Month: August 2025

Categories
Published Podcasts

ep 31

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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.

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.

Categories
Published Podcasts

ep 30

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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.

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. 

 

Categories
Published Podcasts

ep29

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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.

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!



 


Categories
Published Podcasts

ep28

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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.

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!