We were saddened to hear of the passing of Modal (Phil) Roberts yesterday. He was one of the earliest collaborators to the German Shepherd experiment and released two EPs and a joint project with Ian Moss (in his Ion-Morph phase) before leaving us to form his own label “Altitude Records” as well as embark on a range of projects including “Alt. Karaoke” and “Polymatherapy”. Always an entertaining and rule breaking DJ his radio shows often supported and promoted our early releases
Probably best known for his work with the latter versions of Marc Riley’s Creepers and the remarkable and memorable track “Derbyshire” Modal was a talented multi-instrumentalist, artist, and film-maker.
We have set all Modals releases to pay what you want but and anyone does contribute to the music we will donate the money to Cancer Research.
Hello and welcome to the weekly newsletter from German Shepherd Records.
This week
– The new album from The Parasite
– Dominic Carlton Jones debut album
– Ian Moss plays first outing of new Cabaret event
– Moff Skellington Hits Manchester
– Bob O gets slot on prestigious All About Jazz Website
— Gig Highlights
THE PARASITE : NEW ALBUM
The duo of Osborne and Moss – aka The Parasite – are back with a new eight track album entitled “Dilemma”. With the usual blend of alternative electronica and heartfelt spoken word/vocals the pair have delivered yet another fascinating collection. Released on 28th September in download version only the music takes an altogether more funky direction on a couple of tracks. Said Osborne “I wanted to shake things up a bit on this one with more variation in style and direction.” Moss covers his usual range of seemingly inward looking self examination which in reality is a blistering attack on culture, media, and politics.
DOMINIC CARLTON JONES – DEBUT ALBUM
Salford singer-songwriter Dominic Carlton Jones releases his debut album on October 5th. Titled “Salford Punk Poetry Sadness Death New Life” the nine track release combines spoken word, instrumentals, deeply personal songs and some ambient pieces to create a truly eclectic listening experience. Commenting on the album and his experience with German Shepherd Dominic said:
” 8 months from being welcomed by German Shepherd I’m pleased to say I’m enjoying life on the label.Getting to know the music of the artists. Meeting those concerned and still feeling a genuine thrill to be a part of this movement and scene.
In that time space my EP was well received and achieved some comparative success in terms of sales and genuine appreciation from those connected. I went on to contribute the song “Cats front door “ to the 200 compilation album and The music for “like a poet dies “with Ian Moss and once again genuinely thrilled to be involved here.
My new music is the album:’Salford Punk Poetry Sadness Death New Life” ,which hinges around my fathers death from bowel cancer in January of this year and goes on to explore themes of belonging,spirituality loss,.geographical connection and life after death.It’s a challenging and thought provoking album bringing together an eclectic style of musical forms which I’ve always striven to as an ethic.”
More details on this excellent album will be released next week.
COME TO THE CABARET
Ian Moss has announced his involvement in the new Manchester Legends series starting on October 25th with “El Manisero” at the Innside in Manchester. Ian will be “invoking the great beast” with assistance from the talented musical hands of Mark Corrin. With what looks to be an eclectic evening of entertainment including Carmel and Hewan Clarke we wait with bated breath to hear what Ian has concocted for this occasion.
Master of eddodi, music and art Moff Skellington is travelling over from Leeds on 11th October for an evening of music and art. Songs, poems, and a lantern show will be part of what promises to be a fascinating of evening of humour, surreal imagery and avant garde music. The venue is the Peer Hat and the event is priced at £3.50 commencing at 7:30pm.
BOB AND JAZZ
German Shepherd co-owner Bob Osborne has secured a slot on the prestigious All About Jazz website in their radio section. His weekly show on Analogue Trash Radio will now be a regular feature on the site.
Bob said “World of Jazz is a weekly two hour radio show dedicated to covering the best in new releases from around the world, together with dips into my rather large collection of jazz music collected over the last 45 years. There is usually a focus on one newly released album as well as a detailed look at one specific jazz artist in each show. There are no genre barriers to what gets featured on the show although I do tend to lean towards more ground-breaking artists. The show is broadcast live on Analogue Trash Radio at 8pm (UK Time) every Sunday.”
Leeds Based Psychedelic band, Mesmer Disciples are looking for a new singer.
In a recent statement the band say:
“We are not seeking someone to try and replicate our previous singer as we are open to a new approach . We have our own rehearsal space where we meet to jam, improvise, write and rehearse . Over the last year we’ve played with the likes on The Jim Jones and the Righteous Mind, The Fleshtones, Thee Hypnotics ,Snapped Ankles. Currently signed up with German Shepherd Records.”
Prospective vocals are asked to check us out the band on Facebook and through this recent interview with Backseat Mafia.
Press…..
“Leaps out at you as an unctuous mix of Arthur Brown and Tex-Mex imbibing something mind expanding in an opium den in a Bill Burroughs tract. Moody, brooding and sensuous” – Aural Delights Blog
” creating an all-enveloping throbbing and entrancing psychedelic rock experience of two guitars, vocals, drums, and the occasional tamboura. Like a stoned early Cramps jamming with the Buffalo Springfield. Indeed – menacing, experimental and at times unhinged. Gorgeous, subversive, and completely mesmeric!” Micheal Canning, Music research Uk
“Musically they are moody, psychedelic, and gritty with tracks building in layers creating a truly menacing atmosphere” – Counterfeit magazine
“Their double guitar attack was brilliantly executed creating a blues-infused wall of sound, , the guitars and drums were rhythmically very tight and they all played brilliantly, one of the guitarists at hyper-speed. Mesmer Disciples are definitely a band to watch out for “- Leeds Music Scene
Interested vocalists should contact the band at : Mesmerdisciples@hotmail.com
Hello and welcome to the weekly newsletter from German Shepherd Records
This week
The new single from Poppycock
A new video from PrunX
New gig announcements
POPPYCOCK CELEBRATE IGGY POP
We are pleased to announce the release of a brand new single from Manchester based collective Poppycock. Led by Una Baines (The Fall, Blue Orchids, The Fates) the band went through a significant line-up change last year, has been gigging often and has recorded two new singles since then. The first of those singles is a celebration of the Godfather of Punk Rock the seemingly ageless “Iggy Pop”. Using the groups trademark twin vocal approach.the band power through a jaunty homage which has proved to be a live favourite. Una’s trademark organ sound makes a welcome return also.
Poppycock was formed by legendary Manchester musician and community activist Una Baines who was a founder member of the seminal post-punk groups The Fall and Blue Orchids, The band has been active on the Manchester scene for over five years and played at several key events in the Mancunian musical calendar.
The single releases on September 21, 2018 as a digital download only,
Poppycock on this recording were:
Lucy Nyland – Vox
Christine Johnson – Vox
Heather Greenbank – Guitar
Matt Crawford – Bass
Stuart Quinn-Harvie – Drums
Una Baines – Keys
Poppycock also includes
Lucy Power – Flute and Percussion
Paula Darwish – Vox and Guitar
The single was engineered Manos Sarantidis and produced by Una Baines and Manos Sarantidis. Keeping The Fall connection current the artwork for the single was created by Mark E. Smiths sister Suzanne. It was recorded in July 2018 at the fabulous community resource Seed Studios in Old Trafford.
Poppycock will launch the single on 21st September at The Peer Hat, Manchester which will also feature visiting Australian Musician Charlie Marshall and Four Candles.
A second single “Magic Mothers” will be released later in the year.
The band support Australian band Terry on 12th September at Gullivers, Manchester.
PRUNX LAUNCH NEW VIDEO
Berlin based rockers PrunX have released a video for “Can’t Take It” from last years “Mind Trajectory” EP. This heavy blues rocker features a twin vocal attack from Mikado and FrankOz, the latter delivering a searing guitar break. Catching them live the video shows this excellent band at their best
Check out the full EP
GIG NEWS
The gig calendar is filling up rapidly and can be found in full at this page
Some recent announcements include
Øre will be playing their debut gig on Saturday 8th Dec at the TA in Dumfries
Positronik and The Strays play Fab Cafe, Manchester on 14th October
Drink and Drive will be seeing the year out with a gig at Whittles, Oldham on 28th December
Boz Hayward will be playing an afternoon gig at Levenshulme Market on September 29th
Hello and welcome to the German Shepherd Records Newsletter…..
This week
A new EP from Misletoe
A new album from Bouquet of Dead Crows
The return of the Salford Music Festival
A new single from Poppycock
Charle Marshall Tour
Updated gig guide
MISTLETOE
The current alter ego of Ian “Moet” Moss (Hamsters, Four Candles, The Parasite) for his solo projects, is Mistletoe. On the latest release “….there is no rock and roll on the radio” Ian works with Foghorn Leghorn, The Boom Da Da Booms and Loop-aznavour on three new tracks. With his usual acerbic wit he attacks radio programming, patronage, and fan obsession. With music ranging from electro punk, wonky rock and post punk guitar layerings and a slight nod towards Monty Norman this is Moss at his most inventive. The music follows on from his collaborations on the highly regarded Music and Words and Words and Music releases.
The lead track can be accessed on Soundcloud
The EP is released digitally on September 14th
BOUQUET OF DEAD CROWS RETURN WITH THEIR SECOND ALBUM
To celebrate the release of their new album ‘Motus Octo’ on the 23rd of November. Bouquet Of Dead Crows will playing a special launch show the day after release day (the 24th of November). The band will playing the new album in its entirety. The venue is The Blue Room in Cambridge and support comes from War Waves (Obsessional Anxiety rock from Ipswich) and Shyer (Catchy, Upbeat hook-laden pop rock). The new album, their second full length release, features eight stunning new tracks and sees the band developing a heavier riff laden approach. The is now available to pre-order on limited edition coloured vinyl and CD. with exclusive bundle deals which includes a limited edition T-shirt.
German Shepherd will host a digital version of the album via Bandcamp and a range of other digital download platforms.
The band have a run of dates upcoming to support the new release.
-September 29th – Deepdale Festival- Norwich
-October 25th – Huntington – The Pepys (acoustic gig)
-November 1st – London – Dublin Castle
-November 15th – Bedford – Esquires
-November 24th – Cambridge – Blue Moon (Album Launch)
-November 29th – Norwich -Gringos
-December 1st – Ipswich – Smokehouse
-December 6th – Stamford – Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge
-December 8th – Bishops Stortford – The Horn at the Half Moon
Salford Music legend Ed Blaney has announced the return of the Salford Music Festival with a two night one venue run at Walk The Plank, Cobden Street, Brindle Heath in the heart of the city. The dates for your diary are 28th and 29th September and Four Candles will be appearing on the Saturday. The line-ups are strong on both nights and at £10 for ticket covering the whole event (£6 for individual nights) Ed has once again put Salford on the map with a grass roots musical extravanganza.
Poppycock will launch their new single “Iggy Pop” on 21st September as part of the Peer Hat gig with Charlie Marshall and Four Candles (see below). A catchy call and response rocker the song has long been a live fan favourite. With artwork from Suzanne Smith, responsible for many of the covers for Fall releases, the song celebrates the legend of Iggy Stooge! More details next week.
CHARLIE MARSHALL TOUR
As previously announced we are assisting Australian musician Charlie Marshall with a short UK tour. The confirmed dates for the September tour are:
15th – The Cornerhouse, Cambridge with Scissors
21th Peer Hat, Manchester with Four Candles and Poppycock and DJ set from Stephen Doyle
23th Grayston Unity, Halifax
28th Betsy Trotwood, Clerkenwell, London with Doomed Bird of Paradise and Michael Plater
Promotion for these dates would be much appreciated and we have prepared, with Charlie’s approval, a selection of his music that will be played on the tour including – Not a Cruel machine, & Almighty Carousel (from the Sublime album), and Won’t Give Up & Weightless (from the Won’t Give Up album). copies of these tracks and interviews are available on request for DJs, Bloggers and Music Press.
Charlie is a well respected Melbourne musician and has played with likes of Warren Ellis (The Dirty Three, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds) and Clare Moore (The Moodists, The Coral Snakes, The MistLy). His melodic rock tinged songs are stunning and last years album “Sublime” was a triumph.
GIG GUIDE
Forthcoming live appearances by our artists
6th September – The Strays play The Jolly Collliers, Heanor
13th September – The Strays play Chameleon Arts Cafe Nottingham
15th September – The Scissors and Charlie Marshall play The Cornerhouse, Cambridge
15th September – Mesmer Disciples play Music Lounge, Stockton on Tees
16th September – Mesmer Disciples play Museum Vaults Sunderland.
16th September – The Strays play West Street Live, Sheffield
21st September – Four Candles, Poppycock and Charlie Marshall play The Peer Hat, Manchester
21st September – Drink and Drive play The Old Pint Pot, Salford
25th September – Inferior Complex play The Joiners, Southampton
29th September – The Strays play The Jolly Collier, Heanor
27th September – Inferior Complex play Ferndown RBL
27th September – Electric Cheese support Tom Hingley at Preston Guildhall
28th September – Inferior Complex play The Shooting Star, Southampton
28th September – The Strays play Park Hotel, Wigan – Musicians Against Homelessness gig
29th September – Four Candles play Salford Music Festival at Walk The Plank, Cobden Street, Salford
29th September – Bouquet of Dead Crows Play Deepdale Festival, Norwich
5th October – The Scissors are at Oxford Wheatsheaf (Klub Kakofanney).
5th October – Shaun Maxwell of Taser Puppets plays a solo acoustic set at Chorley Live
6th October – Toska Wilde plays Saks Southend on Sea as part of Cult 13 Showcase
6th October – Inferior Complex play Liberties, Southampton
11th October – An Evening with Moff Skellington at The Peer Hat, Manchester
14th October – Taser Puppets play TNT Punk Fest at The Peer Hat, Manchester
17th October – The Strays play West Street Live, Sheffield
19th October – Taser Puppets play Old Courts, Wigan
25th October – Bouquet of Dead Crows play The Pepys, Huntingdon – acoustic gig
1st November – Bouquet of Dead Crows play The Dublin Castle, London
2nd November – German Shepherd Records Fundraiser at The Peer Hat, Manchester – with Drink and Drive, Taser Puppets, The Strays and Flea
15th November – Bouquet of Dead Crows play Esquires, Bedford
17th November – Drink and Drive and Four Candles play The Railway, Greenfield
22nd November – Inferior Complex play The King Charles, Poole
24th November – Bouquet of Dead Crows launch new album Motus Octo at The Blue Moon, Cambridge
29th November – Bouquet of Dead Crows play Gringos, Norwich
29th November – Four Candles play “Free Rock & Roll” at Sound, Duke Street, Liverpool
1st December – Toska Wilde plays Saks Southend on Sea as part of Cult 13 Showcase
1st December – Bouquet of Dead Crows and Umbrella Assassins play Smokehouse, Cambridge
6th December – Bouquet of Dead Crows play Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge, Stamford
8th December – Bouquet of Dead Crows play The Horn at the Half Moon, Bishops Stortford
8th December – Boz Hayward and Keltrix play The Peer Hat, Manchester
8th December – Poppycock support Vic Godard at Yes (The Basement) on Charles Street, Manchester with ASBO Derek – it’s next to the Lass O’ Gowrie.
22nd December – Drink and Drive play Strummercamp Fundraiser and Oldham Rugby Club
The Salford Music Festival returns on 28th and 29th September with a two night residency at Walk The Plank, Cobden Works, Cobden Street, Salford with a packed line-up including, on the Saturday Night, Four Candles. Details below and buy your ticket here
Hello and welcome to our weekly newsletter….in this edition
The Screaming Love Collective return with new album “Imola”
Moff Skellington announces Manchester date
Charlie Marshall UK tour dates finalised
Mistletoe to release new three track
Gig Guide
THE SCREAMING LOVE COLLECTIVE – IMOLA
The Screaming Love Collective return with their infectious “Psychedelic Punk Rock Groove Sensation” with the album “Imola” which comprises 13 tracks of dance orientated hypnotic grooves. Including former single “Laika/Cosmonaut No 1.” the album takes found sound/clips and mingles them with electronic explorations to create 42 minutes of prime aural entertainment. Led by the ever busy Bryn Thorburn the Collectives’ latest release is due on 7th September via Bandcamp, Spotify, I Tunes, Apple, Amazon and a wide selection of other digital download options. Lovers of dance oriented electronica will enjoy the wide open sound on this excellent collection.
MOFF IN MANCHESTER
Poet of the surreal, musician extraordinaire, and exceptional artist Moff Skellington returns to Manchester on Thursday October 11th for a mixed media show. Dubbed “An Evening with Moff Skellington” the show features one or two songs and a lantern show based upon Moff’s celebrated art pictures. The show will be held at The Peer Hat on Faraday Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester and commences at 7:30pm. The show is £3.50 and there will be no ticketing so pay on the door. We hope to see you there for what will be a fascinating evening.
CHARLIE MARSHALL DATES FINALISED
Longstanding German Shepherd watchers will know that for the last four years we have hosted visits from visiting Australian musicians – two visits by Dave Graney and Clare Moore (The Moodists, The Coral Snakes, MistLy), and one by Harry Howard and the NDE (Birthday Party, Crime and City Solution). This year it’s the turn of Charlie Marshall. Charlie is over for a short solo tour of the UK during September- here are the dates
15th The Cornerhouse, Cambridge with Scissors
21st The Peer Hat, Manchester with Four Candles and Poppycock
23rd Grayston Unity, Halifax
28th Betsy Trotwood, Clerkenwell, London with Doomed Bird of Paradise and Michael Plater
Charlie’s most recent album “Sublime” was rightly heralded a pop masterpiece with some exquisite melodies and thought provoking lyrics.
Charlie Marshall is an acclaimed singer-songwriter from Melbourne, Australia who has been an important part of the scene in that great music city since the 1980s. As a performer and songwriter, he comes from a similar place, and stands comparison, with better known Australian exports like Nick Cave, Ed Kuepper, Robert Forster, Dirty Three, Kim Salmon and Dave Graney.
Charlie has been the guitar-slinging backbone for many of Melbourne’s finest bands, starting with the legendary Harem Scarem who were a dynamite force in the key of punk blues, followed by the soulful intensity of The Body Electric whose stellar lineup included members of Dirty Three, Beasts of Bourbon and the Avalanches. Lately, he’s been backed by The Curious Minds featuring Clare Moore (Dave Graney ‘n the Coral Snakes), Bryan Colechin (Hugo Race True Spirit) and Tim Deane (Ron Peno & the Superstitions).
His songs are poetic, romantic meditations on life, love, philosophy and the universe, combining colourful chords with incisive lyrics and plenty of soul. In solo mode he’s a passionate, foot stomping, electric guitar slinging force, ranging from gentle, intimate moments to raging, beguiling intensity when in full flight. The latest album ‘Sublime’ is a unique blend of music, politics and science – try imagining Brian Wilson from the Beach Boys collaborating with the BBC’s rock star scientist Brian Cox. A new recording due out September 2018 promises lots of late 60s/early 70s soul-inspired grooves.
“My musical adventures have taken me on many paths since the 90’s but still some of my fondest musical memories are of playing with Charlie in The Body Electric and recording our first album, which I still regard as a great piece of work. A stone cold classic.” Warren Ellis, Paris, 2016
MISTLETOE RETURN WITH THREE TRACK EP
Ian Moss’s solo project “Mistletoe” returns with a new three track in EP. The September release will include collaborations with Loop-aznavour, The Boom Da Da Booms and Foghorn Leghorn. Watch this space for more details.
GIG GUIDE
6th September – The Strays play Tap ‘N’ Tumbler, Nottingham
15th September – The Scissors and Charlie Marshall play The Cornerhouse, Cambridge
15th September – Mesmer Disciples play Music Lounge, Stockton on Tees
16th September – Mesmer Disciples play Museum Vaults Sunderland.
21st September – Four Candles, Poppycock and Charlie Marshall play The Peer Hat, Manchester
27th September – Inferior Complex play Ferndown RBL
27th September – Electric Cheese support Tom Hingley at Preston Guildhall
28th September – Inferior Complex play The Shooting Star, Southampton
5th October – The Scissors are at Oxford Wheatsheaf (Klub Kakofanney).
5th October – Shaun Maxwell of Taser Puppets plays a solo acoustic set at Chorley Live
6th October – Toska Wilde plays Saks Southend on Sea as part of Cult 13 Showcase
6th October – Inferior Complex play Liberties, Southampton
11th October – An Evening with Moff Skellington at The Peer Hat, Manchester
14th October – Taser Puppets play TNT Punk Fest at The Peer Hat, Manchester
17th October – The Strays play West Street Live, Sheffield
19th October – Taser Puppets play Old Courts, Wigan
2nd November – German Shepherd Records Fundraiser at The Peer Hat, Manchester – with Drink and Drive, Taser Puppets, The Strays and Flea
22nd November – Inferior Complex play The King Charles, Poole
29th November – Four Candles play “Free Rock & Roll” at Sound, Duke Street, Liverpool
1st December – Toska Wilde plays Saks Southend on Sea as part of Cult 13 Showcase
8th December – Boz Hayward and Ketrix play The Peer Hat, Manchester
8th December – Poppycock support Vic Godard at Yes (The Basement) on Charles Street, Manchester with ASBO Derek – it’s next to the Lass O’ Gowrie.
22nd December – Drink and Drive play Strummercamp Fundraiser and Oldham Rugby Club
Hello and welcome to a new edition of the German Shepherd Records Newsletter.
This week
A new EP from Umbrella Assassins
The third volume of a Cambridge Calling Compilation curated by Dave Hammond’s Smelly Flowerpot Show
New Screaming Love Collective album announced
Our weekly gig guide
UMBRELLA ASSASSINS – LIVE AT THE CRUNCH
Haverhill a hotbed of East Anglian rock and roll.
It is home to the erudite ex-Hullite DJ Dave Hammond who introduced us, via his Smelly Flowerpot Radio Show to Umbrella Assassins, who also hail from Haverhill.
This is raw and uncompromising punk rock music from the band who are using a “proper” recording studio for the first time.
The Crunch is a new recording studio in Norfolk which was originally an Operations Control Centre during the Battle Of Britain. Initially built in 1939 as a Decontamination Centre for chemical warfare.
This is the band recorded at their very best, by Mr Jason, live onto 7 tracks of a vintage 8 track reel to reel tape machine, using vintage mics, vintage drums, and a 70s little 5-watt WEM guitar amp.
Umbrella Assassins Live At The Crunch delivers three tracks of uncompromising Shed Punk in the spirit of early Stooges, Ladbroke Grove era Pink Fairies and the Minutemen
Cambridge Calling is a series of compilations of emerging artists from Cambridge which has been curated by Dave Hammond whose fortnightly show on Cambridge 105 Radio, The Smelly Flowerpot, is a mainstay of the cities music scene. The first compilation was released in March 2017 a second compilation, followed in the summer of 2017. This latest release is the third in an ongoing series.
What started out as a vague idea to pull a few tracks together soon snowballed into the current multi-genre epics, fired by the enthusiasm of the artists involved. The more the perpetrator scratched at the surface of the local music scene, the more it became apparent how much excellent music there was out there.
Aside from putting some superb music out there, the aim is also to raise money for deserving charities. The nominated charity for this release will be announced closer to the release date.
A full breakdown of all the bands involved in this release can be found on our designated page.
This latest collection is the most eclectic yet which perfectly encapsulates the vibrant and far-reaching nature of the Cambridge scene
Two sample tracks from the album:
The album releases on August 31st
Previous releases in the series
NEW SCREAMING LOVE COLLECTIVE ALBUM – IMOLA – DROPS ON 7th SEPTEMBER
Ever busy Screaming Love Collective head honcho Bryn Thorburn has put together a new 13 track album psychedelic punk rock groove sensation. Building on the excellent run of albums this new release carries on the rich form with hypnotic dance based electronica with a gritty edge. More details next week
GIG GUIDE
Forthcoming gigs featuring our artists:
25th August – Electric Cheese play Lucky 8s Rock and Blues Bar, Chorley
25th August – The Mind Sweepers play the Carlisle Fringe Festival
25th August – Umbrella Assassins play Rugfest, Haverhill
25th August – Toska Wilde plays It Came From the Sea, It Died On the Beach- festival afterparty at 101 Social Club, Cliftonville.
26th August – The Mind Sweepers play Solfest – Cottage Stage
26th August – Four Candles and Sam Smith play The Station Hotel, Ashton Under Lyne
27th August – Four Candles play The 2nd annual Pressure Drop summer gig (private by invite only)
27th August – Taser Puppets play Glaston-Bury, Bury
15th September – The Scissors and Charlie Marshall play The Cornerhouse, Cambridge
15th September – Mesmer Disciples play Music Lounge, Stockton on Tees
16th September – Mesmer Disciples play Museum Vaults Sunderland.
21st September – Four Candles, Poppycock and Charlie Marshall play The Peer Hat, Manchester
27th September – Inferior Complex play Ferndown RBL
27th September – Electric Cheese support Tom Hingley at Preston Guildhall
28th September – Inferior Complex play The Shooting Star, Southampton
5th October – The Scissors are at Oxford Wheatsheaf (Klub Kakofanney).
5th October – Shaun Maxwell of Taser Puppets plays a solo acoustic set at Chorley Live
6th October – Toska Wilde plays Saks Southend on Sea as part of Cult 13 Showcase
14th October – Taser Puppets play TNT Punk Fest at The Peer Hat
19th October – Taser Puppets play Old Courts, Wigan
2nd November – German Shepherd Records Fundraiser at The Peer Hat, Manchester – with Drink and Drive, Taser Puppets, The Strays and Flea
1st December – Toska Wilde plays Saks Southend on Sea as part of Cult 13 Showcase
8th December – Boz Hayward, Poppycock and Ketrix play The Peer Hat, Manchester
22nd December – Drink and Drive play Strummercamp Fundraiser and Oldham Rugby Club
Hello and welcome to this weeks edition of the German Shepherd Records Newsletter.
This week:
Four Obscure B Sides from KIT B
Four Candles put on their Chastity Belt
The third Volume of Cambridge Calling announced
Gig News
KIT B RETURN WITH FOUR OBSCURE B-SIDES
Manchester’s purveyors of quality popular music KIT B return with a new four-track EP “Four Obscure B-Sides” on August 24th. Founder members Danny Cusick (Guitar, Vocals) and John “Monty” Montague (Bass) are joined by new member Vicky Middles (Keyboards) and have created an amazing set of songs to launch this phase of the KIT B experience. With assistance from Craig Bodell the trio has crafted four pop nuggets which combine elements of Cusick’s tongue in cheek outlook on life, sex and death with electronica, motorik beats, and rock vibes all mixed in a tasty stew with a piquant Manchester flavouring. The band are still in the process of hiring a drummer so there are no live appearances planned at the moment.
You can hear track three from the EP “Swisser Swatter” here
FOUR CANDLES – CHASTITY BELT AND DIPPING A TOE IN THE WATER
The final pairing of tracks from Four Candles “Spiritual Rapture” album sees digital release as a single on August 24th. The intense “Chastity Belt” which chronicles vocalist Moet’s experiences in a previous band, and the groovin’ “Dipping A Toe In The Water”, which concerns Muddy Waters battle with the conservative music press on a UK Tour, complete a set of three releases which celebrate the bands biggest seller to date
Forthcoming gigs for the band:
26th August – The Station Hotel, Ashton Under Lyne
27th August – 2nd annual Pressure Drop summer gig (private by invite only)
21st September – The Peer Hat, Manchester with Poppycock and Charlie Marshall
“Cambridge Calling” is a series of compilations of emerging artists from Cambridge which has been curated by Dave Hammond whose fortnightly show on Cambridge 105 Radio, The Smelly Flowerpot, is a mainstay of the cities music scene. The first compilation was released in March 2017 and a second in October of the same year. What started out as a vague idea to pull a few tracks together soon snowballed into the current multi-genre epic, fired by the enthusiasm of the artists involved. The more the perpetrator scratched the surface of the local music scene, the more it became apparent how much excellent music was out there. Aside from putting some superb music out there, the aim is also to raise money for deserving charities. A third volume comprising 21 tracks is currently at the post-production stage with a release date of August 31st planned. Stewart Harris (The Scissors) excellent artwork also adorns this volume. This will be a Bandcamp only release.
The featured artists are
Artist
Ember Rev
Carolyn’s Fingers
Goddammit Jeremiah
Lemondaze
The Fifths
Elma
Jessica Law
The New Fools
Blue Alatar
Grieving
Eeeyore
Section 3
Crackleford
Romy Gensale
Honeywitch
False Adults
Manic Mannequin
Influx of Insanity
Self Love
Moody Swing Things
Fay Roberts
Forthcoming gigs featuring artists released by German Shepherd
17th August – The Strays play Swan With Two Necks Macclesfield
17th August – The Junta and Special Friends Live At The Peer Hat, Manchester – album launch
17th August – Drink and Drive play The Railway, Shaw Hall Bank Rd, OL3 7JZ
19th August- The Strays play West Street Live Sheffield
25th August – Electric Cheese play Lucky 8s Rock and Blues Bar, Chorley
25th August – The Mind Sweepers play the Carlisle Fringe Festival
25th August – Umbrella Assassins play Rugfest, Haverhill
25th August – Toska Wilde plays It Came From the Sea, It Died On the Beach- festival afterparty at 101 Social Club, Cliftonville.
26th August – The Mind Sweepers play Solfest – Cottage Stage
26th August – Four Candles and Sam Smith play The Station Hotel, Ashton Under Lyne
27th August – Four Candles play The 2nd annual Pressure Drop summer gig (private by invite only)
27th August – Taser Puppets play Glaston-Bury, Bury
15th September – The Scissors and Charlie Marshall play The Cornerhouse, Cambridge
15th September – Mesmer Disciples play Music Lounge, Stockton on Tees
16th September – Mesmer Disciples play Museum Vaults Sunderland.
21st September – Four Candles, Poppycock and Charlie Marshall play The Peer Hat, Manchester
27th September – Inferior Complex play Ferndown RBL
27th September – Electric Cheese support Tom Hingley at Preston Guildhall
28th September – Inferior Complex play The Shooting Star, Southampton
5th October – The Scissors are at Oxford Wheatsheaf (Klub Kakofanney).
5th October – Shaun Maxwell of Taser Puppets plays a solo acoustic set at Chorley Live
6th October – Toska Wilde plays Saks Southend on Sea as part of Cult 13 Showcase
14th October – Taser Puppets play TNT Punk Fest at The Peer Hat
19th October – Taser Puppets play Old Courts, Wigan
2nd November – German Shepherd Records Fundraiser at The Peer Hat, Manchester – with Drink and Drive, Taser Puppets, The Strays and Flea
1st December – Toska Wilde plays Saks Southend on Sea as part of Cult 13 Showcase
8th December – Boz Hayward, Poppycock and Ketrix play The Peer Hat, Manchester
22nd December – Drink and Drive play Strummercamp Fundraiser and Oldham Rugby Club
