mxdwn.co.uk » return

Faithless Announce Their Return To The Stage A year After the Death Of Maxi Jazz – Plus, New Music On The Way

J.S. Morton — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 10:41:42 +0000

Faithless are back. For those of you who thought they were gone for good, your faith has been rewarded.

Because Faithless have announced their first live shows in eight years.

The band, who was originally comprised of, Maxi Jazz, Sister Bliss and Rollo Armstrong, had incredible success during their time in the limelight. And despite releasing new music in 2020, the dance music band has been relatively quiet since the passing of singer Maxi Jazz in 2022.

Returning after an eight-year live music hiatus, the English electronic legends are set to embark on a four-date run in June – a tour which will culminate with a homecoming show at London’s Roundhouse. The tour, dubbed as ‘The Champion Sound Tour’, will make stops in Belgium, Luxembourg, and Amsterdam, which will see Faithless joined by a seven-piece band as they perform a mixture of music ‘old and new’.

Speaking to DJ Mag about Faithless’ return to the live arena, founding member Sister Bliss said: “These shows are going to be a celebration of all our years in music – what we love, what we stand for as a band, and a real tribute to Maxi as well.”

“We’ve been working on this for months now so there is a theme, there is a feeling, there is a vibe to the show, and it’s exciting,” she continued. “It will still have the rawness and edge that our shows are known for, and I think that’s because we’ve thought really hard about what we want to say both sonically and visually.”

The shows themselves will pay tribute to vocalist and bandmate Maxi Jazz, who passed away in December 2022 at the age of just 65. “Obviously he won’t be there with us, but he’ll be there in spirit, and so the whole thing is a very new and different thing for us,” Sister Bliss shared. “I really hope people are going to get stuck in and dance, and really lose themselves in the music, because that’s what people have always done at a Faithless gig.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Faithless (@faithlessofficial)

In their own words, Faithless write:

“As many of you have noticed, we’re back…Some shows have already been announced but we couldn’t start the summer without a little personal note. Maxi died just over a year ago and obviously we miss him every day. Thank you all for all of your kind words of support over this last year. It has really, really meant a lot.

In the meantime, we never stopped (couldn’t stop, never wanted to stop!) making music. Even during Maxi’s long illness we recorded and released ‘All Blessed’ and now finally, eight years after our last live performance, we are returning to festival stages across the summer and are planning some of our own shows later this year…”

The band will also return to the UK this summer for festival season performing three special sets at Glastonbury, Wilderness, and Bestival.

Faithless have also confirmed that a new full-length album has been completed.

Camera Obscura Return to Merge Records And Announce UK Tour

Laura Revill — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 11:50:41 +0000

Camera Obscura, the adored Glasgow pop band, have return and were thrilled to announce their signing with Merge Records, who they have a long history. The band’s reunion with the label is accompanied by the exciting news of their first extensive tour Camera Obscure 2024 across the UK since 2019. The band renowned for their timeless albums such as Biggest Bluest Hi-Fi, Underachievers Please Try Harder, and Let’s Get Out of This Country, hint at what is on the horizon for the bands future.

This talented group is set to embark on their highly anticipated tour, commencing May 2nd 2024 at the Hebden Bridge Trades Club. The tour will then grace the stages of other vibrant cities such as Leeds, Manchester and London’s iconic venue KOKO on May 7th. Camera Obscura will then finish their UK tour in their home city on May 11, playing at the Barrowland Ballroom, in Glasgow. Tickets will go on sale November 17.

Devoted fans can eagerly anticipate the debut of fresh material from the band, who have already produced five remarkable albums, the most recent being Desire Lines in 2013. The current lineup of Camera Obscura features the enchanting vocals of Tracyanne Campbell, the guitar skills of Kenny McKeeve, the bass lines of Gavin Dunbar, and the rhythmic beats of Lee Thomson on drums. Tracyanne Campbell comments,”We’re excited to be working again with Merge Records. We are looking forward to sharing new music with our fans and to playing live in 2024.”

In 2005, the band released the non-album single “I Love My Jean,” which went on to become their highest charting single on the UK Pop charts. The band showcased a 1960s acoustic sounding vibe.

In May 2019, Camera Obscura hinted at the possibility of releasing new music in response to a tweet about their album Desire Lines. Monorail Music said “Perfect timing, with Camera Obscura playing their first Glasgow show in 5 years tonight – their 5th & final album, Desire Lines, is being re-pressed.”
The band retweeted, “It’s definitely our fifth album…..”.

It’s definitely our fifth album…..

— Camera_Obscura_ (@Camera_Obscura_) August 5, 2019

The band confirmed in May 2020 that they were working on a new album but had to postpone recording due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On 23 April 2022, they released a compilation album called Making Money which included rare B-sides, covers, a session recording, and two remixes. This album was dedicated to the memory of former band member Carey Lande.

The band took to their social media platforms to address their fans and share their delight to be back. They said, “We are very excited” and “We are also very pleased to announce that we’ll be playing some shows next year too. Tickets on sale on Friday”.

Fans can expect an unforgettable experience as Camera Obscura showcases their signature blend of baroque pop, infusing it with their unique musical skills and heartfelt lyrics. With their return to Merge Records and the promise of new material, this tour is undoubtedly a momentous occasion for both the band and their devoted fanbase. Fans showed their support and delight at the bands return and UK tour announcement and commented on social media. One fan commented, “Brilliant news- I wasn’t far off posting a Simpsons meme about where is the new record but can hold off now”. Another added, “Awesome“.

Brilliant news- I wasn’t far off posting a Simpsons meme about where is the new record but can hold off now — Richard Coulthard (@RichardBajor) November 14, 2023

Awesome! — Tim Thompson (@timothompson) November 14, 2023

Tour dates are listed below and tickets can be purchased here.

02/05/24 – The Trades Club – Hebden Bridge
04/05 – Stylus – Leeds
06/05 – Academy 2 – Manchester
07/05 – KOKO – London
09/05 – Concorde 2 – Brighton
10/05 – O2 Academy 2 – Birmingham
11/05 – Barrowland Ballroom – Glasgow

The View UK Headline Tour ‘Exorcism of Youth’ And Their Electrifying New Album

Laura Revill — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 21:59:37 +0000

The View have announced a full UK tour this autumn. The tour will commence in Nottingham on November 2nd and conclude with a series of dates in Scotland. This tour celebrates the success of their new Album Exorcism of Youth, which achieved their highest chart position back in August 2023, reaching No. 6 in the UK Official Album Charts.

Kyle Falconer, the lead vocalist of The View, stated in a recent press release, “Touring has always been our forte, and we just needed some time to recharge. We can’t wait to get back to it!”

The band’s revival began last December when they played to 10,000 people across four nights in Glasgow. This summer saw huge success with sets played at TRNSMT Festival in Glasgow, as well as performing at the Neighbourhood Weekender, Victorious Festival, and as special guests to Kaiser Chiefs at Greenwich Summer Sounds.

To celebrate the release of Exorcism of Youth, Falconer and bandmates Kieren Webster and Pete Reilly, embarked on an intimate record store tour, blending select favorites from the new album with fan favourites such as ‘Same Jeans’, ‘Wasted Little DJs’, and ‘Superstar Tradesman’.

Kyle commented on their decision to tour the record stores, he said, “It’s good to see that the hard work has paid off. Some days we’ve sold 800 records just from going to the shop, and if we hadn’t have done that we’d be Number 35 or something. We wouldn’t have done it back in the day, we would have been like ‘f**k you, I’m not doing that’. But it shows if you do the hard it definitely does pay off and it’s worth it.”

A discontent with industry played a significant role in The View’s hiatus and forcing them to take a much needed time out. Falconer added, “I think we needed it. We just didn’t really know what we were doing, we just letting people guide us. We never really had our own direction, we were just on the tour bus, and we weren’t appreciating other or the tours, or the venues.”

Exorcism of Youth originated from an essay penned by bass guitarist Kieren Webster, while the band members collectively composed the title track within the confines of the same room – a first for The View. This album signifies a departure from their previous works and serves as a reflection of the band’s current state. Despite engaging in other ventures, their unwavering passion persists, and their hard work has been duly recognised and rewarded.

A HUGE thank you, to every single one of ya! #TVAOF pic.twitter.com/HlRHC0UMdT

— The View (@viewofficial) August 25, 2023

Tour Dates for Exorcism of Youth 2023

02/11/2023-Rescue Rooms-Nottingham
03/11- O2 Academy 2-Liverpool
04/11 – O2 Academy 2 – Manchester
10/11 -Waterfront – Norwich
11/11 – The Rocking Chair (ADDED DATE) – Wrexham
15/11 – Junction – Cambridge
16/11 – Marble Factory – Bristol
18/11 – Concorde 2 – Brighton
22/11 – Old Fire Station – Carlisle
23/11 – Tramshed – Cardiff
24/11 – Warehouse – Leeds
25/11 – University – Keeley
28/11 – Docks Academy – Grimsby
29/11 – Engine Rooms – Southampton
30/11 – The Mill – Birmingham
01/12 – Foundry – Sheffield
02/12 – University -Newcastle
07/12 – Scala – London
13/12 – O2 Academy – Edinburgh
14/11 – Grand Hall – Kilmarnock (SOLD OUT )
16/11 – P&J Live – Hall C – Aberdeen
17/11 – Caird Hall – Dundee (SOLD OUT)
18/11 – Caird Hall – Dundee (ADDED DATE)

Cillian Murphy’s ‘Limited Edition’ Radio Show To Return To BBC Radio 6

Erin Wallace — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 14:38:37 +0000

Irish actor Cillian Murphy is bringing back his BBC Radio 6 show, Limited Edition. Murphy will present a “nocturnal playlist to end the weekend.”

This instalment of his radio show is set to begin on 17th September, with the show running from 10pm-12pm on Sunday nights. In a press release, Murphy said that he will “share songs from all corners of his record collection and share why they hold a special place in his life.”

We’re thrilled to announce that Cillian Murphy’s Limited Edition returns to 6 Music on Sundays, 10pm-12am from 17th September

His weekly nocturnal playlist sees Cillian explore music from all corners of his record collection & share why they hold a special place in his life. pic.twitter.com/s4a1zRG8Sz

— BBC Radio 6 Music (@BBC6Music) September 1, 2023

Murphy has previously hosted two instalments of Limited Edition in 2020 and 2021, and he has shared his excitement to return. In an interview on BBC Radio 6 with Nemone, Murphy shared, “It’s been a while, but I am thrilled to be back playing tunes on 6 Music, my favourite radio station in the world. The show will be a sound collage of new, old and limited edition tunes for your discerning ears. Can’t wait.”

Listen to the full interview with Murphy here, 1 hour and 35 minutes into the programme.

In his previous instalments of Limited Edition, Murphy has showcased his eclectic music taste, featuring artists from Carly Simon and Marvin Gaye to Pixies and Nina Simone. He shared his interest in music with NME, discussing his band, The Sons of Mr Green Genes that he formed with his brother.

Named after a Frank Zappa song, they put together experimental songs filled with “wacky lyrics and endless guitar solos.”

Speaking on why he didn’t pursue a career in music, Murphy said, “I just never thought that I was good enough really. I like to do one thing quite well.”

Despite his self-deprecating comments, The Sons of Mr Green Genes were offered a five-album deal by Acid Jazz Records, based in London. He and his brother turned the record deal down however, citing artistic independence as their main reason.

Murphy’s return to BBC Radio 6 will mean a change in its current scheduling. The BBC confirmed that Don Letts will move his Culture Clash Radio show to Saturday nights from 9pm-11pm. Letts currently hosts his show in the slot that Cillian Murphy will be taking over from 17th September.

Letts’ show will replace The Blessed Madonna’s Saturday evening show, who recently made the “gutting decision” to lessen her work schedule amidst touring and recording.

These changes follow the news that Steve Lamacq will be stepping down from his Radio 6 show after 18 years.

Listen to BBC Radio 6 live here.

Live Concerts and Music Events Could Return by 21st June if the Governments Roadmap Out of Lockdown Succeeds

Georgie Crowther — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 20:22:12 +0000

Boris Johnson has announced today, a four-step road map plan to get out of lockdown and have things go ‘back to normal’. The Prime Minister has set out a way to ease the restrictions the UK is currently in and aim to ‘remove all legal limits on social contact’ by June 21st 2021. This means that large concerts, festivals and tours could start up again by late June, allowing music venues to start planning gigs that will definitely be going ahead. Read a summary of the full plan below or the full plan here.

BREAKING: The 4 steps to lifting lockdown in England.

There will be weeks between each step: 4 weeks to reflect on the data followed by 1 week notice to be given to relevant sectors and the public. pic.twitter.com/7RTql0pV7S

— Daniel Hewitt (@DanielHewittITV) February 22, 2021

Music Venue Trust Mark Davyd has stated the the governments road map plan has given the organisation the go-ahead to begin ‘imagining how we revive live music in grassroots music venues and develop that work into the full return of the domestic music scene.’

From the 17th May, large performances up to a capacity of 1,000 people or half-full (whichever is lower for the venue) will be allowed. This could mean that smaller music venues and theatres will be allowed to put on shows and gigs to small crowds. This follows on from Johnsons discussion last week of having rapid testing for music venues and nightclubs to ensure these parts of the sector can open as they were unable to last year. Out-door venues of 4,000 people will also be allowed, or at hall-full capacity – whichever is lower.

Many in the music industry have called out to the government and Johnson to ensure that the music sector is not forgotten and supported equally throughout the rest of the pandemic. Greg Parmley, the CEO of LIVE has stated “While it is good to get some clarity following almost a year of confusion, as predicted our £4.5 billion industry is at the back of the queue to reopen. Any return to normality for live music could be months behind the rest of the economy. The Chancellor must acknowledge our extended closure in the Budget and provide the economic support needed to ensure the jobs and livelihoods of the hundreds of thousands of people that work in our industry exist as we come through this pandemic.”

This includes extending the current 5% rate VAT on tickets sales, which was discussed to be risen to 20%, financially hurting those in live music extensively. Similarly, David Martin CEO of Featured Artists Coalition agrees with Parmley stating ‘there is some way to go’. Acknowledging a slower approach was correct, Martin said “the government should learn from its “slow response on income support and other financial assistance” last year.”

Smaller festivals such as Maiden Voyage have been 100% confirmed to go ahead by the government. Maiden Voyage have stated that they have been given ‘provisional confirmation from the government that our festival will be going ahead as planned this year.’

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Maiden Voyage Festival (@maidenvoyagefestival)

However, the roadmap is reliant and based upon England passing four tests. These are the success of the vaccine rollout, the effectiveness of vaccines, how the NHS is coping with the current infection rate and any potential threats from new variants.