News about Leicester bands in 2013
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Published: 19th May 2013
This page brings you news about the rock bands of Leicester/shire, in 2013
This is an archive page
See our page of news from 2014
23rd October
Local artists bag support slots with UK acts
David told us The Zufflers are playing a charity gig on Saturday 16th November. I was hoping you might be able to list the gig. It's to raise funds to help treat babies that suffer from 'flat head syndrome', a condition which is very personal to me as my son Samuel suffered from this condition. I've written a little 'press release' which gives all the information.
6th May
By The Rivers launch album at O2 main stage
Leicester band By The Rivers launched their debute album at the O2 Academy in the main room, on Sunday 5th May.
Playing to a packed house, the full band launched their album – released on 6th May by Kompyla Records.
By The Rivers were supported by Leicester band Hallowed People.
The new album is available as a physical CD and digital
By the Rivers on Facebook | Lee Spencer’s video from the night | ByThe Rivers web site
Midnight Wire’s UK Tour
Members of Midnight Wire performing live for the BBC in 2012
Leicester band Midnight Wire have been on their 2013 Tour. Beginning in March the band has played 18 shows, taking to places as far flung as Portsmouth and Gateshead.
Midnight Wire is a Leicester indie rock band that formed in September 2011. They have played in many parts of the UK and have become one of the city’s most popular bands.
The band will be appearing at The Musician on 18th May, performing the guest slot at the end of the Original Bands Showcase Grand Final, which they won last year.
Midnight Wire on tour. Photo © Choucino Photography
See more photos from the band’s tour on Scott Choucino’s blog
By the Rivers
Leicester band By The Rivers is set to release its debut on th 6th of May. The eleven track Album will capture the progression of the band from humble Pop troubadours, with accessible and catchy Reggae influences, to a fully-fledged, firmly established group independent of any particular scene but suitable for most.
Whilst many songs on the album offer light-hearted, pop sensibilities, with a unique and idiomatic twist – including Run Home, Don’t Say You Love Me and This Love‘ – By The Rivers has also shown that they are not averse to deeper issues. Take Control was written in regard to the UK General Election in 2010 with a feeling that no matter who you vote for, you won’t be heard or listened to. While album-closerRocksteady defies being called your normal pop song. With its memorable hooks, bold lyrics, and skanking chorus that is bound to make hips move, this is certainly how to end an album on a high.
Fusing Pop, Reggae, Soul, and much more, they have carved out a unique sound that people are loving. The band has pieced together a style that is instantly recognisable. They are a fun, clever, melodic band that will draw you in from the first hook. This debut album is set to be the new sound of Summer!
Formed in Leicester, in the Spring of 2010, by Nile Barrow and Jordan Birtles, By The Rivers has reintroduced the sounds of Reggae and Ska into their energetic, positive sound, and storming live performances.
Besides supporting The Specials in 10,000 capacity venues on their tour in 2011, By The Rivers have supported Dawn Penn, Maxi Priest, John Holt, Neville Staple, The Buzzcocks, The Beat and Fun Lovin’ Criminals.
The band has already released three singles. By the Rivers is signed to Komplya Records and is performing at Leicester’s O2 Academy on Sunday 5th May.
Their debut album is out on May 6th , a live session with BBC’s The Beat with Dean Jackson is being released on April 27th , a studio session of Don’t Say You Love Me is gracing the internet and festival appearance after festival appearance is lined up.
Upcoming Festival Dates for By The Rivers:
SUN 26th MAY: Symmetry Festival , Suffolk
FRI 21st JUNE: Beach Break Live, Newquay
SUN 23rd JUNE: Warwick Summer Party , Warwick
12-14th JULY: LeeFest , London
FRI 26th JULY: Nozstock Festival , Bromyard
SAT 10th AUGUST: Boomtown Fair
SUN 18th AUGUST: Picnic In The Park , Hillworth
SAT 7th SEPTEMBER: Bestival , Isle of Wight
Find out more about By The Rivers on their web site
Photo Rob Gurney (Digital-Mechanic)
By The Rivers Nile and Jordan performing in Leicester earlier this year
Empire
New Leicester band plays support slot with The Enemy
Leicester newest band Empire played a support slot with established rock stars The Enemy. The gig was held in Hatfield on Thursday 7th March.
Guitarist Andy Cooper (third from the right in the above photo) told us “It was fantastic; lots of exciting stuff came out of it too in terms of gigs and contacts. Also, we had an interview with Dean Jackson yesterday and he’s offered us an Introducing Stage slot at Strawberry Fields too.”
Empire band members are drawn from the successful young indie band Weekend Schemers, including Connor Evans and Harry Radburn.
I asked Andy what the audience was like at the Hatfield gig; he told me “Yeah they all really liked it. Obviously we were first on and it was early, so it’s a slightly different atmosphere to your average gig but everyone loved it. The Enemy have offered us free studio time and it’s all good but we wanna keep all the momentum going.”
I asked how they had got on with The Enemy. “Yeah we hung out with them in their dressing room for a good half an hour after they played. Really nice guys”, Andy said. Bit did they like Empire’s music? “Yeah, they said they [the songs] were great tunes and they watched us sound check and stuff”, Andy said.
Empire appeared on the BBC’s Beat Programme with Dean Jackson on 9th March.
Find out more about Empire on FB
6th February
Music Industry Talent Development Fund
The new Music Industry Talent Development Fund – a partnership between PRS for Music Foundation and Arts Council England – will inject more than £500,000 into the music industry over the next two years. The fund has been set up to provide vital financial support which will help talented artists and bands to take their career to another level. Grants of up to £15k will be available, supporting emerging and mid career artists to develop their recording, writing, performing and touring ambitions. The application process will be launched to the public in May 2013.
8th January 2013
Rock Stars In The Making
I Wanna be a Rockstar hits the stages of The Shed again this year, as Music First Promotions launch the second series of their competition for bands.
Entries are open now for the series of show that will be held at The Shed Live Music venue and close on January 31st.
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