Hello and welcome to the first of my monthly musical ramblings for A Little Bit of Stone – thanks to the site for letting me loose on the public consciousness! Right… where do I start?
I suppose I’d better tell you who the devil I am. I’m Pete Roch 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 at facebook.com/assortedrecords.
Each month I’ll be bringing you a mixture of local music news, events near and far and a look at a band to watch, as well as what I’m listening to at the mo.
OK, so hideous self-promotion over and done with.. let’s get down to business!
A few things to inform you of this time around, keeping it local so to speak, and we’re counting down to the Stone Music and Arts Festival in July.
Yet again the pottery goliaths (if there is indeed such a thing) that are Wedgwood 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.
This year there’s a great-looking slot organised by Stone’s Ben Owen which shines a light on Stone’s young musical talent. Definitely one to watch. The music festival takes place from 9th to 15th July – find out lots more here.
Slightly further afield up the road a bit in Stoke there’s 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, Little Mix, Alexandra Burke, Basshunter and more… 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 takes place on 16th and 17th 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 two 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 acts there, so save it for them! Get down to see what’s going on: even if you’re not in the queue it’s worth a visit! Catch it on 17th August, Victoria Park, Stafford. Find out more at 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, November 2011
High House are these lovely people:
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! You can listen to them here – soundcloud.com/high-house – and see what I mean.
This Month I Have Mostly Been Listening To…
John Mayer’s new album – Born and Raised. Can’t get enough of it at the moment! Easily the 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
1 comment