Becky and the Bands

Horizons set to embark on Independent Venue Week Tour of Wales

23rd Jan 202123rd Jan 2021 by Rebecca Llewellyn ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Horizons are set to embark on their Independent Venue Week Tour of Wales. Between the 25th-31st of January prepare to be enthralled by exciting sets from the incredible new Horizons prodigies, as well as performances by many other Welsh bands, including special appearances from Holding Absence and Junior. As sessions from the artists are streamed online, there is a focus on not just marvellous music talent, but also a spotlight on various venues across Wales.

The Horizons tour will celebrate and champion Independent Venues, in need of as much love and support as we can muster, following the unprecedentedly tough backlash of COVID-19. Although we won’t be attending these glorious Welsh venues in person for now, we can certainly be present in spirit, with Horizons streaming sets at 12pm each day for viewers to enjoy at home.

Immerse yourself in the best new musical talent Wales has to offer, right from the heart of our beloved independent venues. From mountain top Neuadd Ogwen in Bethesda, to the west coast’s Queen’s Hall in Narberth. We journey to the modern Galeri in Caernarfon, and flow into inner city hubs Sin City in Swansea and Le Pub in Newport. Across the upcoming days, Horizons Independent Venue Week Tour of Wales will explore some of our most cherished venues. Celebrating and showcasing their crucial role, fostering the next generation of Welsh music talent.

Bethan Elfyn, Project Manager of Horizons for BBC Wales said:

“We’ve been watching helplessly as Covid-19 has kept venues and theatres from opening, keeping communities that need each other apart, keeping us from watching, supporting and growing talent in Wales, and keeping us from the benefits of wellbeing and personal growth that music brings to life.”

“Independent Venue Week is a chance to celebrate everything about our map of venues around Wales, the maverick producers and promoters behind the venues, and the talent that would normally fill the empty buildings with life. The tour is a celebration of what we have, what we miss, and a nod to the future when we can get back to the community that we’ve missed.”

The line-up of musicians to perform, include hip hop artist Mace the Great, r&b singer Faith, rock band Those Damn Crows, urban siblings Leila McKenzie and K(e)nz, country vocalist Jodie Marie, alternative singer-songwriter and producer Rona Mac, low fi enigma Ennio The Little Brother, Gwilym frontman Ifan Pritchard, blues rock pair Alffa, female duo Body Water, and electro pop artist Malan.

In what will be a rather special but poignant week for music, Horizons are taking the opportunity to bring us closer together. Sharing sets from artists, your stories and our memories of music at its very greatest, as emerging talent has thrived through independent venues. Show your love for your favourite venues by streaming and sharing throughout the week, with Horizons.

Horizons Independent Venue Week Tour of Wales sessions are set to air at 12pm each day online, as well as being available to listen to on BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru.

If that’s not enough, mini documentary series, interviews and unseen sessions with the artists and venues, will also be just a click away through Horizons social media channels.

Horizons Independent Venue Week Tour of Wales is supported by Creative Wales and BBC Introducing.

Press information provided by Bill Cummings of Sound & Vision PR

Mr Bewlay Releases Latest Single ‘Her Name is Juniper’

13th Nov 202013th Nov 2020 by Rebecca Llewellyn ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Bold and charismatic, an intoxicating charm blazes from the flamboyant powerhouse and emerging talent, that is Mr Bewlay. If personality alone is not enough to draw you in, and I dare anyone not to swoon under the spell of this captivating young musician. Latest single ‘Her Name is Juniper’ is the psychedelic spark that will ensure you fall head over heels for this intriguing “mista”.

Owning an eccentric Bowie-esque swagger, Mr Bewlay demands our attention from the very get-go and ‘Her Name is Juniper’ soars with effortless precision. Turning a sharp tongue to lyrics that drip in bubbly lovelorn lust, and pairing them with a melodic soundscape of synths. Showcased is a true showman, impeccably switched on to what sounds good and harnessing the electrifying capabilities of shooting to stardom, with both a driving talent and compelling alter-ego.

Oozing all of the makings of a musical muse, Mr Bewlay is mysterious, wickedly brilliant and devilishly fun. An enchanting character that dominates both their sound and style, ‘Her Name is Juniper’ is the catalyst that will surely send them to the stratosphere.

Having produced a single so strikingly catchy, Mr Bewlay can boast their intent of enchanting any and every listener they ensnare. There is no denying that ‘Her Name is Juniper’ will snake around your mind and invade your brain, nestling itself delightfully into your memory, until its firmly lodged at the top of every playlist and listened to on repeat. It is a chaotically fantastic funhouse, for all of our senses.

For fans of Adam Ant, Mr Bewlay is a musician that exudes such a delectable confidence. Something so inherently appealing is paraded by their utterly compelling uniqueness. A trait that makes them stand out and shine bright, above all others.

There is an overwhelming urge to shout loudly, that Mr Bewlay will soon become the next big thing we will all be talking about, listening to, and loving. Whether it is a result of the magically mesmerising ‘Her Name is Juniper’, or their vibrantly playful personality leading the charge. I for one, cannot wait to watch them skyrocket.

Stream ‘Her Name Is Juniper’ on all platforms now

Follow Mr Bewlay on socials

Pseudo Cool Are The Punk Band We Need Right Now: FEATURE

25th Oct 2020 by Rebecca Llewellyn ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Punk rock is infamous for its love of rebellion. Rule-breaking, non-conformity and an unwavering bold stance in both style and substance. It is a genre that regularly depicts a state of turmoil, and hits back at society with a vengeance. As global politics and the state of the world at large, are currently tipping the scales. There is no denying that punk is the musical outlet we need at the moment.

Eager to shake up society and our music scene, are the fiery Pseudo Cool. Possessing all of the grit and grunge you could desire; this band have a sound that is edgy and untamed. Led by siblings Cathy Bastian (lead vocals, bass) and Lloyd Bastian (backing vocals, guitar), family ties run deep throughout their music. Lead guitarist Dylan Howells, and drummer Shay Bevan complete the lineup.

Bursting out of the South Wales town of Maesteg, Pseudo Cool blazed onto our radar just this year. As 2020 has seen them release not one, but three new singles. All of which have received heavy praise, including backing from BBC Radio Wales and Horizons Cymru, as well as a string of music blogs, publications and podcasts. With tongue-in-cheek lyrical jabs and jangled guitars, Pseudo Cool inject humour into their music. Yet add just enough of that raw punk-bitterness, to sharpen our taste buds.

_{Pseudo Cool are an emerging punk band from Maesteg, South Wales}

First single ‘Modern Man’ released in July, gave us a first glimpse of what to expect from Pseudo Cool. Debuting their edgy punk sound to the world, the band certainly kicked off in style. With unapologetic lyrics poking fun at modern 21^st century masculinity. ‘Modern Man’ is a satirical quip, that delves into the strives and struggles of your everyday relationship. Delivered in a rhythmic blend of riffs, instruments glide along with Cathy Bastian’s muted almost spoken vocals, which interject that brooding tone we adore. Reminiscent of female punk fiends such as Siouxsie and Debbie Harry.

Progressing only further with sophomore single ‘Wrong’, at the end of September. Pseudo Cool rose the tempo of their music higher, breaking previous vocal and instrument boundaries they had set for themselves. As their muted brooding sound, gave way to a punk-rock charm; Bastian flexed her pitches and flaunted her vocal flair on this track, and it is truly a delectable transformation to behold. Proving her to be a multi-tonal, and very capable vocalist. Seeking influence from the likes of Lily Allen, with the grit of popular Dublin newcomers Fontaines D.C.

Exploring every branch of punk is certainly on this band’s agenda, as they prove their worth yet again on latest track ‘I’d Like To Watch’. Released just this month [October], with a sound so ominous and dark, it sizzles from a sinister twist. Abolishing the punk-rock prowess of the predeceasing ‘Wrong’. Pseudo Cool have built a bass-driven track, that is entirely different to the previous two guitar dominated singles. Raw, grungy and heavy, ‘I’d Like To Watch’ reflects the muted brooding of ‘Modern Man’. Although any satirical comedy that was present, is now long gone. Replaced instead with a sensual, simmering atmosphere. Unnerving, yet so deliriously exciting.

_{Artwork: Caitlin Holly Williams (@caitlinhollyart})

Pseudo Cool break the rules, refuse to conform, and stand bold in both their style and substance. Modern rebels of the music scene, their sound embodies the true spirit of punk, and they are a dose of EXACTLY what we need to hear right now. Set to release more singles before the year is out, it appears that the chaos of 2020 has delivered us a band so chaotically brilliant.

Listen to Pseudo Cool on all platforms now!

All tracks were Produced and Mixed by Cody Reynolds-Shaw of Trenova Sound

Follow Pseudo Cool

The Moondogz Release Album ‘What’s Done Is Done’

21st Oct 202020th Oct 2020 by Rebecca Llewellyn ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Meet the Cheshire band, providing all the bite of a classic rock sound, with an intriguing modern twist. The Moondogz tether gritty instrument playing to moody vocal blues, and latest album ‘What’s Done Is Done’ will spark the curiosity of any classic rock fan, and grab the attention of all who dare to listen.

No strangers to the music scene. The Moondogz pack a punch with their 80s influence, and it is clear to hear the adoration they possess for that classic rock style. As a wealth of musical experience has culminated to craft their latest album. The vast amount of hard work and dedication put into it, has clearly paid off. Through progression of their distinct sound, you can feel your skin prickle from the sheer enthusiasm of their energetic guitar playing. Drums clash in time with your heartbeat, and that growl in the vocals of lead singer Anthony Machin, will nestle into your mind for a long time to come.

From the very get go, The Moondogz set the pace of what we can expect to hear from ‘What’s Done Is Done’. As opening track ‘Better Man’ blares out. Rampant guitar playing and a throbbing bass line create music just demanding to be played loud. Whilst lyrics are equally as bold, home to all the brashness of unapologetic rock n’ roll. Although, there is no denying that raucous riffs are what really drive this album forward. Shining in all their furious glory, on tracks such as ‘Leave The Light On’, ‘Summer Rain’ and ‘Running Down a Dream’. These ear-bleedingly heavy focal points, are what make the album such a strong contender for future rock greatness.

Unflinching, loud and choked full of crazed guitars. ‘What’s Done Is Done’ barely catches its breath, from the start to the very finish. It’s one hell of a rollercoaster ride, promising thrills, and certainly delivering them. As The Moondogz plough through grungy rock ballad after ballad. There is a familiarity in their classic rock comforts, yet such braveness in their injection of this beloved sound, straight into 2020. We see a rock n’roll style lace among modern eccentricities, and are introduced to a band that have successfully fused an effortlessly elegant debut rock album.

Stream ‘What’s Done Is Done’ on all platforms now!

Follow The Moondogz

Website