PlanetNotion.com

Bob Dylan announces 2009 UK tour

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 12:20:37 GMT

Planetnotion has to be quick with this one, because we’re shooting off on a journey of self-discovery in t-minus 15mins. Actually, it’s less a journey of discovery, more a vision of hell. Alas, we’ll cut to the chase because this is, quite possibly, the biggest news story of the week.

Bob Dylan is heading to the UK next year for a seven date tour. I know, amazing isn’t it? Yeah, Bob released the 8th instalment of his best-selling boot-leg series last month, to critical acclaim. Planetnotion loved the double-disc album, Tell Tale Signs, and we’re delighted to see Bob returning to the UK.

The Golden Globe and Academy Award winning artist, poet, singer-songwriter and author, who has sold over 110million albums, will play the following dates:

April 2009

Fri 24th: Sheffield Arena 0114 256 5656

Sat 25th: London, 02 Arena 0844 856 0202

Tue 28th: Cardiff Int. Arena 029 2022 4488

Wed 29th: Birmingham NIA 0844 33 88 000

May 2009

Fri 1st: Liverpool Echo Arena 0844 8000 400

Sat 2nd: Glasgow SECC 0870 040 4000

Sun 3rd: Edinburgh Playhouse 0844 847 1660

Visit bobdylan.com for further information or livenation.co.uk for tickets.

Tony Wilson granted freedom of Manchester

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:50:37 GMT

Manchester revolutionary and Factory Records co-owner, Tony Wilson, has been inducted into Manchester Town Hall’s ‘Roll of Honour’.

Councillors reached an unanimous decision to make Wilson an honorary freeman of the city, following his death last year.

It’s the first time anyone has been granted freedom of the city in such circumstances, with Wilson the only inductee since Manchester UTD manager Sir Alex Ferguson nine years ago.

Speaking of the decision to induct Wilson, leader of the council, Sir Richard Leese, commented: “Tony Wilson gave a lot to Manchester and was always fiercely proud of his northern roots and the talent that came out of our city.

"Unwittingly or otherwise, for more than two decades he played a key role in helping shape the city's cultural and creative regeneration and raising the profile of Manchester on the world stage.”

Leese also went on to praise Wilson’s work for charity organizations and his political contribution to the city of Manchester.

Wilson was behind the discovery of bands including Joy Division and Happy Mondays as well as a pioneer presenter on Granada’s music and cultural show, ‘So it Goes’; the first programme to feature a TV performance by the Sex Pistols.

Man Like Me announce free mix-tape and last gig of 2008

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:46:06 GMT

Man, what’s the big deal about December? Everyone rattles on about the season of good-will, big grins on their faces like they’ve won a grand on the horses, or discovered the four-slice toaster or something. Come January everyone’ll be unhappy and skint and weeping into pints of Methylated Spirit.

Alas, news that Man Like Me have have released a free downloadable 14-track mix-tape, has brought a smile to Planetnotion’s face… well, f*ck me, something has to!

The mix-tape contains B-Sides and Rarities, and Planetnotion gave it a brief listen; picked out a few choice tracks that caught our intention. There’s a song about ‘crack’ appropriately titled, um… CRACK! Yeah, there’s this sweet little 2-tone drum-beat in the back-ground and lyrics about being in a crack den… it’s kind of a bit ska, you know? Less The Specials, more Madness. Good sh*t.

Then you’ve got ‘British Weather’ featuring Micachu, which has a nice synth-beat, trombone thing going on. In fact, there are a few collaborations on this sweet little Crimbo present from the Man Like Me boys, including ‘What It Is’ (feat. Ed Stone) and ‘Addiction’ (feat. Gus Cavanagh).

Man Like Me are also playing Marcha Marcha at Proud, Camden, this Friday! The boys will be joined on stage by Carl Gibbs. It’s going to be their last gig of 2008, after playing everywhere from Cape Town to Paris and the Isle of Wight festival to Glastonbury. Anyways, to find out further information on Man Like Me, visit their MySpace page by clicking HERE.

O2 launch 'Priority Ticket Campaign'

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:28:15 GMT

O2 have launched a new campaign, offering their customers priority tickets to New Year’s Eve events at The O2. Performances include the likes of Elton John, 2ManyDJs (at Matter) and Hed Kandi.

It’s a pretty innovative service: O2 have placed adverts for the ‘Priority Campaign’ on the web, in the press, on billboards and on the underground; throughout London. The adverts simply read: PRIORITY! O2 customers take a photo of the ‘I’ in the word, type in the letters ‘NYE’, and send via SMS to the shortcode number: 63333

Due to state-of-the-art image recognition technology, a computer system will register the image and if the O2 user receives a reply picture of The O2 Arena (pictured above-right), they’ll be the winner of priority tickets to a New Year’s Eve event.

However, if they receive a reply picture of a Christmas scene, they won’t be a winner. Hrmph, so much for Christmas cheer; there was me thinking Christmas was all about cheap brandy and downing vino; eating too many parsnips and pissing over the TV during Eastenders or Casualty… being sick in dad’s new socks.

For a video guide on how to win priority tickets to The O2, CLICK HERE! Or simply take a picture of the ‘I’ in the picture below and send with the letters ‘NYE’ to 63333. Note: The O2 priority ticket competition is open to O2 customers only. For further information visit o2blueroom.co.uk.

The Specials confirm 2009 UK tour

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:09:13 GMT

Planetnotion’s been sifting through tabloid news websites; The Star, The Mirror, The Sun… Anyways, scrolling past a news story on Tina Turner’s “CRACKING CLEAVAGE” I was forced to do a double-take. No, not because of Turner’s unnaturally smooth 70-year-old bosom, but because The Specials are celebrating their 30th Anniversary with a 2009 UK tour.

The 2-tone-ska band, whose hits included ‘Too Much Too Young’ and ‘Ghost Town’, will play eight dates from April 22nd to May 7th.

According to The Sun, frontman Terry Hall confirmed the news to NME, saying: “It's the right time to do it - we talked about it at 25 but we weren't together enough. Now we're all getting on and it feels comfortable again."

Despite original members Neville Staple, Roddy Radiation, Sir Horace Gentleman, Lynval Golding and John Bradbury confirmed to play with Hall, founding member Jerry Dammers is unlikely to join his old bandmates.

The Specials Live Dates

April 22: Newcastle Academy

April 23: Sheffield Academy

April 25: Birmingham Academy

April 26: Birmingham Academy

April 28: Glasgow Academy

May 3: Manchester Apollo

May 6: London Brixton Academy

May 7: London Brixton Academy

Tickets on sale December 11th

Snowbombing announces early line-up

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:42:25 GMT

Man, just when my brain’s starting to slide back into the realms of reality, I get a load of press-releases announcing the first acts for festivals next year. Planetnotion's just recovering from this years festivals; we thought we’d forget about them for a while. We thought we’d chill-out and eat Turkey and drink Tequila and vomit on mum’s best place-mats.

Still, it’s our duty to bring these wee details to your attention, so here goes; here are the first acts to be announced for Snowbombing ’09...

We all know why Snowbombing has fast become one of the top European festivals, what with the quality music, stunning scenery and Austrian snow. Next year also marks Snowbombing's 10th Anniversary, so, with only a few acts announced, we’re already shedding a massive load in our keks.

Fatboy Slim will be warming the Austrian air alongside Dizzee Rascal, Reverend and the Makers, and hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash. Then you’ve got Mancunian Indie boys The Courteeners, Radio1’s Zane Lowe and Annie Nightingale, electro grindcore maestro Fake Blood, and electro-pop red-head La Roux.

Releasing his first UK album on Southern Fried Records next year, Shinichi Osawa will also be making the trip to the Austrian town of Mayrhofen; whilst Red Light Company, Charli XCX, Soft Rock and Kathy Diamond have also been announced.

Tickets for Snowbombing ’09, taking place from SUNDAY 29TH MARCH - SATURDAY 4TH APRIL 2009, range from £249 to £379. Discounted deposits of £100 are available until December 5th. For further information CLICK HERE!

Top producer wants to remix YOUR tunes

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:14:18 GMT

I’m not a greedy guy, I don’t ask for a lot in life. I just sit here and hope for the best and listen to Pulp: This is Hardcore, to ease me through the pain of another working day. But if I could have a dream granted, if I could have anything at all, it’d probably be to have a tune remixed by a top producer or something… I mean, how dope would that be?

Unfortunately I can’t produce music, so that’s another dream out the window. But if you happen to produce your own music, then my dream could become your reality: you could have your music remixed by The One! Yep, that’s right: The One!

I know, I know, Planetnotion.com hasn’t heard of The One either, but we have been given the following clues to his/her identity…

(1) The One has sold hundreds of thousands of records in his homeland.

(2) The One has fans including Annie Mac, Zane Lowe and Norman Cook.

(3) The One has taken to the decks with 2manydjs and Switch.

(4) The One has remixes for Boys Noize, Snow Patrol and Felix Da Housecat.

(5) The One is releasing his debut album on Southern Fried Records next January.

(6) The One may be remixing YOU and releasing YOUR music.

All in all, The One’s pretty f*cking good then? To find out how you could have your tune remixed by The One, as well as The One’s identity, CLICK HERE.

New music service joins fight against AIDS

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:52:17 GMT

To coincide with World AIDS Day, MSN today launched (RED) WIRE, a digital music magazine that aims to eliminate AIDS in Africa.

To celebrate the launch, the likes of Coldplay, Dixie Chicks, Death Cab for Cutie, Jay-Z, John Legend, Sheryl Crow and U2, have recorded exclusive content to be broadcast on the (RED) WIRE website.

Joseph, the eagerly anticipated Christmas collaboration between Elton John and The Killers, will be broadcast exclusively on (RED) WIRE - two weeks before its release on December 16th.

(RED) WIRE will also premiere the Chris Martin and Kylie Minogue duet, Lhuna; whilst U2’s recording of Greg Lake’s ‘I Believe in Father Christmas’ will also be exclusively broadcast throughout the day.

Visit the (RED) WIRE website to view exclusive content and find information on how you can subscribe to (RED) WIRE and help combat AIDS in Africa.

Weekly album and singles round-up

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:14:29 GMT

Another cold, damp, miserable Monday; weekend excess creeping up on my psyche like a pedophile with a stanley knife. Still, at least the first day of the working week brings Planetnotion.com’s regular album and singles chart update. Yay.

We’ll start with the album charts, where Only Men Aloud’s self-titled debut failed to scrape into the top ten. The winners of BBC1’s Last Choir Standing only managed to reach number 16 in the charts.

Planetnotion.com began to cry when we read that… though that’s probably due to our delicate disposition and our post-weekend come-down.

Call us psychic, but The Killers or Guns N’ Roses were always going to clinch the number one spot. Axl Rose reportedly spent £2million on Guns N’ Roses’ new album Chinese Democracy, which took 14 years to make. Despite the anticipation, the album peaked at number two.

Probably because they’re not really Guns N’ Roses at all anymore; they’re Axl Rose and a load of blokes nobody knows the names of. In the end The Killers emerged triumphant, reaching number one with new album ‘Day and Age’.

Rhydian, who came second in last years X-Factor, reached number three with his self-titled debut. Over in the singles chart, Take That went straight to number one with ‘Greatest Day’, the first track from their new album ‘Circus’, which is due out in December. The End.

Planetnotion.com album of the week

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 17:54:29 GMT

Okay, men will look at me in utter disdain – like I’ve taken a dump on their shoe or something – when I announce Planetnotion.com’s album of the week. I mean, people usually expect some mind-humping electro or rock music that makes you dance like someone’s buggering you with a marrow; but O no, no, not this week.

This week I’ve selected ‘Only Men Aloud’s self-titled debut album. Basically, they're a twenty-strong choir group from Wales, who won a show on BBC1 called Last Choir Standing (it was a little bit wank).

But don’t let the whole connotation of homosexuality fool you; ‘Only Men Aloud’ hit you where every good act should hit you: smack bang in the heart, baby. Smack bang in the heart. Whether lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, straight or bi-friggin-curious.

I silently wept when they belted their hearts out on All By Myself and I was proud to whack it up full volume. I didn’t care when people gave me funny looks, because by the time it got round to Kiss From A Rose, everyone was loving it. Everyone was converted by the sound of those big booming voices and men having their bollocks squeezed.

You’ll hopefully be converted too if you purchase the album. Just remember to have some Kleenex at the ready. Even if ‘Only Men Aloud’ don’t make you cry with their rendition of God Only Knows, at least you’ll be able to have a nice clean wank without the worry of spunk-stains on your duvet.

Amazon.co.uk are selling ‘Only Men Aloud’ for a bargain £8.98! To purchase a copy CLICK HERE!

Fat Freddy's Drop add UK tour date

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 12:36:59 GMT

When it’s p*ssing it down with rain and your supping on a luke-warm tea, your mind filled with eternal misery, salvation lies in Fat Freddy’s Drop. No, no, no, we’re not talking about the acid, although that might go someway to taking you out the doldrums, but the South Pacific crew of the same name, who fuse soul with everything from roots and reggae to jazz and dub.

The funky seven-member group, release new single Pull The Catch on December 1st, with new album Big BW set for a UK release next spring. FFD were supposed to have released the album last Christmas, but rather than bow down and suck on industry cock, have been fine tuning Big BW for over a year.

Demand has been so strong for the album, that FFD were forced to release The Camel earlier this year; the single reaching number 23 in the indie charts. It may also be the reason FFD have added an additional date to their European tour.

The band will play London’s famous Roundhouse venue on December 5th; a culmination to a 19 date long tour. FFD will also be playing the Norwich UAE on December 3rd and a penultimate show at the Roundhouse on December 4th.

For tickets and further information visit fatfreddysdrop.com.

Booze bust-up jeopardises KOL tour

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 10:57:22 GMT

Booze: For some, an escape from the bull-s*it of love and life and work and money; traveling with your face pinned to a train window - whilst particles from a fat-man’s tuna-mayo sandwich crumble into your hair. O the misery! For others, it’s difficult to stand by and watch a mates character change at the spin of a coin and the downing of 30 pints, a bottle of Jamesons and 42 tequila shots...

Alas, if reports are to be believed, booze is threatening to tear Kings of Leon apart on the eve of their eagerly anticipated worldwide tour.

According to The Sun, KOL frontman Caleb has ‘been hitting the bottle big time’. After announcing earlier in the year that they’d turned their back on boozing and drugging, the rest of the KOL lads are far from happy.

Apparently, their disdain for Caleb’s boozing came to a head a couple of weeks back, when the band had an ‘almighty row’. Well, so says The Sun anyway.

A ‘source’ told the tabloid daily: “The others have warned Caleb over and over again that they weren’t happy about his drinking but he carried on regardless.The lads have always fought but they usually sort it out the next morning. Things are completely different this time.

“The label is deeply concerned that if they don’t sort out their differences the tour won’t go ahead.” Course, all this might be true and it might not be. Who the hell knows? A source once told me, that a source for a similar story in a similar newspaper was the editor’s granddad. And the source who told me that was the little bloke with the gammy-leg who works in Costcutter…

If KOL do go ahead with their worldwide tour, it’ll be kicking off in Brighton (UK) on December 1st (Monday).

Topman sock it to homelessness

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 17:55:59 GMT

“SURPRISE, SURPRISE!” we’re two weeks late with a breaking news story. But who cares, right? I mean, this is all about raising money for a good cause and as long as you’re aware of it, that’s all that matters.

Topman have launched limited edition Crisis Charity socks, retailing at £4 with 100% of the proceeds going to Crisis. In case you’re unaware of the good work Crisis do, they help support the UK’s ‘hidden homeless’; something Topman feels equally as passionate about.

The term ‘hidden homeless’ refers to those living in hostels, B&Bs or sleeping on friends or acquaintances floors; people who have the potential to reintegrate themselves back into society, but often find themselves falling back into the homelessness cycle.

Alas, the limited edition ‘Sock It To Homelessness’ socks have been released just in time for the festive season, so, you know, if you buy a pair as a present for someone, you’re kinda buying for two.

Topman are also donating woolen hats - which can prove a lifesaver to the homeless - to anyone passing through Crisis Christmas Centres in London and Newcastle.

For further information on the product visit topman.com/crisissock

Dizzee to do a dance album?

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 11:09:21 GMT

Sometimes change can be a really bad thing. Like the time I decided to get a job in a supermarket and hated it so much I virtually became an alcoholic, just to numb the pain. Then I changed job again, decided to work for this website, and actually became an alcoholic.

Like I say, sometimes change can be a f*cking bad thing.

On the subject of change, Dizzee Rascal has hinted that his next album might be different to the rap/grime we're used to. Speaking of the album, Dizzee told Radio1: “It’s looking like its heading towards a dance album.”

Dizzee’s previous flirtations with dance have all been successful. Like the appropriately titled Dance Wiv Me, a collaboration with Calvin Harris that scored Dizzee his first UK number one single. And then there was the recent success of Bonkers, a collaboration with super-producer Armand Van Helden….

“He [Armand Van Helden] did the beat and sent it to me in America,” Dizzee said of the collaboration. “The way the crowd just jump up, it's like they know the song already.

“I've never seen nothing like that, not an immediate response like that to a song they've never heard before”. Whatever direction Dizzee takes with the album, we reckon that it's a dead cert to be a winner...

Relentless Energy launch live visual experience

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:23:32 GMT

“Wow, man! Check out all those colours, man. It’s like the time we dropped acid on the White Cliffs of Dover, man, and that little green man told me I’d be a great guitarist, man, and you’d be on Strictly Come Dancing and the rent-boy judge would call you a Fat F*cking Pig, man!”

Well, this news is kinda like that anyway. Relentless Energy Drink are launching a programme that creates visual responses to music. You know the kind of thing; you’ve probably seen it on iTunes or Windows Media Player or something.

Basically you watch kaleidoscopic colours flowing around on screen, in time to whatever music happens to be playing. Anyway, rather than following the same old mundane trends, Relentless have designed a visual reaction to music that represents them as a brand.

Plus, it’s a truly innovative programme because it responds to live music. So, you know, you might see it doing its thing at festivals and gigs and stuff.

Planetnotion.com checked out a demo for The REV (Relentless Energy Visual) on Relentless Energy’s website. At first we thought it looked a bit like a nightmare; the kinda thing you see in a heavy-state of post-weekend drink and drug withdrawal; a hairy monster, rolling around to the music and intent on tearing your jugular out or ripping your nuts off.

But we have to say, we like it… we like it a lot. Alas, the developers of The REV claim this is only the beginning for the programme and that Relentless’ creative agency will continue to expand the visual programmes capabilities.

Watch this space. To see the demo CLICK HERE! For further information on Relentless Energy visit relentlessenergy.com

The Prodigy announce album track-list

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:44:40 GMT

The Prodigy have announced the full track-list for upcoming album ‘Invaders Must Die’.

The band will also release the title-track from the album, set for a March 2nd release date, as a free-download THIS THURSDAY! (November 26th)

For further information, including news of The Prodigy’s 2009 UK tour, visit theprodigy.com.

Anyway, without further ado, here’s the full track-listing:

'Invaders Must Die'
'Omen'
'Thunder'
'Colours'
'Take Me To The Hospital'
'Warrior's Dance'
'Run With The Wolves'
'Omen Reprise'
'World’s On Fire'
'Piranha'
'Stand Up'

Six Toes

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:55:32 GMT

NUTS AND BOLTS: Ben Rogers – guitar, vocals, David Greenep - guitar, vocals, Anne Carruthers – cello, James Hitchins – double bass, Natalie Sedgwick – violin, Andy Hobson - drums

STOMPING GROUND: Ely, Cambridgeshire, formed 2004

SET TO SOUNDTRACK: Weird druid gatherings next to large rocks

DESTINED TO UPSET: Lovelorn singer songwriters who strum open chords for catharsis

YOU’RE IN BUSINESS IF YOU LIKE: Tom Waits, Nick Drake, Nick Cave, Syd Barrett, Bermuda Triangle Band

SixToes aren’t just freaks of the digit world; they are misfits of the folk scene too. If that particular F- word conjures up frightful images of bearded men in cardigans hunched over acoustic guitars, singing about love and sunshine, you can rest easy – SixToes are odd. The sextet peddles an off-the-beaten-track mutation of sixties psych-folk, overlaid with baritone vocals that bear more than a passing resemblance to Tom Waits’ legendary vaudeville growl.

Their debut single, ‘Four Leaf Clover,’ is five minutes of gently finger-picked guitar, harmonized vocals, and aching cello lines and is the band’s most conventional moment to date. But venture onto the flipside, ‘Reggae Song,’ and you will hear SixToes at their weirdest… it’s all unnerving minor key guitar lines and out-of-tune crooning, leading to a vocal chant driven crescendo.

‘Four Leaf Clover’ is out now (Toe Music)

Extracted from Notion Magazine

Screaming Soul

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:51:29 GMT

NUTS AND BOLTS: Ghetto Priest – vocals, Sandman – producer/MC

STOMPING GROUND: London, UK, formed 2007

SET TO SOUNDTRACK: Dark streets and seedy clubs

DESTINED TO UPSET: Hip hop purists

YOU’RE IN BUSINESS IF YOU LIKE: Disciples, African Head Charge, Adrian Sherwood, Black Twang, Mr Thing

Screaming Soul is the genre defying collaboration between Ghetto Priest of Asian Dub Foundation, and MC/producer, Sandman, aka Doobie of the Underground Alliance. The pair spews forth a bastardised amalgamation of roots, rap, hip hop and dub, with even the occasional hint of noir jazz glimmering through the fuggy beats.

Their music takes you on a tour of down-and-out London, where gentle Gil Scott-Heron keyboards and soulful reggae vocals are swamped under dub basslines, with spitfire raps over the top. Their debut single, ‘Warfare,’ is the darkest of their work so far, opening via eerie keyboards swaggering with such menace it makes Massive Attack sound like the Monkeys. The overtly political reggae vocals hark back to the days of reggae soundsystems when Jamaican culture was imported to Blighty en masse in the early seventies... Listening to Screaming Soul you can almost feel the claustrophobia of dim rooms filled with the stale skunk smoke of yesteryear.

Warfare is out now (Holy Voodoo)

Extracted from Notion Magazine

Thank You

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:47:57 GMT

NUTS AND BOLTS: Jeffrey McGrath - vocals, guitar, Michael Bouzoukis - organ, bass, Emmanuel Nicolaidis - drums

STOMPING GROUND: Baltimore, Maryland, formed 2005

SET TO SOUNDTRACK: Hipsters drinking black coffee and musing on Nietzsche

DESTINED TO UPSET: Those of a delicate disposition

YOU’RE IN BUSINESS IF YOU LIKE: Sonic Youth, Mars, Fugazi, Tortoise, Shellac

Thank You are a welcome shot in the arm for a gradually dwindling avant-punk scene Stateside. With the Yeah Yeah Yeahs moving further away from their New York no-wave roots and Fugazi on permanent hiatus, this trio of scuzz merchants is flying the independent flag high and proud.

The band’s latest LP, ‘Terrible Two,’ is a sprawling soundscape of abrasive guitars, tinny drums slipping out of time and the occasional vocal chant. With the treble pushed to the limit and earbleeding avalanches of noise, you’re not in for an easy ride, but over the course of their lengthy tracks, Thank You slide into odd, sparse, serene moments of soothing organ and delicate guitar. If you need proof of their calibre, J Robbins, the man behind Yeasayer and Jets To Brazil, and Chris Coady, of Yeah Yeah Yeahs and TV On The Radio fame, are fans.

‘Terrible Two’ is out now (Thrill Jockey)

Extracted from Notion Magazine

The Transpersonals

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:41:43 GMT

The Transpersonals’ music sounds like the kind of thing you’d find if you carved open the mind of a 60s free-love-and-fucking, Acid-popping freak and were drowned underneath a kaleidoscopic stream of musical notes. Only The Transpersonals’ music is a bit more, well… now? A tad more current. You know; good for 2008? The Bristolian band’s back-story paints an interesting picture, not least because it’s neither now, current or 2008; in fact, it’s the kind of tale you’d associate with the psychedelic and experimental 60s Summer of Love. We’re talking Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys when he went through his whole mind-frazzled ‘Smiley Smile’ faze; Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones before he was found face down in his swimming pool; the wide-eyed Syd Barrett before he became a recluse and made book-shelves out of baked bean cans. We’re talking about gorging on more hallucinogenic drugs than a fat kid eats candy bars and a fly nibbles fresh shit. The Transpersonals’ lead-vocalist, Timothy Hurford, was homeless and expanding his mind by dropping just about anything that would send him on a far-out trip, man. Maybe it was the sheep playing poker and drinking Blue Nun, or whatever crazy images were flying through Hurford’s neuro-transmitters, but he eventually found himself locked away in a mental institute. Thankfully, he’s okay now, although it’s apparent from The Transpersonals’ music that Hurford’s psychedelic experimentation and spell in mental-captivity has left a long-standing mark. Despite a notable psychedelic theme to The Transpersonals’ music, with subtle undertones of the 90s Indie vibe, debut EP ‘Evolve or Die’ is an eclectic four-track collection. ‘Hello Hello’ is a psych-tinged Surf-Pop ditty and a mighty catchy little number, whilst ‘Silver Star’ features the fantastic Katey Brooks as guest-vocalist. Instant comparisons to Nico (she of Velvet Underground fame) will no doubt be made. And it’s the fact that few bands have delved into the kaleidoscopic realms of psychedelica in 2008, that makes The Transpersonals a sure-fire bet to carve a name within the niche. Go check out their MySpace and order their EP now. You’ll be pleasantly surprised… Words: Dangerous Dave

Reemer

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:35:44 GMT

Reemer:Dave Hunter (Vocals), Nick Murray (Guitar), Dan Evans (Drums), Max Redfern (Bass)

Reemer may have the sort of name you’d associate with a guy who enjoys licking arse out, but they’re actually a pop-punk band from Manchester. It’s true. Their name has nothing to do with anilingus at all; they took it off a guy from cult film ‘Baseketball’. Think Busted, dunked in a blender with a blotter of LSD and a bottle of fizzy pop, and you’re almost there… almost. Anyway, Reemer are so popular in Manchester and the North-West that a recent gig at ‘Sonic Boom’ was oversold by like, 200 tickets. Everyone stormed the stage like a scene from Zulu, and then, get this… they kidnapped Reemer’s bass player, Max Redfern! Mental isn’t it?

Reemer even featured in everyone’s favourite C4 soap opera, Hollyoaks, which has storylines including teen-junkies and a guy who’s faked his own death. The band repaid the favour by roping in Leah Hackett, who plays Tina McQueen in the soap, to star in the video to new single ‘Maniac’. Tina McQueen’s latest storyline was giving birth to her boyfriend’s brother’s baby for her ex-jailbird sister, who goes out with her boyfriend’s brother… or something like that. It’ll all end in tears.

In fact, so popular are Reemer up North, that Johnny Vegas is set to ditch the knitted tea-drinking monkey to star in their next video! Alas, Reemer have recently been asked to contribute a track to the Mighty Boosh podcast, have an extensive upcoming tour schedule, and are set to release a debut album on ‘Reaction Records’. This suggests that they’re going to explode like a liquid fart! The upcoming album, Snakes and Ladders, is being produced by Andy Macpherson and Chris Kemsey, who have worked with the likes of Blondie, The Cult, New Model Army, The Who, and The Rolling Stones! Anyway, you can check Reemer out on their MySpace. DD

New single ‘MANIAC’ is out now on ‘Reaction Records’. Debut album ‘SNAKES AND LADDERS’ is released September 2008.

Check out the video to Maniac starring Tina from Hollyoaks:

Detroit Social Club

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:39:48 GMT

From an area of the North East more recognizable for producing adolescent soaps than generating musical talent, there is now emerging one of the most promising bands of the modern era. Detroit Social Club, a six piece only formed just prior to Christmas, has already been astonishing music lovers and A&R personnel alike with their heavily-distorted, dirty-bluesy riffs, profound bass, thudding drums and powerful, soul-inspiring vocals.

Although singer/songwriter David Burn, 27, has exhausted a hefty quantity of the past year in his personal studio vigilantly assembling his songs and mastering a unique sound, only recently has this incorporated some of Newcastle’s finest musical talent – including long term friend, Chris McCourtie, Davids Green and Welsh, along with prodigious teens Bondy and Dale Knight. Despite the solitary beginnings, this crew around Burn have become vital ingredients of his vision to “Bring back the feeling”.

Burn explains further: “It’s not just about making something sound nice… but also getting something from someone and getting something out of it, where you listen to something and you believe it”. This deluge of spirit is encapsulated in the quite simplistic yet brilliant ‘Black and White’; likewise, in the swaggering vibe of the formidable ‘Sunshine People’, through which even the most passive listener is transcended into a world of alternative realities.

Burn, self evidently the band’s clear leader, speaks of Detroit Social Club as a “schizophrenic band” in seeking to maintain a boundary between the recordings and the live performance. “Recordings-wise, there’ll be a lot of soul - it’s gonna be about the colouration of the tracks, a lot more about the vibe and different sounds we can implement”. He continues, “live is very much about dragging you by the balls from the back of the room! You’re gonna be fuckin’ jumping around, not even realizing. Getting to the end of the gig, they’ll be like, how did I get here? It’s gonna be like two different things; by keeping your live presence and your recording separate you’re always gonna surprise people”.

Already evident is how much this young band offer, and so it comes as little surprise that a growing amount of record labels, including several majors, have been eager to be associated with a band that is breeding so much enthusiasm. This has led to what Burn defines as a “stroke of luck” – by chance, a demo landed on the desk of Artic Monkeys manager Geoff Barrowdale one Saturday afternoon. By the Sunday morning contact had been made and within weeks he had became their manager. Happenstance shines on the deserving!

The initial “excitement”, in Burn’s words, has now been replaced by “apprehension… apprehension to stop talking about it and start doing it”. With a tour of northern cities announced recently, and the album recording set to commence in September, it has been a hectic, tumultuous journey for a band that non-existent but six months ago.

With a number one single in the metro charts, “the best manger in the business”, Razorlight’s engineer collaborating with Burn in his production, a host of top bands clambering for them as tour support, there is no doubt that they are in good stead for an extremely promising career. What cannot be denied is that the management has enabled the process to be accelerated. Nevertheless, nor can it be ignored that this has only been possible due to the implausibly good collection of songs that Detroit Social Club has amassed. Talent shines. It is little wonder that there is so much exhilaration: finally, in Detriot Social Club, a band has emerged eager to challenge that hangover the industry has been nurturing since the demise of the Libertines; the hangover the precedes the ebullient, transcendental presence of a defining rock’n’roll band. Richard Duncan

Golden Animals

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:49:13 GMT

Nuts and Bolts: Tommy Eisner (guitar/vocals) Linda Beecroft (drums/vocals)

Stomping Ground: Southern California/Brooklyn

Set to Soundtrack: A journey across Arizona in a 1960s Black LeSabre.

Destined to Upset: Anyone who hates the bygone period of free-love, smoking pot, and dropping acid.

You’re in business if you like: The Doors, Jim Morrison, Cream, Jimmy Reed, hobos on trains, Jimi Hendrix, early Rolling Stones, and music that’s refreshingly, um, fresh…

It’s inevitable that should Golden Animals acquire a glowing reputation, which itself seems inevitable, there are going to be comparisons made to the White Stripes. Why? Because: (A) they’re a two-piece playing music deep-rooted in early blues; (B) ones a bloke, the other isn’t; and (C) Tommy plays guitar and Linda plays drums. However, Planet Notion can safely say, that is where the comparisons end. The fact is that Golden Animals don’t sound like the White Stripes and they don’t seem to be trying to. In fact, Tommy and Linda sound like a throw-back to a period in 60s music when blues was transforming into a psychedelic incarnation; eg: The Doors, and albeit, with their own unique approach. “Early blues recordings are the fountain”, the pair have commented. “Even in 200 years, people will find completely new ways to create all within those rules and algorithms”. Indeed… Tommy met Swedish-born Linda on her first day in Brooklyn; you could call it fate. The pair immediately hit if off and soon set-off travelling Europe and America armed only with the bare essentials. You know; a guitar, a tambourine, a suitcase… A chance meeting with a fortune teller, who predicted music would be the pair’s destiny, sent them packing back to Brooklyn to pursue their interest, and thus Golden Animals was born. A ‘marching band’ drum-kit, acquired from a dumpster outside a church, and Tommy’s distinct slide-guitar, would provide the basis of Golden Animals' sound. However, tiring of the Brooklyn scene, the pair soon headed west, eventually settling in the Californian desert. Alas, it was here that they recorded debut album, ‘Free Your Mind and Win a Pony’, due for release in August and recorded under the guidance of ‘Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ and ‘TV On The Radio’ producer, Chris Cody. Their tale may sound like something from a Mark Twain novel, but the album speaks for itself. Five months recording in the isolated Californian desert has clearly influenced and helped the duo develop their blues inspired sound. Hence the opinion of Planet Notion that Golden Animals are one of the most exciting acts to emerge this year. And just because we find Linda sexy, Tommy friggin’ dope, and have an almost voyeuristic fascination with their music, that doesn’t mean we continually wank over our ‘promo’ copy of ‘Free Your Mind and Win a Pony’. Ahem, well, there was that one time... Words: Dangerous Dave

Golden Animals debut album, Free Your Mind and Win a Pony, is released on HappyParts Recordings, August 4th. For more information, visit the Golden Animals MySpace page.

Nick Sunderland

Fri, 30 May 2008 16:35:18 GMT

Nuts and Bolts: Nick Sunderland (Vocals/Guitar)

Stomping Ground: East London.

Set to Soundtrack: Love… Loss… Hope…

Destined to Upset: The clubbing fraternity.

You’re in business if you like: Peri-Peri Chicken style Indie-Rock. Soft, but with a kick.

Imagine going for a leisurely run through the woods whilst listening to your I-pod; some gentle Indie-rock beating slowly against your drums. Suddenly there’s a kick, a harder edge to the music, and you pick up the pace. You’re really working it now; your armpits are rising damp and your brow’s getting wet - until suddenly you stop with a jolt to admire an unusual looking specimen! It’s a Liberty Cap: A Magic Mushroom. It looks tasty, and you’re feeling a wee bit peckish, so you take a bite… Oh god! Minutes later you’re on a crazy paranoid trip, peculiar voices infiltrating East-End artist Nick Sunderland on your I-Pod, as he explores deep themes of love and loss; loss and love. You’re running through the woods in a blind panic, arms flailing like an irate gibbon, the trees closing in on you like some paranoid delusion of Edgar Allan Poe. Memories of lost relationships are flooding back to haunt you, like an outer-body experience on a journey to the fiery gates of hell. There’s a bitter edge to Nick Sunderland’s music and lyrics, occasionally interrupted by the schizophrenic voice of inner thoughts and times that were. Sunderland explores subjects more at home within the softer realms of Indie-rock; albeit with a little more panache. By adding distorted electronic-infused vocals as a response to the lyrical context, on top of far edgier guitar solos, he explores the demented side of break-ups and the eternal search for love. Far from being depressing it kicks your sorry arse into gear; tells you to drop that quart of Whiskey and put down the sharpened knife. After all, break-ups and love are rarely lardy-dar (sic); they’re a subject that’s supposed to be approached with edginess and bite. Perhaps that’s why the London artist reached number two (2) in Metro’s singles of the week… Sure, Sunderland may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but he’s a damn sight better than the current crop of soft-Indie rockers littering jukeboxes nationwide, for single drunks to listen to whilst weeping into pints. Check out his MySpace! Words: Dangerous

The Power Lords

Fri, 02 May 2008 18:24:37 GMT

Nuts and Bolts: The Power Lords (Pierre and Bohdan)

Stomping Ground: South of France (St. Tropez) and the Ukraine.

Set to Soundtrack: Clubs where people sport Croydon facelifts and neck Bacardi Breezers.

Destined to Upset: Anyone without a sense of humour.

You’re in business if you like: Regular trips to the Krakow club scene.

“Let my weiner fire your hummer / Start in the cupboard later the freezer / Ask Boris Becker I’m a grand slam winner.” The Power Lords (Lords of the String)

The Power Lords have burst onto the club scene like a teenager on his first gram of cheap whizz; garnering reactions of befuddlement, guilty pleasure and disdain in equal measure. They’re the kind of Euro-techno outfit you’d imagine four fat birds in Benidorm doing ‘big square, little square, cardboard box’ to whilst taking the occasional glug of their Lambrini and pawing over a Spanish hunk - topless but for a dickie-bowtie. We’re talking cheese-smeared, holiday-camp cabaret, only a hell of a lot more polished and with a back-story that makes Star Wars episodes I-III look as dire as Series 4 of Deep Space Nine. The Power Lords’ story started as a dream of two playboy London Hedge Funders living it large in St. Tropez, a mutual love of European Techno inspiring them to have a pop in the music production game. James Burrell, a young composer and songwriter whose résumé includes work for the BBC, Nickelodeon and John Lewis was recruited to help the dream become a reality. Alas, with the playboy Hedge Funders jobs requiring a certain je ne sais quois -“Oh so respectful” - public image, the notorious twosome’s elation soon turned to concern. Having their names attached to a Euro-Tech song deep-set around the ‘St. Tropez G-String’ was hardly going to preserve the respect they’d worked so hard to build, right? Alas, the two pulled out, expecting an end to the whole shebang, but with the wheels set in motion James felt that the “show must go on.” And so the story ends. Well, you could say “And so the story begins” because the national press are lapping The Power Lords up like the Cheshire Cat with a bowl of Jersey’s finest. The Power Lords backstory is one of intrigue and mystery with more questions than answers and this is what makes them perfect fodder for the pad and pen. Debut single Lords of the String is going to be bigger than King Kong’s crown jewels and reading The Power Lords philosophy on music it’s easy to see why: “We love dance music that make you want to dance! Laugh! Kiss! Cry! Make Love too!!!” their MySpace beams. If that’s not the talk of global superstars I’ll eat my St. Tropez G-string and lick King Kong’s bellend! Check out their MySpace! Words: Dangerous Dave Dryden

Jay Reatard

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:15:40 GMT

Nuts and Bolts: Jay Reatard (vocals, guitar, bass), Billy Hayes (drums), Stephen Pope (bass)

Stomping Ground: Memphis, Tennessee since 1998.

Set to Soundtrack: A ketamine and whizz binge.

Destined to Upset: Fans of Happy Hardcore.

You’re in business if you like: Raucous full-throttle punk-dipped rock with a pinch of new wave.

Sometimes an artist will come along and kick you in the balls with such ferocity they go flying through your system and drop out your mouth; before sliding back to their rightful position, intact and twice as big and brutal as before. Jay Reatard is one such artist; his short, sharp, hook-laden tracks triggering an “I’m not gonna take this shit anymore” attitude - only way more successfully than heavy-metal (which isn‘t difficult). Jay began writing songs alone in his bedroom due to an overwhelming sense of boredom and a turbulent home life. He was recognized at the tender age of 15 after sending a demo tape to Goner Records and dropping out of school - which ultimately proved a wise move. Jay produces the kind of music that grips one shoulder tightly and slaps you round the face with a free hand – with lyrics that delve into everything from inner demons and a crap childhood to romance past and drinking piss from a jar… Take ‘Not a Substitute’ from Jay’s ‘Blood Visions’ LP which at 1:04 minutes long contains the simple lyrics “It’s not a substitute / not a substitute for you” before launching into a full-throttle guitar chorus of “MISSING YOU” like a skipping record that you daren’t change. Quite what the substitute for a lost love is remains unclear. It could be drugs, it could be a new missus, and it could be a chocolate bar. The fact is Jay leaves these small details for your interpretation. Jay used to be in punk-band The Reatards, alternating between singing, guitar, and a bucket for percussion. He then created/joined a few other bands, including Lost Sounds, before finally launching his solo career. An initially surprised music press have generally lavished praise on Jay’s first and only solo LP ‘Blood Visions’ which contains a full-throttle 15 tracks at under 30 minutes long. Anyhow, if you’re after punk-rock with the occasional Adam Ant new-wave eccentricity thrown in, Jay’s as good a bet as any… Check out his MySpace.

Liverpool Music Week: Rob Da Bank Interview!

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:38:06 GMT

Liverpool; 2008 European Capital of Culture. Steeped in history and drenched in Scouse; naturally. Not to mention home of the annual Liverpool Music Week (LMW), brimming with big events and even bigger names. We’re talking Vampire Weekend; Dizzee Rascal; Noah and the Whale; Wiley; The Fall - and that’s just for starters. Anyways, as part of the week long celebrations, the irrefutable Rob Da Bank, master of Bestival and ever-popular Radio1 DJ, will be putting on his very own Bestival Reunion Tour. PN caught up with Rob to shoot the shit in 60 Seconds. Well, it was about 2 minutes actually… Anyways, here are the results:

It’s been a busy year for you, what with the DJing and Bestival and the general workload that goes with the whole shebang… how did the ‘Bestival Reunion Tour’ at Liverpool Music Week come about?

We had such a great time doing our Bandstand party in Liverpool this year that we wanted to come back with the Bestival gang and finish off the party! Liverpool’s always been an important city for me for clubbing, ever since the glory days of Cream! Ah, the good old days.

But what specifically attracted you to Liverpool Music Week? Has it always been an event you’ve admired and if so, why?

It had more to do with when we were planning on coming really – it was just good timing, and the Mystery Jets weren’t playing Liverpool so we wanted to get ‘em on there with us... The rest of the week looks great, and I just hope everyone’s got the energy to come to our party after all the other shindigs!

So what can we expect to see on the night you’re playing?

Some amazing live music; DJs who aren’t scared of playing something a bit different and some crazy fancy dress no doubt!

One DJ that particularly caught my eye - who’s playing with you guys on the night, was Kissy Sell Out. Big things are expected of Kissy at the moment. What does he bring to the circuit that’s fresh and new?

A weird haircut! Seriously though, Kissy is one of the most up for it, energetic DJs out there - without being cheesy, and he has a massive fanbase, so that’s a help too.

Kissy’s also joined Radio1. Is everyone there pleased to see him on board… what does he bring to the station?

Yup, he plays music no one else is championing, and probably knows clubland better than most of us too, so he’s keeping us up to speed nicely.

Who else, in the way of DJs and acts, should people be keeping an eye on at the moment?

An act called La Roux, who are gonna be massive next year – think Lykke Li meets Salt N Pepa and Spank Rock – kinda... Also Little Boots, Ramadanman and Ebony Bones.

Are there any surprises we can expect from the Bestival Reunion Tour at Liverpool Music Week? You know, any surprise inclusions or exciting plans for the night - that may not be too surprising if you let the cat out the bag, like, now?

That would be telling!

How did this years Bestival compare to other years? Have you seen a consistent improvement as it continues to grow?

Much muddier than previous years due to the 10 inches of rain that fell in 36 hours; aside from that an amazing crowd bang up for it whatever the weather, and some supreme performances from the likes of Grace Jones, George Clinton, Chromeo and My Bloody Valentine.

And finally, what can we expect from Rob Da Bank in the future? Any exciting plans you’ve got in store, either for yourself or for Bestival?

More of the same! I’m loving Radio 1 at the moment, with my two shows there; Camp Bestival, our new family show, had a great start this year and I’m enjoying DJing more than ever, so watch out!

O and is there anything you’d like to add, some pearls of wisdom maybe?

Say what you mean and act how you feel, because those who matter don’t mind and those who mind don’t matter; that was Dr Seuss who said that... so there!

Rob Da Bank performs at Nation on Friday 31st October with The Mystery Jets, Kissy Sell Out LIVE, The Cuban Brothers, Sombrero Soundsystem & special guests The Presets, as part of MTV Liverpool Music Week. Tickets on sale now: £15.00+BF / www.ticketline.co.uk / Tel: 0151 256 5555 / Info: www.liverpoolmusicweek.com

ATFC Interview!

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:33:59 GMT

ATFC is one of the biggest names in dance music; a household name who has tasted chart-topping success and is greatly admired by those around him; DJs and dance fans alike. Despite the fact you may think certain countries haven’t heard of him or any other DJs in his field, Defected Records has recently been introducing dance to India. Yes indeed, the power of the dance now has one more country under its euphoric control! Defected Records’ brand new compilation, Defected in the House: Goa 09, has been remixed by Simon Dunmore, DJ Pearl and ATFC himself. It marks Defected’s commitment to India, and highlights the fact that the label and ATFC will be visiting Goa during the New Year for the Sunburn Festival. We caught up with ATFC to discuss life in sunny Spain, his love of House music and what the big man has in the pipeline.

Tell me a few things about ATFC that I wouldn’t necessarily know?

I was a model for a knitting magazine when I was 4. I appeared on Record Breakers, but only to ask Norris McWhirter a question in 'On the Spot'. My inside leg measurement is only 29.5 inches and no, this has nothing to do with my appearance on 'Record Breakers'. I thought House Music was rubbish until I was 23. And my real DJ idols are Gilles Peterson, Norman Jay and Trevor Nelson.

You’ve experienced a bit of a renaissance lately – would you agree? What’s inspired this?

A lot seems to have happened since I moved to Spain a year ago. The pressure of living and working in the UK was lifted and I started having more fun with music. I'd left my fancy purpose built studio back in England and began working from a spare bedroom, trying new sounds and arrangements, not caring if something was thrown together in a few hours. My mix of Dubfire's 'Roadkill' attracted a lot of attention and it marked a slight change in style for me. It came together in a couple of hours and its sound gave me inspiration for a number of other successful records that followed… Ya Killin Me, my remix of Speed Up… Tribute to the JB's… Overall though, I'd like to think the sound I've fallen on is peak time house that can stand up to most Electro and even some Techno, but with a touch of funkiness to make it accessible to a wider market.

How is the house scene different now to that of the 90’s?

It's a whole lot broader musically. The boundaries are really very blurred and as DJ's we have the luxury of being able to play Techno, Electro, House and even Breakbeat in one night. The change in the way labels sell and release their music has also made the scene a lot more democratic. It's no longer possible to get ahead as a DJ by being 'upfront' or playing music that has yet to be released; unless it's your own of course. Another massive change is the shift in attention from the US to Europe. In the 90's, the States pretty much dominated the House market, both in sales and DJ's. Obviously we always had our own stars as well, but there was a time when any American could buy 50 records, call himself a DJ and tour Europe. Now it's becoming much more global; the Australians are doing really well and it won't be long before Asia starts making waves on the dance scene as well.

Do you still have the same burning passion for music and clubs?

It's always been more about the music for me rather than the whole clubbing experience. When I first started going to clubs, it really was down to who was DJing rather than whether there were hot girls there or if it was a really cool venue. When my friends and I used to go clubbing, we would simply dance, trainspot and listen to the music. I have the same burning passion for making music that makes people dance and see the music work. I wouldn’t be doing what I do if I were a millionaire or unemployed, so I guess the answer is yes, I do have the same burning passion for music.

‘Praise to the JB’s’ is a fierce track, a Beatport no.1! What is the reaction like when you drop it?

It's great! The track has been in my CD wallet for about a year now, and I originally made it as a backing to The Jungle Brothers - I'll House You Acapella; it was something just to play out and give to a few friends. When I made 'Juss-A-Beat' for Defected, we were looking for something to include on the EP and decided to take the Jungle Brothers vocals off and simply release it as an instrumental bonus track. It's crazy that an after-thought got to Number 1 on Beatport, and even crazier considering it's just a one note samba. See kids, it only takes an index finger and a keyboard in this game!

What other things is ATFC interested in apart from music?

Being a Husband and Dad and the associated pastimes that go with that. I'm in the studio Monday to Friday and then DJing Friday and Saturday. I guess my closest other interest is Photography; I love taking good photos of my kids and I’m learning Photoshop. I went to Art College too - I guess I have an eye for these things - as I also collect paintings and sculptures from our travels. We've run out of wall space now so we’ve had to slow down. Moving to Spain has also meant that we’ve suddenly become very popular with our friends and family! We need to get revolving doors on the guest room… I enjoy a good glass of wine on the Naya and simply spending time with them.

What are the other tracks that are hitting the spot for you at the moment? Are there any on the compilation?

There are three or four of mine, including one that's forthcoming on Strictly Rhythm. I'm excited about that as it's my first release for the label that’s a cornerstone in house music history. I love Mark Trophy's ‘The Ripper’ and I've combined it with a Mike Dunn acapella that gives it a real modern day, Hip-House vibe. Also, the Laidback Luke mix of TV Rocks’ ‘Been A Long Time’ is massive for me in the clubs. Oh and not to forget my new mix of Bad Habit! Again, I did a little dub edit to play out and gave it to the Shapeshifters. They requested it for their ITH album, which has precipitated an entire re-release - including 6 mixes by myself.

Are there any plans for you to play Goa or India in the near future?

It looks like I'll be playing for Defected at the Sunburn Festival in Goa around New Year. I'm really excited as it's a whole new continent for me and I've heard great things about the dance music-scene over there. Copyright came back from a tour earlier this year and were blown away by the parties and vibe they experienced, so I have it on good authority that I'll enjoy myself.

How have you designed the mix to sound?

It had to strike the right balance between a current club set from ATFC and a CD that translates well into other environments. In the club I don't play that many vocals but a CD of banging beats just won't do. I'd say it's a pretty rounded perspective of where I'm coming from as both a DJ and a producer. I guess my track-listing is naturally going to reflect my personal taste, and therefore you'll be able to hear a little bit of me in each track, even if it isn't my recording.

What are you working on at the moment and are there any gigs you can tell us about?

I have singles coming up with singers including, Mone, Yasmeen and Rae. A collaboration with Seamus Haji featuring KC Flightt - also sideline projects with Paul Harris. This week I'm remixing Chris Lakes next single and will be starting the promotion for Bad Habit - pretty soon no doubt. Toolroom Records are due to release my ‘Bad Weed’ EP in the next few weeks. And on the DJ front, I'm away every weekend from now until January visiting, amongst others, Egypt, MOS London, Vienna, Amsterdam, Switzerland, Cardiff, Belfast, Liverpool, and hopefully ending up in Goa around the New Year!

Royal Treatment Plant Interview!

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:26:41 GMT

If I were to dissect Royal Treatment Plant and pull back the layers, I’d probably be faced with many things. But what?

With steel handle pressed nervously against my sweaty palm and secured against the base of thumb, I extend my index finger along the scalpel, ease my hand forward and - with the gleaming metallic blade, make an incision.

As the blood slowly seeps, the first thing you notice is a tender and fragile heart beating at the centre; one of lyrical heartache and defiance. Underneath a confident and bolshy exterior, lays a fragile skeleton that has been broken before; now rebuilt and resolute.

Through the veins pump elements of Throwing Muses’ ability to create shifting melodies, the rushing of Pixies’ quiet/loud dynamic and the poised, nonchalant elegance of The Duke Spirit.

Royal Treatment Plant’s background is a little more unconventional than many bands. Singer and guitarist PP was brought up in New Guinea, an Island just north of Australia, to a devoted church going family. Studying classical music into her teens, she talks about her childhood, reflecting that, “my background was very religious, we wasn’t allowed to listen to any new music”. So, having been sheltered from the larger world, she decided to leave that behind and come to London.

Here enters DJ. When he isn’t slapping the bass for RTP, he’s a teacher, dancer and Musical Director/Arranger, for the Phil McIntyre approved ‘Into The Hoods’ show.

At 18, a career as an opera singer beckoned; until a stumbling block appeared: “There was something about having to wait until you were 27 to do it, so when I went to Uni I thought, ‘sod that’ and ended up trying lots of stuff out”. And thus, discovering Guns ‘n’ Roses and Nirvana was the fire in the belly needed to propel him into RTP.

Beefing up the cannon is Sam on Guitar, Tommy T on Keyboards and Chris beating the heck out of Drums. XFM have jumped on their wagon, whilst the mighty rock titans at L.A.’s KROQ have been belting out RTP since they got their grubby little mitts on their debut single, Get Played.

But the attention didn’t stop there, one Mike Chapman (Blondie) popped up into view, as PP explains: “(He) found us on MySpace - we thought it was a joke - and said he really liked us and just kept tabs on us. “

Having been sent rough mixes, Chapman worked his magic, producing ‘Hope Is Not Enough’ and ‘Undercurrent’ from RTP’s debut album ‘Hope Is Not Enough’.

Musically the album sweeps from all directions, cascading with taught rhythms and boisterous melodies. ‘Get Played’ drips with sensual and fiery energy; unforgiving riffs charge relentlessly forward, stopping only to whiplash you into a painful jolt. Scornful vocals utter, ‘you didn’t come here to make a new friend’. Then you have ‘Hearts and Minds,’ where the tempo slows down into a dreamy and melancholic acceptance, ‘Undercurrent,’ a bittersweet frenetic journey, twisting through pinball melodies, and the punky new-wave of ‘Carry Me’.

DIY to the core, the band put out their own records, direct and film their own videos, and book their own tours; like so many other bands, they’ve become disillusioned with some areas of the music business.

The album title itself sums up their experiences and attitude to date, with PP softly saying: “Sometimes it’s true, hope is not enough; you can’t hope things will be ok”. Lee Puddefoot