Jonquil - Artist Picks!

Jonquil is one of my favourite shades of yellow; more importantly it also happens to be the name of one my favourite bands. Jonquil are an Oxford-based tropical folk-pop band, who make beautiful music somewhere in the vein of an atmospheric Beirut. Surprisingly, despite releasing two fantastic, critically acclaimed albums, and making several festival appearances (including my favourite performance of Latitude 2007) the band are yet to experience the level of fame they deserve. However, with the looming release of their next album, expect that to change. Name: Hugo Manuel About us: Singer and chief key-boarder of Jonquil, a calypso-pop band from Oxford. Listening to: There is a pretty new exciting band from LA called Fool’s Gold who play African-inspired pop music, like a deeper, jazzier and more genuine Vampire Weekend. Their song ‘Surprise Hotel’ is one which will make you smile, I can guarantee, and if it doesn’t then you are probably made of stone, or something. I’ve also been getting really into Cerrone’s spacey disco stuff from the early 80s. It has to be taken with a pinch of salt, but it’s really good nonetheless. Take-Away Video

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  Le Fever // Lessons from Cloudcorner

  by Hector Barley

  As any unsigned band knows, it takes more than just good songs to progress in the music industry. This feature offers a short interview with the winner of 'Cloudcorner' - a feature that shortlists our favourite songs submitted via Soundcloud. ‘Lessons from Cloudcorner’ offers to do just as it says: offering unique advice and insight from an unsigned band. This first edition takes a look at Swedish four piece, Le Fever. The band combine perfectly crafted atmospheric folk mu... (continued) [read more]

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  Festival Update: Guilfest

  by Hannah Morgan

  Guilfest is an independently run, family festival held in Stoke Park, Guildford on 16th, 17th and 18th July (that's only a week away!) Packed with extras such as comedy, children's entertainment, theatre and art/craft exhibitions, as well as a lineup that this year showcases headliners Orbital, Human League and Status Quo (proving that declining to go down the mass corporate sponsorship route definitely doesn't mean a sub-standard line-up), there really is something for everyo... (continued) [read more]

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  The Epstein // Tour Diary

  by The 405

  We follow Oxford folk trio The Epstein for their Songs and Whispers Tour across Germany & Holland July 2011. The tour featured The Epstein, Viarosa, Someday Jacob, Daisy Chapman, Johnny Parry Ensemble, Robert Carl Blank. [read more]

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  Shout Out Louds - Artist Picks

  by Hector Barley

  It's no secret that Sweden has become a 'shangri-la' of exciting, innovative music; famed for its brand of delicate, melodic indie pop - and less so its Death Metal scene, Sweden has produced what seems like a perpetual wave of great bands. Having been around for almost a decade, Stockholm natives Shout Out Louds have seen many fellow Swedes come and go, but still remain one of the best and most prominent Scandinavian bands. Having had time to craft their signature sleek twee-pop ... (continued) [read more]