We are pleased to share “Standing At The Precipice” which is taken from the forthcoming album ‘Hemispheres’.
The bands 3rd album released through German Shepherd Records, is the first album with Karen Gadd on bass duties.
The album is released in two parts – Celestial and Cerebral with the second part coming on October 22nd. Physical copies are available for pre-order HERE
Part One was released in May 2020
The album has an overall theme of mental health, which is a topic the band are very passionate about. With each song, they’ve written about issues that effect them individually and personally. There’s been a lot of stigma about depression and anxiety over the years, and as the mood slowly shifts this album captures the zeitgeist of our current unpredictable day-to-day life, the fears we are all experiencing right now. Although written before the current pandemic that the world is currently experiencing, a lot of the lyrics do seem strangely prescient and also very relevant. Such as the chorus of the title track ‘It’s not the end of the world…this time, it feels like the end of the world…every time’. This chaotic realisation that what feels like the end of the world, may not be. That there is a community, a beauty in all the destruction and repair that every one of us faces. Every heavy riff is wrought from the exact moment a human sees their own mortality and hopes for healing.
Haverhill Shed Punk maestros Umbrella Assassins have announced a handful of dates and further volumes in their King of Fruit series.
The boys have the following gigs in the diary:
4th July – The Haverhill Show, The Recreation Ground, Haverhill
23rd October – The Ark, Newmarket (Charity Gig)
13th November – The Smokehose, Ipswich
11th December – The Smokehouse, Ipswich – Bouquet of Dead Crows are playing at this gig also
A planned second volume in the groups King of Fruit series is nearing completion with an August release planned. In addition an unexpected third volume has agreed following the completion of some tunes.
Drummer Garry McKervill said “It looks like things are finally happening at last. We are looking forward to getting out of the waiting room.”
Hello, here are the details of our releases for June 5th plus some video news.
MOONGOOSE
We are very pleased to be working with Moongoose for the release of two EPs.
Any income generated from the sales of these releases will be donated to the homelessness charity Shelter.
The two EPs entitled “Yellow” and Black” are respectful homages to cinema and its soundtracks.
The YELLOW EP is a tribute to all of the magnificent directors and composers of the Italian Giallo films from the 1970’s. Films such as SUSPIRIA, LIZARD IN A WOMANS SKIN, YOUR VICE IS A LOCKED ROOM AND ONLY I HAVE THE KEY, THE BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMAGE, ETC. Directors such as Dario Argento, Lucio Fulci, Mario Bava, Sergio Martini, ETC. Composers such as Ennio Morricone, GOBLIN, Claudio Simonetti, ETC.
The Giallo films were mysteries/thrillers/horror films that usually placed an innocent in danger from a knife-wielding assailant. Full of terror and suspense, they usually had groundbreaking visuals and stunning soundtracks.
The BLACK EP is a tribute the wonderfully atmospheric and very bleak American Film Noir Movies of the 1940’s and 1950’s. Films such as DOUBLE INDEMNITY, IN A LONELY PLACE, KISS OF DEATH, THE BRIDE WORE BLACK, SUNSET BOULEVARD, ETC. Directors such as ALFRED HITCHCOCK, ROBERT SIODMAK, FRITZ LANG, ORSON WELLES, ETC. Composers such as BERNARD HERRMANN, MIKLOS ROSZA, MAX STEINER, ETC.
The American Film Noir movies were mysteries/thrillers/spy films that usually dealt with corruption, double-dealing and murder. The movies main features are the striking lighting design and weird camera angles
Each EP comprises four tracks. To tie in with the release German Shepherd Records Subscribers will receive an additional pair of tracks from the Yellow and Black sessions – ‘Raven Circles’ and ‘Bitter Consequences .
A series of ten videos will be released to tie in with the two EPs. Watch this space for details!
Some limited edition CDs of both EPs will be available from the Moongoose website.
David “Yorkie” Palmer has also put together a podcast to promote the two releases which includes tracks from older Moongoose releases plus a selection of his favourite film scores. This will be available from the German Shepherd Mixcloud page from June 3rd.
Established in 1999 by YORKIE, former bassist and producer for platinum selling indie giants SPACE, and producer of Liverpool legends SHACK’s last album ‘…the corner of Miles & Gil’ (for Noel Gallagher’s SOURMASH label). He has also produced many other bands, most notably SEVEN SEALS, IVAN CAMPO and WINDMILL.
MOONGOOSE have released five singles, three ep’s and four albums to date.
The main core of MOONGOOSE is:
YORKIE (THE DANCE PARTY, EGYPT FOR NOW, THE BALCONY, SPACE, WINDMILL)
PAUL CAVANAGH (THE BALCONY, THE ROOM, GLOSS, CABIN IN THE WOODS, THE ROOM IN THE WOOD)
MARK JORDAN (VIDEOS: DEREK JARMAN, THE ROOM IN THE WOOD, ATV)
CRAB DANCE GIs
Manchester’s pop subversives Crab Dance GIs, featuring Danny Cusick (Kit B), Craig Bodell (The Hidden Gem) and Paul Smith (The Hidden Gem) are back with a brand new single called “Stage Fright” their fourth release with German Shepherd. Pizzicato strings and a moving synth bass create a bed for a special pop song.A sultry summer vibe runs through this hook packed tune which sees the Crabbies taking a more soulful route. If this one doesn’t grab your ears and give them a good shaking then nothing will.
DEAD CROWS LAUNCH VIDEOS
To tie in with the release of “Hemispheres Part One :Celestial” Bouquet of Dead Crows have been hard at work producing videos to support the albums tracks. Here’s the video for Left To Rot.
A You Tube playlist of the videos featuring the whole album will be available soon.
In the final episode of this series Neil, Toni, Andy and Karen discuss the tracks “Kaiju Hijinks” and “Hemispheres” and also have a lengthy chat with album cover designer, graphic illustrator and musician about town Stewart Harris (The Scissors, Goddammit Jeremiah).
The album is available for pre-order is released on May 22nd.
The Scissors latest studio album can be purchased here:
Released today the video for “Caged” another track from the new album Hemispheres, the first part of which is released on May 22nd and you can pre-order now from Bandcamp. The Bandcamp version of the release has a bonus live track recorded in Manchester.
We are aware that many DJs/media types are now doing shows/stories from home and having to mail in pre-records/articles a lot earlier than usual. With that in mind we are moving to a position where we are announcing our new releases 20 days before release rather than the usual 10 days. Because of that we have more releases than usual to announce this week.
MOFF SKELLINGTON
May 15th will see the release of a brand new album from Moff Skellington called “Wading With The Help Donkeys” – this is the first in a new series from Moff for 2020 with four more to follow over the next few months. As usual Moff brings his unique style of music and performance to the fore with a collection of songs concerning weird and wonderful ideas and concepts including “Show Biz Potatoes” “Birds of Prey” “Slapstick” (a theme he will return in one of the forthcoming albums) “Pet Shops” and the clothing habits of people from ancient times. Moff’s prolific output continues unabated with this new release which demonstrates the more playful and joyous aspects of his work.
INFERIOR COMPLEX
On May 22nd Southampton’s masters of post-punk are back with a brand new instrumental single called Epic. With dance floor friendly pulsing beats and Ray Missons trademark bass sound this is truly a song whose name describes the music accurately. The trio are hard at work on new recordings including a partnership with label mate Dominic Carlton Jones with further releases coming later in the year.
BOUQUET OF DEAD CROWS
Bouquet of Dead Crows return with the first half of their new album “Hemispheres” on May 22nd. Entitled “Celestial” the collection brings together six tracks from the new album – with Bandcamp purchasers getting an additional live track.
The third full length from Bouquet of Dead Crows welcomes new bassist Karen Gadd, which balances out the ying and yang within the quartet, and, which also brings a fresh and revitalised feel to the bands sound. The complete collection is called Hemispheres – the title of which describes an album of two parts. “Celestial” is released now as a prelude to what is to follow., the second part “Cerebral” follows later in the year.
This latest chapter in the Bouquet of Dead Crows story finds the quartet adopting a more progressive sound with their trademark riffs with big melodies approach being enhanced to incorporate more layered and nuanced elements, different time signatures, and more reflective and sometimes ambient sections. The duality of the album title is carried through to the music. Intense hard rocking sections contrast with quieter moments
The group are also releasing a weekly series of podcasts introducing the album and talking to other musical guVests from the Cambridge Area – the first one can be found below with two more to follow
The album is pre-released on our Bandcamp Page and can be ordered now
EIGHTH DAY MAGAZINE
We are continuing to feature in the excellent Eighth Day magazine – the May edition includes part 2 of our article on bands from Cambridge on the label as well as the Cambridge Calling charity compilations. The June edition will include a detailed article on Mark Corrin who has a number of releases with us this year.
THE TEENAGE PROPSHAFTS
After last weeks single “Me, My Dad, and The Fire Engines” the Propshafts are back with their signature tune “I Was A Teenage Propshaft”. It’s available now as Pay What You Want with all monies received going to the charity Mary’s Meals. With one chord, lots of guests and only slightly more lyrical content than Lulu’s “I’m A Tiger” this is the band at their proto-punk best.
WHAT’S NEXT?
We have have a packed calendar of new releases for you over the next few months including releases from the following:
The Junta The Parasite Mesmer Disciples Crab Dance GI’s Moongoose West Coast Sick Line Moff Skellington Dominic Carlton Jones Space Museum Elastikbande The Screaming Love Collective Mark Corrin Inferior Complex Black Limousine sycloner
In the first of a series of podcasts Bouquet of Dead Crows introduce the first two tracks on their new release Celestial as well as chatting to Sandy Mill, Gavin Chappell-Bates and Dave Hammond. The interviews were recorded before the lockdown so information about gigs and festivals are now incorrect.
Bouquet of Dead Crows Neil and Karen get to give a run-down of the first half of the new album on the first episode of new podcast series “Clutching at Crumbs”
Bouquet of Dead Crows have announced that their brand new album ‘Hemispheres’ is now available to pre-order.
With the latest singles ‘Left To Rot’ & ‘Kaiju Hijinks’ included, the bands 3rd album, called “Hemispheres” is released through German Shepherd Records, and, is the first album featuring Karen Gadd on bass duties.
You can pre-order the album on CD today and receive an instant download of one of the tracks, and another five on May 22nd when the Celestial EP is released, the full physical album being released later in the year.
German Shepherd will digitally release the first 6 tracks, collectively known as Celestial on May 22nd via Bandcamp, Spotify and all of the main streaming/download sites.
Bouquet of Dead Crows continue the run up to the release of their next album “Hemispheres” with the release of the title track on video. A somewhat appropriate song in these crazy times as the key line in the chorus is….”It’s not the end of the world”! A big ballad with an epic sound it certainly brings forward another side of a band that continues to develop and grow.
In the run up to the release of the first half of the album – which is called “Celestial” and features the track the band will be releasing a series of podcasts to explain the genesis and the recording of the album. The EP length release will be on May 22nd.
This video follows the release of the two singles from the album “Left To Rot” and “Kaiji Hijinks”
The third full length album from Cambridge based alternative rock band Bouquet of Dead Crows welcomes new bassist Karen Gadd, which balances out the yin and yang within the quartet, and which also brings a fresh and revitalised feel to the bands sound.
The complete collection is called Hemispheres – the title of which describes an album of two parts – Celestial and Cerebral.
We released a first track from the album “Left to Rot” in October last year.
The second release from the album is a single “Kaiju Hijinks” which will be available via Bandcamp and all the main digital outlets from April 4th.
The recording of the second half of the album has been delayed so on May 22nd we will be releasing the first half of the album – Celestial. More details to follow!
This latest chapter in the Bouquet of Dead Crows story finds the quartet adopting a more progressive sound with their trademark riffs with big melodies approach being enhanced to incorporate more layered and nuanced elements, different time signatures, and more reflective and sometimes ambient sections. The duality of the album title is carried through to the music. Intense hard rocking sections contrast with quieter moments.
Artwork for the single has as usual been created by the highly talented Stewart Harris.
Our next release, on March 13th, is a digital only album by The Parasite called “Keep The Future Safe”. It will be available from Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play and many more digital outlets.
The Parasite is a project involving Ian Moss (Four Candles, The English Disease, 2 Lost Souls), and, Bob Osborne (Space Museum, Auster Boys, Passage of Time).
The latest release from the duo comprises eight new tunes which combines Moss’s spoken word/vocal delivery and lyrical dexterity, with Osborne’s unique take on sound design.
With subjects ranging from that boy in the Tank Top behind David Bowie, performing Star Man, on Top of The Pops (a seminal cultural moment), via urban decay, a tribute to Pete Shelley, and downside of being a Good Samaritan. This is another collection of music which we like to describe as Different Noises For Your Ears.
As a studio only band there is no plan for any live performances of this album.
BOUQUET OF DEAD CROWS SUBSCRIBER SPECIAL
Our subscriber special for March is a selection of early mixes of tracks from the new album byBouquet of Dead Crows. Six tracks from part 1 the new album “Hemispheres”, a collection called “Celestial”, are presented alongside a four way commentary from Neil, Toni, Andy and Karen from the band giving some insight into the creation of the music and its subject matter.
This music will not be available anywhere else and only subscribers to the label will be able to access this unique collection.
If you want to subscribe to our label – it’s only £40 a year for a minimum of 40 releases over 12 months, plus the majority of our back catalogue absolutely free; there’s also 10% off merch and subscriber specials like this one– then follow this LINK.
We will releasing an exclusive Bandcamp only collection of part 1 of the new album next month so non-subscribers will have to wait that little bit longer for the new music. The band will launch “Celestial” at a gig at The Blue Moon, Cambridge on April 4th. Here are a couple of live examples of what to expect from the new album …..
MARCH GIGS
We have a busy month ahead for gigs
Poppycock
8 Mar 2020 – The Spinning Top 20 Wellington Road South, SK4 1AA Stockport
Weimar
13 Mar 2020 – Railway Inn (Didsbury), 3 Lapwing Ln, Manchester M20 2NT, UK
Inferior Complex
14 Mar 2020 – The Acoustic Couch, 11 Market St, Bracknell RG12 1JG, UK
The Mind Sweepers with The Red Propellers
14 Mar 2020 – The Peer Hat, 14-16 Faraday St, Manchester M1 1BE, UK
Rose and the Diamond Hand
20 Mar 2020 – The Kings Arms, 11 Bloom St, Salford M3 6AN, UK
Four Candles and Adventures of Salvador
20 Mar 2020 – The Salty Dog, 23 High St, Northwich CW9 5BZ, UK
The English Disease
23 Mar 2020 – The Hatch Sheffield
Kit B and Inferior Complex
26 Mar 2020 – The Dublin Castle, 94 Parkway, Camden Town, London NW1 7AN, UK
Inferior Complex and Bouquet of Dead Crows
29 Mar 2020 – The Smokehouse, South Street Studios 6 South Street, Ipswich IP1 3NU, UK
We have a busy last week of October with four new releases planned for October 25th and a couple of high profile gigs for that weekend.
All releases are digital except where indicated and will be available from our Bandcamp Page and via Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon and all of the other usual digital platforms
ELASTIKBANDE – VACUUM CLEANER EP
Elastikbande are a brand new Manchester UK based three piece (post punk / grunge / garage rock) outfit featuring ex members of The Fall / Polythene, (Una Baines’) Poppycock and Rose & The Diamond Hand. Featuring Kate Themen on drums, Luisa Maraffino on guitar / backing vocals and Mark Corrin on bass / vocals.
The band’s sound is dynamic, melodic, catchy and often witty. Previously band member’s other work has featured on The John Peel Show, BBC Radio 1, 6 Music and BBC 3’s Late Junction, plus covered in blogs such as The Quietus and Louder Than War.
Their debut EP Vacuum Cleaner was recorded entirely live in the studio in Salford in August 2019 to capture the energy of the group’s stage show.
Musically Elastikbande have been compared to a blend of The Fall, Pavement, The Pixies and more. These early songs are about everything from household appliances to stage diving etiquette.
The band will be appearing at our showcase gig on October 25th at Gullivers, Manchester (see below)
Mark’s solo album from this year “Pub Bin” is also still available
Following the success of their album “Motus Octo” and a line-up change Cambridge alternative rock band “Bouquet of Dead Crows” is back with a brand new single “Left to Rot”. With new bassist Karen Gadd the band embark on the next phase in their career with a heavier sound …. they will be playing Manchester Gullivers on October 25th – and the Blue Moon Cambridge on 1st November as part of a gig swap with Manchester rockers The Parish Church Fire. FACEBOOK
MOFF SKELLINGTON – THE INFRASOUND GUEST
Moff follows up his “Strange Acrylic Night Custard” album with another journey into the mysterious realm of Abstercot in the company of The Infrasound Guest – tales of Pardonian customs, squirrels and Seraphs, and pillows for your Spasms amongst other strangeness add to the over 20 + albums he has released to date. Moff is the natural successor to Ivor Cutler and Viv Stanshall if those two had been fed on a diet of Pere Ubu, Cabaret Voltaire, Tom Waits and The Fall. Moff defies description so we won’t bother, you either get it or you don’t – we understand that to – but if you do get it please trumpet it from the highest pinnacles in your neighbourhood so he get the attention he rightly deserves.
Moff will be back next months with a fascinating new album via The Sleeping Ducks.
If you want to have a further taste of Strange Acrylic Night Custard …….
THE JUNTA – JE SUIS
Salford’s premier electrohead is back with a new six track EP The Junta is the alter-ego of Salford musician John “Monty” Montague. Monty, aside from delivering electronica via The Junta also plays bass in Kit B and Positronik and is a DJ on Salford City Radio and can be seen DJing at Wangies in Eccles on a Friday Night.
His new EP follows on from the highly regarded “Network” album and is packed with dance friendly beats inspired by the likes of Jean Michel Jarre, and Chemical Brothers.
The EP is launched on October 26th at The London Road Inn, Buxton with support from 243 Ida and Neural Dance
A limited edition CD version will be available at gigs and via our Bandcamp page.
We end October with a showcase gig (as mentioned above) at Gullivers, Oldham Street, Manchester with a great line up of
THE PARISH CHURCH FIRE
BOUQUET OF DEAD CROWS
ELASTIKBANDE
With the more rock/punk elements of our releases in play this promises to be a great evening of music with some special surprises promised by the headliners.
Tickets are available at SEETICKET.COM and the whole thing kicks off at 7pm
Hello and welcome to the weekly newsletter from German Shepherd Records.
This week
– The Parish Church Fire return with a stunning single
– The Scissors live album from Ipswich
– New video from Bouquet of Dead Crows
– Forthcoming gigs
THE PARISH CHURCH FIRE
Released on May 10th 2019, the single “Hunger” represents the rebirth of Manchester alternative rock band The Parish Church Fire. Coupled with b-side “Adam Raised a Cain” this is the first release by the band since Sam Smith (guitar, vocals, keyboards) & Joe Roberts (drums) combined to release Locamente via German Shepherd in 2016.
Joined by new members John Bardsley (bass) and Timothy Hughes (guitar) for the first time, the full on attack and disquieting quality of Hunger is underpinned by its b-side: a hard rock version of Bruce Springsteen’s Adam Raised a Cain from the 1978 album “Darkness on the Edge of Town”. Marking the start of a new era for Sam Smith, “Hunger” is the crystallisation of 6 and half years of work of trying to get The Parish Church Fire established as a live band as opposed to its previous role as a solo studio project.
On “Hunger” you hear the band in its new guise for the first time. The single will be followed by keynote gigs to launch and celebrate the band as a live entity. Recorded in April 2019 by founder of the band Sam Smith in his studio and produced by both Smith & drummer Joe Roberts, the release is as direct as its title and lyrics suggest: The Parish Church Fire are “hungry for more” following years of inactivity.
The b-side Adam Raised a Cain was carefully chosen to be a part of this release as its lyrical content is somewhat paired with Hunger and it will be an integral part of the bands upcoming shows in 2019.
An interview with Sam Smith about the renaissance of the band can be found here
FORTHCOMING GIGS
26th May – Strummercamp, Oldham Rugby Club
7th June – The Eagle, Salford
THE SCISSORS
May 10th also sees the release of a mini live album from Cambridge band The Scissors. Captured at The Smokehouse Ipswich with a selection of music from all three of their studio albums this is the band at their very best – vital, unrestrained and packed with energy.
Here’s a teaser…..
BOUQUET OF DEAD CROWS RELEASE NEW VIDEO
Bouquet of Dead Crows have a new video out today! Warning, It’s not for the faint-hearted – but if you’re brave enough then check out ‘Fragments (Black Hole Eyes) from their new album ‘Motus Octo’ now! Plans for a subscriber special version of the album are being assembled, watch this space for news!
GIGS
Forthcoming gigs featuring German Shepherd Artists:
May
1st to 31st – Moff Skellington has an art exhibition at Canwood Gallery and Sculpture Park, Checkley, Hertfordshire
3rd – The Scissors play The Blue Moon, Cambridge
3rd – Electric Cheese play The Ferret, Preston
4th – Adventures of Salvador, Positronik and Pearl Divers play Music on the Market Place Festival , Buxton
4th – The Mind Sweepers play The Frunge Festival, The Elmerglen Hotel, Thornhill
5th – Keltrix play The Green Man Brew Ballyhoo, Granchester
7th – Ian Moss performs in Unseasonal Beasts project with Simon “Ding” Archer at the Castle Hotel, Manchester as part of the MASS assembly event.
10th – Adventures of Salvador play Ramsbottom Cricket Club
11th – Keltrix play The Haymakers, Cambridge (Acoustic Set)
18th -Weimar play the Eagle, Salford supporting St Lucifer
18th – Pearl Divers and Dominic Carlton Jones play Malaga Drift, Church Street, Eccles
18th – Poppycock play Whalley Range Pride event at The Carlton Club
20th – Stewart Harris from Scissors on Dave Hammonds Smellypot Show on Cambridge 105 talking about the new live album
23rd – Inferior Complex play King Charles, Poole
24th – Inferior Complex play Royal Oak, Basingstoke
24th – Four Candles play Strummercamp at Oldham Rugby Club
25th – Sam Smith plays Strummercamp at Oldham Rugby Club
25th – Four Candles play PsyCo Circus Allday Extravaganza at The Peer Hat
26th – Adventures of Salvador plays Strummercamp at Oldham Rugby Club June
1st – Bouquet of Dead Crows (Portland Ballroom Stage) and Keltrix play Strawberry Fair, Midsummer Common, Cambridge
2nd – Inferior Complex play Bandstand, Eastleigh
5th – The Junta plays West Street Live, Sheffield
6th – Adventures of Salvador and Matthew Hopkins play Liverpool Fringe Festival
7th – The Parish Church Fire and Four Candles are playing The Eagle, Salford
7th – Inferior Complex play The Alexandra, Southampton
8th – Keltrix play Pride!, Jesus Green, Cambridge
8th – Inferior Complex play The Red House, Yeovil
15th – Paul Winter from The Mind Sweepers is supporting JD Meatyard at Leith Depot Edinburgh tickets are £5 with £1 going to local homeless charity.
20th – Inferior Complex play The King Charles, Poole
21st – Weimar play The Eagle, Salford
22nd – Inferior Complex play King Charles, Poole
24th – The Junta plays The Peer Hat, Manchester with Lucky + Love.
26th – Dominic Carlton Jones plays Cuckoo Calling (Featured Artist) Bury New Road, Prestwich
28th – Adventures of Salvador play The Castle, Oldham Street, Manchester – ALBUM RELEASE SHOW
28th – Inferior Complex play The Alexandra, Southampton July
5th – Mark Corrin’s Elastikbande play The Railway, Didsbury
5th – Inferior Complex play The Shooting Star, Southampton
6th – The Mind Sweepers play Electric Fields Festival, SWG3, Glasgow
13th – Umbrella Assassins play The Smokehouse, Ipswich
13th – Electric Cheese play Indiefest 2019 at The Boulevard, Wigan
19th – The Scissors with Moonstrips at Blue Moon Cambridge
20th – Keltrix play Whoosh Festival, The Missing Sock, Sto-Cum-Quy
28th – Monkeys In Love celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing at The Klondyke Club, Levenshulme – afternoon show between 1pm and 5pm
31st – The Junta plays The Peer Hat, Manchester August
9th – Mark Corrin’s Elastikbande play The Railway, Didsbury
10th – Weimar play Scarborough Apollo
16th – Keltrix play The Green Man, Granchester
25th – Toska Wilde plays It Came From The Sea II at The Centre, Margate October
12th October – Scissors play The Six Bells, Cambridge
26th October – Toska Wilde plays CULT 13 – Underground Alternative Night at The Venue Southend.
Hello and welcome to the latest edition of the German Shepherd Records Newsletter. This week
– Staggs release new single
– Subscriber Special Bouquet of Dead Crows Radio Sessions Collection
– Poppycock launch “Magic Mothers” Video
– Third Manchester Meltdown line-up announced
– Gigs!
STAGGS RETURN AND THEY HAVE ANGER ISSUES
Those fun frolicking STAGGS are back with a brand new single – ‘(Banned from) Anger Management’ and ‘Ner Ner Ner Ner Ner’ form the duo of in your face explosions of ire that make up “Staggs Cock Snooks”. We always want more from Ridley and Scott but they are both very busy doing other things. The usual STAGGS tropes are in play, with tongues firmly in cheeks. The most English of bands they distill the spirit of eccentric and regional into tidy little nuggets of sound.
SUBSCRIBER SPECIAL – BOUQUET OF DEAD CROWS RADIO SESSIONS
We have released yet another subscriber special. A twelve track album of radio sessions from Bouquet of Dead Crows.
Recorded with Stephen Doyle (Salford City Radio) Dave Hammond (Cambridge 105) and Sandy Mill (CAM FM) the band are in full acoustic mode delivering songs with emotion and grace in an entirely new light.
This release is exclusively for our subscribers. It will not be on general release.
If you take out a subscription now you will get 22 back catalogue items plus the next 12 months releases for a mere £40. An absolute bargain!
In parallel with the release of last weeks new single “Magic Mothers” Poppycock have launched a new video.
The band support Vic Godard at Yes (The Basement) on Charles Street, Manchester with ASBO Derek this coming Saturday 8th
THIRD MANCHESTER MELTDOWN LINE-UP ANNOUNCED
Ian has confirmed the line up of third Manchester Meltdown to be held on Wednesday 16th January at The Peer Hat in Manchester, the aforementioned Poppycock will be joined by Stoke-on-Trent band Model, the dazzling Factory Acts, with Four Candles making up the line-up at the festivals resident house band. It’s a mere £3 to get in and it runs from 8pm to 11pm.
GIGS
2018
December
6th – Bouquet of Dead Crows play Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge, Stamford
6th – The Scissors (plus Ember Rev and Goddammit Jeremiah) at Cambridge Cornerhouse.
7th – The Mind Sweepers play Coach & Horses, Dumfries
7th -Toska Wilde appearing at Connect With Nothing Event at The Lido, Margate
8th – The Mind Sweepers and Øre playing The Troqueer Arms Dumfries
8th – Bouquet of Dead Crows play The Horn at the Half Moon, Bishops Stortford
8th – Boz Hayward and Keltrix with Misharlo play The Peer Hat, Manchester
8th – Poppycock support Vic Godard at Yes (The Basement) on Charles Street, Manchester with ASBO Derek
8th – Øre will be playing their debut gig at the TA in Dumfries
22nd – Drink and Drive play Strummercamp Fundraiser and Oldham Rugby Club
28th – Drink and Drive, Four Candles play Whittles, Oldham
2019
January
2nd – Manchester Meltdown Series 2 at the Peer Hat. Only £3 featuring Saturn Mansion. Weimar, Trancedental Equations, and Four Candles
6th – The Mind Sweepers play the Big Burns Supper at The Hub, Dumfries
9th – Manchester Meltdown Series 2 at the Peer Hat. Only £3 featuring St Lucifer, Adventures of Salvador, Emily Oldfield and Four Candles
16th – Manchester Meltdown Series 2 at the Peer Hat. Only £3 featuring Poppycock, Factory Acts, Mystery Guest, and Four Candles
23rd – Manchester Meltdown Series 2 at the Peer Hat. Only £3 featuring Rose and the Diamond Hand, Matthew Hopkins, Bang Up The Elephant and Four Candles
25th – Ian Moss plays The Kings Arms, Salford
30th – Manchester Meltdown Series 2 at the Peer Hat. Only £3 featuring Springfield Elementary, Bobbie Peru, Elastikbande and Four Candles
February
1st – Weimar launch their debut single at The Eagle, Salford with support from Dominic Carlton Jones
9th – Scissors play NCI Club Cambridge (Cambridge Central Aid charity fundraiser, Scissors headlining, other acts TBC)
15th – Bouquet of Dead Crows play Bury Sound at Hunter Club, Bury St Edmunds
March
2nd – Four Candles, Johann Kloos and Rose Niland play the Peer Hat, Manchester, a benefit for Macmillan nurses as a memorial for Modal Roberts
This week we focus on the release of the brand new album from Cambridge alternative rockers Bouquet of Dead Crows.
Their second album “Motus Octo” is released on 23rd November. The title (referring to the fact that there are eight tracks on the album), essentially means ‘eight movements’, or eight emotions.
This is an altogether harder and more focused set of songs than the debut album “Of The Night” with the band embracing the heavier side of their music but retaining the melodic edge that sets them apart. Expect riffs galore, epic tunes with soaring vocals and a rhythm section which drives the band to new levels.
Pre-release CDs of the album have completely sold out however Limited Edition Colour Vinyl Versions of the album plus T-Shirts and gig tickets are available via this link
The album will be available digitally via Bandcamp and the following sites
I Tunes, Apple Music, I Tunes Match, I Tunes Radio, Spotify, Amazon, Google Play Napster, Media Play, Pulse Locker, 7 Digital, HMV Digital, Rdio, Pandora, I heart radio Deezer, Svooq, Slacker Radio, Nokia, 24 / 7 Entertainment, Shazam, Akazoo, Aspiro Wimp, Tidal, KK Box, Saavn, United Media Agency, AWA Music, Anghami Music Claro Musica, Yandex, You Tube Music
Bouquet of Dead Crows are:
Antoinette Cooper : Vocals
Neil Bruce : Guitars
Graeme Clarke : Bass
Andrew Coxall : Drums, Percussion, Trumpet, Synths & Keys, & Backing vocals
Jethro Steel of Goldblume is the guest vocalist on track 7 Cold Inside
The album was recorded and Produced By Neil Haynes at the Parlour
The band is touring to support the album with the following gigs:
NOVEMBER
15th – Esquires, Bedford
24th – The Blue Moon, Cambridge : ALBUM LAUNCH
29th – Gringos, Norwich
DECEMBER
1st – Smokehouse, Ipswich with label mates Umbrella Assassins
6th –Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge, Stamford
8th – The Horn at the Half Moon, Bishops Stortford
REVIEWS
……the quartet goes from the heavier waves of Alternative Metal to the charm of British Rock and the melancholy of Blues, extracting crisp and vibrant sounds from their instruments throughout the entire album, keeping us hooked on their music and always eager for more. THE HEADBANGING MOOSE
……with their second full length and a fuller, more aggressive sound emerges, consolidating the tension between the hard rock of the music and Toni Cooper’s melodic vocals. The music takes on a much broader more orchestral sound, the riffs are heavier, the structures are more complex. The band have demonstrated a clear development of their sound with this release. AURAL DELIGHTS
GERMAN SHEPHERD ARTISTS GIGS
Gigs are piling up for our artists – here is the current full list
2018
November
14th – The Junta is invading Lock 91, Deansgate Locks, Manchester. Free entry
15th – Bouquet of Dead Crows play Esquires, Bedford
17th – Drink and Drive and Four Candles play The Railway, Greenfield
17th – The Mindsweepers play The Riverside, Dumfries
17th – Poppycock and Aidan Cross (The Bacillus, Weimar) playing The Waldorf, Manchester as part of a Benefit gig for the NUJ Exiled Journalists Network
18th – Four Candles and Matthew Hopkins play The Eagle, Salford
22nd – Inferior Complex play The King Charles, Poole
23rd – Electric Cheese play Zombie Shack, Manchester
24th – Bouquet of Dead Crows launch new album Motus Octo at The Blue Moon, Cambridge
24th- Keltrix play The Crown & Pipes, Fenstanton
27th – Rose & The Diamond Hand plays The Kings Arms, Salford
29th – Bouquet of Dead Crows play Gringos, Norwich
29th – Four Candles play “Free Rock & Roll” at Sound, Duke Street, Liverpool
29th – Loop Aznavour plays El Manisero at Eva, Sackville Street, Manchester
December
1st – Toska Wilde plays Saks Southend on Sea as part of Cult 13 Showcase
1st – Bouquet of Dead Crows and Umbrella Assassins play Smokehouse, Ipswich
1st – Moet the Poet is back on the Independents Tour with JD Meatyard and others as MC at Bar 39 in Darwen.
2nd – Moet the Poet is back on the Independents Tour with JD Meatyard and others as MC at Sound, Liverpool
6th – Bouquet of Dead Crows play Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge, Stamford
6th – The Scissors at Cambridge Cornerhouse.
7th – The Mind Sweepers play Coach & Horses, Dumfries
7th -Toska Wilde appearing at Connect With Nothing Event at The Lido, Margate
8th – The Mind Sweepers and Øre playing The Troqueer Arms Dumfries
8th – Bouquet of Dead Crows play The Horn at the Half Moon, Bishops Stortford
8th – Boz Hayward and Keltrix with Misharlo play The Peer Hat, Manchester
8th – Sam Smith and The Ombudsmen play The Castle, Manchester
8th – Poppycock support Vic Godard at Yes (The Basement) on Charles Street, Manchester with ASBO Derek
8th – Øre will be playing their debut gig at the TA in Dumfries
22nd – Drink and Drive play Strummercamp Fundraiser and Oldham Rugby Club
28th – Drink and Drive and Four Candles play Whittles, Oldham
2019
January
2nd – Manchester Meltdown Series 2 at the Peer Hat. Only £3 featuring Saturn Mansion. Weimar, Trancedental Equations, and Four Candles
6th – The Mind Sweepers play the Big Burns Supper at The Hub, Dumfries
9th – Manchester Meltdown Series 2 at the Peer Hat. Only £3 featuring St Lucifer, Adventures of Salvador, Emily Oldfield and Four Candles
16th – Manchester Meltdown Series 2 at the Peer Hat. Only £3 featuring Poppycock, Factory Acts, Mystery Guest, and Four Candles
23rd – Manchester Meltdown Series 2 at the Peer Hat. Only £3 featuring Rose and the Diamond Hand, Matthew Hopkins, Bang Up The Elephant and Four Candles
25th – Dominic Carlton Jones, Ian Moss and Toska Wilde play The Kings Arms, Salford
30th – Manchester Meltdown Series 2 at the Peer Hat. Only £3 featuring Springfield Elementary, Bobbie Peru, Elastikbande and Four Candles
February
9th – Scissors play NCI Club Cambridge (Cambridge Central Aid charity fundraiser, Scissors headlining, other acts TBC)
March
2nd – Four Candles, Johann Kloos and Rose Niland play the Peer Hat, Manchester, a benefit for Macmillan nurses as a memorial for Modal Roberts
m.t. scott launches new single “Don’t Mention The War”
Taciturn North Easterner and all round renaissance man m.t. scott is back, in partnership with Josephine Dechamp, with a just over six minute tune of epic grandeur.”Don’t Mention The War” which releases digitally on November 9th.
Scott says:
On holiday against nature, Basil Fawlty meets Marlene Dietrich in a nazi death camp. They examine British heavy metal graffiti and take photographs. True story.
Alternatively we say:
Noir…..a piano lost in a soundscape of menace…..bitter sweet melodies dance across a blackened landscape…..the perfect lullaby for Brexit times…..Scott and Dechamp interlock in a post-referendum slow dance echoing Christopher Isherwood, or Truman Capote or Dagmar Krause…..nothing seems real but conversely this is all true….only your own solipsism can lead you astray. Watch out for the falling Moose..
Our first ten subscribers will be getting their own signed print of scott’s art alongside this release (see below)
He is now working on the next Staggs release with Ridley which we anticipate will arrive just before Christmas.
Bouquet of Dead Crows Podcast Interview
Anticipating the release of the Dead Crows sophomore album “Motus Octo” a fulsome appearance on Local Distortion Podcast offers an opportunity to listen to the band talking about the new album amongst other things.
We are pleased to introduce you to Stockport based instrumentalists The Ombudsmen. Coming across like the mutant offspring of Frank Zappa, Captain Beefheart and John Zorn but with added Greater Manchester vibes and an in your face your attitude they are definitely one to note for the future. With a handful of gigs under their collective belts and a growing reputation we thank Sam Smith for bringing them to our attention.
Whilst we are not, as yet, releasing anything by the band, we are taking the opportunity to assist with promotion and introduce them to the wider world with a selection of demo tracks. The band aim to get into the studio sometime in 2019 to get some material down.
Pending that say hello to them on Facebook and listen to them on Bob’s Aural Delights show over coming weeks.
Manchester Meltdown Returns
Ian Moss’s weekly residency at The Peer Hat returns in January next year with five consecutive Wednesday with four bands each night. Starting at 8pm each night the entrance is ridiculously cheap at £3
Details below:
Subscribers Update
Having reached our first target of ten subscribers we are introducing a special gift for the next ten new subscribers who will receive a CD from our back catalogue when they sign up.
Sign up here – for £40 you get all our releases for 12 months, ten selected items from our back catalogue, subscriber only specials, and everything we have released since we launched the service!
Gigs
2018
November
1st – Bouquet of Dead Crows play The Dublin Castle, London
2nd – The Strays play Zombie Shack, Manchester
5th – Weimar are playing The Peer Hat supporting Madmoizel.
14th – The Junta is invading Lock 91, Deansgate Locks, Manchester
15th – Bouquet of Dead Crows play Esquires, Bedford
17th – Drink and Drive and Four Candles play The Railway, Greenfield
17th – The Mindsweepers play The Riverside, Dumfries
18th – Four Candles and Matthew Hopkins play The Eagle, Salford
22nd – Inferior Complex play The King Charles, Poole
23rd – Electric Cheese play Zombie Shack, Manchester
24th – Bouquet of Dead Crows launch new album Motus Octo at The Blue Moon, Cambridge
24th- Keltrix play The Crown & Pipes, Fenstanton.
29th – Bouquet of Dead Crows play Gringos, Norwich
29th – Four Candles play “Free Rock & Roll” at Sound, Duke Street, Liverpool
29th – Loop Aznavour plays El Manisero at Eva, Sackville Street, Manchester
December
1st – Toska Wilde plays Saks Southend on Sea as part of Cult 13 Showcase
1st – Bouquet of Dead Crows and Umbrella Assassins play Smokehouse, Ipswich
1st – Moet the Poet is back on the Independents Tour with JD Meatyard and others as MC at Bar 39 in Darwen.
2nd – Moet the Poet is back on the Independents Tour with JD Meatyard and others as MC at Sound, Liverpool
6th – Bouquet of Dead Crows play Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge, Stamford
6th – The Scissors (plus Ember Rev and Goddammit Jeremiah) at Cambridge Cornerhouse.
8th – Bouquet of Dead Crows play The Horn at the Half Moon, Bishops Stortford
8th – Boz Hayward and Keltrix with Misharlo play The Peer Hat, Manchester
8th – Poppycock support Vic Godard at Yes (The Basement) on Charles Street, Manchester with ASBO Derek
8th – Øre will be playing their debut gig at the TA in Dumfries
22nd – Drink and Drive play Strummercamp Fundraiser and Oldham Rugby Club
28th – Drink and Drive play Whittles, Oldham
2019
January
2nd – Manchester Meltdown Series 2 at the Peer Hat. Only £3 featuring Saturn Mansion. Weimar, Trancedental Equations, and Four Candles
9th – Manchester Meltdown Series 2 at the Peer Hat. Only £3 featuring St Lucifer, Adventures of Salvador, Emily Oldfield and Four Candles
16th – Manchester Meltdown Series 2 at the Peer Hat. Only £3 featuring Poppycock, Factory Acts, Mystery Guest, and Four Candles
23rd – Manchester Meltdown Series 2 at the Peer Hat. Only £3 featuring Rose and the Diamond Hand, Matthew Hopkins, Bang Up The Elephant and Four Candles
25th – Dominic Carlton Jones plays at the Kings Arms, Salford
30th – Manchester Meltdown Series 2 at the Peer Hat. Only £3 featuring Springfield Elementary, Bobbie Peru, Elastikbande and Four Candles
March
2nd – Four Candles play the Peer Hat, Manchester, a benefit for Macmillan nurses as a memorial for Modal Roberts
Hello and welcome to this weeks edition of the German Shepherd Newsletter.
In this issue:
Matthew Hopkins release first single – with a special deal for subscribers
Ian Moss teams up with Mark Corrin for a new Mistletoe Release
Sam Smith launches new single on Sunday
Cambridge band Lizard Brain join German Shepherd for their new album
Bouquet Dead release a new video from forthcoming album
Special subscriber offer for new m.t.scott single
Some new gig announcements!
MATTHEW HOPKINS
As trailed last week North West Trio of Julia Nelson and Anne & Max Calderbank release their first single on German Shepherd Records on November 2nd. General distribution via the usual digital outlets will be provided for lead track “Something” – two additional tracks “Hey Joe” and “Lachrymose” will be subscriber only releases via Bandcamp.
MISTLETOE RELEASE NEW EP
Ian Moss is back with a brand new EP called “Made To Break” this time in partnership with famed Manchester area musician and DJ Mark Corrin. Ian says “Accidents will happen and plans go awry , a Moss/Corrin live summit had been bubbling and then evaporated but from the plume of steam signifying the end of that project the idea of a recorded project was trapped in a bottle and given a shake. Unscrew the top carefully and see what is released back into the air”.
Corrin backing tracks and Moss vocals were glued together by the Auster Boys to produce three pieces where Moss’s intriguing spoken word is coupled with atmospheric sounds.
The EP is released on November 2nd.
Moss and Corrin’s previous collaboration “Ali Baba” was a bit special….
SAM SMITH LAUNCHES NEW SINGLE ON SUNDAY
The much trailed new single from Sam Smith – formerly of the Parish Church Fire and alter ego of Franco Bandini – gets released on Sunday 29th October complete with video. A special newsletter will be released on the day to celebrate this event.
LIZARD BRAIN JOIN GERMAN SHEPHERD
Increasing our Cambridge band count to five we are pleased to announce we will be releasing the new album from Lizard Brain in the new year. The melodic quartet have had two album releases to date and are recognised as one of the most exciting bands coming out of Cambridge. The band appeared on Cambridge Calling Volume 1.
Watch this space for more news.
DEAD CROWS LAUNCH ANOTHER VIDEO
In preparation for the release of new album “Motus Octo” Bouquet of Dead Crows have launched another video from the album with track 2 “The Devil’s in the Detail” – also featuring guest miming from Stewart of The Scissors and Garry from Umbrella Assassins it’s a strong indicator of the quality of the forthcoming album.
SUBSCRIBER SPECIAL
The new single “Don’t Mention The War” from m.t. scott is released on 9th November. In a one-off special gift our first ten subscribers will receive a unique signed print of one of ten images created by Michael. With subscription places going fast signing up to the service is strongly recommended if fans want to claim their free gift. Here is an example of one of the prints.
GIGS
A number of new gigs have been announced since our last newsletter and these are highlighted in bold in the list below
2018
October
24th – Umbrella Assassins play Pim Jam Festival Fundraiser at the Haverhill Arts Centre
25th – Bouquet of Dead Crows play The Pepys, Huntingdon – acoustic gig 27th – Pearl Divers play Red Wall, New Victoria Mills, Bury
November
1st – Bouquet of Dead Crows play The Dublin Castle, London
2nd – The Strays play Zombie Shack, Manchester
5th – Weimar are playing The Peer Hat supporting Madmoizel. 14th – The Junta is invading Lock 91, Deansgate Locks, Manchester
15th – Bouquet of Dead Crows play Esquires, Bedford
17th – Drink and Drive and Four Candles play The Railway, Greenfield
17th – The Mindsweepers play The Riverside, Dumfries 18th – Four Candles and Matthew Hopkins play The Eagle, Salford
22nd – Inferior Complex play The King Charles, Poole
24th – Bouquet of Dead Crows launch new album Motus Octo at The Blue Moon, Cambridge
24th- Keltrix play The Crown & Pipes, Fenstanton.
29th – Bouquet of Dead Crows play Gringos, Norwich
29th – Four Candles play “Free Rock & Roll” at Sound, Duke Street, Liverpool
December
1st – Toska Wilde plays Saks Southend on Sea as part of Cult 13 Showcase
1st – Bouquet of Dead Crows and Umbrella Assassins play Smokehouse, Ipswich
1st – Moet the Poet is back on the Independents Tour with JD Meatyard and others as MC at Bar 39 in Darwen.
2nd – Moet the Poet is back on the Independents Tour with JD Meatyard and others as MC at Sound, Liverpool
6th – Bouquet of Dead Crows play Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge, Stamford
6th – The Scissors (plus Ember Rev and Goddammit Jeremiah) at Cambridge Cornerhouse.
8th – Bouquet of Dead Crows play The Horn at the Half Moon, Bishops Stortford
8th – Boz Hayward and Keltrix with Misharlo play The Peer Hat, Manchester
8th – Poppycock support Vic Godard at Yes (The Basement) on Charles Street, Manchester with ASBO Derek
8th – Øre will be playing their debut gig at the TA in Dumfries
22nd – Drink and Drive play Strummercamp Fundraiser and Oldham Rugby Club
28th – Drink and Drive play Whittles, Oldham
2019
March 2nd – Four Candles play the Peer Hat, Manchester, a benefit for Macmillan nurses as a memorial for Modal Roberts
AND FINALLY WE HAVE JUST HIT 750 LIKES ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE – THANKS FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT. CHECK US OUT HERE
Hello and welcome to the German Shepherd Newsletter for this week. We have had a busy few weeks so this edition is slightly longer than normal.
This week
– A new EP from Night Operations
– Bouquet of Dead Crows release the first video from Motus Octo
– Inferior Complex feature in compilation album
– Subscriber Option and first subscriber special
– Gigs
AREA 51
Night Operations, aka Mike Powell, returns with a five track EP including the stand-out track from the Advantage album – Area 51. The release includes radio and album edits of the track as well as three remixes of another track from the album “Forbidden Fruit”. Radical reworkings of Forbidden Fruit are by The Screaming Love Collective, Issac Navaro and The Auster Boys. Pristine modern electronica with pop smarts.
FACEBOOK – @nightoperations
INCESSANT DESIRE
Bouquet of Dead Crows are trailing their new album Motus Octo with the rifftastic “Incessant Desire”. Shot in one take the video is a trip around the bands’ rehearsal space with clever placement of song lyrics:
The band are gigging to support the album.
25th of October – The Samuel Pepys Diary Rooms, Huntingdon (Acoustic Gig)
1st of November – Dublin Castle Pub, London
15th of November – Bedford Esquires
24th of November – The Blue Moon, Cambridge – ALBUM LAUNCH
29th of November – Gringos Mexican Tequila Bar,Norwich
1st of December – The Smokehouse, Ipswich
6th of December – Mama Liz’s, Voodoo Lounge, Stamford
8th of December – The Horn at The Half Moon, Bishops Stortford
We will reveal more about the album in future weeks. The limited edition album bundles are now sold out but fans can still pre-order the album on CD and Vinyl, as well as grab tickets for the album launch at their site
FACEBOOK @deadcrows
SOUTHAMPTON PUNKS
Inferior Complex have donated a track, “Southampton Punks” to a new limited edition CD only charity release called “Taking Liberties”. In a review of the CD for Louder Than War Ged Babey’s says
“….. Their contribution here is a historical artefact in itself. Entitled ‘Southampton Punks’ its a recited list of 70 odd people who were there in 1976-1979. ( Obviously there will be some omissions but…) it’s an attempt at documenting the history as they see it, respectfully including the deceased, the living and contemporaries from Stratejacket, Catch 22 and the Men They Couldn’t Hang. Musically it’s a great piece of distinctive, moody slow-build post-punk. Guest narrator Paul Beazley does a sterling job. It’s an emotional centrepiece to a very enjoyable compilation.”
FACEBOOK @arp2011
SUBSCRIBE TO GERMAN SHEPHERD RECORDS
As trailed last week we have now launched our new Subscription Option via Bandcamp. With our subscription, fans can get all of our new releases for just £40 a year (less than a pound a week!), while supporting our label and our roster of great artists directly. Given we release over 40 items a year this is a great value for money choice.
If fans would like to pay more for the subscription they can. The more generous they are the more we can do!
German Shepherd is owned, operated and funded by us, on a not for profit basis We pride ourselves on being grass-roots, DIY and artist-focused. We started in 2014 and have been slowly growing a fan base and getting the support of a selection of friendly DJs and bloggers who feature what we do. However changes in the music industry, and price increases, have made it harder than ever for small labels like ours to stay in business in today’s climate. A subscription directly helps us to continue releasing great music and in turn support some of the best underground artists out there.
The result a load of great music and special offers
– All new releases automatically added to your Bandcamp account and available to download
– A selection of items from our back catalogue completely free when you first sign up
– A 10% discount on merch items including CDs, T-Shirts and Gig Tickets
– Special releases which are only available to subscribers – they will not be sold anywhere else
– Regular blog updates from us on what we are up to
All income, after admin fees from Bandcamp, goes direct to the bands, or to the nominated charity we are supporting on specific releases.
Our first Special Release will be a new Spoken Word collection from Ian Moss featuring ten new pieces.
FORTHCOMING GIGS FEATURING GERMAN SHEPHERD ARTISTS
October
11th – An Evening with Moff Skellington at The Peer Hat, Manchester
13th – Poppycock playing a Fates set at Yes, Manchester supporting Virginia Wing
14th – Positronik and The Strays are at Fab Cafe, Portland Street, Manchester
17th – The Strays play West Street Live, Sheffield
19th – The Strays play A.M.P. Music Bar, Buxton
19th – Inferior Complex play The Hobbit, Southampton
24th – Umbrella Assassins play Pim Jam Festival Fundraiser at the Haverhill Arts Centre
25th – Bouquet of Dead Crows play The Pepys, Huntingdon – acoustic gig
25th – Ian Moss appears at El Manisero, Innside, Manchester
November
1st – Bouquet of Dead Crows play The Dublin Castle, London
15th – Bouquet of Dead Crows play Esquires, Bedford
17th – Drink and Drive and Four Candles play The Railway, Greenfield
22nd – Inferior Complex play The King Charles, Poole
24th – Bouquet of Dead Crows launch new album Motus Octo at The Blue Moon, Cambridge
29th – Bouquet of Dead Crows play Gringos, Norwich
29th – Four Candles play “Free Rock & Roll” at Sound, Duke Street, Liverpool
December
1st – Toska Wilde plays Saks Southend on Sea as part of Cult 13 Showcase
1st – Bouquet of Dead Crows and Umbrella Assassins play Smokehouse, Ipswich
6th – Bouquet of Dead Crows play Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge, Stamford
6th – The Scissors (plus Ember Rev and Goddammit Jeremiah) at Cambridge Cornerhouse.
8th – Bouquet of Dead Crows play The Horn at the Half Moon, Bishops Stortford
8th – Boz Hayward and Keltrix with Misharlo play The Peer Hat, Manchester
8th – Poppycock support Vic Godard at Yes (The Basement) on Charles Street, Manchester with ASBO Derek
8th – Øre will be playing their debut gig at the TA in Dumfries
22nd – Drink and Drive play Strummercamp Fundraiser and Oldham Rugby Club
28th – Drink and Drive play Whittles, Oldham
Hello and welcome to the latest edition of the German Shepherd Records newsletter.
This week:
– The new album from Dominic Carlton Jones
– Previewing the new album from Bouquet of Dead Crows
– Looking forward to the Salford Music Festival
– Moff Skellington update
– Welcome Matthew Hopkins
– New gig announcements
DOMINIC CARLTON JONES – DEBUT ALBUM
As trailed last week Salford singer-songwriter Dominic Carlton Jones returns with his debut album “Salford Punk Poetry Sadness Death New Life”. This nine song collection includes a dizzying array of genres and sounds, including spoken word, instrumentals and Dominic’s trade-mark clear and direct ballads; there are also dips into experimental and ambient sounds. The themes of the album centre around the recent death of Dominic’s father from cancer, and in that context there is a heartfelt tribute to legendary Fall front-man and Salfordian Mark E. Smith who also battled the disease. The new release serves also as a perfect follow on from Dominic’s debut release “1”.
The album releases on October 5th in digital form only via Bandcamp and a range of other digital outlets.
Here is a sample track with the emotional “Fall Over Into Something New”
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.”
BOUQUET OF DEAD CROWS – TEASER PREVIEW
We are gearing up for the release of the second album from Cambridge band Bouquet of Dead Crows in November with a preview of their track “Cold Inside”.
The band are touring extensively over the new few months please see the gig list below for details (although the band seem to think it’s above!).
Manchester and Salford German Shepherd chums are encouraged to visit Eccles next Saturday for the second night of the Salford Musical Festival. Four Candles will be playing as part of packed evening of fine music including Bobbie Peru, Plexus, Garsoons, Jess Kemp, Surreal Kinnock and Blaney. There will also be a tribute to Mark E. Smith at the start of the evening from 6:30pm. There is a late bar and all of those artists can be watched for just £6. The venue is the Gilda Brook Club (the old Liberal Club) on Wellington Road, which is ten minute walk from Eccles Interchange. Fans can secure their ticket now by visiting the Salford Music Festival site . A full weekend ticket is just £10 which gets you two nights of entertainment and we highly recommend both nights.
MOFF SKELLINGTON UPDATE
Moff has a second EP under the Uncle Roy’s Utopian Vision Saga released on October 12th which coincides with his gig in Manchester the day before at The Peer Hat. Recorded in a morning at the legendary Uterus Cottage studios Moff explores his post-punk side with fervour. The lantern show at the Peer Hat promises to deliver an evening of Moff wonderment with his trademark wit and sideways look at the world. The event is not ticketed and is a mere £3.50. More details on the EP next week.
MATTHEW HOPKINS JOIN GERMAN SHEPHERD
Melodic avant rock trio Matthew Hopkins have joined the German Shepherd family – more details next week but pending that here’s a sample of their excellent song-craft with the track “Something”
GIGS
Poppycock follow up their excellent set at The Peer Hat last week with a new outing on October 13th at new Manchester Venue Yes supporting Virginia Wing. The promoters have listed it as a Fates gig but it will be the Poppycock line-up playing Fates material. – Facebook event link here –
Here is the full gig list
SEPTEMBER
27th – Inferior Complex play Ferndown RBL
27th – Electric Cheese support Tom Hingley at Preston Guildhall
28th – Inferior Complex play The Shooting Star, Southampton
28th – The Strays play Park Hotel, Wigan – Musicians Against Homelessness gig
29th – Four Candles play Salford Music Festival at The Gilda Brook Social Club, Weliington Road, Monton, Eccles
29th – Boz Hayward plays Levenshulme Market (afternoon gig)
29th – The Strays play The Jolly Collier, Heanor
29th – Bouquet of Dead Crows Play Deepdale Festival, Norwich
30th – Keltrix play Camboaters River Festival, Jesus Green, Cambridge, 6pm
OCTOBER
5th – Electric Cheese play The Railway as part of Chorley Live
5th – The Scissors are at Oxford Wheatsheaf (Klub Kakofanney).
6th – Taser Puppets play Lost Bar and Club as part of Chorley Live
6th – Electric Cheese play Cunliffe Hall as part of Chorley Live
6th – Toska Wilde plays Saks Southend on Sea as part of Cult 13 Showcase
6th – Inferior Complex play Liberties, Southampton
11th – An Evening with Moff Skellington at The Peer Hat, Manchester
13th – Poppycock playing a Fates set at Yes, Manchester supporting Virginia Wing
14th – Taser Puppets play TNT Punk Fest at The Peer Hat, Manchester
14th – Positronik and The Strays are at Fab Cafe, Portland Street, Manchester
17th – The Strays play West Street Live, Sheffield
19th – Taser Puppets play Old Courts, Wigan
19th – The Strays play A.M.P. Music Bar, Buxton
25th – Bouquet of Dead Crows play The Pepys, Huntingdon – acoustic gig
25th – Ian Moss appears at El Manisero, Innside, Manchester
NOVEMBER
1st – Bouquet of Dead Crows play The Dublin Castle, London
2nd – German Shepherd Records Fundraiser at The Peer Hat, Manchester – with Drink and Drive, Taser Puppets, The Strays and Flea
15th – Bouquet of Dead Crows play Esquires, Bedford
17th – Drink and Drive and Four Candles play The Railway, Greenfield
22nd – Inferior Complex play The King Charles, Poole
24th – Bouquet of Dead Crows launch new album Motus Octo at The Blue Moon, Cambridge
29th – Bouquet of Dead Crows play Gringos, Norwich
29th – Four Candles play “Free Rock & Roll” at Sound, Duke Street, Liverpool
DECEMBER
1st – Toska Wilde plays Saks Southend on Sea as part of Cult 13 Showcase
1st – Bouquet of Dead Crows and Umbrella Assassins play Smokehouse, Ipswich
6th – Bouquet of Dead Crows play Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge, Stamford
8th – Bouquet of Dead Crows play The Horn at the Half Moon, Bishops Stortford
8th – Boz Hayward and Keltrix with Misharlo play The Peer Hat, Manchester
8th – Poppycock support Vic Godard at Yes (The Basement) on Charles Street, Manchester with ASBO Derek
8th – Øre will be playing their debut gig at the TA in Dumfries
22nd – Drink and Drive play Strummercamp Fundraiser and Oldham Rugby Club
28th – Drink and Drive play Whittles, Oldham/
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
We are pleased to announce the release of a brand new album from Cambridge based folk/electro act Keltrix. However, for this album, the electro part of the sound has been put aside to reveal the duo’s folk roots. Taking the best of the previous albums and adding two new tracks from the next album “Herstory” Sharon and Keri have stripped things back to just voice, guitar and violin to create a stunning collection of songs. Recorded at Sharon Sullivans home studio this is the Keltrix sound stripped bare – hence the album’s title “Naked”
Released digitally on June 8th via Bandcamp, Spotify, ITunes, Apple Music and many more digital outlets this is a chance to hear Keltrix as you have never heard them before. In addition, we are making available via our Bandcamp Merch Page a limited edition CD of the album.
Keri (singer/songwriter) and Sharon (violinist/producer) first met when performing with Dj’s and Live PA’s at dance music club nights back in the late 90’s. It wasn’t until several years later, however, that Keri formed the original Keltrix, an alt/folk/rock band that Sharon soon joined. After several years, two albums and a certain amount of success, a continuing love of 90’s rave and trip-hop, along with the desire to progress musically, meant it was time to change direction. The 2015 double album Between Storms (band)/Beyond Storms (electro) was the turning point and Keltrix has been a live electro act ever since. Last years 4th album “Bobby Says” was a critical success.
Naked is a release which bridges the previous album “Bobby Says” and the planned new one “Herstory”. It is an acoustic album in a step away from the electronic direction Keltrix have followed of late. It contains two brand new tracks, both of which will be on the next album, albeit in a slightly different form. The rest of the selections are Keri and Sharon’s favourites from previous albums – the greatest hits of Keltrix. After ten years of constant recording and gigging Keltrix are taking a breather with a quieter year concentrating on the development and recording of the next album.
The album will be launched at the Corner House in Cambridge on 15th June – Featuring live acoustic music with special guests Heather McVey and Emily Fraser, and glamorous assistance and spanking sets from DJ Cabbage. Merch will be on sale including limited edition ‘Naked’ Albums plus T-Shirts & Vests. It’s £5 entry. Doors 8.30pm Live music from 9pm.
You can hear an interview with Keri and Sharon below
The “Bobby Says” album succeeds magnificently in its attempts to pull together several strands and in doing so create a sound that, if not unique is certainly rare, engaging and very rewarding.- Dave Hammond, Sounds
In a show of brilliant variety – and one of the most striking acts I have seen for a long time – Keltrix were last up on the bill. They are an award-winning trio infusing electro folk with acoustic instrumentation, almost grungy, gutsy vocals and spiralling soundscapes. This is folk music with a fiery, flighty sense to it, and I was quickly entranced. – Emliy Oldfield, Louder Than War
MANCHESTER MELTDOWN
The Set times have been announced for the Manchester Meltdown event at the Peer Hat, Manchester on June 23rd. There has been a lot of interest shown in the event so we recommend either purchasing an early bird ticket from behind the bar at the venue, or registering for a ticket
Early purchase gets you the discounted price of £7.50 – the cost will be £9 on the day. The venue capacity is limited to 150.
Here are the set times:….
2-45 – 3-25 Monkeys in Love
3-45 – 4-25 Flea
4-45 – 5-25 Diagonal Science
5-45 – 6-00 Susan and Matt (Factory Acts)
6-30 – 7-10 Four Candles
7-30 – 8-10. Drink and Drive
8-30 – 9-10 The Empty Page
9-30 -10-10 Bobbie Peru
10-30 – 11-10 The Sandells
The Prick Jaggers will make a short appearance sometime during the day and Stephen Doyle of Salford City Radio will be spinning the tunes throughout the day between the sets.
BOUQUET OF DEAD CROWS MINI-TOUR
Following the release of the single “Bunched Up Bradley” Bouquet of Dead Crows are stepping outside of Cambridge for three dates…..
9th June – Manchester AATMA with Goldblume and The Junta
10 June – Newcastle Bar Loco with Goldblume and The Junta
21st June – Bedford Esquires – supporting Sunlight for Honey (free entry)
The band will be back in Cambridgeshire on July 28th for the Pim Jam festival in Haverhill
OTHER UPCOMING GIGS FEATURING OUR ARTISTS
1st June – Inferior Complex are supporting the Chameleons Vox at the Joiners in Southampton as part of their 35th-anniversary tour
2nd June – The Strays play The Station Hotel, Ashton U Lyne
2nd June – The Scissors and Keltrix play Rebel Arts Stage, Strawberry Fair, Cambridge
3rd June – The Mind Sweepers play The Lantern, Dumfries
6th June – The Junta plays Chancers Cabaret, Carlton Club, Whalley Range, Manchester
7th June – The Mind Sweepers are playing Rabbies Tavern at Eden Festival.
9th June – Poppycock play The Mechanics Centre, Manchester
9th June – Toska Wilde and JD Meatyard play 101 Social Club, Margate
9th June -Inferior Complex play the Bandstand, Eastleigh
15h June – Keltrix launch their new album at The Corner House, Cambridge,
23rd June – Manchester Meltdown Summer All Day Special – see details above
30th June – The Scissors play Knackfest, Karma Farm, Isleham Fen
7th July – Toska Wilde plays SAKS, Southend on Sea as part of Cult 13
21st July – Mesmer Disciples play Alston Festival
28th July – Drink and Drive play Peer Hat, Manchester
15th September – The Scissors and Charlie Marshall play The Cornerhouse, Cambridge
15th September – Drink and Drive play Agueda, Portugal
21st September – Four Candles, Poppycock and Charlie Marshall play The Peer Hat, Manchester
RELEASES IN THE PIPELINE
15/06/2018Loop -Aznavour – When Casios Walked The Earth – New EP from the Adventures of Salvador singer
15/06/2018The Junta – All Roads – A new single featuring first time vocals from The Junta
15/06/2018Pearl Divers -The Past Aint Made To Last – digital re-release of the EP
22/06/2018Four Candles-Strange Things- the first of three singles featuring new recordings
29/06/2018The Colourful Disease – Economics – Moff Skellington and Ian “Moet” Moss are back with some new material under a new name.
06/07/2018Auster Boys with Moet – Unnatural Appetites – A new collaboration between Northampton’s finest and Mr Moss
13/07/2018m.t. scott– Seven Country Ballads– a new EP from the mercurial Mr Scott
RECENT RELEASES
Our releases in April and May of this year are listed below – please see our Bandcamp page to have a listen or check them out on ITunes, Spotify, Amazon, Play Music, Napster, Medianet, 7 digital, Rdio, Deezer, zvook, Slacker Radio, Nokia, eMusic, 24/7, Shazam, akazoo, asprio, kkbox, and saavn.
13/04/2018Mistletoe-We See
20/04/2018Mesmer Disciples-The Big O
20/04/2018Kit B – Real Voodoo
27/04/2018Moff Skellington – Bargains Are A Hollow Syrup
27/04/2018The Strays – Richard Dreyfuss
04/05/2018Inferior Complex – Science
04/05/2018Toska Wilde with Brucie Bitch – T Gurl
04/05/2018The Junta vs Loop-Aznavour – Welcome To My Village
11/05/2018Keltrix – Long Long Way
18/05/2018Øre – This Island Earth
18/05/2018Bouquet of Dead Crows- Bunched Up Bradley
Anticipating their new single Bouquet of Dead Crows have let loose a video of the killer tune “Bunched Up Bradley”. It is released 18th May and this Star Wars Themed intro and in studio footage lets you enjoy the new tune in all its glory. An album is due in September and the band are playing a series of dates in Manchester, Newcastle and Bedford in early June.
After two and a half years of operation Greater Manchester based not for profit label German Shepherd Records has reached the milestone of a 200th release.
To celebrate this auspicious occasion label owners Ian and Bob asked the artists on the roster to contribute material for a compilation album. As with previous milestone releases from the label all proceeds will be directed towards a charity, in this case the Salford based homelessness charity Coffee4Craig which is based in Weaste which is close to the German Shepherd kennel in Eccles.
The compilation contains seventeen tracks and consists of a wide variety of musical genres reflecting the eclectic release policy of the label. From the proto punk of The Get through the psychedelic disco punk grooves of the Screaming Collective, a massive piece of post-rock ambience from Issac Navaro, the alt folk of Keltrix, and the rock styliings of Berllin’s PrunX, amongst many others there is fascinating musical variety from all over the UK, and all the way from Berlin. We are very grateful to JD Meatyard for contributing a track from his new album “Collectivise”. There are brand new tracks, new versions of previously released tracks, and remixes!
The artists contributing to the release are
The Get
JD Meatyard
The Screaming Love Collective
m.t. scott
Issac Navaro
Moff Skellingon
The Junta
Space Mueum
House Mouse
Toska Wilde
Keltrix
Pearl Divers
Night Operations
The Electric Cheese
Bouquet of Dead Crows
PrunX
Dominic Carlton Jones
The stunning artwork for the release was contributed by Andy Quayle (Moff Skellington).
Sample track “Come On” from The Screaming Love Collective :
The compilation is released on August 11th and people are asked to pay £3 or more via Bandcamp. There will be wider distribution via Amazon, I Tunes, Spotify and many other digital platforms but the album will be priced higher through those platforms.
All profits net of distribution costs will be directed towards Coffee4Craig.
June 2nd sees the release of a new EP “Universal Fluid” by German Shepherd Records artist Space Museum.
The six song collection comprises collaborations with other artists from the label including:
Toska Wilde with Bruce from The Get
Moff Skellington
m.t. scott
Positronik
Bouquet of Dead Crows
Of the new release Space Museum reports the following:
“I hit a bit of a creative black spot with my own work so I decided to go back to my original methods and re-imagine the work of other fine musicians on the record label. This has resulted in an interesting collection of material across a variety of styles”
The set starts with a Toska WIlde composition and features the unique vocal stylings of Bruce from The Get.
There are two collaborations with Moff Skellington. Space Museum says “Moff had created some excellent rhythm tracks for use at the Smoked Ears Will Not Grow Back event earlier in the year. they were too good to ignore so I decided to explore options for making something new with them.”
The dark and sonorous voice of m.t. scott appears on the track “Andrew Revisited” which is a remix of the Scott composition “The Ballad of Andrew Trouble”.
Both Positronik and Bouquet of Dead Crows get serious makeovers the former being a massive dub reworking of the classic song “Save If For Me” and the latter by turning rock ballad “Like A Flower”into a lengthy ambient prog rock deconstruction.
The EP is released on June 2nd via Bandcamp, Amazon, I Tunes and Spotify and other well known digital outlets.
In forthcoming news releases from The Junta (Salford) and PrunX (Berlin) are planned for the following two weeks these will be followed by the second album this year from The Screaming Love Collective (Dumfries).
We are pleased to announce the first in 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. Such is the current scene in the Cambridge area, there are already enough tracks donated for a second compilation.
German Shepherd’s very own Bouquet of Dead Crows have submitted a track for the compilation
Aside from putting some superb music out there, the aim is also to raise money for deserving charities. For volume 1, the participating bands have nominated the Arthur Rank Hospice, which is dedicated to providing specialist palliative care and support to adult patients and their family, friends and carers.
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 at the surface of the local music scene, the more it became apparent how much excellent music was out there.
Album artwork by Stewart Harris
The diversity of the music is impressive, covering rock, hip hop, folk, indie, punk, psychedelia, pop, jazz, Americana, garage and electronica with nods to all eras of popular and contemporary music. Artists range from those in the first flush of youth and already developing sounds that bode well for the future to more experienced souls continually developing their craft.
Highly regarded band The Scissors appear on this compilation
For around the price of a couple of pints you can have a lasting legacy of the flourishing scene in a City as diverse and thrilling as the music it has inspired, while at the same time providing some much needed funds for a very deserving local charity.
Artists featured on this first compilation are:
Trick Bird
All We Earthlings
Broadway Danny Rose
I Strip for Couples
Black Buttercups
The Seven Twenty
Garuda
Motor Tapes
Keltrix
3 Screaming Popes
Bouquet of Dead Crows
Eil Marchini
Datum Plane
Pete Newman Clarinet Project
Lizard Brain
The Scissors
Model Village
Umbrella Assassins
Gavin Chappell Bates
The compilation will be released digitally on 17th March via Bandcamp,Spotify, I Tunes, Amazon, Google Play and other well known digital outlets.
Dave’s excellent radio show can be heard on Cambridge 105 every alternate Monday.
Cambridge melodic rockers launch their new EP “Epicentre” on 30th September with a brand new video. The EP includes the original album track from the “Of The Night” album as well as previously unreleased demos and live versions of the bands songs.
The band play Salford Music Festival on the release date at the Eagle Inn, Salford….
Bouquet of Dead Crows first ‘full band’ gig of 2016 is happening at The Grapes, Cambridge on the 16th of September. This is likely to be teir only full band gig in Cambridge until the new year…so you should definitely attend! The band also play Salford Music Festival on September 30th.
We’re very pleased to announce that Bouquet of Dead Crows debut album ‘Of The Night’ will be released on November 6th. In celebration of this momentous event the band will be playing at The Portland Arms on the day of release. Tickets are available from here…more details to follow soon
