domgourlay has written the following articles:
For me, listening to music should be a pleasurable experience, something to savour and enjoy. A leisurely pursuit. Inspiring even. That's not to say it should be lacking in spark, or vigour, or originality either, but a challenge? No thanks. If I want a challenge I'll cycle down the A52 blindfolded. Or attempt to climb a mountain. Build a house even.»
2012 has been an amazing year for Nottingham as far as its music scene is concerned. Here, Drowned In Sound's man in the East Midlands looks back at this year's highlights, new releases just in time for Christmas and focuses on some of the artists expected to break through over the twelve months ahead. »
Earlier this year, DiS caught up with My Bloody Valentine bass player Debbie Googe. Here, she discusses the future plans for My Bloody Valentine, what it's like to have been part of arguably the most influential guitar band on the planet for over a quarter of a century, and how she came to be involved with Primal Scream throughout the summer.»
Over the past few years, DiS has used the annual year-end 'listing season' to highlight a few of our writers favourite records that for one reason or another, slipped through the cracks and failed to garner the attention they deserved. »
Having recently sold out the 10,000 capacity Alexandra Palace while pencilling in more Arena shows for next May, it's fair to say The Vaccines aren't going away anytime soon.»
Whatever happens next, Melody Prochet can rest assured safe in the knowledge that together with her beau they've conjured up one of 2012's - or any other year in recent memory - finest debuts.»
If there's one constant about Paul Marshall as an artist it's an unassailable willingness to evolve gracefully with every subsequent recording.»
Keith Canisius isn't so much a solo artist, but more a one-man orchestra capable of bedazzling even the most seasoned of listeners. »
The name Oliver Catt might not be a familiar one to many but over the course of the next few months we predict it more than likely will be. »
Whisper it quietly but Nottingham five-piece Dog Is Dead might just be the hardest working band in the music industry right now.»
A late contender for one of 2012's finest records...»
DiS caught up with Friends charismatic vocalist and all round spokesperson Samantha Urbani prior to the first of their two sets at September's Jersey Live festival...»
Love them or loathe them, it's pretty hard to ignore The Vaccines these days. With a relentless tour schedule that isn't set to finish until May of next year, DiS managed to catch up with frontman, guitarist and all-round gent Justin Young and bass player Arni Arnason prior to their recent set in Castleton's Peak Cavern as part of Jack Daniel's birthday celebrations.»
Unpredictable in a sense yet lyrically heartfelt down to each and every last syllable, Nude is a multi-dimensional collection of songs marking The Irrepressibles' arrival as serious contenders.»
Today, the Manic Street Preachers release the 20th anniversary edition of their debut long player 'Generation Terrorists'. To mark the occasion, DiS has christened today "Manics Monday"...»
With just one limited edition single and a recently released EP to their name, such prophecies of all encompassing greatness are a tad premature to say the least. »
It's fair to say that any record containing songs with titles like 'Transcendent Blue', 'While You're Sleeping I'm Dreaming' and 'Heavenly Bodies' will immediately be jettisoned into shoegaze corner, regardless of what it sounds like. »
Summer may be over, but there's still a vibrant buzz in the air as far as Drowned In Sound's man in Nottingham is concerned. Here's the latest on what's happening in and around the East Midlands at the minute, starting with a celebratory toast to the city's first ever number one solo artist... »
The Complete BBC Sessions doesn't tell the whole story of Cud, but as an introduction to one of the most unique bands to grace these shores since punk's self-implosion, it's an essential purchase.»
Currently on a whistle stop world tour of promotional engagements; today's brief sojourn in England being his sixth country in seven days; DiS caught up with Interpol's Paul Banks in a central London hotel.»
Lonerism marks Tame Impala's arrival as a genuine force to be reckoned with, and even if at times there's a feeling Kevin Parker's trying to cram too many ideas into one piece, it's a record that will undoubtedly be used as a benchmark for guitar music of the near future. »
Last weekend (13th & 14th October), DiS made the long journey to Mexico City via New York for the third annual Corona Capital music festival since its conception in 2010. Featuring a mixture of internationally acclaimed acts such as Suede, New Order, Franz Ferdinand and Florence & The Machine alongside a selection of up-and-coming Mexican artists, this year's line-up bordered on the stellar side compared to many of its European counterparts. Here's what we had to say about our trans-Atlantic trek to North America...»
No strangers to controversy, or indeed extended periods at the top of the hit parade when it was a requirement to sell at least one hundred thousand records to gatecrash the top ten, The Stranglers have seen and done the lot.»
DiS goes to the Devil's Arse to celebrate Jack Daniel's birthday, drinks its bodyweight in liquor, and watches live sets by Tribes, Mystery Jets, The Vaccines and Palma Violets for its sins...»
Last month, DiS caught up with Paul Marshall aka Lone Wolf in a field at the Leeds Festival. Here's what he had to say... »
With a new album expected to be ready sometime in the new year and a tour of Brazil in the offing beforehand, it's clear to see Stephen Lawrie and The Telescopes are far from being a spent force just yet.»
Moon Duo make business as usual seem like an enjoyable pastime rather than a laborious chore. »
Last month saw the release of Band Of Horses fourth album, Mirage Rock. On tour once more from now until the early part of next year, DiS caught up with frontman and founder member Ben Bridwell during a rare break from playing live.»
DiS caught up with Andy Bell during an extended break where the discussion switched from the making of both Nowhere and Going Blank Again, to his disillusionment with music after disbanding Hurricane #1, to working with the Gallaghers and the questions everyone keeps asking; will Ride and Oasis ever reform and take to the stage one more time. »
One constant throughout Thee Oh Sees' 15-year-career is that you never quite know what to expect next.»
