First Bingley Music Live Announcement

Travis, Tinie Tempah, Echo and The Bunnymen, Sigma have been announced as the first acts for festival Bingley Music Live, known to festival-goers as BML.

Seven number one singles and rising, there is no doubt that Tinie Tempah is one of the leading lights of the UK music scene and a massive coup for BML.

Exploding onto the top of the UK charts in 2010 with the BML 2015 headliner, Labrinth produced track 'Pass Out', the smash hit gave birth to the career of both artists. Having received two Brit Awards in 2011 for Best British Breakthrough Act and Best Single he has continued to collaborate with other artists such as Ellie Goulding on ‘Wonderman’, BML 2014 artist Jess Glynne on ‘Not Letting Go’ and recent KDA Number One ‘Turn The Music Louder (Rumble)’ with BML 2013 artist Katy B.

One of the most celebrated multi Brit Award winning and platinum selling bands, Travis, make their long awaited return to the British musical landscape. The band have been responsible for hit after hit with huge tracks such as 'Sing', 'Writing to Reach You', ‘Flowers In The Window’, and the anthem of all anthems, 'Why Does It Always Rain on Me'.

Appearing as a guest presenter on Radio One, Coldplay’s Chris Martin heaped praise on the Scottish band as “the band that invented my band and lots of others” and in 2013 The Killers paid tribute during their headline set at T-in-the-Park, covering Travis’ ‘Side’. Long awaited new album ‘Everything at Once’ is due for release in April 2016.

Chart topping exponents of Drum and Bass, Sigma will no doubt be welcomed with open arms as they take to the Myrtle Park stage. The act topped the UK charts with “Nobody to Love” and in 2014 they released their second consecutive number one “Changing” co-written by BML 2015s Ella Eyre and featuring Brit Award winning Paloma Faith with smash hit “Higher” featuring BML 2015 headliner Labrinth. Sigma’s fourth iTunes number one and top 5 hit, “Glitterball” was released last year with guest vocals from Ella Henderson.

Returning sons Echo and the Bunnymen, will hit the stage for the 10th anniversary of BML still led by the intense voice of Ian McCulloch and guitarist Will Sergeant. One of the greatest songwriting acts the country has ever produced, tracks include 'The Cutter', 'Bring on the Dancing Horses', the anthemic 'Nothing Lasts Forever' and the spellbinding 'Killing Moon' ahead of a new album rumoured for release later this year.

Following the recent untimely death of David Bowie, BML will pay tribute this year with a host of very special guest artists each performing their favourite David Bowie track in what is sue to be a very special festival moment.

Coun Imran Khan, Bradford Council's Executive Member for Environment and Sport, said: "As ever our team has managed to book some big name acts, which I am sure will attract fans of all ages. Our ticket prices make this an extremely good value for money event to rival other summer festivals."

The first wave of tickets for the festival, on 2-4 September, in Bingley's Myrtle Park, are on sale now. For more details, see festival website - bingleymusiclive.com for details. This year, tickets are being sold in two tiers, meaning the sooner people buy tickets the less they pay. This year, a new ticket price category for teen tickets for 12-15-year-olds is available. There is also a four month payment plan for those who would prefer to spread the cost and for the first time ever, on-site camping.

Interviews from Bingley Music Live 4th-6th September 2015

Friday

Bingley Music Live is that little gem at the end of the summer, the last of the bigger festivals to take place, and it was blessed this year by an absence of rain and some largely sunny spells. This suits the BML public who tend to come armed with decks chairs and picnic blankets to settle down for the weekend. Over the last years Bingley has had an excellent line-up and is one of the cheapest on offer, this year 3 days of music for £50. I love this festival and its friendly and helpful staff, this year I got to ride on a buggy down to the press area!

I arrive in good time on Friday as I don't want to miss the festival openers Apollo Junction, a band from Leeds who have had a full summer of festival appearances. 

Great set to start off the day, was pleased to hear If I Fell, which had been picked up by the BBC and set things in motion for the band. They also played their next release, Born For Now, top tune. 

Afterwards I joined them backstage where they were live on air with BBC Leeds and my colleagues Ann and Trudie from BCB Radio. 

For the past few years Bingley has had a second stage to showcase up and coming talent from around the UK. This year the stage has been renamed The Discovery Stage, its becoming a very popular stage, where people who love to go to festivals to find something new congregate. The first band I see here are Model Aeroplanes from Dundee. Really enjoyed the set and can see why this band is getting good support slots with The View and Twin Atlantic among others

Weirds from Leeds are the next on the Discovery stage, wildly energetic set. The lead singer leaps over the barrier and is rushing around like a man possessed and then the guitarist comes over the barrier to play among the crowd too, my head is going from side to side like in a crazed tennis match, the bassist is lying down. Its not just visual though great music! Really want to see this band again soon. Interview done stage side so apologies for sound quality.

One of the great things about the Discovery Stage is that has a very random choice of bands, the next band Brighton's Fickle Friends are totally different to the previous band. Great vocals with a wonderful beat that gets the crowd moving. The band have been doing festivals here and in Europe all summer since The Great Escape, although a relatively new band (2 years or so) they are certainly a polished act, one I would definitely see again.

with Ann and Trudie from BCB Radio

Unfortunately I have to miss most of Cast's set though did manage to hear Walkaway before heading back into the press area. All duties of the day finished in time for the headline set James. They are the only headliner to repeat at Bingley and did so after a public vote on who everyone wanted to return. Much loved band and great set with a mixture of songs from the latest album and all the well known hits.  They also played a couple of new ones and announced they are currently recording a new album. 

We have had a great day, broadasting our drivetime show live from Bingley Music Live on BCB Radio and hopping between stages.

Saturday

Festivals and clashes! For some people that's a problem higher up the bill but for me today I have to jog between main stage and discovery stage right from the start. The day begins with Bradford's Nervous 'Orse, the lead singer became a father the day before so the set is dedicated to his son. Nervous 'Orse have a wonderful sound, great lyrics and wonderful harmonies as all four of them sing. Had a good chat to them after which unfortunately did not record. They were pleased about their set and said the on stage sound was the best they had ever had. Caught up with them a couple of weeks later after their set at Saltaire festival.

Meanwhile Keighley's Rock Bottom Risers are opening the Discovery stage, I have liked all the songs I have heard from this band but this is my first chance to hear them live and they are wonderful. Great band good solid songs, good to chat to them too.

I decide to spend a while hovering between the 2 stages and manage to catch part of a few excellent sets, April from The Midlands, Natasha North and Randolph's Leap who I stick around for longer. Headed backstage for a while to catch up with BCB colleagues as they prepare to host another live show form the festival.

I headed back up to the Discovery stage hoping to catch the latter part of Swiines and be there in good time for The Black Delta Movement. My first disappointment of the festival is that there has been a switch round in programming and Black Delta Movement are already half way their set, their brilliance leaves me wanting more, and the set ends with a feeling of having been done out of one of the best bands of the weekend on this stage, I do have a good chat to them after, which was not recorded but plans are underway for a chat in the the near future. 

Spent the rest of the evening enjoying Funeral for a Friend, Carl Barat and Jackals and Ash. Not sure why its so long since I listened to Ash, what an excellent set. Labrinth is on the mainstage but I decided to head up to the Discovery Stage to check out Deaf School who I thought were quite an intriguing choice of band. This turned out to be the set of the festival so far for me. What set of class musicians and entertaining vocalists. The whole crowd was just grinning from ear to ear watching them, a real treat Off home to be ready for an early start on the last day.




Sunday

Another early start and early morning clashes, first act on today are Normanton's The Incredible Magpie Band, one of the winners of the Emerging Talent competition, I watch the first half of their set which is great. Not surprisingly this band have earned some great support slots with The Enemy and Cast.

Hot footed it to the Discovery stage where Bradford's Francis are playing, here is a band that looks like they are really enjoying playing. Fantastic set of songs and incredible solos which are delighting the crowd on the second stage, great talent in such a young band. 

Great to see Clay on the main stage, despite them being from Leeds I've not managed to catch them live before, excellent set, really polished act who have been going for about a year now. 



The Jacques played on The Discovery stage and BCB colleague Ann Morgan had a chat with them after their set.





Next I went up to the Discovery Stage to see The Sherlocks, I first saw them at Bingley last year and since then they have grown a great deal and have been touring up and down the UK. They had a large crowd of young people who all knew the words to the songs and were gathered very close to the stage, The Sherlocks didn't disappoint them.

This year Bingley Music Live had a new initiative which was to have a few busking stages around the festival. Leeds act Pusher were doing several sets as a duo and solo and also Bradford's Sleepy Jake Segrave, who I caught up with on the final day.

Back on mainstage local heroes Embrace are playing a good set of new and old songs. Their music is certainly best heard on a large stage with a big audience as they have such big sounding songs. They are followed by Idlewild who were fantastic. Treat of the day for me though is Super Furry Animals, very excited to see them back playing live and they certainly didn't disappoint. BCB's Ann Morgan had an interview (English and Welsh) just before their set. And that was Bingley Music Live for another year. Full marks from me, a fabulous festival.

Michelle Dalgety - Yorkshire Music Collective

Bingley Music Live Review: Day 3

It always happens at a festival that two bands you really want to see are playing at the same time, such was this morning as both Happy Daggers and DownReno were playing at the same. No choice but to do half a set of each band. There are only a few people there when Happy Daggers start to play but their funky dance music soon has curious listeners heading to the stage. Brilliant set with everyone starting to dance, its really hard not to with these guys.  You can hear their backstage interview here

Meanwhile on the mainstage Down Reno are blowing the crowd away, I don't think anyone is expecting such a good act to be on so early. This is such a polished band, I'm not sure how they would describe their music but its sort of americana pop, the tunes are toe-tappingly good, the songs are very well constructed, with lovely lyrics that are pretty catchy too and some lovely harmonies going on. 

I had already requested an interview with the band and later got confirmation that I would be able to do this in the Green Room, it was pretty posh! As I was walking back to the media area one of the event crew asked me if I had interviewed them and that the whole crew had been amazed by them. You can listen to the interview here

Its been a great start to the day and I can't help but think that both of these bands deserve to be much higher up the bill :)

The next band I see is The Gramotones up on stage 2. Really enjoyed this set, loved the songs, great lyrics and both lead vocals were excellent sometimes taking it in turns to sing sometimes together. Would want to see more of this band. There's a drunk man at the front shouting encore, to which the band quips, give us time we've only played two songs.

Its getting pretty hot up at this second stage, sunbathing crowd are nicely settled for Port Isla. This is a delighful set of well crafted songs. The vocalist does some on piano and some on guitar, I'm actually listening to their soundcloud as I type I liked them so much.

The Ramona Flowers are the next band on my list of ones to check out,  and the BCB team has had the same idea as we all meet up again to catch a couple of acts before today's live broadcast. I really like this band I've had Dismantle and Rebuild on loop all week. Excellent live as well.

Neon Waltz are on stage next, it took me a few songs to get into this band but by the end of the set I was really enjoying it. The organ was great! Almost time to set up the broadcast and only one of us can stay and watch The Wytches. Not my turn to stay today unfortunately, will have to wait to see them.

Just time to watch Simon and Oscar from Ocean Colour Scene do a couple of songs on our way to the media area to set up our broadcast, they are delighting the crowd its a massive sing-song down there, so many great songs. How incredible to see them acoustically, they are celebrating 25 years and about to embark on an acoustic tour. Well worth going.

We spent the next 2 and half hours broadcasting our last live show from the festival, its been great fun today although a bit crazy at times. 

We finished our broadcast and managed to catch a couple of songs by The South before we headed down to the last act of a great festival Pet Shop Boys

Its been fantastic, see you next year!

Bingley Music Live Review: Day 2

The Barmines

Blue Skies this morning, this is more like Bingley weather! I'm here bright and early to see the two acts I watched at the Battle of The Bands earlier this year perform on mainstage. First on are The Barmines from Leeds, starting off with the powerful song 1990 they rip through a great set of tracks, good solid band with a bright future ahead of them. 

I hotfoot it up to stage 2 where the other BOTB winner is

playing. Tropical Contact play a lively set and have some good banter going on with the crowd. Sad about their announcement mid show that they are splitting up as they are a great band.

Avec Sans

Back to the mainstage to see Avec Sans, duo from London, they were firmly on my list to check out today after listening to a couple of their tracks on line. Certainly did not disappoint, love the tunes with their blend of catchy pop vocals and darks synths to give them a bit of an edge. Would definitely see this band again.

Next I got a chance to go backstage to interview The

Barmines, I was invited to their tent (which the day before had been Shed Seven's tent) and chat about their big day, the interview is below. Listen to the interview here.

It was also great to bump into Van from Catfish and The Bottlemen outside his tenand get a chance to tell him how much I love this hardworking band!

John Lennon McCullagh was next on mainstage, this was another act I had enjoyed the year before on Stage 2. This time he was back as John McCullagh & The Escorts with a full band behind him. The focus is still very much on the talented frontman though, his songs have a maturity and execution well beyond his years.

Next I went back up to stage 2 to see Bradford band Warme. First chance I have had to see them live although I have been listening to their music for a while. Good set which is pleasing the large crowd here at stage 2.  We also manage to interview them live on BCB broadcast later in the day. You can listen to that interview here.

listen to ‘Warme - Live on BCB Radio at Bingley Music Live’ on Audioboo

Off in search of team BCB (no easy task weaving in and out of deck chairs) I find them watching Nick Mulvey on mainstage. Glad I got here in time for this, love these vocals, another CD purchase on the cards

We are about to set up the afternoon's broadcast but I am

forced to jump ship for a while as its Catfish and the Bottlemen on the main stage. There is no way I am missing this! Can't help but jump in the mosh pit for this fabulous band, I have been watching them for the last 3-4 years since I first saw them in a small venue in Leeds. They will be back next month playing at Leeds Uni Stylus. The crowd is going wild and already knows the words to the album that is about to be released.

Time for our live broadcast again, out and about in the crowd chatting to people about their experiences at Bingley Music Live, and also talking to stall holders and organisers of children's events. Have to say that is is all positive, some are repeating, some are here for the first time but all say they will be back. Many point out the friendly and helpful attitude of all the staff and volunteers. De does the mechanical bull challenge and teaches everyone a new dance. 

Broadcast finalised I am gutted to only catch 1 song of Renegade Brass Band the huge crowd is dancing away for this Sheffield 9 piece band. One of the highlights of the day on stage 2 judging by the number of people who have mentioned them to me.

Back to Mainstage where the team are watching The Strypes. I liked this young rhythm and blues band a great deal, sometimes the hype is true. The guys are staying down but I'm heading back up to stage 2.

So with the broadcast finished I am now able to drink but real ale is not my only reason for visiting Stage 2. I have been looking forward to Young Kato and they do not disappoint. Love the track Drink Dance, Play which is kind of a festival theme tune in its self.

The smaller queues at the beer tent are actually my reason for staying in this area but what a stroke of local to catch the wonderful talent of Esther Turner. What a voice, she held a note like forever which had the whole crowd gasping and her lovely nature had them all behind her. A delight.

Next up are Saturday Stage 2 headliners Dexters great way to close this stage, excellent band who you can catch again at The Cockpit on 27th November. 
Last gig of the day for me, I'm bushed and head off before Example (next year maybe I will get a deck chair (or maybe not).

Bingley Music Live Review: Day 1

There's something strange about Bingley, you want to tell people how good it is, but you don't want to tell too many because its like our hidden secret, that little music gem in the calendar that only we from round here know about! This was my 5th Bingley in a row, and it was another cracker!

This year I teamed with my BCB colleagues so spent part of my days on outside broadcast with 3 live shows over the 3 days. This has been great fun, a little challenging at times trying to broadcast from a noisy festival but a good experience.

The Struts

I am there for the start of the festival on Friday. I am really pleased to see The Struts opening the main stage, I'd happened to catch their set on the second stage the previous year and was excited to see their return to the bigger stage. Its raining quite heavily when they come on but you don't seem to notice due to the mesmerizing performance of the lead singer, he is wearing the coolest blue poncho styled shirt I have seen. The band isn't all the frontman though, these guys can really play too. Luke Spiller the lead vocalist is off stage now, down in the crowd with audience sat round him in a circle, then its back on stage for the final, he has everyone at the front crouched down ready to jump up and go mental when the music really kicks in again. Brilliant start to the day.

Fiona Jane from Woman's Hour

Next up I go to stage 2 to catch Woman's Hour on the recommendation of Joseph from the BCB team, its now absolutely hammering down and many people are taking refuge in the beer tent, excellent recommendation indeed. Beautiful music and lovely sultry vocals too, I ordered the album as soon as I got home. When the audience clapped after one of the songs, the singer said she felt she ought to be applauding the audience instead, towards the end of the set, it stopped raining and the front of the stage quickly filled to watch the rest in the dry. This band are playing at the Belgrave Music Hall on 26th September, you won't be disappointed if you go see them.

Its back to mainstage where a special set is taking place, its brilliant when you see something

Dave McCabe & Ian Skelley

unique at a festival, Dave McCabe from The Zutons and Ian Skelly from The Coral are doing a special acoustic set as a tribute to Alan Wills who tragically died this year. Alan Wills' Deltasonic label launched the careers of The Coral and The Zutons and both bands have played Bingley in the past. Funniest moment of the set was when Dave McCabe introduced Ian Skelley as used to be in The Coral, to which he replied I am still in The Coral! Oh yes we the ones that split up says McCabe. It was just like watching 2 friends having a jam together and a real privilege to be watching it.

BCB Team out and about the Festival

The Selecter

For the next couple of hours I join the BCB team for our first 2 hours live broadcast form the festival our aim has been to take the festival atmosphere to people who have not been able to make the festival this year and hopefully encourage people to get on board with it in future years. Amazingly as we start our broadcast The Selecter are singing "On My Radio" on mainstage! We chat to people who have come from just down the road but also to many who had travelled some distance for the festival. I do a sneaky disappearing act during this time as I must see at least one song by The Selecter who have everyone jumping up and down. All the shows from the festival are on our Listen Again feature.

Due to broadcasting I am not able to see one of the main acts of the day Gaz Coombes, in

Eliza and The Bear

conversations with folks at the festival this is one of the standout acts from the weekend. Maybe next time! I am however in time to make it to stage 2 for Eliza and The Bear who are absolutely fantastic, another EP bought after listening to them. The are playing the Cockpit on October 12th, well worth getting a ticket for that one. I think I've found my new favourite band. I have to say over the last few years the quality of the acts on the second stage is quite something. It has been very busy all week too, as a lot of people come to check out the new up and coming talent which is great. I have dubbed it the Music Lover stage as its where I bump into people I regularly see out supporting new talent. 

Headline act today is Shed Seven, I was quite surprised by how many songs I knew of Shed Seven, the crowd certainly knows them all and joins in each and every one. Good end to a great first day and guess what? The Sun is coming out tomorrow!

Bingley Music Live Emerging Talent Competition

For the last few years I have been able to follow a few local bands from the heats to the main stage of Bingley Music Live. 

This year 130 entrants were narrowed down to 8 finalists who played 3 songs each at Victoria Hall in Keighley.

The last couple of finals at St Georges Hall has several sound issues, but sound was spot on last night for 8 excellent acts.

The Runners

Never easy to be that first band on, and The Runners only had their debut gig just over a month ago, but they were certainly up to the task, good solid tunes with a 60s vibe from this Leeds band.

Check them out here

https://www.facebook.com/runnersofficial

Jade Helliwell

Next to take the stage is Jade Helliwell, its quite a big stage when you are on your own but her powerful voice is more than enough to fill it, playing with a backing track to a crowd of followers.

Check her out here:

http://www.jadehelliwell.com/

Apollo Junction

Next on stage are Apollo Junction, electro indie pop band from Leeds, who play 3 lively songs, designed to get people moving, good combination who have had recent play on BBC6, looking forward to seeing them again

Check them out here:

http://apollojunction.com/

Marc and Abi

Next up are Marc and Abi, I have only seen them as an acoustic duo before and am surprised to see them with a backing band, good feelgood songs played to a strong following.

Check them out here:

https://www.facebook.com/MarcAndAbi

Redemtion

Next is the turn of Redemtion, pop punk band from Leeds, very fast paced set, entertaining, a band who looks like they are enjoying themselves too

Check them out here:

https://www.facebook.com/redemtionband

St. Somebody

Next on are St Somebody, indie band from Halifax. Their songs are quite unique, pop with an edge. They are fun to watch as well.

Check them out here:

https://www.facebook.com/stsomebody

Quentins Basement

Next up are Quentins Basement, one of the youngest bands on the night, but no shortage of talent, good set of songs from the band, the future is looking bright for them

Check them out here

http://www.quentinsbasement.com/

Down Radio

Last band of the night and before the event, from the genre I thought I would like this band the least, but they were the standout band for me, hiphop/rock, highly entertaining.

Check them out here:

http://www.facebook.com/downradio

Holy Moly and The Crackers

A great night of music and a tough job for judges Inder Goldfinger, Tony Wright and Sarah Hutton . 

Whilst they are deliberating Holy Moly and the Crackers play a set, they have already been confirmed to play at Bingley Music Live

The four contestants to go through to BML are St. Somebody, Down Radio, Jade Helliwell and Marc and Abi.


They will be joining Primal Scream, The Cribs, The Human League, Chic, The Fratellis and a host of others, full details on the website http://www.bingleymusiclive.com/