SKYLAB

LittleGhosts

BlinkyThe Magazine

Bands*Reviews*Photography*Clothing*Record Labels*Tech Focus*Graphics Design*Venues*Local Scenes*Promoters

Exit Avenue * Little Ghosts *SkyLab Imperial Vipers * The Broadcast * Marth Beck *Cypher * Seven Records * Michelle Woolnough

Stop Drop Rock Clothing *

Contact us:

www.myspace.com/blinkymagazinewww.blinkymagazine.com (COMING SOON)

Facebook search ‘Blinky the magazine’ for group and fanpageEmail: Chris.driscollbiz@gmail.com

Welcome to Issue 3!

WWe are rea;;y excited about this months issue, as it comes in 2 parts this the main maga-zine and next week the mini issue ‘Festival Special’ will be out.

The festival special will feature lots of new festivals, some of our old favourites, ones to watch features, and a few other bits and pieces.

This means this issue is a bit This means this issue is a bit more bitsize , but promises to be more of the same stuff you love!

As im writing we are also all As im writing we are also all getting everythign ready for farm Fest this weekend, we are promoting the magazine with our friends at The adore agency, think HOT scene models and good times!

Now for this issues hot picks, Now for this issues hot picks, my favourite bits of this issue, I love some of the photos you guys sent in for our Your photos pages a new addition to blinky, to get yours in drop us a messege or email any-time! time!

Enjoy and keep in touch

Chrisx

Blinky.....Introduction

Johnny Ghosts (vocals/rhythm guitar)

WHAT'S THE UNIQUE THING YOU BRING TO LITTLE GHOSTS?My musical style and tastes are slightly different from the band, even though we love our rock, blues and indie i grew up listening to RnB and Motown and other music from different parts of the world, so when i write new songs i try to incorporate these into the songs, other than that my general persona and stage presence is different from the others in the bandWHERE DOWHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5 YEARS TIME?As an established and respected musician in the industry that's part of a successful band, i also work with other art-ists be it writing or recording in different genres of music so i'd like to be successful on that front to

WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING IN LITTLE GHOSTS?In terms of music it would be the creativity and freedom to do what i want, other than that we've been blessed to tour different countries so early in our career and to play in front of massive crowds on the biggest stages with some of the biggest stars and it's only just started for us, so it's great knowing that we have a bright future ahead of us.

Bish Bishop (Drums)

WHAT'S THE UNIQUE THING YOU BRING TO LITTLE GHOSTS?i've always had a good sense of rhythm, ever since i was little i was tapping out beats on the kitchen pots and pans, i think the beats that i put in are my unique point as well as having alot of power when i play the drums. John Bonham is my Drumming hero so i got that from him, Play hard and feel what you play. Just be careful not to break anything!

WWHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5 YEARS TIME?my own personal goals are to be twice the drummer i am nomy own personal goals are to be twice the drummer i am now. i've never had lessons, so i taught myself everything i know. so five years from now i hope to be able to look back and see myself progressing into a great drummer. Band wise i hope to be touring more and gracing the mainstages of all the major Festivals, i love the energy of festivals, so thats something i'm looking forward to doing more of.

WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING IN LITTLE GHOSTS?the creative input, we all put our ideas into every song thats created, and we discuss it thoroughlthe creative input, we all put our ideas into every song thats created, and we discuss it thoroughly. we also aren't scared of drifting into other music Genres and are happy to mix up our musical style when we make new tunes. keep-ing it fresh and exciting is what it's all about, and the more we enjoy playing our songs the more you'll enjoy listening to them.

Aaron P (Bass)

WHAT'S THE UNIQUE THING YOU BRING TO LITTLE GHOSTS?Slick dynamics, nice sounding but intelligent bass lines, cohesive yet fastidious playing style, Bohemian Image.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5 YEARS TIME?Playing Music I love, to people that Love me.

WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING IN LITTLE GHOSTS?Rocking and Playing with Musicians that are mates too.

WHO ARE THEY???:Little Ghosts

www.myspace.com/littleghostswww.littleghosts.netwww.little-ghosts.blogspot.com

Johnny GhostsDan Chavalier/Dan Chavalier/ Aaron P/ Bish Bishop

FROM:London (south east)

RELEASES:EP coming late 2009

Introducing....Little Ghosts

Writen and interviewed by Rhian Westbury.

Having just finished playing the Red Bull stage at this years legendary Download Festival in Donnington it seems that Hitchin based band 'Exit Avenue' are at the top of their game.

Unlike many other bands 'Exit Avenue' successfully fuse rock and dance music; Unlike many other bands 'Exit Avenue' successfully fuse rock and dance music; combining heavy guitars and loud synth beats to create music so high in energy that every audience that see them is forced to get off their feet and dance. Hearing parts of an 'Exit Avenue' you wouldn't be mistaken to think of it as club music, rock music or music more at home at a rave. With songs that stick in your head you will find yourself attempting to sing along with this band even if you don't know the words.

The band have pretty much not been off the road since they changed line=up and The band have pretty much not been off the road since they changed line=up and relaunched themselves ;ast year, heavily promoting their music and getting themselves heard, which has helped them gain sets at Download, Rhythms Of The World festival, and support slots with bands such as 'Saving Aimee' as well as their hectic gigging and recording schedule.

With a summer full of tour dates you'd be silly to miss out the opportunity to see this band, they won't be playing small venues for much longer I'm sure!

I caught up with Sam and Nick from Exit Avenue, here's what they had to say.....

Who are they: Exit Avenue

From: North London, UK

Myspace: www.myspace.com/exitavenue

Band Members:Neil (vocals and click clicking on the laptop)Mitch (Bass and a bit of backing vocals)Nick (Guitar)Nick (Guitar)Sam (Drums)

Releases:A Thousand Odd Lines (EP)

Quick Intro:

A pop punk band from London with a chaotic past and a very bright future!

Photo by John Fraser

Exit Avenue....

Having just played download festival how did the crowd react to your music? Sam: Download was amazing! We had one of the biggest crowds that day for our stage, which was a pretty big deal for us. We had some dancing, some head-banging and even a couple of circle pits. We were stoked!!! Did you guys manage to catch any other bands at the festival? If so who did you enjoy seeing? Nick: We saw a few other bands but we were mostly rubbing elbows backstage. We did get to catch Papa Roach, Go Audio, Flood Of Red, and Journey. Everyone was sweet. You having played hundreds of shows now, do you have any favourite shows or places you've played? Sam: To be honest whenever we play a show, we do everything we can to enjoy Sam: To be honest whenever we play a show, we do everything we can to enjoy ourselves but more importantly give the crowd a good time. Home shows are always great and theres a couple of places like South-Wales and Leicester where we always go down well too. At the moment what is your favourite song to perform? Nick: Right now, I'm loving "Dear Jane" which is a new song we have up on our myspace, its really fast and energetic and I play some face-melting riffs. Sam: I'm still digging "Sway" cos its just awesome beatdown section in the Sam: I'm still digging "Sway" cos its just awesome beatdown section in the middle. We are actually making a music video for Sway at the beginning of July (see our myspace/facebook for details) Will audiences ever see a return of your cover of 'Castles In The Sky'? Sam: Hehe, I dont wanna say yes and I dont wanna say no but I will say that we Sam: Hehe, I dont wanna say yes and I dont wanna say no but I will say that we are working on some new dance classics that, in our opinion, is gonna blow Cas-tles out of the water. It was great fun to play and kids loved it but we have moved on to bigger and better things. You guys throw some pretty good dance moves on stage do you stand at home practising them? Nick: Thank you very much! Err but no we dont practise anything or have any choreography. Although, if theres a few brewski's and a BBQ involved some-where, then things tend to get fresh-to-death. Do any of you have any hidden talents? I don't know if you would call any of them talents but: Neil writes electronic parts in an electrical storm, upside down with Superman rubbing his shoulders. Mitch was actually the founding member of NASA. Nick, once out-wrestled an Aligator, then killed and ate it. Sam was raised by a family of Buffalo. And finally what does the rest of the year have in store for Exit Avenue? WELL...We are touring pretty much for the rest of the summer. Which of course, WELL...We are touring pretty much for the rest of the summer. Which of course, includes Rhythms of the World on the 5th July in Hitchin. As I mentioned earlier, we are doing a music video for "Sway" in July which hopefully will be released in August. We are writing and recording like mad right now, so you can expect more tunes regularly. And just generally doing everything and anything we can! So expect to see us in a town near you soon!!!

So who is “Skylab”?Chris – Bass / Vox, Chrissy – Synth / backing voxJosie – Guitar / backing vox How would you describe your band’s sound? A fusion of space, synthesizers, heavy riff age and melodic vocals.What is your main influence/s for your music?What is your main influence/s for your music?Films like Tron, Star Wars and War of the Worlds Whom do you aim your music at?Anybody with cool hairHow far would you like to take the band?All the way to the moonIt’s been about 8 months since you’ve formed. How much do you think you have It’s been about 8 months since you’ve formed. How much do you think you have achieved and what in that time?We have a cool flashy board with our name on itWhat would you like to achieve in 2009?Play more shows, Record another EP or album, climb to the top of Mount Everest and sing one of our songs from there.What new material are you working on right now? Songs for our next release which include some heavier songs than before and Songs for our next release which include some heavier songs than before and also some clubbier songs than before. Stay postedYou have an EP coming out. When will it be available?Its available now on iTunes through a link on our MySpace. www.myspace.com/skylabpartyAnything else you could tell us?Yes. Skylab was the first U.S. space station. It was launched into orbit on May 14, Yes. Skylab was the first U.S. space station. It was launched into orbit on May 14, 1973 as part of the Apollo program. This 91 metric ton structure was 36 meters (four stories) high, 6.7 meters in diameter and flew > at an altitude of 435 km

Who are they??

Band: Sky LabFrom: EssexMySpace: www.myspace.com/skylabpartyBand members:Chris -Bass/VoxChrissy -Synth/Chrissy -Synth/VoxJosie -Guitar/Vox

Realeases:Unfold EP

Quick Intro:Skylab are The newest sound to hit the South East. Merging Skylab are The newest sound to hit the South East. Merging both rock and electronica we’re here to give you guys a great show and a new flavour in this genre of music. With vast in-fluences we have come together to produce a mixture of hard hitting and experimental sounds ranging from the electronica of Pendulum to the hard-graft of Exit Ten

SKYLAB....

SKYLAB [UNFOLD] E.P. review

This young and fresh band from Essex have only been playing for over six months and already they have put together a few spectacular tracks with their mix of rock and electronica. Imagine Ministry of Sound cross with The Killers and the gentle vocals similar to Imagine Ministry of Sound cross with The Killers and the gentle vocals similar to Cascada, but with a male vocalist with a hint rock vocals from Chris Hobart of the band. “Unfold” is three tracks with the heavy and atmospheric “Head for the Fall” with fast beats and emotional lyrics, military drums and choir-like backing vocals 2 minutes into the track and then almost metal sounding riffs with a mix of softness. Then we have the ironically titled “R2D2” after the track intro.Then we have the ironically titled “R2D2” after the track intro. Again a heavy track but with steady drumming and slow guitar riffs and gentle keyboard play-ing and a sense of bouncing and a hint out shouting in the background and a little trance over half way into the track. Then lastly is the mighty “Tron” with powerful guitar riffs and breath-taking synths. This track is probably strongest out of the three with catchy lyrics and it makes you want to get up and dance like crazy to the heavy and bouncy guitar riffs and then to the trancy keyboard. Skylab have mastered an excellent mix of hard rock and trance, which is probably a cool way of getting fans of both genres into something completely new. They are certainly something to watch out foThey are certainly something to watch out for, mainly for young people who enjoy clubbing, but also like live bands. I reckon will go a long way with this fun and amazing sound and EP is a must to listen to.

www.myspace.com/skylabpartyWritten by Michelle Woolnough

10 MINUTES WITH......Damien Shadows Chasing Ghosts

The SCG guitarist tells all about being the newest member, summer plans and his love for En-rique Iglesias...

1) So Shadows Chasing Ghosts, bit of an unusual name where did that come from?

Well I joined after they had come up with the name, but apparently it came out of a drunken night with Trey and Matt!

2) The band supported Finch last year, if you could choose anyone, who would you like to support?Story Of The Year, I'd get Phil Sneed to teach me how to spin kick!

3) You only joined this year, what’s it been like so far? They being nice to you?Haha! yeah so far it’s been amazing, highlight has to be coming on to the Ghostbusters theme tune at Newcastle O2 academy and then realising it wasn’t possible to dance to it and still con-vince people we were a metal band haha!

4) What do SCG have in store for the summer? Any exciting plans?Well, we’re playing some pretty sweet shows in June/July with bands like Yashin, Flood Of Red, Deaf Havana, The Casino Brawl and more, plus we've just finished recording 3 new tracks at Outhouse Studios that should be available for listening pleasure Very soon! As well as all this we're announcing some exciting tours Outside of the UK which we're all stoked about!

Now for the random questions...

5) Describe yourself in 3 words...5) Describe yourself in 3 words...Short, Sleeveless, Vain

6) Did you have a first impression of one of your band mates that turned out to be totally wrong?Not at all. They don't really hold back haha!

7) What was the last thing you stole?Erm... a 9volt battery...

8) When cheese gets its picture taken what does it say?8) When cheese gets its picture taken what does it say?It would have to be another word that makes you smile when you say it... like Peas!

9) What ‘family Guy’ character are you?Well... my missus says Quagmire, but I'd probably go with Peter, coz I’m a fat guy at heart! Ask anyone, I could eat for England and never gain weight! It’s a talent!!

10) What’s the most embarrassing song on your iPod?Even more embarrassing is the fact that I don't own an iPod! But if I did it would probably be Even more embarrassing is the fact that I don't own an iPod! But if I did it would probably be Enrique Iglesias - Hero....it’s one of those songs that just comes on and you're just enjoying it too much to change it!

10 Minute Interview....

Reviews...

Band: Lost wihout CauseMyspace: www.myspace.com/lostwithoutcauseGenre: Emo/Pop/Rock

For Fans of:Go Audio, CasioKid, All Amercian Rejects

Song we recommend: SituationSong we recommend: Situation

We say: As a band I have worked with for some time, Lost without Casue have come far and still sounds as fresh and individual as ever, as shown by this latest single.Despite kock backs and sometimes very cha-otic band life LWC are still strong and great!

Lost Without Cause Come on/Situation single review

Lost without cause have been around a while now and are still working Lost without cause have been around a while now and are still working hard to release some top-notch tracks. They a combination of pop-punk and rock have certainly developed a heavier sound over the past few years with their soft touching lyrics with the mix of male and female vocals and wacky guitar riffs. “Come On” certainly takes the band down a new path of really heavy sounds and aggression, but their usually softness and reas-surance as the mood swings back and forth from light and dark. Very strong sound from the bass as it twangs at the beginning and middle strong sound from the bass as it twangs at the beginning and middle loudly. There is brilliant harmonizing with the vocals between Si and Ro-setta in the chorus. This song is certainly their best work. Then we have “Situation”, which is more fast moving and again pretty heavy. Lots more backing vocals involved. Not much change in tempo, but still a very strong track with slightly more aggression in the lead vocals as well as bit of a bit of soft backing vocals by Rosetta. Overall a very powerful single and the best work from Lost Without Cause so far. They are such a hard working band and played along side big names such as My Passion and Exit Avenue. I believe this band is getting so close now to achieving the sound that suits them. LWC’s next big gig will be at the J.A.R music night Islington Academy 2 Tuesday 21st July, so be sure to pick up a copy of this single.

www.myspace.com/lostwithoutcausewritten by Michelle written by Michelle Woolnough

Reviews...

Imperial Vipers now have an album out, so check it out.

Its called Broken and you can order it from iTunes or from www.recordstore.co.uk

One of the best albums I One of the best albums I have heard in awhile!

Band: Imperial vipersMyspace: www.myspace.com/imperialvipersGenre: Rock/ Punk/ New RaveFor Fans of:Led Zep and Guns and RosesSong we recommend: The Sickness

We Say: An awesome yet underated band, ones to definatly to check out!

Imperial Vipers

These guys have been going since 2005 and still going in strong. Starting These guys have been going since 2005 and still going in strong. Starting off as a gang of mates from Luton and London sharing the same love of rock n roll. Anne Maria from Total Rock describes their live performance as simply ‘Street Rock’ and their sound falls somewhere between Soundgar-den and The Clash. The five-piece band has already made it throughout the UK and Europe. They’ve had stunning reviews from the likes of Radio 1, XFM and from BBC 6 Music. They have also had good ratings from Clas-sic Rock magazine and even Kerrang.

On a personal note, I have not seen this band regrettably in three years and I loved them when I saw them at Club 85 in Hitchin. I didn’t see them again til this year at Rhythms of the World festival, Hitchin and then again at Monto Water Rats in London. They still amaze me and their songs are stronger than ever.

Written by Michelle Woolnoughwww.myspace.com/imperialvipers

Reviews...

Band: martha BeckMyspace: www.myspace.com/marthabeckGenre: Metal

For Fans of: Bring Me The Horizon, Azriel and Blakfish

Song we recommend: Lonely Hearts Killer

WWe say: Definate band to watch!

Martha Beck – Calm Down Yeah!

Last issue, Martha Beck were given a short, concise paragraph in the “Last issue, Martha Beck were given a short, concise paragraph in the “You Recommend…” section. The five-way band from South England are really more exiting than a short, concise paragraph. They are more interesting than that, they are more unique than that and they are certainly heavier than that. In fact, they are probably the best independent Metal band around at the moment. They blend Heavy Death core screams and Fast, powerful riffs with catchy songs and perfect beats and bass lines. If you can imagine an early Bring Me The Horizon but with more melodic tunes and less repetitive early Bring Me The Horizon but with more melodic tunes and less repetitive screaming then you get … “Calm Down Yeah!”

The first EP from Martha Beck (or first in their Discography anyway), it has 7-Tracks, (but they still call it an EP) and six of them are on myspace. The songs vary from fast-pacing metal breakdowns to slower more death core-based songs, there isn’t any acoustic songs or bonus Latin-American bal-lads. No boring “Your Demise” copies like every other metal band. No Posers about it, just the pure metal we want.

The album artwork and design is very complimentary of the material, and the band’s image doesn’t involve metre-long hair and leather trench coats but normal stuff that doesn’t put you off.

In other words, in a few years, give or take, these guys should, be the best band on the Metal Scene.

Just look at BMTH and you see the potential for this band.

Get theGet the Album, go on their Myspace, go on their Purevolume, get off your arse and go out and see them.

Peter Kelly

Reviews...

Band: Cypher16

Myspace www.myspace.com/cypher16

CD: The Man of The Black abyss

Genre:Rock/metal

For Fans of: Trivium etc

WWe say: These guys are hard hitting, young and talented, we expect good things from them!They are touring the Uk and Europe this year so check their page out to see if they are gonna be performing near you.

Cypher16

“The Man of the Black Abyss”

Genre : Rock/Metal

Constant Evolution Records

London newcomers Cypher16 are destined to make a huge noise in the London newcomers Cypher16 are destined to make a huge noise in the metal scene if this E.P. is anything to go by. A mature air surrounds the four tracks that make up this release and the band combine traditional rock/metal guitar elements with synth effects to create a unique musical mix. The play-ing is tight and possesses some seriously meaty riffs on the opening track Symphony To End It All (III). Cypher16 also makes use of the extreme talent of each individual on their chosen instrument and the complex, yet melodic nature of the songs can be heard throughout the E.nature of the songs can be heard throughout the E.P.

The marriage of influences and sounds makes this album sound familiar and comfortable, yet new at the same time. Superdancer was reminiscent of Fear Factory, both musically and vocally and is a departure from the more rock infused sound Cypher16 have, but demonstrating that the band are no ‘one trick pony’, they have plenty in their musical arsenal. The final track goes back to a more traditional metal sound with plenty of time changes and heavy riffs. Cypher16 should be listened to as they have huge amounts of talent and potential to match. talent and potential to match.

Writen by Glenn Butler

Reviews...

We say:

WWith all the pre=release stunts that we have all come to expect from Sacha Baron Cohen, in this case at the ex-pense of Eminem (well he does deserve it) Bruno had developed a profile that would be hard to live up to, and the film, like the promotional stunts broke boundaries most actors would not go boundaries most actors would not go near!

Bruno and Borat together are 2 comdey classics, put together a great film double, or standalone also 2 great films. Constant comedy genius verging on the bizarre.

A film thats definatly worth checking out for a light hearted few hours of comedy and entertainment.

Bruno Review by Caroline Pawson

With the beginning credits starting with music, and pictures of Bruno flash-ing up you know you are in for a bit of a comedy treat.Bruno gets up to all sorts with the unsuspecting people that he comes across on his quest to become a celebrity. He travels all the way to the middle east, there he finds himself trying to make two parts of the middle east to make peace with each other.But before that, he starts off backstage at a fashion show and manages to pull down curtains and rails of clothes. He then stumbles onto the catwalk, and pulls off walking the catwalk with curtain and all!He somehow manages to get a baby through customs at the airport, along He somehow manages to get a baby through customs at the airport, along with a range of other memorabilia from the middle east. He causes commo-tion at a chat show, where he shows off his new son. Which causes dismay across the audience once he reveals how he got to be the babies father.Throughout the film he does outrageous things that you probably never dream of any comedy actor to do. But that is what makes Sacha Baron Cohen different to the rest of the actors and comedians that are out there!Be sure to watch the end credits as there are some guest appearances from such likes as Elton John, Snoop Dogg and more!

Bllinkymagazine.com

WWork continues on the new wesbite with lots of exciting features de-signed to help get you involved and interact-ing with Blinky and your scene!

we cant wait for you to see it, hopefully it will be up in the next few weeks, in the meantime, check out the page for links to my new blog, twitter, blinky on Myspace and FacebookMyspace and Facebook

New merchandise products and services for bands from Blinky.

As one of the supporters of the new msuic scene Blinky has been providing top notch merchandise at great prices!

We are now offering even more to you, and will be bringint out our own procusts for the public.

Our newest addition to the family is customised plecOur newest addition to the family is customised plec-trum chains, amazing, printed plectrums with your bands or companies logo on silver plated chains, they are new, exciting and collectable, and are a great way to raise important funds!!

We also can provide printing, Cd duplication, screen printing and other stuff!For more info email chris.driscolbiz@gmail.com

Blinky News......Blinky teams up with Adore agency.

As part of our festival programme this summer we are teaming up with The Adore Agency, the latest and best in indie Modelling agencies hitting the Uk scene!Together we will be heading out to some of the top new music festivals, so if you see us or them out and about come and say hello!Adore are featured in our Ones to Adore are featured in our Ones to Watch section this month, so check them out and drop them a comment on their myspace!

Band Name; Chapter JanuaryMyspace; http://www.myspace.com/chapterjanuary Chapter January are a poppunk band from HolChapter January are a poppunk band from Hol-land which has four young members; Mick(18) - Lead singer and guitar, Marc(20) - Guitar, backing vocals, Ewin(19) - Bass and Guido(18) - Drums. Their influences are bands like All Time Low, Blink 182, Forever The Sickest Kids and Four Year Strong.They have played some succesfull shows in Hol-land and they are getting well known by now. They are busy with recording some demo's for their first record which has no name yet.This record will hopefully come out in October as a free download. I think people should check out this band, be-cause they are pretty awesome.They are cool guys and also fun to talk with.I have never seen them live , but I will soon.From what I've heard they are amazing live.You won't regret it if you check this band out! : D Chantal , The Netherlands

Name :- LionsexMyspace :- www.myspace.com/lionsexrock

What can I say about What can I say about Lionsex, i've seen these guys a few times live now, and they never fail to impress. They put everything into there songs and there live shows (of there live shows (of which there are getting more of currently). So if you like your proper rock and roll, then these are the guys for you! Mix Tigertailz, Motley Crue, Guns and Motley Crue, Guns and Roses and Poison to-gether and your only gettin a sample of Li-onsex!

Munky from Bromley

You Recommend... Band name: F3tch

Bands myspace: http://www.myspace.com/f3tch

Why people should check them out:Why people should check them out: You should check F3tch out as they have their own unique sound, and give you something differ-ent to what other progressive bands give. They are one of the only progressive bands that i listen, which is saying something as i rarely listen to progressive music at the moment. So go check them out!!!moment. So go check them out!!!

Caroline, Cambridge

Thanks to Caroline, Becky and everyone else who sent in their photos, send us yours now!

Email them to chris.driscollbiz@gmail.com!

Your Photos!

Ones to watch.....Sponsored by DeathCap RecordsSeeing 'The Broadcast' live is something you have to experience, their recorded music is one thing but live it is something else, having the right blend of pop and electronic sounds blasting from speakers surrounding you and seeing a band on-stage who are clearly having the time of their lives is something worth seeing. Through a set The Broadcast usually play five or six songs consisting of recently recorded songs such as 'Party Party', 'See You At The Finish Line' and latest single 'In Your Eyes' along with older favourites which reside on the bands myspace page such as 'Lets Go Mexico' and 'Plans' between which have rustled up almost such as 'Lets Go Mexico' and 'Plans' between which have rustled up almost 100,000 plays on their own. Typically within a set by 'The Broadcast' there will be plenty of dancy disco beats and catchy melodic harmonies which will cause people to sing even if they don't know the words. Few words can do justice to the band so catch them live and experience it for yourself.

Trying to break into the music industry is a tough job but 'The Broadcast' are put-ting all their effort into the task, this is a band that won't stop until everyone knows their name. So if there's one band that you watch out for in the next year it has to be 'The Broadcast'.

Check them out at myspace.com/thebroadcast5

Ones to watch.....Sponsored by DeathCap RecordsThe Broadcast!

By Rhian Westbury

It is strange to think that ten months ago 'The Broadcast' didn't have the line up It is strange to think that ten months ago 'The Broadcast' didn't have the line up you see grace the stage today, but it's hard to imagine anything different. 'The Broadcast' just seem to fit, the band work perfectly together both on and off stage. Ever since forming just under two years ago 'The Broadcast' have made the band an even higher priority- as just starting as a project whilst at school- but since most of the members have entered the real world of work this has all changed. It seems that 2009 is set to be the beginning of something special for the band with support slots lined up with 'Attack!support slots lined up with 'Attack! Attack', 'Paige', 'Twenty Twenty' and 'Iglu And Hartley' to name but a few, along with an ongoing campaign to try and support 'Go:Audio' on their October tour. Playing live is something that takes up nearing every evening of the bands lives, whether it's playing in front of a couple of hun-dred of people or just a couple, the band still perform the same on stage regard-less. The band have already provided support for My Passion, Saving Aimee and Amy Studt, and it's barely half way through the year

Contact:Email - gate.9@hotmail.co.ukWebsite - www.gate9promo.co.ukMyspace - www.myspace.com/gate9promotionsTwitter - www.twitter.com/gate9promoFacebook - Search groups for Gate9 promotions

Featured Promoter....Gate 9 Promos, Luton.

Gate9 promotions started back in January 2008 on the back of a very sucessful BOTB competition at the Castle tavern in 2007. The sucess of this comp inspired 2 guys in Dave Vaux & Paul Mercer to put on more reg-ular shows there and simultaniously turn the Castle tavern into a small local venue that Luton could be proud of whilst being able to give a range of acts from all genre's more opportunities to play whether they are local acts or bands travelling from much further afield who just want their music heard. Since then the reputation of Gate9 & the Castle has grown quickly and, over 100 shows later, has seen large developments with the venue large developments with the venue transforming & improving all the time & Gate9 adding to their team which currently has 5 people involved to date (the other 3 being Dan Laver, Gavin Heaume & Nick widdowson). More satisfying is the huge amount of positive feedback from the great majority of bands who play for Gate9 and many bands have found the Castle a great platform to get themselves gigging more regularly and this has helped to build gigging more regularly and this has helped to build some great friendships as well as a result.

The future shall be no different with the growing ambiThe future shall be no different with the growing ambi-tions & opportunities available, plans are already afoot to expand during the latter part of 2009 into 2010 with regular shows in out of town-venues, the organisation of tours (especially those that can push Luton bands out to much wider audiences) as well as higher profile shows in larger venues. A strong group idea of our future plans combined with certain members of the future plans combined with certain members of the Gate9 family continuing in their work on the road with such musical giants as Machine head & Metallica we feel there is much to be learned & even more we can achieve as we continue onwards.

Bands we recommend:1) Our divide - Castle 1) Our divide - Castle Tavern BOTB 2009 winners / www.myspace.com/ourdivide / Won the Castle Tavern 2009 BOTB as a pretty new outfit having only gigged a handful of times which is testament to just how far these guys could go

2) Gun crime - 2) Gun crime - www.myspace.com/ihateguncrime / A really interesting & exciting progressive/Indie/Rock/pop duo act con-sisting of guitar, drums & dual vocals. A must if you want to see something a little different

3) S.W.A.N.K. - www.myspace.com/iloveswank / If you haven't heard of these guys yet then get on it, it's techno/punk/comedy gone mad

4) Kunt & the Gang - 4) Kunt & the Gang - www.myspace.com/kuntandthegang / Fast becoming a cult hero nationwide for his no holds-barred synth comedy & made a massively impressive Luton debut perfor-mance in March this year. He is also fea-turing at the Edinburgh fringe festival this year

Band's we've worked with (covering every-thing from acoustic to Metal):1) Our Divide2) S.W.A.N.K.3) Last of our heroes4) In remission5) Shapes6) Kunt & the Gang7) Never means maybe8) Matt Knowles9) Jumping ships10) Imicus

Equipment:Nikon D40 body, Nikkor 18-55 lens, Nikkor 55-200 lens, SB-400 speedlight, tripod

I first got into photography since my first My Passion I first got into photography since my first My Passion gig (back in their early days as Shard) just using a basic compact camera. I always wanted to be good in live band photography, but could never afford a DSLR camera til last year. Since buying one, I have expanded onto other live bands and now working on doing pro-motional photos. I also want to work more with models and people in general.and people in general.

The photography has become like an addiction since I first picked it up, more so now with the DSLR as it is such an amazing piece of equipment. I’d like to think I’m a full-time freelance photographer, as I am out at a gig nearly every night. I have started to take it more se-riously since Blinky mag began as it felt like such a boost for me.

I had my first promo shoot with Lost without Cause, which was a fun experience and I’m chuffed with the out come. Since then, they have helped me reach other bands such as Skylab who I was lucky enough to do a promo shoot with in a studio for the first time. A lot of bands I have photographed live have always said I pro-duce good photos and ask for more at future gigs and are happy to put them on their myspace/website.are happy to put them on their myspace/website. Also I recently photographed for a fetish/burlesque club in London called Festival of Sins at the Purple Turtle, Camden (which I hope to continue with) and have been lucky to be given the opportunity to photograph for Hitchin town’s Rhythms of the World Festival.

Michelle Woolnough aka Mangaka Maiden photography

Based: North Hertfordshire/ LondonExperience: 5yrs experience, mostly self-taught, studied photography whilst studying Art & design then BTEC Media.Types of photos: live music, promo, models and portraits.

Myspace: myspace.com/mc_voyantMyspace: myspace.com/mc_voyantFlickr: www.flickr.com/mangakamaidenphotographyContact: mangakamaiden@yahoo.co.uk

Contact:14a Bigstone Grove, Chepstow, NP16 7EN UK.

www.seveninchrecords.com wwwww.myspace.com/seveninchrecords

Featured Label....Bands we have worked with: A New Day Adequate Seven Antimaniax (A) Battleska Brezhnev (NL) Capdown Capdown Crazy Arm Da Skywalkers (Sw) Dangerfields (Ire) Douglas Dopamine Drowning (F) Fog Donkey Fog Donkey Funeral For A Friend Groovie Ghoulies (USA) Haddonfield Hell Is For Heroes Hi Tech Jet Hondo Maclean Jeff Killed John (now Jeff Killed John (now BFMV) Jerkstore (N) Killerest Expression Lightyear Midasuno Mr Zippy Murder One Murder One Nameless No Choice Nuke (now BFMV) Panel Poison Idea (USA) Salad Days Satanic Surfers (S) Satanic Surfers (S) Shaped By Fate Sons Of Thunder Stupid Brick Taint Teenage Lobotomy The Take TTiny Elvis We Die Tonight

Amongst many others...

SEVEN RECORDS:Seven Records is a punk & hardcore label based in South Wales. Our aim is to support and release bands that have a strong DIY ethic like ourselves and love touring. All of our bands have complete control over their music and artwork.In 2008, we split the label into 2 parts, Seven Records In 2008, we split the label into 2 parts, Seven Records releases CDs and digital downloads and our vinyl prod-uct is released thru Seven Inch Records.The original idea for the label started way back in 2003 during a conversation with Matt (Good Clean Fun Re-cords) at a Douglas show we were promoting in Brid-gend, S. Wales. The idea of a 7” vinyl only label was raised. It was one of those conversations that usually doesn’t go anywhere, but the seeds were sown and since then the subject kept cropping back up until the label was finally born.We had spent the best part of 15 years promoting bands across Wales & W. England, and during this time had helped many bands in the local scene release demo tapes & CD’s, whilst running a small distro at shows, so a lot of the information we needed to set the label up properly was already in place. During our 2 year resi-dency at The Toll House in Bridgend, we helped nurture a scene that is still going strong with shows ranging a scene that is still going strong with shows ranging from local favourites Jeff Killed John & Nuke (now BFMV), FFaF, Hondo Maclean and Then Came Bronson (who became Miss Conduct & now Sirens) to touring acts like Hi Tech Jet, Mr Zippy, Satanic Surfers & Brezh-nev. We would also promote one off shows at larger venues, mainly all dayers, bringing Hell Is For Heroes, Groovie Ghoulies & Poison Idea to Wales. Of course not all of the bands from back then are still with us, but we would do all we could to help regulars on our bills like Douglas, The Take, Adequate Seven, Stupid Brick & Fog Donkey.

The Learning Curve:

It has been a hard slog setting things up and finally getting the releases out into the shops, and every day is a learning curve. No matter how well prepared we thought we were, we learnt pretty fast that you can’t leave anything to chance and it is extremely important to make sure that you keep information flowing between the label, the bands, the pressing plant, the PR agencies and your distributer.

WWe now have UK distribution in place with Code 7 (via Plastichead) and distribu-tion in Ireland thru Where It’s At.

Our press is currently handled in-house, except for Crazy Arm who’s press is han-dled by The Press Council.

Releases:

Our first release was a 7” green vinyl release from Haddonfield, who had built up a Our first release was a 7” green vinyl release from Haddonfield, who had built up a huge reputation across Wales and had been playing with the likes of The Misfits, The Adolescents, Four Foot Fingers & Spunge. Following the release and some great press exposure, they had a few internal commitment problems and recently their drummer left to join Four Letter Word. Which put the band on hiatus for a couple of months, they have however found a new drummer and are about to final-ly record their album.The second release was going to be an ambitious project. A split double 7” vinyl gatefold release. The 2 bands involved recorded the tracks and almost a year later we were still waiting for the bands to agree on artwork, so unfortunately we decid-ed to draw a line under the release as the tracks by now were too old to release. We’d still like to put out a split gatefold one day.Release 3 came out in July 09. We were approached by a publishing company and asked if we would be interested in releasing a 7” from an up and coming band from Plymouth. We gathered all the information on Crazy Arm and listened to the tracks on offer and chose two that really stood out on the understanding that at least one track would be exclusive to the release and not available on the album, to make the 7” a little special. The single is selling extremely well and had received some great press and radio play. Crazy Arm are definitely a band to watch out for.Our next releases will be in the form of a split 7” picture disc from Our next releases will be in the form of a split 7” picture disc from Welsh band A New Day, who released an EP on Lockjaw in 2007 and US band Giving Chase, a CDEP release from London screamo outfit We Die Tonight and the first of a compi-lation CD series called ‘In Transit’.A New Day are the ultimate hard touring DIY band, they are constantly in the back of a van and have built up a huge network of promoters and fans across Europe. They will be heading out on the road with Giving Chase in September & October, before touring the UK with Crazy Arm.We have also licensed 2 separate Haddonfield tracks to US labels for compilation inclusion and have recently been in talks with Japanese and Swedish labels who are interested in licensing tracks.

Featured Clothing....STOP! DROP! ROCK!

When starting a new clothing line its all about the name. in this case 17 year old conor the brains behind SDR really has got a name that says it all. SDR sums up what he really is all about, good music, good times and good friends!Stop drop rock is a new clothing line thats been going for only a few months and Stop drop rock is a new clothing line thats been going for only a few months and already seems to have a bright future, their own regular gigs featuring amazing bands such as Paige and DissolvedIn, enagaging in their local music scene aswell as great clothing.SDR designs are tyically a little bit dark and naughty but all in good taste and style, with 2 designs currently on sale through their bigcartel store (http://stopdroprockclothing.bigcartel.com)

WWith their first ever promo shoot a few weeks back we are the first apart from the SDR team to get our hands on the shots, so check them out below!