Related
Interviews
Interview
Header: Singer-songwriter Elliott Murphy is celebrating “50 years on the road” with a brand, new single, ‘Old-Timer.’ He catches up with Lisa Torem to talk about his career highlights.
Interview
Singer-songwriter Jack Roscoe talks to John Clarkson about releasing his first album 'Out of the Woods' at the age of 57 and the heart attack that changed his life for the better.
Interview
Portsmouth-born but now London-based singer-songwriter Mark Vennis talks to Andrew Twambley and John Clarkson about his band A Different Place’s new mini-album ‘Small Town Vampire’, which reflects on the boredom of small town life.
Interview
Edinburgh-born singer and songwriter Roy Moller speaks to John Clarkson about his new album ‘Be My Baby’,which is about his discovery that his birth parents were Canadian and that his mother flew from Toronto to Edinburgh to give birth to and put him up for adoption.
Interview
Actor Robert Davi speaks to Eoghan Lyng about his other career as a singer and playing a Bond villain in ‘Licence to Kill’.
Interview
Aberdee singer-songwriter and former Only A Ghost frontwoman Louise McCorkindale talks to John Clarkson about her debut solo release, EP ‘Her Art’.
Interview
American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jeff Moller talks to Eoghan Lyng about his classic rock-inspired debut album, ‘Sigh Baby’.
Interview
Former Blue Mink singer Madeline Bell talks to Adam Coxon about her career in the 1960s and 1970s working as a backing singer for artists and producers such as John Lennon, George Harrison, Phil Spector and Giorgio Moroder and her friendship with Dusty Springfield.
Interview
Nick Dent-Robinson speaks to Brit Award winning Scottish-raised singer-songwriter Emeli Sande before her performance at the Nocturne Live festival about her love of jazz and charity work.
Interview
Singer/guitarist Brix Smith chats with Andrew Twambley about her time with Salford iconoclasts The Fall, her work with the Extricated and her acclaimed new album ‘Valley of the Dolls’ .
Interview
Lisa Torem finds that a press event held during a rehearsal break reveals the true spirit of the All-Starr Band, helmed by iconic drummer/singer-songwriter Ringo Starr, prior to their 2023 US tour.
Interview
Ex-Stranglers singer/guitarist Hugh Cornwell chats to Eoghan Lyng about his recent ‘Moments Of Madness’ LP and upcoming UK and Ireland shows.
Interview
Bringing together members of The Stranglers, The Damned, Ruts DC and Johnny Moped, Wingmen recently completed their debut tour showcasing their acclaimed debut album. Lead singer, guitarist and Stranglers’ frontman Baz Warne chatted to Denzil Watson about the group’s progress
Interview
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Sam Brown talks to Nick Dent-Robinson about her eighth album, ‘Number 8’, which, despite the permanent loss of her former singing voice, was recorded with the aid of new technology.
Interview
Steev Burgess talks to singer Paul Shine about Dead Writers' breakthrough and what comes next.
Interview
Singer-songwriter Robyn Hitchcock talks to Eoghan Lyng about his new album 'Shufflemania!' and how both The Beatles and XTC have influenced his work.
Interview
Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Keiron Phelan talks to Kimberly Bright about his new Peace Signs album ‘Bubblegum Boogie’ and his work at Gare Du Nord Records.
Interview
Edinburgh-born but now Chicago-based singer-songwriter Chris Connelly talks to Eoghan Lyng about his new concept album 'Eulogy to Christa', which is about the life of Velvet Underground singer Nico.
Interview
The Big Pink lead singer and songwriter Robbie Furze talks to Cila Warncke about art, honesty and perfectly crafted tunes.
Interview
Australian singer-songwriter Steve Wallis talks to Julie Cruickshank about his debut solo album ‘Nothing Stays the Same Way for Long’, the challenges of living in Paris and his songwriting technique.
Profiles
Profile
Nick Dent-Robinson looks back on the career of Scottish singer Lulu, who has recently announced that her forthcoming 'Champagne for Lulu' tour will be her final tour.
1927-2023
Nick Dent-Robinson reflects on the career of singer, actor and civil rights campaigner Harry Belafonte, who died in April at the age of 96.
Sugar My
Lisa Torem profiles the extraordinary new single and video 'Sugar My' from singer-songwriter Jann Klose.
(With Jeremy Thoms and Roy Moller), Wee Red Bar, Edinburgh, 8/10/2022
We preview our forthcoming Edinburgh Bands Night which will feature Young Marble Giants' Stuart Moxham, The Cathode Ray and New Leaf's Jeremy Thoms and singer-songwriter Roy Moller.
Ten Seconds In Between
John Clarkson examines Nashville-based singer-songwriter and author Doug Hoekstra's haunting new collection of short stories.
Six Cd Set
Including discs which have been out of print for some time, a new six CD set of Somerset singer-songwriter Reg Meuross’s output from 1996 until 2013 brings all of his work together. Malcolm Carter reviews.
'Wintertime' Video Premiere
Pennyblackmusic is proud to premiere the video for 'Wintertime', the third single single from Nashville-based singer-songwriter and writer Doug Hoekstra's forthcoming first album in ten years, 'The Day Deserved'.
Stephen McLaren
'Put Me On The Television' Video Premiere
Pennyblackmusic is proud to premiere the video for 'Put Me On The Television', the debut single from Edinburgh-based singer-songwriter Stephen McLaren's forthcoming dream-pop second album 'They Don’t Put Any Money in Your Pocket'.
Aurlus Mabele
1953-2020
Maarten Schiethart looks at the career of Soukous' star and Le Groupe Loketo singer Aurlus Mabélé who died in March.
Charlie Dore
Profile
Nick Dent-Robinson profiles the career of singer-songwriter and actress Charlie Dore, who is currently playing a small venue tour of the United Kingdom.
Harold F. Eggers
My Years with Townes Van Zandt: Music, Genius, and Rage
Cila Warncke reflects on Townes Van Zandt's manager and business partner Harold F. Eggers' new biography about the gifted but emotionally unstable Texan singer-songwriter.
Liam Walker
Profile
What happens when a talented singer songwriter takes a leap towards TV stardom? Nicky Crewe follows South Yorkshire musician Liam Walker’s path to 'The Voice' and beyond.
Pete Shelley
17/4/1955...6/12/2018
Our Dutch writer Maarten Schiethart pays tribute to Pete Shelley who died in early December, and reflects on his late 1970's and early 1980's career both as a solo artist and as lead singer with Buzzcocks.
Doug Hoekstra
Unopened
John Clarkson reflectson 'Unopened'. the debut poetry collection of Nashville-based singer-songwriter Doug Hoekstra.
Dusty Springfield
Dusty - The Musical
Nick Dent-Robinson enjoys a new musical which looks with unflinching honesty at the life of troubled singer Dusty Springfield and which after touring regionally will eventually be launched to the West End of London.
Neil Diamond
Profile
Nick Dent Robinson examines singer-songwriter Neil Diamond's recent decision to stop touring after being diagnosed with Parkinson's and reflects on his often under-rated career.
Tom Petty
1950-2017
Nick Dent-Robinson looks back on career of the much acclaimed singer-songwriter and guitarist Tom Petty, who died on the 2nd October aged just 66
Alison Moyet
Profile
The reissue of Alison Moyet’s first four albums gives Adrian Janes the chance to reappraise a versatile singer whose initial embrace of blues and electronica grew to include many other influences
Simon Townshend
Profile
Lisa Torem examines British singer-songwriter Simon Townshend's albums, 2012's ‘Looking Out Looking in’ and 2014's ‘She Asked Me’, both of which he has re-released in remastered and expanded editions on his own Stir label
Upstart Crow Festival
Profile
Owen Peters profiles the Upstart Crow Festival, a free singer-songwriter's festival which now in its second year will take place at Spitalfields Market and this year will include on its bill John Murry, Michele Stodart, Pete Greenwood, Felix Indiana and Brooke Sharkey
Live
Pizza Express, Dean Street, London, 2/8/2034
Zena Greig watches jazz-influenced singer Rebecca Poole provide an exhilarating musical ride at a gig in London.
New Century Hall, Manchester, 1/2.2024
Jacqueline Crockford finds 24 year old indie / soul singer Brooke Combe, who has been described as a “future megastar” by the press, on dazzling form live in Manchester.
City Winery, Chicago, 23/4/2023
At Chicago City Winery, Lisa Torem watches vocalist/pianist Ann Hampton Callaway's exciting tribute to the late singer Peggy Lee bring down the house.
(With Bill Shanley), City Winery, Chicago, 19/3/2023
Lisa Torem reviews an intimate set from legendary Irish singer-songwriter Gilbert O’Sullivan.
Arts Centre, Norwich, 18/2/2023
Nige Nudds watches and photographs American singer-songwriter Lissie play an emotive set at a gig at the Norwich Arts Centre on her first British tour in ten years.
Scala, London, 5/2/2023
Mark Rowland at The Scala in London watches rising singer-songwriter Hamish Hawk play an exuberant post-punk set to promote his new album ‘Angel Numbers’.
Chicago Theater, Chicago, 9/10/2022
Lisa Torem enjoys Regina Spektor’s engaging performance at the Chicago Theater in support of the singer-songwriter-pianist’s latest album, ‘Home, Before and After.’
Jimmy's, Liverpool, 30/6/2022
Steve Kinrade enjoys an emotionally rewarding and cathartic from German-born singer-songwriter Dorothy Bird at Jimmy's in Liverpool to promote her debut album, 'Belonging'.
Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, 14/5.2002
Lisa Torem at the Old School Town of Folk Music watches singer-songwriter Janis Ian sing highlights from her new album The Light at the End of the Line’ but also drew from seasoned hits on her final tour.
(With El Heneghan and Lovell). Greystones, Sheffield, 22/4/2022
Sheffield-based singer-songwriter Rhiannon Scutt has simultaneously released three new EPs entitled ‘'Facets'. At a launch gig at Greystones in Sheffield, Nicky Crewe finds that they show just how much she is capable of as songwriter and a performer. They are a fantastic introduction to her work and a celebration of her style.
With Visions of Albion and Evie Moran, Thornton Hough Social Club, Thornton Hough
Steve Kinrade at the Thornton Hough Social Club enjoys a charismatic, unforgettable performance from grassroots singer-songwriter Cal Ruddy with excellent support from Visions of Albion and Evie Moran.
Austin City Limits Livestream, 1/4/2021
For fans of guitarist and singer-songwriter Joe Bonamassa, Lisa Torem discovers that the Austin City Limits livestream is an exciting way to celebrate the old and the new in the comfort of one’s home.
Tori Amos
Chicago Humanities Festival, Chicago, 6/5/2020
Although the popular Chicago Humanities Festival was cancelled due to Covid-19, featured guest/singer-songwriter Tori Amos agreed to a live-stream interview. Lisa Torem reviews the highlights.
Ben Ottewell
Leaf, Liverpool, 5/3/2020
Richard Lewis watches Gomez lead singer Ben Ottewell turn in an excellent solo performance at Leaf in Liverpool.
John Prine
Pavilion, Ravinia Park, Highland Park, 8/6/2019
Lisa Torem watches septuagenarian singer-songwriter John Prine at the Pavilion in Ravinia Park in Illinois play a life-affirming set.
Rob Thomas
Chumash Casino, Santa Ynez, California, 29/3/2019
L. Paul Mann watches Matchbox Twenty and hugely successful solo singer Rob Thomas dust off his back catalogue for an impressive tour-previewing show in California.
Arlo Guthrie
Lobero Theatre, Santa Barbara, 19/3//2019
L.Paul Mann watches iconic singer-songwriter Arlo Guthrie make a welcome return to the Lobero Theater in Santa Barbara.
James Holt
Night People, Manchester, 1/3/2019
Shirley Procter reviews rising Bolton-based singer-songwriter James Holt at an excellent showcase at Night People in Manchester.
Reverend Tall Tree’s Blues Opera
Ojai Underground Exchange, Ojai, 3/3/2019
L. Paul Mann at the tiny Ojai Underground Exchange enjoys veteran singer-songwriter Chris Pierce's extraordinary two part set of story songs, 'Reverend Tall Trees Blues Opera'.
Emilio Pinchi
81 Renshaw Street, Liverpool, 13/11/2018
Steve Kinrade waTches rising Liverpool-based singer-songwriter Emilio PInchi, superbly supported by White Little Lies and Lydiah, play an impressive home city gig to launch his new 'Holiday' EP.
Albums
The Fraternal Order Of The All - Greetings From Planet Love
Eoghan Lyng examines classic singer-songwriter Andrew Gold’s recently reissued 1997 psychedelic album, ‘The Fraternal Order Of The All - Greetings From Planet Love’,
Days I Won't Forget
In our 'Re:VIew' section' Malcolm Carter reflects on last year's sixth studio album from Australian singer-songwriter Sam Shinazzi, this time produced by power pop legend Michael Carpenter, which proved an inspired move that has produced Shinazzi’s finest album to date.
40 Years: The Complete Singles Collection (1966-2006)
Lisa Torem enjoys a new compilation from unrivaled American singer-songwriter Tommy James which includes distinctive recordings from his long-standing solo career.
Please Re-Adjust Your Time – The Early Blues & Psych-Folk Years 1967-1972
In our 'Re:View' section, in which we look back at albums from the past, Tommy Gunnarsson reflects on a new 4CD box set compiling folk/blues under-appreciated singer-songwriter Ian A Anderson’s first four albums
Blue
In our 'Re:View' section, in which we look at albums from the past, Nick Dent-Robinson examines Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell’s classic 1971 album, ‘Blue’, which is being released in various 50th Anniversary editions, which include demos and out-takes.
Sean O’Brien and His Dirty Hands
My Colors Dark
Ben Howarth refelcts upon Californian singer-songwriter Sean O'Brien's eighth solo album from last year, which is an enjoyable ride from power-pop to angsty punk.
David Gray
White Ladder
Eoghan Lyng reflects on Irish singer-songwriter David Gray's groundbreaking fourth album 'White Ladder', which has just been re-released in a remastered 20th Anniversary edition.
Oh Susanna
Johnstown
In our 'Re:View' section Malcolm Carter reflects on the 20th Anniversary edition of Canadian singer-songwriter Suzie Ungerleider's debut as Oh Susanna, which has been re-mastered by producer Peter J. Moore and adds five bonus acoustic tracks.
Guy Clark
Live from San Francisco, 1988
In our 'Re: View' section, in which our writers look back at albums from the past, Nicky Crewe finds that Guy Clark's reissued album, recorded live in San Francisco in 1988, takes you back to a special concert from a singer songwriter whose influence is very much alive today.
Roger Mcguinn
Peace On You
Carl Bookstein reflects on 'Peace on You', the 1974 second solo album from Byrds founder, singer and guitarist Roger McGuinn which has just been reissued.
Butterfly Child
Onomatopoeia
In our Re:View section, in which our writers look back on albums from the past, Steve Kinrade reflects on 'Onomatopoeia', the debut album of Butterfly Child, the art rock project of Irish singer-songwriter Joe Cassidy.
Terry Dolan
Terry Dolan
Carl Bookstein examines San Francisco-based singer-songwriter Terry Dolan’s posthumously released self-titled 1972 debut album which features fine songwriting and a cast of brilliant musicians
Phil Ochs
Live Again!
Anthony Strutt examines 'Live Again!', a recently discovered mixing desk tape of a 1973 gig from under-valued folk artist and protest singer Phil Ochs which finally sees the light of day
Leslie West
Mountain
In our 'Re:View' section, in which we look back at albums from the past, Lisa Torem finds 'Mountain’, the remastered version of the 1969 debut by electric guitarist/singer Leslie West’s band, to be an album of contrasts
Love
Reel to Real
Carl Bookstein reflects upon the re-release of Love’s previously largely unnoticed 1974 album 'Reel to Real' and singer songwriter Arthur Lee’s rewarding soul music approach
Townes Van Zandt
The Late Great Townes Van Zandt
In our 'Re:View' section, in which we look back at albums from the past, Dan Cressey reflects on American singer-songwriter Townes Van Zandt's 1972 album 'The Late Great Townes Van Zandt', which has just been reissued in a remastered version with extra songs
Micah P. Hinson
Micah P. Hinson and the Gospel of Progress
Tony Gaughan reflects on Texan-based singer-songwriter Micah P. Hinson's 2004 brooding debut album, which has recently been reissued
Beth Orton
Central Reservation
In our 'Re:View' section, in which our writers look back at albums from the past, Anthony Strutt reflects on English singer-songwriter Beth Orton's 1999 album 'Central Reservation', which has just been re-released in a new double CD edition
Manu Chao
Siberie M'Etait Contéee
Maarten Schiethart looks at Spanish singer-songwriter Manu Chao's recently re-released third album 'Siberie M'Etait Contéee' , which sung in French, originally came out in 2004
Features
Vinyl Stories
In 'Vinyl Stories' Northeastern Pennsylvanian singer-songwriter Chris Hludzik talks to Dave Goodwin about his work in a recording studio led to his obsession with vinyl.
Wild Tales
In her ‘Raging Pages’ book column Lisa Torem assesses legendary singer-songwriter Graham Nash’s 2014 memoir ‘Wild Tales’.
Vinny Peculiar
The Image That Made Me Weep
In our new series 'The Image That Made Me Weep', we are inviting a different guest with each edition to write of a music image that has had an impact on them. Singer-songwriter Vinny Peculiar writes about a photograph of his uncle Jim Wilkes, who was a trad jazz musician.
Isley Brothers
The Image That Made Me Weep
As part of our new series 'The Image That Made Me Weep', we are inviting a different guest with each edition to write of a music photograph that has had an impact on them. Scottish singer-songwriter Roy Moller writes of a 1960 photo of the Isley Brothers which also features his photographer father.
Henry Parker/Meadowsilver
Under the Radar
In this edition of 'Under the Radar' Keith How unearths more treasures from the quieter corners of our musical landscape - a talented singer/songwriter and an inspiring new collaboration of psych/folkers.
Elliott Murphy
Just A Story From America
In her 'Raging pages' book column, Lisa Torem reflects on 'Just A Story from America', singer-songwriter Elliott Murphy’s frank and humorous account of his illustrious career, abrupt challenges and imaginative resurgence.
Lani Hall Alpert
Emotional Memoirs And Short Stories
In her 'Raging Pages' book column Lisa Torem finds jazz singer and musician Lani Hall Alpert distilling hard-scrabble Chicago life, debilitating illness, crummy therapists, disoriented hitchhikers and more in her first book 'Emotional Memoirs and Short Stories'.
Robert Forster
Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Dixie Ernill, in 'Ten Songs That Made Me Love...', writes of his ten favourite songs by Australian singer-songwriter and Go Betweens co-founder Robert Forster.
Graham Parker
Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
In our series, in which our writers write about ten songs that made them love a favourite band or artist, Kimberly Bright writes about her favourite songs by English singer-songwriter Graham Parker.
Benjamin Orr
Let’s go
Lisa Torem finds that 'Let's Go!', Joe Milliken’s comprehensive book about the late singer/bassist Ben Orr and his career with The Cars is well-researched and peppered with insight.
Mickey Newbury
Ten Songs That Made Me Love
Malcolm Carter in 'Ten Songs that Made Me Love...' writes of some of his favourite songs by 60's singer-songwriter Mickey Newbury.
John Lennon
Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Carl Bookstein looks back at the music of John Lennon and the Beatles and ten songs that made him love the iconic singer and songwriter.
The The
Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Mary O'Meara in 'Ten Songs That Made Me Love...' writes of some of her favourite songs by post-punk band The The, the project of London-based singer-songwriter and experimental musician Matt Johnson
Car Seat Headrest
Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Erick Mertz reflects on ten of his favourite songs by Car Seat Headrest, the project of Virginia-bred singer-songwriter and lo-fi alternative rock musician Will Toledo
Jonathan Beckett
Vinyl Stories
Dave Goodwin in 'Vinyl Stories' makes another epic delve into the world of vinyl as he raids Moscow Circus' lead singer/songwriter Jonathan Beckett's record box and finds Echo and The Bunnymen, REM, The Blue Nile and other twelve inch treats
Vinny Peculiar
Broadcast, Glasgow, 22/9/2016 and Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh, 23/9/2016
We profile two Pennyblackmusic shows with singer-songwriter and musician Vinny Peculiar at Broadcast in Glasgow on Thursday September 22nd and at the Voodoo Rooms in Edinburgh on Friday September 23rd
Roy Moller
Competition
We have five copies of Scottish singer-songwriter's 'There's a Thousand Untold Stories' (with 'There's a Thousand More Untold Stories' to give away as competition prizes.)
Harry Chapin
Southport Theatre, Southport, 1977
In our 'Gig of a Lifetime' column recalls attending his first gig as a teenager, which was a show by the late American folk singer-songwriter Harry Chapin at the Southport Theatre in 1977
Elvis Costello
Unfaithful Music
Despite its length, Lisa Torem enjoys reading about British singer/songwriter/producer Elvis Costello's colourful life in his newly released memoir and offers commentary in her monthly column, 'Raging Pages'
Serge Gainsbourg
Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Dan Cressey for 'Ten Songs That Made Me Love...' writes about his favourite songs by French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg
Photography
Photoscapes
Robert Hadley photographs singer-songwriter Iraina Mancini at a gig at The Night Owl in Birmingham.
Photoscapes
Amanda J Window takes photos of American singer-songwriter Ezra Furman at The Ritz in Manchester.
Photoscapes
Andrew Twambley takes photographs of legendary singer-songwriter Steve Harley with his Acoustic Band at the Waterside in Sale.
Photoscapes
Andrew Twambley takes photographs of singer-songwriter Ian Prowse at a home town show at the Liverpool Academy.
Photoscapes
Andrew Twambley takes photographs of legendary singer-songwriter Steve Harley with the latest line-up of his band tCockney Rebel at the Lowther Pavilion in Lytham St Anne's.
Emily Capell
Photoscapes
Andrew Twambley photographs rising singer-songwriter Emily Capell at a show at the Ritz in Manchester.
Anna Calvi
Photoscapes
Andrew Twambley photographs singer-songwriter and guitarist Anma Calvi in a headline show at a new two-day Wirral-based festival Future Yard.
KT Tunstall
Photoscapes
Andrew Twambley photographs Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall at the Albert Hall in Manchester.
Doris Brendel
Photoscapes
Andrew Twambley photographs Oxfordshire-based singer-songwriter Doris Brendel at a show at The Ritz in Manchester.
Miles Kane
Photoscapes
Marie Hazelwood photographs singer-songwriter and Last Shadow Puppets co-front man Miles Kane at an in-store gig at the Fred Perry shop in Manchester.
Patrick Wolf
Photoscapes
Marie Hazelwood photographs singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Patrick Wolf at a gig at the Scandinavian Church in Liverpool
Ian Prowse
Photoscapes
Bill Gray photographs Liverpudlian singer-songwriter Ian Prowse at a show in Glasgow
EMA
Photoscapes
Melanie Smith photographs American industrial-folk singer EMA at a show at the Ruby Lounge in Manchester
Photoscapes
Eddi Reader
Bill Gray much acclaimed Scottish singer-songwriter and folk musician Eddi Reader at a gig at the ABC in her native Glasgow
John Lennon McCullagh
Photoscapes
Bill Gray photographs sixteen year old singer-songwriter John Lennon McCullagh, who was the first signing to ex-Creation Records boss Alan McGee's new label 359 Music
Photoscapes
Kelley Stoltz
Bill Gray at Broadcast in Glasgow takes photographs of San Francisco-based singer-songwriter Kelley Stoltz