Articles written by AndyHoldcroft

About AndyHoldcroft

AndyHoldcroft has worked with the following photographers:

AndyHoldcroft has written about the following acts:

Black Water Fiend
Duke Keats, Reign the Girl Band, Shanade & DANE-O
In Emerald Sea
John Connearn
Liam Vincent and the Odd Foxes
Robert James Grey
3 Brothers
Aaron Dudfield
Aaron Woodhouse
Abi Rowberry
Abz Winter
Ace & The Oddity
Ace Ambrose
Ace and the Oddity
Adam Barry
AfterKnights
Alchemista
Alex Clarke
Alice Hubble
Altum Schema
Alys Rain
Andrea Mbarushimana
Andrew Heath
Andy Beglin
Andy Beglin & The MG
Angelo Cardone
Anthony Gliddon
Antonia Kirby
Army of Skanks
Attrition
AutoPilot
Autumn Party
Avidfan
BERHN
Bally & Boom
Banoffee
Banoffee, Antonia Kirby & Hannah Woof
Banoffee, Permanent Daylight, Reiss Pinder and The Illusion
Bar Pandora
Bar Pandora and Reign the Girl Band
Barnabas
Barney Cunningham
Batsch
Becky Syson
Ben Haines
Ben Monkhouse
Besureis
Bethany Dyson
Big Decision
Bill Cameron
Blancmange
Blind Faith
Blind Orbits
Blue Moon Birds
Blush
Bob Cooper
Bob Halligan Jr
Brass Hip Flask
Bright Black
Brothers From Another Mother
Brudez
Burning Salt
But Is It Jazz?
Bygrave
Caitlin McCarthy
Caleb Murray
Callum Mckissock
Calton Kelly
Candid
Caroline White
Carrick
Cary L
Cat Mead
Chalk Drawings
Chasing Deer
Chasing Deer featuring Ollie Hayes
Chessi O'Dowd
China Shop Bull
Chloë Boehm
Chris Gibbons
Chris Tye
Christian Music
Chxmpion
Clarkwell Rivers
Clemency
Concrete Fun House
Contacts in the North
Cov Kozaks
Coybito
Creaking Twitch
Croissant
Crokodile Tears
Cub$
DANE-O
Daffod'i'll
Daisybell
Dan Bygrave
Dan Sealey
Danny Ansell
Danny Ansell & Co
Danny Ansell Band
Darius Christian
Dark Sparks
Dave K
Dave Pepper
David Goody
Dean MacDonald
Dean Macdonald
Deathsex Bloodbath
Deep Sea Divers
Delia Derbyshire
Dirt Road Band
Dispensable People
Dissident Noize Factory
Diz n Rox
Dodgy
Dolly Mavies
Donnelly & South
Downdraft
Dr Feelgood
Dr.Um
Drop Down Smiling
Drunk Bat Rescue Team
Duck Thieves
Duke Keats
Earlybird
Ed Sheeran
Eight Miles High
Electrik Custard
Ellie Gowers
Ellie Gowers & Cat Mead
Ellis Gallagher
Elvis Costello and the Attractions
Emily Burns
Emma McGann
Engram
Erin O'Rourke
Esore Alle
Euan Blackman
Evergreen
Everything We Do
Everything We Do
Ex Lover
Ezza Brianna
Fairport Convention
Fall Girl
Fallow Man
Filkin's Drift
Firedaze
Five Foot Under
Floating Palace
Flys
Force of Love
Four Kings
Fourth in Line
Frank Ifield
Free Galaxy
Freezacrowd
Freya Rose
Gemma Cullingford
Gemma Leahy
Gemma Leahy Waddell
Generation Jones
Gods Toys
Grail Guard
Granny's Attic
Grassroutes
Green Hands
Green Hands and others
Greengrass
Greg Brice
GunShock Big Band
Gus Chambers
Gutter Puppy
HEK
HEK & Concrete Fun House
Hannah Woof
Heart of England Co-op Concert Orchestra
Hedcheese
Helen McCookerybook
Henery
Hoarse Whisperers
Holly & the Hounds
Holly Hewitt
Holly and the Hounds
HomeBread
Honky Tonk Rose
Huffy Acoustic Punk
Hugh Cornwell
Hungry Ghosts
I
Ian Todd
Ieere
In Emerald Sea
Invitation to Love
Irene Rae
Isabel Horner
Ivy Ash
Izzie
Izzie Derry
Izzie Derry & Dolly Mavies
Izzie Derry and Banoffee
J J Bygrave
J T Wilson
JJ Bygrave and Brudez
JJ Bygrave and Shanade
Jack Blackman
Jack Blackman and the Beautiful Wreck
Jack O'Bones
Jack Rutter
Jackdaw With Crowbar
Jackie James
Jacob Neverhill
Jake Rizzo
James Oliver Band
James Summerfield
Jen Waghorn
Joe Dolman
John Connearn
John Connearn and N3b
John Douglas
John Kirkpatrick
John Otway
John Parker
Johnny Kowalski and the Sexy Weirdos
Jonny Olley
Jono Wright
Jools Street and the Tile Hill Billies
Joshua Bailey
K C Jones and Alchemista
KC Jones
Karen Killeen-Jones
Katherine Abbott
Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening
Katie Walters
Keith Donnelly
Keith Fabrique
Keltik Fish
Kenzie Webley
Kev Stanley
King of the Alps
Kirk Hastings
Kirsten Smitten
Kirsty Brewerton
Kirsty Clarke
Kristy Gallacher
Kyle Boswell
Last Man Standing
Lauren South
Lauren South & Jude Rees
Lauren South Trio
Le Hev Hev
Lemon Boy
Lemon Tones
Letitia George
Levi Washington
Lewis Cutts
Liam Vincent & The Odd Foxes
Liam Vincent and The Odd Foxes
Liam Vincent and the Odd Foxes
Lipshock
Little Girl Screaming
Loophole
Louis B Scheuer
Louis B Scheuer
Love + Madness Music
Love + Madness Records
Lucent
Lucifer Sky
Lucifer Sky
Lucy Anne Sale
Luke Concannon
Luke Concannon & Darius Christian Jones
Luke Concannon and Darius Christian
Luminae
Luna Kiss
Luna and the Moonhounds
M M Gibbons
MINTAKAA
MNMLST
Magic Seas
Man Made Moon
Manos Puestas
Mara Falls
Maria Barham
Mark Rattray
Martin Carthy
Massasauga
Massasauga, The Pristines & Stone Bear
Matt Cattell
Matt Goss
Matt Hernandez
Matt Waddell
Matty Coles
Maz Corry
Merrymaker
Millie Tilby
Mintakaa
Mintakaa Collective
Miss Songbird
Miss Songbird & Chris Gibbons
Mister Keith
Molotov Souls
Monastery
Monday Nights
Morocco Dave
Mos Eisley Bros
Mr Binx
Mudlow
Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers
Mugshot
N3b
Naomi Beth
Nathan Wade
Never Apart
Nicky Ager
Nigel Clark
Nigel Lomas
Nina Bailey
Nizlopi
Noah Dobbie
Noah Seleno
Noctium Theatre
Nuke The Whales
Octogoth
Oliver Darling
Ollie Bond
Ollie Hayes
Ollie Lawrence
Orange River Remedy
Otto And The Dark
Otto and the Dark
Pandora
Paradise of the Titans
Paul Brook
Paul Mccormack
Pauline Black
Permanent Daylight
Pete Astor
Peter Hall
Polly Bolton
Princess
Project Blackbird
Project Overload
Prole Position
RSB
Rebecca Mileham
Reign The Girl Band
Reign The Girl Band, Boy Juice and Man Made Moon
Reign the Girl Band
Reiss Pinder
Resurrection Men
Retroville
Reverend Robert
Rheo
Rheo Uno
Rich Keogh
Riizbo
River of the Dog
Rob Halligan
Rob Lee Thompson
Robert James Grey
RobinPlaysChords
Roddy Radiation
Roddy Radiation and The Skabilly Rebels
Rosetta Fire
Rosie Samaras
Ross Darby
Rowan Evans
Roxanne de Bastion
Russell Whitehead
Sam McNulty
Satsangi
Scratchy Beard
Septic & The Tanks
Septic & the Tanks
Septic and the Tanks
Shackleford
Shanade
Shanade Morrow
Shanghai Hostage
Shannon Stevenson
Shy Pilot
Silver Wye
Simon Kemp
Simon Morgan
Simply Dread
Sofa So Good
Some Kinda Earthquake
Sophie Hadlum
Souki
South Town
Spa Strummers
Speak, Brother
Spiral City
Ste Essence
Steel Pulse
Stegosaurus Sex Party
Stephen Madden
Stereotypical
Steven John Birks
Stone Bear
Stone Foundation
Street Arts Project
Stylusboy
Superhooch
Søjus1
T8PES
Tarragon
Tattoo Molly
Taylor-Louise
Tell Tale Presents
The Sunbathers
The Beat
The Big Sugars
The Bodysnatchers
The Bonnevilles
The Boy Who Invented Everything
The Caprines
The Caroline Bomb
The Catenary Wires
The Clash
The Cult of Free Love
The Della Grants
The Dirt Road Band
The Ellipsis
The Enemy
The Eyes of Isabel
The Fallows
The Folly Brothers
The Giraffes
The Glassguns
The Hansel Brothers
The Hatstand Band
The Institutes
The Jack O'Bones
The Jazz Apples
The Last Man Standing
The Loaded
The Magpies
The Matadors
The Mechanicals Band
The Milk Men
The Mintakaa Collective
The Monochrome Set
The Mudlands String Band
The Muthas
The Muthas, Le Hev Hev, Little Girl Screaming and Lucifer Sky
The New Obsession
The Old Flames
The Old Number 7 Band
The Peas
The Phoenix Collective
The Primitives
The Pristines
The Rascals
The Ripps
The Rising
The Rollocks
The Rude Mechanicals Band
The Ruts DC
The Selecter
The Session
The Session, Trust Club, HomeBread & Stereotypical
The Shapes
The Silver Wye
The Silver Wye and Izzie Derry
The Smashed Vinyls
The Specials
The Specials Family
The Sunbathers
The Twin Flames
The Twin Flames & Hannah Woof
The Undertones
The Upsiders
The Wild Boys
Tiernán Heffron
Tigermask
Titine La Voix
Titine Lavoix
Toby Marks
Tom Brannan
Tom Robinson Band
Trevor Babajack Steger
Trust Club
TwoManTing
Various
Various Artists
Various artists
Vertigo Flowers
Vieon
Viktoria
Vimal Korpal
Vince Hill
Vince Ishia
Voodoo Kings
Voyeahs
WLDFLWRS
Wallace & Vomit
Ward & Parker
Warriors of the Dystotheque
We Are A Communist
Wes Finch
What About Eric?
What About Eric? HomeBread and others
Whizzy
Wild Boys
Wilde
Willow & Tool
Women of Folk
WorldSong
X Ray Spex
YNES
Year Without A Summer
Yes Princess
Yonderland
Zaruna
Zoe Konez
annA rydeR
dogmarket
inlowercase
las vedas

Event: 22/12/25

Venue: Priory Visitor Centre

Christmas time probably deserves extra special live musical experiences and as the last gig of 2025 in my diary after a year of, as I review it in ...

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"Give Up the Ghost" by dogmarket

by AndyHoldcroft 14/12/25

As noted last time, dogmarket's release schedule remains at a high level of activity and indeed we now have a new single "Give Up the Ghost" to ...

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"Interlude 1" and "Turner Michael's Hunting Rifle" by dogmarket

by AndyHoldcroft 14/12/25

The release campaign of dogmarket is picking up momentum as they've just stepped up to a dual simultaneous single release with "Interlude 1" and ...

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'Hot Music Live Presents' fundraiser for The Tin #9

by AndyHoldcroft 13/12/25

Event: 13/12/25

Venue: Tin

I'm not too sure if mere words (at least any I can find) could possibly due justice to last evening's ‘Hot Music Live Presents' fundraiser at & ...

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The 'Extended Playtime' EP by Septic and the Tanks

by AndyHoldcroft 09/12/25

All Septic and the Tanks fans will be aware that they recorded some tracks at The Moonbase in November 2024 before Robin departed for Down Under ...

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"Belly Full of Whiskey" by The Folly Brothers

by AndyHoldcroft 07/12/25

Checking the records, I see that The Folly Brothers put their debut album ‘Bridge 101' out in 2016: considering (lockdown excepted) they've ...

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Ellie Gowers live in Kenilworth

by AndyHoldcroft 06/12/25

Event: 06/12/25

Venue: Abbey End

This time of the year tends to generate "special" events & last evening at Kenilworth's United Reformed Church was no exception.

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‘Cantando' by Manos Puestas

by AndyHoldcroft 06/12/25

Manos Puestas fans may be a little frustrated with us in that although we featured their track "Entre Dos Aguas" on ‘Hot Music Live Presents ...

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New video for "Happy Christmas, All Will Be Fine" by King of the Alps

by AndyHoldcroft 05/12/25

One of my minor agendas is to seek to balance the highly limited repertoire of Christmas music broadcast by mainstream media by posting festive ...

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'Fall To Ocean' by Barnabas

by AndyHoldcroft 03/12/25

It's a big bonus when artists you respect have such a broad range of musical interests that they need to put them out under different names: I ...

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'Breath, Blood and Bone' EP by Liam Vincent and the Odd Foxes

by AndyHoldcroft 30/11/25

As mentioned in my review of the Liam Vincent and the Odd Foxes' upcoming single "Four Thousand Weeks", it's actually due out on Friday, the same ...

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"better" by Euan Blackman

by AndyHoldcroft 28/11/25

Euan Blackman has today released a new single called "better".

I'm afraid that I don't know any background this time but since Euan is ...

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"Four Thousand Weeks" by Liam Vincent and the Odd Foxes

by AndyHoldcroft 24/11/25

The pace is hotting up in the den of Liam Vincent and the Odd Foxes. After the passion of lead singles "Summer's Secrets" and "Keep Running" from ...

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"Confusion (Slight Paranoia)" by Orange River Remedy

by AndyHoldcroft 23/11/25

This review is possibly (sorry) going to be one of my weirder ones.

Let me explain.

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'Hot Music Live Presents' eighth fundraiser for The Tin

by AndyHoldcroft 15/11/25

by AndyHoldcroft 20/10/25

Event: 20/10/25

Venue: Just Dropped In

As predicted in my review of its release, Concrete Fun House duly launched their debut album 'I Guess It's Time We Got Into This' later that same ...

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'I Guess It's Time We Got Into This' by Concrete Fun House

by AndyHoldcroft 20/10/25

At last the debut album, 'I Guess It's Time We Got Into This' by Concrete Fun House is available for us all to fully enjoy.

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"Lucia's Method" by Barnabas

by AndyHoldcroft 11/10/25

Reasonably hot on the heels of her ‘Your Body' EP, Phoebe Court has dropped another release under the Barnabas artistic identity.

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The latest Food Union Crypt Session

by AndyHoldcroft 11/10/25

Event: 11/10/25

Venue: Coventry Cathedral

After the great pleasure I derived from the previous Crypt Sessions organised by Coventry Food Union in the Wyley Chapel under Coventry Cathedral ...

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"Hot Music Live Presents" fundraiser for The Tin #11

by AndyHoldcroft 06/10/25

We are extremely pleased to announce one more 'Hot Music Live Presents' fundraiser for The Tin.

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The 'Behind Me' EP by Noah Seleno

by AndyHoldcroft 06/10/25

Noah Seleno fans will I'm sure be so delighted that she is releasing music regularly at the moment.

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"Indigo" by Zaruna

by AndyHoldcroft 05/10/25

Ten entire days passed between my review of Zaruna's "Piss" & "Cocoa Bango" and that of their "Heaven".

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Memorial bench for Gemma Leahy Waddell

by AndyHoldcroft 05/10/25

I'm pleased to let you know that the memorial bench for Gemma Leahy Waddell is now in situ right up high on Campion Hills in Leamington: a spot ...

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'Hot Music Live Presents' fundraiser for The Tin #7

by AndyHoldcroft 04/10/25

Event: 04/10/25

Venue: Tin

After a little break for summer holidays and to avoid getting in the way of our friends at CovTember, the ‘Hot Music Live Presents' fundraisers ...

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"In Your Head" by Dolly Mavies

Passion & enthusiasm are two factors which contribute to a band presenting as dynamic on stage & record: perhaps an outpouring of releases is ...

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"baby blue" by dogmarket

by AndyHoldcroft 25/09/25

As "mousebites" followed swiftly on the heels of "Anti! Anti! Anti!" then dogmarket's latest, "baby blue" does at a similar interval.

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"She Stayed" by Reign the Girl Band

by AndyHoldcroft 24/09/25

I got really rather excited over telling you about Reign the Girl Band's performance at Leamington Food & Drink Festival (their first appearance ...

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CovTember 2025

by AndyHoldcroft 22/09/25

by AndyHoldcroft 16/09/25

by AndyHoldcroft 08/09/25

Pleased as I was to report the great news from Kenilworth Old Town Festival & from the much improved Leamington Ecofest regarding facilities for ...

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Ecofest 2025

by AndyHoldcroft 01/09/25

Event: 31/08/25

Venue: Pump Room Gardens

I am pleased to say that after the revelation last week that there are some genuinely well organised local festival events when I enjoyed the ...

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"Keep Running" by Liam Vincent and the Odd Foxes

by AndyHoldcroft 29/08/25

If you read my articles, the vast majority probably give the impression of joy on my part: the report of a gig I've been uplifted at or of hearing ...

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"I Will Go" by Noah Seleno

by AndyHoldcroft 29/08/25

I mentioned recently the sense of frustration I feel waiting for highly anticipated releases or sitting on articles telling you about them until ...

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"Late Night Dancing" by Project Overload

by AndyHoldcroft 27/08/25

I have long felt that in addition to good fortune, artists with obvious talent also require a certain amount of career momentum to build on early ...

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WLDFLWRS at Kenilworth Old Town Festival

by AndyHoldcroft 25/08/25

Event: 25/08/25

Venue: Famous Virgins and Castle

I'd like to begin this article with a focus on an aspect of live performance opportunities which I don't usually foreground: festival organisers.

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"When Will It End" by Izzie Derry

by AndyHoldcroft 20/08/25

I suppose that writing reviews, like most other activities, is a form of learning process.

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"mousebites" by dogmarket

by AndyHoldcroft 18/08/25

Mere weeks after letting you know about the (then) new dogmarket single "Anti! Anti! Anti!", he's back with "mousebites".

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HomeBread Live in Room 2

by AndyHoldcroft 17/08/25

One aspect of concentrating my writing on artists & music about which I'm enthusiastic is that I have to edit my pieces down in length (working on ...

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"City Break" by Ben Monkhouse

by AndyHoldcroft 15/08/25

It seems an awfully long time since the first of the "Hot Music Live Presents" fundraising gigs for The Tin: we've now had six, three more are ...

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"The Breeze (Nature of You)" by Wes Finch

by AndyHoldcroft 11/08/25

The latest release from Wes Finch is another of those he's first sharing via the medium of Patreon

"The Breeze (Nature of You)" is one ...

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"Demon", "Nothing to Prove" and "Sugar Coated Lies" by Taylor-Louise

by AndyHoldcroft 11/08/25

Every so often I have to beg your forgiveness & issue a mea culpa when I miss a release at the point it comes out & have to catch up later.

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"The Angels Are All That's Owed" by Duke Keats

by AndyHoldcroft 10/08/25

Rare nowadays is the week without a top notch Duke Keats drop and this one is no exception seeing the release of the latest ‘Avalon' instalment ...

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Coventry Pride 2025

by AndyHoldcroft 10/08/25

by AndyHoldcroft 17/07/25

Event: 17/07/25

Venue: Tin

Hot Music Live Presents are delighted to continue to work in partnership with The Tin Music and Arts to raise funds for their great work.

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"Ran Out Of Love" by Abz Winter

by AndyHoldcroft 17/07/25

The indefatigable Abz Winter is back tomorrow with her second single of 2025 called "Ran Out Of Love" (following "Tired Of You")

In her ...

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"Paradise Is Burning" by Robert James Grey

by AndyHoldcroft 17/07/25

Having enjoyed Robert James Grey exploding back onto the scene with scintillating singles "This Town" and "All Through Space" followed by seeing ...

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'About 20 Years' by Otto And The Dark

by AndyHoldcroft 13/07/25

Good news. The Otto And The Dark album "About 20 Years" is now available for your enjoyment.

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"County Lines" and "Shaun The Creep" by Wallace & Vomit

by AndyHoldcroft 11/07/25

Wallace & Vomit fans will be celebrating today with the release of a brace of new tracks: "County Lines" and "Shaun The Creep"

Described ...

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Hot Music Live Presents fundraiser for The Tin #8

by AndyHoldcroft 11/07/25

Event: 11/07/25

Venue: Tin

Once again Hot Music Live Presents are delighted to work in partnership with The Tin Music and Arts to raise funds for them.

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Hot Music Live Presents fundraiser for The Tin #7

by AndyHoldcroft 11/07/25

by AndyHoldcroft 23/06/25

Volume 15 (opens in BandCamp)

This collection is the fifteenth in a series celebrating the inspiring & diverse talent of Coventry & ...

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The Mudlands String Band debut album

by AndyHoldcroft 22/06/25

Out for the Summer Solstice is the debut album by The Mudlands String Band.

Ten songs from America's Deep South (from cajun to bluegrass) ...

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The fifth 'Hot Music Live Presents' fundraiser for The Tin

by AndyHoldcroft 21/06/25

Event: 21/06/25

Venue: Tin

Fantastic live music is definitely what inspires a reviewer but the odd irony helps add a little splash of extra detail too.

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"In My Own Time" and "Many Miles" by Stone Bear

by AndyHoldcroft 20/06/25

I've decided to take the plunge & to refer to Stone Bear in the singular now since the band consists entirely of David John.

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WLDFLWRS live

by AndyHoldcroft 20/06/25

If only the uncut meadow parts of St Nicholas Park in Warwick had contained a few more (wild) flowers to provide the perfect setting for WLDFLWRS ...

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'Gallons Of Gold' by Superhooch

by AndyHoldcroft 16/06/25

‘Hot Music Live' stories come in a variety of shapes & sizes & so I suppose in themselves reflect the diversity of the music we are talking ...

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"Finisterre" and "Unfailing" by The Silver Wye

by AndyHoldcroft 14/06/25

Long ago, I assume reviewers received platters of vinyl (or shellac) on 7", 10" or 12" size & then played them before writing about what they ...

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The Crypt Sessions #3

by AndyHoldcroft 14/06/25

by AndyHoldcroft 26/05/25

Occasionally I suggest in an article that a particular song might make a good choice for a single.

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‘Aetherstone' by DANE-O

by AndyHoldcroft 26/05/25

Introducing DANE-O!

His debut single is out now and comprises two songs, namely "Various Land" and "Take Me Here" but goes under the ...

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'Enjoy Hot!' by Gutter Puppy

by AndyHoldcroft 26/05/25

It's not especially surprising for bands to release albums which wholly reflect sets they've played: most debut ones will generally mirror what ...

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Hot Music Live Presents Fundraiser for The Tin #4

by AndyHoldcroft 25/05/25

Event: 25/05/25

Venue: Tin

I suppose it's an indicator of success when people start praising a gig online before you have had time to complete your own formal review: it is ...

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'Gallons Of Gold' by Superhooch

When I see glasses as half empty, I often wonder why obvious talent doesn't get its deserved recognition: that thought too often occupies my ...

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"Sugarcane Tip" by The Rollocks

by AndyHoldcroft 01/05/25

Out today from The Rollocks is their new single: "Sugarcane Tip".

Goodness knows how they managed to find the time to record it: they are ...

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The 'Post-Internet' EP: by Duke Keats

by AndyHoldcroft 30/04/25

Barely was the ink dry on my review of Duke Keats' single "Lost in the Internet" than he dropped the remaining 75% of the 'Post-Internet' EP: ...

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"Unkind" by Noah Seleno

by AndyHoldcroft 30/04/25

Things are evolving a little in my reviews of Noah Seleno singles. For starters my anguish that she doesn't release sufficiently often to meet the ...

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"girl" by Euan Blackman

by AndyHoldcroft 25/04/25

Out today is the latest Euan Blackman single "girl" (that would be his use of lower case not mine!) on Ripe Records.

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'Keith Fabrique' by Keith Fabrique

by AndyHoldcroft 25/04/25

The latest Keith Fabrique album out today streamed on his birthday (with hard copies appearing next month) gets straight to the point: it's ...

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WLDFLWRS at The Old Post Office

by AndyHoldcroft 20/04/25

Event: 20/04/25

Venue: Old Post Office

In many ways, values & attitudes shape my attraction to certain artists as much as their talent & prowess.

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"Don't Forget" and "Black Star" by Kirsten Smitten.

by AndyHoldcroft 19/04/25

I'm pleased to report to you today on the release of two tracks, "Don't Forget" and "Black Star" by Kirsten Smitten.

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"Wasted" by HEK

by AndyHoldcroft 19/04/25

Ten volumes ago, the Wilde track "Wasted" appeared on ‘Hot Music Live Presents Volume Four'.

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"Viridian Rush" by Lucifer Sky

by AndyHoldcroft 18/04/25

Event: 12/04/25

Venue: Tin

Last evening's "Hot Music Live Presents" fundraiser at and for The Tin Music & Arts certainly rose magnificently once more to the challenge of ...

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Hot Music Live Presents Fundraiser for The Tin #5

Out today is the new John Connearn single "Okay": well it is & it isn't as you'll see

Greatly as I admire John's tremendous virtuosity, I ...

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"Sympathy for the Cat" by Septic and the Tanks

by AndyHoldcroft 14/03/25

The meteoric rise of Septic and the Tanks rather took many people by surprise: though I imagine that disturbing comfy equilibria probably amuses ...

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"If They Knew What You Did" by Izzie Derry

by AndyHoldcroft 11/03/25

In 1851, John Everett Millais posed Elizabeth Siddall fully clothed in his bathtub to provide him with a model for his painting of Ophelia.

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‘Jungle Tapes Volume #5' by Emma McGann

by AndyHoldcroft 10/03/25

Out right now from Emma McGann (exclusively on Bandcamp) is her latest album ‘Jungle Tapes Volume #5' which contains the ten tracks "Zoetrope", ...

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'Mind Maps' EP by Duke Keats

by AndyHoldcroft 10/03/25

So often do the releases I share with you take me by surprise, that I need a default statement I think to paste in as a matter of routine.

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"Hot Music Live Presents" Fundraiser for The Tin #3

by AndyHoldcroft 10/03/25

Event: 11/04/25

Venue: Tin

After the great success of the first two fundraisers, (featuring Duck Thieves, Project Overload, HEK, The Upsiders, Ace & the Oddity, Loophole, ...

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"Superhero" by Tom Brannan

by AndyHoldcroft 09/03/25

One of the most dynamic moments of my musical year so far was the sight of Callum Maciver & the rest of the Upsiders whipping the young audience ...

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The latest chapters in the Daffod'i'll story

by AndyHoldcroft 09/03/25

We left Dill in our last round up at album number 196 ('IPHONE') and in the intervening weeks he ha surged past two hundred solo albums with the ...

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‘Let's Go Round Again' by The Primitives

by AndyHoldcroft 09/03/25

As prophesised in my review of the current Primitives single "Sweet Sister Sorrow", they now also have a (compilation) album out called ...

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The second 'Hot Music Live Presents' fundraiser for The Tin

by AndyHoldcroft 23/02/25

by AndyHoldcroft 08/02/25

by AndyHoldcroft 16/01/25

As noted previously, 'Hot Music Live Presents Volume Fourteen' is dedicated to the memory of William Douglas Armstrong (aka "Doug") (17th June ...

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Hot Music Live Presents Volume 14

by AndyHoldcroft 14/01/25

Volume 14 (opens in BandCamp)

This collection is the fourteenth in a series celebrating the inspiring & diverse talent of Coventry & ...

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'Hot Music Live Presents Volume Fourteen'

by AndyHoldcroft 14/01/25

We are delighted to announce ‘Hot Music Live Presents Volume Fourteen': eleven more of the finest original songs from Coventry & Warwickshire ...

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Ed Sheeran at The Tin

by AndyHoldcroft 12/01/25

Event: 12/01/25

Venue: Tin Music and Arts

You were probably as delighted by the news of Ed Sheeran's visit to Coventry this week & his support of grassroots organisations such as The Tin & ...

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'Beware of Darkness' by Dan Sealey

by AndyHoldcroft 10/01/25

Dan Sealey is such an active figure in the local music scene, running what seem like innumerable top notch open mic sessions here, there and ...

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'This California Dreaming' EP by Duke Keats

by AndyHoldcroft 05/01/25

I was wondering what the focus of my first review of 2025 might be (and I have been nurturing one for a long time now: looks like it's still not ...

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Izzie Derry's Christmas Show with Lauren South & Katherine Abbott

by AndyHoldcroft 01/01/25

by AndyHoldcroft 04/12/24

And so, inexorably, we have come to the third & final element in Man Made Moon's late-2024 singles bonanza: as promised "Tell Me When I'm Dead" ...

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Ace Ambrose at HMV Empire

by AndyHoldcroft 24/11/24

Event: 23/11/24

Venue: Empire

A selection of photos from Ace Ambrose's "Balcony Session" at the HMV Empire yesterday afternoon

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'Act One' EP by Everything We Do

by AndyHoldcroft 22/11/24

by AndyHoldcroft 04/11/24

As I've noted before, the role of a reviewer, or at least their scope is evolving.

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Duck Thieves' Tenth Birthday gig

by AndyHoldcroft 03/11/24

by AndyHoldcroft 02/10/24

by AndyHoldcroft 23/09/24

Event: 23/09/24

Venue: Tin

As with last year's event, COVtember 2024 must rate as a roaring (in every sense) success.

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"Lucky Luke" by Lemon Boy

by AndyHoldcroft 22/09/24

The release of "Lucky Luke" by Lemon Boy marks a moment when after my mentioning so many times that the artist behind the name is called Luke ...

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‘That's What Happens (When You Never Look Down)' EP by Yes Princess

by AndyHoldcroft 18/09/24

Pretty much exactly one year after Yes Princess' debut album ‘It's No One's Fault But Ours' (whose track "Conversation" is featured upon ‘Hot ...

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Happy Tenth Birthday to FarGo!

by AndyHoldcroft 16/09/24

by AndyHoldcroft 31/08/24

by AndyHoldcroft 18/08/24

Event: 04/08/24

Venue: Jephson Gardens

Having had to lower my expectations of the musical aspects of Leamington's "Art in the Park" over the years, with 2023 representing something of a ...

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"Brighter" by John Connearn

by AndyHoldcroft 03/08/24

As previously noted, when it comes to new releases by John Connearn, my technical knowhow & vocabulary usually runs out pretty quickly & so my ...

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'Brainflood' EP by Ben Monkhouse

by AndyHoldcroft 02/08/24

Back in May 2022 I received an excited message from John Rivers at Woodbine Studio: he was recording a young musician about whom he was so excited ...

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Charlie Tophill Art Trail

by AndyHoldcroft 02/08/24

After my over-enthusiastic attempt to visit the Vortex Creates "JOY: Inspired by Nature" exhibition at the Herbert on July 3rd (well before it was ...

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"A Moment" by Ellie Gowers

by AndyHoldcroft 01/08/24

I am delighted to be able to bring you a great deal of excellent news from Ellie Gowers.

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Warwick Folk Festival 2024

by AndyHoldcroft 31/07/24

Event: 29/07/24

Venue: Warwick Folk Festival

As you've probably noticed (and I fear when I overdo it, been bored by it), I do try & go beyond mechanistic reviews where possible & try & ...

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"NOTHING2U" by Euan Blackman

by AndyHoldcroft 27/07/24

Out today is the single "NOTHING2U" on Ripe Records, instalment number three from artist Euan Blackman's ‘Thunderstorms' EP (his third).

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"All I Can Do" by Trust Club

by AndyHoldcroft 26/07/24

Trust Club's new EP ‘Slump', which comes out on 16th August (there is a launch gig the previous night at Leicester's Firebug), is of course the ...

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"Android" by Duke Keats

by AndyHoldcroft 26/07/24

So here we are with the third instalment of Duke Keat's forthcoming ‘Bornstar' EP (pretty apt title eh?) as "Android" joins "Data Machinery" ...

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WLDFLWRS on Stratford upon Avon Bandstand

by AndyHoldcroft 22/07/24

Event: 22/07/24

Venue: Recreation Ground

There can be few more civilised pleasures than sitting by Stratford Upon Avon Bandstand on a sunny summer Sunday afternoon & listening to such ...

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"High" by Mos Eisley Bros

by AndyHoldcroft 21/07/24

The world is a strange & dynamic, wonderful place. Roughly a year ago, when reviewing Jono Wright's debut solo album ‘Special Measures', it ...

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"Next Train Out of Town" by the Dirt Road Band

by AndyHoldcroft 20/07/24

Do you like irony? I usually do, though this one has left me looking a bit foolish in terms with my keeping up with the zeitgeist….

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'Righteous' by The Dirt Road Band

by AndyHoldcroft 20/07/24

Thankfully there has been a short turn around between my live review of the Dirt Road Band at The Arches In which I explained that my review of ...

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"Live On Stage" Showcase

by AndyHoldcroft 18/07/24

Event: 18/07/24

Venue: Empire

You will have noticed my considerable respect for & excitement concerning the Live On Stage project if you've been reading my article over the ...

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Izzie Derry & Dolly Mavies at Glastonbury

by AndyHoldcroft 17/07/24

Having previewed the Glastonbury debuts of Izzie Derry & Dolly Mavies for you, I thought readers might like a follow up piece on their experiences.

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‘Light at the End of the Tunnel' by King of the Alps

by AndyHoldcroft 15/07/24

Only a week ago, I suggested that "expect the unexpected" was a thread running through the artistry of those of whom I wrote.

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K C Jones and Alchemista at Warwick Beer, Cider & Music Festival

by AndyHoldcroft 14/07/24

Event: 14/07/24

Venue: Warwick Racecourse

As you'll have read in my in my article about Matthew Mansfield (aka Matt Hernández) earlier this week, my intention had been to pop down to the ...

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Godiva Festival 2024

by AndyHoldcroft 13/07/24

Event: 08/07/24

Venue: War Memorial Park

This article is pretty much a mirror to my anticipatory one on the 2024 Godiva Festival which I wrote a month ago: having looked forwards to ...

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"Every Night In Vegas" by Everything We Do

by AndyHoldcroft 12/07/24

Frequently actual songs grab me passionately and draw me into their embrace, but very occasionally I engage even earlier when the very title is so ...

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"Been So Long" and "You Steal My Heart" by the Dirt Road Band

by AndyHoldcroft 11/07/24

Is this now a thing? The other day, I was flexing myself to review "Data Machinery" by Duke Keats and then he dropped a guerilla release of ...

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"If We Don't Laugh We'll Cry" by Izzie Derry

It's great to be really getting into reporting on the next generation of emerging bands in the local area: artistic quality is always welcome but ...

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"Knew No Different" by Batsch

by AndyHoldcroft 20/06/24

Please look out for another release by Batsch: "Knew No Different". Like most of their activity, since they come from the underground, they tend ...

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‘From the Back Room' EP by The Caroline Bomb

by AndyHoldcroft 19/06/24

Sometimes what can variously be described as either serendipity or random good luck drives a first review of an artist for me.

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Katherine Abbott at The Old Post Office

by AndyHoldcroft 18/06/24

Event: 16/06/24

Venue: Old Post Office

Well that might be described as a double ambition fulfilled in one trip.

I set off on Sunday to catch Katherine Abbott at Pete Willow's ...

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"Let Go" by Stone Bear

by AndyHoldcroft 16/06/24

As Stone Bear continue on their ceaseless evolution, once again they've let some marvellous music slip almost without mention let alone fanfare.

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Izzie Derry & Dolly Mavies to play Glastonbury 2024

by AndyHoldcroft 14/06/24

So many musicians whom we write about can in some way or another be said to be moving forwards and making progress: artistically, careerwise or in ...

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Godiva Festival 2024 preview

by AndyHoldcroft 10/06/24

by AndyHoldcroft 05/05/24

Event: 05/05/24

Venue: Tin Music and Arts

The latest top class Sink or Swim promotion (look out for a lengthier appreciation of what Joe Colombi does in the magazine shortly) was John ...

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"Polarised" by Dean MacDonald

by AndyHoldcroft 03/05/24

The new Dean MacDonald single "Polarised" comes out as a "Bank Holiday release" (which is a bit unusual in itself) and as always is a classy piece ...

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‘Roll Back the Night' by GunShock Big Band

by AndyHoldcroft 02/05/24

I hope that on the relatively rare occasions (but each one is a blow to my self esteem) when I miss a release date & have to write a slightly ...

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"English Countryside" and "Loan Sharks" by Duke Keats

by AndyHoldcroft 01/05/24

It can be a discombobulating role reviewing. There I was, just preparing myself in all respects for the 17th May and his scheduled release of ...

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"It's D.I.Y Ennit" by YNES at the LTB Showrooms

by AndyHoldcroft 01/05/24

by AndyHoldcroft 15/04/24

Event: 15/04/24

Venue: Albany Theatre

Ironically, the tremendous personal enjoyment I got out of attending "A Celebratory Cruise on a Tiny Boat with Lauren South & friends" at the ...

[10 images]

Project Overload live at HMV Coventry

by AndyHoldcroft 14/04/24

Event: 14/04/24

Venue: Empire

I'm sure that my review of the debut album ‘New Beginnings' from Project Overload left you in no doubt of my excitement at the emergence of this ...

[8 images]

Street Arts Project fundraiser: "The Last Waltz" by WLDFLWRS and friends

by AndyHoldcroft 11/04/24

Event: 01/04/24

Venue: United Reform Church

As foretold in my recent account of my visits to two workshops for Streets Arts Project, the professional musicians who facilitate them came ...

[10 images]

"Fireworks" by Danny Ansell

by AndyHoldcroft 11/04/24

It's been some months since I last wrote about Danny Ansell (amazing but true considering his prolific releasing and gigging) but he's back now ...

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"Fourteen Days (Acoustic)" by Stylusboy

by AndyHoldcroft 29/03/24

There is not a huge lot I can offer in reviewing terms regarding Stylusboy's new release of a new acoustic version of "Fourteen Days" since I ...

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The ‘Eyes Up Here' EP by Duck Thieves

by AndyHoldcroft 29/03/24

As I've said before, I'm obliged that Duck Thieves provide their own self description for the aid of potential audience members & reviewers: while ...

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"Dead and Done" by Rheo Uno

by AndyHoldcroft 29/03/24

I'm really pleased to be reporting on the latest single from Rheo Uno: "Dead and Done".

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Street Arts Project workshops

by AndyHoldcroft 29/03/24

Event: 17/02/24

Venue: Stratford Artshouse

As you'll know from various earlier reviews, both of Street Arts Project releases & of their associated launch gigs, I thoroughly support this ...

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Where Daffod'i'll is now.....

by AndyHoldcroft 21/03/24

Keeping tabs on the output of Daffod'i'll is frankly one of keeping score of album releases.

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'Hot Music Live Presents Volume Twelve'

by AndyHoldcroft 21/03/24

It's very exciting to be able to share 'Hot Music Live Presents Volume Twelve' with you: eleven more examples of how diverse & original the music ...

[2 images]

Hot Music Live Presents Volume 12

by AndyHoldcroft 04/03/24

Volume 12 (opens in BandCamp)

This collection is the twelfth in a series celebrating the inspiring & diverse talent of Coventry & ...

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"Rollin' With It" by John Connearn

by AndyHoldcroft 02/03/24

I have to confess that reviewing releases by John Connearn are among the most challenging for me.

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"Black Mamba" by The Eyes of Isabel

by AndyHoldcroft 02/03/24

By now, I think many of us think we have a handle on the shape of an Eyes of Isabel release: Tony Ally conceives it, then he takes it to John ...

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The ‘Anyplace, Anywhere, Anytime' EP by Green Hands

by AndyHoldcroft 01/03/24

Out today is the much anticipated new EP from Green Hands, whose title is (as hopefully you were already aware) ‘Anyplace, Anywhere, Anytime' ...

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Septic and the Tanks' debut album launch show

by AndyHoldcroft 18/02/24

by AndyHoldcroft 08/02/24

Event: 08/02/24

Venue: Warwick Arts Centre

Among the various categories of concerts one can go to, there exists the one where the artist can not just slip one new song into their setlist ...

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Septic and the Tanks live in Leamington

by AndyHoldcroft 04/02/24

by AndyHoldcroft 20/01/24

by AndyHoldcroft 28/11/23

'Hot Music Live Presents Volume Eleven' is dedicated to the memory of Gary Kenneth "Gus" Chambers (16th January 1958 to 13th October 2008): one of ...

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Hot Music Live Presents Volume 11

by AndyHoldcroft 27/11/23

Volume 11 (opens in BandCamp)

This collection is the eleventh in a series of collections celebrating the inspiring & diverse talent ...

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'Hot Music Live Presents Volume Eleven'

by AndyHoldcroft 27/11/23

We are delighted to announce the release of ‘Hot Music Live Presents Volume Eleven', the latest in a series celebrating the inspiring & diverse ...

[2 images]

'Rising Tide' EP by Rebecca Mileham

by AndyHoldcroft 27/11/23

So busy has Rebecca Mileham been with Liam Vincent & the Odd Foxes that her debut solo EP ‘Underground' seems to have been out longer than the ...

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'Recreate This' EP by Bar Pandora

by AndyHoldcroft 25/11/23

Today is release day for the second Bar Pandora EP ‘Recreate This', which follows her eponymous debut in that format from last summer.

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"The Last One" by Euan Blackman

by AndyHoldcroft 20/11/23

by AndyHoldcroft 25/09/23

by AndyHoldcroft 07/09/23

As noted in my review of ‘Recovery', the new Streets Arts Project album, the launch event was held at Stratford Playhouse last evening & it was ...

[6 images]

The Jack O'Bones live at the SYDNI Centre

by AndyHoldcroft 07/09/23

Event: 03/09/23

Venue: Sydni Centre

It's been a while since I'd seen, or reported on, the Jack O'Bones (apart from all the issues we all know about, the band are so in demand in ...

[7 images]

The 'This Is Trust Club' EP by Trust Club

by AndyHoldcroft 07/09/23

The release date for the ‘This Is Trust Club' EP has finally arrived (I'm not sure I need to remind you of the name of the band in question), as ...

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Hannah Woof & Monday Nights

by AndyHoldcroft 02/09/23

Event: 02/09/23

Venue: Pump Room Gardens

Rather more through luck than anything else (see below), I caught excellent sets by Hannah Woof and Monday Nights on Leamington Bandstand this ...

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The 'Heartbreak Hotel' EP by Hannah Woof

by AndyHoldcroft 01/09/23

In my last review for Hannah Woof, I dubbed her current single "Rendezvous" her best work, and I can't be shaken from forming that opinion.

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Hot Music Live Presents Volume 10

by AndyHoldcroft 29/08/23

Volume 10 (opens in BandCamp)

This collection is the tenth in a series celebrating the inspiring & diverse talent of Coventry & ...

[1 image]

"What's Going Down" by the Dirt Road Band

by AndyHoldcroft 28/08/23

As most of you probably know from various sources, including our previous articles, the Dirt Road Band has evolved from an initial single event ...

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"Inter-City" by Vieon

by AndyHoldcroft 20/08/23

Out right now from Vieon (hopefully you remember their collaboration with Jenny McLaren "Transmission" which featured on 'Hot Music Live Presents ...

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Ivy Ash at Warwickshire Pride 2023

by AndyHoldcroft 19/08/23

Event: 19/08/23

Venue: Pump Room Gardens

You'll be glad to know that I'm keeping up my record of seeing nearly every Ivy Ash gig ever.

[7 images]

"Satisfied" by Dave Pepper

by AndyHoldcroft 18/08/23

Dave Pepper has form in revisiting his past bands (of which there are many) and approaches rediscovering gems from them with the same level of ...

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Ellie Gowers on The Folk Show on BBC Radio 2

by AndyHoldcroft 17/08/23

It's always a big moment when the national media pick up on the talent we already know has been manifesting itself in Warwickshire, so how ...

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'Them' by James Summerfield

by AndyHoldcroft 15/08/23

Many thanks to that great supporter of what we do (you can find him on no fewer than four tracks on "Hot Music Live Presents"), Jools Street, for ...

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"Judgemental" by Abz Winter

by AndyHoldcroft 13/08/23

There is no "one size fits all" aspect to how I end up reviewing music for the magazine (that would be very dull): some material I have the luxury ...

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"Art in the Park" 2023

by AndyHoldcroft 13/08/23

by AndyHoldcroft 21/05/23

Event: 21/05/23

Venue: Pump Room Gardens

After the pleasures of catching The Old Flames at last week's Open Arts Festival gig on Leamington Bandstand, the weather was even more glorious ...

[10 images]

The Old Flames at the Open Arts Festival

by AndyHoldcroft 21/05/23

by AndyHoldcroft 05/05/23

I'm pleased to report to readers that the brand new Joe Dolman single, "Sabotage Myself" has been released this morning.

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"Long Road Home" by Bygrave

by AndyHoldcroft 05/05/23

Out today is the new (Dan) Bygrave single "Long Road Home".

The follow up to "Friday Night", this one is a co-write with Ryan Stanley and ...

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"Wasted Love" by Izzie Derry

by AndyHoldcroft 05/05/23

You can tell that "Wasted Love", the new single from Izzie Derry which is out today, takes another huge step along her road of self discovery and ...

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"Fourteen Days" by Stylusboy

by AndyHoldcroft 05/05/23

Stylusboy (aka Steve Jones), whose latest single, "Fourteen Days" is out today on his own Tortoise Recordings (it is taken too from his ...

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"Zion's Last Request" by Four Kings

by AndyHoldcroft 05/05/23

After declaring my enthusiasm for the new Andy Beglin single "Vale of Avalon" last month, here I am telling you of another release he's part of: ...

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Shanghai Hostage, The Upsiders & Sam McNulty at Earlsdon Festival

by AndyHoldcroft 01/05/23

by AndyHoldcroft 17/03/23

I really appreciate the unusual in music and so reporting on the first single I can recall being released for Mothering Sunday is a pleasure & I ...

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"To See The World" by The Eyes of Isabel

by AndyHoldcroft 10/03/23

Out right now is the latest Eyes of Isabel single, "To See The World".

As ever accompanied by an evocative video assembled by Andy McGeechan ...

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"Friday Night" by Bygrave

by AndyHoldcroft 10/03/23

Just released by (Dan) Bygrave is "Friday Night": his first release of 2023 produced by Wigz for Beat Rebel Records.

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"My Mamma Lives In a Bottle" and "Minnesota" by Some Kinda Earthquake

by AndyHoldcroft 07/03/23

When we featured the 1989 track "Mean 'n' Moody Rockin' Machine" by Some Kinda Earthquake on the very first edition of "Hot Music Live Presents", ...

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"Shadow, Honey" by Croissant

by AndyHoldcroft 04/03/23

Out now is the new Croissant single entitled "Shadow, Honey", the follow up to "Winter Days" (which you can also hear on ‘Hot Music Live ...

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"Busy Doing Nothing" and "Everybody Lets You Down" by Euan Blackman

by AndyHoldcroft 02/03/23

New out from Euan Blackman is his single "Busy Doing Nothing", taken from his EP of the same name which also contains the song "Everybody Lets You ...

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The Enemy to headline Friday at Godiva Festival

by AndyHoldcroft 24/02/23

by AndyHoldcroft 06/12/22

Just when you thought it was safe… back come Massasauga with another of their tales of the predatory.

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"Lights On" by Jackie James

by AndyHoldcroft 06/12/22

Coming soon from Jackie James will be her Christmas single: "Lights On".

Described by its composer as a "lullaby", it features her six year ...

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The Dirt Road Band supported by The Session & The Della Grants

by AndyHoldcroft 04/12/22

by AndyHoldcroft 25/11/22

Most articles I write for "Hot Music Live" tend to fall into a few broad categories and my main job is to try to be as objective as possible when ...

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Hot Music Live Presents Volume 9

by AndyHoldcroft 25/11/22

Out tonight from The Eyes of Isabel is their new single "Tropical Nightlife".

Recorded as ever at Woodbine Studio by John Rivers and Eddy ...

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'Heart of the Matter' by King of the Alps

by AndyHoldcroft 12/10/22

It brings me enormous pleasure to review for you the new (and second) King of the Alps album, 'Heart of the Matter' which came out earlier today.

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"Next October" by Croissant

by AndyHoldcroft 07/10/22

One very big advantage of the community spirit within so much of the local music scene is that people help others so much & that extends ...

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Three more new albums from Daffod'i'll

by AndyHoldcroft 07/10/22

by AndyHoldcroft 11/09/22

I'm most pleased to be able to inform you of the debut single by Riizbo: "Do The Work" and it's his vocal debut too.

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Luna Kiss at Leamington Food & Drink Festival

by AndyHoldcroft 10/09/22

Event: 10/09/22

Venue: Pump Room Gardens

While I admired their fortitude & commitment to rock, I was disappointed for Luna Kiss at the Art in the Park event in Leamington last month since ...

[4 images]

Godiva Festival 2022

by AndyHoldcroft 05/09/22

Event: 05/09/22

Venue: Godiva Festival

Much as I (and loads of other people to) enjoy the Godiva Festival, it's not the easiest event to review in a conventional manner.

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"Ribbon Weaver" by Ellie Gowers

by AndyHoldcroft 02/09/22

The final preview single from her album ‘Dwelling By The Weir' which will be out on September 30th after much expectation, is "Ribbon Weaver" ...

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"Paranoid" by Massasauga

As I indicated in last week's report on "Art in the Park" in Leamington, I was delighted, after reviewing a string of fine singles by her, not ...

[3 images]

"Do We Look Back?" by Rob Lee Thompson

by AndyHoldcroft 18/08/22

Out on the 20th, as a follow-up to "You're The One", Rob Lee Thompson's new single is called "Do We Look Back?"

It's the customary classy ...

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Godiva Festival preview: the Dirt Road Band

by AndyHoldcroft 17/08/22

Event: 03/09/22

Venue: Godiva Festival

The Dirt Road Band's career has been one of those unpredictable ones their name rather implies, but I think it's fair to say that it has exceeded ...

[1 image]

Pirate Studio Sessions by Clarkwell Rivers

by AndyHoldcroft 17/08/22

I hope you recollect the Clarkwell Rivers track "Bad Faith" on ‘Hot Music Live Presents Volume Six'?

Now he's back with two live ...

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Catching up with Neil Arthur of Blancmange

by AndyHoldcroft 17/08/22

In my latest look ahead to a major artist playing at the HMV Empire in Coventry (on October 6th), I'm pleased to say that I was able to chat with ...

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"All The Cards" by Caleb Murray

by AndyHoldcroft 16/08/22

It's probably asking a bit much for even the most attentive reader of the magazine to recall an article from July 2019, but three years ago I was ...

[1 image]

Art in the Park 2022

by AndyHoldcroft 15/08/22

by AndyHoldcroft 23/07/22

Event: 23/07/22

Venue: Benn Hall

I'm sure you appreciated the exclusive Ezza Brianna track "Disperse" which appeared on ‘Hot Music Live Presents Volume Seven' and later thrilled ...

[1 image]

Elevate Festival

by AndyHoldcroft 18/07/22

by AndyHoldcroft 17/06/22

by AndyHoldcroft 08/06/22

Event: 08/06/22

Venue: Tin

As I've got out more in recent weeks to see live music again, I've been most fortunate to catch some artists whose reputations were made in the ...

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A catch up with Paul McLoone of The Undertones

by AndyHoldcroft 06/06/22

Event: 27/05/22

Venue: Empire

As reported earlier in this month, one of the world's favourite bands, The Undertones, are playing at the HMV Empire in Coventry on Saturday June ...

[2 images]

A catch up with Roxanne de Bastion

by AndyHoldcroft 05/06/22

Event: 28/05/22

Venue: Tin

As reported in the magazine way back in February, acclaimed singer-songwriter Roxanne de Bastion will be playing at The Tin on June 7th as part of ...

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The Undertones & Hugh Cornwell

by AndyHoldcroft 05/06/22

Event: 04/06/22

Venue: Empire

As those of you who were kind enough to read my interview with Paul McLoone last week (and what an interesting one that was for me to enact) will ...

[5 images]

"Monsters" by Emma McGann

by AndyHoldcroft 29/05/22

For those who read my interview with Roxanne de Bastion ahead of her gig at the Tin on June 7th, you'll have seen that I asked her for tips on ...

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The Monochrome Set & The Pristines at The Tin

by AndyHoldcroft 29/05/22

by AndyHoldcroft 22/04/22

Event: 22/04/22

Venue: Stratford Artshouse

Last evening's Stratford Playhouse Folk Club meeting was as intriguing a juxtaposition of two talents as its predecessors.

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'G'OLD' by Daffod'i'll

by AndyHoldcroft 21/04/22

Eight days after my last Daffod'i'll review, here he is back with another album (just the one this time, although he apparently has another in the ...

[1 image]

"Same Ole U" by Levi Washington

by AndyHoldcroft 19/04/22

It's back to business nearer usual for Levi Washington with the release of "Same Ole U".

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"Heavyweight (Acoustic)" EP by Joe Dolman

by AndyHoldcroft 15/04/22

I honestly can't say that I was too surprised by the release today of an acoustic companion EP to Joe Dolman's most recent ‘Heavyweight' nor ...

[1 image]

'Hot Music Live Presents Volume Eight'

by AndyHoldcroft 14/04/22

Today we are pleased to announce the release of 'Hot Music Live Presents Volume Eight'

It's a little different to Volumes One to Seven (you ...

[2 images]

Gemma Leahy Waddell

by AndyHoldcroft 14/04/22

As you may know, only too recently I had to share the sad news of the serious illness of Gemma Leahy Waddell

I know you will be as saddened ...

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Yet more albums from Daffod'i'll

by AndyHoldcroft 13/04/22

In the four days since I reported on the release of the last four Daffod'i'll albums, he's back with yet another four today.

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"Dear Man" by Bar Pandora with Simply Dread

by AndyHoldcroft 13/04/22

It's great to review Bar Pandora for the first time in the magazine & I'm sure that it will not be the last time.

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Hot Music Live Presents Volume 8

by AndyHoldcroft 12/04/22

Event: 06/04/22

Venue: Tin Music and Arts

Much as I get a huge amount of pleasure writing about our current vibrant & diverse local scene, I get a special thrill when one of my favourite ...

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"Slipping Away" by Ollie Bond

by AndyHoldcroft 03/04/22

I'd like if I may to share with you news of "Slipping Away", (madstered at Abbey Road no less) the first new Ollie Bond release since his "In The ...

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"Said It Before" by Bally & Boom featuring Rheo Uno

by AndyHoldcroft 02/04/22

It's not exactly unknown for me to come across a track or artist unexpectedly whom I later review: it must however be more rare for an artist to ...

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"I'm Not Scared" by Euan Blackman

by AndyHoldcroft 30/03/22

I hoped that you enjoyed the most recent Euan Blackman single "HIGHHIGHHIGH" which we reviewed here (it's also to be found on ‘Hot Music Live ...

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"Mind Right (Remix)" by Levi Washington with Brudez & Cub$

by AndyHoldcroft 24/03/22

It was grand indeed to catch up with Levi Washington live on Sunday on the Bandstand, but it's back to the weekly business as usual now with his ...

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"Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" screening and live score premiere

by AndyHoldcroft 23/03/22

Event: 29/04/22

Venue: Coventry Cathedral

I'm delighted to bring you a heads-up on a rather special musical event which I'll be reviewing for the magazine next month.

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Levi Washington & The Old Flames live on Leamington Bandstand

by AndyHoldcroft 22/03/22

Event: 20/03/22

Venue: Pump Room Gardens

I can't quite believe that here I am, writing my third live review in four days… an idea which has been unthinkable for so long.

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"Hush! A Spring Celebration" at Earlsdon Carnegie Community Library

by AndyHoldcroft 20/03/22

It's gives me a extra frisson of pleasure to be able not only to publish my second live review in the space of three days but one about an event ...

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John Kirkpatrick & Jen Waghorn at Stratford Playhouse Folk Club

by AndyHoldcroft 18/03/22

Event: 17/03/22

Venue: Stratford Artshouse

Having reported on last month's inaugural Stratford Playhouse Folk Club gig, I was delighted to make its follow up as well.

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‘Put Your Faith in the Sword and the Sword in the Polka' EP by Cov Kozaks

by AndyHoldcroft 17/03/22

It's so unfortunate that it has taken a tragedy on the scale of the one unfolding in Ukraine for our first review of a Cov Kozaks record, but as ...

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Benefits for Ukraine

by AndyHoldcroft 16/03/22

Event: 18/03/22

Venue: Arches Venue

For reasons which no-one reading this will fail to grasp, the thoughts of everyone at the moment are with those in Ukraine and unsurprisingly, the ...

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An exclusive catch up with Matt Goss

by AndyHoldcroft 16/03/22

Event: 26/03/22

Venue: Empire

Although the live music scene over the past couple of years was especially hard hit, one ray of bright light for our area was the opening of Phil ...

[2 images]

Three more albums from Daffod'i'll

by AndyHoldcroft 14/03/22

Following his most recent album ‘Spectrum' last month, the indefatigable Daffod'i'll returns today to his recent custom of multiple releases: ...

[3 images]

"Let You Go" by Rheo Uno

by AndyHoldcroft 11/03/22

I have two excellent pieces of news from Rheo Uno for you.

Firstly, she has been nominated in two categories (Best Original Artist, and ...

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Boudica Festival 2022

by AndyHoldcroft 10/03/22

by AndyHoldcroft 22/02/22

One of my favourite movies by Steven Spielberg, has always been "Duel": unfortunately as it was his 1971 feature length debut, it has been ...

[1 image]

The Return of The Fallows

by AndyHoldcroft 20/02/22

Event: 12/03/22

Venue: Four Provinces

Well I honestly never thought I'd be writing an article on The Fallows again: and probably neither did the band.

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'Spectrum' by Daffod'i'll

by AndyHoldcroft 19/02/22

After last week's release of no fewer than four new albums, this week Daffod'i'll is back with just one album: his twenty third, namely 'Spectrum'.

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Martin Carthy & Jack Blackman at Stratford Playhouse Folk Club

by AndyHoldcroft 18/02/22

by AndyHoldcroft 28/01/22

If you have enjoyed hearing the exclusive Ezza Brianna track "Disperse" on last week's ‘Hot Music Live Presents Volume Seven', you probably were ...

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Martin Carthy & Jack Blackman to play at Stratford Play House next month

by AndyHoldcroft 25/01/22

Event: 17/02/22

Venue: Stratford Artshouse

Just in from the newly launched Stratford Play House Folk Club:

The Folk Club will be bringing top quality live music to Stratford … from ...

[2 images]

"Mind Right" by Levi Washington

by AndyHoldcroft 24/01/22

After the angst of last week when he agonised over the mix of "Carrie, Baby" until Wednesday & the existential angst of the preceding "Check 1, 2" ...

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'Hot Music Live Presents Volume Seven'

by AndyHoldcroft 20/01/22

Fresh out today: 'Hot Music Live Presents Volume Seven': seventeen more great original tracks by Coventry & Warwickshire musicians, available for ...

[2 images]

Hot Music Live Presents Volume 7

by AndyHoldcroft 20/01/22

by AndyHoldcroft 14/11/21

It is so difficult to keep up with the prolific form of Daffod'i'll that in the three weeks since I reviewed his eleventh solo album ‘Black ...

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Ian Todd supported by Paradise of the Titans

by AndyHoldcroft 11/11/21

by AndyHoldcroft 29/09/21

For those of you who were wondering about the activities of that rapidly rising local star Kenzie Webley, I am able to bring you up to speed.

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The Catenary Wires, Pete Astor, The Pristines and The Sunbathers

by AndyHoldcroft 28/09/21

by AndyHoldcroft 23/08/21

As prophesised in our recent reviews of his singles "Don't Forget To Breathe" (in June) and "What Goes In Is What Goes Out" (last month), the ...

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Wes Finch on Stratford Bandstand

by AndyHoldcroft 23/08/21

Event: 22/08/21

Venue: Stratford Park

I'm sorry to say that I'd never previously attended one of the summer Sunday afternoon concerts on the Bandstand in Stratford before but I'm glad ...

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"Show Me" by Rheo Uno

by AndyHoldcroft 21/08/21

Considerably less than a month ago, I was strongly suggesting to you that you should check out the new Rheo Uno single "Wife Me?" yet already the ...

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"Dreamstate" by Free Galaxy

by AndyHoldcroft 13/08/21

Fresh out from Free Galaxy is their latest single "Dreamstate", though it is far from business as usual for this popular band.

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"Highway to the Lost & Found" by The Rising

by AndyHoldcroft 12/08/21

True to their mission, The Rising are back with a new single "Highway to the Lost & Found" (due out on 3rd September) just over a month after ...

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"Art in the Park" 2021

by AndyHoldcroft 09/08/21

Event: 07/08/21

Venue: Jephson Gardens

To be honest, as delighted as I was that live music in some quantity was back at an expanded "Art in the Park" (two stages rather than the usual ...

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"2 Tone and Rock Against Racism" event

by AndyHoldcroft 09/08/21

by AndyHoldcroft 27/07/21

Event: 24/07/21

Venue: Coventry Cathedral

Saturday night was another real landmark for me: my first Saturday evening out since the pandemic struck.

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Record Store Day 2021

by AndyHoldcroft 17/07/21

Event: 17/07/21

Venue: Fargo Village

It is unfortunate that catching every artist on a multi musician event isn't always possible, but the short time I was able to be at the Record ...

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"What Goes in is What Goes Out" by Ian Todd

by AndyHoldcroft 16/07/21

The time is rapidly approaching (16th of July to be precise) when "What Goes in is What Goes Out", the sophomore single from his ‘Seven Signs of ...

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"Money" by Abz Winter

by AndyHoldcroft 15/07/21

As her follow up to the popular "B.S.", tomorrow Abz Winter is releasing "Money".

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"My Phone" by Hannah Woof

by AndyHoldcroft 14/07/21

During the last sixteen bizarre months or so, coverage of Coventry & Warwickshire artists in these pages has taken on unusual patterns.

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Motofest 2021

by AndyHoldcroft 14/07/21

by AndyHoldcroft 02/06/21

I do hope that you have been following successive instalments of The Upsiders "Reconnect" project as they release them & we review them in the ...

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Paul Brook

by AndyHoldcroft 01/09/20

For those of you who have already downloaded "Hot Music Live Presents Volume Four"

(if not, please check it out ...

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"Sush On The Roof" by The Upsiders

by AndyHoldcroft 21/08/20

I must have been a bit naive when back in late March I assumed that my articles in the magazine would become more infrequent: obviously there has ...

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Wes Finch's Leap Year Gig: Live Album

by AndyHoldcroft 19/08/20

Some six months ago, I wrote what to date is my penultimate live review for the magazine: concerning Wes Finch's Leap Year gig.

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Hot Music Live Presents Volume 4

by AndyHoldcroft 12/08/20

One great thing about "Hot Music Live" is the sense of community & so I'm indebted to Callum Ward of "Hot Music Live Presents" artists Free Galaxy ...

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Hot Music Live Presents Volume 3

by AndyHoldcroft 20/04/20

After the success of my recent features on Ian Todd & Chloë Boehm, here is another one I think you'll find interesting & I think topical.

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"Songs From The Vaults" Fundraising album for The Tin

by AndyHoldcroft 29/03/20

Event: 29/03/20

Venue: Tin

Last week I wrote a piece for "Hot Music Live" looking at some of the (negative) implications for the music scene during the current crisis.

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"The Greatest Gift" by Deep Sea Divers

by AndyHoldcroft 29/03/20

So, another day in lock down, another day I can't be writing about the great gig I went to last night.

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Chloë Boehm

by AndyHoldcroft 28/03/20

Although I really enjoy writing reviews for "Hot Music Live", I also like telling you about the artists & hopefully during this strange period, ...

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"Snowflake" by Chessi O'Dowd

by AndyHoldcroft 27/03/20

Two apologies to you all.

If everything had gone to plan, you would have been reading my review of Chessi O'Dowd's ‘Wine Glass Filter' ...

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"Self Care" by Hannah Woof

by AndyHoldcroft 27/03/20

A mere few hours ago, on the stroke of midnight in fact, Hannah Woof released her new single, the zeitgeisty "Self Care", her first since her ...

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"Come Take Your Place" by Rob Halligan

by AndyHoldcroft 24/03/20

Today I'm pleased to be able to draw your attention to a new release by Rob Halligan, namely "Come Take Your Place", his first since "Nothing Good ...

[1 image]

‘From the Forge' by Greengrass

by AndyHoldcroft 21/03/20

Well this is something of a milestone: my first review of the new order. As I expressed in my last article, I'm not anticipating live reviewing ...

[1 image]

What Are We Gonna Do Now?

by AndyHoldcroft 19/03/20

On Sunday morning, I began writing what will obviously now be my last live review for quite some time.

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Launch gig for the 'Take It From Me' EP by Izzie Derry

by AndyHoldcroft 15/03/20

by AndyHoldcroft 02/02/20

Event: 01/02/20

Venue: Town House Inn

I expect we all agree that music can actually do things to us & for us: improve our mood & morale, lift our spirits, transform our psyches.

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"On the Come Down" by River of the Dog

by AndyHoldcroft 01/02/20

I must admit to being a little low when I woke up this morning. Partly due perhaps to a personal event from yesterday & partly due to national ...

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BERHN

by AndyHoldcroft 28/01/20

As promised, after my review of Kirsty Clarke's new track, "Greatest of Partners", I thought you'd like a piece on her other venture, another of ...

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"Greatest of Partners" by Kirsty Clarke

by AndyHoldcroft 28/01/20

Welcome to another of my series of reviews of Coventry & Warwickshire musicians whom I hold in very high regard yet have hitherto failed to review ...

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Titine La Voix Live

by AndyHoldcroft 26/01/20

Event: 25/01/20

Venue: Apehangers

It has been far too long since I had last caught a full Titine La Voix live set.

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"Train" by Stone Bear

by AndyHoldcroft 23/01/20

I do hope you enjoyed the Stone Bear song "Bring A Little Love" which appeared on ‘Hot Music Live Presents Volume One'? Now Jeff Dennis (drums) ...

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"Sky Blue Pink" by Daffod'i'll

by AndyHoldcroft 21/01/20

When recently I reviewed no fewer than three Daffod'i'll albums in one fell swoop in a catch up exercise, if you looked at the photos you'd notice ...

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'All Pretty Real' by The Old Number 7 Band

by AndyHoldcroft 21/01/20

When I saw the Old Number 7 Band at the Railway Inn in Leamington on Saturday, while they were not playing, the venue piped music was some of the ...

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The Old Number 7 Band at the Railway Inn

by AndyHoldcroft 20/01/20

by AndyHoldcroft 30/12/19

We live in exciting times! I have never known such a great time for local creativity and for some reason there has been a large number of gigs & ...

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Brass Hip Flask live

by AndyHoldcroft 29/12/19

by AndyHoldcroft 19/12/19

My apologies to Bethany Dyson whose latest single "Just You & Me" has been out several weeks: I suppose one defence for my delay in reviewing it ...

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Tigermask live at The Town House

by AndyHoldcroft 15/12/19

Event: 14/12/19

Venue: Town House Inn

I have to admit from the start that I found writing a review which captures the essence of Tigermask adequately, having seen him play at the Town ...

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"It's That Time Of Year" by Abz Winter

by AndyHoldcroft 12/12/19

As 2019 winds down, it occurred to me that one of the names which has been cropping up very regularly during the year, namely Abz Winter, would ...

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The Mechanicals Band & Ellie Gowers

by AndyHoldcroft 12/12/19

Event: 06/12/19

Venue: Tin

One of the final formal gigs I shall attend in 2019 was also one of the best: the highest possible levels of musicianship but even more ...

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"Safe With Me" by Ollie Bond

by AndyHoldcroft 11/12/19

Hopefully, I do try to capture the best of Coventry & Warwickshire music (or at least such as I encounter) in my reviews but from time to time ...

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"Winter Came Around Too Fast" by Sophie Hadlum

by AndyHoldcroft 09/12/19

I hope that by now, many of you will have downloaded, played & enjoyed "Hot Music Live Presents Volume Two" (https://hotmusiclivepresents.

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"Head Under Water" by Brass Hip Flask x White Rat Cult

by AndyHoldcroft 07/12/19

There have been more "blues revivals" than there are blues standards (possibly.

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Taylor-Louise launches 'Black Heart'

by AndyHoldcroft 04/12/19

What a fiesta of an evening on Friday at St Patrick's Club in Leamington.

Organised by Taylor-Louise as a launch evening for her "Black ...

[3 images]

Hot Music Live Presents Volume 2

by AndyHoldcroft 26/11/19

Volume 2 (opens in BandCamp)

The second in a series of collections celebrating the glorious & diverse talent of Coventry & ...

[1 image]

"Fly" by Clemency

by AndyHoldcroft 25/11/19

If several of my more recent reviews have been of songs previously unheard by me & some even caught me by surprise with their release, the new ...

[1 image]

TwoManTing

by AndyHoldcroft 24/11/19

Event: 23/11/19

Venue: Town House Inn

Watching TwoManTing last night at the Town House in Leamington, one of my immediate thoughts was "it's been too long" since I last saw them live.

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The Will Ball Trio at the Town House

by AndyHoldcroft 17/11/19

Event: 16/11/19

Venue: Town House Inn

This review in some ways is able to address an omission among my pieces for "Hot Music Live": although I have alluded to Will Ball in respect of ...

[2 images]

The Mechanicals Band present The Righteous Jazz

by AndyHoldcroft 15/11/19

Event: 14/11/19

Venue: Tin

Occasionally I've been able to review for "Hot Music Live" an event which involves but is not limited to music: a particular pleasure.

[7 images]

'The Sun Will Rise Again' by King of the Alps

by AndyHoldcroft 10/11/19

Every so often, I enthuse in a review for "Hot Music Live" over the privileges of being able to do so: fairly obviously hearing wonderful & ...

[2 images]

"Better By Now" by Joe Dolman

by AndyHoldcroft 08/11/19

Happy New Music Friday to you all!

To celebrate the day, Joe Dolman has a brand new single "Better By Now" out for your delectation.

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"Let This One Be Mine" by Izzie Derry

by AndyHoldcroft 05/11/19

I find myself here writing a review which I had never anticipated. I kidded myself that I had a reasonable understanding of an artist whom I had ...

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"Sweet Talk" by Hannah Woof

by AndyHoldcroft 01/11/19

I wrote last week of the issues & tensions which must exist around even the best artists as they develop their individual voice & sound yet need ...

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"Against The Tide" by Ellie Gowers

by AndyHoldcroft 25/10/19

Some of the records I review for "Hot Music Live" come to me out of the relative blue.

[1 image]

The Hatstand Band

by AndyHoldcroft 20/10/19

by AndyHoldcroft 21/08/19

It is entirely possible that although this is their first review in the magazine, you may already be aware of Fourth in Line.

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The Mechanicals Band with special guest Ellie Gowers

by AndyHoldcroft 12/08/19

Event: 11/08/19

Venue: Temperance

Well here I am again, this time reviewing not one but two artists on whom I fear I may have already used up my supply of appropriate superlatives ...

[3 images]

Sam McNulty with Angelo Cardone & Bill Cameron

by AndyHoldcroft 10/08/19

Event: 09/08/19

Venue: Temperance

Few "Hot Music Live" readers will need introducing to the name nor talents of Sam McNulty.

[5 images]

Burning Salt

by AndyHoldcroft 09/08/19

One of the issues which is a perennial worry for me in writing for "Hot Music Live" is how to cover even the most excellent of artists, the ones ...

[4 images]

Merrymaker with Rosie Samaras

by AndyHoldcroft 28/07/19

Event: 27/07/19

Venue: Temperance

The gig at the Magic Lantern last night was described by venue creator & owner Adrian Gains as "one of the best nights we have had so far.

[7 images]

The Ellipsis with special guest Hannah Woof

by AndyHoldcroft 27/07/19

Event: 26/07/19

Venue: Temperance

It all seems such a long time ago, so many & so powerful have the subsequent performances at the Magic Lantern been, that it is an interesting ...

[8 images]

Shanade with guests Nicky Ager & Aaron Dudfield

by AndyHoldcroft 22/07/19

Event: 31/05/19

Venue: Temperance

By now I'm sure you'll be aware of the many bees in my bonnet as I tend to repeat much the same obsessions in most reviews, so when I rave on ...

[5 images]

"Endless Summer" by The Rising

I hope that you recall my review in "Hot Music Live" of Caleb Murray's ‘No Congregation' EP?

If you have listened to & downloaded "Hot ...

[1 image]

Diz n Rox with Andy Beglin

by AndyHoldcroft 30/06/19

Event: 29/06/19

Venue: Temperance

Wow what a night! On a sweltering June evening, maybe going underground was the best option, even though the Magic Lantern had to deploy extra fan ...

[2 images]

Taylor-Louise & Abz Winter

by AndyHoldcroft 29/06/19

Event: 28/06/19

Venue: Temperance

Another cracking evening which saw the grand musical talent of Warwickshire displayed on several levels.

[4 images]

Holly & the Hounds

by AndyHoldcroft 23/06/19

Event: 22/06/19

Venue: Temperance

I have reviewed the consummate musicianship of Holly Hewitt & David Page for "Hot Music Live" on several occasions, though it isn't, I admit, ...

[4 images]

"Gone" by Taylor-Louise

by AndyHoldcroft 21/06/19

If you are counting, you'll have spotted that the new single "Gone" is the third single to be released from Taylor-Louise's stunning "Black Heart" ...

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"Ticket To Nowhere" by Matty Coles

by AndyHoldcroft 20/06/19

At a dozen tracks, ‘Ticket To Nowhere', the new album by local singer-songwriter Matty Coles to which I've been listening, provides excellent ...

[3 images]

Man Made Moon supported by Noah Dobbie

by AndyHoldcroft 15/06/19

Event: 14/06/19

Venue: Temperance

Here I go again: another evening spent in the company of really talented musicians who not only perform in a way that touches my soul but ...

[2 images]

"Grow" by The Ellipsis

by AndyHoldcroft 14/06/19

Last week, I had every intention of writing a review in this magazine of the gig I was intending to attend at the Zephyr Lounge by The Ellipsis, ...

[1 image]

'More Songs About Hospital Food' by Simon Morgan

by AndyHoldcroft 13/06/19

Warwickshire singer song writer Simon Morgan has a long & distinguished pedigree for producing music from the "heart on the sleeve" school of ...

[1 image]

"Moving On" by The Rising

As previewed in "Hot Music Live Presents", last evening Izzie Derry, who has several times been reviewed in the magazine & is part of the "Hot ...

[1 image]

"We All Write The Songs" by Rob Halligan

by AndyHoldcroft 06/05/19

As promised in my review of Rob Halligan's recent gig at the Magic Lantern with Kristy Gallacher, here is my review of his most recent album, "We ...

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Burning Salt at the Magic Lantern

by AndyHoldcroft 05/05/19

Event: 04/05/19

Venue: Temperance

What an interesting & subtle band Burning Salt are. No wonder they are getting a lot of attention, though like me, much of those recognising their ...

[5 images]

Kristy Gallacher with Rob Halligan

by AndyHoldcroft 04/05/19

Event: 03/05/19

Venue: Temperance

In 1996 Elvis Costello held an event he called "A Case For Song" which was filmed for the BBC: collaborating with a range of other ...

[1 image]

"Generation Now" by Taylor-Louise

by AndyHoldcroft 03/05/19

When is "easy listening" not easy listening?

Possibly when it is one of those quite rare songwriting approaches where the composer ...

[1 image]

"Out Upon The Ocean" EP by Stylusboy

by AndyHoldcroft 28/04/19

Writing for a music magazine in Coventry & Warwickshire, which is let's face it pretty landlocked, I don't expect to review many maritime themed ...

[1 image]

"The Mountain" by Brass Hip Flask

by AndyHoldcroft 28/04/19

Do you like your blues authentic & raw? I do. That's why I've been enjoying the new single "The Mountain" (available on all the usual major ...

[1 image]

APE Night

by AndyHoldcroft 28/04/19

by AndyHoldcroft 21/04/19

Event: 20/04/19

Venue: Temperance

I'm going to go with "spell-binding" as my key word (two words?) for last evening's gig.

[3 images]

Stone Bear supported by Ollie Lawrence

by AndyHoldcroft 20/04/19

Event: 19/04/19

Venue: Temperance

It is always really great to have new talent introduced to you & it is a clear & highly admirable feature of much of the music scene locally ...

[4 images]

Fairport Convention with Izzie Derry

by AndyHoldcroft 16/04/19

Event: 07/05/19

Venue: All Saints Church

It is a particular pleasure to report a gig which features not only artists who are as important in the history of popular music as Fairport ...

[1 image]

"BLIND" by The Session

This is something of a record for me (pun intended): I am reviewing an EP which I have been enjoying for over four months & now it is on the brink ...

[2 images]

Clemency at the Magic Lantern

by AndyHoldcroft 24/03/19

Event: 23/03/19

Venue: Temperance

As I was sitting watching Clemency last evening at the Magic Lantern, the thought which went through my head was ‘how lucky I am' to be there in ...

[1 image]

Blind Faith supported by Rich Keogh at the Magic Lantern

by AndyHoldcroft 23/03/19

Event: 22/03/19

Venue: Temperance

I started composing this review while last night's concert was still in progress & after a while realised that it was in danger of becoming a list ...

[1 image]

Ward & Parker live at the Magic Lantern

by AndyHoldcroft 09/03/19

Event: 08/03/19

Venue: Temperance

Leamington music lovers will need little reminder of the virtuoso skills of John Parker which he has displayed to chart topping success and ...

[1 image]

"Ole Cherry Tree" by Stone Bear

by AndyHoldcroft 06/03/19

We are lucky to have more than our fair share of excellent blues practitioners locally: not only do they all possess an obvious love of the form ...

[1 image]

"Parallel Lines" EP by Naomi Beth

by AndyHoldcroft 04/03/19

I suppose that a very traditional & perhaps sometimes overlooked route to discovering new favourite music is by going to see an artist you admire ...

[2 images]

Jack O'Bones & Taylor-Louise at the Copper Pot

by AndyHoldcroft 03/03/19

What a difference a day makes: after the intimate & cool jazz I experienced on Friday night with the Jazz Apples at the Magic Lantern, ...

[3 images]

The Jazz Apples at the Magic Lantern

by AndyHoldcroft 02/03/19

Event: 01/03/19

Venue: Temperance

I'll start with a personal observation: I enjoyed last night: my first time seeing the Jazz Apples (I hold my hands up on that: I'd certainly ...

[1 image]

"Blessed With A Curse" by Taylor-Louise

Event: 18/01/19

Venue: Temperance

It was nearly a year ago (January 28th 2018) that I reported in the pages of "Hot Music Live" that Holly Hewitt & David Page of Retroville were ...

[3 images]

"The Tourist" by Man Made Moon

by AndyHoldcroft 16/01/19

One particular joy in writing reviews for "Hot Music Live" is that it almost certainly introduces me to artists unknown to me at a ...

[1 image]

New single by Rosetta Fire: "Shakedown"

by AndyHoldcroft 15/01/19

Readers of "Hot Music Live" will not, I imagine, require reminding of my admiration for Rosetta Fire: so equally they'll not be surprised to hear ...

[2 images]

Wrongmas 2018

by AndyHoldcroft 16/12/18

Every Yuletide, Johnny Satsangi of APE Promotions gifts to us is a multi artist gig at the Zephyr Lounge under the "Wrongmas" banner, always ...

[2 images]

Clemency at the Magic Lantern

by AndyHoldcroft 15/12/18

Event: 14/12/18

Venue: Temperance

I find myself drifting into describing gigs at the Magic Lantern as "magical": unfortunately the label is accurate.

[3 images]

Hot Music Live Presents Volume 1

by AndyHoldcroft 14/12/18

Volume 1 (opens in BandCamp)

The first in a series of collections celebrating the glorious & diverse talent of Coventry & Warwickshire ...

[1 image]

"Hands On" by Chasing Deer

by AndyHoldcroft 08/12/18

I do hope that you'll remember about two years ago Paul Englefield interviewed one of the most exciting local bands from our area Chasing Deer on ...

[1 image]

"No Congregation EP" by Caleb Murray

by AndyHoldcroft 06/12/18

I imagine many "Hot Music Live" readers have seen Caleb Murray play live over the past few years: maybe at one of his frequent open mic ...

[1 image]

Izzie Derry & Hannah Woof at the Magic Lantern

by AndyHoldcroft 18/11/18

Event: 09/11/18

Venue: Temperance

You can keep your headphones & your immersive sound systems. There is no better musical experience than sitting four feet away from a top quality ...

[4 images]

"Twenty-Three" by Taylor-Louise

by AndyHoldcroft 17/11/18

There can be no doubt that anyone who loves local music is united in recognising one of the fastest emerging significant artists from Coventry & ...

[1 image]

"Trouble" by Matt Cattell

by AndyHoldcroft 15/11/18

I'm delighted to be able to review here in "Hot Music Live" the brand new single "Trouble" by one of Coventry & Warwickshire's most respected & ...

[1 image]

"Pick Me Up" by the Silver Wye

by AndyHoldcroft 14/11/18

If like me you enjoy the music of Wes Finch you have already heard, maybe one of his solo albums, his work with the (Rude) Mechanicals which I ...

[1 image]

"You Saw Something" by Satsangi

by AndyHoldcroft 14/11/18

I imagine that I speak for many when I say state that the new Satsangi album has been greatly anticipated by the local music ...

[1 image]

"Busking Turf Wars" screening at the Magic Lantern

by AndyHoldcroft 14/11/18

Event: 13/11/18

Venue: Temperance

Welcome to my first film review for "Hot Music Live". If you enjoy music & you would like to have your heart warmed, then I thoroughly recommend ...

[1 image]

The Mechanicals Band at the Magic Lantern

by AndyHoldcroft 12/11/18

Event: 11/11/18

Venue: Temperance

There are few finer feelings than being immersed in the finest music in an intimate setting so it not merely impacts on your hearing but defines ...

[4 images]

‘Go-Spell-Truth-Heaven' by Daffod"i"ll

by AndyHoldcroft 22/10/18

So here it is, the fourth solo album by former Gods Toys/I singer & front man Dill (now performing as Daffod'i'll): ...

[1 image]

"Das Kapital" by ENGRAM

by AndyHoldcroft 21/10/18

I hope that many of you will recollect the words of "Hot Music Live's" Paul Englefield in July when he reviewed the ENGRAM track "Karl Marx" (a ...

[2 images]

Satsangi & Dr Feelgood at the Assembly

by AndyHoldcroft 07/10/18

Event: 06/10/18

Venue: Assembly

I had already had every intention of popping along to see one of my all time favourite bands, Dr Feelgood at the Assembly last evening but it was ...

[2 images]

"We'll Live and Die in These Towns" at the Belgrade Theatre

by AndyHoldcroft 03/10/18

Event: 02/10/18

Venue: Belgrade Theatre

(Musical) plays constructed from a selection of songs not originally written to tell a coherent narrative have a very chequered history.

[4 images]

APE Promotions present "Alternative Sounds"

by AndyHoldcroft 02/10/18

Event: 29/09/18

Venue: Zephyr Lounge

Collaboration is of course great in music and when like minded people work together, real magic can be catalysed.

[6 images]

Honky Tonk Rose at Leamington Food & Drink Festival

by AndyHoldcroft 09/09/18

Event: 08/09/18

Venue: Leamington Food And Drink Festival

Honky Tonk Rose always promise their audiences "three chords & the truth" but on this occasion they also served up, appropriately for the ...

[6 images]

Godiva Festival 2018

by AndyHoldcroft 06/09/18

Event: 31/08/18

Venue: Godiva Festival

Firstly an apology: this is not & cannot pretend to be a broad overview of the 2018 Godiva Festival (the 20th in fact): I think that is beyond ...

[8 images]

Delia Derbyshire takes centre stage in Noctium Theatre's "Hymns for Robots"

by AndyHoldcroft 30/08/18

Event: 19/09/18

Venue: Belgrade Theatre

I am obliged as ever to Heather Kincaid at the Belgrade Theatre for her heads-up on a new music centred production.

[4 images]

Debut single by Clemency

by AndyHoldcroft 19/08/18

The APE Promotions nights organised by Johnny Satsangi can be very loud, powerful & even raucous affairs.

[1 image]

Izzie Derry live at the Godiva Festival: not once but twice

by AndyHoldcroft 19/08/18

Event: 31/08/18

Venue: Godiva Festival

While everyone at "Hot Music Live" is getting excited about the "Hot Music Live Introducing" night at the Zephyr Lounge on 20th October in ...

[1 image]

"Mill Street Blues" by Chris Gibbons

by AndyHoldcroft 14/08/18

If you like your music of the blues kind, you may well have seen Chris Gibbons play live.

[1 image]

"Old Skool" by Crokodile Tears

by AndyHoldcroft 14/08/18

Tell me: are you "Old Skool"?

Crokodile Tears have been releasing albums now for some 33 years since their eponymous debut when they were ...

[2 images]

"Art in the Park" 2018: some personal reflections

by AndyHoldcroft 11/08/18

Event: 05/08/18

Venue: Jephson Gardens

Firstly a caveat: this is not (unfortunately) a comprehensive review of both days of Leamington's 2018 "Art in the Park": personal commitments & ...

[9 images]

"Fire in the Belly" launch

by AndyHoldcroft 30/07/18

What a great combination: the launch of a great new book on the history of Leamington & area music in a wonderful new venue accompanied by some ...

[3 images]

"Only the Night Knows" by Cary L

by AndyHoldcroft 25/07/18

Cary Lord's musical career has touched the lives & ears of a great many people, even if her name is scandalously less known to some of them.

[1 image]

HEAD Relaunch event

by AndyHoldcroft 25/07/18

Event: 25/07/18

Venue: Head Records

If people think that the closure last autumn of Leamington's HEAD Records was a blow to the music lovers of Leamington: they were wrong.

[3 images]

"Alternative Sounds" celebration event

by AndyHoldcroft 21/07/18

Event: 20/07/18

Venue: Golden Cross

The purposes of this event were several: having released a four track EP and two 21 track albums of "the cream of Coventry & Warwickshire music, ...

[8 images]

"Read All About It"

by AndyHoldcroft 12/07/18

Event: 11/07/18

Venue: CET Building

If anyone remembers my article of July 10th in which I looked forward to the Belgrade Theatre's takeover of the former "Coventry Evening ...

[4 images]

New project from Blind Faith

by AndyHoldcroft 28/06/18

I thought that I'd share with you hot news (within the last hour) from highly rated local duo Blind Faith (John Garrett on keyboards & Faith ...

[1 image]

"Read All About It!" featuring Lucy Anne Sale

by AndyHoldcroft 28/06/18

by AndyHoldcroft 26/05/18

Event: 26/05/18

Venue: CET Building

It is a huge shame that the superb opportunities for performance that the CET Popup has offered are only lasting a short while: though plans for a ...

[2 images]

"Anywhere" single by Fall Girl

by AndyHoldcroft 25/03/18

Event: 24/03/18

Venue: Zephyr Lounge

I've said it before, but it bears repeating that the APE nights promoted by Johnny Satsangi represent the best musical value for money around.

[5 images]

"Down the Rabbit Holes" EP by Ross Darby

by AndyHoldcroft 22/03/18

It is a real privilege & pleasure to be able to review the new EP by Ross Darby entitled "Down the Rabbit Holes" which will be released on Friday ...

[2 images]

Reverend Robert at the Town House, Leamington

by AndyHoldcroft 18/03/18

Event: 17/03/18

Venue: Town House Inn

This was something of a coup for Jonny Roden's "Tunehouse at the Townhouse" night: a really interesting specialist musician from Charleston, ...

[1 image]

'Stone Bear' by Stone Bear

by AndyHoldcroft 23/02/18

Readers may well (I hope) remember from an earlier review, my enthusiasm for the live act of Stone Bear.

[1 image]

Ross Darby news

by AndyHoldcroft 18/02/18

A whole lot of great news just in from Ross Darby I'd like to share with you.

He is releasing his solo EP (via 14 Records) on 30th ...

[1 image]

Retroville at Tunehouse at the Townhouse

by AndyHoldcroft 28/01/18

The law of averages suggests that many "Hot Music Live" readers will have seen & heard Holly Hewitt (vocals) & David Page (guitar & vocals) ...

[1 image]

"Alternative Sounds: Volume One"

Event: 21/09/17

Venue: Coventry Music Museum

On Thursday 21st September 2017, Coventry Music Museum officially launched its own eponymous record label, the first release being a limited ...

[2 images]

Sounding Off with Nigel Lomas

by AndyHoldcroft 21/09/17

On Saturday 16th September 2017, Coventry Music Museum hosted the latest Heritage Lottery funded "Sounding Off" session with a local musician of ...

[1 image]

Rosetta Fire EP review On the Line

by AndyHoldcroft 10/09/17

Since I don't work for a commercial music magazine, I have the luxury of being able to review whom I choose.

[2 images]

Ellie Gowers' new EP

by AndyHoldcroft 01/09/17

One thing which I guess always gets the pulse of a reviewer speeding up is the chance to write about someone whose musical career is just ...

[2 images]

Miss Songbird & Chris Gibbons at Apehangers

by AndyHoldcroft 21/08/17

Event: 18/08/17

Venue: Apehangers

This review I suppose is something of a series of tip offs to Hot Music Live readers: to be honest, my main reasons for originally attending the ...

[1 image]

Morocco Dave at Coventry Music Museum

by AndyHoldcroft 07/08/17

Event: 05/08/17

Venue: Coventry Music Museum

On Saturday 6th August 2017, the latest Artist of the Month was unveiled at Coventry Music Museum.

[1 image]

The Shapes at the Zephyr Lounge

by AndyHoldcroft 07/08/17

Event: 04/08/17

Venue: Zephyr Lounge

Readers will recollect how in 2016, Leamington's favourite punk band The Shapes reconvened from around the world to celebrate their 39th ...

[5 images]

Godiva Festival 2017: a personal perspective

by AndyHoldcroft 26/07/17

by AndyHoldcroft 29/04/17

The latest Coventry and Warwickshire artist to be selected as "Artist of the Month" at Coventry Music Museum is Leamington based singer-songwriter ...

[1 image]

Dill's "Sounding Off" session

by AndyHoldcroft 16/04/17

Event: 15/04/17

Venue: Coventry Music Museum

It was a real privilege to be present today at the Big Lottery funded "Sounding Off" session at Coventry Music Museum by local legend Stephen ...

[1 image]

Martin Bowes' "Sounding Off"

by AndyHoldcroft 26/03/17

Saturday 25th March 2017 saw the latest Big Lottery funded " Sounding Off" event at Coventry Music Museum.

[1 image]

Keith Fabrique "Sounding Off"

by AndyHoldcroft 08/03/17

Saturday 26th February 2017 saw the latest Lottery funded "Sounding Off" session at Coventry Music Museum.

[1 image]

Whizzy "Sounding Off"

by AndyHoldcroft 29/01/17

by AndyHoldcroft 20/05/16

It has been quite a few weeks for legendary Leamington band The Shapes. With customary disdain for convention, they have been celebrating their 39th ...

[1 image]

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Hot Music Live

The magazine for local live music in Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull

Articles written by AndyHoldcroft

About AndyHoldcroft

Articles

"Our Streets" by Grail Guard

'Images of Survival' by dogmarket

'Hot Music Live Presents' fundraiser for The Tin #11

'Hot Music Live Presents' fundraiser for The Tin #12

"Devil Drives" by The Folly Brothers

Hot Music Live Presents Volume 16

'Hot Music Live Presents Volume Sixteen'

"Roundabout"/"Crash" by Jackdaw With Crowbar

"Diamonds" by Katherine Abbott

"Fantasise With Me" by Cat Mead

"Ripening" by Banoffee

"By Your Side" by Reiss Pinder

"Anxieties" by Grail Guard

"Aliens" by Nuke The Whales

"Follow" by Izzie Derry

The 'lamp' EP by las vedas

"Stray Animal" by dogmarket

The 'wildcard' EP by Euan Blackman

'Live in Room 2' by HomeBread

"That's The Hook" by Drunk Bat Rescue Team

"People Just Like You" by Grail Guard

"'TIS THE SEASON" by YNES

"drink about it (merry christmas baby)" by YNES

Izzie Derry's Christmas Show 2025

"Give Up the Ghost" by dogmarket

"Interlude 1" and "Turner Michael's Hunting Rifle" by dogmarket

'Hot Music Live Presents' fundraiser for The Tin #9

The 'Extended Playtime' EP by Septic and the Tanks

"Belly Full of Whiskey" by The Folly Brothers

Ellie Gowers live in Kenilworth

‘Cantando' by Manos Puestas

New video for "Happy Christmas, All Will Be Fine" by King of the Alps

'Fall To Ocean' by Barnabas

'Breath, Blood and Bone' EP by Liam Vincent and the Odd Foxes

"better" by Euan Blackman

"Four Thousand Weeks" by Liam Vincent and the Odd Foxes

"Confusion (Slight Paranoia)" by Orange River Remedy

'Hot Music Live Presents' eighth fundraiser for The Tin

'Palm Tree Woman' by Zaruna

"Wild Mountain Thyme" by Women of Folk

'Racialised Aggravation' by Wallace & Vomit

'The Coleshill Tapes' by Stylusboy

'You, The Passenger: Extended Edition' by Ellie Gowers

The 'Wired' EP by The Caroline Bomb

Donnelly & South at Coventry Food Union's "Song & Soil" Bonfire Special

'Black Cat.2' by Duke Keats

"Ginkgo Biloba" by Ieere

‘The One Thing That I Know' EP by The Magpies

"Spoken Word" by DANE-O

"Summer's Secrets" by Liam Vincent and the Odd Foxes

"Monkey News" by Zaruna

Concrete Fun House album launch party

'I Guess It's Time We Got Into This' by Concrete Fun House

"Lucia's Method" by Barnabas

The latest Food Union Crypt Session

"Hot Music Live Presents" fundraiser for The Tin #11

The 'Behind Me' EP by Noah Seleno

"Indigo" by Zaruna

Memorial bench for Gemma Leahy Waddell

'Hot Music Live Presents' fundraiser for The Tin #7

"In Your Head" by Dolly Mavies

'Midnight Bloom' by Luke Concannon with Darius Christian

"Hot Music Live Presents" fundraiser for The Tin #10

The 'Your Body' EP by Barnabas

Underbelly Present at the Priory Visitor Centre

"Such Pretty Lies" by Esore Alle

"Heaven" by Zaruna

"baby blue" by dogmarket

"She Stayed" by Reign the Girl Band

CovTember 2025

"What Happened to the Caterpillars" by Concrete Fun House

"wisteria" by What About Eric?

"The Spoons" by HEK

"Sweet Stranger" by Hannah Woof