The Shires

Kaiser Chiefs, Texas, The Shires & more added to Isle of Wight Festival 2017

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Representing the Best of British are the Kaiser Chiefs, Texas, The Shires, Example + DJ Wire, Jonas Blue, Nothing But Thieves, The Sherlocks, Ward Thomas, The Undertones, The Alarm and Elle Exxe. They join David Guetta, Run DMC, Arcade Fire and Rod Stewart who top the bill over the weekend as well as George Ezra, Bastille, Jack Savoretti and Rag’n’Bone Man performing across the weekend.

Fronted by the charismatic Ricky Wilson, the Kaiser Chiefs’ are best known for anthems such as ‘Oh My God’, ‘I Predict A Riot’, ‘Everyday I Love You Less And Less’, ‘Ruby’ and ‘Never Miss A Beat’. The band have recently released their sixth studio album ‘Stay Together’ which charted in the top five in the UK Official Albums Chart.

Texas will perform at the festival for the first time following their 25th anniversary last year, which included the release of ‘Texas 25’ reaching the top five of the UK charts. Since their formation in 1986 the Glaswegian band have scored thirteen UK top ten singles, three UK number one albums and seven UK top ten albums with sales of over 35 million records with hits such as ‘Say What You Want’ and ‘Black Eyed Boy’.

Country duo The Shires is comprised of singer-songwriters Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes. The band released their debut album ‘Brave’ in 2016, becoming the first UK country act to chart in the Top 10 of the Official UK Albums Chart. Their second album ‘My Universe’ released October of last year, became the fastest-selling UK country album in history selling 14,500 copies in the first week.

Example + DJ Wire, real name Elliot Gleave, is renowned for his monstrous DJ sets. With eight UK Top 10’s, two UK Number One’s ‘Changed The Way You Kissed Me’ and ‘Stay Awake’, Example’s huge electronic bangers have earned him millions of fans from across the globe. Example is currently working on his sixth studio album which will see him return to his unique EDM-rap cross over style.

London based electronic dance producer Jonas Blue released his first single ‘Fast Car’ in 2015, a reworking of Tracy Chapman’s 1988 hit. Adding tropical house beats to the bittersweet original, the single topped the charts in 17 different countries. In 2016 Blue released his follow up hit to his global smash, ‘Perfect Strangers’ featuring JP Cooper, the single charted at Number Two in the Official UK Singles Chart.

British Rock band The Sherlocks consist of two sets of brothers, Kieran and Brandon Crook and Andy and Josh Davidson. They were the first unsigned band since Arctic Monkeys to sell out their local venue the Sheffield Leadmill. The band have received great support from the likes of Steve Lamacq, Annie Mac & Huw Stephens and kick off their headline UK and Ireland tour next month.

Modern country duo Ward Thomas is comprised of 22 year old twin sisters Catherine and Lizzy Ward Thomas. The duo produce modern country music with a British twist and released their second album ‘Cartwheels’ which reached Number One in the Official UK Albums Chart, making them the first British country act to do so.

Formed in Northern Ireland in 1975, The Undertones became renowned for combining lyrical invention and musical flair with intelligent simplicity. Their anthemic ‘Teenage Kicks’, much loved by John Peel, was one of the most influential songs of the post-punk era. Reformed in 1999, festival goers will play their classics hits alongside new material.

Welsh alternative rock band The Alarm opened for acts such as U2 and Bob Dylan, before becoming a popular alternative rock band of the 1980s. The band have 17 Top 50 UK Singles, a host of successful albums and over five million sales worldwide. The band have recently announced dates for their UK tour in May.

Rising Scottish popstar Elle Exxe has been championed by BBC Introducing and Kiss FM, flown high in Music Week Charts and Amazing Radio charts. At the start of 2016 her single ‘Lost in L.A’ was synced to a worldwide advert for Google Music. Elle has recently played sold out shows across London and her native Scotland.

The Isle of Wight Festival takes place from 8th – 11th June at Seaclose Park, Newport. Due to popular demand, 2017 sees the return of Day Tickets in addition to Weekend Tickets.

For a VIP festival experience, exclusive glamping options are also on sale. Eve’s Tipis offer a luxury stay with a cocktail bar and hot breakfast options to kickstart your day. The much loved colourful Podpads will also be returning which include a power point to keep your phone charged throughout the weekend. Love Your Tent, Tangerine Fields and Pink Moon Camping also offer unique camping experiences for a weekend in style.

2017 will be the 16th Isle of Wight Festival since it was successfully relaunched in 2002 to become one of the most popular weekends of the summer, with a proud heritage of show-stopping headliners such as Foo Fighters, The Rolling Stones, The Killers, Paul McCartney, Coldplay, Blur and Fleetwood Mac.

 

The Isle Of Wight Festival Preview, June 8-11 2017

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Festival season is nearly here 2017 is starting off with a bang and the Isle of Wight Festival will be taking place on the weekend of the 8th – 11th June, this year will be celebrating 'The Best of the British'. 

This year's headliners are some of the most creative, outstanding and some of the most influential performers to date. Rod Stewart and Arcade Fire will be joined by RUN DMC and David Guetta who will be performing some of the most outstanding anthems that they have created over the past few decades.

The Isle of Wight will be opening their gates for festival goers on Thursday 8th June, with the one and only Razorlight, They will be sharing the stage with artists such as Starsailor, The Alarm and The Sex Pissed Dolls. They will be creating the atmosphere for a weekend of antics and live music, for people from all around visiting one of the biggest festivals in the UK. 

Joining the isle of wight headliners, artists such as: The Kaiser Chiefs who will be bringing there energetic and powerful performance to the stage with fellow artists, Example + DJ Wire, The second sons, The amazons, The Novatones, Judas, The Vamps, The Strypes, Clean bandit and Zara Larson who will be followed by the band Texas who is performing for the first time in over a year after celebrating 25 years in the industry, they will be sharing the stage with artists such as Alison Moyet,  Rag 'n' bones Man, George Erza, The shires and Jack Savoretti. With the Pretenders providing us with a classic such as 'I will walk 500 miles and i will walk 500 more"  getting the crowd to there feet to party the night away. 

2017 will be the 16th Isle of Wight Festival since it was successfully relaunched in 2002 to become one of the most popular weekends of the summer, with a proud heritage of show-stopping headliners such as Foo Fighters, The Rolling Stones, The Killers, Paul McCartney, Coldplay, Blur and Fleetwood Mac and the legendary Queen starring Adam Lambert.

There will be crowds of people celebrating the best within the industry, that have created so many lasting memories within British History, they have performed to thousands upon thousands of fans within their careers and they will be playing to one of the largest audience within the UK.  Celebrating the Isle of Wight festival, whilst creating the atmosphere,  bringing the crowds of people together to sing along, dance and to create new and long lasting memories.

So Bring your sleeping bags, your tents and lets celebrate 2017 as it is meant to be celebrated, with good people, laughter and outstanding music, Here's to 2017 The Best and most influential Artists In the music industry.

See you there guys,

Isle of Wight Festival Information:

Basic information:

Weekend with / without Camping – £195
Day Ticket: Friday – £60 / Saturday and Sunday – £80
Student – £175
Teen – £145
Children Under 12: Free
*Prices subject to a booking fee

Camping options:

Camp Kerala Mademoiselle provide Luxury Glamping backstage with room service and VIP transport.
Eve's Tipis – Try something different and stay in a tipi! Enjoy cocktails or champagne from the bar, or some hot breakfast options to start your day right.
Podpads – Bunk down in the colourful Podpads with solid wood or canvas options.
Love Your Tent – Enjoy an ethical camping experience plus hot showers and a Poodle Parlour!
Pink Moon Camping – Choose from a colourful collection of accommodation and enjoy your weekend with a unique camping experience
Tangerine Fields – This is ever festival-goers dream for a hassle free camping experience. Just book your pitch and the rest is done for you!

To find out more information on Weekend Tickets, Day Tickets and camping check out
www.isleofwightfestival.com

 

UK Country Music Duo The Shires hold a free secret gig for fans showcasing new music

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UK Country Music duo The Shires held a secret launch party at Embankment One in London on Thursday July 14th.

The purpose of the event was to showcase new songs that will feature on The Shires second album MY UNIVERSE which is to be released October 7th.

Fans had to enter a contest to gain access to this event which held only a couple of hundred people. At 6pm doors opened and fans were lead up some stairs then down again to a standing area in front of a stage. The balcony was held for press and media outlets as well as family and friends including co writers to some of The Shires songs Nina Nesbitt and Twinnie Lee Moore and new country duo Darline. There were very many familiar faces amongst the fans, some of whom had been strong supporters of The Shires since the very beginning of their career back in 2014 when their first single Nashville Grey Skies was released. 

Bob Harris-Radio 2 DJ and Country Music fan who hosts a Country Radio hour every Thursday at 7pm – introduced the duo before they took to the stage. Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes who make up The Shires, then came on stage after their band played the intro to Nashville Grey Skies. The audience cheering and applauding their arrival set a great atmosphere. The fans sang along to every word with The Shires as they looked into the crowd smiling and waving to those they recognised. 

Addressing the crowd and briefly talking about their career journey so far, The Shires introduced new song I’m not even drunk right now which was a fun up- beat track and I can see becoming a crowd pleaser at future shows. Beats To Your Rhythm was the next new song which was more of a repetitive song but a good fast paced song with a much more rocky sound than Shires fans are used to. Title track to new album My Universe seemed more of an anthem track with uplifting lyrics and a nice melody. As well as adding a more rocky sound to their material, The Shires have stayed true to their stylings, especially with their talent to always produce stunning ballads, so fans were left very emotional and entranced during the beautiful heart wrenching Daddy’s Little Girl, a song written by Crissie about her late Father.

Glad to have been able to get through the song wthout crying, Crissie thanked the audience as Ben took to the keyboard ready for next new song Naked followed by title song from the last album Brave, which is a fan favourite for many reasons as the lyrics mean so much to many people. Members from Crissie's Gospel choir joined them on stage for the song A Thousand Hallelujahs. Of course, there were not a thousand hallejuhas in the song as Ben too jokes. The gospel choir were flawless and gave the song that oomph to deliver a more powerful sound.

The set ended with Friday Night, another song from the debut album Brave. A typical sing a long song, everyone was singing every word as well as raising their glasses in the air as the lyrics chant put your glasses in the air.

The Shires said their goodbyes as they left the stage. After much crowd chanting, they returned to the stage with new song Desperate which Crissie tells us almost did not make the album but she insisted upon it being included. 

After the show The Shires held a meet and greet for the fans which was in a photo booth and there were various props people could use to wear for fun. Unfortunately, due to time, I could not stay for this but I heard that it was great fun and that The Shires were very chatty and grateful to each and every fan.

Going by the songs that I have heard tonight, I can say with confidence that I think the new album My Universe is going to be spectacular. I am very much looking forward to it and have already pre ordered my copy.

The Shires new album My Universe will be released October 7th and they have also announced a Tour for the end of November and December. Please see the press release below for pre order details and pre sale ticket info:

 

BAND TO PLAY SHOWS ACROSS THE UK IN NOV/DEC NEW ALBUM ‘MY UNIVERSE’ RELEASED 7TH OCT – EXCLUSIVE TOUR PRE-SALE ACCESS WITH ALBUM PRE-ORDERS FOLLOWS SECRET ONE EMBANKMENT SHOW LAST NIGHT WHERE THE SHIRES WOWED FANS AND PREVIEWED NEW TRACKS

“Spearheading a British country boom” – Daily Mail “Voices entwine and musical magic ensues”- The Independent on Sunday

Fresh from a triumphant headline set on Glastonbury’s Acoustic Stage, UK country duo The Shires have just announced they will be touring the UK later this year. The tour will see the critically acclaimed pair play tracks from their forthcoming album, alongside fan favourites from their gold selling debut ‘Brave’ to gig goers up and down the country finishing at London’s prestigious O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire. Ben Earle stated: “It’s something magical to be on stage and sharing your songs and seeing the fans’ reaction. We’re particularly excited to share our new tracks with the fans on this tour.”

Last night, Crissie and Ben gave fans a chance to hear some of their new tracks when they played a secret album launch show at London’s One Embankment. Previewing songs from their forthcoming second album ‘My Universe’, which will be released on 7th October, The Shires showcased how recording in Music City: Nashville has further honed their songwriting craft for making clever and catchy Country-Pop that continues to push the genre into the UK mainstream. Last year, they were one of only a handful of British acts to see their debut release certified Gold alongside Jess Glynne, James Bay and Years & Years. The first UK country act ever to have a top 10 album in their home country, The Shires have been at the forefront of the British Country music movement which has seen a sea change in the opinion of the British public, who have embraced the genre and UK bands making music inspired by US country artists.

Eager fans can secure their tickets for the tour when they pre-order a special edition of the new album at HMV before midnight on Monday 18th July. The HMV exclusive edition of ‘My Universe’ includes exclusive artwork and two bonus tracks. Those who order the album before midnight Monday 18th July will receive a unique code to give them access to the tour ticket pre-sale from 9am Thursday 21st July before general on-sale at 9am Friday July 22nd.

pre order here http://www.hmv.com/music/the-shires-announce-new-album-my-universe-and-massive-uk-tour

On recording the new album in Nashville, The Shires said, ,“It was great to go back to Nashville. This time we had a different approach as we knew it better and we practically lived there. We have friends there now and for some reason when you write and record there you just feel more inspired. It definitely comes through in the new music.”

The band are already making Country the soundtrack to the summer performing at a series of high profile music festivals and events including Platform and Lakes Festivals this weekend and Bracknell, Lytham, Castle Roc, Cottingham and supporting Sir Tom Jones at Bedford Park still to come. This follows their headline debut at Glastonbury Festival last month and Cornbury Festival last weekend.

The live dates will follow an intense period of song writing for the Shires, who have been working on their new album in Music City: Nashville. Ben and Crissie co-wrote some tracks with top country music writers including Kip Moore and recorded their album at Sound Stage Studios, one of the most prestigious recording studios in Nashville, which has cut records for other country superstars such as Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw and Lady Antebellum. They also graced the stage at the famous Grand Ole Opry and can add their name to Dolly Parton, Hank Williams, Garth Brooks and a veritable who’s who of Country music who have played at the famous Nashville landmark venue.

Here’s where fans can catch The Shires on their UK tour later this year:

NEW TOUR DATES O2 Academy, Oxford – Friday 18th November, 2016 Anvil, Basingstoke – Sunday 20th November, 2016 O2 Guildhall, Southampton – Monday 21st November, 2016 Royal and Derngate, Northampton – Wednesday 23rd November, 2016 St. David’s Hall, Cardiff – Thursday 24th November, 2016 Corn Exchange, Bedford – Friday 25th November, 2016 Corn Exchange, Cambridge – Sunday 27th November, 2016 Colston Hall, Bristol – Monday 28th November, 2016 Dome, Brighton – Tuesday 29th November, 2016 Venue Cymru, Llandudno – Friday 2nd December, 2016 O2 Institute, Birmingham – Saturday 3rd December, 2016 The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester – Sunday 4th December, 2016 The Sage, Gateshead – Monday 5th December, 2016 O2 ABC, Glasgow – Wednesday 7th December, 2016 Barbican, York – Thursday 8th December, 2016 O2 Academy, Liverpool – Friday 9th December, 2016 O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London – Sunday 11th December, 2016

The band will also be performing at the following festivals this summer:

Platform Festival – Saturday 16th July, 2016 @ 1:00 pm. City: York, Venue: The Old Station, Pocklington Lakes Festival – Saturday 16th July, 2016 @ 6:00 pm. City: Skegness. Venue: Sycamore Lakes Park Bracknell Festival – Saturday 30th July, 2016 @ 12:00 pm. City: Bracknell. Venue: South Hill Park Grounds Lytham Festival – Tuesday 2nd August, 2016 @ 6:00 pm. City: Lytham. Venue: Lytham Green Supporting Tom Jones – Sunday 7th August, 2016 @ 5:00 pm. City: Bedford. Venue: Bedford Park Falmouth Week – Wednesday 10th August, 2016 @ 7:30 pm. City: Falmouth. Venue: Falmouth Events Square – JUST ADDED Castle Roc Music Festival – Saturday 20th August, 2016 @ 12:00 pm. City: Chepstow. Venue: Chepstow Castle Cottingham Music Festival – Sunday 28th August, 2016 @ 7:30 pm. City: Cottingham. Venue: Civic Hall

The Charlatans, Sunset Sons and more added to Isle of Wight Festival

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One of the UK’s most enduring home grown indie rock acts The Charlatans are confirmed to headline the Big Top stage on the Sunday night. The band recently released their 12th studio album ‘Modern Nature’, marking 25 years since their debut was released in 1990, receiving rave reviews in the press with The Guardian describing it as ‘possibly the best album of their career’. With multiple Number One albums and four Top Ten singles, The Charlatans will be closing the festival in style.

Hotly tipped Anglo-Aussie indie-rock quartet Sunset Sons have seen their momentum rapidly growing in 2015 since being named on the BBC’s Sound of 2015 long list, and MTV Brand New’s shortlist. The release of their third EP ‘The Fall Line’ earlier this year saw Sunset Sons riding high in the iTunes chart and have seen the majority of their UK tour dates sold out already. They will be hoping to draw similar crowds over the festival weekend. 

American sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell make up the American rock band Larkin Poe. Known for their strong southern harmonies and heavy guitar riffs, their debut album ‘Kin’ was released in the summer of 2014. Having previously toured as backing musicians for a variety of other acts including Elvis Costello, Larkin Poe are stepping centre stage as they perform at The Isle of Wight Festival in June.

Country duo The Shires only formed in 2013 and they are already the first British country act to reach the Top 10 with their first studio album ‘Brave’. With what the Evening Standard calls their ‘divine harmonies’ they will be touring the UK this April ahead of their Isle of Wight Festival slot in June.

Legendary punk rockers Stiff Little Fingers will be making some noise at the Isle of Wight Festival this year. Fans can expect to hear tracks from their iconic early material as well as songs from their 2014 album ‘No Going Back’, in celebration of their successful two decades in the British music scene as punk pioneers.

Also confirmed to play this year’s Isle of Wight Festival are Fleetwood Mac, The Black Keys, The Prodigy, Pharrell Williams, Paolo Nutini, Billy Idol, You Me At Six, Jessie Ware, Jess Glynne, James Bay, First Aid Kit, James and many more – for full line up details go to www.isleofwightfestival.com.