Latest News
Matador Birthday Festival Features The Best Line-Up We've Ever Seen
June 30, 2010
Matador Records has announced just about the best indie rock festival line up of all time, featuring a reunited Guided by Voices, Pavement and Sonic Youth.
The only catch for us, being UK based, is that its taking place a zillion miles away in Las Vegas.
The event (0ct 1-3) is taking place to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the acclaimed US independent label and features some of its most well known artists.
As well as the '93-'96 line up of Guided By Voices, Pavement and Sonic Youth, others in the stellar line up include Belle and Sebastian, Yo La Tengo, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Cat Power, Spoon and The New Pornographers.
As if that wasn't enough the line up so far also features Superchunk, Ted Leo and The Pharmacists, Shearwater and Harlem.
For more information visit here.
Indie Music Set To Storm UK Charts
June 25, 2010
Remember the campaign to make Rage Against Machine number one over Christmas in the UK singles chart?
A new campaign that launches this weekend aims to go not just one but 40 steps further and attempt to get 40 songs by 40 largely unknown, independent artists into the singles charts at the same time.
The final 40 acts have been chosen by panels of music promoters and experts such as Glastonbury Festival organiser Emily Eavis, as well as by public vote.
Music buyers are being urged to buy songs on the list from this weekend. A campaign statement reads: "Starting the Sunday of Glastonbury, we're asking everyone to download as many different songs from the list as they can - and we'll see what happens.
"20 of the songs were chosen in a public vote, and 20 in a separate panel selection process which included involvement from Tracy Morter, Huw Stephens, Emily Eavis, and now John Peel's producer Louise Kattenhorn."
Artists taking part include Tom Williams and the Boat, Steven Finn, Seven Summers, Revere and one of our favourites Woodpigeon.
More information and a full list with clips of all tracks click here.
by Joe Lepper
Glastonbury Latest: Ancient Tor Lit Up At Night To Mark Festival's 40th Anniversary
June 24, 2010
Glastonbury Tor is being lit up for the duration of the Glastonbury Festival, the site's owner the National Trust has announced.
St Michael's Tower on top of the Tor, which is visible from the festival site at nearby Pilton, Somerset, is being lit up from sunset to sunrise until 27 June to mark the 40th anniversary of the festival.
In the spirit of the festival the lights are using low energy technology. Andy Mayled, National Trust General Manager for the Somerset Countryside, said: "It's really exciting to be involved in the Glastonbury Festival in its 40th year and to re-connect the Tor with this fabulous event."
Here's a pic of the lights in action.
Glastonbury Festival: Traffic and Weather Update
June 23, 2010
The roads into the Glastonbury site are gridlocked with queues of up to three hours being predicted on some of the main routes to the Somerset based festival.
According to a latest update from our Somerset correspondent those on the A39 from the M5 can expect to be delayed by three hours. On the A37 festival goers coming from the south can expect delays of 40 minutes. Those on the A37 coming from Bristol are being told they could be delayed for up to an hour and 45 minutes.
The festival site's car parks were opened a day earlier on Tuesday to avoid the traffic chaos of last year, but that looks to have failed to avert gridlock.
Many Mendip District Council workers in nearby Shepton Mallet have been unable to get into work due to the disruption.
Meanwhile the Met Office is predicting good weather for most of the festival, with clear skies until Sunday evening, when rain is predicted to fall. The temperatures throughout the weekend will be around 21 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Have fun, even if you're stuck in traffic. You'll get there in the end.
by the Neonfiller team
Radiohead Album Set For 2010 Release
June 21, 2010
Radiohead's new album could be released as soon as the tail end of 2010, according to the group's guitarist.
Ed O'Brien told UK radio station BBC 6Music that the band are recording the album at the moment with a view to releasing it by the end of the year.
He said: "It'd be great if it came out sometime this year. It's got to. I hope so.We're at the studio at the moment. We're in the heart of the record."
He added that he believes the album could be the band's best yet. "I'm really excited… I feel like this is the best record we ever made. It's very different from what we did last time," he said.
Glastonbury Festival Gates Open Early To Avoid Travel Chaos
June 21, 2010
Glastonbury organisers are opening the gates for festival goers a day earlier this year to avoid a repeat of last year's traffic gridlock on the roads around the Somerset site.
Car parks at the Worthy Farm, Pilton, Somerset site will be open from 9pm on Tuesday (22 June) to enable festival goers to avoid peak traffic times. The quietest times for the shrewdest arrivals will be between 12midnight on June 22 to 5am, although organisers are warning festival goers against travelling if they feel tired.
Last year the festival site opened on the Wednesday before the festival to avoid travel chaos, but more festival goers than anticipated turned up on that day causing huge jams. The problems were compounded by a series of minor road accidents and a deer running loose near the festival site.
Those that take advantage of this year's early bird opening will be confined to the car parks until 8am on the Wednesday, when the main site opens. There will be no food or facilities, other than toilets.
The expectation is that those arriving on Tuesday night will stay in their cars and take the chance to get some rest before the Festival gates open at 8am on Wednesday. No camping is allowed in the car park on the Tuesday night and organisers are further warning those with young children that there are no changing or other facilities for children.
Those arriving without car parking tickets can buy them at the gates, costing £20.
There will also be no drop-off facilities or pedestrian access on Tuesday night but the campervan/caravan fields will also be opening slightly earlier this year, with access available from the Tuesday afternoon.
More information here.
Fleet Foxes Singer's Sinus Problem Could Delay New Album
May 28, 2010
Progress in completing the new Fleet Foxes album may be delayed after it emerged that lead singer Robin Pecknold has a "persistent singing ruining sinus problem" that could require surgery.
The good news though is that the album is about to enter the mixing stage and in an update via the band's Facebook page Pecknold hopes that surgery can be avoided and the album will be on schedule for a release later this year.
Pecknold said: "And a quick recording update - we have the dates booked for mixing, but I might need to get a minor surgery to deal with a persistent singing-ruining sinus problem. If that's the case, it'll be a few weeks of recovery. Here's hoping I don't need it and we can finish this thing soon!"
Gorillaz To Replace U2 at Glastonbury
May 26, 2010
The Glastonbury Festival organisers have announced that U2's Friday night Pyramid Stage headline slot will be taken by Gorillaz.
According to the Glastonbury organiser Michael Eavis, the band called him offering their services once the news about U2 had broken.
It had widely been expected that either Coldplay or Led Zepplin would take the slot. U2 had been forced to pull out after lead singer Bono suffered a sudden back injury.
Eavis said: "This is going to be Gorilllaz' only UK festival appearance, and it'll be a massive audio visual spectacle which will really ignite the Pyramid on the Friday night, with Muse, then Stevie Wonder to follow.
"I'm very excited about Gorillaz' show coming here because they're so open to guests and collaborations. The alchemy of Friday's show is going to be astonishing: a perfect, contemporary way to kick off the 40th anniversary celebrations.
"I am so grateful for the enthusiasm of the media and the whole of the music industry for their willingness and eagerness to support us in what could have been a crisis."
Here's some gibberish from the band to add more detail.
Murdoc from Gorillaz said: "We're like some great big horrible warship pulling in to the Bay of Glastonbury to save the day. It was us or The Beatles and they split up years ago. The previous soldiers got pulled from duty last minute so it's up to my Plastic Beach naval cavalry to sail in and sort the battlefield out. I can assure you though, I'm bringing extra troops. Loads of them. Glastonbury will be ours…cutlasses drawn, trumpets ready. We're coming in…"
by Joe Lepper
U2 pull out of Glastonbury Festival
May 25, 2010
Glastonbury Festival organisers have confirmed that U2 have been forced to pull out of this year's event due to singer Bono's recent spinal injury.
Bono has had surgery on the condition and now needs two months rehabilitation, which has ruled him out of the band's headline slot at the 40th anniversary event next month.
According to the Glastonbury Festival website Bono called organiser Michael Eavis to deliver the news this week.
Bono said: "I'm heartbroken. We really wanted to be there to do something really special - we even wrote a song especially for the Festival."
Eavis added: "It was obvious from our telephone conversation that U2 are hugely disappointed. Clearly, they were looking forward to playing the Pyramid Stage as much as we were looking forward to watching them.
"At this point, we have no comment to make about possible replacements for U2's Friday night slot. Instead, we would simply like to send Bono our very best wishes for a full and speedy recovery."
Speculation is now mounting regarding a replacement. Led Zepplin and Coldplay are two names in the frame.
Neon Filler says: But perhaps a cheaper option may be better. Why not just bump Dizzee Rascal up the bill and donate the money that would have been trousered by the likes of Chris Martin and Jimmy Page to charity? After all the controversial choice of rapper Jay Z as a headliner for the festival ended up being more successful than critics and Noel Gallagher had feared.
by Joe Lepper
School Children To Compose Joy Division Symphony As Tribute To Ian Curtis
May 18, 2010
School pupils and the Northern Chamber Orchestra are to team up to pay an unusual tribute to Ian Curtis, the Joy Division frontman who died 30 years ago this month.
Members of the orchestra are to work with pupils from the band's hometown of Macclesfield, teaching them the music of Joy Division.
A concert of the pupils and orchestra's specially composed Joy Division symphony will then be staged during a festival taking place in Macclesfield during the summer to celebrate the work of Ian Curtis and Joy Division.
Festival director Richard de Peyer said: "Macclesfield has never had the opportunity to celebrate Ian Curtis's work in a way which benefits the communities of the town and also attracts music fans from far and wide. This summer seemed like the right moment to do that."
Helen Quayle, the orchestra's co-ordinator said the music's sparse quality and simple melodies are perfect for teaching children about music.
She added: "The kids can understand and take elements of that and write for a string quartet using the same technique."
May 18, 2010
Foals are to tour the UK at the end of the year to promote their second album Total Life Forever. The run starts in October in Leeds and ends in London on 12 November.
Here's the list of dates in full:
October (dates in brackets)
O2 ACADEMY Leeds (29)
ACADEMY Manchester (30)
HMV PICTURE HOUSE Edinburgh (31)
November
O2 ACADEMY Glasgow (2)
O2 ACADEMY Birmingham (3)
O2 ACADEMY Bristol (4)
OCK CITY Nottingham (6)
GUILDHALL Southampton (7)
DOME Brighton (8)
UEA Norwich (10)
ENGINE SHED Lincoln (11)
O2 BRIXTON ACADEMY London (12)
The Kings Of Rock Are dead (well, almost), Long Live The Queens of Pop
May 6, 2010
Pop music's share of all singles sold in the UK has overtaken rock music for the first time, according to figures released by the Official Charts Company.
In 2009 33.5% of singles, released by artists such as Lady GaGa and La Roux, were classed as pop. Meanwhile rock singles, by those such as Kings of Leon (pictured) and Kasabian, could only muster a 24.5% share.
This is a dramatic reversal of 2008's figures when rock's share of singles sales was 31% and pop's was 28%.
Geoff Taylor, chief executive of music industry body BPI, said: "There's no doubting that 2009 was a vintage year for pop - some fantastic records led to a strong performance by the genre in both albums and singles."
Pop is also making inroads into rock's share of album sales in the UK, the figures reveal.
Pop's share of UK album sales was 29% in 2009, up from 25% the previous year. In sharp contrast rock's share fell from 35.7% to 31% during the same period.
Sun Kil Moon To Release Fourth Album, Plus Bonus Covers CD
April 27, 2010
Sun Kil Moon, will be releasing their fourth album on July 13, called Admiral Fell Promises.
As with debut Ghosts of the Great Highway and 2008's April, the album will feature original tracks, rather than covers.
The band, which is fronted by Red House Painters' Mark Kozelek, is well known for their stunning acoustic cover versions and dedicated a whole album, Tiny Cities, to covers of Modest Mouse tracks.
On their website Sun Kil Moon has announced that those buying the album direct through their record company Caldo Verde Records will get a bonus EP featuring a set of typically unusual newly recorded covers, including takes on The Jackson 5 and Stereolab.
The album is likely to attract a few more fans of the big thumb and square eye variety after April's 'Heron Blue' was used to remarkable effect recently in a trailer for the computer game Gears of War 3.
By Joe Lepper
Neonfiller Launches On Facebook - Launch Week Features Broken Social Scene, The National and Devo
April 23, 2010
We've just launched on Facebook, which has given us a chance to put up some more links and news from other sites at a faster rate than our little hands can type for this website.
Feel free to press the like button on our Facebook page, via this link, to get all our latest updates.
Meanwhile here's a quick round up of what we've been blathering on about in Facebook world this week.
There's been Broken Social Scene's Letterman appearance this week.
Also we've been featuring some classic new wave clips from the likes of New Order, Devo and The B-52s, news of Billy Bragg's encounter with fascists and some free, legal streams from the likes of The National to ease those Digital Economy Bill blues.
by Joe Lepper
April 21, 2010
Paul McCartney has gone indie, after announcing he will move his post Beatles catalogue from music giant EMI to Los Angeles based indie label Concord Music Group.
The deal comes after Concord released the ex-Beatles' 2007 album Memory Almost Full and his 2009 CD/DVD Good Evening New York City.
Moving over to Concord will be McCArtney's work with Wings, including 'Band on the Run', as well as solo material. The deal amounts to around 24 albums.
McCartney said: "Since the release of Memory Almost Full in 2007, I've had a good working relationship with Concord and enjoyed our mutual love of music."
This year will see the 40th anniversary release of McCartney's first solo album, called McCartney.
Glastonbury Full Line And Schedule Revealed
April 15, 2010
The full Glastonbury line-up has been revealed and features Snoop Dogg, Willie Nelson and Vampire Weekend.
It was widely anticipated that Snoop Dogg would be appearing at the event, which will be headlined by Muse, Stevie Wonder and U2 and takes place in Somerset, UK, on 23-27 June.
Others in the line up include MGMT, The Flaming Lips, The Hold Steady, Grizzly Bear, Broken Social Scene and Scissor Sisters, who will play on the main stage before Muse.
Florence and the Machine and The National are also among the acts confirmed. This year's event is the 40th anniversary of the festival.
Glastonbury organiser Michael Eavis said: ""This is it! The most staggering line up to match the 40-year reputation of the festival."
For the full line up click here.
BBC 6Music Could Be Saved And Rebranded As Radio 2 Extra
April 12, 2010
Speculation is mounting that the UK's only national alternative music radio station BBC 6 Music could be saved.
The station is facing the axe as part of a BBC cost cutting exercise. But according to media reports this week it is understood that BBC bosses have caved into widespread public outrage at the planned closure and have thrown the station a life line.
Under the rumoured plans the station could be rebranded as Radio 2 Extra, bringing it under the same roof as the corporation's Radio 2 brand that is aimed at older listeners.
It is understood that under the new name the station will retain many of its existing DJs and playlist, which combines vintage BBC sessions with new alternative music.
Among those to oppose the closure are David Bowie and Lily Allen. Even the BBC Trust, which oversees the BBC admitted that the station was "distinctive and well liked".
The radio industry is also impressed with BBC 6Music. The station received seven Sony award nominations. Lauren Laverne and Jarvis Cocker were among the DJs to be up for a Sony gong, which is the UK radio equivalent of the Oscars.
The rumoured rebrand has divided opinion among the 173,000 supporters of the station who have signed up to a Facebook group calling for it to be saved.
Chris Mackey said: "Job done then. BBC 2 extra. happy days!"
However, Simon James Chaplin is less keen. He said: "Radio 2 is neither nor fish nor fowl in my view. It is an oldies station, a light entertainment station."
by Joe Lepper
UK Government 'Rushes Through' Tough Anti-Music Piracy Law
April 8, 2010
The UK government has been criticised for rushing through a tough new law to combat music piracy.
The Digital Economies Bill aims to give internet service providers powers to clamp down on music pirates. Those persistent offenders who ignore three warnings face having their internet disconnected under the new law.
It was feared by supporters of the bill, such as the Creative Industries Coalition, that it would run out of time and fail to become law due to the general election being called this week.
But MPs yesterday (April 7) passed the bill at its crucial second reading in the House of Commons paving the way for it to become law.
Opponents of the bill are concerned that it gives ISPs and the media regulator Ofcom too much power to monitor internet activity and remove connections without appeal.
There is also concern that debate surrounding the bill was stifled in the rush to place it on the statute book.
Guardian blogger James Graham said: "You would be hard pressed to find a better example of how broken our current political system is than the passage of the digital economy bill through parliament.
"A vast sprawling bill made to order on behalf of the so-called creative industries in the face of opposition from pretty much everyone else."
In a plea to MPs the Creative Industries Coalition took out a full page advert ahead of the second reading.
It said: "The Digital Economy Bill is a sensible approach to tackling online piracy," adding that, "more than 250,000 jobs could be directly at risk if immediate action is not taken against the huge growth in online piracy. We must not let this opportunity pass."
Gang Of Four To Sell Their Blood To Pay For New Album
April 8, 2010
Leeds punk legends Gang of Four are to sell their own blood to fund their latest album, called Content.
The band are to offer their own blood in vials as well as items such as a scratch 'n' sniff book with genuine punk smells and artwork featuring the band as extras with the album.
Guitarist Andy Gill admitted that the blood idea depends of whether health and safety experts give it the green light.
Guitarist Andy Gill told BBC 6Music: "We're having discussions with health and safety to find out what percentage of our actual blood we're allowed to put in there."
Other items being sold by the group to pay for promoting the album, via the Pledge Music site, include a Walkman decorated by the group and containing a cassette of their first ever gig in 1977 on one side and the new album on the other. This item will cost fans £175.
The group is also offering tickets to travel in a helicopter with the band to the Glastonbury Festival this year.
The band are hoping to raise £50,000 from the the sale of their blood and merchandise to cover the cost of promoting the album.
Referring to major record labels Gill said: "If you go to them, they'll give you a very small royalty, they'll own the copyright and they want to take income from every aspect of everything you do. And who wants to do that?"
"The only way forward is to self-release," he added.
Libertines Play First Gig In Six Years and Talk Reading/Leeds
April 1, 2010
The Libertines have played their first gig since splitting in 2004, at a press conference staged in a London pub.
The band, who are set to play the Reading and Leeds festivals in the UK in August, played a short set, which included the song 'Can't Stand Me Now' that refers to the turbulent relationship between the band's frontmen Pete Doherty and Carl Barat.
The band, which also includes bassist John Hassall and drummer Gary Powell, said they will not play any new material at the Leeds and Reading gigs .
Doherty said at the press conference/gig, which took place on March 31: "Looking back on it, we did produce things we are so proud of and we want to get back to that."
The band also hinted that they could stay together following the summer festival gigs.
Doherty said: "I'm dying to play some of those songs with the boys and get some new things done."
Barat added: "Four months is a long time for the Libertines, so whatever happens happens. We're going to see how it goes. If it works, it works."
Since the band split Doherty formed Babyshambles and Barat formed Dirty Pretty Things.
Julian Cope and Field Music To Play Belle and Sebastian ATP
March 29, 2010
Julian Cope, Field Music (pictured) and Frightened Rabbit are among the first acts confirmed for Belle and Sebastian's curated ATP festival.
The event takes place this December (10-12) at Butlins, Minehead, UK and tickets have gone on sale from this week.
Others confirmed for the event are Howlin' Rain, Those Dancing Days and The Vaselines.
Belle and Sebastian along with Mogwai curated the Bowlie Weekender in Minehead in 1999, which was the precursor for the ATP Festivals that ran from 2000 onwards and specialise in inviting guest curators to handle line-ups.
Belle and Sebastian's Bowlie weekender line up in 1999 included Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Flaming Lips, Divine Comedy and Cornelius.
On April 9 ATP is due to announce the guest curators and first bands for another festival for December at the same venue and set to take place 3-5 Dec.
Tickets for the Belle and Sebastian event, called Bowlie2 will be priced at £165 for room only per person and £175.
For more information visit: http://www.atpfestival.com/
Belle and Sebastian To Curate ATP Festival in the UK This Winter
March 26, 2010
Belle and Sebastian have signed up to curate an ATP Festival this December.
Early bird tickets for ATP customers have gone on sale this weekend and general tickets will go on sale on Monday (Mar 29), when the first acts that have been signed up are also set to be named.
The event takes place 10-12 December this year at Butlins, Minehead.
Belle and Sebastian, who are releasing a new album this year, have been chosen as part of ATP's 10th anniversary celebrations.
The band along with Mogwai curated the Bowlie Weekender in Minehead in 1999, which was the precursor for the ATP Festivals that ran from 2000 onwards and specialise in inviting guest curators to handle line-ups.
Belle and Sebastian's Bowlie weekender line up in 1999 included Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Flaming Lips, Divine Comedy and Cornelius.
ATP is also due to announce the guest curators and line up for another festival for December at the same venue, set to take place 3-5 Dec.
Tickets for the Belle and Sebastian event, called Bowlie2 will be priced at £165 and £175 per person.
For more information click here.
Big Star's Alex Chilton Dies Aged 59
March 19, 2010
Alex Chilton, the singer and guitarist with Big Star and the Box Tops, has died aged 59.
He is understood to have experienced heart problems and died this week in hospital in New Orleans.
John Fry, owner of Memphis based Ardent Studios and a friend of Chilton, said his death was sudden and unexpected.
Big Star's drummer Jody Stephens is quoted in Memphis' Commercial Appeal as saying, "I don't have a lot of particulars, but they kind of suspect that it was a heart attack."
Chilton was one of the most influential figures in modern music and was the inspiration for a host of bands and artists ranging from Graham Coxon, Yo La Tengo, Elliot Smith and Teenage Fanclub.
The Replacements even wrote the song Alex Chilton in his honour on their album Pleased to Meet Me.
Chilton started off as a conventional teen pop star with the Box Tops in the 1960s. He re-emerged in the 1970s with Big Star, whose music continues to influence bands today.
His death comes just days before Big Star was due to perform at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas.
During their 1970s heyday Big Star produced just three studio albums, #1 Record, Radio City and Third/Sister Lovers, which have all been placed on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
by Joe Lepper
Eddy Grant Claims Gorillaz Ripped Him Off
March 15, 2010
80s reggae legend Eddy Grant is claiming that the Gorillaz have ripped off one of his tunes on their latest album Plastic Beach.
Grant, whose hits include 'Electric Avenue', says that the Gorillaz single 'Stylo' has an uncanny resemblance to his song 'Time Warp'.
In an email sent to the media Grant says: "I am outraged that the Gorillaz have infringed the copyright of my song 'Time Warp' claiming their song 'Stylo' to be an original composition. My song sits almost note to note with their release and is a blatant rip off. "Time Warp" is a very popular song and has been a staple of the DJ scene for many years and I feel total disrespect from Gorillaz and their management company, especially as they are an established act."
He continues…."I am very angry that this was not picked up by our mutual publisher EMI's administration division. I do not blame my publishers but, the state of the industry at the current time with all labels and publishers folding into one and becoming incestuous. It's such an obvious copy that from day one the band and their management should have taken control of this situation with EMI Publishing. I would like the outcome to be that the band admits that they have lifted my song, that I have a full credit for the song and an apology from the band."
Here's a clip of both…..you decide, is it a rip off or not?
Tributes Paid To Sparklehorse's Linkous
March 8, 2010
Tributes are being paid to Mark Linkous, the Sparklehorse frontman who committed suicide over the weekend.
Singer-songwriter Linkous was one of the most renowned indie and alt country artists, releasing four albums between 1995 and 2006 as Sparklehorse.
It has been reported that he shot himself in an alley outside a friend's home in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was just 47.
In a statement Mark's family said: "It is with great sadness that we share the news that our dear friend and family member, Mark Linkous, took his own life today.
"We are thankful for his time with us and will hold him forever in our hearts. May his journey be peaceful, happy and free. There's a heaven and there's a star for you."
Fans have also been paying tribute. Commenting on Sparklehorse's Facebook site Orla Russell-Conway said: "It was with very great sadness that I learned of Mark's passing today. I will forever appreciate the gifts he has given us in the form of his music & his very unique worldview, and hope his family & friends find help & solace to get them through this difficult time. He will be sorely missed.
Another fan Seth Mittendorf said: "Godspeed to your beautiful soul... you will be missed, but your music will be cherished forever."
Linkous never achieved commercial success but his albums received worldwide critical acclaim. He also collaborated with an eclectic range of artists including Danger Mouse, PJ Harvey and Tom Waits.
In recent years his life had been beset with tragedy. He survived an overdose of valium and antidepressants, while on tour in 1996. He momentarily died before being revived and was left with leg injuries that never fully healed.
His recent collaboration with Danger Mouse and the director David Lynch on the album and photobook Dark Night of the Soul was delayed by legal problems with EMI. Only last week producer Danger Mouse announced that these had been resolved and the album would be released at a later date.
According to his management Linkous was in the process of completing material for a new Sparklehorse album and was planning on setting up a studio in Knoxville to complete the project.
Radiohead's O'Brien Is Latest Star To Call For 6Music To Be Saved
March 4, 2010
Radiohead's Ed O'Brien is the latest musician to call for the BBC to rethink its decision to axe 6Music, the UK's only national new and alternative music radio station.
The BBC is planning to close the station next year in a bid to cut costs and streamline its services.
A public consultation has been launched surrounding the move and on the band's Facebook page O'Brien has revealed he has written to the BBC calling for the station to be saved.
His response says: "I, along with a vast number of other musicians, music industry types and real music fans, are completely shocked and baffled by this news. I wonder if those who made this decision are actually aware of the hugely important role that 6 music plays in fostering and promoting new bands, as well as still playing the likes of the band that I am in.
"It literally is the radio lifeblood for music outside of the mainstream. Not to denigrate Radio's 1 and 2, but it really is the only station that puts music first, and that's from a punters point of view and not some bloke in a band. Nowhere else can you hear an archived session track from T Rex juxtaposed next to Midlake's latest release. As David Bowie, put it ... it keeps the spirit of John Peel alive."
If you would also like to air your concerns follow this link here.
by Joe Lepper
Hope Emerges That BBC 6Music Could Be Saved
March 3, 2010
Hope has emerged that the UK's only national, alternative music radio station BBC 6 Music could be saved.
The BBC wants to axe the station as part of a wide reaching cost cutting drive. The plans, which were unveiled this week, are now open to public consultation, leaving the slimmest of chances of a U-turn.
But last night (March 2) the BBC Trust chairman Sir Michael Lyons indicated that if there is a large enough public backlash he would ask the BBC management to rethink axing the much loved station.
According to the Guardian, Sir Michael said: "If we find that... there's massive public concern that we need to take account of then we will go back to the director general to rethink the strategy before it's approved."
The planned closure of 6Music sparked a furious response from musicians, music fans and trade unions. Around 100,000 have now joined the Save6music Facebook group.
Neonfiller says: Signing petitions and sending views to the BBC is now more important than ever. What looked like a lost cause now presents a golden opportunity for people power to prevail.
See Also: Details of how to register your views , Where Next for 6Music's army of alternative music fans?
BBC Confirms 6Music Closure Plans
March 2, 2010
The BBC has confirmed that 6Music will be axed as part of a radical overhaul of the corporation's output.
Despite a hard fought campaign on Facebook on Twitter that was backed by celebrities such as La Roux and Keith Allen the BBC has finally confirmed that it wants to close the new music focused station.
Much loved by alternative music fans the station is home to the BBC's extensive archive of live music sessions and showcases a raft of new acts.
In unveiling the report that details the changes called Putting Quality First, director general Mark Thompson said that the corporation had become too large. The report is now being put out for public consultation, leaving the slimmest of possibilities of a change of heart. If you want to make your views known to the BBC we urge you to sign this petition or complain directly to the BBC via this link. At the time of writing the petition had gathered 21,000 signatures and aims to collect 100,000.
Among the musicians to criticise the move is David Bowie. He said: "'6 Music keeps the spirit of broadcasters like John Peel alive and for new artists to lose this station would be a great shame."
See Also: Where next for 6Music's army of alternative music fans?
Neonfiller Comment: Where next for 6Music's displaced army of alternative music fans?
Feb 26, 2010
The BBC's expected decision to axe 6Music is a smack in the face to alternative music fans and their never ending search for new and interesting music.
Sure, the broadcaster still has Radio 1 to focus on new music, but since its target audience is teenagers and its breadth of music is so broad it is unlikely to appeal to 6Music's displaced army of alternative music fans.
Radio 2 is another option, but as part of its review the BBC wants to see this station attract more pensioners than 6Music's core 25 to 40 year-old audience. The corporation recently announced that Jamie Callum will get his own jazz show to appeal to the older market. It is therefore unlikely that Radio 2 will become the new home to much loved and knowledgeable 6Music DJs such as Adam and Joe, Marc Riley and Gideon Coe.
Radio 2 will have some enclaves for new, alternative music. 6Music's drive time presenter Steve Lamacq has a show on Radio 2 from 11pm to midnight on Wednesdays focusing on new and unsigned bands. But it is just an hour.
So what is left for alternative music fans aged between 25 and 40 in the UK? It could be argued that the demise of 6Music is a victory for the commercial media, which is desperate for a bigger slice of this age group's income and appeal to advertisers.
But can the national commercial radio sector fill the gap left by 6Music? Certainly not at the moment. So-called alternative music station XFM does operate on the digital network. But its brand of indie-pop is as bland as bland can be, focusing too much on established acts like Kasabian and Arctic Monkeys. The network needs to get much better at promoting new and more obscure bands if it is to appeal to 6Music fans.
For me I'm going abroad via the internet for my listening should 6Music finally meet its maker. Canada's excellent Radio3, which features new tracks this week from The New Pornographers and Broken Social Scene, and Australia's Triple J beckon. At least in those countries new and alternative music is given a good home.
There is a chance of an 11th hour reprieve for 6Music The BBC governors are yet to make their final decision, but it is a slender chance. Join this campaign group here to voice your concerns. We alternative music fans still live in hope. We have to, there's nowhere else on the airwaves for us to go.
by Joe Lepper
BBC To Close Down New Music Radio Station 6 Music
Feb 26, 2010
UK national radio station BBC 6 Music will definitely close, according to media reports.
The digital radio station which champions new alternative music and is home to the BBC's extension archive of sessions and live sets, had been facing the axe as part of a cost cutting review at the corporation.
According to a report in The Times 6 Music and another specialist station, the Asian Network, will definitely close.
The BBC's director-general Mark Thompson, will announce that the corporation is too large and needs to cut down its ouput.
A report, which includes the recommendation to close 6Music, will be considered by the BBC's governors and a final decision will be made public next month (March).
Neon Filler says: The decision to close 6 Music will come as a massive blow to UK music fans. The station is a favourite with this website, not only for showcasing new bands but providing a chance to listen again to classic sessions from legendary BBC DJs such as John Peel.
Arctic Monkeys Want Homme For Album No. Four
Feb 25, 2010
Arctic Monkeys are keen to work with Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme again on their next album.
Homme produced their third album, last year's Humbug, which showcased a darker, more epic sound for the Sheffield band.
In an interview with BBC 6 Music Arctic Monkey's drummer Matt Helders said: "He promised he'd call, but he's a busy man. We had a great time. We'd love to work with him again in some capacity. It depends. When we're ready to record again, he might be as well, but you know what he's like, he's a very busy man and in demand."
Helders was speaking at this year's NME Awards where the Arctic Monkeys beat Homme's other band Them Crooked Vultures to scoop the best live act award.
The band also confirmed they will not play the Glastonbury Festival this year, preferring to wait until their next album is recorded.
T in the Park Line Up Announced
Feb 23, 2010
Kasabian, Muse and Eminem are to headline the T in The Park festival in Scotland this year.
Taking place from July 9-11 in Kinross-shire the line up also includes Canadian supergroup Broken Social Scene, Dirty Projectors, Vampire Weekend and Florence and the Machine.
Here's a list of the other artists that have been confirmed.
30 Seconds To Mars
Black Eyed Peas
Biffy Clyro
Black Mountain
Calvin Harris
Carl Cox
David Guetta
Dizzee Rascal
Ellie Goulding
Empire of the Sun
Erol Alkan
Faithless
Fake Blood
Four Tet
Goldfrapp
Gossip
Jay-Z
John Mayer
La Roux
Mayer Hawthorne and The County
Newton Faulkner
Paolo Nutini
Plastikman
Rise Against
Skunk Anansie
Slam
Stereophonics
The Cribs
The Coral
The Courteeners
The Proclaimers
The Prodigy
The Stranglers
The Temper Trap
The View
Two Door Cinema Club
Wolfmother
EMI Denies Abbey Road Sell-Off Rumours
Feb 22, 2010
EMI has rejected claims that it is to sell off its famous Abbey Road studios in London to ease its financial problems.
The record giant says it has no intention of selling the studios and last year rejected an offer for the building last year. It adds that it is looking to improve the site and is working on securing investment to carry out a "revitilisation project," at the studios.
It had been feared that EMI, which posted a £1.75bn loss for the year to March 2009, would sell off the studios. A Facebook campaign had been set up calling for a rethink.
The company says in a statement: "In response to recent press speculation, EMI confirms that it is holding preliminary discussions for the revitalisation of Abbey Road with interested and appropriate third parties.
"Abbey Road studios had, for a number of years, been losing money and we have developed plans to revitalise the studios. These plans would involve a substantial injection of new capital."
The studios are famous as the location where the Beatles recorded the majority of their albums. The Fab Four even named one of their albums after the studios. Others to have used it include Pink Floyd, Blur and even the composer Sir Edward Elgar.
Outrage After Google Closes Music Blogs
Feb 12, 2010
Music bloggers have hit out after Google closed down a number of sites amid allegations of copyright infringement.
The sites, including Pop Tarts Suck Toasted, I Rock Cleveland, Masala and It's A Rap, that used Google's Blogger and Blogspot services were closed by Google, which said their use of MP3s contravened the Digital Millennium Copyright Act in the US.
Google said, via its own blog, that: "Our current policy is that when we receive a DMCA complaint, we: Notify the blogger about the complaint by e-mail and on the Blogger dashboard. Reset the offending post to 'draft' status, allowing the blogger to remove the offending content.
"When we receive multiple DMCA complaints about the same blog, and have no indication that the offending content is being used in an authorized manner, we will remove the blog."
The decision has left some of the affected blogs confused as Google has not specified which MP3s contravene copyright laws. Many say that labels, bands and promoters supply the MP3s themselves and that Google's decision came without warning.
Masala co-founder Guillaume Decouflet told UK newspaper The Guardian, that "Google is treating bloggers like big brother. Shoot first, ask questions after."
Another, Pop Tarts Suck Toasted , has since relocated and posted an item entitled "Top Ten Tunes That Probably Got Me Booted Off Blogger." The blog has also posted a zip file of all ten tracks.
The item says: "At this point you all probably know about the ordeal a bunch of Blogger users have gone through in the past few days. Here's what the songs we think could have been the culprit!!! Oh, and I'm not stupid enough to post these songs again, but I am stupid enough to give you a ZIP file of all ten!!!"
The tracks include The Who - "My Generation". Pop Tarts Suck Toasted says of this track: "After showing us how old they really are on Super Bowl Sunday, me calling them old farts a few days earlier must have really stung!"
Since the closures Google has admitted it has made a mistake with one of the sites. It says it has "identified one case where a blogger did not receive notification of any DMCA complaints before their blog was removed. We're sorry about this.
"We've contacted the blog owner and restored their blog, effective immediately, and we fixed the bug that caused the termination without prior notification. We're also looking into additional preventative protections. We know the DMCA process can be difficult to navigate, and we're working on ways to make this process as smooth as possible."
Feb 4, 2010
More than 12,000 people have joined a Facebook campaign to save BBC 6 Music, the UK national new music radio station that is facing possible closure.
The BBC, which is funded through a licence fee, is reviewing its music radio output, including 6 Music, and there are rumours that the station could be closed.
It is understood that the BBC is facing pressure from polticians to curb its spending and digital media ambitions.
The digital radio station, which also plays classic BBC music archive sessions from DJs such as the late John Peel, costs around £7m to run and attracts 620,000 listeners a week.
The Facebook page, which has been set up to urge politicians and the BBC to continue funding the station, says: "The Trust could argue that 6's audience reach doesn't justify its expense. This is a group for listeners of this iconic radio station to air their thoughts and demand that it be left on the airwaves, championing new music and cherishing the old."
Neonfiller says: We urge you to join this group and let the BBC know the valued role 6Music plays in championing new bands.
Link: Facebook campaign to save 6Music
Men At Work Copied 'Down Under' From Girl Guides Song
Feb 4, 2010
Australian band Men at Work have been ordered to pay out millions of pounds after a court ruled they had plagarised their hit 'Down Under' from a song written for a girl guides jamboree in the 1930s.
The band and their label EMI were told that the track was far too similar to 'Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree', which was written by school teacher Marion Sinclair for a guides jamboree in 1935.
The court case came after the song's copyright holder Larrikin Music saw a TV show item which compared it with the Men at Work hit.
The judge ruled that although the two songs were significantly different the melody had been substantially reproduced.
He said: "I have come to the view the flute riff in the 'Down Under' recording infringes on the copyright of 'Kookaburra' because it replicates in material form a substantial part of Ms Sinclair's 1935 work."
Liam's Post Oasis Album Could Be Out By July
Jan 28, 2010
Liam Gallagher has announced that his first post-Oasis album could be available as early as July.
His as yet unnamed band, which includes guitarist Gem Archer and bassist Andy Bell, has now penned eight songs and is ready to start recording from April.
Liam told radio station XFM, "We're going in [the studio] in April with a producer, we're going to do three songs with him and if he doesn't balls it up and we don't balls it up then we'll go in and do the whole album with him."
He couldn't go the full interview without a barbed comment about his brother and former bandmate Noel and talked of his frustration at Oasis only putting out seven studio albums in their 16 years on the planet.
He said. "Obviously Noel wanted a bit of time off and we don't. The band split in August -- we was in the studio in November 'cos we're mad for it."
Neonfiller says: Arguably more people feel frustration that Oasis produced five more albums after their first two. Liam's insistence on still using the early '90s phrase "mad for it" is also worth noting . Dear, oh, dear.
New Pornographers Unveil New Album Details
Jan 21, 2010
Matador Records has released details of the fifth album from Canadian power-pop super group The New Pornographers.
Called Together, the album comes out on May 4 and has been produced by the band and Phil Palazzolo in Canada and the US. It will feature the full eight-strong line up, including AC Newman, Destroyer's Dan Bejar and Neko Case.
Together includes nine AC Newman songs and three by Bejar. Additional musicians involved include Annie Clark (St. Vincent), Zach Condon (Beirut) and Will Sheff (Okkervil River).
Matador have promised a streamed MP3 from the album soon.
For more details visit The New Pornographers site here.
The Jam's Weller and Foxton Reunite After 28 Years
Jan 20, 2010
Ex-Jam members Paul Weller and Bruce Foxton have reunited to record two songs, after not being on speaking terms for much of the 28 years since the band split.
According to an interview with the NME former Jam bassist Foxton has collaborated with Weller on two songs to appear on Weller's next solo album, Wake Up the Nation.
Since the band split in 1982 Weller and Foxton have barely spoken.
Weller told the NME that the recent thawing of relations, "came about because we had both lost loved ones last year. (Bruce) lost his wife at the early part of the year, and I lost my dad, and it opened up a bit of a dialogue, and it seemed like a nice thing to do at the time. In fact, it was a wonderful thing."
A reunion of The Jam though seems out of the question for the time being. Weller has previously poured scorn on the idea of a reunion as well as Foxton's recent tours with Jam drummer Rick Buckler.
Wake Up the Nation also features My Bloody Valentine's Kevin Shields and is released on April 12.
Fans Pay Tribute To Jay Reatard
Jan 14, 2010
Garage rock icon Jay Reatard has been found dead at his home in Memphis.
Reatard, whose real name was Jimmy Lee Lindsey jr, reportedly died in his sleep in the early hours of Jan 13. He was just 29-years old.
A statement from his record label Matador said: "We are devastated by the death of Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr., aka Jay Reatard. Jay was as full of life as anyone we've ever met, and responsible for so many memorable moments as a person and artist.
"We're honored to have known and worked with him, and we will miss him terribly."
The label's Facebook site was full of comments from devastated fans. Amanda Saunders said: "RIP, the world will be a sadder place without you and your music in it.
Another fan Randy Riback added: "We lost an amazing artist. He was the real deal."
Reatard's last album was 2009's Watch Me Fall. Artists he has worked with include Beck, The Pixies and Sonic Youth.
Smiths Fans Hope To Copy Rage Against The Machine Xmas No.1 Success.
Jan 12, 2010
Smiths fans are hoping to copy the success of Rage Against The Machine and propel the Manchester band to number one in the UK singles charts to mark the 25th anniversary of its Meat Is Murder album.
A Facebook group set up by fans, called The Smiths How Soon Is Now? For No1 Meat Is Murder 25th Anniversary' is pushing for the song How Soon Is Now, to reach number one during the week beginning February 7, 25 years to the week since the release of Meat Is Murder.
They are perhaps two massive barriers to the campaign succeeding. Pedantic Smiths fans may object to the choice of How Soon Is Now? as the song was not on the original UK album release. Also at the time of writing the Facebook group only had 7,000 members.
The group's page says: "11 February 2010 is the 25th anniversary of "Meat Is Murder" by The Smiths. Let's celebrate by making How Soon Is Now? the UK number 1 single for the week starting Sunday 7th Feb. Download How Soon Is Now? the previous week.
"Sales will count from 00:00 on Jan 31 through to 23:59 on Feb 6. Do Not Download before the date above. If you are not sure download on a week day. Let's put real music back in the headlines and celebrate one of the UK's greatest bands ever."
Free Pavement Download Details Revealed
Jan 8, 2010
Pavement are giving away a free download to promote their forthcoming best of compilation.
The remastered version of Gold Soundz, that will appear on the compilation 'Quarantine The Past: The Best Of Pavement', is the free track being made available.
Quarantine The Past will be released on March 8th 2010 and features 23 tracks spanning Pavement's career from 1989 to 1999.
The group, which has reunited this year for a string of dates worldwide, will be curating an ATP Festival in Minehead, UK, this May. The event is sold out and will feature Atlas Sound, The Fall and Mission of Burma among others.
To download Gold Soundz click here.
Even Kings Of Leon Now Hate 'Use Somebody'
Jan 4, 2010
Even Kings of Leon now hate their hugely successful single 'Use Somebody'.
The song, which has been tipped to win at least one Grammy this year and is from their fourth album Only By The Night, was written by singer Caleb Followill as an apology to the band following a fight.
Caleb told Spin that he thought the song was too "sappy" and did not even want it on the album. And while his band members loved it at first, even they have now had enough.
Nathan Followill told Spin, "Before it was on the radio every five seconds, I thought 'Use Somebody' was a good song, but it's hard to fuckin' like it when you hear it 90 times a day."
The song has not been officially retired from their live set, but this gives the clearest hint yet that the clock is ticking for future live performances of one of the band's most well-known tracks.
'Use Somebody' was the band's first top five hit in the US and as of September last year had been downloaded 2.5m times in the US.
At this year's Grammy awards the song has been nominated in the song of the year and best rock song categories.
U2 Shunned Glastonbury For Years For Being Too 'Hippy'
Jan 4, 2010
U2 have been shunning Glastonbury throughout their 30-year career because they thought it was too much of a "hippy" event, the band's guitarist The Edge has revealed in an interview with UK newspaper The Times.
In the interview The Edge, whose real name is Dave Evans, also revealed the reasons why the band have finally accepted an offer to play at the event.
They have been named as one of three headliners at the event, which takes place this June and celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
He told the Times: "By the time Glastonbury hit its stride we were doing our own thing. It didn't seem right for us then.
"It feels like we really have to do it because if we don't do it now, we never will. I'm obviously familiar with the festival's ideal but I've never experienced it. I used to be sceptical of its roots, the hippy thing. I'm going along to check it out as much as anything but I have a good feeling about it. I'd like to hope we can make our mark."
It has been widely reported that Emily Eavis has now secured a second headliner for the event. The Rolling Stones are among the bands in the frame for one of the three coveted Pyramid stage headline slots.