Moff Skellington

Newsletter 41 : More Moff, Live Scissors album, Adventures of Salvador album, Umbrella Assassins T Shirts and Gigs!

23 Apr 2019HalfEdgeMedia

Hello and welcome to your weekly news for all things German Shepherd Records

This week

– The Pukes of a Hot Cloister re-released
– New Scissors live album coming soon
– Adventures of Salvador new album trailed
– Umbrella Assassins T Shirts now available
– More Gigs announced

MORE MOFF SKELLINGTON

As we continue our programme of re-releasing Moff Skellington’s huge back catalogue we have reached the landmark “The Pukes of a Hot Cloister” which will be re-released digitally on May 3rd.

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The dark days of January 2012 were brightened somewhat by the arrival of The Pukes Of A Hot Cloister album. As usual there was a feast of lyrical athleticism, Moff plucks words out of the ether and re-arranges them in a completely unique and totally compelling way. This album is particularly full of memorable “Moffism’s”, too many to mention and all rather special, there is some degree of continuity from prior releases in parts, with several references to molecules, and the usual bovine references that are scattered across the albums, and the opening instrumental “House of New Bricks” is quoted in the words/music of the penultimate track “Four Peg Wooden Unit”. Two of the tracks “Time for Nervous Questions In The Pub” and “Confident of Pending Treats” formed part of the six song set Moff recorded for Bob Osborne’s “Reformation” radio show on Salford City Radio, the other four appearing on the previous years Embers from the Rapid Eye album, so there is some specific continuity between those two albums. As is usual with Moff you know what you are going to get – the difference with each album though is how he has progressed his art and which particular parts of his “dreamscape” he is addressing in this instance.

The opening “House of New Bricks” sets the scene with a stately waltz around the accordion with bluesy harp wailing – this soon transforms into the strange and somehow beautiful “Crap and Ugly Toys” which is Eddodi in its purest sense. From there on we are gently led through a journey of fascinating words and unique music. A contemporary “manifesto” of Moff’s work, whether it be his art or his music, described a reality comprising three interacting factors – octoberness, perfection and slapstick. Simply put these three elements , anticipation, entropy, and the essentially comedic nature of existence, intertwine to allow innovation, expression and interpretation. We are resisting the urge to release spoilers about the content of this album as we believe that the listener should absorb this marvellous work and draw their own conclusions from the text/sound. All we will say is that the other-worldliness of Moff’s output is never more apparent as it is here. He has always been unique. no one else is doing music like this – it just seems he has built on his work to date to create something rather special. Variety is the watchword here and it is all good. Comparisons, bench-marks, yardsticks etc are impossible so the listener needs to approach it from his/her perspective.

Moff has a major exhibition of his art at the Canwood Gallery and Sculpture Park during May. Exhibition will run from 11am to 4pm each week Tuesday to Sunday. 30 canvasses and 40 prints will be on show at the exhibition.

LIVE SCISSORS

We are pleased to announce the return of Cambridge band the Scissors with a live album recorded at The Smokehouse in Ipswich earlier this year. The raw sound of the live Scissors experience is captured perfectly and demonstrates the pure energy of the band on stage. Release date is planned for 10th May.

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ADVENTURES OF SALVADOR ALBUM TRAILED

The much anticipated new album from Adventures of Salvador “Welcome to our Village” is coming in June. Pending that the band play The Peer Hat, Manchester this Thursday (25th) and Ramsbottom Cricket Club on May 10th, Liverpool Fringe on June 6th with the album launch scheduled for June 28th at The Castle, Oldham Street, Manchester. Watch this space for more details.

UMBRELLA ASSASSINS T’S

Haverhill’s finest are hard at work on new material with an album promised later in the year pending that you can increase your sartorial eloquence by acquiring one of their rather fine T-Shirts at this LOCATION. The trio play The Smokehouse, Ipswich on July 13th.

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GIGS

The Spring Summer gig list is hotting up with extra gigs for Inferior Complex, Keltrix and Four Candles emerging…..the full list is below

April
25th – Adventures of Salvador play the Peer Hat, Manchester
26th – Mark Corrin plays The Railway, Didsbury
May
1st to 31st – Moff Skellington has an art exhibition at Canwood Gallery and Sculpture Park, Checkley, Hertfordshire
3rd – Inferior Complex play Winchester Gate, Salisbury
3rd – The Scissors play The Blue Moon, Cambridge
4th – Positronik and Pearl Divers play Music on the Market Place, 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. This is a free event but you must reserve a ticket
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
20th – Stewart Harris from Scissors on Dave Hammonds Smellypot Show on Cambridge 105 talking about the new live album
24th – Four Candles play Strummercamp at Oldham Rugby Club
25th – Sam Smith plays Strummercamp at Oldham Rugby Club
June
1st – 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

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7th – Inferior Complex play The Alexandra, Southampton
8th – Keltrix play Pride!, Jesus Green, Cambridge
8th – Inferior Complex play The Red House, Yeovil
15th – The Mind Sweepers and Paul Winter (solo set) supporting JD Meatyard at Leith Depot Edinburgh tickets are £5 with £1 going to local homeless charity.

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20th – Inferior Complex play The King Charles, Poole
21st – Weimar play The Eagle, Salford
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
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 Ember Rev 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
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

German Shepherd Records Newsletter 39 – Mark Corrin album, sycloner, Moff Skellington and gigs!

9 Apr 20199 Apr 2019HalfEdgeMedia

Hello and welcome to the latest news from German Shepherd Records.

This week –

– Mark Corrin explores the Pub Bin
– sycloner bring Gold Coast sunshine to German Shepherd
– Moff Skellington announces huge art exhibition
– gig news

MARK CORRIN – NEW ALBUM “PUB BIN”

19th April sees the release of a new album from Mark Corrin.

Mark Corrin’s early releases as “Shirokuma” were frequently broadcast on the John Peel Show on BBC Radio 1, and his more recent solo work has featured on BBC Late Junction with Nick Luscombe. He also presents a weekly music radio show himself on Salford City Radio and has collaborated and performed with several notable artists from all over the world both live and on record. He has previously also been a member of groups including Una Baines’ (The Fall) band Poppycock, Rose & The Diamond Hand and is currently working with a new group called Elastikbande.

“Pub Bin” a digital only release is described as a dark comedy concept album set mostly in the venues, shops, offices, pubs and bins of modern Manchester. Blending electro pop and punk with Mark’s wry observational humour this is the album to lighten the mood of a distressed nation, and world!

Mark’s recent set at Manchester Meltdown includes many of the tracks from the album

You can check out Mark’s previous solo releases on two separate pages on Bandcamp as well as via Valentine Records Bandcamp page. Links are available on our artist profile page.

Mark is playing live on 26th April at The Railway, Didsbury, Manchester

SYCLONER JOIN GERMAN SHEPHERD RECORDS

Brisbane-Gold Coast duo sycloner (the S is lower case) become the first Australian artists to join German Shepherd Records. We will be distributing their first two EPs, which are currently available on Bandcamp, from May 24th with hopefully new material to follow soon. Their sophisticated indie sounds are deserving of a wider audience and we hope to spread the word about these talented musicians.

MOFF ANNOUNCES MAJOR ART EXHIBITION

Master of Eddodi Moff Skellington has announced a major exhibition of his art at the Canwood Gallery and Sculpture Park during May. Exhibition will run from 11am to 4pm each week Tuesday to Sunday. 30 canvasses and 40 prints will be on show at the exhibition.

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GIGS

Forthcoming gigs featuring German Shepherd artists

April

12th – Inferior Complex play The Shooting Star, Southampton
13th – Positronik play London Road Inn, Buxton
14th – Rose and the Diamond Hand play SpringFest at Victoria Baths, Manchester
18th – Inferior Complex play The Facebar, Reading
20th – Toska Wilde plays The Venue, Southend On Sea
26th – Mark Corrin plays The Railway, Didsbury

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
4th – Positronik and Pearl Divers play Music on the Market Place, Buxton
4th – The Mind Sweepers play The Frunge Festival, The Elmerglen Hotel, Thornhill
5th – Keltrix play The Green Man Brew Ballyhoo, Granchester
10th – Adventures of Salvador play Ramsbottom Cricket Club
18th -Weimar play the Eagle, Salford supporting St Lucifer
24th – Four Candles play Strummercamp at Oldham Rugby Club
25th – Sam Smith plays Strummercamp at Oldham Rugby Club

June

1st – Keltrix play Strawberry Fair, Midsummer Common, Cambridge
5th – The Junta plays West Street Live, Sheffield
7th – The Parish Church Fire and Four Candles are playing The Eagle, Salford
7th – Inferior Complex play The Alexandra, Southampton
15th – The Mind Sweepers are supporting JD Meatyard at Leith Depot Edinburgh tickets are £5 with £1 going to local homeless charity.
21st – Weimar play The Eagle, Salford
24th – The Junta plays The Peer Hat, Manchester with Lucky + Love.
26th – Dominic Carlton Jones plays Cuckoo Calling (Featured Artist) Bury New Road, Prestwich

July

4th-6th – The Mind Sweepers play Electric Festival, Drumlanrig Castle (North West of Dumfries off the A76
5th – Mark Corrin’s Elastikbande play The Railway, Didsbury
5th – Inferior Complex play The Shooting Star, Southampton
13th – Umbrella Assassins play The Smokehouse, Ipswich
19th – The Scissors with Ember Rev 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

August

9th – Mark Corrin’s Elastikbande play The Railway, Didsbury
16th – Keltrix play The Green Man, Granchester

Greetings from Abstercot U.K.

5 Mar 2019HalfEdgeMedia

March 15th sees the first dual effort by Moff Skellington and Auster Boys. Titled “Greetings from Abstercot UK” the two track release brings together the pyschogeography of Auster Boys and the other worldly genre known as Eddodi. Auster North produced two funky electro backing tracks and Moff added a good portion of Abstercot magic to create something new entirely, here is a sneak preview…… we hesitate to add the usual RIYL thing as this is nothing like anything you have heard before, unless you live in Abstercot!

For the main release the single will feature the two tracks, for German Shepherd subscribers the release will include the two Auster Boys base tracks as an added bonus

The cover art shows the centres of Leeds, Northampton and Eccles – all Abstercot in their own way!

German Shepherd Records Newsletter #35 – Moff Skellington, Weimar Single Launch, Award for Dominic Carlton Jones, New Single from Crab Dance GI’s and Gigs!

5 Feb 2019HalfEdgeMedia

Hello and welcome to the regular newsletter from German Shepherd Records, this week:

We reissue Moff Skellington’s “The Corduroy Bridge” album
We report on the successful single launch from Weimar
We celebrate an award for Dominic Carlton Jones
We tell you about a new single from Crab Dance GI’s
We let you know about some gigs

MOFF SKELLINGTON – THE CORDUROY BRIDGE

If you have not heard the work of Moff Skellington before then you are in for a fascinating experience.

Moff, whose given name is Andy Quayle, is an iconoclast blessed with a unique talent with words and music that defies convention and operates in a separate and quite distinct time continuum to the rest of the world of entertainment. His prolific and prodigious output, over twenty five albums/EP’s and one DVD since 1999, offers some of the most exciting and challenging work you are ever likely to hear. Aside from his musical endeavours he is also a gifted and talented visual artist who has exhibited his unique painting and drawings in many different locations. He has recently moved into the world of video to create a fascinating marriage of his paintings and music.

The music is described as Eddodi – a kind of mutant folk music which incorporates elements of post-punk, rock and blues. Imagine Pere Ubu, Tom Waits, Captain Beefheart and Harry Partch thrown into a blender and mixed with the English Folk Tradition and you are getting somewhere near the sound.

The album “The Corduroy Tongue” was originally released in 2015 and we are reissuing it on 15th February in digital format as part of our plan to eventually release all of Moff’s back catalogue.

Moff is a “Marmite” artist you either are 1000% committed to his work or you are left scratching your head and wondering what you have just listened to. We understand if you don’t “get it” we are used to the mixed reaction.

As a taster of his work here is Moff defining entertainment

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WEIMAR ENJOY TRIUMPHANT SINGLE LAUNCH

Weimar-pic-700x525 — Photo courtesy Victoria Egan

Weimar packed out The Eagle Inn in Salford on February 1st for the launch of their single “John Doe/Curse The Songs”. With an hour long set and a rapturous audience the band played both sides of the new single, were joined on stage by a very soulful Rose Niland for a couple of songs, featured new material, and, blew the roof off with a stunning version of “Nights In Spanish Harlem”. The set concluded with a couple of old tunes from Aidan Cross’s previous band The Bacillus (album still available on the German Shepherd bandcamp page). Press reports were effusive in their praise of the evening with Louder Than War and the Salford Star writing positive articles,. The single has gained airplay throughout the UK and the States and a series of very positive blogs have reviewed it also. Aidan will be appearing on Dave Hammond’s Smelly Flowerpot show on Cambridge 105 on Monday 11th February from 9pm where he will be chatting about the band and the plans for the forthcoming album.

DOMINIC CARLTON JONES

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As well as receiving praise for his opening set at the Weimar gig mentioned above Dominic Carlton Jones has won the Salford Star Best Band/Act 2018 Award for his album “Salford Punk Poetry Sadness Death New Life”, which judges hailed as “inspired and original”. Salford Star Live Editor Ian Leslie presented the award to Dominic at the end of his set last Friday. A full report from the Salford Star can be found here. Many congratulations to Dominic from everyone in The Kennel. Thanks to Michelle Leslie for the photograph.

CRAB DANCE GI’S INTRODUCE DAYGLO DAVE

Danny Cusick (KIT B, The Hidden Gem) side project Crab Dance GI’s have a new single out on March 15th called “Dayglo Dave”. The first of two forthcoming singles from this project the song is the tale of a regressive music fan who “only listens to New Wave” and will countenance any other forms of music. Watch this space for more details!

GIGS

Details of forthcoming gigs featuring German Shepherd Artists:

February
9th – Scissors play NCI Club Cambridge (Cambridge Central Aid charity fundraiser, Scissors headlining, other acts TBC)
10th – Pearl Divers play Fab Cafe, Manchester
15th – Bouquet of Dead Crows play Bury Sound at Hunter Club, Bury St Edmunds
23rd – Electric Cheese and Four Candles play The Railway, Chorley
24th – Positronik play Fab Cafe, Manchester

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
2nd – Pearl Divers play Malaga Drift, Eccles Town Centre (Near the station and not far from German Shepherd HQ!)
2nd – Electric Cheese play The Village Inn, Skelmersdale
2nd – The Mind Sweepers play The Normandy, Dumfries
13th – Bouquet of Dead Crows play West Street Live Sheffield
15th – Adventures of Salvador play The Deaf Centre, Chester
16th – Bouquet of Dead Crows, The Scissors and Umbrella Assassins play The Smokehouse Ipswich.
16th – The Mind Sweepers play Midnight Breakfast Club at Bathgate.
23rd – Electric Cheese play The Ferret, Preston
29th – Bouquet of Dead Crows play The Blue Moon Cambridge + Burning Codes, Basement Strippers & Matt Hammond

April
20th – Toska Wilde plays The Venue, Southend On Sea

Moff Skellington : Scribnalls at The Peer Hat

12 Oct 201812 Oct 2018HalfEdgeMedia

With many thanks to Paul Forshaw for sterling videography we are pleased to present the whole performance from Moff at The Peer Hat on 11th October 2018

German Shepherd Records Newsletter #21 – Moff Skellington. Night Operations, Our New Subscription Service, and, Gigs!

2 Oct 20182 Oct 2018HalfEdgeMedia

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of the German Shepherd Records Newsletter.

This week

The latest release from Moff Skellington and his forthcoming Manchester Gig
A new release from Night Operations with special remix guests
Our brand new subscription service for fans
Forthcoming gigs

MOFF SKELLINGTON

Poet of the obscure and Eddodi master Moff Skellington returns, on October 12th, with a new four track EP – Uncle Roy’s Utopian Vision #2 – the follow up to August’s six track first volume of the saga of the mysterious Uncle Roy. The creation of this latest four track was spontaneous, taking just one morning, with Moff employing the drum machine to create a different sound than avid Skellington watchers are used to, a surreal re-interpretation of early Cabaret Voltaire (Chris Watson period) and Moff faves Pere Ubu steeped in an bubbling stew of Yorkshire charm. This is Moff stripped back and playing in a different musical kitchen than usual.

Lead track – A Love Song can be streamed here….

Moff plays The Peer Hat, Manchester on October 11th with his popular lantern show. Entry is a mere £3.50, there are no prior tickets, opening time is 7:30pm and he promises an entertaining evening of wonderment.

NIGHT OPERATIONS

Mike Powell returns as Night Operations with a new EP extracting tracks from this years Advantage album with a few added bonuses. Hailed by “Get To The Chorus” blog via a great video from Phil Shaw the new extended play includes a single and album version of the sci-ti tinged “Area 51” and three remixes of the albums standout track “Forbidden Fruit” by The Screaming Love Collective, Issac Navaro, and Auster Boys. More information next week.

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OUR NEW SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE

We have been struggling for a while to ensure that we balance our books and maintain our not for profit service. After a bit of research we have taken the decision to use Bandcamp’s subscription service.

With our subscription, fans and followers 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 participants would like to pay more for their subscription they can. Ten subscribers would help us balance the books for this financial year but many more would allow us the freedom and flexibility to do a lot more.

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. The subscription directly helps us to continue releasing great music and in turn support some of the best underground artists out there.

Subscribers get a load of great music and special offers which are unique to the service

– All of our new releases are automatically added to the subscribers Bandcamp account and available to download
– A selection of items from our back catalogue completely free when a subscriber first signs 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.

Subscribers can sign-up via this LINK

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GIGS

Our planned fundraising gig on November 2nd has been put on hold for a short while whilst we sort out a few practical issues. Watch this space for updates. Here are the rest of the planned gigs featuring our artists:

October
5th – Electric Cheese play The Railway as part of Chorley Live
5th – The Scissors are at Oxford Wheatsheaf (Klub Kakofanney).
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 – 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
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
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

German Shepherd Newsletter #20 – Dominic Carlton Jones, Bouquet of Dead Crows, Salford Music Festival, Moff Skellington, Matthew Hopkins, Gig News

26 Sep 2018HalfEdgeMedia

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!).

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Pre-order the album here

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SALFORD MUSIC FESTIVAL – THIS WEEKEND

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

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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/

German Shepherd Newsletter #19 – The Parasite, Dominic Carlton Jones, Ian Moss goes Cabaret, Moff Skellington Hits Manchester, Bob gets All About Jazz slot

18 Sep 2018HalfEdgeMedia

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:

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.

TICKETS

El Manisero

MOFF HITS MANCHESTER

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.

Moff Manc October

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.”

More details at All About Jazz Radio

GIG NEWS

We have a healthy set of gigs coming up for the rest of the month

21st – Four Candles, Poppycock and Charlie Marshall play The Peer Hat, Manchester
21st – Drink and Drive play The Old Pint Pot, Salford
25th – Inferior Complex play The Joiners, Southampton
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 – The Strays play The Jolly Collier, Heanor
29th – Boz Hayward plays Levenshulme Market, Manchester (afternoon gig)
29th – Bouquet of Dead Crows Play Deepdale Festival, Norwich
30th – Keltrix play Camboaters River Festival, Jesus Green, Cambridge, 6pm

4cspromo

German Shepherd Records Newsletter #16 – The Screaming Love Collective, Moff Skellington, Charlie Marshall, and Mistletoe – plus gig guide

28 Aug 201828 Aug 2018HalfEdgeMedia

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.

Moff Manc October

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.

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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

German Shepherd Newsletter #10 – Umbrella Assassins, Moff Skellington and Positronik

24 Jul 2018HalfEdgeMedia

Hello and welcome to the German Shepherd Newsletter for releases on August 3rd

This week-

Haverhill purveyors of Shed Punk – Umbrella Assassins – join German Shepherd
Positronik deliver their pop stylings with a Summer EP
Moff Skellington is back with the first of two new EPs
Gig News
What’s in the pipeline

UMBRELLA ASSASSINS JOIN GERMAN SHEPHERD

Haverhill based and self-styled Shed Punk trio Umbrella Assassins have moved from the confines of their usual recording set-up in The Shed to a fully fledged studio for the release of a new three track EP “Live at The Crunch” in late August.

As long admirers of this band, who already have a massive back catalogue of 24 releases via Bandcamp we were extremely pleased when they agreed to join us on the label.

Recorded at new studio “The Crunch” in Norwich, the band – Steve guitar/vocals, Bunge bass,vocals, and Garry – Drums – have delivered some of their best material to date. Recorded by Mr Jason in a location which was an Operations Control Centre during the Battle Of Britain. and built in 1939, they played live onto 7 tracks of a vintage 8 track reel to reel tape machine, using vintage mics, vintage drums, and 70s little 5 watt WEM guitar amp to create a gutsy earthy sound. Look out for more news on the band who play PIM JAM Festival Haverhill on 28th July and Rugfest Haverhill on 25th August, in the near future.

FACEBOOK @Brollys1

POSITRONIK POP PICKS FOR SUMMER

Greater Manchester’s finest purveyors of electro-pop, Positronik, return with a four-track EP “Summer” featuring two new tracks, and two reworkings of classic material from their first album. Featuring Nathalie Haley – Vocals , Monty – bass and Captain Black on guitar and keyboards, the trio’s powerful pop is perfect for those long hot summer nights bringing back memories of classic chart hits from the 60s onwards. This is a digital only release which comes out on August 3rd via Bandcamp, Spotify, I Tunes, Google, Amazon and lots more platforms.

Here is a sneak preview of lead track “Caged Bird”

FACEBOOK – @positronikband

MOFF AND UNCLE ROY

The ever-prolific Moff Skellington is back with a new six-track EP which looks at the life of the mysterious Uncle Roy and his Utopian Vision. Uncle Roys is a shadowy figure from Moff’s childhood who was partially inspired by the work of legendary science fiction writer James P Blaylock. In the first of two EPs with the same title, Moff delivers his usual unique and thought-provoking music examining the nether regions of life at the edge of your imagination. Moff’s music is described as Eddodi which is best explained as a form of music which has no boundaries and is not constrained by what has gone before or indeed may happen in the future. If you have not heard Moff before the best comparison we can is that of a surreal version of Ivor Culter who has been infested by post-punk.

The second volume Uncle Roy’s Utopian Vision will follow in September

FORTHCOMING GIGS

Here is our latest gig list

25th July – Mesmer Disciples play Santiago Bar, Leeds
26th July – Pearl Divers play Jimmy’s, Manchester
27th July – Bouquet of Dead Crows play Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge in Stamford
28th July – Drink and Drive and Poppycock play Peer Hat, Manchester
28th July – The Strays play Fuel, Manchester
28th July – Bouquet of Dead Crows and Umbrella Assassins play Pim Jam Festival, Haverhill
29th July – The Strays play Red Lion, Chesterfield
17th August – The Junta and Special Friends Live At The Peer Hat, Manchester – album launch
25th August – The Mind Sweepers play the Carlisle Fringe Festival
25th August – Umbrella Assassins play Rugfest, Haverhill
26th August – The Mind Sweepers play Solfest – Cottage Stage
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
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
8th December – Boz Hayward, Poppycock and Ketrix play The Peer Hat, Manchester
22nd December – Drink and Drive play Strummercamp Fundraiser and Oldham Rugby Club

IN THE PIPELINE – WHAT’S COMING NEXT IN THE RELEASE SCHEDULE

The release schedule is hotting up as summer moves into autumn with the following in the pipeline

10/08/2018 The Junta – Network : brand new album – check out the launch gig at The Peer Hat in the list above
10/08/2018 Loop -Aznavour – Requiem for a mouse : a new single
17/08/2018 Toska Wilde – Oscar In Earnest : a new EP
17/08/2018 Poppycock- Iggy Pop/Magic Mothers ; the long awaited second single and a taster for next years debut album
24/08/2018 Four Candles – Chastity BeltDipping A Toe -: the third pairing from the Spiritual Rapture album
24/08/2018 Inferior Complex – Reflections : a new EP
31/08/2018 Umbrella Assassins – Live at the Crunch : see above
31/08/2018 Various Artists Cambridge Calling Vol 3 : a new compilation from Dave Hammond – this will be a Bandcamp only release
07/09/2018 The Screaming Love Collective – Imola : a new album
14/09/2018 The Strays – new EP
21/09/2018 Moff Skellington – Uncle Roys Utopian Vision #2 : the second volume!