So, day three is about to begin of the Sunset Symphony UK Tour so I decided it's a great time to write about Day Two.
We started the day off with breakfast and Alwaid teasing me about my alleged snoring and watching footage from Alwaid's performance on Wednesday as well as discussing plans for Day Two.
We set off early so we could head to Sherwood Forest and the Great Oak, where we did touristy things, had tea and lunch and just had a generally great chill out. After that we headed to Leicester, which meant time for a nap for me in the Alwaid van.
The Shed in Leicester is great little venue and all the staff were really friendly and just absolutely great. We got the gear loaded in and set up the merch tables and talked with the opening act, Alpha State.
Doors opened at about 19:30 with Alpha State on stage for about 20:00. They performed really well, so I'll be looking at getting them for a show or two in the future,
Lost Effect, Alwaid and Aonia all played stunning sets as well. After the show and loading gear back into the van, me and most of Alwaid headed to the nearest McDonald's for a quick bite to eat before heading back to Nottinghamshire for the night, where I ended up getting poked in the head by Alwaid's Marie because of my alleged snoring.
Tonight, we hit Dudley.
Friday, 29 May 2015
Thursday, 28 May 2015
Sunset Symphony UK Tour - Day One
As I write this, I'm sitting in a strange and foreign place known as "Nottinghamshire", which is allegedly in the Midlands. To be honest, I could be in the middle of Lancashire (Gods help me!) for all I know.
So, the first tour I've booked is now in progress with day one finished.
I did some last minute packing this morning of the essentials - mainly some two bottles of some knock-off branded Jagermeister and two bottles of Leffe beer and a few clothes and other bits and bobs. I met up with Melissa (Aonia) and Marie (Alwaid) at Hull train station.
From their, we proceeded straight to O'Rileys where the rest of Alwaid already were along with Tim from Aonia.
This was my first show in Hull in just under three years. The turn out was poor but that was to be expected since the show was meant to take place in Bridlington originally.
Teras were the first band on the bill. They're a death/thrash metal act local to Hull and they blasted through their set with their usual ferocity. I managed to get a few good snaps of them which I'll post at some point.
Lost Effect - who are special guests on the tour alongside Alwaid - followed after and they were on top form. A thoroughly enjoyable set by them, as to be expected. Alice In Thunderland were third band on the bill and were also enjoyable.
Alwaid, whom are main support/special guests on the tour, were absolutely fantastic. They appeared to go down very well with the crowd, which is always good and they complimented the touring headliners Aonia very well, due to their similar sounds.
Aonia, of course, were just amazing, though some will say that I have to say that as I do PR for them as a rule. But biases aside, Aonia were amazing.
After packing up, I jumped in Alwaid's van to be taken to this mythical place known as Nottinghamshire, where we're staying at the moment. I've tried some French food they brought with them including some sort of savoury bread that has a chocolate filling.
Next stop is Leicester at The Shed!
So, the first tour I've booked is now in progress with day one finished.
I did some last minute packing this morning of the essentials - mainly some two bottles of some knock-off branded Jagermeister and two bottles of Leffe beer and a few clothes and other bits and bobs. I met up with Melissa (Aonia) and Marie (Alwaid) at Hull train station.
From their, we proceeded straight to O'Rileys where the rest of Alwaid already were along with Tim from Aonia.
This was my first show in Hull in just under three years. The turn out was poor but that was to be expected since the show was meant to take place in Bridlington originally.
Teras were the first band on the bill. They're a death/thrash metal act local to Hull and they blasted through their set with their usual ferocity. I managed to get a few good snaps of them which I'll post at some point.
Lost Effect - who are special guests on the tour alongside Alwaid - followed after and they were on top form. A thoroughly enjoyable set by them, as to be expected. Alice In Thunderland were third band on the bill and were also enjoyable.
Alwaid, whom are main support/special guests on the tour, were absolutely fantastic. They appeared to go down very well with the crowd, which is always good and they complimented the touring headliners Aonia very well, due to their similar sounds.
Aonia, of course, were just amazing, though some will say that I have to say that as I do PR for them as a rule. But biases aside, Aonia were amazing.
After packing up, I jumped in Alwaid's van to be taken to this mythical place known as Nottinghamshire, where we're staying at the moment. I've tried some French food they brought with them including some sort of savoury bread that has a chocolate filling.
Next stop is Leicester at The Shed!
Monday, 4 May 2015
#Adamgate - Should age and gender be a deciding factor in band applications?
Some of you may seen a screen shot of a band's reply to a applicant recently on Facebook doing the rounds, originally posted by Lauren Hutchinson, owner of The Rock Fairy blog. For those who aren't familiar with her work, Lauren is a music writer and a DJ for TBFM. Recently, Lauren, applied to sing for a band via Gumtree that's going for the stoner vibe with their music.
Her email to the band and the main contact: Adam, reads as follows:
The reply is nothing more than blunt, rude and narrow-minded. I understand why some musicians/bands would want people within their age range but to send a reply like that is taking the absolute piss. Lauren hasn't named the band in question, which is completely understandable and the rest of the band shouldn't suffer because of Adam.
I'm not quite sure why 30 is too old - I mean look at AC/DC and Iron Maiden - All their members are knocking on in the years but they still rock pretty damn hard. Looking at female musicians, there's Doro Pesch (ex-Warlock), Liv Kristine (Leaves' Eyes) and of course Girlschool who all also rock damn hard and are no doubt at least 30 years of age or older and plenty more examples that I could list but I'd be here all day, otherwise.
So, with those musicians in mind, age shouldn't be a factor? Nor should gender, right? Well, according to Adam they are factors, though I'm not sure what evidence he has for this. I know a number of unsigned bands with female members over the age of 30, so I'm guessing that this Adam fellow doesn't get out of the house much. His ideals are very archaic and it's attitudes ;like that that contribute to the idea of female musicians being inferior to their male counterparts.
Unfortunately, this is an attitude that can be found within several areas of the music industry but it is an attitude that is dying out as there are more progressive thinkers in this day and age, compared to say 40 years ago when female musicians in rock and metal were virtually unheard of.
The thing I find most disgusting is that Adam didn't bother to request any examples of Lauren's talent.
Personally I commend Lauren on her bravery for posting the screen shot of the email and for starting the debate that's been spreading like wildfire on Facebook and hopefully this hasn't put Lauren off joining or forming an original band.
What do you think of this? Let me know down below in the comments.
Her email to the band and the main contact: Adam, reads as follows:
Hi Adam. I’ve seen your ad on Gumtree and I’d be interested in auditioning for your band. I know you said you were looking for up to age 28 but cards on the table, I’m 30. That being said, I’ve only just turned 30 so not too far off! I can’t see any links to your material so I’d love to hear it to see if it fits in with what I’m looking for rather than waste your time. If you want any links to my material then I’m more than happy to send these over too. Look forward to hearing from you. Lauren.And here's the email that Lauren got in return:
I'm not quite sure why 30 is too old - I mean look at AC/DC and Iron Maiden - All their members are knocking on in the years but they still rock pretty damn hard. Looking at female musicians, there's Doro Pesch (ex-Warlock), Liv Kristine (Leaves' Eyes) and of course Girlschool who all also rock damn hard and are no doubt at least 30 years of age or older and plenty more examples that I could list but I'd be here all day, otherwise.
So, with those musicians in mind, age shouldn't be a factor? Nor should gender, right? Well, according to Adam they are factors, though I'm not sure what evidence he has for this. I know a number of unsigned bands with female members over the age of 30, so I'm guessing that this Adam fellow doesn't get out of the house much. His ideals are very archaic and it's attitudes ;like that that contribute to the idea of female musicians being inferior to their male counterparts.
Unfortunately, this is an attitude that can be found within several areas of the music industry but it is an attitude that is dying out as there are more progressive thinkers in this day and age, compared to say 40 years ago when female musicians in rock and metal were virtually unheard of.
The thing I find most disgusting is that Adam didn't bother to request any examples of Lauren's talent.
Personally I commend Lauren on her bravery for posting the screen shot of the email and for starting the debate that's been spreading like wildfire on Facebook and hopefully this hasn't put Lauren off joining or forming an original band.
What do you think of this? Let me know down below in the comments.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)