Track: Gemma Rogers Releases Charity Single ‘Words Fail’ With Proceeds Going To Palestine Charity HEAL
It’s really not like Gemma Rogers to be lost for words. Her chipper currency is her poetic patois – it’s her raison d’etre. I think they call it “news anxiety” – that feeling of powerlessness and anxiety in response to the constant bombardment of negative news. What can Gemma do? What can you do? Shocked …
Live Review: Mandrake Handshake – No.90, Hackney Wick, London 28.02.2025
There’s that scene in the film High Fidelity when record shop owner Rob boldly claims he’ll now flog some records as he pops a Beta Band EP on the turntable. We watch in wonder as the vinyl heads become entranced by the music. These days that plot would surely feature a Mandrake Handshake record. So …
Live Review: The Rockaway Beach Festival – Bognor Regis 03.01.2025 to 05.01.2025
Never underestimate the power of chaos theory. Okay, so a butterfly never fluttered it’s wings – in this weather, are you kidding?! No, the universe turned when, minutes after Rockaway Beach 2025 opened, a random bloke called Doug bought Backseat Mafia a couple of beers. It’s the…barfly effect. On such random acts of kindness, festivals …
Live Review: Thomas Dolby – Islington Academy, London 24.08.2024
Forget Britney, it was Thomas Dolby who made the headset mic chic. Back in the early 1980s the electronica synth pioneer first came to prominence with all the poise of an airline pilot and a crazy wanderlust look in his eye. In Islington tonight he’s standing at his keyboards when he should’ve been on a …
Live Review: Ladaniva – Bush Hall, London 11.06.2024
London offers the world. After summer shenanigans at South Asian events, Polish and Uzbek festivals I find myself in Shepherd’s Bush waiting for an Armenian band to take to the stage. Ladaniva – led by the disarmingly charming vocalist Jaklin Baghdasaryan. Eurovision 2024 was ignited by this mischievous minx bounding around the Malmo set with …
Live Review: Kosheen – KOKO, London 19.04.2024
The euphoria hits hard. Kosheen create soaring soundscapes that go further and last longer than any pharmaceutical high. Twenty-five years after recording their debut album, Resist and Sian Evans is still an icon. A raver queen who has soundtracked a generation of party people. So much so that midway through this headline set she surveys …
Meet: BCOS RSNS – London purveyors of post-punk
London DIY scenesters BCOS RSNS commemorate lost live music venue The Buffalo Bar in their latest single taken from their forthcoming eponymous album. The much-missed Highbury venue gets name-checked in their hymn to the grassroots scene. Backseat Mafia caught up with Abi and Carl from the band to hear all about their random Norwegian fan …
News: Festival Preview Cro Cro Land festival – Stanley Arts Centre, Croydon 13th-14th Of April
If history had been kinder, Croydon would now be home to a London international airport hub. If history had been kinder to the Cro Cro Land Festival there would’ve been more festivals following its 2019 debut event. Things got in the way. Heathrow happened. Covid grounded Cro Cro Land. Finally, Croydon is now ready to …
Meet: Keeley Moss; The Heart And Soul Of Dreamy Pop Band KEELEY
Blissed-out soundscapes and dreamy psyche pop deliciously dominate the KEELEY sound. Backseat Mafia caught up with the heart and soul of the band, Keeley Moss, after her recent London headline show. Having taken up residence in the UK after leaving Ireland, Dublin’s loss is very much England’s gain as Keeley discusses her love of indie …
Meet: The Umbrellas Before Their Headline Show In London
The Umbrellas bring their jangle pop perfection to London on 13th March for a headline show at Oslo. Backseat Mafia interrupted the Californian 4 piece as they sampled an English breakfast somewhere near Newcastle. Busy with fried eggs and tea they explain their love of British indie and reveal a secret passion for Greggs! Where did …