Browsing Tag

manchester

B!TEZ advocates uninhibited authenticity in her alt-pop hit, Be Like You

Posted on 17 February 2023
https://soundcloud.com/bitezhearts/be-like-you/s-x2BfzMy4Je3?si=5ef857d702054d8abca2db5663d4b746&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

It’s time to let the dust settle on the archaic records from New Order and The Stone Roses and lock into the viscerally fresh talent from Manchester-based artist and poet B!TEZ, who has been taking the rainy city by storm.

For her latest single, Be Like You, B!TEZ (Princess Arinola Adegbite) reinvented the 80s pop wheel with her afro-futuristic edge that is sharper than any papercut. The infectiously melodic earworm is a stellar hit based on the instrumentals alone. When the socially conscious lyrics are thrown onto the stabbing synth lines, it is impossible not to get wrapped up in the vindicating euphoria.

“The first single on Vintage Destiny is ‘Be Like You’. A self-love disco pop anthem integrating rock, and funk elements encouraging listeners to be their authentic “exceptional” selves despite living in a comparison-driven world.”

After finding influence from a broad range of artists, including Nina Simone, Mazzy Star, FKA Twigs and Bjork, the songstress carved out her niche and thrived in every arena she threw her multi-faceted talent into.

The multi-award-winning poet, filmmaker and BBC Words First artist has won Manchester Young Creative of the Year and been commissioned by Selfridges, the BBC and the University of Cambridge. In addition to performing in  Manchester’s most iconic venues, including Blues Kitchen, Soup and Band on the Wall. She’s definitely one to watch.

Honestly, I’m inspired by her after just one hit on Be Like You. Eat your heart out John Cooper Clarke.

Be Like You will officially release on February 17th. Hear it on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Rockstar Energy Drink Reveals Top Secret Pre-Party with Star-Studded Line-Up

Posted on 16 February 2023
Rockstar Energy Drink Reveals Top Secret Pre-Party with Star-Studded Line-Up

Rockstar® Energy Drink is inviting fans to press play on the best night of their lives by giving away tickets to a top secret pre-party on February 23rd. Celebrating the pivotal, make-or-break moment between work and play, the intimate, 150-person gig will feature performances from MistaJam, joined by Raye, Tom Grennan and Ella Eyre perform, all before the Manchester’s dancefloors open.

Famous for being the birthplace of countless musical acts and its booming underground dance scene, Manchester nightlife is unforgettable. The Rockstar Press Play Pre-Party will set a new standard for the city’s post work, pre-party moment. MistaJam will bring the biggest dance anthems with the help of his world-class artist friends. Alongside tunes, Rockstar Energy Drink will be readily available, keeping the energy high and have fans buzzing with excitement for what the evening will bring.

To secure entry, all hopeful attendees must do is keep an eye on Rockstar Energy UK and artist Instagram channels from February 13 onwards, with all major announcements regarding ticket releases dropping online.

Radio Presenter and Headline DJ, MistaJam, commented: “I’m buzzing to be hosting the Rockstar Energy’s Pre-Party with some of the UK’s premier talent, Raye, Tom Grennan and Ella Eyre, in one of the most notorious party cities in the country.  Just like Rockstar, our set is going to give the party goers the energy they need to make the most of their night.”

UK Chart-Topper and TikTok Song Sensation, Raye, added: “Together with Mistajam and Rockstar we’re going to make sure people leave the workday behind and press play on the greatest pre-party.”

In addition, Tom Grennan, a BRIT chart-topper and Ivor Novello-nominated singer-songwriter, is set to perform at the event. Fans can also look forward to his highly anticipated third album ‘What Ifs & Maybes’, which will be released on June 9th, 2023, via Insanity Records. The album is accompanied by the uplifting and gospel-inspired new single ‘Here’, which was released last week. The song conveys a message of solidarity during difficult times and emphasizes the importance of togetherness.

And finally watch out for Ella Eyre, with a double platinum No.1 single, a BRIT Award, two MOBO Awards, and a top 5 album, is a force to be reckoned with. Currently she has over 8 million monthly listeners on Spotify, she’s definitely someone to keep an eye on in 2023.

Starting with a switch, Rockstar is shaping nights out for music fans and party-goers everywhere by ensuring your down time doesn’t slow you down, and setting you up to make the most of your evening. The ultimate antidote to FOMO, Rockstar is encouraging individuals to seamlessly transition from work to play while keeping the vibes and energy high.

Debasree Dasgupta, Rockstar Energy Drink, Marketing Director, Beverages, GBI, commented: “Rockstar is all about fuelling the things you love to do. We know our fans play as hard as they work, so we are pleased Rockstar can give them the boost of energy needed to transition from the 9-5 to the night ahead. We’re excited to celebrate this switch moment through The Rockstar Press Play Pre-Party, and can’t wait to see MistaJam and his guests play live.”

For more information, keep an eye on @RockstarEnergyUKI, @MistaJam, @Tom.Grennan, @EllaEyre & @Raye.

Following Me: Lewis Ross-Robson is in a reinvigorated form we should surely savour on Black Again

Posted on 31 January 2023

Making his return to the music world after a much-needed hiatus to complete his studies and explore the perimeters of his sound, Lewis Ross-Robson is in extraordinary form on the rather memorable new single Black Again.

Lewis Ross-Robson is a York-born Manchester-based indie-folk singer-songwriter who has overcome those easy-to-pickup-bad habits to make music with a real message and pure purpose.

”Lewis’ take on introspective folk is a reminder of the importance of simplicity in music, seeking to retain a delicate and distinctive essence through his sound.” ~ Lewis Ross-Robson (taken from his Spotify page)

With quality overlooking at every corner as each note stirs the soul, Lewis Ross-Robson has cemented his name into our anxious hearts with a simply superb showing on his much-anticipated single Black Again.

Black Again from York-born Manchester-based indie-folk singer-songwriter Lewis Ross-Robson is a single all about trying to stay positive in a rather tempting and destructive world, He sings with truth and love. The realness attached is rather refreshing and shall float our minds away from the harsh vortex, which can take our souls away if safeguards aren’t put into place.

Knowing what you need to do is the start. Actually achieving your goals, is the brave battle where success is formulated.

Heal your heart on Spotify. See more news on his IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Meg Chandler Interview: Reaching her dreams with real grit

Posted on 1 December 2022

With so much in depth insight into her meaningful world, Shropshire native Meg Chandler opens the door and lets us deep within her busy world, which has recently caught on fire music wise. Full of life and showing her leader-like qualities, we find an enthusiastic creative who is ready for anything.

We appreciate you taking the time to speak with us today, Meg Chandler. First, how did you start in this wild music game?

Meg: I started taking piano lessons when I was 5 and had been brought up surrounded by music always, with my parents playing their favourite tunes non-stop – so it was quite a natural path for me. However, it wasn’t until covid that I actually had the time to sit down and give writing a proper go. Since then, I’ve spent the last few years devoting every spare second to music and creating a career for myself! My brother is also a musician, so it’s really a whole family of people that wholeheartedly love music!

Please explain to us your connection with Manchester recording/writing duo SOAP?

Meg: I met the SOAP guys about a year ago and since then have spent a lot of time working together on finding my sound and experimenting with different ideas! My songwriting process can be a bit messy because there’s always so much that I want to fit into a song, whether that be emotionally and/or specific wording, I often get quite overwhelmed by it all. So it helps me sooo much working with Josh and Karl because they refine everything I want to sing about and make it a much nicer, less chaotic experience than it would be when I’m working on my own! We’ve ended up with 6 songs that I’m absolutely in love with, 2 of which are out now!

Shropshire. Please tell us what your hometown means to you and do you still live here?

Meg: My hometown in Shropshire means the absolute world to me. I still live there with my family and work full time as a cafe manager, coming up to Manchester on my days off every week to fit in music work! It’s a really nice contrast from the busy city life and even though I’m hoping to move to Manchester next year (where I’m based for music) I know I’ll always have my sleepy little countryside home to escape back to.

Goats and donkeys. Please lead us into your side job and how well-behaved are these animals, really?

Meg: Haha, so as every independent musician knows – music is an extremely expensive career. Alongside my full-time job, I’m always looking to pick up extra hours where I can, one of those is looking after donkeys and goats. I always joke that it’ll be super funny if I get really famous and have the donkeys to thank for the extra pennies which ultimately made it possible (laughs).

What’s it like being a 21-year-old singer-songwriter right now?

Meg: It’s crazy how many young musicians are out there at the moment doing amazingly! It’s such a good thing to have that but at the same time means there is SUCH a fight to get yourself noticed and be different to everyone else. The main great thing is that I’ve made so many lovely friends through music, it really is a community, especially in Manchester. Just means you’ve gotta work that little bit harder – always good to have some friendly competition:) but equally knowing you’ll always have that group of people supporting each other is sooo lovely!

Do you have any tips for young musicians starting out in this seemingly fickle business?

Meg: Basically, just don’t give up. I’ve been extremely lucky falling in with a group of people that I work really well with and that are passionate about my music. Also, with the opportunities that have come my way. At the end of the day, not only is it about working insanely hard and being good at what you do, but equally luck is SUCH a huge thing. Being in the right place at the right time. Just make sure you’re taking every opportunity that comes your way, get out to every gig possible and make friends in the industry and just put your whole heart into it 🙂

Last, where can fans find you live next or do you have any tours on the horizon?

Meg: At the moment I’m focusing on releasing and have a few shows dotted about, but next year will be filled with gigs. I’ll always post about it on my Instagram, so keep an eye out! @megemilychandler

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Soak your soul inside this angelic figure on Spotify. Follow her path on IG.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

Meg Chandler finds herself on the visceral side of ethereal in her intimately nostalgic indie alt-pop single, Woodland

Posted on 25 November 2022
Meg Chandler

Given that it has been a fair while since we weren’t living through a historical event of some devastating global nature, it’s all too easy to crave the uncompromised simplicity of youthful nostalgia. Meg Chandler brought it by the smorgasbord in her single, Woodland, which precedes her debut EP, due for release in 2023.

The 21-year-old singer-songwriter divides her time between a remote village in Shropshire, where she finessed her authentically out-of-the-smoke alt-pop style that will be a hit with any fans of Daughter, Adrianne Lenker and Phoebe Bridgers, and in Manchester where she enlists the help of the production/writing duo SOAP.

Never a truer line has been delivered than “now everything just seems to hurt” in Woodland, which flicks through the sepia-tinged memories of a childhood “chasing shadows by the lake”. Projected through intimately vulnerable indie pop vocals that resound on the more visceral side of ethereal, Meg Chandler, with her proclivity to hold nothing back in her lyrics, is set to make major waves with the profound consolation in her music.

Woodland will officially release on November 18th. Stream it on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Waiting For Tomorrow: Paul Hand prays for that strength to block those lonely nights away on Mind Give Way

Posted on 2 November 2022

Finding that hard-to-find inner force to move on from the past and those torrid memories, Paul Hand joins paths with the good parts of his soul to see that bright light of progression make everything better again on Mind Give Way.

Paul Hand is a Manchester, UK-based indie singer-songwriter and music producer who performs with a timeless style and keeps it classy throughout.

Pulsating with a catchy energy and filled with so much promise, Paul Hand is in rarified air with a cloud-jumping single about finding that ideal zone to flourish like the birds in the sky. This is a quality listen and is drenched in rather pure vocals to get thrilled about.

Mind Give Way from Manchester, UK-based indie singer-songwriter and music producer Paul Hand is the call to soak into that happy path again and move from the rain-clouds within. Searing with a likeable sound and filled with introspective lyrics, this is a stylish release from a gritty artist who doesn’t know how to give up.

When you get your mind back to the proper place, you can move mountains.

Listen up to this new song on Spotify and see more via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

To The Devil: The Superphone shows love for that special soul on Guardian Angel

Posted on 24 October 2022

Sung with a supreme magnificence which shall take your mind away from the noisy pollution, The Superphone shows us deeply into a reborn state of mind on Guardian Angel.

The Superphone is a Manchester, UK-based 4-piece alternative band who are the type of outfit who shall set your heart alive because of their nostalgic nature.

”We have an extensive gigography, supporting many acts across the country.” ~ The Superphone

Taking us on an electrifying ride through time which shall get all those senses ready for something different to the rest, The Superphone drops a fuse-filled explosion of a single to turn up to full volume.

Guardian Angel from Manchester, UK-based 4-piece alternative band The Superphone is a vibrant single that is laced in so much class that shall set your mind free from the temptations lurking. Lathered in so much exquisite vocal projection and with a sound that feels so precise, this is something rather fulfilling and shall change our perspective into one that is only looking forward.

Listen up to this new single on Spotify and see more via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Buzzcocks made it a little less grim up north with their single, Manchester Rain

Posted on 18 September 2022

‘When it rains, it pours’ seems to be the perfect adage to capture the deluge of dissatisfaction drizzling over the entirety of the UK. But Buzzcocks siphoned euphonic punk rock dynamism from the dismal atmosphere in their single, Manchester Rain, taken from their upcoming studio album, Sonics in the Soul.

Inspired by the relentless motivation of grassroots artists to keep the scene thriving in Manchester, Manchester Rain is a smorgasbord of riotous optimism. One that will stir even the most ennui-soaked souls through the blasts galvanic garagey guitars and assertively upbeat vocals that create hooks sharp enough to hang your leather jacket on.

In the tragic wake of Pete Shelley, co-founder and co-singer-songwriter Steve Diggle has kept the buzz reverberating through their iconic-since-the-70s-sound. Shelley would undoubtedly be proud of Buzzcocks continuing to stand at the vanguard of punk-rock euphoria.

Sonics in the Soul will release on CD, Vinyl and across streaming platforms on September 23rd. Until then, weather the precipitation in Manchester Rain on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Green Wire launched their latest indie-rock attack ‘Upside Down, Inside Out’

Posted on 9 September 2022

“Upside Down, Inside Out” is the latest feat of era-spanning indie pop rock from the Manchester raconteurs of raucous innovation, Green Wire.

With notes of garage rock, pop punk and 80s rock fusing to create their dynamic sonic signature, Green Wire are by far one of the most authentic Manchester up-and-coming powerhouses as of late – a fact I can fully attest to as a fellow Mancunian. This high-powered frenetic earworm is sure to see the cheeky fourpiece go far.

Upside Down, Inside Out will officially release on September 2nd. Check it out via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

We Can Live Like Animals: sleeping together wants this love to last forever on Summer Girl

Posted on 28 August 2022

Produced by Tayte Nickols from Madfox Studio, sleeping together guides us through a gloriously innocent romance that ended rather hastily when it had the potential to blossom rather radiantly on Summer Girl.

sleeping together is a Bury, Manchester, Liverpool and Wrexham, UK-based indie alternative band who shows us that memorable music has the power to change your entire mood for the better.

”Summer Girl was inspired by a short and sweet summer romance. At the end of summer, the couple agreed to go their separate ways. Like the romance, Summer Girl is short, bright and sweet, capturing the highs of a British summer in its emphatic chorus. However, much like the British summer, this romance was rained off too soon. These fleeting glimpses of a love, destined for rapidly approaching heartbreak, are conveyed perfectly through Summer Girl’s climbing vocals.” ~ sleeping together

Thrilling our sweaty bodies alive and tickling our glowing senses awake to what is possible if two souls can combine for a short time, sleeping together shall have us all smiling cheekily at each other. Bringing us all the way to the top of our emotions and then showing us the other side, this is a must-listen for anyone who still believes that true love is real.

Summer Girl from the UK-based indie alternative band sleeping together is a terrific song from a dynamic outfit who just knows how to make you groove rather sweetly. With a soundtrack to those long days that are filled with sunshine and never seem to end for a few months, you will find yourself clicking repeat on this fine song. Teaching us that all good things have to end eventually, this is a striking single that will make you stop and think about how love actually forms.

Love is so kind and so cruel sometimes.

Tune in on Spotify and see more via the IG page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen