Debate topics announced

We are pleased to announce the topics for this year's music industry debates.

• The next decade in music: tips on how to survive in an evolving industry.
• Ten steps to becoming a rock star: tips for musicians on how to make it big.

We have some great speakers on board. These issues will be discussed by some of the most important figures in the South West Music industry. The sessions are taking place at Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum between 2pm and 4pm this Saturday. The debates will have an informal atmosphere and attendees will be encouraged to discuss the issues with the experts.

Andrew Villanelle playing at Walk the Line Festival 2010

"Villanelle battles in his head between romance and reality. A young boy who has a head full of beautiful passion and culture. His music whispers tales of Paris, England, Love, Death and Betrayal; all of which come across as a never ending carousel of imagery.

It seems like a breathe of fresh air from the sweat ridden atmosphere generated in group music. Nonetheless he gives off no scent of being a solo novice, instead imposing the ideology that Villanelle is well suited stylistically, vocally and structurally within a genre he has become a part of” - Soundblab.com

Andrew Villanelle will be playing at Walk the Line festival on Saturday 2nd October 2010.

http://www.myspace.com/andrewvillanelle

Swift Manouver playing at Walk the Line festival 2010

Swift Manouver are a Cheltenham based three piece band formed in early 2009, with the current line up taking shape in August of that year. The band, have played venues across the country supporting both local and visiting artists with their unique and passionate fusion of indie and reggae. They are lively performers on stage who, not only perform their own compositions but also, make a deep connection with the audience through their lyrics.

Gaining in popularity Swift Manouver has become a much talked about subject on the music scene. They have fast become recognised as one of the best up and coming bands in the Southwest. Their musical influences include Blink 182, Bullet For My Valentine, Less Than Jake, Bob Marley, Reel Big Fish, Spunge and Thrice.

Swift Manouver will be be playing at Walk the Line Festival on Friday 1st October 2010.

http://www.myspace.com/swiftmanouver

China Soul playing at Walk the Line Festival 2010

China Soul, daughter of actors David Soul and Julia Nickson, grew up in Los Angeles, California and studied creative writing at Orange County High School of the Arts. Playing various venues throughout L.A. she developed a steady fan-base within the acoustic music scene.

In 2006, she made the jump over the pond, and after obtaining her British citizenship, now resides in London. In August 2008, China began co-writing with BAFTA Award Nominee Chaz Jankel of The Blockheads and has now completed her debut album, ‘Secrets and Words' (out 18 October 2010). China's song ‘Cold', released as a limited edition 7” white vinyl, is now available to purchase through FooFar Records.

"Fragile and fragmentary, with her soaring, searching emotive vocals, China Soul flatters to deceive, delivering sheer acoustic heavyweight intensity with the lightest of featherlight touches. Strong and vulnerable and with evocations of West Coast 70's folk-rock, Soul is eternal" - The Guardian

http://www.myspace.com/chinasoulmusic

Luke Leighfield playing at Walk the Line Festival 2010

Luke Leighfield is a 22-year-old pop star from Upton upon Severn and Southampton, UK. He has released three albums on his own label, Got Got Need Records, and his only single so far, 'If You Haven't Got Anything to Say' reached number 5 in the UK indie singles chart in June 2008.

Luke has played 550 gigs in eleven countries around the world, including Russia and China. He has recorded live sessions for Huw Stephens (Radio 1) and John Kennedy (Xfm).



Luke Leighfield will be playing at Walk the Line festival on Saturday 2nd October 2010.

http://www.myspace.com/lukeleighfield

Ellie Dussek playing at Walk the Line festival 2010

Ellie Dussek will be the opening act playing on our acoustic stage at the Railway Inn on Saturday 2nd October. Ellie will be playing a mixture of her own material and covers of artists such as Norah Jones and Eva Cassidy.

http://www.myspace.com/elliedussek

Screamin' 88s playing at Walk the Line Festival 2010

"The Screamin' 88s are a horror themed band that are exploiting the zeitgeist of all things dark and deadly with killer guitar solos and grisly lyrics" - BBC.

The Screamin' 88s will be playing at Walk the Line Festival 2010 on Saturday 2nd October.

http://www.myspace.com/thescreamin88s

Ché playing Walk the Line Festival 2010

Energetic, female fronted progressive pop-rock band Ché will be traveling from Birmingham to join us at Walk the Line this year. Following years of touring, the band's debut album 'Familiar Voices' is out now.

Ché will be playing at Walk the Line on Saturday 2nd October.

http://www.myspace.com/chemusic

Reachback playing at Walk the Line festival 2010

Every now and then Rock n Roll throws up a band that speak the words and embody the discourse of their own hormonal and defiant teenage generation and write the soundtrack to what are the best and most important music years of our lives.

Breaking out of the Essex suburbs is one such teen-onslaught waiting to happen. Reachback are an explosive four piece pop-Punk styled band, fronted by enigmatic singer-songstress Ruby Williams.

Formed late in 2008, four young and fresh contrasting characters and personalities began developing a sound that drew them instant attention and support tours with the likes of "AttackAttack" and "in Case Of Fire".

http://www.myspace.com/reachbackband

The Echoes playing at Walk the Line Festival 2010

The Echoes are a Cheltenham based pop punk band. Their catchy rifts and memorable lyrics have secured their place as a local favourite. The band are influenced by Futures, You Me At Six, Paige, Mayday Parade and All Time Low.

The Echoes are playing at Walk the Line Festival on Saturday 2nd October 2010.

http://www.myspace.com/theechoesmusic

I Call A Strike playing at Walk the Line festival 2010

I Call A Strike are a six piece ska punk band from Cheltenham. Their music is a fusion of punk, ska, reggae, soul, metal and hip-hop. The band have played with some great bands including The Beat and Futures.

The band will be playing at Walk the Line festival on Saturday 2nd October 2010.

http://www.myspace.com/icallastrike

Will Kevans playing at Walk the Line Festival 2010

Described as a straight talking acoustic troubadour and as suburban country...Will Kevans is a UK-based singer-songwriter and master of the catchy pop tune and lyric. His song, ‘Dialling Tone’, recently won Will an award in the prestigious ‘International Songwriting Competition’. It has also been featured on a compilation album released by Universal alongside artists such as James Morrison, the Goo Goo Dolls and Keane.

His unique Nashville-influenced brand of hooky songs have given this performer quite a reputation on the live circuit, where he’s a regular at venues such as The Water Rats, The Borderline and The Fly. He was described by one critic as being ‘Ian McNabb meets Squeeze’. Will is very much one of the new breed of singer-songwriters on the new folk acoustic circuit. His heartfelt and catchy songs reflect life’s experience and the human condition. The thinking man’s Johnny Cash by way of Nick Lowe. Will has just signed to UK publisher Eaton Music and has signed a US Album deal with Wildflower Records. The label belongs to the seminal American folk artist of the 60s and 70s Judy Collins.

‘Promising up and coming songsmith/performer, Kevans purveys his stylish and accomplished, rootsy, pop influenced rock. His sensitive and mature talent' - Time Out

‘Catchy debut single’ - Sunday Times

Will is playing at Walk the Line Festival on Saturday 2nd October.

http://www.myspace.com/willkevans

Ryan Martin playing at Walk the Line festival 2010

Ryan has a back catalogue of positive reviews and they certainly aren’t for nothing. Ryan takes influence from life experience - leading a fulfilling life of music, mayhem and ‘having a damn good time!”

Ryan often performs with a band, but is playing a solo set for us. He will be performing on Saturday 2nd October.

http://www.myspace.com/ryanmartin200

Dale Campbell playing Walk the Line Festival 2010

Dale is a solo acoustic guitarist and harp-guitarist from the UK. In 2009 he released "How The Light Gets In" his second album & first solo album which is available worldwide on itunes. An experienced teacher, Dale has made a popular video series based on his techniques, many of which are available as free video podcasts, and on Youtube.

His performances have ranged from intimate smaller venues, to sell out concerts playing alongside acts such as Hanson, Rumble Strips, Ordinary Boys, Amrit Sond, John Doan, Erik Mongrain and Richard O'Brien. He plays percussion, chords and melody simultaneously, in a unique style that must be seen to be believed - hands and fingers a blur, flying all over the guitar; drumming, tapping, slapping, strumming and plucking. His performances include arrangements of songs such as Billie Jean, She Drives Me Crazy and Zombie, alongside his own compositions.

Dale will be playing at Walk the Line festival on Saturday 2nd October.

http://www.myspace.com/dalecampbell

Edd Donovan playing at Walk the Line Festival 2010

An alternative folk singer songwriter with a big bag full of heart warming, belly tingling, soul touching songs. Unpretentious, heartfelt, honest tunes. A pure, pure voice, the gentlest guitar and enchanting intimate performances. Delightfully warm, country tinged, storytelling songs. Melodies that feel as if theyre as old as the hills with a voice as fresh as the first sniff of spring.

There are hints of Will Oldham, Wilco, Dylan, Damon Gough, Cat Stevens. This is how songs should be written. This is how songs should be sung. He sings with a warmth, a gentle knowing and a view of the world which is contagious. He performs with an engaging intimacy, its impossible not to be drawn in and taken on the journey. A journey through a forest filled with love and death and dreams and loss. A journey where, ultimately, everything will be all right.

http://www.myspace.com/edddonovan

Gareth Harper playing at Walk the Line Festival 2010

Having previously honed his craft as one half of indie-rockers Candidates, Gloucester based Gareth Harper has just recently started showcasing his more sensitive side.

Drawing influence from artists such as Beirut, Sufjan Stevens and Johnny Flynn, Harper’s ukulele and acoustic guitar based indie-folk has been described by The Fly Magazine as "Charming...well worth checking out!"

Gareth will be playing at Walk the Line Festival on Saturday 2nd October.

http://www.myspace.com/candidatesuk

Pete Taylor confirmed for Walk the Line festival 2010

Pete Taylor is a singer songwriter hailing from the South West of England. Pete has been writing and performing contemporary acoustic tracks since 1996. Recent winner of the 2007 BBC Gloucestershire solo folk performer award.

"An enigmatic singer songwriter fluent and moving" - Mendip folk funk alliance.

Pete will be playing at Walk the Line festival on Saturday 2nd October.

http://www.myspace.com/petetayloracoustic

Faded Circus playing at Walk the Line Festival 2010

"Some of the most beautiful, chilled out music you will ever hope to hear was composed and recorded in Gloucestershire. Faded Circus' atmospheric songs capture the most beautiful sunset, the most exhilarating hilltop view or the most peaceful lakeside walk and turn them into music. Utterly gorgeous" - BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

Faded Circus will be playing at Walk the Line Festival on Saturday 2nd October.

http://www.myspace.com/fadedcircus

The Dawn Chorus playing at Walk the Line Festival 2010

The Dawn Chorus are a five piece band from the southern Hampshire town of Fareham. Their debut album, entitled ‘The Big Adventure’ released by Jelly Maid Music in 2008. The band have supported fantastic acts such as Frank Turner, Mono and Frank Hamilton.

The band will be playing at Walk the Line on Friday 1st October.




http://www.thedawnchorus.com
http://www.myspace.com/thedawnchorusuk

Jim Lockey and the Solemn Sun playing Walk the Line festival 2010

Jim Lockey and the Solemn Sun are a country folk punk band from Cheltenham town made up for four lost souls with a passion for politically poetic storytelling. Whilst beginning its life as a solo project for Jim at the close of 2006, the subsequent years have seen him develop strongly as a songwriter and performer, leading him to recruit a cavalcade of the towns best musical talent (including fellow istf label mate Joe and ex-holloh bandmate Phil) to equal the forthright natures of his influences (Bright Eyes, Billy Bragg, Frank Turner).

Following the success of his 2008 debut record "I'll Be Neon", Jim Lockey has gone from strength to strength achieving profile slots at prestigious festivals and venues and being personally invited to share stages with those musicians who have and still do influence his sound to date. Since the rise of the Solemn Sun the band have played alongside cult members of the new folk movement including Frank Turner, Johnny Flynn, Mumford and Sons, Chris T-T and Peter Doherty and have just put the finishing touches to this year's follow up record entitled 'Atlases', an LP which sets the world to rights, through screaming lungs and alt.country rhythms, it stands as a testiment to the toils of a young British generation.

The band will be playing at the festival on Friday 1st October 2010.

http://www.myspace.com/jimlockey