Ryan Bell
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Articles by Ryan Bell
A City Alive: Long Division Festival 2023 | Gigwise
The city of Wakefield opened its pubs, clubs, and theatres for its annual Long Division festival for a final time, with the event bowing out after 12 years, and with a sold-out crowd, a stacked line up or new and returning talent, plus a scorching weather forecast; it promised to be a high note to go out on. It also saw the return of two of the city's most cherished venues, the Theatre Royal and Unity Hall.
7 Acts Not To Miss At Long Division 2023 | Gigwise
As festival season begins to rear its head, the city of Wakefield’s offering, Long Division, prepares to bow out, with this year’s festival being the last of its current iteration.
11 Underrated: Bob Dylan | Gigwise
Utter the name Dylan around music fans and your bound to encounter these two ways of thinking; he’s the god of pop-literature and one of the greatest of all time, or that he can’t sing and all of his songs are done better by other people. I hesitate to use the term “marmite” but not many mainstream acts of the last 60 years have divided like Dylan.
The Right Vibe
An ambitious plan is taking root to transform Greensboro and the Triad into a capital of live performance music By Jim Dodson Photographs Courtesy of Flat Iron; By Josh King and Ryan Bell (Left to right) Will Easter, Marcedes Carrol, & Brooks Forsyth Seventeen years ago, Greensboro philanthropist and businessman Bobby Long personally signed a $25 million letter of credit with the PGA Tour that saved one of the most venerable professional golf tournaments from the dustbin of history.
Album Review: Bambara - Love on My Mind | Gigwise
Having emerged among the recent wave of post-punk revivalism, New York-based Bambara have proven themselves as one of the more unique offerings with their last few studio releases.
Hello Tomorrow: Psykhi | Gigwise
With a great ear for melody, a fresh sound that splices up hip-hop cadences with grunge rock instrumentation, and naming Robert Smith of The Cure as his dream collaborator—21 year old Psykhi is an artist fit for our miscellaneous modern age.
Kanye West - DONDA
Things are rarely simple with Kanye West. It’s this fact that makes him one of the 21st Century’s most interesting and frustrating creative forces, and for the past ten years or so now, a Kanye album roll out has never failed to be an event; often as exciting as it is infuriating.
Wild. Fancy. Free: Wilderness 2021 review + gallery | Gigwise
It’s easy to go into a festival like Wilderness with some preconceived notions about it. A simple Google search will bring up countless articles about how 'posh', 'fancy' and 'exclusive the Oxfordshire festival is, and from some of the paid packages available (not to mention the habit of celebs attending) it’s hard to find a case to disagree.
Working Men's Club: Valleys, gossip + album number two..? | Gigwise
“I just wanted to make tunes, like I did and like I will continue to do”—this idea of art over everything else is something that reappears often when speaking to Sydney “Syd” Minsky-Seargent, the creative force behind Working Men’s Club, the indie/dance rock band from the Calder valley in West Yorkshire, whose debut self-titled record topped Best Of lists last year all over and has earned them three AIM award nominations.
In conversation: Sirens of Lesbos | Gigwise
Switzerland five-piece Sirens of Lesbos could probably tell you a bit about learning through your mistakes. The band, whose new single 'I See Stars' dropped this past month, broke into the mainstream music world through first single 'Long Days, Hot Nights', a surface-level Ibiza club banger which left the group feeling creatively unfulfilled almost instantaneously.
Hello Tomorrow: Low Hummer | Gigwise
'Perhaps it took a pandemic to give you focus on what you want to do with your life' Every industry has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, with the music business particularly knocked. Venues closing their doors, touring made an impossibility and releases being rescheduled - all on top of the obvious strain on physical and mental health - did terrible things for many.
Beginning the Heart of Yoga | Mark Whitwell
Mark Whitwell | Heart of Yoga “If you’re feeling confused, trying to figure out whether or not you have free will, or whether or not you exist or whether or not you should meditate or do nothing, or whether to believe this teacher or that teacher, simply wake up right now from these mental conundrums. Stop. Look. Listen. Hear the traffic, the birds, the wind. Feel the breathing. Nothing special.
Open Anatomic Reconstruction of the Posterolateral Corner: The Arciero Technique
Abstract The posterolateral corner (PLC) is an important stabilizer of the knee. This complex of ligaments and tendons functions as the primary restraint to varus and posterolateral rotation of the knee. Injury to the PLC can result in chronic instability, a varus-thrust gait, and early arthrosis of the medial compartment of the knee if left untreated. Several techniques have been designed to address injuries of the PLC.
Album Review: Emma Frank - Come Back - Fortitude Magazine
New York-based singer-songwriter Emma Frank has released her new album Come Back. The “avante-garde folk artist” returns with the follow up to her critically acclaimed 2018 release Ocean Av and folk and jazz themes run throughout. Come Back opens with I Thought which is a gentle introduction to Frank’s breathy, soft vocal. Frank’s vocal is effortless and complimented by the understated keys and harmonies.
Album Review: Lead Shot Hazard - Fires To Find Our Friends - Fortitude Magazine
Since their inception almost a decade ago, Lead Shot Hazard have become a solid fixture of the UK’s ska punk scene. Following the release of their ‘War & Pieces’ EP back in 2016, talk of a follow-up album has been omnipresent on the lips of the band and fans alike, and as the British summer draws to a close, dreams have finally become reality. ‘Fires To Find Our Friends’ is due for release on 25th August, and it’s a joy to announce that after all this time, the album does not disappoint.
Album Review: Bon Iver - “I,I” - Fortitude Magazine
I,I sees the return of Justin Vernon and co, the first release under the Bon Iver name in three years since 2016’s divisive foray into glitchy folktronica 22, A Million. This, their fourth album, sees a conclusive seasonal shift in tone, which begun with the isolated winter of their stunning 2007 debut For Emma, Forever Ago, leaving I,I as their self-described autumnal record.
Tara Flanagan Launches New Single - 'Doing My Best' - Fortitude Magazine
Bournemouth-based Singer-Songwriter Tara Flanagan is back with her latest single, ‘Doing My Best’. Following the release of two singles last year which showcased her fun punchy-pop sound, Tara Flanagan has now unveiled the latest in her repertoire; a single titled ‘Doing My Best’. Tara drew inspiration from current pop icons like Florence & The Machine and Dua Lipa, mixing it with her love for anything and everything 90’s.
Single Review: Kim Petras - Broken - Fortitude Magazine
Kim Petras has just released her infectious new single Broken. The German pop singer’s star has been rising ever since the release of her debut single I Don’t Want It At All in 2017 which reached the Spotify Global Viral Chart. She has since appeared on Charli XCX’s Mixtape Pop2 and has just completed a string of sold-out shows in Australia where she also opened for Rita Ora. Broken is an addictive r’n’b-infused pop track that will be played on repeat by Kim’s die-hard fans.
Film Review: Mid90s - Fortitude Magazine
With his directorial debut Mid90s, Jonah Hill returns to the coming of age film, the genre that propelled him into the eyes of Hollywood in the 2007 comedy Superbad. Similarities can be found between the two films, most notably, they both have much more to offer than initially meets the eye.
Life After God on Apple Podcasts
84 episodes Writer and speaker, Ryan Bell, of A Year Without God, shares insightful commentary on religion and irreligion in North America and engaging interviews with believers, heretics and the uncertain. Writer and speaker, Ryan Bell, of A Year Without God, shares insightful commentary on religion and irreligion in North America and engaging interviews with believers, heretics and the uncertain.
Album Review: Fontaines D.C. - Dogrel - Fortitude Magazine
Dogrel is the debut album by Fontaines D.C., the Dublin based group who have garnered attention for their run of well received singles and a support slot in 2018 with fellow post-punks Shame. The album bolts out of the gate with the clattering drums and the bouncing bass of “Big”, which then immediately crashes into a full band assault.
Album Review: Finn Andrews - One Piece At A Time - Fortitude Magazine
Finn Andrews has released his debut solo album One Piece At A Time. The long-awaited album from The Veils frontman is deeply personal and self-exploratory and every song has a rawness and intimacy which Andrews didn’t explore with The Veils.
Live Review: Sleaford Mods - Holmfirth Picturedrome - Fortitude Magazine
As Storm Gareth rattles its way through Holmfirth, Sleaford Mods storm the stage of the excellent Picturedrome; performing tracks from their latest record Eton Alive, among tracks from throughout their discography. The venue is both intimate and grand at once, small yet beautifully decorated. The sloping standing section offers an excellent view from wherever, and the peering side arches provide a view impossible to be obscured by the mass of flailing, sweating bodies.
The Pleasures And Pitfalls Of Online Gaming - Fortitude Magazine
Chances are that at some point in your life you have signed up to play an online video game, whether it was through your console, PC, smartphone or tablet. Of course, their appeal is wide-reaching, as not only do you get provided with a fun distraction, but you get to point your wits against others in the same community. This being an experience that can lead to glorious victories, or help you to further hone your skills.
Emirates F.A Cup Quarter Final Preview and Predictions - Fortitude Magazine
The F.A. Cup returns this weekend with a mouth-watering selection of games that will help decide who gets a place in the Semi-Final draw on Sunday night along with a guaranteed day out at Wembley. Saturday 16th March Watford Vs. Crystal Palace – 12:15 Saturday’s early kick-off sees Watford host Crystal Palace, in what may be the most difficult tie of the round to predict as both teams are coming off the back of a loss.
Black Flag announce UK tour - Five essential tracks - Fortitude Magazine
Legendary US hardcore group Black Flag are making a return to UK soil for the first time in 35 years. The pioneering punk act last toured the UK in 1984, with Henry Rollins on vocals, Greg Ginn on guitars, Kira Roessler on bass and Bill Stephenson on drums, though returning from that line-up is only Ginn.
Live Review: Jungle @ Alexandra Palace, London - Fortitude Magazine
An unusually mild February has given a nice taste of summer over the last couple of days, prime for festival favourites, Jungle (XL Recordings) to bring summer magic to Alexandra Palace. Nice weather in Britan meant the kids were out playing, pub gardens were busy and of course delayed trains which meant I endured the gut-punch feeling of missing half the set of Jungle’s main support, Little Simz.
Album Review: Ariana Grande - “thank u,next” - Fortitude Magazine
If it seems like Ariana Grande has had enough on thank u, next, I would say it’s understandable considering the turbulent 18 months the singer has faced. After the tragic passing of her ex-partner Mac Miller in September 2018, she faced more time in the public eye after her break-up with her then fiancé, the SNL comedian Pete Davidson. This, all in the year following on from the horrific terrorist attack during her performance at Manchester Arena.
Are You Spending More Than You Need To On Your Wardrobe? - Fortitude Magazine
It’s so easy to spend too much on clothes. You go out to get a new jacket and you end up coming home with loads of outfits and an empty wallet. It might be that you see a piece that just catches your attention and you decide that you have to have it or maybe there’s a sale on and you’re worried about missing out on the savings, so you pick up some extra items just to be safe. But if you carry on shopping like that, you’re going to run out of money, so you need to do something about it.
Even Money Casino Bets - Fortitude Magazine
It is common knowledge that the casino has the house edge in every one of their games. That means on average they will end up in profit. However, many gamblers have made a living and a fortune from their casino winnings. Some of them have done it using strategies such as the Martingale System. This system dates back to 18th century France, but the fact that it is still deployed today suggests that it has helped many punters make some serious dough.
Album Review: Graham Costello's STRATA - 'OBELISK' - Fortitude Magazine
Scottish collective, Graham Costello’s STRATA, lay down a marker for 2019 as they prepare to share their experimental, jazz-infused soundscapes through the release of debut album OBELISK. From the opening note, it becomes abundantly clear that STRATA are anything but ‘vanilla’. Creating a swirling cacophony of noise, the six-piece playfully bend the rules, as they transcend genre, producing a sound they really can call their own.
Google's Infiltration Of Abbey Road Studios - Fortitude Magazine
You don’t have to be musically minded or famous to see the magic now, the hallowed grounds of Abbey Road can now be accessed by all of us. The recording studio has become a virtual opening, meaning anyone can click a button to unravel what lies behind the doors. The Beatles to Green Day have performed in Abbey Road; all of the biggest artists have committed to musical endeavours there, showcasing their talents under the blissful lights.
Review: Angels And Airwaves - The Dream Walker
Angels And Airwaves are back with ‘The Dream Walker’; an album that is infectious and dark, pushing the lyrical boundaries and dragging out the dramatics. The band, lead by Tom Delonge, tart up the music with enough energy and guile to satisfy. Their focus is very clear, operating their hearts like bags of sweet truth. ‘The Dream Walker’ is dotted with flair and imagination. Lyrically it’s very challenging, emotional and sophisticated.
Review: Best Friends - If You Think Too Much Your Brain Will Fall Out - Fortitude Magazine
‘If You Think Too Much Your Brain Will Fall Out’ first of all is a great name for a track but more importantly is it the latest offering from brilliant buzz band Best Friends. The Sheffield four piece have created summer fuzz and managed to cram it into a two minute ten nutshell, and it’s great! Care-free sounding, fizzing guitar lines and itchy hooks keep the track moving at a fast pace, whilst the rise and fall that bisect the verses spike the listeners ear every time.
Live Review: The 1975 - Sheffield Arena 25/01/2019 - Fortitude Magazine
“Welcome to the show everybody” announced Matty Healy, the frontman of indie-pop goliaths The 1975, just after performing “Sincerity is Scary” which saw him playfully hopping and strolling along a travelator in front of a towering image of a sunny New York style terrace block; a show absolutely.
Fortitude Magazine - 10 artists to watch in 2019 - Fortitude Magazine
With the dust now settled from the new year, Fortitude Magazine looks forward to a year of new, exciting music releases from a wide range of artists. Here are 10 picks for that are likely going to soundtrack your 2019. 070 Shake – Key track “I Laugh When I’m With Friends, But Sad When I’m Alone” 2018 saw New Jersey rapper/singer 070 Shake release her solo ep Glitter and receive critical acclaim for her vocal performances on some of Kanye West’s “Wyoming” records.
Single Review: The Killers - "Land of the Free" - Fortitude Magazine
It’s easy to sympathise with The Killers sentiment on their new single “Land of the Free”, if there was ever a time for a return to protest pop songs, it is surely now. Their last album, 2017’s “Wonderful Wonderful” was a return to form record made up of driving arena rock, funky indie pop and heartfelt electro ballads. However “Land of the Free” doesn’t produce much of the inspired music choices or the sharp, pop songwriting showcased on that record.
Live Review: Daddy Issues/PAWS - Brudenell Social Club, Leeds - Fortitude Magazine
Legendary Leeds venue The Brudenell Social Club was the place to find fuzzy indie rock on Sunday evening (9/12/18), with four great bands making for a night of phenomenal value for money. Opening act Longbody are impressive through the sheer volume projected from their simple two piece set up of drums +guitar/vocals.
Albums of the Year (that you may have missed...) Bambara - "Shadow on Everything" - Fortitude Magazine
As 2018 draws to a close, you are now likely to start seeing music publications releasing their “end of year lists”, where the years top records are carefully compilated into a top 10, 20 or even 50. 2018 has brought many fantastic albums that are worthy of critical praise, but what about when one of your personal highlights goes unrecognised among the year’s “must listens”?
Albums of the year (that you may have missed...) - Bambara - "Shadow on Everything" - Fortitude Magazine
As 2018 draws to a close, you are now likely to start seeing music publications releasing their “end of year lists”, where the years top records are carefully compilated into a top 10, 20 or even 50. 2018 has brought many fantastic albums that are worthy of critical praise, but what about when one of your personal highlights goes unrecognised among the year’s “must listens”?
Single Review: JUNODEF 'Heights' - Fortitude Magazine
Those Nordics have done it again. Swedish quartet JUNODEF are undeniably talented and, lucky for us, they now reside right here in London! Their latest release ‘Heights’ is a majestic post-rock delight that will give you all the feels. Combining twinkling guitar sounds with rumbling bass notes and sharp glitches of electronica, ‘Heights’ engages you instantly. Lead singer Karin Grönkvist ’s lead vocals are beautifully haunting throughout, reminding us of the likes of PJ Harvey and Bjork.
Live Review: Shame - Stylus, Leeds - Fortitude Magazine
In January, London based punk quintet Shame released their debut album Songs of Praise to widespread critical acclaim. Now, as 2018 draws to a close, the group are seeing out a tremendous year with a final run around the UK, stopping off at Stylus, the underground venue in the student area of Leeds, bringing fellow youthful post-punk groups Fontaines D.C. and HMLTD along for the ride.
First wave of acts announced for Reading and Leeds Festival 2019 - Fortitude Magazine
The first artists confirmed to play Reading and Leeds festival next year have been announced this morning (21st November) and include headline acts Foo Fighters, The 1975, Post Malone and Twenty One Pilots.
Single review: Bellhouse 'Like You Loved Us' - Fortitude Magazine
If what you’re missing on these dreary autumn days is a beat of upbeat, infectious pop then look no further. Emerging Swedish artist Bellhouse creates shimmering electro-pop that is instantly addictive and her latest single ‘Like You Loved Us’ is no exception. Channelling her inner Carley Rae Jepson, ‘Like You Loved Us’ is oozing with catchy hooks from the offset.
Level Up Festival 2019 Announce First Headliners - Fortitude Magazine
London’s leading ska punk festival has announced and as its first headliners for . Taking place at the from 19th – 21st July, Voodoo Glow Skulls and Buck-O-Nine join such other Level Up alumni as , , , , and . Now entering its third triumphant year at the venue, was originally the brainchild of (London), (Bristol) and (Mol, Belgium) in 2017, and has seen spectacular success for such a new festival, selling out multiple days each year so far.
Live Review: Hayley Kiyoko, Manchester Academy 2 - Fortitude Magazine
…and a sea of mobile phones in the air, looking to capture the opening moments of the main act. Kiyoko opened her set with “Under the Blue” before hitting into her biggest hits; the synths began for “What I Need”, her collaboration with the cool Kehlani but tonight the crowd acted as substitute and included a dance breakdown from the talented singer.
Live Review: IDLES - Stylus, Leeds - Fortitude Magazine
This small exchange I feel, exemplifies the phenomenal position Bristol-based rock group IDLES find themselves in today. The energy inside Stylus is palpable, and this Leeds date is just one of many on a sold out UK tour in support of their second album Joy As An Act Of Resistance, a tour that is increasingly seeming more like a victory lap than the usual promotional voyage; unheard of for many bands at this stage in their lifespan.
Bell: The contradictory nature of the Utah electorate
Two opposing facts create a contradictory picture of the Utah electorate.Fact number one: Our state’s citizens rank as among the most, if not the most, civically engaged people in the nation, according to a recent WalletHub study.Fact number two: Utah’s citizens vote at a shockingly low rate, ranking us 39th among all states.How can we explain the fact that Utahns are deeply invested in their nation and government, yet when it comes time to exercise their solemn right to vote, they lag far...
Album Review: Georgi Kay - Where I Go To Disappear - Fortitude Magazine
The album commences with the menacing synths of ‘Heavenly Gates’ and sets the tone for this tenebrous sci-fi-noir collection. A ghostly aura encircles the confident strut of the percussion and the explorative nature of the synths on what could be described as a slow-burner on a Purity Ring album. Lyrically, ‘Heavenly Gates’ chronicles Kay’s acceptance of being independent, in spite of the doubts of those around her.
Album Review: Starry Skies - 'Be Kind' - Fortitude Magazine
Following the band’s debut Ask The Animals and countless not-for-profit events that they have put on to give all kinds of bands a stage to play on, Glasgow’s Starry Skies have now released their wonderfully eclectic second album Be Kind. Reflecting on the need for there to be more kindness in the world, as the title would suggest, the album fuses together an array of different genres, all tied together by an exquisite musicality and genuine raw emotion.
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