Category: Music

City Baser at The Globe
Live Reviews, Music

Caity Baser Live in Cardiff: Exclusive First Listen to New Album

Southampton’s rising star, Caity Baser, is introducing the world to her upcoming debut album on her Watch That Girl (She’s Gonna Sing It) Tour, where she unveils a more intimate side of her sound. Throughout the night, she delivers stripped-back previews of her unreleased music, guided solely by piano and acoustic simplicity. Having only recently discovered her music – and never having seen Baser live before – … Continue reading Caity Baser Live in Cardiff: Exclusive First Listen to New Album

jennyalgieri
phones at a concert in a crowd
Music

The Highs And Lows Of Live Music

In my eyes, there’s nothing better than live music. The real-time, in-person connections shared between performers and audiences are something truly sacred and special. At their best, gigs and concerts can foster a sense of belonging, help you make friends for life, and bring you to tears for all the right reasons.  The highs are certainly high, but with rising prices and poor crowd etiquette, … Continue reading The Highs And Lows Of Live Music

Contributing Writer
Music

Chained to the Rhythm

The paradox of musical freedom and industry constraints has permeated various artists’ ability to perform authentic material. Chappell Roan, a queer popstar whose drag-inspired artistry propelled her popularity from an underground performer to stardom, was awarded Best New Artist at the Grammys this year. In her speech, she addressed how the music industry profits off artists’ work who don’t even earn a liveable wage. She … Continue reading Chained to the Rhythm

Contributing Writer
The Wombats on stage
Live Reviews, Music

The Wombats: Live From Cardiff

Are you still dancing to Joy Division after all these years? We certainly are- and so were the crowd at Cardiff’s Utilita Arena on March 21st for Indie legends The Wombats. As the doors opened and the fans bustled their way to the barricade, it became clear just how broad the band’s appeal was- drawing people of all ages and pulling in both first timers and returning … Continue reading The Wombats: Live From Cardiff

jennyalgieri
Concert
Music

Can Cardiff Handle Big Concerts?

Cardiff has slowly paved its way to being a top-billing location on the tour posters of some of the world’s biggest artists. Long gone are the days of reminding your favourite band that Wales exists, or urging your favourite singer to add a show at the CIA to their already limited UK tour (consisting of three London dates and maybe Manchester if you’re lucky). Somehow, over the last few years, our capital has made a name for … Continue reading Can Cardiff Handle Big Concerts?

Contributing Writer
Live Reviews, Music

This Is How Tomorrow Moves: Beabadoobee Concert Review

From bedroom sessions to global sell-out tours, Beabadoobee released her third studio album This Is How Tomorrow Moves in August 2024 which preceded her Autumn U.K tour that I was lucky enough to attend in November 2024. Transitioning over the years from bedroom pop to a more alternative rock genre, ‘This Is How Tomorrow Moves’ is bursting with catchy guitar riffs, whimsical melodies and introspective … Continue reading This Is How Tomorrow Moves: Beabadoobee Concert Review

Contributing Writer
The K's press shot
Music

In Conversation With The K’s

From battling the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic to recently achieving career milestones like a Bronze Brit Breakthrough award, The K’s are certainly ones to watch. Jenny Algieri sits down with Ryan Breslin to talk about the band’s journey, their recent accomplishments, and what lies ahead for The K’s. The K’s have recently celebrated a major achievement- a Bronze Brit Breakthrough award. Ryan spoke of … Continue reading In Conversation With The K’s

jennyalgieri
Music

The Making of Seasons: In conversation with Lucy Knight

Sheffield-based singer-songwriter Lucy Knight is an up-and-coming performer, making a name with her emotionally driven music. Her latest release, ‘Seasons’, showcases her growth as both an artist and a storyteller. Lucy offers a unique perspective on both the personal and creative process. In this feature, we explore her writing process, the making of ‘Seasons’, and her creative path, which has allowed her to collaborate with … Continue reading The Making of Seasons: In conversation with Lucy Knight

katiestorrie
Interview, Music

In Conversation with Manchester’s Indie-Pop Duo ‘Remote’

‘We just wanted to tell people – we feel this, and people don’t really talk about it. We wanted this to be played to our past selves’ Ahead of the release of their debut EP ‘I Need More Time’ in November 2024, I had the opportunity to speak with Manchester’s indie-pop duo, Alex and Reuben of Remote, diving into the meaning behind their debut EP … Continue reading In Conversation with Manchester’s Indie-Pop Duo ‘Remote’

Jemima Lake
Cheeky Habibis playing at Club Ifor Bach
Live Reviews, Music

The Cheeky Habibis: Tuning into Cardiff’s Music Scene

CLWB IFOR BACH. January 25th 2025. I stood in a dimly lit room, surrounded by the community of Cardiff’s underground music scene. The crowd, large and diverse for the setting, included not just alternative students and young adults, but also parents, loved ones and friends of the performers. All eyes focused on the band performing on stage, who were illuminated by a neon glow of … Continue reading The Cheeky Habibis: Tuning into Cardiff’s Music Scene

jennyalgieri
Music

The Wombats: Two Decades of Indie, Tour Life and Sonic Photographs

The Wombats have carved out their place in indie music history, building a reputation for infectious energy and introspective lyricism. Now, as they gear up for the release of their sixth studio album, Oh! The Ocean, Quench’s Jenny Algieri sits down with drummer Dan Haggis to talk about music, nostalgia and the ever-evolving nature of their craft. Oh! The Ocean is an album of reinvention, … Continue reading The Wombats: Two Decades of Indie, Tour Life and Sonic Photographs

oliviagriffin
Music

Interview with Turning Montana Band

Hailing from the Valleys, five-man rock band Turning Montana are injecting a fresh, youthful edge to Welsh sound in 2025. Quench talks to frontman Sam Jones about Nirvana, Cardiff’s music scene, and their new single ‘Names in the Night’.  The interview transcript has been edited for brevity and clarity.  Julia: Congratulations! You’ve just released a new single ‘Names In The Night’. Could you tell us … Continue reading Interview with Turning Montana Band

juliabottoms
Concert
Music

Looking back: Our Favourite Concerts of 2024 in Wales

Never forget where you’re coming from! The Welsh certainly don’t. Take That returned to Swansea once again in 2024, where they had one of their first Welsh concerts all those years ago. Take That’s return to Swansea wasn’t just another stop on their tour- it was a powerful nod to the places that shaped their rise to stardom. Back in the ’90s, cities like Swansea … Continue reading Looking back: Our Favourite Concerts of 2024 in Wales

Contributing Writer
Spotify Genres
Album Reviews, Music

2024 Wrapped: The Best Albums of 2024

Brat by Charli XCX There are pop culture moments that shape each year, and it would be hard to sum up 2024’s legacy without one word: Brat. Charli XCX’s monumentally successful sixth studio album defined some of the most iconic social media trends, club nights, and memories of the past year. Von Dutch and 360 are an instant confidence boost and were the first singles … Continue reading 2024 Wrapped: The Best Albums of 2024

Contributing Writer
Interview, Music

Peter Hook: ‘How to handle it was to rebel. Which is what I did, I rebelled’. 

In conversation with Peter Hook, on the pleasures of performing, divided fans, gloomy 1970’s Manchester and ‘cocktail’ bass playing.  Amidst Peter Hook and the Light’s 2024 ‘Substance’ tour, I was able to catch up with Peter Hook, squeezing into his jam-packed schedule. With Hook’s musical career spanning over forty years, established by the formation of Joy Division in 1976, Peter is no stranger to the … Continue reading Peter Hook: ‘How to handle it was to rebel. Which is what I did, I rebelled’. 

Jemima Lake
Ed Sheeran Performs at Fitzalan High School
Music

The Ed Sheeran Foundation Visits Cardiff- The Importance of Funding the Arts in our Communities.

Music is such a big part of Welsh life. Singing at the rugby, school assemblies, anywhere we get the chance. For those of us with remarkable talent, though, there isn’t always the outlet to get further in the music industry. The Ed Sheeran Foundation aims to change this across the UK and allow young people the opportunities and industry links to turn their passion into success.  … Continue reading The Ed Sheeran Foundation Visits Cardiff- The Importance of Funding the Arts in our Communities.

Contributing Writer
Ticketmaster app on phone
Music

The War on Ticketmaster, Prices and Venues – Are Gigs becoming more inaccessible?

Dynamic pricing, outrageous costs and an increasing monopoly: Ticketmaster’s users cry out evermore for the company to relent on the underdog. The past year has seen the promotion of many hit tours: Oasis’ reunion concerts, Swift’s Eras Tour and the emergent Sabrina Carpenter’s Short N’ Sweet shows. Alongside the excitement and anticipation amongst fans for these gigs, frustration and disappointment has become a common theme … Continue reading The War on Ticketmaster, Prices and Venues – Are Gigs becoming more inaccessible?

Contributing Writer
Credit- Olivia Nilsen
Interview, Live Reviews, Music

Delilah Bon: The Freedom to be Angry and Loud

Breakthrough ‘brat punk’ sensation Delilah Bon is someone you should keep your eye on – especially if you’re a metal head!  Infusing bratty riot grrrl punk with lyrical hip-hop and hard-hitting nu-metal, Delilah Bon’s distinct musical style generates fierce anthems that will give you the freedom to be angry and loud. Her music explores important political and societal issues, honing in particularly on women’s rights … Continue reading Delilah Bon: The Freedom to be Angry and Loud

Contributing Writer
Interview, Music

In Conversation with Blue Violet

Ahead of the release of their second studio album Faux Animoux, I caught up with Sarah and Sam Gotley of alternative, electronic rock duo Blue Violet to talk inspiration, the human race, and their upcoming UK tour. Let’s start with the new album’s writing process. Was it always such a conceptual piece of work, or something more pieced together? We really like to write a collection of … Continue reading In Conversation with Blue Violet

Contributing Writer
Music

Pale Waves: In Conversation with Hugo Silvani

Ahead of the release of their fourth studio album Smitten, I had the opportunity to speak to Pale Waves guitarist Hugo Silvani. We spoke about the inspirations of the new album, the writing process, and discussed Silvani’s passion for the sonic side of the musical world. We then delved into details of the upcoming 2024 Smitten tour. Talk me through your writing process as a … Continue reading Pale Waves: In Conversation with Hugo Silvani

Jemima Lake