In News

April 2020 playlist

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Click here to go straight to the playlist on Spotify Another strange month in April as life under so-called ‘lockdown’ continues to one degree or another around a fair amount of the world. Thankfully there has been a lot of new music entering my world, along with a chance...
April 28, 2020 by Tom Girard
In News

The Recks – The Milk’s Gone Bad (single)

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard While The Recks have released a string of singles and videos since their debut album, The Beast From The Sea, was released in summer 2018 it has become somewhat obvious to those following the band closely that, up until now, everything has been drawn from that album, so it...
April 8, 2020 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing In The Channel Islands: February 2020 – Magic Moustache and Bubblebrain Records

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Greg and Joe of Magic Moustache RecordsClick here to listen to the show For my February 2020 edition of BBC Music Introducing In The Channel Islands we had something a little different as I spoke to a pair of record labels from the islands about events and releases they...
March 1, 2020 by Tom Girard
In News

Sound At St James 2 – St James Concert Hall – 22/02/20

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The first Sound At St James festival, a little under a year and a half ago, marked something of a relaunch of St James (or at least the perception of it) as a venue for more than classical music and rather staid, traditional entertainment. Since then a range of...
February 26, 2020 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing In The Channel Islands: January 2020 – Joe Corbin and Flexagon

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Joe Corbin in the studioClick here to listen to the show For my edition of BBC Music Introducing In The Channel Islands I took a look at two new releases from artists from the islands along with tracks from a range of acts. Joe Corbin joined me in session...
January 26, 2020 by Tom Girard
In News

The Recks and Mojo – The Imperial Hotel – 31/12/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The RecksWhile I’ll admit I’m normally happier seeing in the new year relatively quietly with Jools Holland’s Hootenany or similar this year The Recks rounding off their best year yet alongside newer band Mojo was enough to lure me out to The Imperial Hotel and the wilds of Rocquaine....
January 6, 2020 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing In The Channel Islands: December 2019 – Live Session Special

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Click here to listen to the show For my December 2019 edition of BBC Music Introducing in the Channel Islands I presented a look back at some of the best of the live sessions we’ve featured across the year. Along with the sessions recorded in our studio from the...
December 29, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Music in Guernsey in 2019

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard After a couple of years where music in Guernsey had upped its game, across the board, to a level that continues to surprise many visitors to the island, or those who hear Guernsey based bands when they venture away, 2019 has had to me a slightly different feel. While...
December 28, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing In The Channel Islands: October 2019 – Byzanthian Neckbeard and WaterColour Matchbox

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Byzanthian NeckbeardClick here to watch the show For my BBC Music Introducing In The Channel Islands show in October 2019 we celebrated a couple of the heavier bands to have released new music in the islands in recent weeks. First was Byzanthian Neckbeard who, after a five year break...
October 27, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

The Recks at BBC Maida Vale Studios – 20/10/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The Recks in Studio Four at Maida ValeThanks to BBC Music Introducing I have, over the past few years, had the privilege of visiting some historic locations, from BBC’s own Broadcasting House to Abbey Road Studios and of course Maida Vale Studios. This though was the first time a...
October 25, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing In The Channel Islands – September 2019 – Nick Coleman and Coastal Fire Dept

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Nick Coleman on BBC IntroducingClick here to listen to the show For my edition of BBC Music Introducing In The Channel Islands for September 2019 I featured two up and coming acts from Guernsey with rather different styles. In session was Nick Coleman who’s made a name for himself...
September 29, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Vale Earth Fair Weekend 2019 – 24-25/08/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The Neville Staple BandFor the third year in a row the Vale Earth Fair expanded to a two day event with the main festival, this year celebrating 43 years, in its usual place at the Vale Castle on the Sunday of the August bank holiday weekend but with Sound...
August 29, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing In The Channel Islands – August 2019 – Unplugged Club, Hip Hop Coffee Shop and Tadhg Daly

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Click here to listen to the show For my edition of BBC Music Introducing In The Channel Islands for August 2019 there was a packed line up. Rather than the usual live, acoustic session in the studio I headed to the Guernsey Gigs Unplugged Club and recorded some tracks...
August 25, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

King Nun, Track Not Found, The Recks, Savage Sons and Case On The Base – St James Concert Hall – 13/07/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard King NunWith the sun beating down outside it felt rather incongruous heading into St James on Saturday evening after a couple of the island’s big festival weekends, but with some upcoming visitors in King Nun, live favourites The Recks and Track Not Found, Chaos/Sound Guernsey Battle of the Bands...
July 16, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing In The Channel Islands – June 2019 – Arts Sunday and Sark Folk Festival

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Click here to listen to the show For my latest stint in the hot seat on BBC Music Introducing in the Channel Islands I had two features in amongst the music. First was a look back at three of the five artists who played the BBC Introducing on Arts...
June 30, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

The Recks, Hot Plastic, Ukuladeez and Isle Stone – The Fermain Tavern – 14/06/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The RecksThe last time The Fermain Tavern changed hands it was marked with a full refit for Guernsey longest running live music venue and a launch show featuring 70s British R’n’B legend Wilko Johnson. This time things have been less obvious, externally, but nonetheless, following a a few big...
June 18, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing at Arts Sunday – St Peter Port, Guernsey – 09/06/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Burning At Both EndsFor the fifth year in a row BBC Music Introducing was represented with a stage at Guernsey Arts Commission‘s Arts Sunday event. Matching the growing scope of BBC Music Introducing in the Channel Islands the stage featured five acts including performers from Guernsey, Jersey and Sark...
June 12, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing in the Channel Islands – May 2019 – The Cor Damme Lars

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The Cor Damme Lars in the studioClick here to listen to the show This month I was back across all Channel Islands once again for BBC Music Introducing In The Channel Islands with new music from Guernsey, Jersey, Sark and Alderney all represented (I’ve still not got anything from...
May 26, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Liberation Day Warm Up with The Recks, The Honest Crooks and Track Not Found – Imperial Hotel – 08/05/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Track Not FoundLiberation Day is always a busy one when it comes to live music and 2019 was no different, however in the past the night before has often been a rather quiet one. This year though that was different as The Imperial Hotel at Rocquaine chose Wednesday the...
May 12, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Playlist – April 2019

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Another busy and varied playlist this month spanning skiffle and American folk to Neue Deutsche Härte and steampunk. A few things to point to more specifically include something from the original line up of blackened death metal band Darker Shores who soon make their return to the stage under...
April 30, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing in the Channel Islands – April 2019 – The Recks and Atmoised

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The Recks and AtomisedClick here to listen to the show This month BBC Introducing in Guernsey and Jersey have been combined so going forward its BBC Music Introducing In The Channel Islands, with me still in the hot seat for the final Saturday of each month. With that in...
April 28, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Baghdaddies, The Recks and The Cor Damme Lars Take 2 – St James Concert Hall – 06/04/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard BaghdaddiesTowards the end of last year, just as St James was starting to establish itself as a venue of broader use once again, they held a mid-week event headlined by visiting act Baghdaddies. Despite being a Wednesday night it proved rather popular and it wasn’t long before a return...
April 10, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey: March 2019 – Elliot Falla and Burning At Both Ends

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Burning At Both Ends and Elliot FallaClick here to listen to the show On the March edition of BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey I featured two live sessions as well as the usual range of tracks from artists from the islands. Elliot Falla joined me to talk about his...
March 31, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey: February 2019 – Lord Vapour and Dan Ashplant

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Click here to listen to the show For February edition of BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey I featured a familiar band along side a brand new artist. Lord Vapour will be well known to anyone with an eye on the island’s music scene through their relentless gigging and well...
February 24, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

The Eleanor Foundation present The Recks, The Cor Damme Lars, Episode 2 and Nick Coleman – The Fermain Tavern – 15/02/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The RecksIt feels like an age since I last ventured up to The Fermain Tavern as, for a number of reasons, it seems bands have been focussing on shows in and around town more over the last few months (though the Tav is hardly a great distance out-of-town, but...
February 18, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing in Guernsey: January 2019 – Hollie Lucia and Mike’s Magic Trip

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Hollie Lucia and Mike MeinkeClick here to listen to the show BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey started off the new year with a whole load of brand new music. As well as new tracks from new from the likes of BLAKALASKA, Blacksmith, Lord Vapour and Robert J. Hunter I...
January 27, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey: December 2018 – Review of the Year

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Click here to listen to the show For the final BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey radio show of 2018 I took a look back at the last year of music in the islands. As well as reflecting on some of the big events that took place across the year,...
December 30, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

Music In Guernsey In 2018

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard A year ago, when I was writing my review of music in Guernsey in 2017, I commented that it felt like a year when the bands and musicians in and from the island had all, collectively, taken a great step forward I terms of the quality of what was...
December 27, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

Baghdaddies, The Recks and The Cor Damme Lars – St James Concert Hall – 28/11/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Baghdaddies at St JamesIn recent years at least, mid-week in Guernsey has, when it comes to music, largely been reserved for more low-key events like acoustic showcases or open mic nights. So, when St James announced a show with Newcastle’s Baghdaddies along with perennial party starters The Recks and...
December 2, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey: November 2018 – Kiya Ashton in session and The Honest Crooks

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Kiya Ashton and The Honest CrooksClick here to listen to the show On the November 2018 edition of BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey I was joined in the studio by a band an artist preparing to release their debut EPs. Kiya Ashton has been gigging for a couple of...
November 24, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

Sound At St James – St James Concert Hall, Guernsey – 27-28/10/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Of Empires on the main stageFor as long as I can remember St James, the impressive looking former church on the main road into St Peter Port, has been the home of classical music in Guernsey with rarely anything even bordering on pop gracing its impressive main hall, or...
November 2, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing in Guernsey: October 2018 – Havoc Events and Out Of The Box

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Havoc Events and Graham DuerdenClick here to listen to the show On the October 2018 edition of BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey, after a packed summer of live music, I featured a couple of things a little different. First I spoke to Graham Duerden, more well-known as drummer from...
October 27, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

Guernsey Photography Festival Closing Party – Old Tax Office – 20/10/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Richey Powers of The RecksThe past few years have seen the Guernsey Photography Festival take over different, empty and abandoned, spaces around St Peter Port to exhibit a wide range from works from photographers of various styles with collections from all over the world (including Guernsey). 2018 was no...
October 25, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

Out Of The Box – Various Artists

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Every few years it seems someone strikes on the idea of releasing a compilation album celebrating something of Guernsey’s music scene. From the Guernsey Rock Album in the early 1980s through Twist Records GBG series they have acted as a glimpse into what’s happening in the island’s ‘scene’ at...
October 13, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

2018 Summer of Music in Guernsey

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The Honest CrooksI’m sure it’s a trend I’ve mentioned in the past but more than ever the ‘summer festival season’ in Guernsey is, like it’s larger counterparts in the U.K. and Europe, getting longer and more packed each year. Barely a weekend went by without some event happening and...
October 1, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

Sark Roots Festival 2018 – 14-16/09/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Sark Roots FestivalFor a third year a field at the north-eastern most point of the tiny island of Sark was converted for the weekend into one of the most relaxed and convivial festivals sites I’ve ever encountered, for the Sark Roots Festival. Once again the event featured three days...
September 19, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

Vale Earth Fair 2018 – Vale Castle – 25-26/08/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Imperial Leisure at the Vale Earth FairFor the second year in a row the 2018 Vale Earth Fair, marking the Channel Island’s longest running music festival’s 42nd year, was split across two days with the first day again being run by Sound Guernsey and the second being the long-established...
August 28, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing in Guernsey: August 2018 – Savage Sons

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Savage Sons in the studioClick here to listen to the show With summer festival season in full swing BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey for August 2018 featured a live session from Savage Sons, a band who’ve been steadily building their reputation at those festivals as well as recently releasing...
August 26, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

The Recks present… – The Fermain Tavern – 17/08/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The RecksWith one mini-tour, a set at Latitude Festival and several of the Guernsey’s main summer festivals behind them, The Recks returned to The Fermain Tavern for a rare indoor summer show with three of the island’s top up and coming bands. It may not mean much to many,...
August 18, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey: July 2018 – Joe Corbin and The Recks at Latitude

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Joe Corbin in the studioClick here to listen to the show On the July 2018 edition of BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey I had another show packed with exciting new and live music. First of all we were joined in the studio for a session and chat by Joe...
July 29, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

Chaos 14 – Pleinmont, Guernsey – 29/06-01/07/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Now in its 14th year I think it’s safe to say that, after the Vale Earth Fair, Chaos (aka Chaos Weekend or Chaos Festival) is one of the most established events in the Channel Islands music calendar regularly attracting visitors from Jersey, the U.K. and mainland Europe. Over that...
July 4, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey: June 2018 – Arts Sunday Lookback

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Click here to listen to the show For the June 2018 edition BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey its a bit of a special looking back at our stage on Arts Sunday earlier in the month. With that in mind there are live sets from Kiya Ashton, Ukuladeez, Track Not...
June 30, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

Sound In The Market – Market Square, St Peter Port – 02/06/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard KingsIn the past there has been something of a tradition of energetic live music performances in the heart of St Peter Port. From the likes of My Generation being famously photographed in Church Square in the 1960s to the Market Rock events in the 90s there was often a...
June 4, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

The Recks-The Beast From the Sea (album review)

Here is a review for The Recks' debut album, it's a tad late but it's here anyway. If you would like to hear more about what the rest of track not found and I thought of the album have a listen to our first podcast on the Guernsey Gigs website. The Recks have always been one of the bands I...
May 28, 2018 by Maisie Bisson
In News

BBC Music Introducing in Guernsey: May 2018 – The Recks and Arts Sunday preview

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The RecksClick here to listen to the show On the May 2018 edition of BBC Music Introducing in Guernsey I welcomed The Recks into their studio as they launched their debut album, The Beast From The Sea, and took a look at the bands playing our stage on Arts...
May 27, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

The Recks launch The Beast From The Sea – The Fermain Tavern – 19/05/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The RecksTo say there was a sense of anticipation and expectation at The Fermain Tavern on Saturday night would be an understatement as, for the second time (by their own admission, you can find out about that first launch show here), The Recks were staging a special show to...
May 23, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

Music on Liberation Day 2018 – Albert Pier and The Mariners – 09/05/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The Space Pirates of Rocquaine on the Albert Pier stageIt’s something I’ve said before but something that seems to feel truer every year that, on Guernsey’s Liberation Day, amongst the various forms of celebration and commemoration it’s music that brings it all together and allows us to feel truly...
May 15, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

The Recks – The Beast From The Sea

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Formed over a cold dark winter on the tiny island of Sark more than half a decade ago The Recks have had a tumultuous history that’s seen them go from local pub The Mermaid Tavern, to Boomtown and Isle of Wight festivals, to a near devastating break up to...
May 11, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey: April 2018 – Kings in Session

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Eli and Casey of KingsClick here to listen to the show BBC Music Introducing in Guernsey for April 2018 had three main themes to it. First was our live guests, Eli and Casey from pop band Kings. They played an acoustic session for us featuring the first three singles...
April 29, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing in Guernsey: March 2018 – Guernsey Gigs and Apocalypse Studios

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Click here to listen to the show On the March 2018 edition of BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey, broadcast on Saturday 31st, I presented something of a Guernsey Gigs special. On the show I spoke to the Guernsey Gigs team as they launch their new website, designed to be...
April 1, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

Tantale album launch with The Recks, Lord Vapour and Flexagon – The Fermain Tavern – 10/02/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard TantaleOn Saturday 10th February Tantale launched their third album, Tightrope (read my review here), with a special show at The Fermain Tavern. With the venue redecorated as a kind of post apocalyptic garden by Tyler Ayres of Ghosthaus, Tantale were joined by Lord Vapour, The Recks and Flexagon for...
February 15, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

Vale Earth Fair Unplugged – The Fermain Tavern – 03/02/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The Rectory Hill Skillet LickersIt might be the name of another of the Guernsey’s big musical events but ‘Chaos’ is a word more easily applied to this annual kick starter for the Vale Earth Fair than pretty much any other regular show on the island. With eight acts, across...
February 8, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing in Guernsey: January 2018 – Tantale and Track Not Found

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Tantale and Track Not FoundClick here to listen to the show BBC Music Introducing in Guernsey started the new year with a look at two new releases by band’s from the island. First was Track Not Found who released their debut EP, The Only Way Is Lost, just before...
January 28, 2018 by Tom Girard