THE WONDER STUFF PLEDGE MUSIC

From Milo: 'As predicted The Wonder Stuff's opportunity at appearing in the official UK album chart this Friday is...
Posted by The Wonder Stuff on Wednesday, 23 March 2016

Gregory Porter | Don't Lose Your Steam | MUSIC VIDEO

"A voice to bathe in” - Independent

Soul Sensation GREGORY PORTER premieres video for new track 

'Don’t Lose Your Steam' 

Inspired by his son Demyan, lyrics describe “the energy and the legacy I want to give him to carry on through his life."

New album 'Take Me to the Alley, released on Decca Records 

on 6th May

The hotly anticipated follow up to the Grammy-winning, million-selling album Liquid Spirit

 
This generation’s most successful jazz and soul singer-songwriter, the man in the hat, Mr Gregory Porter, today announces the release of a new video for his new single ‘Don’t Lose Your Steam’.

The video, set in an LA barber shop launched today, providing visuals for the arresting and bluesy track, which Porter wrote with his three-year-old son Demyan in mind. Propelled by a stomping, organ-enhanced groove, Porter lyrics speak of staying committed to one’s goals, regardless of hardship. ‎

Gregory stated: “This song is about my son, the energy and the legacy I want to give him to carry on throughout his life, don’t lose your steam boy, don’t lose your steam. Demyan is 3 years old and he is already a great cat, very musical! He beats on everything. We gave him drumsticks but we tape socks to the head of it. Most of the furniture is ruined already."

Gregory’s new album 'Take Me To The Alley’ is released on Decca Records on 6th May and is the eagerly awaited follow-up to Porter's sensational modern classic, the Platinum-selling 'Liquid Spirit', which took the UK by storm last year as it broke into the Top 10 and became the most streamed jazz album of all time. The record quickly grew into a global phenomenon, selling a million albums worldwide, and positioning Porter as the voice of the moment. ‘Liquid Spirit’ took Porter from being the biggest name on the jazz scene to being one of the most sought-after singers around today, performing sell-out shows at such venues as London's Royal Albert Hall, the Roundhouse and Shepherd’s Bush Empire, and being invited to perform on high profile TV programmes including Graham Norton, Strictly Come Dancing and the BBC Music Awards.

Gregory Porter’s meteoric rise and breakout from the jazz world didn't stop there. The singer has time and again demonstrated an innate ability to transcend genre and connect with audiences from all walks of life. Porter was asked to be the guest vocalist on electronic duo Disclosure's lead single 'Holding On' from their 2015 album ‘Caracal’. BBC Radio 1 listeners were finally introduced to this voice and Gregory was invited by the station to perform in Ibiza, where not only the Disclosure track but his own – Liquid Spirit Claptone Remix – became the most popular tracks on the island. He had become the dance scene sensation of the summer.

Porter said of the new album: "With this record I continue to condense life experience into melody and most of all put love in the air. Very excited to share the music with my fans or anyone within the sound of my heart”

To see Gregory in action is a life experience and next month Gregory returns to the UK for an extensive headline tour, including two London dates. This demand, and level of public affection, has seen Porter become an adopted national treasure in the UK, having performed for the Queen multiple times, and graced the stages of the UK's best summer festivals, with a show-stopping performance at Glastonbury last year. 

A moving and passionate record, 'Take Me to the Alley' reveals even more about this unique artist, reminding us of the sheer talent of “golden-voiced” Gregory Porter. 

www.gregoryporter.com

Track listing for Take Me To The Alley: 

1. Holding On (Gregory Porter/James John Napier/Guy William Lawrence/Howard John Lawrence)
2. Don't Lose Your Steam (Porter)
3. Take Me To The Alley (Porter)
4. Day Dream (Gregory Porter/Craig Dawson)
5. Consequence of Love (Porter)
6. In Fashion (Porter)
7. More Than A Woman (Porter)
8. In Heaven (Darlene Andrews, Gregory Porter’s cousin)
9. Insanity (Porter)
10. Don't Be A Fool (Porter)
11. Fan The Flames (Porter)
12. French African Queen (Porter)

2016 UK Headline Tour Dates: 

04 APR London Royal Albert Hall
05 APR Southend Cliffs Pavilion
06 APR Bristol Colston Hall
08 APR Manchester Bridgewater Hall
09 APR Sheffield City Hall
10 APR Edinburgh Festival Theatre
11 APR Aberdeen His Majesty’s Theatre
12 APR Perth Concert Hall
14 APR Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
15 APR Sage Gateshead
16 APR Leicester De Montfort Hall
17 APR Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
19 APR Brighton Dome
20 APR Cardiff St David’s Hall
21 APR Poole Lighthouse
22 APR Plymouth Pavilions
24 APR Birmingham Symphony Hall
28 APR London Eventim Apollo

'Take Me To The Alley' is produced by Kamau Kenyatta

Reinforcing their well-honed rapport is the return of Porter’s core accompanying musicians – pianist and music director Chip Crawford, bassist Aaron James, drummer Emanuel Harrold, alto saxophonist Yosuke Sato, and tenor saxophonist Tivon Pennicott. Singer Alicia Olatuja, trumpeter Keyon Harrold, and organist Ondrej Pivec also make appearances throughout.

* “golden-voiced” - The Independent 

The Wonder Stuff 30th anniversary tour | Liverpool o2 academy 11th March 2016

Picture by Tom Carroll Photography
Last Friday saw The Wonder Stuff's 30th Anniversary tour hit Liverpool, and luckily Tom and I managed to see the fabulous show.
Established in 1986, Alternative rock band The Wonder Stuff penned hits such as 'Give Give Give Me More More More' and 'The Size Of A Cow'. With this year marking 30 years since the band was formed, they have been touring the UK throughout March and have released a new album '30 Goes Around The Sun'. 
The crowd was packed out at the O2 Academy, the lights went down and the band began with their track 30 Years In The Bathroom. 
When lead singer Miles introduced a song from the new album he was met with some boos from the crowd, to which Miles replied "You can boo all the fuck you want but just make sure it's in tune!!!". The whole show was full of banter from the charismatic lead singer.
Erica's violin playing was really mesmerising to watch, particularly on the track Mission Drive.  
The night showed that even after 30 years, they are still sounding fantastic. The show was full of energy; Miles finished their set with saying "Liverpool, it's been a fucking pleasure to play for you".

Picture by Tom Carroll Photography
Catch The Wonder Stuff on tour this year... 

24 Mar	Glasgow	O2 ABC	Link
25 Mar	Newcastle	O2 Academy	Link
26 Mar	Leeds	O2 Academy	Link
02 Apr	Nottingham	Rock City	Link
15 Apr	Tokyo	The Liquid Room	Link
28 May	Manchester	Gigantic Indie All Dayer Festival	Link
29 May	Norwich	Down By The River Festival	Link
9-12 Jun	Newport	Isle of Wight Festival	Link
18 Jun	Chesham	Buryfields Festival	Link
24 Jul	Leicester	Simon Says Festival	Link
27 Aug	Thame	Towersey Festival	Link

Emilie & Ogden | The Castle Hotel | 2nd March 2016

Midweek in a rainy, cold Manchester, I had the opportunity to see a brand new indie folk act I'll admit I had never heard of before - Emilie & Ogden.  Before I get into Emilie & Ogden's set, I'll let you know about the fantastic support acts.  (Zoe Stirling) First there was Zoe Stirling, a former student of the Royal Northern College of Music. She's an acoustic, folk act with a really sweet voice. A few songs in, she shyly told us the crowd at the castle might be the biggest crowd she has ever played for. Zoe was very warmly welcomed and I'm sure we will see her more on the Manchester music scene.   (Shauna Mackin) Second was Shauna Mackin - already very well known on the Manchester Music Scene. She is a music graduate from The University of Salford - (where I graduated from as well!) Shauna usually plays with a full band but for this set she was only accompanied by an acoustic guitar. Her music is drenched in soul with hints of indie folk. She has a gorgeous soulful and strong voice, all of her songs are performed with passion and an endearing Irish charm.  The Castle Hotel was absolutely packed for a Wednesday evening, you would have thought it was a Friday night!  Now onto Emilie & Ogden - a truly unique act. Ogden is her harp which she accompanies her singing with. The second Emilie began playing and started to sing, she brought a very mystical aura over the room.  (Emilie and Ogden) It is very obvious when watching her perform, she is an immensely talented musician. Halfway through her set, Emilie explains to us how the harp is diatonic, like a piano. Throughout the set I was fixated on the way she played Ogden, you could see how much her music means to her with each string she plucked. During the performance there was total silence in the room as everyone was entranced by her sweet voice and musical talent, until the end of each song were the crowd erupted into applause. Her set was filled with songs from her new album, 10,000. She also played a song every man and his dog knows - Taylor Swift's Style.  I had never heard anything like Emilie & Ogden, I am grateful I had the opportunity to as it is introduced me to a brand new, unique indie folk act.  https://www.emilieandogden.com/ https://www.facebook.com/shaunamackinmusic/ https://www.facebook.com/zoestirling/ Pictures by https://www.facebook.com/TomCPhotos/

Lissie | Daughters Music Video

As you all must know by now, I am a huge fan of Lissie and I just had to show you all her powerful music video for her latest single 'Daughters'. She was inspired by wonderful women around the world to write this empowering anthem.  

Lissie has teamed up with charity:water to make this great music video, watch below and let me know your thoughts! 

In celebration of International Women's Day, you can 'pay what you want' for the single via her website with proceeds going to charity:water. On the day itself, Tuesday 8th March, Lissie is doing a Facebook Live stream event, all info at her Facebook page!

http://www.lissie.com/

Corinne Bailey Rae | Been To The Moon Single and New Album Details

After six years away, the fantastic Corinne Bailey Ray is back this year with a new album The Heart Speaks In Whispers which is due to be released on May 13th. 
The first single Been To The Moon marks the start of her big comeback and was released last Friday. Check out the gorgeous video below! 

Corinne's beautiful and distinct voice hasn't changed in her six years away, it is still so smooth and just glorious. Her melodies are unforgettable and this track doesn't disappoint. I cannot wait to hear this new album. 
The Heart Speaks In Whispers track listing: The Skies Will Break
Hey, I Won’t Break Your Heart
Been To The Moon
Tell Me
Stop Where You Are
Green Aphrodisiac
Horse Print Dress
Do You Ever Think Of Me? 
Caramel
Taken By Dreams
Walk On
Night
The record will be released May 13th - (Virgin EMI)  Live shows are to be announced soon