Month in Music: November
COMMUNITY
In the lead up to Christmas, 7digital has been full steam ahead. We are happy to present some of our highlights from November, including the latest artist interviews, live coverage on major events and lots more.
BBC Wear Your Old Band T-Shirt To Work Day
Now in its eighth year, ‘Wear Your Old Band t-shirt to Work Day’ has grown into a celebration of the music t-shirt and the stories they tell, as well as being a chance for people to demonstrate their passion for a particular artist or group. Our CEO Simon Cole got into the spirit sporting his Kraftwerk T-shirt whilst speaking at BBC On The Beat.
In Entertainment:
As usual the Entertainment News team have been talking to everyone at some of the industry’s most exclusive events.
Firstly they attended ‘The Music Industry Trusts Awards’ in London, honouring Simon Cowell in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the music and entertainment industry as well as many charitable causes. The Entertainment News team saw many familiar faces turn up to support him such as, One Direction, Olly Murs, Caroline Flack and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini. The team got a chance to speak to Simon Cowell himself alongside Il Divo, Pete Waterman, Mel C, Ben Haenow.
They also attended ‘The Classic Rock Roll of Honour Ceremony’ at Camden’s Roundhouse. Our team had the pleasure of speaking to Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, Noddy Holder of Slade, Alice Cooper and Brian May.
They also had exclusive one-on-one chats with artists including Anastacia, Fleur East, The Vamps and BRITs Critics Choice winner, Jack Garratt.
Jack Garratt on joining the groups of singers who’ve won the BRITS Critics’ Choice award said: “It’s quite an esteemed group of people! Yeah it’s kind of crazy to think about it like that, these UK acts have been given this award and kind of gone on to dominate music around the world. It’s incredible to be a part of, it’s intimidating. James Bay is a friend of mine, and I’m very fortunate to follow in his footsteps but I don’t want to think of the pressure of it too much.”
Here the rest of the interview on our audioboom site -> here.
If that wasn’t enough, the team also met with Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters to talk about his concert film, Roger Waters The Wall, which was released on DVD this month.
Lastly Entertainment team had an exclusive chat with New York Times best selling author,Randy Taraborrelli, who’s written a biography on Beyonce.
In Production:
This month our Unique team produced the live broadcast of our Radio 3 The Sunday Strand from Sage Gateshead. For the first time Radio 3’s Sunday Morning presented by Rob Cowan comes to Sage Gateshead as part of the Free Thinking Festival.
Earlier in the month the unique production team headed down to Backyard Bar to assist in the live recording for Greg James Improv Comedy show, which we produced. It was a great success and many laughs were had!
Members of our production team attended a launch event for a folk songwriting commissioning project called Sweet Liberties, hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Folk Arts, a cross-party interest group set up by and for the use of members of the House of Commons and House of Lords. Kevin Brennan, MP for Cardiff West, Shadow Minister for Trade, Investment and Intellectual Property and, most importantly, MAJOR Radio 2 Folk Awards fan and supporter, is the Chair of the group.
So, off they went to the Speaker’s House at the Palace of Westminster. Sweet Liberties is one of a number of cultural initiatives to celebrate ‘Parliament In The Making’, a year of celebration in 2015 commemorating anniversaries of two landmark political events: 750 years since the Simon de Montfort parliament which was the first time representatives from the ‘shires’ were called together to discuss political reform (the earliest incarnation of the House of Commons) and also the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta, after which no-one (not even the King) was above the law.
All nailed on folk song fodder, of course. They were treated to the first ever performances of new songs written about and inspired by some of the incredible moments in that 800-year history that have led directly (and often with great sacrifice) to the rights, freedoms and representation that we all enjoy today. Current Radio 2 Folk Awards ‘Folk Singer of the Year’ Nancy Kerr sang about the Human Rights Act and singer-songwriter Martyn Joseph, was inspired by fellow Welshman Nye Bevan’s NHS. Sam Carter celebrated the Race Relations Act and former Young Folk Award finalist Maz O’Connor gave a very modern take on the Poor Law.
In Editorial:
It’s been an incredibly busy month in the music team, obviously the big news was the return of Adele, who broke the U.S. record for most album sales in the first week of release. 7digital was delighted to be supporting this milestone and will continue to promote her brilliant album. The Mercury Prize winners announced and if you haven’t had a chance to check them out, our team created this fantastic post featuring all the winners and acts.
Interviews & Features with our Music Editor, Gemma Samways
Four years on from The Awakening, James Morrison is back with his fourth studio album. Here, the Warwickshire-born singer-songwriter explains why taking time out was essential for his emotional wellbeing, and describes how both fatherhood and a visit to a spiritual healer helped him conquer his demons.
Farao is the nom de plume of Norway’s Kari Jahnsen, creator of one of the most striking debut albums of 2015. We caught up with the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist to hear more about her musical journey, and to dig deeper into the inspirations behind Till It’s All Forgotten.
Two years on from Thr!!!er, Sacramento’s premiere dance-punks are back with a sixth LP that references disco and 90s house. We caught up with frontman Nic Offer to find out more about As If, and to chat creativity, critics and clowning about.
Features: 4AD Label Focus:
Founded in 1980 by Ivo Watts-Russell, 4AD remains one of the world’s most revered independent record labels. Explore some of the highlights of their pioneering back catalogue, from the ethereal beauty of Cocteau Twins and epic melancholia of The National to the brute force of Pixies and genre-hopping genius of Grimes.
ATP 2.0 The Nightmare Before Christmas Festival Guide:
Founded in 1980 by Ivo Watts-Russell, 4AD remains one of the world’s most revered independent record labels. Explore some of the highlights of their pioneering back catalogue, from the ethereal beauty of Cocteau Twins and epic melancholia of The National to the brute force of Pixies and genre-hopping genius of Grimes.
It might not be summer anymore, but festival season is far from over. After the success of last year’s DRILL:BRIGHTON, Mutations emerges as similarly forward-thinking music-event, welcoming a crop of cutting-edge artists from across the globe who will play at an assortment of venues. Read on for our highlights from this year’s bill, and make sure you find time for some fish and chips on the beach before bedtime.
What a great month for music at 7digital, it’s now starting to feel particularly christmassy in the office. Stay tuned for more news about our work with music editorial, coverage and creative.