Artists
Get to know the artists playing this year’s festival.
Week One.
MONDAY 4TH APRIL
OPENING NIGHT
CHARLI TAFT
FIELDHOUSE
EVELYN BURKE
Evelyn Burke (born Evelyn-Kate Faith Burke) is a singer-songwriter based in the UK. Born in Ireland but soon re-locating to England, she grew up in the North East town of Guisborough, and now lives in Liverpool where she studies at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.
Evelyn’s music blends both her stunning voice with well-written electro inspired pop songs. With interlocking synths and pumping bass lines, Evelyn is truly a welcome slice of something new. She aims to write songs that are pounding and euphoric and she really delivers; somehow finding a hook that speaks to everyone, both lyrically and melodically.
Evelyn recently reached number 1 in the Indie Unsigned Myspace charts which helped gain solid Industry interest. Currently working on new material in London with chart topping producers, Evelyn is on course for success. With an e.p release expected early May, 2011 is set to see Evelyn Burke burst onto the scene and prove she’s really worth the hype.
http://www.myspace.com/evelynburke http://www.evelynburke.co.uk http://twitter.com/evburkeofficial http://evelynburke.posterous.com/
See my influences here.
TUESDAY 5TH APRIL
BEN NOKE
Ben Noke is a pianist/singer-songwriter who has spent the last year gigging around Liverpool and Manchester with his band, whilst writing material for his debut album, which is being recorded in February in Parr St. Studios.
He has also formed a songwriting partnership with producer Phil Cook and they are currently in the process of creating a showreel to send off to record labels.
Check out his first single ‘Walk Away’ on iTunes or Spotify.
http://www.myspace.com/bennoke www.bennoke.com
EMILY LEONARD
Born in the Wirral, and now living in the Liverpool area, Emily Leonard is following her career as a singer-songwriter, a new and upcoming contemporary artist. Being surrounded by music from a young age sparked her passion, and it is clear that this has had a big influence on her music. Not only does Emily write the songs herself, she also plays the saxophone and incorporates this into her music, bringing a little spice to the repertoire! Although cased in a very petite frame, her feisty character comes across in her lyrics and performance. The music is personal to Emily’s experiences, reflecting her personality and emotion. Her genre falls into a fusion of soul/jazz/pop, bringing something new, fresh and inspiring onto the music scene.
JOAQIM LEWERIN
Joaqim Lewerin is a 20-year-old Swedish singer/songwriter. The majority of his performances nowadays is with a full band with him singing and playing the electric violin. Joaqim has been composing and performing his songs from an early age, influenced by bands such as Queen, The Beatles and Electric Light Orchestra. His songs reflect these influences in a number of ways, including the tight vocal harmonies and energetic feel of the music. Joaqim Lewerin has eight years of performance experience, dating back to 2002 with his first big gig in the Swedish outtake for the Eurovision for kids. …. He is currently in his second year, studying music, at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and has formed his band from other musicians from LIPA.
http://www.myspace.com/lewerin
WEDNESDAY 6TH APRIL
DIRE WOLFE
Blowing most of their local peers out the water, Dire Wolfe deliver intelligent, joyous indie math-pop. With enough technical guitar wizardry, off kilter rhythms and lush textures to sate the serious muso community and bags of hooks, catchy choruses and down right fun and charm to appeal to those wanting to just enjoy their music, it’s only a matter of time before the Wolfe sink their teeth into the ears of wider Britain. If you haven’t seen them, sort it out.
CONSTRUCTORS COLLECTIVE
CARNIVAL KIDS
carnivalkidsofficial Tumblr Facebook
See our influences here.
THURSDAY 7TH APRIL
MAKE A MOVE
FULLY LOADED
Fully Loaded is a one off performance which will take place at The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts on Thursday 7th April 2011. The performance will be fronted by Barbados’ Reggae Artist of the Year, Buggy Nhakente and Lauren Spink who is currently studying Music, performing arts at LIPA. The vocalists will be backed by a nine piece band including a fantastic brass section to give a sensational performance. The performance will consist of a mixture of original songs by Buggy Nhakente and well-known reggae covers arranged by Samantha Lubin and Adam Dawson, both are 3rd year music students graduating from LIPA during summer ’11. The performance has a strong political message behind it and deals with issues that surround our world today, such as racism, war and injustice by the government. This one off performance combines a taste of Caribbean culture alongside some of Liverpool’s and LIPA’s finest musicians. It is not to be missed!
www.myspace.com/buggyfullyloaded
WE, THE UNDERSIGNED
www.myspace.com/jointheundersigned
PICTURE BOOK
Picture Book are Faroese Greta Svabo Bech (vocals + violin) and brothers Dario (beats + production) and Lorne Ashley (guitar + production) from New York, now based in Liverpool, UK.
After signing with Blue Horizon Records (Warner), headed by the powerful Seymour Stein and Richard Gottehrer, Picture Book went straight to London to record their debut ep ‘Explosions’ [tbc] at The Hospital with Dan Grech (Radiohead / Scissor Sisters / Dragonette) in Nigel Godrich’s personal studio.
They are not your average trio, blending dreamy three part harmonies over eclectic beats ranging from dance and disco to hip hop and folk. The band write classic pop songs set to a backdrop of beautifully produced soundscapes, live percussion, interspersed with guitar hooks to die for and haunting violin solos.
www.soundcloud.com/picture_book
www.youtube.com/picturebookmusic
FRIDAY 8TH APRIL
JONAS ALASKA
Jonas Alaska is a 22-year-old singer/songwriter from Norway inspired by artists such as Dylan and Young, as well as Jack White, Daniel Johnston and Fleet Foxes.
His music holds a quality and originality out of the ordinary. With a backing band consisting of a country and indie influenced rhythm section, pedal steel and gospel-like backing vocals, Alaska creates music with honest and strong lyrics and haunting melodies. Jonas is booked to play at Scandinavia’s leading music conference called By:Larm 2011. He is currently in the studio in Norway working on his debut album, which is due in June 2011.
http://www.myspace.com/jonasalaska
BILLIE VAN
DAN CROLL
Having recently been awarded the MBF songwriter award Dan Croll is the latest bright light to spawn from the city, join him and his band as he previews tracks from his upcoming debut e.p.
Dan and his seven-piece multi-instrumental cohort are your future soundtrack to lazy summer days, playing perfectly crafted pop in the vain of Beirut, Grizzly Bear and Bon Iver. Sweeping instrumental melodies accompanying vocals with bags of charm.
www.dancroll.co.uk (up soon)
SATURDAY 9TH APRIL
JACKIE D WILLIAMS
“Music is something that we are never pushed into, we simply discover; and grow with it. It’s the one thing that holds us together but yet makes us so different” Jackie D Williams is living proof of this. His distinctive fusion of soul, funk, rhythm and blues combined with phenomenal guitar playing is helping him receive the recognition his talent truly deserves. Jackie’s music consists of many brilliant characteristics exemplified by his childhood musical idols, combining song writing with jazz and blues like the great Stevie Wonder did before him. These characteristics have seen him likened to distinguished artists like such as Smokey Robinson and even Eric Clapton. At only 20 years old, Jackie is already a seasoned performer recently headlining the Juice Fm stage at the Liverpool Hub Festival, the UK’s biggest, and best, urban and extreme sports youth festival. He has also opened the Wallingford Blues and Beer Festival, supporting the infamous band “The Animals”, giving him the chance to perform to a crowd of over one thousand, a feat Jackie is intent of bettering. At the tender age of 16, Jackie’s performing ability gained him the opportunity to work with producer Mike Hurst through the summer project Rock Masters. During this experience, Jackie was fortunate enough to perform in front of music sensation Cat Stevens, one of Jackie’s and many other’s most admired musical inspirations. Oxford born Singer/Songwriter Jackie at present is a student at the prestigious Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, and is currently working on his debut album set to release early 2011. Jackie is looking to continue his musical journey through experimenting with new and adventurous sounds, as well as distinctive takes on classics such as his unique version of Johnny Cash’s “get rhythm” which was recorded in Earth Terminal Studios with Mike Hurst, a success Jackie wishes to quickly follow up. “Like” Jackie D on Facebook to hear his latest tracks first.
www.facebook.com/jackiedwilliamsmusic
www.myspace.com/jackiedwilliamsmusic
www.twitter.com/jackiedmusic
www.youtube.com/user/jackiedwilliams
YUVAL BILGORAI
This happy and sheltered childhood was cut short by a fatal error. At the age of 14, driven by forces beyond his control, Yuval joined the local drama club.
From then on it went down-hill. Acting in front of a live audience in venues across Israel made him develop an addiction to stage lights, and so he spiraled deeper and deeper into the premiscuious world of the performing arts.
By the age of 16 he was a write-off – he had chosen to study Acting at a performing arts high school. He spent his time with film makers. He began to smoke. Finally, he hit rock bottom, and began to learn guitar and piano.
At 18, Yuval was given a chance to pull himself out of his addiction and regain a normal life: national service. By Israeli law, Yuval was forced to serve 3 years in the airforce; running, saluting and eating cat kebabs. Sadly, it was too late. Yuval was, and always will be, a musician.
After a year of experimenting with the dark magic of chord shapes and lyrics, Yuval signed up to study music at the leading institutes for the black arts. When Sir Paul McCartney’s school of performance came calling, without hesitation (the bastard) kissed his parents goodbye and moved to Liverpool, the black capital of music.
And that, children, is the story of Yuval. Next time you’re walking the rainy streets of Liverpool, listen out for his music… It puts the FUN in funky and the MIC in microwave!
Let’s boogy!
LYRA JAY
“Are you ready, are you tipsy?
Pushing up against me, setting up a frenzy.
Taste my sexy”
Lyra jay is the latest thing to burst onto the pop scene and she is set to take the UK by storm. With her pop-perfect melodies, pumping bass lines and sexy lyrics, you can’t help but fall for this pint-sized star. As well as tunes that rival today’s chart-toppers, and are sure to fill any dance-floor, Lyra also writes poignant and touching ballads, making her a stand-out songwriter. Having been donned “England’s answer to Britney Spears”, Lyra is certain to win over the hearts of audiences everywhere, making her mark on the global stage.
See my influences here.
Week Two.
MONDAY 11TH APRIL
JOSEPH EDWARDS
Guitarist and vocalist Joe Edwards will be joined on stage by Joachim Roed on guitar, John Stark on bass, Ross Higginson on drums, Liam Malorey-Vibert on trombone, Han Robertson on trumpet, Emily Roe on violin and a guest vocal from Evelyn Burke for a night of acoustic music. Taking influences from Damien Rice, Ray Lamontagne, Bon Iver, Tracy Chapman and John Mayer, tonight will head down the indie/folk direction, performing both new songs and material from Joe’s latest ep.
www.myspace.com/joeedwardsmusic
Big Cartel
Vimeo
DOUGLAS DARE
www.myspace.com/daredouglasdare
www.myspace.com/greenwichteaparty
See my influences here.
JAMES CANTY
James Canty’s music is fiery mix of the old and new from both sides of the Atlantic. Soft guitar accompanied by mournful mountain yells, rough and rowdy bluegrass at ridiculous speeds, screaming, and peaceful ballads of coal miners or Lorry drivers. Drawing influence from American old time music, modern composition and personal experience, one thinks of Nick Drake, but at the same time modern cousins from oversees such as Fleet Foxes, Megafuan and Jose Gonzalez. With a palette as broadly English as Johnny Flynn and Radiohead or Neo Americana as Gillian Welch and Grizzly Bear, James Canty creates lyrically and melodically rich songs that denote a strangely strong sense of authenticity (coming from an Essex-born twenty one year old). Luring modern folk music out of the barn and teenagers bedrooms, James Canty temps the timid folk out, with carrots or whips, into the wilderness of the 21st century.
With the demanour of an English gent and the heart of a mountain singer, James Canty is definitely a breath of cold fresh air – amongst the modern day folk pop he stands an island of honesty and grit.
Email: Jamescanty27@gmail.com
Phone: 07792902427
www.soundcloud.com/james-canty
“If your band played at a cemetery even the corpses would dance” Billy Butler BBC Merseyside.
“I don’t think you have any problems with your song writing” Tom Paley – The New Lost City Ramblers
TUESDAY 12TH APRIL
KURT FOX AND THE CUBS
Kurt Fox was born and bred on Merseyside and began his musical career at the young age of 10. With a wide range of influences from his parents such as Rock & Roll, Rockabilly, Funk and soul, he always had a love for music, which was amplified when he was introduced to the double bass and fell in love with it completely. From this he went onto playing bass guitar as well, and played in a number of different bands between the ages of 11 and 20 including ‘Find The Escape’, ‘Rosie Jones and The Mystery Machine’ and The Gypsies, supporting acts such as The Blackout and Johnny Flynn. With the start of 2011 he has took it upon himself to create his own band, his own sound, and take control of his own musical direction.
Combining his Rockabilly and Funk roots, he has come up with his own unique sound of old school rock and roll with a modern twist, backed by ‘The Cubs’ Kurt Fox puts on a full show of music and performance. Bringing music back to it’s roots.
www.kurtfoxband.co.uk
www.myspace.com/kurt-fox
www.twitter.com/kurtfoxband
EVELYN.IS
Ethereal, vast and thick with poignancy, Evelyn.Is lure you in with an effortless blend of bittersweet nuance and sonic kicks representing not only a sound, but a time and a frame of mind.
At age 14, front woman Brittany Hayes made the bold move to Los Angeles where the unique caliber of her voice quickly turned the heads of peers and professionals alike, far surpassing all preconceptions of a humble small town girl. Ubiquitous at heart, Brittany later took the Atlantic leap over to Liverpool, England where the foundations of Evelyn.Is soon began to take shape.
The debut effort “Figures”, a 5 track EP co-produced and arranged by guitarist Joe Danher, emerged in 2009 to a promising ripple of acclaim and a succession of shows for the newly formed live line up to test the waters (GUITAR – Adam Lucas, BASS – Chris Nicholls, DRUMS – Ant Lucas, succeeded by Adam Grocott in late 2010). Recently, in their current guise and the build towards the recording of “Fugue”, a 7 track mini album, the band underwent a more collaborative approach resulting in a logical shift in sound from that heard on “Figures”.
From the religious crescendos of live favourite “Not Right Now’ to the lingering post-rock melancholy of “ZacPro” and irresistible melodies of shoegaze tinged “S(he)” , the eclectic “Fugue” promises to involve and inspire all who lend an ear.
Evelyn.Is “Fugue” out 2011. “LIKE“ Evelyn.Is on facebook to follow their progress.
ALWAYS THE QUIET ONES
Always The Quiet Ones are a post-hardcore band formed in Liverpool, England in February 2010. The band consists of Blas Barragan Jr. (vocals), Joe Danher (guitar), Adam Lucas (guitar), Chris Nicholls (bass) and James Lorenzo (drums).
With the release of debut EP “Headcase” in April 2010, the band embarked on a series of frenetic live shows supporting such artists as Deaf Havana, Axis Of and AndSoIWatchYouFromAfar, quickly garnering notoriety from fans and critics alike …
“Turned down is the post-2000 arbitrarily jagged style and turned up is the rock, and it’s like 1992 again. Except it’s not, because there’s lots of textures, atmospherics, math turns, post-rock turns and just really interesting s**t thrown into the song structures to show you that it’s a throughly contemporary sound. The venue’s also filled up, and it’s been possibly four years since I’ve seen a room this full to see an unsigned rock band” ALEX LYNHAM – What is Music? UK
“Hard hitting…intense…uncompromising. This is rock at its best.” STUART JAMES – The Vine
As of late, Always The Quiet Ones have been hard at work on their sophomore EP “Freak Show” with a launch party scheduled for 14th May 2011 and a string of summer dates to follow.
Follow the band at www.alwaysthequietones.com
http://www.alwaysthequietones.com
WEDNESDAY 13TH APRIL
PETRU CALINESCU
Petru Calinescu is a 24-year old singer, actor and songwriter hailing from Bucharest, Romania and currently based both in Bucharest, and Liverpool, England.
Petru is a versatile singer, having performed in a variety of musical styles, including pop-rock, jazz, alternative rock, soul, classical-crossover, musical theatre, rock’n’roll, gospel, choral music, and disco. He has studied under one of the leading Romanian vocal coaches (Crina Mardare) and has received “Speech Level Singing” vocal training at LIPA. As an actor, he has performed both non-musical and musical theatre, at high school and university level, and has completed an IB course in Theatre Arts.
Past shows at LIPA include “What The Funk” (a disco extravaganza featuring a HedKandi DJ mixing live onstage); the musical “Working” (featuring songs by Stephen Schwartz and James Taylor); “Musings of a Hopeless Romantic” (his first one-man show – backed by a slick jazz lineup and dancers). Petru has played the iconic character Snoopy in the musical “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown”; and he produced and starred in the new musical “Beyond The Clouds”. Petru was most recently featured in Stephen Sondheim’s acclaimed musical opera “Sweeney Todd”.
Petru has relevant experience performing on television – as he has performed live on prime-time Romanian national television 4 times, twice on “Happy Hour” (Romania’s show with the highest TV ratings), and twice on “Total Request Live” on MTV Romania to enthusiastic reviews.
Petru will hit the stage as part of the 2011 3rd Degree Festival line-up at LIPA, where you will catch a front-seat glimpse at what he does best. Passionate showmanship combined with a dedication to staying true to the message of the song – this is what Petru does best. A mixture of original tunes and sizzling covers; backed by a slick band and a 10-piece Gospel choir, this is sure to be one of the highlights of the festival.
GREENWICH TEA PARTY
MIKHAEL PASKALEV
Mikhael Paskalev is pop music with roots in indie and alternativ country rock. Inspired by names such as Paul Simon, The shins, Edward Sharpe.. the mamas and the papas and the Everly brothers. Paskalevs set is dynamic and varies from songs accompanied only by his nylon-strung guitar, to a six-piece band with the occasional trumpet and a circus of energy. The songs are mainly recognised by the instrumentation and the strong melodies, at times shamelessly catchy, but never leaves a lovely and raw soundscape. Nerve Magazine: Mikhael Paskalev demonstrates what appears to be a signature element of Red Deer Club’s roster, hushed, uncoiling guitars and close harmony singing. Backed by a five-piece band, the majority of his songs are amazingly spare sounding, with the electric guitar mournfully picking its way through the tracks. I Spy proves to be an exception, lurching into a hoe-down midway through complete with Duane Eddy-esque guitar. The second track, a gently murmured lullaby could easily have been heard crackling out of a wireless in an early episode of Mad Men. Touching almost on gospel music at points, Woman evokes glacial US trio Low, its epically slow pace conveying the full weight of the lyrics’ turmoil. The restraint of the musicians is to be praised as any diversions into Guitar Hero style antics would shatter the carefully spun web of Mikhael’s delicate tracks.
THURSDAY 14TH APRIL
THE JAMES WHITEHOUSE BAND
The James Whitehouse Band are a 5-piece Blues/Rock/Alternative outfit currently making waves in the Liverpool music scene. The Band plays an eclectic mix of Rock, Blues and Alternative music; combining Searing Blues licks and heavy drum grooves, influenced by artists such as John Mayer, The Foo Fighters, The Dave Matthews Band and Mute Math.
The James Whitehouse Band also comes in a 3-piece acoustic set, which has also taken off in smaller, more intimate venues around the city, including a charity night held locally for Amnesty International as well as a Show at 3345 Parr Street for Liverpool Music Week. The band also played Liverpool Sound City 2010.
HEAT
Heat is a tribute band consisting of four musicians from Norway that will cover songs from the Norwegian band El Caco. All of the members of Heat are truly inspired by bands such as El Caco, Stonegard, Skambankt, Audrey Horne, Insense, Mastodon and more. They have spent hours after hours in the rehearsal rooms to make sure that the audience will not walk away without being blessed by their rocking music and live show.
Do not miss the opportunity to bang your head to some hard rock music and to enjoy their amazing live show at The Paul McCartney Auditorium @ LIPA, 14th of April 2011. Check out the music Heat is covering from El Caco at:
THIS IS TWO
This Is Two are a Post-Hardcore Rock band new to the Alternative Rock scene in the Northwest. The band was formed in December 2009 when Liam, Dan, Josh & Alex all met at university in Liverpool. Quickly affirming their love for super-tight riffs & versatile vocals while dominating and manipulating their sound with their mastery of dynamics. A year on and the band now have their foot firmly in the door of the music scenes in both Liverpool & Manchester, with an eye to make 2011 a year to remember. “Tape Those Eyes Back” and don’t miss their Debut EP “For Friends : For Enemies” to be released on the 19th of February.
http://www.myspace.com/thisistwouk
FRIDAY 15TH APRIL
WONDERBRA(SS)
Han Robertson became a musician since the age of four, just after she moved from Inverness to Cheltenham. Involved in many musical productions, shows and bands and teaching since the age of twelve, she is already a well established ensemble artist and soloist. As a multi-instrumentalist, Han Robertson joined the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts trailing a jet-pack like bag on her back containing a trumpet. Professionally an ensemble player; for the first time, she is presenting a 40-minute show that she has devised and directed. Under a Film and TV theme the show will see some brass and rhythm funking out to new and old favourites. Welcome to ‘The Wonderbra(ss)’.
REBECCA & HER BIG PHAT BAND
JESSICA AND THE RABBITS
Jessica and the Rabbits is a 1930’s-inspired cabaret act, with a nod to Weimar Germany and a bit of burlesque thrown in for good measure. Playing the music of Nina Simone, Cole Porter and Portishead, Jessica and the Rabbits promises to be a night of cheeky corsetry, absinthe and musical extravagance that you won’t forget.
An up-and coming act on the North-West cabaret circuit, Jessica and the Rabbits will be performing a 40 minute showcase at the prestigious Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts on Friday 15th April 2011, along with two other fantastic acts. Born out of small cabaret clubs and theatre venues, this showcase will be more elaborate, complete with 6 dancers, a full 8-piece band and theatrical design, delivering a truly unforgettable evening of entertainment.
As lead rabbit and vocalist, Jessica Samuel has a commanding stage-presence and honey-toned yet powerful voice, perfect for the fusion of styles that Jessica and the Rabbits perform.
Sam Rourke, provides the foundation of the rhythm section with his powerful and sexy double-bass lines. James Bernardis, provides the grooves. A mean drummer, he is perfectly at home playing any number of styles. A talented and exciting pianist, Ben Noke adds flavour to the band with his jazzy style. As lead guitarist, Sjur Vonen has an innate sense of rhythm and flair, complementing his awesome solos, which never fail to get the audience going. Ashley Wood, a renowned and well respected alto-saxophonist in the North-West, leads the horn section with his un-rivaled sax licks. Emily Leonard, an accomplished singer-songwriter and performer in her own right, adds depth to the horn section with rich tenor sax lines and Hanna Robertson completes the horn line-up with her sexy trumpet.
The dancers are made up of 3 wonderfully sexy, scantily-clad lady-rabbits, Tome Levi, Vic Haynes and Rosie Terry, and 3 masculine and powerful men, Hannes, Adrian Falconer and (tbc), whose amazing talent and lust-filled dance moves complete the overall aesthetic.
Having burst onto the North-West cabaret scene this summer, Jessica and the Rabbits have continuously wowed audiences and received rave reviews across Merseyside.
SATURDAY 16TH APRIL
FINAL NIGHT
GUEST ACT (TBA)
THE WORRY DOLLS
The Worry Dolls are LIPA graduates Rosie Jones and Zoe Nicol. Or Zoe
Nicol and Rosie Jones (because otherwise they would probably argue
about it). They met in Liverpool and hung out with Paul McCartney for
three years or so (who told them that he thought it was cool to be
ginger), but then moved back home when they ran out of student loan.
Zoe is currently living on a sofa in Camden, whereas Rosie is in Devon
working as a part time ukulele instructor. They write songs via Skype
about being 22 and having no money. They sing, and twang, and disagree
about most things.
http://www.myspace.com/worrydolls
T-LARK
I would like to say thank youat least for a mind blasting website.
Great article!
Good post!
Thanks for providing such information.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/the3rddegreefestival