From playing in live bands in the eighties and nineties, inspired by the likes of Simple Minds and Depeche Mode, to exploring the limitless creative routes of modern production, Paul Kanc is an artist and DJ with a lifelong appreciation for making music.
UK--Europe
UK band The Hanging Bandits – a great name and a worthy level of intrigue for the inventive music that follows. Their single, Shipwrecks & Forgetful Skies, is a sensational lyrical and melodic outpouring.
Already an impressive and consistently likable band, this latest offering injects a twist of something like soul and ska modestly woven into the band’s classic tapestry. The songwriting is catchy, the vocals sublime, and the faultless unity between musicians lets this spacious and genuine arrangement create a completely intoxicating groove.
Superb guitar play adds a quick-fingered level of skill to an instantly distinct riff. Follow that with sharp, smart vocals, and a long-form melody that’s just as slick and satisfying as the riff, and UK rock outfit STRANGE WOMAN delivers a pretty faultless modern punk-rock anthem, with FAKE VALENTINE.
Currently 75 years young and vocally distinct in an effortless and enchanting fashion, Cousti writes with a heartfelt and catchy approach, songs like Turn Around and Survive instantly appealing for both their sense of live-band warmth and the naturally inspiring sentiments and loving references of their lyrics. The melodies are simple but satisfying, and that voice carries things along in a way that feels genuinely fresh.
New music from indie’s iconic environmentalists The Lurxx storms through in the form of a boldly theatrical, explosive and captivating glam-rock EP.
Uniting talents from the UK and Germany, The Lovekiller drives with a smooth electronic-rock soundscape and faultless vocals, progressing through a rising pop verse, towards a memorable hook – a moment that leans mildly towards the softer offerings from a timeless No Doubt.
Folk vocals that feel beautifully traditional, perhaps a twist of something Jake Bugg-like for the modern audience, and a classic folk-rock groove of acoustic guitars and hi-hats. UK singer and artist FRASER. brings thoughtful, poetic songwriting to the forefront, with the gentle embrace and rhythmic comfort of White Picket Fences.
The UK’s own, bringing back the ferocity and riffs of classic, timeless rock – Canada Hill energise the space in an instant, with the relentless tempo, raw distortion and anthemic chorus of voices that make up Hit!
Unafraid to go-there experimentally as an artist, Stephan Folkes adopts a playful and limitless creative angle with music. His sound is not traditionally satisfying, but his voice, in both tone and songwriting, is undeniably recognisable from one release to the next, and there’s a lot to be said for artistic integrity.
Sometimes collaboration is the key to finding that sound or artistic moment that connects more strongly with a broader audience – no longer something exclusively personal to the performer, but bridging the gap to realise that actually, these ideas and feelings are relatable, and the music is impressively original and impassioned enough to hit with impact.
Evocatively reflecting on the unconditional love we get from and give to our pets – the wonderful degree of joy, the memories, friendship, and the inevitable pain of losing them – Canadian songwriter Martin Gladstone crafts a timeless folk-pop ode for any and all pet-lovers, with the beautifully hopeful Over The Rainbow Bridge.