The Grey Lady Music Lounge, Wednesday 19th May 2010

Sounding like Fleet Foxes got into a jam session with Kasabian and Paul Weller, Burning Shapes formed playing acoustic sessions at parties around their home towns in Kent. Catching the attention of electronica producers Bombay Monkey whilst playing out under the acoustic-electronica guise Sound Sanctuary, the collaborations went on to produced a series of EPs before releasing the Dust LP in 2007 racking up critical acclaim from DJs like Nick Luscombe and Lynn Parsons and airtime on Xfm, BBC Radio and SkyTV. In the process of touring as Sound Sanctuary live drums were introduced to replace some of the sampled drum loops and the bands live sound began to evolve a whole new layer of energy. When the studio beckoned again the band decided a name change was in order to fit with the new sound they were going to lay down and Burning Shapes was born. In late 2010 the band returned to the live scene supporting Mumford & Sons and The Stranglers to 10,000 people at Triumph Live and have been gigging regularly around the south east since. Early preview tracks from the album have already been finding their way onto BBC Radio's Introducing programs and internet stations with one song picked up for the soundtrack to the £2m British feature film Lucid coming out next year. Their brand new single entitled ‘Silence Amplified’ is released on Monday 24th October and will be available through all good online digital retailers. www.burningshapes.com

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High-wire vocals, explosive guitars, pounding drums, a sweet lullaby piano, a bass that wants to groove and melodies that surround you like a wreath of freshly blown smoke… None of this was meant to happen. A once quietly married man, Barney Jameson’s life fell apart in 2007, and he was left with an old guitar and a clutch of songs. He began to play solo, shouting to be heard above the clamour of more established artists. But then came Steve McCormack, Sam Nesbitt, Matt Wilson and David Robinson – the Hollow Men. Suddenly everything was louder. The songs soon followed – Black & White Films, Cling, Tooth & Claw, Smoking Kills – sometimes fierce, sometimes gentle, at once drenched in melancholy but gloriously full of hope. They have seen the band become a major name in the Kent music scene in less than a year, with a headline slot at the 2011 Local & Live festival and much more to come.

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Frances’ songs lead you on an unpredictable musical journey telling tales of courage, hope, fear, beauty, sadness and love. Her music is described by audiences as ‘spine-tingling, dark, at times unsettling in its depth of emotion, breathtaking and beautiful’.

After a fantastic year in 2011 with Kristina Warren as ‘Frances Yonge and The Freeze’, Frances is now solo again, writing new songs and recording her EP, ‘My Garden’ in her home studio.

Frances combines her love of classical piano, songs, poetry and nature to create unique songs, each one an intense offering. Influences are far reaching, ranging from Ravel to Trent Reznor.

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“Phoebe Katis is a deeply talented singer songwriter. Her versatile tracery on the piano complements her enchanting vocals.” – Paul Dunton, Music Promoter. Classically trained in the piano, cello and voice Phoebe started writing her own material at the age of 13. Her style encompasses indie pop through to contemporary folk and jazz and she cites her main influences as Alicia Keys and Eva Cassidy. In addition she pulls certain musical aspects from artists such as KT Tunstall, Nerina Pallot and Norah Jones.

Phoebe began performing her music professionally at the Bull in Benenden Music Nights and has subsequently taken up a place on Paul Dunton’s rostra at the prestigious Grey Lady music lounge. She thoroughly enjoys every chance she gets to play at the lounge and hopes she will have more to come! “She is a compelling live performer and conveys passion and honesty through her lyrics and crafted melodies. She has that rare ability to make you just simply ‘sit and listen’, her music effortlessly drawing the listener into her world” – Paul Dunton

Phoebe is enthusiastic in all aspects of music especially musical theatre and composition. She has been a keen actress in countless school productions and is hoping to continue this throughout her education and beyond! However she has always had a passion for songwriting and hopes that one day it could become her career. She says “Christina Aguilera said ‘The rockiest road often leads to the top’ … well I’m up for that!”

Phoebe recently received an recording award from Paul Dunton to work with esteemed producer, Paul Midcalf of Audio Sorcery Studios in Kent. The award which translates to free recording time is specifically given to 4 acts per year who are displaying great potential and have yet had the opportunity to work with a professional producer. The 4 acts are chosen from Paul’s roster of 200 artists who perform at his shows at The Grey Lady Music Lounge. This award will allow Phoebe the opportunity to release her debut EP with a launch showcase due to take place at The Grey Lady in the summer of 2011.

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