The Plastix
by Marie on April 1st, 2010
The Plastix are a local band made up of Jack Oxford (Vox & Guitar), Dan Hutchins (Vox & Bass guitar) and Zac Skinner (Drums). They have played a host of venues throughout the South including The Joiners & Hamptons Bar in Southampton and are regulars at The Railway in Winchester. They've supported many local bands as well as Tom Hingley (ex lead singer of Inspiral Carpets). They are a powerful three piece that draw influences from the likes of The Jam, The Libertines and The Stone Roses. They are a young up-and-coming band performing original and lively material, well worth a listen.
Queen B
by Marie on April 2nd, 2010
Queen B is a sensational tribute band that solely concentrates on looking and sounding like the original artists. Paul even wears the jewelled crown, cape, leotard and an exact copy of the Freddie Mercury's famous yellow jacket as worn on the 1986 queen tour. Queen B plays all the popular queen hits and encourages the audience to join in singing. They are a self-contained four piece band with their own p.a. system. They have performed 3 times at Wembley stadium.
okcorrel
by Marie on April 14th, 2010
OkCorrel are a 5 piece Indie / Rock band from the Basingstoke and Whitchurch area, they formed in late 2009 and have been writing and performing their melodic upbeat tunes ever since. In February they recorded their first track 'Chestnut.' This has been well received by fans and new listeners alike. They have played on stage with the likes of The Fortunate and KTS in various venues around Hampshire and promise an upbeat enjoyable performance.
The Fortunate
by Marie on April 14th, 2010
Bursting forth with vitality and energy, the band consists of Lead Vocalist Natalie, Guitarist Sam, Bassist Rich and Drummer Simon. A random fan of the band said, “Big gushing hyper pop sound, driving indie rocking guitar underpinned by broad melodic bass lines, swathes of keys for colour and bombastic drums”. He loves it. The Fortunate formed in early 2009, and have played loads of cracking gigs throughout the year, sharing the stage with some incredible bands. They continue to gig frequently and look forward to an even more successful year in 2010, especially after their soon to be legendary TWANGFEST set.
The Have It Your Ways
by Marie on April 14th, 2010
Some say they've found the secret to a long and happy life. All we know is that The Have it Your Ways know how to do it right, and how to do it their way. This four-piece indie punk outfit from the south has often been described as the ‘indie scallys’ of their local scene, their catchy pop melodies and raw punk edge complemented with a light-hearted energetic carjacking nature. With an ever-growing arsenal of songs, The Have It Your Ways are sure to have a tune to get you tapping your feet...SPREAD THE LOVE!!!!
Le Chat Noir
by Marie on April 15th, 2010
Le Chat Noir are hard-rockin' Transatlantic desperadoes Teddy Hesper and Eileen Spruce. The band formed in the winter of 2006, shortly after Spruce moved to England from her native Los Angeles. Since then the duo have hit the European gigging circuit hard and never taken their foot off the accelerator, performing close to 300 gigs in 8 different countries, their full throttle live performances leaving stages soaked with sweat and blood and littered with broken drumsticks. Along the way, Teddy and Eileen have shared a stage with acts such as Motorhead, UFO, Saxon (Bulldog Bash, Warwickshire, UK, 2009), Nick Oliveri of Queens Of The Stone Age (Muziekgieterij, Maastricht, NL 2009) The Sonics, MC5, The Dwarves, Wanda Jackson, The Bellrays (Sjock Festival, Gierle, BE, 2008), The Datsuns (Rock Wauberg, Wauberg, BE, 2009), The Gories, The Oblivians (Blast Off!, Nottingham, UK 2009), Nine Black Alps (Centre Spot, Exeter, UK 2009), She Keeps Bees (Cavern, Exeter, UK 2009) and The Kids (Nonsense Festival, Peer, BE, 2008).
Unexclaimed
by Marie on April 16th, 2010
Unexclaimed are a four piece alt-rock band from Andover. Formed, in 2008, of Josh Greenaway (Vocals/Guitar), Tom Clarke (Guitar/Vocals), Craig Bullock (Bass/Vocals) and Lewis Ginger (Drums/No Vocals), Unexclaimed recently recorded three of their songs and are rapidly building up their fan base. Musically, Unexclaimed have a style that's been compared to the likes of Fightstar and Funeral for a Friend. We say this is a band with a big future. They rock, in an alternative way.
Bastad! Rats!
by Marie on April 19th, 2010
Bastad! Rats! are a new punk band from Basingstoke / Tadley. I could give you a shopping list of local bands the members are / were in, but that would be quite boring, and actually reasonably pointless. Pointless because they don’t really sound like any of their previous bands. There’s something anthemic about the songs they have already, I can pretty much promise you that the first time you hear them you’ll be wanting to sing along despite having never heard them before. It’s one of those cases where friends who’ve known each other for ages and played in different bands come together, and it just works.
Karrion
by Marie on April 21st, 2010
Karrion are a good ole heavy metal band that are out to put on a decibel ridden show of 80’s heavy metal mayhem and showmanship!
The biggest aims for Karrion are to play the music that they themselves love and put on a show louder and more entertaining than anyone else. One of thier biggest philosophies is that they can never have too many props or put on too much of a show. Karrion believe gigs should be as entertaining as they are musically interesting, and the TWANGFEST Team totally agree! Karrion can fill an hour with their own originals or a great selection or rock and heavy metal covers such as Iron maiden, Thin lizzy and Alice in Chains. Karrion have been playing together since November 2006, starting out at the George Venue in Andover. Since then Karrion have played over 70 gigs, including main support slots for Hi On Maiden, 101% Pantera and the Wurzles! In addition, they have often played with other national circuit bands such as Godsized, Mr Temper, Mendeed, Sondura and many more. This will be the third time that Karrion have played TWANGFEST and we promise them a hardcore metal welcome - Devil horns and headbanging all round. Marie "full metal jacket" Page said, "Without the enthusiastic support of Karrion, we would never have been able to develop the 'Backstage Beer Voucher' scheme. In fact, Karrion are the inspiration.". Beer o'Clock indeed.
Scorched Flesh
by Marie on April 21st, 2010
A 4-piece Egyptian cider core band formed within the depths of Boozingstoke. A heavy metal experience with a difference, taking you on a magic carpet ride over Arabian deserts and through futuristic cider producing factories of the future. Originally formed in 2003, now on Mk6. The band has taken to the stage nationally attracting a cult fan base which fills the arena with energy and face paint. Scorched have recently been recording their first professional EP, soon to be released. Clive, who runs the secret TWANGFEST tea tent ('Sshhh') said, "I love cider and this band love cider. It should be obvious to anyone, therefore, that I'm going to love this band. If you like cider, or Arabian carpet rides, then you too will love this band.". Mmm, apples.
Mr Temper
by Marie on April 21st, 2010
Mr Temper was formed by a natural geological process that involved taking very hard rockers and heating them to volcanic temperatures. This process released the essential 'ore' within - which is an extremely rare and sought after heavy metal named 'Mr Temper'. These guys aren't 'precious' though. The TWANGFEST interview monkey was dispatched to get a relevant quote from the band - lead singer Alex, said "In this explosive world we live in, music is our means of anger management teamed with a need to vent some creativity. When it comes down to it, there's nothing better than a rocking riff, a gut wrenching scream and a good mosh!". Roy plays rhythm and added, "Nothing can beat the feeling of cranking that amp and bruising some ear drums!". Hopefully our PA system will cope with the pressure without blowing its stack. Turn it up to 11 and stand well back TWANG Fans.
Tricky Micky
by Marie on April 23rd, 2010
Tricky Micky is an unlikely combination. He is a half Italian, ginger rapper, which I’m sure you’ll agree, already sets him apart. Micky started making music at 16 years old after swapping tapes with a friend at school. The tape he got was from a drum and bass rave pack and after joyously listening to this new found music, he set to work immediately, convinced that this “MCing thing can’t be that hard.” Then in 2003, under the moniker ‘MC Envy’, Micky reached the last 10 of Trevor Nelson’s ‘Urban Music Prize’ and was featured on BBC3 performing and being interviewed by Reggie Yates. “Success”, he said, “is just around the corner!” Not for the first time, he was wrong. Several years, one name change and many penned tracks later, in 2007, Tricky Micky was spotted by Mike Skinner and after meeting for lunch it was agreed that a track would be put out by ‘The Beats’ record label. “Success”, Micky said, “is just around the corner!” Again, he was wrong. Skinner backed out and ‘The Beats’ folded. Then after a chance meeting with a family member, he teamed up with Mr Skillz AKA JJC, Nigerian producer and creator of Big Brovaz, and recorded and released his first single, ‘Easy’. The video won the public vote in Channel U’s (now Channel AKA) ‘U Tell Us’ competition and went on the playlist for 9 months throughout 2008. He reached the semi final of ‘Live and Unsigned 2008’ and also reached the last 20 of ‘Britain’s Next Urban Superstar’, performing live at SOUND, Leicester Square for Flava TV. Show judge and 1xtra station manager Wilber Wilberforce stated in his assessment, “I think your music sounds like it’s come from the football terraces, and in my opinion, it should stay there.” It seemed that not everyone was being won over, although________ of Misteeq fame did say “I’m impressed, there’s definitely something about you.” Add 2 support slots for rapper Example to the list and 2008 was a year of improvement. In 2009 Tricky Micky finished recording his debut LP entitled ‘The Mick’s Tape’ and also shot the video for his next single ‘You Want Some.’ Both are due for release in 2010. After spending months agonisingly building a team to release his music, an increasingly bored Micky flew out solo to the Winter Music Conference in Miami and has returned with a renewed enthusiasm. “Success”, he says, “is just around the corner!” Let the story begin.
This is... 'LAD RAP'
The Scallywags!
by Marie on April 26th, 2010
The Scallywags formed in mid 2009 and have been playing gigs for a few months. Formed through a common love of music, The Scallywags want their music to be known and appreciated by everyone who hears it. Nick from the TWANGFEST Team asked the band for a cheeky comment, they said, "We're sick of all the mainstream music being pumped out. We have played some really good gigs which we're proud of because we haven't been around for too long yet and we wanted to get the chance to play at TWANGFEST to spread our music even more.". The Scallywags are influenced by British music from the 60's to now; by the way they get treated as people of this generation; and by the British way of life. Without planning to leave Blighty however, The Scallywags look set to take the world with them instead. All aboard the ScallyBus!
redflag
by Marie on April 26th, 2010
'Next in the seemingly never ending stream of quality announcements from the TWANGFEST Team is confirmation that redFlag will be making their TWANGFEST debut at this years' event. This four piece band are on their way up, using their own different backgrounds to come up with a sound they sound comfortable with. Described as Indie Soul, but heavily influenced by Rock and R and B, they are what they are. Come and show your support to this band of brothers and wave a red flag at redFlag."
Ruins of earth
by Marie on April 27th, 2010
Having only been in the public eye since January 2009, Ruins of Earth have already played over 60 shows, including 2 UK tours with the likes of Viatrophy and Shadow Law. The band was formed by guitarists Daniel Smith and Andrew Wilson, who were soon met by drummer Thomas Brooker, creating the foundations of what would later become Ruins of Earth. The current line up was finalized by vocalist Colin Russell and new bassist Fred McCauley. Their long anticipated debut EP 'Ashes of the Ocean' is now finally available (as of the 21.01.10) featuring 5 tracks of technically tinged thrash metal with brutal breakdowns and soaring melodic passages. The band are set to destroy the UK with their devastating live show in support of this new release, which is sure to pave the way for Ruins of Earth to deliver a shockwave amongst the overcrowded metal scene.
Rocco Lampone
by Marie on April 27th, 2010
"Rocco Lampone are a three piece punk band charging out of Blazingsmoke at 100 notes per hour. Be careful where you stand when these guys play 'cause they're LOUD, fast and a bit anarchic (like all good punk bands should be). Martyn "El Pagmeister" Page went to see them recently and reported, "I got too close, man". Check out the music of Rocco Lampone here, become huge fans now, then sing their songs back at them on 5th June. Punk."
KTS
by Marie on April 27th, 2010
A young band, KTS are already producing some beautifully fresh and exciting sounds. The (Tadley) three-piece use a combination of sequencers and live instruments to bring their musical vision to a live stage and are fronted by the lovely Mel, who's breathtaking vocals are causing a stir wherever they are heard. They are currently recording their debut album which will be availble soon. Absolutely a band to keep an eye out for.
The Guns of Pig Alley
by Marie on April 27th, 2010
Back to full strength after one of their number returned from an antipodean adventure. The band has an enviable track record, securing accolades such as supporting British pioneers The Vibrators, The Specials, 999, Kid British, and Chaz and Dave, not to mention headlining the official Dirty Pretty Things after-party by special request. With clever and quirky lyrics wrapped around a jaunty beat, each song has a story to tell and no two sound alike. Quintessentially English, the guns take you on a drink-fuelled nostalgic trip through the backstreet pubs and youthful indiscretions of their small town existences, introducing you to the characters and cautionary tales that have influenced their lives. With stomach-churning drum beats, rapid lyrics and even faster guitars, it is impossible to listen to the Guns and stay still.
London
by Marie on April 29th, 2010
London were one of many bands who formed at the end of 1976 from the ranks of eager young musicians (and non-musicians), their disillusion from a stagnant music scene all but shattered by a certain notorious quartet. A couple of ads placed in the music press by vocalist Riff Regan recruited drummer Jon Moss who had briefly been with The Clash until he could stomach Joe Strummer's humourless pseudo-revolutionary rhetoric no longer, plus guitarist Dave Wight and bassist Steve Voice. Steve came to TWANGFEST last year, had a great time, and said today, "I came to TWANGFEST last year and had a great time. I told the boys all about it and we are delighted to come and play this years' event. Just for fun. All for you." The TWANGFEST Team are pretty pleased too! TWANG fans, this is pure punk in it's original form and the Team can't stress enough how lucky we are to have this band on our line-up. Do yourself a favour and spend some time swotting up on London, this is a great place to start, then start counting down the days 'till 5th June when it's proven once and for all - "Everyone's a winner"!!!