However, in order for the venue to unlock this money, it needs to raise around £50,000. In order to raise this money, members of the community are being offered the opportunity to buy shares of the venue which will give them voting rights in future running of the studio.

A community share offer is a way to enable those in the Darlington community to invest in The Forum and is a way to raise money for the local project and it enables the money raised to be pooled together.

Alongside the opportunity for investment, The Forum are running a raffle with music-related prizes. Each ticket costs just £5 and all of the money raised will go towards the fundraising efforts.

As reported by the Darlington and Stockton Times, the idea for the raffle emerged when author Pete Bulloch offered up a signed copy of his book, ‘Hope the Dude Can Play.’ The book chronicles one of the most famous nights in Darlington’s music history, following the events that occurred when Jimi Hendrix’ guitar was stolen from the Blue Pad Club in the Imperial Hotel on the evening of February 2, 1967.

Alongside Bulloch’s book, the raffle also features a collage of Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits made up of several genuine back stage and VIP passes from some of the band’s shows. There is also a limited addition Amy Winehouse artwork up for grabs, made by the local artist Terry Kneeshaw.

In response to The Forum’s news of being awarded their investment, founder, CEO and director Allison Mckay said: “This is an exciting phase of growth for our much loved music and arts venue. However the real exciting trigger for these ambitious developments will initiate the launch of a Share Offer enabling local people to become members of The Forum through shared ownership, along with voting rights.”

The renovation plans for The Forum includes a new recording studio with sensory and high-quality digital production in order to enable larger bands and ensembles to record. There are also plans for new private green room facilities, accessible audience viewing mezzanine, and plans to reduce the venue’s carbon footprint by installing solar panels and an eco-friendly roof garden.

The venue also wants to extend their kitchen, with the hopes that the aforementioned changes will increase the number of visitors which will therefore increase the number of opportunities for local food social entrepreneurs to operate a daily food service.

]]> https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/darlington-music-venue-launches-community-share-offer-to-secure-venues-future/feed/ 0 https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/zayn-malik-announces-first-solo-uk-and-us-tour/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/zayn-malik-announces-first-solo-uk-and-us-tour/#comments Wed, 18 Sep 2024 21:23:15 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=101931 During his appearance on the Late Night show with Jimmy Fallon, Zayn Malik announced his plans for his first ever solo tour which will take place in the UK and US. This tour comes off of the back of his latest album Room Under the Stairs which was released back in May of 2024.

As reported by the Daily Mail, the announcement came when Zayn jokingly told Fallon: ‘I’m going on my first-ever solo tour this autumn so maybe when you’re done picking apples with your buds, you can come check out my Stairway To The Sky Tour across the US and UK. Let me know what date you want tickets for.’

Zayn then went on to confirm this in a post to social media on Wednesday September 18th which read: “Appreciate your patience, love, and support. Can’t wait to enjoy great music together. This time I really mean soon see you in 35 days…”

The tour, titled Stairways to the Sky, will consist of only 5 performances in the US and 6 in the UK. The US leg will commence on October 23rd in San Fransisco and will also include stops in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and New York. The UK leg will begin on November 20th in Edinburgh, Scotland, followed by dates in Leeds, Manchester, London and Wolverhampton before finishing in Newcastle on December 3rd.

Tickets will go on sale Sunday the 21st of September.

Zayn, previously a member of the hit boy band One Direction, left the group in November of 2015 to pursue a solo career, citing the desire for more creative freedom and personal space. His debut solo album, Mind of Mine, was released in 2016, and its lead single, Pillowtalk, became a global hit.

He has collaborated with various artists, including Taylor Swift on the song I Don’t Wanna Live Forever for the Fifty Shades Darker soundtrack, and Sia on the song Dusk Till Dawn.

The news of Zayn’s first solo tour comes after the release of his latest album, Room Under the Stars, on the 17th of May. The album features 20 tracks, including Dreamin, What I Am, and Stardust. 

This is the fourth studio album Zayn has released, and has been referred to by Pitch Fork as a “coming-clean, back to basics record.” The album contains references to romantic struggles and long-term relationships, with references to his on-again-off-again partner Gigi Hadid.

In the song Shoot at Will, Zayn makes clear references to his ex-partner Hadid with whom he shares a daughter, singing: “When I look at her, all I see is you/When you look at her, do you see me too?” This moment of emotional clarity strips down Zayn’s feelings to reveal the complexities of love and parenthood.

The Rolling Stones described the country music style of the album, saying that “this newfound country change suits him incredibly well.”

Other critics have praised the album for its honesty and authenticity, with Slug Mag stating:  “Zayn grapples with both things he knows and things he doesn’t. Those ideas, which are often hard to put into words, are bracketed by his adaptable vocal range and gentle, lo-fi production.”

On the 5th of September, the Leeds band English Teacher took home the prize for best debut album, making them the first band from outside of London to win in over a decade.

The band won over their competition which included Nia Archives, Barry Can’t Swim, BERWYN, and the predicted favourite Charlie XCX’s Brat, to name just a few.

The album received stellar compliments from the judging panel, with the team stating: “We did agree that This Could Be Texas by English Teacher stands out for its originality and character. A winning lyrical mix of surrealism and social observation, alongside a subtle way of wearing its musical innovations lightly, displays a fresh approach to the traditional guitar band format. This Could Be Texas reveals new depths on every listen; the mark of a future classic. The Mercury Prize was set up to celebrate the album as an artistic format in its own right and all the judges agreed that this charismatic body of work deserves to be the 2024 Mercury Prize Album of the Year.”

Since receiving the award, English Teacher’s music has increased in popularity. On the 17th of September BPI, the organisers behind the Mercury Prize, reported the increase in streams the winning album has received. As reported by Music News, according to BPI analysis of Official Charts Company data, “This Could Be Texas” saw a chart sales increase of 1,073% in the week after the award show, the album’s best performance since its release.

A number of other bands shortlisted for the Mercury Prize have also benefitted from their place on the 2024 list, with BERWYN, Corinne Bailey Rae and corto.alto also seeing sale increases of over 100%.

Following winning the award, the band spoke to NME, stating that they would “continue to be honest” about their struggles as a band.

The group’s drummer Frost went on to say: “The response to the album has been incredible, we did not expect it at all. We were actually very worried about it and expecting the opposite, so it’s been surreal. I feel like it’s going to take me a long long time for this to sink in. As soon as it was announced, my whole body just shut down.”

In light of their recent accolades, the band have acknowledged that it will take a lot for them to top this achievement. The group seem up to the task, however.

Texas are set to perform at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, Scotland’s world-famous New Year celebration held in the capital cityIt is one of the largest and most iconic New Year’s Eve festivals globally, known for its mix of traditional Scottish customs, modern festivities, and strong sense of community.

The Hogmanay celebration itself has a rich history as it is deeply rooted in Scotland’s cultural traditions, with influences from ancient Norse customs, Celtic rituals, and Scottish folk celebrations. “Hogmanay” itself is the Scottish word for New Year’s Eve, and it is traditionally marked by grand celebrations.

The Hogmanay was revitalised in the early 1990s and was turned into a larger-scale public festival that now attracts visitors from all over the world. Before this, the New Year celebrations were more intimate, but the city’s tourism board saw the potential for a large-scale event.

Key features of the celebration includes a torchlight procession through the streets of Edinburgh, as well as the centrepiece of Hogmanay; the street party held on December 31st. Taking place along Princes Street, one of the city’s main streets, the party attracts tens of thousands of people from around the world. There are multiple stages with live music performances, DJs, and entertainment, featuring both local and international artists.

Finally, there is the concert, headlined this year by Texas, which takes place in Princes Street Gardens, with the iconic Edinburgh Castle as a backdrop.

Texas, the Scottish alternative rock band formed in 1986 in Glasgow by Sharleen Spiteri (lead vocalist) and Johnny McElhone (bassist) are known widely for their hits, including Say What You Want, Summer Sun, and Inner Smile.

This will be the third time that the band are performing at Edinburgh’s famous New Year’s event, having first performed there back in 2000. They are the only band in the history of the event to play it three times.

Texas will be performing alongside the special guest, Edinburgh’s own singer-songwriter Callum Beattie, known for his emotive lyrics and powerful pop-rock sound. The event will be hosted by the returning comedian Susan McCabe.

As reported by NME, in response to their performance announcement, Spiteri stated: “We can’t wait to play here for a third time. So get on your glad rags and let’s party for the New Year.”

Directors of Unique Assembly, the creators and producers of Edinburgh Hogmanay, stated: “We are thrilled to welcome Texas back to headline Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, 25 years after their very first appearance at the festival. With a hit-packed show from Texas and the world-famous Midnight Moment from Edinburgh Castle, the Concert in the Gardens will kick-start 2025 with a bang, and give party-goers from around the world the perfect start to the year.”

Tickets will go on sale at 10am on Friday the 20th of September, and will be available for purchase here.

Radiohead, a British rock band formed in 1985, are known for pushing the boundaries of alternative rock. They have consistently experimented with a wide range of sounds, including electronic, experimental rock, and art rock. The band’s lineup includes lead vocalist and guitar and piano player Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood as the lead guitarist and keyboardist, Ed O’Brien on guitar and backing vocals, Colin Greenwood on bass, and Phil Selway on drums and percussion.

Radiohead is widely regarded as one of the most innovative bands in modern rock history. Their work has influenced countless musicians and pushed the limits of what rock music can be. Themes like dystopia, personal isolation, and environmental issues permeate their music, making them a voice for the anxious and introspective.

One of the major themes tackled in Radiohead’s music is the environment, more specifically the effects of pollution and climate change. This can be heard in their song Idioteque, which is related to climate change, global pollution, and mass species extinction.

Radiohead has had an active involvement in issues like the environment, and in 2012 the band teamed up with Jude Law to produce a video for Greenpeace to save the artic, titled A Homeless Polar Bear in London.

As reported on the Greenpeace website, on the video, Jude Law said: “Right now a handful of oil companies are trying to carve up the Arctic for the sake of the next quarterly results but a global movement is growing to stop them. I stand with hundreds of thousands of others who think the area should be made into a sanctuary, protected from corporate greed for good.”

Radiohead lead singer Thom Yorke said: “We have to stop the oil giants pushing into the Arctic. An oil spill in the Arctic would devastate this region of breathtaking beauty, while burning that oil will only add to the biggest problem we all face, climate change. Thats why I’m backing this campaign.”

It is unsurprising, therefore, that Law has a desire to rekindle past collaborative relationships with the band as they are so aligned on an issue of such great importance.

Law’s admiration for Radiohead was made clear when he told the Guardian reporter that they are “just blistering with talent. I listen to their music regularly. They’re one of the great bands.”

Notting Hill Music Publishing is an independent publishing company that operates globally. Founded in 1990 by David Platz, the company has established itself as one of the leading independent publishers in the music industry.

Notting Hill Music represents a diverse range of songwriters, producers, and artists across various genres, including pop, rock, hip-hop, electronic, and more. Their catalog includes thousands of songs, many of which have become hits. The company is now the publisher of over 300 UK Top 40 hits, some of which were the records that were sold in its original shop in Edinburgh, Scotland. Some of these hits include singles by artists such as  Beyonce, Calvin Harris, Kygo, and Britney Spears.

The company works on a global scale, with offices in major music markets such as London, Los Angeles, and New York. They are involved in both the creative and administrative aspects of music publishing, including licensing, royalties, and sync placements in film, TV, and advertising. This global reach means that for a newly emerging band such as The K’s, being signed to Notting Hill Publishing is a big step forward in their musical career.

In discussing the new deal, Notting Hill Music’s head of creative, John Saunderson, said:

From the first moment we heard The K’s we knew we had to sign this band. They are a generational talent and we are so excited to see how far and how fast they go on from here.

Managing director Dave Loader also commented:

A few times in our history we have signed game-changing artists: Paul Weller at the beginning of our journey, then Dizzee Rascal and Robbie Williams spring to mind and the feeling we have for The K’s is on that level.

Influenced by The Clash, The Jam, Squeeze and The Libertines, The K’s channel these iconic bands into their indie rock music. The quartet, made up of Jamie Boyle (Singer and guitarist), Ryan Breslin (Lead G), Dexter Baker (Bass) and Jordan Holden (Drums), formed in Earlestown, England in 2016.

In an interview with Clout Magazine back in 2020, the band spoke to their influences, explaining how they are in fact quite far-reaching:

“Most of my inspiration is from 70/80’s punk I’d say, but I couldn’t say it was just that. Bands like The Libertines and The Strokes have had a massive effect on us and our music too. Ryan is mad into older Rock ‘n’ Roll and you can hear that in his playing. There’s more influences than we could name to be honest. Anywhere from Bob Dylan to Johnny Rotten and everything in between.”

In the days since the announcement, streaming figures for Oasis’ back catalog have surged dramatically. As reported by Variety, according to data from Spotify, daily streams of the band’s biggest hits, including Wonderwall, Don’t Look Back in Anger, and Champagne Supernova, have increased by over 160%. Albums like (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? and Definitely Maybe are seeing a resurgence, climbing the charts once more as both long-time fans and new listeners dive back into the music that defined a generation.

Apple Music and Amazon Music have reported similar trends, with Oasis tracks dominating playlists and trending charts worldwide. The band’s social media accounts have also seen a sharp uptick in activity, with millions of fans sharing their excitement and reminiscing about the band’s influential legacy.

The reunion, which comes after years of speculation and publicised feuds between the Gallagher brothers, Liam and Noel, has been heralded as one of the most significant comebacks in rock history, with Fade Out magazine calling it “the comeback to end all rock and roll comebacks.” Fans have eagerly awaited this moment, with many expressing their hopes for new material in addition to the reunion tour.

Music industry analysts are attributing the surge in streaming numbers not only to the excitement surrounding the reunion but also to a broader trend of renewed interest in 90s music and culture.

In an interview in 2023, Jack Melhuish, the previous general manager of Parlophone Records UK, spoke of the appeal of 90s music:

These records take us back to simpler, freer times. Audiences need a bit of that relief at a time that still feels quite unstable for a lot of people.

Oasis, often regarded as one of the most influential bands of that decade, stands to benefit from modern listener’s desire to hear music that enables them to reminisce.

As Oasis prepares to take the stage once more, their music continues to resonate, proving that even decades after their initial success, the band’s appeal remains as strong as ever. With millions of streams and a sold-out tour on the horizon, the Oasis reunion is shaping up to be a cultural phenomenon, reigniting the passion of old fans and introducing their timeless sound to a new generation.

The Aux Stage, newly rebranded for 2024, was focused on digital content creators and featured a mix of live podcasts, interactive talks, and performances. Some of the scheduled acts included The Chravas (content creators), Things I Wish My Mum Told Me (self-help podcast), and the M1 Podcast.

The BBC Radio 1 stage is one of the festival’s primary stages, featuring a mix of well-known and emerging artists across various genres. As part of both the Reading and Leeds Festivals, this stage is known for hosting major performances from popular artists, often serving as a stepping stone to headlining the main stage in future years.

This year it was meant to show artists such as Beabadoobee, James Marriott, Destroy Boys, Good Neighbours, and Felix Ames.

As reported by NME, in response to the news of the stage closure, Beabadoobee posted on X, telling fans:

I had a whole outfit planned. Well I’ll see u guys at reading!!! I’ll b back in Leeds soon I hope sorry about this guys I love you !!!!.

At 9am this morning, Leeds Festival organisers took to X in a post to festival-goers stating: “We’re urging you to stay in your tents if you are onsite and feel safe to do so. If you are in your car, please remain there. If you are not yet at the festival site, please delay your arrival. We’re expecting it to ease up at 10am and we will update you in 30 minutes. Your safety is our number one priority. Remember to look out for each other.”

It is unsurprising that Leeds is acting with caution as the festival is one of the UK’s largest and most popular, attended by over 100,000 people each year.

The festival typically takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend and runs in conjunction with its sister festival, Reading Festival, which is held at Richfield Avenue in Reading. Both festivals share the same lineup, with artists performing on alternate days at each location.

The Mercury Prize is a prestigious annual music award that was established in 1992 as an alternative to the more commercial Brit Awards, with the goal of recognising the best album released by a British or Irish artist within the year. The award covers all genres, including rock, pop, folk, jazz, grime, and classical music.

Unlike other music awards that might focus on sales or popularity, the Mercury Prize is known for its emphasis on artistic achievement and innovation. The judging panel is typically composed of musicians, critics, and industry figures, and their selections are often noted for being eclectic and surprising.

In keeping with its alternative reputation, this year the award show will take a slightly different form. It has been announced that there will not be a live performance as instead of the usual awards event and live ceremony at the Hammersmith Apollo, there will be extensive promotional activity.

This year, the artists behind the 12 nominated albums have been invited to Abbey Road Studios where they will view recorded videos of their past performances. This will be filmed and broadcast live on BBC Radio Four from 8-9:15pm.

The programme will be presented by Tom Ravenscroft and Deb Grant, with Matt Everitt interviewing the artists responsible for the nominated albums. The 2024 nominated albums of the year include:

Barry Can’t Swim: ‘When Will We Land?’
BERWYN: ‘Who Am I’
Beth Gibbons: ‘Lives Outgrown’
Cat Burns: ‘early twenties’
Charli xcx: ‘BRAT’
CMAT: ‘Crazymad, for Me’
Corinne Bailey Rae: ‘Black Rainbows’
corto.alto: ‘Bad with Names’
English Teacher: ‘This Could Be Texas’
Ghetts: ‘On Purpose, With Purpose’
Nia Archives: ‘Silence Is Loud’
The Last Dinner Party: ‘Prelude to Ecstasy’

As reported by the Rolling Stones, Dr Joe Twist, CEO of BPI (British Phonographic Industry), home to the Mercury Prize, said of this years ceremony: “For the 2024 Mercury Prize we will work imaginatively with the BBC to deliver a premium programme of music content and digital engagement that will, as ever, benefit all 12 artists in reaching a wider audience, providing an important platform for their evolving career and musical journey.”

Twigs, the English artist formally known as Tahliah Debrett Barnett, has not released anything since her 2022 mixtape, CAPRISONGS, which marked a departure from her previous, more introspective and experimental works like Magdalene (2019) and LP1 (2014). CAPRISONGS is characterised by its eclectic blend of genres, including pop, R&B, and electronic music, showcasing a lighter, more playful side of the artist.

The 2022 mixtape was deeply personal yet accessible, with themes centered around resilience, healing, and self-discovery. It featured collaborations with artists like The Weeknd, Shygirl, and Rema, adding to its diverse soundscape.

In a four-star review of the album, NME said: “After pouring her darkest moments into Magdalene, this varied and playful mixtape represents a moment of release, though it remains to be seen whether Barnett will head further into this direction, or enter a new album era recharged. You suspect, knowing twigs and her crew of chameleon-like collaborators, that she’ll probably continue to do both at once.”

Her last full album, Magdalene, was released in 2019 and was as emotionally charged as it was tender. It was written during a challenging period in twigs’ life, following a public breakup and recovery from fibroid surgery, which heavily influenced the album’s introspective and vulnerable tone.

The album’s title is in reference to Mary Magdalene, a biblical figure who has often been misunderstood and misrepresented throughout history. Twigs uses this figure as a symbol of feminine strength and resilience, reflecting the album’s themes of reclaiming identity and power.

Her newest album, EUSEXUA, comes as the long-awaited follow up to Magdalene. The album was teased to fans on the 16th of January 2024 when twigs released a photo on Discord of her in the music studio alongside electronic musician and past collaborator Koreless. She clarified for fans the relevance of techno for the upcoming album, stating:

I moved to Prague a couple summers ago, fell in love with techno. The album isn’t techno but the spirit is there for real.

As stated by the Rolling Stones, on the 20th of August, FKA twigs reportedly played the new album from start to finish at an intimate listening party on the Lower East Side in New York. New York writer and artist Linux was also in attendance, and shared a post on X, stating that it was “one of the most fab experiences of my life.”

Sitting in a foggy LES basement last night on a full moon chainsmoking cigarettes with FKA Twigs as she played me and Julia Fox her new album from start to finish was one of the most fab experiences I’ve had in my life….this new album is so fucking good you guys are not ready

— Linux (@Linuxlicious) August 20, 2024