Category: Gigs

Interview: The Music Industry vs COVID – Chris Sherwin (Sound Engineer for Night & Day, MCR)

There is no denying that the music industry is going to be hit hard by the pandemic that’s currently sweeping across the world. I won’t mention the ‘C word’, as I think we’ve all probably heard it at least 100 times today already, and will hear it several times more before the night is over. There has been so much coverage regarding the impact on live music venues, as well as bands and artists – but what about the so called, ‘behind the sceners’? The photographers, the sound techs, the managers, the promoters – what effects will it have on the freelancers of the industry, who rely on gigs going ahead to keep their heads above water?

Over the past few days, I’ve spoken (via FaceTime!) to some of those affected, who work in several of these fields. In my first chat today, I was joined by Chris Sherwin – sound engineer for Night and Day (Manchester) and also guitarist of Bards, to discuss the tough times ahead, and what he expects to see happen over the next few months. Continue reading “Interview: The Music Industry vs COVID – Chris Sherwin (Sound Engineer for Night & Day, MCR)” →

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Interview: Hushtones at Night and Day (MCR)

Anyone who follows Blue Light Beat on Instagram will know, that I’ve banged on about Hushtones since the first day I came across their music; I can never thank my ‘Spotify recommends for you’ enough, for throwing their dreamy harmonies in my direction. If anyone asks me who they should be listening to at the moment, this is always a band at the top of my list, and so far, I’ve not found anyone who disagrees after hearing their music. With a wistful, 60s/70s feel, bursting with all the goose bump inducing harmonies, Hushtones somehow manage to make me feel nostalgic about times that I’m not even sure I’ve lived through – I don’t know how they do it, so let’s call it magic and leave it at that.

Today, I was lucky enough to catch them before their show at Night and Day in the Northern Quarter, to talk about Liverpool life, equality in the music industry and the B word (Beatles, what else?). Without doubt, these guys make up one of the loveliest, most down to earth, bands I’ve ever spoken to.

I should also put out a disclaimer and say, that for full effect, you probably need to read all replies in a Scouse accent.  Continue reading “Interview: Hushtones at Night and Day (MCR)” →

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Gig: Gen and the Degenerates at Bad Apples (Leeds)

Oh. My. Days. The only three words, which come to mind after seeing Gen and the Degenerates bring the house down on the other side of the Pennines. This band is a force to be reckoned with and don’t they want you to know it. Tonight, myself and Olenka (our brand new Yorkshire -based writer!), went to check them out at Bad Apples in Leeds.

Bad Apples is a venue I’ve never been to previously; a little rock bar tucked away in Leeds centre, complete with a shrine to Lemmy and a built in, lit up coffin in the floorboards – need I go on? Continue reading “Gig: Gen and the Degenerates at Bad Apples (Leeds)” →

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Gig: The Shivas at Night People (MCR)

A little throwback to a gig filled with all the psychedelic energy you could ever wish for on a Tuesday night. These guys carried the spirit of punk all the way over from Portland, Oregon, and for a couple of hours, they managed to make a room full of people forget the existence of the outside world. Despite being engrossed by their latest album release, ‘Dark Thoughts’, it’s clear that this is a band that shines brightest when performing live; they draw in their audience with a stage presence that can only be mastered after years of touring experience, as well as their witty interaction with the crowd. One of their most famous releases, ‘Gloria’, had people hypnotised with it’s spacey vocals paired with it’s mesmeric guitar riffs. Continue reading “Gig: The Shivas at Night People (MCR)” →

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Playlist: New/Old/Undersold #03

As any true Mancunian knows, sunshine and a blue sky is not to be laughed at, even if it is still only 9 degrees. Seeing as my umbrella hasn’t seen the light of day for over three days now (I’ve definitely just tempted fate and I’m sorry in advance!), I couldn’t resist bringing you some summery catchy chorus festival tunes to match- Hawaiian shirt compulsory. After seeing the incredible TOUTS and their fab support, Inhaler, last night at Night and Day (look out for a little more on this gig soon), I’m on more of a new music run today. We’ve got a big handful of Northern goodness as always!

You can also check out all the other New/Old/Undersold playlists here.

Now go and enjoy the last of the Saturday sunshine!

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In Conversation: Mercury Machine

The modern music scene is a tough nut to crack, and new music can come and go in the blink of an eye. Every now and then, a band comes along that stops you in your tracks, and you know you’re hearing something special; on that note, let me introduce you to Mercury Machine.

Another great addition to the world of Manchester music, this band is about to make their mark with the release of a new album. I was lucky enough to catch them in between their busy rehearsal schedule, to find out a little more about what makes them stand out from the crowd. Continue reading “In Conversation: Mercury Machine” →

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