The Grey Lady Music Lounge, Wednesday 19th May 2010

Though all four members of Burning Shapes grew up throughout the South East, and even Canada, the band base themselves in Tunbridge Wells where guitarist/singer Toby Guy and bassist Dave Tonkinsmith met at school and started writing music together. The friends began playing out at parties, being given acoustic guitars and performing in kitchens, bedrooms and gardens, but it wasn't until Tobys' cousin Andy White joined them on drums that the band began to take shape.

During a series of London gigs under the name Sound Sanctuary they caught the attention of production duo Bombay Monkey who invited the band to record at their new studio in the Ashdown forest. Sound Sanctuarys' first EP Contact, was issued on the Lo-Tek label in July 2005, and thanks to glowing reviews, XFM airplay and national distribution by Pinnacle, the group began to build a loyal following whilst playing out at some of Londons' best acoustic venues. Their full length debut Dust, followed two years later, and with local music agent Coffee Artists now onside, Sound Sanctuary found themselves embarking on their first national tour to promote the release. In 2008 regional gigs and radio appearances across the UK led to live sets on SkyTV and an invite to perform at BBC Radio 1s Big Weekend Fringe Festival. It was at this time that a significant change in the groups line up took place. As lead guitarist Millzy exited to pursue other projects, Andy took up MPC duties and Steve Martin was recruited to step in behind the kit. On returning from tour the new line up headed back into the studio, this time with producer Joe Hirst (Bloc Party, Ian Brown, Razorlight). They emerged, early 2009, a band who had regained its virginity. A new vigour, a new artistic stride and a new name.

Burning Shapes are currently working on their debut LP. A free download is now available from their website burningshapes.com to give fans a taste of what's to come. A series of single releases accompanied by UK tours are expected from autumn 2010.

A regular solo performer at the Grey Lady and Local and Live festival since 2007, Barney Jameson has put down his guitar, picked up a microphone, and is now proud to bring a new band to the Kent music scene in the formidable shape of Barney Jameson & The Hollow Men.

Adding to Barney’s mix of melancholic melodies, soaring vocals and passionately honest lyrics are the guitar fireworks of Steve McCormack, the precision drumming of Matt Wilson, the lullaby piano of David Robinson and the grooves of Sam Nesbitt on bass. This band is defined by the creativity of its members - some of the best known and talented musicians to have played the Grey Lady stage. The result blends the pop-sensibilities of Elbow with Buckleyesque vocal pyrotechnics and the direct soul, honesty and heart of latter-day Johnny Cash.

If you’ve seen Barney perform before and think you know what to expect, then think again.

Frances began playing the piano from the age of nine and soon after began writing and singing her own songs. After school she embarked on a brief career in marketing but she soon realised that music was her only passion.

She had an eureka moment and immediately signed up to study music at Southampton University. It was a life-changing experience and she became determined to follow a career in music.

She won the Venue Magazine songwriting competition for her song ‘The Night Air’. This song is being used by Orpheus (see link below) on their forthcoming album and tour.

Frances has recently returned from a songwriter’s retreat in Italy where she was greatly inspired by fellow musicians.

Her influences include PJ Harvey, Divine Comedy and Kate Bush and her playing is very stylised and deeply textured. Frances is passionate about the piano and feels it is part of her. Her life experiences influence her music and her songs cover a wide range of subjects, including love, loss, morality and spirituality.

Hi, I’m Phoebe Katis and I’m 17 years old and studying for my A levels. I have been classically trained on piano and cello and began writing songs at the age of 13 with ‘Invisible’. My style ranges from indie pop through contemporary folk to jazz! I try to keep the vocals pure and simple and for this I draw inspiration from the late Eva Cassidy. I also admire the way Alicia Keys’ songs allocate a particular melody line or part to the piano but still hold the vocals prominent. Other musical influences include KT Tunstall, Jill Jackson, John Mayer, Jamie Cullum, Nerina Pallot and Norah Jones.

I have supported acts such as Amy Wadge and Logan Wilson and last year I made my first solo appearance at the monthly Music Club at the Bull in Benenden. I don’t know why I started writing songs……it just happened and now I don’t want to stop. Of course in every artists’ mind there is always the dream of fame and top ten hits. That sounds pretty fine to me but I’m all for ‘keeping it real’ and striving to improve. Maybe in time all the work I put in will pay off and, if it doesn’t, I can say I’ve had a damn good go at it! As Christina Aguilera once said ‘the rockiest road often leads to the top’……… amen to that!