New music to listen to this week: Tom Grennan and Matthew & The Atlas
Now Hear This
Oh hey look it's another double bill!
First up is Tom Grennan: This chap topped Hype Machine, made it to #2 on Spotify's UK Viral chart and #17 in its Global version. Oh, and he's supporting The Libertines tonight at 02 Academy Brixton
He has an excellent voice that is so, so reminiscent of Paolo Nutini's gruff, woozy vocals - and is tipped for some big things in 2017.
Check out his new track 'Something In The Water':
Q&A with Tom Grennan:
What are you listening to at the moment?
Kanye West life of Pablo, one track on there is just killer it's called 'Feedback' the lyrics are mad!!
I've also been listening to Loyle Carner, Slaves, Blossoms new album is proper cool, Septa, Giggs, Christine and the queens
And every morning I try and listen to at least one Amy Winehouse tune its makes my day a little better aha! But that's just a few people I've been listening to this month really
What are your plans for the rest of 2016?
I’m releasing by debut EP 28th October, looking forward to hearing what people think. On 10 November I’ve got my first headline show at The Slaughtered Lamb and I’ve been asked to join Chase and Status on their uk tour, so really looking forward to that!
What was the first gig you played and what’s been the bet so far?
The first gig I played was a few years ago in a little pub in Bedford, it was called the bear but it's actually gone now. And the best gig I've played would probably be wireless again with Chase & Status. That was a madness and a moment I will never forget!!
Matthew & The Atlas
Next up are the wonderful band Matthew & The Atlas: comprised of Matt Hegarty, James Drohan, Tommy Heap, Alex Roberts and Emma Gatrill.
They were Communon Records' first ever signing and are currently on a special tour with Sofar Sounds.
We're premiering the great Lightship Sessions version of lead single 'On A Midnight Street' - take a look below:
Q&A with Matthew & The Atlas
What are you listening to at the moment?
The new records from Wild Beasts and Michael Kiwanuka
What are your plans for the rest of the year?
Mostly touring, we are playing some acoustic shows with Sofar Sounds early next month then supporting Bear's Den through October and November. We've also been recording an acoustic version of our album Temple, and we're releasing it track by track over the next couple of months. Between that, I'm trying to find the time to work on new music.
What was the first gig you ever played and what’s been the best so far?
I played my first M&TA gig at a little upstairs bar in Reading, I think it was called the Iguana Bar. Mainly my first shows were at a great little venue in Guildford called The Boileroom.
There was a support show I did back in 2011 at the Merriweather Post Pavilion which is an amphitheater in the US, which has been pretty hard to top. A storm had been building for the last couple of hours before the show and as we started our set the storm really hit, the rain started coming down and the audience just embraced it, it was amazing looking out at all these people dancing in the rain.
Matthew & The Atlas play Union Chapel on 2 February 2017.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies