Live Review: Cavalier / Bridges / Red House Glory [Live Review – The Boileroom, Guildford, 25/2/2015]

Although I enjoyed Red House Glory‘s Foo Fighters-esque radio-friendly rock songs and decent vocal harmonies, and Bridges deserve recognition for their frontman’s emotive vocals and their unorthodox harmony guitars, I have a few things to get off my chest not only about Cavalier, but bands who come from a music-school background in general.

First off, I should say that I come from that background too – I did four years at ACM, and although when I put it that way it sounds like a prison sentence, it really Read more…

Posted on 01 March 2015

Romani Beau [Interview]

Screen shot 2015-01-21 at 18.44.57Romani Beau’s upcoming EP Molly and the Boys has been a long time coming, but it will be worth the wait for fans of lilting, breezy folk. Although Romani is currently living an underground existence, to say that he has the potential to break out of obscurity is a real understatement. This guy is the Surrey folk scene’s best-kept secret – but only for now. With great songs, a hugely talented team backing him up, warmth and charisma seeping from every pore, and a hilariously self-deprecating sense of humour, Romani shows all the signs of a star in the making.

TMMP caught up with the man himself to chat about the past, present, and future, memories and happiness and more… Read more…

Posted on 22 February 2015

A Guide To Sonder [Special Feature]

SonderThere will always be a special space reserved in my heart for bands who make me nostalgic for my years at Guildford’s Academy of Contemporary Music. Soul-fuelled vocals, rock solid musicianship, a touch of The Funk, a few cues taken from the pop-rock world, and a few tastefully non-distracting flashy moments are all common key ingredients to look out for if you’re looking to spot an ACM-related band – and Sonder include them all to great effect. Read more…

Posted on 11 November 2014

Adam Pain (Senior Lecturer, ACM) Discusses: The Boileroom & UK Live Music

ACM-logoWith Guildford venue the Boileroom facing the possibility of closure, TMMP caught up with senior ACM lecturer Adam Pain to discuss the Boileroom and the state of the UK’s live music scene.

This interview is part of a larger TMMP feature which can be read in full here.

What is your general opinion of the Boileroom?

The Boileroom represents the only true circuit venue in Guildford for bands and artists at the most crucial stage of their careers. In my opinion, the Boileroom is a great little venue – but it’s also a vital part of Surrey’s live music industry.

What would happen if the Boileroom were to shut down? What impact would that event have?

It would make a very hard situation for emerging bands and artists in the area even more Read more…

Posted on 10 September 2014

Artists & Industry Discuss: The Boileroom & UK Live Music

boileroom bannerSometimes the old ways are the best.

Over the past fifteen years, the music world has been revolutionised by digital technology. There have been many positive developments facilitated by the Internet, from social media sites to digital music stores and crowdfunding platforms. Smart and savvy musicians now have access to a wealth of tools that previous generations could only dream of – but the physical world still holds the key to a thriving, successful career.

The ease with which a band can break through barriers previously manned by a handful of power-hungry gatekeepers represents the bright side of digital music – but there is also a widely recognised and heavily debated Read more…

Posted on 10 September 2014

Welcome The Howling Tones / The Greasy Slicks / Psyche / Ben Longman [Live Review – The Boileroom, Guildford, 10/7/14]

howling tones boileroomIf you were to walk into The Boileroom today, you wouldn’t be able to tell that said widely loved and respected venue is currently under threat of closure from a couple of local residents. The staff and management are nothing if not professional, and last night’s show – the result of a collaboration between The Boileroom, promoters Noise Theory, and local music school ACM – went off without any externally obvious hitches. Read more…

Posted on 11 July 2014

A Guide To Chronographs [Special Feature]

chronographsChronographs are a recent discovery, and they’ve made a real impact in a very short time. I’ve written a lot recently about how I try to offer constructive criticism where possible; but I just can’t think of any way to improve this band. Chronographs are like a firework with a lit fuse. Your best course of action is to stand well back, and watch them go. Read more…

Posted on 10 July 2014

Hannah Dorman – ‘Do You Wanna Play?’ [Review]

hannah dormanGuildfordian promoters Genrebomb have a serious eye for talent. Those of you who missed last Tuesday’s show at the Boileroom need to catch up, and quick, because each of that night’s three acts are set for bright futures. Main support Following Foxes already have their eyes set on stadium stages, while Martha Paton is going to prove a dream come true for some lucky publishing house. And judging from her professional and well poised live set – not to mention this EP – Hannah Dorman is going to be right up there alongside them. Read more…

Posted on 09 May 2014

Hannah Dorman / Following Foxes / Martha Paton [Live Review – The Boileroom, Guildford, 29/4/14]

hannah dorman boileroom genrebombI’ve said this many times before, I’ll tell anyone who’ll listen, and I’ll say it again: The Boileroom is my favourite independent live music venue. The same statements apply to this sentence too: Genrebomb know how to put on a show. Read more…

Posted on 30 April 2014

The Future Dub Project – ‘Victory’ [Review]

Here at The Musical Melting Pot, we often give our wholehearted attention to musicians who exist on the densely complex end of the musical spectrum – but every now and then, it just feels good to leave the mind-melting stuff on the shelf and dive into something a little more luxurious. Read more…

Posted on 15 January 2014

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