The Baker's Dozen #26 League Of Lights

March 10, 2021 by David Vousden in Electronic, Interview, Pop, Prog Rock, The Bakers Dozen

Farrah and Richard West aka League Of Lights will release their third album ‘Dreamers Don’t Come Down’ on March 12th via Eightspace (CD/Digital) with vinyl to follow on 23/04/21 via Plane Groovy. ‘Dreamers Don’t Come Down’ is a cool record on which the duo deliver pop hooks and sumptuous soundscapes in equal measure. RGM caught up with Farrah for a wide-ranging chat about musical influences, making the very best of things when your tour is cancelled and really important stuff like X-Men or Star Wars…

The Baker's Dozen #25 BIRDPEN

March 03, 2021 by David Vousden in Interview, Alternative Rock, Electronic, Kraut Rock

The duo of Mike Bird and Dave Pen released ‘Discussing Robots – Dig That Hole’ in 2003 on 7” vinyl which was the first in a run of EP releases before their debut album ‘On/Off/Safety/Danger’ arrived in 2009. Over the years BirdPen have continued to release albums at a healthy pace with their sixth album ‘All Function One’ due via JAR Records on March 5th, 2021. RGM caught up with the duo for a chat about their various influences and the expected struggles of touring in a post-pandemic/Brexit world. Away from the music Dave shares his love of Ray Bradbury while, like so many of us, Mike really wants to get out for some fresh air and who could blame him. Many thanks to Dave and Mike for their time.

The Baker's Dozen #24 Lyle Workman

February 18, 2021 by David Vousden in Interview, The Bakers Dozen, Soundtrack, Jazz, Prog Rock, Rock

Lyle Workman will release ‘Uncommon Measures’ digitally on February 19th with a CD release set for 16/04/2021 via Blue Canoe Records. Lyle has enjoyed a varied career as a songwriter, composer and guitarist first enjoying a brush with fame as a member of Bourgeois Tagg, when the Todd Rundgren produced ‘I Don’t Mind At All’ became a hit on both sides of the Atlantic, before his skills as a songwriter and guitarist resulted in work with Beck, Sting, Frank Black, Norah Jones, Bryan Adams, Sarah McLachlan, Jellyfish, Ziggy Marley and Jazz great Tony Williams. Inspired by The Beatles at an early age Lyle is always on the lookout for innovative jazz and rock artists and still finds plenty of time for Better Call Saul and Fargo. Many thanks to Lyle for his time.

The Baker's Dozen #23 A.J. Croce

February 02, 2021 by David Vousden in Americana, Blues, Folk, Interview, Singer-Songwriter, Soul, The Bakers Dozen

Welcome to the first Baker’s Dozen of 2021 here at RGM. We’re very pleased to welcome A.J. Croce who checked in with RGM from his East Nashville home to chat about his influences (which ties in nicely with his new album ‘By Request’ due February 5th), a love of spy thrillers and how, by taking a look back at how musicians have adapted to change in the past, we might all be able to move forward post-pandemic. It’s a really good read and thanks again to A.J. for his time.

The Baker's Dozen #22 The Marriage

October 05, 2020 by David Vousden in Americana, The Bakers Dozen, Singer-Songwriter, Country

The Marriage (Kirsten Adamson and Dave Burn) released their debut album ‘Imagining Sunsets’ on October 2nd, 2020. Kirsten and Dave both come from musical backgrounds with Dave first picking up a guitar at the age of 7 and being signed by a major label at 15 while Kirsten spent her summers in Nashville with her father Stuart Adamson, the late Skids and Big Country singer and guitarist. Both have been playing in touring bands since their teens. ‘Imagining Sunsets’ is a generally sparse and gentle affair built on the duo’s lovely harmonies but they are more than capable of kicking up a storm as evidenced by album closer and latest single ‘Box and Burn It’. ‘Imagining Sunsets’ is well worth fans of all things Americana and country tracking down. One listen to ‘Floating In Space’ and first single ‘Dreamers’ should have you hooked. We caught up with Kirsten and Dave for a chat about their earliest musical memories, a really varied list of influences and their thoughts on the music industry in a pandemic.

The Baker's Dozen #21 Nick D'Virgilio

June 17, 2020 by David Vousden in Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Melodic Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Prog Rock

It’s hard to believe that the Baker’s Dozen here at RGM has turned 21. It seems like only yesterday we were trying to stop it from peeing on the rug but those pesky kids sure do grow up fast. The artist who kindly agreed to be our twenty-first entry in the series is Nick D’Virgilio. The vocalist, drummer and multi-instrumentalist, probably best known for his time with progressive rock act Spock’s Beard, has enjoyed a varied career that has included long associations with Tears For Fears, the Cirque Du Soleil organisation and Big Big Train. Nick will release his second solo album ‘Invisible’ on June 26th and he kindly found time for a chat about his earliest musical memories, the current health situation, the joys of playing live and Lawrence Welk.

The Baker's Dozen #20 Harrow Fair

May 22, 2020 by David Vousden in Folk, Interview, The Bakers Dozen, Americana

Canadian duo Harrow Fair recently released ‘Sins We Made’ via Roaring Girl Records. The album is their second and builds on the success of their very well received ‘Call To Arms’ debut. Harrow Fair comprises Miranda Mulholland and Andrew Penner and they should have been touring the UK this month but unfortunately, that was not to be. RGM caught up with Miranda and Andrew for a quick chat about their earliest musical memories, influences and the joys of She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (you heard it here first). Many thanks to Miranda and Andrew and we look forward to welcoming them back to the UK as soon as it is safe to do so.

The Baker's Dozen #19 Dustbowl Revival

February 03, 2020 by David Vousden in The Bakers Dozen, Americana, Folk

RGM caught up with Z. Lupetin of Dustbowl Revival for the latest in our Baker’s Dozen feature. The Los Angeles based act released a cool new album ‘Is It You, Is It Me’ recently which has received impressive reviews (RGM Review). So please join us as Z. shares his thoughts on the music business, Michael Kiwanuka, Bill Withers, legendary LA venue The Troubadour and why we all need a lava lamp in our lives. Honestly, we do, we really do.

The Baker's Dozen #18 Jack Broadbent

January 01, 2020 by David Vousden in Blues, Folk, Singer-Songwriter, The Bakers Dozen

For the latest in the Baker’s Dozen series RGM caught up with blues singer/guitarist Jack Broadbent. Jack has been opening for the legendary Ronnie Wood on his recent dates. A plumb support slot for sure, but luckily Jack still found the time for a quick chat where he opened up about which Bob Dylan track moves him every time and an unexpected love for Trailer Park Boys.

The Baker's Dozen #17 Murray A. Lightburn

September 25, 2019 by David Vousden in Pop, Singer-Songwriter, Soul

Canadian singer-songwriter Murray A Lightburn is about to embark on a run of UK dates starting September 26th in Manchester (full details here). The dates are in support of his recent ‘Hear Me Out’ album release. ‘Hear Me Out’ is a terrific album that showcases Lightburn’s soulful croon to great effect on a string of carefully crafted, tastefully produced, string laded tracks. If you only know Murray from his work in The Dears then I urge you to check out the record, you’ll be glad you did. We caught up with Murray as he became the latest, willing victim to partake in the RGM Baker’s Dozen feature. So please read on as Murray shares some of his many influences, a dread of school talent shows and a love of British crime drama.

The Baker's Dozen #16 Johnny Drille

July 10, 2019 by David Vousden in Folk, Interview, Pop, World Music

Johnny Drille is best known for his single ‘Wait For Me’ which was nominated for Best Alternative Song at the 2016 Headies Awards. The Nigerian singer first sang in the church of his clergyman father before he came to the attention of the Mavin record label. Johnny’s folky/acoustic sound is firmly rooted in his Nigerian heritage but he’s looking outside of his native borders for additional inspiration, which should bring the singer widespread international recognition. We caught up with Johnny to find out a little more about his influences and his love of classic US TV shows.

The Baker's Dozen #15 Lettuce

June 27, 2019 by David Vousden in Interview, The Bakers Dozen

Originally formed at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts in 1992, Lettuce are a tough band to pigeonhole judging by the variety of sounds on their recently released ‘Elevate’ album on the Regime Inc / Membran label. With this in mind RGM caught up with the members of Lettuce to shine a little more light on their collective interests and influences. RGM is pleased to welcome Lettuce as the latest act to complete The Baker’s Dozen:

The Baker's Dozen #14 JD Simo

March 08, 2019 by David Vousden in Blues, Interview, Singer-Songwriter, The Bakers Dozen, Rock

Nashville based guitarist/singer JD Simo is in the UK (March 2019) playing a run of shows with fellow guitarist Tommy Emmanuel CGP. JD recently released ‘Off At 11’ an album that finds him blending straight ahead blues with much more expansive material than incorporates a range of jazz/blues and jam band influences. The album is a fine introduction to JD Simo and well worth tracking down. We caught up with JD for the RGM Baker’s Dozen feature where he explains how guitar great Steve Cropper proved influential in his early days and a more recent love for Bojack Horseman.

The Baker's Dozen #13 Simon Stanley Ward

February 25, 2019 by David Vousden in Country, Interview, Singer-Songwriter, The Bakers Dozen, Americana

For the thirteenth instalment of The Baker’s Dozen we welcome Simon Stanley Ward (hopefully Simon isn’t superstitious). Simon has just released his second album ‘Songs From Various Places’ and will be launching the album with a show at The Islington in London on February 27th, 2019. The album is a really great listen rooted in old-school country, for the most part, with comedic lyrics that allow Simon’s personality to shine through. So join us as Simon discusses the likes of Elvis, Bob Dylan, Warren Zevon and a fear of Band Aid:

The Baker's Dozen #12 Benjamin Folke Thomas

November 15, 2018 by David Vousden in Singer-Songwriter, The Bakers Dozen, Country, Blues, Folk

Fresh from the release of his latest ‘Modern Man’ album via Aveline Records (which is an excellent release and well worth checking out) Benjamin Folke Thomas took the time to complete a Baker’s Dozen for RGM that revealed an obsession with pool and a slightly worrying love of reality TV. Benjamin Folke Thomas will be touring the UK to promote ‘Modern Man’ this month with an album launch show at The Lexington, London on November 25th.

The Baker's Dozen #11 Lucas & King

October 31, 2018 by David Vousden in Folk, Singer-Songwriter, The Bakers Dozen

Southampton based Lucas & King were the very first act to receive a live review at RGM way back in 2014. In the four years since the duo have been busy honing their craft and their highly anticipated debut album will finally see the light of day on November 23rd. We caught up with Bo and Hayleigh for a quick chat as they became the latest artist to encounter The Baker’s Dozen:

The Baker's Dozen #10 Laurie Mansworth (Airrace).

August 15, 2018 by David Vousden in AOR, Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Interview, The Bakers Dozen

Laurie Mansworth has been at the helm of UK Melodic Rock/AOR act Airrace since they formed in 1982. The band recently released their excellent third album 'Untold Stories' and we caught up with Laurie for a chat about guitars, songwriting, early attempts at punk rock and Billy Bragg...

The Baker's Dozen #9 Mishka Shubaly

June 01, 2018 by David Vousden in Interview, Singer-Songwriter, The Bakers Dozen

On the eve of the release of his latest album 'When We Were Animals' via Widemouth Records RGM caught up with Mishka Shubaly for another entry in the popular Baker's Dozen feature. The singer, songwriter, author and storyteller discussed his earliest musical memories, Mark Lanegan, Twisted Sister, his love of small venues with dodgy plumbing and much, much more. Mishka will kick off an extensive UK tour on June 9th in Derby that will see him playing throughout the UK with a London date at The Slaughtered Lamb on June 28th.

The Baker's Dozen #8 Nick Workman (Vega)

April 27, 2018 by David Vousden in AOR, Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Interview, Melodic Rock, The Bakers Dozen

For the latest in The Baker's Dozen feature at RGM Nick Workman from British AOR/Melodic Rock act Vega is in the chair. The band will release their fifth album 'Only Human' on May 11th via Frontiers. The album was mixed and mastered by Harry Hess of Harem Scarem fame and you can catch the band live on their UK tour in June 2018. So please read on as Nick discusses Star Wars, True Detective and the mysterious Bootleg Snake:

The Baker's Dozen #7 Phil Poole (Doomsday Outlaw).

April 19, 2018 by David Vousden in Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Melodic Rock, Interview, The Bakers Dozen

For the latest in our Baker's Dozen feature, RGM caught up with Phil Poole vocalist for Doomsday Outlaw the UK bluesy hard rock act who'll be releasing their new album 'Hard Times' via Frontiers on May 11th. The band will also be supporting the release with their own shows and dates with Jizzy Pearl of Love/Hate fame. So please join us for Phil's thoughts on Elton John, Chris Cornell, 'The Devil Wears Prada' and his reason for being.