www.myspace.com/davethomasband45

Dave C. Thomas is a brand-spanking new acoustic solo artist. I’ve been in bands since the age of twelve, but decided to give it all up in pursuit of acoustic delights. I’m really interested in making big soundscapes with only one man and a guitar. I just went into the studio to record my first ever EP ('Caught between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea') with Dave McPherson (InMe) in the production chair. I'll be releasing my first single, 'Swim', later this year, and over the next few months I'll be putting the finishing touches to tracks for my first full-length, before heading into the studio to record them. I draw my inspiration from personal experiences (and don’t hold back when writing music, much to the frustration of some of the people whom I’ve written about!) and my surroundings – I split my time between the soggy sands of Swansea and the historical beauty that is Oxford. This summer I’ll be hitting festivals and trying to pack as many shows in as possible: I’ll play anywhere and everywhere, as nothing beats the feeling of playing a show, however big or small! Over the past two years I’ve played many gigs at Oxford University, which was an amazing experience, as well supporting (InMe’s) Dave McPherson on a few acoustic dates in South Wales. I have been described as having a powerful, bluesy-rock voice a la Shinedown, Alter Bridge, Pearl Jam, and Alice in Chains, with bluesy-folk guitar melodies akin to Nick Drake, John Martyn, Bob Dylan and even Zeppelin – but ultimately you are the judge of how I sound.

www.myspace.com/theclairesimoneband

Claire Simone has spent 15 years performing as a solo artist, recording, and appearing as a featured artist and back-up singer/harmonist with many groups. She has also performed with a number of 'Big Bands' and performed at major musical events such as the Brecon Jazz Festival.
At this point in her musical career, Simone is focussed on developing and producing her own solo material, and is writing and recording with a number of musicians and producers - very exciting times ahead. Claire is always looking for new projects so if you are interested in working with Claire please contact her through the website.

In the development of Claire's vocal style, hearing the backing vocals sung by Helen Terry on 'I'm Only Trying To Help You' on Culture Club's 'Colour by Numbers ' album she says:
"When I was 8 years old, I knew at that moment I wanted to be a singer, after that many more great singers influenced my passion, pretty much anyone who's got heart and soul!"

Claire has recently been featured in the "Wales" based worldwide magazine "Blues Matters" , you can see the feature here http://www.exacteditions.com/exact/browse/528/709/4634/3/128
You can also catch Claire co-presenting on Radio with Aja on Georgejazz NZ, Wednesday nights and Starpoint Radio London UK, Monday nights. For show repeat schedules visit the station websites.

www.starpointradio.com

www.georgefm.co.nz/jazz  

If you would like to learn more about Claire and listen to her music you can visit her at www.clairesimone.co.uk 

www.myspace.com/atracuraband 

"Drawing together seasoned musicians with an overwhelming desire to get in front of people and turn their world upside down, Atra Cura meld powerful riffs, propulsive rhythms and heartfelt vocals to deliver an all-out assault that stirs the body and mind. Influenced by a wide range of bands and musical styles, the Brighton based 4-piece maintain a focus on kicking up a pure metal racket that refuses to be jammed into a convenient sub-genre, something that is bolstered by dark and challenging lyrics which question the world we find ourselves living in."

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