Music news, reviews and interviews

Festivals November 9, 2023

#CocoMusic – Team Coco tag-team at Victorious Festival

They came. They saw, and they conquered – the good people at Victorious Festival have smashed it for another year. The UK’s biggest metropolitan festival which is now in its eight year is situated on the South Coast, in the picturesque seaside location of Southsea overlooking the Solent. In fact, one of the stages – the Castle stage is adjacent to Southsea Castle – a stunning historical landmark belonging to Henry VIII, built in 1544.

Day 1

Kicking off Victorious 2018 were The Lightening Seeds who really got the party started with a set of the most well-known hits. Despite the heavens opening halfway through, the crowds were not put off by the weather and continued to dance (albeit in the rain)

Indie Rockers Dutch Criminal Record were playing the Beats & Swing stage to a packed-out crowd. The band who are from nearby Chichester played songs from their newly-released EP Waiting on the Weekend to a delighted crowd.

Back at the Common Stage, Shed Seven played a selection of the hits – the band along with fellow Friday night artists The Lightening Seeds played the very first Victorious Festival eight years ago.

Following Shed Seven’s zealous performance was The Kaiser Chiefs who enchanted and entertained the crowds with their energetic and exuberant set playing a selection of songs including ‘Every day I love you less and less’ ‘Ruby’ and ‘Modern Way’. Ricky Wilson and his band had the crowd in the palm of their hands – singing, dancing and jumping up and down throughout the set.

Closing Friday’s line up at Victorious was The Libertines – fronted by Pete Doherty and Carl Barat, the band played a selection of songs including ‘Can’t Stand Me Now’ and ‘Don’t Look Back Into The Sun’ to the Victorious festival goers who couldn’t get enough of the bands performance.

Day 2

Day 2 saw sunshine, and performances from the likes of the Happy Mondays, Gabrielle Aplin, Coasts and The Pigeon Detectives in the afternoon and early evening. There were also performances from nineties band Sleeper with singer (and author) Louise enchanting the crowds with not only songs from their back catalogue but also a couple of surprising additions including Blondie’s Atomic.

Singer-songwriter and previously frontman of Supergrass, Gaz Coombes was a great addition to the line-up. The crowd went wild when he sang the bands ‘touring’ song ‘Moving which explains the tedium of touring as a band.

Also playing was Billy Bragg and The Cribs who were full of energy and played a lively set which included festival favourite ‘Men’s Needs’. Over on the Castle Stage were Art Rockers Everything Everything who played a great set to the Victorious festival goers.

Back on the main Common Stage, excitement was building for two incredible acts – Brian Wilson and Paul Weller. Both legendary artists in their own rights, first up was Brian Wilson who had the crowd in the palm of his hand. He performed many of The Beach Boys hits that means so much to people including: ‘Wouldn’t it be Nice’ ‘Good Vibrations’ ‘Surfin’ USA’ and ‘God Only Knows’. The set can only be described as magical and the crowd were thoroughly entertained by the former Beach Boys star.

Festival goers were torn between the two headline acts – the fabulous Paloma Faith and Paul Weller. As a huge Paul Weller fan, I had to opt for the Modfather who played an array of hits including ‘My Ever Changing Moods’, ‘Sunflower’, ‘Broken Stones’ and a couple of classics from The Jam and The Style Council including ‘That’s Entertainment’ and ‘Shout to the Top’.

From all accounts, Paloma Faith was amazing and she played songs from her latest album which included ‘Crybaby’, ‘The Architect’ and ‘Tonight’s Not The Only Night’. That is probably the only frustrating thing about festivals – nine times out of ten there will be a scheduling clash and you can’t see all of the amazing artists that you want to see. Having seen her live before, I know that she will have put on an inspiring and fun performance.

Day 3

On the last day of the Victorious Festival; that quintessential rainy British seaside weather showed up in full force with strong winds and gales doing their worst to deter the last day of coastal merry-making — but it was definitely no match for the crowd’s unflinching determination to have a good time.

Amidst the gray skies and billowing winds festival goers were still as energetic as can be, jumping into muddy puddles and kicking along with the great acts on the last day of the Festival. On the common stage Nottingham based electronic punk music duo, Sleaford Mods got the crowd splashing about, and singing along to ‘Just Like We do’. Friendly Fires came on and rekindled the flame of this reviewer’s post-university youth with some of their greatest hits, which include Skeleton Boy, Jump in the Pool, and Paris. ( of course) And watching Ed Macfarlane vigorously swish his hips about in a pair of white denim jeans, was definitely worth the muddy trip out to the seaside. Finally, Victorious Festival ends with a literal bang — with The Prodigy taking over the Common Stage right as the sun went down.Which was perfect timing considering their set’s accompanying light-show was appropriately hardcore too. And as the flashing lights and head banging crowds frantically jumped along to the band’s mega-hits like ‘Fire Starter’ and ‘Smack my B**** up!’ — All we were thinking was how couldn’t wait to muddy up again for next year’s line-up at Victorious Festival.

Words by Emma Harrison and Hannah Tan-Gillies

Photo Credit: Tom Langford (Paloma Faith – Becca Egerstrom)

Victorious Festival

Adventures November 9, 2023

Destination Inspiration: a round up of alternative less discovered global places to visit

Here at House of Coco we are always on the look out for off-the-beaten-track alternatives and less discovered global destinations. So when we stumbled across Rome2rio’s ‘Not Spots’, a nifty new tool to help globetrotters discover the road less travelled we decided to put it to the test and find some new destinations away from the tourist-heavy hot spots that will deliver a flavour of the local culture and a more authentic travel experience.
If you find you’ve been to most of the popular traditional holiday destinations and are looking for some fresh ideas, here’s a roundup of alternative suggestions:

Beach lovers

If you love the beaches of the Greek Islands, for example, switch it up and try the sandy stretches of the Albanian Riviera. Albania’s southern coast has everything to rival its Mediterranean neighbours. Here you’ll find miles of breath-taking coastline, vibrant sunsets and golden beaches lapped by turquoise waters – with a fraction of the crowds and at a fraction of the cost. From seafood feasts in Ksamil to the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Butrint, this less-developed part of the Med has everything you need for a low-key, yet still-perfect, beach holiday

Architecture fans

If architecture is more your thing and you are bored of Prague’s stag culture then head to Sighisoara in Transylvania. In a region fuelled by myths and legends, this place is straight out of a fairy tale. Located in Romania’s Transylvania region, the Unesco-protected fortified old town is a dreamscape of medieval splendour, a rainbow of pastel-hued houses, a tumble of church spires and a maze of cobblestone lanes, all tucked within the ancient city walls. Be sure to climb the Clock Tower for exquisite views over the city that is said to be the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, or Dracula.

Culture vultures

Culture vultures who have been captivated by Rio’s iconic Carnival should consider returning to South America but to Bolivia next time to experience the nine-day Carnaval de Oruro. Millions of travellers have made the pilgrimage to Rio to experience the five-day spectacle, but considerably fewer travellers are aware of Bolivia’s equally vibrant, colourful and historic answer to Rio Carnival: the Carnaval de Oruro. Taking place over nine days, starting the Saturday before Ash Wednesday, Carnaval de Oruro dates to the 17th century when Spanish settlers banned the traditional ceremonies of the native Itu people. Today, the Carnaval de Oruro is an homage to the Virgin of Candelaria, bringing together some 28,000 dancers and 10,000 musicians in at beautiful and spectacular celebration that’s an important touchstone of Bolivian culture.

Music fans

Music fans who find Austin, Texas too ‘hipster’ can head to Omaha, Nebraska and discover the city’s history of jazz, funk and rock as well as today’s indie rock ‘Omaha Sound’.

Thrill seekers

Thrill-seekers who have “done” Machu Picchu should consider Choquequirao – a similar Incan site abandoned in 1572. The fabled Inca citadel of Machu Picchu makes a regular appearance on travel bucket lists for good reason: hiking the Inca Trail to the ancient city is once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, the ever-growing crowds have led to increasingly restricted access to Peru’s most famous ruin, which was never meant to host thousands of people each day. Although you’ll still be able to visit by booking a timeslot in advance, consider visiting Peru’s lesser-known ‘lost city’ instead.

The Inca ruins at Choquequirao are even bigger than its more-popular sibling, with a towering citadel swathed in cloud and tumbling terraces sprawled over multiple mountain slopes. The site, still only partially cleared, is buried deep in the jungle, meaning the only way to currently get there is via a challenging four-day return hike. This is true adventure and authentic exploration at its best; be sure to go before the proposed cable car to the site is built, when numbers will undoubtedly soar.

The “Not Spots” guide pinpoints the most popular holiday hot spots across the globe and recommends alternative destinations that offer a comparable experience but without the tourist crowds. Visit www.rome2rio.com/not-spots.

Lifestyle November 9, 2023

Coachella RSVP’s To ‘Yes Please’ To

As well as the biggest and best line-up of any festival of the season and it being notorious for kick starting festival fashion… Coachella is also renowned for it’s RSVP parties with unlimited free bars!

Here’s a few that we’d pretty much sell our souls to Primark to go to.

THURSDAY, APRIL 10th

Filter magazine’s 12th Annual Yacht Club

It says ‘In a secret location’… which excites us already and it mentions ‘lakeside DJ sets’ which excites us even more!

This kick-off party is not to be missed with performances and DJ sets, food, free bar, giveaways and activities. PLUS Mayer Hawthorne is performing alongside others.

FORWARD by Elyse Walker

A Soho House desert pop-up with DJ sets by Daisy Lowe, Mia Moretti, Myles Hendrik and Ana Calderon.

Fashion, music and a whole lot of names you want to drop into your next conversation.

Harper’s Bazaar Poolside party

Harper’s Bazaar editors and Julianne Hough host a private pool party at the Parker Palm Springs with DJ Mia Moretti.

There’s nothing about this that we don’t love. A Palms Pool Party for fashionistas means that you’ll be surrounded by beautiful people, drinking beautiful drinks, lounging on beautiful shaded beds. LOVE. We want to be there sipping gently on an iced water intermittently with our champagne.

SATURDAY, APRIL 12

H&M Loves Music

The sponsors of Coachella, H&M, are holding an invite-only evening event with a surprise live performance.

Again, this is a fashion party, so you know there’ll be champagne, celebs, photographs and gift bags!

NYLON & Olay Fresh Effects Present Neon Carnival with GUESS

The Neon Carnival is the stuff of fine legend with it’s Ferris Wheels, party games and an unlimited supply of booze.

It’s an actual carnival, a VIP carnival. So, full of VIP debauchery that right now we’d do anything to be part of!

“Every year I look forward to the Neon Carnival” says Danny Masterson (aka DJ Mom jeans). “The first few years had a roundabout set up of DJs that included me, DJ AM and Steve Aoki. It’s fun because it’s a raging dance party and all your friends from L.A. are riding carnival rides like they’re little kids again.”

Oh to be a ‘friend from L.A.’ riding carnival rides like a kid again… with champagne and celebs!

STYLEBOP.com Barbecue Brunch

This exclusive barbecue brunch is hosted by DJ Harley Viera-Newton and designer Langley Fox Hemingway.

There’s going to be a surprise live musical performance… we love surprises. Meat on the barbecue… we love our protein. And free booze to see you through!

Lacoste’s 5th Annual Desert Pool Party

Well… what can we say about this party? Other than it’s two days long, held at a private estate and has none other than Elijah Wood himself being Mr DJ!

When you think of a Coachella private event with a Hollywood actor on the decks you think poolside cabanas, food trucks, and freebies. And yes. That’s exactly what it is!

Let us in!

SUNDAY, APRIL 13

Cynthia Vincent Brunch

Anything Cynthia Vincent. Anything Brunch. And anything that provides a civilized way to wind down after the mayhem of Coachella.

This is a private, mid morning brunch hosted by the L.A.-based contemporary designer at a mid-century, Palm Springs estate.

Sigh. If only.

Festivals October 25, 2023

#CocoLive – Hard-Fi, Troxy, London

On a rainy night in London, four guys from Staines lit up the stage of the Troxy in East London. This was always going to be a special gig and the sold-out crowd were ready for this highly-anticipated set from Hard-Fi.

The band had been on hiatus for almost a decade and played a one-off gig at the 02 Kentish Forum last year followed by their only festival appearance in the UK this year at Victorious Festival. Hard-Fi are no strangers to selling out venues, and have historically sold out five consecutive nights at Brixton Academy.

As always, their set starts with a harmonica playing the evocative Once Upon A Time In The West by Ennio Morricone which echoes around The Troxy – an Grade II-listed Art Deco building that is positively resplendent.

It’s the moment we have all been waiting for – Hard-Fi are here and they kick off with the familiar notes of the rousing ‘Middle Eastern Holiday’ from their critically-acclaimed album ‘Stars Of CCTV’ which was one of their most political tracks on their groundbreaking 2005 album which was nominated for a Mercury Music Prize and sold over a million copies.

Richard, Ross, Steve and Kai are on fire and execute every track magnificently, delivering slam dunk renditions of tracks from the aforementioned ‘Stars of CCTV’, but also tracks from their sophomore album ‘Once Upon a Time in the West’ and 2011’s ‘Killer Sounds’.

Richard Archer and Hard-Fi perform at the Troxy London. Photo Credit: Simon Reed

It was great to see three tracks from the sublime ‘Killer Sounds’ on the set list, ‘Good For Nothing’, ‘Fire In The House’ and the epic ‘Stay Alive’ which were absolutely fantastic.

‘Watch Me Fall Apart’ with Richard on shared vocals by Bruce Breakey (who is one half of alternative indie duo ‘Good Health Good Wealth’) delivered an impassioned and mesmerising performance which showcased Bruce’s fantastic stage presence.

Richard and Bruce delivered a dynamic, intense and emotional rendition of what is one of the best tracks on ‘Once Upon a Time in the West’.

As well as a much-needed nostalgia trip into both classic and deep cuts in the Hard-Fi back catalogue, the band also debuted a brand-new track ‘Always and Forever’ which is chock-full of twangy guitars and even sees frontman Richard Archer picking up his six-string to this rousing and anthemic track.

Hard-Fi perform at the Troxy in London. Photo Credit: Simon Reed

He also breaks out his trusty melodica to drive the unique sound that kicks off two of the classics: ‘Cash Machine’ and ”Better Do Better. The former track which was on ‘Stars of CCTV’ still feels as relevant today than it ever did with lyrics like ‘I scratch a living, it ain’t easy / You know it’s a drag/ I’m always paying, never make it’ and the band plays with an almost ferocity which is felt by the crowd who sing it back to the band.

One of the best things about Hard-Fi is that they are all compelling and talented musicians in their own right, but collectively they create a really compelling music alchemy.

Richard Archer, frontman and sometime guitarist had charisma in abundance and conveys his disbelief that over 3000 hard core Hard-Fi fans have made the journey to watch them perform. He seems pretty moved and tells the enraptured crowd that it blows their mind that they are able to do this twenty years on and that we don’t know what it means to him and the rest of the band.

Hard-Fi play to a sold-out crowd at the Troxy in London. Photo Credit: Simon Reed

The emotion is felt, especially with the encore which consists of the excellent ‘Move On Now’ the titular track to their stunning debut and of course as it was a Saturday night ‘Living For The Weekend’ which closed the show.

From the superb ‘Suburban Knights’ which sees some serious audience participation from the crowd to the joyous and brilliant ‘Hard to Beat’ which saw the energy levels reach unsurpassed levels of delight, the set was an absolute triumph and the band executed a truly energetic and exemplary performance.

At one point throughout the energetic set, Richard asks the crowd: “So London, do we still have it?” and the unequivocal answer is a definitive yes! Hard-Fi have always had it, but on a rain-soaked night in London, they reminded everyone of their musical prowess and not only what an impressive back catalogue they have, but how incredible they are as live performances.

Richard Archer declared that he promises that next time the wait won’t be so long and after such a momentous display, we can’t help but think that we will be seeing Hard-Fi perform again very soon.

Photo Credit: Simon Reed

Accessories October 18, 2023

Is Cleveland the culture capital of the Midwest?

The vibrant culture scene in Cleveland is a hidden gem even to discerning Americans from other states. Cleveland has been an industrial hub for growth in the 19th and 20th centuries due to its proximity to natural resources like iron and oil. It is also very well connected by rail and water routes, which aided in the city’s growth.

John D. Rockefeller, widely regarded as the wealthiest American of all time, settled in Cleveland. The city was the richest in the world during the Gilded Age. These industrialists poured their wealth into cultural philanthropic endeavours, which is the reason for the thriving arts and entertainment scene in Cleveland.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Top of the list for music lovers to visit is the rock hall. If you think the pyramid structure looks familiar, it is because it was designed by I.M. Pei, who famously designed the Louvre Museum.

The number of artists on display is breathtaking. Where else will you see Dolly Parton and Tupac Shakur in the same exhibition? Dolly famously wanted to withdraw herself from becoming an inductee in 2022 because she did not consider herself a rock artist. However, the hall responded by saying “Rock and roll has had deep roots in rhythm & blues and country music.”

They currently have a Hip Hop at 50 exhibition. Apart from fascinating memorabilia like LL Cool J’s signature four-finger ring, you’ll also learn about how hip-hop became a groundbreaking cultural phenomenon through the decades.

The visit is also a very immersive experience. You can stand beneath the Pink Floyd tour replica of The Wall. It was designed to mirror the Berlin performance of July 21, 1990.

The Garage on level 2 is where you can evoke the great rock bands of the past. You can jam with real instruments, be it drums, guitar, bass and keyboards. They have dedicated practice stations which will have video prompts to help you create your masterpiece.

Severance Music Center

Countless music lovers have voted Severance Hall as the most beautiful concert hall in the world. The mainly Art Deco design along with elements of Egyptian revival adds to a sense of Gilded Age grandeur.

It is home to the Cleveland Orchestra, informally part of the “Big Five” in the United States. The acoustics have been drastically improved since it first opened in 1931. Whilst the main focus is on classical music, they do offer more relaxed performances such as Amadeus Live. The full film is shown with live orchestral underscore.

They also run community programs that include free annual neighbourhood concerts. And they have a particularly dynamic musical program that celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Cleveland Museum of Art

The breadth and quality of the exhibits at this museum rival the very best of museums from capital cities of the world. Their sparkling 39,000-square-foot atrium has been featured in films like ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’.

In times of considerable global tensions, they’ve managed to curate a blockbuster Chinese art exhibition. China’s Southern Paradise: Treasures from the Lower Yangzi Delta have secured priceless artefacts from leading Chinese institutions.

There are numerous masterpieces on display including The Crucifixion of Saint Andrew by Caravaggio and The Burning of the Houses of Parliament by J.M.W. Turner. However, they particularly excel in their collection of Asian and African art.

In recent years, they’ve engaged with modern technology through their ARTLENS Gallery and app. You can create your own digital artwork with ArtLens Studio. The app allows you to interact with every artwork on display in the galleries and find more information about it. Everything that is viewed is saved on the app, so you can revisit the masterpieces even when you’ve returned home.

Cleveland History Center

There is no better place to learn about the importance of Cleveland than at this museum. The array of antique automobiles might be a surprise to some. Although Cleveland was a major automobile manufacturing hub until Henry Ford perfected assembly line production of cars in Michigan.

The antique planes are equally impressive. Northeast Ohio had one of the busiest and largest airports in the world throughout the 1920s and 1930s. The legendary National Air Races took place on the shores of Lake Erie for 20 innovative years until an unfortunate crash took place in 1949.

Currently, they have a Fashion After Dark temporary exhibition which explores the fashion styles of Clevelanders from the 19th century and beyond. With the adoption of gaslight and electricity in the 19th century, evening wear rose in prominence. Expect to see sparkling sequins, flowing silks and dazzling gemstones. It is the first time an exhibition has taken place in the period building that is The Hay-McKinney Mansion.

Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland

If you are looking for progressive, modern art, this is the place to be. They are not a traditional art collecting museum. They are all about giving a voice to contemporary artists. Since its founding in 1968, they’ve worked with more than 2,000 artists. Often, it is the artist’s first solo show.

They currently have a fascinating exhibition, Don’t mind if I do. It takes the Japanese sushi conveyor belt concept (Kaitenzushi) but puts artwork instead of sushi on rotation. It is all about making artwork more accessible especially for people with access needs. It is about engaging with the artwork and touching all the objects.

They have regular workshops to engage with visitors such as a Day of the Dead workshop and a Pom-Pom workshop.

Flats East Bank Entertainment District

The gentrification of Cleveland is none more evident than in this district. What was once a series of abandoned warehouses has turned into a hub of cutting-edge restaurants, new hotels and residential apartments.

It has brought a hive of activity to the waterfront with the Greater Cleveland Aquarium and the general Nautica Entertainment Complex. It is a shining example of why Cleveland continues to captivate visitors with their countless cultural offerings.

Factbox

Downtown hotels start at around $150 per night.

Travellers can now fly direct to Cleveland from Dublin with Aer Lingus. The flight launched in May 2023 and operates four times a week, with connections from London Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Passengers can carry out their pre-clearance in Dublin so that, on arrival at Cleveland airport, they can avoid immigration queues, quickly collect their luggage and start their Cleveland experience immediately.

For more information on flights, please visit –

https://www.aerlingus.com/

For more information on the region, please visit –

https://www.thisiscleveland.com/

Celebrity October 13, 2023

#ListenUp – Why Elephant Kind needs to be on your playlist this autumn

There’s nothing better than discovering a new band, especially when it comes to Elephant Kind who have launched their new EP ‘Live In London’ today alongside a live video of their single ‘Follow Through’.

The EP was recorded at London’s very own Camden Assembly earlier this year and it demonstrates how the trio have evolved, especially with regards to their sonics and exemplary musicianship.

Certain bands are hard to define, especially if they are akin to a smidge of genre bending, but Elephant Kind effortlessly fuse a delectable and effervescent kaleidoscopic collision of invigorating indie beats, arresting alt-pop, and psychedelic jazz-fuelled vibes .

As well as the dynamic and well-rounded ‘Follow Through’, the EP also includes a new track called ‘It Meant Nothing’. Both of which reflect the new sonic shift that Elephant Kind are pivoting towards.

Despite a focus on bringing in the new, there are also a couple of fan favourites in there too from this year’s ‘Superblue’ EP, and ‘Scenario II’ from the soundtrack to their short film project ‘Scenarios’.

One of the best ways to get better acquainted with Elephant Kind is to go check them out on the road as they are embarking on their first UK headline tour. The gigs take place between October 23rd and October 27th and the band will visit cities such as Birmingham, Bristol, Sheffield, Manchester and London.

The excitement is palpable and frontman and founder Bam Mastro says:

“We’re thrilled to embark on our first ever UK headline tour later this month, and the excitement is off the charts! As a special treat, we’re releasing a live EP to give you a sneak peek of the electrifying energy that awaits.”

Despite being in the industry for ten years and having established themselves as one of Indonesia’s leading bands as well as performing with international artists including The xx and Franz Ferdinand, the band have moved to the UK to immerse themselves in the UK music scene and are already creating quite the stir.

It was a bold move – to leave their home country and in essence start over both professionally and personally. Their relocation and journey has been documented in a new short film which is already making waves for Elephant Kind.

But fortune favours the bold and their gamble is beginning to pay off, the first result being the release of their EP ‘Superblue’, which was produced by Sam Petts-Davies (Thom Yorke, Puma Blue, Warpaint) which is already being picked up by the music press as well as seeing their fanbase grow in the UK.

To find out more, check out the band on various streaming sites and to catch them on tour click here.

Celebrity October 13, 2023

Listen up! Oasis had the top two slots most streamed albums in the ’90’s – and we are not surprised

One of the biggest bands of the nineties and beyond – Manchester’s very own icons Oasis have been revealed at having two of the most streamed albums from the nineties.

The band have teamed up with National Album Day to celebrate their career and era-defining first two albums, ‘Definitely Maybe’ and ‘(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?’ which have been revealed as the two most streamed albums of the 1990s.

Taking the top slot was ‘(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?’ closely followed by their debut album ‘Definitely Maybe’ which took the second spot.

In celebration of this stupendous achievement and to commemorate National Album Day tomorrow (October 14) the band have released a brand new lyric video for their song ‘Listen Up’.

This brilliant track was never released as a dedicated single, but was a very worthy and somewhat underrated B-side to ‘Cigarettes & Alcohol’ which was released on the 10 October 1994 as the final single from their debut album ‘Definitely Maybe’

The track (complete with lyric video) has been taken from the forthcoming 25th Anniversary Edition of Oasis’ iconic B-sides album ‘The Masterplan’, will be available to view exclusively on the National Album Day website here from 10am for 24 hours.

Intrigued by what other albums made the cut?

Make sure you tune into Steve Wright’s radio show on BBC Radio 2 this weekend where the legendary presenter will take his listeners through an exciting countdown of the top 40 most streamed albums from the 1990s during his BBC Radio 2 show this coming Saturday 14th between 1pm and 3pm.

Oasis fans will certainly want to ‘Listen Up’ as both Noel and Liam Gallagher will be sharing their thoughts on what it means to them to hold the two top spots with Oasis’ first two albums.

Sharing his thoughts on this monumental achievement, Noel Gallagher commented that:

“I’m thrilled, but I wouldn’t say I was that surprised that ‘(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?’ has been voted the most streamed album of the 90s – I still do have my faith in the taste of people in this country.

I mean if you’ve got Wonderwall and Don’t Look Back In Anger on an album, you’re gonna be all right aren’t ya… For certain people, it’ll be bringing back memories of their youth in the 90s and that brilliantly amazing decade we all lived through and then for the young people coming to it now, the songs deal with just the universal truths of life, and they will always be timeless…

You know, of love and loss and heartbreak and friendship and the weather. All the universal things that we that we live through on a day-to-day basis that we don’t really notice. So thanks to everybody!”

You can’t really top that, but it’s no real that their debut and their sophomore album has taken the two top slots. Without doubt, Oasis defined the nineties and beyond both musically and culturally and their influence continues to be felt today.

His brother, Liam during the radio show commented:

“All right, this is Liam G and I’m here to congratulate Definitely Maybe for being the second most streamed album of the 90s. Love that record, without it god knows where I’d be and god knows where we’d all be! I’ll be celebrating it in my own way next year by doing some gigs, so stay tuned and listen out for details in a bit.”

Originally released in 1994 as the B-side to ‘Cigarettes & Alcohol’, ‘Listen Up’ has gone on to become one of the bands most popular B-sides.

You can buy your own copy of a limited-edition collectors item of ‘The Masterplan’ via Big Brother Recordings Ltd on November 3rd which celebrates the silver anniversary of ‘The Masterplan’ on CD, cream cassette, and limited-edition double vinyl formats (heavyweight silver, green and black marble and black).

The new formats feature remastered audio, taken from the ‘Chasing The Sun’ reissues are now available for the first time as one collection.

The album includes several landmark Oasis songs, tracks like ‘Acquiesce’, originally found on the ‘Some Might Say’ CD single, ‘Half The World Away’, from their ‘Whatever’ CD single, which later found fame as the theme tune to the much-loved comedy series ‘The Royle Family’ – not to mention the epic title track, which originally appeared as a fourth bonus track on the ‘Wonderwall’ CD single.

Noel has often described ‘The Masterplan’ as one of the best songs he has ever written. The original album charted at No.2 in the UK Official Album Chart UK selling almost 122,000 copies in its first week of release in 1998. ‘The Masterplan’ went on to be certified triple platinum and has sold over three million copies worldwide.

Pre-order formats and listen to the album HERE.

Watch the album trailer HERE.

Band photo credit: Jill Furmanovski

Celebrity October 5, 2023

#CocoLive: Muse, O2 Arena, London

It was all about the show-stopping theatrics at the O2 Arena in London thanks to a stupendous performance from Muse. In a year of standout live shows, Muse put on a thrill-a-minute set that reiterated why they are such an incredible live act.

With an intriguing and visceral theme that fused elements from futuristic sci-fi artwork, dystopian visuals reminiscent of Mad Max, flames that were furiously shot out from canons on the side of the stage, fake snow, streamers, confetti and of course, rock star lasers (rock lasers!)

Muse performing in masks at the O2 Arena in London

Whilst Muse have been no strangers to a grandiose and extravagant display, their ‘Will Of The People’ tour has infinitely taken things to a new level.

Even if you look beyond the pyrotechnics and the intriguing robot masks, Muse meant business with their high octane show which was filled with anthemic crowd-pleasers as well as a few deep cuts which coupled with a viscerally rich stage production delivered a stirring and theatrical display.

The energetic and exhilarating night of music was expertly started by the brilliant Nova Twins who were Muse’s fantastic support act. The dynamic duo are a formidable tour de force and they delivered a slam dunk set welding their guitars as if their life depended on it.

The Nova Twins have such a distinctive sound and whilst they take influences from rock, rap, grime, punk and more, they are essentially almost genre-less in their approach. What is evident is the duo’s evident chemistry, driving bass lines and crystalline vocals and stage presence where they effortlessly executed tracks like ‘Cleopatra’, ‘Choose Your Fighter’ and ‘Taxi’.

The energy from The Nova twins set the standard for the night and this led to one of the best gigs from the powerhouse trio that they have ever performed. The set was chock-full of Muse hits from their career-spanning three decades in the music industry, but in typical Muse style albeit with a few surprises into the bargain.

Taking to the expansive stage with mask and leather hoodie to ‘Will of the People’, the trio quickly segued into the barnstorming ‘Hysteria’ and ‘Will of the People’, the set was a stylistic masterclass in lyricism and performance which demonstrated the bands prowess in delivering driving rock anthems and why they are such a tour de force in musicality and are such consummate musicians.

With standout performances such as an explosive ‘Knights Of Cydonia’, ‘Supermassive Black Hole’, ‘Compliance’ and a mesmerising rendition of ‘The Dark Side’, Muse delivered a sucker punch of a scintillating set which also included ‘Plug In Baby’, ‘Kill Or Be Killed’ and a soaring version of ‘Starlight’.

It was great to see several tracks from 2003’s ‘Absolution’ which included an emotionally-charged ‘Time is Running Out’, a rousing edition of ‘Apocalypse Please’.

It’s staggering to believe that just three individuals plus one other can make such an unbelievably supercharged set that really showcases the band’s undeniable musicianship and star power.

They had the crowd in the palm of their hand and the energy shared between them and the sold out crowd was palpable and even exceeded the electrifying pyrotechnics that were on display.

The rock band closed their show with Knights of Cydonia from their fourth studio album ‘Black Holes and Revelations’

This was an absolutely extraordinary performance which took fans on a totally immersive and electrifying journey that was absolutely first-class.

Music September 20, 2023

Exploring the World of Banjos: Types and Their Unique Sounds

Banjos are fascinating instruments that have been a part of American musical heritage for centuries. From their origins in Africa to their prominent place in bluegrass and folk music, banjos have evolved into various types, each with its own distinctive sound. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of banjos, exploring different types and the unique sounds they produce.

Discover a world of banjo diversity by exploring the various types of banjos. For an in-depth exploration, click here: Types of Banjos.

The Banjo’s Rich History

The origins of the banjo can be traced back to its West African roots, where analogous instruments were skillfully crafted. However, it was the harrowing journey through the transatlantic slave trade to North America that initiated the remarkable transformation of the banjo into the iconic instrument that holds a special place in our musical heritage today. This historical evolution underscores the banjo’s enduring significance, as it transitioned from a humble African instrument to a cherished and culturally rich component of North American music, reflecting the diverse influences that have shaped its captivating journey throughout history.

The Five-String Banjo: A Bluegrass Legend

The five-string banjo stands out as one of the most renowned banjo varieties, predominantly linked to the vibrant realm of bluegrass music. It gains recognition for its distinctively vivacious and radiant tonal qualities, boasting four extended strings complemented by a shorter fifth string, typically played using fingerpicks. This unique combination of strings contributes to the instrument’s signature sound, setting it apart as an essential element in the spirited world of bluegrass music.

The Open-Back vs. Resonator Debate

Exploring the distinctions between open-back and resonator-equipped five-string banjos offers valuable insights into how these design variances influence the instrument’s sonic characteristics. Delving into this comparison allows musicians and enthusiasts to appreciate how the choice of banjo structure significantly impacts the instrument’s sound projection and tonal nuances. Whether it’s the airy, mellow tones of open-back banjos or the enhanced volume and brightness of resonator banjos, understanding these differences empowers musicians to make informed selections that align with their musical aspirations and preferences.

The Four-String Banjo: A Jazz Affair

The four-string banjo is intrinsically linked with the world of jazz music, renowned for its mellower and more velvety tonal qualities. Exploring the realm of jazz banjo opens up a captivating journey into its historical roots and introduces us to the celebrated musicians who have embraced this instrument. Discovering the history of jazz banjo and its iconic players allows us to appreciate the role it has played in shaping the melodious landscape of this beloved musical genre.

The Plectrum Banjo vs. Tenor Banjo

Distinguishing between the plectrum and tenor banjos involves examining their unique string configurations and their respective strengths in excelling within specific musical genres. Understanding these differences aids musicians in choosing the right instrument to craft the desired sound for their preferred musical style.

The Six-String Banjo: A Modern Twist

Contemporary musicians have warmly welcomed the six-string banjo into their repertoire, appreciating its close resemblance to the guitar. This innovative hybrid instrument seamlessly merges the timeless, twangy tones of the banjo with the comforting familiarity of the guitar, creating a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. Exploring the versatility of the six-string banjo reveals its unique ability to bridge the gap between these two iconic instruments. Its presence in the music scene not only preserves the banjo’s roots but also offers a fresh and inviting avenue for musicians to explore, expanding their sonic horizons with a hybrid instrument that combines the best of both worlds.

The Electric vs. Acoustic Six-String Banjo

Delve into a comprehensive analysis of both electric and acoustic six-string banjos, considering their respective advantages and limitations, as well as their versatile applications across diverse musical genres. Explore how these instruments cater to different musical preferences and styles, from the electrifying energy of rock and blues to the soulful melodies of folk and country. By examining the unique attributes of electric and acoustic six-string banjos, musicians can make informed choices based on their specific artistic needs and musical aspirations.

The Banjitar: A Fusion of Worlds

The banjitar seamlessly melds the timbre of a banjo with the familiarity of a guitar, resulting in an exceptional and adaptable musical instrument. Delving into its historical roots and examining its contemporary influence provides a fascinating journey into the world of musical innovation. The banjitar’s origin story and its evolution within the realm of modern music offer insights into its enduring appeal. Furthermore, understanding its pivotal role in shaping the soundscape of contemporary musical genres highlights its significance as a versatile tool for musicians seeking to explore new sonic horizons.

The Mini Banjo: Portability and Charm

Miniature banjos present a portable and convenient option for musicians who are frequently on the move. Delving deeper into these diminutive instruments unveils their distinctive sonic characteristics and their versatile utility across a spectrum of musical environments. Mini banjos, with their scaled-down design, cater to the needs of traveling musicians, offering a compact solution that doesn’t compromise on sound quality. Their unique tonal attributes, despite their reduced size, make them versatile companions in various musical settings. Exploring the fascinating world of mini banjos unveils their capacity to seamlessly adapt to diverse genres and scenarios, proving that size is no barrier to musical creativity and expression.

The Baritone Banjo: Deep and Resonant

Explore the baritone banjo, celebrated for its rich and resonant tonal qualities, establishing it as a cherished choice within specific folk and country music communities. This unique banjo variant has garnered acclaim for its ability to produce deep and vibrant melodies, captivating the hearts of musicians and enthusiasts alike in the realms of folk and country music. Its distinctive sound profile, characterized by its profound resonance, has earned it a special place among instrumentalists, making it a favored instrument for those seeking to infuse their music with the warm, soulful timbre that the baritone banjo so effortlessly provides.

Conclusion

In conclusion, banjos come in various types, each with its own distinctive sound. Whether you’re drawn to the lively bluegrass tunes of the five-string banjo, the smooth melodies of the four-string banjo in jazz, or the hybrid sounds of the six-string banjo and banjitar, there’s a banjo type for every musical preference.

Celebrity September 11, 2023

#CocoLive – Victorious Festival, Southsea

With three days filled with stellar performances from world-class acts like Kasabian, Jamiroquai, Ellie Goulding, Johnny Marr, a UK exclusive set from Mumford & Sons on Sunday and more, you would be hard pressed to find a more well-rounded music festival than Victorious in Southsea.

A perennial favourite in the festival calendar, Victorious provides something for everyone whether you favour indie classics from the likes of The Charlatans, no-wave post-punk from Billy Nomates, electropop from Sigrid to name but a few.

Victorious made one hell of a statement on day one with indie rockers Blossoms who, despite being early on in the day, the Stockport quintet got the party started with tracks like ‘Your Girlfriend’, ‘My Swimming Brain’ and ‘Honey Sweet’.

We then saw Billy Nomates take to the Common stage who showed her professionalism when despite experiencing technical issues, she valiantly carried on and gave a sublime performance.

One of Friday’s standout acts was The Charlatans who treated the audience to a fantastic set of deep cuts and fan favourites like ‘North Country Boy’ and ‘The Only One I Know’. Tim Burgess looked as cool as ever, resplendent in a jazzy-looking shacket rocked the stage and had the crowd in the palm of his hand.

Amping up their indie-disco energies, Friendly Fires got the crowd dancing and brought on those Friday night vibes, setting the tone for the first night of festivities.

Raye demonstrated her musical chops with a splendid set that effortlessly blended blues, pop, soul and dance delivering passionate renditions of tracks from both her debut album ‘My 21st Century Blues’ as well as some of her earlier collaborations.

Closing out Friday night was the one and only Jamiroquai who got the crowd dancing with a fantastic collection of seminal tracks in a career-spanning and nostalgic set which included ‘‘Seven Days In Sunny June’, ‘Virtual Insanity’, ‘Little L’ and ‘Cosmic Girl’.

Saturday started with the brilliant Natalie Imbruglia who captivated the audience in the coveted lunchtime slot with a heartfelt and impassioned set.

Pale Waves lit up the stage with a superb set filled with attitude delivering powerful renditions of tracks from their three albums.

We then hotfooted it over to the Acoustic stage which is one of the most underrated stages in the entire festival to see the wonderful James Walsh who is always a festival highlight.

His songwriting, vocals and performance skills are second to none and he effortlessly commanded an audience of several thousands delivering beautiful versions of songs from his solo career including tracks from his latest solo album ‘Coming Good’ as well as tracks from the Starsailor back catalogue such as ‘Alcoholic’, ‘Lullaby’, ‘Good Souls’.

He also showcased his new song the reflective and hanting ‘The Ghost In Me’ and an intelligent and sophisticated reimagining of ‘The Universal’ by indie stalwarts blur.

Another Saturday highlight came in the shape of Scottish rock band Belle & Sebastian who gave a mesmerising and commanding performance with a deep dive into their back catalogue which included an extended rendition ‘The Boy With the Arab Strap’ where the ever-charming Stuart Murdoch encouraged members of the audience to join him and the rest of the band on stage.

If a riot was to be predicted, it would always start with Ricky Wilson and the gang who started Saturday night with a bang. Drawing in one of the largest crowds of the day, the band delivered a blistering set filled with some of their most-loved tracks such as ‘Oh My God’ ‘Never Miss a Beat’ ‘Ruby’ and of course ‘I Predict A Riot’.

Closing the Common Stage on Saturday night was Kasabian who brought the rock ‘n roll with a high-energy set and thunderous set which included tracks like ‘Vlad the Impaler’, ‘CHEMICALS’, ‘Club Foot’ and culminating with the electrifying ‘Fire’.

Sunday could have been renamed ‘Super Sunday’ with back-to-back sublime sets from the likes of Hard-Fi who were performing their first UK festival in over ten years.

The band were in excellent form and showcased their impressive back catalogue with tracks like ‘Good For Nothing’, ‘Hard To Beat’, ‘Cash Machine’ and a high-octane ‘Living For The Weekend’. They were one of my favourites not just from Sunday, but from the entire festival.

Dylan delivered an energetic indie pop set which included samples of Guns N’ Roses’ ‘Paradise City’ as well as Harry Styles’s ‘Kiwi’ which made for an intriguing combination.

The fantastic Sigrid was on top form and showed what a great performer she is. Not only has she got a beautiful and powerful voice, she also is incredibly enigmatic and charming. From ‘Strangers’ to ‘Don’t Kill My Vibe’, her talent and charisma show why she is a fantastic addition to any festival line up.

Ellie Goulding provided the enraptured crowd with a jam-packed set full of her most loved tracks on the Common stage which included ‘Burn’, ‘Miracle’ and ‘Love Me Like You Do’, whilst over on the Castle Stage.

The energy levels were beyond elevated thanks to a standout set from The Vaccines who seemed to enjoy their set as much as the delighted crowd. From the lively ‘Jump Off The Top’ to ‘Headphone Baby’ and ‘Post Break-Up Sex’, Justin and the gang had everyone singing along and provided a real feel-good vibe as the festival drew to a close.

The Victorious audience were in endless deliberations with regards who to see as the final acts took to the stage. Would it be the magnificent ‘Mumford & Sons’ in their only UK festival performance this year or would it be rock ‘n’ roll royalty in the shape of Johnny ‘Fucking’ Marr?

Both acts promised a stupendous performance, but having seen Mumford at MadCool only a month prior, it had to be Johnny all the way who provided a crowd-pleasing set filled with seminal tracks from The Smiths such as ‘Panic’, ‘This Charming Man’, ‘There’s a Light’ and ‘Bigmouth’ as well as songs from his illustrious solo career such as ‘Easy Money’ and ‘Spirit, Power and Soul’.

Whichever act you opted for, Victorious ended on an absolute high and we can’t wait to see what next year’s lineup brings.