Nick Tann's Fresh Music Fix

ep44

You can listen to every episode of Nick Tann’s Fresh Music Fix right here on nicktannsfreshmusicfix.com or on your favourite podcast platform including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube or if you prefer RSS.

While you’re here, hit subscribe and get a heads up email every Monday when a new episode drops.

I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

Jarpsy, Good Time Locomotive, Charlie Smith, Songraes

Jarpsy start us off with their retrospective break up song Are You Happy Yet.

Jarpsy are an indie alternative rock band known for their live energy and relentless drive. They have built a fierce local following, sold out venues across the North East and taken their songs on the road, touring with The Fratellis and Sticky Fingers. Their sound blends gritty hooks, infectious choruses and a full throttle live show.

They are lining up to drop two new tracks this year titled Happy Yet and Better Days Alone. Happy Yet, arriving in late October, flips the break up song on its head. It is introspective without self pity, joyful in its melodic bounce and rich in harmonies while keeping the band’s trademark spark.

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/jarpsyband

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/jarpsy

Twitter
https://x.com/JarpsyBand

Next up is one of my favourites Good Time Locomotive and their track Going Under. I would love to see them live but I cannot find any new London dates despite being told they are on their Linktree. If you spot any, you are doing better than me.

Closing out a year of strong releases mixed by award winning engineer Adrian Bushby (Muse, Foo Fighters, Everything Everything), Good Time Locomotive return with Going Under. The track moves from a synthwave inspired groove to an angular punk chorus filled with searing synths and pounding rhythms. It is a cry of emotional exhaustion, the quiet collapse that comes after fighting alone for too long.

Frontman Hugo Leite says the song reflects how cold and disconnected the world can feel, and how carrying too much for too long leaves you drained. It captures the struggle of holding on while pretending everything is fine.

Going Under is released on November 25 on all streaming platforms and will be available on Bandcamp. Keep an eye on their Linktree for live dates.

Good Time Locomotive are a London based alt pop rock band blending shimmering synths, funky bass, driving drums and heartfelt vocals. Their music explores identity, hope and resilience, drawing on influences from 1980s synth pop to modern alternative rock. Since their debut EP in early 2024 they have continued to refine their sound while keeping their DIY roots. With regular releases, strong social media engagement and high energy shows they are fast becoming a rising force in the UK scene.

The sweet sounds of Charlie Smith and Waste Away Beautiful Days, taken from his second album, really hit the spot. I have been playing his songs for a few years and this is his strongest work yet.

According to his bio:

Released on the 8th of November, Waste Away Beautiful Days is the first single from my upcoming second album. The song features raw lyrics with a continuous and intricate picking pattern. It has a simple structure with a clean and minimalist mix focused on the acoustic qualities of the track. This is an alternative singer songwriter track for fans of stripped back music.

Linktree
https://linktr.ee/CharlieSmithMusic

Finally, as if by magic, Anja McCloskey’s new band Songraes appear with their new single Wind and it is a thing of beauty. Check out the hilarious picture on their website. Anja says: Guys, I did a bad murder.

The band consist of Hannes Klock (Acadian Post, Blackbird and Spenser), Sotones veteran Anja McCloskey (Haunted Stereo, The Irrepressibles), and lead singer and award winning Scottish filmmaker Leo Bruges. Their debut was warmly received with critics praising their wistful indie folk. Reviews described their sound as an emotional and expressive journey, a release that deserves attention and a captivating mix of voices supported by a wide range of experience and unusual instrumentation.

The EP received international radio support with plays on Shoreditch Radio, Amazing Radio’s folk chart and Radio Universidad de Chile which has helped cement Songraes as an act to watch.

Website
https://www.songraes.com

And there we are, a beautiful ending to another choice collection of tunes from amazing artists. It is great to play tracks from returning bands as well as welcome new names.

Remember to subscribe to the podcast so you can take part in the subscribers choice next month.

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I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

Tags Charlie Smith, Going Under, Good Time Locomotive, Happy yet, Jarpsy, Songraes, Waste away beautiful days, wind

Published Podcasts

ep43

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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While you’re here, hit subscribe and get a heads up email every Monday when a new episode drops.

I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

As you can see here, my beautiful new desk and chair combo… or can you?

Episode 43

Johnny Marie and The Lonesome Petunias, The Lost Trades, Soft Cotton County, Drop Dead Gorgeous

Anyhoo, to business!

Kicking off with the wonderful Johnny Marie and The Lonesome Petunias and She Caught Car Lights.

This is the email they sent me:

Good day, Nick. Yet another Johnny Marie project. This one is a proper band instead of two guys in a studio with measuring tape and calculators. I appreciate the fact that you have played Flower Pots recently and that if you decide to include this in a future episode it will likely be in the distant future. Celebrate me for remembering to attach the song. Thank you for what you do.
Johnny Marie (Girl for Samson, The Real Flower Pots) & the Lonesome Petunias are a Kansas City band currently recording songs for their 7th album.
She Caught Car Lights is the first release from the band since the 2024 album Sauro!

Next up was the delightful trio The Lost Trades and the equally gorgeous track Float Me On Your River.

This is the email Phil sent me:

Hi Nick, hope you’re well.
I’m excited to share the new single from The Lost Trades, which is the first with our new line-up of Jamie, Jess and Phil. The song is called Float Me On Your River and is a dreamy, 60s-inspired reflection on patience, acceptance and growth.
We’ll be out and about playing a few shows during November and December and have plans for more new music soon.
All the best,
Phil

The Lost Trades return with a new line-up and a familiar retro Californian groove.
West Country Folk/Americana trio The Lost Trades will give the world a taste of their new line-up on 7 November 2025, in the shape of the single Float Me On Your River.
The song is the first new music from the band to feature Jess Vincent, who joined after the departure of Tamsin Quin at the end of 2024. The new line-up of Jamie, Jess and Phil have more releases planned for 2026, with the retro groove of Float Me On Your River leading the charge.
The Lost Trades are a Folk/Americana Trio, based in the West Country, with a cool Laurel Canyon vibe. With a sound that is reminiscent of the California folk scene of the late 60s and early 70s, their three-part harmonies have been described as “flawless,” “spine tingling,” and “magical.”
After a global pandemic cut short their first tour after just a single sold-out gig, the band retreated to their songwriting rooms to work on their debut album The Bird, The Book & The Barrel. Released in June 2021, the album spent 8 months in the Official UK Folk Albums Chart. The follow-up, Petrichor, was released in March 2023 and immediately followed suit, entering the chart at #31.
A live performance involves easy interchanging of instruments, including guitar, ukulele, bass and percussion at different points. There’s always a fun intimacy to the show, with the group engaging in comfortable repartee with each other and the audience like a group of old friends.

Soft Cotton County charmed me with their ethereal single Remember.

They use a plugger — the wonderful Emma Scott at Pluggin Baby. She sends me many a fine song, also making sure I get all the relevant information about the artists she plugs. This is some of her handiwork:

Currently working on new tracks for an album next year, Remember is the first to be completed. A second track is near completion and marked for release later this year.
Based in and around Richmond-Upon-Thames, classified as Indie, Dream Pop or Futuristic Folk by some North American radio stations, Soft Cotton County has a few additional colours in the mix that can sometimes transfer to other delicates.
Flitting between indie labels since the last century, with a host of talented guest performers, this project was primarily a vehicle for Andy’s songwriting.
Andy connected with 5000 Records in 2009 when he sent a selection of his songs to several independent labels. A few replied positively, but only Sascha Panknin at 5000 made an immediate offer to release an album of remixed versions.
Subsequently, re-imagined with the eponymous album on 5000 Records, there have been four Soft Cotton County EPs on the label to date, all meeting with critical acclaim.
10 Years of Travel released in 2024 was the long-awaited second album and included four singles.
Since their first album, they have gradually been moving towards the light. Steve Lamacq of the BBC played the title track of their acclaimed EP Leave Tomorrow and two other tracks have since featured on his shows on 6 Music.
They have the ear (sometimes both ears) of notable presenters in Germany and have been played on Paul Baskerville’s NDR show and Radio One Berlin, as well as building a following on college radio in the US and Canada.
Chris Pearson of Radio Caroline also looks favourably upon Soft Cotton County’s sound of milk and rain, and played Blue on Blue several times on his Saturday show.
Recently, the band were supported by radio legend Johny Kennedy on his X-Posure Radio Show. “Absolutely lovely… Beautiful stuff.” Everyone was thrilled.

Band personnel on Remember:
Shira Fox – Vocals
Spells – Additional vocals
Andy Coombs – Vocals, guitars, keyboards, programming, recording, editing
Sascha Panknin – Programming, engineering, editing

Musical influences:
Shira: Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Thom Yorke, Regina Spektor
Sascha: Kraftwerk, Tangerine Dream, Trevor Horn, Brian Eno, Quincy Jones
Andy: Mazzy Star, Kate Bush, Julee Cruise, Everything but the Girl, Talk Talk, Prefab Sprout, Roxy Music, Peter Gabriel, Bowie, Dylan, Brian Eno, Johnny Cash

For fans of: Saint Etienne, Mazzy Star, Peter Gabriel, Everything but the Girl, Bowie, Julee Cruise, Kate Bush, London Grammar

Links:
Website | Facebook | X | Instagram | Bandcamp

Drop Dead, Gorgeous wrap up the show with their new single Burn.

Emma Scott also sent this one over.

Drop Dead Gorgeous emerged in the mid-2000s with an emotionally charged take on post-hardcore that helped define the era.
As teenagers from Denver, their 2006 debut In Vogue became a landmark for Rise Records, blending synth-laced breakdowns, theatrical flair and raw vulnerability.
Follow-up albums like Worse Than a Fairy Tale and The Hot N’ Heavy cemented their place in the scene, influencing a wave of bands that followed.
After a decade-long hiatus, core members Daniel “Stills” Stillman, Danny Cooper and Jake Hansen returned in 2024 with a string of surprise shows and, in 2025, released their first new music in years with the single Six Feet.
Now, the band is set to continue that momentum with their upcoming track Burn, produced by Elliot Polokoff and mastered by Grammy-winner Ted Jensen.
“Two decades deep, we’ve written a song that feels like light and shadow colliding, where melody and dissonance bleed together, and heavy and alternative dissolve into something that refuses to be defined.” – Danny Stillman, vocals.

Links:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Spotify

Emma gives good bio, as you can see.

I rattled on about the Subscribers’ Choice Special show. If you want to take part, simply enter your email address in the appropriate place and click subscribe at nicktannsfreshmusicfix.com.

There you have it, another episode in the bag.

I recorded this yesterday evening around 6 pm. I felt I rushed it a bit as I had left it a bit late and wanted to get to my dinner, soup, and it was delish.

I intend to record next week’s episode during the week, so here’s hoping.

Hi Drew xx

Tags Burn, Drop Dead, Float Me On Your River, Gorgeous, Johnny Marie and The Lonesome Petunias, Remember, She Caught Car Lights, Soft Cotton County, The Lost Trades

Published Podcasts

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I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

Episode 42

JW Paris, Toothgore, Pacificaze, Heron

Bringing us straight in with a bang this week is JW Paris and the splendid Anytime. 90s vibes with some Blur and Oasis feels.

This blurb is epic:

JW Paris are a 90s grunge Britpop-inspired three-piece featuring Gemma Clarke, Danny Collins and Aaron Forde.
Fresh from storming Radio 1’s Big Weekend, JW Paris are riding a wave of momentum. With spins on BBC Radio, a slot at The Great Escape Festival, sold-out shows in Europe and local press rallying behind them, the band is coming off a run that’s seen their songs synced across US TV and film, taking their sound far beyond UK borders.
Now, with a brand-new single Anything locked in for October 2025 and a headline show at the iconic Hawley Arms (30th October), JW Paris are set to channel the euphoric energy of the Britpop summer, with sonic nods to Elastica, Blur, Pulp and the swagger of peak Oasis, into their boldest, loudest and most ambitious release yet.
Story Behind The Song:
Anything marks the bold first step of JW Paris’ 2025 EP, a single that captures the energy, attitude and atmosphere of Britpop’s heyday while offering a modern twist. With nods to Elastica’s edge, Blur’s London charm and the Oasis summer tours, the track feels like a time capsule cracked open, as if you’ve just stepped into Soho in the mid-90s with the night stretching ahead.
Built on spiralling guitars and a driving rhythm, Anything has a restless, anthemic energy that bottles the last days of the British summer, bittersweet.
Lyrically, it explores possibility, identity and the blurring line between dreams and nightmares: “I could be anything, but everything is nothing… If dreaming was a reality, then my nightmare would look a little bit like you.” The looping mantra of spinning “around and around” mirrors both the dizzying rush of youth and the claustrophobia of being trapped in someone else’s expectations.
From the defiance of “Don’t try to bring me down and make me feel this way” to the isolation of “You’re just another face in the crowd, drifting out of space,” Anything delivers a heady mix of rebellion and vulnerability. It’s a song steeped in nostalgia but not stuck there, a modern anthem for a generation still searching for meaning in the chaos.
Promoting Anything, JW Paris completed a run of shows in Europe, including a headline show at the iconic Hawley Arms.
Previous singles from the EP — Geeks & Freaks, Who Are You, Alive and You’ve Got Me — have collectively achieved more than 50k streams on Spotify, with nationwide airplay from Jack Saunders (BBC Radio 1), Steve Lamacq (6Music), John Kennedy (Radio X), Frankie (Amazing Radio UK & USA) and Frank Skinner (Absolute Radio). They also featured on Apple Music’s New In Rock playlist and This Feeling’s Single of the Day, and received over 20 indie blog reviews.
JW Paris have been described as sounding like Joy Division and “where gritty meets swaggery” by Chris Hawkins (6 Music) and “face-melting riffs” by Jack Saunders (Radio 1).

There’s more to see on their Facebook page, including men wearing vests:
Facebook

Next up is Newquay’s own son Toothgore and The Lighthouse. A great song with plenty of energy from the start. For more info on him, you can click here as I played one of his tracks on Episode 33.

The delightful Pacificaze shoegazed their way into our hearts with the wonderful Short Life. A wonderful song that is best listened to on headphones, as I recommend for all the tunes I feature.

If you don’t want to listen, this blurb explains what you’re missing and also includes a link to their marvellous website:

Pacificaze are a genre-blurring indie band weaving nostalgic warmth with modern edge.
Their newest single Short Life captures themes of longing, joy and melancholy through layered harmonies and immersive production. Drawing from the sun-drenched vibes of 60s surf rock, the analog fuzz of 70s psychedelia and the hazy textures of shoegaze and modern indie, Pacificaze deliver a rich sonic tapestry. With a rock-solid rhythm section and intricate, reverb-soaked guitar work, their sound is at once retro and refreshingly current, a dreamy yet driving reflection on the fleeting beauty of life.
Selected as Self-Releasing Artist of the Month by Absolute Radio, played on BBC Introducing and debuted at Glastonbury, Short Life and Pacificaze are ones to watch.

Website

Finally, the massively talented Heron with What If?

This explains the track and what Rob is about:

A true DIY artist, Heron wrote, produced, performed and mixed the track in his home studio. He also directed and edited the accompanying video and designed the single’s striking artwork, extending his vision beyond sound into visual storytelling. This self-sufficient approach underscores his commitment to authenticity and artistic independence.
In the lineage of Rufus Wainwright, Brian Wilson and Beck, Heron carves out a sound unmistakably his own. His previous work earned him a deal with Virgin, Record of the Week in The Sunday Times Culture Magazine, and recent features in SPIN and Rolling Stone. Previous singles from this project have already gained radio support from BBC Introducing, Radio X and RTE R1 Ireland, establishing him as one of the UK’s most versatile and genre-defying independent voices.
What If? also serves as a key chapter in the unfolding journey of Underground Sky — an album released one song at a time throughout 2025. Each single reveals a different facet of Heron’s vision, from uptempo alt-pop to stripped-back ballads.

I loved the track and made the comparison between Heron and Marvin B. Naylor and The Corgis.

And that was it, except I did mention the Subscribers’ Favourite Special podcast that will be available from 29 December.

If you want to participate, the first thing you need to do is subscribe to the website by visiting nicktannsfreshmusicfix.com, enter your email address in the appropriate space and click Subscribe.

Simple, eh?

Catch you gorgeous lot next week.

Goodbyeeeee.

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I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

Tags Anytime, Heron, JW Paris, Short Life, Toothgore. Pacificaze

Published Podcasts

ep41

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I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

Episode 41

Hi and welcome to episode 41 where I play The Casbahs, Subscene, Luna Marble, and Orlando Kallen.

The Casbahs – Electric Daydreams

(You try saying it!)

They start us off with a cracking guitar track that could have done with a bit more in my opinion, but I loved it just the same. This is what Joe sent me:

THE CASBAHS are a five-piece guitar-driven indie rock band from the North East, carrying the spirit of Britain’s great guitar bands from the 80s, 90s and 00s into the present day. With jangly riffs, soaring choruses, walls of noise and unapologetically big solos, their sound is both nostalgic and fresh – unmistakably British, with a classic edge.
Formed in late 2019 by vocalist Niall Fenwick and guitarist Joe Teasdale, the band’s early singles So Happy and Wanderlust set the tone before the release of debut EP Sea or Sky. After delays brought by the pandemic, their debut album Been Here Before arrived in 2022, featuring fan favourites Insomniac and Out of Luck. Since then, The Casbahs have grown into a powerful live act, playing shows across the North East and picking up support from BBC Introducing.
Now joined by lead guitarist Steven Grainger, The Casbahs are gearing up for their most ambitious chapter yet. Their new single Electric Daydreams (out September 19) is a huge, feel-good anthem with a chorus that lifts you sky-high and a solo that blasts you straight back down to earth. It’s about seeing the world from greater heights and that’s the intended feeling when listening to it. It begins a series of tracks building up to their long-awaited second album.

As is the case with a lot of artists, they use Linktree — it’s like a website but not as good as one:
linktr.ee/thecasbahs

Subscene – And We Float

A wonderful earthy mixture of urban beats and ethereal vocals (you like that?). Just beautiful and reminiscent of friends of the podcast The Zealots, which is a wonderful thing. Jude wrote:

SUBSCENE is made up of myself and Lester Kamen. We met through the modelling industry, and then started writing together and recording together in Lewisham when Lester lived there and I lived in Tooting, this was about 2 years ago now. We both come from creative backgrounds — my parents were in a band together (Salvation Sunday!) my dad still playing and doing his thing in Winchester! Lester’s got an interesting background in music and art too. His uncle Nick Kamen was a musician and worked with some really cool people in the 80s. His uncle Chester Kamen played in bands and was a session player too.
We record all of our music in Oxford which is where Lester is based, with producer Oli Whitworth. But we write anywhere and everywhere we can!
We just released our first single Some Days We Float a few weeks ago, and our next song Only a Phone Call Away will be available on all platforms on November 7th.

Socials:
Instagram

Luna Marble – Crazy Loving

Taking up the third spot this episode with a great rocking track that rinsed the title, which always goes down well with me. This is what they sent me:

Formed in 2021, Manchester-based Luna Marble is made up of Maria Rico on vocals, Dragos Colceriu on guitar, David Grundy on bass and Sean Stewart on drums.
Their music taps into the freedom and authenticity of 70s rock while redefining it as their own by seamlessly blending genres and adding whimsical charm. With supercharged stadium-ready tunes, the band marries anthemic choruses with ethereal textures and enchanting melodies, taking this well-loved genre to a new territory. They have been compared to acts like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac and Rival Sons.
The cosmos holds a deep presence within the band. Through stage outfits and starry stage decorations, Luna Marble offers their audience an audiovisual experience that complements their defiant and transcendental songwriting.
They won Classic Rock Magazine – Track of the Week, were shortlisted by Kerrang! Radio for a record label deal, and have playlist and radio support from artists like Joe Bonamassa and Elles Bailey on Planet Rock. Their debut album is set for release November 7th, with a special one-night-only preview show at Manchester Academy 3 on October 3rd.

Orlando Kallen – Greece n’ Paris

Orlando Kallen supplied me with my soundtrack for my next European holiday with this smash of a track that I absolutely loved.

Here’s the bio I was sent:

A 20-year-old Australian-born pop artist with Greek, Egyptian, and Croatian roots. Orlando is a singer, songwriter, and producer whose music blends timeless pop influences with a fresh, modern edge.

I found his website – and it’s fabulous!
orlandokallen.com

It contains a must see video of the song as well as a chance to win a thousand dollars. I kid you not!

And there you have it. I may have said a few other things but to be frank, I’m just too tired to remember and I only recorded this about half an hour ago. So please forgive me (Drew) if I’ve missed anything.

I did mention that you can help support the podcast by subscribing to our Patreon page, so go and have a look and see if you can spare £5.

Love you, bye!

Tags And We Float, Electric Daydreams, Greece n' Paris, Luna Marbles, Orlando Kallen, Subscene, The Casbahs

Published Podcasts

ep40

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I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

Episode 40

And so we are 40 and we have Lea G, Poppie Marynns and Nika Redhart, Rivia, and Joanovarc giving their best.

Also I teased a brand new song that I started to write last weekend. No lyrics or title yet but I will be sharing the journey this little tune makes, but in the meantime…

Lea G

Lea G’s track Again and Again is just superb and her website is well worth a squizz:
https://www.lea-g-music.com/

She has a London gig on the 11th of November as well as plenty of opportunities to see and hear more of her.

Poppie Marynns (feat. Nika Redhart)

Poppie Marynns features the wonderful Nika Redhart on his latest single Don’t Let Me Go.
It’s a great track, especially if you like guitar solos and cracking vocals.
His Facebook page gives more than I ever could:
https://www.facebook.com/pop.marynns/

Rivia

Rivia and a banger of a tune, Hey Sister, are in that third spot.
This is what their bio says and I have no reason to think otherwise.

The four-piece pop punk band from Liverpool, RIVIA, announce their upcoming summer release for 2025, new single Piece of You will be available on 8 August 2025.
This release comes off the back of RIVIA’s success on the This Feeling stage at Isle of Wight Festival 2025. Piece of You has all the hallmarks of a RIVIA anthemic single, big choruses and nostalgic pop punk overtones.
With support from BBC Introducing, BBC Radio 1’s Alyx Holcombe, and BBC Future Alternative, RIVIA continue their ascent into the second half of 2025. With over 100,000 Spotify streams, they give their all to their loyal supporters, best seen at their live shows.
RIVIA have performed in major cities including Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield, Shrewsbury, and London, with more shows to come.
They have worked once again with Sugar House Productions, and their last single Fallin’ remains the band’s biggest success to date.
Coming from Liverpool, RIVIA’s repertoire has taken them across the country, supporting artists such as The Wombats, Hold Fast, The Sheratons, Mallory Knox, Muddy Elephant, and Bloxx.
RIVIA have performed to thousands at festivals such as YNOT, Endorset, and headlining the This Feeling stage at Isle of Wight 2025, Den Fest, and Bikerstock.
There is always a huge buzz whenever RIVIA take the stage.
Exciting times await for RIVIA.

Socials:
Instagram: @rivia.band

Bloody kids with their no websites, but I digress.

Joanovarc

Joanovarc and the rocking Hey Sister bring episode 40 to a close and give us a very interesting read from their bio.

Since forming in 2015, JoanOvArc have built an impressive legacy, from their debut album Ride of Your Life recorded at Rockfield Studios, to global tours across Europe, Japan, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and the USA, including a headline set at Hollywood’s Viper Room.
2025 marks a defining year for JoanOvArc. After the success of their 2024 EP Escape The Fire, the band hit the ground running with a packed tour schedule, explosive live shows, and brand new material that proves why they are one of the UK’s most exciting rock acts.
The Escape The Fire EP set the tone for this new era, featuring the title track, which stormed onto Kerrang Radio, and On My Way, a Planet Rock favourite. Both tracks came with videos by Very Metal Art, showcasing the band’s evolving visual style.
Building on that momentum, 2025 has already delivered fresh music. The single You Don’t Know dropped on 1 August, and the new release Hey Sister showcases their raw energy, big hooks, and unmistakable attitude.
Their first UK headline tour has solidified their reputation as one of the most exciting live acts on the circuit. Expect more new releases, festival appearances, and a live show that is all killer and no filler.

Band members, instruments, and hometowns:
Emma Hodgson – Lead Vocal/Guitar (St Ives, Cambridgeshire)
Shelley Walker – Lead Guitar/Vocal (Knebworth, Hertfordshire)
Keira Kenworthy – Bass/Vocal (Harrogate, North Yorkshire)
Chloe Whitworth – Drums/Vocal (Sheffield, South Yorkshire)

Musical influences: Muse, Foo Fighters, Led Zeppelin, Halestorm, Shinedown, In This Moment, Queens of the Stone Age, Primus, Frank Zappa, Rammstein, Free, Whitesnake.

About Hey Sister:

Hey Sister tells the emotional story of a sister trapped in an abusive, controlling relationship, fighting to reclaim her freedom and self-worth. Written from the perspective of a loving sibling, it is a heartfelt promise of unconditional support and a reminder that no matter how far she falls, help and hope remain.

In their own words:

“We are all female, all vocalists. We have a strong stage presence, passionate songs and fierce vocals. JoanOvArc is all about the music and not the individuals. It is a family unit of great friends sharing great experiences, travelling the world, meeting great people and making powerful music that talks about real life.”
“We have escaped a real fire while recording at Rockfield Studios, dodged missile attacks in the Middle East, toured with metal legends Huntress on Sunset Boulevard, and performed to fanatical audiences in Tokyo.”

Socials:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JOANovARCofficial/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanovarc/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joanovarc1

I’ll be trying out some alternative advertising for the podcast so let me know if you see it anywhere. BYE!

p.s. Drew I checked all the links and they all work! Aren’t you proud of me?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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While you’re here, hit subscribe and get a heads up email every Monday when a new episode drops.

I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

Tags Don't Let Me Go, Hey Sister, Joanovarc, Lea G, Lea G - Again and Again, Nika Redhart, Poppie Marynns, Rivia

Published Podcasts

ep39

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I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

Laptop, BJD, Around About Dusk, Shallowdrown

I mention my band’s gig on the 1st November at The Spice of Life, deep in the heart of Soho. Details here: https://nicktann.co.uk/2025/09/08/the-spice-of-life-saturday-1-november-2025/

A bit of a rushed one this week as I recorded this on the Sunday before the Monday when each episode goes live and I felt the pressure!

And off we go with the marvellous Laptop and I Don’t Know. A wonderful trundle down the road of a song from the New York father and son duo with a distinct Beck type vibe. Lovely bit of bio here:

https://linktr.ee/laptoptheband

Upcoming album On This Planet (spring 2026).

Written years ago by Jesse Hartman and his then four-year-old son Charlie (no co-frontman) after Charlie gleefully sabotaged his first standardized test, the song channels the spirit of rebellion, absurdity, and questioning authority.

It’s a back-to-school anthem with a deadpan bite, equal parts childlike defiance and Orwellian pushback. As the chorus shrugs: “I don’t know, I’m just a kid — thinking about silly stuff.” You can even hear the actual real Charlie as a 4-year-old during the intro and outro, as he and dad wrote this crazy song.

The track’s recording is as universal as its theme. Originally tracked in Valencia, Spain on one of Laptop’s chaotic family trips, it later picked up overdubs in Nevis in the Caribbean before being finalized in the band’s hometown of New York City. Along the way, it pulled in a cinematic cast: Nevis vocalist Anna Hadeed, whose playful lines spar with Jesse and Charlie; Lulu, Hartman’s daughter, standing in for young Charlie with echoes of the song’s origin; and a raw, soulful harmonica turn from Santo Fazio — an actor and longtime Hartman muse, now lending a theatrical edge to Laptop’s sound.

“This song has always cracked me up. Charlie was four when we came up with it, after he came home from this IQ test. We knew he was a child genius (for real), but he fails this test ‘cause he gleefully answers every question with purposeful wrong answers or just a plain ‘I don’t know.’ The song stuck with us all these years because it felt bigger: a child’s joke that is really a protest anthem. And boy, do we need a protest anthem right now. It’s rebellion by accident, which turns out to be the perfect kind,” says Jesse Hartman.

The video, directed by Jesse, was filmed at Bravo Studios in New York. It reimagines a classroom as a surreal stage: Jesse and Charlie at school desks, Korina Deming as the stern teacher (and also choreographer of the dances), and Stephanie Koffroth as “Lulu,” the child stand-in. Shot against a green screen and punctuated with animated detours (based on Smbat Harutyunyan’s brilliant animation on “Weirder”), toy harmonicas, and absurdist deadpan, it transforms the origin story into a playful, cinematic echo of the song’s fever dream.

Laptop also recently staged an epic return to New York live performance with a 14-piece band at Sony Hall — their first hometown show in two decades. A Stop Making Sense–like spectacle, it underscored the scale and ambition of Laptop’s reboot and set the stage for the release of I Don’t Know.

Second up was the wonderful BJD and Cold Bias. All I can tell you is that his first name is Barry and he puts me in mind of Audioslave and Bob Mould’s Sugar album. I know nothing else so if you find anything please post it here.

By the way, this is Gretchen, the sweet guitar I bought from the lovely Matthew in Bristol yesterday. I hope to be featuring his band in the very near future.

Also from Bristol is the wonderful Around About Dusk and The Swarm. Surely channelling FOTP (friend of the podcast) Anja McCloskey with a hypnotic gypsy jazz vibe. Socials and stuff can be found on their Facebook page. No website for them that I could find.

And finally the wonderful Shallowdrown and I Bet You Hate Me. A tactile guitar sound that puts me in mind of Paramore Playing God (no YOU look it up!). I bloody loved this song!

Socials abound here and check out their launch in Leicester on the 22 of November:

I mention my band’s gig on the 1st November at The Spice of Life, deep in the heart of Soho. Details here: https://nicktann.co.uk/2025/09/08/the-spice-of-life-saturday-1-november-2025/

Tags Around About Dusk, BJD, Cold Bias, I Bet You Hate Me, I Don't Know, Laptop, Shallowdrown, The Swarm

Published Podcasts

ep. 38

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I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

The Kettle Zone, Amity, Freefall, The Mighty Heartache

It’s episode 38 and it’s a banger with a compilation of old jingles from the Is This Thing On Podcast that I used to produce at the end. We kick off with The Kettle Zone and Every Other Summer’s Day. A kind of Paul Weller/Prefab Sprout undercurrent and damn fine it is too! I was a little too critical of some of this fine track and on third listen I have changed my mind somewhat. It’s pretty much Alan Parkinson from Midlothian. He has a rather jolly Facebook page here.

Then we have a welcome return of Amity and Ephemeral. A fine track that drew in some debate from Chris and myself. He has a spanky new website that is well worth a visit despite the fact that we are not mentioned once! https://amitymiller.com/.

Next the wonderful Freefall come along with their great single Fire. All the way from the home of funk, North Wales, they put me in mind of The Spin Doctors. In yet another reference to Is This Thing On Podcast, I played a band called Eggshell Egoz in 2010. They have a great website full of colour and pretty things here.

Lastly was The Mighty Heartache and a song that I used to play when I was with them back in the last century, And I Lied. It’s a masterpiece of songwriting and the arrangement is stunning! If you love this band as much as me then https://www.tfmcmusic.com/ is where you simply must go for more.

Then we finish with a compilation of old Is This Thing On podcast jingles. Want to send me a jingle for Nick Tann’s Fresh Music Fix? Do it! You can just record something on your phone or whatever and follow the instructions here. Chris reckons three people will send us something. I don’t think anyone will.

Let’s see…

Tags Amity, and I lied, Ephemeral, Every Other summer's Day, Fire, Freefall, The Kettle Zone, The Mighty Heartache

Published Podcasts

ep 37

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Episode 37

The Bad Actors, Valentyne, Falling Below, The Painkillers

Episode 37 and what better way to kick it off than with Sheffield’s own The Bad Actors and their head nodding single Offside Clarity. It looks like this could be a tight little two piece. Have a read through the blurb and see what you think:

Following a barrage of headline shows and tour support slots this year including the Fun Lovin’ Criminal, Huey Morgan on his May ‘25 tour, The Bad Actors announce the release of new single Offside Clarity. Dropping 15th August 2025, this second part of the heavily anticipated debut EP titled ACT YOUR AGE will be released in full later this year.
Taking Sheffield by storm, funk rock duo The Bad Actors are making a name for themselves as “the men in orange”. Scissor-kicks and stage tricks are the MO of “kinetic” frontman Khalil. His voltaic stage presence helped win slots at Tramlines Festival 2024 and at this summer’s Y Not Festival 2025. Whilst Jay’s laid back drumming, matching his own personality in feel but not in introversion, forms the springboard for Khalil’s antics. This high energy dynamic duo play with an ease and synchronisation that can only be attributed to a life-long friendship.
Making waves on social media, The Bad Actors’ strategy is a recipe for virality with over 350K Instagram accounts reached, 170K TikTok and 190K YouTube views per month on their trademark ‘mini’ music videos during the previous release campaign.
“We’re taking a lot of inspiration from bands like Living Colour and The Police as well as Sly and The Family Stone.” – Jay, drummer
Offside Clarity conjures visceral imagery of the lonely midnight drive with only the radio for company. A darker, more introspective track, this second single from The Bad Actors upcoming EP presents as a perfect addition to a late night drive vibes playlist. Produced by longtime collaborator and Reverend and The Makers’ producer, David Sanderson, the new single drops 15th August 2025.

Instagram
TikTok
YouTube
Facebook

In spot 2 we’ve got Valentyne and Do What You Want (Own Me). On their bio it says:

A heavy, guitar-driven track shaped by the distorted beauty of Boston Manor, Wolf Alice, The Mysterines, and Deftones, the single blends brooding riffs with anthemic choruses. It marks the first chapter in a five-track concept EP, each song accompanied by a cinematic music video forming a horror-inspired short film.
About Valentyne
Valentyne are carving out their name in the UK alt-rock scene with their dark cinematic style. Early singles have earned national radio play on BBC Radio 1, BBC Introducing, and Amazing Radio, alongside coverage on Spotify’s Best New Indie playlist. Their debut video Hate Me surpassed 60,000 views, and festival appearances include Leeds Festival, The Neighbourhood, Trib Fest, and Camper Calling.
Winners of MCFC Battle of the Bands 2023 and Lytham Festival BOTB 2024, Valentyne recently completed a 14 date UK tour with stops at Manchester’s O2 Academy, Sheffield’s Leadmill, and more.

I couldn’t put it better, so I didn’t! They have a Linktree that has links to some of their breathtaking videos amongst other things.

In bronze position Falling Below drag their single Pieces to our ears. Emma at Plugin Baby always gives great bio so get comfy for this:

Falling Below are a five piece alternative metal band from Nottingham, UK, blending punishing riffs, soaring choruses, and haunting melodic textures.
The band was formed in 2023 by founding members Alex James Methven and Christo Loukopoulos.
With a shared love of hard rock and metal music, the pair created Falling Below with the hopes of taking their dreams and passion to huge crowds and stages across the world.
With a sound shaped by influences like Spiritbox, Bad Omens and Architects, the band deliver a modern metal punch that’s both emotionally resonant and explosively heavy.
Having made waves across the UK rock and metal scene, their music has been championed by Kerrang! Radio, BBC Radio, Emerging Rock Bands Radio, Total Rock and more.
Their songs have amassed over 380,000 streams across platforms, reaching listeners in over 130 countries and earning them a steadily growing global fanbase.
They have also played multiple sold out support shows in the Midlands, captivating fans with their energetic and immersive live set.
Falling Below are set to release their new EP, titled Holding Out for Hope, on February 20th 2026. Like their earlier work, it was mastered at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London by engineer Stefan Brown.
This latest EP explores themes of self-conflict and inner turmoil, with heavy riffs, ambient synths and deep lyrics that confront feelings of longing and despair.
It also paves the way for the band’s debut headline show at Rough Trade Nottingham on February 21st 2026.
The show will bring the intense, euphoric soundscapes of Holding Out for Hope to the stage, alongside their well received remastered back catalogue. For fans of thunderous grooves, anthemic hooks and raw emotional delivery, Falling Below are a force you don’t want to miss.
“…the harshest, the hardest track that you’ll hear tonight, but it’s absolutely brilliant!”
Dean Jackson, BBC Radio

Band members, instruments played, and hailing from:
Alex James Methven – Vocals – Worksop, Nottinghamshire
Christo Loukopoulos – Guitar – Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Luke Hawksworth – Guitar – Derby, Derbyshire
Lloyd Sibson – Bass – Nuneaton, Warwickshire
Ryan Hextall – Drums – Barwell, Leicestershire

For fans of:
Modern and alternative metal artists like Spiritbox, Bad Omens and Architects.

About the song:

“When I wrote Pieces, I wanted to convey the emotional weight that comes with the times you see someone falling apart and can’t do anything to help them and realising that you’re not that different from the person you’re looking at, which I’m sure we’ve all felt.”
Alex James Methven

In Their Own Words:

We’re doing a few things that a lot of metal bands aren’t doing anymore. Like guitar solos, they’ve disappeared from a lot of music nowadays, but we love them! It’s the stuff we grew up on and love, but with a modern edge.
And we think we’ve achieved a great balance with our songwriting. Our songs are all really catchy and people can sing along to them, but the lyrics are deep and personal, something you can really connect with.

Socials:
Website
Facebook
X / Twitter
Instagram
TikTok

The brilliantly named The Painkillers bring up the rear with the wonderfully anthemic Broken. We played their track Silence back in episode 25 and it’s a joy to play them again. Bandcamp is the place to find out more about them so skip off and do that.

A shorter one this week as I didn’t have much to say and I was in a bit or a rush. I did bang on about Mastering a bit. I thonk that was about right, it’s what I think it is so if you think I am wrong please feel free to correct me. Hope you’re having a good one and I’ll see you next week xx

Tags Broken, Do What You Want (Own Me), Falling Below, Offside Clarity, Pieces, The Bad Actors, The Painkillers, Valentyne

Published Podcasts

ep 36

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I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

Episode 36

Nick Tann and the Whole Family, Chaz Jankel, Steve Hewitt, Marvin B Naylor

So here we are at 36 kicking off with a track from my live album, Nick Tann and The Whole Family – Live at the Bedford, with our final track Can’t Stop Missing You that was lifted, as I said, totally legally, I don’t care what anybody said! There are more tracks and videos on our website plus links to our next gig at The Spice of Life in London on the 1st November. I didn’t mention it but there will be some new merch available…

The multi-talented Chaz Jankel came in next with his cool Drink of Water. What a track! And of course he’s got a website who do you think he is? He’s bloody Chaz Jankel, he’s a bloody Blockhead! There are loads of links including an interview where he talks about recording and performing with Ian Dury which is a must – see for any fan.

Steve Hewitt is next up charming us with the stunning Midnight Sun, taken from his album released a few days ago. He is the only one with blurb this week so you had better read it:

Produced by Paul West, Never Two Days The Same is an album that captures Steve’s passion for artistic versatility and stripped-down approach to recording. The new album offers a more unvarnished edge compared to his Bigger Than Words debut (2019), with a sonic delivery more akin to his rustic live sound.
Honest, heartfelt and universally relatable are words that describe Hewitt as a songwriter. Simple effective melodies drive each song through his attention commanding and soulful vocal tone. Regardless of the light moods or sombre shades of the songs, Hewitt relentlessly expresses his stories in pleasantly melodic ways. This is music from the heart and perspective of a humble working-class father, devoted husband and a man of Christian faith.
Never Two Days The Same is a richly acoustic flavoured album, shying away from predictable instrumentation and modern studio polishing. Adding dynamic depth to a number of tracks are Paul West (Vocals, Drums), Louise Parsons (Vocals), Ant Wellman (Bass) and Miriam Cox (Cello).

Released on 22nd Sept 2025, Never Two Days The Same is available now on digital platforms and CD format.

Finally Marvin B Naylor charms the pants off us with his sublime StarBoy – a masterpiece in composition, performance and production. If you love this as much as I do then you can do the deepest dive by navigating through his amazing website. This page on his out of this world videos is a great place to start.

And there we are. I was a bit distracted today as I was contemplating the fact that the working class of this country and others had been conned by bankers and millionaires into believing that all our problems lay with minorities (they aren’t called minorities for nothing) and immigrants and not with the rich minority. Hey ho… have a great week x

Tags Chaz Jankel, Chaz Jankel - Water, Marvin B Naylor - Starboy, Nick Tann and the Whole Family - Cant Stop Missing You, Steve Hewitt - Midnight Sun

Published Podcasts

ep 35

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I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

Episode 35

Madame Claude – Happy Life, Lucy Kitchen – In My Corner, The Zealots – Security, KLOGR – White Eyes

What a start with the mighty Madame Claude sliding in with the massive tune Happy Life. They say it’s a “…. a gunslinging spaghetti western ska groove with spangly guitars and their trademark acerbic lyrics. Ennio Moricone meets Desmond Dekker” I would say there is also a dash of Prince Buster’s Gangster. They have a big gig coming up in Manchester next week according to their Linktree — if you want to find out about that and more, give it a click.

Lucy Kitchen fill the number 2 spot with a masterpiece of folkery that is In My Corner. I would venture that this is her best work so far. She is out and about everywhere and a click on her Linktree will give you all you need to know. She told me:

*I am a Romsey (Hampshire) based folk singer songwriter. I’m reaching out as I am releasing a new album next February and am looking to book a run of shows as part of my album release.
Described as a hypnotic folk singer-songwriter in the vein of Sandy Denny and Beth Orton, my music blends folk and Americana influences with the spirit of 70s singer-songwriters. Live, my performances are warm, vulnerable, and moving. My music is often called haunting folk – a sonic tapestry of melancholic melodies, captivating vocals and personal storytelling.
I perform both solo or duo and occasionally, full band.*

My new single Red Skies is out now and there is a live video here (full band): Red Skies

Live video – Blue Light live at Stabal Music: Watch here

You can hear a selection of songs from my upcoming album here: SoundCloud

So plenty to be clicking on there.

We played The Zealots loads on Is This Thing On Podcast and I just wanted to share one of their favourite tracks with you. Aylwin has plenty going on including an album launch in November. Of course they have a website.

You want some Italian metal? The amazing KLOGR satisfy that need with the stunning White Eyes.

Despite the prejudices often surrounding the world of alternative metal, KLOGR stands as a band that has consistently managed to win and retain a loyal audience. With their full-length Fractured Realities, released in October 2024, the band lives up to its name, returning to the scene with an impeccable album, meticulously crafted and rich in shades and influences. New material is scheduled for release between September and November 2025.
In recent years, personal challenges and global events have slowed down the band’s activity, but the result is a work packed with more energy than ever before. “It was worth it,” says Rusty, “and we’re ready to get back on stage and stay there, with new music coming very soon.”

Since their formation in 2011, KLOGR have played international stages non-stop until 2020, touring with Evergrey, The Rasmus, Infected Rain, Butcher Babies, and Prong, and sharing the stage with Limp Bizkit, Guano Apes, and Puddle of Mudd. In 2017, the band released a video capturing the intensity of their live shows, featuring footage from ten concerts and the special participation of Art Cruz.

After their 2024 winter tour supporting Evergrey for 46 shows across Europe and the UK, KLOGR are set to take on 2025 with new tours — including a Nov/Dec run alongside Katatonia and Evergrey — and new music, determined to once again showcase their unstoppable power and energy, reaffirming their place in the alternative metal scene.

Band members and instruments played:

Rusty: Vocals/Guitar
Crivez: Guitar/Backing Vocals
J: Drums
Luke: Bass

Based: Modena (Italy)

In case you’re wondering… the band’s name is a tribute to a psycho-physical law (S=KlogR) developed in the 19th century by experimental psychologist Ernst Heinrich Weber and German philosopher Gustav Fechner.

KLOGR support Katatonia on their Winter European and UK tour, alongside Evergrey.

Tour Dates:
10.11.25 FI – Turku / Finland – Logomo
11.11.25 FI – Tampere / Finland – Tavara-asema
12.11.25 FI – Helsinki / Finland – House of Culture
14.11.25 NO – Oslo / Norway – Rockefeller
15.11.25 SE – Gothenburg / Sweden – Pustervik
16.11.25 DE – Hamburg / Germany – Gruenspan
18.11.25 PL – Warsaw / Poland – Progresja
19.11.25 DE – Berlin / Germany – Huxleys
20.11.25 DE – Leipzig / Germany – Täubchenthal
21.11.25 CZ – Prague / Czechia – Palac Akropolis
22.11.25 AT – Vienna / Austria – Simm City
24.11.25 DE – Munich / Germany – Backstage Werk
25.11.25 DE – Stuttgart / Germany – LKA Longhorn
27.11.25 IT – Milan / Italy – Alcatraz
28.11.25 CH – Zurich / Switzerland – Komplex
29.11.25 FR – Lyon / France – La Rayonne
01.12.25 ES – Madrid / Spain – BUT
02.12.25 ES – Barcelona / Spain – Salamandra
03.12.25 FR – Toulouse / France – Le Metronum
05.12.25 UK – London, UK – Electric Ballroom
06.12.25 UK – Glasgow, UK – Garage
07.12.25 UK – Manchester, UK – Academy 2
08.12.25 UK – Bristol, UK – SWK
10.12.25 FR – Paris / France – Le Trabendo
11.12.25 LU – Luxembourg – Rockhal
12.12.25 DE – Frankfurt / Germany – Batschkapp
13.12.25 DE – Cologne / Germany – Live Music Hall
14.12.25 NL – Amsterdam / Netherlands – Melkweg Max
16.12.25 BE – Antwerp / Belgium – Trix
18.12.25 DK – Copenhagen / Denmark – Amager Bio
19.12.25 SE – Karlstad / Sweden – Nöjesfabriken
20.12.25 SE – Stockholm / Sweden – Fållan

Socials:

And there you have it, number 35. Did you love it? I did!

As per ChatGPT tidied up the formatting so the notes look pretty but all the words are mine except the quotes, obviously. It did ask me f I wantwd a shorter version but I said no. Was I right?

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I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

Tags KLOGR - White Eyes, Lucy Kitchen - In My Corner, Madame Claude - Happy Life, The Zealots - Security

Published Podcasts

ep 34

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I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

Episode 34

The Real Flower Pots, Nick Tann (solo), DOTHS, Tremaine.

I’m joined by Chris Smith this week and we start off with the Real Flower Pots, all the way from Kansas in the good old U S of America. We’ve played them before and it was a joy to share Fake as Straw from their album. If you’re hearing them for the first time then you’re in for a treat. You can read more about them here:
GoGoMag | Facebook | Instagram

If you want to hear when we played them before, search for them at the top of the website: nicktannsfreshmusicfix.com.

Next was a track I recorded back in the days when I was a solo singer-songwriter called Never Did You Wrong. Thanks to Toby Vane, we made a great album called 3AM that you can listen to on streaming sites as well as on my Bandcamp, where you can download it for free or even buy a CD of it. Try and stay calm…

We followed this up with DOTHS (Death Of The High Street if you prefer the long title) and their fab single Communication’s Failed.

Here’s their bio:

Death Of The High Street (DOTHS) are a genre-blending band fusing post-punk, indie, rock, and pop into a sound that’s familiar yet entirely their own. Influenced by acts like Bob Dylan, Sleaford Mods, and Viagra Boys, they avoid imitation with thoughtful, unpredictable music. Since their 2020 debut single EXIT, released by ‘90s music mogul Alan McGee on his It’s Creation Baby label, they’ve earned support and radio play from the likes of 6Music’s Steve Lamacq and BBC’s Mickey Bradley. Their tracks Synergy and Chancer extended their reach to the U.S., with KEXP naming them “Track of the Day”. With frequent radio play, including on Frank Skinner’s Absolute Radio show, their audience continues to grow. Live, DOTHS deliver intense, polished sets across the UK — from Camden’s Dublin Castle to a packed YNOT Festival tent. Now, after years of evolution, their debut album Bragging About Breaking drops in 2025, capturing the essence of a band refusing to stand still.

Lyrics from Never Gonna Get It:

Oh there’s riots on the streets
Of cities and towns
Cross spectrum gatherings
Spanning generations of clowns!
Oh it’s rebels at the front
Passive positivity in the background!
No shared belief in rules
Or how things should go down!
People living pretty in their towers
Whilst people starve!
Freezers full of misery
And aching in the hearts!
You want some justice
Yeah you want a little substance!
But you’re never gonna get it!
Politicians sitting sound in parliament!
Ancient private members club
With a history of violent arrogance!
Soundbytes sound nice
When you’re lying through your teeth for a party!
Left or right no matter, lines are blurred and they’re parting!
Money is the language that talks
And it’s the only voice
The only voice that matters
And you don’t have a choice!
You want some justice
Yeah you want a little substance!
But you’re never gonna get it!
You want perspective
But you’re never gonna get it!
But you’re never gonna get it!

Their website is here: doths.co.uk. No excuse not to find out more about them. There will be a test!

Finally, a real treat to end with: we got our funk on with the amazing Tremaine and the extremely danceable Thankful.

Just turn up the volume and bliss out! You can learn more on her website: tremmusic.com

Hope you loved this weeks episode. I’m trying to build up numbers by making little teaser videos on Tiktok and Instagram so if you want to help out then give them a click and a follow. I’m sure good stuff will follow. Thanks Nick

Tags Death of the High Street, DOTHS, Fake as Straw, Never Did You Wrong, The Real Flower Pots, Toby Vane, Tremaine

Published Podcasts

ep 33

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I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

Episode 33 Show Notes

And here we are at 33.

I kick off with bang or rather a quick succession of them with Cornish surf punk Tooth Gore and the ultra-rocking Uncomfortable. His bio describes him as:

“A talented and exciting surf punk solo artist hailing from the seaside town of Newquay, Cornwall. TOOTH GORE sprung to life in late 2021, but it wasn’t until last year that Kobi started turning heads and making waves.
By meshing gutsy fuzzed-up guitars and taking in the emotive raw punk energy of modern acts such as FIDLAR, The Frights, PUP and Jeff Rosenstock, Kobi Joe also blends in hooky reverb-drenched doo-wop vibes (inspired by the music of the 1950s) and has crafted a sound that is unique and absolutely engaging.
Kobi’s lyrics channel his uncertainties and anxieties, capturing both the joy and terror that comes with youth. The end result is something deeply alluring, passionate and cathartic. TOOTH GORE released his debut album Halloween in Spring 2024, and tracks from the record picked up widespread global radio airplay as well as strong Spotify streaming numbers.
Kobi is now ready to step up further and is loaded with his best work to date in the shape of his new album For Losers, By Losers. From back to front, the album twists and contorts and is such an accomplished piece of work.
Kobi remarks: “For Losers, By Losers was inevitable, it was necessary for me as a person, it’s a step up in every way from everything I’ve ever worked on before. It also taught me so much about myself as a person and has been an expression of all the bad stuff that goes on in my head all the time. I’ve really found myself as an artist and can’t wait for people to hear what I’ve got in store.”
‘Uncomfortable was a very personal track for me to write, as it is about my social anxiety and how hard I find basic things like holding conversations. I originally pitched it like my own theme tune. That being said, it was a cathartic experience to record and hear come together as this absolute powerhouse that feels almost on the brink of collapse. I always knew this would be the opening track to explode at the start of the album and I’m super happy with how it turned out.’ – Kobi Joe”

Find Tooth Gore here:
Linktree | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Next up is LXSTBOY and “IN BETWEEN”

I’m loving the flow and the playfulness. It’s a really well put together track from the rhymes to the rhythm.

His bio:

Born in Bristol, grown in Sheffield and rotting in Cardiff, LXSTBØY has been shaped by self-reflection and in <IN-BETWEEN3> fuses lo-fi hip-hop and alt-rap into a sound that feels intimate, cinematic, and unmistakably his.
Rising alternative hip-hop artist LXSTBØY peels back the emotional layers on <IN-BETWEEN3> – a soulful summer anthem that captures the raw uncertainty of life after love. Blending jazzy textures, mellow beats, and razor-sharp lyricism in the vein of Loyle Carner and Little Simz.
The track explores that hazy, confusing space between love and hate — the “in between” where you’re not quite together but not fully apart. With stripped-back production and confessional storytelling, it captures the mental tug-of-war that defines post-breakup ambiguity.

Follow LXSTBOY here:
Instagram

So what is it? Lust? Lost? List? Last? Lest?

“Next up is a killer track from Liverpool’s own Brides with Creature Culture. It’s wild, chaotic, and packed with energy. There’s a lot going on, and at times it feels like it might run away with itself, but at the core is a song with real depth and a whole lot of heart.” Just listen.

Hailing from Liverpool, this unruly four-piece delivers a whirlwind of high-tempo, distortion-heavy tomfoolery across six chaotic and cathartic tracks. Think: fuzz-soaked guitars, frenzied energy, and lyrics that embrace the weird with arms wide open.
“This record is us throwing paint at the wall and dancing in the mess,” say the band.
Whether you’re looking to rage in your bedroom or speedwalk through existential dread, Leche has a track for that and Creature Culture is the perfect example.

I don’t have much info on where to find them, so you can have a tap around the web yourself for a change. Do you good!

Last is a podcast favourite Lea G and her superb track Honest. It’s a bit of a masterpiece this. I’m used to hearing big ballads on the podcast so it takes a fair bit to impress me, but this does and in spades.

I’ll just link to Lea’s amazing website because it has all you need including tour dates:
Website

I’ve got a gig coming up with my band soon. It’s at the Spice of Life in Soho on Saturday the 1st October. It’s going to be quite special as I think we have a nice crowd coming to see up us. I was thinking of streaming it on TikTok. If you don’t follow me already my tiktok handle is @nicktanntok

Tags Brides, Creature Culture, IN BETWEEN, LXSTBOY, Tooth Gore, Uncomfortable

Published Podcasts

ep 32

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I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Listen on Spotify

I have also relaunched our old Instagram site switching the focus from the old Is this thing profile to this so please have a click and a follow

While you’re here, hit subscribe and get a heads up email every Monday when a new episode drops.

I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

Episode 32 Show Notes

T.M/O, Cloverhill, Kitty May, Ron Delmar

We kick off with the stunning spoken wordery of T.M/O and her track Wilson, which I lavish much praise on. You can hear more from her via these links:
Facebook | Instagram | X | Website | YouTube

From her bio (supplied by Jo at Pufferfish):

Fury fuelled, love driven. We are all the same but T.M/O is truly exceptional.
Formidable lyricist T.M/O returns to your ears, hearts, screens and stages, a modern day Odysseus. Back from the dead with nine prop fibroids, a couple of new battle scars and an origin story so inspiring, so ridiculous, so frustrating. She is the art. A proven vessel of resilience, she may be the only artist to perform a Sofar Sounds set mid kidney failure, she hasn’t had time to check.
“Moving. Provocative. Politically charged in the best kind of way. Fuck you but thank you energy.” – Jazzi Sirius
T.M/O has been leaving spoken word fans in tears, quaking, cackling, and questioning themselves since 2019, performing alongside chart-topping Nxdia and the Voice’s Broken Pen. She speaks to and for those who have been thrust into corners they had no idea how to get out of, for every ‘other’ who can relate to losing momentum in the search for self.
For fans of Ren, Kate Nash, The Streets and Kae Tempest.
New single Wilson – produced by PaleBlu – is a drum and bass anthem for every castaway and rejected soul. Taken from the forthcoming EP 28 Staples Later (Dec 2025), inspired by her health battles and wider struggles faced by women every day.

She is certainly exceptional and well worth your time.

Next up is the phenomenon that is Cloverhill with their track Noise in Your Head. I remixed this for the podcast and tell the story in the episode, including a snippet of the original sent to me by Paul Lasky.

From their bio:

Cloverhill was born when guitarist and songwriter Paul Laskey met producer Grant Henderson at a music festival in France. They shared a love of classic rock and began working at Grant’s Loom Studio in Leeds, which produced their first album 7 of One, 2 and a Half of the Other.
Their albums have gained critical acclaim and recognition from names such as Neal Schon (Journey), Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (Guns ‘n’ Roses, Sons of Apollo), Foreigner, Yes, Five Finger Death Punch and more recent acts like Massive Wagons, Those Damn Crows and The Dust Coda.
Their second album All Done With Dreaming reached #1 nationally on the ReverbNation Rock Chart, and they’ve since released Just North of Hell (2022). Despite setbacks including the loss of drummer Jon Hollins in 2023, they continue to record and have new material on the way, including Perfectly Insane scheduled for release in October 2024.

Find them here:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Kitty May and her track Our Place takes the third slot. A beautiful song, lovingly performed with care and honesty. Another track sent by Jo at Pufferfish, her bio says it best:

This hauntingly whimsical song invites you to take a trip through your most nostalgic memories and journey through a beautiful soundscape crafted by a young singer-songwriter truly coming into her own.
Produced by Gavin Bowers at Catch 21 Records in Norwich with stunning visuals by Adam Barnes.
Kitty-May is a talented young artist from East Anglia, making waves as a beautifully wistful songwriter invoking the folk sounds of the 60s and 70s while firmly staking a claim in the modern pop world. Her laid-back vocals float over a chord-driven sound pushed along by a lo-fi hip hop beat, weaving together a style that is both electronic and organic.

Follow her here:
Instagram | Facebook | YouTube Video

Finally, we come to Ron Delmar with Lovers on the Run. I bloody love this song from this very affable South African. It has a charm and deftness that had me humming the tune all day. It migt not have the polished production of some of the tracks I play but it has depth and a lot of heart.

Find him here:
Facebook and follow his amazing journey.

Tags Cloverhill, Kitty May, Lovers on the run, Noise in your Head, Our Place, Pale Blu, Paul Lasky, Ron Delmar, T.M/O, Wilson

Published Podcasts

ep 31

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I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

Episode 31

Youth Killed It – The Mighty Heartbreak – Novelist Me – Stale Jan – Ft Ehtan Cronin

We kick off with the mighty Youth Killed It and their stonking tune “Johnny Bravo”.
Can’t tell you too much about the band but they have a website hiding amongst these socials so go check them out:
Facebook | Website | Instagram

Next is the mighty The Mighty Heartbreak and the mighty tune “Love Is”.
They have a website because they are sensible enough to want to control their own destiny:
Website

Go and make a date to catch them at their next gig, they have plenty!

Novelist Me slam their latest single “Sugar Husk” into our ears and it does have a slight Sugar tint to its sound. Although Andrew admits this being a bit on the Oasis side, he also says:

“Ironically this song came about after listening to some Sugar and Husker Du – hence the title of the track. It inspired me to try to go for something altogether a bit simpler, a bit chord-based and just loads of fuzz. Indeed it was only when trying to come up with vocal ideas that the Oasis vibe really hit me. I guess somewhere deep in my psyche those at the same time innocent and hedonistic Gallagher songs have had more influence than I realised. I was always more of a Blur fan.”

Obviously, there are socials:
Instagram | Website | Spotify | Facebook

Next the wonderfully named Stale Jan – Ft Ehtan Cronin brings us seductive vibes all the way from Oslo in your actual Norway, featuring Ethan Cronin (who I guess is singing), with the stunning “Silent War.”

If you like a good biog, then you will love this from their blurb:

From the vibrant music scene of Oslo, Norway, emerges Stale Jan, an indie-rock and pop artist who seamlessly blends melodic storytelling with modern production techniques. Operating under his label StaleSounds, Stale Jan has carved out a distinctive niche in the contemporary music landscape, creating stadium-ready anthems that resonate with listeners across all age groups.
By day, Stale Jan works as an IT manager, but when evening falls, he transforms into a musical storyteller, crafting songs that speak to the human experience. This unique dual perspective brings both technical precision and emotional depth to his artistry, resulting in a sound that’s both polished and authentically raw.
With 15 releases under his belt, Stale Jan has demonstrated remarkable versatility across his catalog. His breakthrough single “Rebel Song” established him as an emerging voice in the indie-pop scene. Other notable tracks include “Timeless Mary (Play Your Part)” and the cinematic “Roots of Resilience,” each showcasing his ability to blend introspective lyrics with infectious melodies.
Drawing inspiration from classic poetry and reimagining works by Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost and Sara Teasdale, he bridges the gap between literary tradition and contemporary pop sensibilities.
What sets Stale Jan apart is his forward-thinking approach to music creation, incorporating AI-generated elements while maintaining the human heart of songwriting. This blend of technology and emotion creates a sound that’s both cutting-edge and timeless, appealing to young pop enthusiasts and seasoned music lovers alike.
As an independent artist committed to artistic integrity, Stale Jan continues to push boundaries while staying true to his indie-rock and pop-rock roots. With each release, he proves that great music transcends genres, connecting with listeners through universal themes of love, rebellion, resilience, and hope.

So there you are AND it’s a great song!

And there you have it. Apart from ChatGPT tidying up the social tags and making it all look good, I did all the typing AGAIN. Where will it end…

This week I typed all this before I recorded the show which is a first, but then it’s been a weird day as I’ve been doing some things in a different order.

I had a thought… in these days of diplomacy and free speech not enough people get called cunts. e.g. Trump, Putin, Netanyahu to name but 3. Fortunately no one reads this far… well, except you obviously.

Tags Johnny Bravo, Love Is, Novelist Me, Silent War, Stale Jan, Sugar Husk, The Mighty Heartbreak, Youth Killed It

Published Podcasts

ep 30

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I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

This week I am joined by Chris Smith who digs a bit deeper into the artists as we play them kicking off with Fall In To The Sun and Nineteenth hour. I’ve mixed things a bit hotter this week so this may knock your socks off!

Alt-rock band Nineteenth Hour return with their explosive new single Fall Into The Sun, landing on all major streaming platforms on 27th June 2025.

A blistering anthem of frustration and defiance, Fall Into The Sun captures the raw emotion of feeling overlooked and abandoned, fuelled by a desire to break free and burn bright, no matter the consequences. With driving guitars, impassioned vocals, and a soaring chorus, the track marks a bold evolution in the band’s sound.

The single was brought to life in collaboration with acclaimed production duo Sugar House (known for their work with Corella, The Lilacs, and Venus Grrrls) and was mastered by Robin Schmidt, whose credits include Biffy Clyro, Sam Fender, Nothing But Thieves and Liam Gallagher.

“We really feel we have taken another step in our musical journey with Fall Into The Sun, and it’s only the beginning of this next stage of creativity for us,” says Joe, vocals and guitar.

This release kicks off a packed summer for Nineteenth Hour, with multiple gigs lined up and even more new music already in the works. Fans can expect an energetic and emotionally charged live experience as the band continue to carve out their place in the UK’s alt-rock scene.

They gave me Spandau, Duran and Simple Minds vibes personally. What do you think?

Follow Nineteenth Hour here:
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube

Next up was Sorry X with R U dwn. We know they are from Arizona and I managed to glean this from their bio via the lovely Emma from Plugginbaby:

Sorry X is an upcoming hard rock artist from Phoenix, Arizona. Vocalist Alexa has made a big impact in a short amount of time having already cultivated 10+ million streams independently.
Collaborating with Frank Zumo (Sum 41) on her single Digital HeartBreak as well as Recker Eans (Host of the Kids Tonight Show, Peacock/NBC) on The Trade, which they performed live on CBS.
Sorry X has picked up Spotify Editorial Teen Angst and All New Rock. Apple Music Editorial New in Rock and Breaking Hard Rock. Soundcloud Editorial Love Hurts.
Sorry X premiered last single Daisy on Revolver Magazine and is printed in the current issues of Revolver, Outburn, and RockSound Magazine.

Follow Sorry X here:
Facebook
Instagram

Next is the wonderful Zachary Friederich with the oddly memorable Finish Me. He is a songwriter and producer from New York.

Follow Zachary here:
Facebook
YouTube
Broadjam

Weathered Man sings us out with History with the help of The Noise. An absolute banger of a track and a great way to end this frankly banger of an episode.

Jo Lowes from Pufferfish, who is plugging this tune, has written a great bio for him and it would be a crime not to paste it here:

WeatheredMan and The Noise are climbing the ladder of middle age. There’s no hiding from this fact. It’s a bit of a no man’s land. Not old enough to be the teatime slot at Glasto. Too old to be considered in any other demographic of interest. In the world of bands, they’ve pitched their tent on an island of nothingness and pointlessness.
When they were younger, leaner, more ambitious men, they used to laugh at middle aged men in rock bands. Scoffed at them for still playing a young person’s game. How sad, they thought. Well, here they are now. The ones standing on the mocking stage. A bit embarrassed about it, a bit reticent to even announce that they have some music to share.
But here’s the thing: they just can’t stop. And it’s nothing to do with ambition, or dreams of the future. Whatever they were becoming, they’ve now very much become. They just sort of still love it.
Five people listen? Great.
A hundred people listen? Also great.
Anything above a hundred seems weird.
I mean any more than 100 listening means that young people must have got involved and we’d worry for youth on their behalf if they hear any of this. WMATN shouldn’t be young people’s business or on their radar in any way. Middle aged people don’t get obsessed with bands. They’re too busy with lists such as:
Wax the car
Paint the fence
Sand the floor
(NB That’s a joke that works in multiple contexts, and we’re very pleased with it.) So let’s go with it, eh?
WeatheredMan and The Noise return with a new single History, a tight, scratchy, angular track from their upcoming album Still Economy. Built on heavy drums and sharp riffs, it’s direct and restless and loud and rough. Young sounding, one might argue…
Released through Black Lantern Records (part of the RedLantern group), History is full of memory, wires, regret, and wounds. WeatheredMan is Simon Bradshaw, a writer and producer with credits ranging from The Wombats, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Girls Aloud and Peter Hook to a chart topping cut on ShinEE’s Don’t Call Me, which hit No.1 in 78 countries. His earlier bands were backed by John Peel, Zane Lowe and Steve Lamacq and he’s previously been nominated for Best UK Solo Artist by various outlets. That sounds a bit vague but it’s true.
He’s also one half of the pop band Faint Line who scored a bit of an underground indie hit last year with the song Red Tide. However, that’s all old news and nonsense. If what gets you going is someone playing the drums like they’re trying to knock down a house, John Bonham’s house specifically, then The Noise (Mr. Robert Hough) is the main reason to tune in.
History is the first release from Still Economy, a record shaped by unfinished lyrics and the sheer joy of making a loud noise with your friend in a sweaty room, when you really should be getting the weekly shop in.

Follow Weathered Man and The Noise here:
Instagram
Facebook

As is the norm recently, I chuck all this in to chat GPT just to clean up the bios and tidy up the links so it all looks pretty but I did all the other stuff.

As I mentioned at the start, I’ve mixed it all a bit louder this week as when I was in my barbers trying to convince him that new music really is on a par with all the old shit he listens to. He is a Bulgarian man in his 30’s who had been telling me how great Boney M were at Boom Town… I mean really. I managed to persuade him to put the podcast on in the shop and it came over a little quiet compared to what he had been listening to before which had been “I love To Love” ffs…. Anyway this is a bit louder, lets see.

Tags Fall In To The Sun, Finish Me, History, Nineteenth hour, R U dwn, Sorry X, Weathered Man and The Noise, Zachary Friederich

Published Podcasts

ep29

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

I start off with the fantastic Laptop and Additional Animals that I admit I did take a bit of a liberty with but I think I may have got away with it. I believe this might have been called eclectic anywhere else but not here and not today. I bloody loved it.

It says in their blurb:

Laptop is the cult electro-pop project of quintessential New York filmmaker and musician Jesse Hartman, and now his 19-year-old son Charlie Hartman (Jesse’s clone. Same wiring. Way upgraded hardware), arguably the first father/son duo in alt-rock history. Known for blending sharp wit, heartbreak, and a deadpan delivery with a totally unique insincere sincerity, Jesse was once a Voidoid with Richard Hell and half of the duo Sammy (Fire Records/Geffen Records), before releasing three critically acclaimed Laptop albums on Island Records/Universal.

Following TikTok hit Weirder, their new single Additional Animals is a darkly funny and disturbingly catchy electro-pop track that imagines a planet running out of meat — and the social unraveling that might follow. With shimmering synths, horns, guitars, and a chorus that’s part plea, part punchline, the track taps into something both absurd and alarmingly real.

The song builds on Laptop’s legacy of blending deadpan lyricism with stylish, off-kilter production. Jesse and Charlie trade vocals like two generations trapped at the same dinner party, equally complicit and confused about the future. The result is funny, existential, and hard to forget.

A critical favourite in the early 2000s for his sardonic take on synth-pop, Jesse Hartman’s return comes with a full new band, a new album, and a live show in London this October — Laptop’s first UK appearance in over 20 years.

I can’t find anything about the gig in London. Why don’t you check out their Linktree and see if you can see anything.

Next was my band name winners this week Escape Goats and Rompecabezas. Yeah try and say that out loud, I dare you!

From their blurb:

Charles Bukowski said that isolation is the gift, but as a German he should have known that it’s actually poison. Latest release from Escape Goats comes in the form of Rompecabezas. A three-minute blast, capturing the feeling of being pulled in conflicting directions, playing on double meanings and pseudowords, paired with angular guitars and powerful drums. It was recorded at Venice of the North Studio in Glasgow by bass player Shep, and mastered by Robin Sutherland Mastering in Finland. The single artwork was created by Dundonian fine artist Tom Carlile.

Three-piece alternative band Escape Goats formed in Glasgow (just north of London…) at the beginning of 2024. Members include bass player Andrew Shepherd, guitarist and singer John McLinden (formerly MEMES) and drummer and singer Adam Parker (formerly Make Sparks). The band have recently been featured on BBC Introducing, Fresh on the Net, and Spotlighted by the Unsigned Guide. Having just opened for Glasgow legends Sluts of Trust on their return to the stage in July, we are excited to get our self-produced/funded debut album finished (due for release late 2025).

Here’s their Linktree.

Good Time Locomotive are back with their stonking new single Daylight.

From their press release:

Good Time Locomotive are back with throwback disco rock single Daylight. Hot off the heels of their self-titled EP, released earlier this year, they show no signs of slowing down with their nostalgic disco/rock single. The band re-enter the limelight with new music on the horizon, working with Grammy-award winning mix engineer/producer Adrian Bushby (Muse, Foo Fighters, U2).

Blending full-on rock funk and self-searching emotive lyricism with their signature feel-good grooves, Daylight is a bombastic, floor-filling anthem. Synthesising nostalgic 80s synth disco vibes, before left turns into full-on rocking out and a guitar solo that’s enough to make Eddie Van Halen rise from the dead for a listen.

Speaking about the new single, frontman Hugo Leite says, “People talk a lot about the dangers of drugs, but what about the evil twin of love: Lust? Lust has to be the king of the deadly sins right? That is until you have a moment of clarity and pull back from the brink of being a full-on bunny boiler. This song is all about never going full crazy on that lust stuff!”

Good Time Locomotive are an alternative pop rock band hailing from London, UK. Since officially debuting in 2023, they have enthused their funky pop songwriting style with a feel-good flourish and positive messaging to build an exciting sound.

Follow them here:
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube

Erin Hughes does a fine job of cleansing our souls with her beautiful track I Wish You Love.

She says:

It’s a raw, theatrical breakup track about the emotional whiplash of wishing someone well when you’re still shattered. Think Evanescence-style vocals over a driving rock backdrop, soaked in that post-breakup “grit your teeth and sing anyway” kind of energy.

The track is part of my upcoming EP Penny in the Jukebox — each song tackles a different post-breakup emotion, from rage to resignation. But this one? This is the heartbreak track you put on when you’re still crying but pretending you’re okay.

I say I love it and it reminds me of All About Eve, the band not the film.

Erin just shared her socials with me!

Instagram

YouTube

SoundCloud

I only used chatgpt to tidy up the notes this week and don’t they look loverly. I am running a week long Facebook marketing campaign this week, targeting UK folk who like Spotify podcasts. Lets see how that works out. I ran one last week that was suppose to target Texas but I managed to mess it up and got hundreds of website visits from Mexico. They didn’t listn biut then how many Mexican podcasts have you listened to? Exactly! I quite like these end of show show notes. I’ll let you know how this new Spotify campaign went. Pip pip!

Tags Additional Animals, Daylight, Erin Hughes, Escape Goats, Good Time Locomotive, I Wish You Love, Laptop, Rompecaberas

Published Podcasts

ep28

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I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

In these notes I just asked chat gpt tidy up the links and check my spelling. The rest is all my writing. If you are new to the podcast, I play the whole track and then discuss at length what I like about them and sometimes offer a few comments. If I didn’t love these tracks and if I didn’t thing they were quality then they would’t make it on to the podcast. As in every episode, I do not favour any genres, simply playing songs that move me.

Here’s your Episode 28 show notes with all the text exactly as you wrote it, just reformatted for clarity and with all socials and web links made clickable in the same style I’ve used for past episodes.

Nick Tann’s Fresh Music Fix – Episode 28

In an episode that features bands in Liverpool, then Manchester, then back to Liverpool again, we kick off with Jamie Higgs – Peace In Your Sound, whose publicity describes him as:

“With soul-soaked vocals and floor shaking energy, the song captures the soundtrack to Jamie’s life, reflecting family and living in the music-driven city that is Liverpool.”

It continues:

“It features Jamie Higgs on lead vocals, Eddie Ponting (Rhythm Guitar), Jake Dooley (Drums), Zak Langford-Do (Bass) and Jack Ryan (Lead Guitar).
After a recent sell-out headline show in Liverpool, Peace In Your Sound is setting the building blocks of more music and live performances across the UK to come in 2025, including the Deaf Institute in Manchester, Sheffield Fringe Festival, The Ferrett Preston, the Bread Shed Manchester, Jacaranda Baltic Liverpool and more.
In Jamie’s words: “I want people to take a couple of minutes, press play, and just embrace it all. The noise, the mess and the madness, because one day, it’ll all be gone. Until then, find the Peace In Your Sound.”

You can find more of Jamie here:
YouTube
Instagram
Facebook

Second up is the wonderful DFK with a track Send Me Away that grows and grows – and we loved it.

From their bio:

“Digging for Kanky is a Manchester-based trio forging a moody, atmospheric sound rooted in alternative, downtempo, and trip hop influences. Named after local folklore about a grave robber from Middleton, Manchester, their name symbolizes a connection to their dark, mysterious origins.
Comprised of Ben Powell, Adam Smith, and Kat Brown, the band crafts haunting melodies layered with rich textures and brooding undertones. Their sonic palette draws from iconic artists such as The Streets, Massive Attack, Leftfield, and The xx, blending these inspirations into a unique sound that is both introspective and immersive.
With a penchant for storytelling and atmospheric depth, Digging for Kanky is carving out their space in the contemporary alternative scene, inviting listeners into a world where darkness and beauty intertwine.”

Find them here:
Instagram
Facebook

Next I chose a track from a band that I loved from my old podcast Is This Thing On — Olvine and their stunning jazzy instrumental Jesus Coloured Glasses. I just missed playing them and wanted to share them with you.

From their bio:

“Less than two years on from their formation, jazz fusion outfit Olvine are carving a path for themselves in the contemporary jazz scene. Building on their previous releases, Brady’s Caravan and All Yours Mate, their most recent offering Live On Tape At Starcruiser is a wonderful collaboration between the core band’s esoteric writing style and the traditional jazz sensibilities of a 4-piece horn section.
Recorded live to a Tascam 388 tape deck in a tour bus warehouse (Starcruiser) in Liverpool, the band has managed to capture the essence of what brings fans back to their live gigs time and time again: an undercurrent of something electrifying. The core band are adept at creating a captivating soundstage for the horns to exist in, spanning from textural ambience akin to electronic artists such as Floating Points & Svaneborg Kardyb, all the way to experimental, improvised grooves akin to 1000 Kings or Hiatus Kaiyote.”

More of their music:
Bandcamp

Finally, The Memos bring this northern powerhouse special to an end with their cracking track Born Again.

From their bio:

“Liverpool indie-rock band The Memos continue their rise with the release of their powerful new single Born Again. Known for their raw energy, heartfelt songwriting, and modern take on classic British guitar music, The Memos once again deliver an anthem that’s both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Born Again captures the essence of rebirth, exploring second chances, resilience, and finding new meaning in life’s setbacks.
Produced & Mixed by Ben Harper [Mysterines, The Zutons, The Sherlocks, Luka State] and recorded at The Motor Museum. Mastered by Graeme Lynch [Miles Kane, The Coral, Ladytron] at 209 Mastering.
Following a string of successful releases, including Standing There and the upcoming EP Futures Ours to Find, The Memos continue to build momentum, earning comparisons to the likes of Sam Fender, Catfish and the Bottlemen, and The Snuts. Their reputation for electrifying live shows has seen them sell out venues across Liverpool and share stages with acts such as The Lottery Winners, The Shambolics, and The View.”

So there we have it, thanks for listening and if you’ve read this far, good on ya! I wish I had started of some tradition of hiding things in these last comments a bit like after the titles on Rick and Morty are they called easter eggs I dont know, anyway till next time you little diamond!

Tags Born Again, DFK, Digging for Kanky, Jamie Higgs, Jesus Coloured Glasses, Liverpool, Manchester, Olvine, Peace In Your Sound, Send Me Away, The Memos

Published Podcasts

ep 27

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I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

As I was on my own for this episode I thought I’d paste some of the bio information from the bands submission as that would be something Chris would do in the show. They make the notes a bit longer than usual so let me know if you prefer it this way.

I used chat GPT to tidy it all up and make the links easier to click but all the words are mine.

So we kicked off with this cracking song by Mad Haven – Take Control that had a Boston vibe to it. This is what their bio said:

“MAD HAVEN are a 3 piece original material rock band from North Wales. The band’s aim is to enable people from all walks of life to come together to leave reality and their daily struggles behind and let go while enjoying their music and the unmatched energy they bring. Since forming back in 2011 as a young school band, they have worked hard to build a core fan base, spread across the UK, Europe and Australia as well as a great reputation within the music industry.

The band have travelled all over the UK supporting bands such as Those Damn Crows, Massive Wagons, Florence Black, Kira Mac and Mason Hill to name a few and have appeared on festivals such as Call Of The Wild, Rock mantic and Wildfire Festival to name a few. In early 2023, Mad Haven played their first overseas gig in Melbourne, Australia supporting Aussie band The Black Aces and enjoyed themselves so much, in late 2023, Tom & Alex took a long 15 month trip to Australia.

The band played their last show in October 2023 before the band was put on hold while Tom & Alex headed out to Australia.

In June 2025, MAD HAVEN was reborn. The lineup, consisting of the same 3 members, Tom Rogowski, Alex Rogowski and Adam Haven went into the studio and began recording new music and filming a brand new music video for what is to be their first release in 2 years, TAKE CONTROL.

The song has a very direct and powerful message. The song starts with “this is your chance to follow the road, make no mistake, take action”. This impactful first line urges listeners to go for what they want to achieve in life NOW.

The song talks of the struggles of daily life and that anyone dragging you down should not be in the forefront of your mind. Instead, you should follow your heart, take stock and focus on the positives.”

These are their socials:
Facebook
Instagram

MAD HAVEN’s comeback show will take place at The Motorsport Lounge in their hometown of Llandudno on Friday 12th September.

Another brilliant song and performance by Lea G and her amazing song “Power”. I’ve played her music before and will certainly be playing it again in the future.

This is taken from her bio:

“Alternative indie-pop artist Lea G is stepping into a bold new chapter with her upcoming project, THE FLOOD, which she revealed in full to her fans in a sold out release party at The Hope & Anchor in London for its first single, “BETTER OF ME”.

Originally from Austria and now based in the UK, where she’s spent the last five years developing her sound and vision, Lea has cultivated a growing fanbase across Europe through her captivating live performances.

Described as what might happen if Florence + the Machine and Orla Gartland collided in a feverish daydream, the six-track EP delves into themes of introspection, transformation, and vulnerability. Produced and recorded alongside Grammy-nominated engineer Isabel Gracefield, THE FLOOD showcases Lea’s ability to craft emotionally charged, anthemic soundscapes while maintaining her signature blend of acoustic intimacy and soaring alternative-pop energy. From haunting melodies to raw, confessional lyrics, the project invites listeners into a sonic world that is both nostalgic and exhilarating.

Following the release of BETTER OF ME and AGAIN & AGAIN, and fresh off supporting Jude York on his European tour, Lea G unveils POWER — the third and most explosive chapter of her upcoming concept EP, THE FLOOD. Driven by an intricate, fingerpicked guitar motif and an anthemic rhythm section, POWER channels a dark theatricality, layering brooding guitar textures and bold, percussive builds with the emotional edge of Fleetwood Mac and the intensity of Florence + the Machine. Beneath it all lies razor-sharp lyricism — a piercing examination of control, emotional manipulation, and what it means to reclaim your agency in a patriarchal world. Sonically raw and emotionally unfiltered, POWER is a rallying cry wrapped in beauty — seductive, haunting, and unflinchingly honest. It doesn’t ask for justice; it demands to be seen. And through its rising tension and cathartic release, Lea marks the moment she stops contorting herself to fit someone else’s narrative — and starts writing her own.

Lea G Quote:
“I wrote POWER when I felt exhausted by the weight of constantly having to shrink myself to survive in a patriarchal world. As a queer woman, I’ve found myself time and again caught in narcissistic dynamics that mirrored wider systems of control.

This song is about waking up to the manipulation — recognising how I’d been made to feel that I am to be small, dependent, voiceless and put on this planet to perform for patriarchy like a puppet for its master. If you can relate, I hope it lets you process your anger.”

Lea G’s ability to turn quiet rage into anthemic release, makes POWER one of her most commanding tracks to date. Co-produced with Isabel Gracefield, the song confronts dealing with deeply ingrained systems — emotional, cultural, and interpersonal — that ask women and queer people to contort themselves in the name of love, loyalty, and survival. To bring the vision of THE FLOOD to life, Lea has assembled a dynamic six-piece band, adding a fresh layer of energy and emotion to her live performances.”

These are her socials:
TikTok
Instagram
YouTube

As long time listeners can tell, we generally only select the choice cuts from these biographies… Let’s continue.

Wyldest is next up with a song I fell in love with on the first listen “All It Would Take Is A Phonecall”. It truly is a thing of beauty. Get comfy whilst I show you what her bio looks like:

(15th July) Today, Wyldest returns with her poignant new single ‘All It Would Take Is A Phonecall’. Out now via Hand In Hive, the track signals the forthcoming follow up to her widely adored 2022 album ‘Feed The Flowers Nightmares’.

A delicate meditation on familial estrangement (“Now you’re just another memory / Locked away inside my veins / On your way to leave an everlasting stain”), ‘All It Would Take Is A Phonecall’ channels the quiet ache of a relationship defined more by blood than by real connection.

Sitting at the intersection of ambient dream-pop and intimate singer-songwriter confessionals, Wyldest’s unmistakably weightless vocal is set against a backdrop of skeletal guitars and airy production textures – recalling the stillness of early Cat Power or the emotional incision of Sharon Van Etten.

The song’s unhurried pace allows its emotional gravity to settle, drawing the listener into a space of painful reflection and quiet acceptance. Delivered with an almost terrifying emotional precision, Wyldest captures something rarely articulated in song: the quiet, slow ache of becoming strangers with someone you once called family. Speaking on the track, Wyldest said:

“This song is about the loss of communication in relationships – particularly with reference to family ties. Those are particularly interesting to me as I’ve experienced and seen in others within the western world, family bonds can sometimes become default, whereby parents, children, siblings can easily become strangers, however this invisible expectation of a bond holds people together, despite the cold reality of a bond that perhaps once existed fading into nothingness – leaving a group of estranged people forced into a space where they must follow a set of rules and appear to know and love each other.”

“’Now you’re just another memory locked away inside my veins’” refers to this notion of sharing blood, whilst simultaneously being estranged from another person… I think it’s important to put this idea of ‘blood ties’ aside within our society and open ourselves up to love and care for people whether we were assigned to at birth or not.”

‘All It Would Take Is A Phonecall’ continues Wyldest’s evolution as a vital and independent voice in alternative music – unafraid to examine uncomfortable truths through a lens of compassion and clarity. It’s a tender but resolute step forward from an artist known for turning vulnerability into strength, and private feeling into shared catharsis.

The track offers a first, understated glimpse into Wyldest’s forthcoming fourth full-length album – due later this year on Hand In Hive. Written through personal upheaval, health crises, and a burning need to find grace within chaos, this new chapter strips back the haze to reveal something radiant and unguarded.

To date, Wyldest (aka Zoë Mead) has released three full length albums, her 2019 debut ‘Dream Chaos’, 2021’s ‘Monthly Friend’, and 2022’s ‘Feed The Flowers Nightmares’ – drawing universal acclaim from BBC 6 Music, The i, The Telegraph, DIY, Dork, CLASH, The Line of Best Fit, Our Culture, Nothing But Hope And Passion, GoldFlakePaint, amongst others.

Wyldest’s new single ‘All It Would Take Is A Phonecall’ is out now via Hand In Hive.

I also found this article about her:
Wyldest – Manners McDade

This is her Instagram:
Instagram

Her Facebook:
Facebook

YouTube:
YouTube

I finish with the joyous Sweet Unrest and their instantly loveable song “SUNSHINE.” Reminded me a little of Prefab Sprout if you remember them. This is their blurb:

“London-based chaos merchants Sweet Unrest are the band the world needs right now., in a gentrified musical scene. Their sound is a fit of passion, a purging of energy. Lauded by Steve Lamacq and other attentive DJs, they will not remain a secret for long. The band spins tension and warmth into a colourful field where different poles of experience meet. As nods to poetry ride echoing tones that weave around an aggressive beat, the sound becomes something quite hard to give a name to, always just on the edge of falling apart completely. Perhaps this is why they speak to this generation.

About the song:

“Sunshine is one of our very first tunes: Near the time we met, Marlo was sitting in his loft room with the sunshine beaming through the window, and the song was beamed through with it. We knew it had potential. Jack finished off the lyrics, comparing how the sunshine can make you feel to how a girl can. We had it in our set for a good few months, but after deciding we wanted to go in a punkier direction, we pretty much forgot about it. Earlier this year, Jack was listening to it on the bus and thought why did we ever stop playing this? Something about it just felt right. We tweaked the verse melody, and we recorded the tune shortly after ready for its rebirth this Summer.”

And these are their socials:
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube

So there we have it. I was listening to The Cure’s latest live album whilst I wrote this. I bought the vinyl version last week from Hundred Records in Romsey. It has become one of my top ten albums, an inspirational and uplifting album. I only wish I could share a track on the podcast. Thanks for reading this far, you are a real champ and I love you!

Nick

Tags Lea G - Power, Mad Haven - Take Control, Sweet Unrest - SUNSHINE, Wyldest - All It Would Take Is A Phonecall

Published Podcasts

ep26

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You can listen to every episode of Nick Tann’s Fresh Music Fix right here on nicktannsfreshmusicfix.com or on your favourite podcast platform including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube or if you prefer RSS

While you’re here, hit subscribe and get a heads up email every Monday when a new episode drops.

I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

For a change I thought I would do all the heavy lifting regarding the notes and just used Chat GPT to tidy up the links, the rest is all me, me and me… so it’s probably got spelling mistakes and bad grammar!

In this banger of an episode we kick off with the stunning
Death of the High Street – OVER NOW
Jaw dropping tight rhythms and swaggering lyrics from this Midlands-based rock punk outfit that you will fall in love with within the first 15 seconds or your money back! Their linktree shows all:
https://linktr.ee/deathofthehighstreet

The legendary Jah Wobble and the hypnotic Tyson Dub Remix raises the bottom end to the nth degree with a track that will rattle your fillings! Of course he has a website, who do you think he is, chopped liver?
https://jahwobble.com

I play Berty’s new single Jellyfish – a surreal assault on the auditory senses. It’s a massive headphone moment so make sure you are wearing yours. She’s got one of those Wix websites that builders have but it does the job:
https://bertysounds.wixsite.com/berty
Get over there and sign up to her mailing list. You can see her new video for Jellyfish. It’s bonkers… no really.

At the end of a meal, instead of a dessert, I often like to finish with the cheeseboard.
John Michael Cross and his track Do the Seasons Change is the cheeseboard. It’s not a wide variety of cheese but a small choice of very good quality cheddars that linger on the palate.
I would direct you to his website but it’s a bit of a train wreck. Pufferfish represent him so head over to their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/PufferFishPressUK
and tell them off for it.

Tags Berty, Death of the High Street, Do the Seasons Change, Jah Wobble, Jellyfish, John Michael Cross, OVER NOW, Tyson Dub Remix

Published Podcasts

ep25

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Nick Tann’s Fresh Music Fix – Episode 25

While you’re here, hit subscribe and get a heads – up email every Monday when a new episode drops.

I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

As per usual, I threw all I could find about the artists into Chatgpt and it came up with this….

We kick off this week’s episode with Swedish duo Ass Age and their all-consuming single Swallowing Sound. There’s something wonderfully chaotic about this track. I was getting heavy Wendy and Lisa vibes with the layered vocals and fearless production. It’s why I picked it to open the show.

Their bio reads:
“One mom and one party party met in music college in Stockholm. One of us never drinks, the other one always drinks. Despite these catastrophic circumstances, we just finished an EP. And we can’t think of anything that sounds like it. Can you??”

Follow them here:
Instagram

Next up is a regular favourite of ours, the brilliant Amity with Hurricane Heart. This one includes a rare full band section that I’d been hoping to hear from Amity for a while now. It adds a rich new dimension to his already thoughtful sound. You can dive deeper into Amity’s world via his website:
amity.music

Third on the playlist are The Painkillers with their powerful track Silence. I don’t know why it’s taken so long for someone to claim that band name, but I’m glad these guys did. It’s tight, brooding, and totally immersive. If you love Silence, you’ll definitely want to explore more of their music on Bandcamp:
Bandcamp

To wrap up the episode, we bring you Heron and his new single Dead To It, a musical kaleidoscope of Beatles-esque textures, all wrapped in a lo-fi acoustic haze. Chris and I both found ourselves completely drawn in.

From his bio:
“UK artist, songwriter, and producer Heron returns with his latest single Dead To It, a raw, introspective track blending alternative psychedelic pop with acoustic indie and lo-fi authenticity. Known for his DIY ethos, Heron crafted every element himself, writing, performing, producing, and mixing. The track reflects themes of reassessment, internal struggle, and the emotional weight of past experiences, contrasted with uplifting melodies and layered harmonies.”

Think Beck, think Elliott Smith, but with a melodic identity all his own. Explore more via his Linktree:
linktr.ee/crackedanalogue

Heard something new you loved? Let me know. Comment, share, and most importantly, keep listening. There’s a whole world of original music waiting to be discovered.

Tags Amity - Hurricane Heart, Ass Age - Swallowing Sound, Heron - Dead To It, The Painkillers - Silence

Published Podcasts

ep24

Post author By Nick Tann
Post date July 7, 2025
1 Comment on ep24

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

While you’re here, hit subscribe and get a heads – up email every Monday when a new episode drops.

I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

As per usual, I threw all I could find about the artists into Chatgpt and it came up with this….

Nick Tann’s Fresh Music Fix – Episode 24

First up, a quick apology for Chris’s mic in the early part of the episode. I forgot to press the right button, so you may need to strain your ears a little for his early comments. Thankfully, he returns in glorious stereo right after the first track.

We open with Palejoy and their grunge-laced banger Next Goal Wins. This is a band that delivers the kind of emotional weight we love. Described as Aberdeen’s own emo torchbearers, yet I was getting Smashing Pumpkins and Nirvana at the same time. Follow them here:
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok

Next is the brilliant Grete with her latest single See U More. Possibly her best recording to date in my view. It’s now four hours later and that hook is still playing in my head. We’ve played Grete on the podcast a few times before and she’s become a firm favourite. This track takes her to a whole new level. Grete was born and raised in Lithuania and began performing at the age of three. She’s performed on TV, in musical theatre, and even reached the finals of The Voice of Lithuania. The craft and control in this song is incredible. Follow her here:
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube

Third is a track that really spoke to both Chris and me – Joe Hodgson with his instrumental You I Think Of. We both heard echoes of George Benson in this beautifully expressive piece. Joe is from Ballymagorry in Northern Ireland and his music reflects the wildness and spirit of that place. After years of playing with bands across Europe, Joe returned home and released his debut solo album Apparitions in 2020 to wide acclaim. His guitar work is so skilled and well thought out. Les Paul would be proud of him! Follow him here:
Website
Facebook
Instagram

To finish, we bring in Van Royale with Set In Stone. This is a track that smacks you in the chest!. From the hooky guitar line to the aching vocal delivery, it’s a masterclass in melodic metal. There’s something very Jeff Buckley in the emotion and tone and the guitar has that Buckley rawness and emotion that I absolutely adored. This is a band that is continuing to impress us with every release.

You can listen to every episode of Nick Tann’s Fresh Music Fix right here on nicktannsfreshmusicfix.com or on your favourite podcast platform. While you’re there, hit subscribe and you’ll get a heads-up every Monday when a new episode drops.

If this episode introduced you to something new, let us know. Comment, share, and most importantly — keep listening. Real music is alive and well.

Tags "Set In Stone", Grete, Joe Hodgson, Next Goal Wins, Palejoy, See U More, Van Royale, You I Think of

Published Podcasts

ep23

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While you’re here, hit subscribe and get a heads – up email every Monday when a new episode drops.

I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

As per usual, I threw all I could find about the artists into Chatgpt and it came up with this….

Nick Tann’s Fresh Music Fix – Episode 23

We open this episode with Two Odds Make an Even from Star Circus – a multi-layered, anthemic track that gives the show a cracking start.

What we didn’t mention on air:
Star Circus was formed in 2019 by frontman Dave, whose songwriting caught the ear of legendary DJ Tony Wilson. The two worked together on the debut album Separate Sides, released in December 2022 to critical acclaim. Following UK tours supporting a host of international acts, the band evolved into a true collaborative project, with new songwriters and standout guest guitarists like Tom Draper (ex-Carcass, Spirit Adrift) and Ritchie Mohicano (Dobermann). You’ll also hear Sophie’s powerful vocals featured across the new album.

Follow and explore:
starcircus.co.uk
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok

Next up, Saving Grace by Cry For Mercy – a slow-burn rock track that builds with every listen.

During lockdowns, the band turned inward and focused on writing, producing their debut Resist, followed by 2022’s Time and Tide and 2024’s Dry Bones. Their latest full-length, This Machine, dropped on April 4 and is packed with heart and heavy grooves.

Discover more:
cryformercy.co.uk
Instagram
Bandcamp

Oliver Anderson’s Money hit us right between the eyes – short, sharp, and emotionally rich.

A stunning vocal delivery fuels this anti – grind culture anthem. It’s a defiant alt-rock tune that questions the way hustle culture devalues our experiences and wellbeing. A powerful message wrapped in just the right amount of fuzz.

Check him out:
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube

We paused for a quick rant about coffee. You know how it is.

Then it was time for Velour Fog and their monster new track Fake. Think Rage Against The Machine with a grime edge – this one punches hard.

These guys live where hip-hop meets rock, and they own it. I also gave a shoutout to The Spice of Life – a great venue where both Velour Fog and I have performed.

Get more of their energy here:
velourfog.com

Finally, I mentioned a few releases of my own. If you’re interested in:

Every song I’ve ever recorded
My Live at The Bedford EP
Or just want to dive into my back catalogue…

Head to:
nicktann.bandcamp.com

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who still loves discovering brilliant, original music.

More episodes and extras at nicktannsfreshmusicfix.com

Tags acdc, Alice Cooper, Bad Company, Bon Jovi, Cheap Trick, coffee geek, Cry For Mercy - Saving Grace, Fleetwood Mac, Free, Oliver Anderson - Money, rage against the machine, Rival sons, Spin Doctors, Star Circus - Two Odds Make An Even, Temperance Movement, Thin Lizzy, Velour Fog - Fake, Whitesnake

Published Podcasts

Ep22

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

While you’re here, hit subscribe and get a heads – up email every Monday when a new episode drops.

I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

As per usual, I threw all I could find about the artists into Chatgpt and it came up with this….

Nick Tann’s Fresh Music Fix – Episode 22

We kick off this week’s episode with an absolute banger from Lea G – Again and Again.

Her bio says:
“Lea’s music continues to capture audiences worldwide, with over a million Spotify streams, features in WONDERLAND and The Line of Best Fit, and placements in editorial playlists like Apple Music’s New Pop and Spotify’s Zuhause. With a growing community of over 20K followers and 55K monthly Spotify listeners, Lea G is an artist who knows how to connect deeply with her fans.”

Check her out on:
Instagram
TikTok

Next up is Masi Masi with The Rain – a track that hits my musical pleasure centre and ticks all the right boxes.

Based in Bradford, Masi Masi recorded this gritty, groove-laden track in a friend’s garage in LA. He slept on the floor and crafted what has become the third release from an upcoming album. Featuring James Kirk on drums and Adrian Padilla (also co-producer) on guitar, The Rain offers a clear glimpse into the raw energy of the Masi Masi live experience.

He’ll be playing a hometown show in Leeds this summer, as well as sets at Beatherder Festival and on This Feeling’s stage at the Isle of Wight Festival.

Follow him here:
Instagram
YouTube

Third on the list is Novelist Me with Why Do You Talk – track 9 from their latest album.” A minimalist breakup cut that’s almost too honest for comfort. “So happy for you / But not so much for me” is the kind of line you only say once before hating yourself for it. The repetition of “Why do you talk?” is a dagger cloaked in indie ennui”
When I played this to a few friends, it split the room. Marmite vibes. Love it or hate it – you decide. I obviously love it.

Find Novelist Me here:
Instagram
Website

We close the show with New Royal Standard and their outstanding track Soul Crushing.
This one left us smiling – a beautifully layered production with a killer chorus and some real lyrical bite.

Here’s a snippet from their bio:
“Soul Crushing doesn’t just express frustration – it channels it into a rallying cry. From student debt to housing struggles, mental health to political apathy, the track lays bare the quiet anger and resilience of today’s youth, from a very independent perspective.”

Follow them here:
Instagram
Facebook

And as a little bonus, I shared an excerpt from 3am, a track I wrote and performed, featured by Black Mamba a million years ago

Like what you heard?
There’s more where that came from. Follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and head to nicktannsfreshmusicfix.com to join the conversation, discover past episodes, and support independent music.

Tags Lea G - Again and Again, Masi Masi - The Rain, New Royal Standard - Soul Crushing, Novelist Me - Why Do You Talk

Published Podcasts

The Forensics, Nearly Skulls, Nick Tann and The Whole Family, Candy Opera

Post author By Nick Tann
Post date June 16, 2025
No Comments on The Forensics, Nearly Skulls, Nick Tann and The Whole Family, Candy Opera

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

While you’re here, hit subscribe and get a heads – up email every Monday when a new episode drops.

I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

As per usual, I threw all I could find about the artists into Chatgpt and it came up with this….

Nick Tann’s Fresh Music Fix – Episode 21

We’re back with another fresh batch of incredible original music, and this week we’re mixing power pop, political bite, heartfelt energy and some good old guitar-led charm.

First up, The Forensics set the pace with Maxine. Hailing from Preston, this working-class four-piece hit hard with layers of electric guitar and uplifting energy. A band that sounds tight, powerful, and real. They’ve got the sound, the swagger, and the songs. Follow them on Instagram here: @forensicsband

Next, Nearly Skulls drop Only In America, a slick, punchy track with big production and even bigger intent. Built on British-American influences like Gang of Four, Foo Fighters, and R.E.M., this one’s a statement as much as it is a song. It’s bold, smart, and very, very listenable. Check them out here: www.nearlyskulls.com

Track three is from my own band, Nick Tann and The Whole Family, and it’s the final track from our Live at The Bedford EP – Can’t Stop Missing You. I tell the story behind this performance on the show, but let’s just say it was the encore, and it absolutely flies. You can find out more, stream the EP, and get gig updates here: nicktann.co.uk

We wrap things up with the legendary Candy Opera and their beautifully crafted single Start All Over Again. Formed back in 1982, reformed in 2019, and now finding new audiences around the world, Candy Opera still write songs with real charm and staying power. From sharing stages with The Wedding Present and The Real People to releasing critically acclaimed albums, this is a band worth revisiting. Their music, story and merch are all right here: candyopera.bandcamp.com

Enjoying the podcast?
Hit subscribe on your favourite podcast platform or join us on the website to never miss a track.
And if you liked what you heard, let us know. Leave a comment, share with a mate, and help us bring more original music to more people.

Tags 80s, American, Candy Opera, Cant stop missing you, dance, Deacon Blue, funk, Live recording, Maxine, Nearly Skulls, Nick Tann and the Whole Family, Only in America, power pop, Prefab Sprout, soul, Start all over again, The Forensics

Published Podcasts

The Real Flower Pots, Milena, Poppie Marynns, Madama Claude

Post author By Nick Tann
Post date June 9, 2025
1 Comment on The Real Flower Pots, Milena, Poppie Marynns, Madama Claude

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

While you’re here, hit subscribe and get a heads – up email every Monday when a new episode drops.

I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

As per usual, I threw all I could find about the artists into Chatgpt and it came up with this….

Nick Tann’s Fresh Music Fix – Episode 20

We’re back with another finely tuned selection of original music from unsigned and independent artists you need to hear.

First up, long-time friends of the podcast The Real Flower Pots return with their latest single Birdie. Formed in 2024 by Kansas City composers Patrick Meagher and Johnny Marie (also of Girl for Samson), The Real Flower Pots began by finishing each other’s half-written tracks without genre limits or interference. The result is fresh, playful and full of charm.
Discover more at realflowerpots.com

Next, we welcome back the incredible Milena with Above The Ground, a stunning piano-driven piece that stopped us in our tracks. What started as a quiet instrumental in B minor turned into a fully fledged song—complete with five-part harmonies—during a burst of inspiration while cooking spicy prawn noodles. We’ll definitely be playing more of Milena’s music in future episodes.
You can find her at milenalainovic.com

Third on the list is Poppie Marynns and the slow-burning Venus-Mars. Based in Coventry, Poppie is a producer, musician and multi-instrumentalist blending rock, electronic, and psychedelic influences. His style takes a moment to settle in, but once it does, it’s unforgettable.
Check out his music at reverbnation.com/poppiemarynns

We close with our favourite ska misfits Madama Claude and their wild, witty track Gendarmes. Playful, multi-layered and endlessly entertaining, they’ve been growing on us—and hopefully on you too. If you haven’t seen their videos yet, treat yourself to these:

Want to make sure you don’t miss the next batch of brilliant tracks?
Subscribe now at nicktannsfreshmusicfix.com and get each episode delivered to your inbox.
You can also follow and rate the show wherever you get your podcasts.

If a track stood out to you this week, leave a comment and let us know—we always love hearing your thoughts.

Published Podcasts

Leon Blanchard and The Tiny Giants, Nick Tann and the Whole Family, The British IBM, Paleblu and Laville

Post author By Nick Tann
Post date June 2, 2025
1 Comment on Leon Blanchard and The Tiny Giants, Nick Tann and the Whole Family, The British IBM, Paleblu and Laville

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

While you’re here, hit subscribe and get a heads – up email every Monday when a new episode drops.

I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

As per usual, I threw all I could find about the artists into Chatgpt and it came up with this….

Welcome to another episode of Nick Tann’s Fresh Music Fix, where original music always takes centre stage.< /p>

We kick things off with a banger from Leon Blanchard and The Tiny Giants. The track is Astronaut and it absolutely soars. I didn’t get to share the full story on the pod, so here’s the deal. Leon first came to light fronting The Brightlights, an indie band that won Channel 4’s Road to V competition back in 2007. They landed a main stage slot at V Festival and grabbed attention across the UK music press. But just as things were taking off, the band vanished like a haddock at Steels Cornerhouse in Cleethorpes. (Trust me, that’s fast.)

Leon didn’t disappear though. He went deep into songwriting, quietly building his craft away from the spotlight. That journey really came into focus during the pandemic, when solitude became the creative spark. Working with legendary producer Dave Formula from Magazine, Leon shaped a full album that hits hard and feels honest.
If you want more, check out:
Leon on YouTube
Leon on Instagram
Leon on Facebook

Next up is a track from my own band Nick Tann and the Whole Family. This one’s I Believe in Love from our new live EP Live at the Bedford. You’ll find everything from videos to merch and more on my website: nicktann.co.uk

After that, we welcome back The British IBM with their killer new track Things Change. These guys have a fascinating story and even better music. Do yourself a favour and head over to their website, it’s packed with great content: thebritishibm.com

Rounding things off in style, we’ve got Paleblu and Laville bringing some top-tier drum and bass with Overseas. It’s smooth, punchy and totally addictive.
Explore more from these East London artists:
Paleblu on Facebook
Paleblu on Instagram
Paleblu on YouTube

If you’re enjoying the show, don’t keep it to yourself. Leave a comment, share your thoughts on the tracks, and let us know which artists you’re loving.

And most importantly, subscribe at nicktannsfreshmusicfix.com to get alerts every time a new episode drops. You can also follow the podcast wherever you get your shows, including Spotify, Apple, YouTube and more.

Until next time – keep discovering.

Published Podcasts

Grete, Mora and the Fabulous Wonderfuls, Berty – Meteor Street

Post author By Nick Tann
Post date May 26, 2025
No Comments on Grete, Mora and the Fabulous Wonderfuls, Berty – Meteor Street

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Welcome to another brilliant episode of Nick Tann’s Fresh Music Fix — your go-to place for discovering incredible unsigned and independent artists.

We kick things off with the phenomenal Grete and her new single JUICE. It’s the third track we’ve featured from the Lithuanian-turned-Mancunian artist, and this one absolutely grooves with a heavy bassline and smooth R&B vibes. Dive into more from Grete on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Next up, it’s a true family affair with MORA and the Fabulous Wonderfuls and their slow, blues-soaked tune Tool. The duo – George ‘Guitar’ Borowski and his daughter Mora – blend classic soul vocals with raw, expressive energy. Mora’s voice has been described as “Janis Joplin meets Nina Simone” and you’ll hear why. Explore their world across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

Third in the mix is a returning favourite – the ethereal Bristol-based artist Berty with her stunning new song I Hope It’s OK. This hauntingly beautiful track cements Berty as one of our standout regulars. Follow her journey at YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

To wrap things up, we welcome back the genre-defying Meteor Street and their latest offering Tell Me It’s Still Changing. Describing themselves as “a rock band fronted by the daughter/father duo Alison Belle and Aldo Riba, here to bring the world the dulcet, chaotic sounds of literary rock” – this track is wild, theatrical, and utterly unforgettable. Check them out at their official website.

If you loved what you heard, make sure to subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen – we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all the usual places. You can also subscribe at nicktannsfreshmusicfix.com to get an email alert every time a new episode drops.

Found a new favourite artist? Let us know in the comments, share this episode with a fellow music fan, and help us spread the word about these amazing musicians.

See you next time.

Tags Berty, Grete, I hope it's ok, JUICE, Meteor Street, MORA & the Fabulous Wonderfuls, Tell me it's still changing, tool

Published Podcasts

Nick Tann and The Whole Family, Van Royale, Abz Winter, Doctor Black

Post author By Nick Tann
Post date May 19, 2025
No Comments on Nick Tann and The Whole Family, Van Royale, Abz Winter, Doctor Black

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

17You can listen to every episode of Nick Tann’s Fresh Music Fix right here on nicktannsfreshmusicfix.com or on your favourite podcast platform including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube or if you prefer RSS

While you’re here, hit subscribe and get a heads-up every Monday when a new episode drops.

I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

As per usual, I threw all I could find about the artists into Chatgpt and it came up with this….

This week’s episode of Nick Tann’s Fresh Music Fix opens with a track from my own band — Nick Tann and The Whole Family — and the first cut, Had It All, from our brand new live EP Live at The Bedford. Naturally, I think it’s brilliant — but you can judge for yourself. Watch the live video here and check out the rest via my website where you’ll find links to all my socials and releases.

Coming in next is Liverpool-based powerhouse Van Royale with the thundering Coming After You. This band has been shaking the North West for the last two years and shows no sign of slowing. Catch live clips and more on their Instagram and YouTube channel.

We then shift gears with Abz Winter and her firecracker of a single Tired of You. Fierce, honest and full of Paramore energy, this one hits hard. Find her on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook.

Finally, Doctor Black closes out the show with Drag Me Down — a track that’s been hiding in my inbox for too long. Rob Rees handles everything in the studio, but you’ll want to catch the full band live. Everything you need is right there in their Linktree.

PLUS – in this episode, I talk about my original podcast Is This Thing On, which I launched way back in 2008. I featured hundreds of brilliant unsigned artists — including Catfish and the Bottlemen, Men They Couldn’t Hang, and even Kajagoogoo. Yes, really. The entire archive is still live at isthisthingonpodcast.com and on all major podcast platforms.

I also chat passionately about the importance of live music and venues — the lifeblood of everything we celebrate on this show.

If you’re enjoying these discoveries, subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can also subscribe via the website to get new episodes and updates sent straight to your inbox — no algorithms, just new music.

Thanks for listening — and if you find a new favourite artist here, share the episode, leave a rating, or drop a comment. Every bit helps shine a light on these incredible musicians.

Tags "Coming After You, Abz Winter, Doctor Black, Drag Me Down, Had It All, Live at the bedford, Nick Tann and the Whole Family, Van Royal, Van Royale

Published Podcasts

Madame Claude, Amity, Pleasure Centre, Meteor Street

Post author By Nick Tann
Post date May 12, 2025
1 Comment on Madame Claude, Amity, Pleasure Centre, Meteor Street

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

While you’re here, hit subscribe and get a heads-up every Monday when a new episode drops.

I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

As per usual, I threw all I could find about the artists into Chatgpt and it came up with this….

I’m joined by Chris today, and we kick things off with some smooth reggae from one of our favourites—Manchester’s Madam Claude—with Part of Your Show. You might remember them from episode 2 and episode 7. They’ve just announced a big show in Whitby, so head over to their Instagram for all the details. There’s also a great piece about them on the Band on the Wall site—definitely worth a read.

Next up, back from episode 9, the outstanding London-based Amity returns with his new single To Be Known. It’s lush, cinematic, and beautifully crafted—Rufus Wainwright fans, take note. He’s got all the pieces in place with a stellar website you’ll want to explore.

From Leeds, we’ve got Pleasure Centre and their track Favourite (not F Song as I stated in the podcast), which ticks all the boxes—Radiohead-esque vibes, thoughtful production, and a really tight performance. Their site is loaded with interviews and videos, but we’re still waiting on some live dates. Sign up to their mailing list and keep an eye out.

Rounding things off, we head to California for Meteor Street and The Cult of Pure Feeling. A father/daughter duo recording out of their basement in Van Nuys, their sound is raw, powerful, and totally unique. Check out their website to dig into their story.

🎙️ As always, I talk passionately about the live music scene and the vital role independent venues play in supporting artists like these. Let’s keep it alive.

Thanks so much for listening—if you’ve discovered a new favourite artist today, let us know! Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share the podcast with people who love discovering great new music. Every little bit helps these amazing artists reach more ears.

Tags Amity, Favourite, Madame Claude, Meteor Street, Part in your show, Pleasure Centre, The Cult of Pure Feeling, To be known

Published Podcasts

She 1 Him 2, Star Wheel Press, Soft Cotton County, Pomona

Post author By Nick Tann
Post date May 5, 2025
No Comments on She 1 Him 2, Star Wheel Press, Soft Cotton County, Pomona

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

While you’re here, hit subscribe and get a heads-up every Monday when a new episode drops.

I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

As per usual, I threw all I could find about the artists into Chatgpt and it came up with this….

It’s just me flying solo this time, listening live and sharing some seriously fresh tunes.

🎹 She 1 Him 2 – Moving Parts

We’re kicking things off with the ’80s-inspired, synth-driven Moving Parts by She 1 Him 2, all the way from Cleveland, Ohio. It suddenly hit me—they’re our first American artists in a while! We used to feature loads… maybe Trump scared them off?

Anyway, the track’s got a big retro vibe, and the video is absolutely bonkers—but worth watching! You’ll find them all over social media, but here are two links I thought you’d enjoy:

🎸 Star Wheel Press – Low Sun Drive

Next up, we go north to Scotland for Star Wheel Press, who dropped the instantly lovable Low Sun Drive. I chat a bit more about them in the episode—don’t miss it.

I didn’t get any links from Craig (I think he’s from the band?), but I tracked down their new album on Bandcamp. It’s only £7 and well worth picking up. Here’s where to look:

🌾 Soft Cotton County – Blue on Blue

Soft Cotton County glides in beautifully with Blue on Blue. I actually prefer this one to their last track we featured—Coward of the Country Fair. What do you reckon?

Their website is packed with goodies, including a gorgeous vinyl version of this track. Go have a snoop and see what they’re all about:

Website (Check vinyl availability!)

🔥 Pomona – Saga

To wrap things up, we’ve got Pomona, possibly Manchester’s best punk art band, with their super-tight, groovy track Saga. I absolutely loved this one—especially the little Easter egg at the end (you’ll know it when you hear it).

They sent over a whole truckload of links, but I particularly liked their Instagram:

Instagram

🙌 Thanks for Listening!

Hope you enjoyed this episode as much as I did putting it together. If you did, why not:

Subscribe to the podcast
Sign up on the website
Share it with a mate
And if you’re feeling extra awesome—leave a rating or review on your podcast app of choice!

See you next time for more fresh, independent music!

Tags Blue on Blue, Low Sun Drive, Moving Parts, Pomona, Saga, She 1 Him 2, Soft Cotton County, Star Wheel Press

Published Podcasts

CJ Wildheart, Berty, The Spitfires, Pmad

Post author By Nick Tann
Post date April 29, 2025
No Comments on CJ Wildheart, Berty, The Spitfires, Pmad

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

While you’re here, hit subscribe and get a heads-up every Monday when a new episode drops.

I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

I kicked of this episode by apologising to WindowHead for getting their name wrong in the previous episode. We have been in contact via Instagram and are all friends again, so that’s good.

I was able to welcome Dolphin Feathers from who joined me from https://youheardithearfirst.com/ to go through the tunes in this episode. We started with punk rocker (in the literal sense) CJ Wildheart and the thumping “You Got The Best Of Me” Once part of punk godfathers (?) The Wildhearts CJ is flying solo in this soon to become new (or NU?) punk banger. CJ starts a UK tour in May

21st – Huddersfield Parish

24th – Preston Vinyl Tap

With Michael Monroe:

MAY

22nd – Newcastle University

23rd – Glasgow Slay

26th – Southampton The 1865

27th – Brighton Concorde 2

28th – Bristol Thekla

30th – Swansea Sin City

31st – Buckley Tivoli

With Ricky Warwick

SEPTEMBER

13th – Inverness An Seymar

14th – Edinburgh Liquid Rooms

15th – Newcastle Cluny

16th – Carlisle Brickyard

19th – Manchester Rebellion

20th – Wolverhampton KKs Steel Mill

21st – Leeds Bridenell Social Club

22nd – Cambridge Junction 2

23rd – Southampton The 1865

25th – Bristol The Exchange

26th – London 100 Club

27th – Swansea Sin City

The best place to find out more might be CJs Bandcamp page.

Second up was Berty and Big Leap. I can never strees this enough buyt please listen with headphones unless you have a kick arse stereo as this is ASMR heaven. Tingles indead from this stunningly produced masterpiece, Big Leap certainly delivered in “Tingles”. She has a Facebook page which is something but I will keep banging on at artists to get a website. Certainly also worth checking out her YouTube profile We definitely want to hear more.

The Spitfires had us both nodding our heads and channelling Madness (Dolphin Feathers) and The Stranglers (me) with their nu mod “Better the Devil You Know“. They have just started a UK tour

Fri 2 May: Liverpool, O2 Academy2

· Sat 3 May: Glasgow, Stereo

· Sun 4 May: Shrewsbury, Loop Fest

· Fri 9 May: Dublin, The Sound House

· Sat 10 May: Belfast, Deer’s Head

Fri 23 May: London, Koko

So get along to one of those dates if you can. If you cant then perhaps visit their linktree to learn more about this interesting Watford band.

Podcast favourite Pmad ended and interesting amd rather alternative podcast with a collaboration with Italian artist “Think” and a new song “Chance“. We reviled in the beautiful chaotic mix of majors and minors and the gorgeous drama of this tune from the Irish Londonite. His linktree is the best place to start following this gem of an artist so if he is for you then be there for him.

I also reminded listers that there are Spotify and Tidal playlists made up of all the tracks played on the podcast that appear on those platforms if you wanted to take a listen. Visit the website and click.

Remember to give us some star rankings and to follow and subscribe.

Tags Berty, Better the Devil You Know, Big Leap, Chance, CJ Wildheart, Pmad, The Spitfires, Think, You Got The Best Of M

Published Podcasts

Dead Hazards, Rear Window, WidowHead, Steve Young and The Real Time Players

Post author By Nick Tann
Post date April 21, 2025
No Comments on Dead Hazards, Rear Window, WidowHead, Steve Young and The Real Time Players

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

While you’re here, hit subscribe and get a heads-up every Monday when a new episode drops.

I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

Before I tell you about the music, a few of you have made a comment about the audio levels of Chris and myself. I have tinkered with this aspect and I hope you will hear an improvement. If you still have problems with it please let me know. Onwards….

Lucky for us we have the amazing Dead Hazards kicking off with a track from their brand new album Saline and a track called Remorse. I know we played a track from them earlier this month but I felt we needed to play another as this is a great album and deserves some shouting about. This is what I said about them in episode 11.Shoot off to their Bandcamp Site here for some choice cuts

Next is the wonderful Rear Window and their Scissor Sisteresqe (yes thats a real word.. Now) Rocket Men. This almost hypnotic song charmed both of us as it will surely charm you. We love Rear Window and in fact played them 3 times in our previous podcast Is This Thing On as you can see here. They have a small yet perfectly formed website here. Go there now!

WindowHead are next up with Todd, Honey a wonderful messy proggy, shoegaze enigma of a track and what a band. They ticked all our music boxes. Based in Brighton, howe of the eclectic this is what they say about their sound “Windowhead has spent the last 4 years honing its craft as a live band, leading to an increased focus on immediacy inherited from Post-Hardcore influences such as Thrice, Glassjaw and At The Drive-In. The impact of this can be felt in the upcoming Terrestrials EP, which combines the band’s signature effects-heavy guitars with unconventional time signatures, extreme dynamics and chaotic rhythms” Reading this I can hear the At The Drive-in comparison.

Finally we have Steve Young and the Real Time Players and Come Around. Chris had plenty so say about them in the show. They are on tour with date WEDS 21st MAY, The Duke, Ipswich (Blues In Town)
THURS 29th MAY, Corn Exchange Hertford (supporting Chantel McGregor) JUN 19-22nd – Isle Of Wight Festival (TO BE CONFIRMED) , SUN JULY 13th – Todd in the Hole Festival, Stevenage, SAT JUL 26th – Old Town Live – Ware, AUG 9th – Old Town Live – Stevenage. For more things Steve Young, follow his linktre

I would have loved to put up more links for these bands, however, when Googled (yes thats what I do) the band names were so unbandnamey I would have to have spent too long trying to find them. So I guess thats what would have happened if you, dear listener, would have done the same. This is why I band on about bands choosing original names or at least having a website…

Love you all you beautiful creatures. Oh and what would your sandwich choice be if I decided to name one after you?

@nicktanntok
Great new music for you to discover in episode 13 of Nick Tann’s Fresh Music Fix podcast #deadhazards #rearwindow #widowhead #steveyoungandtherealtimeplayers Link to the website in the description musicdiscovery newmusic musictaste musicrecommendations #musicreview #nicktannsfreshmusicfix
♬ original sound – Nick Tann – Nick Tann

Tags Come Around, Dead Hazards, Honey, Rear Window, Remorse, Rocket Men, Saline, Steve Young and the Real Time Players, Todd, windowhead

Published Podcasts

Black Surf, 2 days Sober, Bobbie Peru, The Clang Group

Post author By Nick Tann
Post date April 14, 2025
1 Comment on Black Surf, 2 days Sober, Bobbie Peru, The Clang Group

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

While you’re here, hit subscribe and get a heads-up every Monday when a new episode drops.

I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

What a great show this week with my flying solo as is my want. Black Surf cruised in with there great track Lights Out a great monster of a shoe gaze, punk mixture. I did manage to find a little more info about them on further searching including this great interview Their actual linktree account and their Instagram page but I had to search for it.

Next was the beautiful but annoyingly named 2 Day Sober and Should I let It Go. Refreshing to hear a song with an acoustic guitar that isn’t just an acoustic guitar. Do you know what I mean. I loved the electric guitar chops in the chorus, made my day. It looks like they are not that great at any form of social media. I found this facebook page for them, gave it a like you should do the same.

Manchester’s finest Bobbie Peru gave a great account of theselves with Possible Ops a cracker of a song taken from their album Nurse Corkscrew. They have all their social media ducks in a row so I chose their positively bulging Bandcamp Profile as a great place to start your Bobbie Peru Journey.

The Clang Group gave a fantastic masterclass in songwriting and studio production with the Robin Troweresque single Bulldozer. Just sublime. A list of past achievements by front man Clive Langer includes work with heroes such as David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Dexies Midnight runners to name but three and there are plenty more. Many social media ducks but the eponymous Facebook page is here. I also spoke of my is this thing on Podcast which you can find here and my Tik Tok and Instagram which you can find on the podcast website here.

It’s always lovely to get feedback so please feel free to tell me what amazing music I play and how handsome I look as well as any ratings you might want to give the show.

@nicktanntok
Great new music for you to discover in episode 12 of Nick Tann’s Fresh Music Fix podcast Link to the website in the description 2dayssober bobbyperu, theclanggroup, blacksurf musicdiscovery newmusic musictaste musicrecommendations musicreview
♬ original sound – Nick Tann – Nick Tann

Tags 2 Days Sober, Black Surf, Bobbie Peru, Bulldozer, Lights Out, Possible Ops, Should I let It Go, The Clang Group

Published Podcasts

Chaz Jankel, Dead Hazards, Lea G, Adult Leisure

Post author By Nick Tann
Post date April 7, 2025
1 Comment on Chaz Jankel, Dead Hazards, Lea G, Adult Leisure

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

While you’re here, hit subscribe and get a heads – up email every Monday when a new episode drops.

I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

This time with good friend Dave co – hosting. Whilst you’re reading, if you want to comment on the show please use whichever app you are using and I will try and reply otherwise

https://nicktannsfreshmusicfix.com is your main port of call

After a weekend watching old BBC4 footage of Ian Dury and the Blockheads from the 70s and 80s, it was a joy to feature a track from major Blockhead Chas Jankle featuring Melody Palmer. Meet Me In The Middle was released last year to great critical acclaim as you might expect.This smooth little mf had me wriggling in my seat with even Dave managing a twitch or two. I am hoping he will send me some tracks from his new album as they promise even more grooviness. You can find out more from Chas’s fine website here.

There is so much to unpack with Dead Hazards – Hauling Back that it’s best just to slip your headphones on and drift with it. They have risen from an experimental, non publishing test ground of metal and madness to a more cohesive signature that they can call their own. This is the first track we have played from their new album Saline which they describe as “The album could be considered a mixture of sludge, folk rock, prog, even jazz in parts, with other styles occasionally passing by. On the hopefully more unique side of things, in places you can hear electric violin, Zippo percussion, nature ambience, frequencies from image-to-audio (artwork) conversion, and similar homemade sounds” Whatever that means we will certainly be playing the other track from the album “Remorse” in the ver near future. For all things Dead Hazardy https://deadhazards.bandcamp.com is the place.

Lea G‘s bio describes her as “what might happen if Florence + the Machine and Orla Gartland collided in a feverish daydream” and she might be right too. Better Off Me is a great tune that charmed us both. I would be interested to hear how her Hope and Anchor gig went earlier this month. Did you go? Lea has a delightful website with plenty of content to keep you… content https://www.lea-g-music.com/ is the place so go and knock yourself out.

Finally Adult Leisure take us home with their 80s inspired banger Dancing Don’t Feel Right. Is it 80s inspired? Sounds like it to me and there’s no shame in that. The band say ““We wanted to create a track that asks listeners to step out of line, ditch their inhibitions, and give in to the temptation of doing exactly what they shouldn’t. It’s a narrative of inner conflict, desire and rebellion. The track captures the feeling of being on the edge: stuck in a moment where you know you should hold back, but something – or someone – won’t let you. ‘Dancing Don’t Feel Right’ is our way of ignoring responsibility, silencing the voice of reason, and giving in to the forbidden thrill of indulgence. The song is about the urge to let loose, to break out of the mould and do the bad thing.” So there. I’m surprised Dave had never heard of them as he appears to know everyone in Bristol I have no idea why? I can’t see a website for them but if you go to their Facebook page you’ll see they all have bears. A great thing in my opinion.

Hope you enjoyed this episode, if you did please let me know and rate it high if you feel the need.

Tags Adult Leisure, Better Off Me, Blockhead, Blockheads, Chas Jankle featuring Melody Palmer, Dancing Don't Feel Right, Lea G, Meet Me In The Middle

Published Podcasts

Geoff Mull, Pegasuses, Mal, Heron

Post author By Nick Tann
Post date March 31, 2025
1 Comment on Geoff Mull, Pegasuses, Mal, Heron

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

While you’re here, hit subscribe and get a heads-up every Monday when a new episode drops.

I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

Now we are 10 and I think we’re getting the hang of it. Geoff Mull certainly is as he starts us off with Make a Move. Putting his XFactor days behind him Geoff hits us straight between the eyes with this anthemic pop banger. He has a very interesting website with an even more interesting tour schedule. I didn’t realise who our second spot artists Pegasuses were until we looked them up during the show and it’s Dave Miatt and Laura Lamb from Southampton! Dave is a bit of a name in these parts having been a part of Southampton superband Thomas Tantrum . Emily is a delightful slice of folk from a duo that know what they are doing. They have some shows coming up over the next two months that are definitely worth making a date in your diary for. All their dates and more are on their very beautiful website, have a scroll through whilst your listening. Mal come in at third place with a tense and edgy piece, God’s Mighty Irish Telescope. This is a solid piece of art from Mall Hallett and despite being edgy also manages to keep a relaxed and chilled vibe. It says here “From working with legendary producer Tony Visconti to supporting The Clash, Mallett Hallett – AKA Mal the Musician – has lived a creative life far more decorated than most. Originally hailing from Leicester, he’s gone onto appear on some of the world’s most impressive stages (even the Colosseum in Rome), performing with Max Romeo, Ian Hunter (Mott The Hoople), Dawn Penn, Mick Jones (The Clash), Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols) and has appeared in bands supporting iconic acts such as Talking Heads, The Beastie Boys and many more.” So there you are!

Heron chill and sooth our minds and ears with Transcendental Meditation. UK based writer and producer Heron’s latest from his album “Underground Sky” has overtones and undertones of Prince, Portishead and Beck. He has a lot going on so well worth checking ot his linktree here.

I’m back next week with a guest co presenter and more great tunes. More info on the podcast is available from the website https://nicktannsfreshmusicfix.com/

@nicktanntok
Nick Tann’s Fresh Music Fix 10 Great new music for you to discover. #musicpodcast musicdiscoveryy #newmusic #musictaste #musicrecommendations #musicreview #ukpodcasts @geoffmullmusic Pegasuses,Mal, Heron available everywhere you get your podcasts and at the address in the comments
♬ original sound – Nick Tann – Nick Tann

Tags Edgy, Emily, Folk, funky, Geoff Mull, God's Mighty Irish Telescope, Heron, Make a Move, Mal, Pegasuses, Pop, Thomas Tantrum, Transcendental Meditation, XFactor

Published Podcasts

Sam Scherdel, Project Overload, Black Sonic Pearls, PeaceTalks

Post author By Nick Tann
Post date March 24, 2025
No Comments on Sam Scherdel, Project Overload, Black Sonic Pearls, PeaceTalks

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

While you’re here, hit subscribe and get a heads – up email every Monday when a new episode drops.

I’m Nick Tann – musician, songwriter, and your guide to the best new music you haven’t heard yet.

We are back with number 8 kicking off with the welcome return of Sam Scherdel – If We Danced, a slight move from what we know him for, namely Sheffield’s answer to Bruce Springsteen with a more Rod Stewart vocal I felt. Anyhoo, Danny Watson desribed it as “a heartfelt, country-tinged indie-folk stomper that perfectly captures Sam’s signature blend of charm and grit” and who am I to disagree? Check out this linktree for all things Sam.

As I explain in the show, I had to pull the original track s it was a cover and a cover I can not play so Midlands Janglepop 5 piece “Project Overload” melt our hearts with their latest single “Silhouettes”. It’s 3 minutes of musical charm from what the Coventry Observer describe as “Best New Local Band”. Go to their wonderful website here and drink them all in.

Whist you are scampering around the internet can I remind you to give the podcast a rating on whichever platform you are listening to us on. Spotify uses stars goodness knows what other platforms use but I am sure you can work it out. It makes huge difference to us as it brings the show up in the list when peple are looking for something new to listen to. Thanks.

Alternative Czech rock band, Black Sonic Pearls is next with their awesome “I Know Your Name“, taking their inspiration from bands such as Soundgarden and Audioslave and yet managing to carver ot their own sonic furrow with this absolute anthem. They have a website which certainly gets my vote so have a scroll whilst you listen.

Finally with a dreamy 3 short minutes of dreamy pop loveliness come possibly with the most annoying named band so far Peace Talks, try googling them! I think they are from Manchester. All I could find was their Linktree which has chocolate kettle overtones… Their music, in this case Sore ft . Ivan Moon, is fab just good luck in finding ot anything about them. Perhaps they will comment on this post later. We live in hope!

@nicktanntok
Great new music for you to discover. musicdiscovery #newmusic #musictaste #musicrecommendations #musicreview @samscherdelerdel @projectoverload_bandand @blacksonic_officialal @peace_talks_music
♬ original sound – Nick Tann – Nick Tann

Tags Alternative rock, Black Sonic Pearls - I Know Your Name, Czech, Janglepop, PeaceTalks - Sore (Interlude) Ft. Ivan Moon, Project Overload, Sam Scherdel - If We Danced [Digital], Silhouette, Silhouettes

Published Podcasts

Girl for Samson, Amity, Soft Cotton County, TheRealFlowerPots

Post author By Nick Tann
Post date March 17, 2025
7 Comments on Girl for Samson, Amity, Soft Cotton County, TheRealFlowerPots

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

EPISODE 9

With a lovable brashness and a skip in their step, Girl for Samson delight us with their latest single Cigarette. With echos of The La’s and jangly 90s swagger, they set the tone on an amazing show. Poppy Bristow (Fresh on the Net) described them as “Psychedelic-indie trio Girl for Samson may hail from Kansas City, but
press play on Cigarette and its funky bass, baggy-beat percussion, and Inspiral Carpets organ accents will fire you straight through a wormhole to 90s Manchester or Liverpool. In its synthesis of cool-cat detachment and oracular yearning, the lead vocal recalls the pleasing retro-pop
tang of La’s frontman Lee Mavers, a comparison matched by the track’s gleaming popcraft.” Which is right on the nail! They have a website kind of thing that you should definitely check out.

Second comes Amity and his transcendent track Bite Me! As well as delivering a master class in writing songs and melodies, the quality of his voice and the production of the songs exceeds any words I can use to describe them So I won’t. Just listen to the track, be amazed and move on with your life knowing that you will have to listen to this song at least once a week for about 3 months. Yeah, we loved it. He does have a fabulous website here.

Soft Cotton County were kind enough to send us copies of their album. We like gifts, who doesn’t but Coward of the Country Fair, their first single from the album, is gift enough. It’s a perfect comedown and provided us with the prefect answer to the Amity question. They also have a delightful website where you can order YOUR album. It’s a gatefold with lyrics that made Chris smile from ear to ear.

TheRealFlowerPots end this outstanding collection of music with the stonker that is StormShelter. Listen to the show to find out the secrets this track and the song at the top of the show share. With a hint of “Get Carter” and some more 90s swagger. This is their website thing…. this hits the spot and brings this episode to a beautiful end.

p.s. that pic is of me after my race.

@nicktanntok
Great new music for you to discover in episode 9 of Nick Tann’s Fresh Music Fix podcast musicdiscovery newmusic musictaste musicrecommendations musicreview @amity_sings, softcottoncounty, therealflowerpots, #girlforsamson Link to the website in the description
♬ original sound – Nick Tann – Nick Tann

Tags Amity, Bite Me!, Cigarette, Coward of the Country Fai, Girl for Samson, Soft Cotton County, StormShelter, TheRealFlowerPots

Irish Published Podcasts Punjabi Rock Ska Soul

Madame Claude, Grete, Archers, Cronin

Post author By Nick Tann
Post date March 10, 2025
No Comments on Madame Claude, Grete, Archers, Cronin

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Another episode with Chris, Madame Claude delight us again, this time with this amazing Punjabi – Ska cross over track Ladies and Gentlemen. I played them in episode 2 so all their details can be found there.Next up is Grete with an absolute banger of a tune Different. One of my faves of the year I think. I played her other track in episode 3, but I couldn’t wait to play you this tune. All the way from Sacramento Archers came charging in 3rd with their rock/metal killer track Never Enough. “Never Enough is a story too many of us are familiar with – the chemistry between two people who aren’t good for each other. These relationships are addictive by nature, and oftentimes toxic, resulting in conflict both internal and external. Never Enough addresses the uncomfortable side of this kind of relationship, acknowledging the “temporary high” of lapsing into toxicity. Because although there’s conflict and you might know it’s unhealthy, breaking the bonds for good is a lot harder than dealing with the familiarities with the thing you’ve come to know. – Nathanael Pulley – Vocals. They have 3 shows in the uk in Feb an march as well as a US tour. You can find out more by visiting their Facebook page And finally to iconic Irish 4 piece Cronin – Overlooking Paris, whose credentials include “serving as musical directors for the Shane MacGowan Late Late Show Special in 2019, assembling a band that included members of The Pogues, Glen Hansard, and Lisa O’Neill. They’ve also performed at high-profile events such as Shane MacGowan’s wedding (alongside Johnny Depp) and funeral (with Nick Cave), and appeared in Julien Temple’s acclaimed documentary A Crock of Gold.” You can check out their fantastic website here.

@nicktanntok
Great new music for you to discover in episode 7 of Nick Tann’s Fresh Music Fix podcast @grete.himberg, @archersband, @cronin, @madam.claude3 grete, archers, cronin, madamclaude musicdiscovery newmusic musictaste musicrecommendations #musicreview Link in description
♬ original sound – Nick Tann – Nick Tann

Tags Archers - Never Enough, Cronin - Overlooking Paris, Grete - DIFFERENT, Madame Claude, Madame Claude - Ladies & Gentlemen

Published Podcasts

Grimson, Keith Buckman, Masi Masi, Little Juke

Post author By Nick Tann
Post date March 3, 2025
1 Comment on Grimson, Keith Buckman, Masi Masi, Little Juke

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Number 6 starting with an idyllic earworm from Grimson and I Made My Therapist Cry Today. The blurb says “NYC songwriter and animator Grimson turns a real−life horror story about his crying therapist into a frantic and alarmingly catchy tune” His explaination of the even reads ‘”I wanted to capture the rush of confusion and shock that I felt when I turned around to see my psychoanalyst quietly sobbing in her soft armchair. I had just finished telling a story about being on psychedelic mushrooms in the botanical gardens in Berlin. How I looked up at a gnarled gray tree that reminded me of British actor Bill Nighy, and how I felt more connected with that barren tree than any of the over-saturated colorful flowers that were so neatly organised” So there you are, He is go ahead enough to have an amazing website https://www.grimsonweb.com/which you should go a look at now!

I’ve been looking forward to playing Keith Buckman and Of the Low Weald and the Marsh since I first heard it a few weeks ago. As I explained, I met Keith at a songwriter’s forum I hosted a few years ago. It’s a golden nugget of a tune from a talented songwriter and performer. You won’t find much about him online but if you love this song as much as I do and want to hear more then go to his Bandcamp site https://keithbuckman.bandcamp.com/album/of-the-low-weald-and-the-marsh

Bradfor’s Masi Masi is up next with a funky anthemic She’s Trouble. It’s a multi layered slice of greatness this tune and fortunately “Masi Masi is hitting the road for a UK tour this April, bringing his dynamic live show to cities across the country. Tour dates and details will be announced soon via his social media pages, so fans should stay tuned for updates”. You will find out more from his Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MasiMasiMusic/

Little Juke and Time On My Mind send us home with this deep and complex track. “

“Time On My Mind” marks another shift in gears for the band—a track they’ve come to love playing live. It’s about the urge to break out of the mundane routine and the idealisms that we are often subject to. More than just a song, it’s a call to do something with your life, embodying both the restless energy of breaking free and the determination to seek something greater. Visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/littlejukemusic/ for even more details.

Thanks for all your support so far for our new show and I love you all!

@nicktanntok
#keithbuckman #masimasi #littlejuke #grimson @MASI MASI @Little Juke Great new music for you to discover. #musicdiscovery #newmusic #musictaste #musicrecommendations #musicreview
♬ original sound – Nick Tann

Tags Grimson - I Made My Therapist Cry Today, Keith Buckman - Of the Low Weald and the Marsh, Little Juke - Time On My Mind, Masi Masi - She's Trouble

Published Podcasts Uncategorized

Nerv, Lyra, Olivia Rafferty, This Is War!

Post author By Nick Tann
Post date February 24, 2025
2 Comments on Nerv, Lyra, Olivia Rafferty, This Is War!

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I’m back with number 5 and this time with my good friend Chris

Kicking off with Sacramento’s favourite Nerv – LOST! a great rock rock anthem and what their blurb says “Nerv stands out for their unique blend of genres, combining elements of punk, alternative rock, and electronic music to create a sound that’s both energetic and introspective. Their lyrics often explore themes of mental health and personal struggle, resonating deeply with listeners. Additionally, the band’s dynamic live performances and strong sense of community make their connection with fans truly special” which is probably why their American tour daiary is so vast. You can check out their FaceBook page https://www.facebook.com/WeAreNerv

Next up comes the brilliant Lyra and her outstanding new single Time. As well as the brilliant vocals the breaks feature one of the best synth solos you will hear this year. She is smart enough to have a website https://www.lyraofficial.co.uk/ that has plenty of pics and videos that you should certainly check out.

Olivia Rafferty beguiled us with the beautiful Juan de Fuca, A stunning vocal delivery from one of the brightest stars in Scotlands singer songwriters tradition. “The album Typical Forever has been backed by the Geologist’s Association in the UK and was also funded in part by a successful Kickstarter campaign in early 2024. It filters human emotions and experiences through the lens of geology, and features topics such as volcanoes, fossils, ice age floods and sedimentary rock. It comes out in March 2025″ Another of this week’s artists that has an amazing website. She has allsorts going on including pictures and videos. Check it out here at https://www.oliviarafferty.com/

Rocking in at number four this episode is This Is War! and Lucifer’s Party which frontman Paul Carden explains as “Heaven and Hell have flipped. Rich people starting wars that poor people fight. It’s about the death of democracy and I think it’s quite catchy. It’s about today. I mean we live in a world where Trump is president not once but twice…. Take me now!…And all I can do is write a little song.” It’s a cracking song with some very interesting production tricks. A Liverpool band that has a touch of Gerry Marsden in the delivery. I can’t find any external links to the band so I can’t share what they are up to.

What a great episode and great to have Chris on board.

Onwards!

@nicktanntok
@lyra #lyramusic @nerv #nerv @oliviarafferty #oliviarafferty #thisiswar
♬ original sound – Nick Tann

Tags Bruce Springsteen, euro pop, female, Lyra - Time, Nerv - LOST!, Olivia Rafferty - Juan de Fuca, Rock, singer/songwriter, This Is War! - Lucifer's Party

Published Podcasts

0234, ACROBVT, Olvine, Pale Strangers

Post author By Nick Tann
Post date February 17, 2025
2 Comments on 0234, ACROBVT, Olvine, Pale Strangers

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So we are 4!

I should be getting the hang of this now eh? I start with a banger of a track from one of my favourite named bands 0234 and their top tune ALL THE TIME. I promise you will find yourself singing this round in your head for the next week. They don’t have any social media at the moment. No really, nothing at all. They did buy me a couple of cups of coffee so they’re doing the right things by me. I will certainly playing them again.

Next up is the enigmatic ACROBVT with their Imagine Dragonsesque (that’s a word isn’t it?) A Thousand Times which is no great surprise as this was engineered by the Imagine Dragons engineer Mark Needham.

They have enjoyed “….triumphant performances at The Great Escape in Brighton, Flux FM in Berlin, and Los Angeles, ACROBVT continue to solidify their place as one of the most electrifying alt rock acts on the scene” They do have a website which gets a massive thumbs up from me. Go to https://www.acrobvt.com/

On to one of my favourite bands whose music is right in my wheelhouse. The cool as f… Liverpool band Olvine and their splendid track– Savanomano. Yeah, you try saying it! It was recorded live last year. You can watch the video of that here You should check out their Bandcamp page to listen and follow them They are fantastic

Finally I end the show off with Pale Strangers and a track that is described as showing off their softer side although it sounds hard as nails to me Dopamine. I’ve no socials from them but you can have a look while you’re listening. If you find anything feel free to add a comment.

See you all in episode 5.

Huzzar!

@nicktanntok
@Acrobvt #olvine @PALE STRANGERS @0234 #0234 #originalmusic #nicktannsfreshmusicfix #newmusic #musicpodcast
♬ original sound – Nick Tann

Tags 0234 - ALL THE TIME, ACROBVT -A Thousand Times, Alt rock, anthem ice rock, cool jazz, Imagine Dragons, Mark Needham, Olvine - Savanomano, Pale Strangers - dopamine, Pop, Stevie wonder, The Killers

Published Podcasts

Nil By Habit, Melina Blanco, Sugar Crease, Grete

Post author By Nick Tann
Post date February 10, 2025
No Comments on Nil By Habit, Melina Blanco, Sugar Crease, Grete

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And then there was 3!

Brighton power house Nil By Habit give us a lesson on how to produce a tight as you like alt/pop banger. They say it’s ” upbeat, driving post-punk anthem that showcases the band’s signature blend of alternative rock with 80s-inspired synth hooks. Drawing on influences from iconic acts like LCD Soundsystem, Yard Act, Everything Everything, and Talking Heads, the single delivers a powerful combination of pulsating rhythms and sharp, dynamic melodies that are sure to resonate with fans of the genre.”

I think Devo, I think Talking Heads but mainly I think Nil By Habit and “Do It Yourself”

They have a really cool video you can see here and a SOUNDCLOUD channel with a few more tunes if you want to hear more

Originally from Argentina, Melina Blanco brings something soulfully special to the table with her thoughtful song “Counting” that has a rarity, a killer finish, make sure you listen to the end and with headphones, obv. Some say “

Melina Blanco gives a voice to young women struggling with self-doubt and anxiety through this upcoming release.

Counting explores the deeply personal theme of eating disorders and the cyclical nature of obsession. The song follows a narrator feeling trapped in an anxious state, stuck in a birthday party where her mind is consumed by counting — counting calories’. I say its a banger and you should listen to Melina and catch her next live show. She gets extra points for having a website! Look at it here there are cool videos of her there.

You want original shanties from Manchester? You’ll be very happy with Sugar Crease and their drunken “Rum Soaked Buns”. Whats not to love? “Sugar Crease crack open their treasure chest to share a delicious and intoxicating treat. Probably the first indie sea shanty you’ve heard today, so take the plunge and dip your hip to the rolling rhythms.” is what Manchester is saying. There are many ways to tug on their coat, namely

FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, SPOTIFY, YOUTUBE, TWITTER So knock yourselves out

Lithuania’s loss is Londons gain as one of my favourites Grete send us to bed with her brilliant and catchy RnB head nodder “Skinny Bones”.” She began her young artist and performer career in small ensembles and bands and was quickly spotted and drawn to the biggest stages in the country, such as tv competitions, musical theatre, international concerts and contests, and even the finals of The Voice of Lithuania.”

She has all her ducks in a row with social media so check out her Instagram, Facebook, Youtube

Which song is still rattling around your head?

@nicktanntok
Great new music for you to discover in episode 3 of Nick Tann’s Fresh Music Fix podcast melinablanco sugarcrease grete nilbyhabbit @melinablanco.music @sugar.crease @grete4933 @nil.by.habit musicdiscovery newmusic musictaste musicrecommendations musicreview link in desciption
♬ original sound – Nick Tann – Nick Tann

Tags alt/pop, Brighton, Grete - SKINNY BONES, Lithuania, Manchester, Melina Blanco - Counting, Nil By Habit - Do It Yourself, shanty, Sugar Crease - Rum Soaked Buns

Published Podcasts

Madame Claude, Sweet Unrest, Low Lying Sun, Van Royale

Post author By Nick Tann
Post date February 6, 2025
1 Comment on Madame Claude, Sweet Unrest, Low Lying Sun, Van Royale

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Welcome to episode 2 with Madame Claude giving us our first instrumental AND a modern Ska classic with their track “Holt Town”

Smiffy their manager, yes they have a manager get them, said “In just over 3 years we have supported The Selecter, The Beat, Cast, Bad Manners, The Dualers as well as playing some small festivals and opening the main stage at Beatherder festival and playing with Ocean Colour Scene and The Lottery Winners at Feel Good Festival” They want to go national this year and I can’t think why not. If you want something to keep your fingers busy whilst you’re listening the have a scroll through their socials

London band, Sweet Unrest come bouncing in second place with their punky, 90’s bass driven romp “How Are You Feeling” has a touch of the Stone Roses about it in it’s quieter moments.

Apparently “……are quickly becoming known for their thunderous live performance that falls somewhere between ecstatic dance and religious ritual. This is the song that kicks off the show. Keen on poetry and revelry, the band posits this song as the antidote to anyone who feels penned in by the restrictions of modern life.” They have socials too. Look!

https://www.facebook.com/sweetunrestband

https://www.instagram.com/sweetunrestband

https://www.youtube.com/@sweetunrestband

The Made In Chelsea production staff love the Essex band Low Lying Sun‘s track “Get Well Soon” so much, they keep playing it on the programme. You can hear why, it’s beautiful!

They say “the song is a lot more stripped back and ‘playful’ than our previous releases, our producer Mikko Gordon really helped guide us in this, it’s a fun contrast with the melancholic lyrics.” “The song is about recognising your flaws, knowing you should address them but being unable to do so.” It’s a footy tapping head nodding banger, thats what it is!

And Finally….Van Royale channel Jeff Buckley with their monster track “Take It All” in a wonderfully produced banger of a tune. Did you agree with what I said about it?

They have pictures here on Instagram

Tubes here Follow them as if your life depended on it!

All details regarding the podcast are available from the website nicktannsfreshmusicfix.com

@nicktanntok
@Low Lying Sun @Madame Claude @Sweet Unrest #grete @Van Royale #musicpodcast #nicktannsfreshmusicfix
♬ original sound – Nick Tann

Tags Low Lying Sun - Get Well Soon, Madame Claude - Holt Town, Made In Chelsea, Ska, Stone Roses, Sweet Unrest - How Are You Feeling, Van Royale - Take It All

Published Podcasts

Chloe and The Butlers, The Froot, Novelistme, The Zealots

Post author By Nick Tann
Post date January 27, 2025
2 Comments on Chloe and The Butlers, The Froot, Novelistme, The Zealots

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Welcome to episode 1 Starting this new era is the amazing Chloe and The Butlers and their 60’s inspired soulful banger “Wrong From Right”.

It says here “…. a ballad about realising that a person you are close to is not who you thought they were. It features Chloe’s yearning vocal against a backdrop inspired by the classic late 60s Motown sound. This third single follows hot on the heels of ‘Back to the Drawing Board’, a funk infused floor filler, propelled by James’ insistent groove and ‘Constant Communication’, featuring Chloe’s tongue twisting delivery that takes this breathless number to dizzying heights!”

Spotify here
Apple Music here
You Tube here
Instagram/ TikTok – @chloeandthebutlers

Hot on their heels is The Froot and a fresh psychedelic modern classic “As Good As It Gets”. Not much I can share with you except their Facebook page Click Here.

Novelistme describes his sound as a mixture of RHCP and The Flaming Lips but to my ears “Doing Something” has Beck running all the way through it. What do you think?.

Twitter: @novelistme

Instagram: www.instagram.com/novelistme

Website: novelistme.com

Spotify: Novelistme

Facebook: Novelistme

I finish off with one of my favourite bands The Zealots and their top tier soulful masterpiece “Idle Skies”.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thezealotsmusic

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thezealotsuk

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/thezealotsuk/

A cracker of a first episode eh?

What was your favourite?

All details regarding the podcast are available from the website nicktannsfreshmusicfix.com

@nicktanntok
Nick Tanns Fresh Music Fix ep 1 with @chloeandthebutlers @Novelistme @The Froot @The Zealots #musicpodcast #originalmusic #newmusic
♬ original sound – Nick Tann

Tags 60's, Amy winehouse, Chloe and The Butlers - Wrong From Right, female fronted, guitar rock, indie, Novelistme - Doing Something, psychedelic, Red Hot Chillie Peppers, RHCP, sixties, soul, soulful banger, Tha Flaming Lips, The Froot - As Good As It Gets, The Zealots - Idle Skies

Episode 35

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