“One of the most distinctive voices anywhere.” – Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2
“The Steve Forbert saga is irresistible” – Rolling Stone

Legendary American songwriter, Steve Forbert releases his evocative new album ‘The Magic Tree’ out October 26th on Blue Rose Music. In support of the new record, Steve will also play a very special show at Nell’s Jazz and Blues on October 21st.

Produced by Karl Derfler (Tom Waits, No Doubt, Two Gallants), ‘The Magic Tree’ offers a series of songs gleaned from previously recorded acoustic demos, augmented with new backing tracks. The collection rings with the verve and vitality that Forbert’s fans have always come to expect.

Listen to ‘That’d Be Alright’ HERE

Consistently upbeat and optimistic, the album’s songs recorded in Meridian, Nashville, New York, and New Jersey and Virginia convey a firm sense that age ought not diminish a lust for living. Revered critic the late Paul Nelson wrote about Forbert in Rolling Stone almost 40 years ago: “…Nothing, nothing in this world, is going to stop Steve Forbert, and on that I’ll bet anything you’d care to wager.”

Steve Forbert plays the following UK shows:

October
Sun 21st   LONDON, Nell’s Jazz & Blues
Tues 23rd  OXFORD, Jericho Tavern
Wed 24th  CAMBRIDGE The Robinson Theatre

More than four decades have passed since Steve Forbert made his way to New York City from his Meridian, Mississippi birthplace in quest of a career in music. It was the most unlikely time and place for a folk singer to leap into the fray in a burgeoning scene where new wave and punk were emerging while he took the stage as the archetypal folkie, armed with just an acoustic guitar and sheaf of very personal songs.

After busking on the street for change from passers by, he rose to sharing bills at CBGB’s with the likes of Talking Heads, The Shirts and John Cale as well as headlining more traditional venues such as The Bitter End and Kenny’s Castaways. Against staggering odds, he found blazing success early on with a string of critically acclaimed and commercially accepted albums including Alive on Arrival (1978), Jackrabbit Slim (1979), and Little Stevie Orbit (1980) and a most unlikely smash hit single, “Romeo’s Tune.”

His career had its share of triumphs as well as stumbles and disappointments as did his private life.  Through it all, over the course of a marriage, divorce, raising three children, writing and recording 18 studio albums and fronting an ever changing line-up of supporting musicians, he persevered and stayed true to his roots and the folk ethos.

Now, those life-changing experiences have been chronicled by Forbert in Big City Cat: My Life In Folk Rock, co-written with Therese Boyd, that will be released October 26th. The memoir, originally conceived as a stage play, offers a uniquely introspective view of a life and career during a period of cultural upheaval and the author’s emerging self-awareness.

Sharing reflections and journals he kept at the time, Forbert weaves an absorbing narrative that fully addresses the trials, travails and triumphs that would eventually play out over the course of his prolific 40+ year career. Big City Cat: My Life In Folk Rock features first-person commentary from those who worked with Forbert on the road and in the studio.

The Magic Tree track listing: (All songs written by Steve Forbert except #11 which was written by Steve Forbert and Robert Johnson)

1. The Magic Tree (Version One)
2.  That’d Be Alright
3. Carolina Blue Sky Blues
4. Let’s Get High
5. Tryna Let It Go
6. Lookin’ At The River In The Rain
7. Diamond Sky
8. Movin’ Though America
9. I Ain’t Got Time
10. The Magic Tree (Version Two)
11. Only You (And Nobody Else)
12. The Music Of The Night

www.steveforbert.com

R.E.M. grew up with the BBC, and this historic relationship is lovingly celebrated across an incredible collection that beautifully illustrates the career trajectory of one of modern music’s greatest bands. The collection—available as a super-deluxe edition 8-CD/1-DVD box set, as well as 2-CD, 2-LP and digital formats—comprises a treasure trove of rare and unreleased live and studio recordings culled from the BBC and band archives. This is a must-have collection for R.E.M. fans and an authoritative introduction for newcomers.

Listen to ‘Losing My Religion (Live From Into The Night on BBC Radio 1 / 1991)’ HERE

In-studio performances featured in the 8-CD/1-DVD box set include a John Peel Session (1998), Drivetime and Mark and Lard appearances (2003) and a glorious Radio 1 Live Lounge performance (2008). Live broadcasts include a rough-and-tumble show from Nottingham’s Rock City (1984), the stunning 1995 Milton Keynes Monster Tour (their first after a six-year break), a blistering 1999 Glastonbury headline set and an invitation-only 2004 show at London’s St James’s Church.

The DVD kicks off with a sixty-minute intimate retrospective of the band’s legendary performances at the BBC in the Accelerating Backwards film – previously broadcast only in the UK and available commercially for the first time here.  Accelerating Backwards also includes revealing interviews with Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Michael Stipe, further testifying to R.E.M.’s long, special relationship with the BBC.  The DVD also offers a complete 1998 Later….With Jools Holland episode uniquely dedicated to the band, plus TV appearances on Top of the Pops and more.

The package liner notes add yet more behind-the-scenes insight to this definitive retrospective collection. Assorted BBC personalities reminiscence about what it was like to work with R.E.M both on stage and off. Respected BBC DJ/Presenter Jo Whiley recalls, “Their Glastonbury performance in 1999 was a dazzling moment: the band storming through an all-killer, no-filler setlist. As a headline performance, it was a triumph and, for me, it’s up there as one of the Glastonbury greats.”  Of a 2001 Top of the Pops performance, BBC Producer Mark Hagen muses, “”Michael once told me that he hears in colors and it was one of those nights when you felt that you could reach out and touch the music as it flowed through the air, a glorious rolling cloud of green. Just like a kudzu vine in a dream.”  Acclaimed rock journalist Tom Doyle also provides an overview of the entire thirty-year period.

In addition to the comprehensive box set, The Best of R.E.M. at the BBC is also available via 2-CD and 2-LP formats. The Best of collection offers a selection of in-studio performance and live broadcast highlights. R.E.M. at the BBC will also be available to stream or download, with the digital album offering mirroring discs 1 to 8 from the box set.

The first instant grat. single—a memorable version of “Losing My Religion” recorded in 1991 for BBC 1’s Into The Night session—is available when you pre-order the box set or Best of album (Listen or Pre-order Here). New instant grat. singles will be released each week leading up to street date.

R.E.M. at the BBC (8-CD/1-DVD) Track Listing:
Note, the digital album mirrors discs 1 – 8.

Disc 1 (64:17) – Sessions
Into The Night, BBC Radio 1, 13 March 1991

1.    World Leader Pretend 4:36
2.    Fretless 5:16
3.    Half A World Away 3:33
4.    Radio Song 4:05
5.    Losing My Religion 4:42
6.    Love Is All Around 3:09
John Peel Studio Session, 25 October 1998
7.    Walk Unafraid 4:04
8.    Daysleeper 3:18
9.    Lotus 4:13
10. At My Most Beautiful 3:16
Mark and Lard, BBC Radio 1, 15 October 2003
11. Bad Day 4:03
12. Orange Crush 3:55
Drivetime, BBC Radio 2, 15 October 2003
13. Man On The Moon 4:59
14. Imitation Of Life 3:41
Radio 1 Live Lounge, 26 March 2008
15. Supernatural Superserious 3:23
16. Munich 3:18

Disc 2 (62:32) – Sessions
BBC Radio 1 Session, 25 October 1998

1. Introduction :26
2. Losing My Religion 4:44
3. New Test Leper 5:53
4. Lotus 4:48
5. Parakeet 4:23
6. Electrolite 4:23
7. Perfect Circle 4:39
8. The Apologist 4:40
9. Daysleeper 4:44
10. Country Feedback 7:23
11. At My Most Beautiful 4:14
12. Walk Unafraid 4:52
13. Man On The Moon 6:11

Disc 3 (58:49) – Live Broadcasts
Rock City, Nottingham, 21 November 1984

1. Second Guessing 2:57
2. Hyena 2:57
3. Talk About The Passion 3:04
4. West Of The Fields 3:07
5. (Don’t Go Back To) Rockville 4:29
6. Auctioneer (Another Engine) 3:01
7. So. Central Rain (I’m Sorry) 4:51
8. Old Man Kensey 4:24
9. Gardening At Night 3:26
10. 9-9/Hey Diddle Diddle/Feeling Gravitys Pull 5:39
11. Windout 1:49
12. Driver 8 3:25
13. Pretty Persuasion 3:33
14. Radio Free Europe 3:49
15. Wendell Gee 3:21
16. Carnival Of Sorts (Boxcars) 4:47

Disc 4 (51:59) – Live Broadcasts
Milton Keynes, 30 July 1995

1. What’s The Frequency, Kenneth? 3:58
2. Crush With Eyeliner 4:42
3. Drive 3:51
4. Turn You Inside Out 4:17
5. Try Not To Breathe 3:50
6. I Took Your Name 4:15
7. Undertow 5:16
8. Bang And Blame 4:58
9. I Don’t Sleep I Dream 4:14
10. Strange Currencies 4:31
11. Revolution 3:20
12. Tongue 4:38

Disc 5 (56:43) – Live Broadcasts
Milton Keynes, 30 July 1995

1. Man On The Moon 5:46
2. Country Feedback 6:49
3. Half A World Away 4:04
4. Losing My Religion 4:54
5. Pop Song 89 3:27
6. Finest Worksong 3:48
7. Get Up 2:54
8. Star 69 4:00
9. Let Me In 3:59
10. Everybody Hurts 7:24
11. Fall On Me 3:11
12. Departure 3:52
13. Its the End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) 5:15

Disc 6 (43:05) – Live Broadcasts
Pyramid Stage Glastonbury Festival, 25 June 1999

1. Lotus  4:36
2. What’s The Frequency, Kenneth?  4:09
3. So Fast, So Numb  4:47
4. The Apologist  4:36
5. Fall On Me  3:26
6. Daysleeper  3:29
7. The Wake-Up Bomb  5:01
8. The One I Love  3:27
9. Sweetness Follows  5:50
10. At My Most Beautiful  3:37

Disc 7 (53:28) – Live Broadcasts
Pyramid Stage Glastonbury Festival, 25 June 1999

1. Losing My Religion  5:24
2. Everybody Hurts  6:47
3. Walk Unafraid  4:17
4. Star 69  3:04
5. Finest Worksong  4:22
6. Man On The Moon  5:43
7. Why Not Smile  2:10
8. Crush With Eyeliner  4:40
9. Tongue  5:19
10. Cuyahoga  4:37
11. Its the End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)  6:58

Disc 8 (55:24) – Live Broadcasts
St. James’ Church, London Radio 2, 15 September 2004
1. Intro  :47
2. So Fast, So Numb  5:13
3. Boy In The Well  5:20
4. I Wanted To Be Wrong  5:19
5. E-Bow The Letter (with Thom Yorke)  5:09
6. Around The Sun  5:02
7. Aftermath  3:58
8. Losing My Religion  4:47
9.vWalk Unafraid  5:10
10. Leaving New York  4:48
11. Imitation Of Life  4:35
12. Man On The Moon  5:34

Disc 9 (DVD) – Television Broadcasts

Accelerating Backwards
Moon River
Pretty Persuasion
Pop Song 89
Orange Crush
Losing My Religion
Half A World Away
Crush With Eyeliner
Man On The Moon
Daysleeper
Imitation Of Life
So. Central Rain (I’m Sorry)
All The Way To Reno (You’re Gonna Be A Star)
Leaving New York

Later… with Jools Holland Presents R.E.M.
Intro
Losing My Religion
Lotus
New Test Leper
Daysleeper
Electrolite
At My Most Beautiful
The Apologist
Country Feedback
Parakeet
So. Central Rain (I’m Sorry)
Walk Unafraid
Man On The Moon
The Passenger

Bonus Videos
I’ve Been High
Nightswimming
Bad Day

The Best of R.E.M. at the BBC (2-LP) Track Listing:

Disc 1 – Sessions

A1. World Leader Pretend 4:36
A2. Radio Song 4:05
A3. Losing My Religion 4:42
Recorded for Nicky Campbell Session Into The Night on BBC Radio 1
First broadcast on 13 March 1991
A4. Lotus 4:13
A5. At My Most Beautiful 3:16
Recorded for John Peel Session on BBC Radio 1
First broadcast 25 October 1998
B1. Bad Day 4:03
B2. Orange Crush 3:55
Recorded for Mark and Lard on BBC Radio 1
First broadcast on 15 October 2003
B3. Man On The Moon 4:59
B4. Imitation Of Life 3:41
Recorded for Drivetime on BBC Radio 2
First broadcast 15 October 2003
B5. Supernatural Superserious 3:23
Recorded for Radio 1 Live Lounge on BBC Radio 1
First broadcast 26 March 2008

Disc 2 – Broadcasts

C1. Driver 8 3:25
C2. Radio Free Europe 3:49
First broadcast on 21 November 1984 from Rock City, Nottingham
C3. What’s The Frequency, Kenneth? 3:54
C4. Drive 3:51
C5. Half A World Away 4:04
C6. Pop Song 89 3:27
First broadcast on 30 July 1995 from Milton Keynes
D1. Everybody Hurts  6:47
D2. Its the End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)  6:58
First broadcast on 25 June 1999 from Pyramid Stage Glastonbury Festival
D3. Losing My Religion 4:47
D4. Man On The Moon 5:34
First broadcast on 15 September 2004 from St. James’s Church, London

The Best of R.E.M. at the BBC (2-CD), Track Listing:

Disc 1 – Sessions
1. World Leader Pretend 4:36
2. Half A World Away 3:33
3. Radio Song 4:05
4. Losing My Religion 4:42
Recorded for Nicky Campbell Session Into The Night on BBC Radio 1
First broadcast on 13 March 1991
5. Lotus 4:13
6. At My Most Beautiful 3:16
Recorded for John Peel Session on BBC Radio 1
First broadcast on 25 October 1998
7. Electrolite 4:23
8. Perfect Circle 4:39
9. Daysleeper 4:44
Recorded for John Peel Session on BBC Radio 1
First broadcast 25 October 1998
10. Country Feedback
Recorded for Later… with Jools Holland on BBC1
First broadcast on 27 October 1998
11. Bad Day 4:03
12. Orange Crush 3:55
Recorded for Mark and Lard on BBC Radio 1
First broadcast on 15 October 2003
13. Nightswimming
Recorded for Later… with Jools Holland on BBC1
First broadcast on 14 October 2003
14. Man On The Moon 4:59
15. Imitation Of Life 3:41
Recorded for Drivetime on BBC Radio 2
First broadcast 15 October 2003
16. Supernatural Superserious 3:23
Recorded for Radio 1 Live Lounge on BBC Radio 1
First broadcast 26 March 2008

Disc 2 – Broadcasts

1. (Don’t Go Back To) Rockville 4:29
2. So. Central Rain (I’m Sorry) 4:51
3. Gardening At Night 3:26
4. Driver 8 3:25
5. Radio Free Europe 3:49
First broadcast on 21 November 1984 from Rock City, Nottingham
6. What’s The Frequency, Kenneth? 3:54
7. Crush With Eyeliner 4:42
8. Drive 3:51
9. Half A World Away 4:04
10. Pop Song 89 3:27
11. Finest Worksong 3:48
First broadcast on 30 July 1995 from Milton Keynes
12. Fall On Me  3:26
13. The One I Love  3:27
14. Everybody Hurts  6:47
15. Its the End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)  6:58
First broadcast on 25 June 1999 from Pyramid Stage Glastonbury Festival
16. E-Bow The Letter (with Thom Yorke) 5:09
17. Losing My Religion 4:47
18. Man On The Moon 5:34
First broadcast on 15 September 2004 from St. James’s Church, London

Tom Walker, the biggest breakout UK global star of 2018, releases his eagerly anticipated debut album ‘What a Time To Be Alive’ October 19th on Relentless/Sony Music.

Produced by Mike Spencer (Years and Years), Tom’s emotional new single, ‘Angels’, is the follow-up to the summer smash ‘Leave A Light On’ that has sold over 570,000 in the UK and 1.8 million worldwide, reached #1 on iTunes in 16 countries including the UK and top ten in 39 countries. A sizeable hit!

The album title, ‘What A Time To Be Alive’, is taken from one of Tom’s best-loved songs, ‘Blessings’, and is indicative of the hope and optimism that permeates this blistering 12 track collection of original songs written or co-written by Tom and sung in his unmistakable voice.

One of the unique things about Tom Walker is the way his songs resonate with his fans. Tom has been overwhelmed by the response he’s had on socials and at shows to ‘Leave A Light On’, and the hope it has given listeners the world over. ‘Just You And I’ has already become a wedding staple. Another album highlight is ‘Now You’re Gone’ featuring Zara Larson.

The album sleeve, created by the innovative artist Craig Alan, features an extraordinary portrait of Tom comprised of over 2000 miniature figures of people, many of whom have influenced Tom throughout his 26 years on the planet.

While ‘Leave A Light On’ established Tom as a global breakout artist, his debut album ‘What A Time To Be Alive’ without doubt will solidify his growing reputation as one of the most exciting new artists working today.

Tom and his band have toured the world this year and continue to do so. They embark on their latest UK tour this October:

October
Wed 10th  Glasgow, QMU
Thurs 11th  Dublin, Academy
Sat 13th   Leeds, Stylus
Sun 14th   Manchester, O2 Ritz
Thurs 15th  Sheffield, Leadmill
Wed 17th  London, O2 Shepherds Bush
Thu 18th   Birmingham O2 Institute
Sat 20th   Exeter, The Lemon Grove
Sun 21st   Cardiff, Tramshed
Mon 22nd  Portsmouth, Pyramids Centre

‘What a Time To Be Alive’ tracklisting below:

1) Angels
2) Leave A Light On
3) Not Giving In
4) How Can You Sleep At Night?
5) Now You’re Gone feat Zara Larson
6) My Way
7) Blessings
8) Cry Out
9) Dominoes
10) Fade Away
11) Just You And I
12) The Show

Pre-order the album HERE

www.iamtomwalker.com

Bad Sounds, brainchild of brothers Callum and Ewan Merrett, are one of the most original, exciting British bands to emerge this year. Their debut album ‘Get Better’ is an undisputed gem and includes current single ‘Wages’, a new version of their breakout single.

Listen to ‘Wages’ HERE

Next month they embark on their biggest UK tour yet buoyed by heavy Radio 1 support and a growing fanbase. Their label Insanity is the perfect home for their highly imaginative spin both musical and lyrical on very 21st century problems including anxiety and depression but delivered in a positively upbeat way.

Their wonderful, intoxicating mash-up of influences – Beck, Flaming Lips, Michael Jackson and Curtis Mayfield – makes their debut album ‘Get Better’ impossible not to love.

‘Wages’, a song about juggling work and chasing dreams of pop stardom, was originally released in 2016, earning ‘Hottest Record in the World’ from Annie Mac. This new version is just one of many standout tracks on as joyous a debut album you will hear for a very long time.

Come see what all the fuss is about and put a smile on your face when Bad Sounds play the following UK dates:

October
Weds 24th  NORWICH, The Waterfront
Thurs 25th  LONDON, Heaven
Fri 26th   BRISTOL, SWX
Sat 27th   LEICESTER, The Cookie
Sun 28th   MANCHESTER, Gorilla
Tues 30th  GLASGOW, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut
Wed 31th  LEEDS, The Wardrobe

November
Thurs 1st   NOTTINGHAM, Rescue Rooms
Fri 2nd   LIVERPOOL, O2 Academy Liverpool
Sat 3rd   BRIGHTON, The Haunt

“… Interpol have been remarkably successful in finding ways to modify their sound, pinching and folding the edges of their sharply drawn song” – MOJO ****
“Marauder is the sound of Interpol at their most wonderfully intense” – Q
“a return to the echoing, distorted sound of their classic early records” – The Guardian
“pacy, pounding” – Evening Standard

In celebration of the release of their hotly-anticipated new album Marauder on August 24th, Interpol will play a pair of special and intimate shows, taking place in Kingston for Banquet Records on Wednesday 29th, and in Rough Trade East on Thursday, August 30th.

Tickets for Banquet Records event go on sale Monday, August 10th at 10am HERE

Wristbands for Rough Trade East event can be gained by pre-ordering the new album on CD, LP or LP+ from Rough Trade HERE. A very limited number of wristbands will also be available to buy in-store from 9am on August 24th. Full details are available at –  https://www.roughtrade.com/gb/events/rough-trade-east-interpol

After watching The Great North Run on TV last year, Olly Murs and his sister Fay made a pact that they would enter it this year together. So here they are, exactly a month away from embarking on their first half Marathon together!

They will be running the famous 13.1 mile run in Newcastle on September 9th to fundraise for two charities very close to their hearts:

BRAINWAVE CHILDRENS CHARITY
Olly is a patron to Brainwave, a small local charity close to the family home in Witham, Essex. With three centers around the UK, Brainwave helps children with disabilities and additional needs to achieve greater independence. The children they help have a range of disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy and genetic conditions such as Down’s syndrome. They have specialist therapists, who work with the children and their families to devise a personalized program to help unlock each child’s potential. Olly has worked closely with Brainwave over the last 8 years, helping to raise the profile of this small charity, and has seen the benefits first hand.

MIND
The charity Fay will be running for is Mind, the mental health charity. Mind provide advice & support to empower anyone experiencing mental health problems whether that be anxiety, alcohol & drug dependency, eating disorders, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress, post-natal depression or many more. Having developed social anxiety after experiencing bullying as a young girl in senior school, Fay has firsthand experience of suffering from a debilitating mental health condition.  Mind campaigns to not only raise awareness of mental health, but to offer support, advice and promote understanding. A shocking statistic is that 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem every year. There has been a lot of awareness raised about this over the last few years, in the music industry especially, but there’s still a lot of work to be done. Suicide is the leading cause of death in young people, so clearly, we need to be doing more to combat mental health issues.

Every penny raised by Olly and Fay running the GREAT NORTH RUN will go a long way in helping both of their chosen charities, BRAINWAVE & Mind.

Neither Olly or Fay are natural runners, so they have already started training to make sure they can at least cross the finish line and not completely embarrass themselves!

To sponsor Olly and Fay on the Great North Run, visit their fundraising page HERE and keep an eye on their socials where both Olly and Fay will be documenting their training efforts and their progress on the day!

Olly will also be releasing an exclusive and limited edition summer t-shirt fundraising campaign for Brainwave to be sold on yellowbirdproject.com from 17th August.

“All the ingredients of mature pop bliss lie in the work of Ainslie Wills” – The Guardian
“Seemingly limitless vocals” – The Line Of Best Fit

Having earned her position amongst the pantheon of acclaimed songwriters globally, Ainslie Wills returns to Europe for five special shows including a headline date in London at The Slaughtered Lamb on 26 September 2018.

Blessed with a voice of assured range and deep character, the Melbourne singer-songwriter has recently released her latest stunning single, ‘Society’.

“I want this song to be a talking point for people who feel restricted by the pressure that society places on us to fit into a conventional way of living and existing,” says Ainslie. “I know I feel that pressure constantly.”

To celebrate the UK/EU dates, Ainslie has released a live version of Society, filmed on her front porch. “Amongst the common noises of suburbia, we had a limited time to shoot this before the light faded. We filmed it in one take in the stairwell of my old house.”

Watch the new live video for Society

Ainslie’s captivating live show has seen her support the likes of Leon Bridges, Grouplove, Michael Kiwanuka, Lianne La Havas and Tom Chaplin, grace the stages of The Great Escape, Falls Festival and several other renowned festivals in Australia, as well as selling out headline shows in Australia and the UK.

With her beautifully crafted and honestly told stories, Wills has gathered an army of lifelong converts at home and internationally. ‘Oh The Gold’ EP was picked up in the UK, becoming Lauren Laverne’s ‘Track Of The Day’ on her BBC Radio 6 program and played on Guy Garvey’s ‘Finest Hour’, also on BBC6.

Ainslie will release her highly anticipated second LP ‘All You Have is All You Need’ in early 2019.

SEPTEMBER – UK/EU TOUR
Fri 21 September | Reeperbahn, GERMANY
Sat 22 September | Reeperbahn, GERMANY
Sun 23 September | Paradiso, Van Alleen Naar Zachter, AMSTERDAM
Mon 24 September |Camden Assembly (w/ Angie McMahon and Gretta Ray), LONDON
Wed 26 September | Slaughtered Lamb (Headline), LONDON

Tickets on sale from www.ainsliewills.com

Legendary singer-songwriter and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Steve Perry makes his long-awaited return with Traces, his first new album in nearly a quarter century, out Friday October 5th, 2018 on Concord/Virgin EMI.

The famed singer introduces Traces with lead track “No Erasin’” and reassuringly greets fans with the opening line “I know it’s been a long time comin’.” The track is an emotional homecoming, a familiar welcome from the iconic voice and writer of Journey’s timeless, global hits including “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Faithfully,” and “Open Arms,” as well as the significant solo success of “Oh Sherrie” and “Foolish Heart.”

Perry says, “Putting 30 years into 10 songs has certainly been an emotional experience for me. I started writing and recording these songs with the creative freedom that I was the only one who would ever hear them. Along the way, I rediscovered my love for music. Each track represents traces of my past, but is also a hopeful look into the future. I invite you to listen with an open heart.”

Produced by Perry alongside co-producer Thom Flowers, Traces is the artist’s most vulnerable and honest recording to date, balancing tremendous loss with enduring hope and beauty. The album is a collection of nine original tracks that encompass the spectrum of human emotion, and also features a beautifully reimagined cover of The Beatles’ “I Need You”. It is the work of an artist who has reconnected with his music in a new way.

Traces is available now for pre-order on CD, digital download and 180-gram vinyl, HERE. Signed and exclusive bundles can be found HERE. The performance video for “No Erasin’” can be viewed at steveperry.com.

TRACES TRACK LIST:

1. No Erasin’
2. We’re Still Here
3. Most Of All
4. No More Cryin’
5. In The Rain
6. Sun Shines Gray
7. You Belong To Me
8. Easy To Love
9. I Need You
10. We Fly

“PLAY” is a two part mini-documentary, directed by Dave Grohl celebrating the rewards and challenges of dedicating one’s life to playing music. Part one opens with narrated behind the scenes discussion of the love of playing music and the lifelong relationship with an instrument—as well as the process and challenges of recording and filming this unique performance: The “PLAY” film then segues to the titular 23-minute, one-man-band instrumental recording on which Grohl plays all seven instruments on the track, all live. The entire song was played by Grohl, each time on a different instrument, live all the way through for 23 minutes.

Visit play.roswellfims.com for an interactive PLAY experience. Explore PLAY by choosing which audio and video you’d like to experience.

Hover over “Choose Video” and click to select to view only one instrument. Once you do that, you can also hover over “Choose Audio” to listen to the isolated track of the instrument you are watching or the complete master audio. You can go back to the complete master performance video, or toggle between individual instruments and audio at any time. Download sheet music and find a growing directory of organizations who support music education.

Website experience: http://smarturl.it/VisitPLAY

Watch on YouTube: http://smarturl.it/PLAY_DG

Stream/buy: http://smarturl.it/DGPLAY

Mikkel Borg Bjergsø and his childhood idol, Rick Astley met each other a few years ago when they collaborated to brew the beer ‘Astley’s Northern Hop Lager.’ Out of their friendship, the idea of opening a bar together in London grew.

This idea will come to life when Rick Astley and Mikkel Borg Bjergsø open the doors to Mikkeller Bar London on October 19th. Mikkeller has had London on the radar for several years, but has been waiting for the the perfect facility and the right partner.

“We have finally found a fantastic location in the Shoreditch district that suits us perfectly. Meanwhile, we have been fortunate to get to know Rick Astley and his wife Lene Bausager Astley, so now we have also found the perfect partners”, says CEO and founder of Mikkeller, Mikkel Borg Bjergsø.

“Of course, we always prefer to work together with people who have a driving force and heart. It’s a huge plus if we also have a personal relationship with them”, he says.

In addition to the interest in beer, Astley and Bjergsø share the same vision of creating something new in London. The star, who has lived in London for over 30 years, is looking forward to opening the doors to a place that will stand out among the city’s many beer places.

“I met Mikkel back in 2015 – through his enthusiasm and passion for real quality, I have fallen back in love with beer. London is a great city but it needs a Mikkeller bar and it is really exciting to be part of creating Mikkeller’s first bar in the UK with Mikkel and his fantastic team. I know we are going to have a lot of fun and drink some great beer!” says Rick Astley.

Unique design
The bar will also stand out from other beer bars and pubs in London in regard to the design. The task has been taken by the Danish design bureau Femmes Régionales. Their design team has already designed a number of Mikkellers bars.

“Mikkeller’s Scandinavian DNA will be the epicenter for the overall look. With the combination of high quality materials and inviting color combinations, we will make the bar homely and at the same time show the dedication to the good craftsmanship that permeates the entire Mikkeller profile”, explains designer Mie Albæk Nielsen.

The partnership with the legendary musician has been taken into account by the agency by merging discreet references to Astley’s early pop magic into the design.

“We were inspired by the mood of one of his 80’s videos, which we think has a unique sweetness and romance while having a kind of ‘Italian bohemian bistro atmosphere’. More concretely, we use his lyrics in small details, and Mikkeller’s Art Director Keith Shore makes an illustration of Astley, combined with Mikkeller’s visual identity in a neon sign”, the designer says.

Started with a rumor
The acquaintance between Bjergsø and Astley started a few years ago with a rumor that Rick Astley lived on Amager, in Copenhagen. The brewery owner, who as a child, had fan posters of Astley hanging on the wall and hits like ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ on repeat in the walkman, got the idea to brew a beer with Astley.

It turned out later that Rick Astley lived in London and that, in spite of being married to a Dane, he had never lived in Amager. Through the musician’s wife, who is also Astley’s manager, Bjergsø got in contact with Astley, who said yes to the offer to brew a beer with Mikkeller.

This resulted in a joint trip to the Belgian brewery De Proefbrouwerij where they brewed the beer ‘Astley’s Northern Hop Lager’ together – a red lager with a touch of ginger, as a reference to Astley’s reddish hair.

The opening of Mikkeller Bar London will be celebrated with a special opening event. The duo also plans to brew a new beer together, which is to be launched at the opening.

About Rick Astley
In a career spanning over 30 years, Rick Astley has sold over 40 million records worldwide. His remarkable 2016 comeback album ’50’ sold over 300,000 copies in the UK alone, and is now followed by brand new album ‘Beautiful Life’, on which Rick wrote, produced and played every song.

About Mikkeller
Mikkeller is first and foremost beer – a Danish micro brewery showcasing all possible styles and ingredients; a world of hops, malt, barrel ageing, spontaneous fermentation, licorice, coffee, passion fruit, cherries, chili, cocoa etc., exporting to over 50 countries across the world. Mikkeller also run a beer festival, restaurants and a worldwide running club and have established itself as one of the most innovative and cutting edge breweries in the world.

More info:

Mikkeller
Site: mikkeller.dk
FB: http://www.facebook.com/mikkeller
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikkellerbeer
Mikkeller Press Area: http://press.mikkeller.dk

Rick Astley
Site: http://www.rickastley.co.uk
FB: https://www.facebook.com/RickAstley/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialrickastley/

“An accomplished and often galvanising slice of sophisti-pop anthems” – The Quietus
“You’d have to have a heart of stone not to warm to it” – The Guardian
“The Rick Renaissance looks set to roll on” – Mail On Sunday Event

After seeing his new album ‘Beautiful Life’ become his fifth top ten album and reach the No.1 spot in the Independent Album Chart, Rick Astley releases his anthemic new single ’Try’, impacting September 21st on BMG.

Like the rest of ‘Beautiful Life’, ‘Try’ was written and produced by Rick, who also played every instrument on the recording. “The track is really about giving it another shot,” says Rick. “Even if you had doubts-like I had doubts-it is important to keep knocking at that door and see what happens.”

‘Beautiful Life’ has picked up where its smash hit predecessor ‘50’ left off! Rick has so far appeared on Lorraine, Sunday Brunch, The One Show, BBC Breakfast News, Loose Women, This Morning and Zoe Ball with his last single and title track being one of the most played songs on Radio 2 and Magic, reaching the top 20 in the UK airplay charts.

Rick will perform with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra at the Palladium for the BBC’s ‘Friday Night Is Music Night’, recorded on September 2nd and airing on the 21st September.

Rick and his band play the following UK dates, tickets on sale now.

October
Thu 25th   Glasgow, SEC Armadillo
Fri 26th   Hull, Hull Venue
Sat 27th   Manchester, Manchester Arena
Mon 29th  Gateshead, Gateshead Sage
Tue 30th   Gateshead, Gateshead Sage

November
Thu 1st   Plymouth, Plymouth Pavilions
Fri 2nd   Cardiff, Cardiff Motorpoint Arena
Sat 3rd   Brighton, Brighton Centre
Mon 5th   Southend, Southend Cliffs Pavilion
Tue 6th   Cambridge, Cambridge Corn Exchange
Thu 8th   London, London Eventim Apollo
Fri 9th   London, London Eventim Apollo
Sat 10th   Bournemouth, International Centre
Mon 12th  Nottingham, Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
Tue 13th   Nottingham, Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
Thu 15th   Birmingham, Birmingham Genting Arena
Fri 16th   Leeds, Leeds First Direct Arena
Sat 17th   Liverpool, Liverpool Echo Arena