Primal Scream is made up of Bobby Gillespie (lead vocals) with Andrew Innes (guitar), Darrin Mooney (drums), Martin Duffy (keyboards), Barrie Cadogan (guitar) and Simone Butler (bass). Winners of the first ever Mercury Music Prize for 1991’s Screamadelica, Primal Scream have influenced a generation of fans and bands alike over their 20 year career. Bestowed with NME’s Godlike Genius Award in March 2007, Primal Scream remain one of Britain’s most exciting and inventive bands. They’re currently working on a new LP, due for release spring 2013.

Amy rose to fame in 2007 with her debut album This Is the Life, which sold millions worldwide, charted at #1 in 5 countries and was one of the Top 10 best selling albums in Europe in 2008. The single of the same name was #1 in 10 markets around the globe. Amy released her third album Life In A Beautiful Light last year, which went straight to #1, and has spent the past year touring around the world. The album was recorded between State of the Ark Studios in Richmond and Mayfield Studio in Surrey. In 2011, Amy won the coveted Echo award for Best International Female beating Adele, Katy Perry, Pink and Rihanna. Earlier this year, she completed a life long dream to be on Top Gear and completed her lap in an impressive time of 1min 44.4 seconds making her 9th on Top Gear’s leader board and the fastest woman.

If you could bottle the spirit of THE ENEMY and flog it Coventry might just have an export to rival their proud motor industry heritage.Frontman Tom Clarke, bassist Andy Hopkins and drummer Liam Watts are back with a ferocious, guitar-heavy and typically anthemic third album.The band, with Joby J Ford from The Bronx on producing duties, have been in LA rediscovering the DNA that helped a young three-piece from the West Midlands explode into the charts in 2006.From an initial 30 tracks they have been whittling down, chopping up and polishing songs which has unearthed an explosive collection of new material. They have dipped back into the rich songwriting vein that presented a raft of indie singalong hits when they were still too young to vote.But these lads don’t need anyone to write a mission statement for their next release, or deliver some flowery talking for them. Frontman Tom knows why the band will always strike a note with fans – it’s top quality, unapologetic rock’n’roll.“It has been a huge toilet bowl full of sick for a while, there’s a load of sh*t in the charts. There is now a proper f***ing hunger for musicians playing proper music on real instruments and singing live. That’s what we do and that’s what the bands we respect do.”The first time I met The Enemy was six years ago at a gig in London. A couple of busloads of fans from Coventry had followed them down and caused absolute mayhem at the venue.Fast forward six years and I’m in Coventry watching them on home turf doing exactly the same again. The band’s passion, and the crowd’s, remains at fever pitch.The time between has seen the three school friends tick career boxes they are only just beginning to acknowledge and appreciate. Playing That’s Entertainment with Paul Weller at The Roundhouse, with Tom strumming the opening riff, supporting Oasis on stadium dates and selling out the Ricoh Arena in their own right – the list goes on.“You get something different from this kind of music, it’s not the same with the other stuff,” declared the band’s quiet man Liam.“There’s a sense of belonging. What we’ve made is an absolute no apologies guitar album, it’s just a three piece playing and thrashing some guitars out,” roars Tom.The band spent a couple of days writing and recording with Joby in London at the end of last year to see if they would click in the studio. Within half an hour they knew they had their man.The lads decamped to California to finish the job during an intense period in Van Nuys, Los Angeles. It wasn’t girls in bikinis at the Sky Bar of the Mondrian either. It was a quiet complex with a crematorium, studio and little else for comfort.The upshot was some of the best music the band have recorded. Some of the loudest. Some of the most raw, original and heartfelt they have ever produced.“We wanted to work with Joby from The Bronx,” explained Tom. “Because we know that he can record guitars better than anyone else. We were on a short time scale because we know when we want the album to come out, so we had to crack on. We liked him, he liked us. Then we went over to his studio in LA.”“There’s no bullshit,” admitted Andy. “He’s straight down the line and that’s kind of how we are. Joby’s gone, ‘Your band’s f***ing unique, lets just press record.’”The band are unanimous in agreement that Joby is the man who has got the best out of them in their studio career so far.We’ll Live And Die in These Towns and Away From Here, released back in 2007, became anthems for a generation. Andy’s eyes light up at the thought of those fans who grew up with them, who will be entering the next stage of their lives with The Enemy providing the soundtrack once again.Tom explained: “I genuinely believe this is our best album. I know it is.”The band are utterly unapologetic about their roots in Coventry. Their connection with the city runs deep, and they could fill the Ricoh Arena with their army of fans with a few hour’s notice. It’s that understanding of their upbringing that has provided the inspiration for the album title.“There was a documentary called Streets in The Sky on TV about huge tower blocks in Sheffield,” said Andy. “Council housing, like streets disappearing high into the sky.” “We are proud of being working class, there’s beauty and colour and light in life and that’s regardless of class.”“That’s the whole point of Streets In The Sky. It’s not just grey concrete, because that’s what it is round here, it’s about painting them f***ing bright colours,” adds Tom.“Part of what we want to do with this album is let people know who we are because you’ve seen The Enemy as a band, but we’re three individuals.“Liam’s a weirdo, Andy’s like the biggest piss taker ever, and I’m basically a lunatic.“But there’s three personalities in this band and if the album goes well you want the fans to know who you are. “I think I could sum the whole album up in one line. I think this album is the best representation yet of our band. That’s how I feel.”So how best to explain where the band find themselves away from the studio and live arena?As always, it’s best to leave that to Tom Clarke.“I think when you first start being in a band you’re young and all of a sudden birds want to talk to you. You know who best summed it up? Peter Crouch, it’s fucking amazing. What would you be if you weren’t a footballer Peter? A virgin. That applies to everyone in a band as well.”“It’s easy to get wrapped up in all that, and it’s easy to get wrapped up in sex, drugs and rock’n’roll.“Ultimately drugs will kill ya. Sex gets boring and eventually you just want someone that you love.“The one thing that remains constant? Rock and roll will never die.”

Multi platinum selling singer songwriter KT Tunstall returns this summer with her much anticipated 4th studio album. Since scoring a worldwide hit with her debut album Eye To The Telescope in 2005, which went on to sell more than 4 million copies worldwide and over 1.8m in the UK alone (and a million plus in the US), KT Tunstall has remained at the forefront of UK singer-songwriter talent. Two critically acclaimed albums, Drastic Fantastic and Tiger Suit followed in 2007 and 2010 respectively, keeping the platinum sales rolling and cementing the Scottish songtress’s reputation as a major recording talent, as well as a mesmerising live artist. The moment that pushed Tunstall from cult folk hero and part time member of the much vaunted, Fife-based collection of folk musicians, The Fence Collective, was her now legendary appearance on Later…With Jools Holland in 2005, when rapper Nas pulled out ill. That night she wowed the nation with her one-woman blues-stomp ‘Black Horse And The Cherry Tree’ and the rest , as they say, is history. Since that ‘moment’ Tunstall has toured the world a fair few times. Become a festival favourite from Glastonbury to T In The Park (and back again). Secured a Mercury Music Prize nomination. Outsold every other female artist in the UK in 2005. Won a Brit Award for Best British Female Solo Artist. Won the Ivor Novello Best Song award for writing Suddenly I See. And a Q award for Track of the Year for Black Horse and the Cherry Tree. Landed a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Lent her tunes to choice American films and TV shows (eg, Suddenly I See, used in the opening scene of Meryl Streep flick ‘The Devil Wears Prada’). Watched her songs become staple audition material for contestants on American Idol. Found time to record and film her lo-fi ‘living room’ album, Acoustic Extravaganza, live with her band on the Isle of Skye. Signed up for the GlobalCool campaign, which took her to No.10 in attempts to put pressure on the government to reduce carbon emissions. Visited Greenland with the Cape Farewell project. Released a collection of new acoustic songs for her fans in 2011 called the Scarlet Tulip EP.After taking some time out over the last 18 months Tunstall is back this summer with a stunning new album on Virgin Records, full details to be announced shortly. KT is also going back on the road in 2013 and taking in some UK festivals this summer.

“We’ll wear great clothes and make soulful music.” That was the promise Kevin Rowland made to the first line-up of Dexys Midnight Runners when he formed the group in 1978.The pledge held true through Dexys’ audacious and powerful live performances, seven Top Twenty hits (including the Number Ones Geno and Come On Eileen) and the landmark albums Searching For The Young Soul Rebels, Too-Rye-Ay and Don’t Stand Me Down.And style, soulfulness and emotional honesty remain Dexys’ hallmarks as spring 2012 witnesses the group’s return with stupendous new album One Day I’m Going To Soar and a series of hotly-awaited shows.With the name streamlined from Dexys Midnight Runners to Dexys, the genesis of the reinvention lies in the period following the group’s acclaimed live performances of 2003. “I’d already been working on some of these songs and started to revamp them five or six years ago, – a few of them had been written with Jim, Paterson a couple alone and the rest with various people” says Rowland. “The plan was to do an album at that time, but it didn’t happen. I’m glad. If it had happened then, it wouldn’t be as good as it is now.”An important breakthrough was Rowland’s decision to collaborate with keyboard player Mick Talbot; the former Style Council founder had also played on the 2003 dates and briefly been a member of the Dexys’ line-up way back in 1980. “About four years ago I’d already visualised the album pretty much in the running order its in now, but was struggling to take it forward,” says Rowland. “One day I met a friend who also knows Mick. She mentioned him. Later that day I realised Mick was what I needed: a proper heavyweight collaborator. We arranged to meet for a cuppa and as soon as I saw him I knew it was going to work – he was wearing 40s clothes. That was a sign that we were in tune.”With Pete Schwier and Rowland, Talbot is the album co-producer. “Mick has given his all to Dexys,” says Rowland. “I’ve been very impressed by his care, attention and commitment.”As the songs took shape, Rowland and Talbot gathered together the team of contributors who now constitute Dexys 2012. These include such stalwarts of earlier line-ups as co-writer/horn player Jim Paterson, bass-player and singer Pete Williams and violinist Lucy Morgan (the latter two also participated in the 2003 live dates). It was Lucy who suggested the band use string arranger Ben Trigg for the album.With a new retro inspired look, the group’s dynamic has been upped by the presence of actress/singer Madeleine Hyland as co-vocalist on dialogue-driven duets such as I’m Always Going To Love You and Incapable Of Love. “I was looking for the right person for those songs for years,” says Rowland, who scoured London’s Burlesque scene and retro clubs. It felt like the search for Scarlett O Hara in Gone With The Wind. “I tried out loads; some were great vocalists but weren’t convincing on the speaking parts, and vice versa. Then I met Maddy at Brick Lane Art Car Boot Fair last year; we were introduced by my friend Phil Dirtbox, who mentioned she was a singer. I thought Maddy looked right and asked her to try out some demos at my place, recording her on my iPhone. She nailed it and, when I played it to Mick, he agreed she was the one.”One Day I’m Going To Soar was made over a period of months at The Premises in Rowland’s east London neighbourhood. “I liked the fact it was walking distance from where I live,” he said. “That way there wasn’t the hassle of going into a huge studio where the expectations are massive before you even start. I wanted to keep everything relaxed.”After intensive pre-production (“just me and Mick. He would come round to my place and we’d take the songs apart and put them back together again”) the album was recorded two tracks at a time. “In my experience that’s the best way to avoid a record sounding like the result of a production line, you stop the music being linear,” says Rowland. “Before we went in each time, Mick and I and the guys were meticulous in our preparation – ironing out the details. By making sure we were absolutely prepared, we could be more spontaneous and in the actual process. And also, because I was co producing, I wanted to get the bands music out of the way, so that when it came to recording, I’d be able to concentrate more on my singing. Rowland adopted certain method acting techniques to enhance his performance, taking photographs of the songs subjects, or artefacts that would help him access the relevant emotion, while he, Talbot and Williams – all natty dressers – competed with each other in wearing stylish clothes. “Everyone was dressed interestingly; it made us all step up,” says Rowland, who understands like few others the importance of visuals in popular music.The association with highly respected fashion photographer Chiko Ohayon is particularly interesting. Rowland was introduced to Ohayon at the retro club-night Lady Luck by DJ El Nino. “Chiko’s on the scene and dresses very well himself, so he totally gets it,” says Rowland. “The shoot and all the pre production, was enlightening. Chiko is a real artist and he taught me one or two general creative principles. He was perfect for the album cover. And he just seemed to turn up at exactly the right time, as has been the case with just about everyone accosiated with this album” Ohayon’s cover image communicates the sophistication, style and substance of One Day I’m Going To Soar with ease. Decades after Rowland’s original pronouncement, Dexys are still wearing great clothes and producing soulful music without peer.

Winner of BEST ALBUM for ‘Broadside’ at the 2013 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards ‘Highly entertaining’ The Guardian ****‘…explosive, vivid…wild…and rhythmic’ Evening Standard ****Bigger, bolder, brassier and more brazen than ever, Bellowhead released their mighty new album, Broadside in October 2012. Their third album Hedonism was the highest-selling independently released traditional folk album of all time and their highly acclaimed new album Broadside entered the UK album charts at number 16 on its release. While all things Bellowhead tend to be an event, Broadside is a positive spectacular, taking some of the wildest, most joyous and iconic songs in the richly colourful canon of the folk song tradition… and turning them upside down and inside out with the unique sense of drama and theatre, instrumental virtuosity, verve, humour and blind cheek that has seen them spearhead the new folk boom. Broadside writes another extraordinary chapter in the story of Bellowhead, which began in 2004 when a disparate group of characters who initially knew one another from informal pub sessions thought it might be a good wheeze to pool their widely varied backgrounds, influences and talents and form a big band… just to see what happened. Even they couldn’t have imagined the results as their funny little enterprise – incorporating top-notch jazz, world, folk and classical musicians in a swathe of brass, strings, squeezebox, percussion and anything else that seemed like a good idea at the time – swiftly expanded into a gung-ho 11-piece line-up. Four albums, a glut of awards, sell-out tours and a long trail of thunderous festival appearances down the line, they’ve transported folk music into hitherto unknown territory, introducing a whole new audience to it with them.

King Charles is an extraordinary man. He doesn’t look like anyone you know, he doesn’t think like anyone you know and he doesn’t make music like anyone you know. How often, in these days of near fatal over saturation, days where you feel that, perhaps, there’s just nothing new out there to spark your imagination, can you say that?Born and raised in London’s leafier corners – Wandsworth, Dulwich, Barnes – King Charles now lives with his best friend in North West London. We think that means Kensal Green, but we forgot to ask. We meet in a restaurant for lunch. When a waitress asks if we’re ready to order, King Charles asks for a skewer of fish. Or a banana. Or some cake. The restaurant has none of these things. He deals with the disappointment well.King Charles spent his youth reading and listening and thinking and playing. His first ever gig was as part of a fully made-up Kiss tribute band when he was very young (he was Paul Stanley – “no chest wig, sadly”). Now he has put a decent wodge of what he has learnt into a quite extraordinary record that draws down influences from Afro-beat, rock and roll, glam, folk, hip-hop and country. He’s rather good at opening lines. ‘Bam Bam’ explodes into life with the observation, “That girl who is (is) but your beautiful daughter, she may be the cure, but for now she’s the torture…”, Lady Percy exclaims, “If you would agree to be my love, I’d build you a world that would fit like a glove…”, while the delightful Ivory Road declares, “You’re the nose in my bullet, the trigger on my gun, you’re the sandbank in the ocean, oxygen in my blood…”The heart of each song is lit up by joyous pop and the edges are coloured in by wild and wonderful ideas. If you are interested in songs with some spirit in their belly, songs about love and about life and about people and why they do what they do, if you are the sort of person whose mind is still open to magic, wherever it comes from, then you will like it very much.

Public Service Broadcasting is the corduroy-clad brainchild of London-based J. Willgoose, Esq. who, along with his drumming companion, Wrigglesworth, is on a quest to inform, educate and entertain audiences around the globe.PSB’s uniquely spell-binding live AV Transmissions see them weave samples from old public information films, archive footage and propaganda material around live drums, guitar, banjo and electronics as they teach the lessons of the past through the music of the future – beaming our past back at us through vintage TV sets and state of the art modern video projection devices.PSB released their debut single, ROYGBIV, to the masses in March 2012. The single won the Rebel Playlist on BBC 6 Music (the first of the band’s unprecedented four publicvoted Rebel Playlist triumphs in 2012) and was on the receiving end of a 5* review in Artrocker magazine.Next came The War Room EP in May 2012. The EP included BBC 6 Music favourites Spitfire and London Can Take It, both of which became mainstays on the daytime playlist, as well as receiving multiple plays on Xfm, BBC Radio 2, & Absolute Music. Live sessions with Gideon Coe (6 Music) & John Kennedy (Xfm) followed. The War Room received ‘CD of the Week’ in the Independent on Sunday and has sold over 12,000 copies to date.Fresh from the success of The War Room, PSB set their sights on the summit of Everest, adapting the 1953 feature-length documentary ‘The Conquest of Everest’. The stunning film was shot by expedition member George Lowe, and recounts Hillary, Tenzing et al’s successful ascent of the tallest mountain in the world. The single won (yet again) the Rebel Playlist on 6 Music and also received airplay on Xfm, Radio 2, Amazing Radio and more, and led to appearances for the band in Q, MOJO, Loud and Quiet, Wire and numerous other publications.In support of the release of Everest, PSB took their live AV show on tour around the UK, selling out multiple dates including their headline London show at XOYO. The band are now preparing to release their debut album in Spring 2013, in what is shaping up to be a very busy year indeed.

A band defiantly in the classic mould, Scotland’s Roddy Hart & The Lonesome Fire are set to make their mark this year with the release of their long awaited eponymous album. Having released three acclaimed independent solo records – Bookmarks (featuring guest performances from Kris Kristofferson and Eddi Reader), Sign Language, and Road Of Bones – and The Dylan EP with Mercury nominated artist Gemma Hayes, Hart decided to shake the traditional singer/songwriter tag and concentrate on building an exciting and formidable seven-piece band. Working with the producer of Coldplay’s multi million selling album XnY, the band spent most of 2012 ensconced in the studio – recording in locations as diverse as a Glasgow church, the band’s own rehearsal room in Govan Town Hall (once home to Franz Ferdinand), and the legendary Dean Street Studios in London (the birthplace of albums by David Bowie and The Smiths) – to create a vividly widescreen sonic landscape, and a sound that is all their own. 2013 promises to be the year the band’s darkly compelling conjunction of classic Americana and Celtic soul truly comes into its own.

“Glasgow’s most exciting and inventive new band” – NME“Their singer’s gravel-throated delivery is extraordinary; a fine new Glasgow group” – Sunday Times CultureGlasgow four-piece Holy Esque will release their single ‘St.’ on the 25th March. On the single Pat Hynes said “’St.’ revolves around appreciation and belief, in life and in one’s self. It portrays a character who loses everything around him through an actual fear of loss, which in turn, results in bitter tragedy” The band have once again teamed up with Kevin Burleigh (Glasvegas, Simple Minds) to record and produce the record. Kevin also produced the band’s debut EP in 2012 in the DIY Pink Megic Studios. Armed with big riffs, thick crunchy bass lines and perhaps one of the most unique, yearning vocals in years, Holy Esque meld post-punk with and 90’s alternative rock influences with skilful ability on their debut EP. Holy Esque formed in 2011 by four young Glaswegians, Pat Hynes (vocals/guitars), Keir Reid (keys), Hugo McGinley (guitar) and Ralph McClure (drums). The band began playing shows throughout the UK in less than six months of their inception and soon the word began to spread.Following the release of their critically heralded self-titled debut EP the band released a follow up single ‘Tear’ on August 7th 2012. In the back end of 2012 after being hand picked by Sune Rose Wagner the band went on their biggest tour across Europe with The Raveonettes where they continued to impress crowds with their intense live shows. When they aren’t making music, Glasgow School of Art Students are busy maintaining the aesthetic of the band; Designing their own artwork, printing posters or curating a Tumblr blog of photos. The name and symbol representing Holy Esque doesn’t necessarily represent a religious ideal, rather a concept open for interpretation – something for the band to believe in and fans to put faith in.

North Tyneside Steelband is now well into its third decade as the north east’s top performing steelband.Operating as a charity it provides music activities and leadership training for young people and others across the region through the exciting medium of steelband music, which is still quite new to the north east. At least 12 of its young members are working professionally as steelband tutors in Tyneside schools, and several young adults from its ranks now operate as full or part time steelband tutors. It supports regular steelband music and education for well over 300 young people via its several outreach facilities and has helped to establish several other steelbands in the north east.Achievements on the performance front include appearances at many UK top venues such as London’s The Royal Albert Hall, South Bank Centre and Brewery Centre, Birmingham’s Adrian Boult Hall and The Dome, Glasgow’s Peoples’ Palace, Manchester’s Zion Hall, The Sage Gateshead, town centre performance in Newcastle, York, Sheffield, Leeds, Bristol, Glasgow and Edinburgh, and numerous smaller events around Tyneside, Yorkshire and the North East. In 2012 and 2009 the band spread their wings and took part in the Cudrefin Steelband Festival in Switzerland where they went down a storm.Playing as a 5 to 20+ piece band NTSB offer something for everyone via a wide variety of musical style such as calypso, soca, classical, pop, latin, jazz, etc, and are a guaranteed crowd pleaser with their musicality, exuberance and enjoyment of providing a quality musical experience.

“Elite Force unites the sometimes warring factions of electro house, techno, and breakbeat, like a peace keeper who values the spirit of cooperation and tolerance. He was forged in the fires of breakbeat, which has always had a habit of sucking in sounds that pass by. Elite’s sets are like a team performance, with tracks coming from all corners of the bass-driven sector, to create a vibrant hodgepodge of boundary-pushing dance music….“ [Beatport]Simon Shackleton’s Elite Force project began way back in 1996, debuting on his own newly founded Fused and Bruised label with a series of peerless 12s and remixes. After five successful years winning plaudits from the likes of Fatboy Slim & Jon Carter, he put Fused and Bruised on the backburner to concentrate on production work. After several years with Whole9Yards and Moonshine he became a primary artist on Adrift Recordings (formally known as Kingsize) before moving on to build his own empire under the U&A Recordings banner. On the decks, Elite Force has been a prime mover since 1990 when he cut his teeth playing huge student nights and self-promoted acid house nights in the South West of England. Since then he has become known as one of the top technicians on a circuit that has included massive shows in Belarus, Hungary, Australia, Italy, USA, Czech Republic, Russia, India, Turkey, Spain, Japan, Georgia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and China, amongst others, as well as numerous festival slots including Glastonbury, Coachella, Burning Man, Kazantip, San Francisco’s Love Parade, Wickerman, Breakfest and the Glade. As a remixer, Elite Force has always been in huge demand, with legendary re-workings for the likes of Grandmaster Flash, Groove Armada, Crystal Method, Jungle Brothers, Stereo MCs, UNKLE & Infusion all contributing to his reputation as one of the most creative and effective remixers around.Elite Force’s music has also been the soundtrack to many a movie, with a huge list of impressive A-list credits to his name, including the likes of the Matrix, Charlie’s Angels, Arlington Road, Mortal Kombat, Crow, The Bone Collector, The Jackyll, Spiderman 2 ‘ and his music has appeared on a wide array of TV shows, from CSI to Top Gear, from Football Focus to LA Doctors. He’s also soundtracked a number of computer games, including no fewer than 5 FIFA games, several of the Wipeout series, The Matrix and Motorstorm 1 & 2, and in 2011 he co-wrote 50% of the music to hit game Motorstorm : Apocalypse alongside Oscar-winning composer Klaus Badelt (Pirates of the Caribbean / Gladiator).After releasing one of the most forward thinking albums in dance music (‘Revamped, 2010) to huge critical acclaim, Elite Force embarked on a bruising DJ schedule & has continued to destroy clubs and festivals alike with his bag of bespoke edits. Whilst his label, U&A Recordings is rarely out of the upper echelons of the charts, he enjoyed a unique first when his Revamped album was released, when he had all 14 tracks inside the top 50 (all genres) thereby holding a 35% share of dance music’s most popular tracks. By the end of 2010 he enjoyed 4 of the top 10 best sellers of the year in the Beatport Breaks Chart including the #1 with M.A.D., as well as having seen no fewer than SEVEN of his tracks and mixes hit the number ONE slot over the course of the year. Subsequently he has received no fewer than 10 Breakspoll Nominations in the last two years, taking home the Awards for Best Producer and Best Label.Social networking plays a key role in Elite Force’s unique and direct approach to connecting with fans as his 25,000 strong mailing list will testify. He also recently passed the 23,000 mark on his Facebook Page as well as approaching his 1 millionth Soundcloud play, a platform on which his was the single most played track in 2009.2012 saw the release of RVMPD2, an album of re-inventions, remixes, mashups and originals featuring an A-List cast, including Skrillex, Primal Scream, Adele, Deadmau5, Muse, Nero, Chemical Brothers and a host of legends from the world of electronic music. It has been an internet sensation, with around 200,000 downloads. Praised widely for his forward-thinking attitudes to the digital domain, this album has been released over an 18-week period, with one track a week being drip fed to a hungry public. In just the first two weeks of releases, over 300 online blogs had seized onto the project. A further four original singles have seen the light of day since late 2011, with all of them hitting the very top of the charts on the global download stores.Elite Force is also a staple in the world of Internet Radio, having trail-blazed his music around the globe via his Strongarm Sessions on Proton Radio and Breaks FM over the years, and now enjoys a bi-monthly residency on Rough Tempo Radio and a bi-monthly vodcast, United & Anarchic on the highly prestigious Be.At. alongside label mates and long-term signings The Loops of Fury.”This is one of the single most important, captivating and crucial mixes / album of the new decade(It’s a big and very long call, I know, we’ve got 9 years until the 20’s) not just for breaks, but for the dance music scene as a whole, it’s a signal of what is capable when you throw in innovation, experience and pure class. I have high hopes that Re:Vamped will re-invigorate a genre that many have missed.” [InTheMix Magazine, AUSTRALIA]“Any American mofos reading this, you seriously need to check out Elite Force – he is running tings at the moment when it comes to bass music” [DJ Mag Miami Issue]“That is one hell of a Dubstep track in ‘Shaolin Style’!” [Core Magazine]“Whhooooaaaaaaaaa, big up’s posse in effect. This is f*cking magnificent. Cheeky, dirty and just pure and simple Grade A. I really cant pick just one track that I like best, they are equally god damn amazing!!!” [EQ Magazine]“The tracks all grab you right away with a fierce force” [Urb Magazine]“This is an amazing project. Classic and cosmic, yeah!! Full support from Radio One!” [Annie Nightingale, Radio One]“Thanks to Elite Force, we have entered a whole new paradigm in mashupology… he has created a collection of numbers that sound like original compositions, such are the intricacies of his tailoring. Think less mash-up and more electronic investigation, this won’t lose momentum anytime soon”[iDJ Magazine (album reviews)]“One of the most consistently innovative and hard-working producers out there… from dubstep to tech-funk, this electrifying bunch of ace mash-ups mixed into a coherent, genre-traversing blend is a exceptional” [DJ Magazine (album reviews)]“The originator of the anti-genre DJ-style ‘tech-funk’ takes the realms of cross-genre production to another effortless high with Re:Vamped. In a nutshell, this kicks. 5/5″ [Mixmag Reviews]“Hands down the most powerful release at the turn of the new year. Elite Force shows that he’s at the forefront of change and innovation in a branch of scenes that need a boost of adrenaline and a dash of the unique.” [Knowledge Magazine]“Elite Force’s work maintains a dedication to quality that has somewhat depleted amongst his digital peers. For that reason alone he remains an important and unique figure within dance music and as long as he continues to push boundaries and re-write the rulebook, he will continue to be treasured for a long long time. Absolute FIRE on all tracks. Full coverage in the mag.” [iDJ Interview]

He may be known as The Baron Of Techno, a moniker given to him by renowned BBC Radio DJ / journalist John Peel, but Dave Clarke has an anarchist streak a mile wide and punk in his soul, having no truck with establishment figures or authoritarianism. A hard working purist, forward thinking futurist, technology geek, part Gothic and gadget lover who embraced the digital revolution in an early stage while his peers where still sniffing the smell of vinyl, a format he hasn’t used professionally in eleven years. It’s unsurprising he revels in the libertarianism of the World Wide Web. It gives symmetry to his savvy techno vision.Dave Clarke was born and raised in Brighton (United Kingdom) but currently resides in Amsterdam (The Netherlands), where Clarke found his comfort zone and revitalized him after moving from rural sedate Conservative Sussex. Being the offspring of a technology loving father and a disco-soul loving mother, it was evident that Clarke would “do something” in music eventually. Not knowing what the “do” part was but blessed with a high doses of determination, Clarke evolved from being a runaway boy sleeping in car parks and on beaches, via lousy jobs in shoe shops living off 5 pounds a day and via underpaid Brighton gigs into a world class artist, maintaining a flourishing career spanning well over two decades.Carefully starting off a career as a producer, Dave Clarke saw his debut release in 1990 on the legendary XL Recordings under his Hardcore guise which gained him moderate success. As a result, Clarke was approached by Belgian techno label R&S and released various EP’s under the aliases Hardcore and Directional Force in 1991. A year later, Clarke shaped the contours of his own label Magnetic North on which he unveiled the classic Alkaline 3dh (as Fly By Wire), amongst many releases. Clarke’s career took a 180 when his Red trilogy was unleashed on Bush Records in 1994; undisputed landmarks in the techno genre and for Clarke personally, a life changing event. It comes as no surprise that DJ Mag incorporated one of the Red’s in its All Time Techno Top 100 list. The Red instalment catapulted Clarke’s status; the Briton suddenly found himself in his studio remixing for the likes of Kevin Saunderson’s Inner City, The Chemical Brothers, New Order, Depeche Mode, Moby, Leftfield and Underworld, to name but a few.The debut album Archive One followed, flecked with hints of breakbeat and electronica, a novelty in the puritanical techno scene of the time. His mix CD’s included the two best-selling World Service outings (one of which made it into the top ten of best mix compilations of the 00′s in Resident Advisor) which showcased his dual love for electro and techno, one of them sold close to 100k copies no less. He briefly signed to Skint Records resulting in 2004’s Devil’s Advocate album, jammed with dark techno energy but laced with hip hop beats. When his production pace ebbed, Music Man Records gathered together Remixes & Rarities in 2007, making Album Of The Month in Mixmag and receiving critical plaudits all over. Clarke’s vast determination to stubbornly follow his own path in the music industry, along with his outspoken opinion on many a subject, was not hailed by his peers with enthusiasm on many occasions. Criticized for being a futurist in the early zeros – he was the first techno artist to release an internet only single in 2000 – his main motive was, and still is, to deliver music to the ears of his global audience oblivious to pigeonholes, politics, prejudice or other people’s opinions. As Clarke explains: “This is techno, it’s supposed to be forward-looking”.As a DJ, he plays out every weekend everywhere. At every event there’s the same attention to detail, his sets swooping whip-smart along the cutting blade of techno and electro, backed up by a seasoned bag of DJ tricks in which his early hip hop roots clearly show. Aptly nicknamed The Man In Black, Clarke blends into the background upon arrival and lets his music do the talking. That’s where he comes alive, where skills honed for years blow venues apart. It might seem from appearance that Clarke is not enjoying what he does but don’t let the grumpy image fool you. He loves every minute of it and feels humbled and blessed he’s able to do what he does. Whether on prolific festivals like a.o. Tomorrowland, Awakenings, I Love Techno, Lowlands, Pukkelpop, Glastonbury and Nature One, in acclaimed venues such as Fabric, Fuse or Berghain or in dark, sweaty, small capacity clubs: Clarke feeds and nurtures his extraordinary relationship with the crowd. After things eventually went quiet on the production front, Clarke felt that today’s technology finally allowed him to use studio gear to the maximum, next to the urge to reinvent himself rather than repeat himself. In late 2011, Clarke picked up where he had left off. He came across the young Amsterdam based talent Mr. Jones who consequently fed Clarke with his demos. Clarke noticed his potential and soon formed a duo named Unsubscribe. The twosome got to work and delivered remixes for artists such as Black Asteroid, Detroit Grand Pubahs, Gesaffelstein, Phil Kieran, Erol Alkan, Boys Noize, Octave One, Simplicity Is Beauty, Marc Romboy and Ken Ishii. Early 2013 saw the return of Dave Clarke as a solo producer by revamping These Days Are Mine by Manchester band I Am Kloot, electro style. The re-release of Wisdom To The Wise (Red 2) on Boysnoize Records in March 2013 (with ground breaking remixes by Boys Noize, Marcel Dettman, Steve Rachmad and A.Mochi) and Unsubscribe’s debut EP on Fabric’s imprint Houndstooth in April 2013 showcases that Clarke finds himself back on the international music map. As the flag bearer of his successful event concept Dave Clarke Presents, Clarke and his handpicked line up reign the booth in the Amsterdam venue Melkweg during the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) for eight consecutive, sold out editions, duly representing techno and its subgenres during the annual conference. Dave Clarke Presents cranked it up a notch in 2012 as ID&T finally, after many attempts, managed to seal the deal with Clarke to host the second biggest (outdoor) stage on Tomorrowland 2012. With a rammed floor on that memorable Sunday the 29th of July, it became evident that Clarke and ID&T again will collaborate on Tomorrowland 2013 by hosting this area for the second year in a row. And then there’s White Noise, Clarke’s weekly radio show. For many years, White Noise has been and still is an absolute institution for techno and electro globally and an indicator of where the scene is headed. The thrust of the show is to cast light on new talented producers and exciting new music; music by both established as well as aspiring producers Clarke discovers in his Dropbox each and every day that won’t have normally be given a chance. Since the split up with Dutch radio broadcaster VPRO (3FM), Clarke moved White Noise to the Irish radio station 2FM RTE and French online and airwave station Radio FG. In February 2013, White Noise was expanded to wider grounds when the show joined the award winning web radio Digitally Imported (DI.fm), with many more additional stations to follow in 2013. As an official ambassador for global brands like Denon, Serato, Soundtoys and French gear manufacturer Arturia, Dave Clarke will continue his newfound love for making music in 2013, gather airmiles by the gallon and preach his vision on techno both on the decks and on the radio, whilst never forgetting the long and bumpy journey he had to undertake to get where he is now: on top of the game, respected by both fans and peers and very much relevant in today’s scene. He might be established, but he will never be establishment.

South West londoner Mark Pember (AKA Meat Katie) has had a long history in Dance music. In his time he has recorded for such prestigious labels such as Wall of Sound, R&S Records , Kingsize, Bedrock, Perfecto, Great Stuff, Renaissance, Saw not to mention his first record deal, signed to Iggy pops Kill City Records (as a bass player in 3 piece skate punk band Sandladder). Pember has also remixed for / collaborated with Arthur Baker, U.N.K.L.E, Boy George, Deep Dish, D.Ramirez, Peace Division, Chicken Lips, Robbie Rivera & James Zabelia, to name but a few. To date Pember has released three Meat Katie artist albums, Off the bone (1998), Long to belong (2000) & Vibrator (2006), all diverse in style and vibe but glued together by his techy and lo-fi feel’, he has worked with such vocalist as Kurt wagner from Nashville indie/country band Lambchop, garage/trash vocalist Holly Golightly, new york house legend roland Clark and UK Diva Katherine Ellis, in 2000 mark also made a one off alternative album ‘Never The Less’ under the name Avenue A, a collaborative project with Jason o’ Bryan co-producuer with the Dub pistols, it was this project that lead Mark to score the music for film adaptation of martin amis’ ‘Dead Babies’, an art house production by Gruber films (Shooting fish, waking ned), starring Paul Bettany. Arguably its Marks work as a DJ that has really seen him shine, a world class performer with excellent technical ability and a great understanding of the dance-floor, he has built a reputation worldwide. Those who have seen him play will know that it is his diversity and energy that has earned him such respect, his toughTechy style, has seen him play across the globe alongside an eclectic group of DJs from Digitalism, Justice and Simian mobile disco, Soulwax and Erol Alkan, to Deep Dish, Steve Lawler, James Zabiela, Sasha & Digweed, Carl Cox, even Armand van buren & Marco V, and not forgetting some of the world’s top Breaks acts including, Plump DJ’s, Stanton Warriors. He’’s supported live acts such as Chemical brothers, Pendulum, Basement jaxx, Represent, and Infusion, and He even recently played on the Valve Soundsystem as one of the only non-Drum ‘n Bass DJs ever to do so. It is these djing skills that have led him to compile and mix compilations for such land mark series such as, Bedrock breaks, Fabric live & most recently Sessions’ for Ministry of Sound, a very unique dj, over the years he has perfected a cross over of techno electro with a subtle break beat feel (better know as tech funk) in recent interviews mark described his own playing, when pressed about pigeon holing himself genre wise he replied “The only thing pigeon holes are good for…. is pigeons”, mark is living proof that taste is more important than simply following the crowd and bandwagon jumping. Mark has also been working on an audio visual show along side VJ Anyone (currently rated No. 3 in the World) together they have taken their unique show to clubs such as `Fabric, Urban Gorilla, Technique and Festivals such as Glastonbury, Glade, and many more. Not satisfied with being a world class dj producer the self confessed workaholic also found time to set up and run his own highly influence LOT49 imprint (with Dylan Rhymes, whom he also shares a studio with in south west london under the same name).Lot 49 has without a doubt maintained a reputation as being a taste-making label, never shy to experiment with multi genres and with over 50 releases under its belt featuring artists such as, Dubfire , Audiojack, D Ramirez, Elite Force, Dexter, Phil Kieran, Lee Coombs, Robbie Rivera, Marco Bailey, James Talk, Alex Metric, Lutzenkirchen, Evil 9 and obviously Meat Katie & Dylan Rhymes, the Lot49 steamroller shows no sign of slowing down, it will celebrate its 7 year anniversary later this year with an exclusive label compilation CD/ with a an exclusive DVD documentary about the label and artists, a world tour is in the works for the 2nd quarter of this year. The Future.On a production level mark has been commissioned by Loopmasters to compile his 2nd sample pack for their prestigious ‘Artist series’ (alongside Deadmau5, Coldcut, 20/20 vision), and a 4 track Dj tools pack is almost finished which has also been commissiond by Loopmaster in conjunction with Beatport.

The term legend is often banded about far too easily, but in this case it is entirely accurate! Justin Robertson is a producer and dj, who brings with him a rich history as one of the creators of the Electronic Music scene, as well as a restless need to push forward and innovate, making him one of the most relevant dj’s around.Justin Robertson’s tastes have always been catholic though in 2012 you would be hard pushed to find a musician working successfully in areas as diverse as dancehall, house and art pop. Justin is a true modernist: he excels as a DJ of international repute; is a creator of bespoke acid house; a remixer for the likes of Justice,Erol Alkan and Boysnoize, 2 Bears,Steve Mason, The Japanese Popstars,The Mystery Jets, Radio 4, Bjork,The Whip ,Cherry Ghost and Felix Da Housecat ,has co-written an album with studio boffin Gez Dewar under the name Thee Earls,and most recently is enjoying great success and a new generation of admirers with his latest moniker The Deadstock 33s .The Deasdtock 33s provide a perfect marriage of psychedelic disco, proto house ,intriguing songs and fresh production all with a visceral live feel.The Deadstock 33s have certainly added a refreshing new dimension to the dancefloor, with acclaimed remixes for Justice, 2 Bears,Erol Alkan, Boysnoize, Stopmakingme, The Mystery Jets, Shadowdancer, Steve Mason and many more! , The Deadstock 33s are getting plays from the worlds top cutting edge Djs and have released several critically acclaimed records for the likes of Bang Gang , Remute, Paper and Fatboy Slim’s Southern Fried, With a new album in the bag they are truly in the accent! The Deadstock’s also find time to collaborate with hot new talent Stopmakingme, they have released on Southern Fried , Tiger sushi and Gomma , with plenty more to come!Justin’s lineage through music has taken many twists and turns. He began as a DJ in Manchester and his early 90s clubs – Spice and Most Excellent – were hugely influential and cornerstones of the burgeoning dance movement. The Chemical Brothers, then students in the city, cited him as their mentor. His Rebellious Jukebox club – also in Manchester – pre-empted the Heavenly Social and the mid 90s trend for mish-mashing musical styles. In the 90s Justin generally operated under various nom de stages, the most renowned being Lionrock with whom he scored several Top 40s hits – ‘Rudeboy Rock’ and ‘Packet Of Peace’ among them – and appeared on Top Of The Pops in a dashing purple suit opting for gramophones over Technics. Songs were plucked from the albums Instinct For Detection and City Delirious for the films Go and City Of Industry and Lionrock shared the stage with acts as diverse as Death In Vegas, The Chemical Brothers and the Cocteau Twins.It wasn’t until 2001 that Justin stepped out under his own name releasing house and techno like ‘Have Mercy’ for the Bugged Out imprint. In 2001 he recorded his most critically acclaimed project to date Justin Robertson presents Revtone which brought primitive house and new wave disco into the digital age. Originally on Nuphonic the best tracks came out through Bugged Out, with ‘Love Movement’ – remixed by Ulrich Schnauss who cited Justin’s early work as an influence – being placed second best single of 2003 by Jockey Slut magazine. Contemporaries Black Strobe, Chicken Lips and Kiki also remixed Revtone tracks.For someone with such diverse tastes it should have come as no surprise to anyone when Justin began recording and singing with a guitar. He has been writing songs since his school days and played electric guitar in Lionrock. 2004’s ‘Twisted and Torn’ (released on Slut Smalls) reflected his love for singer songwriters like Gram Parsons ,Neil Young and Nick Drake. In the same year he also wrote a song with Tim Burgess and Rob Playford called ‘Yes It Is’. It became one of the most requested songs on Sean Rowley’s BBC London show and came out on Justin’s Blister Ballads 7” label in the fall of 2006.Justin continues his successful song-writing carrier with songs on Norman Cooks new album . As a man as reknowned for his reggae collection as his electronica Justin was an obvious choice for Wall of Sound’s Two Culture Clash album project. He recorded in Jamaica in 2005 at the legendary Gee Jam studios with the lovers rock of ‘Save Me’ – featuring guitarist Ernest Ranglin and Nadine Sutherland – the beautiful result.As a DJ Justin can play anything from psychedelic disco to a mix of techno and electronic house .He is a regular at clubs such as The Magazine club in Lille,The Loft in Barcelona, Pacha in Buenos Aires, Bugged Out parties across the the globe,Roxy in Prague, Chibuku in Liverpool, Fabric in London, and at various clubs all over Europe and the rest of the world. He also plays more eclectic sets featuring his love of reggae, northern soul and pop at nights like Sunday Best.Justin will continue to wear several hats, metaphorical as well as some stylish real ones!

Simon Jackson has been part of the UK’s dance scene from the days of the late eighties “Summer of Love” through to the international global brand that it is today. As that suggests, Simon draws influence from a wide range of musical styles. His sets are a heady mix of cutting edge house and electro detouring through his own personal take on breaks, what can only be described as “Bass Heavy Warehouse Music“. With DJ dates always on the calendar for him throughout the UK, as well as promoting the Em-It Tent at the Wickerman Festival’s Bass Camp this is a man who has a passion for his music and enjoys what he does.Simon Jackson has played with many well known artists, from small intimate clubs through to vast crowds at the Wickerman Festival. To name but a few; The Plump DJ’s, Utah Saints, Meat Katie, Radio 1’s Annie Nightingale, Aquasky, Lee Coombs and Elite Force.

First and foremost Rebecca Vasmant has a deep obsession with music and sound and from a young age has always been interested in how sound works. This obsession has lead onto becoming one of the most cutting edge Djs around playing all genres of music within sets. Techno, House, Jazz, Soul, Funk, Disco, Brazillian, Samba, Bossa, Folk and Electronic Soul are all predominent in her sets, Finding a way to bring her love of both electronic and live music onto the dancefloor. Known for being extremely credible and unique, Rebecca has made a huge blast onto the scene in the last five years. Having headlined many Ministry of Sound World more underground World tours already as the only female resident in over 15 years. Brazil, Nicaragua, India, Dubai, Bulgaria, Estonai, France, Spain, Bosnia, Istanbul, Latvia, and Austria already under her belt and with Mexico and Brazil to come, Being the first female World Tour Resident for Ministry Of Sound and also being resident for Cabret Volataire Edinburgh and having played at places like We Love Space Ibiza, Zoo Project Ibiza, Back To Basics Leeds, We Love Sankeys Manchester, The Arches Glasgow, Sub Club Glasgow, Buff Club and Saundhaus Glasgow, Snafu Aberdeen, The Tunnel Aberdeen, Cabret Volataire Edinburgh, Bongo Club, GRV and the Caves Edinburgh, Soulist Soundsystem Paris, Turnmills London, Ministry Of Sound London, East Village Shoredich, Public Life London and Pacha London. Also having headlined the Warehouse Bristol alongside Tommy Four Seven and Tania Von Pear, Open Air Festival in Milan quarterly and the Arches with Sebastian Leger, and not to forget her regular warehouse parties in her hometown of Glasgow her name is ever rising in the Electronic Music Scene. Playing along sides the likes of Dj Format, X-press 2, SLAM, Green Velvet, Silicon Soul, Funk D Void, Billy Nasty, Justin Robertson, Tommy Four Seven, Chris Leibing, Erol Alkin, Mylo, Riva Starr, Dj Format, Jo Mills, Dj Falcon, Steve Mantorvani (italy) ,Gigi Barocco, Paul Oakenfold, Joey Negro, Shit Robot, Max Herbert, Tania Von Pear, Luciano, Hans Bouffmyre, Larry Tee, Sebastien Leger and of course Harri and Domenic to name a few and fronting a monthly residency in Glasgow alongside James Johnston, Rebecca is also set to line up alongside many more…As a Producer Rebecca has had releases on labels such as Universal Music, Amour recordings and various others and is currently working on a first album due to drop late 2012, as well as collaborating with some of the best names in the underground house and techno scene as well as working on various live Jazz projects under her second alias which will see her name grow even further.On top of all of this Rebecca hosts a monthly party in her hometown of Glasgow alongside James Johnston (No Matter What Records) which has seen names such as Jeremy Underground (My Love Is Undergound Paris), Fabio Monesi (Wilson Records) and Bryan from Vibes and Pepper Records as well as hosting legendary warehouse parties also.

Resistance has been DJing for around 6 years, after discovering club night Tangled and buying a pair of old second hand Technics 1210 decks he began his quest to play bass bombs to the masses. After Tangled finished he started club night Carry On with Steve Thorpe (Tangled Breaks) and played every month along side artists such as Krafty Kuts, Elite Force, Rennie Pilgrem, Rico Tubbs and The Soul of Man to name a few.Now serving as Co-Owner, resident DJ and promoter at his Breakspoll Award Winning (twice winner of best small club/event at Breakspoll in London) club night Lowdown & Dirty with Steve Thorpe, Ash Howell, Mark Mciver and Nick Howard, playing alongside people such as Hybrid (Live), Scratch Perverts, Freestylers, Plump DJs, Stanton Warriors, Meat Katie & Elite Force & more, expect to hear a full flavour and his own edits and remixes of bass heavy electronic music whether it be Techno-Electro-Breakbeat-House or anything else that takes his fancy. Having recently played in Budapest with Hybrid for Be Massive, and being involved with the U&A Recordings label and also spinning at the U&A Boat Party afterparty with Peo De Pitte, Mike Hulme, Zodiac Cartel & the Loops of Fury, and on the Blow dance stage at the Kendal Calling festival, Parklife Festival, Eurocultured Festival, and having had his 1st release on Ape records hit number 36 on Beatport and get to number 6 on the trackitdown top 100 breaks charts, Resistance continues to develop his sound and put on huge parties in the UK.

Dumfries & Galloway based DJ Ray Mckinney’s passion for electronic dance music started in the early 90′s being inspired by techno giants such as Carl Cox, Dave Angel, Adam Beyer, DJ Dan then to artists such as Pete Tong and Nic Fanculli.Being local to his home area Ray McKinney is no stranger playing sets for Dumfries club nights Twisted Disco and Ro Restless, as well as being a regular at the Wickerman festival, playing warm up sets for artists such as Utah Saints Darren Emerson and Dave Angel to name a few.

South African born DJ and Producer Ash Howell has over ten years experience across the underground electronic music scene, as a promoter, producer and performer alike. As a promoter he’s helped the Lowdown team win the Best Small Event award for 2 years running at the International Breakbeat Awards, and has been signed to Starblocks Music, Ape Recordings & Breaks R Boss Records. Ash won the Government Lies remix competition on the Canadian based label in 2012 announcing his presence in the music production scene. As a performer he’s always pushing the boundaries of what’s capable whilst staying true to his roots and to the music he was brought up on. Currently a Resident for the Kendal Calling festival as well as Lowdown & Dirty in Manchester and having now supported many massive talents across the UK and Europe, he never ceases to amaze crowds of any event with his intricate & delicate mixes followed by bass fuelled face melting double drops.

Carsin Therain is the new production alias of Edinburgh based DJ DD. His sounds encompass deep techno through tech-house and can include more melodic and more driving elements. Although his sets cover various styles of electronic music they are united by the unique rhythms and a focus on the groove. Over the years his residencies at Edinburgh clubs Compakt and Dirt have seen him support some of the top names in the scene.

Stav and Struan run the popular “Social Club” night in Dumfries. Under this banner they have played alongside some of the coolest DJ’s around such as Derrick Carter, Harri (Sub Club) and Lottie. The have also been a part of the massive Scottish Soulful Weekender, last year running the “Social Sessions” when the likes of Rahann, Yogi Haughton and Paul “Trouble ” Anderson graced the social turntables. The boys have a love for house music so expect some classic beats and some basement grooves…whatever the hour.

Be it House; Techno; Full on Electro; Berlin Minimal; Chunky Breakbeat or even Italo-Disco, Mark uses his music knowledge to give everything to a performance often seamlessly shifting between genres and styles. Mark’s ethos is to break down the barriers between dance music genre’s and to embrace an eclectic perspective, supporting new styles such as Tech-Funk which blend together aspects of Techno, Electro, House, Breaks & Dubstep. Mark holds a current residency at Lowdown & Dirty. This, plus regular appearances at other Manchester club nights, have given Mark the opportunity to play a number of well known venues around The North West.More recently his focus has been towards being a driving force behind clubnight Lowdown & Dirty, having joined them last Summer Additionally, Mark has recently started to flex his production muscles. Progress is slow as he is self-taught but he has a couple of edits available to listen to at the moment which show real promise and more on the way… Producing under the moniker ‘M+M’ and DJing as Mark McIver – you can expect to hear a lot more from this northern lad over the coming months.

Louise ‘Fifties’ O’Donnell is a dedicated music follower from irish traditional music to local indie, bass heavy grime to party funk vinyl. Djing since 2006, her training ground was the ‘The Cell’ in Lincoln where Andy George & Jaymo’s ‘Moda’ night began and she became a favourite with her warm up skills. Also experienced as a peak time player, her genre defying sets have taken her across the UK and Northern Ireland. Receiving high praise from both DJ Mag and featuring in iDJ’s Raw Talent before she had even played a gig, this is not just any dolly dj!An artist to the end, she is the designs manager for her own company ‘Juicebox Design’, with clients ranging from Intec, Chew The Fat, Meat Katie’s Lot49 and Aquasky’s Passenger label. During playtime, this talented lady has carved a name for herself as the prolific journalist on the blog scene as ‘Reviews Editor’ for music blog LifeSupportMachine.co.uk. Having her own show on NSBRadio keeps her at the forefront of the scene.

One of the UK’s finest, Kissy Sell Out continues to be a hugely influential name in the electro scene all over the world. Whether it’s the highly sought-after DJ edits he manages to thrash out 4-at-a-time from the Pioneer CDJ 2000s he has helped develop, or his charming personality and stage presence, there is a level of mischievous determination about Kissy which seems effortless and genuine. It’s this aspect of Kissy’s live shows which often divides audiences into those who dance and those who simply stand a stare, with their camera phones held high, as the young DJ speeds through tune after tune before their eyes. Based in East London, his time between tours is filled with commitments to the independent record label San City High Records. This is a project he founded while still studying at London’s University of the Arts, and is the label he now manages entirely from his music studio and Shoreditch office with his like-minded team. Joined by an impressive roster of artists – who are often discovered first by SCH and then encouraged to collaborate with associated labels like Mad Decent & Dim Mak – San City High has a family dynamic like siblings collaborating with each other – making tunes, designing record sleeves and always, always having fun! 2013 signals the release of a new album but, this time round, with a twist in the tail. San City High ALL STARS, which features a staggering lineup of over 30 of dance music’s biggest and best, has a cast of collaborators which resembles The Avengers! San City High ALL STARS featuring exclusive collabs and mixes with Hatcha, Eats Everything, Zeds Dead, Jack Beats, Hervé, TAI, Saint Saviour, Queen Of Hearts, Taku Takahashi, Ali Love, Ty and many more. The album is released in most territories through iTunes on February 4th 2013. During his 6 year career, Kissy Sell Out has carved many lasting impressions into the legacy of electronic music. It began with the game-changing official remixes he delivered for a host of chart topping artists such as Gwen Stefani, Calvin Harris and Mark Ronson who approached the young producer as the go-to man for underground crossover mixes of the highest order. This was then followed by a debut electro-pop album “Youth” and the critically acclaimed ambitious sophomore album “Wild Romance”. The spectacle and engineering innovations of Kissy’s second album, in particular, sent shock waves through the industry as he presented a work of electro bumps and basslines constructed from classical instruments which he composed, performed and recorded completely on his own. It’s this unique mix of part-socialite/part-recluse which has led to Mixmag describing him as “one of the most exciting, charismatic and entertaining DJs of the decade” while fondly nick-naming him “the mad hatter of dance music”. From 2007-2012 he hosted a hugely successful BBC Radio 1 show called the “Kissy Klub”. With that radio show, Kissy became an influential force in the developing electro scene not just as a producer but as a taste-maker too. Notable players such as Diplo, Felix Da Housecat, Hervé, Uffie & Erol Alkan made regular appearances alongside exclusive tracks Kissy supported which kick-started careers for a long list of breakthrough producers and DJs across the musical spectrum. His obsessive record store hunting even earned him the accolades of not only being the first person to interview Skrillex and Ed Sheeran on Radio 1 but also the first ever person to play a Lady Gaga record on national radio! As crowds continue to flock toward the big man with a big heart and an even bigger sound….the party rolls on. LONG LIVE THE KISSY KLUB!!

A DJ, music producer, remixer and radio presenter, Andi Durrant is one of the UK’s best-loved champions of new music. On air across the UK every Friday and Saturday night on the Capital Network showcasing everything from house and techno to dubstep, drum n bass, trance and breaks, along with exclusive guest sessions and interviews with some of the biggest names in dance. The recipient of 3 Sony Radio Academy Awards, Andi’s had the likes of Pendulum, Calvin Harris, Nicky Romero, Avicii, David Guetta, Richie Hawtin, The Swedish House Mafia, Chase & Status, Sub Focus, Fatboy Slim, Loco Dice and Above & Beyond drop in on the shows in the last 12 months and seen the audience figures skyrocket.Alongside his weekly Capital FM shows Andi can be found playing across the UK and around the globe. In summer 2012 he launched Ibiza and Mallorca Live as the host and resident DJ playing to over 200,000 people at 48 gigs in 5 different countries and warming for Example, DJ Fresh, Dizzee Rascal, Tinie Tempah, Jessie J and Professor Green.Over the last few months Andi has quickly become one of the most in-demand remixers in Britain working on 4 top 5 singles – adding his touch to tracks by Flo Rider, Will I Am, Plan B, Far East Movement, JLS and Lawson, and getting a huge amount of play on BBC Radio One, Capital and Kiss.As one half of Riley & Durrant he’s held residencies across the planet – rocking the infamous Space Terrace and Amnesia Ibiza to the Ministry of Sound, Gatecrasher and Godskitchen. They’ve played some of the worlds biggest festivals and events from Creamfields main stage to Fort Dance in St Petersberg and been asked to work on music with Laidback Luke, Armin Van Buuren, Chicane, Paul Van Dyk and Snow Patrol.In 2013 Andi Durrant will be exclusively available for solo DJ sets and live shows through Fresh Artiste Management.

Sitting proudly on the vanguard of the global electronic music explosion, Kryder came from virtually nowhere to become one of the biggest new names in the scene in just a few years. Fusing the most potent elements of house, trance, electro and cutting-edge electronica that’s too fresh to even have a genre attached to it yet, his sound is an invigorating take on big room firepower that has found a huge variety of admirers both on the dancefloor and within the dance music industry.Shrouded in mystery, all that’s known about this hard-working, visor-wearing star is that he was previously a promoter in Manchester before he decided to delve full time into the world of production. The decision paid huge dividends from his very first release – the enormous K2, one of the biggest anthems of the last few years, which Tiësto picked up for his nascent Musical Freedom label back in 2011. Since then he’s graced the legendary Spinnin’ Records, remixed acts as diverse as Swedish House Mafia (his Don’t You Worry Child reworking with Tom Staar a staple in their sets) and Pnau. He’s collaborated with rising Mercury Records signing and star of BBC One’s The Voice, Bo Bruce, and played at Tiësto’s night at the gargantuan Privilege in Ibiza – a room made for his expansive, explosive sound.Heavy support from the aforementioned Swedes, Pete Tong, Calvin Harris, Laidback Luke, Eddie Halliwell, Zane Lowe, Erick Morillo, Capital Radio’s Andi Durrant and Judge Jules to name but a few have bolstered his status as one of the leading lights of the scene. It’s his melting pot of sounds that has afforded him such widespread support and coverage; those soaring trance chords; guttural electro basslines; hammering techno percussion; anthemic vocals. Whatever sound palette he’s using, his tracks are consistently built to fill those epic spaces and to provide the fireworks needed to give peak-time sets the required energy. From straight-up, heads-down bruisers to melodic belters, his range continues to impress and surprise.2013 will see him release more music on Musical Freedom and Spinnin’, plus a track on UK house bastion Cr2 called Vyper, with more huge remixes for both underground stars and mainstream talents in the works. His free bootleg of Depeche Mode’s classic Enjoy The Silence has enjoyed immense success and spread his sound to yet another huge audience, kicking off the year in style before he moves into the world of radio this March with a new weekly show. Further ahead, debut shows in the USA (including Miami and Las Vegas), Australia, Malaysia, Korea, France, Canada and Brazil all await, from gargantuan clubs to epic festivals.If 2012 was the year Kryder became a household name, 2013 is the year that he goes stratospheric.

“D.O.D is of the most talented young DJs and producers we’ve discovered this century. Expect big things” Nick Stevenson, Associate Editor – Mixmag“D.O.D has great raw talent. He is an excellent DJ and producer, with a refreshingly energetic style” Eddie HalliwellPunching well above his years, D.O.D is standing on the edge of becoming an international sensation within club circles. Already finding plaudits among Tiesto, David Guetta, Eddie Halliwell, Steve Aoki, Laidback Luke, Gareth Emery and Hardwell, this fresh faced beats stalwart has also managed to secure himself a residency with Mixmag for their club and Ibiza tours; not bad for a kid who’s barely out of his teens.With a DJ style that can only be deemed as inimitable, in-your-face turntable wizardry, D.O.D has managed to secure a wide cross section of fans with his music – which sets about fusing the lines between everything House, Electro and Techno.But whilst his work ethic is familiar of yesteryears hard craft approach, his technical ability is certainly more forward moving. Positioning his musical style as ‘Jump-Up Big Room House’, he utilises 3-4 CDJ’S, DJM900 an RMX 1000, alongside his own personal edits and bootlegs, to great effect – citing the likes of QBert, DJ Yoda and the Scratch Perverts as inspiration for his style of play. This approach to the art of DJing has led him to share the stage with a whopping ensemble of peek time performers in the past 12 months alone; Laidback Luke, Steve Aoki, Sander Van Doorn, Nicky Romero, Eddie Halliwell, Michael Woods, Tim Mason, Nero, Calvin Harris, Annie Mac, John O’Callahan, Judge Jules, Chase & Status, Pendulum, Example,& John Dahlack to name a few.D.O.D’s debut 4 track EP on the UK’s legendary ‘New State Music,’ gained support from Tiesto! One of the tracks from this debut EP also made it onto the ‘Pacha Future Dance’ compilation album. Soon after, D.O.D remixed for Dutch electro champion Laidback Luke and Steve Aoki’s track ‘Turbulence’ which hit over 400,000 hits on YouTube. His next EP, released on Australian label ‘Vicious Recordings’ in Feb 2012 received support from David Guetta, Eddie Halliwell,Hardwell and Gareth Emery. D.O.D then went onto remix for Paul Oakenfold’s ‘Perfecto Records.’ His Black Hole Recordings release gained huge support and then most recently D.O.D released a track with USA’s answer to a DJ rockstar – Steve Aoki’s on his ‘Dim Mak Records’D.O.D is already becoming a staple part of the Dim Mak team, touring with him in Europe in 2012. This combined with consistent support from Eddie Halliwell and singles set for release on Laidback Luke’s ‘Mixmash Records’ D.O.D’s career is already on its way to great things.These early production achievements now see D.O.D’s touring schedule packed with a string of white-hot club dates across UK, USA, Canada, Belgium and Austria. With a huge list of unreleased material just waiting to hit and a list of upcoming collaborations with the likes of French Electro god Joachim Garraud, 2013 is set to explode for this 24 year old act! With enough tricks to keep the eyes as transfixed as the ears, it’s no wonder the world of rave can’t stop their clamour for him. Dance music is at its most potent when all about fresh, hungry and talented youth, and D.O.D represents that lust for measured abandon brilliantly. The dance floor may never be the same again…

Felix holds the main room residency at Digital (Newcastle, UK)Recently Voted ‘Best Large British Club’ and 11th ‘Best Club In The World’ by DJ MagWith ten years experience in the dance music world under your belt, you are already ahead of much of the competition.As such, Felix Leiter has been a promoter, DJ and more recently a producer, his exploits include playing alongside, and learning from, the likes of Armand Van Helden, Pete Tong, Faithless, Calvin Harris and Laidback Luke to name a few. He has rocked the Metro Radio Arena to over 15,000 strong crowd and the main stage at the Evolution Festival in Newcastle… 50,000 people were in the palm of his hand as he warmed up for Calvin Harris and Dizzee Rascal.Also in the Newcastle, Felix is the weekly, main room resident for Love at the cities super club Digital, his club brand Elektriqa also at Digital has recently launched with sell out shows from Calvin Harris & Laidback Luke…With such experience of what works on the floor, it’s no wonder Felix’s first productions have been snapped up by the scene’s biggest labels and can count Tiesto, Roger Sanchez, Mark Knight, Laidback Luke & Fedde La Grand as fans of his work… Felix has gained significant radio support from BBC Radio 1, Capital, Kiss FM & Ireland’s RTE.With a host of future releases on the scene’s major label players & a gig diary to be proud of, you’ll be hearing & seeing a lot more from Felix Leiter in the very near future…

In recent years Nick Coulson has been living in the fast lane of UK Clubland. Currently resident DJ for one of the world’s most prestigious clubbing brands ‘GATECRASHER’ and former head honcho of the UKs biggest ever club ‘THE SYNDICATE SUPERCLUB’, being in the spotlight alongside the world’s most high profile artists, on some of the country’s biggest stages has become a bit of a normality. Monthly Nick clocks up thousands of miles on the road featuring on many of the UKs major dance events. Internationally his conquests include the voted world’s number one club ‘SPACE’ in Ibiza and as far away as ‘MINISTRY OF SOUND – EUPHORIA’ (Asia’s biggest super club) in Kuala Lumpur. Show after show, his fast paced, energetic performances have left big crowds demanding more. Nick now takes one step forward towards securing his International status as he prepares to unleash his own sound on the global system, with forthcoming releases on big hit record labels ‘BE YOURSELF MUSIC’ and ‘BLACK HOLE RECORDINGS’.

Signing your first ever production to acclaimed dance label Spinnin records, a chart hitting remix for Bryan Adams on Tiesto’s Black hole recordings, remixes on Vicious recordings Australia, playing the Main room of Cream Amnesia Ibiza & Papaya beach Croatia. Amazing achievements for any dj making a name for themselves let alone an 18 year old N.Irish lad named Jay Hamilton.Jay comes to life when he gets behind the cdjs. In only 12 months he has gone from an initial warm up act to playing alongside Afrojack/Hardwell/Laidback luke/Fatboy Slim/Eddie Halliwell/Sander van Doorn and played the closing set after Judge Jules on NYE 2011. Since establishing himself at lush! guest dj slots soon followed with gigs from Manchester, Glasgow, Belfast & Dublin, a main room set @ Cream Amnesia Ibiza where he played in front of 2000 clubbers, Judgement Sundays @ Eden ibiza, The Warehouse Project, Sankeys, Papaya Beach Festival Croatia and more. Now based in Manchester and having the ideal support, Jay’s unique productions are catching the interests of the major labels. So far releases on some of the biggest EDM labels on the planet such as Spinnin Records, Black Hole Recordings, Vicious vinyl, Garuda Records and more show that this 18 year old is going to be a name to watch in 2013.

Aitchie bought his first set of decks six years ago before starting his own club night Digital Love Aberdeen two years later. Since then things have moved very quickly for him having played all of Aberdeen’s top club while process warming up for international superstars like Fergie, Eddie Halliwell, Hardwell just to name a few. Last year his djing got put to one side as the promoting of Digital Love took over and unfortunately less and less time was spent djing. This year however he’s been back doing what he loves best, behind the decks with a number of bookings coming up this summer and his first productions coming soon it looks to be a very exciting year for him indeed.

Duology comprises of two young aspiring DJ’s from the North East of England, Joel Dodds & Tyler James.Playing regular guest slots at some of the north’s biggest clubs including Union, Sunderland, The Empire, Middlesbrough, & Digital, Newcastle alongside the likes of Third Party, Kryder, Eddie Halliwell, Laidback Luke, Mark Knight & Oliver Twizt.2013 will be an exciting time in Duology’s progression which see’s them not only booked for sets at Pacha, London & debut Ibiza with Bitch & Dirty House Night but creatively will see them in the studio looking to produce music which mirrors their personality.We would love to take onboard any feedback, comments or criticism of our track which will be beneficial to us and how we progress in the future.

The Filth Wizard, No Phuture & Breadman will be playing as ‘Beats of Rage’Welcome to BEATS of RAGE.Literally the BEST DIRTY RAVE-UP in the whole of the North West, which built its reputation by clawing up through police-raided house parties, club closures and all sorts of nonsense, gaining thumbs-up from some awesome DJs and live acts along the way (Boy 8-Bit & Jack Beats were both struck by what “a great party-vibe” we generate).Preston’s original grimy electro & chunky house shakedown, Beats of Rage throws the rulebook out the window, which then hits you in the face, knocking you clean off your bike. Sorry. Get your glad-rags on and come out for a good old-fashioned rave-up, with some right-up-to-the-minute filthy dance music. This year at Beats of Rage, instead of spending our precious pounds on booking our favourite DJs & producers like in previous years, we decided to focus on the music we love. So now, it’s all about the party, the music, and nothing else. This has been liberating! We’ve been digging and searching, playing our favourite tunes & finding new music all the time. Back to what it’s all about. So, at our next party expect to hear new music from people like Boys Noize, Blawan, Dusky, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, Julio Bashmore, Foamo, Canblaster, Boddika, and loads more… as well as classic cuts from Switch, Mr Oizo, Crookers, Soulwax, Claude Von Stroke, Boy 8-Bit, Fake Blood, Zombie Disco Squad, Daft Punk, The Chemical Brothers & all the other Beats of Rage favourites. If you’ve got any requests, feel free to post them on our wall. We like to see your smiling faces when we get it right, and we love to experiment & try out new stuff that we know you’ll appreciate.The Beats of Rage DJ Team are a bunch of music-obsessed purveyors of underground sounds from around the globe. French electro meets German techno, while Chicago house bumps up against UK garage.Ladies and gents, take your clothes off, set them on fire, and put them back on again, for… >> THE FILTH WIZARDBoR’s resident DJ & curator/overseer of every Beats of Rage event. From straight-up electro bangers to tasty jackin house, deep future-garage grooves to underground techno gems, there ain’t no party like a Filth Wizard party, yeah? With a disregard for genre and “what’s hot right now”, The Filth Wizard’s aim is dead simple… a dancefloor filled with sweaty ravers.>> THE BEATS OF RAGE DJ TEAMAlongside The Filth Wizard at the Beats of Rage controls we welcome vinyl-jockey and hugely talented producer BREADMAN, plus new kid on the BoR block JOE HINDLE. Disco enthusiasts, techno lovers, garage nuts, multi-genre aficionados. >> FRIENDS OF BEATS OF RAGEThis constantly growing & evolving circle of DJs & producers appear at Beats of Rage events on the regular. Look out for Simba, MVRCK, Doug Disco &/or Doug Techno, Janken, Brian Evans & many more.

Stiff Little Fingers were formed in 1977 in Belfast, Ireland. Along with the likes of the Clash, Sex Pistols, The Jam, Buzzcocks, Undertones, Sham 69, Stranglers, et al – Stiff Little Fingers were at the forefront of the punk movement. They wrote initially about their own lives, growing up at the height of The Troubles in Northern Ireland, in songs like “Suspect Device” and “Wasted Life”. In November of ’77, they released those two songs on their own Rigid Digits label, and sent a copy to BBC Radio One DJ John Peel, who started playing it every night.These were the first of what became SLF’s signature style: lyrics that meld the personal and political, music that combines the energy of punk with infectious hooks, and delivery that rings of honesty and commitment. In 1979 they became the first band ever to hit the UK top 20 album charts on an independent label with their debut Inflammable Material. The album chronicles the band’s anger and frustration at “the Troubles” in Northern Ireland, and calls on youth to create their own reality. Their live shows continued to be special events of energy and power. The Go For It LP in ’81 revealed more sophisticated song writing and musicianship, and another step in the shift from punk to power pop. The Now Then album of ’82 alienated many of SLF’s punk followers with its pop sound, and despite some glowing critical reviews, never got the recognition it deserved.The band split in early ’83. During the five years they spent apart, each member pursued musical projects. But none were as satisfying, or as successful, as Stiff Little Fingers. Said Ali, “It wasn’t until we got back together again did we realize this was the only thing we were ever completely happy with.”In ’87, Jake and Ali decided to do a few reunion shows. The audience response to the reunion shows was overwhelming; with sell-out crowds larger than any that SLF had played in their original incarnation. The response to the shows across the world surprised and delighted the band and their following continued to grow, with younger “new” fans alongside the old diehards.In ’94 they released the Get a Life LP. The album helped renew interest in SLF just as newer bands that sited them as a major influence, such as Bad Religion, Sugar, Rancid and Therapy, were coming to prominence. In August 2003, Stiff Little Fingers released their ninth studio album, the critically acclaimed Guitar and Drum on the EMI Label, their most successful album since their reformation, which includes a moving tribute to Joe Strummer, entitled “Strummerville”.After many studio albums and countless tours, Stiff Little Fingers find themselves more in demand than ever. They are currently working on a new album, and many of the new songs have been debuted at live gigs, with tremendous response from fans. With song titles like Trail of Tears, My Dark Places and Liar’s Club covering topics such as the recent economic collapse, Jake’s personal struggle with depression, and continuing racism in the west. Jake has said, “You’ve probably worked out by now, I don’t do “comedy” songs !!” But the songs continue to inspire fans old and new. Countless people have already contacted Jake to say that “My Dark Places” gave them the strength to tell others about their own bouts with depression.Though focused on their new material, they always play the old favourites at gigs. Jake said, “You have to strike a balance. The difficulty with a band like ourselves is to try not make it sound like a cabaret band. Obviously, it’d be very easy to go, ‘Hey, here’s another old one you may remember.’ A lot of the old songs the audience greet like old friends. I suppose it’s the same as any band that’s been around for any length of time. And yes, there are nights that we don’t particularly want to play “Alternative Ulster” or “Suspect Device” because we’ve heard them ’til they’re coming out our ears. But there’s always the possibility that somebody out there has never seen the band before, never heard them.”But using the band’s rich musical foundation as a building block, the time has come to bring the newest chapter of the band’s music to the world. The new songs, penned over the last decade, show a definite musical growth in the band. Plans are to record and release the new material in early 2013.

The Rezillos burst forth upon the rock scene through a shared love of Sixties Garage Rock and the Spectoresque Girl Group glam of The Ronettes and the Shangri Las. The Rezillos found themselves inadvertently caught up in the Punk or New Wave movement, if only because they didn’t proscribe to fifteen minute slabs of tedious progressive rock, shunning it in favour of three minute sparkling pop gems which would eventually be fully realised in their inimitable sound and vision. Their debt single, I Can’t Stand my baby shot them to underground fame initially via airings on John Peel’s radio show. Their classic singles My Baby Does Good Sculptures, Top of the Pops and Destination Venus signalled critically acclaimed milestones for the band.Their landmark album Can’t Stand the Rezillos reached the top 10 in the UK album chart. They appeared twice on the legendary Old Grey Whistle Test and hit the Top Twenty with their hit single “Top of the Pops”, a satirical swipe at the UK pop music programme of the same name. Once the band had achieved chart success it was inevitable that they should appear on the same show! They followed up that same year with a live recording, Mission Accomplished… But the Beat Goes On, and promptly broke up to the anguish of fans and music critics alike.In recent years their music has appeared on various “History of New Wave” compilations with the band enjoying a growing status on US underground and college radio stations and rock fanzines. Interest has continued to expand, seeing a CD re-release of their material in 1993 and the subsequent Web buzz via the internet, etc. Bringing it to a head, they reformed on new year’s Eve 2002 with a spur-of-the moment gig in Edinburgh, Scotland playing to 150,000 hogmanay revellers gathered in the capital city. The writing was on the wall, it was time to get the band together again, tour the world and set to work on the creation of a new album. Following rave reviews, the reformed group embarked upon a twelve-date tour of the US. Strangely enough, although signed to an American label, and having recorded their debut in New York City, the band had previously played only one gig in the USA in 1978, at the infamous CBGB’s.They played exceptional sell-out shows in the USA and won over a new generation of fans. Their UK shows, again including the sell-out Astoria 2 show in London, have re-established them as one of the most exciting bands currently on display, with a verve and energy that puts many younger bands toshame. The long-awaited cult-movie, Jackass: The Movie was finally released in the UK. having grossed $66 million in the US. The Rezillos classic foot stomper Somebody’s Gonna Get Their Head Kicked In Tonight features on the soundtrack.Having made it into the 21st century that they sang about so often in the 20th it’s fitting that their rebirth should warp them into the present still finding themselves firmly in step both musically and conceptually.Their music has stayed edgy, having remained in its own league from the very beginning. Certainly, like all punk rock it’s sometimes creatively derivative (er, like all rock and roll…), thus, while a lot of good bands can sound like everyone else, the really great bands are what everyone’s sounding like and yet whose sound simply cannot be repeated.Musically, The Rezillos are truly influential to the so-called neo-punk scene as the best musicians that recorded and performed during that era. Their music is, upon inspection, “poppy,”but at the same time quintessentially loud, fast rock and roll that eschews the mainstream. It’s upbeat, while at the same time showing a dark side to their songs (“Cold Wars” could be a theme from a yet-to-be unearthed John Le Carre novel-turned-film circa 1967, and “I Can’t Stand My Baby” is an anti-love song about breaking up because one can’t stand the other.They prefer a planet where growing up doesn’t happen until after you’re dead and the world runs on high-octane, guitar-driven, anti-mope rock with the wildest hook lines.The Rezillos released their first new single of the 21st century “Number 1 Boy” and is available for download.The first half of 2012 saw another new single on their own Label, Rezillos Records:Entitled “Out of This World”, available as downloadable format, CD and in 7inch vinyl followed by a 3 track live single including their classic hit “Top Of The Pops” and a new track- “Yesterday’s Tormentor”, then followed by a 3 week stretch of coast to coast shows in the USA and Canada.The first part of 2013 sees the band play festivals in the UK and Europe followed by a British and American tour in the autumn to promote their forthcoming new studio album.

2012 – New album PUNK ROCK RADIO is released to great enthusiasm by fans and media. VICE SQUAD are booked to play Vive Le Rock Festival, Punk & Disorderly Festival, Punk By The Sea Festival and Rebellion Festival. The band are scheduled to play USA and Europe with possible dates in Scandinavia and China. UK dates are ongoing which finds the band tirelessly spreading their Punk Rock Message to the growing army of Vice Squaddies. 2011 – VICE SQUAD play two very successful shows at the prestigious REBELLION FESTIVAL. Taking second headline on Friday’s Acoustic stage the band donned spectacles and flat caps and tore through acoustic versions of new and classic tunes under the moniker THE DIRTY FOLKERS. Ending on the popular ‘Last Rockers’ and unlikely cover of Motorhead™ ‘Ace Of Spades’. This Thrash, Rockabilly, Skiffle tinged acoustic set encouraged many people refer to Vice Squads tongue-in-cheek approach as the highlight of their weekend ! The following day VICE SQUAD packed the Olympia Stage and played a storming electric set to over 1500 people. A week later Beki and the band were ‘special guests’ at the Endorse It festival, where the band played alongside New Model Army. A show with legendary MISFITS USA is booked for November at Ratrock festival in Belgium. And, finally…after much hard work and inspiration Vice Squad finish the album PUNK ROCK RADIO which includes songs, ‘Punk Is The Blues’ ‘Stuck In Reverse’, title track ‘Punk Rock Radio’ and the hilarious ‘Him Indoors’ ( first showcased as The Dirty Folkers at Blackpool Rebellion). Many more UK club dates and the new release scheduled for October sees Beki and the boys achieve another relentless and encouraging year in Punk Rock. 2010 – VICE SQUAD begin work on the follow up to ‘London Underground’ and gig continuously on the UK club circuit throughout the year, plus touring Italy and festival shows at Pod Parou in Czech Republic, The Endorse It Festival, The Willowman Festival, packed out shows at Rebellion and Durham Punk Festival plus the headline slot at the Viva La Pola Summer Revolution Rock Festival in Pula.  The follow up to ‘ London Underground ‘ is nearing completion and will be released in 2011. 2009 – In spite of the grinding disappointment of shelving ‘Fairground’, being permanently skint and trying to keep the band on the road Beki and Paul rally from the setbacks and write a brand new set of songs that later become ‘LONDON UNDERGROUND’. The album sees a welcome return to UK Brit Punk style that was missing on previous albums of the 90′s. This album is a fitting follow up to the much acclaimed ‘Defiant’, and boasts a brilliant sleeve drawn by US artist Landon Armstrong depicting London Punk night life and a fold out poster of fan photographs. Beki and Paul have started their own ‘Last Rockers’ label and ‘London Underground’ is it’s first release. ‘We thought that as we’d created this album at a time when most people would have quit and had scraped together the money to master it we may as well stick our necks out even further and release it ourselves. This way it’s entirely DIY from start to finish, except for the amazing sleeve which was down to the talent and generosity of Landon and designer Barry Kade. This album was the easiest to write and record so far, the ideas were bursting out of us and as usual it was cathartic to get my feelings out in the lyrics. We were on such a creative roll that we wrote and recorded half of the next album. ‘ Vice Squad are about to embark on a tour of the West Coast and Texas and will be playing songs from ‘London Underground’ and ‘Defiant’ as well as the old favourites. On their return to the UK in July they will play Shepherds Bush Empire with US punk legends Bad Brains and UK punk festival ‘Rebellion’ in August. 2010 – VICE SQUAD playing many UK and Italian dates including successful, show at REBELLION BLACKPOOL where the band pack the Olympia stage venue. 2011 – New as yet untitled album is finished. The band are confirmed for Xmas Rebellion 2012.

Formed in 1980 .Anti Nowhere league managed to get a slot in The Exploited’s Apocalypse tour, along with Chron Gen and Anti Pasti. This led to them signing to John Curd’s record label WXYZ, with Curd and Chris Gabrin co-managing the band.Later that year, after reportedly bribing drummer Rat Scabies in the toilet of an East End pub, they also opened for The Damned on a short tour round the north of England and Scotland. November 1981 saw the release of their first single, a cover version of Ralph McTell’s “Streets of London”. The profanity-laden B-side of the single, “So What” later became the group’s anthem. Copies of this single were seized by the Metropolitan Police’s Obscene Publication Squad shortly after release, and the seized copies were reportedly destroyed. The event was reported in the music press at the time. (“So What?” was famously covered by thrash metal band Metallica, being released as a B-side to the “Sad But True” single and later included on the Garage Inc. album; “So What?” would go on to become an in-concert standard for Metallica.)In 1982, ANL took part in the ‘So What Tour’ alongside groups such as Chelsea, Chron Gen and The Defects. This year saw the release of a debut album called We Are…The League. Also in 1981 the band joined the Apocalypse Punk Tour, with Discharge, The Exploited, Anti Pasti and Chron Gen. Many stories circulated around the time of these tours about the behaviour and attitude of the ANL. Many of such stories are now believed to have been publicity-related fictions. An example of the kind of story of the day is that the ANL were banned from TV and radio in the UK. Whilst this has never been verified, regular invitations to appear on mainstream media were not plentiful in the time following the seizure of the first single. In 1982, another story circulated that the band was invited to, and then removed from, the Top Of The Pops studio supposedly because Animal was carrying a 3-foot-long (0.91 m) axe around with him[citation needed]. Whilst this too remains unverified, it is public record that Animal did usually appear on stage with such an axe. The year finished with the ‘Hardcore Storms America’ tour with the UK Subs.In 1983 The band went to Yugoslavia to record a live album, called Live In Yugoslavia, but this was dogged by problems with the authorities insisting that references that Animal had made about the recently deceased president Josip Broz Tito be removed from the master tapes, and any language which they deemed to be offensive be bleeped.By 1984 PJ got fired, unable to cope with the pressures of the drugs and alcohol lifestyle the band were now leading, and they became musically inactive. 1985 saw Michael Bettell join on drums, followed in 1986 by JB (Jonathan Birch). During this time they signed for GWR Records, and recorded the The Perfect Crime album. However, once again there were problems. GWR refused to put up the money to finish the album once they heard its rough cut, and it was released unfinished to try to get back some of the money already invested.This was the final straw, and in 1987 ANWL disbanded. However, there was a belated ‘farewell’ show at the Victoria Hall in Tunbridge Wells, in 1989, which was recorded and can be heard on their live album Live Animals.In 1992, Animal was told by JB, that Metallica wanted him to guest at Wembley Arena, when they did their cover version of “So What”.1993–1995 was spent playing gigs in the small venues the band had started out in. In 1996, they signed up with Impact Records and recorded their next EP Pig Iron. Beef also joined the band after Mark’s departure.1997 saw another personnel change when Winston left the band to be replaced by Jon Jon (JJ Kaos), and the recording of the album Scum.2002–presentJon Jon (JJ Kaos), Beef and Danny all left, to be replaced by PJ (original drummer), Jez on guitar, and Shady on bass. This line-up released the band’s fifth studio album, Kings and Queens in 2005, which was released on the Captain Oi! record label. In 2006, the band set up their own independent record label, Nowhere Records – with Pig Iron – The Album being the first release in August 2006. The album includes the two songs omitted from the Kings and Queens album as well as “Landlord”, taken from the Out Of Control album.In 2006, Anti-Nowhere League undertook a 29-date UK tour, and PJ left the band after the Glasgow gig in October 2006. His replacement is Dave Hazlewood (Nato), also from Tunbridge Wells, who has filled in before on tours or dates with the League. On November 8, 2006, the ANWL began a three week tour of Australia and New Zealand. On 26 October, the band joined punk rock stalwarts Angelic Upstarts, Sham 69 and The Damned for the Academy in the UK 2006: 30th Anniversary of Punk gig at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire.The Anti-Nowhere League supported Rancid at their Leeds & Sheffield gigs on 7 & 8 November 2008. The League continued to tour and record, and now promote their new songs with videos.After a mini European tour in late spring 2009, they embarked on an American tour in June/July 2009 before departing back to star in the infamous Punk Rebellion festival in Blackpool.After touring Germany and Holland in early May 2010, the band and Johhny Skullknuckles parted company and Tom Hunt (another Tunbridge Wells native who had previously been a member of the bands road crew, and filled in with the band on occasion) was drafted in on guitar.The band completed the rest of 2010s tour dates culminating with a special 30th anniversary christmas show.2011 saw the release of brand new single “This is war”….and toured as special guests to MOTORHEAD on the bands winter uk tour ! In 2012 the band were invited to play Download festival for the 1st time , this was followed with various other festival appearances and ended the year on a high with shows w/RANCID.2013 will see the band back in the studio once agin recording some new material and will also release a new video in the summer . In Oct / Nov the band will head out for a national uk tour playing all the major cities on the “Never Drink Alone tour!”

ROBIN LEITCH – VOCALS & TROMBONEDAN WALSH – GUITAR & VOCALSJOE TILSTON – BASS & VOCALSSEAN HOWE – DRUMSRANDOM HAND have spent the last decade tearing full throttle through the UK scene with their ferocious in your face ska-punk-metal mashup. Stops along the way in the U.S.A., Canada, Russia and mainland Europe have enhanced a relentless UK touring schedule. In that time the West Yorks based 4 piece released two albums, ‘Change of Plan’ and ‘Inhale/Exhale’ and a single, ‘Anger Management’, played countless festivals including Reading, Leeds, Slam Dunk and a headline set at Rebellion ‘09, and toured alongside the likes of Reel Big Fish, Propagandhi, Big D & The Kids Table, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Leftover Crack, Left Alone, Streetlight Manifesto and Strung Out along with the cream of the UK punk and ska scene.RANDOM HAND’s long awaited 3rd album, ‘SEETHING IS BELIEVING’ was released in March of 2011 thru Bomber Music to widespread acclaim. The release has been supported by tours and festival appearances across Europe with a North American release of ‘SEETHING IS BELIEVING’ on Stomp Records.After a short break at the end of 2011, Matt Crosher left the band and has been replaced on guitar by Dan Walsh, ex of Chief, and the band are back on tour and writing for album number 4 to be expected in 2013 RANDOM HAND : Do not remove your seatbelt, the ride is far from over!!

‘Take my word for it, they’re rocking’ THE SUN‘Inspired arrangements and effective songs One to watch (four stars)’ UNCUT‘You’ll enjoy this knees-up bar-room stomp’ THE GUARDIAN‘An eclectic line-up’ TIMEOUT‘A verve and feel for 2-tone foundations laid by early Specials’ THE DAILY MIRROR‘Piano-bashing Cockney mayhem’ THE TIMESBuster Shuffle are a piano bashing pop, indie, ska band hailing from East London. They have enjoyed a hugely successful 12 months. In the UK Buster Shuffle have played with major acts including MADNESS , The Rifles, The Wombats, Shed Seven, The Blockheads and also Cockney legends Chas and Dave. This has seen the band’s reputation enhanced even more. Buster Shuffle’s remarkable year was capped by the success of the album ‘Do Nothing’ which continues to regularly chart on the Amazon Europe’s bestseller list. The band’s recent single, ‘Elvis vs. Wag’, received glowing endorsements from BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music as well as XFM where front man Jet was a regular on Danny Wallace’s breakfast show. Buster Shuffle have also received a glowing endorsement from clothing giants Fred Perry , who featured them as their band of the month for January 2013. In Europe, Buster Shuffle played their own sold-out shows in Berlin, Vienna, Dresden, Dusseldorf, Munich, Bochum and Hamburg – as well a number of high profile festival slots in Germany (with Lee Scratch Perry), Czechoslovakia (with Frank Turner) and Denmark and some massive arena shows in Italy with The Dropkick Murphys.

Nick Welsh has written, played and produced with artists such as Bad Manners, Busters Allstars, The Selecter, Selecter Acoustic, Prince Buster, Dave Barker, King Hammond, Laurel Aitken, Judge Dread, Rhoda Dakar, Skaville UK, Big 5 and Rico Rodriguez.In 2002 he won a Grammy Award for best reggae album with Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry. Nick was also an original member of the acoustic super group 3 Men & Black.

The Amphetameanies are a crowd of friends from Glasgow, who started playing ska together 15 years ago and have since been unable to stop.Their aim then, as now, was to be as danceable and smart as the best of the original 2Tone bands, without succumbing to lunkheaded nostalgia… and with songwriters as diverse as Franz Ferdinand’s Alex Kapranos, Belle and Sebastian’s Mick Cooke and Bis boy John Disco involved, their own songs have delivered on that promise and more.Sold-out gigs across the UK and Europe, seven singles, and two very well-received studio albums later, the ‘Meanies are fighting fit and preparing for the release of their third studio album this summer… ‘This band are nothing short of a national treasure…’ (Is This Music – Scotland) ‘Summoning the spirit of Blondie, Dexys and Madness…’ (Do The Dog – London) ‘The best neo-2Tone band in the WORLD… ‘ (Ox – Germany)

The Kubricks are a 7-piece band from London.Their Ska-Pop sound has been developed over the last few years at top London venues such as The Barfly, The Dublin Castle, Proud Galleries and 93 Feet East to name but a few. In the summer of 2012 they supported The Futureheads and The Milk on the main stage at Brownstock Festival. Their music has been played on BBC 6 Music by Danny Wallace and BBC Essex.The band’s music has been influenced by some obvious greats such as The Specials, Madness and Fat Freddy’s Drop but they also have great admiration of Jazz, Northern Soul, Rock and Pop music.

“Triumphant return from one of the UK’s best punk acts”“Infectious, melodic, fast paced British punk rock.”Formed in Cheltenham in 1996, 4ft Fingers quickly established themselves as one of the essential household names that shaped the British punk rock and ska punk scene in the early 2000s, alongside bands such as [Spunge],Capdown, King Prawn, Jesse James, Lightyear & Whitmore.Earning a reputation as the UK’s hardest working band, playing around 140 shows a year, 4ft Fingers were known for gigging relentlessly, steadily building a strong and loyal following.Now, 10 years after the release of From Hero To Zero and the hugely popular Last Man Standing ,the original front line up of 4ft Fingers will reunite again for summer festivals in 2013 ,which will be reaped in nostalgia as the band will rip through all the favourites from their first 2 albums !! And to add to the excitement we are pleased to have UK SUBS drummer Jamie Oliver again join us for these special run of shows …Prepare to be fingered !! There will also be a brand new EP sometime in 2013 with Jamie on drums !!

Edinburgh’s 9 man juggernaut, Bombskare, are firmly established as one of the most explosive and entertaining live acts in the country for their trademark high energy shows.They are masterful musicians and performers. An awesome live band, they steal any show with ease, using breakneck ska rhythms and lush, three-part harmonies with choppy guitar sounds and an explosive horn section to truly blow the audience away.Incorporating a blend of musical styles with 100 mile an hour dance floor filling crowd pleasers cements Bombskare’s undisputed reputation as Scotland’s premier party band.All in all Bombskare are a band with their tongue firmly in their cheek. They don’t take themselves too seriously and they work hard and party harder. You are guaranteed the most energetic, fun gig you are likely to experience anywhere!GigApe – Live @ O2 Toots & The Maytals “ These guys rock and are truly the best in the business…true musicians and true performers…rareattributes these days 10/10.”

‘The Ramonas are the UK’s original all girl tribute to the Ramones, one of the most influential punk rock bands in history.The band were formed in honour of the Ramones back in 2004, by Clare Pproduct (Guitarist in UK cult rock band AntiProduct and bass player in Marky Ramones blitzkrieg) after having backed up Marky Ramone as Johnny at the Underworld in England.The Ramonas capture the magic which the Ramones had in their early days with their intense on stage energy levels whilst looking much better than Joey, Johnny, Dee Dee or Marky ever did.The girls have toured all around the UK & Europe and guarantee a good night out… Unfortunately it will never be possible to see the Ramones live again so the Ramonas are the next best thing for any punk rock fan.’

Post Punk gents: Davy Cowan & Graeme Hosie, armed with Acoustic guitar/ harmonica & beer box drum kit are the back bone of this unique sounding duo that are “Davy & The Hosebeast”They delve deep into their Punk-ska & New Wave Roots, to deliver a blistering set list chock a block full of songs that inspired them and a generation, from Artists such as; The Clash, Stiff Little Fingers & The Stranglers to The Jam, Elvis Costello & The Specials. This vehicle is driven by an explosive energy that captures the spirit & memories of some of the best nights out you’ve ever had. When this party gets started the urge to jump around & sing along is so contagious that even the most shy & retired amongst us cant help but get embroiled in the ensuing bedlam! Only one word of advice here;“Enjoy yourself! It’s later than you think“

Slagerij are a 3 piece ska-punk outfit from Swindon, the band were formed in late 2007, since then they have developed an ever growing reputation with their unique catchy music which certainly packs a punch.The band have worked tirelessly on their own material to release a debut EP (released 2008) plus two entirely self-recorded and produced albums (released 2010 & 2011), but it is the buzz from playing gigs that they enjoy best. Having played around much of the UK and even taking in a brief US west-coast tour in 2010, they have performed alongside such acts as 4ft Fingers, Random Hand, Citizen Fish, Orange, Big D and the Kids Table and Assorted Jelly Beans plus a whole host of others.Their own original infectious sound and combined energetic live performances are certainly on the edge of mayhem but the band masterfully retain full control of their performance, Slagerij are simply a must see band. The brand new single “Non Stop Party Machine” is due for release on 20th April 2013 you can also catch them live on selected dates from late April until early June 2013.

In the early 90s, Capone and the Bullets earned themselves a fearsome reputation for delivering live and original ska, with intensity and passion, and an honest dedication to the egalitarian principles of the 2Tone movement. One self-titled album emerged from this heyday, released on London’s Do The Dog Records, and it remains an acknowledged classic of the ska scene.In their absence over the last decade or so, The Bullets’ influence has permeated the bands that followed in their wake, with members going on to play with The Amphetameanies, Esperanza and several other outfits that have successfully mined the same rich musical seamAn invite to reform to represent Scotland at last year’s London International Ska Festival led to The Bullets playing alongside a pantheon of rude-boy legends like The Pioneers, Dandy Livingstone, Don Letts, Rico Rodriguez, plus Jerry Dammers and Neville Staple of The Specials – and the phenomenal reaction persuaded them to make their reformation permanent.Since that re-emergence, a year of shows around the UK has seen The Bullets’ home turf reclaimed, the new line-up baptised in sweat, and new songs introduced to the faithful. When The Bullets are on the bill, be prepared for a night of the best original 2Tone ska in the UK today…

The Hostiles bring the upbeat energy of west coast US ska punk to the less-sunny climes of west coast Scotland. Their take is spirited and infectious, combining distorted guitars riffs, low-slung rhythms, in-your-face vocals and a two-pronged brass backbone of trumpet and trombone. It’s a formula that’s helped the five-piece build a strong reputation on the live circuit as an act to be reckoned with, good times guaranteed.”Upbeat, effervescent, bouncy and danceable” -Punktastic”Infectious and overflowing with energy”- Big Cheese Magazine”Simple, dumb and brilliant” – Black Velvet Magazine”Awesome!!” – Aaron Barrett (Reel Big Fish)

Well what can I say that’s not been said before about this septet of musical mirth makers? Let’s start at the beginning, as good a place as any.More from Jim came about through 7 Annan schoolmates who had a common goal in life. To perform Ska music to the masses and have a ball whilst doing it. From humble beginnings, i.e. the school charity talent show, to major festivals, Wickerman, Knockengorroch, Immecke(Germany), Solfest, Edenfest, Youth Beatz2010, Sunflower Fest (N. Ireland) they’ve ripped it up in all kinds of arenas. From Grannies birthday bash to Rugby festivals they have never let their crowd go home with anything other than sore feet, hoarse voices and dirty big smiles on their faces.

Formed in 1978, split in 1981, back in the (zimmer) frame in 2000 thanks to the interest of Dizzy Holmes at DETOUR RECORDS (www.detour-records.co.uk) who included 3 songs – including one previously unreleased track – on BORED TEENAGERS VOL 2.Following the release of the album, the band went to The Garage in North London for a Detour showcase, and played with three other bands from the compilation – THE ZIPS from Scotland, UXB from the Midlands and KNIFE EDGE from Leeds. We also have a track included on BORED TEENAGERS VOL 3, as we continued into the ’80s as MYSTERIOUS FOOTSTEPS, having lost our singer and changed direction slightly, taking in a bit more reggae etc. A couple of line-ups and a few hundred gigs later, we are back out as a 4-piece with new tracks to play, a new cd out and a dirty t-shirt to wear old men can still cut it…..it’s just a case of playing good time PUNK ROCK N ROLL for everyone. We don’t care if you’re young, old, tall, small, straightedge, f%$kedup sliced or tuckedup, all we want to do is play enough to keep us rockin in the grave.In May 2006, we found ourselves in the pages of RECORD COLLECTOR magazine, with a listing of the TOP 100 PUNK COLLECTABLE RECORDS…….look at Number 24, boys and girls, and read the name “THE NEGATIVES”. I thank yew!….Holy cow, batman, look through these pages and see if you can spot who else was in JOHN PEEL’S RECORD BOX…..it was a hell of a surprise to find out that Peel kept our first single – which he played a few times over the years – in the box which contained his most treasured records; we shared the space with things going back to the 50s and up to the time of his death, it’s sad to know. I’d have preferred him to still be here and us just strolling along, but now we have something to live up to. We’ll do it for John, and we miss him and just hope that he’s proud of what we do, and that he’s having fun with Walters wherever they are! Just reading through the great man’s book and see that he shovelled a load of stuff into the skip on a regular basis to stop it growing into a huge mountain; means even more to me now that he kept our single for 25 years.

Molotov formed 1990′s with Ralph Tod bass & vocals, Steve Boyle guitar, Ian Tod drums & backing vocals. They played locally to great reviews then branched out to supporting the likes of SNUFF, LEATHERFACE and MEGA CITY FOUR.After 4 years gigging around the country, they decided to call it a day and each to concentrate on other projects.Many years later with their recordings still feeling fresh, Ralph and Steve decided to give it another go after people started asking if it was possible for the band to get together again. Calls were made to Ian and Cameron another very talented local guitarist, if they would be interested in this new venture.After the first few jamming sessions, they realised they were back onto a winner and everything came together.8 months later and various supports with the likes of VICE SQUAD, DEFECTS, and various other local festivals, it’s like they haven’t been away, music is as fresh as ever.New recordings are in the pipeline, watch this space.

A four piece Ska/Reggae/Experimental band from the Lothians & Borders.Al James – Lead Vocal/GuitarPeter Meaney – SaxophonesStuart Harper – Drums/Backing VocalsGordo Stevenson – Bass/Backing VocalsURANG MATANG released their debut album ‘Origin of the species’ in 2010 on their own label (Houndsman Records).The band have been busy in 2012,playing a number of festivals north and south of the border with the highlight being Folkestone Skabour Fest which they have been invited back to play in 2013.They also recorded their version of The Specials classic tune Why? for the specialized charity album in aid of the teenage cancer trust and have been invited to record another track for the new specialized project, specialized 2-beat teenage cancer.2012 has also seen the band support some of the best ska/reggae bands out there…… The Selecter in Dundee,Bad Manners in Edinburgh,The Skatalites and Toots & The Maytals in Glasgow.With the release of their new album ‘Platinum’ in December, 2012 has been a cracker! What a great yearHere’s to 2013

Glasgow 4-piece Vukovi consists of singer Janine Shilstone, guitarist Hamish Reilly, bassist Jason Trotter and drummer Colin Irving. After forming in late 2010, the band burst onto the scene with their first recording “Get Hot and Feel the Butterflies” which received airplay on BBC Radio One only two months after the band had formed. This was followed by the self-release of debut EP “It Looked So Good On Me…” in 2011 followed by the second EP “…But I Won’t Wear You Again” at the start of this year, earning plays on Amazing Radio, Clyde 1, Radio 1, Total Rock Radio and features in Kerrang and Rock Sound.Influences ranging from Skunk Anansie to Rage Against the Machine and Incubus have seen Vukovi develop a raucous live show which they recently took on the road to promote latest EP “Sweet Swears”, released at the end of October. The reputation for their storming live set was built on the bands sold out shows at Nice n Sleazys and King Tuts Wah Wah Hut in their home town, as well as supporting the likes of Futures and Lower than Atlantis and appearances at T in The Park, Belladrum, Hard Rock Calling, Liverpool Sound City and Wickerman.2013 is already looking like another busy year for the band, with new material in progress, more live shows in the pipeline and release dates coming soon.

Screaming and kicking ears for sadomasochistic pleasure, Roman Nose are a masked trio who write, produce, and direct their own tech-electro stage shows from a well-equipped Glasgow warehouse.Leaving only to play select shows, their brutal bass-heavy existence, and heart-crunching catharsis has already ensured they have supported dance floor giants, such as 2manydjs and L.A electro veterans, The Glitch Mob.

Starting 2012 tipped as “one to watch” from BBC Introducing’s Ally McCrae, TeKlo went on to take the year by storm with his split-personality music. His 2012 included headlining T in the Parks T-Break stage, playing at UKF Edinburgh, remixing for Warner Music artist Benny Banks, and continued nationwide airplay from BBC Introducing. As for 2013, by January 4th the Sun newspaper had featured him in their Class of 2013, claiming he was “set to be massive”. With new unreleased material prepared for his famously energetic live sets, TeKlo is firing into 2013 with his speakers turned up to “dismember”. The only way he knows how.

Vigo Thieves formed in 2008 and are from Wishaw, a satellite town rich in industrial history, 20-miles outside of Glasgow yet a world away. Starting a monthly club night, Shook To The Bones, gave the band a chance to develop their sound and fanbase, as well as an opportunity to put on bands from around Scotland that led to gig swaps in cities and towns across the country.Stevie Jukes (vox/guitar), Barry Cowan (guitar/vox), Gordon Phipps (bass), Chris Gorman (Piano/Synth) and Al Jukes (drums) combine to produce epic songs that are fit for stadiums and festivals. There are echoes of band favourites like New Order, Simple Minds and U2; driven beats, explosive synthesisers and soaring emotionally charged vocals with lyrics that can be sung from the heart and soul.The release of the ‘Heart & Soul Pt I’ EP in early 2012 led to a fantastic 12-months that saw the band soundtrack the viral line-up announcement video to T in the Park with ‘Heartbeats’, pack out the BBC Introducing Tent at T in the Park,support The View at the Academy, sell out 4 shows in Glasgow, play around the country, increase the fanbase dramatically, produce epic cinematic videos resulting in almost 100,000 hits on YouTube and receive excellent airplay and press.2013 has started with the band being tipped by Chris Sweeney in The Scottish Sun as ones to watch, becoming the first unsigned act to sell out two-nights back-to-back at King Tuts, the video for ‘Ghosts’ with John Leslie going viral and Geoff Ellis, CEO for T in the Park/DF Concerts labelling them ‘the hottest young act in Scotland’.

Dundonian three-piece Fat Goth release their second album Stud via Hefty Dafty Records on 28th January 2013. With music currently fixated on soppy folk, castrated indie bands and anything else considered “rock” resembling a Bieberesque haircut and a designer neck tattoo, it’s about time Fat Goth came and blew them all out the water.Opener “Surf’s Down” and “Debbie’s Dirty Harry” don’t mess around. Fat goth immediately drag you into their world with fast-paced, dirty basslines and thumping lightning quick beats. By the time you hit “Creepy Lounge” you can hear elements of The Jesus Lizard’s seminal album ‘Shot’ and moments of Unsane. However, after this gloriously raucous start, “Pinball Moron” takes a massive U-turn. Crooning vocals and a countrified vibe, complete with whistles (!), give you an insight to Fat Goth’s humour – very Mike Patton circa Mr. Bungle. Moving on, you quickly realise these boys aren’t just beats, drums and loud guitars – behind the pounding force of the music, there are intricate moments that showcase their musicianship and diverse influences – such examples can be found on “You’ll Find Me In Da Club (and to be perfectly frank, I’m having a cracking time!)” and “Bang Tidy”. Here, Fat Goth effortlessly blend moments of off-kilter instrumental perfection with snarling vocals and balls out rock – imagine what Don Caballero would sound like if they joined forces with the Melvins. The entire album is a masterclass in modern day underground rock, delivering some seriously brilliant songs whilst keeping their tongues placed firmly against their cheeks.Originally conceived in 2007, the band started life with drummer Mark Keiller, guitarist/vocalist Fraser Stewart and their old school friend Allan Mitchell on bass. After releasing their debut album Mindless Crap in 2010 followed by their EP DOLPHINS!!!!!!!!!!!!! and single Willy Wonka And The Charlie Factory, Mitchell left the band and was swiftly replaced by Kevin Black of Dundee underground post-rock greats Laeto. ‘Stud’ is the fruit of the band’s collective labour.Having played with Chemikal Underground’s Holy Mountain, Japanese noise band Tacobonds, Sub Pop’s Metz appearances at Go North and Wickerman and many a headline show, the band have steadily gained fans amongst their peers and local press, including BBC Radio 1 Scotland’s Vic Galloway.Stud was released via Hefty Dafty Records on 28th January 2013.

2012 was a busy year for Flutes with the release of their self-titled debut album. A flurry of online press ensued, which saw the band steadily build a loyal fanbase grabbing the attention of BBC Radio 1 Scotland,The Scottish Sun and, most recently, Clash Magazine, with Frightened Rabbit choosing their track ‘Auld Archie’ as a Track of the Day on the Clash website. With all this already under their collective belt, Flutes begin the year on a high and are pleased to announce the forthcoming release of their single Kilburn on the 8th April.A track named after Camden town’s lesser known yet arguably more ferocious neighbour, Kilburn in the words of lead singer Godfrey McFall is “a song is about poets / artists / thespians always tending to gravitate to that horrid combination of womanisers and substance abusers, and with those come the associated highs and lows. As a band we’ve all lived in Kilburn and it was fun (and mildly traumatising) to play with the imagery of Byron and Burns in a Kilburn boozer trying to have it off with the local ladies, then hating themselves for it in the morning”.Forming on the windswept coast of Fife, the eight year musical story of the four-piece features a church hall in Oxford, corporate espionage, recording in sheds and industrial estates, the M6, an old white minibus, far too many London gigs circa 2007/08, grizzly old men, a BBC sound technician with a fetish for vintage microphones, big belly laughs, and a Scottish football stadium.Last year the band spent two weeks in a static caravan on the outskirts of Glasgow travelling to and fromChem19 Studios where they recorded their debut record. With the album produced and mixed by Jamie Savage (of Olympic Swimmers) in Blantyre and mastering coming from Iain Cook of rising Chvrches fame, the album received praise from all corners of the press and radio with BBC Radio One’s Ally McCrae simply hailing it as “Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant!” and BBC Radio 1 Scotland’s Vic Galloway featuring the band in his top Bands To Look Out For In 2013: “Their debut came late in 2012 but was a delightful surprise – one of my picks for 2013.” Amazing Radio’s Jim Gellatly placed Flutes alongside Chvrches as his Ones to Watch 2013saying “it won’t be long before everyone’s calling them the next Frightened Rabbit”.Not only did support come in from Radio One but Tom Robinson of BBC 6Music made himself known to be one of Flutes’ supporters: “What do you get if you mix jazz, post punk, gothic and rock? A strange cocktail. But then add deep choruses and a progressive hypnotic melody and the result is brilliant”. With comparisons ranging from The Twilight Sad, British Sea Power, The National and Echo & the Bunnymen, Kilburn and supporting b-side, a cover of Haddaway’s “What Is Love”, will see Flutes return with their imposing yet spacious sound.After Kilburn, Flutes plan to release a limited edition EP with the working title Lost in The Sand. The EP will include lost demos, live recordings, remixes and at least one as yet unheard recording. It will be supported by a video by Glow Films as well as other live dates.

Alt-folk sextet – Woodenbox release their second album End Game on 27th May 2013 via Olive Grove. Working alongside acclaimed producer Paul Savage (Chem19 Studios), Woodenbox are building upon the success of their debut Home and the Wildhunt with their wild, vivid and moving unique brand of folk. 
End Game demonstrates a perfect juxtaposition that runs rife within Woodenbox, making it both bold and beguiling. “The album was created as a unit falling apart but looking to stay together,” says lead vocalist Ali. “We believe so much in the music we are making and it is the first album we have written collaboratively.” Forthcoming single Courage is graceful and welcomes influences from heroes such as Scott Walker and Dennis Wilson, whilst “Roll For Me” displays the band’s melodic quirks and intricacies sharing modern, akin to the The Felice Brothers. Nick Dudman (vocals, drums) and Ali Downer (vocals, guitar, piano) met in 2004, the pair played relentlessly around Glasgow under various guises before settling under the guise of Woodenbox with a Fistful of Fivers. Ali then met Jordan Croan (vocals, guitar) and Fraser McKirdy (bass) at STOW College, which saw the group bonding through their love of music. Rather than go to classes the band recorded their debut album Home and the Wild Hunt, which is probably a good thing since Uncut and The Skinny praised the album’s refreshing alt folk sound. Citing Scott Walker’s Scott Sings Jacq as a major influence on the band, Ali explained “we want to create music that has a story behind it and is not only timeless, but is bold in its creativity and instrumentation.” Philip Cardwell, Chuck Dearness and Sam Evans joined the group later adding the horn section giving their sound real depth.Having played to inspiring crowds at Belladrum, Rockness, Wickerman and T in the Park, Woodenbox have established themselves as incredible live performers. The band have toured the US extensively, including a highly successful appearance at SxSW in 2012. Now Woodenbox are ready to win over new hearts with End Game and bring their refreshing sound back again to the scene. “Roll For Me” will be released as a free download on 18th March followed by the official single Courage on 22nd April and the album End Game on 27th May.

Kayce One and Toni Smoke are a rapper producer duo from glasgow.Active for a few years and already at the top of their scene in the country.Supported by BBC radio one with plays and a live session after their first album alphabetics which is available for free download via bandcamp.They are releasing their second album “100th monkey” already tipped tô be one of the Scottish hip hop releases of the year. Catch them at the wickerman and more festivals to be announced soon.Big bass smooth hip hop and good atmosphere. If your new to hip hop from Scotland, you will be surprised.

The emcee of Edinburgh six-piece Stanley Odd whose word craft is awesomely eloquent, densely patterned yet unerringly incisive with a mix of searing anger, subversive humour, and sharp-eyed observation

Machines in Heaven began in August 2010 when songwriter Graham Crossan (previously The Great I Am), who recorded with Miaoux Miaoux and Sam Smith of Green Door Studio/Casual Sex/Mother & The Addicts) was introduced to producer Magic Daddy, aka Greg Hurst (Optimo, Stuff, Oscarr) by manager Clair Crawford (Miaoux Miaoux). Magic Daddy’s production led Machines In Heaven away from The Great I Am’s previous lo fi aesthetic and short songs, and towards something more epic and multilayered. Producer Scientific Support Dept. aka Brian Docherty (Creeping Bent, Shirley Manson, Malcolm Middleton, Emma Pollock) also came onboard later, and, once a short set of songs was ready, gig offers quickly came in (including headlining at Glasgow’s ‘Pin-Up Nights’ on their third ever gig, in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd with members of The Twilight Sad DJing afterwards). At this stage of their development, MiH had already had two of their tracks (‘Le Quark’ & ‘Mumbo Jingo’) played on BBC Radio 1′s ‘Introducing’ show, and had gained an ever increasing enthusiastic following plus support from various bloggers, journalists, DJs, and other musicians. After taking time away from gigging to work on a new live set, and having recruited Robbi Pinkerton (How Garbo Died, Julian The Apostate) and Davey Gwynne (Blood Blood, Adult Emergency) into the band, MiH agreed to release with BLM. The band have returned to gigging, kicking of to a tremendous start at King Tuts New Year’s revolution. With numerous shows lined up, MIH are planning to release their debut album in May, then onto tour the continent in summer. Press ‘Deserves your attention, amazing!’ Ally McCrae – BBC Radio 1. ‘Ones To Watch’ 2013 – Vic Galloway, BBC Radio Scotland. ‘Beeps, bliss & trippy elements combined in multi-layered skill.’ Elaine O’ Connor – writer for ‘DiS’. ‘Their set was like a journey along the interstellar expressway littered with euphoric beats along the way’ Scottish Fiction. ‘Machines in Heaven on a roll’ – Radar Scotsman’’it’s not hard to see the four-piece following the likes of Chvrches in breaking out of the Glasgow electro-pop’ ‘Ravechild’‘One of the best new bands to come out of Glasgow ever’ Halina Rifai (Glasgow Podcart & Art Rocker)

Siobhan Wilson presents her new EP, Glorified Demons. This independent release showcases a unique and accomplished talent with a remarkable sense of beauty. It was recorded in the bedroom of Gordon Skene (Frightened Rabbit, The Moth and the Mirror), who produced and plays on the record. Glorified Demons showcases songs that are true to their own taste and passion.Siobhan’s story begins in Scotland, whilst studying classical music at school by day and prying apart her father’s record collection by night. The likes of Joni Mitchell, John Martyn and Nina Simone informed her inquisitive young ears, and the likes of Regina Spektor and Madeline Peyroux inspired the music you can hear today. A well travelled and manifold artist, she has led a musical life in various places: In France, where she relinquished the classical world for a burgeoning interest in jazz, immersing herself in the music of Thelonious Monk and Ella Fitzgerald, and the United States, where she recorded her first record in the musically fertile ground of Woodstock. Later basing herself in Glasgow where she established herself as a much sought after independent artist, Siobhan continued to display and develop her craft before mesmerised audiences throughout the country, whom the Scottish media described as “falling under her charm.” As well as supporting such established names as Friendly Fires, Benjamin Biolay and Ben E. King, Siobhan quickly became a much-loved pillar of the flourishing Glasgow music scene as well as playing to audiences throughout the UK. Charming, engaging and at times unsettlingly perfect, Glorified Demons contains the kinds of songs the listener feels they should have heard before, but haven’t; confessional, poetic lyrics, coupled with Siobhan’s quietly fulfilling, yet self-assured, voice, embrace poised compositions that harmonise with the rich, textured themes of love and longing with heartfelt emotion and descriptive virtuosity. ‘All Dressed Up Tonight’ is a catchy, guitar-based song with a homemade charm about it and single potential, whereas ‘Car Crash Two’ is stirring, modern, touching and musically rich. The depth of Siobhan’s jazz and classical background is in evidence throughout, but none more so than during ‘Ta Petite Minette,’ an uncompromising song that brings together the delicate beauty of her craft and the intriguing beast of her subject matter. However, describing Glorified Demons feels like picking apart the jewels of a Faberge egg. Siobhan Wilson is an artist best experienced in all her beauty and intrigue, where each precious vocal technique or beautifully haunting song can be seen catching the lights of the stage together, creating a sensual ensemble of colours that any audience would be blessed to see.

Bear Arms are a 4-piece Alternative/Post Hardcore band based in Glasgow, Scotland. The band draws influences from many artists such as Thrice, Deftones, Alexisonfire and The Xcerts to name a few. Bear Arms played their first gig in February 2011 and things have been very fast paced for the band ever since. Some of the band’s highlights so far include;• Having their single ‘Cities’ played by Radio 1 Dj Ally McCrae • Having their track ‘The Apple and the Tree used in an online Lynx advert which racked up thousands of views• Supporting Funeral For a Friend at the QMU, Glasgow, in May of last yearWith 2 ep’s under their belt, released through Glasgow Indie label; Struggletown Records, the band are set to record their debut album later this year and will be embarking on a full UK tour in support of it.

BTOB is the wonderful guise of Glasgow-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Raindeer MacFarlane. At his most upbeat, Raindeer blends fuzz guitar pop with trumpet freak-outs, while his honest, witty lyrics bring a warm, wondering sense to it all.Raindeer MacFarlane honed his talent in the kaleidoscopic Mitchell Museum – a band whose intricatepop songs have wowed UK audiences with their energy and charm. Through years of restlessexperimentation with home recording, megaphones, Spanish guitars, typewriters and trumpets,Raindeer has now emerged with a new album of singular and uncompromising beauty in Some Kindof Dark (coming in 2013 on Gargleblast Records, release date TBC).

Although Fake Major’s list of band members is only two names strong, their music sounds like anything but the work of a four-armed singer songwriter.Since launching their new band in February of this year, Richard Ferguson and David McGinty have been touring around the country as two piece presenting their songwriting in its most instinctive form.They have now drafted in some additional limbs to help create a live sound similar to the full band arrangements heard on their first EP, Have Plenty of Fun. After a good few months spent with only enough gear and bodies to fit in a family car, the band are looking forward to playing with other people again and making a bigger noise.

Young Philadelphia are a twin-headed monstrosity fashioned from the arms and legs of two Glaswegian brothers, Jason and Graham Costello. Officially formed in late 2010, their ongoing guitar vs. drums argument takes cues from a wide variety of (mostly noisy) inspirational sources. 2012 saw them releasing debut EP ‘RESI’, a tour de force of droning electric and percussive instrumentation, and soundtrack to the impending nuclear apocalypse.

Vasa are a 4-piece instrumental rock band from Glasgow. Merging the ambience and crushing crescendos of post rock with the finger tapping and time changes of math rock, Vasa have been making noise all over Scotland since January 2012. Their first full year together has seen them hone their craft on stages across Scotland, receive radio play on BBC Radio 1 and Radio Scotland as well as sharing stages with Maybeshewill, Brontide and Mutiny on the Bounty, culminating in the release of their debut EP ‘Never Have Dreams’ on Overlook Records. Download/Stream Never Have Dreams here: http://overlookrecords.bandcamp.com/album/vasa-never-have-dreamsBuy a physical copy here: http://overlookrecords.bigcartel.com/product/vasa-never-have-dreamsPress:” ‘Never Have Dreams’ is a masterpiece of elegance and sovereignty. The emotional extremes are abundant and wading through them is one of the most triumphant listening pleasures I have had all year. My EP of 2012 “-Glasgow PodcARTVasa are leagues ahead of the casual post-rock band. They do what they do, and they do it well. They could run shoulder to shoulder with the genre giants any day of the week.-One Beat”Creators of some seriously sublime post-rock”- GoldFlakePaint

Glasgow’s Honeyblood consists of babes, Stina Tweeddale from Edinburgh on guitar and New-Zealand born Rah Morriss on drums. The duo’s sound has beendescribed as slacker-grunge-garage-rock but the two prefer their self professed, “crunch-pop”. The band, although still in its infancy, has tumbled gracefully into the heart of Glasgows music scene, playing a number of headlining shows including King Tuts and a Vice Issue Launch Party. They have also supported noise pop duo, Sleigh Bells and lofi-ladies, Deap Valley.

he Recovery! formed out of the ashes of various bands that split up. Several failed relationships ended up in nights of alcohol fuelled debauchery in a cold dingy flat in Glasgow’s West End. The five members met just at the right time sharing experiences from hurling guitars out of smashed windows to crying tears of sheer desperation through shared experiences of love and loss. Beanzy the guitarist jokingly mentioned that they should call their new musical endeavour The Recovery! And that’s exactly what the band came to be – a musical vessel for each band member’s recovery from the depths of despair.The band self-released first E.P ‘This Ones For The Lovers’ and more recently the released a single titled ‘Vulture Club’ which propelled them towards playing to packed audiences around Scotland and more recently performing as main support to Cancer Bats at Slam Dunk Festival Scotland. They have also had the pleasure of playing a live session for Ally MaCrae on BBC Radio 1 along with various other airplay and critical positivity.The Recovery! are now developing at a rapid speed so much so that you can now see there video for their new single “The Faint & Fragile” on MTV Rocks, Kerrang! TV and Scuzz TV as well as being played on various shows on Kerrang! Radio, Radio 1 Rock Show and XFM. The band were also tipped in Kerrang! Magazine as a band to get excited about and watch out for in 2013 and also featured in magazines such as Rocksound, Front and Kerrang! as well as various national newspapers.2013 is going to be a very exciting year for The Recovery! the new E.P “Where Ever Nowhere Takes Us” was released on 11/02/2013 and with festivals and tours already confirmed you will be seeing the band pop up when you least expect it and in return will blow your mind with their energetic live performance.

It’s 2013. We’re in Glasgow. A new band has formed called RUNGS.There are five men involved. Five men that have all previously been men in otherbands: most notably Take A Worm For A Walk Week, Project Venhell and LapsusLinguae.Some of the music that RUNGS make might remind you of those bands…maybe /maybe not… I don’t know.It’s not that important what they did before, this is what they do now.They recorded their first EP, delicately titled ‘I Don’t Wanna Hug! I Just WannaCum!’ before they had ever practiced together and have just completed their debutalbum.You can hear the EP and download it for free here:http://rungs.bandcamp.comYou’ll notice that the music is pretty noisy, that’s a fact. One of the songs is about thecharismatic Michael Hutchence.

Originally an experiment to attempt to put a band together and record an EP in the space of a week (at Glasgow’s all analogue Green Door Studios) Saint Max and the Fanatics have already started to burn an inimitably unique mark on the Scottish music scene. Mere months after the formation and recording of “Saint Max and the Fanatics” – their debut EP – the band won support from luminaries including Steve Lamacq (who championed their self-released debut), Jim Gellatly and Vic Galloway (who included the band on his list of 25 bands for 2013). At the age of just 17, Dumfries and Galloway-based Max Syed-Tollan formed the band in June 2012 to record an EP of original songs. The band had never played together before: what resulted has been described as “frighteningly good” (Kowalskiy) and “a must listen” (Peenko). Fusing elements of indie pop, post-punk and ska their sound is simultaneously nostalgic and contemporary; familiar and new. The Fanatics create the storm – at the centre of which stands Saint Max – with trumpet and trombone courting angular guitar, underpinned by an airtight rhythm section. Since these most unusual of beginnings, Saint Max and the Fanatics have continued to carve a peculiar and immediately recognisable niche for themselves. Performing early gigs in a 14th century castle at a masked ball (organised by the Eden Festival) and a medieval fort (at Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival) this brand of “ADHD-Pop” (Cry Parrot) is as surreal as it is accessible. This was demonstrated when the band performed live on BBC Radio Scotland as Vic Galloway’s debut BBC Introducing session band in February 2013 – performing two of their own songs alongside a reimagined cover of Boney M’s “Ra Ra Rasputin”. Vic Galloway described this session as “phenomenal”. With a debut album on the way, to be released on Glasgow’s Armellodie Records, in under a year Saint Max and the Fanatics have begun to demand the attention of critics and crowds alike – it would be best to take heed now.