Oxford-based Spring Offensive have just announced a new tour throughout March and April. The tour will see them take on some of the UK’s biggest cities, as well as a short trip around Europe as well.
Along with this announcement, they have released a video to their new B-Side single, ‘Carrier’. The song is taken off of their upcoming single release ‘Worry Fill My Heart’ which is due out on the 17th of March.
Spring Offensive will play:
MARCH
16 The End, Birmingham 29 Electricity Showrooms, London 30 The Green Door Store, Brighton 31 Secret Location, Oxford
APRIL
01 The Castle Hotel, Manchester 02 SOYO, Sheffield 03 The Head of Steam, Newcastle 04 The Shipping Forecast, Liverpool 05 Gwdihw, Cardiff 10 Schon Schön, Mainz 11 MUZ, Nurnberg 12 Häll, Heidelberg 13 Parterre, Basel
Hailing from Ascot, Underclassed Idle Ideas speak to up and coming solo artist Jack Robert Hardman about releasing his first official single in February, how he got into music and how he incorporates his personality into his lyrics.
How did you first get into music?
I come from a very musical family. There was no defining moment where I decided to pursue music; I just grew up around instruments and recording equipment.
How long have you been performing and writing music?
I’ve been performing in some capacity or another since I was about 7, but I didn’t really start writing my own music until I was 14.
When did the songs start flowing and you thought (or were told) that things were starting to click?
It was when I was about 16. Myspace gave me a platform to show people my songs, so that was a constant source of encouragement and feedback. I’ve always tried to better myself in the songs I write, so I can’t be sure it’s ‘clicked’ even now.
The new release ‘Famous’. What’s the song about?
The song is all about a youth’s insatiable desire to make something of their life, without having a real plan on how to do it.
The lyrics in the song appear to be particularly personal, was this the aim?
Yes, to an extent. There are little parts of the song that relate to specific real life incidents, but others that are completely made up. It’s quite fun to mix fact and fiction like that.
Do all of yours songs bring out your personality in them?
I guess so. I try and follow my instinct when I write and produce, so the ideas are usually quite unique to me.
I see that a good friend of mine Liam Walsh is PRing your release, a man behind responsible for helping so many artists in the past getting bigger like for example Oasis, Goldfrapp and Badly Drawn Boy. Is it good to have him on board?
It’s great to have Liam in the team, having someone so experienced directing me really helps. He’s worked with some brilliant recording artists, so it’s very satisfying to think that he sees some value in what I do.
What can you see yourself achieving from this release?
I don’t know what to expect, but if people enjoy the music then I will be quietly pleased. I think it’s all about raising awareness at this early stage.
Where would you like to see yourself in say a year’s time?
I’d love to be gigging extensively, while building towards recording my second record. I’ve already written about 6 songs in preparation for the second album shortlist, so I can’t wait to get back into that process.
Can fans expect more releases this year from you? Maybe an EP or Album?
Definitely, there will be a second single and a full album before the year is over. Onwards and upwards!
‘Famous’ is set for release on the 13th February 2012 through Pleasant Pursuits / Essential Music and Marketing. It’s the first release off of Jack’s album which is due in the Spring of 2012. For more information visit http://askmepr.wordpress.com/2012/01/04/jack-robert-hardman-famous/
It caps off a supreme year for To Kill A King, with the brilliant sound of ‘Bloody Shirt’ gaining just over 62% of the vote.
Album/EP of the Year (Voted for by UII readers):
Fox Jaw Bounty Hunters – The Devil In Music
Limerick’s finest take home this award for a truly masterful album gaining 47.5% of the vote. Lead singer Ronan Mitchell’s vocals are unique and on-edge, with some momentous instruments clicking exquisitely with it.
Best Headline Act:
Primal Scream – The Eden Project, St Austell (23rd June, 2011)
I’ve been to a fair few gigs this year, but seeing Primal Scream was something else. The Screamadelica based set was literally sensational. A mixed audience of probable former rave members and new young fans was the addition to a top-notch night had by all.
I saw these guys at Le Pub, Newport in March and they were brilliant. Fast forward to September and they have got even better. Bassist Woody jumped around giving it everything he had got; Singer Antony’s vocals have got even better; and drummer Mike was hitting the drums so hard that I think he broke one. This band will go far.
Best Music Video:
Louis Barabbas & The Bedlam Six – Hold On To Me
This was a tough one to call, but Louis Barabbas & The Bedlam Six just stole it. The video features Rita Davies and Peter Church showing everyone what love is really about by smashing the shite of their ornaments, plates and other expensive household delicates.
Surprise of the Year:
The Narrows – The Dirty Pamphlet promotional video
Yes, it may have taken not long to make, but it scared the hell outta me. But then, I am a sucker for horrors.
Best Music to go with Football Award:
Daystar
Listening to that brilliant album of theirs I had to designate this award to them. I first listened to it on the way to a Plymouth Argyle game and I’ve done it every time I’ve been since. I think you should do the same.
Music Tweeter of the Year:
@owenmjackson (Owen Jackson)
I’m a big user of twitter. It’s good. Therefore I am pleased to announce that Owen gets this award. I’ve never met Owen – which hopefully will change in the future sometime but his tweets are a joy to read. There’s always some music playing in his ears. He doesn’t have a blog, or is a radio host he just tweets about what he listens to and sometimes it’s the little things that make you smile. Keep it up Owen.
Best Band of 2011:
Blind Atlas
I dislike popularity contests. I also dislike putting one band ahead of another. Almost every band that UII has featured deserves this award. However, this band, I think, deserves this just for the sheer tremendousness of their music. Their album comes out in early 2012 and I am counting down the days to listen to it. Well done guys.
Picture courtesy of vaughanmedia.wordpress.com
Thanks for getting involved with the awards. I haven’t left anyone out on purpose, it’s been a bit of fun. I hope you have a very merry Christmas – and a very happy new year too. See you in 2012!
Underclassed Idle Ideas has been a bit hit and miss of late. Yes we’re conducting our own awards for 2011′s best music (see right hand side) – but on the new music front we haven’t brought you much in the last month or so.
However, this is because we’ve been busy behind the scenes arranging an even better year. Can we top such a year of good music that was 2011? That remains to be seen, so here’s to 2012.
Anyway, I’m procrastinating slightly because here’s our first piece of excellent news.
Andy Von Pip from the Von Pip Music Express asked the world of music’s top bloggers to provide an alternative to the BBC Sound list that they concoct for the start of every year. Underclassed Idle Ideas was very privileged to be part of such an event.
Bloggers were asked to submit 5 bands each that they thought would make it big in 2012. This very long list was shortened down to a long list of 15. On this list is one of the bands we submitted in the form of Cardiff band Houdini Dax. But the list contains 12 fine choices, none of which we disagree with.
So without further ado, let me introduce you to THE SOUND OF 2012!
Houdini Dax
French Wives
The Good Natured
Lianne La Havas
Theme Park
Alt J
The Jezabels
Lucy Rose
Bastille
Beth Jeans Houghton
Friends
Washington
Meursault
Daughter
Outlines
The bloggers included:
Breaking More Waves, My Band Is Better Than Your Band,God Is In the TV, Sweeping The Nation, The Von Pip Musical Express, The Recommender, Faded Glamour, Drunken Werewolf, Flying With Anna, Not Many Experts, Underclassed Idle Ideas, Sonic Masala, Mudkiss, The Pop Cop, The Ring Master, Both Bars On, Music From A Green Window, Dots And Dashes, Daily Growl, And Everyones A DJ, Kowolskiy, Just Music i Like, Cruel Rhythms, The Blue Walrus, Music Fans Mic, Seventeen Seconds, Eaten By Monsters, Seven Sevens, Unpeeled, New Rave Brain Wave, Peenko, Music Liberation, Song By Toad.
Oxford-based Spring Offensive have just announced a new tour throughout March and April. The tour will see them take on some of the UK’s biggest cities, as well as a short trip around Europe as well.
