Into the LOOP - Autumn 2023 - Digital

CONTENTS WELCOME

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Find out what’s been happening at LOOPFEST HQ since the second annual festival way back in July 2023

CHRIS HAWKINS

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LOOPFEST announces their first ambassador, BBC Radio 6 Music’s Chris Hawkins

WHAT’S NEW AT LOOPFEST 2024

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Discover the exciting new venues and what we have planned for what is going to be the biggest LOOPFEST yet!

INTERVIEW: GREYSHA

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LOOPFEST catch up with fast-rising electro-pop sensation to discuss the thriving Shropshire scene

NOVEMBER FUNDRAISER

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Find out who’s playing at the Albert & Co Frankville LOOPFEST all-dayer fundraiser on Sat 11th November 2023

INTERVIEW: DUTTY MOONSHINE BIG BAND

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Catching up with LOOPFEST 2024 headliners Dutty Moonshire Big Band as they eagerly await the results of topping the album charts for a second time

GABBA GABBA HEY! FUNDRAISER

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Join in for another gathering of amazing bands playing at Albert’s Shed Shrewsbury just before Christmas. Now THATS what I call a fundraiser

LOOPFEST23 REVIEW

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Join David Molby of ‘Bad Fiancés’ as he discusses the sights, sounds and smells of Shrewsbury’s second LOOPFEST

WHAT’S ON AT THE SHED (SPONSORED)

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Discover a wide range of national touring artists who’ll be performing at Albert’s Shed Shrewsbury this Autumn

MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR It seems like only yesterday that we gathered at Shrewsbury Castle, our spirits unyielding, even as the heavens unleashed their torrents from 4pm onwards. Yet, as torrents poured from the sky, enthusiasm surged on the streets. Across the town, in 25 venues, music resonated, drinks flowed, and memories were forged. On that day, festivalgoers doubled the turnstile counts at Shrewsbury Railway Station. Even more impressively, two-thirds of our venues broke their sales records.

But resting on laurels isn’t our style. We’re setting the stage for an even grander spectacle. Brace yourselves for a three-day extravaganza from 3rd-5th May 2024.

Shrewsbury Castle will play host to ticketed big-name headline acts. The money made here will fund the LOOPFEST engine. But we’re also spreading our wings to envelop the iconic St. Mary’s and Shrewsbury Square, as well as many more venues throughout town.

Even as we gear up for May, we’re planning fundraiser shows at Albert & Co Frankville (Sat 11th Nov 2023), Albert’s Shed Shrewsbury (Sun 17th Dec 2023) and at the Wheatsheaf Frankwell (Sat 27th Jan 2024). Expect a plethora of incredible acts at a low entry fee and directly contribute to making LOOPFEST24 be our best yet.

If you’re interested in getting involved in LOOPFEST, we’re scouting for passionate volunteers to join our ranks. If music flows in your veins then get in touch with us via our website at loopfest.co.uk Finally, a word of gratitude.

This zine, exists courtesy of Albert’s Shed. As key supporter, they’ve not only supported our vision but have helped cover the cost of producing this zine, so props to them. Please check out their listings pages.

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CHRIS HAWKINS:

BBC 6 MUSIC DJ TEAMS UP WITH LOOPFEST It’s been five years since David Gregg and I set out on a journey to breathe life into Shrewsbury’s music scene.

Five years of unforgettable gigs, late-night brainstorming sessions, and a vision to champion the underdog.

Through the familiar stomping grounds of The Shed, we’ve seen firsthand the incredible talent our local scene has to offer. It’s what spurred us on to take LOOPFEST further. So, as we prepare to unveil the next chapter of LOOPFEST, we felt it was about time to let the cat out of the bag.

We’re thrilled to announce a partnership that promises to amplify our message even further: Chris Hawkins as our festival ambassador.

A SHROPSHIRE LAD Chris Hawkins grew up near Wem, and is a name synonymous with the UK’s music scene, doesn’t need much of an introduction. From his humble beginnings at BBC PAGE 6 | INTO THE LOOP

Radio Shropshire to his illustrious career at BBC Radio 6 Music, Chris’s journey is a testament to the fact that big dreams often have small-town beginnings. And that’s the ethos we’re bringing to LOOPFEST. In a recent chat when we first met Chris at Camp Bestival, I remarked: “Having Chris on board isn’t just about lending a big name to our festival. It’s a collaboration between folks who understand the untapped potential we have from across the UK. Chris’s decision to join forces with us is a nod to every young artist who’s ever rehearsed tirelessly in their garage, dreaming of bigger stages.”

AWESOME FRIENDS When I first heard that Chris was curating a night of raw emerging talent called Awesome Friends, I thought this is the perfect event for LOOPFEST to work with. So, on Saturday 4th May 2024, Chris is putting to-

thing VERY SPECIAL indeed. Tickets to LOOPFEST x Awesome Friends will go on sale very soon.

WE’RE NOT JUST HOSTING ANOTHER MUSIC EVENT; WE’RE CRAFTING A MOVEMENT The long-term goal for LOOPFEST is to reinvest back into our community of artists and musicians.

Fostering a deep love of all things creative at a young age is important for building resilience and helping people navigate this confusing and challenging world we’re living in.

like an excellent excuse for a good old party, our vision is broader.

We want to be instrumental in helping new artists reach out beyond Shropshire, and we’ll be investing in the infrastructure to make that happen.

This festival is not just about celebrating music; it’s about shaping its future.

So here’s to celebrating new beginnings and a shared love for music.

Cheers to the next chapter of LOOPFEST. See you there.

- Jimmy Kebab

So we’re adding more participation events for this year’s festival. Everyone can take part, regardless of ability.

While the energy of LOOPFEST might seem PAGE 7 | INTO THE LOOP

WHAT’S NEW 2024 CASTLE STAGE

While we remain committed to keeping LOOPFEST an inclusive and accessible free-entry festival, we will also include ticketed events at Shrewsbury Castle, featuring some of the most exciting acts in the UK today.

You’ll have heard these acts on BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music, so keep your eyes peeled for when the tickets get released because they won’t be around for long.

All profits are reinvested back into making the next LOOPFEST even better and funding artist development programmes and music workshops in Shropshire.

We will run a family open day on Saturday 4th May 2024, from 11am to 5pm. Here, you’ll be able to catch incredible kids performers such as Magic Kev, Junior Jungle and some of our favourite party bands, including The Endings, Fight the Bear and Smoke Like a Fish.

ST. MARY’S CHURCH The team at St. Mary’s Church are amazing and we’re keen to support their restoration projects, so we’ll be fundraising on their behalf in 2024.

We’ll also run a live band stage at the Church on Saturday, 4th and Sunday, 5th May 2024 from 12-10pm.

Expect to hear a wide range of music and some special headliners. Entry is free, just PAGE 8 | INTO THE LOOP

how we like it.

THE SQUARE Shrewsbury Square is a welcome addition to our LOOPFEST venues and will play host to a range of street performers throughout the weekend.

We’ll also be using this space as an information point, where you can learn about all the amazing things happening throughout the town over the early May bank holiday weekend in 2024.

LOOPFEST APP In 2024 we’ll be launching a LOOPFEST app that will help you navigate what is our most ambitious LOOPFEST to date.

It’s here you can find out about the artists who are performing, as well as exploring Shrewsbury in a unique way.

You can register for early access to the LOOPFEST app by visiting loopfest.co.uk and signing up to the mailing list.

THEME: ROBOTS As it happens, LOOPFEST falls on Star Wars day, “May the 4th be with you”. So we’re encouraging fancy dress in the style of robots.

INCLUSIVITY Far from the baptism of fire of LOOPFEST22, we had plenty of time to appraise targets for inclusivity in 2023, including more accessible venues and a more balanced gender profile of performers. We’ll keep on with that; this event is for us all to enjoy.

GREYSHA You’ve released some cracking singles. My personal fave is ‘Gold Glaze’.

Talk us through the writing of that song. Do you have the same process for each tune?

Lyrics are the no.1 for me! Pretty much every one of my songs start with me jotting down lyrics on my notes app.

And they usually come at the most inconvenient time… my most recent single, ‘BODIES DOWN THE KNIFE’, was written in the gym!

I also record any melody ideas on my phone and use them when I come to putting the song together in my home studio.

Rising star of the Shropshire’s music scene, Greysha catches up with LOOPFEST David Molby to discuss all things synth-pop, the exciting emerging local scene and those infamous branded undercrackers.

How do Greysha. How are we on this fine, crisp Autumn day?

I’m doing great, thank you! I’m currently sipping on my coffee with a big jumper on…

Autumn is indeed here.

Lovely stuff. So, I’m new to town, and I’m off to see Greysha. What can I expect in a live show?

Original music full of pumping synths, electronic-pop melodies and even a few re-invented covers! You may also catch me selling my hand-printed boxers and pants…

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Though you’ve been on the scene for a while, you’re still a whipper snapper.

What have you got planned for the rest of the year and 2024?

Whipper snapper - I like that!! I’ve been working super hard to craft my music style these past couple of months, so I can’t wait to play more live shows and release new music.

I’m also playing at Albert’s Shed Shrewsbury on 17th Dec for a Xmas special to fundraise for Loopfest!

You’ve played the Castle Stage at Loopfest and got a great response.

How do you find the big stages? Do you prefer then to the intimate gigs?

The big stages are so exciting to play, and I think it gives me a bit more freedom to be creative with my show, but the intimate gigs can be so full of warmth and love, and you get to really connect with your audience.

There’s a proper good scene burgeoning in Shropshire at the moment. Who are/is your favourite local artist?

I handprinted all my merch so I thought it was a great opportunity to do something wacky!

The Shropshire music scene is buzzing baby!!!

I think I must’ve spent a solid week just printing pants and boxers…

Meg Chandler’s music is so well written, and her lyrics are beautiful. Another of my favourites is Adult Play - they are so sick to see live and their vibe is so unique!

Other than being an amazing songwriter, what is a talent of yours we may not know about?

Sometimes I hear a Greysha song, and I hear snippets of Lana Del Rey, Mac De Marco, and the odd glimmering synth even reminds me of the Cocteau Twins.

Who are your influences?

Totally… I love Lana Del Rey and Mac De Marco.

Artists such as Kate Bush, MARINA, Lorde and Grimes have also really influenced my style over the years.

You’ve got some cracking merch. But! It’s gotta be asked, what prompted you to sell Greysha branded pants?

I’m great at drawing and painting! If not for music, I would’ve probably been an artist.

Cats also love me. I’m not sure it’s a talent, but we’ll roll with it… cat whisperer?

Finally, if you were an ice cream flavour, what would you be and why?

Blackberry ripple with sprinkles!

Blackberry because it’s dark and sweet, and sprinkles because of my creativity and ideas. And maybe a cherry on top just for laughs.

Photo Credit: Andy White

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LOOPY GIG GUIDE

ALBERT & CO FRANKVILLE LOOPFEST FUNDRAISER Albert & Co Frankville Sat 11th Nov 2023 Not one to take their foot off the gas, the team at LOOPFEST are back at it and raring to go with another round of LIVE MUSIC to shake off the Autumn chills. A fiver entry lets you see some banging acts and helps LOOPFEST deliver their biggest festival yet.

Starts at 14:00 and goes on until late.

ROWAN LAWSON An affable, charming and skilful performer, Rowan is a confident songwriter who manages to be both introspective and exuberant within the same song.

ADULT PLAY What a year it’s been for Adult Play, having been played on BBC Radio 1 and Radio 6 Music, touring around the Midlands and making exceptionally brilliant and genrebending music. Quite simply, they’re one of our favourite bands IN THE WORLD at the moment, let alone Shropshire, and we can’t wait to see them back at it.

WARBIRDS Australian rock power trio that plays heavy groove-based riffs with melodic rock melodies. Primarily influenced by Seventies, Eighties and Nineties bands, with a touch of progressive rock.

MISSING FINGERS Heavy guitars, powerful riffs, alt/rock with a bluesy twist. After over a decade of writing and gigging, the two Missing Fingers cousins are about to set the Shire alight with a brand new set full of bangers.

COLLIDER SKIES Four-piece original indie band from the Midlands, the Skies are a tight, boisterous melodic bomb.

With big fat choruses and galloping drums, these guys remind us of house parties and first-love summers, plus they’re the band most likely to soundtrack a montage from the In-Betweeners.

SECRET ELEPHANT Big, brash, ballsy, and other words beginning with B. The Elephant are self-proclaimed ‘Noisy hooligans from Telford.’

Live, they are a stomping monster, bringing riffs and thumping beats; they are one of Shropshire’s bigggest rock ‘n’ rollers.

ETHER E Ether E (aka Steve Evett) is the head honcho of Albert’s resident DJs. His eclectic dance-filling sets (encompassing anything from indie and disco to hip-hop and house) have been the soundtrack of many Shed nights over the years.

X MAN Since 1995, X Man has been spinning vinyl. He has played in the free party scene in Wales, as well as at Psychic Friends Network and Metro Gnome in Liverpool. Additionally, he has performed in Greece and Japan.

Using two vinyl decks and two CDJs, X Man skillfully combines an eclectic mix of music, encompassing genres such as dub, house, and techno.

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DUTTY MOONSHINE BIG BAND LOOPFEST CAUGHT UP WITH DUTTY MOONSHINE BIG BAND AHEAD OF THEIR SHOW AT SHREWSBURY CASTLE AT LOOPFEST 2024.

Interviewer: David Molby Hello Dutty Moonshine Big Band! How are you?

Tickety boo!

Jolly good. So for the uninitiated, tell us all about yourselves?

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We’re a 12-piece big band who play big heavy dance music....and sometimes Jazz.

Sounds weird but see a show and you’ll see it works.

We’re often found dominating main stages and being highlights of festivals.

Our energy is matched by none and just one show by us will have you hooked!

Your last album ‘City of Sin’ was officially a ‘Top 40’ smash. How did that come about?

We were looking to do a 2nd album for a while and when we got discovered at Glastonbury by the head honcho of Universal Publishing we used the publishing deal money to invest into writing an album and having a significant marketing budget that we could play with.

We self-released the album and led the marketing campaign as well.

Blood, sweat, tears and a lot of fans meant we managed to chart at Top 40 as well as making the album a number 1 dance album!

Your new album ‘Villain’ (out now at all good record stores and www.duttymoonshine.com) is a certified BANGER. Did making it differ to the last two albums, and the success of ‘City of Sin’ put any extra pressure on you?

Big difference in this one as we didn’t have the funds we had before but we did have 3 years to write it due to lockdowns and you can really see that the sound has improved whilst staying true and we’ve easily made the best album we’ve ever done.

Extra pressure....100%....too much I’d say actually.

We won’t be doing an album again for a while and will just stick to releasing songs as singles for a while.

Can you talk us through the process of your songwriting? There are so many different elements in the songs, let’s use ‘Skank Out’ from ‘Villian’ as an example.

There are 12 of us plus guest writers and part-time band members so it’s impossible to lay out a process as some tunes can be started by just a lick on a horn, some with a chord progression and others by getting really drunk and drawling over a piano.

‘Skank Out’ 100% has to be credited to Binge from the band’s brainchild.

I remember him not being able to sleep one night because he couldn’t get a rhythm and melody out of his head.

It’s such a unique tune, no idea what genre to call it, and you can really tell that Binge and his weird brain has had a big part in the process from start to finish on that.

Hypeman Sage came up with the hook and it was just great how much life that brought to the tune once he’d laid that out.

You love a good collaboration, who out there in the scene atm would you love to work with?

This is hard for me to answer at this point because I’m just so creatively burnt out from our recent campaign and long year.

I think we’d really like to work with some Grime artists, we’re sat on a few naughty ideas on that.

But we’re also sat on some great Blues and Jazz ideas so it’d be great to work with some artists in that field.

You’re touring soon. Be honest. Is it an absolute faff or is doing it ‘live’ what it’s all about for you?

It’s a huge faff, so many of us plus crew.

Particularly this year because we sacked all the promoters and we’re putting the tour on 100% ourselves.

So there’s not a team at each city handling venue or marketing and we’re doing all of it ourselves.

Thankfully I’ve been doing marketing and putting on events for a long time so we’re familiar with it all but put it this way.... after the tour is done I’m going to spend the whole of December sat in my pants playing Playstation.

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I’m thinking about coming to see you live. What can I expect?

A pleasant and exciting shock. It’s big brass meets big bass, we’re the ultimate get up and dance act.

There’s no band out there like us.

You might see from pictures the formula of the band and think there is but the show is original sounding, we’re tight and to quote the famous comedian Lucy Beaumont “I’ve never seen a band command a crowd like that”.

21st century that classic Jazz and Bossa Nova from the 50s.

Lots of Blues playlists on Spotify.

And I’ve been recently getting back into hard techno, think I might even start adding some to my DJ sets.

Finally, would you rather fight a duck the size of a bear or 8 duck sized bears?

I would have a giant snuggle puddle with 8 duck sized bears!

It’s a roller coaster of sounds and it ends with a climax that we’ll have the whole crowd screaming like it’s a Beatles show.

Catch Dutty Moonshine Big Band at Shrewsbury Castle on Sun 5th May 2024.

Tickets available at loopfest.co.uk.

Who are you listening to atm? Anything were missing out on?

Check out their latest release ‘Villans’ and much more by scanning the QR code at the bottom of this page.

Been listening to lots of Laufey at the moment, such a familiar yet fresh sound she creates for the new generation, bring to the

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LOOPY GIG GUIDE

GABBA GABBA HEY! CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISER Albert’s Shed Shrewsbury Sun 17th Dec 2023 Raising funds for next year’s LOOPFEST, Gabba Gabba Hey!, Shropshire’s Premier Alternative/Indie night, have got a fantastic SEVEN bands for just a measly FIVE pounds, with all proceeds going to Loopfest.

From the weird and wonderful Gauche and Bad Fiances to the enigmatic Greysha, the riot grlll fun and fury of Boom Boom Womb, the indie fizzy pop shenanigans of LF, and the always phenomenal A Pig Called Eggs, and Shrewsbury’s own heavy heartbeat Brvised Knees, plus special guest headliner TBC, this is going to be one for the history books.

Kicking off at 14:00 and going all day, babes.

album ‘Pretty | Brutal’, which they assure us will be out sometime between now and the end of time.

GREYSHA BBC Radio Shropshire adores her, and we do too, combining classic songwriting seamlessly with crisp modern production; if there’s only one sultry songstress (whose merch includes branded pants) you see this year, make sure it’s Greysha.

BOOM BOOM WOMB Three riot grrrrls/one riot booooooi who promise to bring a ferocious mix of garage/punk/rock to proceedings. Led by local legend Gemima Gallier, prepare to fall in love with their scuzzy, filthy sounds and primal musicianship.

LF They’ll remind you of ‘90s indie with a little bit of the rawer sounds from the 00s; if I put my NME journalistic hat on, imagine Blur having a hand shandy with The Cribs around the back of Happy Shopper.

BRVISED KNEES If you’ve not been lucky enough to catch their show yet, expect a fervent fan base and a band tighter than an otter’s pocket.

Expect dirty, down-tuned riffs and lots of them.

GAUCHE

THE BIG HELL

Gauche are weird. And brilliant. Weirdly brilliant. Taking their love of Talking Heads, Peeps Show quotes, and 90s lo-fi alternative bands, they burrow a unique sound that is part kick-ass music, part lolz but thoughtful lyrics, but all parts awesome.

Headling the proceedings, we are more than happy to announce the phenomenal ‘The Big Hell’. Fresh from performing a sold-out show in their native Wolves, ex God Damn wonder Thomas Edwards leads a new muscular af three-piece. Endearingly heavy and hooks a plenty. They’re gonna DESTROY.

BAD FIANCÉS Witty, heartfelt and experimental, the Fiancés are regulars on BBC Introducing and will be performing songs from their debut PAGE 18 | INTO THE LOOP

LOOPFEST23 REVIEW David Molby is a part-time DJ/musician/open mic host/promoter/comedian/crisp connoisseur. His band ‘Bad Fiancés’ played their debut gig at this year’s Loopfest and then he set off on his merry way in his roving reporter guise.

Here, he discusses the sights, sounds and smells of Shrewsbury’s second Loopfest all-day festival.

Photo Credit: James Warman There’s already a buzz in the streets of Shrewsbury as I walk into town in the morning. Hell, even the town drunks seem more excitable than usual.

There is a quiet, but still audible, anticipation as I pass confused shoppers wondering why the town seems to have groups of musicians and punters trekking off to various pubs and venues. It is gratifying to see so many people awaiting Loop’s mid-day kick-off.

My first stop is the CASTLE STAGE to watch GREYSHA. The setting is beautiful, like a picturesque postcard, only with added booze and an already large crowd taking in Greysha’s sultry, hazy tones.

She enraptures the crowd with stunning versions of recent singles ‘Stormy Weather’ (a musical warning of what’s to come) and the consistently brilliant ‘Gold Glaze.’

A confident and relatable performer, she manages to whisk up a musical storm that brings to mind Lana Del Ray via Mac De Marco and Nancy Sinatra - a unique enig-

Deciding to stay at the CASTLE STAGE for RED BY NIGHT the band, who are still in secondary school, deliver a covers set that is both ridiculously tight and crowd-pleasing. Lots of murmurs along the lines of ‘He’s 14, and he’s outplaying Slash’ from a loud, supportive and up-for-it crowd. Awesome covers from the likes of Green Day to Wheatus, lord knows how amazing they’re going to be in just a couple of years when it feels like they’re already capable of headlining venues.

It’s a damn shame that the weather then decides to throw a monsoon-shaped spanner in the works, as heavy rain bangs down on us like an angry Mike Tyson, umbrellas open and punters rush to the safety of the beer tent. A lot of the crowd stay and fight the elements (literally in the case of one pissed up reveller who seems to think PUNCHING the rain will save the day – YOU DO YOU, SIR!), but a few, understandably, drift off into dryer climates.

On to ALBERT’S SHED next for the debut gig of the much talked about BOOM, BOOM, WOMB, and boy howdy, is it busy.

And hot. Managing to slide into the DJ booth like a sweaty ninja, I have a better view as the band take the stage. Led by local legend Gemima Gallier they play a nofrills, riot grrrly, LOUD, ferocious set.

Managing to be both melodic and raw, with enough stage presence to batter any audience into submission. It’s an absolute delight and nobody has the right to be so deliciously brilliant for their first gig. Have to give them extra points for sneaking in a cover of Spendora’s ‘Daria’ theme tune, the opening ‘la la las’ sparking a couple of squeals from unexpected punters. Me included. KUDOS! PAGE 21 | INTO THE LOOP

Boom Boom Womb played a deliciously brilliant set for their first gig Photo Credits: Andy White PAGE 22 | INTO THE LOOP

Next up, I have to sneak in the back of the absolutely brimming FRANKVILLE, Frankwell to catch ‘Adult Play’. It’s literally one in, one out policy at this point, with the venue full to capacity and teeming with excitement.

Now a five-piece, the genre-hopping Adult Play wow a rowdy crowd with songs such as ‘The Lonely Aisle’ and ‘See Me Now’ (recently played on BBC Radio One and BBC Radio 6 Music). Confidently swaggering from electronic-based beats to brooding angular riffs to joyous indie anthems, sometimes mixing all elements within the same song, they’re an ear catching spectacle. Watch this band headline festival stages in a few years, they’re just ruddy marvellous.

LF are next, again at FRANKVILLE, and their tight, taut, fizzypop bangers enthral a crowd of newcomers and life-long fans.

A muscular three-piece with acerbic lyrics, they deserve the rapturous reception their indie bangers receive. Handsome, charming and with magnificent stagecraft honed from years of playing gigs from Reading Festival to the much-missed Haygate, they smash through a sharp short set that leaves an elated crowd.

As dusk falls, I head to THE YORKSHIRE HOUSE to see the undefinable A PIG CALLED EGGS. Due to the venue being full to capacity, I join my fellow boozers in watching the show through the steamy windows before managing to edge in the pub.

It’s a hot affair, with the band and punters sweating alike as the Pigs play out another phenomenal show.

Rough, raucous and ruddy hilarious, they leave the crowd clamouring for more. Singer/guitarist Duncan Cooper manages that magical mix or sublime riffage with surreal, hilarious, observational lyrics, whilst rhythm section Jack Cocker, bass, and Rich Wolter, drums, build up a thunderous and booming backline.

Imagine the Pixies having a fight with Pri-

mus whilst Frank Zappa referees. Not only a mildly humorous image, but also a somewhat accurate description to the Pigs kickass sounds.

Finishing my night at the SHED for epic ska gangsters MIGHTY VIPERS, it’s again, another busy affair, with a full venue enraptured by bouncy bass lines, brass riffs and songs that compel you into skanking.

With a sheer force of melody and musicianship, it’s not long before the crowd is jumping along with a drunken furore. Seasoned fans bellow out the lyrics, new-comers are converted, and the whole shebang feels like a secret end-of-term gig. Joyous and uplifting.

They finish, and that’s it. The second Loopfest is officially over, a day that will long live in my memory, a day where new friendships were born, bands gathered new fans and local venues, hopefully, earned a fair few extra bob than they would usually.

There’s a genuine feeling of community and excitement within the Shropshire music scene, and it’s truly heart-warming to see so many remarkable musicians get their chance to play to packed-out venues.

Talking to punters, I hear various excitable descriptions of all the artists I missed: Black Tape tearing a new one at the York, Nikki Rous wowing all with a bewitching set at the Unitarian Church, River Thai hosting some incredible drum’n’bass DJs. Everybody’s Loopfest was different, some deciding to stay in the same venue all day, others embarking upon as many venues as they could. However, all stories end the same: they all had an incredible time surrounded by friends and finding a new favourite band/artist.

Friendship and music, ain’t that what it’s all about?

See you next year.

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WHAT’S GUIDE ON AT ALBERT’S SHED GINGER PLAYS THE WILDHEARTS Albert’s Shed Shrewsbury Fri 20th Oct 2023

and we’re calling all avenging, kick-ass angels to come and share in the fun.

You know the singles ’Neighbourhood’, ’Female of the Species’, ‘The Ballad of Tom Jones’, Space were always different from their Britpop peers in that they didn’t rely on retro grooves to form their incredible songs. They encompass everything from hip-hop beats to electronic squelches to create a truly inspired original sound that always contains enough melodic hooks to keep the masses singing along.

Performing songs from their top 5 albums ’Spiders’ and ’Tin Planet’, this will be an epic night.

The Wildhearts were one of the greatest rock’n’roll bands of all time. If you don’t know them, we don’t want to judge, but you need to question your life choices.

SHREWSBURY SKA & REGGAE FESTIVAL II

Shooting to fame in the 90s with singles such as ‘Sick of Drugs’, ‘I Wanna Go Where The People Go’, ‘Geordie in Wonderland’ and classic albums ‘Earth vs. The Wildhearts’ and ‘PHUQ’.

Albert’s Shed Shrewsbury Sun 29th Oct 2023

They were a journalist’s dream, combustible, drunken, raucous and with more musical talent than many of their peers. They also created a rabid fanbase that ensured their tours sold out throughout the following decades.

CAPTAIN ACCIDENT

Ginger, their legendary frontman, will host an intimate gig at the Shed and reframe the Wildhearts raucous, punky sound to a more nuanced acoustic-based evening.

We’ll be there, fishing for luckies.

SPACE Albert’s Shed Shrewsbury Fri 27th Oct 2023 Psychedelic, mischievous, Scouse pop legends are headlining the Shed in October, PAGE 24 | INTO THE LOOP

Albert’s only gone and done it again, a full day of ska & reggae aimed at your dancing feet. Here’s what to expect:

With soulful vocals, luscious harmonies, soaring twin guitars and a truly infectious groove, there’s no one standing still when Captain Accident and his clumsy companions hit the stage.

SMOKE LIKE A FISH An up-tempo two-toned Ska-pop-punkish attack, Smoke like a Fish from Mid Wales relentlessly pump the offbeat with groove and aggression, behind brass.

IMPERIAL LEISURE Imperial Leisure are a ska / rock band from London, England. Influences include The Specials, Beastie Boys, Rage Against the Machine, Madness, Ozomatli, and Youngblood Brass Band.

ZEN BASEBALLBAT Unmistakable shades of post ska reggae simmering with new wave riffs, rhythmical plinks and bowel-shaking rumbles.

CARTOON VIOLENCE Insanely catchy! Mixing super bouncy 2-tone ska with distinctly British sounding pop & indie stylings.

KING’S ALIAS Straight out of the council estates of South Wales. Hard-hitting lyrics, big riffs and good vibes.

PACKET RACKET Upbeat, punky ska, dance-infused lil’ four piece who never fail to get a dance floor grooving and shaking.

MANOR HEIGHTS Expect bouncy basslines, humongous choruses and men with pork pie hats pogoing in the pit, always bring oodles of energy and top notch musicianship.

GRUMPY CRUMPET Spiky, punchy, bouncy, reggae boys from Telford who sprinkle their love of alternative rock into the mix as well. Incredible musicianship married to sweet ska melodies.

MOBIUS LOOP Albert’s Shed Shrewsbury Fri 3rd Nov 2023 Positive vibes, otherworldly soundscapes, primal screams, psychedelic folk music. It’s all part and parcel of a Mobius Loop show.

This enigmatic three-piece doesn’t just play gigs; they play life-affirming, joyful, media-

tive gigs that create a carnival atmosphere for audience members who are invited to join along in their musical quest of asking the big questions with equally big beats.

They bring their festival vibes inside when they play at the Shed and create a truly awe-inspiring set that often prompts dancing, singing, and laughing in the same song.

If you haven’t guessed already, yeah, they’re a little bit hippy, man and a lot awesome.

KARL PHILLIPS & THE REJECTS Albert’s Shed Shrewsbury Fri 10th Nov 2023 It’s Punk, Jim, but not as we know it. Rough, raw, visceral guitars marry with grimy vocals to create a sound that is truly 2023.

Played by Radio One, and adored by crowds at Rebellion and Boomtown Festivals, KP manages to command an audience with his challenging lyrics and inspiring wordplay.

His rejects are a ferocious whirlwind of energy who blast through their sets with a bruising confidence.

MAN THE LIFEBOATS Albert’s Shed Shrewsbury Fri 17th Nov 2023 Man The Lifeboats are an established band ploughing their furrow on the festival circuit, winning over audiences at Warwick, Swanage, Beardy Folk, Folk in a Field, Bearded Theory, Deepdale, Ragged Bear and more, drawing comparisons to Bellowhead, Waterboys, Oysterband, the Levellers, and those folk-punk heroes the Pogues.

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DUB PISTOLS

so, whilst they’re in town, let’s join the firm again and have a knees up shall we?

Albert’s Shed Shrewsbury Fri 24th Nov 2023

BEANS ON TOAST

Not many bands can say they have featured on Tony Hawk games as well as being responsible for one of the greatest mixes of all time (their version of Limp Bizkit’s ‘My Way’ is FAR superior to the original - just accept it), however not many bands are as ferociously brilliant and inventive as Dub Pistols.

Formed in the mid 90’s during the Britpop and Trip-Hops boom years, the Pistols made a career mixing all the best bits of dub, reggae, dancehall, big beat, electronica and ska to, near enough, invent their own all-encompassing genre.

Live, they bring the collective joy of their beloved sound systems, inviting the audience to join them in one big colossal, brainmelting dance.

COCKNEY REJECTS Albert’s Shed Shrewsbury Fri 1st Dec 2023

Albert’s Shed Shrewsbury Sun 3rd Dec 2023 Though named after one of the most common foods we Brits ruddy love for a quick tea, there is nothing common in Jay Mcallister (aka Beans)’s talent.

Rising to fame within the mid-noughties folk explosion (not as gory as it sounds), Beans quickly rose to prominence with his brilliant, witty, and unique songwriting abilities. Aye, he clearly had a folk influence but you can also hear other genres making a cheeky appearance like punk, ska and sometimes even a banging BIG pop chorus.

Name a festival, no doubt he’s played it; name a venue - he has no doubt rocked it.

Over the years, he has established himself as a true acoustic troubadour and artist of our times. Due to his prolific nature (releasing an album every year on his birthday, Dec 1st), he has managed to keep soundtracking the nation over the last 15 years.

He’s funny, he’s clever, he’s ace. Tuck in.

Formed during the latter part of the first London punk movement, they hit the UK Top 30 with their riotous ‘The Greatest Cockney Rip Off’ and follow-up songs would continually hit the Top 100, despite the fact that the mainstream media and radio stations, mainly ignored them due to the violent nature of their lyrics.

However, despite this media black-out, their fervent, high-spirited gigs ensure they continue to have a rabid fanbase which has followed them throughout their career, influencing future generations of musicians as disparate as Plan B to Rancid.

They’ll be old-school punk shenanigans and plenty of boot boys having a mosh, PAGE 27 | INTO THE LOOP