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Little Birdy |
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Rumpus |
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2003 has certainly been a year for big rockers to get back on stage and show they've still got it. We have had impressive live shows from The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, David Bowie, AC/DC, Fleetwood Mac, Duran Duran and Blondie. Oh, and that ex-boy band bloke from Stoke who played a handful of quite sizeable gigs at Knebworth. With all the continued concern over music piracy, at least live music appears to be alive and well. Enter The Darkness, a band who have had an outstandingly good year and serve as a reminder to us all about how important touring and performance are.
At ASCAP, we've been busy once again showcasing some of the best new, unsigned bands around. Highlights of this year's shows included the Sonic Youth-esque punk from Birmingham's Distophia, who are currently enjoying considerable support from radio and MTV2 following the release of their debut mini-album Sodalake. Back in January, we had the fabulous electro-rock of Chikinki. Now signed to Island Records, they will release their debut album in the New Year. At our final showcase this year, we were treated to the frenzied grooves of three-piece Rumpus and the beautiful melodies of Leeds-based Four Day Hombre. Their new single, Mr M, will be released in February.
As well as showcasing UK talent, we also try to spotlight promising foreign acts. During this year, we witnessed great shows from Stockholm's finest, The Hommos, and sweet vocals from Katy Steel, a prominent member of Australian popsters Little Birdy. Both acts are sure to be back soon for more shows in the UK.
We have also featured some great new acts on our bi-monthly CD samplers. These now go direct to over 250 UK A&R people and music publishers, and we have also begun making samplers specifically for US labels. In the New Year, we plan to take our showcases out of London and discover what's happening around the UK. Our first outing will be in Cardiff towards the end of February and there are visits planned to Glasgow and Newcastle in addition to our association with the Brighton Music Network.
We have high hopes for the following acts in 2004: Keane; The Crimea; Dogs Die In Hot Cars; The Ordinary Boys; Kid Galahad; The Killers; Sammy USA; Thirteen Senses; The Boxer Rebellion: Hal; The Glitterati; Kid Symphony; Jon Green; Tennason, and Orka...
