The Quails have already been confirmed this Summer on the BBC Introducing stage at Reading.  They will be supporting Newton Faulkner at the Altitude Festival in Meribel in March. They’re headlining at Dartmouth Festival following Ruby Turner and will be supporting The Hoosiers and Seth Lakeman at Chagstock.  There are further exciting announcements to be made in the near future.

Last year the band also played at festivals in Turkey and Jersey and headlined a number of smaller music festivals; they played on the Britbus in Bristol and for the Jack Wills sponsored varsity polo party in Windsor.  A TV production company followed them to Turkey where they made a documentary about their invitation to play at an EU funded festival just 50 miles from the Iran/Iraq border.  The documentary is currently being entered for national film festivals.

The Quails are genuinely impressive live.  They are fronted by prolific and talented songwriter Dan Steer who has a distinctive and powerful voice and is a charismatic performer.   Rythmn and energy is supplied in buckets by Sam Banks on Bass and Chris Prentice on drums.  The music is on the rocky side of indie, and although there are countless nods to the greats such as The Beatles, Queen, Pink Ffloyd, Zeppelin and The Killers to name but a few, The Quails have very much developed a distinctive sound.  Dan’s voice is instantly recognizable, and Max Armstrong’s guitar riffs have to be heard to be believed.  Dan’s keyboard playing combines with good old rock guitar to create a perfect fusion of old and new.  Topped off with sublime harmonies, it’s no wonder this band are attracting so much attention!

The Quails have just left the wonderfully atmospheric Sawmills studios on the River Fowey in Cornwall after recording their second album.  Producer Simon Honywill who is the head of department for sound for The Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury said after the recording “I have just finished recording and producing their album, and it is absolute dynamite.  This band is the most exciting thing I have encountered in ages.”   The album, called “Master of Imperfection” will be released in May, with the first single Argentina coming out on the 3^rd May.  There is also a campaign afoot to get another local, unsigned band into the charts.  Download Argentina in the week following the 3^rd May.  The Quails will be doing a National tour to support the album launch starting at The Riviera International Centre on the 8^th May.

“The Quails are the perfect package.  The quirky five piece storm the stage with their classic – rock-edged indie/pop tunes and cool shoes.  Visually well-styled they are a record company’s dream and could easily be cut out and pasted onto a major festival stage”.  Go To Magazine “The first time I saw this Indie rocking five-piece live, they blew all the other bands clean off the stage; tight, professional and oozing with energy, The Quails are the real deal”, The Fly Magazine www.myspace.com/thequailsband We’ve chosen a live track taken straight from the desk at The Muse gig and a quieter studio track that builds!

South West band The Quails is fronted Dan Steer, a prolific and talented songwriter as well as a charismatic front man with a powerful, distinctive voice.  Sam Banks on bass and Chris Prentice on drums drive the sound providing the band with an energy

There are a lot of different textures here, mainly uplifting. This is more prominent in the infusion of different styles, like Samba and Salsa.

Songs like “Into The Fray” have this kind of journey feel to it and a complete contrast in mood back to “Mamagansa”

There are many styles of music here, the Latin for grove, the Salsa for feel – all infused around gentle Jazz fills and compelling melodies.

The whole feel is positive and the level of musicianship is outstanding, the melodies are warm and I reckon anyone who is into this kind of music will find it very compelling. Moorish to a point of waiting impatiently for the next offering.

Great music to dance to yet equally as powerful on one’s own. The production is to a very high standard. Mixed by Mark Emery @ Orchard Studios, Blagdon with attentive first class production.

Formed in 2007 Ragged Fish comprise of Rik Thorn, Guitar, founder member and Composer, Dhevdhas Nair on Piano and percussion, Jeff Walker Upright and Electric bass, Coach York on Drums.

The band will be performing at Torre Abbey on April Friday 19.00-21.00

The album will be available for general release in the next few weeks. For more information please visit http://www.myspace.com/raggedfish

Duane Johns is a singer from Cornwall who successfully reached the top 50 in X Factor during 2006 (the year Leona Lewis was crowned the winner). Since then Duane has appeared in the limelight supporting acts like East 17, Cheeky Girls and Journey South.

So how did it all start? When did you realize that singing was your passion?

At a very young age, I knew I wanted to do something involved with singing, at first I was doing stage, you know Panto’s and shows as such, but back then it was just a hobby and to be honest I wasn’t a very good singer! But from then on I just got better and better, and decided to enter singing competitions, one was called the singing sensation and Maggie Moon was a judge and she told me to audition for the x factor that very year!

Also in 2006 I was in a Band called Graffiti Eyes! We sold 150 Albums and was on the radio for a week I have also recently recorded a Disney album for my family and just based it to show my love for Disney!

Singing has always been my passion I suppose!

2006 was a big start for you, when you decided to enter the X Factor. What feelings did you have when you entered the room and stood on that famous X in front of the judges?

Well it’s wasn’t an easy ride, very tough! To be honest I remember feeling very excited and confident and was pretty relaxed actually I sort of just done it! Lol, the best part was seeing it on TV and I felt pretty good about myself.

You successfully managed to secure two yes’s from the judges.

Well this was like 3 years ago now so it’s pretty hard to remember, Simon Cowell was pretty much on the fence the whole time, Sharon Loved me, and thought I was really cute and sweet! And said I seemed like a lot of fun! Louis was also willing to give me a chance! And I was so happy when he had the final say! And he said YES!

What was the bootcamp experience like?

Bootcamp was another tough part of the competition, every single person that was there were really good and we all had the best chance’s to get though! We had to wait around a lot of the time and only took about 1 minute to sing a song! It was a pretty hard day over all, but I would do it all again!

Are you still in touch with other original x factor contestants from 2006?

I was in the series with Leona Lewis and Ray Quinn. I met Ray at bootcamp, he seemed really sweet! I didn’t get to meet Leona but as we all know she is pretty quite so maybe I didn’t notice her. I did have one friend who was so funny! But haven’t stayed in contact, but she was a character! Lol.

What’s your experience did you gain from the Bootcamp experience?

I think it’s all about standing out and showing yourself off as much as you can! To do this business you have to get people your full attention! Otherwise you just fade into the background! So I think I had a confidence boast, took that away with me and I never lost it! There’s being confident and there’s being big headed! And I know the difference.

In your opinion, do you think TV reality shows like the X Factor are good for the music industry?

Yes I will have to say they are, only because I love reality TV. I think they get you noticed by people all over the world! So yes is my answer to that one! It done me pretty well after all.

Soon after the X Factor, you supported acts like East 17 & Cheeky Girls! Was that a worthwhile experience?

Yes Oh My God! It was my favorite part of 2007! It feels good to support such big top acts that people have heard of, the crowds are always exited! And it always looks good on your CV!!

Which artist did you enjoy supporting the most?

Ooh well I loved supporting the big acts, but my favorite had to be with Chenai from the x factor 2005, it wasn’t in the best place, but I just liked her on the x factor so it was really nice to also watch her sing live!

Do you have any more ambitions in supporting more artists in the future?

Oh yes definitely, my dream would be to support the likes of Girls Aloud, as I just think there amazing! They proved people that reality shows are worth the while. Also Paris Hilton, I know she’s not the best singer in the world! But I love people who want to do well in life and also have fun along the way, she’s such an inspiration, people really need to get to know her before they start bad mouthing her, just for making money! At least she is doing well I also love Emma Soraya Beard, who was a finalists on popstars the rivals and nearly made it into Girls Aloud, I love her because she never gives up even when people put her down she never gives up, I love her music and would love to support her one day!

Do you enjoy the audience atmosphere?

Oh My God Yeah! I love it when people are listening to me and are having fun, maybe having a little dance that makes me feel so good that I am making someone happy and that is what it is all about! Making people smile!

Any memorable moments whilst on stage?

When people shout nice things! Like Duane we love you! Makes you feel very special! Just because your singing to them and that’s all you are doing, It makes people feel that way about you.

And, embarrassing one?

Oh yes I have had a couple of them, it always happens to me when I sing the same song! REHAB! I’ve been told by people I sing it very well and people all get up and dance! But the only problem I have is that I always forget the words and mix up the verse, so I have left that one alone lol. It just happened every time, even though I knew it off by heart!

What’s your favourite type of audience? (i.e. pub, club, mini arena, etc)

I always think the best type of place would be holiday parks I have only done one and made such a good impression I was asked to come back again, holiday makers always love to be entertained and defiantly at shows if you support an act!

Although you mainly sing cover versions, is there a song that you would like to release as a single that would be officially approved by the original artist?

Well I love to sing covers I just always have. That’s a hard question, there are so many good songs out there, it would be hard to choose, either ‘Because The Night’ Or ‘Parachute’!

Do you prefer singing the ballads or the catchy tunes?

I love singing both, because it’s always good to sing the ballads if you need to show your voice off and it’s fun belting out big numbers!

I also love singing the catchy, Cheesy Faster songs! Just can have so much fun with these tracks!

This year your due to release a second album. What’s your ambitions with this new album?

I just want to get my music heard! By someone who knows I could do well! Someone who will put 110% into me and help me to be successful, I also want people to hear me and just think, Oh Duane Andrew Johns, he’s pretty good! My new album is in the works and I really want to release it real soon, it will have about 15 tracks all covers some people will know them and some people will get to know the others, I’m just waiting for the right time, but hopefully it will do good, as long as people enjoy it then I will be happy.

Have you any favourite tracks on your future album?

Oh yes plenty! I love all my music but the ones that stand out for me are, Parachute, Falling Down, He Said She Said, And Tell Me something I don’t know.

You come across as a very passionate and dedicated singer, have you any future ambitions in writing and launching your very own single?

Well if the right person came along and wanted to do this with me, then I would be more then up for it! Launching a single and getting to number one would be a dream come true! So we’ll see how it goes!

What’s your future ambition? Where do you see yourself in five years time?

Well in 5 years time I would love to be doing it as a full time job, but this business is not an easy one, and it’s very hard to be heard! But I never give up on my dream!

Thank you Duane, it has been a pleasure talking to you and I wish you all the success with the launch of your second album and I’m sure your dedication as a singer will prove to be one day successful and rewarding.

Just recently Callum got drafted in for their new album as bass guitarist and ended up staying, now making them an acoustic trio!

The act comprises of Lead vocals & Rhythm guitar Paul Hibbett , Lead/Rhythm

Guitar & Backing Vocals Sam Robins Bass Guitar Callum Thompson. These guys are sure to be around for a good while, check out their “My Space” for details for up and coming gigs.

What’s next for Temporary Mind? They are hoping to record a new album March/April 2010 and have been pencilled in for numerous music festivals for 2010

To book or for more info call Sam on 07890134058

E-mail: temporarymind@hotmail.co.uk

www.myspace.com/temporarymindmusic

Dissonance have a style all of their own, blending hard rock with melodic harmony vocals, dual guitars, blistering solos and a level of creative ability that belies their age.

Formed in April 2008 from a shared desire to perform and write interesting rock, Aaron and Sean had been working together on projects previously but really came into their own with the addition of John and Kit Hardee who add real depth and creative flare to the band.

Dissonance are not just a band, they have created a very strong personal and professional bond between them. Each with an understanding and a burning ambition to go all the way to the top……

Further info Tel – 07791755543   Email – dissonanceuk@hotmail.co.uk

http://www.myspace.com/dissonanceuk

This 4 piece band comprises of Rupert Bennett (Vocals) Paul McCracken (Bass)

Rob Waite (Guitar) and Jason Cox (Drums)

The band have never taken themselves too seriously however over the years the music has seriously matured but never loosing the essence of what this band is all about.

You can hear the growth from the first album “We Are Not Amused”, the second offering “Thank God The Takeaway’s Open” has a totally different feel to it. None the less the common denominator leads to “Go Commando”, without doubt their best work to date.

You can hear the strength of the songs from the very first album ‘We Are Not Amused’.  Tracks like Skinny Melissa and What is Wrong with Me just seemed to jump right off the record.  The second offering ‘Thank God The Takeaway’s Open’ had a totally different feel to it but none the less the common denominator in both previous albums is that you can see a progressive maturity and growth that leads to ‘Go Commando’ – without doubt their best work to date.

Two potential hits are noticeable from the very first play “Love & Science” a great melodic song which highlights the great ability the band have for feel and atmosphere, featuring a beautiful elevating guitar solo – possibly the strongest track. “(Just When I) Needed you Least” is also a great contender for a opening single, highlighting the music capability and up front comparable comedy. One of the truly great things about all their songs is that they are written about various characters, scenarios, even situations,  but you can always associate the irony to someone you may know. That’s Art!

Track Listing

1. (Just When I) Needed you Least

2. A Life less Glum

3. Love & Science

4. Mummy’s Boy

5. Cheesy Love Songs

6. Sunday

7. Go Again

8. 1000 Sexy Girls

9. Summer

10. Super Star

11. Shirt

12. Jennifer Monday

13. Chick Scene

The quality of the song writing is immense and on par if not better than most bands who play music in this genre. I have always had the belief that all this band needs is the right person in the business to hear this collection of music. I wholeheartedly believe this will happen, sooner rather than later would be nice! After all it is a gift to have an immensely strong back catalogue and to match, blistering live performances. Any other scenario would not only be an injustice rather a crime. The music business today is as erratic and unpredictable as ever but regardless of trends and one minute wonders, you can’t keep a great collection of songs down, play it loud!

With the right identity and profile which compliments the meaning of the music, the song writing and the whole essence of what these guys are all about, including a strong pro-active management team only great things could happen to this band.  Hopefully one day this will happen, forever the optimist!

The highly acclaimed Soft Toy Heroes third studio album “Go Commando!” is now available. For more information please visit www.softtoyheroes.com

Jay C is a Torquay based rapper and freestyler who has just launched his debut album produced by Relegate Records.  Jay had a few minutes to spare out of his hectic and non stop schedule to answer a few questions by Gary Vine,  which provides a great insight into his aspirations into being a successful and well noticed rapper.

You’ve been rapping since 15 years old? How did if all start?

I started off just freestyling with a friend shortly after moving back to Ipswich from Devon. I had wrote the odd set of lyrics here and there but i didn’t take it too serious. I went to a house party with my brother where he introduced me to a rapper/producer called Mr Woods who was part of a group called Battle Scars, after about a month I got the opportunity to feature on a few of their tracks and the experience made me start to take witting lyrics a lot more seriously.

What made you decide “Rap” was your type of music?

I went through stages of liking different types of music more than others particularly Indie and Rap. When I was 14 I started taking guitar lessons for about a year but I struggled to get into it. To this day I still listen to some Indie music but as I grew older I started to listento more and more rap, hip hop and R’n’B. So I started to write the odd lyric here and there and the more I started to write it soon became clear that writing lyrics and rap music was the thing I wanted to do.

What’s it like working with Relegate Records?

Demanding (laughing out loud) , but I believe in the work we are trying to achieve. You no the old saying “the more you put in the more you get out” and the progression the label has made within the past year is evident where ever we go in the bay.

Your debut album “Letting Them Know” was release on 24th November 2008. Have you achieved your goals through the launch of your debut album?

My expectations weren’t too high as it’s my first album and the current state of the economy is making it harder for Independent record labels to push their projects forward but I believe that no matter how well you do, you can  always do better by pushing yourself that extra mile. We still have plans in action to promote the album but as you may know no one makes it big from their first ever album.

Please provide some more information on how you put the album together?

We weren’t 100% aware at the time we were making an album it just kind of fell together after about 8/9 months of solid recording. After Relegate Records became official we realised that we had to start making some money so we picked the best 10 tracks we had done and went from their.

What is your favourite song on this album?

Mummy’s boy by far! I got a few other’s I really like but Mummy’s  boy  the realist track I’ve done.

Does any of your music have any reflection on your life?

Apart from Mummy’s boy and playa 4 life (Jay laughs out loud!) no not really, but this is something I have been working on in new material some of  which will be released quite soon, so keep an eye on  relegaterecords.co.uk for the new singles.

­­­Have you any gigs coming up soon?

Yeah, I have a gig coming up at liquid bar in Paignton on 30th April. I had a gig there in November last year and the night was such a success that the Manager asked the label if I could come back again. I’ve also got a few more gig’s coming up soon but they are yet to be confirmed, I’ll keep everyone informed through the website so keep an eye out.

Do you enjoy the audience atmosphere?

Of course, what true artiste doesn’t like the buzz of a crowd watching you on stage, I’m still growing as an artist so it’s a nice feeling when I see the crowd respond to one of my tunes.

What’s your favourite type of audience? (i.e. pub, club, mini arena, etc)

I’ll get back to you on that one when I’ve performed in a mini arena (Jay laughs)…. so I’d have to say in a club. I do like the atmosphere club crowds bring to the gig but playing in a mini arena is on a different level, I’d love to have the opportunity but we’ll have to see what the future holds.

Every artist whether signed or unsigned have had unexpected encounters on the stage. Can you recall an unexpected encounter on stage that wasn’t suppose to happen?

Yeah, their was a incident at a festival I was performing at last year, where as we were in the middle of the chorus on our main track the needle on the turntable skipped ahead a little and confused the crowd and myself but luckily it didn’t skip to far so I was able to salvage the performance, Touch wood their will be no more in the near future.

Have you got any future album or single releases coming soon?

Like I said earlier I have a few singles coming out in the next month or so and there’s plan’s to bring out another CD around April/May time. I wont be looking to release another album for about a year or so but there will be plenty of fresh new material to look forward to.

Would you like to be profiled as a world class musician?

Who wouldn’t? If I was considered a worldclass musician I’d be grateful that my talent has been recognised to that extent and that my voice has been heard all around the world.

Have you ever considered auditioning for reality programs for shows like X Factor?

I can appreciate the talent of some of the contestants, some of them have amazing voices and without shows like X factor they might never have been heard and given the to shine. But until Simon Cowell comes up with a rap factor I don’t think you’ll be seeing Jay C on an episode of X factor any time soon.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?

I would like to have made considerable amount of progress with my music and hopefully have a good reputation throughout the UK as an established artist. I would like to have performed at some big festivals like Glastonbury, maybe to have collaborated with a big artist or producer and have a single in the charts. And ideally not living with my mum and step dad……

The debut album from Jay C is available to download from Relegate Records at www.relegaterecords.co.uk. The album titled “Letting Them Know” which is a landmark in Jay C’s rap career and is the cornerstone of the DSW (dirty southwest) movement which is taking the southwest by storm.

From Friday to Monday you can see some of the best bands in the South West performing exclusively on a beach stage.

The quality of the acts are fantastic including the likes of The El- Cojones (Headlining on Friday), Auduis Maximus (Headlining on Saturday), Vivid Sky (Headlining on Sunday , The Quails (Headlining on Monday), The Outfit, Dissonance, King Rooster, Max, Rock Against the Machine, Stormin Norman, Hotter than July & Black Jack Davey.

There is also an exclusive charity raffle in aid of Rowcroft hospice and The Helen Foundation, prizes include an electric guitar kindly donated by Teign Music and a Colour TB kindly donated by Face Electrics.

There is an outside bar, BBQ and lots of great entertainment for all ages to enjoy.

Make sure you get there early because this is by far one of the hottest events happening in the Southwest this Summer.

Great location, fantastic food, the best in Local Live Music What more could you ask for?

For more information on the event please call 01626 772674.

The band comprise of Kris Barras – guitarist & vocalist – who also plays with Who’s in the room with Norman, Joe Sansome – drummer – previously with Morph, Ben Perchard on bass guitar and Lewis Simmons – on rhythm guitar.

These guys certainly look the part and one of the most positive things that I liked the most is the energy and style of playing.

Top producer Joe Gibb recorded the EP and he has worked with some of the biggest rock and metal artists in the world.

For All Our Sins EP contains a good mixture of songs, Hear I Am, Last Man Standing, Forgive and Forget, Come Home, What If I Don’t, All in Time. The music is very well played and the band gave the comfortable feeling that they have been around for a while. The songs are strong but also different in their own right. I predict good things for these guys and they can cut it live as well.

I can best describe the music as pop metal, as always this kind of music is a very tough market to crack but from what I heard this band has more of a chance than the average band. I can see this band progressing on to a major tour as a   support artist, playing to open the show for Def Leppard or a big band in that genre. I also believe the American market could be quicker than the UK. Country’s like Germany and Belgium are mad for this kind of music and bands generally progress quicker over there than the UK, none the less, I said the same about a small local band from Teignmouth who are now one of the biggest bands in the world.

It is long over due that we had another big band to come out of the South West, fingers crossed these guys could be it!

Over the last decade or so the highly acclaimed local band Too Hot are still packing venues all over the South West. With a mix of vibrant music and a group of passionate musicians, the vibe has never dried up but has continued to grow into one of the most respected bands around today.

Too Hot were established around 1992 after evolving from various musical collaborations. The band’s current line up today comprises of Helen T (Lead Singer) Mickey Byrne (Backing vocals/Percussion) Spud (Guitar/ Backing Vocals) Dave (The Lloyd! Bass guitar) Doc Savage (Keys) Steve Uncle Fester! (Trumpet)
Dubzee (Saxophone) Big Kev! Greep (Drums). Many of the band members have been together for a long time and this can clearly be seen in the stage performance and the showmanship.

Last week I had the time to catch up with Spud and Steve and the vibe at the moment is possibly the best the band have enjoyed. In music general persistence and years of dedication has now come to fruition. With the line up now solid and with 3 great albums in the bag and more original songs in the pipeline the future is looking brighter than ever before.

The quality of the recorded material is some of the best original Ska music I have ever come across and as with many people who grew up in the early 80s I have always been a fan and admired the music from a very young age. I have known these guys for a long time and they are nice genuine people who are passionate about music. They are all in it for the right reasons and their soul goal is to make everyone dance and have a brilliant night. I can’t think of a better band in Europe keeping the Ska movement alive

Over the years the band have worked alongside some great names in music such as The Selector, The Beat, Bad Manners, The Buzzcocks, The Skatelites, Desmond Decker, Laurel Aitkin, The Ethiopians and Specials Guitarist Mr Roddy Radiation. These are some of the biggest names in the Ska movement and the world of live music and is a big achievement to be proud of! Their original material is also featured on compilation albums all round the world.

The band are actively looking for more venues up and down the country to play in. Believe me when I say the reaction of the crowd and audiences has always been great, but now the band have found a stable platform to take the show and music forward to possibly new heights than ever before!

For information on the band including how to book them and get the music, which incidentally is essential for anyone’s collection visit,

www.toohotska.co.uk and the myspace is http://www.myspace.com/toohotska
you can email the band on toohotska@yahoo.com

Live Dates

Oct 9th Wheelers Pub Torpoint. Cornwall

Oct 10th Lansdowne Dawlish

Oct 29th The Spinning Wheel Paignton

Oct 30th Skallowe’en: Havana Bar Exeter

Oct 31st Keyham Vaults Devonport

Nov 7th The Bolton Brixham

Dec 9th Spinning Wheel Paignton

Dec 20th Jolly Farmer

Dec 31st The Plough, Buckland, Newton Abbot