Music News: The Big Moon Announce New Single 'Pull The Other One' & UK Tour Dates

Image Source: Chuff Media

Written By: Mark Armstrong

The following story is courtesy of Chuff Media ...

The Big Moon are excited to announce details of their new single Pull The Other One, lifted from their critically acclaimed debut album Love In The 4th Dimension, available now via Fiction Records. It impacts on August 25.

A new fan favourite and another monster moment in the band’s live show, Pull The Other One is another insatiably guitar and melody driven pop song, kissed by Juliette Jackson’s curt, wry lyricism. The London four-piece join the dots, weekend-to-weekend, across the UK festival circuit having already left a heaving tent in their wake at Glastonbury.

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Damian Darlington: "We want to do justice to the amazing music of Pink Floyd"

Image Source: CMP Entertainment

Written By: Mark Armstrong

(Thanks to CMP Entertainment for arranging this interview.)

Brit Floyd, a Pink Floyd tribute band formed by Damian Darlington in 2011, are about to begin another tour of the United Kingdom, and their new Immersion World Tour will help to keep the music of one of the most famous British bands of all-time alive. For Damian, this tour is the latest chapter in a long and successful career intertwined with paying respect to Pink Floyd, having previously performed on the Australian Pink Floyd Show for 17 years. We recently spoke to Damian about all of this and more, as well as Pink Floyd's upcoming show in Liverpool on Friday March 3.

First of all, tell us about Brit Floyd.

Brit Floyd is a Pink Floyd tribute show, and we've been around for six years now. We're a nine-piece band that have performed all over the world in places like America and all across Europe. It's a very big production, with lots of lights, lasers, videos, inflatables - everything that you would expect to see at a Pink Floyd concert back in the day. We play a wide variety of Pink Floyd's catalogue of music, from the very beginning right through to The Division Bell album, and we're about to go on tour again around the UK in about two weeks' time.

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The Jockey Club present Jess Glynne: Open Air Concert at Aintree Racecourse

Image Source: JessGlynne.co.uk

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: The Jockey Club

Make sure you’re ‘Right Here’ on Friday June 16 2017 as The Jockey Club Live and Aintree Racecourse are delighted to welcome back to the North West one of the UK’s hottest chart stars, Jess Glynne.

First coming into the public consciousness as the vocalist on Clean Bandit’s Grammy Award-winning and #1 hit ‘Rather Be’, pop sensation Jess Glynne has since become one of the biggest UK breakthrough acts of recent years. Her number-one charting debut album, ‘I Cry When I Laugh‘, has turned double-platinum in the UK, making it the highest-selling debut album of the past year. Jess is also one of only two British female solo artists to have five consecutive UK number one singles. 2016 was a further massive year for Jess, with a sold-out UK arena tour under her belt, plus she was nominated for British Breakthrough Act, British Female Solo Artist and British Single for ‘Hold My Hand’ at this year’s prestigious Brit Awards.

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The final eight to hit the road on The X Factor Live Tour 2017

Image Source: ACC Liverpool

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: ACC Liverpool

The X Factor will embark on a nationwide arena tour as the final eight take to the road on The X Factor Live Tour 2017, it was revealed live on the ITV show.

Coming to Liverpool on February 26 2017 are the top eight acts: 5 After Midnight, Emily Middlemas, Four of Diamonds, Matt Terry, Ryan Lawrie, Saara Aalto, Sam Lavery and Honey G!

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Starman show to pay tribute to David Bowie

Image Source: ACC Liverpool

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: ACC Liverpool

Michael King will bring his compelling tribute show, Starman - The David Bowie Story, to the Auditorium at Echo Arena Liverpool on Saturday December 3 2016.

This year, we sadly lost one of the greatest musical talents the world has ever known. Now, Starman - The David Bowie Story comes to the intimate Auditorium at Echo Arena Liverpool, performing a heartfelt tribute to the much-loved musical icon.

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Leona Lewis announces her first tour in three years

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Liverpool Empire Theatre

Following the release of her new studio album I Am, Leona Lewis announces details of her upcoming 2016 UK tour, her first UK tour in three years.

Leona’s 14-date UK tour will begin with one night at the Liverpool Empire Theatre on February 21 2016.

Tickets go on sale on Friday September 18 from 10.00am.

Since her meteoric rise to global fame, Leona's incredible voice has captivated millions of people across the world. She's broken countless sales records and smashed chart records universally.

Her 2010 Labyrinth Tour won her critical acclaim, as well as reinforcing her position as one of the most successful British female artists to date.

The tour will see Leona performing tracks taken from her brand new album as well as some her biggest hits, including Bleeding Love, Run, Better In Time and Happy.

I Am is an upbeat, powerful and defiant assertion of Lewis’ individuality, which demonstrates her striking, almost ethereal vocal range and a voice flooded with emotion.

It is the same instantly recognisable voice that saw her become a huge international success, smash chart records and open the door for the British chart invasion that followed in the US, but with a new-found confidence and strength that we haven’t heard before.

Speaking about going on tour, Leona commented: “So, so excited to announce a 2016 UK Tour! I cannot wait to get out and perform all the new songs for you and some old favourites too!”

Leona’s career highs and successes to date could fill sheets of paper: she has won countless awards, been nominated for both BRIT and Grammy awards, broken global chart records, sold millions of albums, performed all over the world, and a performance with rock legend Jimmy Page was recently described by Page as his career high!

But right now, Leona has her eyes set on the future: I Am is an album that gives Leona more relevance than ever, and is the sound of an artist coming of age.

Hozier to play the Liverpool Empire on 2016 tour

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Liverpool Empire Theatre

Hozier, whose Global star continues to soar following two Billboard Awards, a coveted Ivor Novello, stunning sets at Glastonbury, Longitude and Redrocks, among other summer festival highlights, has announced his one and only UK tour for 2016.

With his critically acclaimed debut album soon to hit double Platinum status in the UK, the 25-year-old Wicklow native, who has been touring and winning fans across the world for the last 2 years, will play these shows before taking time out to begin work on his new album.

Hozier will play at the Liverpool Empire on January 12 2016. Tickets go on sale to ATG Card Members from Thursday September 3 and on general sale from Friday September 4. Tickets are limited to four per person/per card.

The trio of awards, together with his Grammy and Brit nominations, and feverishly received live shows pay testament to the absolutely incredible rise Hozier has enjoyed since he began making noises on the music scene a little over two years ago.

His much-lauded debut album entered the Billboard chart at No. 2 (the second biggest debut album of the year), No. 5 in the UK chart, and enjoyed nine weeks at No. 1 in his native Ireland. Indeed, the album rose to No. 3 in  the UK ahead of his third sell-out UK tour, while both Take Me To Church, and his most recent A-listed single Someone New, gave the Irishman two singles in the UK Top 30.

Hozier’s success hasn’t been confined to the UK and US with the album also achieving  Multi-Platinum status in Belgium, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Denmark, Ireland, Russia, Sweden, Poland, Switzerland, Austria and the Netherlands. Major TV appearances have helped spread the gospel including the recent show-stopping duet at the Grammys with Annie Lennox, stand-out appearances on Later with Jools, Jimmy Fallon, David Letterman, Saturday Night Live, Ellen, Jimmy Kimmel, Graham Norton, Coachella and a performance at the Victoria Secret’s Fashion show in London.

Consider this: 1.5 million+ albums sold worldwide; over 10 million singles; over 700 million streams; number 1 in the Global Spotify chart; 2014’s most viral track on Spotify; number 1 in the global Shazam chart; over 380 million video views (121m VEVO, 260m YT); and almost 1 million Facebook fans - all this has been achieved little over a year after headlining the 100-capacity Troubadour in Earls Court back in January 2014. Hozier continues to spread his live gospel with appearances at the V Festival on August 22-23.

Australian Pink Floyd: The Best of the Best Tour 2016

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Liverpool Empire Theatre

The Australian Pink Floyd Show are back and proud to announce their 2016 The Best of the Best tour taking in 22 dates across the UK, including the Liverpool Empire Theatre on Thursday October 27 2016.

Having sold over 4 million tickets in 35 countries, The Australian Pink Floyd Show is hailed as one of the leading concert performances currently operating and have generated their own legacy and heritage. Forming in 1988, The Australian Pink Floyd Show have constantly been evolving and honing what they do. Their last tour celebrated 40 years since the release of the landmark Pink Floyd album ‘Wish You Were Here’ as well featuring tracks from the iconic ‘The Dark Side Of The Moon’ and ‘The Division Bell’ albums.

The 2016 concerts will offer a true homage to Pink Floyd to capture and convey the spirit as well as the sound alongside jaw-dropping staging resulting in a show that is simply The Best Of The Best.

Warrington four-piece Viola Beach confirm Warrington Festival appearance

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Warrington Festival

Indie pop newcomers Viola Beach will join 2014 X Factor finalist Jay James and country singer Ellie Dibben as support for Pixie Lott

Just when you thought Warrington Festival couldn't get any bigger, Festival Organisers have now announced a third support act, Viola Beach, for Pixie Lott’s headline slot on Saturday September 19 at Bank Park.

Viola Beach is comprised of Kris Leonard (vocals/guitar), Jack Dakin (drums), River Reeves (guitar) and Tomas Lowe (bass). The Warrington four-piece have just played their first gig at The Cavern Club in Liverpool and already secured impressive national airplay from Huw Stephens (Radio 1), Jo Good (XFM) and Steve Lamacq (6 Music) since being championed by Dave Monks on BBC Introducing Merseyside.

The band have recently announced the upcoming release of their debut single Swings and Waterslides. The track serves as the perfect introduction to the band’s sound and arrives ahead of their eagerly anticipated performances on the BBC Introducing stage at Reading & Leeds Festival later this month.

The band will be recording with Communion Records founder and producer Ian Grimble (Catfish & The Bottlemen/Rhodes/Mumford & Sons/Bear’s Den) next month with Swings & Waterslides providing a welcome taste of things to come with its simmering summer vibes sure to attract plenty of fanfare. Viola Beach’s Swings & Waterslides is released on Friday August 28 and will be available to purchase on iTunes and Spotify.

For further information, including the latest event confirmation, volunteering and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.warringtonfestival.org.

Kris Drever and Ian Carr come to Warrington as a duo for the first time

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Warrington Festival

Kris Drever and Ian Carr are two of the finest and most influential, in-demand acoustic guitarists in the world today.

The duo will fill Pyramid with guitar sounds on Sunday September 27 as part of this year’s Warrington Festival.

The exceptionally talented pair have collaborated in several other line-ups including collaborations with English folk singer Kate Rusby and Scotland’s remarkable Eddi Reader.

Touring as a duo for the first time, Kris Drever and Ian Carr’s show offers an opportunity to hear live material from Ian Carr’s recently released and highly acclaimed 2015 album “Who He?” alongside songs and tunes from Kris Drever’s much loved catalogue.

Kris Drever’s voice and guitar form part of the backbone of today’s contemporary roots scene. Widely admired as a solo artist, collaborator, and member of folk superstars Lau, he is a phenomenal and prolific artist who was voted as a Best Newcomer in BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. This show promises to be a spirited and infectious occasion that will live long in the memory.

Kris Drever (Lau) commented: “Ian Carr has managed to invent a whole new way of being a guitarist. Everyone pinches Ian's harmonies and techniques and rhythmic thinking. Also, he's really funny. Like, really really funny.”

For more information about the Warrington Festival, visit www.warringtonfestival.org.

Support confirmed for Pixie Lott’s Warrington Festival appearance

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Warrington Festival

Warrington Festival has just got bigger with 2014 X Factor finalist Jay James and country singer Ellie Dibben now confirmed as support for Pixie Lott’s headline slot on Saturday September 19 at Bank Park.

Jay James, described by Simon Cowell as a ‘genius’, captured the imagination of the country with his unique voice and stunning live performances as one of the standout contestants on The X Factor 2014.

Since his shock exit from the popular Saturday night show, Jay has dazzled audiences on The X Factor Live Tour, playing to more than 300,000 people across the biggest arenas and venues in the UK and Ireland. He has also performed to an electric crowd of 81,000 people at Twickenham Stadium and wowed the audience at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

As well as performing at the festival, Jay will also be doing a meet and greet with fans on the day.

Jay, a former Royal Navy fitness Instructor from South West Wales, commented: “I’m really looking forward to performing at Warrington Festival and meeting with my fans afterwards. I love meeting my fans! I really appreciate all their support and it’s a pleasure to be able to meet them in person.”

Also gracing the stage will be 17-year-old country singer Ellie Dibben. 2015 has already been a great year for local teenage songstress Ellie, making her debut appearance at Country2Country at The O2 and supporting well-known artists including Luke Friend, Elyar Fox and Union J.

Cheshire born guitar-playing singer-songwriter Ellie can’t wait to perform: “I’m thrilled to be part of the stellar line-up confirmed for Warrington Festival. I can’t wait to get out on that stage and perform in front of a great festival crowd this September.”

For further information including the latest event confirmation, volunteering and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.warringtonfestival.org.

Pixie Lott excited to play Warrington for the first time ever

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Warrington Festival

Four-time BRIT Award nominee Pixie Lott has stated that she can’t wait to grace the stage as the headline act for this year’s Warrington Festival.

Having recently rocked the stage at the Brentwood Festival in Essex and oozed Hollywood glamour in Puttin’ On The Ritz, Pixie will now head north for her premiere performance in Warrington on Saturday September 19, her only North-West concert date this year.

Pixie, known for her number ones Mama Do (Uh Oh, Uh Oh), Boys and Girls and All About Tonight, commented: “I’m really looking forward to being the headline act for Warrington Festival. This will be my first time performing in Warrington but I’m always blown away by the enthusiasm of the North West audiences and the unbelievable buzz they create. I’m sure it will be an incredible evening.”

Pixie catapulted to worldwide fame in 2009 with her debut album Turn It Up, which reached platinum status on the strength of five consecutive Top 20 singles. Pixie has gone on to have three UK #1s, sold more than 4 million singles and 1.6 million albums worldwide and received in excess of 60 million YouTube views.

Warrington Festival is a new, exciting and vibrant three-week series of events to be held around different parts of the town throughout September.

Pixie’s appearance as the headline act is an exciting announcement for the Warrington Festival organisers. Chris Persoglio, Venue and Events Manager for Culture Warrington, stated: “I am pleased we’ve been able to secure an artist as successful and internationally recognised as Pixie Lott to perform during the Warrington Festival. I am in no doubt that tickets will prove extremely popular for what will be a great event in Bank Park, Warrington.”

Warrington Festival has been designed for people to celebrate sport, culture and entertainment across the borough. The festivities consist of 25 events over 25 days and have been organised by a group of partners Including; Warrington Borough Council, LiveWire, Contest Sports, Warrington Wolves, Culture Warrington, and Warrington & Co to name a few. Events are set to attract a broad range of attendees from across the region into Warrington.

For further information including the latest event confirmation, volunteering and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.warringtonfestival.co.uk.

Rita Ora added to the Radio City Summer Live line-up

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: ACC Liverpool

Radio City has announced that popular singer and new X-factor judge Rita Ora will be heading to Liverpool to perform at their Summer Live music event at the Echo Arena on Saturday July 18.

Chris Rick, Radio City Content Controller, commented: "We are really pleased to confirm that one of the UK’s finest pop stars, the phenomenal Rita Ora, is heading to Radio City Summer Live this July! A year on from her sensational chart-topper ‘I Will Never Let You Down’, Rita has returned in style with her colossal and extremely addictive new single ‘Poison’. It’s going to sound awesome when she performs that single in front of thousands at Radio City Summer Live. Due to scheduling difficulties unfortunately Dappy will no longer be appearing at the event."

Rita joins Nick Jonas, John Newman, Little Mix, Stereo Kicks, Ella Eyre, Mr Probz, Alesha Dixon, Rixton, Years & Years and Taio Cruz at what is set to be Liverpool’s biggest Summer gig with some of the biggest names in pop music.

For further information about the show and ticket information, visit www.echoarena.com/whats-on/radio-city-summer-live/.

A$AP Rocky and Wiz Khalifa announce ‘16 Day Trip’ UK arena tour

A$AP and Wiz Khalifa

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: ACC Liverpool

Live Nation are thrilled to announce that two of hip-hop’s most formidable talents, A$AP Rocky and Wiz Khalifa, are joining forces for a co-headline arena tour of the UK this October, including a visit to Echo Arena Liverpool on Wednesday October 14. Tickets go on sale at 09.00 on Friday July 3.

With two #1 albums on the Billboard charts and unanimous praise from media and fans alike, A$AP Rocky has firmly cemented himself as one of the most critically acclaimed rappers in the game. His most second studio album, ‘At. Long. Last. ASAP’, released on 26th May this year. Not only famed for his immense musical talent, he was also recently named one of GQ Magazine’s ’20 Most Stylish Men Alive’.

Currently wowing crowds across the US with Fall Out Boy and Hoodie Allen on the ‘Boyz of Zummer’ tour, Wiz Khalifa is one of the most diverse names in music. He recently released the huge number 1 smash hit “See You Again’ featured on the Furious 7 soundtrack. The song set the record for most streams in a single week in 26 countries including the UK and holds the record for the most-streamed track in a single day on Spotify in the United States (streamed 4.2 million times on April 13, 2015).

Seeing two such phenomenal artists on the same bill is a rare occurrence, so tickets are sure to fly out the door for these dates. Don’t miss out!

Tickets go on sale from 09.00 on Friday July 3. To book tickets, log on to www.echoarena.com or call the Echo Arena Box Office on 0844 8000 400.

Tickets are available over the counter for all Echo Arena events and many other venues across the region, so simply call in to TicketQuarter in Queen Square (Liverpool city centre, located within the Merseytravel office). Tickets are priced from £40.50 (including booking fees); orders are subject to £2.25 handling fees.

Duran Duran coming to Echo Arena in December

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: ACC Liverpool

Duran Duran have announced that they will perform a series of summer festivals, followed by a UK arena tour that kicks off in late November and finishes with a big tour finale on the banks of the Mersey here at Echo Arena on Saturday December 12.

Formed in Birmingham, England in 1978, Duran Duran is one of the most culturally influential and commercially successful bands of all time, topping the charts around the world over the past three decades and selling more than 100 million records worldwide. The band has been honored with multiple Grammy, BRIT, Ivor Novello, and MTV Video Music Lifetime Achievement Awards, as well as a 20th Century Style Icon award from the City of Milan. In July, they will receive the Spotify UK Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s 40th Anniversary O2 Silver Clef.

Alongside news of the tour, Multi-platinum superstars Duran Duran will release their 14th studio album, Paper Gods in the U.S. on September 18 and in the rest of the world on September 11 through Warner Bros. Records.

The songs on Paper Gods capture the duality and sense of conflict at the heart of Duran Duran’s music. “It really goes back to that strange early Duran mix: the hard-edged pop, coexisting with this dark, weird, experimental side,” John says. “That’s something that’s essential to all of us,” Nick adds. “It’s great to be able to lift people’s spirits — and your own — with a strong shot of pure pop, but the world we live in isn’t all just made of that stuff, so it seems natural to me that we have kept one foot in the darker, more Gothic side of life.” The album was mixed by Mark ‘Spike’ Stent. Paper Gods will be available for pre-order and “Pressure Off” will be available for purchase at all participating digital retailers and DuranDuran.com this week.

“We’ve allowed ourselves the time to make music that we can be proud of,” adds Le Bon. “I judge what we release by my favourite albums — Horses, Harvest, Let It Bleed, Blue, Transformer, Aladdin Sane. Those are classic albums. The only rule is it’s got to be music you can live with for the rest of your life.”

Tickets are on sale at 9am on Friday June 19. To book tickets, log on to www.echoarena.com or call the Echo Arena Box Office on 0844 8000 400. Those signed up to receive emails from Echo Arena will have the chance to buy priority tickets 24 hours earlier.

Tickets are available over the counter for all Echo Arena events and many other venues across the region, so just call in to TicketQuarter in Queen Square (Liverpool city centre, located within the Merseytravel office). Tickets prices start from £39.00 (including booking fees), and orders are subject to £2.25 handling fees.

Maroon 5 Cancel Liverpool Show

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: ACC Liverpool

Please see below a statement from the promoter of the Maroon 5 concert which had been scheduled for tonight:

"We are sorry to announce that Maroon 5 have to cancel their show tonight in Liverpool at the Echo Arena.

"Lead singer Adam Levine has been struck down with a throat problem and is unable to perform on doctors’ orders.

"‘I am really sorry to not be able to perform tonight, but I have been told to rest up by the doctor,’ Adam Levine said. ‘As a band we always want to give every performance our all and sadly I just cannot do that tonight.’

"Adam is expected to make a full recovery in the next 36 hours, and so the rest of the tour will not be affected.

"For refunds, please visit point of purchase. All Echo Arena or TicketQuarter customers will be refunded via their credit card over the next few days. Any Echo Arena or TicketQuarter customers that have paid for tickets by cash will be able to receive a refund in person from TicketQuarter in Queen Square from Monday June 1.

"Any queries, please refer to your point of purchase.

"Press queries can be directed to andy.cook@accliverpool.com."

Brazilica announce first wave of bands as part of Fringe Festival

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Brazilica

Marcos Valle confirmed to headline at The Kazimier

Organisers of Liverpool’s hottest summer event, Brazilica, are delighted to reveal details of the first wave of bands signed up to perform as part of this year’s festival, which takes over the streets of Liverpool from  Friday July 17-Sunday July 19.

As part of this year’s festival, there will be a wide selection of fringe events taking place at venues across the city on the weeks building up to the main Carnival weekend.

Brazilian singer, instrumentalist, songwriter and record producer Marcos Valle will be performing at The Kazimier on Wednesday June 24, ahead of his performances at some of the UK’s biggest music festivals this summer, and tickets are on sale now, with a limited number of Early Bird tickets for just £10.

The multi-talented artist has produced over 300 songs spanning across bossa nova, samba and fusions of jazz, soul and dance genres, for artists all over the world including Elis Regina, Tim Maia, Roberto Carlos, Chicago, Sarah Vaughn and Dizzy Gillespie.

During the 90’s in Europe, US and Japan his work was remixed by DJ’s creating a whole new dance floor genre. Having accrued a huge following since his arrival on the music scene, Marcos has had over 20 widely successful albums including Escape and Contrasts and has toured extensively across the globe.

Maeve Morris of Liverpool Carnival Company said: “It has been a dream to have Marcos Valle confirm and be a part of Brazilica. He is an amazing artist and respected all over the world, with an incredible catalogue of albums and musical collaborations and personally I can't wait. It will be a sensational evening and a great start to Brazilica 2015, with plenty more announcements to come.”

There is double excitement as Nubiyan Twist and Afrosamba have also been confirmed, and will be appearing at The Kazimier on Friday July 10.

Leeds and London based 12 piece band Nubiyan Twist, fuse groove driven music from around the world with sound-system culture and jazz inspired improvisation. A culmination of musicians, dj's and producers alike, the band strives to encourage artistic and social unity between different cultures and musical styles.

Over the band's 3 year lifespan they have collaborated with Ruby Wood (Submotion Orchestra) and played alongside the likes of De La Soul, Hot 8 Brass Band and Quantic to name just a few. With two one-off releases under their belt and an EP released October 2014, Nubiyan Twist are now working on their debut album.

Afrosamba, led by singer songwriter and guitarist Pilo Adami, have been part of Brazilica since performing at the first Carnival Queen competition 5 years ago, and organisers are delighted to welcome them back for 2015. The 8-piece band is set to bring an exciting assortment of their mix of traditional and original songs with their own unique blend of Brazilian funk and samba.

Further announcements will be made when entertainment and activities are confirmed.

To get involved in Brazilica Festival 2015 as a media partner, sponsor or volunteer, visit www.brazilicafestival.com.

The Drifters come to St Helens Theatre Royal this May as part of their Rebranded Tour

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: St Helens Theatre Royal

Prism Music Group is pleased to announce that the legacy continues as The Drifters are back with their Rebranded Tour which visits St Helens Theatre Royal for one night only on Friday May 22.

Over 65 members in 62 years the legacy continues with the current line-up. After their unrivalled success on previous world tours they are back with The Rebranded Tour that is the best yet. The Drifters have seen massive chart success on both sides of the Atlantic and across the world, with over 114 million album sales and 214 million singles sales and a vast catalogue of hits, now in their 61st year the dynasty continues. The current line-up have rebranded the Drifters brand with new releases on both of their former labels Atlantic Records 2009 and Sony Music 2011.

Billed as the Rebranded Tour, the concert reflects on the brand through the decades with a two hour show of wall to wall hits and some lesser known back catalogue songs, all a part of the legacy of hits handed down over the years. In this extravaganza of musical celebration with amazing lighting show and a world-class band, a night of pure excellence will be enjoyed by all!

The concert features over 37 original tracks including Under The Boardwalk, Saturday Night At The Movies, Up On The Roof, Kissin In The Back Row, Down on the Beach, More Than A Number In My Little Red Book and some very popular new songs from their recent album ‘La Vie et La’amour’

The world tour runs through to the end of the year with dates in most cities across the UK, which includes St Helens this May!

For more information, visit www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com or www.theofficialdrifters.com.

GIT Award names One To Watch winner

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: GIT Award

Merseyside's GIT Award 2015 names "One To Watch" winner ahead of spectacular Kazmier ceremony on Saturday April 4

With just days to go until the winner of Liverpool’s GIT Award 2015 is announced at the city’s Kazimier venue on Saturday April 4, organisers can reveal the winner of the One to Watch prize is 23-year-old rock & roller Louis Berry.

Huyton-born Louis Berry wins this year’s One To Watch Prize, which is awarded to one emerging artist and selected by the Merseyside judging panel, having released just one track to date, albeit one that was named Radio 1’s ‘hottest record in the world right now.’

Described by Getintothis’ Peter Guy as ‘channelling the energy of Jerry Lee Lewis through the story-telling of Dylan’, Berry follows on from the inaugural One To Watch winner Låpsley who has gone on to sign a deal with XL Recordings and release her critically-acclaimed debut EP earlier this year.

Berry’s debut offering .45 was tipped by national print press and radio and, after playing just two gigs,, he signed a contract at each; a publishing deal following an explosive BBC Introducing set and recording terms after lighting up East Village Arts Club.

Louis has recently been in London recording more tracks ahead of a first full release. Berry will celebrate his One To Watch win with a live performance at the GIT Award 2015 ceremony.

The nominees for the main award are All We Are, Circa Waves, D R O H N E, Gulf, Hooton Tennis Club, Roxanne Jones, Låpsley, Esa Shields, Sundowners, Xam Volo, Jane Weaver and We Are Catchers.

Nine of these will feature in live performances plus specially created visuals at the Kazimier, transformed into an Aztec Jungle for one night only, alongside one-off performances and DJ sets.

The GIT Award this year will be hosted by Impropriety, Liverpool’s premier improvisational comedy group.

Angie Waller, of Impropriety, commented: "Impropriety are overjoyed to be hosting this year's GIT Award. In our true style expect irreverent introductions and heroic stupidity galore."

This year, the Kazimier will transform their unique venue into an exotic Aztec Jungle, with guests encouraged to embrace the theme and dress the part for this invite only event.

The evening will also include entertainment from the spectacular Batala drummers, Arkopsy’s in-house jam band and the Krukthrust DJs.

Joel Murray, GIT Award show producer, said: "The GIT Award represents a kaleidoscopic of music from the Liverpool scene; it has given much desired attention to so many emerging and experimental acts that, otherwise, maybe would not be given the recognition they deserve. It's a pleasure to be working with such talents."

Now in its fourth consecutive year, The GIT (Getintothis) Award, champions the best of Merseyside music providing a snapshot of the year in music, recognising significant artistic achievement across a range of musical styles.

This year’s shortlist was selected by national industry figureheads consisting of Bella Union Records’ Simon Raymonde, The Quietus editor John Doran, Heavenly Recordings’ boss Jeff Barrett, UK Music’s Dot Levine, author and journalist Simon Price, 4AD Records’ Rich Walker, Clash Magazine editor Robin Murray, Jarri Van der Haegen, editor of Belgian buzz blog Disco Naivete, XFM deputy programme manager Mike Walsh and Amazing Radio’s Shell Zenner.

The judging panel was completed by respected Merseyside music players including Liverpool Music Week director Mike Deane, Arts Club manager Victoria Smith, Sound City and Club EVOL promoter Steve Miller, Liverpool International Music Festival curator Yaw Owusu, Bido Lito! editor Christopher Torpey – and GIT Award founder and Liverpool Echo journalist, Peter Guy.

Also on the night, a special Inspiration Award, recognising services to Liverpool’s music industry will also be presented. Previous recipients are Africa Oye (2014), Hillsborough Justice Collective (2013) and The Kazimier (2012).

All awards on the night plus unique commemorative mementoes for all 12 nominees will be created by Liverpool design agency ArchiPhonic while Liverpool Craft Beer will provide refreshments.

GIT Award founder Peter Guy added: “This year’s GIT Award is the most exciting yet – not only have we ten first-time nominees but we’ve a show of great ambition and the Inspiration Award will resonate with not just Scousers but music-lovers around the country. Saturday’s show at the Kazimier is going to be a night that lives long in the memory; the whole of Liverpool will be watching.”

For further details, visit www.getintothis.co.uk.