Thursday, 26 January 2012

A name is a good place to start...

His name is Ben Semmens, he’s from Pontypridd, South Wales and is a singer-songwriter.

His music? Well, Ben lets his music do the talking for him and many seem to like what he has to say.

In early 2009 Ben released his debut album “Western Lights” and had a staggering 70,000 downloads- worldwide.
As it’s been said many-a time, the best advertising is word-of-mouth advertising and many began to spread the word and this continues today. And is growing. Word-of-mouth is becoming louder.

His music is difficult to categorise, which might be a good thing. His fans know each song stands on its own and means something different to everyone.

In 2011 Ben travelled to the United States to record his first solo album with Ben Thomas (Newton Faulkner, Ben Taylor, David Bowie). On this album, yet to be named, Ben collaborated with Carly Simon of “You’re So Vain”.

This year will see his first release since Ben left the band BenSem.

Whatever he does, wherever his music takes you, what’s always important to remember is that it’s music that has come straight from the heart of a remarkably gifted singer-songwriter who believes in the power of a good melody.

Twitter: @BenSemmens

Thursday, 19 January 2012

The train arriving at platform 1 is Rebel Territory…

A band whose swagger and blistering live sets has already seen the band offered support opportunities with the likes of The Mystery Jets, The Kooks, Tribes, Tinchy Stryder, Los Campesinos, Viva Brother and Professor Green.

Leading a new wave of guitar bands coming through the media, reaction to Rebel Territory’s debut was a unanimous tide of critical acclaim. The media love for the band also spread to the radio airwaves around the country, resulting in the band being added to playlists on a number of top UK stations.

They impress wherever they go, whether it was the late Amy Winehouse coming to see them or football manager Nigel Clough, who asked for a meet following a performance at Derby’s Pride Park Stadium. Their flamboyance onstage led to live footage being featured in a Harley Davidson documentary illustrating music’s power to enthrall and entertain.
 

So who are these swashbuckling boys…?

…well, Lee Zajciw (guitar, lead vocals) and James Oldrini (bass, keyboards, backing vocals), have been playing together since they were 10 year old schoolmates. They completed their line-up with Sean Skinner, who had been representing Nottingham U-16’s in basketball but decided to devote himself to drumming for the band. The three-piece perform a jaw-dropping live set that has seen them invited back to venues again and again.

The train leaving platform 1 is Rebel Territory. Calling at…


Rebel Territory’s debut ‘double A’ single Falling For You / On The Rock’n’Roll is out now.

Check out the official video for 'On The Rock'n'Roll', from Rebel Territory's debut single:


Twitter: @rebelterritory