Features

SXSW Week: the full round-up

For the past two years, M has celebrated the success of British acts at the legendary SXSW festival in Texas with interviews, videos and reviews. This year we spoke to some of the bands that received British Music Group funding to travel to the showcase, and we invited SXSW veteran Vic Galloway to comment on the showcase.

By Anita Awbi 27 Mar 2012

Graham Fellows

PLAYING IT FOR LAUGHS: These days comedy songwriter Graham Fellows is best known for his cranky alter ego John Shuttleworth, a Casio keyboard-wielding balladeer from south Yorkshire. But it wasn’t always that way; Graham had a Top 10 hit in the 70s with punk pastiche Jilted John, released an album of ‘serious music’ in the 80s and is a trained actor.

By Anita Awbi 26 Mar 2012

Mitch Benn

PLAYING IT FOR LAUGHS: Mitch Benn is the musical lynchpin of BBC Radio 4's The Now Show, and the king of the pastiche pop song, having sent up everyone from Elton John to Coldplay. Here, he talks to M about the ongoing perception of comedy songwriting as a bit naff and how he’s been able to carve a niche in that. He also questions British audiences’ aversion to home-grown comedy songwriting talent...

By Anita Awbi 26 Mar 2012

You’re ‘avin’ a larf!

Some things are made for each other. Cheese and pickle. Fred and Ginger. Bert and Ernie. But what about music and comedy? Anita Awbi takes a look at the often overlooked craft of comic songwriting.

By Paul Nichols 25 Mar 2012
Paul Weller

Paul Weller: That Dangerous Age

Paul Sexton catches up with cultural icon Paul Weller to figure out where the groundbreaking new album Sonik Kicks fits into the Modfather’s master plan.

By Paul Nichols 24 Mar 2012

Sounds from a Smalltown

Norwegian Joakim Haugland runs two small but perfectly formed record labels in the quaint and quiet capital, Oslo. Knowingly named Smalltown Supersound and Smalltown Superjazzz, they openly flaunt their remote location and obscure rosters. But don’t let that catch you off guard...

By Anita Awbi 23 Mar 2012

On My iPod – Mary Leay

Mary Leay is an exciting new urban folk artist whose powerful songs are delivered by a heartbreaking crystalline voice.

By Anita Awbi 23 Mar 2012

Jonas Jeberg

NORTHERN LIGHTS: Danish producer and hit songwriter Jonas Jeberg is best known for his work with Pussycat Dolls, Jordin Sparks, Sugababes, Pixie Lott and JLS.

By Anita Awbi 23 Mar 2012

Barry Blue And Bananarama

Welcome to the 80s, era of the flamboyant new romantics, the Rubik’s Cube and one of the most successful girl groups ever…Bananarama.

By Paul Nichols 22 Mar 2012
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