WE'VE MOVED

http://www.sammightsay.com/

Robbie Williams (23/06/2014)

Photo courtesy of www.facebook.com/robbiewilliams

Newcastle Metro Arena.

I know what you're thinking, Robbie Williams? Take That's old fat dancer? Well let me give a small explanation of why I paid £65 for backseats of a Robbie Williams concert...

My mam is the soul reason I've been to many great gigs in my life, and she has become my favourite gig partner. I've dragged her to so many concerts, even when she hated the band she would still come with me. So when I found out that her favourite singer was on in Newcastle I jumped at the chance to buy her tickets as a small token of my gratitude.

So there we are, in the middle of Newcastle, I'm preparing myself for two hours of boredom whilst Julie sits beside me almost shaking with excitement. No support act, which I don't mind, I like that Williams just got straight on with the show.

'Swing Both Ways' was different from any usual Robbie concert, I can only presume, he took to the stage with a fantastic brass band and dancers to make up his show. Swing music was the theme, and Williams played the part to an extent which took you back in time, to New York when swing music was all the rage. 

I've grown up with swing music, both of my parents are big fans, so all of the songs Williams played were beautifully familiar, and he played them with an amazing energy that brought a new lease of life to the old classics.

Dusted straight off the shelf, Williams brought back songs like 'Minnie The Moocher,'Putting On The Ritz', and even 'I Wanna Be Like You', though the performance of that latter was a bit extravagant for me I enjoyed the set, which was a massive surprise to me.

I've never been to see a live act that puts such a performance on, usually I'm not one for theatrics during live music but Williams made it classy, it was exciting, and it was sexy.

Some of Williams' other famous hits made it to the stage though, like a swing performance of 'Millennium', and of course 'Angels' which went down a treat, even with me.

The night, by all, was a massive surprise to me, I didn't expect to enjoy myself as much as I did. It was an epic performance made by one of the biggest names in pop music, but I was just happy that my mam enjoyed it. In her words, it was one of the best nights of her life.

Love Letter To Rock and Roll

Cheshire based rock and roll group the Luka State have released their tribute documentary to rock and roll as a taster for their new single ‘Rain’, which is set to be released July 7.

‘A Love Letter To Rock and Roll’ is a small, but telling documentary of three lads who have the world at their feet, as they tour Germany. The rock and roll trio discuss the hardships of being in a contemporary rock and roll group, but also share with their fans the highs of touring with your mates and meeting a new crowd every night.

In their own words, the lads said; “We wanted to make something a little different rather than your standard tour diary.

“What’s the point in doing the same as everybody else.

“Being in a band means hard work, putting the effort in and really going at it.

“We wanted to show the truth and show that in this wicked industry nothing is handed to you on a plate, its not all easy and you have to work for it.”

The Luka State, who are made up of Conrad Ellis, Sam Bell, and Jess Whitmore, have received immense popularity among avid music fans, just scoring under 90,000 views on their video ’30 Minute Break’ which included Games Of Thrones and Nowhere Boy star Thomas Brodie-Sangster.

‘A Love Letter To Rock and Roll’ is a fantastic insight to the world of a touring rock and roll band, fans of the Luka State will go mad for it.

Wild Smiles Release New Video 'Fool For You'

Wild Smiles have released their eagerly anticipated video for their superb single ‘Fool For You’, as well as releasing an acoustic version, which flatters the outlandish song to even greater heights.

In this personally made video, Wild Smiles have managed to capture their dynamic personality onto the screen. ‘Fool For You’ is a brilliant single that entwines the likes of the Beatles, the Lemonheads, and the Beach Boys into one outstanding tune.

A force to be reckoned with, Wild Smiles have come out with a summer tune that has that kick-in-your-balls feel to it, which every lover of rock and roll have been missing from the music scene.

Mixing up a mixture of older bands, Wild Smiles have managed to create their own sound, these guys have created a none stop tune, one to be listened to wherever you may go.

Wild Smiles have got it, and ‘Fool For You’ is a brilliant example of their fantastic work

The Irish Music

Well, I had a fantastic time in Ireland, no where else do I feel more at home than I do when in the bars listening to their beautiful traditional music.

I met some amazing musicians whilst over there, most who have more talent in their little finger than most English musicians.

It's a magnificent place to go and hear some music, I can't put it into words how amazing it is... but I hope these videos will explain it a little...

Enjoy!

Josh

This one might seem a bit mysterious, as the singer I only know by the name Josh, it was the name he give to me when I introduced myself.

Gogarty's is my favourite pub on Temple Bar, it  constantly has live music on - and they manage to gather some of the best Irish musicians around to play.

Josh is one of them. Although he differed from the other acts, he didn't play your usual Irish tunes (God knows how many times I heard Galway Girl and The Irish Rover). He played Oasis, the Beatles, and so many other amazing covers. Anything that was thrown at him he began to play, even Neil Diamond's 'Sweet Caroline' - he nailed it.

Charismatic, talented, and with a smile as big as you can imagine, Josh had the entirety of the pub singing along to his songs. He played fantastically, I've never seen someone be able to play an acoustic quite like him, manipulating it into a set of drums, a bass, basically playing out all the instruments included in any song, on his trusty acoustic.

Josh played a fantastic cover of Come Together, which I managed to record half of, regrettably I missed his fantastic rendition of the introduction. I love Irish music, don't get me wrong, but Irish musicians know how to play an acoustic guitar, and it's good to hear one of them put that into covering none traditional Irish songs.

Josh, if you're out there, well done lad!

KeyWest

Walking down Grafton Street, in Dublin, you can hear music come from everywhere, it's a genuine pleasure to walk down such a busy street because of the dozens of brilliantly talented buskers.

I had a moment, that I'm sure other music journalists have, that "Yes! That's something to be excited about!". Seeing a large crowd gathered around a group of five lads, I could hear the amazing sound of KeyWest.

A relatively famous band, I'd never heard of them before, and was surprised to see such a popular band that still busked. But, as they said themselves, it's the best way to get music across to the masses.

They blew me away, it didn't shock me at all that these guys are well on their way in the music industry, anything less would be a crime. The talent that these lads produce is outstanding, I was genuinely saddened when they played their last tune, saddened that I thought this could be the last time I ever hear them again. But, for us, they sold us CD's, which I bought two of and I haven't stop being able to listen to them since I came home.

Get them on, they're the greatest band you'll ever see busk if you're lucky enough to catch them. Listen to them wherever you are, trust me when I say that KeyWest are something to be excited about.

Hello hello!

Ok, yes I'm sorry I've been away a while but you know, Uni and all that.

But I'm back, back from being ill, and back from my favourite place in the world, Dublin.

So slap on some diapers, you're in for a good ride.

Revenant @ The Frigate

The Frigate is a fantastic bar to see any live act, but when Revenant come knocking at the door, it's a different experience altogether.

What makes Revenant stand out from the rest is the years of experience and musicianship put into play during their live performances. Arguably one of the greatest local bands I've ever seen, they never disappoint their audience which is full of bikers and a loyal following.

Revenant have a fantastic setlist, which is even enjoyed by those that wouldn't consider themselves metal fans, I personally wouldn't have ever thought of myself as a metal fan but coming from the Frigate on Saturday night, I found myself singing their setlist long after they'd finished their mind blowing performance. Black Sabbath, Rage Against the Machine, and Metallica are just some of the bands they cover song from, chewing it up into their own sound and spitting it back into the audience's ears as a kick-in-the-balls stamp on their live covers.

Wherever they go Revenant create an atmosphere like no other, and it's often hard to find a band with music skills as high as theirs, with the ability to get the audience pumped and feeling like they own the world.

Revenant own the current local music scene, for no other band has yet managed to reach their live music experience, it's a phenomenon that is only understood by those who have seen them, my only advice is to watch out, for when Revenant change your world.

Music For Middlesbrough

Music for Middlesbrough is a campaign ran by Teesside University students, including myself.

We aim to better the Middlesbrough music scene, with frequent live acts, that are in demand to play other stadiums.

We need your help to get this campaign up and going, so please help as much as you can.

Visit our webpage for more information: http://musicformiddlesbro.wix.com/musicforboro

Twitter: @MusicForBoro
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/musicformiddlesbrough?ref=hl 

The Purnells - A Half Step In To The Shadows

STORMING back with their second album, the Purnells have created a dark, original, and sublime album for Teesside, and the world, to enjoy.

Opening with 'Ten Bob' we get a funky, upbeat tempo, with is then joined with a heavy guitar that sets of this adventure of an album.

Stu Blackburn, frontman to the brilliant Purnells, sings from way down deep in his gut, almost spitting out his soul in the process to give a voice to the brilliant songs that the Purnells have created.


'Run' is my favourite track from the album, a soft sounding tone with a dark atmosphere clouding around it, it's an outstanding tune from 'A Half Step In To The Shadow'. Beautiful guitar work is performed my Blackburn and his fellow guitarist Glen Caldwell. It doesn't take long for the song to change direction as a synth begins buzzing through the speakers it graces, an unusual sound, one that completely took me by surprise but effortlessly worked so well.

'A Half Step In To The Shadows' is full of surprises and little gems that will grasp your mind and take you into another dimension, into the mind of the wonderful Purnells. It staggered me, throughout the album, that this is the band's second album, they have the connection, the talent, the work of a band that have produced string after string of amazing albums.

Ian Dixon (bass) and Ricky Harty (drums) are a twosome that entwine together, it's become a cliche to just put the bass player and drummer in the same bucket when talking about a band, but it's hard to ignore their duet's throughout this magnificent catalog of music - a combined musicianship that I could even call the crowning jewels of 'A Half Step In To The Shadows'.

Download 'A Half Step In To The Shadows' here: thepurnells.bandcamp.com 

Listen to teasers of the Purnells' brilliant album on Soundcloud, now!

Revenant @ Doc Brown's (09/02/2014)

It’s not often you’ll get a mod in a room with a load of bikers, I’d never seen so many leather jackets and

Image taken by Shannon George

Doc Martins in one room, but Revenant are a band that I have heard nothing but good things about, so being able to see them at Doc Brown’s was not an opportunity I would pass down.

Knowing that a night with newly built, but highly experienced, Revenant is in store the room is packed with buzzing fans and curious new followers. Made up of five of the most talented local musicians; Sel Urwin (Vocals), Mike Walker (Guitar/Vocals), Gary Moseley (Guitar), Steven Henwood (Bass/Vocals), and Simon Verrill (Drums/Vocals), Revenant are a band that have set a storm in their newly born career.

Opening with Riff Raff the hard rock/metal cover band make a loud statement, re-inviting these fantastic songs to the stage, playing them to perfection in front of a large crowd of adoring listeners, it’s easy to see why they’ve gone straight to the hearts of their faithful fans. It wasn’t only the opener that was sublime, the whole setlist was inventive and worked so well together as the songs melded in and out with each other,

Image taken by Shannon George

creating one of the most powerful and elite sounds I have ever come across is in my twenty years.

Urwin has a very powerful metal voice, most described it as the perfect singing voice for the songs he was singing, but for a newbie to metal music it was a magnificent experience, any song that was thrown his way he would give his all.

Walker, one of the most fantastic live guitarist’s I have ever seen, showing off his A star guitar skills and his brilliant relationship with the guitar, it’s indescribable what this man can do with a guitar – to know, you’d have to see them.

Moseley kept himself to the side as he teased out beautiful sound on his guitar, bringing the five piece together with his rhythmic connection to the music he obviously adores.

Bass player Henwood definitely is having the time of his life whilst he’s on stage, and why not? He’s an incredible bass player, so good in fact that I still had his bass lines buzzing in my head the next morning.

And last, but certainly not least, is our drummer Verrill, the sound he created was strong and powerful, and a topped of that ‘kick-you-in-the-balls’ sound and atmosphere that Revenant are bringing to local stages across the North East.

Revenant are going to go on to do brilliant things, if their second live gig is anything to go by. Their hard work and dedication has not gone unnoticed, it’s shown in their earth shattering live performances.

Watch out for when Revenant take over your local.

Barstow Bats release debut EP

Only forming in late 2012 Barstow Bats have hit the music scene with their brilliant, self titled, debut EP.

There's something magnetic about these four lads from Dumfries, which is shouted loud to you when listening to their opening track 'Play Piano', a great indie tune from duo Andy Rendall (Guitar/Vocals) and Steven McKie (Guitar/Vocals), which are backed by their fellow musicians Barry Gemmell (Backing Vocals/Bass) and Dan Wynne (Drums).

Their grittiness is what to be of expected of a band that were born and molded in Scotland, years Britain has been waiting for a guitar band to bring the musicianship, and talent, back into indie.

'Play Piano' is a fantastic opener to introduce anyone to Barstow Bats, it echoes influences from the Libertines, and Arctic Monkeys, but with their own stamp on it - Barstow Bats are unique, their talent will stagger anyone who gives them a listen.

Another favourite of mine, from the EP, is 'Those French Kisses', a magnificent piece of music that could win the hearts of any music lover. It's one of those tracks that will never die, and it will never be soon forgotten. Barstow Bats have created a masterpiece, a song that will soon be set to storm the radios of Britain.

It's not often I'm this excited about a new band, but Barstow Bats are four Scottish lads you should be watching out for, they're raw, and their music will kick you in the gut and make you question your original music taste.

Scotland has given birth to a talent array of talent, and four of them have come together to form Barstow Bats, four young lads that have the world at their feet, and talent that only some could imagine at their hands.

Check out Barstow Bats!

Brothers In Arms

OASIS fans across the country are rejoicing at the news that their favourite brothers have kissed and made up.

Liam and Noel Gallagher, former Oasis band members who split in August 2009, have said to be friends after sorting out their problems at a family wedding.

Since their split Liam, frontman to the famous band, began his own band, Beady Eye, with former members of Oasis, whilst Noel went on a solo career with Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.

But unfortunately there is still no Oasis reunion on the cards, but a restaurant ran by the two brothers.

A source told the Daily Star: "Liam initially came up with the idea after a recent trip to Manchester with his mum Peggy. "Then between them they thought Noel should also be brought on board.”

There are rumours that the bar will be called ‘Champagne Supernova’, missing out on the opportunity for “I’m feeling supersonic, give me gin & tonic” by calling their bar ‘Supersonic’, after another one of their famous hits.

Although Noel Gallagher, ex guitarist and song writer for Oasis, and older of the two brothers, have said there will never be a reunion, others think there will be one, including ex Oasis member Bonehead, he told NME: "If someone said, 'Here's a field, here's a stage, and here's 200,000 people'.I'm sure Liam would jump up and do it, and I don't think it would even take anyone offering him a massive bankroll of money.
“He'd do it because that's what he loves, that's his passion."

Fans of the famous Manchester band are on Bonehead’s side, and think that a reunion will be soon.

Oasis fan, and guitarist, Lee Mosey, 23, said: “The Stone Roses said they’d never do it, and I think the Who did at one point too.
“I think that soon enough they’ll decide to go on tour, even if it’s just a one off, they know how much it would mean to the fans.”

Only time will tell if Oasis will get back together, but thousands of people across the world have their fingers crossed hoping for one.

The Remedy - Different Class

DIFFERENT CLASS is the brilliant debut single from Belfast band The Remedy.

Made up of four extremely talented young lads, the Remedy mixes a Ska Beat esque sound with modern indie influences, it's almost like a crash has happened between the Specials and Arctic Monkeys. 

Joel McCracken, Daniel 'Sheep' Donaghy, Gareth Davies, and Chris Hanna make up the Remedy, four musicians that have created a perfect combination, that one day we will hold up as legends.

'Different Class' is their groundbreaking stamp on what they're going to be bringing to the music industry, and I can't wait to hear more from them.

These four brilliantly talent musicians have created a new sound, unique to ears but with obvious influences, though there is no direct copying from the Remedy's heroes. 

They haven't got Oasis syndrome, their influences are purely a base start, rather than what their whole song it based around.

The Remedy have created a magnificent tune, one that has been played none stop in my house since first hearing it.

'Different Class' is just the first success to come this band's way, I can feel that many more are to come in the near future.

If their debut single is anything to go by, the Remedy are going to quickly find success in music, and hopefully save us from the dribble that is modern 'pop' music.

On behalf of music fans everywhere, we wish you good luck!

'Different Class' is now available to download via iTunes.

The Courteeners (05/12/2013)

LAST night hit blackout for Middlesbrough, Empire was also affected and no one knew if the Courteeners were going to be able to play.

Then, all of a sudden the power was back, and all the power that was lost made up for the energy that the Courteeners brought to the stage.

I've hit Empire a lot in my time, especially for live music, but I have never seen such a phenomenal performance as I did last night.

Liam Fray is charming, charismatic and when he gives you a wink and smile you can't help but feel like a little fan girl.

He has a stage presence that we've missed since the Gallagher brother's split, maybe it's the Manchester roots that causes this but any Manchester band, past and present, should be jealous of the musical talent of this band.

The crowd were going wild for them, I've been at festivals that have had a calmer atmosphere.

Fray lapped it up, mentioning that it was their anniversary of playing at Middlesbrough, "So where's my fucking present?" he asked us all.

Now, I've never written a cliche before, but it was Liam who brought the gift to the Middlesbrough crowd. 

With a setlist ripping, stripping and roaring songs from their latest album "Anna", any Courteeners fan could have easily sang all the words to every song played.

The roof exploded when their most famous hit, 'Not Nineteen Forever' was played to an ace standard, it was hard to believe that these boys weren't offered the Newcastle Metro Arena to play.

Bigger things are going to happen for the Courteeners, and if they don't I will eat my hat.

Watch out for the revolution.

Modern Quarry (30/11/2013)

MODERN QUARRY create a storm wherever they go, and the Hollybush was home to one of their amazing live performances.

Covers ranging from Oasis's 'Wonderwall' to 'Fire' by Kasabian, this was a night for the rock and rollers to play.

Cheap booze was swimming around as punters began dancing along to Modern Quarry's high energy performance that would have anyone up on their feet.

What a brilliant sound they create, mixing it in with five of the most charismatic lads you will find in local talent.

Modern Quarry are one of the most underrated bands I have ever had the pleasure to see, and meet! They know what a crowd crave, they know how to get the best sound possible, and most of all; they know how to blow the roof off of a place.

The sound was crisp and clear, it was gorgeous to the ears and Lee Mosey's guitar playing was the real heart and soul of how Modern Quarry achieve such a unique sound quality.

Anyone who was at that gig enjoyed themselves, it was easy to see on their faces how much they loved the band.

Everyone was up and dancing by the end of the night, singing along to the great set list of songs that were played to us.

Fantastic band, even some of their most loyal fans came along to see them rock the Hollybush.

If I had stars, I'd give five to these boys and their performance on that tiny stage. They blew up the place, gave it a good shake and spat it back out in the most rock and roll way they could.

Modern Quarry, it's on.

Treadkill Interview

This is what happened when I was thrown into a small kitchen with new band Treadkill, and their drum tech...

Sons of the City (21/11/2013)

THURSDAY nights in Aspire, Redcar, are home to some great gigs, but last night Sons of the City absolutely stormed it.

Without a drummer the band still managed to triumph and be one of the best local bands that I have ever seen.

Although lead singer, Pete Jones, claimed it to be their most disappointing gig, I thought it was phenomenal. 

For a band that have only been working together for a short amount of time, these guys know how to put on a show, there is a raw talent there that is hard to find among other local live acts.

Members Pete Jones, Andy Peart, and Kieran McGurk put on an acoustic set that moulded brilliant covers with their own unique songs.

Sons of the City have a sound that is beautiful, the chords lullaby you into a sense of confidence with the band, and it’s easy to fall in love with their tunes.

Jones has an astoundingly gorgeous voice, he’s confident, charismatic and overall he lets his voice do the work for him.

He doesn't need theatrics, or an attitude. His voice is enough to capture the entire attention of anyone in a room with him.

Opening with a solo set from Andy was a treat, there’s a bass player that has earned his stripes. 

Playing songs such as Jimmy Eat the World’s ‘The Middle’ and Old Crowd Medicine Show’s ‘Wagon Wheel’ we were showcased to just some of the talent that this band member has to offer.

In fact, each band member had a lot of talent, they were equally brilliant players and all three were the reason that the audience were enjoying themselves, loving the music that was being presented, and the reason why we all had big smiles on our faces.

Sons of the city interview

After playing a gig in Aspire, Redcar, Pete and Andy were lovely enough to give a ten minute interview...

Meet Sons of the City.