The Grey Lady Music Lounge, Tuesday 19th August 2014

I am a unique, acoustic singer/songwriter and all round musician based in Hastings, currently in the process of releasing my original music to the general public. At 17, i have performed at various events, parties, and weddings, regularly go busking, and have taken part in open mic nights in the local area, but am now looking to play to a larger audience and gain experience in the music industry. My interest in music began from an early age as i was always surrounded by my dad playing guitar, but i purchased my first drum kit at the age of 11, and taught myself the guitar and piano shortly after, which set me up for gigs at small venues. Despite aiming to make a living out of music in the future, for the time being i am just enjoying sharing my music with people, and hope to continue doing so for a very long time.

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ARCELIA - Soulful folk from the valleys of Kent 

“Wonderfully warm harmonies”....  MOJO Magazine 

“With this kind of talent on display expectations are high,and they are resoundingly met on each track.”  ★★★★★  R’n’R Magazine

“Here is songwriting and singing of the very highest order..” 9/10 Americana UK

“Owes so much to the likes of Crosby,Stills & Nash with their dreamy acoustic meanderings, contrast of the individual voices and combination of well matched harmonies.” Louder Than War 

“Trailblazing a new genre”… Classic Rock Society  

Arcelia’s critically acclaimed new album, Building On The Land, is out now on How Now Records. 

Arcelia (pronounced Ah-KELL-ia – meaning ‘treasure chest’ in old Spanish) are songwriter Gavin Alexander (has supported the likes of Mark Nevin, co -wrote the theme tune to Studio Ghibli's Emmy award winning TV series, Ronja the Robber's Daughter), voice artist Teresa Gallagher (Octonauts, Thunderbirds, Thomas & Friends) and Flying Picket Simon Foster. Together they create an exquisite sound which has been likened to Crosby Stills & Nash, America, Paul Simon and Squeeze (they regularly perform and tour with Chris Difford). They have also been in demand as a support act for the likes of Scott Matthews, Oysterband, Coope Boyes and Simpson, Michele Stodart and Maddy Prior. 

For their new album Building on the Land' the band continues to evolve into an exceptional songwriting and performing unit, further exploring stunning songs of everyday life and loves.

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"I started writing songs when I was about seven and haven’t really stopped since then. I have always been interested in music as it goes in the family and have always liked to sing. At the age of about nine, I started having piano lessons locally but I wanted to do more pop music material and so stopped taking the lessons. In primary school I started many bands with friends and was always playing around with song writing. The first time I recorded on my own was a cover I did of Invincible by Tinie Tempah and Kelly Rowland. In early 2011 I wrote my first proper song ‘I Cried’ and recorded it in my Dad’s studio. I then wrote another song called ‘This is Your Life’ and decided I wanted to carry on with song writing. I then made my own YouTube account just to see if the songs would get any views and luckily enough they did! I wrote about four more before I filmed my first music video last year. I am very influenced by Emeli Sande as her songs are mainly based on her and the piano. I also listen to music like Ellie Goulding and The Kooks- as well as the music in the charts! I have always sung with my sister as our voices are similar and we harmonise together."

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Chris James is a Singer/Songwriter, Bassist and Guitarist from High Brooms.

Taking his earliest influences from The Offspring, 999, Lit, Elvis and Nirvana he began to play guitar aged 14.He has played in several bands, notably Eleven Days Ago and Those Weirdo’s- the latter as lead singer playing bass.

Later influences on Chris include Johnny Cash, Chuck Berry, Social Distortion, Alkaline trio, Bouncing Souls, Rancid and King Prawn.

However Chris has evolved musically from purely punk to a crossover style that embraces Punk, Ska and Rock N Roll. Presently operating solo in a project he refer to as I AM CHRIS JAMES, plain speaking Chris is an original, no BS, straight-up guy who loves live music-both giving and taking. You are as likely to find Chris in the audience as on the stage at venues in and around Tunbridge Wells. Chris is serious about his music, has sufficient self-belief to pursue this simply for the great pleasure he derives from performing live whilst retaining the ambition to reach a wider audience. If you want to feel the earth move in mysterious ways try ”Archers and Lemonade” by Chris James.

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