Mick Birchall Reviews

Before their set at The Flapper in Birmingham, I have a chat with Danny Oglesby  and Martin Shepherd of Skarlett Riot  to talk about life on the road, upcoming work from the band and the connection they share with their fans.  Tonight your playing in Birmingham and now about halfway through the UK tour. How's the tour been going so far? Danny: Yeah, really great! We've done Edinburgh, Newcastle, London, and Manchester and it's just been all incredible. In all honesty, we didn't expect such a good response.  I think it's fair to say that you have a dedicated fanbase that will get to every show you do. Is it comforting to see familiar faces at shows amongst the new fans? Martin: Yeah, it's great seeing new people at shows because that means we're growing. However, seeing the familiar faces does bring a sense of comfort that they've been before, clearly enjoyed themselves and they want to come again. I mean, there are people that we...

Tarah Who? are: Tarah G. Carpenter: (TGC) Vocals, Guitar Joey Southern: (JS) Bass, Backing Vocals Coralie Hervé: (CH) Drums, Backing Vocals Where do you think your passion for music came from? CH: I don't really know but my mom started playing the guitar in the music school of my town and I just followed picking the drums. I never stop since hahaha JS: Listening to Rock n Roll around my parents growing up most definitely lit a fire. The passion came from my experience with new bands and how I related to their music. Their passion for music was contagious. TGC: I have no idea! I remember wanting to play the drums so bad but my dad didn't want me to because it was not lady-like. I took 2 drum classes anyway that I paid for out of my 14-year-old pocket. I think I took 2 more classes until they kicked me out because I did not have money. Then I taught myself. I started to play bass in bands at the same time. Guitar came later. I was an exchange student in KY and I coul...

I think most people have been expecting this album for a while. Bowling For Soup  and The Dollyrots  are two if the most iconic pop-punk acts of the 2000s and it's common knowledge that these guys enjoy working together. I mean following the success of  The Dollyrots vs. Bowling for Soup  in 2011 and the fan favourite tune ‘Love Ya Love Ya Love Ya’ from the mega fun One Big Happy! compilation album back in 2012. The writing was on the wall for some form of a collaboration project.  Well, we eventually got what we were looking for.  Jaret Reddick  (Bowling For Soup - Vocalist/Guitarist) and Kelly Ogden  (The Dollyrots - Vocalist/Bassist) have joined forces for the first collaboration record, Sittin' In A Tree  and it's a damn fun record as well. The pair have a great amount of chemistry and work off of each other really well. The songs here are bright and filled with energy. It's an album that makes me smile every time I have...

  I can not tell you how long I've waited to see these guys live. I mean this was one of the first bands I ever got into. I remember first listening to Godsmack  when I was 13 years old, I was introduced to them via a friend in the school-yard. The album was Awake  and I remember borrowing the CD and listening to it over and over again. It was one of the albums that forever shaped my music taste. Along with names like Tantric , Saliva , Three Days Grace ,  Black Stone Cherry  and Alter Bridge , this was the basis of my music taste going forward. So when I say, I've wanted to see Godsmack live for a while, I mean... I've been waiting for ages. They were definitely one of my bucket-list bands, which I can now cross firmly off the list.  In all honesty, this was one of the best shows that I have ever been to. I mean everything that could go right at a show went perfect on this night. A great support act, a great main act, an awesome audience, th...

So, I wanted to get more interviews on the blog and the best way was to simplify the interview format. So now I present "10 Questions". The same 10 questions for every band and artist. I have found it really interesting talking to musicians over the years and hearing the different responses to similar questions. So, this will be the start of something new on the blog.  So, on this new blog allow me to introduce you to Vaya. An alternative rock band based in Canada. With their unique grooves and commanding personality. This band is taking on the world. The band is a force of nature on stage and their music is impactful. If you haven't checked them out yet, you should really get on that! In this interview, I chat with Vaya, Phil and Raphael about their music, influences and touring. Where do you think your passion for music came from? VAYA: The moment I discovered it I didn't stop since my three years old. So It is running into my blood for a while ☺ PHIL: When I was...