FESTIVAL PREVIEW: Springtide Festival

Springtide Festival is a new addition to the Hampshire music scene, and takes place over part of the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend in Gosport. That's just a 15min ferry ride from Portsmouth if you didn't know. Not only is it giving local artists a huge platform and the boost they all truly deserve, but they've got some of the most exciting acts of 2014 coming down to perform as well. I'll be there on the Saturday for a whole lot of dancing, whilst mooching about the clothing stalls and hey, I may even get my face painted too! 

Here's my tips for who to check out if you're planning on coming (which you should be!)

Fickle Friends.

With only two singles, Brighton's Fickle Friends are causing quite a stir in the music industry. Their charming, upbeat melodies are winning hearts all over the UK and they'll undoubtedly bring some summer vibes with their performance. 

Eliza and the Bear. 
If you caught Paramore on their UK tour last year, then you would have caught Eliza and the Bear getting you all warmed up beforehand. Championed by Communion music and big name Radio DJs, these guys have got a big career ahead of them. And they have trumpets.


Young Kato.
Fresh off their tour supporting You Me At Six, Young Kato are going to bring a bit of a party to Springtide. They've got that perfect blend of pop-rock that'll have you up on your feet and loving life for their entire set!


Pixel Fix.
I finally caught Pixel Fix live recently and their music in completely blew my mind. Their EPs are full of hauntingly brilliant atmospheric indie sounds, with cuts and twists throughout and it just becomes something on another level live. You'd be a fool to miss their set.

Bear Cavalry.
Gosport's finest export. Tropical indie-pop music at it's finest. I've lost count of the amount of times I've seen Bear Cavalry live, but I never bore of them. Bringing a lovely dose of the seaside with them, no matter where they play.


The Boy I Used To Be.
Okay, so I maaaay be a little biased as I used to work with Mr Edward Perry, aka The Boy I Used To Be. But, he's put a lot of hard work into his new EP and always a little charmer when he gets on stage. For a little distortion with your cheery indie music, The Boy I Used To Be is perfect for a Saturday afternoon.


Nathan Newman.
Heart-melting, beautifully written songs are what Nathan Newman is so good at creating. If you like Ben Howard, Damien Rice and Benjamin Francis Leftwich then you'll fall in love with Nathan.

These are just my top picks from the weekend, but there are tons more bands playing across the two days, plus a special acoustic stage to get excited about. For more information, and to purchase tickets visit: http://www.springtidefestival.com/

Monthly round-up.

And there was me thinking that the start of 2014 would be a bit of a slow one with not much going on. Christ alive was I wrong! I don't think I've stopped since New Year, trying to cram in gig after gig, review after review and everything else around my working hours. Not that I am complaining I have had an absolute blast the past month.

Now we've entered a new one and my diary keeps getting important dates added into it and it's safe to say I'm very excited with the way things are shaping for this year.

See ya January, here are my favourite things about you!

THIS ALBUM.

I was lucky enough to go to the album launch show at Camden Barfly, which was completely insane. I was also then invited to the special Album party at Redbull Studios, (free bar AND free pizza, THANK. YOU.) which again, was so much fun and I'm super proud of Blitz Kids for already achieving so much success with the album. You can see my full review of The Good Youth here: http://www.bringthenoiseuk.com/201401/music/reviews/album-review-blitz-kids-the-good-youth

THIS SONG. 

I have literally had this on repeat for the past three weeks. It's not usually what I go for but something about it has got me completely hooked. Maybe it's the super smooth and soulful vocals, maybe it's the handclaps and beats. Who knows? All I can say is, it is magnificent and I can't wait until the Years & Years headline show at Oslo in March. 

FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Reading & Leeds: You Me At Six, Architects, Royal Blood, Issues, Disclosure, The 1975

Isle of Wight Festival: Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Kings Of Leon, Rudimental, John Newman, Passenger

Bestival: OUTKAST, Foals, Chvrches, Disclosure

Takedown Festival: Funeral for a Friend, Kids in Glass Houses, The First, Verses, I Divide Canterbury

BRB going to the bank to get a loan. 

THESE BANDS.

Neck Deep:

Pixel Fix:

Crooks: 

Statechamps: 

These have been the four main bands soundtracking the first month of the year. Neck Deep and Statechamps in particular because they bring a nice dose of Summer to this utterly horrific Winter weather we're having at the moment. Pixel Fix make some of the most hauntingly beautiful music around and Crooks are just non-stop touring right now, so a big pat on the back for them! 

What music has soundtracked your January?