Stoney+If the music industry worked the way it should, if the cream always rose to the top then Mark Stoney would need no introduction. Born in the south, cultured in the north, his music has drawn near universal acclaim from music moguls Rick Rubin, Alan Parsons and Guy Chambers to radio DJ’s Dermot O’Leary, Jonathan Ross, Phil Jupitus, Janice Long, Bob Harris and Tom Robinson right through to his faithful legion of myspace followers. With a recent stint in the United States that included a private showcase for Rick Rubin, two successful performances at the SXSW festival in Texas and a live session for KCRW’s Nic Harcourt it would seem that the legend is growing rapidly on both sides of the Atlantic. Stoney’s music has drawn many comparisons over the years but none have been definitive for his music, filled with infectious melodies, clever harmonies and brilliant lyrics, is unique to him and fully worthy of worldwide attention. Now, after an extended hiatus, “The Scene and The Unseen†is ready to be taken to the live stage with a full band cranked up to eleven to mark its impending re-release. If you want to be there for the start of something very special, cancel October and get involved. www.myspace.com/stoneystuff
Neil McSweeney & The Gents The man with a voice that could launch a thousand bison takes his crafted verse to the live stage where he never fails to deliver anything less than the sort of shimmering intensity that could see your hopes lift and your heart break within a single breath. His magnetic stage presence - ‘a visual cross between Jesus Christ and John Lennon’ – is matched in full by his disarmingly delicate yet powerful delivery of honest to goodness poetry lain on a bed of warm melodies. Although perfectly comfortable in the role of the lone singer songwriter, Neil will be ably supported on most dates by his backing band ‘The Gents’. www.myspace.com/neilmcsweeney
The Furze Hailed by Sir Bob Geldof as 'one of the best live bands on the scene', The Furze have toured extensively over the past few years and can claim to have played alongside the likes of the Kaiser Chiefs, Supergrass, The Darkness as well as the late great Elliot Smith. Their own brand of edgy creativity is perfect for the live arena as they deliver sounds that fluctuate between 'sheer venom spitting rock to the more subdued morning after, lazy day anthems. spine tingling, awe inspiring, that's-exactly-how-I-feel music.' Music by The Furze has been featured on film soundtracks, episodes of the British series 'Teachers' and the Playstation 2 game 'Dancing Stage Megamix' which stirred a worldwide craze. The recipients of high praise from Radio One and NME, The Furze have earned a reputation for 'legendary live performances' that will draw you in and tweak the nipples of your very soul. 'Could this be the future of British Rock?' NME asked the question. The Furze are ready to deliver an unequivocal response. www.myspace.com/thefurzeshow
