Exhibition Review: Celebrating Seven Decades Of Status Quo @ Barbican

Celebrating Seven Decades Of Status Quo at Barbican Centre, London (16 Feb - 22 May 2023) // Words: Saam Das

British rock outfit Status Quo have been "rocking all over the world" (ahem) since the Sixties, with over fifty UK Top 40 charting singles and twenty five UK top ten albums, making them one of the most successful bands of all time. Unsurprisingly, they've built up a considerable fanbase over the years, culminating in a free new exhibition based within the Library of the Barbican Centre in London, Celebrating Seven Decades Of Status Quo.

Watch: Sam Ryder - 'Mountain' (Live @ Eurovision 2023)

Words: Saam Das

The 2022 Eurovision Song Contest saw Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra take a well-deserved and understandable victory, but following many fallow years, the UK had an unexpectedly strong showing with Sam Ryder nabbing second place with 'Space Man'. An effervescent performance that truly felt like an artist seizing their moment to shine. No surprise then, that Sam Ryder was back for Eurovision 2023, hosted in the UK, with a little help from one Roger Taylor of Queen fame.

Festival Preview: Ten Must See Acts @ The Great Escape 2023

The Great Escape, various venues across Brighton (10-13 May 2023) // Words: Saam Das

We’ve been fans of The Great Escape festival since attending its inaugural edition in 2006, and it's become an important part of the UK music festival calendar ever since. Largely eschewing huge artists, Brighton's sprawling multi-venue festival has its eyes firmly on “the next big thing”, and in conjunction with its industry-led events, has attracted comparisons to Austin’s South By South West. The likes of Adele, Bastille and Haim have all played early gigs at the festival, and here we have ten acts that we hope may reach similar heights in future:

Seven Choice Picks For Record Store Day 2023

Words: Saam Das

Having kicked off way back in 2007, the annual international Record Store Day event has crept up on us yet again. From Ennio Morricone to iconic pro wrestler Macho Man Randy Savage to newer heavyweights like Taylor Swift, Bastille, and The 1975, there are plenty of exclusives, limited editions, and re-releases to tantalise fans of artists new and old. Here are some of our top picks for RSD 2023, in alphabetical order.

Exhibition Review: Rock Against Racism - Militant Exhibition Tour @ St Mary In The Castle

Rock Against Racism: Militant Entertainment Tour exhibition at St Mary In The Castle, Hastings // Words: Saam Das

The Rock Against Racism movement was founded in the UK in 1976 in opposition to comments made by prominent musicians, David Bowie and Eric Clapton, whose actions were symptomatic of a rising (and often violent) sentiment against various minorities at the time. Sadly, this all still strikes a chord over thirty years on. Therefore, this new exhibition in Hastings celebrating the activism of the movement, including their support from bands such as The Clash and The Specials, feels particularly timely.

Surfacing: London x Utrecht Synth Trio Render Ghosts Make Their Mark With Debut Album [New Band]

Words: Saam Das

It's not often that you see bands come together across various cities, let alone various countries, but synth-pop trio Render Ghosts have really taken working from home to heart. Based across London and Utrecht, Tamara van Esch, Tom Wilson, and Iain Chambers came together in 2020 to form Render Ghosts, releasing their compelling electronic-led self-titled debut album earlier this year.