The Shiiine On Weekender which took place at Butlin’s Holiday Park in Minehead from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th November was a trip down memory lane for a demographic that certainly appreciated the nostalgia.
I arrived on Friday lunchtime, fresh faced and raring to go, I left on Monday morning a broken but very happy man, I had photographed many bands that I never had the chance to back in the day and met a number of my all time heroes, here’s a recap of my weekend experience…
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Emily Barker is an acclaimed singer-songwriter from Western Australia. Her song “Nostalgia” was the theme for the BBC crime drama “Wallander” starring Kenneth Branagh. Praised for her songwriting by The Guardian, NPR, and The Australian, Barker has toured extensively with artists like Frank Turner and Mary Chapin Carpenter and was the 2018 UK Americana Artist of the Year. Her first collection of poetry, “Where The Black Swans Swim”, was published this year by UK publisher Broken Sleep Books.
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Major Arena Shows Mark the Return of the Grammy Award-Winning Jazz Funkers
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Hot on the launch of their eponymously titled album, BERRIES boarded the good ship Thekla in Bristol for a rocking Tuesday night.
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Credit: MAC SCOTT
Sam Fender has unveiled the details of his eagerly awaited third studio album, People Watching, which is set to be released on 21st February 2025 via Polydor Records. The anticipation surrounding this new release is already palpable, with Fender’s UK and Ireland arena tour selling out in under an hour, proving his massive popularity and the excitement for his new music.
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Nouvelle Vague, the French bossa nova collective, known for their enchanting reinterpretations of post-punk classics, is back on the road for an unforgettable anniversary tour! Celebrating 21 years since their self-titled debut album first captivated global audiences, this tour will see Nouvelle Vague transform the UK’s most beloved music venues into intimate settings for a truly unique experience. With 16 live dates across the country, including two nights at London’s iconic Koko, fans will be treated to a mesmerising performance that reinvents familiar tunes in fresh, hypnotic ways. Tickets are available now, so grab yours and prepare for an evening like no other!
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Dates: 13-15 June 2025
Location: Donington Park, Leicestershire
Headliners: Green Day | Sleep Token | Korn
Tickets: General sale at 9pm, Thursday, 14 November 2024 at downloadfestival.co.uk
“If there’s anyone who deserves their props amid this surge of attention directed towards radical folk, it’s Nicola Kearey and Ian Carter of Stick In The Wheel, who’ve been bringing an energy, political urgency and experimental drive to traditional music for a decade.”
THE QUIETUS
“The most important band in the current British folk scene”
ELE-KING MAGAZINE, JAPAN
“Their music is both renewal and critique, working with old materials to bring attention to how their friction with modern sounds sheds light on contradictions that transcend time.”
BANDCAMP
“(‘Freak Accident’ is) a sly, craggy semi-acoustic number with a great chorus.” - Stereogum
“...Pirner’s songwriting style is something to be examined and writing from the purest and darkest parts of himself have always been the redeeming qualities of his greatest songs.” - American Songwriter
“‘High Road’ reintroduces the band as bright, punk-adjacent, indie-loving rockers. At three minutes and change, it’s a sweet and energetic listen sure to please fans of their ’80s and ’90s material.” -Consequence (of Sound)
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FINCH | HOME GROWN | STREETLIGHT MANIFESTO | THE AQUABATS | SAVE FERRIS | BAD COP BAD COP | HOT MILK | WARGASM | TWIN ATLANTIC | NOAHFINNCE | SOUTH ARCADE | RAIN CITY DRIVE | CEMETERY SUN | POINT NORTH | MILLIONAIRES | SOPHIE POWERS | KID BOOKIE | LANDMVRKS | IMMINENCE | I SEE STARS | SCOWL | DEFECTS| LAKE MALICE | FREE THROW | SWEET PILL | HEART ATTACK MAN | WINONA FIGHTER
JOINING PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED ACTS INCLUDING -
A DAY TO REMEMBER | ELECTRIC CALLBOY | NECK DEEP | ALKALINE TRIO | AS IT IS (Excl. UK Reunion & Never Happy, Ever After 10th Anniv.) | DELILAH BON | DREAM STATE | GRAPHIC NATURE | HIT THE LIGHTS | HOT MULLIGAN | KNUCKLE PUCK (Copacetic 10th Anniversary) | LESS THAN JAKE | MOUTH CULTURE | MOVEMENTS | NEW FOUND GLORY | SPLIT CHAIN | STRAY FROM THE PATH | THE ATARIS | THE STARTING LINE | THE USED | ZEBRAHEAD
FOR THE UK’S BIGGEST INDEPENDENT ROCK FESTIVAL
HATFIELD PARK (SOUTH) - SAT 24TH MAY 2025
LEEDS TEMPLE NEWSAM (NORTH) - SUN 25TH MAY 2025
TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT WWW.SLAMDUNKFESTIVAL.COM
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Taking place from 15th to 18th November 2024 at Butlin's Holiday Park in Minehead, North Devon, the Shiiine On Weekender is back with its signature mix of legendary bands, club nights, tribute acts, and immersive experiences. This festival is dedicated to fans of indie, dance, Britpop, and alternative sounds, with a lineup brimming with both iconic and underground acts. Here's a spotlight on 20 of the artists performing.
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Ahead of their UK tour were they’ll be supporting the mighty ECHOBELLY, Steve from musomuso caught up with Sarah and Sam from London based alternative duo BLUE VIOLET.
They chat about the forthcoming tour, their sophomore album Faux Animaux which lands on January 24th 2025 (pre-order available NOW), the London launch party, collaborations, influences and much more…
On the eve of their fifth album release, Planet Nowhere, Razorlight took to the cozy stage of Strange Brew in Bristol, a venue that’s as intimate as it is vibrant, turning heads with its colorful decor and art-laden walls. When I first heard they’d be playing here, I thought it was a misprint. Razorlight, once topping charts and playing arena stages, now delivering their new and classic songs in such a close-knit space? It felt like a gift, one that any fan—new or old—could hardly believe they were unwrapping.
The evening started with Zoe Hayter, a captivating singer-songwriter, who brought her raw, folk-infused performance to the stage. Armed with tambourines strapped to her Dr. Martens (other boots are available) and bells around her ankles, Zoe seemed just as thrilled to be there as we were. She filled the room with autobiographical songs from her EP, Raw, blending delicate tales with foot-stomping percussion. Her song Ageing Clown stood out, a heartfelt tribute to her Irish grandfather Paddy Hayter, and by the end, she had us all singing along to the catchy refrain, “A rocking chair’s pretty good, but you can't keep a good clown down.” Zoe was the perfect opener, grounding the night in authenticity and storytelling.
Then, it was Razorlight’s turn. The energy in the room was electric as fans, both loyal and new, buzzed with excitement. Johnny Borrell and the band wasted no time, exploding into the set with Rip It Up and its irresistible opening line: “Hey girl, get on the dancefloor, that’s what it’s there for!” It was the perfect invitation to let loose, and from that moment, the crowd was hooked.
In the Morning was a huge crowd-pleaser, sounding just as majestic and infectious as it did in its early days, with the entire room singing along as if on cue. But it was Zombie Love, the lead single from Planet Nowhere, that truly showed us Razorlight’s enduring strength. The track flowed seamlessly from the old hits, feeling like it could have been plucked right from the band’s breakout era. This new album doesn’t just nod to the past—it blends it with a punchy, energetic sound, refined by the band’s time recording in Spain, and brought back to life on stage tonight.
With each song, Razorlight showcased the full spectrum of their influences, from the jittery, post-punk edge of Talking Heads to the riotous spirit of The Clash. Songs like Scared of Nothing embodied this range perfectly, with Johnny’s powerful, feverish delivery as he declared, “This is the sound my insides make,” before letting loose with a cacophony of feedback and flailing curls.
By the time they got to Cool People, Johnny was drenched in sweat, denim jacket off, proudly sporting a Planet Nowhere badge. It’s one of the album’s sharpest tracks, a cheeky rebuke of “phony” indie cool, with Johnny spitting lyrics like, “There aren't cool people in this band… What do you want me to do, turn up in shades and pout?” It’s a biting, refreshing anthem that instantly had everyone in the room hooked.
The new songs and old favorites flowed together effortlessly, with the crowd responding just as enthusiastically to each. Razorlight have found a groove that mixes nostalgia with innovation—a sound that feels vintage yet fresh, familiar yet surprising. April Ends showcased Andy Burrows’s frenetic drumming, pushing the song to a fever pitch and solidifying it as one of the night’s standout moments.
They saved some of the best for last, with an encore that kicked off with Vice, a scuzzy, relentless anthem that embodies Razorlight’s swagger and grit. But it was America, of course, that closed out the night, bringing the room to a nostalgic high and reminding us all why we fell in love with Razorlight in the first place.
As I stepped out of Strange Brew, hoarse from singing and with Zombie Love firmly lodged in my head, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d just witnessed something rare. Razorlight’s new era feels like a rebirth, a testament to their ability to evolve while staying true to the sound that made them unforgettable. Planet Nowhere is bound to bring them back to the bigger stages, but for one unforgettable night, we got to witness them up close, alive with the same spirit that’s kept them going all these years.
Words and Pictures by Matthew Barnes
On October 27, 2024, Razorlight brought something rare and wonderful to Rough Trade Bristol: an intimate, no-frills performance that gave fans a genuine glimpse into their dynamic as both bandmates and friends. Just days after playing a packed-out show at Bristol's Strange Brew, the duo of frontman Johnny Borrell and drummer-turned-guitarist Andy Burrows returned for an acoustic set to celebrate the release of Planet Nowhere, their fifth studio album and first in six years. For a band that once filled arenas, it felt like a homecoming, pared down yet vibrant—a celebration of Razorlight’s past, present, and exciting future.
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Attending a music event or festival on your own can be one of the most liberating and empowering experiences. The idea of dancing and singing along to your favourite artists, surrounded by thousands of like-minded music lovers, has an undeniable appeal—even if you’re going solo. Going to a festival alone allows you to set your own schedule, soak in the performances you want to see, and maybe even meet new people along the way. However, solo festival-going also requires planning, a little extra attention to safety, and an open mindset to ensure the best experience possible. Here’s a complete guide to making the most of your solo festival adventure.
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Glasgow’s rising stars Dead Pony are bringing their electric, genre-bending sound on a headline UK tour this December. Following the success of their debut album Ignore This, which burst onto the scene to critical acclaim and took the UK charts by storm, Dead Pony are back on the road to reconnect with fans and dazzle new listeners. The album, packed with energy and individuality, claimed the #2 spot on the Independent Album Breakers Chart and made impressive waves across other UK charts, including #27 in the Album Chart and #8 among Scottish albums.
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After two years of global touring success following their 2022 Top 5 album Fatal Mistakes, Del Amitri, Glasgow’s iconic rockers, are back for their first full UK tour in four years, bringing both nostalgia and new energy to audiences across the country this December. Known for their storytelling lyrics, heartfelt ballads, and catchy rock tunes, the band’s performances consistently blend authenticity with showmanship, promising an unforgettable experience for fans old and new.
The tour launches on December 1st in Newcastle and will sweep across major cities like London, Leeds, and Manchester before concluding with two eagerly awaited, sold-out shows on December 22nd and 23rd at Glasgow’s legendary Barrowland Ballroom. Following a recent string of arena performances with fellow Glaswegian legends Simple Minds, Del Amitri have honed their live set to perfection and are sure to bring the house down with classic hits and fan-favorite deep cuts alike
Formed in the 1980s by Justin Currie and Iain Harvie, Del Amitri became a staple in rock with albums like Waking Hours and hits such as “Nothing Ever Happens” and “Roll to Me.” Their songs capture the bittersweet aspects of life and relationships, often weaving in Currie’s wry humor and poignant lyrics. After a hiatus beginning in 2002, the band reunited in 2020, much to the delight of fans, and delivered their critically acclaimed Fatal Mistakes in 2022.
As they tour, Del Amitri’s knack for balancing rock anthems with reflective, lyrical pieces continues to resonate, making them a band that spans genres and generations.
To prepare for the tour, here are five essential Del Amitri tracks that capture their unique style and lyrical depth:
“Nothing Ever Happens” – This classic shines for its introspective lyrics on modern life’s routine and melancholy.
“Always the Last to Know” – An emotional rock ballad that showcases Currie’s gift for raw and relatable storytelling.
“Roll to Me” – Known for its catchy melody, this is one of the band’s most internationally popular songs.
“Kiss This Thing Goodbye” – A fan favorite that brings upbeat rhythms and heartfelt lyrics together.
“Driving with the Brakes On” – A beautifully crafted track about struggle and resilience, embodying Del Amitri’s lyrical and musical prowess.
Del Amitri’s December 2024 tour promises to be a celebration of timeless rock, filled with energy, memories, and a passionate audience. Grab your tickets, rediscover these tracks, and prepare for a night with one of Glasgow’s finest.
All tickets are available to purchase HERE
December 2024
Sun 01 - Newcastle, Boiler Shop
Tue 03 - London, O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire
Wed 04 - Leeds, O2 Academy
Thu 05 - Wolverhampton, Wulfrun Hall
Sat 07 - Norwich, The Nick Rays LCR, UEA
Sun 08 - Bristol O2 Academy
Tue 10 - Liverpool, O2 Academy
Wed 11 - Manchester, Albert Hall
Thu 12 - Sheffield, Leadmill
ALREADY ON SALE:
Wed 18 - Aberdeen Music Hall
Thu 19 - Perth Concert Hall
Fri 20 - Edinburgh Usher Hall
Sun 22 - Glasgow Barrowland
Mon 23 - Glasgow Barrowland
This December, the ultimate punk supergroup, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, will storm the UK for six nights of chaotic, high-energy shows that promise to deliver all the irreverence, humour, and pure musical fun that has made them legends in the punk world. With a show that combines the raw energy of punk with the guilty pleasure of singalong classics, this is one band you do not want to miss!
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HOO, the dream-pop project featuring members of legendary UK shoegaze bands Slowdive, Mojave 3, and Chapterhouse, is back with their highly anticipated album, III, dropping on October 25, via Big Potato Records. With a decade-long gestation, III promises to be an evolution in both sound and ambition, combining elements of spacey folk, krautrock, and cinematic dream pop.
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British alt-rock band October Drift are in the midst of a career-defining moment. With the release of their third album ‘Blame The Young’ at the end of September 2024, the band has hit a new high, both critically and commercially. The album quickly climbed the UK Album Sales Chart, reaching an impressive No.25, while also securing No.12 on the Independent Albums Chart this week. For a band that’s been steadily building their reputation, this marks their most successful release yet.
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