Camera Club

So Camera Club are another of those bands that have seemingly popped up from nowhere and are instantly making big stirrings in the industry. Fan favourites in Liverpool, Camera Club put on an amazing live show and team their live energy with catchy hooks and brilliant musicianship which is of course the perfect combination! Currently, Camera Club (formerly My Auntie Sam) are gigging like crazy all over the place and with a debut EP being released in a very short space of time, they're definately someone to keep a watch for! We recently caught up with camera club...

ok guys, so lets start with the name; "camera club". It's a pretty different (in a good way) name; any meaning etc. behind it?
- haha yeh, a good friends father of ours goes to a "Camera Club" and we imagined it to be this really weird meeting hosted in a different members house each week and they would all eat biscuits and drink tea and share pictures... we basically just had a brilliant time laughing about it and thought "Lets call our band that"... it was probably funnier at the time.

For anybody reading who hasn't yet heard/seen you guys, how would you describe your sound and live show?
We aim our sound at straying away from the word "jangly"... its a horrible word we are terrified of being labelled as. Our live shows are as epic and as boystrous as our bodys will let them be.

You guys have some pretty big gigs coming up! Supports with Deaf School and Twin Atlantic, how does it feel to be really getting somewhere on the scene?
Erm... its nice.... its great to know bands like those are happy for you to support them. We are big fans of Twin Atlantic.

Here's a boring question; who would you say your influences are?

The people who dont (and didnt) think we could go far, and our parents.

At the moment the scene seems to be saturated with bands that remain pretty unknown; to what do you attribute your steady rise in popularity?
We try not to be too endulgent in our songwriting and aim to please in our live performances.

If you had the choice to play alongside any other band (alive or dead etc. etc.) who would it be? and why?
tough one... Enter Shikari for the chaos and The Beatles maybe?

Do you guys have any specific goals for the remainder of this year?

Hopefully keep growing, keep writing and meet a few more hilarious characters on the way

And finally, which bands do you think we should look out for over the coming year?
- Sound of Guns and Twin Atlantic (if theyre not already global megastars by then)

Cheers lads!

Be sure to check out camera club at MySpace

Shadows Chasing Ghosts Interview!!!

Its been an amazing journey for Shadows Chasing Ghosts, one that has now taken them to the other side of the world having just kicked of their first tour of Australia. Since forming in 2007 the bands constant tour schedule has seen them share the stage with bands like Finch and Flood of Red. They were recently signed by Small Town Records and released a limited edition single titled 'searchlights', we managed to pin down Danny from SCG and ask him a few questions about the band.

TFS - Hey guys! First of all congratulations on your recent success in getting signed to ’Small Town Records’. Could you tell us how this came around?

Danny - Thanks lads! First of all, we are so happy to be working along side SmallTown, they have had, and have, some brilliant artists. We wanted to get a single out there and wanted to work with a well established label, so our manager approached Pete at ST with the idea and the rest is history!


TFS - Can you tell us how ‘Shadows Chasing Ghosts’ came to be? And did you ever imagine the success you would have?

Danny - A few of us used to play in bands and have grown up together so we have known each other for a while. We liked a similar style of music, and we decided we’d come together as a collective. Thinking about it, I never thought I’d be lucky enough to tour with a band that inspired me to do this – let alone actually be releasing a single.

TFS - The current music scene has not seen many new bands break through at the moment. What do you think is unique about (SCG) that has got you so much recognition over the past year?

Danny - I think its down to us being a hard working band that give our all at every show we play. We want to gain fans whenever we play, whether it be 5 or 50 in one night. They are the people that have got us where we are today.

TFS - You are heading back to the studio in November to record a new mini album for a 2010 release. Tell us a little bit about it and what fans can expect to hear? Any surprises?

Danny - Well we already have three tracks recorded from our last stint at Outhouse, and we’re aiming to keep writing along those lines. So make sure you get a copy of the Searchlights single, and you’ll have an idea of what’s coming next! There might a few surprises in store, we’re got a few ideas!

TFS - It looks like 2009/2010 is going to be a big year for Shadows with shows in India, Austria, Belgium and Australia (Big Exo Day). Do you think your kind of sound/style is now becoming more popular over seas?


Danny - Yeah we have a nice busy year planned, nothing beats being on the road. I think the kind of music we are playing is being appreciated by different types of people over seas now. I mean Belgium is renowned for its hardcore scene, so we weren’t sure how the crowds would react to us. But they really got down with us at the shows and it was such a good time – we always look forward to Belgium.




TFS - You have played alongside bands such as Flood of Red, music giants Finch and soon Reliant K (Big Exo day) how does it feel that you are now producing such a high calibre of songs that you are getting these chances? Are there any bands out there that you would be stoked to play alongside and would make you think ‘yeah we‘re going somewhere‘?

Danny - It’s awesome to be given the opportunity to play with bands that we have listened to for years. It makes us feel proud that we are making music good enough that people consider it worthy to go alongside these bands.

As for the second part, there are so many out there that are really challenging for it at the moment. I think Bring Me the Horizon and A Day to Remember are a pretty good yard stick for success at the moment, plus we’re all pretty big fans. There’s a lot of ways to answer this one, but to tell you the truth we’re just happy to be getting the chances we’re getting, every new opportunity we get is a win for us!

TFS - What bands have inspired you and helped create SCG’s unique sound?

Danny - We all listen to so many different types of music; so I guess that’s what has given us a diverse approach to what we’re doing.

Bands like Finch, Saosin, Thrice, Alexisonfire would seem like the obvious influences. But there’s a whole bunch of weird ass stuff that we listen to and it all contributes in one way or another! We caught Damian with the Metro Station album on his laptop while we were in the studio and I’m sure there’s a lot worse than that elsewhere!!

TFS - You guys are on your way up in the music industry, what advice could you offer young bands that look at you guys and want to be in your position and head where you are?

Danny - First of all, write your songs and practice until you can play them perfectly before you think about playing a show, get some on record to sell too! Then surround yourself with people who believe in you and the band as much as you do yourself and you’ve got a pretty good start! Most importantly, have fun, work hard at it and play ‘til you bleed at every show.

TFS - Finally, what bands do you know of at the moment that you can see climbing the ladder to success?

Danny - There’s a few great upcoming bands out there from the UK and overseas. Watch out for our buddies Yashin and Her Concept!

Check out our friends Shadows Chasing Ghosts at their myspace http://www.myspace.com/shadowschasingghosts

Me Vs Hero!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hailing from Northwestern parts of England, Me Vs Hero are one of the most exciting pop punk bands around just now. Since forming in August 2007 the band have worked tirelessly getting their name and music heard around the country, and having just been featured in Kerrang it looks like the hard work is starting paying off. Its been another good year for the band so far, with their popularity always growing they continue to be one of the most promising bands in the UK right now. We caught up with Oli a couple of months ago to find out what makes Me Vs Hero so special.

TFS - So you guys have a very unique mix of styles; how would describe your sound?

Oli - I'd describe Me vs Hero as a pop punk band with influences in hardcore and metal. I guess we fit into the "pop-core" or "easy core" thing. I see it as a mix of everything we're all mainly into, pop-punk stuff like New Found Glory, Set Your Goals, Hit The Lights, The Starting Line etc. The usual suspects. Then a few of us are really into stuff like As Blood Runs Black, August Burns Red etc. and then some of us listen to alot of hardcore like Champion, Casey Jones, Gorilla Biscuits, The Steal, Our Time Down Here etc. More and more bands are combining the whole pop-punk with beatdowns and gang vocals thing at the moment, its super super exciting to hear alot of rad bands coming out!

TFS - And on the 21st of this month you guys have a showcase gig; what should fans expectfrom this gig/your live performance in general?

Oli - TOTAL CARNAGE!!!! Haha!!! Just a real good time for everyone that's up for it. There's nothing more fun than writing songs, going out and playing them and having people react in a positive way to it. We try to have as much fun as possible on stage and get everyone into it so if you want to come down and have a good laugh then get on it! It's at The Roadhouse in Manchester and doors are nice and early at 6PM with a 9PM curfew for all you 9-5ers! Please try and make it to check out all the bands, Rumour Has It are main support, they're from Stoke and they're getting a good following around their hometown so check them out!!

TFS - Your band name is really something fresh and original (especially around the currentsea of "the" names at the moment); is therea story at all behind the name?

Oli - It was actually Alex (Tragically Alex passed away around a year ago, to read more about Alex visit Me Vs Hero's blog here) that came up with the name. The story is that when Sam and Alex's old band broke up Sam started writing stuff that eventually became Spice Weasel and Hand Me The Keys To The Massey. Alex wanted in on the band and had been listening to Walls Of Jericho. He mistook some of the lyrics and thought they said "IT'S ME VS HERO!!!!". I forget what the lyrics actually say but either way Sam and Alex were stoked on it, got me and Mike on board (we were still at uni in London at the time, me studying music performance, Mike studying law) and went from there!! Pook came into the picture about 9 months or so later when we decided Sam should just sing and not play guitar at the same time!!

TFS - You've recently spent some time recording up in wales; how did this go?

Oli - It has literally been amazing. Romesh (of Longwave Studios) is the man. He knew exactly what we were going for and pitched in on ideas that were literally 100% spot on. I think the songs still sound like us (beatdowns, gang vox etc), but they're alot tidier, more refined if you will. We just got the mixes back today and we're so so happy with how they've turned out. Seriously if any bands read this, hit up Romesh, he is so so good!!!

TFS - And was this recording for any specific future releases?

Oli - Well we're unsigned at the moment, so we're just working on getting material that we're really happy with at the moment and ramming it down as many peoples ears (in the nicest, most polite was possible of course!!!) as we can. We've got some awesome shows coming up in the next couple of months that we are literally so happy to be a part of. We're just going to keep moving forward as much as possible and getting the word out to as many people who will give us the time of day as we can!!!



TFS - Do you guys have any goals for the summer? Looking to visit/play many festivals?

Oli - Our goals for the Summer are to do nothing but go to work and keep pushing this band as much as possible. We've got a slot at Sonisphere Festival on August 1st. Words cannot describe how psyched we are to be playing this show. We're normally the guys on the other side of the barriers!!! We're also playing The Ataris' two UK dates. How we have ended up sharing the stage with a band that we literally grew up listening to is beyond me, to be honest I think i'll be completely star struck, but it's going to be super fun for definite!!!

TFS - And finally; which bands (other than yourselves of course!) do you think aredestined for big things this year?

Oli - Good question! Summerlin are getting alot of attention on Myspace at the moment, and quite rightly so. Check them out if you've not heard of them. Nice sugary pop punk from the North East with amazing choruses. Definitely ones to look out for. I'm also completely in love with a Southampton band called Our Time Down Here at the moment. They just finished recording a full-length that is going to come out on Banquet I believe. I cannot wait to hear it, just real fast hardcore done so so well.I've just realised they're both UK bands ha! Fireworks are blowing up in the States at the moment and are getting some real real good tours at the moment and they've put out a full length on Triple Crown Records that i'm completely in love with. They just write fantastic pop-punk songs. I am sitting patiently for a UK tour so I can go watch them!!

Thanks alot for asking these questions, it's been awesome answering them!!!

These guys are really awsome, if you havent already then go check them out at their myspace www.myspace.com/mevshero

Twin Atlantic.

Twin Atlantic are fucking magnificent; they're currently on the edge of becoming absolutely huge in the rock world and they deserve it too! With songs as catchy, imaginative and well crafted as these it would be an absolute tragedy if they didn't!

These guys hail from Glasgow and have been hard at work since March 2007 and in this time have grown at an exceptionable rate allowing them to release a debut EP and single in under a years time and landed them support slots with some of the biggest names today including Smashing Pumpkins and Biffy Clyro.

Late March this year the guys went into the studio in LA to begin work on their debut mini-album and this has spawned the single Light Speed. (which is being released TOMOROW! (get a copy...fuck knows I will be! It's FREE!)) The album is slated for release September 2009! If you haven't already heard of TwinAtlantic (How haven't you already heard of them?! Then read this interview right here with drummer, Craig and then get right to their myspace to be blown away (...in a good way)...

So guys, before we start, how would you describe Twin Atlantic's sound for any people that have somehow not heard you guys yet!
I'd say its a mixture of danger and suspense, mixed in with some slapstick set pieces. Like the movie 'In Bruge'. Or... rock music with poppy bits and heavy bits. And Scottish vocals.

And how would you describe one of Twin Atlantics live shows?
Explosive. We try to put everything into our live show like we're playing in front of a million people, or maybe someone really important like a king. And if we aren't good enough we get fed to the lions. That's why we frequently get hurt and there has been quite a few instances of hurt crowd members and guitars to the face. And a whole lot of sweat.

You recently travelled to LA to start recording your debut record with John Travis, how was this experience?
It was pretty surreal, and it all happened so fast. We went over to play SXSW in Austin, Texas and two days before we left the recording session in LA with John got confirmed. So after playing the festival we drove for three days across desert to reach the mental capital of the world, Los Angeles. It was strange settling in at first, but John instantly got our music and helped graft our songs into ones we went from liking to loving. The recording experience was great, we all tracked live together which I loved. And we ate more mexican food then any group of men ever should. Unless you are Mexican of course. At times it was grueling and pretty intense, but we've come home with a record we're intensely proud of.

And what can fans expect from this record?
I think its definitely a progression from the songs people have heard before. The hooks are bigger but not as obvious, its rawer but more mature at the same time. There are some of the most intricate parts we've ever worked on, and some of the most straightforward. I think most of all, it sounds a lot more grown-up, like a band who've been playing with each other every day for the last two years.

How can fans get one of these albums? Will it be available on iTunes?
The album will be available late summer/early autumn, unless something terrible happens. Like a swine flu epidemic and they close all the shops, and the internet closes down as well because people are freaking out. A track from it, 'Light Speed' is available as a free download from the 29th of June. We think its pretty tasty.

How was it playing gigs over in the US?
The SXSW shows were amazing, especially the Scottish Showcase and our final show on Maggie Mays rooftop. We played a festival called Bamboozle on a stage that was literally behind a toilet - in front of around 50 confused emo kids in bright clothing and 10 people who actually cared. We also played the Viper Room where the actor River Phoenix had a little bit too much of a good thing and called it a day on its doorstep, and handsome Johnny Depp used to own it! That was quite surreal aswell, as we were unveiled from behind a silk curtain and then just had to start playing.

What are your plans for the rest of the year as a band? Any specific goals?
Well, we're playing a few festivals over the summer, and then we want to be on the road from September til the end of the year, if not longer. We want everyone to hear these new songs, so we want to give them as much opportunity as possible. The plan is for you to get really sick of hearing our name by Christmas.

And finally, what bands (apart from yourselves of course!) do you think we should expect big things from in the future?
I'm quite out of touch with music right now, but our friends Flood of Red have just recorded their album and its really special. Also, our good friends The Xcerts deserve to be huge, and a couple of bands from Glasgow called Arca Felix and Bronto Skylift demand your attention.

Thanks a lot Craig!

As a side note, this guy is bloody lovely! So helpful...along the same lines as DireWolfe were (I love helpful bands)

So check out Twin Atlantic!

Myspace

Invader - Top 10

So Invaders new show, Top 10, opened yesterday (June 27th) at the Jonathan Levine Gallery opening and to promote it he released a video of himself creating two pieces in the style he calls "RubikCubism".

Absolutely fucking awesome.

TOP 10

You can check out Invader at www.space-invaders.com

You and What Army

You and What Army are one of the most creative bands in the entire country right now! Their style can be described as anything from rock to rave to rap and absolutely everything in between!

A show from these guys is something that's gotta be seen to be believed. Long haired labcoat wearing front man Dave flys about the stage mixing screams with raps and singing whilst chisseled jawed guitarist kieran backs up Dave's singing with pitch perfect harmonies and technical guitar rhythms. Bassist Jamie keeps the songs constantly moving with huge dancey basslines played tight as a tourniquet and drummer Zak knocks fuck out of the drums producing tight complex beats lifting the songs to a whole new level. All of this combined with the elements of an underground rave produce a mind blowing experience.

You and What Army are constantly gigging around the country and are about to release a debut EP on the 5th of June (with a launch party at the little civic in Wolverhampton - anyone nearby be sure to check this out!) which is guaranteed to be awesome! Be sure to check out YAWA at your first oppurtunity and buy this EP to give your ears a delightful little treat.

We caught up with You and What Army Recently...

So for any of our readers that are yet to hear you guys, how would you describe your sound?

Our sound it very unique. No one out there are doing it at the moment, people try to say we're this and we're copying that but when people actually come to a live show, they actually say they've never seen anything like it. Our influences are all over the place and it's hard to put a genre or who we're like tag on it. Think maybe Shikari, Linkin' Park, Prodigy? Who knows?

You have an upcoming EP released the 5th of June; what can we expect from this record and how can fans get a copy?

Our EP has three new recordings and fully produced old songs; Starcadia, Supernova and I am the Navigator. Along with three brand spanking new songs; At Lightspeed, Space & Time and 25,200 degrees. You can buy from iTunes, Spotify, Napster etc.. Plus live shows and on our myspace has details where to get the physical copy from.

Out of sheer boredom lately i've been throwing in one question that i find in an old smash hits interview, so here's yours!..So guys! Should we be keeping our eyes peeled for a YAWA movie?

A YAWA movie... LOL! We haven't even made a music video before so a movie would have to get in line, however if we did it'll be crazy to plot, make and watch!

What should our readers expect from your live show?

At our live shows you'll need the following; First Aider, First Aider for First Aider #1 and a power energy pack! We are no stop moving, running, jumping, climbing, raving, rocking band. We don't stand still and try to look cool... we do what we want, when we want. You expect Dave running around and jumping off the biggest thing he can climb whilst dragging you up if your sitting down and getting you moving, Kieren standing on Jamie bass lead and causing that to stop working... Kieren running into the audience and Zak at the back trying to break whatever he's hitting with his drum sticks. Whilst Lasers, Glow Sticks, Strobes and Day Glow have exploded everywhere!

What are your goals for the rest of this year?

For the rest of the year we're planning on touring at some point. Selling as many copies of singles and ep's to get noticed more by the industry and for some label to put money into us so we can do more of the above. Get in magazines more and conquer the music world!

And finally, which bands (other than yourselves of course!) do you think we will be seeing big things from in the near future?

You should definitely check out 'Kyra' based in Kendal/Barrow-In-Furness... 'Daywalkers' based in Manchester and Indie band from Wolverhampton called 'Your Biggest Fanclub' which have something different going on especially their live shows for an indie band.

Thanks guys!

To listen to YAWA or to purchase an EP or various other merch visit their...

Myspace

or

Street Team

I just realised I didn't put a picture of Jamie in and I feel bad so...

Here he is, ladies

Dire Wolfe

Dire Wolfe are my new addiction; I absolutely love them! Their songs are catchy as fuck; imaginative, creative and well put together.

They're a new addition to the scene (when i typed scene into google for a picture all that came up was pictures of emo kids hahahaha) but already it's clear that these guys are gonna go far! They have a fresh image and music to back it up and with a debut EP soon to be released there is no reason at all why they shouldn't be huge in no time at all!

-

So, basic question to start! How would you describe your musical style for people yet to hear the band?

Because of the band members having different and similar tastes in certain musical styles its great because we really try to fit a mix of these genres in the music. I (Dan) tend to listen to quite alternative/experimental/indie music such as youthmovies, foals, jonquil, great eskimo hoax, cazals, born ruffians, Partick wolf etc. Joe tends to listen to some of the same, i think his favourite band at the moment are vampire weekend, but then he also listens to some crazy dub step, reggae shit. Then John and Tarek have a lot heavier influences such as at the drive in, mars volta, biffy clyro and cursive. So all of these really do get thrown into the pot.So simply id say our music has a pop and rock framework that experiments with time signatures, sounds and beats with very catchy hooks and heavy epic bridges.

And how exactly did the band get started? What are the roots of the band?

Well, I (still Dan) was performing an Interpol cover at an acoustic night at the start of university and Tarek approached me with his snazzy business card and wanted to record me. The next sunny day we met up outside the studio and he brought joe with him. After running through the song a few times, we thought it could have more added to it so Tarek and Joe offered to play drums and guitar. The finished product was our track come home, and after great feedback and vibes from it we decided that we would give the band ago. At first we did have a different bassist who also approached me at the acoustic night but he then shortly left after striking a management deal with his other band, and then came John with his shorts and hoody in all his grimsby glory.

Is there any story behind the band name at all?

Band names are always a difficult, and there were some very dodgy suggestions being thrown around. So i thought id ask my sister for some ideas, and she just shrugged her shoulders and said type mythical creatures into google, up came Dire Wolf, a mythical wolf that roams america. Then we just stuck and e on the end and hey presto!

Why should our readers come see you live?

I was reading a clash interview with joe strummer and he said how their live gigs banished the line between performer and watcher. This is what we try to do as well, bring ourselves down to the crowd level and get stuck in to it with them. We also mix up our songs live and dont play them exactly like they are recorded. We'll strip it down to the core and then build it up more and more which makes it pretty special for the crowd.

-

Keeping up with the cheesy "Smash Hits" style questions: What CD is currently in your car stereo?

Dan - Best of the smiths
Joe - Orchestra super mazembe
John - Biffy Clyro - Blackened sky
Tarek - He's not here to ask and cant get hold of him so im going to have to make a guess and say either 'Cursive - the ugly organ', 'Mars Volta - De-loused in the Comatorium', or a beach boys compilation.

-

Here's a questions I'm asking everybody at the moment; what are your thoughts on the current state of the British music scene?

Its a bit shit isn't it? Because of this financial crisis we're in there isn't much we can do about it, a few years ago I would of been slagging off the major labels for being greedy but at the moment they are struggling to make money as much as the rest of us so I think everyone should get on with it and stop moaning. With regards to illegal downloading thats shit as well. I see all these torrents and downloading programs on the internet, but i really don't understand why the government or anyone just simply takes them away. They call it 'illegal' downloading so why the hell aren't they taking them off there?

And finally, old faithful! Which artists (other than yourselves!) do you see big things for in the future?

Im currently seeing a big wave of oxford bands with very experimental music that could really break the industry with their stuff, and id love to see them do it. Also, being at LIPA (liverpool institute of performing arts) you see alot of quality bands going on such as electric church foundation, dog with human skills, and ziroki. So id love to see them do well cause they all have great music.

Cheers lads! - Your welcome. (I left that in cause it's just so darn polite!)

So check out Dire Wolfe! Gigging up and down the country so you have no excuse!

Listen to them HERE

Tim William - Him After Her

So Tim William (Gym Glass Heros) has just released his album "HIM AFTER HER" which has been two years in the making. The good thing about it is he's released it for free online! Fucking awesome!

Get on it HERE

Summerlin

So summerlin are one of those bands that came from nowhere and just can't be stopped! From the very beggining they've had nothing but success and have amassed a huge group of dedicated fans!

They play that type of catchy as fuck pop punk that's absolutely perfect for this time of year; happy and light sounding perfect for listening to when you're bevvying at a BBQ.

Recently Summerlin went into the studio and recorded their debut EP, "So make your move", which is yet unreleased so you'll have to listen to their MySpace until then!

We recently caught up with Jake from Summerlin...

So, how about you start by describing your sound for anyone who's yet to hear you!

I'd describe us as catchy pop punk. Love songs you can dance too haha. We are just fun bouncy pop punk music.

For a band that is relatively new to the scene (less than a year?) your success just seems to be never ending! To what do you attribute such a success?

They are kind words so thank you. We just work hard and make sure we write really good songs that we love and that we think people will love. We had some amazing help off our drummers dad Ron Broad and we are extremely grateful.

And do you guys have any specific goals for the band in 2009?

Our next goal we have is the release of the e.p 'so make your move' and get that out there. After that i'd say just tour, tour, tour and write new music and continue just having a sweet time. We would love to hit up a sweet tour with bands such as all time low or you me at 6

Why should our readers come to see you live?

Becasue we just love to dance haha We try our hardest to put on a good energetic fun show. People will see us fall over, people will hear our wireless packs turn off, people will hear us try be funny and prance about onstage but its just fun. We love performing live and nothing beats that.

What has been your favourite moment as a part of Summerlin so far?

Possibly recording our first release 'so make your move' we worked so hard to get the songs as they are now and we are soo proud. We went through so much hassle and crap trying to find members in the begining that now it just seems so amazing to have an actual cd. Also a HUGE highlight was been featured on BBC radio 1 on the show 'switch' w/ Annie Mac and Nick Grimshaw, it was amazing!

Lately I've decided to slip in a cheesy question as much as possible, something you'd findin smash hits magazine so here is yours...What I think all the girls out there really want to know is are you guys all single?

We do all have girlfriends sorry to dissapoint except Ben he's the single one but i dont think any of them would care about Ben really hahaha

Ladies?

And finally, the question we're asking every band; which bands/artists (apart from yourselves)do you see big things happening for in the future?

Bands such as Me Vs Hero and Tonight is goodbye are all sweet.

Cheers lads!
Check out Summerlin HERE
And buy lots of their lovely merch HERE

Street Team

So finally the street team should be starting up again soon! We had a lot of problems with our printers but it seems in a few weeks we'll be ready to start sending packs out again!

These packs will include stickers, posters and flyers and then whatever else we've got in at the moment, that could be anything; badges, keyrings or whatever random shit is lying around.

Here's a picture I took with my phone (only thing i had at the time) of the first print of the stickers I got!

So if you want a FREE street team pack then send an email to TheFastSet@googlemail.com Saying "send me a street team pack!" and I'll get back to you as soon as I can!

This City - Slam Dunk festival

So ThisCity (interview HERE!) are hoping to play the slam dunk festival and because I love them so much I of course support them in this, so...

If you love TheFastSet or ThisCity or are just a plain fucking lovely person then send an email to:

slamdunk@thecockpit.co.uk

With the Subject as:

ThisCity - please can they play at Slam Dunk Festival?!

A perhaps a little thank you as the message if you're feeling a little saucy!

Go on, do it! Be a hero!

One love for Chi.

"Chi Cheng, bass player for the Deftones, is currently in a coma following an automobile accident in Santa Clara, CA. on November 4th, 2008. Chi is slowly making progress but he needs our help."

So Chi's been hurt pretty bad and this website has been started to help his mum cope with the medical bills. Up to now there have been 762 donations with the total currently at $33,009.42 and a target of $50,000.00 to be reached.

Donate here

This City.

This City are one of my favourite bands right now! Hailing from Brighton these lads just seem perfect for the scene right now with catchy as fuck songs, an imaginative and original rhythm section and live they are just so tight it's unbelievable.
Imagine a mix of at the drive in and Bloc Party with Johnny Whitney singing and you're still not even close to describing them! Best to catch them live (they seem to be constantly gigging so it will be easy to catch them somewhere) and to also buy their debut album as soon as it's released, which was recently recorded in that haven of music, Seattle.

We recently caught up with George of This City...

- So, before we start i think it's best if you could try explain your style of music to any of our readers yet to hear you!

between the 5 of us we like a lot of different types of music and hopefully that comes across in our music. Arran will put his discordant rhythm guitar against grant's more melodic lead parts, combined with a mix-up of rock and disco drum beats and punchy basslines. then the lead vocals try to create a unique intensity that is balanced by the melodic backing vocals. but we consider ourselves to be a fun band that gets played at a party and gets everyone dancing!

- And What can our readers expect from one of your live shows?

lots and lots of energy, playing live is why we do this. releasing records and making videos mean that we get to play live more, so you can expect to see us really enjoying ourselves and hopefully have a good time too!

- So it's pretty well known that you guys are into your tattoos big time and that this has quite a lot to play in the formation of the band; what's the story there?

arran and chris met at a tattoo convention, and i was asked to come along to a practise because i had the same tattooist, Woody from In2U in brighton. that really is as far as the story goes, our tattoos are more about our personalities than the fact we like tattoos - they're almost read like a catalogue of bands or films or artwork we liked when we had it done. so far grant and nick still have the original colour skin they were born with though.

- Currently the music scene in Britain seems a little unbalanced with a mix of shit bandsgetting all the breaks whereas a lot of the better bands are remaining a lot more underground.What are your thoughts on the state of the british music scene?

well it depends. i think a lot of bands are reaching the pinnacle of their career too early. bands are reaching a high before they're ready, and then can't produce decent 2nd album to take it further. where as a band that slowly makes their way to the top, or even just the middle, will have a career and will hold their own and keep their fanbase. however, as a musician myself it is hard to do it the latter way because you get to a stage where you need to be on the road all the time but need to also work to pay the bills, so a lot of the 'career' bands never really get the attention they deserve.

- You recently recorded your debut album in seattle; how was that experience?

amazing. just the culmination of everything we had worked for together since we started. this was us 5, making our debut album for a truly fantastic record label we had all grown up listening to, working with a producer who was in and worked with some of our favourite bands. in a city legendary for its musical history. if we broke up now, noone could take that away from us.but if you wanna know what it was like, it was fantastic. we we sleeping on the floor round the gear half the time, playing from the moment we woke up to well after our bed time, we got so bored in the day when we weren't doing our parts, we ate so much, we went out all the time... we're wading through the video footage at the moment, there's gonna be a making of video where you'll see it all!

- As of now where does the record stand? Any date of release planned yet or is it still a work in progress?

no specific date of release, just end of summer when all the festivals are done and dusted.

- Finally, which bands (other than yourselves of course) do you think we should expect big things from in the future?

this is an interesting one. i could go on forever about everyone! but i'll just name a few:Data Select Party - we've been going on about these guys for years, we're almost friendly rivals always doing the same things at the same time.Outcry Collective - just signed to visible noiseRig Up Explosive - our mates from up north, on small town records. they're gonna be hugeMy Emergency! - guys from liverpool who can write a melody and a halfJoey Nightmare - from chichester near us, just about to release their EP and a video that chris and i were in last weekChaos Days - Brighton Pop punk that Nick has been helping out since their drummer left them a couple of weeks ago.

Thanks a lot guys!

You can check out This City's myspace HERE

And their online blog HERE

Bompas and Parr.

So Bompas and Parr have just opened possibly the fucking coolest bar ever; Alcoholic Architecture. It's pretty much a room where you sit there and get bevvied from fumes, they pump in a cloud of breathable gin and tonic. It's stationed down at 2 Ganton Street in London but I'm not sure how much longer they'll keep it open (or if it even still is) so be quick.

So you can pay like a fiver or something to go in for an hour and breath this cloud of old lady themed insult to alcohol but on the plus side there are "giant limes and massive straws"...Fuck yes.



Check it out here

Buy tickets here

Gizmodo article here

Jerm IX

So recently(ish) Jerm IX from Vancouver pretty much just offered his body up to street artists; he gave out an open call via StencilRevolution and Flickr asking for submissions to be tattooed onto his body. The thing is, he actually went through with it and has been getting at least one sitting in per month and despite how fucking stupid it seems it does actually look pretty good! Some chillin' stuff up to now so check it out, watch it develop!

Check it out HERE

ScanAmerica - Police Scanner

This is something fucking awesome for anyone graffing in the US; free online police scanner. From the looks of it a lot of the states are covered pretty well so this is definately something you wanna take advantage of before you go out on a mission or what not.



ScanAmerica

Wall Street Riots

Here's a fucking cool band to check out; Wall Street Riots! (formerly Death Can Dance). Don't let the looks fool you, these guys are much more than just a pretty face! Behind these good looks they hide an amazing talent for making the type of tunes that will stick in your head for weeks...but you'll LOVE it!

Their style is pretty indescribable, to me it sounds like a bit of a dancey, punky, indie mix but even that would be pinning them down far too much! They're the type of band you wanna catch live to truly appreciate; they're a lively, entertaining and fucking awesome live act!

We caught up with Mike from Wall Street Riots recently...

Ok guys, before we start it would be great if you could try describe your musical style to us for any readers who haven't yet heard you!

Oh god, a short sharp melodic kick in the nuts! Its hard. i think everyone interprets music differently so if i say one thing others could think differently

So until fairly recently you guys were actually called Death can Dance; why exactly did you feel the name change was necessary?

Well we had been going through a bunch of changes, line-up, musical direction, puberty and we just thought it was right to start again. Not that we are ashamed of the past but we just felt it wasnt a good representation of where we were at the time

Your musical style is much different and original than a lot of music on the scene at the moment, much fresher!What are your thoughts on the current state of the british music scene?

Theres some amazing talents out there at the moment, some of them not getting the recognition they deserve, and then of course there are some who are over hyped. But the industry has been like this for decades now. Think how many TERRIBLE TERRIBLE pop acts were around when we were younger, A1, steps, sclub 7 to name a few, but how many great bands were plugging away at it at the same time?

What can our readers expect from one of your live shows?

Sweat, dancing, often regrettable stage moves and some terrible banter from me! haha. Live is our element, the only reason we got into bands is cos we love playing music to people so theres a lot of happyness on stage, even if we pretend to be moody

Here's a generic question! Who or what are your main influences? Be they musical or otherwise.

Fuck! hate this question. Mozart, The Manfred Man Band, Journey, Cliff Richard

Recently you held an event called "Riot House" in the Camden Barfly; is this going to be a regular event?How could you describe one of these nights?

Yeah well we spend probably a bit too much time going out to clubs and seeing bands so we thought we would throw our own little night. Basically with all the acts we are loving, theres no music policy, last time we had, Archeo Price opening the show, master shortie djing crunk, us playing in the middle and a electro rave afterwards.They are pretty wild, but thats how we like it.

And finally, which bands (apart from yourselves of course!) do you see big things happening for in the near future?

How much time do you have....
Archeo Price
Frankmusik
Master Shortie
The Temper Trap
Billy Boy On Poison
Kase
A1 Bassline
Foamo
Charlotte o'connor

Listen to Wall Street Riots HERE
And check out their upcoming gigs HERE

Lament.

Shit! Lament is fucking something else! This girl's pretty new to the scene but already her shit is unbelievable! I can't really explain her style; it's sort of morbid but with that it's stupidly cool, it has a proper comercial factor whilst still remaining pretty alternative! Recently we caught up with Lament...

So, Lament what exactly got you into the whole street art game?

The way I got into street art is a little funny actually, One of my friends wanted me to join this site [stencil revolution] and I did, and at this point I didn't put anything up at all. I met a lot of really inspiring people, and met this guy who calls himaself human, and he's been really pushing me to get up more. I'm actually fairly new to putting things outside, but I don't plan on stopping.

Awesome, so here's a generic question; who are your main influences?

I draw a lot of inspiration from fine artist, as I am sort of a fine artist first street artist second. Egon Schiele is a big inspiration, also Scott G Brooks and Zak Smith. Ghostpatrol and Miso especially were the big ones of the first sort of "street artists" that I was exposed to who did graffiti but weren't writers, people who were sort of in it to just make beautiful things and put them out into the world for people to see. That was the most attractive aspect I think, The notion that your artwork is out for people to see and not only that, to interact with in a way they never would be able to in a gallery setting.

What is it that influences you to start a specific piece?

With my works on the streets, I usually try to just go with my instincts. There are so many restrictions I put on myself when it comes to creating works on canvas or work for my personal portfolio that making pastes is like really relaxing. They're sort of like large scale doodles, the kind of things you draw all the time but feel like they don't have enough substance to be anything other than a doodle, but on the streets that sort of stuff doesn't really matter

How is the scene in your area?

The scene around me is dying. There are a lot of really good writers, and a few really kind of prolific sticker kids, haha. I don't feel like I'm that involved in the scene itself.

When it comes to putting up work on the streets where do you stand? Are you more a "Ha-Ha" type character with his two cans a night philosophy or a "as and when the mood strikes" type of artist?

Human is really the one who pushes me to get out and get up. I'm really sort of new to the whole thing, so Ive been getting up more, but not very much, hahaI'd love to one day to be going out every night, but there are limits haha. I'm trying to really kind of ease into putting things up more.

Treehouse collaboration with Human

Lately a lot of writers seem to be going for the more public route and holding exhibitions in public gallerys; where do you stand on this matter?

Well my background is really in formal art and art education, I have no problem with exhibitions and shows. Being able to eat a little is something we all want, and living off of your art is like everyones dream, haha. Unfortunately you have to sell art in order to live off of art. It's the sad truth of the way the world works.

So, finally, who do you think we should look out for in the future?

Indigo, Haligh, and especially Pahnl, also how could I get away without saying human and I. We have big plans for the future, look out, haha

Rebel 8 Clothing

Rebel 8 clothing is awesome; good mix of styles from basic to the more detailed tattoo-esque designs! And then there's the absolutely covered in detail busy busy tees that I fucking love! Owned by a guy called Joshy D this is getting massive and is being regularily worn by the likes of Travis Barker.

As far as I can tell the designs seem mostly (or all - I'm unsure -anyone knows otherwise get in touch and I'll change - TheFastSet@googlemail.com) done by a guy called Mike Giant who kicks ass! Does awesome tattoos, sketches like a fucking badman and even has his own fucking signature sharpie marker, must be fucking good!

Mike G is also a graffer so there's some awesome graff elements incorporated into the tee designs, some throw ups on there and what not which look fucking awesome.

Their website sells it all; Tees, hoodies, stickers, posters, sharpies, socks and totes. Prices are good, designs are fucking awesome. Get something and wear it for the summer.

Check out Rebel8's:
Blog
Shop
Twitter

Black Arc

So I've just been scouring the internet for some cool new tunes and fucking hell, I found a fucking killer band!..

Black Arc

Hailing from glasgow and sounding like the shit! I love these guys! From what I've learnt in the short time between hearing them, loving them and starting to write about them (about 2 minutes), they tour like motherfuck and have got fucking awesome reviews from some big people including Zane Lowe and Martin Bate from XFM.

Guitar tones are perfect and the rhythms are fucking great, the bass is locked so tightly with the drums which are absolutrly perfect and the singing is spot on all the time; fucking great.

Bit of an experimental rock sound going on but still with a commercial edge that makes them good for radio and shit; I'll be definately catching these live whenever I can!

So check out Black Arc

Get involved

Petition to stop the new graffiti by-law going in place in Cape Town.

Sign it HERE

Lend a hand.

Awesome Gigs

So some awesome gigs coming up in Liverpool in the coming weeks/months etc.

O2 Academy (shit name, everyone will always call it the Carling...it sounds like a fucking arena or something now)

Apr 6 - N Dubz
Apr 24 - GARY NUMAN
Apr 26 - The 1990s
Apr 28 - Gomez
May 20 - Cage the Elephant
May 22 - White Lies

Barfly

Apr 11 - And so I watch you from afar
Apr 11 - Lee Butler (hahahahahahah)
Apr 22 - MC Lars
May 1 - Sucioperro
May 2 - Fightstar (I know, but they aren't that bad)
May 26 - Sonic Boom Six

Not bad! Not bad! I'll be at as many of these as I can (if not all...except fucking Lee Butler)

vodka 666

First bottled on the 06.06.06 and is 66.6%

...Fuck, that's far too much effort just to make a slightly alternative vodka.

Not much more I say about it though that needs saying other than; its cheap, strong and "cool"

Vodka 666

Available from Beers of Europe

ConnectingFlight

So connectingflight are one of those bands that are fucking awesome and catchy and you have no idea whatsoever why they aren't way bigger in the music industry than they are right now! Sort of an indie/post hardcore mix but with an electronic edge which is a fucking potent mix! Three awesome guitarists add up to lift this sound above a lot of other bands making them fucking loud live!

Currently promoting newest EP which contains the single 'Fix' which was recorded by the legendary chris sheldon who has produced bands such as Reuben and Biffy Clyro so it's gonna be pretty fucking awesome.

Check out ConnectingFlight

Fix Ep release March 30th from only £3.99 - Details available via the blog on connctingflight's MySpace

Throw your hands in the air like you just dont mind

Quick post; funniest ebay description ever! Fucking hell! Had me in stitches!

For the sale of a BMX:

"This is a max wicked sick BMX. It's a Reliance Boomerang and it's done heaps of maximum extreme stunts. I have mostly done stunts on this bike since forever. Once I did a boom gnarly stunt trick on it and a girl got pregnant just by watching my extremeness to the maxxxx. Some details about sickmax BMX: Comes with everything you see including: TOPS AS SUSPENSION REAR FORKS!! 2 x wheels 1 x seat I will even thrown my sick BMXing name for FREE - Wicked Styx. Has minor surface rust on handlebars and front forks (easily removed). More rust on rear forks (as shown in pics). Tyres hold air but are pretty old. Basically, it's an old BMX, but it's radness is still 100% in tact. Tricks I have done on this BMX: Endos - 234. Sick Wheelies - 687. Skids - 143,000. Bunny Hops - 2 (Bunny Hops are gay and my brother dared me to do them, which I did because I'm Rad to the power of Sick). Flipouts - 28. Basically if you buy this bike you will instantly become a member to every club that was ever invented, worldwide, because you will be awesome. Pick up from Richmond in Melbourne. Throw your hands in the air like you just don't mind. "

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150323844720

The Lonely Island

Woah! Free boat ride for 3! Now who shall I take? Keith aaaaaaaand....T pain.



You can't stop me motherfucker 'cause I'm on a boat.

The Lonely Island are a band formed via Saturday Night Live in the USA (I think) and are absolutely fucking hilarious. Although somehow whilst been so funny they're also actually pretty fucking brilliant! It's all clever along with the humour. Love it.

Check out The Lonely Island.

Sex Panther

Illegal in nine countrys.
Made out of real panther.
Formidable scent.
Stings the nostrils...in a good way.
Works 60% of the time...every time.




Smells like a used diaper filled with indian food.
Smells like a turd covered in burnt hair.
Smells like bigfoot's dick.

Hit that shit up.
Here

The Inbetweeners

Awesome! New series of The Inbetweeners starts in a week. Fucking love this! One of the best comedys on T.V. definately.

I just saw the advert for it and Neil is actually the fucking funniest person ever:

"What's your first choice?"
"Air plane driver"
"And that is?"
"Someone who drives airplanes!"
"You mean a pilot."
"...Do I?"

If you ain't seen it before it's a show about 4 losers; Will, Simon, Jay and Neil who are in sixth form and pretty much just get pissed, follow birds about and the rest...normal stuff but in a proper awkward way. Get on it. The Inbetweeners.

iDaft

Everyone loves Daft Punk (don't lie, you do). If you're here you've probably got a keyboard (don't lie, you do). Everyone loves HarderBetterFasterStronger by Daft Punk (fuck off lying).

iDaft

Fuck yeah! Use your keyboard to control samples of the vocals from that song. Go on, be a bastard and annoy fuck out of everyone using your keyboard while simultaneously sounding like a fucking badass.

Swoon

When it comes to graff I've always loved wheat pastes; I don't know what it is about them, they're much less risk but the detail the artists put in them is great. Secondly, I've always loved girl graffers, so...

Swoon

Swoon is awesome! A girl from new york who does fucking sick paste ups! Just normal people doing normal shit; riding bikes, sitting off, buying food...and that's why they're awesome.

Plus she's been going for six years and still ain't been caught; that's gotta mean something good.

Check out Swoon

Crystal City Clothing

This stuff is shit hot! I'm proper feeling this right now! Run by Johnny and Amy Whitney so that can be nothing but good. At the moment it seems mostly mens shit, hoodies and t-shirts and what not (The Laser Rain hoody is fucking sick) but have also started doing custom hand made items. No idea how much delivery to the UK is (or even if they deliver) so I'll update as soon as I stop being poor and get the money to order.

Website

Online Shop