We meet Liverpool’s NATALIE MCCOOL in Manchester. Having just released her brilliant debut album, she’s fired up and ready to take on the UK and beyond.

Here are some shots that our ace photographer SINEAD MARIE took of Natalie in central Manchester. Shot on a rooftop, staircase, and garage basement of a restored building not far from Piccadilly station, the photographs reflect the class and edginess of this talented singer-songwriter who is going from strength to strength. Continue reading NATALIE MCCOOL Photo Shoot in Manchester →

Check out our photos of ABISHA UHL, lead singer of Minneapolis band SICK OF SARAH, in Shibuya Tokyo – taken by our Tokyo photographer Nat Olive on 6 May 2013. Full set of photos HERE!!! Continue reading Tokyo Photo Shoot with ABISHA UHL of SICK OF SARAH →

The last time we saw BO NINGEN live, it was when they were squeezed into a tiny box room in Manchester’s Hotel Salutation as part of last year’s AND (Abandon Normal Devices) Festival. Barely able to thrash around, they played an intense set to the limited number of people who were able to fit into the room with them. It was a memorable night.

We’re thrilled to catch up with the band again. Continue reading LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY – BO NINGEN →

We meet ENTER SHIKARI’s Chris Batten (bass) and Rob Rolfe (drums) backstage to chat about them, the band and the industry. Contrary to what you might imagine based on their famously crazy onstage antics, the lads are the picture of charm and we’re impressed. They are completely open about the band’s experiences and trajectory, know the industry in and out, and are firm believers in creative independence. They also love supporting a good cause and are eager to show their support for the jailed Pussy Riot girls. Continue reading LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY – ENTER SHIKARI →

The annual LIVE AT LEEDS festival once again took over the UK city on Saturday 4 May, as part of the 3-day event, offering up an array of British and international talent.

Here are some bands we caught on our trek round the city.

Birmingham’s LAURA MVULA has had a very busy year so far, having been nominated for a BRIT, winning fourth place in BBC’s Sound of 2013, and releasing her debut album. Continue reading Scenes from LIVE AT LEEDS 2013 →

We’re wading our way through the crowds, and winding our way down the staircases towards the main floor here at Leeds University Stylus. It’s filling up quickly, as SAVAGES start setting up. Singer Jehnny Beth is characteristically stalking the stage in her blue denim jacket, making sure that everything’s in place.

Whoops spread across the venue. It’s Saturday night, and word is out that LIVE AT LEEDS is hosting one of the UK’s buzz bands. Continue reading LIVE AT LEEDS – SAVAGES →

London’s WOLF ALICE, aka lead singer Ellie Rowsell, Joel Amey, Joff Oddie and Theo Ellis, have been gathering some hype around the UK. Having sailed through some smaller venues earlier in the year, they’re now banging out tracks on festival stages. Based on personal recommendations, I’m here at Leeds Met to check out what the whole hoo-ha is about. Continue reading LIVE AT LEEDS – WOLF ALICE →

We have a comfortable entry into the Saturday all-day gigfest at the annual LIVE AT LEEDS. As we arrive at the press centre based in Leeds City Museum, a healthy queue for wristbands is building up outside and the sun is beginning to beat down on dedicated gig-goers. We’re greeted by friendly staff and buckets full of Fosters lager – bit early in the day since it’s barely midday, but we are in Leeds. Having driven in from Manchester, we’re on the hunt for caffeine, of which there is none. Continue reading LIVE AT LEEDS – SWISS LIPS, LONDON GRAMMAR →

ALUNAGEORGE is on the rise. We were curious to see if they lived up to the recorded quality we were fast becoming familiar with. The Garage pit is packed with close to 25 photographers, and we’re made to wait for a long time as set up takes place.

The set starts off with a few hitches, but things resolve quickly. Singer Aluna Francis looks stunning as she emerges in long white jacket, black hotpants and fabulous earrings. And she’s terribly tiny. Continue reading LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY – ALUNAGEORGE, JETTA, FINDLAY, CHLOE HOWL →

We’re excited to see LONDON GRAMMAR live. As part of the stunning LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY lineup, we’re at the East Village Arts Club (EVAC) to check out this London band who have been gathering buzz with their standout tracks.

Dressed casually and with a very calm and endearingly shy onstage presence, the 3-piece band look at home in this intimate venue. Rare for any London bands, they seem genuinely humbled to play the festival and to be invited to perform in a city famed for its connection with music. Continue reading LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY – LONDON GRAMMAR →

London sensation SAVAGES crept up on many by surprise. We were there for the unforgettable Fuhrer Bunker gig last May where the foursome blasted open the eyes and ears of the limited number of Mancunians who were able to squeeze into the now famed venue housing the iconic wooden caged stage.

We happen to pass lead singer Jehnny Beth in the streets of Liverpool a few hours before their set at LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY popup Art Academy stage. Continue reading LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY – SAVAGES →

I’ve been wanting to catch NO CEREMONY /// for a while. Captivated by the stunning tracks and videos that can be found online, I was excited to hear that they were a late addition to the LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY lineup.

Here at the East Village Arts Club (EVAC) Loft, the Manchester band who have been keeping the press in the dark, were literally keeping us in the dark. With pretty much only the projector light shining on the stage, we at least get to check out in person who this elusive three-piece are. I get a little goosebump as they come onstage and take their positions. Continue reading LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY – NO CEREMONY →

I first saw Dan Smith and Co. aka BASTILLE perform at last year’s Dot 2 Dot Festival in Manchester. Fortunately for them, a cancellation by Summer Camp gave them a chance to perform twice, maximizing their exposure. They performed very well, demonstrating some keeper tracks, but even so, they continued to fly fairly low for a while.

One year on, we’re here at the popup Garage stage of LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY. Continue reading LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY – BASTILLE →

Manchester band PINS have been gathering attention in their home city and across the UK. Composed of four-piece lead singer Faith Holgate, lead guitarist Lois Macdonald, bassist Anna Donigan and new drummer Sophie Galpin, the band are a reliable festival favourite, and it didn’t take much to pack out the Shipping Forecast basement venue during LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY on its opening day. Continue reading LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY – PINS →

North England sensation NATALIE MCCOOL has crept up on us slowly but surely, well and truly bowling us over with her tightly constructed songs, hard-hitting yet tender lyrics, striking vocals and musical arrangements. And I’m not the only one in love with her recent “Dust & Coal,” among other tracks off her recently released eponymous debut album. Continue reading LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY – NATALIE MCCOOL →

We’re excited to see South London 3-piece BLACKEYE for the first time. Fronted by Chloe Little, the band pushed out the video for feisty and catchy “Spin” 6 months ago. We were hooked and wanted to see how they perform live. Continue reading LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY – BLACKEYE →