'We were living the dream on a tour bus that was a travelling pub.' | The Twang interviewed
Once crowned heirs to Oasis’ throne, The Twang embrace their legacy, with a remastered Jewellery Quarter and new music on the horizon.
Posts by: Ali Shutler
'Feeling like no one's listening to you or gives a sh*t about you, that’s a really powerful place to create from' | Razorlight's Johnny Borrell interviewed
Razorlight are back with Planet Nowhere. Johnny Borrell talks to whynow about moving forward, the band’s classic lineup reunion, and why nostalgia just isn’t enough.
Catfish and the Bottlemen at Reading Festival review | Lacklustre headline set fails to ignite
Catfish And The Bottlemen’s return to Reading Festival was marred by a lack of energy and technical issues, leaving their headline set feeling uninspired and overshadowed by better performances.
Lana Del Rey at Reading Festival review | Theatrical set marred by unplanned obstacles
At Reading Festival, Lana Del Rey delivered a mesmerizing set filled with fantasy and tenderness, though technical issues and a shortened encore dulled the impact of her headline performance.
Girli: 'I’m not a political artist. I don’t sing ‘f**k the Tories’, but there's loads about me fancying my girlfriend'
After being dropped by her label, Girli rebuilt her career on her terms. We chat to her about her second album Matriarchy that explores themes of vulnerability, self-worth, and queer joy, marking a bold new chapter.
Karin Ann: 'I grew up in Slovakia, a toxic, sexist, hate-filled environment. It took me years to come to terms with being queer'
Slovakian alt-pop star Karin Ann discusses her evolving musical journey, inspired by artists like Fleetwood Mac and Hozier, and the challenges of a rare neurological disorder faced during the creation of her debut album.
La Luz: 'Since becoming a mum, since having breast cancer, my eyes have been opened to the raw brutality of womanhood'
Shana Cleveland shares insights into La Luz’s new album, News of the Universe, exploring themes of womanhood, change, and connection.
James Vincent McMorrow: 'It's music to believe in. Simple as that'
We hear about the transformative journey of James Vincent McMorrow as he returns to his roots with the folk-inspired album 'Wide Open, Horses', a stark contrast to his mainstream exploits.
Porij: 'We never expected to go far because we called our band Porij, spelt dumb'
Porij tell whynow how dance music helps us let go, mixing the perfect blend of bleak and goofy lyrics, and about bopping about the big city in your mid-20s.
Master Peace: 'There's more to this than 'Black guy making indie music''
With his debut album, Master Peace is reimagining indie music, crafting a record filled with self-awareness, community, and a pursuit of joy amidst a world in turmoil.
Where's My Utopia? review | Yard Act chase euphoria at every turn
Yard Act leave post-punk behind, chasing dancefloor euphoria in 'Where's My Utopia?', mixing Britpop with funk and self-aware humour in their second album.
Tom Walker: ‘I will die for these songs I’m about to put out – you’ve got to back yourself’
With an eagerly-awaited sophomore album in the works, Tom Walker chats to Ali Shutler about the success of his debut album What A Time To Be Alive, his success on TikTok and the response to his politically-charged track ‘Number 10’.
Elton John at Glastonbury 2023 review | One of the very best, from a truly all-time great
★★★★★
Elton John closed out Glastonbury 2023 with a set for the ages, in front of a mammoth Pyramid Stage audience. If this really is his last ever live UK, he goes out on an almighty high, writes Ali Shutler.
Arctic Monkeys at Glastonbury 2023 review | Prodigious rockers kick-off headline proceedings
★★★★☆
After allaying fears they wouldn’t be able to perform, Arctic Monkeys showed why they’ve been called upon three times to headline Glastonbury – with a crooning, charismatic Alex Turner at the helm and a set that weaved greatest hits with fresh additions.
Foo Fighters at Glastonbury 2023 review | The Churnups reveal themselves as fiery rock heroes
★★★★☆
In a not-so-secret set, Foo Fighters turned out to be the mystery band The Churnups, playing an hour-long set at Glastonbury 2023.
Blondshell: ‘I have more of an idea of my self-worth than I did before’
A little over two months on from her eponymous debut, Blondshell (Sabrina Teitelbaum) talks to whynow during her whistle-stop tour of the UK.
Louis Culture: ‘I’ve got no interest in being above anyone else’
Following the recent release of terrific standalone single ‘The City’ and with his first ever UK headline tour set for later this year, south London artist and Elevation Meditation collective member Louis Culture speaks to Ali Shutler.
Beyoncé at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium review | A stadium epic in every sense at Renaissance Tour’s final UK show
★★★★★
Beyoncé confirms there really is no one on her level at the fifth and final show of her Tottenham Hotspur Stadium residency. Ali Shutler went to watch the glittering spectacle.
Yonaka: ‘Everything about being in this band is about feeling right and feeling good’
At the recent Great Escape Festival, we caught up with Brighton three-piece Yonaka about their journey as a band and their forthcoming EP, Welcome To My House.
The standout acts from The Great Escape Festival 2023
Brighton’s annual The Great Escape kicks off festival season by bringing together as many new and upcoming bands as the seaside town can possibly handle. Over three days, every venue, pub, club and street corner hosts a range of musicians, all vying for attention. They all have their work cut out. Here’s our pick of the best standout performances from across the weekend.
Yard Act at Troxy review | The Leeds lads give a glimpse of what’s to come after The Overload
★★★★☆
As Yard Act say goodbye to their debut album The Overload, they’re starting to break more new ground. The Leeds-based four-piece played their biggest ever headline show at London’s Troxy this week, including on Friday night. Ali Shutler went to watch.
Mimi Webb at Hammersmith Apollo review | Mimi Webb could well be TikTok’s first truly great popstar
★★★★☆
Mimi Webb exudes confidence at Hammersmith’s Eventim Apollo, demonstrating why she’s pop’s next big thing.
Bartees Strange: ‘I thought I was too old to be a successful musician’
Ahead of tour support slots with boygenius and The National later this year, we speak to indie-rocker Bartees Strange about his second album Farm to Table, his stint as a political speech writer and his ambitions to “instil fear” as an artist.
