LIVERPOOL Soundcity! has made its name in the music industry as a music wonderland acting as a hub for new talent, the latest buzz-bands and people who work, live and breathe music.
Tenement TV upped-sticks with our equipment and enthusiasm and headed south from Glasgow to catch a glimpse of the likes of Bastille, Savages, Charlie Boyer & The Voyeurs, Swim Deep, TOY, Temples, Dutch Uncles, Uknown Mortal Orchestra and more.
Upon arrival, we walked through the streets of Liverpool to get a feel for the venues involved in the festival. First gig we caught was Swim Deep at Zanzibar. The place was absolutely packed – and hot from the sweaty bodies getting right into the music. Swim Deep attracted a good crowd and were a band on everyone’s lips before the festival. The performance was solid, with the crowd going nuts at the end for their most popular track King City.
Next up we interviewed LA Newcomers Hands in a nearby coffee shop. We got to take some time out from the crazy-buzzing venues to chill with the American band who were getting really excited about their music and their recent venue share with The Rolling Stones. You can read our interview with Hands here.
We then had the pleasure of Everything Everything’s company as we interviewed them backstage at their venue in Liverpool Arts Academy. Everything Everything got into the nitty-gritty of their second album direction-change and you can read all about it here.
Then we caught Charlie Boyer & The Voyeurs again at Liverpool’s impressive and popular Arts Academy. The gig was packed-full with the band really playing off of the crowd and putting on an impressive show. Great sound from the guys, truly one to watch. Their big track I Watch You was very well received from the enthusiastic crowd.
The outrageous Savages were next on our schedule as we caught the racy-ladies do their thing. Our full-frontal review of their gig in Glasgow can be read here.
Wave Machines are giving dad-rock a knock about with two successful albums. Tenement TV caught up with them during the Liverpool Soundcity! festival. Their interview can be read here.
Bastille at The Garage was a true highlight of the festival. They put on an amazing performance to a packed crowd. Their cover ‘Of The Night‘ is a great modern version of the 80’s dance classic. Bastille’s set ended with fan-favourite Pompeii which turned the crowd into a giant sing-along as the radio-hit echoed throughout the venue. The song and its response gave you goose bumps.
New York band Uknown Mortal Orchestra also played their set at The garage. This band were the ultimate pleasant surprise for us. For a band with little hype, the crowd waiting to get into The Garage was jumping so Tenement TV went in. This was absolutely the right choice, as we were met with strong guitar riffs and great stage presence. Their tracks featured long instrumentals and they sometimes sat down which was unusual for a live show but it all added to their charm.
Temples at Leaf Cafe put on a memorable performance, they had a plethora of great tunes which were all well received with the festival crowd. Some scrapping in the crowd took place and the band refused to play until it stopped which took a minute or two- but that didn’t change a great gig from a band with a really great sound- definitely one to keep an eye on.
Our first Liverpool Soundcity! went down a storm. Being in the heart of the crowd for some of the most memorable gigs of 2013 to date. The Liverpool crowd sure know how to party, and Liverpool Soundcity! proved just why its the music industry’s darling.
VIEW ALL PICTURES FROM SOUNDCITY HERE
By Nadine Walker
