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BEHIND THE SCENE
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
George Montague – Kintsugi – I’m The Envy
– Barn On The Farm – 2000 Trees -
Reviews, opinion and a massive gig guide for
August!
Issue #10 August 2014
THE ONLY FREE MAGAZINE
DEDICATED TO MUSIC IN
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
BEHIND THE SCENE GLOUCESTERSHIRE
BEHIND THE SCENE GLOUCESTERSHIRE is 10 this month – we’ve reached double
figures! We’ve had a get-together and invited all our relatives around. Our aunties
have pinched our chubby cheeks and we’ve eaten so much jelly and ice-cream that
we fell asleep on the sofa wearing a pirate’s hat. It was quite the party. Now
that we are in double figures we have great plans for the magazine over the next
few months. Remember that we are the ONLY magazine DEDICATED to music in
Contact via e-mail: behindthesceneglos@yahoo.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/behindthesceneglos
Website: http://behindthesceneglos.webs.com
Cover photo: 2000 Trees Festival by Joe Singh
Web: www.snaprockandpop.co.uk
FB:http://www.facebook.com/pages/snaprockandpop
/284731497557?ref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/snaprockandpop
Issue #10 August 2014
NOTT THE NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL
CAFÉ RENE, GLOUCESTER (Sunday 24th August)
WHAT'S THIS ALL ABOUT THEN? It's
Cafe Rene's annual summer party!
THE REGULARS CALL IT: "The party
of the year!"
LIVE MUSIC PROVIDED BY: A live
samba band and DJs all day.
I’LL BE HUNGRY & THIRSTY: There’s
a BBQ, Caribbean food, all types of rum
and a special Black Beard Rum Punch.
SO WE DON'T HAVE TO GET THE MEGABUS TO LONDON FOR IT? No, it's not
the Notting Hill Carnival, it's Nott The Notting Hill Carnival. It's in Gloucester.
What could be simpler?
TWO PINTS OF LAGER & A PACKET OF CRISPS PLEASE: £7.60 to you Sir
(well, to everybody actually).
BUT I WAN'T TO DRINK RED STRIPE: They'll have that in cans too at a special
Shebeen Bar. It is Nott The Notting Hill Carnival after all.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE. We’ve been attending gigs
here for 15 years and aren’t going anywhere.
Stick with us and enjoy the ride.
…IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE with CHARLIE BAXTER
FAVOURITE BAND/MUSICIAN…
There's just so many but if I had to pick
only one it would be I, The Lion.
Constantly gigging and always stunning,
these three chaps make a hell of a noise
and put on a fantastic show. I'm very
much looking forward to their next release.
BEST GIG YOU’VE EVER BEEN TO…
Frogfest every year! As for recent one off
shows I would pick Klaxons at 2 Pigs
because they were a huge influence on me
starting to make music, so to see them in
a small venue in my hometown was a
dream.
LAST GIG YOU WENT TO…
I've just got back from 2000 Trees
Festival, which was amazing. We have one
of the country's best small festivals right
on our doorstep and I highly recommend
everyone to check it out next year - I'll
definitely be going again!
GIVE YOURSELF A PLUG…
You can find me on Facebook and Twitter
and also check out my music on Bandcamp
and Soundcloud - just search for Charlie
Baxter. I'm also making new music with my
bands Oui Legionnaires and Last Night's
Victory, who are also on the
aforementioned websites. I'm always playing
live and hope to have a new solo record
out before the end of the year.
BEST THING ABOUT MUSIC…
The music scene here is just so friendly, I've made
such good friends with the bands and musicians
here, as well as gig promoters and everyone else
who makes music happen in Gloucestershire. It
really feels like a family. I've travelled around the
country playing music but nowhere has the same
combination of talent and supportiveness as here.
BEST KEPT SECRET…
I wanted to say Grumpy Whiskers but
I've just heard the sad news that they
have shut down. So I will just say
whatever the guys behind Grumpy
Whiskers decide to do next!
FAVOURITE VENUE/PUB...
The Frog & Fiddle is a true stalwart
of the local music scene, with local
and touring bands as well as festivals
and all dayers. I've had some of my
favourite nights at this venue, both as
a performer and as part of the
audience.
ONE THING YOU WOULD CHANGE
ABOUT MUSIC…
The same I would change about music
anywhere - I just wish more people
would check out their local venues at
the weekend instead of staying in
complaining that there's nothing to
do! It's such a shame when venues
shut down or bands break up because
the shows aren't attended in the
capacity that they deserve.
Having shared a billing with Rick Wakeman and Joss Stone at Henley Festival and
appeared at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival, GEORGE MONTAGUE's summer has
been as busy as ever and seen him perform to ever increasing audiences. With a
residency at London Jazz Festival in November and album number two ready to go
(the follow up to 2012's 'Have You Met George?'), I caught up with George to ask
him about making music, funding albums and all that jazz.
Growing up, music was always played in the Montague household and George reels
off a list of artists as long as your arm that have shaped his music: from Earth
Wind & Fire, Madness and Prince to bands like Coldplay, Foo Fighters and Outkast,
then more recently Pharrell, One Republic and Gotye, the influences are diverse. "I
was classically taught double bass from age eleven, which gave me a grounding in
music theory with scales and chords and an idea of how music works. The piano was
the instrument I found by myself and escaped to when I probably should have been
doing my double bass practice, especially when I began deconstructing songs and
album piano books by bands like Coldplay. I wanted to try and write songs that
made me feel those kind of emotions. And once I started you could barely tear me
away from the keys."
Double bass at 11, piano at 13, guitar at 15 and later the ukulele too, George is a
true multi-instrumentalist which, if you've ever seen him live, you'll know for
yourself. "I picked up the guitar and went through the teen-rocker thing, but
always came back to the piano." Now, ten years since he started playing the piano
he has well over 100 songs in his repertoire which he says just keep on coming.
"I adore songwriting. That, combined with performing, is my passion. Some songs
literally just happen, I almost write it and play it at the same time. Those are
normally very catchy, honest and often big hits with my wonderful fans. But
sometimes they take some coaxing out of their shell. I have had songs that have
taken years before they were right, as well as ones that will never be heard. It’s
knowing which ones really make me feel something that I can translate to an
audience, whether that is deep emotion or just wanting to get up and have a good
old boogie!"
Soon those people will have a new George Montague album to boogie to. George
has started a PledgeMusic campaign to fund the recording of the album. The funds
are raised by the fans, with no money leaving their pockets until the final target is
reached. And in return for pre-ordering his new album, fans get access to behind
the scenes, exclusive bonus content. "People kept asking me, “Where is album two
George?” It wasn’t always the plan, I have had talks with labels, but then I kept
hearing more about how PledgeMusic would be great for us and my fans! It is
because of them that I will be working with the guy who Produced Coldplay’s X&Y
album! You should have seen my face when they mentioned they could put us in
touch." The new album is completely written,
rehearsed, gigged and ready to go. "We
just need the time in the studio. So
when we reach 100% on Pledge we can do
just that. Go in, record the music, make
the album and then send it out to
everyone who so kindly pre-ordered it and
made it possible. I think that is why
Pledge also really appealed to me, because
I love connecting and talking with the
lovely folk enjoying my music online, with
YouTube comments or on Twitter and
Facebook. I am so grateful to all those
kind people, and wanted to give more
back to them to say thank you for all
their support and love over the past few
years. Pledge seemed like a nice way to
do that."
When the album is released, George will continue his relentless gig schedule
accompanied by his full six-piece 'notsobigband' and himself on grand piano. However,
he'll still be performing solo and as a quintet, quartet, trio and duo too. "I love
the variety. That variety and changing up the sound is what makes it even more
fun. Of course I’d love to be playing a full arena tour with a big band and jazz
orchestra every night, but I actually really love also playing solo, especially summer
festivals with their great vibe, sometimes on Gloria (my acoustic guitar), stripping
back songs and leaping about barefoot, with a bass-drum at my feet and just
hammering out some tunes to good folk."
An upcoming residency at the London Jazz Festival will see George on the same
programme as Grammy award winning Snarky Puppy and Miles Davis collaborator
Marcus Miller. "I am truly honoured that they want me to play, let alone give me
the whole week to play all over London. It is going to be quite an amazing time,
and they always have a great line-up!"
And I thought that Jazz music was just for old people. "Haha, well, I love jazz,
though I would not call myself jazz. I definitely have jazz influence, and am truly
honoured to play these superb jazz festivals. Even though I cannot place my genre
I am very happy the jazz community seem to be excepting me as a sort of second
cousin twice removed. I would say I have more Jazz Funk, Blues, R&B and Soul in
my music."
http://pledgemusic.com/georgemontague
http://www.georgemontague.com/
Although much of his time is spent in London, George is quick to note the virtues
of the Gloucestershire music scene. "My favourite gig I have played in
Gloucestershire was the Jazz Arena at Cheltenham Jazz Festival for an audience of
600 beautifully engaged, excited old and new fans! We are lucky to have such a
great original music scene in Gloucestershire championed by dedicated kind people. I
always have a ball going in and playing the BBC Radio Gloucestershire studio for
lovely encouraging folk like Claire Carter and Kate Justice. And Brewery Blues (at
New Brewery Arts) have always supported me and my music, as well as the Sundial
Theatre in Cirencester, the Everyman Theatre and The Frog and Fiddle in
Cheltenham. And of course we have some excellent festivals around here too like
the BBC Introducing stage at Wychwood. There is a lot of talent in this area.
Must be something in the water as they say.“
Don't I keep telling you that? Follow the links below for more information on
George Montague and his PledgeMusic campaign.
BARN ON THE FARM FESTIVAL
Over Farm, Gloucester - 6th June
It is Sunday morning and clearly a lot of people had too much of a good time at
Barn On The Farm Festival the previous night. As I wander up the track to the
entrance from the car park, I see bleary-eyed teenagers gingerly unzipping their
tents to glimpse the sunlight for the first time that day, whilst others sit
vacantly on the grass considering their next move – do they walk to the tap to
brush the taste of cider out of their mouths, or just lie down and hope that the
pain will go away? As for me, I’m fresh faced and ready to watch some bands…on a
farm…in Gloucester, a mere hop, skip and jump away from my house. I stop and
ponder that thought for a moment and think back to when I was a teenager. We
didn’t have the ‘next big things’ of folk and indie playing in a field around the
corner. We had Reading Festival - a long train ride away with crap nu-metal bands
all day and idiots shouting “bollocks” all night long in the campsite. Gloucestershire
– you don’t know how lucky you are.
In case it’s not already obvious, Barn On The Farm is held on an actual working
farm. The bands play in barns, there are huge tractor tyres to rest your weary
bum on and ostriches look at you inquisitively from behind a fence as you make
your way in. As country folk know, life on a farm starts early and as a result,
WINTER SPRINGS kicked things off at 11am with some happy folk-pop driven by
dual female vocalists. They played on the mezzanine level of a barn and everyone
listened attentively to songs that are so fresh that one was even written last
week. Soon after, FRANKIE DAVIES (pictured) and her band played some upbeat
country with massive choruses. She even threw in a Fleetwood Mac cover, which I
can only assume is played to mark the fact that today is the British Grand Prix.
Whereas JAKE ISAAC’s music is made for much bigger things altogether. Despite
some technical difficulties and a false start, he soon demonstrated his star quality
with some upbeat indie-pop. At the back of the room several girls screamed like he
was on the X-Factor (please stop, it’s a terrible habit) but you can kind of see
how he won them over. With his soulful voice and ability to switch tempos and
instruments effortlessly, it won’t be long before JAKE ISAAC’s name starts
cropping up more regularly.
KYLA LA GRANGE’s thumping beats and rumbling bass shook the sides of the main
stage barn and reverberated right through the corrugated metal. It was a quite
dramatic electro sound, like Florence Welch with plenty of machines. Quite the
opposite, back at the café stage, a small group whooped and hollered before MATT
WOODS had even played a song - he bashfully acknowledged them and persuaded
them not to clap along as it put him off his timing. He needed only an acoustic
guitar, a Ryan Adams-esque set of vocals and a great set of original songs to get
everyone’s attention as the sun set and the rain just about held off.
And with that, I wandered back past the ostriches and the small sea of tents to
the car park and I reflected on the fact that I didn’t see a single bad band at Barn
On The Farm. You get the sense that they’ve been categorically chosen for their
quality and, as a result, you can often hear a pin drop during performances (aside
from the occasional sound of a micro light plane taking off from the edge of the
festival field). There’s no litter, there’s little mud and every single person is there
for the music. What a lovely festival. I’ll be back next year.
Opening up the main stage was KES, whose
performance fell somewhere between enigmatic
and oddball. Taking cues from The Doors and
The Hold Steady, his tortured spoken word
seemed to split the opinion of the audience.
The same cannot be said for CHLOE FOY
(pictured), who performed over on the third
stage which doubled up as a chilled out café
bar. It’s probably 3 years since I’ve seen her
play and in that time she’s gathered together
a band and found a quite beautiful traditional
folk sound. I could have sat there with my cup
of tea and listened for hours.
Back on the main stage, KATE MILLAR played
an understated set of woozy, electronic music
with hints of the 80’s and The Gossip which
was easy to lose yourself in on a lazy Sunday
afternoon. Later on, PRIDES provided some
perfect energetic synth-pop that got people
moving, clapping and dancing. Their music is
clearly made for festivals like this.
WHO’D BE AN…OPEN
MIC HOST?
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AN
OPEN MIC HOST?
I've been hosting open mics for probably
around seven years.
WHERE ARE YOU AN OPEN MIC
HOST?
I joint-host the open mics at the Cross
Keys Inn, off Southgate Street in
Gloucester, and the Gloucester
Guildhall's Musiclab.
WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT
BEING AN OPEN MIC HOST?
Being able to help people perform with
as much confidence as possible by being
positively supportive and by getting
them the best sound you can.
WHAT’S THE WORST THING ABOUT
BEING AN OPEN MIC HOST?
Having to tell late comers that they
won't get a chance to perform as you've
run out of time.
IS GLOUCESTERSHIRE A GOOD PLACE
TO BE AN OPEN MIC HOST?
Yes! In my experience there are great
performers across a wide range of music
styles, a warm and friendly audience and
supportive and enthusiastic
landlords/ladies.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE
NOT AN OPEN MIC HOST?
I perform in a number of bands, namely
Sons of the Delta and The Jigantics,
plus solo performances.
WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE TO AN
ASPIRING OPEN MIC HOST?
Have a list of performers to keep a keep
a running order, try and give people
equal time. If people want to change the
order they perform in they should agree
that with performers before them -
don't make the decision yourself as
people can accuse you of favouritism.
GIVE YOURSELF A PLUG!
I will, thanks! Check out the music I
make at www.markcolemusic.com,
www.sonsofthedelta.co.uk and
www.thejigantics.com Also, please find
and 'Like' the bands on Facebook - it
really helps get the word around.
WITH MARK COLE
"We're not really like anybody else we've heard around here. We're not punk, we're
not metal, we're not indie. We think there's something for everybody in our set
list. Lots of our songs use samples to add some depth, as we like our music to not
only be songs, but to act as soundscapes, evoking images and feelings in the
listener. We can sound pretty big for a 3 piece as a result!"
After originally forming through other bands and a chance meeting at a house party
(isn't that how most bands get together?), the trio stayed playing together and
formed Kintsugi. Tom is the main songwriting force and cites his influences as bands
like Biffy Clyro, Deftones, Hundred Reasons and Mogwai, but that's not to say
that he thinks that the band sound anything like that - in fact he often struggles
to explain to people what they sound like. "He generally resorts to playing them
something instead."
So what does Kintsugi actually mean? "The word Kintsugi comes from the Japanese
art of mending broken pottery with seams of gold or silver, with the resulting
piece often being more beautiful than the original. It's used as a philosophy to
mean that something can be better in the long run as a result of having been
broken in the first place. This resonates with us, both as musicians and as people,
so seemed a good choice for us.“
The band have just released their first single, 'When We Were Young' which is
available via digital download. "It's about revisiting somewhere where you used to
spend a lot of time in your youth, and realising that the reality of the place is
different now compared to your memory, and how that affects your relationship
with that place." The band have also released some early demo tracks for their EP
Life for a new band can be hard. You
settle on a name you like, type it in to
Google and find that it's been taken by
a death metal band from Finland. You
try to get some gigs, but the venue
won't put you on because you don't
have any recordings. You don't have any
recordings because you've spent all of
your money on rehearsal studios. You
invite all of your friends to 'Like' your
Facebook page, but only 13 do and you
feel instantly rejected. You've got to
keep plugging away. You've got to have
the right attitude. And it seems like
KINTSUGI, a relatively new alternative
rock band from Cheltenham have that.
Tom, James and Rich that make up the
band gave me an insight into what it's
like to be a new band in Gloucestershire.
KINTSUGI
And finally, what's next for Kingsugi? "Record our EP properly. Gigs, gigs, and more
gigs - we'd love a slot at a local festival. We'd also love to take our music further
afield, perhaps to London. We're playing both The Fleece in Bristol, and at Oxjam
Didcot in August, so it's a step in the right direction! Above all else, our plans
involve continuing to write and perform music that we love playing and which makes
us feel awesome."
on their website which were recorded and mixed at Tom's home studio at his house
in Gloucester. "It's very much a DIY job but Tom loves the mixing and production
side of the band equally as much as the playing. Although, we'd love to hear what
we sound like mixed professionally and get into a professional recording studio and
record our EP properly!“
How easy is it for a relatively new band to get gigs in Gloucestershire? "On the
whole it's been relatively tricky to be honest, but that's not to say that it's
difficult - it just requires a lot of effort, flexibility and persistence to keep
contacting venues and promoters until something comes up. Bands can't expect
offers to come flying in, so they need to put in the legwork on that side of
things. We try to keep up a steady social media presence and spread the word of
gigs. Good communication with venues and promoters helps, so we try to make sure
we're clear on that front. We do however think more could be done to promote
gigs early, and with the right information - adverts with 'sounds like', or 'for fans
of’ type information - we think this will help people take a chance on new bands in
the area and give them time to make sure they don't have other arrangements."
Locally, the band pick out
Empire, Reign of Fury and
Evesham-based Baron
Greenback as some of their
favourites. "We really like 2
Pigs in Cheltenham too. It's
an excellent venue with
great staff and a fantastic
sound. We also loved the
intimacy of Grumpy
Whiskers which has now
sadly closed. Hopefully we'll
get a chance to play some
other venues like The Frog
and Fiddle at some point.
To hear tracks from KINTSUGI, please visit:
www.kintsugiband.com
www.facebook.com/kintsugiband.
BEHIND THE SCENE GLOUCESTERSHIRE RECOMMENDS…
VENA PORTAE August 15th
The Goods Shed, Stroud THE ME! ME! ME’S!
August 9th
2 Pigs, Cheltenham
KING PLEASURE
& THE BISCUIT
BOYS August 1st
Café Rene, Gloucester
SCOTT JAMES & THE
REVOLUTION August 23rd
Royal Oak, Bishop’s Cleeve
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GIG GUIDE FOR AUGUST
Date Bands Venue Town Genre
1st Soul Strutters, King Pleasure &
The Biscuit Boys, Steve Ajao
Blues Giants
Café Rene Gloucester Blues
1st Sean Saye Globe Stonehouse Classic covers
1st Fred Robert’s Family, Polly &
Flo
Bell Inn Cheltenham Acoustic
1st Huntley Beer Festival feat:
Leanne Jackson All About Gaga,
Thrill Collins, Indigo Kings
(6pm)
Huntley
Cricket Club
Huntley Festival
1st Clair Le Brocq Band Dick
Whittington
Gloucester Blues
1st Which One’s Gerry? New Inn Gloucester Covers
1st Steve & The Achievers Ale House Stroud Blues Roots
1st Filthy Rokkit Vaults Cirencester Rock covers
1st Gordon Wood Cross Keys Inn Gloucester Blues
1st Tommy Lewis Royal Oak Bishop’s
Cleeve
Pop covers
1st World Government Crown &
Sceptre
Stroud Funk Soul
1st Strange Things Frighten Us,
DJ’s Eddie & Tom
SMV Subtone Cheltenham Pop punk
1st Dom Pipkin The Convent South
Woodchester
Roots Blues
1st Synergy Strand Cheltenham World
1st Vinestock feat: Galloping Cows,
Hard Stairs, Clay Gods, Alex
Petrie, Gareth Harper,
Colourmejordan (6pm)
The Vine Cheltenham Festival
1st Soul Strutters Café Rene Gloucester Funk Soul
1st Short & Sweet The Royal Charlton
Kings
Soul covers
1st Ed Arnold Monty’s Cheltenham Acoustic
1st Adam Cross O’Neills Cheltenham Acoustic
Date Bands Venue Town Genre
1st Memphis Fairview Cheltenham Covers
2nd 24 Pesos, King Size Slim, The
Clarksville Mountain Band, Funke
& The Two Tone Baby, Lewis
Creaven, Will Edmunds Trio,
Solid Gone (2pm)
Café Rene Gloucester Blues
2nd Texas Flood, Apherium,
Standing To Fall, Kill For
Trophies
Lower George
Inn
Gloucester Hard Rock
2nd Stretch Brewery Stroud Americana
2nd Huntley Beer Festival feat: The
Rating, The Lushtones, Muso
Centrale, One Direction
Adventure (4.30pm)
Huntley
Cricket Club
Huntley Festival
2nd No Parkin’ Blues Band New Inn
Courtyard
Gloucester Blues
2nd CCTV Allstars Prince Albert Stroud Ska Folk
2nd Summerfest feat: Red Seas
Fire, Heaven Asunder, Aurora,
We Define A Martyr, Five Miles
North Of Nowhere, Sharkface
(3pm)
Frog & Fiddle Cheltenham Festival
2nd Which One’s Gerry? The Station Gloucester Covers
2nd Shark Dentist Bayshill Cheltenham Blues Rock
2nd Mark Walby Monty’s Cheltenham Acoustic
2nd Summerfest feat: Freeze The
Atlantic, The Hook-Line Riot,
Welcome Back Delta, Giants,
Milk Teeth & more! (6pm)
2 Pigs Cheltenham Festival
2nd Fake Republic Albion House Cheltenham Covers
2nd The Red Shift, Which One’s
Gerry?
O’Neils Cheltenham Covers
2nd Cam Beer Festival feat:
Fracture, Severn Soul, Boogie
Bop Boys
Cam Sports
Club
Cam Covers Rock
‘n’ Roll
2nd Otis Mack & The Tubby
Bluesters
Ruardean
Sports &
Social Club
Drybrook Blues
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GIG GUIDE FOR AUGUST
Date Bands Venue Town Genre
2nd Adam Cross The Quaich Cheltenham Acoustic
2nd Standing To Fall Lower George
Inn
Gloucester Hard Rock
2nd The Rumblestrutters Cross Keys Inn Gloucester Blues
2nd Vince Freeman Royal Oak Bishop’s
Cleeve
Singer
songwriter
2nd Deckajam SMV Subtone Cheltenham Live Drum &
Bass
2nd Vinestock feat: King Solomon,
Charlie Baxter, Lighter Thieves,
Jim Blair, The Hawthornes,
Black Rose & more! (12.30pm)
The Vine Cheltenham Festival
3rd Lionfest feat: The Stand,
Harper’s Ferry, Josh Morgan,
Beat Harlows, Ed Hanfrey
(3.30pm)
The Lion Cinderford Festival
3rd Oil Slick Fire, Rollo Markee
(4.30pm)
Fountain Inn Gloucester Blues
3rd Red Dog (6pm) Railway Inn Newnham Blues
3rd Emily (3.30pm) Albion House Cheltenham Covers
3rd Open Mic (4.30pm)
Big Jim & The Blues Breakers
Cross Keys Inn Gloucester Blues
3rd JB2 Exmouth Arms Cheltenham Jazz
3rd Lionfest feat: Loose Covers,
Drawing Of The Three, Devon
Cassells, Tom Browning, Dan &
Kate (3.30pm)
The Lion Cinderford Festival
3rd Vinestock feat: Edd Donovan &
The Wandering Moles, Richard
Abberline, Ghost Mind, Flying
Down Trio (3pm)
The Vine Cheltenham Festival
3rd Russ Kirk (12.00) Tunnel House
Inn
Cirencester Country
4th Connie Lush, Spikedrivers, Keith
Thompson’s Band, Matt Woosey
Band, Steve Morrison, Damon T
Café Rene Gloucester Blues
Date Bands Venue Town Genre
6th Open Mic Cross Keys Inn Gloucester Open Mic
6th Tom Browning Café Rene Gloucester Acoustic
6th Open Mic with Gordon Wood Bayshill Cheltenham Open Mic
7th Leon Daye Crown &
Sceptre
Stroud Acoustic
7th Flight Of K Soho Bar Cheltenham Covers
8th Greg Russell & Ciaran Algar Prince Albert Stroud Folk
8th Sound & The Sirens Queen Vic Stroud Covers
8th Bob Smith’s ‘Beerfest’ Open mic Miner’s Arms Whitecroft Open Mic
8th Marie Lister Trio Monty’s Cheltenham Soul Blues
8th Profound Poets, Benji & Hibbz,
White Spice, The Corfields,
Future Talk , Kirsty Clinch,
Jimmy Moore, Charlie Anne
Vaults Cirencester Singer
songwriter
8th I’m The Envy SMV Subtone Cheltenham Hard Rock
8th John D’Ambrosio (6pm) Exmouth Arms Cheltenham Acoustic
8th The Furtive, Frazer Lepford Cotswold Inn Cheltenham Acoustic
8th Waiting For Kate, King Solomon Fish & Fiddle Cheltenham Ska Reggae
8th Lakefest inc: Buzzcocks, Lee
‘Scratch’ Perry, Young Kato,
Coco & The Butterfeats & more
Croft Farm
Waterpark
Tewkesbury Festival
8th Delicate Holly, Standing To Fall,
Loic, Jay Mansfield
2 Pigs Cheltenham Indie rock
8th Michigan Avenue Brunswick Gloucester Blues
8th Arankas Cackle Café Rene Gloucester Reggae
8th Jacob Wellfair, Spencer Rees Slug & Lettuce Cheltenham Acoustic
8th Subduction Crown &
Sceptre
Stroud Ska
8th Fred Robert’s Family, The
Jellyfish
Bell Inn Cheltenham Acoustic
9th Jennifer T Nag’s Head Longhope Pop covers
9th Zephyr Brunswick Gloucester Blues Rock
Date Bands Venue Town Genre
9th Binomial Stoney’s Cirencester Synth-pop
covers
9th Lakefest inc: Shed Seven,
Lightning Seeds, Neville Staple,
Erica, Victorian Dad + more!
Croft Farm
Waterpark
Tewkesbury Festival
9th John D’Ambrasio Monty’s Cheltenham Acoustic
9th Funkbomb St Paul’s
Tavern
Cheltenham Funky covers
9th Parc Royale, The Penny Black,
Spark The Sale
SMV Subtone Cheltenham Pop punk
9th Which One’s Gerry? Tuffley Rovers
Sports Club
Gloucester Covers
9th DB Smith Blues Trio Bayshill Cheltenham Blues
9th The Vigil, The Me Me Me’s!
Honey
2 Pigs Cheltenham Rock
9th The Two Anchors Brewery Stroud Sea shanties
10th Will Kinn (3.30pm) Albion House Cheltenham Pop covers
10th Open Mic with Bexley (6pm) Railway Inn Newnham Open Mic
10th The Pushy Doctors Stroud Valleys
Artspace
Stroud Jazz
10th Broken Boat Prince Albert Stroud Folk
10th Lakefest inc: Fun Lovin
Criminals, Roving Crows, Gaz
Brookfield, Edd Donovan & The
Wandering Moles + more!
Croft Farm
Waterpark
Tewkesbury Festival
13th Open Mic Cross Keys Inn Gloucester Open Mic
13th Gypsies of Bohemia Café Rene Gloucester Acoustic
covers
13th Drawing Of The Three, Ben
Maggs, Alex Petrie, Russ Poole
Bayshill Cheltenham Singer
songwriter
14th Renny Jackson Prince Albert Stroud Singer
songwriter
14th Alex Taylor Soho Bar Cheltenham Singer
songwriter
15th Fiona Bevan, Kal Lavelle Frog & Fiddle Cheltenham Singer
songwriter
15th Bukky Leo & Black Egypt The Convent South
Woodchester
Afro Beat
Date Bands Venue Town Genre
15th The Grass Snakes Brunswick Gloucester Bluegrass
15th Which One’s Gerry? The Old Badger Eastington Covers
15th Vena Portae, The Diamond Road The Goods
Shed
Stroud Alt-folk
15th Kickin Radios Café Rene Gloucester Indie Rock
15th The Luke Doherty Band Royal Oak Bishop’s
Cleeve
Classic Rock
15th The Wizards of Delight Crown &
Sceptre
Stroud Weird &
Wonderful
15th The Smokey Mountain Boys,
Boys In The Wood
SMV Subtone Cheltenham Country
Roots
15th Fred Robert’s Family, Ethemia Bell Inn Cheltenham Acoustic
15th John D’Ambrasio Monty’s Cheltenham Acoustic
15th Synergy The Royal Charlton
Kings
World
16th Hired Guns, Erica, Halfway To
Here
2 Pigs Cheltenham Hard Rock
16th Mizen Experience Miner’s Arms Whitecroft Acoustic
16th Galloping Cows St Paul’s
Tavern
Cheltenham Covers
16th Alex Taylor Royal Oak Bishop’s
Cleeve
Singer
songwriter
16th Binomial Farmer’s Arms Birtsmorton Synth-pop
covers
16th Tuff Lov Albion House Cheltenham Covers
16th Karu Railway Inn Newnham Rock
16th Snowblind (Black Sabbath
Tribute)
Hillview Music
Venue
Cheltenham Rock Metal
16th Five Miles North Of Nowhere,
Eden In Progress, Floorboards
SMV Subtone Cheltenham Heavy Rock
16th Beggarman’s Beard, Defy All
Reason, Beneath The Divine,
Hunter’s Grace
Lower George
Inn
Gloucester Rock Metal
16th Damson Sky Monty’s Cheltenham Acoustic
16th Powerslaves (Iron Maiden
tribute)
Brunswick Gloucester Heavy metal
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GIG GUIDE FOR AUGUST
Date Bands Venue Town Genre
16th Swing From Paris Brewery Stroud Jazz swing
16th Too Rock For Country Bayshill Cheltenham Rock
16th Which One’s Gerry? Nag’s Head Longhope Covers
17th Marcus T (3.30pm) Albion House Cheltenham Covers
17th Hungry Folk Miner’s Arms Whitecroft Folk
18th Hattie Briggs, Philip Douch Painswick
Centre
Painswick Storytelling
& Folk
18th Vena Portae (2pm) Rise Records Cheltenham Alt-folk
20th Paul Newman’s Jam Night Bayshill Cheltenham Open Mic
20th Open Mic Cross Keys Inn Gloucester Open Mic
20th Life O’Reilly Folk Jam The Royal Charlton
Kings
Irish
20th Gloucester Acoustic Showcase Café Rene Gloucester Acoustic
20th Young Guns Guildhall Gloucester Pop rock
21st A Willhelm Scream, Darko,
Stillbust
Guildhall Gloucester Hard rock
21st Cut The Funk The Convent South
Woodchester
Jazz Funk
21st David Julien Soho Bar Cheltenham Acoustic
22nd Benny J Hayes Prince Albert Stroud Punk rock
22nd KSH & The Going Goods SMV Subtone Cheltenham Acoustic hip-
hop
22nd Swanfest feat: Michigan Avenue,
Them Spitfires, The
Hawthornes, Middle Aged Angst,
Show Openers (6pm)
The Swan Cheltenham Festival
22nd Bobby G Royal Oak Bishop’s
Cleeve
Rock ‘n’ Roll
22nd Solid Gone Brunswick Gloucester Blues
22nd The Stiff Joints Café Rene Gloucester Ska
22nd Which One’s Gerry? Black Horse Inn Nibley Covers
Date Bands Venue Town Genre
22nd Binomial Vaults Cirencester Synth-pop
covers
22nd Beer & Cricket Festival: Errol’s
Kitchen, The Watts
Miserden
Cricket Club
Miserden Funk covers
22nd Which One’s Gerry? Black Horse Inn Nibley Covers
22nd Short, Sweet & Curly (6pm) Exmouth Arms Cheltenham Acoustic
22nd Alex Petrie Monty’s Cheltenham Acoustic
23rd Witcombe Cider Fest inc: Goldie
Lookin’ Chain, Ballzee, Jawjee,
Charlie Baxter, Check Da Cone,
Matt Bond, Son Of Jack, Emi
McDade, Michigan Avenue,
Ethemia
Witcombe Gloucester Festival
23rd Gravy Train Lakeside Café Tewkesbury Rock covers
23rd The Red Shift Coach &
Horses
Bourton on
the Water
Covers
23rd Concrete Jungle Festival: Laid
Blak, 1Eye, New Town Kings,
Imperial Leisure, Troy Ellis, The
Simmertones, Captain Accident
& The Disasters, King Solomon,
Strange Tenants, Alieghicia
Scott, SN Dubstation
Guildhall Gloucester Ska Reggae
23rd Brynley Thomas Globe Stonehouse Acoustic rock
covers
23rd Vince Freeman Monty’s Cheltenham Acoustic
23rd Royal Forest Beer Fest inc: Lar
Hughes, Peter Hale, Innocent
Bystanders, Dixons Of Dock
Green, Bexley Terrell, Damon
Thomas, Beat Harlows, Solid
Gone (4pm)
Miner’s Arms Whitecroft Festival
23rd Adam Okin Lakeside
Brasserie
South Cerney Swing covers
23rd Soulville Express Albion House Cheltenham Soul
23rd Subduction Brewery Stroud Reggae
23rd Subway The Hatherley Cheltenham Covers
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GIG GUIDE FOR AUGUST
Date Bands Venue Town Genre
23rd Beer & Sausage Fest inc: Alice
Barlow, Vince Freeman, Mike
Maddams, Scott James & The
Revolution, Corduroy Kings,
David Jullen (1pm)
Royal Oak Bishop’s
Cleeve
Singer
songwriter
23rd Velvet Love & The Memphis
One
Strand Cheltenham Soul
Motown
23rd Beer & Cricket Festival: King
Solomon Band
Miserden
Cricket Club
Miserden Reggae
23rd Swanfest feat: Galloping Cows,
The Pillars, Delicate Holly, 5$
Shake, Small Talk Robot,
Because Band, That Eaton
Jones Fellow, The
Plunderphonics, Huw Thomas,
Rock Foundry (12pm)
The Swan Cheltenham Festival
23rd Huw Edward Thomas, Because SMV Subtone Cheltenham Acoustic
Indie
23rd Treefest inc: In Situ, Gordon
Wood, Emily McGrory, The Hot
Tin Roofs, Corky, Ells & The
Southern Wild, Louise Latham,
Nicky Swann, Cadbury Sisters,
Rob Richings. (10.40am)
Westonbirt
Arboretum
Tetbury Festival
23rd Which One’s Gerry? Five Alls Cheltenham Covers
24th Over The Hill Lakeside Café Tewkesbury Covers
24th Brian Black, CJ (2.45pm) Albion House Cheltenham Covers
24th Jennifer T Cinderford
Rugby Club
Cinderford Pop covers
24th Treefest inc: The Shudders,
Mischa & His Merry Men, David
Waddington, Blind River Scare,
Mouton Gater, Missin’ Rosie,
Charlie-Anne, Andrew Davies,
Christine Kinder (10.50am)
Westonbirt
Arboretum
Tetbury Festival
24th Which One’s Gerry? (5pm) The Crown Lechlade Covers
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GIG GUIDE FOR AUGUST
Date Bands Venue Town Genre
24th Which One’s Gerry? (8pm) Old Spot Dursley Covess
24th Beer & Cricket Festival: Vital
Logistics
Miserden
Cricket Club
Miserden Covers
24th Brian Black Royal Oak Bishop’s
Cleeve
Covers
24th Witcombe Cider Fest inc:
Sonique, Duke, Alec Pritchard,
Josh Flowers & The Wild,
Smith & Jones, DJDZ, Edd
Donovan & The Wandering
Moles, Normanton Street, King
Solomon.
Witcombe Gloucester Festival
24th Swanfest feat: Oui Legionnaires,
Tommy Drums, Aural Candy,
The Red Shift, The Timbres,
Alex Petrie, Charlie Baxter, I’m
The Envy, Polly Anna
Gannaway-Pitts, Adam Cross,
Folkin’ Amazing, Rock Foundry
(12pm)
The Swan Cheltenham Festival
24th Shootin’ The Crow Railway Inn Newnham Rock
Country
24th Bon Giovi (Bon Jovi Tribute) Kingshill Dursley Hair Rock
24th Nott The Notting Hill Carnival Café Rene Gloucester Festival
24th Dave Clifford Globe Stonehouse Pop rock
covers
25th Treefest inc: Nick Felix, Leon
Daye, Alison Hustwitt, Keith
Hyett, Newquay Times, Darren
Hodge, Smith & Jones. (11am)
Westonbirt
Arboretum
Tetbury Festival
25th Swanfest feat: The Furtive,
Stressechoes, John Madden, The
Wanted Men, Black Rose, Fred
Roberts’ Family (12pm)
The Swan Cheltenham Festival
25th Thrill Collins (6pm) The Royal Charlton
Kings
Skiffle
Covers
27th Open Mic Cross Keys Inn Gloucester Open Mic
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GIG GUIDE FOR AUGUST
Date Bands Venue Town Genre
27th Mike Parker Café Rene Gloucester Americana
27th Johnny Duff’s Open Mic Bayshill Cheltenham Open Mic
28th Flight Of K Soho Bar Cheltenham Covers
28th Vince Freeman Lakeside
Brasserie
South Cerney Singer
songwriter
29th Stroud Fringe Fest: Largo
Embargo, I The Lion, Four Mile
House
Bank Gardens Stroud Festival
29th DMA, Odile Rault Brunswick Gloucester Not sure
29th Edd Donovan & The Wandering
Moles
The Convent South
Woodchester
Folk
29th The Bob Porter Project Brewery Stroud Americana
29th Victoria Bolley Globe Stonehouse Pop soul
covers
29th Mark Walby Monty’s Cheltenham Acoustic
29th Stroud Outer Fringe: The
Dustmites, Thee Pulsations, The
Red Propellers, Jibberish
(5.30)
Crown &
Sceptre
Stroud Rock
29th Which One’s Gerry? St Oswald’s
Village
Gloucester Covers
29th Mystic Royals Café Rene Gloucester Reggae
29th Open Mic Miner’s Hall Cinderford Open Mic
30th Jennifer T Belfry Littledean Pop covers
30th The Red Shift Ox House Wine
Bar
Northleach Covers
30th Too Rock For Country Lakeside Café Tewkesbury Covers
30th This Way Up Albion House Cheltenham Covers
30th Stroud Outer Fringe: Chinese
Burn, Thee Ones, Soul
Destroyers (6pm)
Crown &
Sceptre
Stroud Punk, R&B
30th Chris Webb Monty’s Cheltenham Acoustic
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GIG GUIDE FOR AUGUST
Date Bands Venue Town Genre
30th Metallica Reloaded (Tribute) Hillview Music
Venue
Cheltenham Metal Thrash
30th Vapor Miner’s Arms Whitecroft Acoustic
30th Knebakeye SMV Subtone Cheltenham Britpop
covers
30th Stroud Fringe Fest: The
Outcast Band, Jam Tidy, The
Leaking Machine, Ben Maggs,
The Convulsions, The Indigo
Kings, Small Talk Robot, Pete
Taylor
Bank Gardens Stroud Festival
30th Which One’s Gerry? The Wharf Over Covers
30th Phoenix Festival inc: Miracle
Master
Abbey Gardens Cirencester Festival
30th Isolation + support Lower George
Inn
Gloucester Hard rock
30th Reuben Lovett, Calum Lewis,
Ed Hanfrey, Grace Palmer
2 Pigs Cheltenham Singer
songwriter
30th ODi Prince Albert Stroud Folk
30th Sound & The Sirens Old George Inn South Cerney Covers
30th Emily Mew Bayshill Cheltenham Singer
songwriter
31st Stroud Fringe Fest: Steve &
The Achievers, Missin’ Rosie,
Benita Johnson, Hattie Briggs,
Clutching At Straws, Sarana
VerLin, Becky Syson, Taeppeda
Bank Gardens Stroud Festival
31st Phoenix Festival inc: Sound &
The Sirens, Duke, Thrill Collins,
Future Talk, Curious Little Big
Band + more!
Abbey Gardens Cirencester Festival
PLEASE CHECK WITH THE VENUE BEFORE YOU TRAVEL!
WE’VE COLLATED ALL OF THESE GIGS A MONTH AHEAD
AND SOMETIMES THINGS CHANGE AT SHORT NOTICE!
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GIG GUIDE FOR AUGUST
Date Bands Venue Town Genre
31st Stroud Outer Fringe: Mustard,
Stretch Allegro, Mudfolk, The
Scrutineers, Doctors Slash &
Payne, Thee Watts, Popgang,
Art Of Mix, Floydi Davis Jr. &
Dom Peringon (1pm)
Crown &
Sceptre
Stroud Festival
31st Sax Appeal (3.30pm) Albion House Cheltenham Jazz covers
31st Katey Brooks, Kara J Richards
(2pm)
Black Book
Café
Stroud Acoustic Folk
IF YOUR GIG ISN’T LISTED IT’S BECAUSE YOU DIDN’T SEND IT
TO ME! HERE’S MY E-MAIL FOR NEXT MONTH…
behindthesceneglos@yahoo.co.uk
If you use our gig guide to inform your website, radio show, blog
etc, then we’d love for you to give us a credit. It’ll make the hours
spent collating it worth it and spread the word that little further!
2000 TREES FESTIVAL Upcote Farm, Cheltenham 11th – 13th July 2014
As I do my best not to miss the right turning that I miss every July, I feel a
sense of deja vu I've been getting for the last six years. Once again I'm driving to
2000 Trees and I know that as soon as I've gone past those 'Stay in 2nd Gear'
signs, negotiated the rocky track without destroying the undercarriage of my car
and handed in a crumpled five pound note to the girl in a hi-vis vest, I can take
my spot in the car park and enjoy one of the best festivals for new music in the
country. I know that I say this a lot, but it is literally on our doorstep.
The Thursday night at 2000 Trees is an intimate affair. As people start to arrive,
the traders serve their first customers and the two tents that are open host
familiar festival bands and some comedy. The tents gradually fill up through the
evening as the acts turn from relative unknowns (for example, the Pavement-esque
WILDCAT STRIKE) to very well knowns (headliners DAN LE SAC VS SCROOBIUS
PIP). Of the bands I see, OXYGEN THIEF gets a
rousing reception for his/their beefed up
Reuben gone acoustic sound and THE
RETROSPECTIVE SOUNDTRACK PLAYERS
go down nearly as well with slices of book
and film themed pop-rock. It's like a game
of charades up there - song one, film, three
words, first word rhymes with 'tool.' But
the top of the pops is clearly BEN
MARWOOD, the self-effacing singer-
songwriter from Reading who 2000 Trees
has taken to like a long lost son. Even his
sound check gets cheers and applause, and a
rip-roaring 'Oh My Days' is the highlight of
a sing along packed set from a genius at
clever wordplay. I don't quite understand
why young lads in the crowds who are
wearing vests decide to punch each other in
the nether regions, but each to their own -
personally, I preferred to watch the bands.
On Friday the festival site begins to fill up so I make my way to the new and
improved Croft (the stage formerly known as the Greenhouse), located far enough
from the hubbub of the general festival that it feels like you're away from it all.
The sound is now so much better that you can sit outside of the tent, soak up
the sun and still hear the bands loud and clear. Or, if you are the woman I see at
3 in the afternoon clutching 10 shots of Sambuca between her fingers, get
absolutely hammered whist DANCING YEARS play some gentle folk in the
background. [Ben Marwood photo above by Craig Simmonds]
The Forest Sessions is the other part of the site where you can recover from the
6 pints of Badger's Bottom cider you drank the night before. In amidst trees and
hammocks, bands play stripped down acoustic sets whilst everyone just kind of lies
down and falls asleep. ERGO SCHMIDT and THE CADBURY SISTERS (who even
ventured into the crowd for one song) are the pick of the bunch that I see.
"We're representing the mellower side of 2000 Trees," remarks the lead
singer/keyboardist of ERGO SCHMIDT. He isn't wrong.
I wander down to the main stage to catch ITCH, whose set is immediately cut
short as everything goes kaput (technical term). If this was 5 years ago he would
have jumped in the crowd and played acoustically on his ukulele, but he isn't in the
King Blues any more so he says his thanks and leaves the stage. Back at the Croft,
EUGENE QUELL bash out a wall of distortion and feedback which is a bit much for
me. So I use the eco-toilet (quite simply a hay bale to aim at for the fellas whilst
you dodge the wasps who circle around your old man – and no, I didn't take my
dad with me). I overhear a conversation in which a young lady is explaining the
principle behind 'straight edge' for her friends who had never heard the term. "If
you're 12 then you're just not old enough to drink. But if you're older than 12 and
don't drink then you're straight edge," she says, slurring her words slightly. I'm not
sure Earth Crisis would agree with that, but anyway...DAVE MCPHERSON from
INME (a man who clearly does not live a straight edge lifestyle judging by the
disappointment on his face when he knocks over his can of Carlsberg mid-set)
performs the first of many sets over the weekend. Road-hardened and with a
wealth of experience, McPherson engages the massive crowd that has gathered on
the hill with a mix of old and new material of heart-on-sleeve acoustic rock.
Saturday for me begins with SAM
GREEN & THE MIDNIGHT HEIST
performing a lively set of 'folk and roll'
at the Croft. Whether it's the hay bales
or the slide guitar that does it I'm not
entirely sure, but people spring to life
and dance to some modern bluegrass.
Well, all except one girl who is curled up
on the floor in the foetal position whilst
everyone around her is doing the dosey
doe. One too many last night, perhaps?
When no encore is performed there are
plenty of boos (the crowd clearly have
no idea of strict festival set timings)
and then they settle down and form an
orderly queue to buy CDs - a very
middle class riot. Unfortunately,
DOLOMITE MINOR (not a chord that
I've ever played on my guitar) have to
follow that and suffer initially with an
unfortunate clash between themselves,
Jamie Lenman, Wolf Alice and Public
Service Broadcasting on the other
stages. Undeterred, the grungy two-
piece from Southampton thrash out a
dirty, rock 'n' roll sound and by the end
of their set the sparse crowd has grown
into a decent one with even a small
moshpit at the front. I guess that's the
power of good, simple music - it just
draws you in. The long haired frontman
pulls his guitar strap from over his head
and drops the instrument on the floor
before walking off with all of the
incredulity of Kurt Cobain.
We wait whilst CRAZY ARM soundtrack
all 37 of their instruments, including a
double-bass, banjo and a shaker (the
trickiest of all to sound check - you've
got to get that shakin' right). Tonight
is CRAZY ARM featuring EMILY
BARKER, an amalgamation of their rock
stuff and their country stuff. The lead
singer is dressed all in black and looks
like James Hetfield, yet sounds like
Bruce Springsteen on 'The Seeger
Sessions' album. These are punk &
western songs. All around me blokes
with identikit beards sing along at the
top of their lungs to 'Song Of Choice'
whilst 'Fields Of June' gets the punk
rock treatment. EMILY BARKER rounds
it off by launching herself into the
crowd for a spot of crowd surfing and
everyone that is there gets the sense
that they've just witnessed something
magical. I've probably seen 100 sets at
2000 Trees over the years and without
a doubt this makes my top three.
There's not a lot of point seeing
anything else after that (it would be
like doing 20 minutes on the treadmill
after you've just ran a marathon) but I
catch a little of FRIGHTENED RABBIT
on the main stage who seem like nice
guys and their particular brand of indie-
rock goes down well with a large crowd.
For a moment I ponder how I’ve now
watched FRIGHTENED RABBIT more
times than fellow Scottish indie band
Belle & Sebastian. I only have myself to
blame. So I make my way for home and
as I drive in second gear over those
rocks and cobbles again, I thank the rock
gods that after 15 years of going to
gigs, there are still bands out there
that make me feel like I did when I was
16. And it happens every year on a
farm on the outskirts of Cheltenham.
THE SMOKEY
MOUNTAIN BOYS
SMV SUBTONE,
CHELTENHAM
15th AUGUST
ALSO ON THE BILL: Boys In The Wood
- Local hip-hop/ska.
PRICE: It's FREE!
FOR FANS OF: Country & Western,
Hank Williams and the TV show
Rawhide.
WHERE CAN I BUY A STETSON FOR
THE GIG?: Oh, come on now. But if
you're actually serious, try Cotswold
Costumes in Stroud.
I THOUGHT SUBTONE WAS A CLUB:
Since Sound Music Venue closed, they
are now putting on gigs at Subtone
from 8.45 on Friday and Saturday
nights before the clubbers arrive.
PARKING: Behind the venue, it's free
after 6pm on Montpellier Street.
DID YOU KNOW? That The Smokey
Mountain Boys have a CD available called
'Live From Peterborough'? It is genuinely
the only thing to ever come out of
Peterborough.
TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM: Didn't you
hear me? It's FREE!
T
E
X
A
S
F
L
O
O
D
LOWER GEORGE INN,
GLOUCESTER
2nd AUGUST
ALSO ON THE BILL: Apherium from
Yeovil and local bands Standing To Fall
and Kill For Trophies.
GENRE: Hard rock and heavy metal.
THEY DESCRIBE THEMSELVES:
“Blistering guitar playing, coupled with
extravagant bass lines and all this
backed by thundering drums. Pure raw
energy.”
WHAT SHALL I WEAR? Your
battered Iron Maiden 1988 UK tour
t-shirt should do nicely.
SINCE WHEN HAS IT FLOODED IN
TEXAS? Good point, well made.
IS THERE REALLY A FREE BUFFET?
Normally, yes.
DIDN’T THE VENUE USED TO BE
CALLED…? The Pig Inn The City.
WHAT TIME DOES IT OPEN? 8pm
and it’s free entry all night.
FINALLY, LET ME GET THIS RIGHT,
THERE WILL BE SAUSAGE ROLLS?
Yes!!!
Dear Behind The Scene Gloucestershire,
I am a 21 year old male and love going to gigs with my mates and don’t mind
paying a few quid to get in. The only problem is that when I am having a
conversation I often have to shout over the bands to be heard. Would it be
considered impolite to ask the sound guy to turn it down a bit so that we can
talk about the football during the gig?
Yours,
Gary
Dear Gary,
Just exactly what planet are you on? You PAY to go to a gig and then TALK
over the bands? If I was the sound guy I would shove a microphone right up
your backside and throw you out by your collar. If you want to chat, do it in
Wetherspoons. Otherwise, shut up and show some respect.
Thanks for writing in,
BTS Glos
Dear Behind The Scene Gloucestershire,
I’m going to watch my favourite band next week. Is it acceptable to wear one
of their t-shirts to the gig?
From Mary (aged 17 ½)
Dear Mary,
No, it is NEVER acceptable. It is not a uniform. A band t-shirt is a tool to a)
support the band financially, b) a conversation starter when you go to
University and c) to look cool and aloof at OTHER band’s gigs.
Thanks for writing in,
BTS Glos
behindthesceneglos@yahoo.co.uk
VINESTOCK returns to THE VINE
in CHELTENHAM on 1st – 3rd of
August for its 10th year.
For the fourth year running, the
CHELTENHAM UNDERGROUND
have been involved in putting
together the three day indoor
festival (this year in conjunction
with other local promoters
CALMER*). As usual there
promises to be live music, alcohol
and turf running through the pub.
Oh, and the whole thing is free
too (assuming that you are over
18).
VINESTOCK is a fundraiser for
PoD Charity and WellChild. I spoke
to Erin from PoD Charity to find
out exactly what they do.
Where will the money go?
“Last year the money that we raised at
Vinestock allowed PoD Charity to provide
meals for 30 school pupils and 10 street
children in Nepal for one year and
supported ongoing elephant research in
South Africa. This year at Vinestock we
are hoping to raise money to support
the Children’s Home that we work with
in Belize to allow them to provide
support for more abused, neglected and
abandoned children and to build a new
enclosure which will allow our Elephant
Care project in Thailand to rescue an
elephant from the tourist industry.”
What is PoD Charity and who does
you support?
“PoD Charity is based in
Cheltenham and was established to
provide additional funding to the
charities and NGOs that PoD
Volunteer supports. We support
local initiatives improving the lives
of people and animals and helping
to conserve the environment in 9
countries worldwide (Belize,
Cambodia, Ghana, India, Nepal,
Peru, South Africa, Thailand and
Vietnam).”
PoD Charity : http://www.podvolunteer.org/pod-charity.html
If you would like to get involved personally then you can do this by volunteering
on the projects overseas through PoD Volunteer: http://www.podvolunteer.org/
For information on WellChild please visit: https://www.wellchild.org.uk/
Who to look out for at VINESTOCK…
For fans of: Frank Turner,
Mumford & Sons, Billy Bragg.
THE
HAWTHORNES
For fans of: Early Sun Johnny Cash,
two fifths of the white stripes and
as much of JB Lenoir as can be
handled
HARD STAIRS
EDD
DONOVAN &
THE
WANDERING
MOLES
GIVEAWAY!!!
On August 4th Edd Donovan & The Wandering Moles release the second single off
the album ‘Something To Take The Edge Off.’ Titled ‘The Stone,’ it’ melodies and
harmonies make it a great example of the instantly catchy folk they’re known for.
When asked about the song, Edd said, "The Stone is a celebration of life; our
existence; our self; that we are born and then we die and the bit in the middle,
well that’s up to you. But the lyrics implores us to make the most of it and get
creative."
The EP also features a cover of ‘It Must Be Love’ and a
reworking of ‘The Stone.’ Dubbed as a summer version, it
demonstrates the band’s pop sensibilities as an upbeat reggae
rhythm runs through the song. See our gig guide for the
band’s final summer dates in Gloucestershire before a tour in
the Autumn.
To be in with a chance of winning a signed promo copy of
‘The Stone,’ just e-mail your name to: behindthesceneglos@yahoo.co.uk
Festival season rolls on in Gloucestershire with LAKEFEST, a showcase for local and
national acts. The headliners each day are:
The Mystery Train Radio show on Severn FM
Every Sunday from 10.00pm-12.00am, THE MYSTERY TRAIN RADIO SHOW
plays host to the best local and national songwriters, old and new.
If you miss the show then you can catch up by visiting Severn FM’s ‘Listen
Again’ facility.
http://www.severnfm.com/ http://www.themysterytrainradioshow.com
6th July 2014
Ethemia, Moments (Quirk Of Fate) https://www.facebook.com/Ethemia
Sundae Club, Everything is Fine (Single)
https://www.facebook.com/sundaeclub
GLOUCESTERSHIRE ACTS PLAYED ON THE MYSTERY
TRAIN RADIO SHOW IN JULY…
27th July 2014
Dan Hartland, Caught In The Rigging (Young Man's Game)
http://www.danhartland.com/
Juey, Gin - (recorded live for the show in 2012) http://www.iamjuey.com/
20th July 2014
Edd Donovan And The Wandering Moles, The Stone (Something To Take The
Edge Off) http://www.edddonovan.co.uk/
Now We're Older, Megan Lloyd Davies (Single)
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Megan-Lloyd-Davies/102675233252617
LAKEFEST - Croft Farm Waterpark, Tewkesbury
8th, 9th, 10th August
Buzzcocks, Shed Seven and Fun Lovin’ Criminals. But
more importantly, [spunge], Edd Donovan & The
Wandering Moles, Blue Horyzon & The Roving Crows
represent Gloucestershire. For more information visit:
www.lakefest.co.uk
I’M THE ENVY
The next few months will be busy for Gloucestershire 5-piece I'M THE
ENVY as they are set to release their new EP, 'Evolve.' Following on
from previous releases in 2012 and 2013, which were well received
and propelled them to 45th overall in the Download Festival Red Bull
band competition, the band have now settled on a line-up for this
release.
"As the band members changed so did the music and we finally found
a group of young musicians that understood each other." The
aforementioned EPs went from being, "light and fun," to "heavy yet
melodic." But the 'Evolve' EP, produced by guitarist Sam Corder, aims
to push things on further for the rock band. "We decided it was time
for a new EP and that Sam would produce it himself. The band have
now used many different influences and ideas to create a new vibe on
rock music. Not to give too much away but elements of the EP will
certainly grab the listener and is full of surprises." The band even
travelled to Bournemouth to record vocals with Pash Stratton of
Saint The Sinner.
https://www.facebook.com/imtheenvy
https://twitter.com/Im_The_Envy
Having supported The Dead Lay Waiting in Cheltenham and Altered Sky
in Bristol, the band are beginning to spread their wings and hit towns
and cities further afield than Gloucestershire. "It's hard starting out as
a band, especially in Cheltenham. Getting gigs for the first time isn't
really a problem, it's the impression you leave behind. You MUST
persevere because the results really pay off and that gig you were
waiting for will come. We tend to play in venues in Bristol, Birmingham
and Wolverhampton. Cheltenham's Sound Music Venue really look after
the bands that play there so if we were to have a favourite that
would be it."
As well as releasing their new EP in the Autumn (which will be available
on ITunes and as hard copies at gigs), the band plan to record a music
video for the track 'I Knew.' "We have invested in merchandise,
equipment and props on stage for our live performances to really give
the best show we can. We are also playing a festival in Greece in 2015
so that will really be an experience to remember."
I’M THE ENVY play
the following dates:
8th August SMV
Subtone, Cheltenham
9th August The
Louisiana, Bristol
16th August The
Fleece, Bristol
30th October The
Robin 2,
Wolverhampton
(supporting Anti
Nowhere League)
Follow the magazine on Twitter @behindsceneglos
SOUND AND THE SIRENS
SOUND AND THE SIRENS are a covers band who are playing multiple gigs in
Gloucestershire this August. If that's your thing, then read on to hear what Heidi
(one of the two vocalists from the band) says about their busy summer.
"We're not JUST a covers band though, you won’t catch all the familiar ‘done to
death' songs. We cover six decades of music - pop, rock and indie." With the ages
of the band between 24 and 52, choosing a set of songs to perform has ended up
with an eclectic mix.
At only 3 years old, Sound and the
Sirens have moved fast from performing
in quiet big country pubs to festivals in
front of thousands of people. "To us,
every venue is treated with the same
professional dedication. None of us are
full time musicians so every gig is
booked and played because we want to
be there, not because we need to be
there! We are six friends with a
mutual interest who put a lot of hard
work into our hobby, because of this we
have great fun at every gig and fun is
infectious!"
So if you fancy hearing and dancing to
some lively pop, rock and indie covers in
the summer, where can you catch
SOUND AND THE SIRENS? "Our first
August stop is The Tunnel House, in
Coates Near Cirencester on 1st August
as part of a three day music, beer and
cider festival. Then on the 8th August
we are playing at a personal favourite of
ours, The Queen Vic in Stroud, which is
always a great crowd who dance to our
sound check and don’t stop all night."
Then on the 30th August the band are opening the ‘Day of Smiles’, a charity
event at The Old George Inn, South Cerney. The event raises money for Down’s
Syndrome via a Scooter and Classic Car Rally with camping. "We'll follow that by a
swift drive to Royal Wootton Bassett for an evening gig at The Waggon and
Horses!" says Heidi.
www.facebook.com/soundandthesirens1
www.soundandthesirens.com
"Finally, on 31st August we
are squeezing the last ounce
of energy out of the crowd at
The Phoenix Festival, Abbey
Grounds, Cirencester. As the
last act on (and our 4th gig
of the Bank Holiday), it will
be quite some finale and we
will have a film crew in tow,
so brace yourselves!"
And if you're on holiday in
August, don't worry, because
SOUND AND THE SIRENS
will be back at the Brunswick
in Gloucester on 28th
November.
With throwaway pop-punk songs like ‘L.A.
Party’ and ‘Wilmington Summer Break,’
you’d be forgiven for thinking that
cLOSERS are from some sunny town in the
USA. In fact, they’re from some sunny
town in Italy. Whilst not exactly a hot-bed
for pop-punk bands, being from Europe
didn’t do Sweden’s Millencolin any harm in
the late 90’s (although how cLOSERS
found their way to Cheltenham based
Screamlite Records I’ll never know).
In fact, Millencolin aren’t a bad starting
point if you want an indication of how
cLOSERS sound. The vocals are more
awkward in their delivery but the
musicianship ticks all of the boxes for that
Fat Wreck/Epitaph sound. There are hooks,
songs about girls and a general vibe of,
“We’re young and having fun.” However,
(L.A. Party/cLOSERS or
LOSERS E.P)
www.facebook.com/weareclosers
https://twitter.com/we_are_cLOSERS
what the EP really lacks is a bit of variety and one really killer track.
OLD GIG PHOTOS
Every Tuesday there
used to be free gigs in
the back room of
Peppers in Cheltenham.
Local bands played and
brought their mates
with them. It wasn’t
called supporting your
local scene or anything
like that, it was just
kind of what we did
because nobody had
invented Facebook yet.
HAMSTER WITH MANGE at Peppers, Cheltenham The long, hot summer of 2001 (aren’t they all when you’re young?)
My mate’s band were called Hamster With Mange and didn’t take
themselves too seriously (how could you with a name like that?). You
may now know this room as ‘the back of Copa’ or ‘where The Study
used to be’ depending on your age.
Sadly, to the best of my knowledge,
nobody moshes under a hanging basket
there anymore but why not grab an
expensive pint of foreign lager and start
a mosh pit there next Friday night?
PHOENIX FESTIVAL Abbey Grounds, Cirencester -30th & 31st August
The Phoenix Festival takes place on the 30th and 31st of August in Cirencester’s
Abbey Grounds. The whole event is FREE to enter and features over 30 local bands
and musicians over the course of two days. The Saturday is headlined by Miracle
Master, a rock band from Germany, whilst Sunday’s bill is topped by local beat-box
band Duke.
“Last year the first Phoenix Festival created a real buzz and was a huge success
with over 18,500 people attending. This year we expect it to be even more
successful as the excitement and anticipation grow in the build up to the event,”
said Clare Bartlett, volunteer event manager.
In fact, the whole event is run by volunteers, including 10 young people from
Ozone Cirencester that make up the festival committee.
As well as live music, there will be a festival bar with real ales brewed by the
award winning Corinium Ales and crafts and gifts stalls. In the skies will be Breitling
Wing Walkers from Cirencester and on the ground various side-shows such as a
Rodeo Donkey, Gladiator Jousting, Circus Skills, Bouncy Castle and a pop-up skate
park.
Finally, on Friday 8th August there is a pre-festival launch party at The Vaults in
Cirencester with music from the popular Profound Poets.
To see a full list of artists, traders, activities and supporters visit
http://www.phoenix-festival.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/Phoenix.Festival.Ciren
https://twitter.com/ThePhoenix_Fest
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BEHIND THE SCENE GLOUCESTERSHIRE
ISSUE #10 AUGUST 2014