GIG REVIEW: Melt Yourself Down at The Loft, Southampton

By Carron Stacey, A Humdrum Mum

A last minute impulse buy and when the tickets arrived, we were numbers 30 and 31. Oh no, what if not many people turned up? No fear of that. Thanks in part to being heavily played on BBC 6Music of recent, it was packed. 

  • Read on for reasons including how singer Kushal Gaya spent time hugging everyone
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INTERVIEW: Former Strangler Hugh Cornwell on his movie music podcast

By Carron Stacey, A Humdrum Mum

Hugh Cornwell (former Stranglers singer/guitarist) has a movie music podcast – in fact it has been going for 4 years now and has nearly 100 episodes – read on to discover more.

  • Read on for reasons including Brian Eno, Cindy Crawford and Bob Hoskins
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GIG REVIEW: Shiiine On Weekender 2021 at Butlin’s Minehead Arena

By Carron Stacey, A Humdrum Mum

WHEN?: 12-14 November 2021

It’s taken me a full week to recover from the Shiiine On Weekender, but then I did turn 50 this year. I think that’s the problem; however, I have also discovered the solution – the nana nap.

  • Read on for reasons including Peter Hook and The Light and James Taylor Quartet
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SONG OF THE MONTH: Don’t Diss The Disco by International Teachers Of Pop (October 2020)

WORTH A LOOK?: ****1/2

OUT: now

There’s always a sense of trepidation when a friend recommends a song they think you’ll like.

  • Read on for reasons including how this band lives up to the Sheffield pop giants that have come before them

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GIG REVIEW: Dubioza Kolektiv at Wedgwood Rooms, Portsmouth

By Carron Stacey

WHERE? Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth

WHEN? 13/2/20

This seemingly crazed swarm of football strip-attired Bosnian bees pumped out a stunning set of rap, rock, ska and funk, pollenating the slightly small (but perfectly formed) audience with their nectar of positivity in a hive of energy.

  • Read on for reasons including how an early incarnation had to practise in the dark due to a lack of electricity during the Bosnian War

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INTERVIEW: Ms Humdrum meets her favourite local businesses at Victorious Festival

By Carron Stacey

WHERE?: Southsea Common (press ticket)

WHEN?: 23 – 25/8/19

During a festival, one of the things Mr Humdrum and I like to do, in that quiet slot between bands, is to wander around looking at the stalls.

  • Read on for reasons including Ms Humdrum meeting some of her favourite vendors at Victorious 

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INTERVIEW: Ms Humdrum talks to Tonic Ska Choir at Victorious Festival

By Carron Stacey

WHERE?: Southsea Common (press ticket)

WHEN?: 23 – 25/8/19

During my stint as a reporter at Victorious Festival last month, one of my highlights was to interview two people who work for the charity Tonic Music for Mental Health’s Ska Choir.

  • Read on for reasons including where to join the Tonic Ska Choir

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INTERVIEW: Ms Humdrum meets Mr Beats and Swing at Victorious Festival

By Carron Stacey

WHERE?: Southsea Common (press ticket)

WHEN?: 23 – 25/8/19

Ms Humdrum at monstagigz was lucky enough to catch up with Mr Beats and Swing himself, Luke Fuller, at the weekend.

  • Read on for reasons including how DJs Los Cojones hotfooted it from a wedding to play Victorious   Read More