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Five Things We Learned on a Mini UK Tour

https://tmhmusic.com/2018/06/13/five-things-we-learned-on-a-mini-uk-tour/ Tin Man Heart artist  Sonja Sleator  has recently completed a mini UK tour. Clocking up over 1,200 miles and playing shows in Edinburgh, York, Leeds and Manchester in what can only be described as a heatwave was an experience to say the least. Here are five things we learned on the tour… some more important than others. Car DIY Don’t begin to get the car/van sorted at 5pm the day before you’re set to head out. It’s admirable to ensure the oil is topped up, the tyre pressure is correct and the little bit of water will squirt up over the windscreen when you hit moth number 4,000 on the A61 near York. It’s less admirable to then get the car bonnet stuck open and have to enlist the help of a very sympathetic mechanic just so you can make the boat the next morning. Give yourself plenty of time to get the motor in good shape and account for anything going wrong, or you’ll get nowhere! Be open minded It go
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Two Steps Towards Improving Independent Music In Northern Ireland

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This was a piece written from a survey I carried out through my music website, Tin Man Heart.  The survey asked musicians and those involved in music in Northern Ireland their thoughts on media engagement, career prospects, pay and conditions and how the public interacts with the local scene. https://tmhmusic.com/2018/02/14/two-steps-towards-improving-independent-music-in-northern-ireland/ It’s a really exciting time to be involved in music in Northern Ireland at the minute. We have some great bands, excellent studios and producers to help those bands make their music and a few great venues to host events. But the structures around that are, in some cases, letting the talent of musicians and other creatives down. It feels like no matter how good a band is in this country, they will never have the wider general public onside until they’re legitimised by a label or media outlet somewhere else. Too many gigs involving local bands are poorly attended, meaning bands are playing to each
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Interview: No Sinner

http://faroutmagazine.co.uk/confession-no-sinner/ No Sinner sprawl themselves around the Brudenell’s back room as if they have been playing gigs there their whole lives, a home from home. Eric restrings his guitar listening to old blues tracks while new bassist Brandon lounges in the corner. I’m greeted though by the band’s singer Colleen and drummer Ian, who launch into telling me about the reception they’ve experienced so far on their UK tour. The quartet have already played Dublin, Manchester and Bristol but it is in Nottingham and here in Leeds where cultures have most obviously clashed, as Colleen explains incredulously:           “I’ve heard a lot of girls making fun of my clothes, which has never happened before at shows. A girl in Nottingham said I had my dress on backwards, which I didn’t. And just today, when I was walking down the street I heard someone say, ‘Eugh, look at her!’ Are the girls a little catty here?” “I can take ‘em!” she adds laughing. From ben
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Feature Series: Life As An Unsigned Band

This was a series of feature articles I did for Stereoboard.com, looking at the day to day operation of an unsigned band and the people they interact with. I spoke to Northern Irish bands of varying stature, promoters and sound engineers to get an idea of how much time and effort they put in to a pursuit which, on the most part, is voluntary. The Bands: https://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/97264/9 The Promoters: https://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/97446/9 Sound Engineers: https://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/161135/9
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Gaslight Anthem Frontman Brian Fallon Working On Solo Album

Gaslight Anthem Frontman Brian Fallon Working On Solo Album Brian Fallon of New Jersey rockers ‘Gaslight Anthem’ has revealed in a blog that alongside a new Gaslight Anthem record, he will be working on a solo album. Having previously dismissed any suggestions of a solo album, Fallon seems to have had a change of heart and has decided a solo album would be needed to channel new material superfluous to the needs of Gaslight Anthem. Fallon, writing on his website on 25th January, said: “There’s no termoil (sic) or anything with Gaslight, we’re going to be writing too, but I’m sure we’re gonna need a breather after this year of touring before we go in to make our next record. So since I can’t sit still, I’m gonna make another record." The statement would suggest that Fallon’s previous side project with Gaslight Anthem’s guitar tech, Ian Perkins, will not be releasing a follow up to ‘Elsie’ this year as hoped. A solo album is a new direction for Fallon and seems to have been pr
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Review: Stillpoint 'Some Lessons Hurt Like The Truths They Contain'

10-9-12  http://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/174753/9 Thursday saw the release of Belfast band Stillpoint’s second E.P. ‘Some Lessons Hurt Like The Truths They Contain.’ Support bands Droids, Window Seats and Deadlights didn’t just make up the numbers with performances of the highest quality, but it was Stillpoint who deservedly stole their own show. Mixing songs from their eponymous first E.P and the new release, the trio showed that they are a force to be reckoned with both locally and further afield. The E.P. itself is considerably more refined than their debut. Stillpoint seem to have honed their sound into something that is both unique and is still a reflection of their respective influences. Structurally more complex than previous songs ‘Some Lessons...’ exhibits the rapid progression of a band that, less than a year ago, underwent a complete line-up change. ‘Blind Drunk In Sastas’ is a strong opener, setting the tone with its sheer pace and hard hitting lyrics. ‘A
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Review: Gaslight Anthem, Handwritten

24-7-12  http://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/173858/9 It appears to be business as usual for The Gaslight Anthem with their fourth studio album ‘Handwritten’. Their punk laden debut ‘Sink or Swim’ quickly gave way to a more commercial effort in the hugely successful ’59 Sound,’ while their third effort ‘American Slang’ disappointed many fans with poorer production detracting from what was undoubtedly a collection of excellent songs. The transition from ‘Sink or Swim’ to ‘American Slang’ and a side project with the Horrible Crowes has developed the overall sound into a much more complete and balanced package. Critics will fall into the old trap of saying the band sound exactly the same as their previous two albums but there is a maturity and a professionalism about ‘Handwritten’ that has replaced the rawness of earlier records. Fallon’s writing topics are those of a man grown and no longer those of an embittered teenager fuelled by rage and a sense of injustice. The focus is
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