Getintothis staffers pick their 2019 music and culture picks for the rest of the year
The first six months of 2019 have delivered a vast riches in the new music stakes, Getintothis staffers look ahead to the remainder of the year flagging up what’s in store.
In an age when immediacy is everything, it’s almost impossible to reflect in a considered manner while looking forward seems a frankly alien concept.
If you were to ask us what our highlights from 2019 were there are very obvious examples which spring to mind – Fontaines D.C. being the album, Christine and the Queens the live offering at Primavera and Asif Kapadia‘s latest cinematic documentary triumph, Diego Maradona all leap out.
However, things get muddled after that. This is surely not an age thing – though, age is definitely playing more of a part these days – but more to do with the age we live in. There are daily agendas set every more. And this isn’t just to do with the newsroom – but in culture circles too.
The transient nature of who can shout loud enough on social media means this week’s hot topics have revolved around Black Midi haters versus Black Midi lovers, Lewis Capaldi versus Noel Gallagher, Elton versus Putin, Stormzy versus Boris and most ridiculously Gazza versus Snoop Dogg.
On paper, there’s been more beef in music this week than in Gordon Ramsey‘s refrigerator.
And yet most of this will be forgotten next week in favour of the latest merry-go-round of bullshit. Indeed, it must be galling for artists to produce albums or happenings of note, only to watch them sink without a trace amid this cycle of emptiness.
We try to do things a bit differently on Getintothis. Among the faster-paced news items we tend to cut through the daily bluster with something of substance – at least that’s what we try to offer. You can let us know differently via our social media channels.
We also still think of the website as a recommender – a place to visit to discover new sounds, opinions, reflections and a more considered approach to culture.
Deeper Cuts 2019
So with that in mind, get your diary out – and make a note of some of the best bits on offer for 2019 – if you want a quick list, here’s mine – new albums by Ty Segall (August 2), Oh Sees (August 16), Whitney (August 30), Girl Band (September 27) and Grimes (sometime in 2019, hopefully).
On the gig front, it’s all about Fontaines D.C. and their upcoming tour. And festival wise – Deeper Cuts is my fantasy billing made real – get your ten pound tickets now.
Finally, I am looking forward to Wickerman meets Fyre Festival horror film, Midsommar – which looks positively terrifying.
Enjoy the rest of the summer – and here are the Getintothis team’s picks for the rest of the year.
- Peter Guy, Getintothis editor.
Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band at Bluedot Festival
It’s been a busy 2019, and is about to get even busier with Bluedot Festival fast approaching.
I was lucky enough to cover Bluedot last year and just couldn’t wait to get my name down again. Set in the grounds of Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire amid the impressive Lovell Telescope it’s a science geek and music lover’s heaven. Little did I know when I asked to cover Bluedot again that one of the headliners would be an iconic and very influential band both to me and music history in general.
Formed in 1970, this band were the pioneers of electronic music and although not the original members, I can’t wait to see them live – of course the band in question is Kraftwerk who will headline the Lovell Stage on the Saturday. So as I’ve been a massive fan of Kraftwerk for more years than I care to remember, too right I’m looking forward to Bluedot.
But wait, there’s more! – said in my best Jimmy Cricket voice – other headliners are New Order and Hot Chip and artists such as Jon Hopkins, Kate Tempest, and John Grant to name but a few. So bring on Kraftwerk and Bluedot Festival on July 19-21. I’m counting down the days just like a space mission!
Warren Millar, Getintothis photographer.
Jimmy’s Liverpool
The second half of 2019 will see Liverpool’s venuescape adopt Jimmy’s – the sister venue to the popular Manchester Northern Quarter haunt which is nearing completion at the top of Bold Street.
Kicking off with an all-dayer that features The Blinders, they’ve already got a bag full of gigs penned for the latter part of the year. I get the feeling I’ll be there a fair bit, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how it goes down.
My hope for the rest of the year is some of the collaborative projects between promoters/venues/labels etc. refocuses the city’s efforts on remaining a strong community – which isn’t always the case. I also hope Carlisle United win loads of games of football.
Lewis Ridley, Getintothis new music editor.
Blanck Mass
The wait for a new Fuck Buttons album goes on, but in the nine years since Slow Focus, Benjamin John Power has been putting out excellent work as part of his Blanck Mass project.
Following Dumb Flesh and World Eater, his fourth studio album Animated Violence Mind is due on August 16. If lead single House vs House is an indication of the album’s quality, then we’re in for a treat.
It’s happy hardcore with an ascending, anthemic bass line running through it, building up to a distorted, vocodered and indecipherable vocal. It’s post rock for electro-punks, glowing with optimism and incandescent like our alien saviours streaking neon across the sky.
It’s Midnight City by M83 on disco biscuits. It’s so good I’ve almost forgiven him for the hideous tinnitus sustained at his 2017 Kitchen Street gig. Almost.
Matthew Eland, Getintothis contributor.
British Sea Power
The mighty British Sea Power are no strangers to hosting their own festivals, most notably their infamous Tan Hill Festivals, centred around the UK’s highest pub that was wont to occasionally descend into chaos – one year saw a drunken jam session involving members of the Arctic Monkeys for instance – so prospects for their latest festival, set in the grounds of Muncaster Castle in the heart of the Lake District are good.
Never ones to follow the conventional, the festival will not only offer acts such as Bo Ningen, Rozi Plain, Pictish Trail, Squid, in addition to Sea Power side projects Celestial North, Slow Tree and Modern Ovens for paying punters, but also bird of prey displays and access to the castle’s gardens and grounds. Whether ten foot grizzly bears will be along for the ride will remain to be seen; sing ye from the hillsides!
Matthew Loughlin, Getintothis contributor.
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood
Going by the reception Quentin Tarantino’s latest film has received, it appears Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood is a return to form for the director.
Five-star reviews across the board look to placate worries that Tarantino had lost his touch after his previous film The Hateful Eight was criticised for being over-long and failing to live up to its own hype. Although it looks like there still isn’t an editor out there that can convince Quentin that he needs to cut down on the running time –Once Upon a Time… clocks in at just under three hours – it appears that the time is necessary to give each of its all-star cast ample screen time.
Telling the story of LA in the late 60s; Hollywood, the Manson family and the murder of Sharon Tate, like Inglorious Basterds plays fast and loose with the facts – but who’s going to let the truth get in the way of a good story? Certainly not Tarantino, this the man who killed Hitler in his World War II movie after all.
The cast alone is enough to get excited about Brad Pitt, Leonardo Di Caprio and Margot Robbie all feature and there’s a host of cameos as well including Al Pacino and Lena Dunham paired with Tarantino’s script it all makes for a tantalising prospect. It hits cinemas August 15.
Michael Maloney, Getintothis contributor and designer.
Spiritualized performing in Liverpool at Psych Fest
I would like to see Spiritualized in 2019, because I have seen them 39 times and I’d like to round that up to 40. The older I get, the more OCD I become.
Already I am at the stage where the volume on my TV has to be on an even number. So I’d hate to leave my Spiritualized gigs stuck at 39, I’d be all grumpy for the rest of the year.
Banjo, features editor
As much as I’d love Spector to become massive, world peace and the Fontaines D.C. at the Academy gig to be the greatest gig ever, the one thing I really want is for the return of The Futureheads to be amazing.
The early signs are good, the lead track Jeckyll from their first album in seven years, Powers (out the end of August) is a corker, plus they’ve just announced that they’re playing the seminal self titled debut album in full at Manchester Ritz in December. That will be the gig of the year. Fingers crossed.
Steven Doherty, Getintothis contributor.
Matty Healy photo credit Amy Faith
Hold on. Didn’t The 1975 literally JUST release a new album eight months ago? Why yes! They did. A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships won the BRITs and NME’s Album of the Year and was likened to Radiohead‘s OK Computer. But it’s looking like their fourth studio album, Notes On A Conditional Form, will be released within 12 months of their third.
NOACF was meant to be released on June 1, a date synonymous with many other major events in the 1975’s career, but the North American leg of their tour put the brakes on that pipe dream – even though they turned one of their two tour buses into a travelling studio so they could keep recording.
Promising to be longer than the last, more profound (if that’s even possible) with a more stripped back sound, NOACF is eagerly anticipated by the stans. Especially me.
Amy Faith, Getintothis contributor.
Anteros performing in Liverpool
With fast-rising female-fronted bands such as Anteros, Black Honey and BLOXX absolutely blowing me away, I want the rest of the girls to get a chance to shine.
In 2018, 91 men/all-male acts were credited on the Official Chart Company’s Top 100 most popular songs, yet only 30 female acts were recognised.
I want 2019’s statistics to show improvement, to show that women do have the power to produce incredible music of all genres and stand equally alongside men. I’m keeping my eyes and ears peeled for the next big female artist(s).
Megan Walder, Getintothis contributor.
Bloxx
Leeds and Reading Festival is with Foo Fighters, The 1975, Post Malone and Twenty One Pilots as well as performances from Bastille, Charlie XCX, Billie Eilish, Mabel, Stefflon Don, Picture This and Dappy – it’s certainly going to be an experience. This will be the first time I will be enduring camping at a festival and attending all three days – so I can’t wait.
Courtney Hughes, Getintothis photographer
The continued rise of Bloxx. I caught them at Dingwalls in April in what would be their last UK tour before their debut album and was completely blown away. Fresh from their first US tour, I’m sitting waiting patiently for new music and that all-important album announcement. It’ll be the start of something special for the band for sure.
James Baker, Getintothis contributor.
Dream Wife
My summer highlight has got to be Skeleton Coast at Leasowe Castle with its most diverse line up to date. The usual Skeleton Key label suspects will be joined at the castle shin dig by artists including The Snuts, Dream Wife, Red Rum Club, Life at the Arcade, Tracky and of course, headliner, Miles Kane.
I’m particularly looking forward to seeing the Mysterines’ set and welcoming back The Sundowners. If you want a relaxed and friendly festival in a quirky setting by the Wirral seaside, grab your tickets before it’s too late. Skeleton Coast Festival is on Saturday August 31 with a new music Getintothis stage.
Jane Davies, Getintothis contributor.
No Hot Ashes
If you weren’t all aboard the Stockport based No Hot Ashes hype train (or starship) by now then it’s time to climb on and prepare for what is set to be one of 2019’s best guitar led albums.
The Hardship Starship album has been bubbling since their first single Goose was released in 2014.
After searching for a mate’s nickname on Spotify, I stumbled across Goose and began listening. They’re a band that have stuck with me ever since, getting stronger and stronger with every release.
They’re playing an album launch party on the August 17 at Jimmy’s in Liverpool so make sure you get down to see them in Liverpool.
Conor Baxter, Getintothis contributor
KLF – Welcome to the Dark Ages
On the November 23 – now declared to be Toxteth Day of the Dead – the Justified Ancients of Mu Mu (formerly known as the KLF) will return to our fair city for the third time in as many years, strange things will happen and those in attendance will be required to take part.
Beyond this, I’ve no idea what to expect. On a related point, I’m looking forward to seeing director Paul Duane’s film, ‘What Time is Death’, documenting their two previous visits. Although there is no official confirmation of this, I think it reasonable to speculate that the film (largely shot in Liverpool) will be shown here soon.
Gary Aster, Getintothis contributor.
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan and Neil Young in Hyde Park on July 12. Even though it might be shite. I’m under no illusions. They’re old and it’s outdoors. You can’t take anything in with you so there will be hours of uncomfortable standing. It’s in London. There have already been ‘issues’, with Neil Young complaining about Barclaycard being the sponsor.
The plastic usurers were ditched but who knows what other forms of mishegoss might arise. Dylan is cranky and there’s no telling what he will play or how he will play it. Engaging banter seems unlikely. It could be a living hell. BUT.
They’re old and, by any standards, legendary. This could be the Twilight of the Gods and it would be a shame to miss it for minor considerations such as comfort, convenience and musical quality.
Roy Bayfield, Getintothis contributor.
The Peach Fuzz
September is a highlight on my gig calendar with The Zangwills playing Manchester’s Deaf Institute on 6th and 32 tens at EBGBS on 21st for their first Liverpool headline date. I’m also eager to see what The Peach Fuzz do next, I’ve loved their work to date and The Outside Looking In is one of 2019’s stand out tracks for me.
Jackie Lees, Getintothis contributor.
Eilidh Patterson at the Atlantic Sessions
But, if there is any justice in the world Snow Water will be booking Atlantic Sessions and I will get a chilly weekend on the North Coast of Ireland in November for log fires, pints of stout, beach walks and some spectacular sounds.
Chris Flack, Getintothis sub-editor
Massive Attack
The tour has been and gone and still we wait… Mezzanine (2018 Remaster) was on the Christmas list, the birthday list and now we wait with fingers crossed for the latest release date of July 19 (2019).
With Massive Attack scheduled to tour the US in September maybe, just maybe, the remastered 1998 classic and eight long lost Mad Professor dubs will finally see the light of day before the summer’s out.
Mike Hill, Getintothis contributor
I’m looking forward just a couple of weeks to the release of The Protest Disco EP by Hans Nieswand and Eric D Clark, who were two thirds of Whirlpool productions, Germany’s finest dance act of the ’90s and beyond. What makes the promise of this EP stand out for me is their pledge to make the content overtly political, in a time when racism, homophobia and nationalism are on the rise, they are making a musical stand.
Also, Hans and Eric have been no slackers over the years and have refined and honed their disco skills to a high sheen. With remixes by Marcel Vogel and Phonk D, this will be a cracker. Vinyl release on Footjob on July 15, and digital July 22.
Jono Podmore, Getintothis contributor
Fontaines D.C – Lucy McLachlan
To be the downer on all this wishing and hoping, I generally don’t ‘look forward’ to things because I tend to have really high over the top expectations and then whatever I’m looking forward to almost never meets that…ho hum.
But I’m going to say I’m waiting for November to quickly come around.
Gigs such as Deerhunter, She Drew The Gun, Fat White Family and The Black Lips are some of my favourite bands and I’ve wanted to shoot the Black Lips for a long time now. PLUS Fontaine’s DC are playing that huge O2 Academy show ON MY BIRTHDAY. But no I’m not looking forward to anything really.
Lucy McLachlan – Getintothis social media editor and photographer.
She Drew The Gun
The prospect of a new album by the illusive prog-metal outfit Tool is my wish. Having been penned for a release date of August 31, fans are unsurprisingly sceptical, given their infamous history for announcing dates and never following through with the material.
This time, however, the group seem to be devoted to this release date, yet no details of the album have been announced – perhaps unsurprisingly given the cryptic and unconventional nature of the group. The promised new album has been the white whale of the metal world for a good few years now, with fans eagerly awaiting new material since the release of the latest LP by the group 10,000 Days way back in 2006.
They’re a difficult group to pin down, but use odd time signatures as one of the cornerstones of their often semi-conceptual music, yet it all feels very fluid.
Max Richardson, Getintothis contributor
Foals
They say if you can’t tell a story in one go it’s either not worth telling or a money grab. But Foals have chose door number three. If Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost Part 2 is half the album of the first part was, it’s going ti escalate from mild wave to tidal.
The concept of a two parter is brave, and it’s perfect for their ideology. Foals have been different from their counterparts since 2007. And now, as one of the biggest bands in the country, they’re about to show us why they’re still top of the pile.
Nathan Scally, Getintothis contributor
The fine folks at Wacken Open Air are celebrating 30 years in the business providing a hallowed ground for heavy metal fans all over the world. With the incredible booking of Slayer, Parkway Drive and Sabaton as headliners it is going to get down and dirty in the mosh pit.
Chris Everett, Getintothis photographer.
Michael League
I’m super excited to get another chance to see the amazing GroundUP quartet FORQ.
The American jazz fusion band from New York and Texas was co-founded by keyboardist Henry Hey and Snarky Puppy member, bassist Michael League. The group is composed of world-class improvisers, but it is their unusually memorable, genre-blending songs that leave the most lasting impression.
Last time they played a sell-out Parrjazz gig at Studio 2. Also planned during the day will be a Q&A session at the British Music Experience – details to be confirmed.
Jelly Roll Parker, Getintothis contributor.
Ride
Reunions have a bad rap. Look no further than The Velvet Underground‘s Live MCMXCIII for an example of a band on stage while their heart is somewhere else entirely.
While certain writers did not agree with me I found Ride‘s show at the O2 Academy in October of 2015 (part of a tour to mark the 25th anniversary of their seminal album Nowhere) engaging and a joy from start to finish.
Here where a band I thought I’d never get the chance to see when I was in my teens and they where playing an album I loved.
Unlike fellow shoegazers Lush this reunion has lasted and their second full length post-reunion album This Is Not A Safe Place will see the light of day in August. For a sneak preview check out the single Future Love.
Andy Sunley, Getintothis contributor
The Beatles (© Apple Corps Ltd)
… and finally…
There will be plenty of great music released in the second half of the year, and no doubt I’ll attend some cracking gigs too. However, what I’m most looking forward to is the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ Abbey Road. There are pretty reliable rumours that this will see a special box set reissue, much as was put out for Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band in 2017, and The Beatles last year.
So far there have been no hints as to what might be included, but no doubt there are more outtakes than those already released on Anthology 3 in 1996. For example, there’s never been an alternate version of either Here Come The Sun or I Want You (She’s So Heavy) issued.
The latter might see release as a take when it was still just I Want You, without the She’s So Heavy part, or in the full 8:04 album version that received a hard cut twenty seconds from the end.
It will prove especially interesting what gets added to this album, and what gets saved for the presumably inevitable Let It Be box.
Will Neville, Getintothis contributor
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