Words by Caitlin ParrImage courtesy of Prescription PR Alan Wakeman ÔÇô The Octet Broadcasts ÔÇ£The next young generation of British jazzÔÇØ is a compliment that has been applied to many artists across recent UK jazz history, however the original Melody Maker magazine headline was penned to describe Alan Wakeman and his ensemble back in 1970. This collection from British jazz saxophonist, Alan Wakeman, was partially … Continue reading Understanding the Magic of Alan Wakeman: Quench’s Guide to The Octet Broadcasts

Words by Alex PayneArt by Shubhangi Dua ÔÇ£If I decide to transition, will I ever be able to sing again?ÔÇØ. Such a simple message scrawled on a forum in the dusty corners of the internet belies a battle that many gender-questioning individuals will face during the turbulent process that follows the realisation that their body isnÔÇÖt, well, theirs. Complicated courses of hormone replacement therapy and … Continue reading How Experimental Pop Has Given Trans Individuals a Voice

Words and image by Natalie Graham Signing to an Independent record label carried a certain type of musical superiority. The SmithÔÇÖs Johnny Marr stated in The Guardian that ÔÇ£The Very act of being on Rough Trade at the time was a statement in itselfÔǪ It cut across our whole aestheticÔÇØ. A product of Punk Rock, Independent labels welcomed with open arms the rejection of musical … Continue reading The Golden Age of Britain and Ireland’s Independent Record Labels

Words by Molly Allen and Alex PaynePainting by Thomas Jones, courtesy of National Museum Wales Hell yeah! By Molly Allen After binging the hit Netflix series ÔÇÿThe WitcherÔÇÖ back in January, I never expected to find a series of ÔÇÿmedievalÔÇÖ style covers of songs inspired by the showÔÇÖs soundtrack. At first, I was skeptical; I found these covers funny and entertaining, but is there a … Continue reading Bardcore: Is Medieval Music Experiencing an Unlikely Resurgence?

Words by Alex PayneArt by Travis Shinn and Rich Tu For hip-hop aficionados, thereÔÇÖs one announcement that’s always hotly anticipated; XXL magazineÔÇÖs Freshman list. Essentially a showcase of the hottest acts in the genre, the list highlights ten rising rappers that show promise, with previous years having featured the likes of J. Cole, Kid Cudi, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Uzi Vert and DaBaby – all of … Continue reading XXL Magazine’s 2020 Freshman List: Who Are This Year’s Hottest Rappers?

Words by Alex PaynePhoto by Nathan Roach via TEG MJR CardiffÔÇÖs musical pedigree is indisputable. In the final days of 2017 a formidable team composed of Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens, the CEO of Sound Diplomacy, and the leader of Cardiff Council, Councillor Huw Thomas, formalised it by declaring that Cardiff was ÔÇ£the UKÔÇÖs first music cityÔÇØ. A powerful statement that confirmed a reality that … Continue reading Won the Battle But Lost the War? Grangetown Venue Narrowly Avoids Closure

Words by Alex PayneArtwork courtesy of The Concert Promoters Association As of this week, over 1500 British artists have publicly declared their support for the #LetTheMusicPlay campaign. Launched by UK Music, the umbrella organisation thatÔÇÖs responsible for representing the national music industry in parliament and media, the campaign calls for increased aid from the Government in response to Coronavirus, which has seen all venues closed … Continue reading #LetTheMusicPlay: Over 1500 Artists Call for Increased Government Support