After an extremely successful first event this month as, on Friday 23rd June, the at Preston Park Museum in Eaglescliffe, Lake Poets (fronted by Sunderland which sold out, The Watermill Sessions multi-instrumentalist Martin Longstaff) Live will launch its second event this will be performing an intimate show at month. A number of award-winning the Spa Hotel, Saltburn. Martin will be FESTIVAL PREVIEW: GIG PREVIEW: artists will perform and live sessions will performing with his full live five-piece be recorded as part of a touring project. band to bring true Americana style to Elaine Palmer, who will be hostess on his voice with pedal steel and drums. It’s the night, will also perform tracks from certain to be an emotional, thought- WEIRDS her new album ‘Show Me the Way’. The MUSIC BOX country singer has successfully toured provoking and memorable evening. The Lake Poets’ sound has been + HCBP + NO TEETH America, including playing Greenwich described in popular media in hugely Village NYC, but will be returning to her positive terms, such as ‘spell-binding and AT THE CLUNY 2, family home of Yorkshire for this event. FESTIVAL Durham born award-winning artist, heartbreaking’, and ‘quietly devastating’. Recently finishing a successful tour of AT VARIOUS VENUES, NEWCASTLE Soham De will also be performing tracks Germany in April, the Lake Poets have from his debut album ‘Ghost’. The 19 received over 4 million Spotify plays DARLINGTON Written by Joseph James year old came third in ‘Best of British’ in worldwide, as well as daytime air play the ‘Unsigned Music Awards’ and FAME on BBC Radio 2, Radio X and BBC 6 Written by Samantha Hall The Cluny is about to get, well, weird. Music’s ‘Stripped Back’ competitions Music. From the soothing melodies Leeds’ very own Weirds have described respectively. Local singer-songwriter, of single and radio hit ‘Your Face’, to After last year’s immense success, their genre only with the word ‘kill’, and Harri Endersby will also grace the stage the powerful choruses of soulful track Darlington’s Music Box Festival is back. Avalanche Party, James Leonard Hewitson, fittingly so! to introduce her latest album ‘Homes/ ‘Edinburgh’, Martin and his band put on On Sunday 11th June, Hole In The Primitive Painters, Velvoir, Llovers, ILSER, The band, recently signed by Alcopop! compliment Weirds well; based on the Lives’, which was released at the end a truly magical show. Being back in the Wall, Avalon and Hash Bar are opening The Circus Villains and Salvadors. Records, play music that is drowning sound of their incredibly aggressive of February. The sensationally talented North East, the Sunderland musician their doors to 30+ local acts in On the Beatbox stage you’ll find: Jister, in a pool of pure psychedelia but with debut single ‘The Patriot’ which takes artists’ debut album ‘Ivy Crown’ charted will be taking the country by storm this order to celebrate the diversity and Legitimate Anarchy, Kay Greyson, ferocious vocals and unsettling basslines everything you ever liked about stoner at number 17 on the iTunes singer- year. With slots booked for eight UK accomplishments that the North East Kv$shnoodle, Rex Ragis and Nab C. crafted by a force not of this world. rock band like Queens of the Stone Age songwriter charts in 2014. Evolution festivals already, including Kuchessions music scene currently has to offer. On the Roofbox stage you’ll find: Dan Everything about this band feels entirely and adds about ten more layers of pure Emerging Festival 2016 performer, Callum Festival in Hamburg and of course NE In association with Tracks, Music Box Donnelly, George Boomsma, Samantha original. fury to the mix. Pitt will complete the strong line-up. The Volume Magazine Live at the ARC in Festival is one of a kind. It’s not every day Durnan, Ridley Woof, Cherry Head, Cherry Watch the four members - cryptically Opening for both of these stellar acts Newcastle artist has received excellent Stockton in September, it looks like that you can attend gigs of the biggest Heart, James Gray Robson & The Lovely known only as A, Z, D and M - bring are Newcastle’s very own noise rock radio support and fantastic reviews The Lake Poets are on track for a and brightest musical stars of the North Burn, Bad Bob Bates and Old Muggins. On their own enjoyably hellish riot to the trio No Teeth, fresh from releasing their from local media, including ourselves. very strong musical career, without East all in one town, discovering new the Soapbox stage you’ll find: Keiandra, Cluny 2 on Friday 9th June in support three debut stand-alone singles, ‘Mother’, The media praised Callum’s debut album ever forgetting their North East roots. acts round every corner. 5 stages will Kalanova, The Approved, Outside Your of their new album ‘Swarmculture’, ‘Shopping Centre’ and ‘Blisters’. The ‘You’d Better Sell it While You Can’, It’s great seeing so many North East be set up including Avalon’s Jukebox and House and Ronald Raygun. which came out on May 26th and has band are known primarily for bringing with his debut single ‘Junk Bond Trailer’ artists going international lately, such as Beatbox stage, Hash’s Roofbox stage, On the Outbox stage you’ll find: Eve been described by Upset Magazine as: in a lot of people to their gigs, which is (released officially on Tuesday 28th Cattle and Cane and Mouses. People Hole In The Wall’s Soapbox stage and Conway, Chris Davison, Sonder Minds and “a phenomenal debut that stands out even more reason to be part of what is February), having been recorded in the like Martin may just be the tip of the the town centre’s Outbox stage. From Caitlin Morrow. from the rest.” They are not a band to shaping up to be a sensational evening. young artists’ bedroom. iceberg for the North East music acclaimed local alternative bands such as With a lineup as brilliant as this, Music be missed. Tickets, priced at £5.00 in advance, The session is due to take place at revival. Jukebox stage headliners Avalanche Party, Box Festival is set to be a busy day for Joining them on this particularly noisy are available from thecluny.com or by Sedgefield Manor House on Friday 30th Tickets, priced at £10.00, are available to unique and diverse artists such as Darlington. Tickets are available from any of venture are their dear friends, HCBP – contacting the venue directly on June at 7:30pm. Event tickets are now by calling the venue on 01287 622544. rapper Kv$shnoodle, there’s something for the venues for £7.00 in advance or an acronym for ‘Haggard Cat Bothday 0191 230 4474. available via wegottickets.com and are everyone. On the Jukebox stage you’ll find: £10.00 on the day. Present’. This bizarrely named duo will priced at. £10.00 plus booking fee.

6 7 prince regent st. stockton-on-tees www.kubar.co.uk

Bank Sunday Shindig 28th May Bank Sunday Shindig 27th August The Funk Collective Antarctic Monkeys One of the UK’s best funk & soul bands The UK’s Official Arctic Monkeys Tribute

Friday 2nd June Saturday 7th October Slowlights The Fillers Plus Support No1 Official Killers Tribute Band

Saturday 10th June Friday 13th October The Who Vs The Jam Sløtface Double tribute night plus support

Friday 7th July Saturday 14th October Carl Barât Green Date and the Jackals The Official Green Day tribute NE VOLUME NEWS NE VOLUME NEWS

GIG PREVIEW: FESTIVAL PREVIEW: THE BRASS RADIO SET FESTIVAL AT SURF CAFE, DURHAM TYNEMOUTH Durham’s popular BRASS Festival is set to return to the city for its 11th Written by Lee Allcock year, celebrating the best of brass Photography by DK Photography NE from soul to jazz across ten days from Friday 7th to Sunday 16th July. It must be an exciting time for North Organised by Durham County East new wave/indie pop band, The Council, this year’s festival is the Radio Set. The band were only formed first under the leadership of new around six months ago but have Artistic Director Paul Gudgin and will already impressed quite a few people showcase the broadest possible range and have created quite a buzz. of brass music from Broadway to Simon Raymonde (Bella Union boss GIG PREVIEW: 17th century Venice.Highlights include and former Cocteau Twin) was so GIG PREVIEW: stars of the West End Matt Corner impressed with their rough demo that THE ANIMALS’ and Kate Graham, who hail from the he invited them to record at his studio THE North East, performing swing versions in London with in-house producer, Iggy of songs from Broadway shows, and B. The result is a 5-song mini album Durham Cathedral Choir (joining with that’s already receiving airplay on local MEMBERS His Majesty’s Sagbutts and Cornetts) radio and acquiring excellent reviews. HILTON to perform a tailor-made concert Nick Roberts (BBC Introducing) has AT COWPEN CLUB, designed to the acoustics and layout also championed the band by playing of Durham Cathedral in Venetian their songs regularly on his Saturday VALENTINE BILLINGHAM Surround Sound. The festival will also show. There’s also the not too shabby celebrate the 100th anniversary of number of online fans who have played Written by Meghan Ewart AT THE GEORGIAN Dizzy Gillespie, one of the greatest debut single ‘Envy’ over 2,700 times on Reggae punk rock band, The Members jazz trumpeters of all time, with the YouTube. THEATRE, STOCKTON bring their iconic sounds to Teesside BBC Big Band playing homage to him The Radio Set released their Bella this month with a long-awaited set. alongside others such as Glenn Miller Union recorded debut, imaginatively Written by Emma Bolland Since forming in 1976, The Members Steve Brookes. Praise was heaped on and Quincy Jones. Two great North titled ‘EP #1’, last month at a packed This month, Stockton’s Georgian have experienced a whirlwind of the band from all media outlets alike East traditions – brass bands and launch gig in Newcastle. The EP kicks Theatre will play host to Hilton Valentine success in both the UK and the US when ‘One Law’ was released in early choral societies – come together in off with ambient instrumental opener - one of the country’s best loved rock of a personal meaning to him. Having with a total of 13 band members along 2016. Written by band member Paddy a spectacular new version of William ‘When We Heard The Silence It Was artists. spent his youth growing up in North the way. Carroll, it cemented their skills for Walton’s thrilling Belshazzar’s Feast, Deafening’ - a track inspired by the Hilton made his name in the British Shields, he is able to connect with North Producing all their own material, such writing first-rate tracks. featuring the Reg Vardy Band and a majestic landscape and atmosphere of rock scene as guitarist for legendary East audiences in a way that not many as the 1979 hit ‘The Sound of The In 40 years The Members have special Festival Chorus drawn from Iceland. Other standout tracks are the sixties group, The Animals. For many, artists can. As a solo artist, Valentine has Suburbs’, the band are touring again to collaborated with the likes of Legend leading local choirs. The “world’s best relentless indie grooves of ‘You Broke The Animals were a quintessentially amassed a strong fan-base worldwide mark 40 years in the business. of the Dammed artist Rat Scabies, who brass band”, The Cory Band will also My Heart When You Kissed Her’ and British rock act who paved the way for and continues to perform Animals The 2008 Glastonbury and Isle of worked with the band successfully for present the type of traditional brass the Donna Summer/Kim Wilde beats generations of musicians. classics. Having already been inducted Wight performers have achieved huge three years. And JC Carroll is the bands’ band sound which has seen them of ‘Can’t Give You Up’. It’s a positive Valentine himself has been awarded into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in milestones in their career, with eight multi-instrumentalist and film composer, win the European, British National, statement of intent for a band that numerous accolades within the music 1994, Hilton also earned a spot on albums and world-wide tours. who has individually contributed British Open and Brass in Concert obviously have a very bright future. industry and has since continued on Hollywood’s Rock Walk of Fame. 2014 saw The Members complete towards their notable success. titles in a single year. This year’s festival Their influences are wide and varied, with his solo work, which has been Hilton Valentines’ performance will take a coast to coast tour of the US - The Members play the Cowpen Club, also includes a play-along screening but they have been described as like highly-acclaimed by fans and critics alike. place on Saturday 17th June at the newly their first US tour in 32 years. The Billingham on Friday 9th June with of iconic film ‘Brassed Off’, where Debbie Harry fronting classic New His solo work has, of course, a more renovated Georgian Theatre in Stockton, completion of this tour proved that the support from The Fuckwits and Snide brass players can bring their own Order mixed with Future Islands to stripped down sound but it certainly with a minimum age limit of 18. band were capable of pulling out the Remarks. instruments to rehearse and play along create a unique and beguiling sound. proves to be moving and hard-hitting. Tickets are priced at £12.00 in stops for an unbeatable performance. Tickets, priced at £8.00 in advance, are in the company of professional brass You can check them out at the Surf Audiences can expect a smaller, more advance or £15.00 on the door. For 2015 marked a fifth album release for available from the Cowpen Club, Sound players. Cafe, Tynemouth on Sunday 25th June intimate show than you’d expect from more information about the event, the band, with guest appearances from It Out Records, and wegottickets.com. For more information and tickets visit and the gig is free. an Animals gig, with Valentine taking and to purchase tickets, head to Guy Pratt and former Jam guitarist brassfestival.co.uk. centre stage in venues that have more teesmusicalliance.org.uk.

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NE VOLUME CULTURE CORNER NE VOLUME CULTURE CORNER DANCE: CULTURAL MILONGA AT THEATRE ROYAL, NEWCASTLE EVENT: Written by Tyler Moore THE DARLINGTON RUM

Choreographed by the critically- EXPERIENCE acclaimed SidiLarbiCherkaoui, ‘Milonga’ Written by Thomas Anderson is a stunning innovation of tango, contemporary dance and live music. Here’s one for all of you rum lovers out Leading choreographer, Associate Artist, there. The award-winning Voodoo Cafe in and Olivier Award Winner, Cherkaoui to the audience: “I like how the energy performers, including superstar Nelida Darlington will be hosting a full day rum made a name through exploring between two people tells us more than Rodriguez de Aure, Cherkaoui unites festival on Saturday 18th June. Diplomatico and St Abbs all showcasing If the event is a success, Voodoo Cafe unknown territory and stamping his mark just an individual expressing himself”, says a traditional influences, Argentinean and ‘The Darlington Rum Experience’ is a their range of drinks for the day. During owner Les Fry noted there will be: on different styles of movement and talented Cherkaoui. contemporary dancers, and musicians, free admission event with the option the course of the event, the main focus “plans to host another festival around dance. In the extraordinary and unique The show is the first international large- resulting in a seductive and fascinating to buy a ticket for £20.00, which will will be on Caribbean rum with famous September and maybe even later in the show ‘Sutra’, he merged the culture and scale production about tango directed by a exploration of tango for the 21st century. give you access to six different rums companies from the industry giving tasters year”. In terms of the Voodoo Cafe itself, martial artistry of Chinese Buddhist non-Argentine artist, allowing the country’s The evocative and unique show has won that you can drink on the day from the and seminars. Rum promoters will also the Mexican restaurant was listed in the Monks with a set of only 21 wooden famed background to be portrayed from an much praise with The Daily Telegraph estimated 100 available options. The be mixing cocktails, as well as showcasing World’s Best Bars as ‘The Best Latin boxes. The result: unbelievable and wholly alternative, cultural perspective. calling it ‘A very beautiful show indeed’ range of rums will be showcased by reclusive rums such as Rhum Agricole from Restaurant Outside of London’. The original. Milonga is no exception. The Belgian choreographer has had a and the Guardian branding it ‘One of a number of promoters from various Martinique (a rare, earthy tasting rum made building also doubles up as a music venue, After travelling to the late night bars passion for tango since the very beginning SidiLarbiCherkaoui’s most touching and iconic rum companies, most of whom from tropical sugar canes) that are usually providing a stage for upcoming bands and of Buenos Aires and experiencing the of his career. He says: “What attracts me entertaining shows’. will be at the event to talk to drinkers hard to get hold of. There will also be of cause offering a selection of imported power, sensuality and sheer beauty most about tango is the eternal embrace Milonga runs from Friday 16th-Saturday about each of the beverages on offer. And Caribbean food on offer and hula dancers drinks. For further information head to of tango, Cherkaoui was inspired to of the dancers,” something which he 17th of June. Tickets, priced from £16.00, there’s certain to be something for all on the street to keep everyone entertained facebook.com/texmexdarlington. produce a show that expressed the encapsulates in his dance. are available from theatreroyal.co.uk. tastes, with companies such as Pussers, throughout the course of the day. same level of intimacy and dynamism Collaborating with 17 immensely talented

STAGE: STAGE: THE SONS OF PITCHES HEADS UP AT SAGE, GATESHEAD AT ARC, STOCKTON Written by Sarah-Jayne Smith Written by Paul Kemp Photography by Jassy Earl Set to play at the Sage in the heart of Gateshead, The Sons of Pitches are Where will you be at the end of the back with a brand-new show for 2017. world? Does your mind ever venture The group, who formed back in 2010, into the unthinkable? What would you consists of acapella and beatbox do with yourself and the knowledge connoisseurs Joe Novelli, Joe Hinds, that all is about to end? Jamie Hughes, Joe Belham, Josh Mallett Scottish writer, Kieran Hurley will and Midé Naike. includes performances centred on TV, extensively - playing to over 20,000 be shedding a creative light on However, it was not until 2015 when panel and quiz shows all with a quirky and people – with their brand-new show this question with his upcoming been mostly positive with some reviewers and at the end you can pay as little or they won BBC 2’s The Naked Choir, innovative twist. for 2017 seeing them head right across performance at ARC in Stockton. The calling it: “Superb storytelling theatre”, as much as you feel the piece deserves. hosted by Gareth Malone, that things However, the boys haven’t forgotten the UK to peform at venues in London, setting will be a city much like ours, “Acutely observed ferociously powerful Although, I would recommend that you really started to take off. how hard it was to get here and the Brighton, Liverpool, Birmingham, Leeds, in a time that seems all too familiar. storytelling”, and “Urgent, compelling, dig deep and support artists like Kieran One of the premier vocal groups of problems they faced along the way. The Bristol and of course, Gateshead. But in this city, the world is about to beautiful writing.” These words ring a Hurley.‘Heads Up’, directed by Julia their time, The Sons of Pitches have group, who worked their way up by The Sons of Pitches are heading end. Hurley’s piece, named ‘Heads Up’, promising tone in my ear and I’m excited Taudevin and Alex Swift and starring won countless awards for their work busking and playing in bars and clubs, have for success, and with their highly- will explore the stories of the kind of to see how this performance goes down Kieran Hurley, will take place at ARC and have even become viral sensations been working to give something back - anticipated show coming to the Sage things that would crop up in such a in front of a passionate Teesside audience. in Stockton on Thursday 8th June at with their videos getting millions of offering vocal workshops to schools and in Gateshead on Monday 5th June it is situation.This fascinating performance For those who aren’t aware, this 7:00pm. views on social video sharing platform, community centres. The reason behind it not one to be missed. is coming to Stockton after a successful performance is part of ARC’s Pay What Tickets can be booked now at YouTube. is to inspire and encourage creativity in Tickets, priced from £26.70, are sell-out tenure at the Edinburgh Fringe You Decide scheme, which means there is arconline.co.uk or by calling the Box The tour will consist of shows the youth of today. available from sagegateshead.com. where Kieran won the Scotsman Fringe no set price for a ticket. All you need to Office directly on 01642 525199. celebrating the world of TV, which The Sons of Pitches have toured First Award. Reviews for the show have do is book your tickets, enjoy the show,

14 15 NE VOLUME CULTURE CORNER NE VOLUME CULTURE CORNER LITERATURE: ART: STOCKTON BOOK FAIR TEESSIDE-FOCUSED Written by Paul Kemp EXHIBITION OPENS AT They say a person who doesn’t read THE HERITAGE GALLERY, lives one life before they die, yet those who read live thousands. MIDDLESBROUGH On Saturday 17th June, Stockton will Artist: Alan Morley host its annual book fair which is open to all. The day is set to be filled with fun That other form of art from audio to things to do for all the family, including visual – painting, drawing and sculpture - meeting your favourite characters from has arrived at an old works office block region.The works on show span the years Music fans will be interested to know some of the world’s best-loved books. which has now transformed into smart from the 1950s when their HQ was in an songsmiths and musicians have tried out The events, which will be spread office space with an art gallery and bistro. old chapel on the site of Middlesbrough’s their material on the art society and between Stockton High Street and the The Heritage Gallery (formerly Cargo Dunning Road Police Station, situated over its audience at a number of exhibition Central Library Hub, will take place rest of the local community. You must And if you’re free, why not bring your Fleet Offices) on Middlesbrough Road, the road from the imposing Central Library. launches. The Art Societies next big show between 10:00am-4:00pm and will make sure the theme for your story is friends and family to The Stockton near Lawson Industrial Estate, is hosting The Cleveland Art Society now operates is their Summer Exhibition at Stokesley feature some big names in the world of Crossing the Tees. Entry forms can be Book Fair? a very strong exhibition of portraits and from Macmillan Academy and exhibit in Town Hall in August and they might be writing including best-selling children’s found on crossingthetees.org - good luck! It’s a great way to promote reading and figure studies. The exhibition has been most of Teesside’s principal art galleries and looking for some pleasant background author, Cathy Cassidy. The winner of the competition will have literature to people of all ages. curated by the Cleveland Art Society. museums. All of their shows enjoy a range music to accompany their evening, so go The book fair will also play host to the their story published in an anthology For further information about This group, made up of professionals of art talent from the not so good to the down and speak to Cleveland Art Society very first Crossing the Tees Short Story and will receive a £100 cash prize. The Stockton Book Fair and the Crossing and amateurs, has its roots in Victorian very, very good. Some of their professional members. The present exhibition at The Competition. So if you’re an aspiring first runner up will receive £75, and third the Tees Short Story Competition head iron and steel (before Teesside was a painters exhibit around the country in Heritage Gallery runs until Friday 9th author, creative writer or you just love place, a rather cozy £50. to arconline.co.uk. recognisable title) and is the group which major national competitions and also help June and can be viewed weekdays from writing in your spare time, now is your So whether you are in it for the fun or inspired the blossoming of so many teach and tutor students, old and young, 8:30am – 3:00pm. chance to share your story with the the prize, there’s something for everyone. other visual art groups throughout the who want to learn how to draw and paint.

ART: COMEDY: THE SHIPLEY ART BRENDAN RILEY GALLERY CELEBRATES + DAVE TWENTYMAN CENTENARY YEAR AT THE VULCAN INN,

For 100 years the Shipley Art Gallery WINLATON has been at the heart of Gateshead’s Photography by Andy Hollingworth cultural life. To celebrate, Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums has secured a Fancy a laugh before the election makes grant of £59,800 from the Heritage us feel more stressed than Donald at his own venue. His previous experience Riley and Manchester comedian Dave Lottery Fund (HLF) to programme a collection. Later significant acquisitions ‘Visions of Gateshead’. Trump’s barber? Well the antidote to with establishing a highly successful open Twentyman; it promises to be a cracker year of special exhibitions and events include William C Irving’s (1866-1943)’The A new ‘Creator Space’ will invite visitors election fatigue is here! ‘Mic Live Comedy mic night for musicians prompted Colin for the club’s regulars and newbies that will reflect on the Shipley’s 100 year Blaydon Races’. to get creative in a new, sociable,making - Gateshead’s newest comedy venture - to apply the same formula to his planned alike. Here’s what reviewers said about history and lay the foundations for the The 2017 Centenary also marks the 40th space with self-led and facilitated celebrates its fourth monthly run out on comedy venture. The opening night saw the bill for the night; On Mike Milligan: next 100 years. anniversary of the first acquisition to the activities. In the autumn a display in the the eve of Polling Day, on Wednesday 7th Mike as resident Compere with Radio “Snappy, sharp and packed full of belly The Shipley was built during the First Shipley’s contemporary craft collection, Shipley Lounge will explore the history June. Situated in the Vulcan public house Newcastle’s Alfie Joey and award-winning laughs, Mike Milligan stole the show” World War and opened on the 29th which is now one of the UK’s most of the Shipley and tell the story of its in Winlaton, it’s the brainchild of publican, funnyman, John Scott. The next month Edinburgh Evening News. On Brendan November 1917. A Grade II listed, significant collections of glass, ceramics, construction during the First World War. and comedy fan, Colin Thompson. attendees enjoyed the talents of circuit Riley: “Incredibly refreshing - four stars” purpose-built gallery, the Shipley was metal, wood and textiles by British makers. Other events include talks by local Colin enlisted local comic Mike Milligan favourites and international comics Dave – Metro. On Dave Twentyman: “Affable, founded from a bequest by local A centenary programme of exhibitions historians, a community quilting project, to join the team and there have been Haddingham and Rahul Kohli. Finally, their quick-witted banter merchant” - Jason solicitor Joseph Shipley (1822 – 1909). and events includes ‘Companion Pieces’ a centenary themed ‘Shipley Lates’ and a some cracking nights; with strong bills most recent show showcased the talents of Manford. Upon its opening, the gallery housed (running until December), a showcase birthday tea party. of professional comics from the national local legends Lee Kyle and Michael Holford So give yourself a boost and get yourself 504 European Old Master paintings exhibition pairing diverse objects from the For further information head to circuit. Colin was inspired by watching and a genuinely ripping night was had by all! down to the North East’s newest and as well as Victorian paintings and Shipley collection based on themes such shipleyartgallery.org.uk. gigs at city centre comedy clubs and The up-and-coming show this month has a fastest comedy venue! watercolours from Joseph Shipley’s as ‘Adam and Eve’, ‘the Body Beautiful’ and wanted to bring such magic to audiences North West flavor, with Liverpool’s Brendan

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NE VOLUME ARTIST SPOTLIGHT NE VOLUME READERS’ THOUGHTS

“Do you feel anything can be On a smaller, unsigned level I don’t think done to attract more acts to there’s a problem as bands really enjoy playing here! However, I think the area the area? Or generally are you struggles to attract major acts, possibly due satisfied with the spread of artists to a lack of prestigious venues, but mostly because of attitudes towards the region who play the North East?” and its perceived unimportance when I am happy with how the North East compared to bigger cities. is progressing, so I have no complaints Joel Clayton, on the quality and spread. We are Middlesbrough cheap for parking, food and drink and ticket prices aren’t too bad either. It’s all very accessible and friendly. Simon Shaw, Middlesbrough

Small towns could never host major artists, but a strategically developed pub circuit will do wonders for the local economy and get local bands supporting visiting bands. I’d start I think there’s a great variety of artists ‘Rockworks’ - a structured network brought in from good promoters in our re- ARTIST SPOTLIGHT for all local venues in the area. gion. Bands want to broaden their following “We really wanted to contribute and raise the profile Peter Kirkham, Hartlepool too so travelling to our area is a worthwhile cause and most of the time it’s a great way MAUSOLEUMS of electronic music in the North East” to network. Heather Story, Newcastle Written by Thomas Anderson used to be a blank slate - you could basically used to be in. The kind of electroclash/ do whatever you wanted without a lot of electronica/minimal wave vibes are a Newcastle-based electronic two-piece, the constraints of other genres because no lot stronger, and I think rhythmically it’s Mausoleums will be releasing their new one could really define what it was. It was generally a bit more angular. Vocal-wise EP ‘Into The Gyre’ this month with a more to do with creating a nebulously dark they’re rawer and Elliot sings about some launch show arranged at the Cumberland atmosphere. This atmospheric quality I think rawer stuff too.” Releasing an EP isn’t Arms stage of Northern Electric Festival, is in the EP, and the vocals take a lot of cues without its setbacks. About a year into READERS’ THOUGHTS in Newcastle, on Thursday 22nd June. from stuff like Crystal Castles.” writing the release, the computer they Teesside is lacking, Newcastle get WITH JAKE CARR SMITH Thomas Anderson caught up with The group describe the EP’s sound as a were using for production broke, with big acts, but for really big names you band member Simeon Soden who is combination of ‘Plane, Crystal Castles, the hard drive disk shattering. They lost often have to travel to Manchester if also founder of the local IDM group Psychic Rites and Youth Signal’. With the EP half of the tracks, but managed to piece not London. The bigger cities attract the bigger acts unfortunately, and it’s and Kanedo Records - a North East in production for over two years, starting together bits of the memory, which is a geographical issue which can’t really electronic label. He’s been into electronic just a week after their first self-titled EP where the track ‘Winter’ came from. be helped. We need more big stadia and more music since age 13, with his main was released back in 2014, the group use The two-piece provide something a little Craig Hetherington, Thornaby music venues that would be willing influences including artists such as Aphex a range of hardware to create their sound, different for the local scene. They are There needs to be more medium to to properly promote and pay to have Twin and Boards of Canada: ranging from Yamaha drum machines to part of a new, thriving electronic scene in high-level venues. I can think of three up-and-coming original acts. “IDM stuff really drew me in early on Commodore 64’s: “Working with physical the North East. Simeon noted that he set off the top of my head and they’re Jonathan Honour, Newcastle with their intricate percussion, glitches hardware is a completely different process up the label to add to the ever-growing all in Newcastle. We need evenly and textural layers. Production-wise this to using software because you have to learn scene: “We really wanted to contribute spread venues with more than a few still influences me subtly, in the choice the characteristics of how it sounds, and and raise the profile of electronic music hundred capacity to accommodate of synth sounds and the workflow working within its more limited parameters in the North East. I think Newcastle has bigger bands. Elliot Bartram, Stockton of using a lot of hardware. As well as shapes what you compose. It makes you a really strong clubbing scene and a lot of The North East and in particular letting the properties and limitations use what you have more creatively, to people are interested in electronic music Teesside has quite an indie dominated Sometimes I do have to travel really influence how things sound, overcome its more limited capabilities. It but I think the gig scene is still more scene with regards to frequent shows, for gigs, but I am satisfied by the so sometimes travelling is the only Steve Reich’s minimalist approach also pushes you to do more interesting things,” dominated with more rocky stuff.” artists that do gig here. Newcastle option to find something that appeals resonated with me and I would say that added Simeon. For further information about the have had big acts in the past and to me a bit more! massively affected how I structure things. “This EP is lot grander in scale: there are a release, and to keep up-to-date with some decent intimate gigs too. Justine Carrick, Billingham 80s minimal wave is another massive lot of the same ideas and influences floating the world of Mausoleums, head to There’s not much going on in influence, and you can hear that in the around, but everything is just a bit fuller and Mausoleums.bandcamp.com. Teesside though, which is a shame! Mikey Knowles, Stockton synths and the drum patterns. I was better formed. It’s actually kind of gone back drawn to witch house as a genre as it to some stuff we used to do in a band we

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LIFE OF VINYL IS LOOKING TO EXPAND WILLOWMAN FESTIVAL 2017

“We would like to expand in the very near future so won the BBC Radio 3 Award for World Music and their last Written by Jake Brown Written by Jake Brown we can also offer framed records/covers and a range of release, 2013’s’Kabatronics’, is a fantastic collaboration with Vinyl is back! Sales of vinyl are at a 25-year high and personalised gifts and related items”. As spring draws to a close all eyes are on the upcoming Albanian brass band Fanfara Tirana. the Guardian reported in 2016 that vinyl sales had The rise in vinyl sales has seen many new bands and summer, and particularly festival season. Whilst the eyes of Elsewhere on the Friday night, there are a multitude of overtook digital downloads for the first time in history. artists release their work on record as well as CD and the nation will be on the larger festivals like Glastonbury special acts such as Bad Fractals - a London trio who go by Gone are the days when vinyl collecting had become download, and this inspired a decision from the shop and Reading & Leeds, there are tonnes of smaller festivals the monikers of Bang Crosby, Astral Oz and Fred Ashtray an embarrassing hobby of your dads, vinyl is finally back two years ago to start to stock new vinyl: “Our new that are hoping to take advantage of the surge in popularity - and renowned dance DJ, Judge Jules who will who will be in trend. vinyl range has expanded significantly from stocking of niche festivals in recent years. One of these festivals is playing Willow Wobbly on the Friday evening. Also on the up are independent record stores; they’ve just 100 titles initially to now having almost 3,000,” says Willowman. Come Saturday night, the main stage will play host to the been fighting with high street retailers like HMV and Debbie -something which has seen sales rocket in the Started in 2009, Willowman showcases the best of national world famous Soul II Soul with the two-time Grammy are finally reaping the rewards for it. One of these last 12 months as a new generation discovers the joy and local talent for 3 days in June. The 2016 line-up award-winning soul collective bringing massive hits like stores is Life of Vinyl, which sits in the Thornaby of records. The Life of Vinyl online store achieves much consisted of Punk legends The Undertones, Ska-pop heroes ‘Back to Life’ and ‘Keep on Movin’’ to Willowman as well as Industrial Estate in Teesside and of the sales and the local business have The Beat, and Manchester outfit The Real People as well as other fan favourites. Also playing the main stage on Saturday stocks thousands of new and even processed orders from as far as local acts such as Kingsley Chapman & the Murder. night will be reggae group Leanne & The Radix and groove old vinyl at very reasonable Mongolia. Whether you like to mosh The 2017 line up follows the same rock trio Blackballed who will be bringing prices. Take a quick glance at “OUR NEW VINYL out to Sex Pistols or layback and listen structure of local, national and their beards and waistcoats to a field in “WILLOWMAN Northallerton. For fans of a more chilled- their website (lifeofvinyl.com) RANGE HAS EXPANDED to Beethoven, this store has something international talent. Whilst most and you’ll see they offer many for every taste as it holds music from festivals tend to stick to one genre SHOWCASES THE BEST out tendency, the acoustic area will feature different pressings of classic SIGNIFICANTLY” everyone from 70s folk rockers America to avoid alienating fans, Willowman a whole host of acts to suit your mood. In records, ranging from the newly to Damon Albarn’s electronic side does quite the opposite: the acts this OF NATIONAL AND addition, new this year is the Sub Rosa dance remastered versions to a more project, Gorillaz. year are as diverse as ever, with the tent. The Spanish phrase Sub Rosa, when vintage nostalgic feel with an early pressing. If you’re not looking to add to your vinyl collection at Friday night being headlined by the LOCAL TALENT” translated to English, means ‘under the rose’ Being a family-run business really helps the store have a the moment Life of Vinyl’s website offers a fantastic self-described ‘Pyro circus massive’ – so details about the party in the dance tent welcoming feeling, and manager Debbie noted: “We’ve selection of music and vinyl-based art and photography, Slamboree whose debut album is incoming. Their single, are undisclosed, at the time of writing. got a great team here; some of the staff are teens featuring iconic shots of The Who guitarist Pete ‘Cheeky Peppers’ comes across like a traditional folk band With it being the final day of the festival, Sunday’s main stage so we’ve got to teach them everything starting from Townshend and legendary glam rocker, Marc Bolan. ramped up to top speed with a brilliant female sung rap headliners Aswad serve to bring this fantastic weekend to putting the needle on the record!” The staff make sure However, in my opinion, the pick of the bunch is a verse slung over the top for good measure. a mellow close bringing their 21 albums worth of reggae all records on sale are catalogued and photographed: brilliant acrylic painting of gravelly voiced singer Joe Also on the main stage for the Friday night will be and R&B material to the countryside of North Yorkshire. “which keeps them very busy,” jokes Debbie.Life of Cocker by artist Peter Marsh, and a wide variety of Transglobal Underground - a London-based collective who However, do not fear, if keeping things mellow is not Vinyl offers only the highest quality goods and makes framed vintage Melody Maker covers featuring stars merge western, African, and Asian music into an irresistible your type of thing then orchestral art rock band The Red sure all records are cleaned by their professional vinyl such as Bob Dylan and John Lennon. blend. They’re somewhat veterans of the music world, with Paintings will keep your ears ringing until Monday morning. cleaning machines, a service that Debbie hopes to As youth culture is currently in a frenzy for all things their debut album ‘Dream of 100 Nations’ being released in To complete the Sunday main stage acts are rock trio The broaden in the future: “It’s for anyone who wants to vintage, vinyl sales show no signs of slowing down so 1993 and reaching 45 in the UK albums chart at the time, Brew and Little Men. have their whole collection in tip-top condition”. the future of Life of Vinyl and other independent stores but their fan base has refused to die down. Many people Willowman Festival as ever promises to be three days of sun, Nothing is wasted at Life of Vinyl, as any damaged looks bright. might remember their track ‘Temple Head’ which was used music and good times and is an event you really won’t want vinyl is made into vinyl-related artwork including a For further information head to lifeofvinyl.com now. by Coca-Cola for their advertisements in the run up to to miss. stunning Jimi Hendrix piece that adorns the walls; and the 1996 Olympic Games. Their use of music from across For further information about Willowman Festival, and to this recycling is something Debbie hopes to carry on: the globe has earned them immense respect. In 2008, they purchase tickets, head to willowmanfestival.co.uk.

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COXHOE FESTIVAL 2017 DURHAM BLUES FESTIVAL 2017

off at 4:00pm with 3 acoustic acts, with the first being The Written by Thomas Anderson Before we know it summer will be upon us, and by popular • Brian Rawson Band - a Glasgow-based contemporary Shaw:Clark project - a folk-rock duo from Northumberland. Photography by Howy White demand, so will this festival. Durham Blues, Rhythm and Rock blues band that have appeared at a number of Blues Described as an ‘Acoustic Jefferson Airplane meets Fairport Festival returns to the city this month for its seventh year, festivals throughout the UK and Ireland! The frontman of a North East punk-folk band will be Convention’, they will be playing a variety of eclectic covers with a line-up that should appeal to music lovers of all ages launching a new music festival this month in Coxhoe, a and original songs. Next up on the acoustic front will be in and around the North East. The legendary Dr Feelgood The Blues Cafe Acoustic Stage will host: small village east of Durham, to raise money for local animal another duo in Mulholland, hailing from York. The two-piece is set to headline the festival, which will take place at the • Husky Tones - punk-blues style favours the common charities. Rob Jones, of Driven Serious, came up with the are more on the country side of the spectrum with a great Gala Theatre in Durham on Saturday 17th June, and sees rawness, simplicity and emotion shared between the punk idea last year when he proclaimed he was to organise repertoire of original alt-country tracks, packed with guitars, 11 different artists take to the stage – six performing on and blues genres! Coxhoe’s first ever festival at Active Life, the village’s leisure melodic harmonies and violins. Broken Symmetry will be the Main Stage and five on a more serene Acoustic Stage. • Mike Ross - fuzzed up, fierce and full frontal fiery attack centre. A year later, and his vision has became a reality with the final acoustic act. They’re a North East post-punk band, Formed on Canvey Island in Essex in the early 1970s, Dr coupled with sexy smooth slidin’ southern soul from this Coxhoe Festival taking place on Saturday 17th June. providing a well-needed build up the harder bands playing Feelgood remains one of the most popular and exciting Northern force of nature! The festival, which Rob hopes will become a yearly event, later in the night. The outfit will be performing a stripped- live rhythm and blues acts in the world. The raw and • Dr Blue - the real deal and was once reviewed as ‘the boasts seven live acts over eight hours, with bars, craft stalls, back acoustic set of their usual, energetic and bouncy punk uncompromising style of their performance resulted in the bastard son of Tom Waits and Howling’ Wolf’ which a hog roast and vegetarian cuisine also tunes. The madness that is The-Dirty-Stop- album ‘Stupidity’ that immediately went to the number one remains in the vicinity of the event, along with Outs will also be hitting the stage later on. position in the UK charts. They have also enjoyed global his favourite description of himself! various entertainment taking place “I’M NOT TAKING THE EASY The wacky punk outfit from Cambridgeshire success with a string of hit singles including ‘Roxette’, ‘Back in • AJK James - plays Welsh blues and sings songs about time until midnight. And all profits from the AND OBVIOUS ROUTE OF aim to get the festival bouncing with a the Night’, ‘Milk and Alcohol’, ‘Going Back Home’ and ‘See You travel and the sea. His hobbies include transactional physics, event will go to Stray Aid - a Coxhoe- HIRING ALL TRIBUTE OR hard-hitting punk/ska set that is bound to Later Alligator’ – which gave the group growing beards and eating! based charity that support stray cats get everyone moving. The-Dirty-Stop-Outs their first gold record. • George Shovlin and the Radars - the band and dogs. It will be the first time Active COVER BANDS” will be followed by Ramble Gamble - an “FESTIVAL-GOERS has been re-invigorated by the break in Life Leisure Centre, a registered alternative gypsy-folk band from Scunthorpe. The Main Street Stage will host: their career and they are back, with a charity, has been used as a festival venue. The live music will They’re a band that offers a refreshing, folk- • Dr Feelgood - they have toured CAN EXPECT TO SEE hunger, excitement and ambition! be hosted within the sports hall, with a 300-person capacity, filled wave of guitar, mandolin and double bass; with uplifting extensively throughout the world TOP CLASS LIVE and parts of the festival will also be located underneath a and melodically synchronised Mumford & Son-esque vocals. for a few decades now and With this calibre of artist stepping on stage, large marquee to keep the event waterproof. Rob Jones Opening up for the headline act is Jake and the Jelly Fish continue PERFORMANCES” festival-goers can expect to see top class live said: “Active life in Coxhoe is actually an excellent venue for - an in-your-face punk-ska group from Leeds armed with to enjoy global success! performances! There will be no need to worry events in almost every aspect. The idea is to bring a festival trumpets and an anti-establishment attitude. Headlining will • Aynsley Lister - an incredible guitarist whose brand of about searching for food and drinks on the day either as there atmosphere to a village that doesn’t tend to experience be Driven Serious. They’re a critically-acclaimed Durham blues-based rock delivers contemporary song writing will be a range of alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, real ales it. I’m not taking the easy and obvious route of hiring all folk-rock band whose authentic and gritty style has fuelled with heart and soul! available and a varied menu that should meet everyone’s taste! tribute or cover bands too as I have faith that people will landed them main stage slots at a range of festivals such as • Kyla Brox - a stunning example of the soul singer’s art: Don’t miss out on Durham Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival come to enjoy original acts of the highest quality. Music Richmond Live and Consett festival. turning up the heat by degrees, lulling and charming before 7 on Saturday, 17 June at Gala Theatre, Durham. For ticket lovers just need to research and see what is going on in Tickets, priced at £15.00 in advance (for over 16s), are unleashing emotional catharsis! information, line-up details, and general information relation the North East and it doesn’t take long to find that many available from Active Life in Coxhoe or drivenserious.com. • Debbie Bond – singer, guitar player and songwriter Debbie to the festival please head to durhambluesfestival.co.uk or are just as exciting and impressive as those on the main The price for U16s, unemployed, OAPs and students is has been paying her dues in the Alabama backwoods for galadurham.co.uk. stage at Glastonbury. There is only space for a few at the £5.00. Remember, all the proceeds of the festival will go to over 30 years! Tickets can also be purchased by calling 01472 349 222. And top, but you can find a huge amount of hard working talent Stray Aid - a Coxhoe-based charity that support stray cats • Red Butler - rising UK rock-blues band influenced by the don’t be late. Doors open at 1:30pm and the music starts at that hasn’t won the coin toss at the smaller festivals and and dogs. likes of Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Foo Fighters and SRV and 2:00pm, ending at 10:00pm. Coxhoe is an incredible place to start.” The event will kick winners of the UK Blues Challenge in 2015.

24 25 SunnisideLIVE @sunnisidelive sunnisidelive NE VOLUME MAIN FEATURE // SEATON ROCKS 2017 NE VOLUME MAIN FEATURE // SEATON ROCKS 2017

“A VERY STRONG LINE UP, UNLIKE ONE WE’VE EVER SEEN BEFORE IN SEATON CAREW!” Written by Thomas Anderson band, Cast. The Britpop legends, who The White Negroes will be taking the headlined the sold out Stockton Calling stage too. A Hartlepool band, known for A day-long music festival will be launching event in Teesside just last April, released their ‘hands in the air’ club rock anthems on Seaton Carew seafront next month, a new album earlier this year. Irish are, as they describe: “Like stadium rock in featuring three big headline acts, with garage blues band, The Strypes will be a working man’s club.” all the proceeds going to a local cancer playing alongside them. They’re a band charity. self-proclaimed to be an: “Elvis Costello, Dig the old Breed will be also be there. Dr Feelgood, pub rock vein”. Indie band They’re another Hartlepool band who will Seaton Rock, a ticket-only festival, will Space, who were big in the 90s and still be playing all the classics from the rock ‘n’ be taking place on Saturday 1st July and continue to wow audiences, will also be roll era ranging from The Who to Inspiral 100% of the profits made from the event paying a visit with their over-the-top post- Carpets. will go to Miles for Men - a cancer charity punk vintage soundtrack sounding hits. based in Hartlepool. With a very strong Teesside singer Craig Carter - a Of cause there’s Hartlepool rockers The line up, unlike one we’ve ever seen before contestant on popular TV show The Voice Endeavours too - another great original in Seaton Carew, organiser Ian Young is - will also be making a guest appearance. band who will be smashing out rock- looking at a big turn out: The Billingham lad has over 700,000 views blues-soul pieces. on You Tube and made it to the quarter “We’ve got a large, proper festival stage. finals on the live talent show this year. This is the first festival of its kind in There’s going to be bars and a fun fair, Seaton Carew. Organiser, Ian, decided to because I want it more family-orientated There’s a huge variety of local bands launch the event after realising the lack of as well. If people want to take their kids on stage too. Central Parade, a North bigger bands coming to the area: along then go for it, that’s what it’s all East indie rock/soul band, will be playing. about. I’m really hoping for a sell out, I They’re a popular unsigned act on the “There are lot of good local bands, but really am.” local circuit right now, who R&B legend not many bigger bands that come here, Geno Washington described as: “The best and that’s why I decided on the line-up. It’s Ian doesn’t promote full-time, but rather new band I have seen in over 20 years.” good value for money compared to other spends most of his time after work events in the area and it’s going to be a involved with live music: Sunderland punk-pop band Fire Lady Luck, fun day out in the sun for everyone.” who are currently on a massive North “It all started off as a hobby, and I work East tour right now, will also be stopping The festival has a capacity of up to 5000, for a living. I’d rather do things for charity by. Their sound is upbeat, young and fresh. with the organizers hoping for a turn-out than do things for profit. I personally of at least 3000. A sell out would mean enjoy meeting the artists, as some of the Middlesbrough legends King Mojo, hailing over £125,000 being raised through ticket artists I’ve known from my childhood, so from Eston, will also be down. Their sound sales, with general admissions being priced it’s good to actually meet them.” draws influence from the fuzzy 60’s era at £25.00. With such a great line-up and and energetic punk of the 70’s. They too good cause, it’s bound to be one of the Seaton Rock has been in the making for are popular on the local circuit and have biggest local events this year. five months so far. Ian and his team have played national shows in major cities such been contacting bands and live agencies, as Liverpool and Plymouth, to name a few. Tickets, priced at £25.00, are available and managed to get ten bands on board. from seatonrock.com. Headlining will be multi-platinum selling

28 29 NE VOLUME FEATURES NE VOLUME FEATURES

STAXTONBURY 2017 TUTORS AT AMS GATESHEAD SET TO PLAY A UNIQUE TEESSIDE GIG

Of particular interest to NE Volume are the musical Coverdale and Dave Stewart.” He continues: “ I see Written by Damian Robinson Photography by Matthew Greener elements of the festival, and as standard to the festival kids every day that could be the next Ed Sheeran, Adele No matter which way you chose to vote in this month’s over 50 bands will appearing at the event across 5 stages. This month there is a unique gig happening in The or Jake Bugg and now with places like ours there is general election (should you decide to do so of course), And whilst not keen to single out any one band, Ray Georgian Theatre, Stockton. On Friday 30th June Nick somewhere for these kids to go and really perfect their perhaps only the Tin Man would be heartless enough to wanted to draw attention to renowned blues-guitarist Harper, the son of legendary guitarist Roy Harper, will craft and learn about the industry. There was nothing scorn the reasoning behind Jeremy Corbyn’s decision Chaz de Paulo who is flying over from America based be joined on stage By Rev Hammer and Dan Donnelly. like that when I was a kid. I had to drop out and go on to offer four new Bank Holidays should Labour be on the strength of a recommendation from regular Harper is a legend in his own right, but the two latter the road, wet behind the ears.” elected to power. Put simply, ‘Jezza’ makes the very performers, Shamrockers. Equally important, and musicians are especially interesting because of what Since opening in 2009, The Academy of Music and Sound straightforward statement that: “there is so much supporting the theme of Stackers, this year’s festival will they do for aspiring musicians. Rev Hammer (also North East - situated in Gateshead High Street near the insecurity in people’s lives that having more breaks and provide a greater opportunity for younger local bands known as Steve Ryan) is the principal of a Company Sage - has gone from strength to strength. It has slowly spending time with your family and loved ones can only to be involved in the festival across its duration: “It’ll be called The Academy of Music and Sound. Dan Donnelly filled with talent until it is quite literally full every year. be a good thing”. Without getting overly sentimental, exciting to give the opportunity to some of our local runs the North East branch of The Academy of Music This is no mean feat given that there are huge colleges the point is well made and supported in droves by bands who might have only played at smaller pubs before and Sound, where he and other like Gateshead College and Newcastle College in the medical evidence which suggests and see how they play in a larger venue. musicians with some profile teach area. “The thing that sets us apart from that (for most of us) spending time We hope that this might provide them with young people how to succeed “OUR INDUSTRY LINKS these big colleges is our staff,” says Dan. with people we feel close to brings “WE TEND TO FIND THAT inspiration to really go out and try to do in the music industry. They offer “Our guys are actual musicians that are considerable health benefits. PEOPLE GET TO KNOW well in their bands”. level three qualifications in music WITHIN THE ACADEMY making and releasing records with actual Focused almost entirely around the Should you need further motivation to performance and music production success, those other places are full of theme of creating opportunities for EACH OTHER AND COME pop your head in and say hello, it may right the way up to master’s ARE OF MOST USE TO actual teachers that don’t have music families to spend time together (as BACK THE NEXT YEAR TO help to realise that Stackers has a strong degrees for aspiring music industry OUR STUDENTS” careers. Our industry links within the well as finding ways to contribute MEET BACK UP” charity heritage and has donated proceeds professionals. academy are of most use to our students. to local charities), Manor Farm’s from previous festivals to local charities Donnelly, who has his own career We have secured management deals Staxtonbury (“Stackers” to its including local churches, sports clubs and as a singer-songwriter, is also lead guitarist and backing and publishing deals for some of our students and one friends) returns on Friday 7th July for its ninth year. Built scout groups. Perhaps it’s this good will and family-friendly vocalist for The Wonder Stuff who only last year had band formed in the Academy are enjoying a real buzz around an environment including over 50 concessions atmosphere which has led to the success of Stackers and a top 40 album in ‘30 Goes Around The Sun’. He and at the minute. The Fletcher Jackson Band all attend and free children’s activities, such as an arts and crafts its growing reputation as one of the places for families to other musicians with a similar profile have banded here and we have had 2 separate major labels down marquee, tennis, football and golf coaching, Farmer Toms’ spend time together. together to share their knowledge of the industry to the building to see them play in the last year. We Haystack play area and the under 12’s disco, Stackers As Ray says: “The festival has grown through being really with those following in their footsteps. Among his staff have record producers, label bosses, remixers and big offers a range of opportunities to succeed with the friendly and we tend to find that people get to know are Barry Hyde (singer and guitarist with Sunderland names at the end of the phone if we need advice for Festival’s intention to provide an atmosphere which is each other and come back the next year to meet back post punk heroes The Futureheads) and Micky Crystal our students. You won’t get that at any other college!” family-friendly and safe. up. We’ve never really had to advertise the festival as it’s (guitar Whizz-kid with Tyneside rock legends The Tygers If you are interested in Applying to The Academy call Speaking with NE Volume, co-organiser Ray Roberts grown by word of mouth. A reputation like that is hard of Pan Tang). As a student with these guys, you not only 01914787879 or emaildan.donnelly@academyofmusic. was keen to underline the Festival’s heritage: “I love to to come by and we’re happy to have one.” All of us at NE get a respected qualification but you get the wisdom ac.uk and arrange an audition. see the kids play on the hay bales and dance with their Volume hope that after all of their good work, Ray and and experience of musicians who have been there, If you are interested in heading to the gig just keep grannies. Last year, we had a grannie who was 88 dancing the festival continue with their reputation for a long time done that and bought the t-shirt. Friday 30th June free and you can ask Rev Hammer on the dance floor with a baby and I think those are to come, no matter which government we have. Dan says: “There is a massive wealth of musical talent and Dan Donnelly about The Academy yourself over the type of stories that make Staxtonbury unique and For further information about Staxtonbury, and to in the North East and there always has been! This a beverage after the show. Tickets are available from different to other festivals. It is a big family event”. purchase tickets, head to staxtonbury.com. place gave us Mark Knopfler, Sting, Chris Rea, David teesmusicalliance.org.uk.

30 31 AIN’T WWW.NEVOLUME.CO.UK/MAGAZINE NO PARTY LIKE A WARE ROOMS PARTY, WITH

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LittLe Bug RecoRdings pResents Durham The Radio Set Playing their Bella Union recorded debut EP

BRASS is back with an exciting programme of big, bold and brassy events for 2017. Surf Cafe Tynemouth brassfestival.co.uk Sunday 25th June from 6.30pm #DurhamBrass @durhamBrass /BrassInternationalFestival NE VOLUME INTERVIEWS NE VOLUME INTERVIEWS

Photography by PJ Images Photography by Graham-Flack

THE FIRELIGHT OPERA SERINETTE “You can’t beat playing in the North East” “Be prepared to get involved” Sunderland alternative rock band, The Firelight Opera are set to Teesside upbeat alternative rock/pop band, Serinette are release their latest album at the O2 Academy, Newcastle on Friday gearing up to play Willowman Festival near Thirsk this 9th June so Jack Dodsworth caught up with them for a little chat. month, so Jack Dodsworth caught up with lead singer, Louise GUADALUPE PLATA Radford to find out a bit more about how they’re getting What can fans expect from your latest album? prepared and also there’s talk about a new album. It’s a proper guitar album: it has meaningful lyrics, infectious “You expect the English to be a bit more reserved, but there were people melodies, catchy riffs, big solos, energetic drums and intricate How excited are you to be playing Willowman Festival 2017? harmonies. And what’s the overall mood of the band? dancing on tables and stage diving” We’re very excited to play. We love big festivals. Mudfest and Bringing some rock ’n’ roll voodoo We recorded the last two albums in bars…so what has been your favourite gig How does playing at home in the North East compare to ‘gigging’ We Are Family Festival were our favourites from last year but from Spain to Newcastle this month are Austin and in London. When you’re away to date and why? elsewhere? we’re really hoping that this will top it! Guadalupe Plata who play The Cluny, from home and on a budget you have to There was a show we did in Brazil in It’s always exciting to gig away from home but you can’t beat Newcastle on Monday 5th June. Lee record quickly, one take, maybe work all Recife during carnival. Brazil has an playing in the North East. We became the first local band to What can fans expect when you hit the stage at Willowman Allcock caught up with the band to talk night mixing, and get the thing made in amazingly rich musical culture and history headline the main stage of the O2 Academy in Newcastle last year, Festival? about Spaghetti Westerns, playing across two days or three. With this album, we and we weren’t expecting them to and we were blown away by the turnout. A Serinette show will always include energy, volume, and rock the world, and returning to the North had more time and we went in three respond the way they did to something with a bit of pop blended into a ball. Also, be prepared to get East. different visits. And, we were working with that’s quite distinct. There must have been Is there a particular song that you all just love to play together, involved! Raúl Perez, so we were working in our about 5 or 6,000 people there, and it was whether from this album or previous work? You hail from Ubeda, a town better language, living in the studio, recording in a great experience. So was the first time We’re all loving ‘This Mystery’ from the new album at the To any new listeners/new readers, could you explain your known as the backdrop to many a our pyjamas, and having a bit more time we played the UK, in New Cross, in South moment. The blast of energy we produce as we all kick in at the music in three sentences? Spaghetti Western movie. It must have to work out the songs, what worked and London. You expect the English to be a start feels amazing. We’re a female-fronted alternative rock/pop band. We have had a great influence on the music you what didn’t. (Laughing) The food’s better bit more reserved, but there were people nice harmonies and heavy grooves. We feel our tunes are produce? as well. dancing on tables and stage diving. For newcomers/new-readers, how would you summarise your pretty catchy and you can definitely dance to them. There’s a clear cinematic influence on the latest album within three words? music: those spaghetti Westerns, film noir Can you tell our readers and your fans a You played the Cluny back in September, Exciting, emotional and adventurous. You’re from the North, so how does it feel to be playing such from the 40s and 50s (we were listening little bit more about what to expect from so what was your favourite thing about a North-centric festival? to Duke Ellington’s ‘Anatomy of a Murder’ the new record... playing in the region? How do you relax before going on stage? Do you have any It always a pleasure to play any well-known festival, especially a lot during the recording, and ‘Ascenseur We’ve covered a song by Violeta Parra. The promoter was great and so was the before-gig rituals? Northern ones. There are so many great bands from the pour L’Echafaud’). And it’s true that the Violeta was a Chilean singer-songwriter, public. It was our last show of the tour We never relax. We usually spend our time looking for Chris. North so it’s nice to be asked to play. place we come from is there in the music folk historian and political activist wrote with our Irish brothers, the Bonnevilles He’s been known to go looking for a chip shop 10 minutes before we make - the drums of holy week, the scores of great songs - this is a song so it was a party. The people there are we’re due on stage. Do you have any upcoming tours or plans that fans can keep chains, all that mix of cultures in Andalucía, about lost love in the style of a mapuche really engaged, and warm. And it’s like the an eye out for? it has to come out in the music we make. lament. Pedro heard it in Chile and had Andalucía of England, I think, even down Do you have any future plans/tours that fans can get excited We’re finishing an album at the moment and we have a few to cover it as it’s got the blues in it. And to the way people from outside the about? short tours organised that are based around the release of You recorded your new self-titled album there’s a song with the most words region have trouble understanding the Our plan is to continue playing headline shows and festivals. We’ll it. Our next few gigs are in Newcastle at Think Tank? and The near your home in Andalusia...what was Pedro’s ever written, it’s rockabilly, and it accents - that happens to us as well! continue to release singles and music videos while we’re working Riverside. We always keep our instagram/fb/twitter up-to- the thinking behind that? And were there has quite a few instrumentals. on a second album! date with where we are, so please follow us. any advantages and disadvantages to Tickets, priced at £8.00, are available from recording in Andalusia rather than in the You’ve played right across the globe in thecluny.com. Tickets, priced at £6.00 in advance, are available from For further information about Willowman Festival, and to UK or America, for example? churches, in bordellos and in whisky ticketweb.co.uk. purchase tickets, head to willowmanfestival.co.uk.

34 35 NE VOLUME INTERVIEWS NE VOLUME INTERVIEWS

BILLY OCEAN NATALIE MCCOOL "The North East crowd must be the “You’re in for a fun night!” loudest crowd out there" Multi-instrumentalist, Natalie McCool heads to The Cluny 2, AVALANCHE PARTY Legendary R&B singer-songwriter,EMILY Billy Ocean heads to theMAGUIRE Newcastle on Thursday 16th March so Nathan Douthwaite Sage, Gateshead on Friday 7th April so Damian Robinson caught up with her to discuss her new album, the North East, “The lineup on our stage alone is worth the ticket” caught up with“When him. I started writing my ownand touring. songs the illness became There’s absolutely no wonder why We are indeed. We’ve just about Which other bands are you excited to Avalanche Party are so successful, finished the UK stint. The tour has see at the festival this year? You’re bringing your ‘Here You Are -a the complete Best of Tour’ to blessingYou’ve in just disguise” released your debut album, so what kind of reception with the band practically taking over been great so far. The UK gigs have The lineup on our stage alone is Gateshead. As your most recent album ‘Here You Are’ focuses has it received so far? the North of England in the past few really kicked on this year: there’s been worth the ticket with the Likes of Londonboth on bornthe songs singer-songwriter, that have influenced Emily you Youand alsothe songshad a fascinatingReally childhood, great. There has decision.been so muchMy manager positive atfeedback the time and was it’s months. Since April, they’ve played both some pretty rowdy shows all over the James Hewitson, Velvoir, Llovers, Ilser Maguirethat have makes become her your long-awaited greatest hits what canhaving we expect taught yourself howgreat to to play hear the which songsworried are personal it might favourites.end my career, I’m really but Stockton Calling and Newcastle’s Meet land, both in places we’ve never played etc and then there’s The Approved, journeyfrom the back show? to the North East guitar when you found happyyourself that stuck people at haveI understoodhad a single whereon Radio I’m 2coming and I wasfrom with The North festival, playing alongside before and old haunts. It’s been far from Samantha Durnan, Jister, Lovely Burn thisI always month play as as she many plays of thethe Clunyhits live 2, as I can.home When with you chronicare illness,it, with fibromyalgia the themes of heartbreaktouring and and having acceptance a bipolar and episode maturity. acclaimed bands such as Little Comets wack, Jack. and much more on other stages. It’s a Newcastlelucky enough on toSaturday have had 24th quite June. a few hits youpain must syndrome. accept That must have been a at the same time and I just decided I and local bands such as Velvoir. real testament to just how strong the Leethat Allcockthe fans caught want toup hear with them Emily and to I like playingdifficult them. time, I will but did learningThe tour how sees to you stoppingcouldn’t at many hide itdifferent anymore. UK cities...are Having recently brought out new single, You seem to have been super busy music scene is here, and to be asked to discussalso be changingdoing a few the songs big city off for the country ‘Here You Are’play album,the guitar but andas writethere songs any bring places a you haven’tIt was beenone ofbefore? the best decisions I’ve ‘I’m So Wet’ I’m excited to see what doing shows recently...have you been headline a festival like this with such a living,the album her childhood,reached No. and 4 fibromyalgiain the charts, the fansbit ofknow light them into theas darkness?I’m really looking forwardever to made. playing People at The said Cluny I was having brave heard but the band have created. Their previous writing as well? class lineup isn’t something we take for painwell assyndrome. the older ones. I got fibromyalgia pain sosyndrome many great after things aboutI didn’t that feel venue! brave, Newcastle I just felt isliberated. a beautiful single, ‘Solid Gold’ was an instant hit, We’re constantly writing and noodling granted. It’ll be killer. a car crash when I wascity. 16. II’d played played a Sofar SoundsSince therethen, lastI’ve yearbeen which able towas talk incredible. about with the track emitting nothing but an away. That’s not a problem. We’re YourYou seem story to is reallyan intriguing enjoy being one. Youon stage give and classicalperforming instruments live. when I was a it, sing about it, write about it, and do enthusiastic frenzy - a classic Avalanche currently prepping to record brand new Following the release of ‘Solid Gold’ last upIs playing your flat live in your London favourite for apart shack of beingmade a musician?kid but only got a guitarDo for you my think 21st you’ll trygigs do inany mental touristy health things hospitals. whilst on the tour? Party anthem. ‘Solid Gold’ is a track stuff after we get back from Europe and year, what can we expect from you this fromI really recycled enjoy playing wood, live.tin andWhen potato I am on the stagebirthday hearing because the I was Wellobsessed we had with a good lookStigma around only on has our power last tour if you so panderthis time to that’s stadium-worthy, exuding pure we’re really looking forward to it. There upcoming year? sackscrowd on sing a farmalong out to inthe the songs Australian it’s a great feeling.Bob WhenMarley I andgive wanted we to will play have his to visit someit. People different know attractions. now where We visited my songs power through their intense riffs, are enough ideas and material for about Release-wise we’ve got two singles bushout to and the financed audience your and theymusic give by backmaking it makessongs. a fantasticWhen I started writingQueensferry my own in Edinburgh are cominglast time from. we played which was vocals and drums. Avalanche Party are two albums, we’re just sorting out what coming out on Clue Records. ‘I’m So andnight selling where goats we can cheese all forget on the about farm. our troublessongs and the forillness a becamebeautiful. a complete We haven’t actually been to the Angel of the North, so set to headline the Jukebox stage at works and is coherent. Wet’ was released on May 12th with That’scouple a of little hours bit havedifferent fun. Ithan like livingto make in it a partyblessing vibe. in disguise becausewill have I had to all take this a trip Whatup there can this we time expect around! from your date at Darlington’s Music Box Festival this another single penned for a release the big city and getting a label behind time on my hands to write. the Cluny, Newcastle? June, alongside bands such as Llovers Are you looking forward to headlining later in the summer. We’re currently you...You tend to bring your tours to the North EastI was of on England walking sticks Yourand couldn’tmusic career has I’llhad be some performing pretty amazing with my moments husband soand far, and Primitive Painters. After last year’s the Jukebox stage this year at working on a brand new EP too and Iquite only awent lot. What to Australia do you for enjoy a 3-week the most aboutwork the or ‘up go north’ to university but so what I just would sat in you saybass is your player favourite Christian, moment singing to songs date? from musical extravaganza, the festival is back Darlington’s Music Box Festival? And there’ll be plenty of golden information holidaycrowd? to recover from a bad my bedroom and wroteMy songs. favourite I was moment in myis getting new album playlisted ‘A Biton OfBBC Blue’ Radio and 1 oldjust on Sunday June 11th and is set to be have you been to the festival before? nuggets on that soon I’m sure. In the breakdown.It’s just a great I was crowd. visiting I must an old say, Aussie the North constantEast crowd pain must but probablybecause happier I felt thanso happy favourites that lots of from people my likeother me 4were albums. going to incredibly exciting - full of some of the Absolutely. We’re loving the festivals meantime, we’ve got a busy summer friendbe the Christianloudest crowd Dunham out and there. I thought I’d ever been in my life.be listening to my music!I love It was coming an amazing to Newcastle feeling. and playing brightest stars the North East has to at the moment. Dave Saunders puts of festivals - some announced, some I’d be coming back to London to get a The Cluny so I’m really looking forward offer. Samantha Hall spoke to Avalanche a lot of graft into not just the Darlo bangers yet to be announced - and then properFinally, whatjob. I doesnever the imagined immediate I’d end future up bringYou’re for you an andadvocate can for Finally,mental is health, there anythingto you it. want to say to the people coming Party to find out more about the scene but the Northern scene as a we’ll be touring more in the UK from livingwe look there forward for 4 years,to some but new it was material the in 2017?having also published a tohighly see you?personal band’s busy life, and what it’s like to be whole. It’s going to be great to close autumn onwards. bestI have thing a full that year could of touring have happened the world, to but I amaccount making of timeyour experiencesYou’re ofin fordealing a fun night!Emily There Maguire will be playssing-songs the Cluny and some 2, headlining Music Box this year. this interesting soiree. No I’ve not been me.to write I loved new the songs countryside, for an album the animals to be released with in bipolar 2018. disorder. Wasswearing, it hard but you’ll haveNewcastle a great time! on Saturday 24th June. before so we’re popping that particular For further information about Music and all that sunshine did me so much for you to admit that you had the Tickets, priced at £12.00, are available So you’re currently part way through pickle. But I’ve heard only good things, Box Festival head to Facebook.com/ good.Tickets, I started priced writingbetween songs £24.19 again, - £48.38, arecondition? available from And did writingTickets, the pricedbook at £7.70from (including thecluny.com. booking fee), are available your UK/EU tour! How’s that treating and I expect nothing but a fun, carefree musicboxfestival. becamesagegateshead.com. a cheesemaker and made my help you to deal with thefrom disorder? thecluny.com. you? day and a wild and virile night. first two albums. Publishing ‘Start Over Again’ was a big

36 37 NE VOLUME INTERVIEWS NE VOLUME INTERVIEWS

SAINT ETIENNE DENNIS “Things may not be great now but they should get better” “It will be one big shock to the senses and an experience which we’ll Electronic pop greats Saint Etienne return Home Counties, which is where we are staying indoors and playing music... be talking about for years to come” with new album ‘Home Counties’ on all from. There’s a lot to be said for that. So many Friday 2nd June. Described by the band as people I grew up with ended up in bands, Hetton-Le-Hole pitpop/folk-rock/brass is stressful enough, but to put them out As well as playing Glastonbury, you’ll be having been inspired by the eponymous Is part of the theme to be reflective and or became clothes designers or DJ’s or band DENNIS are preparing to play this to the world of reviews was something playing this year’s Durham Miners’ Gala. shires they grew up in, ‘Home Counties’ actively looking back to your childhoods? artists. It’s a part of the Home Countries year’s Glastonbury Festival, so Damian different and I was personally blown away Will you be treating this as a standard is shaping up already to be another Saint Mostly the album is reflective and looking we don’t talk about enough. Robinson caught up with the band to by the response. What I remember and show, or are you particularly political? Etienne classic. Damian Robinson caught back fondly on the places where we discuss how they’re preparing, and things feel about the album is genuine good times: That will be something quite special! up with lead singer, Sarah Cracknell to grew up. In other areas, the music is quite Is the album deliberately optimistic as a also get political. it was a mixture of weekends based on Most of DENNIS march in the brass band talk about the album and their upcoming relevant as it was hard to ignore what backlash against some of the reputations recording with our good friend and extra through Durham Miners’ Gala each year show at the Sage, Gateshead. was going on around us when we were the Home Counties might have? For those unfortunate NE Volume readers band member Daz, or playing all of the in front of our local colliery banner. It is writing new material. I think we’ve always have optimism in our who are yet to hear your music, how festivals throughout last summer - just a heavy day of performing as it’s quite The new album ‘Home Counties’ has songs. In particular we like melancholy; would you describe the sound of the band? great times with your best friends doing a distance to march and play (not just been previewed by the track ‘Heather’ There’s a great Jonny Marr track in ‘New things may not be great now but they I suppose we’d hope we’re doing something we love. The album was written through Durham, but marching through which has the classic pop sound of Saint Town Velocity’ which has similar themes should get better. We often have slightly something a little bit different - not on to make people dance and smile and the surrounding towns before and after we Etienne. Is the sound of ‘Heather’ a good about the past and parts of the UK that sad lyrics with an upbeat sound. Abba purpose, but the sound has just evolved hopefully we achieved that. get to Durham, as per tradition). So this indication of what to expect from the are perhaps not looked favourably on in were great at that style. over time and through each of our current year, instead of heading back to the local album? present history... and past influences. A lot of people have You’re going to be performing at this year’s workman’s club for a celebratory buffet I think the album is quite mixed in styles. The Home Counties are often now seen, Finally, you’ll be playing the Sage in tried to compare us with other bands Glastonbury festival on the Left Field stage, and drinks, we will be travelling straight Our last album was quiet dance-focused in some media, as right wing and boring. Gateshead on Thursday 8th June. What (Mumford and Sons, Dexy’s Midnight a stage known for previous performances back into Durham to get ready for the and this one reminds me of our first But we don’t feel like that. We almost can we expect? Runners, etc), and whilst we’re not by Billy Bragg, Frank Turner and Kate Nash. evening performance. Obviously there couple of albums which were more wanted to reclaim the Home Counties We’ll play maybe 5 or 6 songs from the offended by these, it was never our goal Are you excited, or nervous, about your are political connotations connected with mixed. We’ve also got interludes between a little. Certainly, my memories are all new album and some tracks that are to set out to be a band like that. I’d say Glastonbury appearance given the names where we are all from, with a turbulent songs which is something we used to do mostly fond. It could be a little bit dull at better known. We’ve also got new visuals the band is a mixture of old-school and you’ll be following? landscape potentially shifting hugely in a and reminds me of our early sound. times but this was pre-internet. Even our and a bigger band. In fact, our guitarist is new school, of hard and soft rock, and of We’re all really excited to play as it’s such few weeks whichever way an election local cinema shut down when I was 12. standing for election on the 8th as the toe tapping bounces. There are 9 of us a great opportunity. We’ll be making the goes, however, the Miners’ Gala is also very Do the interludes relate to the concept But I think that out of boredom comes Green Party candidate for Henley but in the band consisting of electric guitars, most of soaking up the atmosphere as much a celebratory day of local heritage of the album? creativity and the Home Counties made instead of attending the results he’ll be acoustic guitars, pianos and a host of brass we’re stopping for the whole weekend. and communities coming together. I think this album is more themed than me go out and explore. There’s something playing with us. What a guy. instruments. It’s not only a great place to see so many a full concept album. We did an album a good to be said about boredom. established artists, but by walking around For further information about DENNIS, few years ago called ‘Tales from Turnpike Saint Etienne will release ‘Home Counties’ Your 2016 album ‘Open Your Eyes’ there will be so many opportunities and to keep up-to-date with their live House’ which had a strong concept Often the Seattle and Manchester bands on Friday 2nd June. They’ll be playing the received some very favourable reviews. 6 to stumble across something new and dates and releases, head to across the album. credit their conditions as the reason they Sage, Gateshead on Thursday 8th June. months on from its release, how do you different. I’m sure it will be one big shock dennisband.com. ‘Home Counties’ is perhaps more got into bands - it got dark early, it rained, Tickets, priced from £25.00, are available feel when you reflect on the album? to the senses and an experience which thematic and based on the area of the there was nothing to do apart from from sagegateshead.com. Having your songs scrutinised by the band we’ll be talking about for years to come.

38 39 NE VOLUME INTERVIEWS NE VOLUME INTERVIEWS

ST. BURYAN CHLOE CHADWICK BILLY OCEAN NATALIE MCCOOL “We’re really excited for the “Dustbowl highlights the whirlwind of a music "The North East crowd must be the “You’re in for a fun night!” single launch” career which I’ve experienced” loudest crowd out there" Newcastle/Sunderland five-piece indie pop band, St. Buryan Residing on Tyneside for nearly ten years, Potteries girl, Chloe Multi-instrumentalist, Natalie McCool heads to The Cluny 2, Legendary R&B singer-songwriter,BEANS Billy Ocean heads to the ON Newcastle TOAST on Thursday 16th March so Nathan Douthwaite are due to premier their latest single at Jumpin’ Jacks in Chadwick, follows up the success of her self-titled 2015 EP with Newcastle on Tuesday 27th June so the band sat down to the eagerly-anticipated release of her debut album, ‘Dustbowl Sage, Gateshead on Friday 7th April so Damian Robinson caught up with her to discuss her new album, the North East, speak with Thomas Anderson about the new release and Jukebox’ so Peter Mann caught up with her for a little chat. caught up with him. “I try to see as much liveand touring.music as possible” their journey as local artists so far. So, why country-Americana? BritishYou’re folkbringing singer your Jay McAllister‘Here You Are(Beans - the on BestI reallyof Tour’ like to touring and wantedYou’ve justto find released yourfriends debut and album, checking so what out somekind of new reception music. I understand the band’s progress has been a little stalled When I released the EP in 2015 I felt it came across quite well Toast)Gateshead. rose Asto prominenceyour most recentout of thealbum UK ‘Here some You Are’weird focuses and wonderful has venuesit received around so far? Time permitting, I’ll stick around and get recently due to university commitments. Can you tell me a and felt really good about it; it was just a taster for people and folkboth scene on the in 2005.songs His that songwriting have influenced openly you theand country. the songs I tend to tourReally larger great. cities There has stuckbeen in.so much positive feedback and it’s bit about the setbacks you’ve faced and how you’ve managed my first break into the genre as I’ve always had a bit of a country dealsthat have with becomethe topics your of politics, greatest drugs hits andwhat canmost we yearsexpect around Decembergreat to and hear then which songs are personal favourites. I’m really to get around them... edge. The releases were catchy and radio-friendly and similar but love.from Jay’sthe lastshow? (and 8th) album focused, smaller places around May.happy that people haveGreat. understood And after where the festivals,I’m coming anything from with We don’t get to communally write or rehearse together as different. I began writing the album nearly four years ago and amongstI always playother as things, many onof the importancehits live as I can. When you are it, with the themes of heartbreakplanned? and acceptance and maturity. often as we used to when we started out, if at all sometimes. started recording it last August. It just had to be right though, oflucky a pub enough to the to local have community. had quite a few hits youSometimes must accept when you look at the tour There will be some new stuff this year. I Ben and Nathan are at University in Leeds, Dan is in and some of the songs took longer and I needed to test them Damianthat the Robinsonfans want caught to hear up them with Beansand I like playinglistings them. it feels I willlike a lot ofThe artists tour follow sees you stoppingtend toat stickmany to different a well-worn UK cities...are path each Manchester, Rhys is at Sunderland, and I work full time now. with a live audience to see how they worked. toalso discuss be doing the ‘Downa few songs the Pub’ off tour,the ‘Here You Are’the samealbum, path but and as play thethere same any venues. places you haven’tyear so been as soon before? the festivals are finished It’s tough to find times that we’re all free. andthe albumhis upcoming reached appearance No. 4 in the at the charts, the fansIt’s niceknow to them see different as I’mvenues really and looking places forward I’ll be to back playing in theat The studio Cluny recording having hearda new There’s a broad range of genres on your album...where does the Willowmanwell as the olderFestival. ones. on gig listings... so many great things aboutalbum that and venue! then I’ll Newcastle be out touring is a beautiful it again. How much do you feel like you’ve developed as artists since name come from and what does it mean? I agree. And playing pubscity. means I played that a Sofar Sounds(Laughing) there Round last year and which round was we incredible. go. releasing your new material? Mark, my guitarist, who’s been with me all the way, came WeYou sawseem you to a really couple enjoy of years being ago on stage and sometimesperforming it’s live. easier to persuade your We have a stronger sense of direction after spending time in up with it; although I’d love to take all the credit, it’s all him. supportingIs playing live Frank your Turner favourite and youpart were of being a musician?friends to go to a show Doif they’ve you think never you’ll tryAnd do anyyour touristy reputation things as whilstan artist on whothe tour? the studio. We have a closer idea of what we want the final Dustbowl highlights the whirlwind of a music career which I’ve great...I really enjoy playing live. When I am on the stageheard hearingof the artist. the You canWell almost we had say a good lookfocuses around on oncontemporary our last tour issues so this must time product of our songs to sound like now thanks to the new experienced, especially getting to the album release, and Jukebox Thankcrowd you.sing Funnilyalong to enough the songs I supported it’s a great feeling.“come When on he’s I give playing atwe the will bloomin’ have to visit somemean different that you’ve attractions. got plenty We ofvisited inspiration music. I think the most noticeable thing is that we now have a is just that: music for everyone – pop, rock, country, blues, soul - himout tolast the night audience at the Roundhouse and they give in back it makesNoals a Alms”fantastic and your friendsQueensferry may be ina Edinburghat the last moment? time we played which was specific sound we want to write with. so we just figured that it all went together quite well. Londonnight where and hewe was can excellent. all forget I’m about a bit our troublesbit more and likely for a to pop outbeautiful. to the Welocal, haven’t actuallyThat’s right,been yeah.to the I’ve Angel got ofa songthe North, called so fuzzycouple today of hours (laughing). have fun. I like to make it a partywhether vibe. they like the artistwill haveor not. to take a trip ‘Pleaseup there Don’t this Lettime This around! Woman Run the What sort of show should we be expecting at your single And the (ten) tracks on it? Country’ (laughing) so there’s certainly launch? Any special plans for your fans? Two of those tracks were on the EP (‘Don’t Be Shy’ and ‘Never You’reYou tend in middle to bring of your ‘Downtours to the the Pub’ North EastAnd ofthe England next gig up in ourYour region music will career be has somehad some strong pretty ideas. amazing moments so far, We’re really excited for the single launch. Jumpin’ Jacks is a Change’) and the first track off the album, ‘Love Will Find A Way’ tourquite at a thelot. Whatmoment. do How’syou enjoy that thebeen most aboutthe the Willowman ‘up north’ festival... but what would you say is your favourite moment to date? fantastic venue, and the line-up of support acts is fantastic. has been released as a single. My personal favourites are ‘Big going?crowd? Yeah, that’s right. I can’t waitMy favourite for that onemoment Weis getting can’t playlistedpossibly comment, on BBC Radio but how 1 just Alba Nights, Peace Frog and Great Waves are all incredible River’ and ‘Plain Old Jane’, with the former being a classy ballad I’mIt’s justreally a enjoyinggreat crowd. it, thank I must you. say, It’s themostly North asEast it’s crowd a great must line-up andbecause a few of I myfelt so happyabout that lots we ofcatch people up after like methe were election going at to bands, and we’re lucky enough to be good friends with them relating to previous experiences and living life to the full; it was tobe dothe with loudest the factcrowd that out I like there. pubs and friends and favourite artistsbe listening are playing to my music!Willowman? It was an amazing feeling. too. It’s my parents’ 25th wedding anniversary on the night actually recorded in Los Angeles and came out how I envisioned I get to go to a lot of them around the including Funke and the Two Tone Baby You’re on. too, so hopefully at the very least we can make it a good it. The latter is the perfect happy-go-lucky track that people country.Finally, what It’s been does a thelot ofimmediate fun. future bringwho’ve for you just and played can on oneFinally, of the is therepub anything you want to say to the people coming night for Julie and Peter! I would just tell anyone coming won’t skip past. we look forward to some new material in 2017?dates and I’m a big fan ofto theirs. see you? Beans on Toast is set to play Willowman along to expect a lot of fun; we’ve all been looking forward to WhereI have a didfull the year concept of touring of touring the world, pubs but I am making time You’re in for a fun night!Festival There near will Thirsk.be sing-songs The festival and some takes playing a proper gig together for a long time so we’re making The album launch for ‘Dustbowl Jukebox’, presented by cometo write from? new songs for an album to be releasedSo you’ll in 2018. be hanging out swearing,at the show? but you’ll haveplace a great between time! 15th -18th June in North the most of it. We’ll give it our all. Northern Soundz Promotions, takes place at Think Tank?, A song on the last album is called ‘Down If time allows then yeah, definitely. I try Yorkshire. Tickets, priced from £70.00 Newcastle on Friday 30th June from 7:00pm. Tickets, priced at theTickets, Pub’ pricedand it sparked between the £24.19 idea. I -try £48.38, to areto available see as much from live musicTickets, as possible priced so at £7.70for (including adults for booking the full fee), weekend, are available can be Tickets, priced at £4.40 in advance, are available from seetickets.com. £7.00, are available from wegottickets.com. havesagegateshead.com. a theme for each tour - last year was with this bill in particularfrom I’ll be thecluny.com. spending purchased now at willowmanfestival.co.uk. small town celebration, this year it’s pubs. as much time as I can catching up with

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is definitely a fitting name. All I can say is, it created an atmosphere of pure joy and what showmanship! The frontman has an togetherness for both the band and the THE eerie demeanour on stage. Armed with a THE KOOKS packed audience. They finished under a synth that produces a mind-boggling set of spotlight together, performing cheerful dark, atmospheric sounds, he paces around anthem ‘Jean’. It was a fantastic set and a the stage giving shady and distrustful looks + Clean Cut Kid perfect warm up for The Kooks. WYTCHES After a short interlude, a massive curtain to the audience in between thrashing breakdowns. Whenever he gets on the mic, at 02 Academy, Newcastle engulfs the entire stage and gently sways in + Support at Georgian the entire audience is blown away by his the breeze of Newcastle’s O2. Everyone heavy metal-like vocals that would make 27/04/2017 knows who’s behind it, but the suspense Theatre, Stockton even the most diehard Deftones fan wet the is incredible. Sound effects bellow through Written by Thomas Anderson bed. Part way through the set something the room in an epic build up as silhouettes 21/04/2017 very ‘weird’ happened indeed, as the singer Photography by Stacie Davies of the band members form. Then suddenly violently jumped off stage into the crowd, the curtain flies to the ground, and the Written and photographed nearly taking out a few people with his mic The legends that are The Kooks are on their Kooks dominate the stage. The crowd goes by Thomas Anderson wire. He proceeded to wander around highly-anticipated, ‘The Best Of...So Far’ tour insane and ripples form side to side. They screeching at gig-goers with a crazed look right now. And tonight was a glorious stop start out with a few favourites from their It was a dark and mystical night at the on his face. It was so well done, I was even off in Newcastle’s O2 Academy for a band album ‘Listen’, with bouncy indie anthems Georgian Theatre tonight, when The Wytches questioning myself whether it was an act that blew the North East away in an inspiring such as ‘Bad Habit’ that get the room going headlined Stockton’s newly renovated venue. or not. Headliners, The Wytches put on a sold-out show. wild; with happy, indie-style ‘mosh pits’ First up on the agenda were Sorry Escalator great show. Their entire set was polished Openers Clean Cut Kid - a four-piece forming in every direction. Frontman, Luke - a wonderful once hidden gem on the and professional, with all individuals in the indie-pop group - are currently causing Pritchard loved the North East crowd and local circuit. Their sound is something else, band having immense stage presence. The new ripples in the national scene. They’re was constantly thanking everyone for their entirely. Every instrument is delicately blended band’s sound was cryptic and darkly spiritual, unbelievable live, and possibly one of the support, especially during ‘Seaside’ and ‘She together to create a unique soundscape, and the crowd absolutely loved it. From most memorable opening acts I’ve ever seen. Moves In Her Own way’ in which there with obvious influences from the 90’s. Kind start to finish they wowed the theatre with Their stage presence really catches your eyes were hundreds of fans sat on shoulders of like a twisted experimentation of Sonic a savage and relentless performance. The and keeps you locked into the performance. throughout. There was so much unity Youth and Dinosaur Jr, the fuzz and effects instrumentation fitted together like a jigsaw, Bulky and bearded front man, Mike leads tonight, it was beautiful. After multiple produced from the guitar radiated through as the brutal vocals tear through it all. The the band through an uplifting set list; with encores, they finally played their anthem, the room as the wispy yet emotive vocals lead only thing I was disappointed about was the charismatic keyboardist Evelyn sweeping the ‘Naive’. The night finished with tears and the artists and crowd through an all-round lack of an encore! stage with euphoric synths and pads. When smiling faces all around. solid set. Up next were The Weirds, which they played fan-favourite ‘Leaving You Behind’,

attendance (very impressive given these styles - showcasing that punk was never are almost all unsigned bands), or in fact about uniformity, rather originality. One MEET THE the music, but rather the impromptu THE BAND FOR man, Weller-influenced Peesh, played a communities that are formed amongst, blend of well thought-out, original, acoustic mostly, young fans of music. DISEASE CONTROL punk that included standout ‘Ballad of There are newly formed groups of fans the disenfranchised’; full piece Mechanical NORTH dotted all around the city all acting & PREVENTION Mouse Organ played a straighter, harder unselfishly in combinations which sounding style and London street poet at Various Venues, sing and high-jinx together in a very Cherry B provided clever insight through un-threatening style. Well-spaced out + Support at Jumpin’ use of wordplay. Once the support had Newcastle venues, and well prepared band timings, warmed up the crowd, TBFDCAP played have played a huge part in making this Jacks, Newcastle ‘Human Versus Devil’ start to finish. 27/04/2017 happen and it’s great to watch younger Playing a style of music that blends the fans enjoy their first experience of 29/04/2017 pop sensibilities of the Buzzcocks’ style of Written by Damian Robinson live music. And then there’s the music. punk with the raw attitude of the Pistols, Photography by Beth McConnell The festival is, of course, too big to Written by Damian Robinson Photography by Garry Urwin the five-piece band were able to showcase review single handily but particular their considerable musical playing and style. Should we have one, the one-day festival performances deserving praise would Should you ever be in need of challenging Great punk guitar sounds blended well ‘Meet The North’ would already be a be for Massa Confusa who provide the belief that punk is more than and formed a well-constructed musical contender for a ‘Best North East Live their post-punk, cinematic, style with just speeded up rock music, I would platform for frontwoman Marcia Mackman Event 2017’ award. ‘Meet’, perhaps in trademark intensity and also to the Van encourage you to watch the first fifteen to deliver her unique style of attitude and competition with its more commercially T-s who’s blend of pop meets guitar- minutes of Julien Temple’s excellent ‘Filth vocal delivery. Standout tracks of the night -aware older brother, ‘Hit’, is proof that feedback surely will break through in and the Fury’ documentary - a piece that ‘Heavy Stone’ and ‘Human Versus Devil’ strong organisers are able to achieve an 2017 by appealing to Sonic Youth and remains the go-to source for explaining worked well as a result of the band simply inspiring inner-city music event in the Ronettes fans alike. the meaning behind the (best of) punk’s re-creating the controlled violence of their centre of Newcastle - that’s something Meet the North will deserve its place in hooligan art music and the importance of, recordings and standing back. that shouldn’t be taken for granted given history, and provides proof of what can simply, getting out of the way and letting It would be easy to praise the band for a the number of times that promoters have be achieved in the streets of Newcastle. the music speak for itself. great album and a great live show, they’ve tried, and the fact that nine venues were It’s also been announced that Hit the Putting on more of a mini punk festival done both, but even bigger praise should used to host over 45 bands. North will take place next year, so let’s than simply focusing on themselves, be presented to the whole evening and to What I find the most inspiring about hope Meet the North will be part of TBFDCAP brought together a bill all participants. This was a great evening for the festival is not the promotion, or the that too. consisting of several different punk punk, and all it stands for.

44 45 NE VOLUME GIG REVIEWS

powerful. The guitarist went in a little too hard it seems as, by the end of the set, his THE PURNELLS blood was splattered all over the front rpmdiscs vinyl record store of his instrument. Be Quiet. Shout Loud! took to the stage next. In my opinion, always a quality selection of pre-loved LPs available + Be Quiet. Shout Loud! they’re the pure embodiment of Teesside’s soul/rock/prog/punk/country/reggae/rock n roll/ pop/classical music scene. Frontman, Jake Radio is a + Serinette at the straight up boro lad and communicates NEW vinyl LPs direct from Sony/Warner Bros and Universal Georgian Theatre, with the crowd fantastically, with bucket loads of banter throughout. He has a great self-deprecating personality that Stockton contradicts the wacky disco-punk sound of the whimsical six-piece. They’ve recently 29/04/2017 released a tonne of new ‘jaw-dropping’ Written by Thomas Anderson material that went down brilliantly, Photography by Adam Parkin especially their absolutely insane cover of ‘You Spin Me Round’. After a short After a ten-year career on Teesside’s interlude, and as per tradition, a obligatory VINYL RECORD local circuit, beloved band, The Purnells emotional video was played on the venues hung up their instruments in one final projector. Then The Purnells took to the showcase at the Georgian Theatre, stage with absolute fury. A memorable GIFT VOUCHERS Stockton. Local gig enthusiast, Simon moment was when they persuaded Rylander warmed up the crowd and everyone to sit on the floor during their introduced all the bands. He urged set. It was a beautiful send off, however £10 vouchers ideal for a everyone that: “Tonight isn’t the night to they had to cut it short due to them going special present be sad! Tonight, let’s dance and have fun”. over curfew. They quickly decided on their It was a fitting opening to what was to be final song, which was ‘Vampire’, much to a grand ending to the proud local legacy the dismay of their ‘unofficial manager’ rpmdiscs r ediscover vinyl in a REAL store that The Purnells left behind. who wanted them to play something else. Serinette, a female-fronted synth, The Purnells rebelled, and finished the 7A front street wingate county durham TS28 5AA indie-pop band from Teesside, were the night wonderfully with smiles and sad opening act. Their set was chilling, yet goodbyes all round. 07711 450045 www.rpmdiscs.co.uk

‘purist’, who your favourite act chooses to get into bed with matters. If the music of HUNTER & your favourite artist connects to who you perceive yourself to be, then so too does almost everything else that artist chooses to THE BEAR do. Perhaps it shouldn’t, but being a popular artist comes with a lot of responsibility. In support of the release of their debut at Trillians, Newcastle album ‘Paper Heart’, Scottish/North East rock outfit Hunter and the Bear were 03/05/2017 included as part of Hobgoblin Beers ‘Unsung Heroes’ tour - a tour which provided Written by Damian Robinson opportunities for local, ‘grass-roots’ bands to showcase their new material. Almost thirty years ago Bill Hicks released a The Bear themselves played emotional soft TV Special (remember those!?) railing against rock in the style of Biffy Clyro - if you’re a rock stars who endorsed products; the core fan of that style of music then these will be message being that the dignity of a musician a band to watch out for. Focused on power was too important to be traded for money. chords and soaring choruses, the Bears have As fans, we’re still not sure if we want to see a some rock anthems right up their sleeves new tour being sponsored by Monster energy and perhaps none more so than track ‘Paper drinks or pictures of our favourite artist sitting Heart’. They play fast music characterised with aspirational goods such as Mercedes by the non-stop motion of intense lead Benz’s or Veuve Clicquot. Whilst the world has guitarist, Jimmy Hunter. Thankfully, this is the changed considerably since Hick’s testimony, type of endorsement that even Bill might particularly in relation to the collapse of the have been okay with; essentially offering a pay-to-listen music business model, there is stage and a platform for talented bands to still some trepidation from most music purists play. Fair play to Hobgoblin for providing about the relationship between music and an opportunity that was respectful to the endorsements. bands rather than all about themselves. To music fans, and personally I’m happy to be tarred with the un-cool label of being a

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COQUIN MIGALE JAKE WILKINSON SOCIAL ROOM TOXIC MELONS AQUA VELVAS THE BEER PIGS ‘Plans’ Single Review 'Dislocation' EP Review ‘Take’ Single Review 'Four Play' EP Review ‘Valentino’s / Madness’ ‘Murder In The Rain’

Written by Samantha Hall Written by Joseph James Written by Joseph James Written by Wayne Madden Single Reviews Album Review Written by Paul Kemp Written by Paul Kemp Over the past year, Newcastle “I’m sick of you,” Jake Wilkinson The indie scene is a difficult one to Toxic Melons are not Newcastle’s quartet Coquin Migale have been proclaims in his Jason Pierce-esque interpret at the moment. In terms of stable diet. The fun, buoyant expression Marske based political-folk band, I was lucky enough to be given the super busy. Just last August, the band perishing pout, while the pitter-patter audience, there seems to be a single of a track like ‘Shotgun’ cannot be Aqua Velvas have released two brand brand new album by Normanby were playing Reading and Leeds on of sampled percussion dances beneath divide: those who enjoy Catfish and found in the usual Geordie language, songs for fans to get excited about. five-piece band The Beer Pigs entitled the BBC Introducing stage, while in him. He’s a defeated man, and he the Bottlemen and those who don’t. which makes Melons more akin to the They’re the first releases from ‘Murder in the Rain’, and I must say, February, they recorded a Maida Vale wants you to know it. But this is only The whole throwback indie/90’s Beach Boys, Jellyfish or Queen. This EP the band since their return to the overall, it’s a bit of a gem. According to session which was played by Huw the beginning... revival is incredibly prevalent right is the resulting success of a popular Teesside music scene last year with the band, this is a project thirty years Stephens on BBC Radio 1. Clearly a Don’t be fooled by the colourful now, but there are some bands who Kickstarter campaign. And unlike their their single, ‘Ghost Town’. in the making. All the material given band that’s going from strength to production choices on the do just enough to re-contextualize musical inspirations, this act is far more Leading the charge is ‘Valentino’s’ - a to me is filled with a rich history of a strength, their newest single ‘Plans’ ‘Dislocation’ EP as lurking beneath that familiar sound. relevant: utilizing the here and now and cynical yet charming song about band that has secured their place the is everything that could be expected the biting beats of these songs is dark, Social Room comes really close to still prepared to play music to which one of our area’s nightlife hot spots. Teesside scene over that time. from them and more. suburban graffiti scrawled by a person being one of those bands. Named after you can dance, shout, jump around and The sound is well thought-out I remember sharing the stage with First premiered on BBC Radio 1 back whose stared the devil in the face. the room they practice in, they come feel good about. and is arranged fantastically. The The Beer Pigs many years ago at the in March, ‘Plans’ has been an instant The thing that draws you in is the across as the type of band with that Featuring the talents of both Roger instrumentation is contemporary yet annual Cornshed Music Festival in hit, already being listened to by overall eclecticism of these five songs. Gallagher swagger. The drums and ska Manning and ex-Slash’s Snakepit has a certain character that suggests Hutton Rugby. I remember them as thousands on Spotify alone. With the They have the sweeping atmosphere piano have an incredibly admirable guitarist Eric Drover, there’s a lot that Aqua Velvas haven’t forgotten being polished musicians and great live track brilliantly showcasing all of the of a My Bloody Valentine release and energy that you could imagine boys in hiding within this extended play. their roots. The rhythm is punchy performers so you can imagine my band’s collective talent, it’s no wonder the unsettling samples of a Boards of baggy jeans jumping into each other ‘Shotgun’ is a duet, for example, in and uncomplicated enough to let me excitement at hearing their very own why Coquin Migale are proving to be Canada record, but almost every song in a dimly lit room to. ‘Take’ borrows which credit must go to vocalist truly listen to the heart of the song, “Concept Album.” so successful. you find yourself nodding your head its horn section from memories of Meghann Clancy and the guitarist the lyrics. And that’s when I really The theme of the CD is that of a The pure intensity and ambition of to the beat. the garage rock revival scene and whose solo is comparable only to got to know the track. For me, the classic noir style gangster film starring the track creates an almost dire need ‘The Northern Nights’ is the strongest initially reminds of bands like The Brian May. There’s a live version of lyrics behind Valentino’s seem a little private investigator, Max Sweeney, from to press repeat, with the hard-hitting example of this. In contrast to that Dandy Warhols. Even the lyrics reflect the track ‘Growing Old’, a real treat bit stock. The rhymes were simple Chicago City who tells of a story of lyrics really producing a feeling that of the other tracks, the guitars have this, with such profound croonings as: for fans, where the ballad is captured and seemed to favour the message mistaken identity and murder. But after can only be described as sublime. The been reduced to a distorted intelligent “your love keeps me captivated, you as raw as you’d imagine - the short behind the lyrics over their actual the opening track the theme seems slightly echoed vocals add a dreamy dance jitter, while the percussion are my recreational drug.” exchange between artist and audience execution. I will say, however, that to end and the following tracks seem vibe to the track, which, contrasted clacks menacingly in the background. But the only thing that’s keeping me at the beginning is almost inaudible but the vocal stylings of Russ Teasdale to follow their own distinct style. with heavy drum beats and guitar And wouldn’t you know, Wilkinson’s from loving this song is Matty Smith’s you can really feel a sense of familiarity give the vocal melody a unique twist While this is fine as an original album, riffs, proves to be nothing but voice lies comfortably on this sonic vocal performance. Through the entire and connection. that I believe only he can bring. In I would have liked the theme to have monumental. It’s easy to imagine the bed of nails, as if he’s showing us song, he rarely steps away from the ‘Today Didn’t Go…’., however, is short, ‘Valentino’s’ falls snugly within been more consistent throughout. lyrics: ‘I’ve been down for quite some how much pain he can tolerate after note F# - I would advise him that the perfect example of where Toxic the novelty section of my music Nevertheless, the songs in ‘Murder time’ in an arena - somewhere where everything he’s been through. he needs to develop his confidence Melons just solidify their sound, with collection. in the Rain’ are the culmination of a ‘Plans’ wouldn’t sound out of place in The closing track ‘Sp|it’ does a fine a bit further, but he belts out this Roger Joseph Manning providing vocals The second track, ‘Madness’ hits the band’s journey through creativity and the slightest. job of summing up the nightmares single note with such ascendancy that for a track that feels every bit as fun as mark for me. The sound is more the struggles of life, and that certainly Not only does ‘Plans’ mark the of this release, leaving a comforting you can only assume he’s perfectly you’d imagine it was to record. polished, charged with emotion and comes across in terms of lyrical beginning of a new chapter for hand on your shoulder and a feeling of comfortable where he stands. In order Melons have a vast digital catalogue, I’m sure that, performed live, it would content and production. the band, but, as one of their most optimism with you to walk away with. for there to be room for them in the and perform live in Newcastle and be an even more intoxicating listen. This album is a sincere piece of art exciting projects to date, it sparks But you feel just as welcome to return. incredibly competitive alternative rock Liverpool several times over the next With sounds and motifs reminiscent that I would recommend you listen to. the question: what’s next for Coquin It’s a fantastic listen, and definitely world, Social Room need a little bit few months, with this EP providing of the punk music of yesteryear, I feel I wouldn’t get too excited about the Migale? worth getting your hands on. more confidence in their abilities. exactly what’s needed – a sampling of like this track seems to fit the band “concept” aspect, but if you’re a Beer You can listen to ‘Plans’ on Spotify or You can download ‘Dislocation’ now For further information about the the wonders you can uncover. perfectly. Pigs fan you’re in for a treat. download it on iTunes now. on Spotify and iTunes. new track head to Facebook.com/ You can download the EP now at For more information about Aqua ‘Murder in the Rain’ is out on Monday socialroomband. toxicmelons.bandcamp.com. Velvas and their latest releases head 12th June. For further information, head to aquavelvas.co.uk. to The Beer Pig’s Facebook page.

50 51 NE VOLUME JUNE 2017 GIG LISTINGS NE VOLUME JUNE 2017 GIG LISTINGS • The Coal Porters • Them Things + Japanese TV • McDade + Tony Bengtsson • Steve Ignorant’s Slice of Life + Chloe Chadwick. Club + Jonny Sabiston. + Chris Foley. + Jazz Riot + Johnny Campbell. JUNE 2017 GIG LISTINGS The Cluny 2, Newcastle. £11.00 Adv. The Cluny, Newcastle. Free. The Cluny 2, Newcastle. £11.00 Adv. Westgarth Social Club, Middlesbrough. • St Etienne. The Sage, Gateshead. • Emma Stevens. Thursday 1st June Satuday 3rd June Sunday 4th June Monday 12th June • Sugar B’s. Osbournes, Yarm. ARC, Stockton. £8.50 Adv. • Tim Ripper Owens. • First Hate. Think Tank?, • Good Music Featuring: James • Richard Dawson • Chaka Khan. Friday 9th June Think Tank?, Newcastle. £13.20 Adv. Newcastle. £7.15 Adv. Gray Robson & The Lovely Burn. – ‘Pleasant’ Album Launch. O2 Academy, Newcastle. • Madina Lake. • Louder Than Bombs. The Masham, Stockton. Free. • Brian Poole and the Tremeloes. The Cluny, Newcastle. £12.10 Adv. Tuesday 13th June O2 Academy 2, Newcastle. The Cluny, Newcastle. £5.50 Adv. • Minus the Bear. Riverside, The Customs House, South Shields. • Steve Daggett. £15.90 Adv. • The Persuaders. Newcastle. £15.40 Adv. £22.00. Chaplins, Sunderland. Free. • Joseph J Jones. • Strada Music LLP Presents: O’Grady’s, Redcar. Free. • Gilly. Billingham Catholic Club. • The Members + The Fuckwits • Swamp Hoppers. Think Tank?, Underground. Dan Wilde. • The Ritchie Bee Band. • Steve Tiss. + Snide Remarks. The Voyager, South Shields. Free. Wednesday 14th June ARC, Stockton. £8.50 Adv. The Vulcan Inn, Winlaton. The Ship Isis, Sunderland. Free. Cowpen Bewley Club, Billingham. • The Test Pilots. • Popes of Chillitown. • Set your Sights + Mute Lunatic • Dakota. Legacy, Sunderland. £8.00 Adv. Legacy, Sunderland. Free. • Six Organs of Admittance. Trillians, Newcastle. + Charge the Bear + Jacob Lynch. • Lisa Marie and the Wildcats. • Melt-Banana. • Mr Corvan’s Music Hall. The Cluny, Newcastle. £11.00 Adv. • Maxwell’s Corner. Musiclounge, Stockton. The Voyager, South Shields. The Cluny, Newcastle. £14.85 Adv. The Sage, Gateshead. Thursday 15th June Osbournes, Yarm. • Sugar Stone. • Weirds + Haggard Cat. • King of Pop – The Legend Monday 5th June • Anastacia. The Sage, Gateshead. The Cleveland Hotel, Redcar. Free. The Cluny 2, Newcastle. £5.50 Adv. Continues. • 15th-18th. Willowman Festival. • Barrence Whitfield & The • James Taylor Quartet. • Jester: ‘The Lyre’. • The Firelight Opera + Cohesion The Customs House, South Shields. • Sam Kelly + The Lost Boys. Savages. Georgian Theatre, Stockton. Empty Shop, Durham. + People Making Noises £19.50. ARC, Stockton. £10.00 Adv. The Cluny, Newcastle. £13.75 Adv. £16.00 Adv. • Guadalupe Plata + Duchess. • Pink Tide + Flaccid Cactus • 80s Mania. • Green Haze + Offspin + Friday 2nd June + Lonesome Shack. O2 Academy 2, Newcastle. £7.05 Adv. + The Phosphenes The Customs House, South Shields. Paramore or Less. The Cluny, Newcastle. £8.80 Adv. • Rendezvous. + Katie Adamson. £22.00. • Rock Artist Management O2 Academy 2, Newcastle. • The Sons of Pitches. The Voyager, South Shields. Musiclounge, Stockton. • Voivod. Presents: The Blockheads. • Veloir + PussyWillowFurryVenus The Sage, Gateshead. • The Q Jumpers. • 2nd Year Anniversary Part 2. Riverside, Newcastle. £16.50 Adv. ARC, Stockton. £20.00 Adv. + The Circus of Villains • Teesside Fringe Festival. The Spring Gardens, North Shields. Trillians, Newcastle. • Uproar + All Out Attack. • Rough Justice. + Bloomsfield. Various Venues, Teesside. Free. • Abominable Showmen. Trillians, Newcastle. The Cleveland Hotel, Redcar. Free. Riverside, Newcastle. £6.60 Adv. • Mr Corvan’s Music Hall. Three Tuns, Gateshead. Free. • [spunge]. • The Spitfires. • Steve McCormick EP Launch. Tuesday 6th June The Sage, Gateshead. • Fizzy Fish. O2 Academy 2, Newcastle. Georgian Theatre, Stockton. Middlesbrough Little Theatre. • Biazzarre Ride II Pharacycle. • The Stunt Man. The Cleveland Hotel, Redcar. Free. Friday 16th June £10.00 Adv. • Virtago. Riverside, Newcastle. £17.60 Adv. O’Grady’s, Redcar. Free. • The Mini Mayfair: House of • Vida. The Voyager, South Shields. • Gnoomes. • Paul Longstaff + Biable of Classic Rock. • Chastity Brown + Little Mo The Fleece Inn, Northallerton. • Cavorting Presents: Kalanova The Cluny 2, Newcastle. £7.15 Adv. Beatz Rap. City Hall, Newcastle. £4.00 OTD. & Friends. • 1977. The Voyager, South Shields. + Sonder Minds + Petals. • David Ford + Michele Stodart Musiclounge, Stockton. • Sugarhill Gang + Furious 5. The Cluny 2, Newcastle. £13.75 Adv. • Annabel Pattinson Seen, Darlington. + JP Riggieri. • Darlington R’n’B Club Presents: Riverside, Newcastle. £22.00 Adv. • POLO. + Craig Roddam + Amy Ridley. • Dave Alexander. The Cluny, Newcastle. £16.50 Adv. Tim Aves + Wolfpack. • Plastic Thieves + Post Rome Think Tank?, Newcastle. £6.60 Adv. O2 Academy 2, Newcastle. £5.05 Adv. Billingham Catholic Club. • J Page. Osbournes, Yarm. Forum Music Centre, Darlington. + Leading Zeroes + Glasswire. • Ommadon + Bismuth. • 2nd-4th June. • Joe Longthorn. £12.00. O2 Academy 2, Newcastle. The Cluny 2, Newcastle. £13.75 Adv. Wednesday 7th June Durham City Jazz Festival. Newcastle City Hall. • Toldyaonce. • Russ Tippins. • Folkworks: Elephant Sessions. Various Venues, Durham. £10.00 Adv. • Soul Reason. • Dotted Line Ltd Presents: The Ship Inn, Marske. Free. Billingham Catholic Club. The Sage, Gateshead. • Pearlescence. Three Tuns, Gateshead. Free. Fairport Convention. • 2nd Year Anniversary Part 1. • Paul Tilley. • Alba Nights + Horizontal Chains Three Tuns, Gateshead. Free. • Grace Under Pressure. ARC, Stockton. £24.00 Adv. Trillians, Newcastle. O’Grady’s, Redcar. Free. + Courtyards + Purple Remedy. • Slowlights. KU Bar, Stockton. The Spring Gardens, North Shields. • The Wedding Present Playing • Silver Mountain. • Wolfpack. Redcar Citizen Club. Musiclounge, Stockton. • Oasis/Jam. • Tasty Gravy. ‘George Best’ + Young Romance. Three Tuns, Gateshead. Free. • Gasto Promotions Presents: Sunday 11th June The Ship Inn, Marske. Free. The Cross Keys, Washington. Free. O2 Academy, Newcastle. • Gate Crashes. 10CCLO. • The Van Fevers + Astoma • The C Collective. The Cleveland Hotel, Redcar. Free. • JPage. Forum Music Centre, Darlington. Thursday 8th June + Wooden Cousin. Elmfield Social Club, Hebburn. Free. The Ship Isis, Sunderland. Free. £10.00. Saturday 10th June Musiclounge, Stockton. • Scratch the Surface. • Jumping Fish. • Music Box Festival. • Slade UK. • Billy West Classic Rock Show. The Britannia, Houghton le Spring. Three Tuns, Gateshead. Free. • Toyah. Various Venue, Darlington. Three Tuns, Gateshead. £5.00. O’Grady’s, Redcar. Free. Free. • Pea Sea + Alisa Casper The Longlands Club, Middlesbrough. • Born Villains. • Julia and Dave. • Jess Wilson. + Stink Taps. • Toni Sidgwick EP Launch. The Voyager, South Shields. Free. The Ship Inn, Marske. Free. Chaplins, Sunderland. Free. The Cluny 2, Newcastle. 12 Bar Blues, Barnard Castle. • Cousin Matthew. O’Grady’s, Redcar. Free.

52 53 NE VOLUME JUNE 2017 GIG LISTINGS NE VOLUME JUNE 2017 GIG LISTINGS • Trevor Sewell Band • Alcatraz House Band. • Pearlescence + Rage Against + Rod Clements & Ian Thomson. Three Tuns, Gateshead. Free. A Machine. JUNE 2017 GIG LISTINGS The Cluny, Newcastle. £11.00 Adv. • This Machine. The Cluny, Newcastle. £5.50 Adv. • Scratch the Surface. The Cleveland Hotel, Redcar. Free. • The Billy Fury Years. Friday 16th June • Bessie & The Zink Buckets. The Cross Keys, Washington. Free. • Booze & Glory. The Customs House, South Shields. • Borderland. Three Tuns, Gateshead. £3.00. • Barley Hurnan. Riverside, Newcastle. £13.20 Adv. £19.00. THE VOLUNTEARS The Voyager, South Shields. Free. • The Force. The Voyager, South Shields. Free. • Mint + Ten Foot Tom and • Scratch the Surface. The Cleveland Hotel, Redcar. Free. Sunday 25th June + SUPPORT FROM • The Maverick Rejects. Leprosy Crooks + Charabanic FEVA & CATALYSE The Spring Gardens, North Shields. Sunday 18th June The Spring Gardens, North Shields. • Blacklist Saints. Dreams + Africa Entisha. Free. SATURDAY 22ND JULY - 02 ACADEMY Free. Trillians, Newcastle. Musiclounge, Stockton. WESTGATE RD, NEWCASTLE UPON • Hunter & The Bear. Saturday 17th June • The Fintimes. • Lauren Doyle. • Vin Gordon & The Real Rock TYNE, NE1 1SW The Cluny, Newcastle. £12.10 Adv. O’Grady’s, Redcar. Free. The Ship Isis, Sunderland. Free. Band + Esperanza + Dee Jays. • All We Are. • Ruby and the Mystery Cats • Burn Down the Disco. • Q Jumpers. The Cluny 2, Newcastle. £15.40 Adv. Think Tank?, Newcastle. £11.00 Adv. + Frog on the Tyne. Musiclounge, Stockton. The Voyager, South Shields. • Van Hailen. • Hilton Valentine. The Voyager, South Shields. Free. • The Lake Poets + Elaine Palmer. • The Radio Set. The Voyager, South Shields. Georgian Threatre, Stockton. Monday 19th June The Spa Hotel, Saltburn. £10.00. Surf Cafe, Tynemouth. Free. • Philadelphia Beer and Music £12.00 Adv. • Russ Tippins. Festival: The Bryan Adams Monday 26th June • Coxhoe Festival. £15.00 Adv. • Bat Sabbath: Cancer Bats. Three Tuns, Gateshead. Free. Experience + Tasty Gravy • Durham Blues Festival. O2 Academy 2, Newcastle. • JD and the Woodsmen. • Sallow + Hayworth. + High Tide. Gala Theatre, Durham. Tuesday 20th June The Cleveland Hotel, Redcar. Free. Trillians, Newcastle. Philadelphia Cricket Club, TICKETS £6.00 ADV. AVAILABLE AT • MikArtistik’s Ego Trip • Panic Room. Houghton le Spring. £5.00. 02 ACADEMY BOX OFFICE | 0191 260 2020 Tuesday 27th June TICKETMASTER.CO.UK + Clarions. • Master Musicians: O2 Academy 2, Newcastle. • Rendezvouz. The Cluny 2, Newcastle. £13.20 Adv. Giulio Tampalini. • Sam Gibson. Osbournes, Yarm. The Seven Stars, Ponteland. Free. Saturday 24th June • Jack Bowden. ARC, Stockton. £7.00 Adv. • Kimera. Thursday 29th June Chaplins, Sunderland. Free. • Martha Reeves and The • The Maccabees. The Normanby, Middlesbrough. • Liberty Belle. Vandellas. O2 Academy, Newcastle. • American Young. Free. The Vulcan Inn, Winlaton. Georgian Theatre, Stockton. • Emily Maguire. Think Tank?, Newcastle. £11.00 Adv. • Brent and the Brads. • Black Atom Movement. £22.50 Adv. The Cluny 2, Newcastle. £13.20 Adv. • Legendary Shack Shakers. The Spring Gardens, North Shields. Jumpin’ Jacks, Newcastle. • Mr Eazi’s Life is Eazi UK Tour. • Rriot Fest. The Cluny, Newcastle. £13.75 Adv. Free. • Flying V’s. O2 Academy 2, Newcastle. Little Buildings, Newcastle. • Carleen Anderson. • Angels of the North 2017. The Voyager, South Shields. Free. WANT TO Wednesday 21st June • Stephen Mordue. The Sage, Gateshead. The Sage, Gateshead. • Plugged Out: Steve Tiss. Chaplins, Sunderland. Free. • Sierra Hull. • Shiver. The Hill Heads, Westerhope. Free. • An Evening with Jackson Brown. • The Delta Bay Band. The Cluny 2, Newcastle. £11.00 Adv. O’Grady’s, Redcar. Free. ADVERTISE IN • Big Sister. The Sage, Gateshead. The Runhead, Ryton. Free. • Arcite + I’ll Play the Villain • 3 Headed Beast: Nick Harper The Britannia, Houghton le Spring. Thursday 22nd June • Scratch the Surface. + Erebor + Enversa. + Rev Hammer + Dan Donnelly. Free. Legacy, Sunderland. Free. O2 Academy 2, Newcastle. Georgian Theatre, Stockton. • Easy Tiger. • Rock & Roll Darts: • Straight Shot. • Skinny Molly. £12.50 Adv. Elmfield Social Club, Hebburn. Free. Gary Anderson + Raymond The Voyager, South Shields. Free. Three Tuns, Gateshead. £8.00. • Fireball. • The Maverick Rejects. Van Barneveld + Steve Beaton • Lock ‘n’ Load. • Hair of the Dog. The Ship Inn, Marske. Free. Legacy, Sunderland. Free. + Stephen Bunton + Jamie Lewis Elmfield Social Club, Hebburn. Free. Trillians, Newcastle. • So What. GET YOUR GIG OR • Back in our Rock n Roll Days. + Wayne Mardle + Michael Smith • Plugged Out: Dan McClew. • Oasis Jam. Osbournes, Yarm. The Cleveland Hotel, Redcar. Free. BUSINESS OUT THERE The Customs House, South Shields. + Phil Taylor + James Wade The Black Bull, Bolden. Free. Friday 30th June £22.00. + MC Russ Bray. • Grace Under Pressure. FROM AS LITTLE AS • Kick Back Generations + Likkor O2 Academy, Newcastle. The Prospect, Penshaw. Free. • Nick Harper + Rev Hammer Men + Krome + Spitfire Bullets. • Chaos8 + St Lucifer. • Mosaic Sun + Cartel Flux + Dan Donnelly. Musiclounge, Stockton. Trillians, Newcastle. + Perfect Parachute. Georgian Threatre, Stockton. Please send your July £65.00! • Novana. Friday 23rd June Musiclounge, Stockton. £12.50 Adv. listings to O2 Academy 2, Newcastle. • Idolize. • Chloe Chadwick. • The Cadillacs. • The Skids. Billingham Catholic Club. Think Tank?, Newcastle.£7.00 Adv. [email protected] O’Grady’s, Redcar. Free. O2 Academy, Newcastle. • Manic Monday. • The Watermill Sessions Live #2. CONTACT LEE AT • The Flying Oysters. • Snakerattlers + The Likkor O’Grady’s, Redcar. Free. Manor House, Sedgefield. by Thursday 15th June. [email protected] Billingham Catholic Club. Men + Palm Beach. • Cousin Matthew. • Holding Out. The Globe, Newcastle. The Ship Inn, Marske. Free. O2 Academy 2, Newcastle. £7.05 Adv.

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