Lucy Rhiannon

Singer/Songwriter Lucy Rhiannon has only played a small number of gigs but is already making a name for herself in Manchester. Having caught the attention of BBC Intorducing, Lucy has recorded a session and played at the monthly introducting night. You can check out some of Lucy's music on Sound Cloud. Keep an eye on Lucy's as 2013 is sure to be a big year for her.


Hey Lucy, how are you?

I'm really good thank you!

How long have you been singing and when did you play your first gig? 

I've been performing for just under a year and only recently started gigging with my own material. My first gig was at Night n Day a couple of months ago in the Northern Quarter which was great!

How did you get into singing? 

I got in to singing at a really young age actually at Primary school. I remember being chosen to sing solo in the Christmas play in front of around 200 people at the age of around 9! I was so quiet and shy when I was younger but when I sang it just felt so natural and in my comfort zone. I was always in the choir or any event that involved music and singing. From then on it was always a hobby and I knew I'd want to make it a career someday.

Which bands/artists have influenced you? 

I love deep strong gravelly voices. Nina Simone, Bob Dylan, Elbow, Johnny Cash are massive influences.

You've had support from BBC Manchester/Introducing, how much has that helped you?

BBC introducing have been amazing for helping me gain recognition in Manchester. Michelle Hussey (radio dj) first heard my songs and was really interested. Since then i've done live sessions and interviews, etc. I recently performed at the Ruby Lounge for the BBC introducing night which was incredible!

Is It difficult to get exposure outside of Manchester?

Being really new to the music scene I haven't yet had the opportunity to gig outside of Manchester. Over the next few months I'll definitely be in London so keep a look out for new dates! 

What music have you been listening to recently?

My favourite artist at the moment is Lianne La Havas. Her album is incredible. Also listening to Ben Howard, Bon Iver, Ren Harvieu, Lucy Rose, ALT J ..Some great new artists around at the moment and I love going to see them at really intimate venues.

Where can we find your music?

You can find a couple of my tunes on www.soundcloud.com/lucy-rhiannon. I'm currently recording new material so keep a look out over the next couple of months!

Whats does the future hold for Lucy Rhiannon? 

At the moment i'm gaining as much experience as possible and in just a few months it's been amazing and everyone has been so supportive along the way. Watch this space!

 You can find out more about Lucy on facebook 

Tom Hingley

Tom Hingley is the former lead singer with Manchester band 'Inspiral Carpets' The band are often credited along with, The Stone Roses & Happy Mondays as starting the Madchester scene. Tom has recently written 'Carpet Burns' his account of his life with the band. Tom continues to perform as a solo artist and with his band 'The Lovers' Most recently they have toured 'Inspiral Carpets' album 'Beast Inside' 

Your book 'Carrpet Burns' has been very well received, did you feel it was time to tell your story?

I have always wanted to write a book so it was a good way to start, thanks for the praise!

Carpet Burns - The Trailer........

 

How easy was it to write the book and remember back to the early days of the band?

If was fun, not easy but I have a really good memory so it wasn't hard to recount the early days of the band.

Do you have plans for any more books or is this a one off?

There will be more books but I cant tell you what they will be about just yet.

You've been touring the Inspirals Album 'Beast Inside' was there a reason for choosing that album?

We performed the album because I love it and I wanted to reclaim it for the 21st Century.

How much have you enjoy playing the album live?

You can see the pleasure at playing it etched on my face in the YouTube videos and the audience reaction. 

Have you any plans to tour any of the other Inspirals albums or is this a one off?

No plans at the moment, I have a baby on the way at Christmas, I am focused on that at present.

What's your favourite song that you have written?

'Goodbye To The Lord Of My Life' from the album 'Keep Britain Untidy' released in 1999

What music have you been listening to recently?

Arcade Fire, Band Of Horses and the Manchester band The Minx

Have you any live dates coming up?

Yes, check the GIG section of my website for latest dates. I am also playing at the Carter USM after shows at Leeds Academy November 9th and Brixton Jamm November 10th

Do you have plans to release new material?

Yes but its a work in progress! 

Carpet Burns is available now, to find out move check out:
Carpet Burns Website  

You can also find Tom at:
www.tomhingley.co.uk

5 For Friday!

5 Tunes To Get The Weekend Started!


Smoke Faries - Let Me Know - Listen  Website

I Am Kloot - Hold Back The Night - Listen  Website

Bat For Lashes - All Your Gold - Listen  Website

Two Gallants - Broken Eyes - Listen  Website

King Krule - The Noose Of Jar City - Listen  Website

 

Sam Haine & The Blood Flames

Sam Haine & The Blood Flames have had a busy summer playing festivals with the likes of Seth Lakeman, The Whip and The Futureheads amongst others. The band have a couple of live dates coming up as well as working on a single and video release for November. Taking time out of those preparations, Sam told us more about the band.


Who are Sam Haine and The Blood Flames?
We're a Manchester based 4 piece: Ben Meade on Drums, Mark Khan on Bass, Tanah Stevens on Violin and myself on guitar and vocals.   

How long have you been together?   

Coming up for 2 years now. Tanah (the violinist) has been with us for about a year.

How would you describe your music?
 
We describe our selves as epic folk but we're actually a bit broader than that. So far I've written the basics of the songs (guitar, lyrics, melody) but the production process is completely collaborative with all members of the group writing their own parts and contributing to everyone elses. We all share some musical tastes but our combined range of musical influences is pretty vast, which means that the main ethos of our music is dynamics, sometimes tender, sometimes aggressive: light and shade.

Have you had much media interest so far?

A bit, yeah: Razor cuts XFM, Manchester Chimp Mag, Music from Rainy Skies Magazine, BBC Manchester Introducing, The Breakfast show with Andy Crane and we have a spread in the MEN in October.  

It's been busy summer for you, which have been your most memorable gigs?

In terms of line up I think 'Beached' (Mcr) was the best. Being the relative minnows we are, it was an honour to be playing at the same gig as Jessie Rose Trip, The Whip and Future Heads. For Booze it would probably have to be Galtres (York) where we discovered Moonshine Cider and for people I would definitely say BOMfest (Barnsley). We went to a pub after we played and heard 2 guys say 'look it's them' made us feel like rock stars. BOMfest is all unsigned bands and for people to go out of their way to come and see bands they might never have heard is quite rare in England these days unfortunately. So respect due Barnsley.

You've got a free EP available, how did that come about?
 
Yeah, it was the lovely people a 3 minute theatre in Afflecks arcade in Manchester. John, (co owner) has an old multitrack recorder so we set up a gig there and recorded the set. Really nice acoustics in that venue, because of the wooden floors I think. It came out so well we decided to release some tracks from the gig as an EP, You can download it here:

www.samhaineandthebloodflames.bandcamp.com

What music have you been listening to recently?
 
John Ainsworth (can't get enough of that guy), Kill it Kid and Alessi's Ark

Where can we see you live?
 
We would really like to encourage everyone to come see us at Ruby Lounge on Nov 1st. We're supporting Alessi's Ark so between us and them, your pretty much guaranteed a good time.

What's next for the band?
 
Currently working on a single to be released with a video in the next couple of months. Hopefully to coincide with our gig at the Ruby Lounge.

Where can we find your music and more about the band?
 
www.samhaineandthebloodflames.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/thesamhaine
www.soundcloud.com/thebloodflames


For more information on the bands gig at The Ruby Lounge 1 November click here