I wonder how many people have ever considered pursuing a career in radio production and media broadcasting? I wonder how many people actually ever considered to be trained up into a media maniac, so that they can go and work in one of the most thrilling career industries to ever exist? When I left Newlands School F.C.J, now named Trinity Catholic College, I hoped to become a police officer and enrolled on a BTEC Level 3 Public Services course. However it was when I met a radio presenter in Ireland that made me think otherwise. Having previously done online radio broadcasting before on a Friday night with terrible organisation skills and a lack of knowledge into production when I should have been revising for my Year 10 Science test, I considered possibly doing radio presenting as a part time ‘hobby’. It was when I was pointed in the right direction to locate a small property in my local town, Middlesbrough, that I discovered a wonderful place full of opportunities, skills and futures.
Community Voice FM; for the community, by the community. It’s true to it’s word. This station depends on a stable, reliable and dedicated team of passionate and enthusiastic volunteers with a high vision for success. It also depends on a small team of skilled, hard working and passionate staff members who could build a positive relationship with the station and it’s volunteers. Also, don’t forget the Director’s Board, who founded the station, and could build a positive relationship with the community. Anyone who could be a part of either of these teams would be deemed ‘proud people’ in my eyes. This marvelous station is one of it’s kind, since before it was set up in late 2009, no community stations in Middlesbrough actually ever existed. So until that time you wouldn’t of been able to really consider pursuing that type of career in this industrial town. The station’s mission was and is to reach out to the communities within Middlesbrough, in the hope of unleashing and releasing their vibrant, creative and colorful talents of all kinds! Whether you want to broadcast, write articles, produce, do photography, film or simply become equipped with media knowledge and skills… Community Voice FM is the place. The station welcomes anyone with any background or culture. A lot of our volunteers are of different ethnicities and have different tastes in interests and music. The team is full of mixed members of the community, all bringing something to the table. There is the Late Night Rock Show, The Geek Show, Double Take Movie Show, Match Monday & Football Friday, Bollywood Zone Show and my show… The HipHop & R’n'B Show, with plenty of other shows too. The station forms communities together by building friendly relationships, promoting equality & diversity, and showing different cultural understandings.
This station runs some brilliant and successful projects, through their connections with community organisations such as B.M.E, and our Middlesbrough Council. I myself worked on the ‘We Are Golden’ project with Idrees Rashid (a member on the Director’s Board), a project set up for young people, opening a gateway into the world of media. The project was a great success! One of it’s most valuable members, who was filled with intelligence and knowledge, known as Junaid Iqbal has recently gone on to open his own online media broadcasting channel known as ‘UpScale Productions’, which I have heard is doing very well. Other recent projects include ‘Golden Voices’, directed and coordinated by Sheila Anderson (another brilliant Community Voice FM staff member) which has and is currently providing opportunities for senior citizens of the community. Giving them that little bit of help to get their voice onto the 104.5FM airwaves, and gearing them up with today’s latest media technology skills. This is a project that easily demonstrates the passion for equality & diversity in the community. Also there is the ‘Media Routz’ project that is really at the heart of what we do, and is responsible for what we all learn. It provides FREE training in the world of radio production. It teaches people how to use the internet and basic computer skills, and there are even CV Workshops and help with job searching.
When I was 16 year’s old, I had tried locating this station, and when walking home from Middlesbrough College one day, I discovered it at 83 Borough Road. I took a glance and really tried to imagine myself behind a microphone. The idea of a career in it at the time didn’t really appeal to me, but to do it locally for free as a hobby was definitely appealing. A few days later I went to the station, but unfortunately the station manager wasn’t there. I came back yet again a few days later with a basic plan and a structure for my show, having remembered what Tim Norton, the Irish radio presenter, told me a few months before in the summer of 2010. They were really interested in what I had to say, and by the looks of the station manager, they seemed quite shocked that someone of my age would be interested. I told them my passion and love for HipHop & R’n'B music, especially local talent. They arranged for me to come back and discuss in more depth about my show’s plot, and I didn’t hesitate to come back. That evening I got home and told my mother, she literally didn’t believe me. When I went back, the station manager had me design a basic show for my first show, obviously this was a draft though. He was very impressed with my structure and my organisational skills. He then gave me some application forms to fill out and a booklet with guidelines. We decided that my first show was going to be broadcasted on the 6th January at 10.30pm. It was going to be pre-recorded until I was skilled enough to do a LIVE show. I was so excited, and my mother then decided to believe me, with a lot of shock of course. Then I went and sat in with the Soul Sessions Show with DJ Trev on a Thursday evening during his LIVE slot. I had a chance to speak on the microphone and I was honestly terrified.
When it came to first producing my first show, it was terrible because I had no idea what I was doing, and I seemed to waste a good 2 hours of my guest’s time. However, I managed to pre-record it again, and it was ready for the 6th January. I got my friends and family to listen that night and they seemed to love it, someone posted it on Facebook too, and I didn’t hope to get the attention because everything I ever done was just laughed at. But I couldn’t avoid hiding it and now I’m glad people did find out, because all I have ever had is positive feedback. I decided to give this hobby a real go, and with full speed ahead I took every opportunity I could. I sneaked in to Professor Green’s gig at the Empire in February, just a month later, without any real permission, just blagging and acting as if I had a right to be there, and next thing you know I am sat with him talking and he even puts me and my friend on the guest list. I jumped the queue, taking pleasure in seeing all those who did doubt me stood in the rain shouting to me if I had met him. I had a brilliant night all in all. A few weeks later, I was launching my youth scheme known as ‘Believe & Achieve’ at the Town Hall Civic Centre with Mayor Ray Mallon. My family didn’t think that my ideas about how we could tackle anti-social behaviour and youth crime through media and music would actually appeal to him, but he seemed very impressed and he was keen to work with me. Since then me and the Mayor have maintained a positive professional relationship and I feel that I can bring ideas, concerns and issues straight to him.
Eventually my show went LIVE, I started a fan page, I was bringing in acts, I started a website and I was getting emails from loads of musicians from all over the country. I started to build a name for myself and I began to discover a different path in a different career industry. I was building foundations. I went on to meet the likes of Chipmunk, and I became very close to the community and the work within it. Towards the end of the summer I was then nominated as a Young Achiever by the council, and Claire Wordsworth asked me to send in a quote about why I think Middlesbrough should be a city for the Middlesbrough City Status Bid 2012, and of course I did. A few weeks later when I was on holiday, Claire contacted me through Facebook informing me that my quote has been selected to be on a poster that was going to be at the train station in Middlesbrough in the underpass. Claire wanted to organise a photo shoot for the poster, and obviously I agreed. I was then nominated for the CVFM Star Award at the Middlesbrough Volunteering Star Awards of 2011. I was in fact nominated with other volunteers from Community Voice FM by one of the Director’s, Idrees Rashid. I was then shortlisted to the final two in my category in September 2011, and a group of Teesside University media students wanted to film a short documentary on me to promote the awards. It was then the poster launch for the Middlesbrough City Status Bid 2012, and I was interviewed by the BBC Tees about my quote. It was an amazing day and the campaign was something I was proud to be a part of, I was very passionate about Middlesbrough. When it came to November 2011, after my tickets arrived and I had seen who I was up against, TeesFast FM, I honestly began to feel that I wasn’t going to win. But the simple fact that I had got that far was enough, and when my name was called out I was gob smacked that I had won.
Plenty more opportunities arose and the good fortune just never stops coming. It is amazing to think that so much can occur from entering a little community station in your local area? But it’s true. Community Voice FM trained me up to be something I never thought I could be, and through everything I have done I was always doubted by those around me. I was the only one, apart from my mother, who had any real faith in myself, and even that was little. However it has come to mid 2012 and I have achieved so much, and I have proved everyone wrong, all thanks to Community Voice FM. Unfortunately, on the 9th May at 6pm my HipHop & R’n'B Show will broadcast for the very last time, as I have decided to concentrate my energies on the final few weeks of college. I felt like it was my time to move on from the show. I am still currently presenting my new Tuesday morning breakfast show called Time For TJ, from 9am till 11am, and I am enjoying it so much. I have built my foundations with the high support and faith from this station, and the staff, the Directors and the volunteers are practically my family. I am going on to hopefully pursue a career in presenting and media production, and I have already signed a contract in a new line of presenting. Hopefully it will be the start of a fruitful career, but I will always be a part of Community Voice FM. The opportunities are endless. Please don’t hesistate to contact the station with any ideas for shows, or any interests in becoming a part of the team, because they will welcome you with open arms. It changed my life and it could change yours.

Check the station out on 104.5FM in the Middlesbrough area, or tune in on: http://www.cvfm.org.uk/

Here is a video link for what we do: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jTSmJm75fs

A big thanks to Tommy Dunn for his personal account of life at Community Voice FM. We here at the Northern Line wish him every success in the future.

The festival is a one day event with a fantastic line up:-

RAZORLIGHT are headlining the main stage, with a supporting line up of REVEREND AND THE MAKERS, THE BISHOPS, FERAL BROOD (EX- THE DODGEMS) AND SKINT AND DEMORALISED, KING CHARLES, HYDE AND THE BEAST AND MORE

On the Instituition stage we have THE SUNSHINE UNDERGROUND headlining and supporting line up features THE WHIP, THE BLOOD ARM, CHRIS HELME AND MORE.

And the third but by no means least stage features many local up and coming acts.

FOR INFO AND TICKETS VISIT www.crookedways.co.uk  NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2012 is the year when Pontefract becomes known for more than just Haribo.

We’re currently in negotiations for our next big band announcement. So while we dot the i’s and cross the t’s of the contractual paperwork, we thought we’d give you a little teaser to keep you all chomping at the bit! Added to the line up over 31st August – 2nd September we can confirm two local bands; The Chevin and Ellen and the Escapades. Plus two more from further afield: Citizens! and Sadie and the Hotheads.

Taking to two of our three stages in Myrtle Park our new recruits join: Nero, DJ Fresh, The Pigeon Detectives, Hard-Fi, The Charlatans, Maverick Sabre, Delilah, Kids in Glass Houses, Katzenjammer, The Idiot B*stard Band, StooShe, Yes Sir Boss, Miles & Erica, Skinny Lister, King Charles and The Lancashire Hot Pots.

As some of you may know, The Chevin, are an up-and-coming four-piece from Otley. Named after the dominating local natural landmark, the band’s dramatic sound seems to be influenced by West Yorkshire’s scenery. Having met at Prince Henry’s Grammar School, the band has quickly progressed to opening for White Lies and The Pigeon Detectives. Released at the end of 2011, their Champion EP is characterised by epic, uplifting songs that are filled with intense energy. Our local heroes’ heady aspirations are sure to guarantee a place in the nation’s arenas. So see them up close at personal at BML while you can!

We’re also delighted to have secured Leeds-based, folk-pop quintet Ellen and the Escapades. After winning 2010’s Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition and playing the BBC Introducing stages at Leeds and Reading the band has gone on to enjoy an exciting couple of years. This success culminated in last month’s release of their debut album All the Crooked Scenes. With an impressive local fan base we’re expecting a great crowd atmosphere while soaking up Ellen’s stunning, smoky vocals and bittersweet, compelling songs.

Next up we have Citizens! whose name is a determined call to action. They come armed with a persuasive treaty to reclaim the pop cause with style and panache. Backed by a handful of infectiously catchy tunes, these five London lads are freshly signed to hip French music and fashion label Kitsuné. The band’s second single Reptile was released last month to great acclaim, with NME describing it as having ‘a perfect pop chorus.’ Expect imaginative, fresh pop that has integrity and depth – come the end of summer Citizens! could be big news.

American, Downton Abbey actress and singer songwriter, Elizabeth McGovern brings her irrepressible, guitar-toting alter ego and band to BML. Sadie and the Hotheads succeeded in making an impression at a select handful of festivals last year so we’re looking forward to seeing Elizabeth / Sadie ditch the corset for a pair of skinnies on the BML stage.

Big Heart, Big Sounds

Bingley Music Live has firmly established itself on the festival circuit; impressing audiences and performers alike with its intimate, friendly atmosphere and professional organisation. The chance to really get up close and personal to your favourite bands is one of the event’s stand-out features, meaning that festival goers can get to the heart of the action.

The improved Raise the Roof stage will include a bigger tent, beefed-up production and a new musical policy to provide a point of difference to the main stage while maintaining a high calibre of bands. This year also see the introduction of a new third stage. Organised in association with the Musician’s Centre the new stage is dedicated to local acts and will focus on uncovering the latest unsigned talent.

BML benefits from its amazing venue, Myrtle Park, the perfect festival location. Set in a natural amphitheatre and bordered by stunning mature woodland near the pretty River Aire, first timers are always blown away by the beauty of this hidden gem. With its picturesque backdrop BML is a great destination for families wanting to share the festival experience. Not only is there space to chill out, there are specially organised kids activities in a dedicated family area.

For those looking for a little luxury or an alternative destination to celebrate a special occasion – BML’s VIP Passes are a must! With access to the backstage VIP area including bar and loos a 3 -day VIP Pass costs £150 or a 1-day VIP Pass with 2 days standard entry is just £75 (+ booking fee).

Welcoming over 15,000 happy revellers per day for three glorious days of diverse music, Bingley Music Live delivers ‘Big Heart, Big Sounds’ and real value for money. At just £45 (+ booking fee) for a three day ticket Bingley Music Live celebrates the end of summer in style.

Weekend tickets are available online at www.bingleymusiclive.com/tickets or call the ticket hotline 0871 220 0260 (£45 + booking fee). For regular updates and additional band announcements please log on to www.bingleymusiclive.com

Now as you know we have a strict policy at The Northern Line of only saying kind words. We don’t aspire to be the NME or to be one of those sites which deliberately courts controversy. But this review of New Order at the O2 Academy in Newcastle on Tuesday by our latest recruit, Ian Hall, was too good to ignore. And a band the size of New Order have either the shoulders to bear the criticism or will just ignore us!!!! A big thanks to Ian for his efforts………

Bernard Summer is not having a good week and the cause of his frustration is all happening in Newcastle. Technical delays are afoot yet although there’s been a bit of a delay New Order start reasonably well. After setting the mood with Lowlife’s Elegia, the band soon storm into Crystal and Regret. Two great guitar singles which despite a running battle with Barney and the sound guy sound ok, even if the vocal is a quite low in the mix. The first of the NO classics, Ceremony is ok at best, not helped by the fact that the bass sounds nothing like the original. Next up and somewhat amusingly Barney starts playing his melodica. In turn, I shout out rather enthusiastically to my mate “Love Vigilantes -its about the Falklands right” only to find that the rest of the band are playing the catchy Age of Consent. Barney promptly throws the instrument to the back of the stage realising he’s got another song to play.

After the not so crafty, Krafty, I cringe hearing the somewhat karaoke 1963, the True Faith B side. Bizarrely this is given another tour airing which is particularly odd considering how good the rest of this bands back catalogue is. Unfortunately, despite the classics, the earlier sound problems aren’t abated. As for Mr & Mrs Morris well…Stephen spends most of the night pushing buttons instead of drumming which surely one of his and Gillian’s children could have done leaving dad to fulfil his duty as drummer in the band. Gillian plays the odd riff here and there including the welcome addition of The Perfect Kiss but the playing is minimal as the backing track takes precedence. My mate Rookesy (bass player in erstwhile toon supergroup ‘the Stunt’) is convinced that the Hookey substitute is miming and is gradually getting more and more upset about it as the night goes on. At least he’s making a greater contribution than the other guitarist who you cannot hear at all. In fact things are going so downhill at this point the addition of Franz Klammer on bass would have been more appropriate.

One thing I have to constantly remind myself is that Barney was guitar player in Joy Division and it’s disappointing that he can’t always use this ability to give the songs more substance when they play live. Bizzare Love Triangle, to some the finest pop song ever written is a mess. Even his Bad lieutenant project made a better fist of it and if only he had played along to at least give the song some backbone instead of dancing like a drunken dad at his daughters wedding.

The highlight of the evening is the brilliant Temptation aided ever so slightly by 6musics tireless playing of the Substance remix. The fans love it too and finally the gigs got going and well we’ve got another three or four songs so perhaps the night could be great after all. Sadly it isn’t.

The lack of a Joy Division encore is most disappointing. Love will tear us apart is not played despite being on the set list. The set runs a little short ending with Blue Monday which seems pointless considering they’ve already played 586 which is like a better version of…Blue Monday. Helpfully the video screen kindly informs us what is being played, as if we’d somehow forgotten one of the key anthems of our youth. That said, the way the band murdered their own classic back catalogue tonight it’s just as well they stayed in the dressing room to avoid destroying another legacy.

Perhaps it was Barney’s retribution to the Geordies for the Toon’s poor showing against Man City on Sunday. Barney a devout red was clearly displeased with the whole event and seldom interacted with the crowd. In this case, it is Yaya Toure rather than love that has torn us apart.

Who are we looking forward to seeing? All of the above as well as a number of Northern Line favourites; Washington Irving, Woodenbox with a fistfull of fivers, Dutch Uncles, Treetop Flyers, Sam Airey…….

LINKS:

DEERSHED FESTIVAL http://deershedfestival.com/

Last week I was watching Wayne’s World (again!!!) and when the scene came on when they are in the car rocking out to Bohemian Rhapsody I thought of O’Messy Life. Why? Their new single sounds nothing like it. I know, but the mood, the length and the way it sounds like 3 or 4 different songs fighting to be heard reminds me of Queen’s classic track. At 6 minutes and 39 seconds long it has a lot of time to fill up but with so many different things going on it fills the time easily. Making me press repeat as soon as it is finished so I can listen to it again. The vocals remind me of the Killers, the lyrics a mix of The Men They couldn’t Hang and The Pogues. All topped off with the Broken Family Band. O’Messy Life are a hotchpotch of ideas all demanding to be heard and I’m sure with songs like this, and the “B” side “Space Holiday”, they will be heard by a bigger audience very soon.

This single is brought to you by our friends at Tiny Lights Recordings and again we have a copy to offer in a fantastic competition. To win the CD plus a sticker and badge just answer this easy question either on our Facebook page, as a twitter tweet or an e-mail (peter@thenorthernline.com). As always first past the post gets it. “O’Messy Life often play backing band to one of our favourites but who is it?”

Thanks to Paul at Tiny Lights and to O’Messy Life for making such a wonderful noise.

LINKS:

O’MESSY LIFE http://www.facebook.com/omessylife

TINY LIGHTS http://tinylightsrecordings.com/

WAYNE’S WORLD http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzUU7SRRsGo

Bandstand’s musical rollercoaster draws its curtains
Bandstand Gran Finale

After one and a half years of serving Teesside’s music scene, the nightclub based monthly show draws to an end. Within that period Bandstand has been host to a fastly growing and very healthy local music scene as well as bringing in some very exciting new bands from out of town. As Bandstand’s parent company Joint Effort Productions moves onto new projects, the mad-cap night has certainly served its purpose and bows out gracefully this Saturday. Creator of Bandstand and of Joint Effort Productions Rikki Doolan says “It has been a wonderful music journey since Bandstand started on the turn of the year 2011. Middlesbrough’s music scene in that time has really began to flourish. There are now large numbers of promoters and bands within town. All sharing in the belief and passion that Teesside’s music scene is really happening, and that there are greater things to come. I for one, completely agree!”

To go out in style two former hosts and local comedy characters Rick Betamax and Colin Spade-ger return to bring onstage antics. The music of the evening is brought to you by an ensemble of the area’s finest. First of all are relative newcomers Plug. Fresh out of college and brimming with talent they are one to look out for. One of the area’s most promising bands 3 Foot Ninja arrive to see off Bandstand. Now equipped with their brilliant self-titled first album under their arm, which will be available to buy on the night. To close off the evening and to draw the final curtain is an entourage of artists who formerly performed on the night. Local hip-hop artist BLUNT!, local musician Andy Mac formerly of The High Horses, Rikki & The Porters reform for the special night as well as Bare Phut and The Kingpins. The night will be closed off with the usual, and this time final, Gran Finale where all performers come back on stage to see out the night!! Onwards & Upwards Middlesbrough!

Expect the usual Music, Mayhem and Madness that Bandstand has been renowned for as well as a celebration and farewell.

Saturday May 5th 2012. The Crown, Linthorpe Road.Doors 8pm – 2am. Entry – £4. 18+ only.

Many Thanks for all your help with Bandstand.
from
Rikki Doolan
Joint Effort Productions

LINKS:

BANDSTAND: http://www.facebook.com/people/Joint-Effort-Middlesbrough/100001918708746#!/profile.php?id=100001918708746

“I put on the boss’ cap for this one – it’s been a while since I stepped up and took the reins. As a mother of three children under 4 I’ve had other things on my mind, my husband Greg (McGee, co-director and recent participant on Sky Atlantic’s ‘The Devil’s Dinner Party’), has taken on the lion’s share of responsibility. Now the kids are getting older we thought this was an opportunity for me to flex my curatorial muscles, as well as directing the theme behind the show. I thought it would be interesting to run a show made up of female artists and really look at the concept of ‘elementals’, not that I think women are restricted to thinking in just a fluid way, or that men can’t think in such a way. ‘Elementals’ gives the artists and myself a chance to perhaps use art to find what it is for us to be women in a time when, let’s face it, a lot of men in power have ballsed up so dramatically. I have to say, this is not a political show in any way. Rather I think it’s an expression of a more instinctive, open minded, all embracing love of art. It’s not a case of using the exhibition as therapy – it’s just that I have these experiences, as do the artists, and we can bring them to the table in a stylish, sexy and focused way. The work and the concepts behind them will stand up for themselves. It’s perhaps more commercial than some of our previous shows, but I’m just as much of a business woman and art dealer as I am a supporter of the North’s Contemporary Art scene. That has to be the way, and always has been the way for successful art scenes. The worst thing for someone in my position to do would be to indulge in what I and I alone love. I might love edgy, fierce sculpture, but will it sell? Broadly, no. Will that mean I go out of business? Ultimately, yes. The challenge for this show has been to source what we respect as much as what we think will sell. It’s harder than you think! With the full support of our manager Maria Rodgers we’re 100% prepared for the show and I’m looking forward to being behind the wheel of the good ship ‘According to McGee’.”

Which artists stand out as especially important in the Northern art scene?

“All of them have something to prove. They have that hunger that you can’t fake. Amrik Varkalis is a genius, and brings her tropical heritage to bear on the palette she chooses. Francine Cross has an instinct for colour and heat, while Rosie Bramley creates some of the most thrilling, icily exacting pieces you’ll see – there’s a real love of the challenge of painting nature at its most colossal. Claire West is a riot of fun and optimism, Jo Brown, internationally renowned and favourite here at McGee’s, is the most painterly craftswoman in the North. Ceramicist Emily Stubbs is a real find, and brings a wicked sense of wit and experimentalism to the show. A few of our old ‘New Visuality’ classics are out too. Gin Durham is great, and Karen Perry’s travel notebooks fit in very easily with the vibe. It’s a great show, we’re very proud of it.”

Friday 27th – Sunday 29th July 2012
@ Broughton Hall, Broughton, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 3AE.
Full weekend camping tickets: £112
www.themagicloungeabout.net
Facebook Page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Magic-Loungeabout/165408376833148

3 days of music in 3 minutes video