Successful Rock Outfit; The Gap Year Riot.

It’s not everyday an unsigned band get their online live show hosted by Welsh rock legends LostProphets.

Yet Glasgow based The Gap Year Riot will play three tracks live on the final leg of the Red Bull Bedroom Jam competition at 5pm Monday May 31, hosted by the megastars.

Speaking of their success ‘TGYR’ were fully aware how second place runners-up Reachback were hot on their tail. “Yeah we thought we were up against it but we knew the more people we could get involved the better” stated the band. “We know how committed our fans are so we thought we could do it with their help, and it paid off!”

With so many enthusiastic unsigned acts passing through the Bedroom Jam each and every year, we asked ‘TGYR’ what they believed separated themselves from other bands. “Well we want to hopefully bring somethin’ different from other bands; in that we will treat the full jam like an actual show and hopefully completely capture everyone’s attention for the whole set.”

Find out more about how the show can be viewed FREE at www.tinyurl.com/rbbjvslp, or simply head to http://redbullbedroomjam.com at 5pm on monday.

The Gap Year Riot’s ‘These Streets Never Sleep’ EP, will be released on June 7 on Nitrogen Records.
www.myspace.com/thegapyearriot

Article by: Jamie

1. The CD cover for Josephine seems heavily art influenced. What message was you hoping to get across within it?

Ian: The cover is an illustration by Jan Durina.

I’d seen his photographs in the Playground Magazine, and really liked the kind of edgy quality to them.

When we needed artwork for the single I liked the idea of having a girl on the front cover to represent the character Josephine in the song.

Jan sent through about four different images, but this illustration really stood out.

2. Obviously as an artist you hope to be unique. However, are there any other bands/musicians you could compare yourself to?

Ian: Performers such as Jaques Brel, Lee Hazlewood, and Scott Walker really inspire me.

All I’m trying to do is to write songs with the most interesting lyrics and the strongest melodies that I can muster, and convey them within the most straightforward and uncomplicated sound possible.

You wont find that many layers in my recordings, its basically a couple of guitar tracks with bass, drums, and a vocal.

And although the three performers I mentioned sometimes had quite complex arrangements in their songs, the recordings they made were always really just about the vocal.

Which is something I try to emulate.

3, Do you believe online streaming services such as Spotify are the way forward?

Ian: I use Spotify all the time, its great to have access to such a huge library of songs.

It’s a pity about the adverts but they have to fund it somehow I guess!

4, What’s planned for the world of Ian De Slyva this year?

Ian: I’d like to travel a bit maybe, record an album, play a lot of gigs, write more songs. Hopefully all those things will tie in eventually.

5, Finally, persuade us to buy your music!

Ian: I’m not really a sales person, if the music doesn’t speak to someone in some way when they hear it then they’ll listen to something else.

I don’t think anything I could say, would make much of a difference to that.

My Passion - Image Copyright of Marianne Harris

Originally published on July 21st 2009 one of our most popular posts was riddled with font errors, old pictures, mis-alignment and general annoyances. However, today I finally reached boiling point. After pouring a cup of Coffee I started to rejuvenate an old interview with one of today’s hottest bands….

*Bear in mind this interview was conducted last-year so not all of the information may still stand*

1. Undoubtedly the majority of rockers will have heard of My Passion by now. Yet, for those who still haven’t, what are your main goals as a band?

My Passion for me is an alternative to everything else that’s going on. It’s fresh, it’s exciting and the sound is unique. It’s not for everybody but for those who it does capture it is almost a lifestyle and it demands a whole lot of devotion.

Like everything with my passion nothing is half hearted its all pretty full on. The goal of the band is probably no different to that of many other aspiring musicians, to be heard by as many ears in this weird world as possible and to gain love from a proportion of those. To affect those listeners lives in a positive way and for us to continue to love this and to take it worldwide.

2. Are any of the songs based on real life experiences?

Of course they are built on experiences which you gain from just being here so there is a lot of real life but of course there is an element of storytelling and fiction. I think there are plenty of bands telling people exactly how it is but we’ve always been more fond of songs that might not be quite so obvious at first glance.

We’re only a young band but I think so far on our adventure we have experienced a lot, seen a many of places and a fair few bizarre things. It’s a different way of putting things there are anecdotes, cheeky innuendos and ideas that people can make their own with their own take on the world. We’re not opposed to taking things from the real world and reforming them in our own world everyone has dreams and everyone has nightmares.

3. You guys have just completed a massive U.K tour. What’s been your favourite part about it? And how was it having ‘Members Of Me’ for support?

That tour was a huge occasion for us! The celebration of all that we had achieved so far and of course the release of our debut album. Night after night we were made so happy by the amount of people coming out just to see My Passion. We had to step back and take a look at what had begun to build; it was like wow after all this work some excitement is really starting to build here.The favorite show had to be the finalé in Camden town where we chose to bring our electric rock show to a huge church and put on a show that no one would forget, to sell it out and get the praise we did just made it even better.

We had a few supports across the tour, each act different and that worked really well. The Members of Me guys fitted in perfectly and we got on really well, just so fun to be on the road with and that’s what you need when touring for so long. We have been building up over the last few years dedicating our lives to this so to invite some new bands like MOM, Firetone & Summerlin out on the road with us we felt like it was a great opportunity for them and helped us stay fresh at the same time.

4. With My Passion being nominated for ‘Kerrang Best Newcomer’ what does it mean to the band receiving so many votes off your devoted fans?

Well a year ago we didn’t even feature in the music press. It’s likely that we still wouldn’t, had it not been for the fans of this band. It started at the end of last year when we got voted at the top of the readers’ polls in the top mags and that was like our announcement and it was really unexpected. Since then it has continued to grow and to now receive a nomination and a table at the grand Kerrang! Awards is a big moment in our history.

I think the bands involved in this form the new wave of exciting UK rock music and the award could really go to any of these bands. Whatever the result it’s a bit of a victory for the fans showing that together they have a pretty big voice and can help put a band into the spotlight and we thank them for that.

5. My Passion  have recently shook hands with ‘THE AGENCY GROUP’ How’s it the band itself and your devoted fans?

This is really great news for us and for the fans! It means My Passion will be able to get to places that people keep calling out for us to return to. It means a whole lot of touring planned which we thrive on. It also means that a world of support opportunities have opened up with many of our favorite bands already represented by the agency group.

Of course becoming part of this is also some recognition for where we sit in the scheme of things and as kids we dreamed of being a professional band out touring with our best friends playing music that we love, that dream is actually happening and it feels really good for everyone involved.

6.  Now for a question that’s sure to be plaguing many Passion fans minds…..

John Be - Image Copyright of Jodie Cunningham

Are you still going to be playing  small venues such as ‘Mansfield’s Town Mill’?

We will always make sure we are covering different areas of the country, we really don’t know to what size it will grow and how fast. I don’t think My Passion is a cool band it’s sometimes not something people accept instantly. There is a lot of hard work yet to do and we hope everyone comes along with us to continue the adventure. The stuff that has been achieved in the last few weeks is the culmination of 3- 4 years hard work so sometimes it can seem overnight but it really isn’t. It’s something we’ve had to really work at and we’ve had to carve out our own following and path amongst everything during tough times. We have an amazing time even so.

I’ve always been a fan of small clubs even though we think My Passion definitely thrives on the big stage and all that comes with it. So there may be a time in the future where we return to small clubs for something special. At the minute we don’t know where My Passion will land this Autumn but we aren’t setting ourselves any limits and at the same time we aren’t discounting the places we have played in the past!

7. And last but not least. What are My Passions plans after the Kerrang awards?

We have a couple of one off shows supporting an American band called family force 5 which is an opportunity for people to see the band on the only dates in the summer. We have a Swedish festival and trip to Berlin in Germany too. Alongside all this Day Of The Bees will land as a single with a video that has just been playlisted for Kerrang TV which is a new thing for My Passion.

Come September the plan is to get very busy touring out on the road but at the moment people just need to keep a look out for news on that. It’s more of the same hectic My Passion schedule really and we can’t wait! thanks!

Ok as well as gaining Kerrang! another sale  (what a sneaky devil I am) you should all now be going ‘oooh’ – hopefully in public so you’re getting bizarre stares.

That’s right, Katie P is the talented journalist behind the Kerrang! ‘Introducing’ articles and also currently part of the Kerrang! Tour ‘crew’. We caught up with Katie to talk Kerrang!, radio, and desert islands?….

Q1: Of course working for Kerrang! you must get the good, the bad, and the ugly (the demos not the job applicants) what’s the best demo you’ve ever received?

“The best demo that I think I ever heard was Bullet For My Valentine. That’s not to say that their demo then was an amazing quality – they were temporarily called Opportunity In Chicago at the time – but I had just watched them play a support slot at the London Barfly and had a feeling that I had witnessed something potentially really special. I asked the band for a demo after the set and they handed me a battered CDR. I did their first ever magazine article a month later.”

Q2: How’s the Kerrang! tour been so far? Do the tour bus parties live up to their expectations?

“The tour is brilliant – every year I have a great time and wish it would never end. There isn’t really much partying – or as much as people might expect – as playing a show is pretty exhausting, and the bands want to be on the best when playing every day. We had a really good dance party in Birmingham though this year – it was amazing!”

Q3: I was quite surprised to see you’re actually a DJ, as well as a journalist (talented or what?) How did getting a slot on the radio come about?

“I have been doing radio for about five years now. I started on Total Rock – an online radio station – working on a Metal Hammer show where I was writing at the time. I then got a slot on the Radio One Rock Show with Mike Davies – and later Daniel P Carter. A year or so later, I started presenting the XFM Rock Show while regular presenter Ian Camfield was in the States. That lasted 9 months and was the most fun ever!”

Q4: You’re about to be sent off to an island for a month yet you can only take 1 cd with you. What is it?

“Just one CD? That’s unfair! I might have to go for Queen’s Greatest Hits? Or Pantera? Or Paul Simon’s Graceland.”

Q5: Finally, as a journalist do you have any pet hates? Such as constantly editing your articles before publish?

“My pet hate is when people think that bands buy their way into magazines. It’s bullshit. There is no way that can – and could happen – and I feel proud to run a new band section in an important mag that is totally and utterly based on finding new talent and supporting groups we believe in.”

To follow the adventures of Katie P then check out her website over at: http://www.katiep.co.uk

Of course it’s none other then Elissa Franceschi sister to You Me At Six‘s frontman Josh. Earlier on in the week we caught up with Elissa to discuss her solo career, super groups, toilet seats and whisky in one of our most interesting interviews yet!…

Q1: Your Myspace says: ”Meanwhile a choice was to be made, was it to be Music college, time out or University? Elissa chose Uni“.  What was the ‘ultimate thing’ that made you choose Uni over your other options?

Elissa: Well, I was really aware of the fact that although a lot of incredibly talented people go to music college, there would also be a mass of wanabees that would be going for the wrong reasons. I strongly feel that there are some things you cannot teach and quite boldly, I didn’t want someone coming in and trying to change my sound or style. Also, in the back of my mind I was trying to think of how i could have a good back up plan and a traditional degree was appealing. I choose English Literature thinking it would make me a better songwriter lyrically but actually just University life itself and the intensity of it- made me a better songwriter as i had so many stories and different emotions to write about!

Q2: If you had to pick a line out of one of your songs that means the most to you, what would it be and why?

Elissa: That is a tough one! I think it would have to be  ’But I’ve been waiting for years, to finally feel real tears and now they’ve started I’m terrified they’ll never stop’- it’s from my song ‘Rocks and Tears’ from the second album, it was written in a dark freezing cold piano room at Uni and I was in a really low place, I remember writing it vividly, it took 5 minutes and I was just sitting in the dark sobbing and singing. I left feeling so relieved to have gotten those feelings out of my system though!

Q3: If you were allowed to form your own ‘super group’, who would you choose to be in your band?

Elissa: Hmmmm Dave Grohl on Drums because he is just a DUDE, John Mayer on Guitar, Justin Timberlake on bass yes he does play bass, the guy is a genius] Stevie wonder on Keys and Jeff Buckley and Stevie Nicks on Back up vocals, What a Brilliant crazy band that would be!!!

Q4: Is there any form of ‘ritual’ you have before going on stage? You know like the band usual of ‘lucky socks’

Elissa: Yeah my pre-performance stuff is always really solitary because before I’m usually rushing around saying hi to people and organising last minute stuff so my 5 minutes alone time before you’ll find me sitting in a loo somewhere [seat down!] doing my make up and humming to myself! Oh and knocking back a whisky!

Q5: What’s planned this year in the world of Miss. Elissa Franceschi?

Elissa: World Domination! Ha! Putting a kickass band together and continuing to gig wherever the demand is for me to play. Recording my third album and just putting it out there so people can hear what’s really been going on the last year in my head and my heart.

Q6: Last but not least. Persuade us to buy your ’Touch E.p’!

Elissa: And the ‘I hold my Breath’ album!!! Ha- well because both are just a collection of really honest songs. I’m singing about what happened to me from the ages of 15-21 and I hope that there are a lot of people out there that can relate to what I’m saying because that’s the best part- connecting and breathing a sigh of relief that you are not the only one out there… X

Elissa Franceschi Myspace: Link

Interview by: Jamie

“Born and raised in the sleepy town of Stratford-Upon-Avon, England – 17-year-old singer/songwriter Portia Conn has always had her sights set on breaking out.”  And yes she really has done it! Latest ‘pop-rock’ sensation Portia has managed to already successfully gain  a record label in both the UK and USA after only 3 gigs.  Showing nothing but complete dedication and devotion towards her music we decided to have a chat with the latest teen star!…

Q1: With the release of ‘I don’t Care’ rapidly approaching, could you tell us a bit about the songs meaning?

Well I wrote it when i was in a bit of a piss with life really. Its just about not having freedom and wanting to break away (in the least possible cheesy way) So i feel a lot of people can relate to it.

Q2: A question you must get asked quite a lot; but nevertheless it’s interesting. Who would you describe as your biggest influences?

I really like a lot of the American pop punk bands around like All Time Low and Paramore, Hayley Williams voice just amazes me.. but yeah although my music sounds nothing like there’s, they definitely inspire me in some way. KatieMalco and Elena Tonra are more influences that have a similar sound. I really love their music.

Q3: Are there any tour dates planned?

Ooh yes! Sometime in late April. I look forward to it.

Q4: What’s your outlook on the music industry today? Do you believe it’s strengthening or growing weaker?

I think the music industry is always growing! However the charts kinda annoy me coz I swear they just consist of the same solo artists/ bands coming back for more. People already know who they are so they’re new record has a higher chance of charting. New indie artists need more recognition.

Q5: If you had to pick a colour to describe yourself, what would it be and why?

Hmmm, purple? Coz its royal. Haha jokes.

Q6: Last, but by no means least. What advice would you give to other artists/bands out there?

GO FOR IT. The only life worth living is one you are passionate about.

Myspace: Link

Article by: Jamie

Q: What’ve you been up to since we last spoke to you?

We have been so busy doing, gigs, gigs and more gigs! We have just got back from Wales which was a great laugh. Where we played a few of the old welsh favourites along with the Cardiff Barfly . We have also had the opportunity to play with Towers of London and Deaf Havana since we last spoke to you, so that was pretty crazy, and we were featured in Kerrang this month as ” Local Heroes”, so we were pretty chuffed about that too!. Now, we are obviously preparing for our feb/march tour with the fantastic Arms of Atlas!

Q: Obviously you must be ecstatic about the tour. What do you think sets this tour apart from other’s you’ve done in the past?

Well, this is actually the first proper tour that we have done where we are doing a whole string of consecutive shows! Whereas before, we were just gigging loads, but intermittently! So this should be pretty sweet!! . Also, this time we are actually doing the tour with another band, who are so awesome, we are just stoked to being doing shows with a band we admire and who are great fun!

Q: Are there any surprises in store for new and old fans alike during the tour?

There are always surprises in store, a few of which we have already tested out a couple of times, however, you will have to come catch a show if you want to see what they are!

Q: Finally, the last gig of your tour is at a place called ‘Le pub’, are Lecarla slowly working towards world domination? Come on you can tell us….

We aren’t actually playing the last date at Le Pub, Arms of Atlas will be going that date alone, as we ourselves just came back from the welshy area, and Hannah is actually doing a massive sponsored marathon type thing, so she needs to prepare for doing a massive run after all these gigs!! However, in answer to your world domination question, we would be lying if we said we hadn’t thought about it !

Myspace: Link

Article by: Jamie

Image of Young Guns latest EP: Mirrors.

Q1: ‘Winter’s Kiss’ has undoubtedly been an extremely successful song for you; furthermore in comparison to songs such as ‘Daughter of the Sea’ it’s really different. Do you now believe you’ve reached the point where your fully happy with the bands sound?

Q2: Following on from question 1, I love the set in ‘Winter’s Kiss‘, where was the video’s location?

Q3: Alas, the Kerrang tour is almost upon us; what’re you guys most looking forward to about it?

Well, mainly just getting out there and playing some shows! We’ve been holed up writing for a while now so we’re itching to get back out before we go into the studio to record our first full length. It’s a great tour, the other bands are wicked guys and we’re excited about the possibility of reaching out to lots of new people.

Q4: A band member tells a bad joke on the tour bus, which one of you is it most likely to be?

That’s a tough one, we all have a pretty rubbish sense of humour. Ben or Simon usually provide the laughs, I’m pretty sure ben was a stand up comedian in another life.

Q5: After the Kerrang tour, what do Young Guns have planned for the year ahead?

Well, we have one show with You Me At Six a day after the k! Tour, then that night we’ll be taking our gear to the studio to start the album with the Wellerhill dudes. After that, it’ll just be a case of touring and touring and touring, I’d love to be able to travel abroad a bit more but we shall see!

Fancy Me Yet are an American based band that certaintly have a lot of experiance behind them! The bands singer Natasha had an unprecident amount of success during her early music career been nominated for 3 Latin Grammys. As well as Natasha the band who describe their influances as ‘The Killers’ and ‘Inner Party System’ also consists of the Drummer Chris, and Alex; Guitarist and part-vocalist.

Below we have a small interview with the band that clearly show’s they can have a laugh as well as produce great music. Enjoy!

Q1. For anyone who hasn’t heard of you yet, tell us a bit about yourself, how did you get the bands name?

We started in May, 2008 and consist of Natasha on Vocals/Keyboards, Alex on Guitar/Vocals, and Chris on Drums/Programming. We’re an indie-rock band from Miami, FL and have many influences ranging from The Killers to Death Cab For Cutie. The name Fancy Me Yet came from Alex’s liking of the UK jargon “do you fancy me?”

Q2. Are you ever hoping to tour outside the U.S if you get high enough demand in other countries?

Absolutely! In fact that is one of our main goals, especially to tour the UK.

Q3. Now time for a challenge! In 15 words or under describe what we can expect from a live show!

Like two trains filled with fireworks about to collide…You don’t want to miss it

Q4. Your song ‘Amusing Me’ is an extremely catchy tune, is that what you aimed to do when creating the song?

We were aiming for an upbeat, dancey rock song that would be catchy, original, and stand out on its own. We basically just had fun with it.

Q5. Can you tell us a bit about the merchandise you have coming out soon? How many clothing items are you bringing out and will shipping be international?

We expect soon to have t-shirts and our own line of soda.

Q6. Random question for us to know you a bit better, what does the band like to do when they aren’t practicing?

Alex collects stamps, Chris is a champion PacMan player, and Natasha breeds exotic lizards.

Q7. We see so many music games such as Guitar Hero now, if a company approached you wanting to put one of your songs on the game, would you let them?

Of course, it’s a great way to get your music out there.

Q8. And last but not least, what does the future hopefully hold in store for Fancy Me Yet?….

We expect to be touring at the start of 2010 and hopefully world domination by 2011.

1.Hey guys, thanks for answering some questions! They Sink Ships, it’s a pretty unique band name, where did it come from?

We get that alot haha, its really a spin off from an old saying “Loose lips sink ships” They sink ships sounded a little bit snappier!

2. One of your songs has over 30k plays,which often many unsigned bands don’t get anywhere near that. What was your reaction when you found out the popularity of your songs?

its still sinking in to be honest, its so surreal for the fact that these are songs we wrote in our rooms with no thought to anyone really liking them, and now it has such a massive reaction on myspace, were playing to wicked crowds and people are buying tickets to see us, its just amazing!

3. Who would you describe as your greatests influances. Today and when growing up?

Blink 182 are the collective influence, without them i really wouldn’t be into music, we’re pretty set stateside in our influences, bands like Taking Back Sunday, Motion City Soundtrack and Mayday Parade. But at the same time U.K bands like Lostprophets were a massive influence on us growing up and new bands like Kids In Glass Houses

4. Do you try to put across a message within your songs?

I dont try to so much to put across a message, but i like to write about things that are important to me, things like relationships, life and friends.

5. You’ve recently started your UK tour, how’s it going so far?

I’m writing this from the retro bar in manchester on day three of the tour and so far it has been wicked! the crowds have been brilliant, the bands have been ace and so far we haven’t broken down or seriously injured ourselves! so an all out win

6. What’s the weirdest thing ever said/given to you by a fan.

hmmmm, not so much weird but last night on tour a couple of lovely girls made us TSS cupcakes! and they were lovely

7. Who’s the most energetic band member?

really soon , autumn 2009 we hope so keep your eyes peeled!