ARTISTS
THE BLOCKHEADS
Ian Dury and The Blockheads had several hit singles, including What a Waste, Hit Me With
Your Rhythm Stick (which was a UK number one at the beginning of 1979, selling just short
of a million copies), Reasons To Be Cheerful Part 3 (number three in the UK in 1979), and
the rock’n’roll anthem Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, often credited with introducing the
phrase to the world. Dury sadly passed away in 2000 but The Blockheads continue to bring
their legendary show to audiences around the world. Since 2002 the band have rarely been
off the road, playing literally hundreds of dates (memorably stealing the show at The Big
Chill in 2006). Now see the legends for yourself at SMF 2010.
www.myspace.com/theblockheads
THE REDNECK BEATLES
The Redneck Beatles are a foot stomping, moonshine drinking, cousin marrying, bluegrass band that hail from deep in the Louisiana bayous. They play the music of the Beatles in their own unique way, and come highly recommended by Dolly Parton. Catch them while you can as they are gonna be bigger than Jesus, or maybe one of the lesser known disciples.
www.myspace.com/redneckbeatles
THE PINS
With the spirit of rock n blues coursing through their instrument leads, The Pins give a
modern twist to the time-old sound of rhythmic guitars, pounding drums and howling,
heartfelt vocals.
Hailing from the Hertfordshire/Essex borders, this gang of five mates write observational
songs about the lows, highs and everyday realities of getting by in the noughties. Set to
tunes that are loud, boisterous, tuneful and proper good fun, their music is both
distinctive and instantly charming.
Live especially is where the band really come into their own, and after less than a year's
worth of gigging they've amassed a mighty army of fans and performed with the likes of Look
See Proof, The Xcerts, Domino State, The Holloways and Subways’ frontman Billy Lunn.
www.myspace.com/wearethepins
THE FLOE
With a name evoking images of frozen landscapes and endless blue skies, Essex-based quartet
The Floe are set to release a debut album of stark beauty. The Floe aren't just about image
or trying to fit in with passing trends. The Floe are a band of real substance, a band to
believe in. Within the group there is an alchemy that makes them both distinctive and
compelling. Brimming with tales of love, heartache, longing and hope, The Floe’s debut
album "No Looking Back" is built on a solid foundation of delicate melodies, soaring vocals
& passionate lyrics that melt the heart.
www.myspace.com/thefloe
THE LUCKY STRIKES
The Lucky Strikes are a five piece Americana band who have released two records since their formation in 2006. Inspired by the likes of Neil Young and Crazy Horse, as well as the literature of Nelson Algren, the band’s second album, ‘The Chronicles of Solomon Quick’ received rave reviews and featured on Mark Lamarr’s Radio 2 show. Their music has also featured on a number of American TV programmes including NBC’s ‘Life’. The band maintains a busy tour schedule and are currently recording their third album.
www.myspace.com/wearetheluckystrikes
ZALINSKI
Dispatching distorted hymns for the lost and hopeful, Zalinski's music is a groove heavy
rock-out. Venting influences from Radiohead to Stevie Wonder, Blur to Hendrix, Zalinski
channel eclectic influences through a feel good funnel. Originally formed for a one-off charity concert in London, Zalinski are a hard hitting, groove orientated Rock band. Since their conception in the summer of 2007 the band have been gigging constantly, and recording consistently. In the summer of 2009 the band played in the finals of three of the UK's largest unsigned competitions, and in October released their first official Ep 'Actions, Reactions & Misunderstandings'. Zalinski started 2010 supporting Pete Doherty at 'The Rhythm Factory' and are due to record their next Ep in March.
www.zalinski.net
CARDINAL JACK
Cardinal Jack are 3 mates with 3 instruments from London, playing indie pop-rock you can
dance to. Cardinal Jack's music goes BANG, BANG, BANG, SHOUT, BANG, SING, SING, BANG, BANG,
BANG, BANG, FALL OVER..... Cardinal Jack are Cardinal Jack.
www.myspace.com/cardinaljack
GARRISON FINISH
Proof positive that good old fashioned rock n roll is still very much alive and well, Bishops Stortford's Garrison Finish are like a shot in the arm to many of today's middling so-called rock stars. Hi-tempo, tuneful and loud, this lot have honed their live show after a year of incessant gigging, and have been known to leave many an audience shaky, drenched in sweat and screaming for more.
www.myspace.com/garrisonfinish
SHABBY ROGUE
"Something of a meandering musical rollercoaster . With every listen however, 'By Hook and
By Crook' grows on you; among the shabbiness are moments of brilliance " -
www.allgigs.co.uk
"A heady mix of catchy melodies, pop sensibilities and ramshackle, chaotic pop-punk riffing
they are not an easy band to classify and could easily draw admirers from both the
mainstream and the alt-rock community" www.seaoftranquility.org
www.myspace.com/shabbyrogue
WOLFE HOGAN
Wolfe Hogan is going to take the world by storm, not
only is his music cleverly written and arranged,
additively unique, and technically brilliant, he is
one of the only violinists in the world to sing and
play his instrument simultaneously! Wolfe’s stunning
debut EP, ‘Ten Thousand Hours’, is being released
very soon in 2010, and just by listening to the truly
magical content of this release, you will see why
Wolfe Hogan is one-of-a-kind! Visually entertaining
(it should be impossible!) and sonically interesting
(it should be illegal!) he categorize his music as
violin-driven pop/rock. With extensive experience in
West End and touring musicals, Wolfe now combines his
unique and exciting approach to the violin, powerful
vocal panache, and electrifying crowd-pleasing live
performance!
FELICITY KAYA
Felicity Kaya is one of Britain’s most talented
ermerging young female singer/songwriters! At only 19
years old she has mature cutting edge vocal qualities
that match some of the greats! As well as having
these fantastic qualities Felicity has a great
outlook on music and culture, this has helped her to
develop her unique and very enchanting way of
singing. 'Having a Turkish father and a mother who is
English has given me the amazing opportunity of
drawing inspiration from both cultures. On one side I
am inspired by western music such as jazz, latin and
soul and the other, I have been enthused by Turkish
and Kurdish music, where different techniques and
qualities are used in the voice.'
Felicity Kaya’s stunning debut EP is being released
this year.
MARTIN NELSON
Martin Nelson is on the verge of becoming one of the
UK’s well respected songwriters! he is soon to
release his brand new three track EP, ‘Silent
Senorita’. The title track is an amazing Salsa
fueled, party song that is guaranteed to get the
dance floors moving! But it is the two stunning
ballads on this EP, ‘Reason’ and ‘Trust In Time’,
that really show us what an exceptional songwriter he
is. Martin already has quite a following in the UK.
In support of his independently released debut album
‘Sit Back And Smile’, he has played some of the UK’s
most prestigious folk festivals and was also heavily
featured on BBC Radio 2 and Radio 3. At the age of
fifteen Martin won ‘Takamine Guitarist of the Year’
and was fortunate enough to share stages with Eric
Clapton and Dyle Doykes. 2010 promises to be Martin’s
biggest year yet!
CHRIS DIFFORD (SQUEEZE)
Double Ivor Novello Award-winning Chris Difford has been writing lyrics for over twenty
five years, most notably with Squeeze. After 13 albums and many top 20 hits, 32 American
tours, 30 UK tours and various trips around the globe, Chris decided to stop the merry-go-
round and test the waters. His first solo album, I Didn’t Get Where I Am... was released in
2001 and concreted his status as, like many people see him, one of the greatest lyricists
of our time. With recent follow-up 'The Last Temptation Of Chris' (co produced & written by
fellow SMF headliner Boo Hewerdine), Difford is on peak form providing "the best recordings
in years out of a national treasure" - MOJO.
www.chrisdifford.com
SHEELANAGIG
Sheelanagig’s unique blend of Balkan Folk mayhem has been a fixture on the festival circuit
since they formed in 2005 . Equally at home on festival stages, music venues and street
corners the band have developed a devoted following with three album releases and a hectic
touring schedule.
Sheelanagig combine virtuosic musical performance with a dynamic and irreverent stage show
containing elements of story-telling and street theatre which has won over audiences across
the UK and Europe.
"High octane stuff.........Would liven any party and keep the floor full..." fROOTS
"...a vitally energetic and full sound...brings the Yiddish Rude Boys out onto the dance
floor..." The Living Tradition
www.myspace.com/sheelanagiguk
ANOTHER STORM
Another Storm are a five piece band from the Herts/Essex Borders. Although they are new to the current scene, the band was originally formed 22 years ago as 'Before the Storm' and achieved some success in London and the home counties, playing 200 odd gigs between 1987 and 1991, attracting attention from record companies, producing a couple of albums and appearing on Radio sessions. Tragedy struck when songwriter and lead guitarist Keith Winter contracted a serious illness which prevented him from playing and the band folded. 18 years on, Keith has now made a great recovery and his unique guitar style and playing ability have returned. Keith contacted his fellow songwriter and lead singer, Steve Scales, and 'Another Storm' was formed, teaming up with Alex Tsentides on Bass, Dave Kendall on keyboards and Garry Bowler on Drums.
www.myspace.com/anotherstorm
SADIE & THE HOTHEADS
It's an unlikely line-up: electric guitar, acoustic guitar and bouzouki along with a drum
kit played like percussion, and then a percussionist. Oh, and a bass player and backing
singer. It's even more unlikely when you consider you're watching a Hollywood star singing
in a south London pub on a Tuesday evening. Elizabeth McGovern is the singer, star of
movies such as Once Upon A Time In America, and (now that she lives here) the BBC comedy
Freezing, and cuts a delicate, well, actress-like figure.
The delicacy spills over into the songs, and into the quavering, girl-like quality of the
vocals. But this isn't some wimpy, singer-songwriterish stuff, nor an actress who wants to
prove she can (and, goodness knows there are enough of those these days). This is very much
a rocking band who play a finely-structured, semi-acoustic kind of rootsy pop. To be
honest, it's difficult to liken to anybody else, what with the musical hub of the Nelson
Brothers-Simon and Steve, countryish record makers in their own right-creating-creating the
bubbling soundscape along with Goldfrapp drummer Rowan Oliver's inventive playing.
www.myspace.com/sadieandthehotheads
GREG MCDONALD
Greg McDonald is a London songwriter who has been described as 'Joe Strummer fronting Elbow' and called a 'poetic genius' by Rolling Stone. Forthcoming album 'Reclaim the Night' showcase McDonald’s loud’n’proud 'street-folk' sound - a distinctly English brew of indie guitars, accordions and harmonies concocted with Radiohead producer Chris Brown. It follows dark debut album 'Stranger at the Door', which became Q magazine’s top rated independent release of the year despite being recorded above a corner shop for a grand total of £45. As a teenager, McDonald started out fronting cult indie band The Dawn Parade, making a name as one of John Peel’s final protégés with a string of celebrated EPs and Radio 1 sessions. Since then McDonald’s songs have struck a chord everywhere from the cutting edges of XFM and BBC 6music to the mainstream of Radio 1, Radio 2 and MTV, picking up awards from Rolling Stone, gracing major festival main stages, and adding to a support roster including Show of Hands, Keane and Kings of Leon. Even Morrissey has been spotted at London gigs. As BBC 6music DJ Tom Robinson puts it: 'Greg McDonald reminds you why you got into music in the first place.'
www.myspace.com/gregmcdonalduk
MAGICFOLK
Magicfolk put a new spin on the tradition of 70’s bands like Jethro Tull, Fairport and
Jefferson Airplane, producing a dynamic blend of folk, celtic, prog and rock music.
Using flute, fiddle, guitars, keyboards, bass, drums and rich vocal harmonies their
original and alluring songs range from magical ballads to psychedelic driving rock rhythms
and fiddle-fuelled reels.
"Passionate, fresh and vital" (Darkroom Magazine)
"A compelling mix of quality female vocals, keyboards, flute, acoustic and electric
guitars" (Classic Rock Society Magazine)
TRUEBEAT
TrueBeat are refreshing new ska band from West London breaking onto the scene as ska makes a real comeback. Their sound is lively and energetic with a wide range of influences - so put on your skankin shoes as this is real get on the dance floor SKA! They have recently recorded their first EP which has had a fantastic reception and they are definitely a band to keep a close eye on.
www.myspace.com/truebeatuk
BEN SOMMERS
Ben Sommers will be previewing his debut solo record Avocado Chip which will be released on the indie label 360 Degree Music in the summer of 2010. Ben will be backed by Pandora's Box. There will also be a video preview at 3:30 pm in the Chill Out Tent.
www.avocadochip.com
THE VERTIGOS
We are a 5 piece indie-rock band from St. Albans. We have been together for 2 years now and love being in a band. We are a very lively act, drawing influences from many different places. We have played at many venues and can’t wait to get to Stortford!
www.myspace.com/thevertigosuk
ABI GILCHRIST
Abi Gilchrist is a new breed of Soul Diva rising out of South London who pushes and successfully crosses over the boundaries between jazz, soul and pop. Abi appeals to a new generation of audience who crave true vocal talent along with catchy, well-written songs.
Abi released her debut independent EP 'P.J.P' in October 2009 and has a growing fanbase following showcases at venues across London including The Jazz Cafe, Ziegfrid von Underbelly and Ronnie Scott's Bar alongside her virtuosic and dynamic 6 piece band.
Abi’s sultry, feminine and powerful vocals mixed with her sparkling stage presence provide not just a performance but a show befitting of any P.J.Princess..
www.abigilchrist.com
STOLEN CAR
Stolen Car are an eclectic bunch. This London-based band combine elements of folk, pop and soul into their own unique sound. They have been impressing audiences across London over the past year and their debut album, HeartSongs, is available now.
www.stolencarmusic.co.uk
SAM SMITH
K Pop and Dance Artist - 17 year old Sam Smith has already achieved
top 20 UK pop charts, top 20 UK dance charts, top 10 worldwide club charts after being signed to his record label Venus and Mars when 13. Sam has collaborated with worldwide Remixers and DJs including
Tom Novy, Kid Massive, Per QX and Kinky Roland. He first released two club records which were played on Capital and Kiss for 3 months, and played in Ibiza and many different clubbing venues.
Sam's first album acted as a training album, which has triggered of Sam's love and talent for song writing. Sam is in the midst of writing his first original album which is turning out to be a sensational concept piece. Sam turns 18 In May.
www.iamsamsmith.com
