BBC Mixtape: 7 Sep 2015

The Family Machine

This week’s free downloadable BBC Introducing Mixtape features handpicked tunes from the BBC Introducing Uploader by FAMILY MACHINE, STARLING, SKETCHMAN, MOATS, THE POCKET GODS, LIGHTBOXES, ROJA, MADDIE JONES, HENTAI BABIES, GRIS-DE-LIN, KYKO, ROBERT MAITLAND, ASH MAMMAL, MICKEY HUGHES, MAUVELLE, RE5ONANCE and BEYOND THE CLONES.

Download or subscribe to Tom's BBC Introducing Mixtape

The BBC Introducing Mixtape is a 60 minute radio show broadcast on BBC Radio 6 Music from 2-3am every Sunday night/Monday morning. Each programme is then downloadable in podcast form at the BBC 6 Music downloads page for the next 30 days. Full tracklists and start times for each track are published here at Fresh On The Net – together with with information about the music that’s been provided by the artists themselves.

All tracks are sourced from the BBC Introducing Uploader. Some are recommended by BBC friends and colleagues while the rest are tunes I’ve discovered here via our Fresh On The Net inbox. For more about how the process works see this post – and if your music is in thie week’s mixtape please see the important warning at the bottom of this page. These are the listings for the episode broadcast in the early morning of Monday, 7th September at 2am.

FAMILY MACHINE – Long Way From Home [starts 00:17]
http://www.youarethefamilymachine.com
Tipped via BBC Introducing by Elizabeth Green. Family Machine consist of Jamie Hyatt, Darren Fellerdale, Neil Durbridge and describe themselves as “an indie Pop outfit hailing from Oxford, UK.”

STARLING – Misfit [starts 04:08]
http://www.starlingsworld.com
Tipped via BBC Introducing by Elise Cobain. “Starling began to sing, starting with covers of Joni Mitchell and Bill Withers, progressing into writing her own brand of dark, brooding pop only 18 months ago. Citing Patti Smith, Bat For Lashes and Fiona Apple as influences, it’s the wild, emotional properties of those artists that attract her. There’s a strangely dark warmth to Starling’s music; gentle piano lines, swelling synths and brooding percussion are complimented with personal, sometimes surreal lyrics that deal with the darker sides of the human condition. Depression, solitude and a cathartic approach to writing form the lyrical basis to Starling’s work, a quality that hints at the depth yet to come from this intriguing new artist.”

SKETCHMAN – Paramount [starts 07:38]
http://www.sketchmanmusic.co.uk
“26 year old South London grime artist Sketchman, aka Charles Hazell, has released Paramount as the first single from his new album Nothing Is Enough. Released on 28th August, on his own Uncle Albert Records, Paramount comes after his previous efforts were backed by Tom Robinson’s Introducing Mixtape show in February 2010, following a tip from DJ Crissy Criss. More recently he has received support from BBC Introducing in April 2013, when he was invited to Maida Vale studios before being added to the Introducing Playlist on 1Xtra. While interviewed by DJ Target, Sketchman described the new album to be “more story telling… real life experience”, elaborating that it would document his journey as an independent artist in the music industry.Sketchman has just finished a two-month tour to precede the Paramount single release – performing at 21 venues spanning the whole of England, and ending in a TV appearance on London Live. Sketchman will next be performing live at Tamesis Dock, Albert Embankement on 30th September supporting John Parry at the launch of his new EP.”

MOATS – Hungry [starts 11:18]
http://facebook.com/moatsmusic
Tipped via BBC Introducing by Kelly Betts. “Moats are a four-piece band from the sleepy town of Biggleswade. Combining a raw, homegrown sound with honest lyrics, Moats convey passion and integrity through their own brand of alternative indie. During their time together, Moats have toured Belgium twice, played Austin City Limits festival in America and completed a UK tour on top of countless nationwide shows and festival appearances. They have now recorded their debut, Rough EP, for which release dates are being scheduled.”

THE POCKET GODS – In Search Of The Divine [starts 14:50]
http://www.facebook.com/thepocketgods
The Pocket Gods have been going since 1998 and have recorded 70 odd albums and eps on indie labels gaining attention from” they tell us “John Peel, Tony Wilson, Tom Robinson and now managed by the legendary TV presenter Steve Blacknell. This is their first single on a major label – Right Track/Universal – and is a remix/re-recording of an old freshonthenet fave In Search Of The Divine. It’s tripped out baggy psychedelia with an anthemic quality. They are launching the single with a gig at The Alleycat in Denmark St, London on 17th September – the single is out the following day on 18th September. Their next album is called 100 x 30 and features 100 songs 30 seconds long all about the current state of the music industry, features guest collaborations from Sex Gang Children, Owen Paul, Barry Goddard, Jonah Lewie and many more and is inspired about how Spotify etc pay the same minute royalties to artists for any song over 30 secs long. It could be 30 hours long but would get the same miniscule rate – so why write songs that are longer?”

LIGHTBOXES – Something Else [starts 18:30]
https://www.facebook.com/lightboxesmusic
Lightboxes consists of two friends, John and Donna, who found common ground at uni when they both realised they liked to play music without wearing shoes. Since then they’ve played as a rhythm section in various bands together and eventually formed Lightboxes as a duo in 2013. With their track Something Else released by Sweet Release Records over summer, they’re having a launch party at The Islington on September 15th to celebrate. The pair are joined on stage by Sarah Williams White and Nick Powell for the live show and everyone is mega excited.”

ROJA – The Evil Stands High [starts 21:19]
https://www.facebook.com/rojamusica
“From ashes of cult indie band Marlowe comes a new Tarantino-esque project – Roja – bringing with them a new brand of modern mariachi music. Following support from Steve Lamacq, Gideon Coe and the Late Junction, plus 4 star reviews in Mojo and The Times, the Roja album Promises I Should Have Kept is now being re-released via legendary indie label Probe Plus – longtime favourite of John Peel as well as the home of longstanding luminaries Half Man Half Biscuit who Roja will be gigging with throughout the year.”

MADDIE JONES – More Fool You [starts 25:06]
http://www.maddie-jones.co.uk
Maddie Jones is an eclectic singer, guitarist and songwriter from Cardiff. Her music incorporates a huge range of influences, resulting in a powerful and soulful blend of rock, jazz and more. After winning Cardiff Festival’s Big Gig Competition in 2013, Maddie released her debut album with Arts Council funding in November 2014 (Vita Brevis), and now has a new 3-track EP scheduled for release in October 2015 (Colour Me In). Both records were produced by Charlie Francis (REM, Future of the Left, Sweet Baboo), and Maddie has also worked with Amy Wadge (cowriter: Ed Sheeran). With an ever-increasing buzz on the Welsh scene, Maddie has also played venues such as Ronnie Scott’s and Colston Hall, festivals including Glastonbury and Swn, and has supported acts including Stephen Fretwell and Sweet Billy Pilgrim.”

HENTAI BABIES – Stay Kawaii [starts 27:56]
http://www.facebook.com/hentaibabies
Hentai Babies are a three piece alternative rock band from the Isle Of Wight in the UK. Formed in early 2012 consisting of founding members Paul McCann and Bianca Wheeler, blending their fondness for similar bands such as Nirvana and Dinosaur Jr. Having a sound that somewhere sits around Weezer and The Buzzcocks. And now with new drummer Jack Hall, Hentai Babies are complete and are heading to Japan for an 8 date 2 week tour in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto in November. With an 4 song EP to be released in late September, to which Stay Kawaii is the lead track.”

GRIS-DE-LIN – Your Ghost [starts 30:30]
http://www.grisdelin.com
Tipped via BBC Introducing by Melita Dennett. “Gris-de-Lin is a singer/songwriter & multi-instrumentalist based in Dorset. Her music has elements of post-rock, blues and alt-folk, peppered with twisted electronics & a sprinkling of spooky other-worldliness. Her debut single Your Ghost / Birthday’(the first release from her forthcoming album) is out on 1st September on Noisy Little Birds. It’s being released on limited edition coloured vinyl with hand screen-printed artwork by artist Kaz Land, as well as digitally. This is her first solo project. She plays most of the instruments on the recordings herself (from acoustic/electric guitars and synths to saxophone & drums). Her forthcoming album was produced by Cee, who recently worked on the critically acclaimed album by Torres, and also features PJHarvey/Anna Calvi collaborator Rob Ellis playing drums on several tracks. It was recorded in a local nursery school, where guitar amps, synths and drums were surrounded by toy trains and puppets.”

KYKO – Headlights [starts 34:24]
http://kykomusic.co.uk
“Singer-songwriter Kyko, otherwise known as Scott Verrill, was raised in the depths of South London and although young, has a talent that is far beyond his years. Fusing melodic guitar rhythms with a soulful vocal tone and a whole lot of spirit, 19 year-old KYKO is creating something special, something fresh that’ll prick up ears everywhere. His sense for making memorable melodies is alluring and his DIY approach to creating his music makes it all that more admirable. If his debut Animals EP is anything to go by, 2015 will prove to be a breakout year for this young artist with the musical world at his feet. New music coming very soon…”

ROBERT MAITLAND – Ordinary Guy [starts 37:34]
https://www.facebook.com/RobertMaitland4
Robert Maitland is a singer/songwriter and composer, writing in many styles. He had a top ten hit song in December 2013 in Holland with the song Hoo Hoo Christmas sung by Byentl. The same song is called Once Upon A Christmas in the UK. Many artists have cut his songs in the past 3 years and more are set for release in the coming months. His current project is the new musical Taking Care of Business or TCB for short. Taking Care of Business is set in Edinburgh in the year 1947. The music and drama all take place in a jazz club called TCB’s. When he’s not songwriting he arranges for other artists and has recently been project tutor for Scotland’s national body for developing and promoting songwriting. He recently led the national songwriting competition Dumb Ways To Think, following a government initiative to highlight the problems caused by sectarianism, and funded through the VAF and Burnsong. ”

ASH MAMMAL – Taste [starts 41:35]
https://www.facebook.com/ashmammal
Tipped via BBC Introducing by Dean Jackson. “Ash Mammal are a dynamic, theatrical and exciting band from Leicester. Churning out varied songs that take influence from a huge range of genres. A bright blend of aggressive rock noodled with catchy guitar riffs and a dirty groove.”

MIKEY HUGHES – Fire With Fire [starts 44:36]
https://soundcloud.com/mikey-hughes-8/fire-with-fire
“I was 15 when I first picked up a guitar and started to learn how to play.” says Mikey Hughes. “I started playing songs like Wonderwall and Teen spirit then progessed further and began to write my own riffs and songs. My music and songs are very different from anything that is being made or listened to right now. It is a mix of metal grime and dub step. I recently went on a trip with my school to Ingestre Hall where I created Fire With Fire, which features guitar and bass played by me and a dub step beat I created. 3 other people from there MC’d for the track for me.”

MAUVELLE – Monsoon [starts 48:05]
http://www.mauvelle.com
Tipped via BBC Introducing by Louise Brierley. “Mauvelle are an alternative-pop duo from Birmingham consisting of Melissa Hollick on Vocals and Synth and Joe Sullivan on Vocals, Percussion and Guitar. Since forming a year ago, Mauvelle have been featured on The Unsigned Guide’s Spotlight feature, labelled as Ones To Watch In 2015 by Brum Notes Magazine and have recently performed a live session and interview for BBC WM. Mauvelle have recently released a video for their latest track, Monsoon and they are set to release their new track See A Little More this month with a music video to follow.”

RE5ONANCE – Scissors [starts 50:55]
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Re5onance/181487288534058?ref=hl
Tipped via BBC Introducing by Ryan Morrison. “I’m a 19 year old that lives in Jersey, Channel Islands” says Re5onance. “I make music at home on my computer as a hobby when im not working. I make music for myself and never really plan a sound, I just sit down and write what I want.”

BEYOND THE CLONES – Calm Of Zero [starts 56:33]
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beyond-The-Clones/31164934316
Beyond The Clones describes him/herself as a “bedroom producer from South Devon with a new project out this year alongside singer songwriter Little Noosh consisting of electric house, disco, dub, IDM.”

ARTISTS…
After your music has been featured in the BBC Introducing Mixtape – or in our Fresh Faves here on the blog – please wait 12 weeks before sending us another tune, to leave us space to help other deserving artists. For more info see this blog post – thanks!

And if you get a flattering email from a PR company offering you their paid services after appearing on The BBC Introducing Mixtape please forward it to Fresh On The Net via our contact page. Always treat such offers with extreme caution…and be sure to check out The Pros And Cons Of Pluggers.

Tom Robinson

London-based broadcaster & songwriter, born 1950. His best known songs are 2-4-6-8 Motorway, Glad To Be Gay and War Baby; he has also co-written songs with Peter Gabriel, Elton John, Dan Hartman and Manu Katché. Read More...

12 Comments

  1. Family machine – Nice songs and nice arrangement, indie does have a future then…

    Lightboxes… nice to hear a new rhythm, and bass beat…fingersnap time. Original cocktail of lovebeatz

  2. Thank you so much for including More Fool You! Having a listen to the whole show now to discover some new stuff.
    For anyone who’s interested:
    all my stuff can be streamed on Spotify, Soundcloud etc, and I’ll have a new video on YouTube very soon!
    Yay!
    Maddie. X

  3. Thanks for your continued support – awesome show and platform!
    Much appreciated! 🙂

    Sketchman

  4. Arri Pointing

    Lovin’ Hungry by Moats, that bass… <3

  5. Great selection as ever Tom, thanks for including us this week!
    And Skopje – thanks for your lovely comment :oD

  6. Thanks so much for having Mauvelle on the show!

    Mel & Joe x

  7. Many thanks for giving KYKO ‘Headlights’ a spin Tom! Really appreciated, and thanks for the support!

    All the best,

    JC

  8. Thanks Tom, great to hear Your Ghost featured this week! Lots of lovely stuff on the show, Starling’s Misfit song especially resonated with me, so atmospheric…

  9. Robert Maitland

    Thank you so much Tom for your continuing support and for playing Ordinary Guy on the show.

  10. Tris

    Thanks for the great show, great tunes and nice one for playing beyond the clones

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