Yes, it's a brilliant name for a band. You'll be pleased to know that their music is even better. I've seen them play a few times now and they're never your normal gigs - in Cardiff over the weekend where my Swn festival was taking place (check the Newsbeat review here!) - and they're one the most energetic live bands around. Where other bands sometimes ask for a wall of death in their gigs, Danananaykroyd got everyone to do a wall of hugs.
They're in session this Wedensday night on Radio 1at 9pm and Midnight across Scotland and England, when the unofficial King of Scotland Vic Galloway hosts the show.
I'm in for Colin Murray for a few weeks. Next Monday I'm in the company of Fleet Foxes who've made one of the albums of the year. If not the album of the year. Last night I was in the company of Seasick Steve - see him playing in the Raido 1 studios here.
Derby based hip hop producer Baby J is in session this week on Introducing on Radio 1. I met Baby J last week after playing his tunes a fair bit on the shows, and wasn't sure what to call him. Turns out his actual name is Baby J - he's legally changed it to exactly that. Fair do's. His hip hop beats and collaborations with varied artists (Alex Blood, Tawiah, The Crimea, Million Dan on one album? Oh yes!) are nothing but excellent as heard on his recent Baby Food album. Here is his remix of Valerie;
The session is on tonight and can be heard for the next seven days on the i player.
Last week saw the Student Radio Awards take place in London. 13th year for the Awards, celebrating the wide range of talent out there in student radio land. These are the stars of the future, in front and behind the microphone; congratulations to all who got nominated and to those who won. Greg James was there, who one year was on Student Radio in Norwich and was then unleashed on you on Radio 1. Magic!
Saw Red Light Company play last week. I do like their Scheme Eugene track and it was good to hear their other melodic rock tunes. I've been saying hello and chatting to Fleet Foxes and Seasick Steve recently too, recording for when I'm standing in for Mr Colin Murray on Radio 1 over the next few weeks. And I'm getting ready for this weekend when my festival in Cardiff, Swn (it's Welsh for noise) is happening. Too many to mention in terms of who I want to see, but Future of the Left, Skatar, Pete and the Pirates, next weeks session guests Danananaykroyd is just the tip of the iceburg lettuce!
I guess the name makes you think - hang on, this lot ain't no Razorlight. But then when you hear them, you realise they're most definitely not Razorlight. Rejoice in their individualism, their energy, their off-kilter rock n roll with intruiging lyrics and a captivating presence. Paul Hawkins and thee Awkward Silences are in session on this week's show.
Here's a video someone made of them at Latitude on the Introducing Stage. It was one of my highlights of the weekend.
Oh, and if you haven't check out the Electric Proms videos yet - do it now!
The Introducing night at the Electric Proms was brilliant on Sunday. Thanks to all who came, and the bands who put on excellent performances. Openers Pull in Emergency played a stormer; beautiful indie tunes with fast and frantic melodies that prove they're going places. Chew Lips were amazing. Lead singer Tigs is a star-in-waiting, her vocals sounding exquisite and the electro-rhythms making it impossible not to to bounce along to.
South Derry's General Fiasco (currently on tour with One Night Only) have this accomplished indie rock sound, as best heard in the debut single Rebel Get By. But back on the Introducing stage as headliners were Pete and the Pirates. What a band. And they keep getting better! New tunes stood up next to the ones we know and they're better live now than they've ever been. My highlight was seeing Steve Lamacq sing a long to practically every song. He has been to see them live more times than any other this year!
A brilliant night of music then, with highlights on the show tonight from 9pm and from midnight in England too.
We are very excited about the Introducing Night at Electric Proms '08.
Across London and Liverpool there's new names from Rolo Tomassi to Wave Machines playing on different nights. The Introducing gig is on Sunday October 26th at Proud Galleries in Camden. A vibrant, atmoshperic venue, it used to be a horse hospital back in the day. Newly made up, headliners Pete and the Pirates on London's diy leading light label Stolen Recordings will be great headliners.
Steve Lamacq favourties Chew Lips mix up the elcetro influences with catchy pop guitar tunes and a striking singer, guranteed to make a mark for those with clean ears.
Belfast band General Fiasco are on the tup. They played the Introducing stage at Leeds and Reading in August, and when I play 'em on Radio 1 these days they always get a massive reaction.
London's Pull In Emergency open up, a week after doing a session for Lamacq's show.
Promises to be a good night at a great festival. Hope to see you there!
For more info go to the BBC Electric Proms Website. and listen to the Introducing shows on Wednesday 29th October for high-lights.
In the City 2008 was everything it always is and more. Fun, busy, lots of musical talent, interesting seminars with newcomers and legends, and all soaking in the unique atmosphere of Manchester. I got to see a lot of brilliant bands over the three days;
Well, actually, it's quite a few nights in October. You thought the summer festival had finished did you? Well it continues!
There's a few events i want to tell you about - festivals, gigs, special goings on.
October 2nd and 3rd - Concrete and Glass in East London. It's a Music and Art Festival in venues around Brick Lane, and there's loads of great bands playing. I'm hosting a night on Thurs Oct 2nd at the Macbeth (70 Hoxton St); Flashguns, Wave Machines and the Big Pink are all playing. Cats in paris were meant tio play but can't now sadly.
Friday October 3rd I'm hosting a gig with my Swn Festival at the Vibe Bar (91-95 Brick Lane) with Threatmantics, Sweet Baboo and Truckers of Husk all playing.
In the City starts in Manchester on Sunday October 5th - loads of great new bands, conference and music fans and industry types in Manchester to talk and hear what's new.
There's an Introducing night at the Deaf Institute (135 Grosvenor St) with Twisted Wheel, Little Comets (whose song One Night in October you HAVE to hear), It's a Buffalo and Tubelord are all playing!
Phew!
And...
It's John Peel day next Thursday October 9th. Commemorating and celebrating the life of the truly inspirational dj, it's a chance to go to a gig, put on a gig, find a new band and see them play live. If you know of a gig as part of Peel Day, let me know HERE
