Riff Yard Media

01/08/2024

NTT opening proceedings on Saturday at Hammerdown Festival -pics taken by Duncan Tyler Dunc-rockphotographer.co.uk

31/07/2024

Some pics from Dunc-rockphotographer.co.uk Duncan Tyler of the amazing guitar wizard Marang. at Hammerdown Festival on Saturday.
Interview to follow soon!

29/07/2024

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14/07/2024

Hey everyone, our emails are down and I won’t be able to fix this until Nikki is back from tour end of July. Very sorry for the inconvenience ✌🏻

01/07/2024

Check out our latest album review - hold on to your hats for this one, it bangs hard! Out on Thursday and one of our albums of the year already. Congrats Amongst Liars

24/06/2024

Ooooooohhhhhh yes

THIS FRIDAY I WILL DO MY FIRST LIVE ON INSTA TALKING ABOUT THE SONGS AND ANSWERING QUESTIONS AS THE NEW EP drops ! Hit the presave link in my linktree ! Let’s go Exies Army ! Do your thing ! Spread the word , share it and don’t forget to tag us !

16/06/2024

Ok, ok… hear me out… it’s coming home 😉

14/06/2024

What are you favourite new release this week? Drop and tag them below!

11/06/2024

A great opportunity !!

Vacancy - Music Director

The London Video Game Orchestra (LVGO) is seeking a new musical director for our 2024/25 season.

This sixty-strong vanguard amateur community orchestra is based in central London and performs concerts two-three times a year, welcoming a diverse audience of all ages.
We are an un-auditioned orchestra who rehearse on Thursday evenings 7.15 - 9.30pm near Old Street/Barbican Stations and as our name suggests, LVGO’s aim is to bring the music of video games to the concert hall at prices everyone can afford.

We arrange and obtain the rights for most of our repertoire which spans the last 40 years of gaming in every genre under the sun.

Full details / Role advertisement / Job Description

https://www.makingmusic.org.uk/musical-vacancy/london-video-game-orchestra/musical-director

Applications close Monday 8th July 5pm.
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11/06/2024

HEAVY SOUL Is finally upon us! The brilliant new record from Joanne Shaw Taylor is out now. This record see's a return to Joanne's rock, blues and soul roots.

"This record is filled with great melodies, story telling lyrics, songs that take you on adventures and some brilliant playing from Joanne through-out. Could this be one of her best?" - Nikki Smash

Noble PR

11/06/2024

10/06/2024

For those of you who missed our first show in 14 years ! At the viper room . Hit the link in my stories . This was the set list !!!

10/06/2024

This record is absolutely out of this world

07/06/2024

Yorkshire Alt-Grime Rockstars DeadWax, have just announced their self titled, debut EP which is due for release on 5th July.

Following the success of singles ‘Believe Me’ and ‘A.G.R’ (which both feature on the EP) they have also announced new single ‘Captive’ which will be the final stand alone single from the EP ahead of release.

“We are proud to present out debut EP that has been recorded, mixed and produced by us and brings together our tastes in grime, hip hop, metal and the UK’s underground rave scene.
It’s got energy, hype and bravado, while still giving some more serious messages and honest opinions. So gassed to have this body of work out in the world.
Thank you to those who are bouncing!”

Born from a passion for heavy music and nurtured in the sweatbox clubs of northern UK. A unique fusion, attributed to a wide musical palette of metal, grime and hip-hop, DeadWax are a fierce, genre-bending force of nature and have gained a reputation for explosive engaging live shows, packed with furious energy and provoking lyrics which are instantly relatable.

With a strong DIY ethic, DeadWax have written, recorded and produced their forthcoming EP, as well as independently booking an extensive live touring schedule across the UK in 2023. They have already sold out prestigious club venues across the North, including Leeds Hyde Park Book Club, BOOM and The Parish in Huddersfield.

DeadWax are now ready to spread their new breed of alt-grime rock across the UK and beyond.

Pre-Order here:
https://ffm.to/deadwaxep

DeadWax

07/06/2024

!! TRACK OF THE WEEK !!

One of our favourite artist Katy Hurt has released a simply beautiful song 'Oh Girl' with a powerful message behind it. Katy said "I hope this song finds you if you need it, I know I did." a strong theme and sites mental health charities that helped her along the way.

SONG REVIEW

'Oh Girl' delivers great musicianship, wonderful production, some of the best I've heard from Katy and that's saying something as she always has impeccable production. There has been a lot of care and attention and time put into this beautiful piece of art and it shows. Nothing has been left on the table from Katy, Gab has some brilliant moments on the guitar which really see him set himself from the rest in my opinion. Each tone, note, lyric & production has been crafted together it has all the harmony of classic traditional country to the modern day. Absolutely wonder song.

"Within 'Oh Girl' you can hear Katy giving every bit of emotion she's got with sweet delicate verses with a subtle close vocal to a chorus with beautiful open vocals with her signature quick vibrato perfectly delivered in true traditional country form. I think this is one of Katy's best songs and one of the best songs I've heard this year!" - Nikki Smash

If there is one artist that should be playing all the big festivals, tours and her own headline shows sold out it should be Katy Hurt!

Go check 'Oh Girl' out on all platforms but please if you can support through physical copies & merchandise.

https://linktr.ee/KatyHurt

07/06/2024

It’s out!!!

06/06/2024

No way!

06/06/2024

HOLY HELL THEY ARE BACK!

Stream PARASITE now - Mixed and Mastered by Oz Cragg's at Hidden Track Studios.Lyrics You took everything.Everything.All your words they were filled with lie...

06/06/2024

We've just been the see the great Robin Trower in London and we are sending huge love to Robin for a speedy recovery!

06/06/2024

Never Forget 🖤 80 Years since the D Day Landings.

05/06/2024

The incredible Mishkin Fitzgerald has a brand new band called 'Crimson Veil' and let me tell you they're absolutely brilliant. You must go check our their debut video 'Flinch' right now!

https://crimsonveil.rpm.link/flinchFB

Crimson Veil

Watch now:
https://youtu.be/IFgquj0WLnM

05/06/2024

Incredible band!

05/06/2024

Guitar Slides. Lesson 8 of music education. This week we answer what a tone bar is.

04/06/2024

04/06/2024

!! LIVE REVIEW !!

Legendary guitarist Robin Trower shows no signs of slowing down with electrifying 15 song set from London’s famous Islington Assembly Hall (May 28th 2024)

Let me begin by saying Robin Trower has been somewhat of a unicorn for me personally. Being a touring musician myself it’s been difficult to get and see artists and bands alike, an occupational hazard perhaps. Nonetheless, on May28th at London's famous Islington assembly Hall along with Riff Yard Media photographer Dunc Tyler, I was finally able to see Robin Trower live!

However I did have my doubts, can Robin still deliver? Is that signature univibe tone going to be there? Who’s in the touring band and will the right vocalist be present?

I needn't have worried about any of that because Robin Trower delivered, his band delivered and oh boy that famous guitar tone was absolutely on point. That swirling loud tone of amps being driven to 11 with that bluesy vibrato, it was all there and in abundance.

Robin Trower - Guitars
Richard Watts - Vocals, Bass
Chris Taggart - Drums

First off i’d like to mention the killer vocal performance from Richard Watts, one of the best gravel vocalists I’ve seen. He held it down all night on the bass and Chris Taggart delivered the pocket and groove nicely.

Robin and his power trio brought out a tasty 15 song set list filled with the classics as well as some surprises that went down incredibly well. Such as the opener ‘The Razor’s Edge’ which was the first known live performance and of course the big hitters of ‘Bridge of Sighs’ & ‘Too Rolling Stones’ which were brilliant and fantastic to see these songs being played live. A personal highlight of ‘Day of the Eagle’. Robin really put the perfect set together with a special treat of ‘Distance Places of The Heart’ from his time with Cream’s Jack Bruce. I didn’t think i’d be hearing that, that’s for sure.

The set list was:

01. The Razor’s Edge (first known live performance)
02. Too Rolling Stoned
03. Wither on the Vine
04. Cloud Across the Sun
05. Somebody Calling
06. Distant Places of the Heart (Robin Trower & Jack Bruce cover)
(first live performance since 2011)
07. It's Too Late (Robin Trower & Jack Bruce cover)
08. Day of the Eagle
09. Bridge of Sighs
10. Rise Up Like the Sun
11. Daydream
12. No More Worlds to Conquer
13. Little Bit of Sympathy

Encore:
14. Rescue Me (Fontella Bass cover)
15. Birdsong

Robin's guitar swallowed up the entire venue and I think this was the closest I'll ever get to feeling like I was in the 1970’s. There was no gimmicks, no backdrops, no contrived image it was three guys on stage with there amps gunned on 11 and classic blues rock playing it was the epitome of that fabulous era of british guitar blues rock, sound, tone and vibe and they were all smiling really enjoying the moment and the audience really picked up on that too. Everyone was having a great time and there weren’t phones held up all night either and that’s something that really struck me was just how much people put all that down and just enjoyed Robin and his playing and his music. It was pure.

I’d like to thank Robin’s team for inviting myself and Dunc down to the evening, a time I won't forget. If you get the chance to catch Robin, please, please go.

All the pictures taken by Dunc Tyler Rock Photographer.

By Nikki Smash

Robin Trower Mascot Label Group Dunc-rockphotographer.co.uk

03/06/2024

Kenny Wayne Shepherd Unveils Electrifying ‘Dirt On My Diamonds, Volume 2’ – Out September 20th via Mascot/Provogue Records – Drops Dynamic Lead Single “I Got A Woman”

Multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated global superstar Kenny Wayne Shepherd is set to release the highly anticipated ‘Dirt On My Diamonds, Volume 2,’ the follow-up to his acclaimed album ‘Dirt On My Diamonds, Volume 1.’ Slated for a September 20th release via Mascot/Provogue Records, this album continues to solidify Shepherd’s status as a powerhouse in modern rock.

‘Dirt On My Diamonds, Volume 2’ expands the musical journey that began with ‘Volume 1’ last November. “When I started writing these songs, two distinct identities emerged,” Shepherd explains. “Both albums share the same spirit, but the songs, sounds, and grooves are unique. We decided to stagger the releases to match how people consume music today – essentially creating a double album. Our creative momentum was strong, so we kept it rolling.”

The album bursts to life with “I Got A Woman,” featuring Shepherd’s powerful riff complemented by a dynamic horn section. “To me, it’s the answer song to Woman Like You, the first track on ‘The Traveler,’” Shepherd notes. “On this record, he’s got her, and she’s everything he hoped for.”

The tracks on ‘Volume 2’ were born during the writing sessions at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. “The whole reason we went down to Muscle Shoals was to soak up the vibe that’s been left in that room for so many decades,” Shepherd reflects.

Tracking took place at the Band House Studios in Los Angeles just days before the studio was demolished. “It was a really cool intimate old-school studio with analogue everything, but they tore it down straight after we made these records,” says Shepherd.

Forced to hold back new material for the first time in his storied career, Shepherd admits that keeping these latest songs under wraps has been torture. “They’re sounding great in rehearsals and we’ve been dying to get out there and play them,” he says. Now at last, the standard-bearer for 21st-century rock ‘n’ roll is ready to put the cherry atop the Dirt On My Diamonds project with ‘Volume 2.’

“These are two unique albums that stand on their own,” Shepherd considers, “but together, I think they make for such a compelling package. We’ve had tremendous success in my career so far, and I’m so surprised and grateful for that. But even now, I still feel like there’s always more to explore musically. I just want to keep pushing the limits.”

Kenny Wayne Shepherd - Tour Dates

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.kennywayneshepherd.net/

Friday, July 12th - Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino - Lake Charles, LA
Saturday, July 13th - Raising Cane’s River Center - Baton Rouge, LA
Thursday, July 25th - Harley Davidson Museum - Milwaukee, WI
Friday, July 26th - Paramount Theatre - Cedar Rapids, IA
Saturday, July 27th - Brown County Music Center - Nashville, IN
Friday, August 2nd - Paramount Center for the Arts - Bristol, TN
Saturday, August 3rd - Metropolitan Theatre - Morgantown, WV
Sunday, August 4th - Beacon Theatre - Hopewell, VA
Tuesday, August 6th - Tarrytown Music Hall - Tarrytown, NY
Wednesday, August 7th - Scottish Rite Auditorium - Collingswood, NJ
Thursday, August 8th - Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom - Hampton Beach, NH
Friday, August 9th - Foxwoods Resort Casino - Ledyard, CT
Saturday, August 10th - Backroad Blues Festival - Lewiston, NY
Thursday, September 12th - Arcada Theatre - St Charles, IL
Friday, September 13th - GLC Live at 20 Monroe - Grand Rapids, MI
Saturday, September 14th - The Factory - Chesterfield, MO
Thursday, September 19th - Experience Hendrix - Seattle, WA
Friday, September 20th - Experience Hendrix - Spokane, WA
Saturday, September 21st - Experience Hendrix - Forest Grove, OR
Sunday, September 22nd - Experience Hendrix - Reno, NV
Wednesday, September 25th - Experience Hendrix - Santa Rosa, CA
Thursday, September 26th - Experience Hendrix - Saratoga, CA
Friday, September 27th - Experience Hendrix - Las Vegas, NV
Saturday, September 28th - Experience Hendrix - Highland, CA
Sunday, September 29th - Experience Hendrix - Tucson, AZ
Tuesday, October 1st - Experience Hendrix - Anaheim, CA
Thursday, October 3rd - Experience Hendrix - San Diego, CA
Friday, October 4th - Experience Hendrix - Mesa, AZ
Saturday, October 5th - Experience Hendrix - Albuquerque, NM
Sunday, October 6th - Experience Hendrix - Colorado Springs, CO
Wednesday, October 9th - Experience Hendrix - San Antonio, TX
Thursday, October 10th - Experience Hendrix - Houston, TX
Friday, October 11th - Experience Hendrix - Fort Worth, TX
Saturday, October 12th - Experience Hendrix - Tulsa, OK
Sunday, October 13th - Experience Hendrix - Shreveport, LA
Tuesday, October 15th - Experience Hendrix - Nashville, TN
Wednesday, October 16th - Experience Hendrix - Evans, GA
Thursday, October 17th - Experience Hendrix - Clearwater, FL
Friday, October 18th - Experience Hendrix - Pompano Beach, FL
Saturday, October 19th - Experience Hendrix - St. Augustine, FL

Kenny Wayne Shepherd Mascot Label Group

03/06/2024

Happy 50th Birthday to the one and only Kelly Jones from