Jessie J who topped the BBC’s Sound Of 2011 list and won the Critics’ Choice Brit Award came into second place followed by Far East Movement into 3rd.

Since their first TV appearance on Later With Jools Holland Show on BBC1, MONA have been in high demand and have had to travel back and forth to the UK to play at various venues.

Last month, Mona played a packed gig for MTV at the KOKO in London and have recently played their first ever Q Live At Concrete show followed by an exclusive gig for the Channel E4 TV show SKINS.

MONA Live @ the Skins show for E4

Later this month they will be touring Europe with a handful of gigs lined up in Copenhagen,  Paris Amsterdam,  Brussels,  Hamburg,  Berlin,  Dublin and Belfast. They will also be playing a SOLD OUT gig for NME as part of the SHOCKWAVES NME AWARDS SHOW at The Relentless Garage in London.

To top that up, the band have currently been featured in the New York Times and Irish Times websites as well as many well known publications in the UK  with great recommendations from the media:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/17/arts/music/17mona.html?_r=2

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/features/2011/0124/1224288161766.html?sms_ss=facebook&at_xt=4d3f8e88e2a6ffeb%2C0

MONA will be releasing their debut self-titled album on May 16th, which was self-produced by the band on their basement in Nashville, was  after that  mixed by the outstanding American Record Producer Rich Costey who is well known for his work with Muse, Foo Fighters, Franz Ferdinand, Glasvegas, Bloc Party, My Chemical Romance, Nine Inch Nails, Weezer, Apocalyptica, System of a Down and Interpol to name a few.

In the meantime MONA’s 3rd single “TEENAGER” is available strictly limited edition 7″ vinyl to pre-order from Rough Trade Store and will be out on the 28th February.

You can watch their new video for the song “Teenager” here:

You can also watch a 2-part interview that Frontman Nick Brown did for the NME website here:

http://www.nme.com/nme-video/mona—bands-for-2011—part-one/739957713001

http://www.nme.com/nme-video/mona—bands-for-2011—part-two/740050292001

Last but not least…visit MONA’s website and sign up to their mailing list for a FREE download of a piano version of their song “Trouble On The Way”  on:

http://www.monatheband.com/

Check out my Facebook Fanpage for more live pictures of various bands:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alexandra-McLoughlin/35366578137



Firstly I would like to wish you all a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Secondly I would like to tell that the time has come and you can now VOTE for your favourite MTV Brand New Band/Artist for 2011.

Last year the winner was Justin Bieber, now who do you think should win the 2011 tittle?

My vote this year obviously went to MONA ...they are just amazing! Already doing so well and deserving all the credit for their hard work and for their incrediable performance on the Jools Holland show on the BBC last month. Check out their music videos which I have posted here on my blog. Also visit their website on: http://www.monatheband.com/

Mona have been named by the Irish Times, The Guardian, The Sun, NME,  Clash Mag, Q Mag, the BBC, XFM radio and many more as the band to watch this year. You can read some of these here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/soundof/2011/artists/mona/

To vote for MONA please visit the MTV website on:

http://www.mtv.co.uk/artists/mona

So start voting now…VOTE VOTE VOTE!!!!

Thank you and happy voting!!!!

After a  successful first visit to London, MONA have left us craving for more with only 3 shows played last month but not for long as they are confirmed to return to the UK for some more rock ‘n’ roll where they will be headlining many shows at various  venues on this side of the pond, including England and Scotland.

Having captivated our hearts with so much charisma, great music and contagious energy, the band have been selected to play at the famous Winter Wonderland run by XFM Radio at the Brixton Academy on the 15th December where they will be sharing the stage with some great acts such as: Manic Street Preachers, White Lies and the Drums. Not only that but they are also set to make their first British TV appearance on ‘Later With Jools Holland’ which will be broadcast on the BBC2 on Tuesday 16^th November.

The band have had top mark reviews in the likes of NME,  Q Magazine,  Clash Music,  The Fly,  The Guardian, Music News,  The Mirror, The Sun and many more. No wonder why Island Records rushed to get these guys signed as soon as they arrived in the UK  last month.

If you are one of those who stayed in the cold and rain outside the Flowerpot during MONA’s dedut UK show because the venue was too packed and you were not allowed in…this is your time to get your tickets to see what all the fuss is about. Believe me you won’t be disappointed!

Check out MONA’s UK tour dates and get the lastest gossip on the band by visiting their Myspace and Facebook fanpage .

And if you were one of those who couldn’t get your hands on MONA’s debut single ‘Listen to Your Love’  because they got SOLD OUT instantaneously, their second single ‘Trouble On The Way’ is currently available to pre-order from Rough Trade once again in a limited 7″ vinyl edition which comes with a bonus song on B-side titled ‘Brick Shoes’.  Purchase the new single here:

This is the video for MONA’s  new single ‘Trouble on the Way’.

There is something very exciting and powerful coming from across the Atlantic straight from Nashville, Tennessee  making a huge impact  in the UK.  I am of course talking about MONA who are a four piece alternative rock band comprising of Nick Brown (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Vince Gard (drums), Zach Lindsey (bass), Jordan Young (guitar).

Here in the UK, the press are going mad about these guys. NME have already included them on their list of BEST NEW BANDS OF 2010 and that’s before the band had played any shows in the UK or  released their debut single.

There have been so much great stuff written about these guys as they have been featured twice in NME magazine, one of them was a FULL page article. The band were also featured in the Guardian (Band of the Day) and other websites and blogs.  Mona’s debut track ‘Listen To Your Love’ has been played twice in the BBC Radio 1 (Zane Lowe) with some great feedback from listeners and it is on the XFM playlist.

MONA’s 7” Limited Edition Vinyl ‘Listen To Your Love’ is currently available to pre-order from Rough Trade and the digital download will be out on the 13 September.

According to Nick Brown: 

 “I’m getting an amazing feeling about the UK … I really want to pursue things over there first….even though we are very connected here…and the labels are knocking and we are on everyone’s radar I feel our music needs to be felt. The world needs a new front man…Bono is getting old, Dylan is even older, no one has a real voice, here are many shallow songs …great songs?…yes…but still empty…I LOVE those guys and their bands..but their capacity for being a messenger of hope and the gift to sing a hymn to the heart of a generation??? c’mon…NO WAY!!! (laughs).  Pain makes us great…Kurt Cobain understood that but he had no hope…its a fine line..we have to acknowledge despair and dance in it…laugh at heart ache…mock death…believe in love and completely surrender to beauty… and I try not to be pretentious or take things too serious…but I know the power of music…and someone needs to take the reigns and why not me? ..why not MONA?…in the bible God used donkeys, dry bones and drunks (laughs). I think I could fit into a few of those categories…anyways..I’m rambling…”

In the meantime MONA will be touring the UK for the first time end of this month with their debut show at the the legendary Flowerpot in Camden.

MONA’s debut video reached over 5,500 views in less than a month since it was uploaded onto Youtube.  What do they sound like? To me, they sound unique and bloody amazing but you can make your own judgement.

Check out the video and listen to MONA on their myspace and facebook fanpage at:

http://www.myspace.com/monatheband

http://www.facebook.com/pages/MONA/43495831313

MONA – Band introduction by Alexandra McLoughlin

It’s a fresh heartfelt song that gives you that feeling of warmth and comfort.

Since my previous article on the band back in May this year, they have been signed to Humming Records and have added a list of tour dates on their myspace.

Listen to their new track and check out their tour dates on: http://www.myspace.com/reddrapes

I had the pleasure of photographing these guys playing live in London and here is the link to those precious pictures:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=178936&id=35366578137

Red Drapes – Track reviewed by Alexandra McLoughlin

RED DRAPES are a post-punk influenced band currently based in London-UK. They have been together as a 4-piece since Spring 2009 and consist of Adam Heron (Voice, Guitar), Thomas Walker (Guitar), George Latham (Drums) and Riley Difford (Bass).

The band have recently released their eagerly anticipated music video for their song ‘Reflection’  which was directed by Evan Pugh and a 5 track handmade limited edition EP titled ‘EP.1’ which is available from Rough Trade Stores and website.

My verdict:

A summery breezy EP that cleverly blends love with sun-kissed gravity where deep emotions are clearly expressed on nostalgic lyrics and melancholic melodies but at the same time are flooded in a colourful bright sound that comes from the well arranged combination from the drums and the bass guitar which reminds me of artists such as The Smiths and Echo and the Bunnyman.

Something mystifying and self-indulgent is experienced as you listen to the soft vocals of Lead Singer Adam Heron, especially on songs like ‘Subside’, and ‘First Hand’ where a warm and light feeling lead your mind to float around and suddenly you find yourself back in time re-living the best moments from the past.

Despite being unsigned, Red Drapes have been busy writing more songs and playing various live shows whilst supporting other great musicians across the country. They have been tipped as a band to watch-out for this summer with a guaranteed success ahead of them.

Check them out on:

http://www.myspace.com/reddrapes

Red Drapes’ music video for ‘Reflection’ can be viewed here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vhht2QGJpm0

Tracks on EP.1 are:

Reflection

First Hand

Subside

Hush Now The Dockyard

Dirty Windows

Red Drapes – EP1 reviewed by Alexandra McLoughlin

By Alexandra McLoughlin

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart are an indie rock band originally from New York. They consist of members: Kip – Guitar/Vocals, Alex – Bass, Kurt – Drums and Peggy – Keyboard/Vocals.

Despite having been together since 2007, the first time I heard of The Pains of Being Pure at Heart was in February 2009 when Toby Kidd (Lead Singer of Hatcham Social) came as guest on my radio show and recommended I should check them out. Since listening to them I am now addicted to the band.

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart last toured the UK in May and June 2009 when they performed at many venues around the country and not only that but they were also one of the few bands invited by the legendary Tim Burgess (The Charlatans) to play at the Isle Of  Weight Festival.

Following their success in Europe, they are returning to London in August 2009 for the UK release of their self-titled album on Fortuna POP Records which has been said to be one of the most anticipated releases of the year. The same album has already been released in the US by Slumberland Records on 3 Feb 2009.

The album features enduring melodic tunes like the ones that stay in your head no matter what. Your imagination goes far from beyond the past and you are once again that young teenager who is left home alone by the parents and all you want to do is party with your friends dancing the night away.  The album is undoubtedly perfect to share with people you love and has become very popular with DJs playing their tunes at clubs around the US.

The harmonious drumming and shoegaze guitar pop combined with Kip and Peggy’s vocals that are wonderfully soft and somewhat loose, leave you craving for more.  As for the album itself, it’s an amazing collection of songs that are overloaded with joyous and impeccable choruses and yet tender upbeat tunes followed by touching and heartfelt lyrics that make The Pains of Being Pure at Heat unquestionably a band to watch out for.

 THE PAINS OF BEING PURE AT HEART

TRACKS:

1 – Contender

2 – Come Saturday

3 – Young Adult Friction 

4 – This Love Is Fucking Right! 

5 – The Tenure Itch

6 – Stay Alive 

7 –  Everything With You 

8 –  A Teenager in Love 

9 – Hey Paul 

10 –  Gentle Sons

Check out their Myspace and website for details on tour dates and how to purchase the album on:

 
http://www.myspace.com/thepainsofbeingpureatheart
http://www.thepainsofbeingpureatheart.com

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go back into the past and re-live the excitement of the 80s? With so many bands reforming recently there is certainly no need for time-machines. One of these bands are “Artery” which were originally formed in 1979.

The band have undoubtedly written some astonishing songs, however despite being appreciated by many personalities including the late John Peel, unfortunately back in the 80s Artery didn’t get much recognition by the press and they consequently split up in 1985.

Two decades later Artery are one of Sheffield’s most influential bands of the new generation. One of their biggest fan is Jarvis Cocker who in August 1980 saw Artery were headlining a festival at Leadmill Sheffield whilst “Pulp” were second from the bottom on the bill. Jarvis went to described Artery as “great unsung bands of the post punk era” and following this statement, in 2007 he invited them to reunite and play an one-off show at Meltdown Festival. The band have been together ever since.

Although having been compared to bands such as Joy Division, Artery are quite unique with their own infectious style which make them such a damn good band! Their songs are lovingly crafted masterpieces with inspiring, upbeat tunes and real life lyrics. This can be heard on their new EP titled “Standing Still” released by Phantom Power Records and launched at the 02 Academy, Sheffield on Saturday February 21st 2009. This EP contains four incredible tracks that seem endearing to our ears. They are: Standing Still, A song for all the lonely people, The seeds of youth and the final track “Who’s afraid of David Lynch?”

In June 2009, enthusiastic fans gathered at the Dice Club in Hoxton Bar and Kitchen to watch Artery’s come back London show which was delivered with a powerful rendition resulting in great entertainment for the fans whilst for Artery, the unexpected success was visible.

Artery’s energetic live performances are something that has to be witnessed. With Murray’s guitar hypnotic riffs and dynamic-sounds, combined with Mark‘s “Savage” vocals followed by talented John on the bass, David on the keys and Garry on Drums creating a feel good atmosphere. It all sums up ultimate proof that good music can captivate and bring together a crowd.

The band have recently been invited to headline a few shows so make sure to check out their MYSPACE for a list of forthcoming events and details on how to purchase their EP at:  http://www.myspace.com/arterysheffield

BAND MEMBERS:

Mark Gouldthorpe – vocals

John Clayton – bass

Murray Fenton – guitar

David Hinkler – keyboards

Garry Wilson – drums

Album Review by Alexandra McLoughlin

Despite being released back in March 2009 after nearly 2 years of preparation,  Hatcham Social’s debut album  ‘You Dig the Tunnel, I’ll Hide the Soil’ is a mandatory inclusion on any list of greatest albums for the summer of 2009.

The album which was produced by the experienced musican Tim Burgess (from The Charlatans), overflows with sunny feelgood tone and flawless melodies yet featuring melancholic vocals by frontman Toby Kidd.

Previously a trio (please see my last post/introduction on Hatcham Social) and now a four-piece band after the addition of multi-talented Jerome Watson, Hatcham Social are an 80′s influenced indie band from South London and although they were formed only in 2006, their success is predicted to last for a long time mostly because of their enthusiastic and energetic live performances.

As for the album I can best describe it as an EXUBERANT MASTERPIECE.

Check out Hatcham Social Myspace on:

http://www.myspace.com/hatchamsocial

BAND MEMBERS:  Toby Kidd , Finn Kidd , Dave Fineberg, Jerome Watson

RECORD LABEL:  TBD Records (USA), Fierce Panda (UK & Europe)

TRACKLIST:

1. Crocodile

2. Sidewalk

3. Murder In The Dark

4. Hypnotise Terrible Eyes

5. So So Happy Making

6. Superman

7. I Cannot Cure My Pure Evil

8. Jabberwocky

9. My Opinion

10. Penelope (Under My Hat)

11. Give Me The Gift 

By Alexandra McLoughlin

Toby Kidd - Pic by Alexandra Mc

Dave - Pic by Alexandra Mc

All in all, the three band members work as a unit so they all share the same energy that rev up the crowd. They are obsessed with getting the crowd to go mad and yet they have the ability of keeping everyone in calm mood however hyper they might be. It is like being in “limbo” and yet thoroughly fun to watch.

The guys have been very busy since playing at the London Calling Festival in Amsterdam and the La Fleche D’Or Club in paris and headline a show at The Borderline in London last month. They have also been recording some taster tracks which is available as a FREE download EP to members of their forum at http://www.aclearinginthewoods.co.uk

The download only EP of cover versions includes 5 songs and one of them is “Love Buzz” which was written by Robbie van Leeuwen of Dutch rock band “Shocking Blue” and later the American grunge band “Nirvana” recorded a cover version of the song for their debut single which gained a lot of popularity in the early 90′s. However Hatcham Social’s version is a little different and must be heard…

You can listen Hatcham Social’s amazing version of “Love Buzz” right now on their myspace at: http://www.myspace.com/hatchamsocial

In regards to their debut album which is called “You Dig The Tunnel, I’ll Hide The Soil” produced by Tim Burgess and Jim Spencer will be released soon (possibly in March) through their UK record label Fierce Panda and in the USA through TBD Records.

And finally, if you still can’t get enough of the boys, tune in for my radio show (Don’t Let Me Get Me Show) at Wired Radio which is the Radio Station for Goldsmiths College part of the University of London this Saturday the 7th February from 1.00 to 2.00 PM (UK time) where Toby will be talking about the band and I will be playing some of their music. The show will be streamed online so everyone shall be able to listen to at: http://www.wiredradio.co.uk and don’t forget to visit the band’s myspace on:
http://www.myspace.com/hatchamsocial

For those of you that are more comfortable speaking and reading Spanish and Portuguese I have tried my best to translate my introduction on the band in both languages on the Spanish and Brazilian Lastfm sites at:

http://www.lastfm.es/music/Hatcham+Social/+wiki
http://www.lastfm.com.br/music/Hatcham+Social/+wiki

Background Information:

Members

Toby
Finnigan
Dave

Band Introduction by Alexandra McLoughlin

Hatcham Social Myspace

By Alexandra McLoughlin