Author: mrmonstagigz

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: I Made An Album by Daði Freyr (week beginning 6 September 2023)

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LOOK?: ***1/2

TRACKLIST: Thank You; I’m Fine; Limit To Love; Shut Up; Sometimes; I Just Want It; Sunshine; Moves To Make; Settle Down; If You Want To; Trying; Bitte

Freyr is clearly laying the groundwork here for a lengthy career and our only qualm with his sophomore album is that there is nothing quite so catchy as either of his Eurovision entries Think About Things or 10 Years.

  • Read on for reasons including how to see Freyr on tour in the UK this winter
Read More

SONG OF THE MONTH: Tension by Kylie (September 2023)

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

The title track from Kylie’s 16th album out 22 September proves Padam Padam, a song of the week for us in May and Ms Minogue’s biggest UK hit for 13 years, was no flash in the pan.

  • Read on for reasons including why we haven’t been this excited for a Kylie album since 2000
Read More

The People’s Lounge, Portsmouth supporting Arms Around the Child at Victorious Festival

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Carron Stacey, A Humdrum Mum

WHEN?: August Bank Holiday 2023

Trading a glitter makeover for an interview, I discover this is Erika’s second year volunteering at The People’s Kitchen in the World Music Village, at Victorious Festival – the south coast event held on August Bank Holiday by the sea in Portsmouth.

  • Read on for reasons including more about the Global Music Village at Victorious Festival
Read More

AWARDS LONGLIST: MONSTAS: Best Theatre, Music, TV, Film and Podcasts of 2023 so far (part 1 of 2)

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

You, dear reader, are given the chance to vote in 16 categories from November this year to tell us your favourite theatre, music, TV, film and podcast of 2023.

  • Read on for reasons including 8 of 16 categories of our Best Theatre, Music, TV, Film and Podcasts of 2023 so far
Read More

SONG OF THE WEEK: Freak Me Now by Jessie Ware & Roisin Murphy (week beginning 1 September 2023)

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

That! Feels Good! is our favourite of Ware’s 5 albums and this 4th single from it features former Moloko frontwoman Murphy.

  • Read on for reasons including everything we know about Murphy’s new album and where to see her in London in 2024
Read More

GIG REVIEW: Victorious Festival 2023 day 3 starring Hard-Fi, The GO! Team, Dara O’Briain & The Freestylers

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Carron Stacey, A Humdrum Mum

WHEN?: Sunday 27 August 2023 (press pass)

Hard-Fi rock the Common Stage at their first festival in 11 years. Singer Richard Archer informs us that they usually specify to only play in places with a roof, but they let us off today, thankfully.

  • Read on for reasons including The GO! Team, Dara O’Briain and The Freestylers
Read More

GIG REVIEW: Victorious Festival 2023 starring McFly, Kaiser Chiefs, Inspiral Carpets and The Dhol Foundation (Day 2)

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Carron Stacey, A Humdrum Mum

WHEN?: Saturday 26 August 2023 (press pass)

It’s all about you. A while ago, rumours suggested that the special guest slot was going to be none other than 00s pop/rock boy band sensation McFly.

  • Read on for reasons including Kaiser Chiefs, Inspiral Carpets and The Dhol Foundation
Read More

9 reasons why we can’t wait for September 2023 starring Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

  1. Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends starring Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga

Last year’s televised show celebrating the work of the late great Sondheim was a real thrill and this month stars including Peters and Salonga perform some of the composer’s best-loved songs alongside Haydn Gwynne (The Welkin, National Theatre), Janie Dee (Follies, National Theatre) and Jac Yarrow (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, London Palladium). Runs at the West End’s Gielgud Theatre 16 September through 6 January 2024. Tickets Update: Performances now begin 21 September without Gwynne. Review

Read More

GIG REVIEW: Victorious Festival 2023 starring Jamiroquai, Pete Tong Orchestra, The Charlatans & Welly (Day 1)

Posted on by mrmonstagigz

By Carron Stacey, A Humdrum Mum

WHEN?: Friday 25 August 2023 (press pass)

Disco isn’t dead. The first year for a full Friday, kicking off for us with a drumming workshop from DrumNation Tribe at the People’s Lounge.

  • Read on for reasons including Jamiroquai, Pete Tong, The Charlatans and Welly
Read More