Hello and welcome to the first of my monthly musical ramblings for A Little Bit of Stone, thanks to Jamie for letting me loose on the public consciousness.
Right…where do I start?
I suppose I better tell you who the devil I am.
I'm Pete and I run Assorted Records which by definition is an Independent Record Label, basically we help anyone musical who takes our fancy to record, distribute, promote and everything in-between. You can check out whats going down on www.assortedrecords.com or on the old Facebook page a facebook.com/assortedrecords.
Each month I'll be bringing you a mixture of local music new, events near and far and
Ok so hideous self promotion over and done with..lets get down to business…
A few things to inform you of this time around, keeping it local so to speak, The Stone Music Festival is now in its 2 month countdown and the acts have been announced.
Yet again the pottery goliaths (if there is indeed such a thing) that are Wedgewood are supporting the event, and its set to be bigger and better than ever. With a mixture of classical, rock, soul, funk and even a Take That tribute band if thats what floats your proverbial boat.
Slightly further a field up the road a bit in Stoke theres another musical fiesta happening, in the form of Stoke Live 2012. They pulled out all the stops it would seem and there are some pretty big acts taking part, including Rizzle Kicks, if you like that sort of thing…..but the highlight for me has to be the slightly lesser known Honey Ryder (you might have seen them on BBC Breakfast a few weeks ago if you get up that early).
Stoke Live 2012 kicks of on the 16th of June.
Come with me now if you will slightly down the road yet again to Stafford, where on the weekend of V Festival, the party starts early, with Q in the Park. Organised by 2 local lads with the premise of the event being simple- to entertain you whilst waiting in the 'Q' for your travel to V Festival, sounds good to me!
As well as music being performed on the bandstand in Victoria Park, Stafford, there will also be some acoustic musicians busking throughout Stafford Train Station- so feel free to lob some loose change their way if you feel so inclined. Should be a few of assorted records very own there so save it for them.
Get down to see whats going on even if your not in the queue its worth a visit! Catch it on the 17 August, Victoria Park, Stafford. Find out more at
http://www.facebook.com/qinthepark
Local Hidden Gems
Every month I'll give you guys a little insight into what has been in my speakers both local talent and more well established artists.
Every opportunity I get to rave about this band I make the most of it, High House, are a Stafford based band with an amazingly beautiful sound.
"…A quintessentially English, loveable folk outfit, from the brink of tweedom by immense talent and dazzling songs" Designer Magazine (Manchester-based promoters) - Nov, 2011
Comprosing of these lovely people
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Dan Cropper - guitar and vocals Tom Raby - guitar and banjo Laura Ellement - violin, glockenspiel, other misc. instruments and vocals Kieran Ellement - drums Jack Rennie - bass and vocals James Duckworth - keyboard, accordion and vocals |
They play all around the Staffordshire area, so keep your eye peeled and go see them!
Listen to them here - http://soundcloud.com/high-house
This Month I Have Mostly Been Listening To…
John Mayers new album - Born and Raised. Can't get enough of it at the moment!
Easily his best album of his career, every song stands up on its own as a brilliant composition. Certainly less blues orientated than some of his earlier albums, as the title may suggest Born and Raised sees Mayer displaying some more of his undermined musical leanings, with a folk/ country tint throughout the 12 tracks. Definitely worth a listen!
Musical Words of Wisdom
"One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain - Bob Marley