First Timers Fest Hosts Workshops For Aspiring Musicians

Held at the inclusive, accessible and volunteer-run DIY Space For London, First Timers is a season of musical workshops, followed by an evening of gigs, where every band plays its first show. First Timers’ main priority is about getting new faces and voices in bands, and doing something about the lack of diversity in the make-up of the DIY music community.

Aiming to ensure inclusivity, First Timers wants to ensure people of all genders, abilities and backgrounds get involved, and promotes a welcoming environment for anyone who may not have ever played a musical instrument. Giving people a chance to experience their first gig in a really supportive environment, it encourages coming together and learning in a non-elitist way.

Workshops are available in the following: Drums, Vocals, Bass, Guitar, Synthesisers, Songwriting, Beat-boxing.

The next workshops, taking place this Sunday 11th March, will be drums with Jen Calleja (Feature) and Tamsin Mi (ES) at 1-3pm and Pedals with Nadia (Jellie Rolls). Visit the First Timers Facebook page for full details of all upcoming workshops.

First Timers Festival 2018 will take place on 5th and 6th May.

PREMIERE: Rebecca Lou – ‘Under The Moon’

On International Women’s Day, what better way to celebrate than sharing some awesome new music from an awesome young woman…?

Having been writing songs since 2015, Danish artist Rebecca Lou has fast been building a reputation across Denmark for her high-octane live shows, including a support slot with rockers Velvet Volume on tour last year. And now, following her riotous debut ‘Bitch U Look Good’, she’s back with a brand new single.

A step away from the raucous, angst-driven force of her previous offering (but no less powerful), ‘Under The Moon’ is inspired by poems that Rebecca wrote when she was just sixteen, and aims to capture her “old emo heartaches”. Filled with catchy indie-pop hooks and melancholic lyrical storytelling, the track builds to an anthemic chorus with the soaring, impassioned splendour of Rebecca’s vocals. Oozing a whirring, emotion-strewn power, it’s an instant earworm, showcasing this artist’s admirable versatility as a songwriter.

Listen to ‘Under The Moon’ here:

 

‘Under The Moon’ is out tomorrow, 9th March, via We Are Suburban.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

PREVIEW: Visions Festival Announces First Wave Of Artists

Our favourite East London festival is back for its sixth year on Saturday 4th August, and has now announced the first wave artists to be playing – it’s looking pretty amazing already!

Taking place across different warehouse venues, arts spaces and churches in London Fields, Visions promotes an eclectic array of new music, as well as a host of craft beers, street food stalls, record fairs, and even a dog show!

From the frenzied punk of the likes of Chastity Belt and Idles, to the soulful sounds of Girlhood and Sampa The Great, it’s going to be another stellar year.  See the full line up so far and ticket info at the Visions Festival website.

And, if you can’t wait until August, have a listen to our handy playlist of all the artists announced so far (and give it a follow to keep track of us adding new artists as they’re announced)!

 

Mari Lane
@marimindles

 

 

LIVE (photos): Saint Agnes @ Purple Turtle, Reading, 06.03.18

Having sold out headline shows at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen and The Sebright Arms, as well as having supported the likes of LA Witch, fuzzed out desert rockers Saint Agnes are now in the midst of an extensive UK Tour.

We caught some snaps of them in all their sweeping glory at Reading’s Purple Turtle last night…

Photo Credit: Jon Mo / @jonmophoto

Catch Saint Agnes live at the following dates

8th March – The Underground, Plymouth
9th March – Driftwood Spars, St Agnes
10th March – The Forum Basement, Tunbridge Wells
5th April – Heartbreakers, Southampton
6th April – Hope and Ruin, Brighton
8th April – The Lexington, London – for WCDI Promotions w/ Psyence, Sister Witch, Winnie and The Rockettes and Noise Noir (event info here)