Performing at Battfest 2013 - Eleanore & the Lost

Based in and around Guildford, Surrey, Eleanore & the Lost are a symphonic prog rock band with a strong gothic influence. The song lyrics are beautifully crafted, whilst the music has catchy, memorable tunes resonating influences from Jeff Buckley, Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac, Bjork, Kate Bush and Evanescence – there are also glimpses of some of the earlier Beatles songs such as Eleanor Rigby, the Long and Winding Road etc.

Work is currently underway recording and producing the second album “The Gift”. Eleanore took time out of performing for the second half of 2012 to compose the songs for this latest offering. Production began at the end of the year but was halted shortly afterwards due to the death of Eleanore’s grandmother. Now finally back on track, the first part of the album has been recorded - it will be released in three parts, with the first part expected at the end of the summer (although a single from the album is planned to be released ahead of this, as a taster). Battfest and The Green Gathering were unexpected performances ahead of the second album – but sounded like such great opportunities – plus Eleanore is very environmentally conscious!

Eleanore (composer, lyricist and lead vocalist) has a spectacular voice and stage presence. It’s a rare thing for any singer to have a vocal range of 4 octaves, quite another to be able to hit the top note on a piano with ease – but it’s the exceptional beauty of her voice that sets her apart.

Eleanore has a wealth of past experience including covers bands, backing vocals, session work, musical theatre, various solo projects and as support to Clare Teal back in 2004. Compositionally, she’s been writing her own songs for many years and in 2004 also co-wrote the winning song in a competition through Celador Productions (for a Channel 4 TV pilot “Write on Time”).

In 2006, Eleanore was commissioned by an Indian dance company (SB Dance) to compose an orchestral piece in four movements, a project she completed within two and a half months. The finished piece “asmâkam” (the quest) went to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2008 and is available on all major download sites. In the same year, she released her first single “Feels so Good” with Madman the Greatest.

In 2009, Eleanore beat 10,000 other contestants nationwide to the Grand National Final of Live and Unsigned whilst also working on her debut album “Parlour Game”, which was released at the end of the year. Fans say that they just don’t get tired of it even after three years and it’s now being discovered by a whole new group of new people as Eleanore & the Lost finally starts to get noticed. The album is available as both a CD and as downloads on all the major sites including Amazon, iTunes and Napster. It is also available to stream on Spotify.

The band, Eleanore & the Lost initially got together to promote the album and between 2010/12 did numerous gigs across South East England including Guilfest, The Half Moon in Putney, The Boiler Room Guildford, Babalou in Brixton, the Fairfield Halls Croydon and the Windsor festival as well as radio interviews and airplay. It has resulted in a tight knit group of friendships as well as colleagues.

In 2011, Eleanore was commissioned by the international environmental charity, WWF to compose the theme song for their 50th anniversary which was also to act as a stimulus piece for the charity’s nationwide competition aimed at young people. “My True Nature” was released in May 2011 and is again available on all major download sites.

Towards the end of 2011, Eleanore was asked to star in a Windsor Festival specially commissioned piece called “Kiss Me Goodbye”. This was a dance show, but all of the dancing was choreographed to Eleanore’s music. The dancing took place in the prestigious Theatre Royal, Windsor with the band performing on stage as well.


Press & radio testimonials:

"The awesome vocal might and musical presence of Eleanore & the Lost are unleashed with a mix of rock, pop and grunge as the story changes direction. Perhaps a representation of youth and love, Eleanore, a Kate Bush-like vocalist, stole the show and certainly uplifted the audience, evident by standing ovations at the end."

Pete Rann, Royal Borough Observer, Windsor

“I have to say Eleanore & the Lost have done us all proud with My True Nature! Once again this is another masterpiece in their impressive repertoire, and I will certainly give it some airplay..."

David Durrant, Brooklands FM

"It might be her first time at Guilfest but Eleanore, the Cranleigh singer-songwriter, has racked up live experience that would make others blush," writes Luke Jacobs (of the Surrey Advertiser). "Winner of a television songwriting competition back in 2004 and finalist in the Live and Unsigned competition last year, the artist is already used to putting herself up for scrutiny."

“Better than any female vocalist in rock going back 2 decades... I'm a rocker and it sounded amazing! She blew me away, perfect voice teamed with a perfect look! Eleanore should be up there with the best… and no doubt she will.”

Richie Day


LINKS:

www.eleanoreandthelost.com
www.youtube.com/eleanoreandthelost
www.facebook.com/eleanoreandthelost
Twitter: @EleanoreLost

Battfest 2013 Artist - Karina Vismara

From the rural town Balcarce, Argentina, Karina Vismara is an award winning songwriter, now based in Brighton.

Taking an interest in music at an early age, she began to teach herself piano, using a Beatles 'Rubber Soul' song book she found in the house. A local pianist saw her talent and offered her free lessons, unfortunately this tuition was cut short, when the tutor began to lose his vision. However her fascination with music continued, in-particular her love for the 'Beatles' and with help from her farther began to learn guitar. Dedicating her life to music, she developed her style, taking influence from both English 60's/70's rock 'n' roll, and Argentine musicians.

When 17 she travelled to Europe for the first time, this experience inspired her to start taking her songwriting more seriously. Two years later she moved to Liverpool to study at LIPA, and achieved a distinction in her diploma. She furthered her study in Guildford taking a degree in Sound Design at The Academy of Contemporary Music and won the ACM 2011 Songwriting Competition with her song 'Only You', chosen by Warner Chappell Music.

Her success is anything but casual, anyone who listens to her playing can attest. Her extraordinary guitar playing adopts a delicate finger-picking style held together by melodic bass lines and unconventional chord progressions, which blend perfectly with her angelic voice and memorable melodies. Her lyrics are deeply inspired by personal life experience, avoiding literal description, she depicts emotions everyone can relate to.

Website: karinavismara.com
Facebook: facebook.com/vismaramusic

Isla Will be Performing at Battfest 2013!

Isla are sisters Charlotte, Emily and Eleanor. Originally from Yorkshire, they are now based in London. They create an eclectic mix of indie/folk/pop combining unique instrumentals with distinctive harmonies.

LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/bandisla
https://twitter.com/bandisla
http://www.reverbnation.com/bandisla
http://www.youtube.com/islabandofficial
http://soundcloud.com/isla-band

Battfest Artist ~ Hannah Clive

Words matter to Hannah Clive. Her songs are observational and often personal, exposing vulnerability edged with emotion, always readily shared with her audience. Influenced by songwriters such as Carole King, Kate Bush and Adele, she weaves a web of truth with alluring lyrics and soulful vocals.

Formative years in a show business family from Richmond, Surrey (UK), encouragement from the local musician scene and a difficult period in her life, have all contributed to the emotional nature of her songs and performance. Early introductions to established artists led to recording sessions as a backing singer. Hanging onto the shirt tails of household names was not an ambition for Hannah, who by now was in her late teens and already writing songs with a seductive edge.

Feeling vulnerable and let down by those who claimed to have her career interests at heart, Hannah temporarily retreated from the music scene. A roller coaster of experiences followed, eventually focusing this burgeoning song writer on heartfelt emotions, a desire to reach out and connect – especially with a female audience. The birth of her daughter led to a musical hiatus, before she returned to her passion for song writing with renewed energy and determination.

Driven by the thrill of performance, belief in her songs and encouraged by others in the music industry Hannah started to perform at London venues, seeking the same troubadour spirit as the iconic artists who had originally inspired her. Her sharing of straight from the heart songs, began to attract a following and strengthened her resolve to be taken seriously as a singer-songwriter.

With her new EP: Richmond Park Sessions complete, as well as her recent collaboration as featured artist/co-writer on: The Herbaliser’s ‘Lost Boy’ (Youtube Views: 30,000+ ) – Hannah is now connecting with her audience. Recent performances include major London venues such as: The HMV Forum, The Bedford, The Troubadour and not forgetting Battfest 2012, which trended on Twitter gaining over a million hits.

Hannah performs her songs with emotion, sharing them with her audience, inviting her listeners to identify with the complexities of universal emotions, reaching out to them and, following in the footsteps of the iconic songwriters who continue to inspire her.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hannahclive
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannahclivemusic

The Moth Lantern - Playing at Battfest 2013

Summer 2012 saw indie/rock band The Moth Lantern perform the Emerging Icons stage at The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"Great stuff, we like these!" Tom Robinson, BBC Radio 6 Music

‘Gloriously wonderful acoustic rock with a cinematic edge, The Moth Lantern are a beguiling proposition.’ Steve Lamacq, BBC Radio 6 Music

‘Quirky, moody yet tuneful and with chord changes to prick the ear at every turn’ Stuart Maconie, BBC Radio 2

‘COMFORT’ I’m so sweet on this track it ain't even funny! A terrifically understated voice. A tonic.’ Pete Donaldson, Absolute Radio

The indie/rock band delighted Olympic crowds with a fun energetic up-tempo set, contrasted superbly by original potent ballads, written by band’s guitar virtuoso, Dan Clark.
Jo Clark (keyboard and vocals) adds glamour & dynamism to the group, whilst drummer Eddie George provides the throbbing beats which underpins the unique Moth Lantern sound.
Jason Rungapadiachy (Bass guitar & Vocals) Jason’s powerful vocals are a compelling proposition, adding integrity and depth, as can be clearly heard on all tracks such as ‘ARMOUR’ and the hugely popular crowd pleasing ballad ‘COMFORT’

Listen to The Moth Lantern
www.facebook.com/themothlantern/app_2405167945

Watch The Moth Lantern’s innovative animated video of the track ‘COMFORT http://www.youtube.com/embed/0lOL6yOSIvQ

WHAT THE MUSOS SAY
THE MOTH LANTERN, EP

Emerging Icons review
"Our favourite Lincolnshire awesome sausages have a brand new EP available on their Emerging Icons profile - a treat for us as much as it is for you.
With four tracks, plenty of lovely rich instrumentation and Jason’s effing gorgeous voice- you need to get this in your life.
While ‘The Nightmare Is Just Beginning’ leads you into a vast, epic atmosphere with touches comparable to early ‘Shiver’-ing Coldplay.
We still stay in touch with the more playful side of the band with ‘Dog’- stuttering guitar and introductory woofing giving a completely different vibe.
Creative experimentation with the effects and sounds that can be produced through bass and beat provide an additional signature to that lead vocal - which remains the centre piece of The Moth Lantern experience. Get yourself comfy and savour this one cos it’s a beaut."

Twitter:@themothlantern Facebook.com/themothlantern
Youtube.com/user/themothlantern Emergingicons.com/3845/TheMothLantern

The Moth Lantern - Proudly represented by Wendy Bailey Management
Bookings and Media enquiries to
Wendy Bailey 07770 665512 wendybaileypr@me.com
Peter Bailey 07733 032078 peter.bailey30@ntlworld.com
www.wendybaileypr.com

We Welcome Ghost Trains to Battfest 2013

Ghost Trains
UK Acoustic Band.
‘An inspirational blend of folk and classic 60’s pop’

Big in Japan?... well certainly Russia, Germany and, er Macedonia, which is the result of songwriter Tim Ellis taking a risk which many bands shy away from. Ghost Trains have taken a somewhat unconventional route to develop their fanbase. Picked up via Myspace by a very nice Russian lady who offered them a tour of her home country, from April to the end of July 2011 they packed their bags and guitars and high tailed it to the outer reaches of western music’s appeal - dubbed the Acoustic Beatles, they played to rapturous sell-out audiences and were having to exit by obscure side doors and narrowly avoided being manhandled by the screaming hordes as their strict Russian tour manager stepped in and prevented access all areas!

No strangers to the touring life (they had a mini tour in the States in 2010 even playing California’s legendary ‘Viper Room’ in Hollywood), this tour took them on an unforgettable road trip across Russia, Latvia, Kainingrad, Slovakia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Austria and Macedonia, where an exceptional street gig paid the guys 1600 euros, which thankfully paid for the tour! Exhausted and terrified (having woken up between gigs in the small hours to find the Slovenian driver careering down the wrong side of a dual carriageway, in a scene worthy of a Bond Film) near the end of a 17-hour non-stop journey from Hungary to Macedonia, the guys decided to jump into the comparative safety of a plane for their journey back home!

“We used to have to take turns to keep an eye on him, and of course, we kept falling asleep too (as he did on more than one occasion!).

We were glad to get back alive if I’m honest.
So we came back, on something of a high, and knuckled down to writing a load more material, did some more touring in unpronounceable obscure towns across Europe and released our fourth album at the beginning of 2012 called Jack and Sunshine which seemed to go down really well.

It had some kind reviews and we went on a number of radio stations, such as Genevieve Tudors Folk show on BBC Radio, All FM in Manchester, BBC Radio Stoke and 6 Towns Radio amongst others.
I had been stunned when I noticed that Andy Hughes, from Acoustic Magazine, chose ‘Miss Emily’ as his best acoustic track OF ALL TIME at the end of 2010. And so I dedicate the opening track of our new retrospective album to Andy. There is a video too, for those you tube aficionados out there.”

Ghost Trains single promo video : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSlkHaJv2UM

The imaginatively titled album ‘For Sale’ is released on 17th March. The title had more to do with a photo that Tim just had to use on the cover, than any deep and meaningful introspection. Although the album is undeniably for sale!

‘The 12 track album showcases the songs which people seem to have enjoyed the most, as well as a couple of new ones, ‘The Ballad of Crazy Nicole’ and ‘I Want You’. Which will be the second and third tracks released off the album, following ‘Miss Emily’, which will be released soon. This is to give us time to recover from our third European tour - the second one covered the whole of September 2012 and like this one, will cover Holland, Germany and Switzerland.

Nice things people have said about Ghost Trains -

Deep, dark, Americana with a decided edge is Ghost Trains’ M.O. It’s real soul of humanity stuff which makes for compulsive listening. FATEA Feb 2011

Ghost Trains have a sound that bridges the gap between Nick Drake and Crowded House, with the melancholy spirit of one and the delicate guitar mastery of the other....Tim’s melodic and lyrical constructions travel various, always unique paths as they unravel. ACOUSTIC MAGAZINE June 2011

These songs hit on all levels as you absorb the serenity, sentiment and feelings of the human psyche contained within. His songwriting is sublime and touches on subject matter which affects us all - love, love lost and found, love found and lost again. Ghost Trains perfectly capture your mood at any given moment, it is meaningful and heartfelt - reaching deep into your soul.
When they perform ‘Michael Caine’ live, it is simply mesmerizing to witness, Tim’s voice is emotive and powerful, filling the room, and the guitar interplay is a joy to behold. They conclude the evening with another personal highlight of mine ‘Deathdance’ and again the vocal harmonies are to the fore with some wonderful intricate guitar and subtle vibrant percussion. So there you have it, I felt privileged to have been there. John West STOKE SOUNDS Feb 2011

Their music is an inspirational blend of folk and classic 60’s pop, characterised by tight harmonies, outstanding guitar playing and pounding rhythms played out with the kind of energy and conviction borne out of complete confidence and belief in what they are doing. Icarus Live Review from Blackheath Convert Hall, London. Feb 11

For fans of Ghost Trains, this is the album that has been gestating for the last few years of the band’s rising career path. Anyone who has met Tim Ellis, Ghost Trains’ writer and vocalist, will be struck by the difference in his off-stage persona compared with the character he inhabits on stage and on record. A shy man to meet, his songs reveal an entirely different individual, a melancholy soul who articulates perfectly the trials and tribulations of modern romance with a depthless pool of emotional expression in his vocals. Both are aspects of Tim Ellis, but he is anything but miserable – who could be with an ability to create music like this?
The instrumental break in Astronaut features the exquisite lead guitar work of Paul Dennis and understated percussion from Jack McCarthy who both round out the package on the band’s live shows.
As a long-term fan of this band, I have said before that it is a mystery to me why Tim Ellis’s songs are not being covered by any number of top-selling artists, and why Ghost Trains are not riding the current and growing wave of popularity of acoustic music. I can only put it down to that elusive break – being heard by the right ears of someone who can open the right doors. If there is any justice, it’s only a matter of time.
Catch Ghost Trains live in the UK before America and the world claim them.
Andy Hughes ACOUSTIC MAGAZINE October 2012

Jack & Sunshine 'must surely cement Ghost Trains' position as one of the finest proponents of Anglicised Americana out there performing. Hopefully this, their third album will also provide them with the recognition their songwriting and performance deserve. There is something very natural about this album, it strikes a chord because it's easy to relate to, feels like it's something that's part of your collective knowledge.' FATEA Magazine March 2012


Soundcloud link : http://soundcloud.com/ghost-trains/sets/ghost-trains-for-sale/
Ghost Trains website : http://ghosttrains.net
Ghost Trains facebook : https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ghost-Trains/101895013184626


Email contact : tim.ellis@sky.com

Lo Kloza – Best Pop Single for ‘Hot Air Balloon’

1. Who are your musical influences and what inspires you to create?
I'm a lover of just about every genre so it's hard to pin point who my musical influences are. I admire Lady Gaga for her fearlessness and fantastic pipes and I also adore Adele, Sarah Bareilles, Kelly Clarkson and Pink. If I had to narrow it down to just a few those would be it! I'm inspired by a lot of things happening in my life as well as the things I witness happening in others. I want to tell a story and relate to people and make them feel like they aren't alone. That's what my favorite artists do and that's what inspires me most.

2. What is your opinion on the current state of the music industry and what are the pros/cons of being an independent artist?
Well, the con of course is money… because we are all broke! ha! But… as an independent artist I'm doing it because I love it, not for the money. Music and the ability to create it is so accessible now and I believe that all artists have amazing opportunities to get their music heard right at their fingertips. It's just a matter of putting in the effort and following your dreams. Playing empty clubs can suck… but the filled stadium will be worth it.

3. If you could spend an hour with any musician, living or dead, who would it be, and why?
Lady Gaga, definitely. She's an incredible musician and I'd love to just pick her brain. Her creativity is that of another planet. I love it.

4. What are your aspirations for 2013 and beyond?
As 2013 begins I am really interested in writing more. I'd like to be able to put a full album out soon, go on tour, and… rule the world ;)

5. How do you feel to have won a LadyLake Indie Award?
It is such an honor to have been recognized. I'm so appreciative of the love and support out there for my music. I don't really quite have the words to describe how much it means to feel the love and support but… to put it simply… you are all awesome and I love you! Thank YOU!

Check out these links to learn more:
www.facebook.com/loklozamusic
www.sonicbids.com/lokloza