The Lone Groover

Named after the anti-hero of a comic strip that graced the weekly music inkies of the1970s…….. THE LONE GROOVER is a one man and guitar outfit who channels his love of folk, punk and Americana into classic songs of beauty, protest and passion – agit-FOLK ‘N’ BOP if you will - Songs that betray a fine eye for detail, a healthy respect for tradition, and a working knowledge of REAL LIFE!!! Always putting he(art) and soul into his performances, armed with his trusty Gibson, fuelled with good vibes, talkin’ jive and sporting sharp clobber, TLG is a definite “one to watch”. The London based songwriter has spent recent months folk ‘n’ bopping his way across the capital in venues such as The Hope & Anchor, The 12 Bar and the Windmill, played at a number of festivals such as Strummerville and had prestigious support slots with Willy Mason, Alabama 3 and Beans on Toast amongst others. He also recently won an award for “Best EP of the year” by the rock-til-you-drop website network...But let’s leave the last words to ‘el Groover himself……… “let’s be clear…..I’m not a solo artist, I’m a one man group…..there’s a subtle difference….I wanna walk like The Clash and sound like Bob Dylan”. Folk music for City dwellers!

Marcello

Marcello is the front man for the local rock/pop Stereo Influence. Using a blend of original songs and classic covers, Marcello really knows how to get the audience going!

Wren

Wren is the new name of established Cheltenham duo, Maddi and Pete, who've never got round to having a name before.


With Maddi's voice being somewhere between modern folk and prohibition jazz and with Pete's penchant for bringing at least one more instrument than he's been told he can, Wren play an eclectic range of songs and styles, not necessarily in a way that you've heard before.

Karima Francis

There is a line on 'Glory Days', the poignant, rousing centrepiece of Karima Francis's extraordinary new album, 'The Remedy', that tells you, in just a few words where the Blackpool singer-songwriter is coming from. "They are weak but strong," she sings, "who fail but carry on." 

She looks full of life, of determinations, of confidence - as she says this "Well, I am. I didn't have that last time. I knew things were going on, but it didn’t feel like this. And because of that, I have this real sense of achievement this time. This record feels like my masterpiece.” Another laugh. “So far!”

That last remark is very Karima – a bit of bombast, a touch of mischief, and typical of the northern lass who, no matter how dark some of her days have been, has always responded to adversity with a knowing sense of a humour and an enduring belief in salvation – through love and friendship; and above all, through music. “Music saved me,” Karima agrees. “And that must mean I’m meant to do it.” You can hear that belief when she says, matter-of-factly in parting: “Look, there was a reason I took a break – but I’m back now.” And you can hear it, also, on ‘The Remedy’ – in every note and every word. You’d better believe it too.

Lucy Whittaker

Lucy Whittaker is a young singer songwriter based in Gloucestershire who is working hard to become a professional artist. Having been actively involved in jazz bands, her main genre is pop-rock. Her instrumental skills combined with soulful vocals make her a refreshingly distinctive new face on the music scene.

My First Tooth

Comprised of two girls and two boys from Northampton, My First Tooth deliver a punch to the gut and kiss on the cheek with their brand of indiefolk/ alt-country. A string of singles and debut album 'Territories' have garnered considerable praise from critics, Near constant touring has seen them hone their frenzied, harmony-laden, instrument-swapping live appearances into a barnstorming show that NME described as "unmissable". They sing about ships, wild animals, friendships and mountains. They sing together loudly. They sing together quietly. They play like their lives depend on it. They just might.

The band played Glastonbury Festival 2011 also recently supported Athlete on tour.

They are currently working on their second album with producer James
Kenosha (Dry The River, Chapel Club, Pulled Apart By Horses) which will be
released in November 2012.

 “…pop-folk at its best.” – thegizzlereview, Manchester Oct 2010

"All things permitting, this lot should be a force to be reckoned with soon. In an ideal world, they already would be." - NoiseMakesEnemies

Charlie Baxter

One-man electro indie pop party!

My music has been hyped up by BBC Introducing and 6 Music, featured in magazines such as Future Music, and gigged all over the country! Previous live highlights include the BBC Introducing stage at Wychwood Festival 2011, headlining the Agent Stage at Frogfest 2011 and a show-stealing set at Big Bang Festival 2011. 2012 is looking like an exciting year with a new record, lots of gigs and enough glowsticks to put the national grid out of business...

KSH and the Going Goods

The world of hip hop is a desolate one… With gangsters, players, pimps and g-thangs dominating the scene, the beauty of the genre is being lost.

Thats where KSH and The Going Goods step in.

An alternative acoustic band from across the country, coming straight out of the “ghettos” of Cheltenham. KSHnTGG are a five man troupe consisting of string-men Jack Carroll and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, vocalists Mikey Doherty and Kishi Allebone, rounded off with a unique drum machine, Beatboxer Kush Cushion.

A fresh a lively feel filled with laughter and banter, this new band is already taking the scene by storm.

JonPaul Palombo

An energetic West Yorkshire singer-songwriter, with an intimate sound based around melodic journeys and everyday lyrical fantasies. A charismatic performer, with the support of a full band, produces a dynamic and incredibly catchy set with twists and turns and effortless energy. Seeing the live show is a must!

Joe Summers

This acclaimed folk singer songwriter has been quietly but steadily gaining great endorsements from some heavyweight music industry figures over the last year.

Festival appearances have also seen this Midlands troubadour appear at Wychwood, The Big Chill, Two Thousand Trees, Cheltenham Folk festival and Ynot.

“Walsall's finest singersongwriter” - Steve Lamacq (Radio2 and 6music)

“This is music to touch your soul” - Stephen Morris (BBC Introducing)

Touch of the Sun

Touch of the Sun is a new project from songwriters Polly Gannaway-Pitts and Matt Goddard which was formed in Cheltenham in ealry 2012. Their own work has already been compared to bands such as Foals and City & Colour through their combination of acoustic folk influences with Bernard Butler-esque guitar riffs. The band perform both original material as well as their own unique take on artists such as Sam Sparro and Depeche Mode.

Simplistic Scientists

Simplistic Scientists, a Roots Hip Hop Spoken Word collective from the South West of England, were born in May 2011. They recorded their debut single 'Dive Down' which was aired on local radio stations including BBC Gloucestershire Introducing. Live acoustic performances as a trio have defined their ever evolving sound, whilst uniting with fellow musicians and songwriters in the studio, adding more and more collaborative creations to the list. Simplistic Scientists live show consists of; Dave on vocals and turntables; Greg on vocals and guitar and Rich on drums but who knows what the future might bring?

Laura & The Boutique

Laura Boutique is a singer/songwriter from Cheltenham via Dagenham in Essex! With a unique powerful voice and a real talent for writing Laura was signed to JAL (Just another Label) where she has a Publishing deal and writes production music for TV/Film. She is also currently writing and recording her Début album.

She creares inspiring music you will want to hear again and again with a heart and soul that gives you tingles and the heairs on your arms stand on end! It will also make you want to get up and dance or sing out!

Minnie Birch

 

Minnie Birch sometimes sings alone, other times with her friends but writing and singing songs is what she loves to do. In her own words she writes “dreary sad music, which hopefully leaves people feeling happy when they listen to it” She just finished recording with George Shilling at his beautiful Bank Cottage studio and is releasing an EP towards the end of the year to tie in with a big support slot opening for Joan Armatrading at the Watford Colloseum in October.

Johnny Foreigner

Johnny Foreigner are an indie rock band from the second city of the UK. they are older than they look and younger than they feel.

Johnny Foreigner vs Everything is their 3rd studio album. This summer they are playing their first festival season as a four piece following the press-ganging of their artist to additional guitar.

Gunning for Tamar

Gunning for Tamar are based in Oxford and focus on producing melodramatic pop and rock music.

GFT met their drummer online but not through a (well-known) dating site and they (truthfully) found their bassist up a tree, befriended him and found out that not only was he very good at climbing but that he could play the bass.

Dan and Joe are childhood friends from Cornwall and they hope to return there one day when the civil war has ended in the region. They released their debut EP Deaf Cow Motel, this record showed the seeds of what GFT could develop into - a band pouring with melody, hooks & all your favourite odd parts of rock.

Alphabet Backwards

Alphabet Backwards’ ethos is simple: to champion the noble art of Pop music, dancing all the way. They’ve put the ground work in developing an enthusiastic and lively fan-base in Oxford, and the word is spreading fast. The band have appeared at Truck, Green Man, Wychwood and many more festivals, and are presently working on their debut album. 

Flight of K

Flight of K are a Gloucestershire based originals band influenced by the great sounds of 70's West-Coast music and British Rock 'n' Roll. Currently in the studio working on the debut album with top producer Pete Brown, who has worked many legendary artists.

Canary Swing

This Gloucestershire based band started off life as an acoustic power pop three piece under the name "Funky Horse Milk", hitting their local scene with a catchy, upbeat sound and a live show that got people dancing with a smile on their faces.

The band have begun playing festivals up and down the country, extending their sense of joy and positivity to their ever growing cult following. 

The Jar Family

The Jar Family are a 7 piece band from the north east of England which includes five singer/songwriters/guitarists who have quickly forged a distinctive style of north-east blues & roots, uniquely coined as 'Industrial folk'