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The Saturday Night Launch: Hot For 2013
Andrew Marston chooses his favourite tracks from the past 12 months, as sent in by listeners to ±«Óătv Introducing in Hereford & Worcester - while Andy O'Hare counts down the 10 best gigs he's been to.
Last on
Sat 5 Jan 2013
20:00
±«Óătv Hereford & Worcester
Andrew Marston's Top Ten
It's a difficult choice to make - there's no set of style/genre rules -
I've just singled out what I firmly believe to be the best acts of the
year based on the sheer amount of music that I've listened to (and I've
listened to EVERYTHING that has been sent in). If you've listened to as
much as I have - I'd like to think you'd come up with the same results! I
also worked on the basis of "if I remembered the song, it must be
good!" so tried not to look down a list...
#1: Lauren Wright - Kiss Me
Herefordshire and Worcestershire doesnât really âdoâ country - but Iâll tell you what - when it does, it does it to an international standard.
Ìę
This 19-year-old studied music at Kidderminster College and her burning passion and desire for music led her to SXSW in Austin, Texas, where she met Taylor Swiftâs producer. He loved her work, so much so, that he produced her debut single which would lead her to a number of support slots at the LG Arena in Birmingham working with Britney Spears and The Saturdays.
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Sheâs since been on a East Coast tour of US schools and has been picked up by Elvis, Jimi Hendrix and Shirley Basseyâs record label Right Recordings.
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It wasnât the strongest of performances she gave during our ±«Óătv Introducing recording session at Stourport Civic Centre, but she knocked spots off us when she came back later in the year.
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Her track will now be passed onto ±«Óătv Radio 1 and featured on their new podcast Hot For 2013, which features one artist per area who could 'make it' in the next 12 months.
Ìę
This 19-year-old studied music at Kidderminster College and her burning passion and desire for music led her to SXSW in Austin, Texas, where she met Taylor Swiftâs producer. He loved her work, so much so, that he produced her debut single which would lead her to a number of support slots at the LG Arena in Birmingham working with Britney Spears and The Saturdays.
Ìę
Sheâs since been on a East Coast tour of US schools and has been picked up by Elvis, Jimi Hendrix and Shirley Basseyâs record label Right Recordings.
Ìę
It wasnât the strongest of performances she gave during our ±«Óătv Introducing recording session at Stourport Civic Centre, but she knocked spots off us when she came back later in the year.
Ìę
Her track will now be passed onto ±«Óătv Radio 1 and featured on their new podcast Hot For 2013, which features one artist per area who could 'make it' in the next 12 months.
#2: Daniel & The Scandals - You Take The Mood & Iâll Take The Weather
When he turned up at our recording session in Evesham Arts Centre, just him and a guitar, my heart sank. Not many musicians can carry a standard that is so much higher than your average one-man-and-his-dog-in-a-subway.
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Daniel is leagues apart. Heâs turned a lot of heads and Tom Robinson played some of those session tracks on his ±«Óătv 6 Music radio show, as a reflection of the quality this guy oozes.
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He was instrumental in setting up Rock The Ford festival in Hereford during the summer, in whatâs been a particularly vacant year for the cityâs music scene.
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Many times during the compilation of this chart, he was at #1. And if I could have had a joint first, I would. But after a week had gone by, my other #1 contender was stuck in my head, and Danielâs song wasnât. So if anything is going to infect a nation, itâs going to be the most memorable song. Sadly, Daniel only just looses out, because the irritation factor simply just doesnât exist! Songs that go round and round are less sophisticated and will polarise people right from the start. So I canât see why no-one would like this!
Ìę
Daniel is leagues apart. Heâs turned a lot of heads and Tom Robinson played some of those session tracks on his ±«Óătv 6 Music radio show, as a reflection of the quality this guy oozes.
Ìę
He was instrumental in setting up Rock The Ford festival in Hereford during the summer, in whatâs been a particularly vacant year for the cityâs music scene.
Ìę
Many times during the compilation of this chart, he was at #1. And if I could have had a joint first, I would. But after a week had gone by, my other #1 contender was stuck in my head, and Danielâs song wasnât. So if anything is going to infect a nation, itâs going to be the most memorable song. Sadly, Daniel only just looses out, because the irritation factor simply just doesnât exist! Songs that go round and round are less sophisticated and will polarise people right from the start. So I canât see why no-one would like this!
#3: Robinson - Youâll Never Be Her
While Andy Robinson is living in our area, he is someone who could be at #1 every year. In fact, I donât know why we donât just repeat the show!
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Heâs a guy who seems deeply troubled whenever I meet him - probably because heâs inspired by some truly amazing writers who came to some very tragic ends. Heâs a writer at heart and his deep interviews, passionate tales and unique storytelling puts him among one of the finest intellects Iâve ever had the pleasure of meeting. But heâs also a man who puts his pure emotion into music and bleeds a sophistication that only those who stop and listen will ever come close to understanding.
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I took him to Abbey Road Studios in February and he said one of the most memorable things that Iâd ever heard: âInspiration, Andrew, is like a tap. And sometimes that tap runs dry. How can you measure success as a musician when you feel like youâre forever spitting into the wind."
Ìę
Heâs a guy who seems deeply troubled whenever I meet him - probably because heâs inspired by some truly amazing writers who came to some very tragic ends. Heâs a writer at heart and his deep interviews, passionate tales and unique storytelling puts him among one of the finest intellects Iâve ever had the pleasure of meeting. But heâs also a man who puts his pure emotion into music and bleeds a sophistication that only those who stop and listen will ever come close to understanding.
Ìę
I took him to Abbey Road Studios in February and he said one of the most memorable things that Iâd ever heard: âInspiration, Andrew, is like a tap. And sometimes that tap runs dry. How can you measure success as a musician when you feel like youâre forever spitting into the wind."
#4: Bo Walton - âs Too Good
If I should be accused of liking âuncool musicâ - this is the track Iâd like to remembered for!
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Great Scott! Put in me the DeLorean and set the flux capacitor for 1955. Forget Chuck Berry, Marty McFly could have been Bo Waltonâs biggest inspiration. Heâs influenced by '50s and '60s Rock ânâ Roll, so much so, he takes the genre by the horns and takes you on a musical journey that was so uplifting that Dire Straits legend Mark Knofler decided to add some of his own guitar licks to Boâs reminiscent creations.
Ìę
His tracks have been so well produced, I even got my phone out and Shazamed them to make sure that I was listening to something new.
Ìę
Great Scott! Put in me the DeLorean and set the flux capacitor for 1955. Forget Chuck Berry, Marty McFly could have been Bo Waltonâs biggest inspiration. Heâs influenced by '50s and '60s Rock ânâ Roll, so much so, he takes the genre by the horns and takes you on a musical journey that was so uplifting that Dire Straits legend Mark Knofler decided to add some of his own guitar licks to Boâs reminiscent creations.
Ìę
His tracks have been so well produced, I even got my phone out and Shazamed them to make sure that I was listening to something new.
#5: FREnchfire - Prime
Theyâre a project of very little words, which is for the best - they just let the music do the talking.
Ìę
I firmly believe that they didnât know what they were onto when I selected them to play on the ±«Óătv Hereford & Worcester stage at the Big Chill Festival a couple of years back.
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Thereâs a real glassy quality to their sound, which is mellow and crystal clear. Granted, some of their tracks feature some almighty annoying samples that just seem to repeat every 2 seconds for 6 minutes - or until youâve thrown your stereo out of the window. But this first upload featuring vocals just made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Itâs a vocal that Iâve never heard in my travels - and to quote John Peel âI just want to hear something Iâve never heard beforeâ.
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±«Óătv Radio 1xtra were all over it like a dog on chips, making their mainstream playlist.
Ìę
I firmly believe that they didnât know what they were onto when I selected them to play on the ±«Óătv Hereford & Worcester stage at the Big Chill Festival a couple of years back.
Ìę
Thereâs a real glassy quality to their sound, which is mellow and crystal clear. Granted, some of their tracks feature some almighty annoying samples that just seem to repeat every 2 seconds for 6 minutes - or until youâve thrown your stereo out of the window. But this first upload featuring vocals just made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Itâs a vocal that Iâve never heard in my travels - and to quote John Peel âI just want to hear something Iâve never heard beforeâ.
Ìę
±«Óătv Radio 1xtra were all over it like a dog on chips, making their mainstream playlist.
#6: Becky Rose - Let The Games Begin
I took her down to Abbey Road Studios in London to learn about production because I could really hear a spark in this girlâs music - because back then, I wasnât a fan. But what she came away with the ability to write song that she wanted to write, rather being carbon copies of her influences.
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Sheâs been on ±«Óătv 6 Music with some of her productions, performed in front of the Queen officially opening The Hive in Worcester and this year catapulted the publicâs perception of her tracks to new heights after a storming electronica set at SnodFest. Now to cap it all, she also wrote her best song to date - and one of the most inspirational Olympic songs youâll hear until 2016!
Ìę
Sheâs been on ±«Óătv 6 Music with some of her productions, performed in front of the Queen officially opening The Hive in Worcester and this year catapulted the publicâs perception of her tracks to new heights after a storming electronica set at SnodFest. Now to cap it all, she also wrote her best song to date - and one of the most inspirational Olympic songs youâll hear until 2016!
#7: The Undercover Hippy - Boyfriend
Some you win, some you lose: When I first heard this nightclub MC-come-acoustic guitarist, I thought Iâd discovered something unique. I loved the speed of the rhyme and the amazing rhythm that accompanied that.
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So I put him on at Wyeside during our ±«Óătv Hereford & Worcester stage takeover - only to be quite disappointed. Granted, it was a quick turnaround and was being broadcast live, but he just seemed plagued by equipment and tuning issues. Or maybe it was just a stage too big at a time too soon? Now last week we received a Tweet that said: ⱫÓătv Introducing was in danger of breaking too soon in their infancyâ and I think thatâs exactly what happened in Billyâs case.
Ìę
He disappeared under-the-radar for a couple of years after that, but heâs exploded back onto the festival scene, writing albums and producing tracks like this. The production is absolutely first class, the lyrics are cheeky and fun - and when Ali G said you should "Keep It Realâ - this is about as real as music gets.
Ìę
So I put him on at Wyeside during our ±«Óătv Hereford & Worcester stage takeover - only to be quite disappointed. Granted, it was a quick turnaround and was being broadcast live, but he just seemed plagued by equipment and tuning issues. Or maybe it was just a stage too big at a time too soon? Now last week we received a Tweet that said: ⱫÓătv Introducing was in danger of breaking too soon in their infancyâ and I think thatâs exactly what happened in Billyâs case.
Ìę
He disappeared under-the-radar for a couple of years after that, but heâs exploded back onto the festival scene, writing albums and producing tracks like this. The production is absolutely first class, the lyrics are cheeky and fun - and when Ali G said you should "Keep It Realâ - this is about as real as music gets.
#8: Mumbo-Jumbo - Nice Work
Not a week went by in 2012 when I didnât hear about this song. In fact, it was quite a turn-off for me. That was, until I listened to it!
Ìę
They were nominated in the Best Original Song category in the British Blues Awards and when they played it live at our last recording session in Upton-upon-Severn, I suddenly realised it wasnât just a studio-produced track - this is what they sound like live!
Ìę
They were nominated in the Best Original Song category in the British Blues Awards and when they played it live at our last recording session in Upton-upon-Severn, I suddenly realised it wasnât just a studio-produced track - this is what they sound like live!
#9: Shaun Williams - Amore Vita
Heâs been a consistent producer of house and trance music over these last few years and has tied down various residencies in Worcester.
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Heâs worked with some amazing vocalist and isnât frightened to stay with a genre that was big at the turn of the millennium. Yes, music has moved on a lot since then, but everyone knows what goes around comes around and heâs about the only one left producing this style of music. All I know is the industry has saved the best for last - and when history repeats itself, heâll be the one there in the middle of the spotlight waving the glowsticks for trance music.
Ìę
Heâs worked with some amazing vocalist and isnât frightened to stay with a genre that was big at the turn of the millennium. Yes, music has moved on a lot since then, but everyone knows what goes around comes around and heâs about the only one left producing this style of music. All I know is the industry has saved the best for last - and when history repeats itself, heâll be the one there in the middle of the spotlight waving the glowsticks for trance music.
#10: Kamos - Leaving Them Dead
Leominsterâs Kamos is one of the shyest musicians Iâve ever met and somebody who is absolutely grateful of every opportunity that has come his way.
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Heâs graced our stages at the Big Chill, been championed by ±«Óătv Radio 1 and was coached by Annie Nightingale. He sounds like somebody whoâs never listened to any commercial music in his life and to me thatâs a great, great thing.
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Heâs graced our stages at the Big Chill, been championed by ±«Óătv Radio 1 and was coached by Annie Nightingale. He sounds like somebody whoâs never listened to any commercial music in his life and to me thatâs a great, great thing.
Andy O'Hare's Top Ten
Here's my pick of the best songs from the choicest acts I've seen in the last 12 months
- but please remember that my preference is for live gigs - so it's all
band or acts who I've personally seen and met during the year - and a
bit like the New Year's Honours List!
#1: Das Sexy Clap - Whiteout
Formed in late 2009 by Chris Wemyss (drummer of And What Will Be Left Of Them?/Joe Patroni/Girls On Film infamy) on guitar and vocals - and lifelong friend and musical partner Katy Birch on drums.
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The debut album EFD by Das Sexy Clap is a must-listen collection of 11 songs of ear-bending musical brilliance - they shout a lot, the guitars are dirty and the drums are way too loud - a drawback with lesser outfits but which work spectacularly with this powerhouse duo.
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They're always guaranteed to fill the dancefloor and even with so many other great acts to have emerged this year Das Sexy Clap are my pick of 2012.
Ìę
The debut album EFD by Das Sexy Clap is a must-listen collection of 11 songs of ear-bending musical brilliance - they shout a lot, the guitars are dirty and the drums are way too loud - a drawback with lesser outfits but which work spectacularly with this powerhouse duo.
Ìę
They're always guaranteed to fill the dancefloor and even with so many other great acts to have emerged this year Das Sexy Clap are my pick of 2012.
#2: The Kerensky Offensive - Seven Storey Fall
Every so often you hear one song and you're gobsmacked. I heard this number by Bromgrove's The Kerensky Offensive early this year - but they split before I had a chance to catch them live.
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Andrew played their track 'Falling' a couple of months ago and they decided to reform and give it another go!
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I finally caught them just before Christmas at their comeback gig - and I've got great hopes next year for this young rock outfit who possess a massive asset in the incredible vocals of frontgirl Hannah!
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Andrew played their track 'Falling' a couple of months ago and they decided to reform and give it another go!
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I finally caught them just before Christmas at their comeback gig - and I've got great hopes next year for this young rock outfit who possess a massive asset in the incredible vocals of frontgirl Hannah!
#3: Massive Head Trauma - Arc Light
Fronted by Gary Lewis, aka punk poet Reverend Genghis Memphis, late in 2011 Massive Head Trauma played the best debut gig I've seen at the Room 13 venue in Worcester.
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Describing themselves as more 'heavy mental than heavy metal', the quartet of the good Reverend, Evil Dave, Philman and Random Dave have honed together an always-theatrical set of total quality that I feel wouldn't go unnoticed at one of the summer's major metal festivals.
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Describing themselves as more 'heavy mental than heavy metal', the quartet of the good Reverend, Evil Dave, Philman and Random Dave have honed together an always-theatrical set of total quality that I feel wouldn't go unnoticed at one of the summer's major metal festivals.
#4: Johnny Kowalski & The Sexy Weirdos - The Morning After
Self-proclaimed 'carnival punksters' Johnny Kowalski & The Sexy Weirdos could be equally at home playing funerals in New Orleans or weddings in the Balkans.
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Since cutting their teeth on the Birmingham circuit over the last couple of years they've proved to be prime festival material with an appearance at Nozstock among others.
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They've had an uplifting 2012 with a mini European tour, played an impromptu studio acoustic session with us, released their debut album 'Victory For The Monsters' and were recently played by Tom Robinson on his ±«Óătv 6Music show.
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Could 2013 be the year of the Sexy Weirdo?
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Since cutting their teeth on the Birmingham circuit over the last couple of years they've proved to be prime festival material with an appearance at Nozstock among others.
Ìę
They've had an uplifting 2012 with a mini European tour, played an impromptu studio acoustic session with us, released their debut album 'Victory For The Monsters' and were recently played by Tom Robinson on his ±«Óătv 6Music show.
Ìę
Could 2013 be the year of the Sexy Weirdo?
#5: Jasper In The Company Of Others - Say It's Greener
A cracking year for Jasper In The Company Of Others with frontman Shane now dividing his time between the Derby/Nottingham area and the West Midlands.
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With harmonies warmer than Caribbean rum - the fourpiece have one of the most unique sounds with the ukulele of Jak providing that extra distinctive edge and went down a storm at the session they recorded for us earlier in the year at Stourport Civic.
Ìę
With harmonies warmer than Caribbean rum - the fourpiece have one of the most unique sounds with the ukulele of Jak providing that extra distinctive edge and went down a storm at the session they recorded for us earlier in the year at Stourport Civic.
#6: The Roving Crows - Long Time Dead
Despite its title, this is really rather an uplifting number - as frontman Paul O'Neill says 'it's about making the most of your time you've been given' and there's few other bands know how to create a good time than the Roving Crows.
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I must mention their filling-in on the ±«Óătv Hereford & Worcester Stage at Wychwood for us at the last minute (straight after opening the festival itself on the main stage).
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We've been a fan of them ever since they 'rode over the border' to Ledbury a couple of years ago - we're not the only ones though - they were winners, this year, of Best Folk Act in the Exposure Awards - also Top Celtic Rock Band and Best Fiddle Player (Caitlin) in the Irish Music Awards - expect more gongs in 2013.
Ìę
I must mention their filling-in on the ±«Óătv Hereford & Worcester Stage at Wychwood for us at the last minute (straight after opening the festival itself on the main stage).
Ìę
We've been a fan of them ever since they 'rode over the border' to Ledbury a couple of years ago - we're not the only ones though - they were winners, this year, of Best Folk Act in the Exposure Awards - also Top Celtic Rock Band and Best Fiddle Player (Caitlin) in the Irish Music Awards - expect more gongs in 2013.
#7: Hitchhiker - Something To Look Forward To
It's always pleasing seeing an act grow right from the start and when Sean Jeffrey and Anna Mason met up at the 2011 Worcester Music Festival - they were playing with different acts (Epsilon Red and The Annas).
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Since then, they've progressed to a full band which is the sound that works for me - as evidenced by a cracking set at Snodfest - and we'd like to think a great year for them was rounded off by a session for us at Lizzie's Boathouse in Upton.
Ìę
Since then, they've progressed to a full band which is the sound that works for me - as evidenced by a cracking set at Snodfest - and we'd like to think a great year for them was rounded off by a session for us at Lizzie's Boathouse in Upton.
#8: George Barnett - No I.D.e.a
Winner of the 2008 UK Young Drummer Of The Year award, George has been making music from the age of three!
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He gave a gobsmacking performance with his backing band The Jungle at Snodfest in 2011 - and released his second EP '17 Days' earlier in the year on which he plays all the instruments - when playing live the Leominster lad is now supported by The Ninth Wave - still only 19 years old - he's got to be a great prospect for the future!
Ìę
He gave a gobsmacking performance with his backing band The Jungle at Snodfest in 2011 - and released his second EP '17 Days' earlier in the year on which he plays all the instruments - when playing live the Leominster lad is now supported by The Ninth Wave - still only 19 years old - he's got to be a great prospect for the future!
#9: The Misers - Fine Line
They've been stalwarts of this show from the very start - and although they've had some line-up changes in the last year or so (with keyboardist Adam Barry leaving to join forces with Simon Fowler of Ocean Colour Scene), The Misers from Bromyard are still fronted up by charismatic main man Neil Ivison.
Ìę
They released their second album A Weight Off The Mind at the start of November and I went to the launch gig at Keystones - and of course although there was plenty of 'this is another off the new album' - which was absolutely fine as it's packed with classics like My Life Story, Back In Your Arms and this one.
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They released their second album A Weight Off The Mind at the start of November and I went to the launch gig at Keystones - and of course although there was plenty of 'this is another off the new album' - which was absolutely fine as it's packed with classics like My Life Story, Back In Your Arms and this one.
#10: Dogs Of Santorini - (We're The) Dogs Of Santorini
I had a few 'novelty' songs in my Top Ten last year - so kicking off this year's selection with a bit of humour is this tongue-in-cheek ditty from the Malvern trio of seasoned campaigners Hodge, Ralph & Chewie.
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Oh and the EP launch is at Re-Con on 19 January.
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Oh and the EP launch is at Re-Con on 19 January.
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- Sat 5 Jan 2013 20:00±«Óătv Hereford & Worcester
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