York Calling

Christopher Hawkins is an artist based in Sheffield, producing unique cinematic pieces of music that incorporates moments of both the jazz and classical genres into his music. Christopher has just released an amazing new record, Where The World Can’t Find You, and it really is a beautiful thing to behold.

We’ve featured Leeds band Moose Wrench a few times over the years – now they’re back with a brand new single titled Dead Stars, their first single from the upcoming album Mr. Sidequest.

You have to go back to 2023 to find when we last shared the work of Belgian group BAÏKI. Their new single, KosmoX, is a timely reminder of their surreal genius. By Graeme Smith The act hit my radar through their single Les boites, an insightful exploration about how we’re prone to live in boxes. KosmoX continues their tendency to unpick the human condition, this time with a more expansive topic. There is much talk about space travel and colonising other planets nowadays.

Todd Adelman is part of a growing movement against the overuse of technology in music. In fact, he’s embraced the traditional more than most. By Graeme Smith Adelman owns The Woods, a Woodstock, New York, USA-based analogue recording studio, and puts authenticity at the forefront of his sound. There’s an emphasis on vintage gear, traditional recording techniques, and a focus on musicianship.

On the hottest day of the year, The Black Crowes turned a sweltering former chapel into a sweat-soaked celebration of timeless rock ‘n’ roll, proving that after more than three decades, the Robinson brothers remain one of the greatest live acts on the planet.

Scarborough Open Air Theatre has hosted plenty of major names over the years, but Anastacia arrived determined to put on a proper show rather than simply run through a collection of hits. Celebrating 26 years since Not That Kind launched her career, the American star delivered 90 minutes of powerhouse vocals, costume changes and theatrical flair that felt more Las Vegas revue than standard summer concert.

With a Scotland shirt, two Saltires and a setlist packed with anthems, Amy Macdonald brought warmth, wit and a proper Friday night singalong to the Globe Theatre. Words and Photos – John Hayhurst Amy Macdonald arrived at The Globe Theatre wearing a Scotland football shirt, two Saltires hanging from her microphone stand and with the World Cup very much on her mind.

Thirty years after ‘A Maximum High’ first sound-tracked countless indie discos, Shed Seven arrived at Halifax’s Piece Hall to celebrate the landmark album that helped define a generation. What unfolded wasn’t simply an anniversary show. It was a victory lap, a family reunion and a reminder that some songs only grow stronger with age.

Fresh from the release of their latest EP Eat My Dust and with a growing reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting live acts, Dead Pony arrived at Corporation in Sheffield looking like a band with serious momentum behind them. By the end of the night, it was clear that momentum is only heading in one direction.

Anniversary tours can sometimes feel like exercises in nostalgia. Ray LaMontagne’s recent visit to Newcastle’s O2 City Hall proved something entirely different. This wasn’t a museum piece dusted off for sentimental value; it was a reminder that truly great songs don’t age, they deepen. Words – John Hayhurst – Photos kindly supplied by David Wala Rather than diving straight into the album that launched his career, LaMontagne opened the evening with a selection of tracks from across his catalogue.