Apollo Junction

Leed’s natives Apollo Junction are set to release their new single Begin on May 18th via self release. The track is a masterful re-working of the original release of Begin five years ago, bringing us a fuller, rounder more radio friendly single that's a guaranteed floor-filler.

The original is on their Bandcamp but you'll be able to hear a pre-release spin of the track on Brian's Radio KC Indie Show of April 1st and that is no joke I promise you.

Apollo Junction write songs that capture the euphoria of electro-dance music mixing with strong indie guitar hooks, driving bass and passionate vocals. From New Order through U2, to The Cure, The Charlatans and Daft Punk, Apollo Junction use their influences to write insanely memorable and uplifting tunes.

With their big-hearted indie pop electronica, they are poised to make a real impact in 2018. Having spent 2017 writing and recording a now completed debut album alongside putting DIY demos and videos out into the web, and in doing so gathered plaudits far and wide.

A recently signed publishing deal with Wipe Out Music (Sleaford Mods/ Coquin Migale /Stone Foundation) has led to Apollo Junction songs featuring on MTV’s U.S. hit reality show Are You The One and in the upcoming movie The Big Promise. They’ve also had plays on Good Morning TV, MTV and BBC Look North.

Consistent gigging by Apollo Junction has led to a strong live following, and the band were described as ‘The best new band we have had in years!’ when they played the Dublin Castle recently.

This fanbase, radio play and critical acclaim also helped them play a series of festivals including the Main Stage at Bingley Music Live, and the Hard Rock stage at the Isle of Wight Festival.

They’ve supported Shed Seven, Cast, James and Sex Pissed Dolls. A recent pre match show at Leeds United Elland Road ground has led to them being invited to play at the Player of The Season Awards as guests of the team.

The Bedroom Hour

Ralph doesn't usually put blogs out on a Friday, what with the weekend being sacred and all, however when he heard that The Bedroom Hour were releasing their new album Hinterland on the 11th of July he made an exception and wound up the turntable.

There's a couple of old favourites on there in Nocturnal and Heart Will Haunt, but it's the new material that intrigues.

Thanks to Trust A Fox Photography

Lead track Ocean gives an atmospheric lead in to Sea Without Water and it's The Bedroom Hour at their anthemic best, with soaring vocals throughout. The aforementioned and much loved Nocturnal and Heart Will Haunt take us into the moodier Broken and a more reflective and melodic Sapphires.









The rousing Ghost Of A Smile leads into the more alt rockier WW/Me with shades of Big Country and the album continues on it's immaculately conceived way. Some almost psychedelic, organ infused sounds with I See Suns and it goes into the soaring, brief and eponymous Hinterland. The superbly named A Map Made From My Bones finishes off the album in style with it's synth infused richness. For me, it's the highlight.





They're a band destined for the bigger stage, and if; like me, you grew up with Simple Minds, Big Country and U2 this is without a doubt the album for you...and don't miss The Bedroom Hour  debuting Hinterland in Manchester's Night & Day on the 12th July, it'll be huge!

Sean Kennedy.....Debut EP release.....

Young Scottish singer/songwriter Sean Kennedy was brought to my attention by Irvine Beat FM presenter Ben Grant recently.  

Irvine born and bred Sean Kennedy was aiming for the stars whilst on the books at Hibernian FC as a budding footballer but his career was cut short due to a serious injury. 

During his recovery Sean started recording cover songs in the studio, then quickly moved on to perform as a front man of local band October Sky.
Growing in stature he developed quickly in writing songs on his guitar and that was when he turned to a career as a musician.

Kris Kesiak Photography

Having been working hard refining his skills working alongside many highly acclaimed writers and producers such as Duran Duran's Andy Taylor, Nik Kershaw,  and Richard Lobb as well as Peter Vetesse of Jethro Tull who has produced records for The Pet Shop Boys, The Bee Gees and in more recent times Simple Minds.

Sean also has been working alongside Grammy winning mixing engineer Simon Gogerly (U2, No Doubt).

He's got inspiration for some of his tracks after travelling all over the globe resulting in the recently released EP 'Love Don't Live Here' available in iTunes. Sean was also invited down to perform at the London 2012 Olympics.

The 25 year old fuses together his influences of Amos Lee, Gavin DeGraw and Crowded House together with his accomplished songwriting to provide his own blend of home grown Americana. As Sean has grown as a performer it’s evident that his musical talents have matured through time.

The Bluebells

I can hear all that was good in Scottish music in the late 80's early 90' from the likes of Roddy Frame and Aztec Camera or The Bluebells in his tunes.  'Love Don't Live Here' for instance has all the pop like-ability of Edwyn Collins and Orange Juice's 'Rip It Up' and I welcome this return to a clean, crisp Indie pop style.  He's got the musical ability, voice, charisma and looks to take him to stardom.

“With the exposure that’s bound to be generated once his music gets out there, Sean is set to be a major star.” Jim Gellatly

"Sean's a natural, you can't learn what he has. You've either have it or you don't" Andy Taylor