Sunday 26 June 2011

Tamara and the Martyrs on The Late Show with Joanne Good: BBC London Radio 94.9 FM

Tonight Tamara and the Martyrs are playing live on Joanne Good's The Late Show. The show is broadcast on BBC London Radio 94.9 FM from 10.00pm and we are on from 11.00pm. Tune in to hear us play live of listen back by clicking here:
Wish us luck!

Friday 24 June 2011

Music In Oxford review Riverside Festival

Playing the second stage at Riverside
We got a rather nice review of our set at Charlbury Riverside Festival from the folk at MusicinOxford. The Festival was great fun and some of my favourite acts of the day were The Rock of Travolta, Welcome to Peepworld and Desert Storm. Read the review here.

Tuesday 14 June 2011

A Honey Pot of Acoustic Goodness: Jess Hall, Tamara and the Martyrs, Goodwin Sands

Goodwin Sands
Last night saw a honeyed mix of musical talent as part of the Oxfringe festival. The Honey Pot is one of my favourite pubs, and the back room can be one of the more intimate performance spaces in Oxford. Tom and Leanne create a friendly and warm atmosphere, and treat musicians well. They also cook some of the best pub grub around. The evening was kicked off by singer/songwriter Jess Hall. It was the first time I'd seen her perform. The spell of her clear, soft voice floated me in from the bar where I was nursing my bowl of massive chips ("Oi, hands orf!"). Huck and I then graced the stage with a few Martyrs songs. The atmosphere in the Honey Pot was perfect for some acoustic strumming. Each act even coaxed in the smokers, who were braving the 'warm summer air'. Headlining was a dutch band, Goodwin Sands. What a pleasant surprise! I knew the guitarist, Pete Barnes, from my uni days, when he used to rock out in his Bath-based band,  'A Neat Science'. But Goodwin Sands is a folk band, and a folk band through and through. I definitely think he's found his musical calling. This isn't just any old folk though, it has a real mesmerizing quality, and the lead singer, Anna Curvers, has a delicate and precise magnetism that has you hanging on every word. When the whole band offer backing vocals and switch instruments between songs the deal is sealed, these guys can really play. The carefully crafted compositions are executed with finesse, and as I watched the band I noticed that they're all smiling - and so are the audience. This is feel-good-folk at its intricate and smiley best. Goodwin Sands are touring the UK so catch them if you can, more info here.


Monday 13 June 2011

Tamara and the Martyrs website launched

Today we have launched the Tamara and the Martyrs official website. You can keep up to date with all the latest Martyrs business and we even have an online store! You can visit the page by following: http://www.tamaraandthemartyrs.com/

Thursday 2 June 2011

Tamara and the Martyrs release their first EP 'Hang My Picture'

We are very excited to announce that our first EP 'Hang My Picture' is  released this month by Oxford based label Big Sky Records.  The Martyrs and I have had a great time recording the 4 tracks for this EP which is now available from Itunes for the fabulous price of £3.16. We will begin recording our 10 track album at the end of June and will keep you updated on it's release date. If you're coming to see us play any of our many gigs and/or festivals over the coming month then you can get a copy of the EP directly from us, complete with CD artwork and a free badge...and all these things will soon be available to order from our new website which will also be launched later this month. Enjoy!