Aspiring Musician wanting publicity? Click here.
Dave and Chris are on air
Editor in Chief, Ben Franks
12.03.12
www.sparksite.co.uk
Tune in.
Spark Radio offers great opportunity to aspiring presenters, DJs and a great-base for entertainers, as well as listeners. Best of all, it’s a hub that’s perfect for young people; and it’s things like this – not youth clubs organised by councillors with the intent to give us something to do – that are what I like to see happening. Opportunity brings nothing but joy.
A highlight of this phenomenon is the Monday late afternoon show hosted by David Hillier and Chris Baker. The two are a right laugh and this week invited me to join them.
The radio studio was like a home from home. Everyone around Grosvenor house was friendly, welcoming and easy to talk to. When the radio show went on air, we just went with it. No stress, no issues. Another show broadcasted.
Bigging up Pie Magazine was quite a laugh and our pick-up lines got a fair share of attention. This notorious collection, which was published in the Annual, got a knocking for its “Guaranteed-to-work” strapline, but they provided one proper good chuckle and end-game to the show. Hats off to the 7-8pm show, A Blast from the Past at Quarter Past, host Katie who took the chat-up lines with a pinch of salt and smiles.
David and Chris’ show, which airs every Monday on Sparksite’s online streamed radio 5-6pm, features all sorts of games, music and banter. Its right up there in quality to some of the national FM broadcasts – give or take some music taste.
Making them a pick above the rest is their interactions on Twitter and various social networks, bringing the audience into the studio. The lads make a good character show of ego, confident, funny man David and slow, dense but charming, witty man Chris. Most importantly of all, the chemistry is there and more than apparent.
If you like good fun, light-hearted entertainment then you should really be tuning in to hear these chaps. It’s certainly better than listening to Moyles on Radio 1 drastically attempting to be funny.
This is a show to tune-in for, even if you’re busy doing other things. It’s the perfect background or full-on ear filled entertainment on a Monday afternoon after college or what-not. Give it a go.
Read More: Dave and Chris are taking part in Sound Clash on Spark Radio, 7-9pm 20 March
Miracle of Sound
Senior Contributor, Lorenz Kindt
28.02.12
"Lorenz has found an absolute gem with this one, definitely worth a listen - and a read," Ben Franks.
Check it out at The Escapist!
There are many things I love about the Internet: It's a free library containing books on any topic you could think of (though the editors, custodians and security guards seem to be asleep at times), it's packed to the brim with readily available content made by (and for) people with more than two brain cells to rub together, the rising star of the digital distribution system is shining brightly for couch potatoes around the globe, and it represents an unprecedented opportunity for louts like me to reach and entertain an audience I didn't know existed.
However, I think what I love most about the Web is the fact that there's virtually no limit to the different types of people you can meet, which is probably why I spend most of my free time on online forums; one of the most interesting folks I've met so far has to be Gavin Dunne – gamer, perfectionist, independent musician.
Hailing from the Irish part of that rainy island most of Pie's staff call home, Gavin has been crazy about music since his teenage years, and the Internet has become his chosen platform of publication. Although a man of varied tastes, most of his music is actually inspired by video games – at least those that left a lasting impression on him. He finally hit it big just last year when, upon inquiring, he landed a contract with Escapist Magazine for a biweekly feature, and, adopting the artist name “Miracle of Sound”, he's been steadily churning out hit after hit ever since; seeing how most big shots in the industry grace their audience with about 14 songs every few years, Gavin must be the most prolific musician I know, with more than 30 tunes in less than 365 days.
His activity has not gone unnoticed by the gaming industry, either – Bethesda enthusiastically advertised his first “Skyrim” song when it hit the Web recently, and Bioware even sponsored his trip to GamesCom last year for an interview and the premiere of his second “Mass Effect” track.
When I once asked him why I wasn't able to buy his music in stores anywhere, I got a reply explaining in great detail his disdain for the professional music industry; I've seldom seen so much bile compressed into a few lines of language, and it shed blinding light on why, instead of signing on to a big label, Gavin looks to distribution services like Bandcamp and iTunes to get his tracks out to the unwashed masses and his growing fanbase. If you want to check out his music for free, he also has a Youtube channel, or you could simply swing by Escapist Magazine to listen to his stuff with the added bonus of a nifty video.
A long-time resident of the Escapist forums, I've known Gav for a couple of years now, and he's a pretty cool guy. However, as I've already stated he's a perfectionist, displaying behaviour in his work that well crosses the border to the obsessive; you might ask yourself, then, how does someone like him get along with his band mates? The answer is as simple as it is unlikely – he doesn't. Or, rather, he doesn't need to. Tracks released by “Miracle of Sound” may appear as if a whole group of people are happily shredding it up together, but in truth Gavin is a one-man band; vocals, guitar and bass tracks are his own, and the drum track is created on the computer. On occasion, Gav also brings guest musicians on board when he's in need of backup vocals or a wider range of instruments like, say, a piano or a saxophone.
The last statement gives it away, I guess – “Miracle of Sound” is not restricted to a single style of music. True, many of his tracks feature some sort of rock or metal riff, as is inevitable with his choice of instruments, but nonetheless the tunes he released so far encompass such a vast number of genres I couldn't name them all if I tried. Luckily, I don't have to; when told by someone he should consider changing up his style every now and then, Gavin replied: “I'm very very sorry. I wasn't aware that making jazz, thrash metal, folk, country western, trip hop, ambient, blues rock, grindhouse rock, electro-pop, dubstep, classical, arabic world music, industrial, rave, pop-rock, disco and tropical marimba songs in the space of one year was not varied enough for you.” Oh, the hilarity.
Don't worry, Gav really is a nice guy, and he always welcomes feedback and criticism, so if you have the time and feel that some of his work warrants dropping him a line or two, go right ahead... just make sure to keep it civil and constructive. Remember, this is the Internet, and all the usual rules apply – behave like a rabid, poop-slinging chimp and your comments may well be held up for public ridicule. Charmingly so, but still.
I suppose I should cap this off with a small selection of my personal favourites. Rest assured, picking these was not easy.
“Mining All Day Long” was one of Gav's earliest gaming songs, spawned by the popular “Minecraft” craze. Not only do the lyrics illustrate what a phenomenally addictive time-wasting tool the game in question is, the song's rocky main melody is just so upbeat you can't help but smile. This track radiates positivity, and it makes my list for being the perfect pick-me-up.
“Redemption Blues” is based on Rockstar's critically acclaimed “Red Dead Redemption” and centres on the taxing journey of main character John Marston, a man of the Old West haunted by his past and increasingly obsolete in a time of growing industrial development. Fittingly, it's a beautifully melancholy affair rendered in the dulcet tones of an acoustic guitar, nicely accented by a lonely church bell and a tambourine rattlesnake.
The aforementioned “Skyrim” track merits a place in my Top 5 for an impressive variety in pace and for reminding me of my love for a genre of music I'd nearly forgotten. “Sovngarde Song” eloquently expresses the cold anger and boiling rage of the Nords in its lyrics, and I defy anyone not to jump up and bang their head when the calm lyre of the first verse gives way to a melodic, violent storm of viking metal in the second. I'd tell you to enjoy this song with a tankard of fine mead, but Gav already wrote another song expressly tailored to that very purpose. Figures.
“Trip to Vegas” is a fun little number stuck somewhere between jazz and swing, complete with clean electric guitars and a cheeky saxophone, and considering how much time I spent slogging through the post-apocalyptic wasteland of “Fallout: New Vegas” it seems a bit at odds with the mood of that game. That's not a bad thing, mind you – not only does the music sweep you off your feet with its funky Elvis beats, the lyrics will also make those among you who own the game grin by poking fun at its myriad glitches and bugs.
As much as I love these songs, the one that stands out among them all is “The New Black Gold”; funnily enough, my favourite track is based on “Deus Ex: Human Revolution”, my personal Game of the Year 2011. Conveying Adam Jensen's struggle of coming to terms with his own morphed identity, the song's haunting synth-pop melody is complemented by breathy, multi-layered vocals, resulting in an ephemeral soundscape very much reminiscent of the game itself – lurking danger glossed over by scientific progress, mesmerizing neon set against a backdrop of menacing shadows.
“Miracle of Sound” is exactly what it says on the tin; I think I'd be hard-pressed to describe a one-man band constantly experimenting with genres and styles while maintaining peak productivity without getting stale as anything other than the greatest thing since sliced bread. Gavin Dunne has something in his repertoire for just about anyone, and even though you may get more out of your listening experience if you're an informed and avid gamer, I'll bet you're going to enjoy his music just as well if you're not.
As pointed out above, there's no way to buy Gav's songs in brick-and-mortar stores at this time; however, you can conveniently get his tracks via iTunes and Bandcamp. Personally, I recommend the latter – it's quick and simple, you can listen to the complete track before making your purchase, all proceeds go directly to the artist instead of branching off a percentage for corporate fatcats, and you don't have to feed the monstrous entity that is Apple.
Pie Magazine UK Exclusive:
Tides & “World Domination”
Interview by Editor in Chief Ben Franks
Check out Tides’ Facebook, follow on Twitter or listen to them here on Youtube!
The PMEA Winners of “Best Upcoming Band” here at Pie are a terrific bunch. This band spur talent with drummer and Hijack host Ben Cooper, brilliant bassist (& our new Arts Editor) Oli Richards, terrific vocals from Miss Helena Whitfield, and the cracking guitar players Kieran Marsh and Mr Ash Badcock. The 5-piece alternative rock band local to Salisbury are storming support and have an EP planned for release in mid-2012 just a year after the band formed.
So, if the chaps and lady could sum up their band, what would be their words? “The best band ever!” they laugh. “Only kidding, we have fun, so I think it shows when we play. And we feel we have a lot of potential to go far.” They’re certainly not lying, potential reeks from Tides and they’ve already racked up over a couple of hundred likes on their Facebook page – fans keeping watch for upcoming gigs.
With brilliance seeming pretty much inevitable, a look back into the band’s past sounds ideal, so what drove the band members of Tides into music? “It varies really,” they admit, “We all have different reasons. Helena was in musicals as a kid, Ben just wanted to be a part of it and went for it. We all have different reasons.”
And what would be their top tips for being a part of it all? “Just don’t be afraid to get out there.” Like with many of the arts, Tides stress for aspiring musicians to just “have the confidence to do something you enjoy” and not to “let criticism put you down, just build on it.” The band’s words are shared by many top national and international artists – confidence is key to performance, there’s no doubting that.
Once you’ve found the confidence though, where do you turn your heads for inspiration? “All over the place,” the band suggests. “Stories that we hear from other people, personal experiences, and we all have different musical interests, which helps us as a band, but it also helps us with song-writing.”
More and more musicians are writing new songs. It’s one of the most exhilarating ways for young artists to release their creativity in a mix with their musical talents. For Tides though, it’s not just the music, it’s the performing live too.
“Performing live is brilliant. It’s just everything really, the crowd’s reaction, the enjoyment of playing, everything.”
The next joke hits the table as I ask the magic question: The band’s dream? “World domination!” is the first response, followed by a good laugh. “We’ll just see where it goes,” they continue honestly, “but a definite is to play as much as we can and just get out there.” Modest aspirations, but ones which no doubt show a glow toward the band’s passions.
So what does the band agree on in their musical tastes? It seems when it comes to love for other artist’s music, they all bring their little bit to the band. “The nice thing about us is we all have different tastes. It really helps and makes sure all of our stuff doesn’t sound the same.” They don’t all back out of the question entirely though and our readily on hand to admit the guitarist Kieran Marsh’s “undying love” for the band Oasis. “Kieran loves them,” they quip.
The 2012 Annual, released in February, published an article on the deteriating future of the British music industry. Considering Tides is very much a part of that, do they see a future for the industry? “We all think that even though we may not believe that there will always be one, there SHOULD be one. Music should be live as well, so we need to make sure it stays live!” With the talent, show and creativity new bands like Tides are bringing it would seem like there will always be some kind of future for the industry, but change is probably inevitable.
Looking ahead, there’s only one question which remains: What’s in store for the future of Tides? “All we can say is watch this space! Loads of gigs, maybe touring? Who knows! But we are in the studio later on this year, with our EP being released shortly after that, so keep your eyes peeled.”
2012 Awards:
PIE'S MUSIC EXCLUSIVES AWARDS
Hold tight as the Editor reveals the best acts of 2011, who have been chosen by Pie Magazine readers and the Editorial team to be in full-deserving of an accolade. We'd like to show our ardent appreciation for all the following acts and those who didn't make it for an award.
The Local Legends Band Award
For the best band of 2011
Best Solo Act Award
Best performance by a Solo Artist, 2011
Best Upcoming Band Award
For the most promising band, 2011
Best Foreign Act Award
For the best non-UK act of 2011
Presence Award
For the best stage performance, 2011
PIE EXCLUSIVE:
I’M DESIGNER
Questions by Editor in Chief, Ben Franks
Check out I’m Designer’s facebook for
updates about all our stuff!
www.facebook.com/imdesignerband
Winners of Salisbury Rock Awards’ “Best Live Performance” award comes the hilarious and fearless local band, I’m Designer. Editor Ben Franks secured an exclusive with the upcoming band, who proclaim cheekily in one of their videos to be the “soon to be legendary rock band”.
The first ever Pie Magazine music article was written on one of I’m Designer’s first gigs back in October 2010 by retired Arts Editor, Sadie-Lee Cooper. Just over a year on, bassist Ian Grinter – who also drums for Salisbury legends Caught in the Crossfire – describes the band’s aspirations of pursuing a career in the music industry.
“We all have the dream of making it in the music industry in some way shape of form,” he says confidently, and adds, “If that’s through the band then awesome!” But like many upcoming musicians who are well acquainted with just how competitive the music industry is, he agrees, “it’s so difficult making that success happen, so each of us have a different way we would like to earn money with music as well as hopefully making it as a band.”
One of the greatest features of I’m Designer is how clearly it is they enjoy performing; probably the greatest accolade which helped them win the Best Live Performance award this year. But is the stage-performance filling the blanks between songs just as important as the music?
“Yes, it’s exactly the same! We write songs to try and get people to move and sing along and have a laugh with us. Between songs we still want people to be engaged, easiest way to do that is by having a laugh.”
“Luckily for us, we hate each other and just love taking the piss out of each other, which normally ends up with some laughter... And some tears.”
The love-hate relationship of the band certainly works as they don’t fail to make both each other and their audience crack up – sometimes to the point of tears. Just banter, aye?
One of the biggest questions facing artists in all areas of the arts is the search for inspiration and, of course, motivation. Grinter reflects on where the band finds theirs, “We just take some time apart, listen to some music, just relax and don’t think about it like a lack of motivation.”
“If we haven’t done anything productive in a while, we gather at The Baron’s house and have an almighty session where worlds collide and all hell breaks loose,” he says in the trade-mark I’m Designer cheekiness.
Summing up music? “It means different things to all of us”, is his reply. A fair comment, but he continues, “I think we can all agree. It’s all about writing songs we enjoy whilst thinking about how it will fit in to our set. Because we want to people to have as much fun listening and watching us as we do actually playing music!”
I’m Designer is very clearly an audience’s band. You can imagine it, at the O2 Arena in a juggle of comic wit and raving rock. We’ll have to wait, but I’m sure the destination is inevitable…
So, what’s the story behind the name of this future hit band, I’m Designer?
“Well, we tried to think of names and it was really difficult. Ben and Jack wrote a list of names. One being I’m Designer which is a Queens of the Stone Age song. To be honest, it’s probably one of the worst songs on the album... which is why it represents us perfectly.”
With a heartily-comical reason even in choosing their name, it shouldn’t surprise us all that they’re such a stage success. For the rest of us then, who love music in a mix of aspiration to pursue it, what tips would he offer?
“Just not to worry about anything. Get on stage and put everything in to it! When writing, don’t rush anything and don’t settle for second best. Make everything as good as you can.”
Going back to I’m Designer’s roots, when they put “everything in to it” for the first time and debuted the subject of Pie’s first ever music article in October 2010, just how far have they come?
“We like to think we’ve all improved as a unit. We started off playing 3 songs as a small band, which was quite sloppy and had no energy. But as we all started to grow into the band, we’ve each come out of our shells, we feel there is a sense of personality to the band instead of just some guys playing music together like it was at the start.”
Certainly a band of personality, there’s no doubting that. In just over a year they’ve truly become a band to look out for, especially if you’re looking to enjoy and interact at a gig – rather than simply nodding your heads rhythmically in appreciation with your hands in your pockets.
So, what’s in store for the future?
“We’ve recorded our first EP which will be released in January, and we will begin working on a music video soon! As well as more gigs than you can shake a stick at!”
Watch out for this band. Don’t miss out.
Kate McGill's
REPLACED
Album Review
Debut Contribution, Ben Davis
14 December 2011
When Plymouth-born Kate McGill put her first video on YouTube in 2007, a cover of Landlocked Blues by Bright Eyes featuring only herself and her guitar, she never imagined that she would be releasing her first album (technically a mini-album), Replaced, just 4 years later.
Recently she embarked on a nationwide tour to support the album, playing in over 30 Caffe Neros up and down the country. Cool, eh?
Kate’s fans have always been used to seeing her through a webcam, sitting on the floor of her bathroom, playing stripped down acoustic covers. Now Kate has stepped out of the lavatory and into the recording studio, and her guitar joined by an entire band of session musicians. Her loyal YouTube subscribers worried that she would lose her raw, emotive sound, and trade it in for a formulaic, bland, radio-pop routine. Indeed, Replaced is unashamedly a pop album, full to the brim with synthesisers, layered instruments and vocal dubs. However, Kate’s unique sound stands strong in the mix with her passionate lyrics and vibrant memories still being the focal points of the 7 tracks.
The album kicks off with the title track and leading single, Replaced; a song about moving on which bounces jauntily along with a folk-esque charm. The writer quotes this as her favourite track, and it is no doubt one of the strongest on the album. The chorus hook will remain in your head for days after listening - and is only rivalled in its addictiveness by the repeated chant of ‘You wanna love, you wanna, but you’ve forgotten how’ which ties off the song nicely, before leading into the more subdued track, Cursed.
Another highlight on the album is Full to the Brim. Although most songs on the album were written specifically for the release, this track, along with the soothing You’re All I Wanted, are actually fan favourites from her YouTube channel. Although it has been stripped of its laid back, Mumford & Sons feel, it has been transformed into a heart-wrenching rock-ballad with Kate’s voice soaring high - while the band powers away underneath her.
The icing on the cake with this fantastic mini-album is the lyrics. Since the ‘Someone Like You’ craze struck earlier this year, people have began to find ex-boyfriend lyrics quite boring (finally!). Yes, at times McGill’s lyrics fit into this mould; however, she has two saving graces. Firstly, they are actually pretty good. Instead of writing the usual ‘my heart has turned to stone and he’s a horrible person’ drivel, she instead uses imagery that are actually relatable to the average listener. Her lyrics rely largely on very visual imagery, expressing her feelings in such a way that it is hard not to feel compelled by her messages. Secondly, a couple of songs on the album trade in the usual themes of teenage angst, for compelling messages about how we should respect each other as human beings and just follow our hearts.
It’s these uplifting, humanitarian thoughts that make Kate so unique in a music scene that apparently only has two types of artists: women with loud voices who sing depressive power ballads and gangsters that seem to think that the only two things on the mind of the human population are going to clubs and getting women to ‘shake their booties’.
In the simplest of terms - this album will make you happy. Few other artists are blessed with such infectious optimism as Kate McGill. The 7 tracks are so diverse that there is genuinely a song for whatever mood you’re in. To put this in even simpler terms, BUY IT NOW!
CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE:
Although We Don't Believe, We Breathe
Oli Richards - DEBUT
14/11/11, 21:56 GMT
4.5/5 PIES
Post-Rock is a seemingly dividing term, now recognized as its own fully formed genre, Post-Rock at its best is emotional, soaring, uplifting and often beautiful.
However, in a genre which lives or dies on its elaborate song structures and the building of soundscapes it can come across as somewhat boring, possibly even pompous. This genre certainly isn’t one you would associate with first time or youthful bands, let alone in the south west.
It is with great relief then that listening to Caught In the Crossfire’s first recorded release ‘Although We Don’t Believe, We Breathe’ is such a pleasure, and one worth repeating several (hundred) times.
This young 5 piece from Salisbury list their main influences as The Beatles and Explosions in the Sky, and have gigged alongside many note worthy bands, including post-rock big boys: And So I Watch You From Afar. You can certainly trace the bands influences in this track, spanning 6 minutes - fairly restrained for this genre; Although We Don’t Believe... contains guitar parts that Explosions would be proud of, whilst also containing the kind of exhausting climax Devil Sold His Soul might blast out.
It’s not all grandeur and epic crescendo’s though, whilst the band are clearly in love with post-rock as a genre they are not limited by it; one element of CITC that marks them apart from much of the crowd is vocalist Sadie-Lee Cooper. The interplay between the instrumentation of the band and Cooper’s vocals bring about a number of catchier moments - the vocals are wisely placed highly in the mix, elevated above the moving chord progression, giving the listener something to latch onto: lyrics - lucky then that the lyrics themselves are worthy of the music.
Caught In the Crossfire are a truly brilliant live band. Everything seems to fit together live, sounding uplifting and exhilarating whilst retaining the more delicate moments. Fortunately little to none of this is lost in translation. The song is well produced without being overproduced, the guitars and rhythm section sound professionally tight without losing any of the magic found in their onstage chaos and the production gives their style an epic feel without suffocating it.
This song is truly one to explore and get lost in; the deft switch from delicately beautiful to hugely epic is well executed and evocative of the kind of emotions that this genre is capable of. In short this young band has succeeded in reaching the heights of top quality post-rock whilst injecting it with their own youthful exuberance. Think Explosions if they were 10 years younger and much less patient; this is far from a negative comment though, it is this that gives CITC their unique sound and appeal.
If this track is anything to go by then the album that is currently in the works is certainly one to watch.
PIE EXCLUSIVE:
Upcoming R&B: Jeremy Nicolls
Questions by Ben Franks
09/11/11, 23:40 GMT
Listen here.
Jeremy Nicolls is an upcoming R&B artist from the United States whose YouTube videos, featuring his stunning voice, has taken to people’s hearts like wildfire. As more and more young people dream and aspire to success in the music industry, Ben Franks went to interview the American artist and find out just what led to him discovering his talent.
It seems the best question to ask someone whose well on their way to becoming a globally-recognised talent is: have you always aspired to get involved in the music industry?
“Honestly, no,” he tells us. “I actually wanted to be an actor/film maker/director/editor. I did always have a passion for music & singing though, but it wasn’t until last year when I posted my first cover to facebook and saw the major reaction by everyone which made me take my talent seriously.”
So it was Facebook, the massive online social networking site, which gave way to his popular uprising. Many viewers, fans and Pie readers see your tremendous talent of using your voice and delivering covers that sometimes surpass their original artist’s. However, who would you say truly inspires you?
“I do get inspiration from a number of artists in the music industry,” he quips in response. Yet, where else does Nicolls find the gem of inspiration? “My true inspiration comes from my father. I have never seen anyone work harder than he does; he goes out of his way to make sure I’m supported in every way, and that drive and work ethic inspires me to work even harder and to never give up on my dreams.”
With his father presenting the perfect model of perseverance, it is interesting to find out what motivates Nicolls. I fire in another question: If you ever needed to find motivation to continue what you were doing, where would you find it? – Let’s face it, artists of all trades know what it’s like to hit a brick wall.
Nicolls replies, “I find motivation in a few places; again I go back to my father and my family.” Clearly a family man, Nicolls opens up, telling Pie, “I want to be able to provide my family with things that they never had, and a stress-free life. Also, I get motivation every day from my fans that constantly push me to be great, the frequent compliments & touching words give me that motivation every day to continue making music.”
Backed by his fan-base, eager to achieve and the strong support of his family and role-model father, what does music truly mean to Nicolls? I ask him, if you had to do the impossible thing and sum it all up?
“To me, Music is like my best friend; it has never let me down, and it has been there when people seem to fail.” The perfect best friend, “Music is my avenue to express myself and not feel uncomfortable. I would sing all day, every day if I had the chance, because when I sing I feel a sense of comfort, no matter the situation I’m going through. To sum it all up: Music is life.”
And what a life music is; from expressing to listening, from performing to supporting and from touring to screaming in your hometown, all upcoming artists Pie has interviewed have explored their passion and lived their passion, but for Nicolls, it wasn’t always just music – and it still isn’t now. You also have an eye for enjoyment in the world of sport, do you find this helps your music or is a competitive aspiration for you?
“Definitely. I think sports and music go hand in hand in regards to competition. Because in both situations there are a lot of other people who want what you want, in sports there are championships, and in music there are music based awards (Grammy’s,VMA’s, BET, etc.) and we all try to get to that point and that’s where the competitive spirit comes out. Simply...we all want to be the best.”
Competitive nature is, as Nicolls rightly says, in all of us – it’s just a case of how hard we strive. Although, Pie Magazine often witnesses in reality just how many young people strive forward in the music industry, so the next question to Nicolls seems only right… If there was some tip you could give our young writers and readers who love music and wanted to pursue it, what would you say to them?
“Two Words: BE YOURSELF,” says the artist, confident this is one lesson all young people should have concrete in their minds. “A lot of aspiring artists feel as though they need to look a certain way, act a certain way, or make a certain type of music to be accepted. I don’t believe that, I believe that you should show people the real you, because that way you allow them to appreciate you for who you are, and to understand that the emotion you put behind your music is genuine.”
Finally, time to round-up. I take a step-back and get ready to watch this artist fly on upwards and onwards, flowering always from this point and on to the future. Just one last question to throw in: You’re flying high with popularity and the title of an upcoming R&B star, what’s in the mix for your future?
“The amazing thing about that question is, even I don’t know, and I say this because every day it seems like a new opportunity presents itself. Some amazing things that I never imagined would be happening to me are materializing and that’s the kind of uncertainty that I like. Just stay tuned!”
Tuned for good things, no doubt.
You can see Nicolls’ YouTube channel here or follow him on Twitter. Enjoy.
PIE EXCLUSIVE:
Rising Star: Solo Artist Lisa Eaton
Questions by Ryan Thickett
24th October 2011, 22:00
Listen here:
http://soundcloud.com/lisaeatonmusic
Lisa Eaton is a singer/songwriter based in Salisbury, UK. She has recently started making and releasing music to her SoundCloud and her first track, a cover of Bon Iver’s Skinny Love has really taken off in the few weeks she’s had it up. So we here at Pie Magazine decided to interview this rising star before she outgrows us!
So when did you first start doing music and how did you start?
Well I started properly in secondary school in about year 8 and my music teacher influenced me to start playing guitar as i had been singing for several years already, since then I’ve just loved music and continued to make it but it’s always been a sort of on the side thing until now.
Have you done anything other than solo work?
Yes, I was actually in a band called 'Two and Three Quarters' with two of my friends Sadie-Lee and Emma, but that didn’t work out so then I did a few things with school and also loads of gigs with other musicians from my current college.
What do you love most about making music?
To be honest I just love the feeling at the end of writing or recording a track when it sounds good, because I feel like I’ve accomplished something amazing and then obviously i also love the feedback people give or the knowledge that they appreciate and like my music when I play live.
When will everyone be getting some more music?
It’s funny you should ask this because just recently I have just finished recording my new cover, which I won’t tell you the name of just yet because it still has to have the final mix done and then it will be unleashed upon SoundCloud for anyone to hear!
Did you have any inspirations and if so who?
Well mostly bands like Bon Iver and City and Colour inspire me because I love their songs and just that genre of music, I mean I also get inspiration from other people but they are the main sources really, I get inspiration when I play with or watch most bands to be honest.
Are you going to release an album or single anytime soon? or do some gigs?
Okay… simple answer is no. I’m not going to release anything just yet, need to get some more material first and with regards to gigging - I am hoping to get some gigs soon, in and around the Southampton area so keep your eyes peeled.
If you had to give a direction to where your music is going what would it be?
I hope to just get my music out there, to as many people as I can and see where it takes me, I am very surprised at how my last cover took off and hope the same will happen to the music that is yet to come.
Where would you like your songs to be played?
I really just want it as many places as possible, on the radio, over YouTube, SoundCloud, whatever! That way people can listen to it and want to listen to more, hopefully…
Is there anything else to add, especially to your current fans?
Not really, just a huge thanks to all of you for taking the time to listen to my music and that more is on the way very, very soon, exciting stufffffff!!
30th September - Salisbury City Hall's Gig
A NIGHT IN PICTURES
Local Legends City Stereo Play at Home, Caught in the Crossfire Join - accompanied by Middlenamekill & Things Behind the Sun
2nd October 2011, Photography by Sam Rushton
OWL CITY: 02 Shephard's Bush Empire
PIE'S VERY OWN SARAH MERRITT WAS THERE.
Sarah Merritt, 15/9/11 21:00 GMT.
On the 10th September 2011 I travelled to London to see the Minnesota-born, shy, introverted creator of the quadruple-platinum hit ‘Fireflies’ – the internationally renound Owl City, and the experience was probably one of the best of my life. I’m about to confess the confessions of my love-dazzled heart to you. Are you ready?
We had caught two trains, spent too much money to think about and travelled over 70 miles; spent days worrying, anticipating, planning, dazed by disbelief and feeling a vague delirium. Finally we were here; at the doors of the 02 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, West London. We had come to see a guy whose music had touched our very hearts and souls, whose lyrics had swum in through our minds like shimmering silver bubbles of happiness and inspiration, buzzing around like ten thousand lightning bugs against a starry Venetian blue.
The brief moment of heart-stopping panic at the doors; would they accept our tickets? Would we be let in? Would we have to go home? Would we – No. We were here. We were here, actually here!
The gangway is crowded. We lose sight of the boy and his mother we had stood in front of in the queue, the ones who had won the UK Music Video Competition and had met Adam Young 10 minutes ago – just casually met him. No big deal. We are forced up the stairs to Level 1 in a great river of people; a small tributary cuts off to the left and we gush out onto the balcony, and there is Breanne in her feather-white mini dress with the waist-belt, at her keyboard singing for us. We settle down to listen to her honey-flavoured vocals being delivered from behind a glossy black side fringe and sweet-mannered smile.
“Take me back to those summer days when the sun shone down on your golden face and I…”
All too soon she is gone, a legend drifting away, the sweetest, shyest ghost I’ve ever known. Then a long wait and I eat a bunch of fizzy snakes and gummy bears, my appetite whetted, the anticipation building.
The lights dim. Suddenly a girl right at the front in the stalls jumps up and down screaming, her feathered blonde hair dashing wildly in the air. A gangly figure in a baggy pink and black striped shirt slopes on stage, a lion hat on his head. I had been expecting someone a little more…striking?
“Hi London, I’m Unicorn Kid, and this first track is called Wild Life.”
He starts at his keyboard. We are shocked into life by the bass that rips through our chests like a thunderstorm on drugs. I flinch back as sound, pure, pumping, seizure-inducing sound reverberates around them and soon I am moving in time to the thundering base and electronic beeps and bloops and glitches juddering through us all – it’s impossible not to, it’s infectious. I love how this scrawny kid moves. His head rocking insanely forwards like a ridiculously happy chicken he jumps and leaps, a grasshopper in skinny jeans, his lion hat flying from his head and revealing electric blue hair. He dances to his own tune – if he were the only one there to be enjoying the music I have a feeling he wouldn’t care at all. He is cool. He is COOL.
After a few addictive tracks he too strolls offstage, leaving us craving more of his sour-candy-like chiptune infused pop. We are so pumped we are shaking, practically bouncing, trembling. Another long wait. I’m sweating already. I go to buy a bottle of water and hold it to my flushed cheeks. The wait is murdering us with heavenly excitement.
And then.
Flickering silhouettes appear onstage as the musicians rush to their positions. There’s Breanne at her keyboard, the two cellists who pick up their bows. Everyone is screaming. Everyone is standing up around us and we do too. Where is Adam? They begin to play the opening to a tune we recognise as ‘The Real World’. Still he hasn’t come to the microphone. It must be over a minute now. The crowd is screaming like caged lions begging for meat.
Slowly. Out of the fuzzy blue lights. Two white arms appear, spread wide like wings. I don’t remember the sound everyone makes. I don’t remember what he says – or if he even speaks to us before he starts to sing. All I know is that it’s him – it’s really him – it’s Adam Young – it’s Owl City. He floats on with that deep reverberating boom from the speakers that strums on our heart strings and lights up our eyes. He’s wearing a black waistcoat with a white shirt and ripped skinny jeans with a huge smile lighting up his ecstatic brown eyes from under a tussled fringe.
I’ve never screamed that much. I didn’t think even I could scream that much.
“Downy feathers kiss your face
And flutter everywhere
Reality is a lovely place
But I wouldn’t wanna live there.”
We are shouting out the words in the hope that he will hear us alone. It is such a beautiful feeling to be so in love with a song and to be able to hear the very words uttered by their creator from such a short distance away when he has journeyed so far and caused so many to catch their breath. And here he is. Right in front of us.
“Can you feel a silk embrace
In the satin air?
If we dissolve without a trace
Will the real world even care?”
The first song comes to an end with an explosion of screaming and clapping and a thousand hearts imploding. I think my ears cave in.
“WAKE ME IF YOU’RE OUT THERE!”
The songs flicker past, erupting in a multi-coloured array of emotions before my star-struck eyes. I am drifting away, lost in a silent ballet. I love the way he talks to us at the end of each song like it could be any one of us alone. I know we all want to be alone with him.
“Please don’t let me go,”
I have lost myself.
“I desperately need you.”
I want to swoop down there and put my arms around this beautiful, talented, shy kid from the middle of nowhere and never ever let him go.
“London,” he gasps, a water bottle in one hand, his guitar hanging down, sweat having drenched and tussled his hair even more. Is this real? Maybe I’m just a dreamer. “I know it’s a bit early in our relationship, but I have to get this off my chest…I love you.”
As everyone screams to relieve the pressure building up on our swelling hearts I reflect on how he addresses London like she is his schoolboy crush. What would London look like? I imagine her to be a tall bold-eyed girl with dark swishing hair in a thousand colours, her voice a thousand tones, her eyes ten thousand bright flashing lights. I am London, we are all London.
“London, I WANT you!”
Dear God you’re the only North Star I would follow this far.
“OH COMET COME DOWN!”
With every single song my fellow red-head and I turn to each other, yelling and squealing - practically dying. OhmyGodIlovethisoneOhmyGodOhmyGodOhmyGod…
“AND I COME ALIVE.”
He is enrapturing us with his music. He is killing us. We are choking on our own hearts, dying, can’t breathe. Surely this isn’t legal?
The distinctive gravelling voice of the President that is the intro to Galaxies swells through the speakers. I turn to Emilie again. QUE THE SOLAR ECLIPSE. OhmyGodGalaxiesOhmyGod. AND BLOW YOUR BACKBONE TO BITS.
My eyes turn blue and green.
“Oh telescope keep an eye on my only hope
Lest I blink and get swept off the narrow road.”
And I slip through the surly bonds of Earth and touch the face of God.
And I am 10,000% in love.
“…And that’s how I became the sea.”
To discover more about the artists mentioned in this article see the following links:-
Owl City: http://www.owlcitymusic.com/home
Unicorn Kid: http://www.myspace.com/unicornkid
Breanne Duren: http://www.breannedurenmusic.com/splash_may.php
Tamara Reviews: Arctic Monkeys, Suck it and See
Review by Tamara Somasundaram, 13/06/11 21:51 GMT
On the 6th of June, indie rock band Arctic Monkeys released their fourth studio album, Suck it and See. This album is definitely worth buying, especially if you’re an Arctic Monkeys fan. And even if you aren’t, they are a very good band, and have been called a 21st century Beatles. So, if you like Rock, Indie Rock, Alternative, or just cute Sheffield accents, buy this album.
Overall, the songs are quite wacky and actually seem quite 80’s. They have changed their sound quite a bit since their debut album, Whatever People Say I Am That’s What I’m Not, which was released in 2006. Back then, they appealed more to teenagers who liked indie music and they’ve definitely grown up since then, making Rock music.
Their lyrics, written by singer, Alex Turner, are known to be quite humorous such as ‘Don’t Sit Down ‘Cause I’ve Moved your Chair’. Alex turner claims that once a friend said that and he thought it would make good lyrics. My first impression of this album wasn’t actually that positive to begin with. At first, I thought they’d sort of sold out and forgot about their old music. Many people don’t actually like this new album because they think that the Arctic Monkeys new sound isn’t very good. I personally think they’ve made a good decision doing this because nobody likes a bad whose songs all sound the same.
With Suck it and See, the Arctic Monkeys have tried to create more upbeat songs compared to their previous album, Humbug. It seems that there lyrics have also changed because it’s actually quite hard to figure out what they’re talking about and in previous albums, their songs consisted of a typical teenagers scenarios.
On this album, a lot of their songs have guitar solos which give it, as mentioned before, and 80’s vibe. My favourite song on this is probably ‘Black Treacle’. It reminds me of their old stuff, but at the same time, lets me realise they’ve changed and grown up. The first time I heard the song, was when I was buying the album and it was playing in the background. My least favourite used to be ‘Brick by Brick’, however it’s growing on me. On that track, the drummer actually does the main vocals.
So, to conclude, I don’t think this album is their best album, but it’s a career-defining album, to show that they’re staying in the music business. It’s definitely worth buying, a lot of the lyrics are so meaningful, and their new sound is excellent.
PIE EXCLUSIVE: CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE
Questions by Ben Franks (19/03/11, 19:07 GMT)
Caught in the Crossfire are a band local to Salisbury and have performed all around the 
Southern area of the UK at popular live gigs. They are currently recording their own album. The band consists of five members: vocalist (and fellow editor at Pie) Sadie-Lee Cooper, guitarist Josh Mobaraki, guitarist Sam Pearcey, bassist Luke Bennett and drummer Ian Grinter. As part of ePie's exclusive Music March Young Musicians month, they gave an interview with us here at ePie.
You can check out Caught in the Crossfire at their Facebook (where all upcoming gig dates and band information is available), you can follow the band on Twitter and check out some of their songs at YouTube. Don't forget to look out for their new album in the future too.
When did you first get involved in music?
We've all been involved with music since a young age, and as a band we've been playing together for about a year.
What is your favourite thing about performing music?
Finding something new and exciting when writing, and then being able to take that to the stage and share it with hundreds of people over and over.
Who is your greatest inspiration?
We all have many different inspirations so we couldn't pick just one. Somewhere between the Beatles and Explosions in the Sky.
Have you ever performed live? What was it like? If not, are you keen to?
We've been playing live for a while now and have recently become noticeably more confident on stage. Its become more and more enjoyable as we've become more and more confident. Especially when its the first showing of a new song.
If you could gig anywhere, where would it be?
Everywhere we can that will be to people that appreciate our music. We recently played at the Ale House in our hometown - Salisbury, and really enjoyed playing in such a tightly packed venue.
If your music could reach anyone, who would it be?
Everyone that is willing to listen with an open mind.
What’s the best piece of advice you can offer young people aspiring to get involved in music?
Tune your instrument, work hard, never stop practising.
If you could perform a song with any other artist/band who ever lived, who would it be?
Explosions in the Sky, This Will Destroy You, Moonlit Sailor, Last Lungs, Sigur Ros, Mogwai, Mono, iLiKETRAiNS, The Beatles, Box Car Racer, Angels and Airwaves... - Any of the above.
What do you aspire to do with your music in future?
See people enjoying our music all over the world.
PIE EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Emma Johnson
Questions by Ben Franks (10/03/11, 20:12 GMT)
Emma Johnson is a singer songwriter based in Salisbury, UK. She has taken up her passion for music and shown how people our age (late teens) can pursue our dreams with a little elbow grease and belief in yourself. As part of Pie's Exclusive Music March phenomenom we interviewed Emma on her musical talent.
Follow Emma on Twitter or Watch & Listen to Emma's YouTube here
When did you first get involved in music?
I first started playing the flute when I was 8 and then through that I became more aware of what music had to offer and what sort’s of genres there were. I started playing guitar properly in about year 7/8, by teaching myself. The singing just came along with it I guess.
What is your favourite thing about performing music?
I find the most rewarding thing is when people tell you that they love your music. I am so grateful to anyone who will sit and listen to even 30 seconds of one of my songs; so to get real fans is such a blessing.
Who is your greatest inspiration?
I have a few, but I would have to say Newton Faulkner. His playing and singing styles are so amazing and distinct and I love how no one can really do it as well as him. He inspires me to be my own person and write music that is personal to me.
Have you ever performed live? What was it like? If not, are you keen to?
I have performed quite a few times, and I always enjoy it. From fairly relaxed pub gigs with a handful of people, to gigs with a whole crown of people, it is always enjoyable to play to people.
If you could gig anywhere, where would it be?
I would love to tour all over the world, especially Europe. There are some beautiful places in Europe and they seem to really appreciate music over there.
If your music could reach anyone, who would it be?
Literally anyone. I would love my music to reach everyone’s ears at some point!
What’s the best piece of advice you can offer young people aspiring to get involved in music?
My advice would be to be you. Whatever you do, whatever you write or perform, do it in a way that makes you proud. And whatever happens, never give up and never let anyone tell you you don’t deserve to play music.
If you could perform a song with any other artist/band who ever lived, who would it be?
Newton Faulkner, Andy Mckee, The Runaways, The Beatles or even Elvis! Any of them would be magical.
What do you aspire to do with your music in future?
I will be doing a commercial music course at university, which will hopefully get me stuck straight into the industry. It will also help me decide which part of the industry I want to be involved in.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Shameless promotion – I have just made a soundcloud, which features songs I haven’t shown anyone before! So please take a listen. And thank you very much for the opportunity to do this interview! (http://soundcloud.com/emjaymusic )
PIE EXCLUSIVE: Interview with David Altenor
Questions by Ben Franks
United States, Boston-based musician David Altenor, a pioneer of the music ministry, has produced, written, sung and played music throughout his life. At the end of February he agreed to an exclusive interview with Pie Magazine regarding his influences, aims and more.
Ben Franks: David Altenor, the majority of our readers are made up of young people in the UK and United States who are between the ages of 11 and 24, if there was one piece of advice you could offer those who aspire to be musicians, what would it be?
David Altenor: I would tell them to stay true to what they believe in, take the time to study the music business and know what they’re getting themselves into. I would also tell them that this is a journey that will take a lot of work and dedication in order to be successful.
BF: Have you always aspired to be a musician yourself or did your ideas change as you grew up?
DA: I’m 23 now and although I have always loved music, I didn’t play the piano (my first instrument), until I was 14 years old. I’ve struggled between going into business or Pastoral ministry, but realized that music was my calling in early 2010.
BF: Who would you say is your greatest inspiration and why?
DA: I draw my inspiration from God by acknowledging that He’s the source of my talent and in thinking about how He loves all people and cares for us. So many other things inspire me like other art forms, people, news and stories. I tend to draw inspiration from anything.
BF: For those of our readers who struggle to search for inspiration, what would you suggest?
DA: An easy answer is faith, but I would also say to really take time and think about what matters the most to them. I’ve found that it’s easiest to be inspired by things that matter to me. We shouldn’t be afraid to express ourselves through art. It’s freedom of expression that makes art so special.
BF: What do you wish to achieve through your music?
DA: I wish to use my music as a tool to promote God’s love in the world, social change and to inspire all people.
BF: If your music could reach anyone in the World, who would it be?
DA: I would like my music and more importantly, its message, to reach all people. However, if I had to be more specific I would want it to reach those who have lost hope and faith in God and who are in need of inspiration in a world which appears to be dying.
BF: As a writer of music, where would you say was the best place in the world to be to write your lyrics?
DA: The best place is wherever you feel comfortable. I mostly write in my studio, but I’ve written songs on a drive to the store, a long train ride and have gotten ideas while playing other songs.
BF: Who do you listen to?
DA: I listen to a bit of everything and every genre. I do admire Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles and Tye Tribbett among others.
BF: Have you got any plans for the near future or any albums coming up that our readers can buy and listen to?
DA: I have my Demo CD “The David Altenor Project” on iTunes and also available for free download here: http://www.hulkshare.com/davidisoffkey. I also have some new music coming in the next couple of months.
BF: Thank you for answering our questions, finally: is there anything you’d like to add?
DA: I would like to tell everyone to be encouraged and stay positive. If we all work together we really can make the world a better place to live in for future generations. Take a listen to my music and feel free to share. God Bless!
You can follow David on his twitter, stay up to date via his facebook or subscribe to his YouTube channel for the latest videos and news. David’s own site is linked here.
Wishing Brilliance for Demi Lovato
by Ross Showalter (19/02/11, 17:24 GMT Time)
Things may not have been the best for Demi Lovato, Disney princess. After an exhausting worldwide tour in which she ended up quitting, a boyfriend who acted like a douche and a rehab break in which racy pictures were splashed over the web, God knows she needed a break. But, things have been looking up. She won an award for a guest spot in "Grey's Anatomy", and her two albums were recently announced as Hollywood Records' highest-selling albums.
But Ross, a reader may protest, why are you writing about an album in 2011 when it was released in 2009? Because, I answer, Lovato needs all the support she can get. And evidently by album sales, "Here We Go Again" was brilliant; brilliant enough to top the charts in its first week. So, the world needs to know about its brilliance even more!
Save for one awful dirge, Lovato makes a clean break from the Jonas Brothers, who penned much of her debut. Instead, she brings in singer-songwriters John Mayer and Jon McLaughlin, presumably to show that she’s capable of breaking from the Disney mold of cheery Disney production and steering towards a more mature sound.
The first single and title track “Here We Go Again” follows Kelly Clarkson’s hit “Since U Been Gone”, right down to the subject matter and guitar treatments. Lovato proves she can sing well, from the husky snarl that opens the song to the high note that serves as a climax.
The bulk of Here We Go Again follows the pop/rock formula, with the best example being “Remember December”, an angst number that employs Lovato's best melodramatic howl. There’s no denying that Lovato has what Clarkson used to rise to fame—perhaps to a lesser degree: on-record charisma, an aw-shucks attitude and one hell of a powerhouse voice that can be molded to any genre.
When Lovato decides to take a risk from the pop/rock formula, the result is either a hit or a miss. The fuss and fluff of John McLaughlin ends up fitting her vocals well: The fairy-tale-love ballad “Falling Over Me” finds Lovato balancing delicacy and force in a near-perfect vocal performance. Elsewhere, “Every Time You Lie” swings for the radio soul made popular by Duffy and Maroon 5. However, it comes out more like Jason Mraz’s jazz-pop, with Lovato exploiting a rougher soundscape of her voice. Lovato also proves she can do well as a sole songwriter on the folky “Catch Me.” The warm guitar plucks merge with Lovato’s breathy, yearning vocal for a near-perfect ballad.
On top of her musicianship, Lovato has enough businesswoman smarts to sneak in numbers that could serve her well in the future. Energetic ballad “Quiet” openly apes Paramore’s sound—down to the way Lovato sings the chorus—but with stronger results, while late track “Got Dynamite” is easily the best song on here. On “Got Dynamite”, Lovato takes her time to entice the listener, purring over a pop-punk guitar riff that exceeds anything that the Jonas Brothers has ever done. And when she gets into the climax, she also gets in your head, holding out that high note with supreme control and a hint of a snarl in her voice.
But the worst songs on here are the ones that stick most to the Disney formula. The cheesy Nick Jonas co-write “Stop The World” sounds like it went through the processor five times too many. Lovato’s vocals are stripped of all personality—Et tu, Auto-Tune?—and even if the producers did allow a flicker of emotion to remain, it’s not redeeming enough. “Gift of a Friend” is as terrible as the title implies, with enough fluffiness to fill a mattress. “So Far So Great” is simply average, a stomping show tune (to Lovato’s own TV show) with cutesy hooks to burn and a surprisingly well-produced beat.
Although Lovato still needs to prove to the music industry she has the chops to be a serious musician, she is getting there. She has certainly beaten the sophomore slump, with a consistent rock/pop album that has earned its place as Disney's top-selling 2010 record. In 2011, Kelly Clarkson better watch out.
Imagine, a Tribute to Lennon
by Ashley Blackman, Music Contributor.
Being a 14 year old in modern times is hard always having to stay with the crowd to “survive” and following the crowd means listening to modern music, which most I can relate to, but some is simply just overrated! So I would like to take the time to talk about some more classic artists; some have been well known people and have inspired me throughout the time of my teenage years. Therefore every time I write for this magazine I’ll do my best to write about a musician I love and want to share.
In this article I want to talk about a man who I have recently discovered, but has had such an impact on the way I look at things. He’s best known for being in The Beatles, making campaigns for peace (including having a 2 week bed-in!) and marrying the love of his life Yoko Ono. By now I’m guessing you know who I am writing about, right?
Yes, John Lennon.
I have known of Lennon and his work for years but never really looked into his music or views. It was around 2 weeks ago when I decided to learn “Let It Be-The Beatles” on piano (I have been a pianist for a great deal of my life) and I looked into his style of writing music along with Sir Paul McCartney I came to appreciate who he was and what he had done. When I first heard Lennon’s bass line on that song, I knew I would like more of his work.
Then a few days ago I came across “Imagine-John Lennon” on my iPod, which is a song full of meaning and soul; the piano opening has such an emotional touch on you.
Then it comes to the sad and upsetting part, for many fans, of my first article: the day he got assassinated. It was 8 December 1980, the time was 10.50pm. It is still considered to this day as “The Saddest Day In Music History”. I know I would have been upset if I was alive at that time. John Lennon did make some masterpieces and will always be known for his brilliant writing/performing talent. Before he died he and McCartney had wrote around 180 songs, possibly a lot more than some of the modern day music writers and performers. I can safely say this is why I chose Lennon for my first article; he is an inspiration to music as a whole, but also an inspiration to me personally.
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality" - John Lennon
