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
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
Words by Gabriella Sanders. Whether or not Taylor Swift is at the top of your agenda, it is no secret that SwiftÔÇÖs stardom has taken humanity by storm. With her international Eras tour combining yearsÔÇÖ worth of genre breaking discography into one impressive three-hour performance, her music has something for everyone. However, it is not simply the sheer diversity of music or performance stamina that … Continue reading Taylor Swift and Her Literary Allusions.
Words by Ksenia Ryadnova. A writer once said “is music getting somewhere?”. A question I sometimes compare with ourselves. A dotted rhythm, a slight crescendo. The idea that one little notation can change the wholemovement of a piece entirely. A slight irregularity can make the conductor feel as if they have failed in their artistry. Failure to provide beauty, knowledge and feeling. I reconcile with … Continue reading Our Journey.
On both occasions where I have been lucky enough to attend their shows, I have left in complete and utter awe of the raw, unrefined talent displayed by Fall Out Boy, regardless of it being some 20 years since they started out. The band honoured their pop-rock roots upon the release of their eighth, and most recent, studio album in March of this year ÔÇô … Continue reading Fall Out Boy @ Utilita Arena
Watching Art School Girlfriend was multisensory experience. The Wrexham-born Polly Mackey delighted the mostly dungaree-clad, girlfriend-accessorised audience. Her set had a soft and gentle sort of melodic feel, vocally, which was flanked by a strong bass line and synth undertones, giving it the atmosphere of a DnB rave; this unlikely combination provided something truly unique and fresh. In fact, it felt like there were influences … Continue reading Art School Girlfriend @ Clwb Ifor Bach
After a band or artist takes time off, it can be difficult for them to maintain loyal and passionate fans. However, that was not the case for JLS. On the 30th of October, JLS made their anticipated return to Wales, with their first night of two in the Utilita Arena Cardiff. After the phenomenal success of their comeback tour in 2021, I had very high … Continue reading JLS @ Utilita Arena
Punk Rock Factory started their ÔÇÿItÔÇÖs just a stage weÔÇÖre going throughÔÇÖ EU & UK tour with a bang last night in Bristol. Combining nostalgic throwbacks and childrenÔÇÖs music with a contemporary pop-punk sound, their innovative twist has opened new possibilities for alternative music. Whilst fairly new to the scene after gaining popularity through TikTok, IÔÇÖd argue their stage presence was nothing short of energetic, engaging, and … Continue reading Punk Rock Factory @ SWX Bristol
A fun filled event promoting and celebrating the musical talents in Wales has yet again proved that the Welsh indie scene is one to watch. As part of Llais Festival, the awards ceremony for the ÔÇÿWelsh Music PrizeÔÇÖ was presented for the second time in front of a live audience presented by BBC Radio 1ÔÇÖs Sian Eleri on October 10th, at the Millennium Centre in … Continue reading Llais Festival: Welsh Music Prize 2023
The Tramshed was packed to the rafters for two prime punky cuts of Saturday evening entertainment. DerryÔÇÖs very own Undertones are touring to celebrate the forty-fifth anniversary of the Teenage Kicks EP, which kicked off Terri HooleyÔÇÖs Good Vibrations record label, graced John PeelÔÇÖs show twice in a row, and gave the London boys a run for their money. In fact, it was a neat … Continue reading The Undertones @ Tramshed 30/09/23
Ahead of the much anticipated S┼Án Festival this year, I spoke to Elan Evans, Welsh Language Music Promoter at Clwb Ifor Bach, about what makes this festival so uniquely exciting. Continue reading Perfect Storm: In Conversation With S┼Án Festival’s Elan Evans
Princess Goes once said in an interview the perfect place to listen to music is ÔÇÿanywhere itÔÇÖs safe to close your eyesÔÇÖ – their music echoes this very premise, with every song encouraging an entire audience to pulse as one. Anyone who wishes they could have experienced the 80s and 70s club scene, where Blue Monday and Depeche Mode come to mind, fused with a … Continue reading Review: Princess Goes
Maisie Peters is a name we should all be familiar with. She is taking the world by storm, with half a billion streams worldwide, a sold out UK tour and earning the approval of big names such as Phoebe Bridgers, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith – and sheÔÇÖs only twenty two! Her tour, the final chapter of touring You Signed Up for This … Continue reading Maisie Peters @ Tramshed 23/04/2023
The Glastonbury line-up has been announced for 2023, making it the 53rd year running. The five-day festival is taking place this year between June 21st and 25th, at its normal location at Worthy Farm, Pilton, Somerset. After a two-year break due to the pandemic, Glastonbury returned in 2022 with headliners Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, and Sir Paul McCartney. This year, the pyramid headliners are listed … Continue reading A Rundown of Glastonbury 2023’s Lineup
It is an interesting time for Opera.┬á What audiences nowadays expect and desire from the arts has meant that the elitism associated with Opera, along with its outdated themes and morals, are no longer accepted by a new wave of arts fans.┬á The recent decision made by Arts Council England to slash funding of leading Opera organisations such as Glyndebourne and English National Opera proves … Continue reading In Conversation with Opera Director, Daisy Evans
The release of DMAÔÇÖs brand new fourth album How Many Dreams? is just around the corner. This 12-track album seamlessly fuses elements of electronic, rock and pop music to create a sensational album where every track is a hit in the making. Songs such as EverybodyÔÇÖs Saying ThursdayÔÇÖs the Weekend showcase the trioÔÇÖs ability to create something truly special with this upbeat, nostalgia-infused track that … Continue reading In Conversation with DMA’s Tommy O’Dell
In the early hours of 17th March, Irish singer-songwriter Hozier released his latest EP ÔÇÿAll Things EndÔÇÖ. The release day for this EP is very on-brand for Hozier, being both his birthday and St. PatrickÔÇÖs Day. Well-known for his soulful and reflective musical style, Hozier delivers a cluster of three tracks on this EP highlighting his distinct blend of evocative melodies, lyrical depth, and impressive … Continue reading Review: ‘All Things End’ by Hozier
The Ale and Cider Festival (ran by CardiffÔÇÖs own Ale and Cider Society) was the perfect event for the Live Music Society to show off their finest acts in Cardiff UniversityÔÇÖs Student Union main stage. With drinks flowing throughout the day, the festival goers couldnÔÇÖt be happier to watch some fantastic sets. The Poached gave a powerful performance off the bat with a refreshingly eclectic … Continue reading Cardiff Bands @ Ale and Cider Fest
The most immediate thing I noticed when entering Tiny Rebel Brewery was the quirky and uniquesetup. The entire room was illuminated by the soft red glow of the eye-catching Tiny Rebel neonlogo, front and center of the room, coupled with the vine leaves hanging from the walls, it left anethereal, pleasing aesthetic for the eye. The excellent mixing and acoustics provided an excellentdegree of clarity … Continue reading Cardiff Bands @ Tiny Rebel
If youÔÇÖre a fan of Loyle Carner, youÔÇÖll know that he is not one to shy away from using hismusic and his platform to fight for what is right, carefully discussing hard-hitting topics likepolitics, crime, identity and race in a thought-provoking yet nuanced way. His gig in Cardiffwas no exception to this rule. As Loyle Carner took to the stage in Cardiff UniversityÔÇÖs Great Hall, … Continue reading Loyle Carner @ Cardiff SU 11/03/23
