Buzz Magazine

The last 12 months have seen Canadian pop-metal four-piece Spiritbox reach new heights, from touring North America with Evanescence to big-time industry recognition with a Grammy nomination and performance. Ross Peacey spoke to lead singer Courtney LaPlante about their recent success and what’s coming next. Formed in 2017 by vocalist Courtney LaPlante and guitarist Mike Stringer, Spiritbox haven’t taken an entirely conventional approach, at least not initially.

Dexys Midnight Runners – Love Love (Heavenly) Heavenly records founder Jeff Barrett has previously cited Dexys Midnight Runners as the best band he ever saw live, so he must be pretty chuffed to have Kevin Rowland and co signed to his label. Love is likely to be the last Dexys album, and will make a grand finale if so. Produced by David Holmes, on Love the group’s wholesome Philly soul influence gets fully cranked up.

« All Events After Attack!’s recent debut in Cardiff Uni’s Great Hall room, they return on Sat 5 bringing two ex-WWE names: Hornswoggle, or Vince McMahon’s bastard son according to a plotline of yore, and Scotswoman Kay Lee Ray. On Fri 11 and Sun 13 Sept their South Wales division has early evening events in Llanedeyrn’s St Philip Evans Church and the Markham Welfare Club respectively. Have an event you want listed on our What’s On guide?

« All Events I assume the promoters of this all-day event down at Newport County are related to the Undercover Festival here the previous day, different names notwithstanding. This sesh is more on the house side of things, with Nathan Dawe, Sammy Porter, The Goodboys, Belters Only, Chris Watson, Stephani B and a full slate of local DJs. Have an event you want listed on our What’s On guide?

That is to say, a fair of artists’ books, which are books made as objets d’art, most often by hand. So you won’t be able to buy everything on display here this weekend, though there’ll be some pieces for sale, and some workshops will also happen for no extra charge.

« All Events Those of you who love to spank the plank, numb your thumb etc will be slapping yourselves with excitement at this all-day bass guitar bonanza. There’s workshops, masterclasses, giveaways, a chance to “network with players” and a contest in the evening claiming $5000 of prizes (the company behind this event are American). Guitarists use side door! Have an event you want listed on our What’s On guide?

Billy Strings – So Much For Goodbyes So Much For Goodbyes (Reprise) Bluegrass may not be most people’s cup of tea on this side of the Atlantic, but believe me when I say Billy Strings is worth your time: the maestro is now onto album five and unchallenged for Doc Watson’s vacant throne. After the dizzying heights of 2024’s Highway Prayers, Billy Strings comes crashing down to Earth on So Much For Goodbyes.

With a debut album out this month and a clutch of Welsh and London shows, Celyn Of Gwent talks to Jason Machlab about the creative journey from their hometown of Torfaen; discovering their identity whilst studying classical singing; and facing challenging questions about humanity’s self-perception and our stewardship of the Earth. What pushes you to create music? I’ve always been interested in music and different types of performance.

Erykah Badu & The Alchemist – Before The World Blows Before The World Blows (Control FREAQ) Erykah Badu has never sounded particularly interested in keeping up with anyone else. Sixteen years after her last studio album, she returns with Before The World Blows, co-credited to hip-hop producer The Alchemist, aka Alan Maman. And, thankfully, time hasn’t made her any less strange.

« All Events Following Aisha’s headline set in August, Platform 11 stick with their “flying in a female DJ from Germany to play a load of trancey hard techno stuff” grand plan as Frankfurt’s Nyra makes her Welsh debut. Her style is known as ‘Barbie bounce’ and probably as sophisticated as that implies, not that that’s a criticism in my book. Have an event you want listed on our What’s On guide?