No Half Measures

I've been regrettably taking this blog for granted recently. There have been a lot of interesting things developing in the last week or so though. Firstly last night I was privileged enough to be sent by Redbrick to Kerrang! radio studios in Birmingham to review a set by a local unsigned act Max Raptor. I wasn't sure exactly what to expect and didn't really know what the agenda was, but stepping into the studio was an experience in itself. There were signed gold and platinum records on the wall, a signed Green Day drum kit and a couch which had been scarred by the likes of the Editors, Bombay Bicycle Club, Maximo Park and Klaxons. I'm indifferent to all these bands, but the very fact these great musicians had been there, brought the reality of the radio station home. It inspired me. When you stand in a crowd of thousands and look up at these bands getting paid to perform, I find it incredibly hard to relate to them at all, you're just another concert, and another fan. Which is why when a band are genuine towards a crowd, or sing about issues I can relate to it means the world of difference. Anyway, back to the couch. So this couch brought home the fact that all these people are exactly that, just people. It was just insightful. I managed to grab a few business cards, so I'm currently looking at pursuing a possible placement at a radio station sometime. Is this just a fad? I hope not.

"Max Raptor are a four piece unsigned band from Lichfield, just South of Birmingham. Last year they won the Battle of the Bands which was held at the Bullring, which ensured them the right to play behind Cage the Elephant at Festibull (did you see what they did there?) This year they have been steadily growing in support and attention, and they have supported Calvin Harris, Billy Talent and The Zutons."

This is an article preview, and if it doesn't make it to the paper, I'll stick the whole thing on here. The experience of being at a radio station and watching a band with 30 people, was just really fucking cool. They were a really good band to watch live, and really genuine people, which re-enforced the couch. They invited me to the green room, and offered me a beer. We talked about music and influences for a while, and they even had the decency to ask me about my musical preferences. Even though this band are unsigned I still felt like Zane Lowe.

Check out Max Raptor at www.myspace.com/maxraptor

Later on that same night, I presented the second show of "The Sound Avenue - Live" which I'm pleased to say went really well. For those who listened, thanks very much and for those who didn't, unfortunately the podcast recording failed, so there won't be a show. We're all pretty gutted because myself, Alex and Mike all felt the show went especially well, aside from 2 minor hiccups. We kicked off with a bit of Alkaline Trio and played a bit of Refused, which Alex insisted I cut short, Florence and the Machine, The Jam and The Loved Ones. Listen again next week. 10pm on Thursday evenings at www.burnfm.com

In other news, I've been shortlisted on the Weakest Link, so could soon appear opposite Anne Robinson soon, and I also completed the Birmingham Half Marathon on Sunday in 1 hour 51 minutes, which I'm very happy about.