New Leicester bands 2012

This page is part of the bands section

This page is about bands from Leicester/shire that have started playing in 2012 or bands we have just discovered.

See also our page Band News

16th May

The Decade Runners

By Dave Godbold

Forceful guitar riffs textured with soaring melodies form the base on which smooth vocals and driving rhythms emerge to complete the sound of The Decade Runners. A rock band with an impressively developed sound, particularly when you consider their age, The Decade Runners came about as a result of three of the members being in the same class at school.

The initial reason for forming was to enter a school competition. After being crowned winners, they soon realised that they collectively had something that was worth pursuing. This certain 'something', they believed, comes from the assortment of different musical backgrounds and influences that each member has and their different individual qualities, which, when combined, creates something completely unique and exciting.

These members are: Rob Lea (lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the group).

The Decade Runners is the first band Rob has been in and being a front man for the first time is something he is really enjoying. Rob brings a distinctive voice and great energy and enthusiasm to The Decade Runners as well as a creative and imaginative approach to lyrics/song writing.

He has a broad range of influences, with artists such as Kings of Leon, Queen, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Thin Lizzy, Free, Eagles, The Who and Bon Jovi all influencing his musical style and song writing technique.

Adam Tarleton (lead guitarist).

Adam joined the band in April 2012. He is two years younger than the other members and The Decade Runners is the first band he has been in, but what he lacks in age and experience he more than makes up for in ability.

He has an effortless playing style and a real dedication and passion for music, which stems from his love of a wide range of different genres, with just some of his influences being artists such as Jimi Hendrix, John Mayer, Dire Straits, The Beatles, Oasis, Iron Maiden and Reel Big Fish.

Matt Forrest (bassist).

Matt has been in a few bands before The Decade Runners however this is his first time on bass and none of the bands in the past have had the same chemistry or as promising prospects. His excitement and enthusiasm becomes obvious in his live performances and his energy on stage.

With influences such as Foo Fighters, Blink-182, Muse, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Rise Against, Sum 41, Guns 'n' Roses, Trivium, Killswitch Engage and Lamb of God, he has a wide range of musical knowledge stemming also from his job as a piano teacher to bring to the bands' work.

Alex Godbold (drummer).

Before our first show, despite being in a few bands prior to The Decade Runners, he hadn't played live before, something which you would now find hard to believe when watching him live. His solid playing and commitment to the band is what keeps The Decade Runners together with his house becoming the official band meeting and practice venue. He, more than anyone else in the band, has a heavier rock music background with his main influences Led Zeppelin, Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, Lamb of God, Metallica, Trivium, Slash, Muse, Avenged Sevenfold and Opeth.

After playing a variety of covers at a number of different venues across their local area The Decade Runners are now concentrating on song writing and getting their own music heard, a process which they take great pleasure in doing. They already have a seven track EP out with the songs being greatly received when played live, with many people commenting on the professionalism of the tracks and their commercial viability. They are currently in the process of getting enough material for an album.

The Decade Runners have recently been chosen out of 10,000 other acts, to appear at the Grand Final of Live and Unsigned, a national competition for unsigned musical acts. The Grand Final is to take place at the O2 Area in London on July 14th 2012 and is a fantastic opportunity for the band to spread their appeal.

See our news story on The Decade Runners at Live and Unsigned.

Follow The Decade Runners on ReverbNation

5th May

Date Night Disco

Date Night Disco is a new band from Leicester, playing Synth Rock and founded this year. We asked them about the band:

ArtsIn: Tell us about the band? When did you guys start up and how did it happen?

We're a pretty new band that is formed of members that have all had experience in bands in the past. Gary, Nick and Stuart were in an old band together which was regularly gigging in Leicester and often further afield but we all decided that we wanted to aim for far higher things. We just needed to find the final person to join us to make it happen, and Dan was the guy!

ArtsIn: Who is in the band and what do they play?

Well there's Stuart who's lead vocals and rhythm guitar. He's a master of lyric writing, the stuff he comes up with is often hard hitting, yet poetic. Gary plays lead guitar, he's massively influenced by Tom Delonge but has developed his own unique, powerful sound. Nick is on keys and synth, he's especially good at coming up with sounds that fit the songs that really add punch and depth and finally, Dan on drums. Dan really knows how to break out a killer rock beat!

ArtsIn: What style of music do you guys play?

We like to put our style of music as Synth Rock but we are heavily influenced by bands such as Blink-182, Young Guns, You Me At Six, Angels and Airwaves, Paramore etc. Our sound is pretty unique and we often write songs that fit in a variety of genres so there's something for everyone!

Date Night Disco play their debut gig at the O2 Academy, Leicester, on Saturday 19th May, where they will be making available their EP Every Chance We Get (to be released on 6th June. Details of the 19th May gig are on Facebook.

See DND at the Glastonbudget Festival 2012.

Find out more about Date Night Disco on Facebook | Follow DND Disco on Twitter

3rd May

Different Fish

We talked to Different Fish, a band Leicester, that has impressed us here at ArtsIn on more than one occasion. Lewis Bradford, of Melting Pot, said of them: "I struggle to accurately articulate the impact of their live show, and this to me is exactly where their unique beauty lay. Different Fish find something only they can possibly say."

ArtsIn: Tell me about Different Fish. When did the band start and how did you come together?

Different Fish are three very different fish, from one another and everyone. While coming from different musical backgrounds our formation was inevitable. We're kindred spirits with an appreciation for originality.

ArtsIn: Your band stands out. Your songs and the way you perform them are different from a lot of other local bands. Why is that?

For us playing music is an exorcism. There is a lot of darkness inside us, which we need to get out. As John Lee Hooker says, "it's in [us], it's gotta come out!"

This is done most exuberantly playing live to an audience. Our jams are also performances, what you see in the rehearsal room is what you see on stage, but when playing to strangers it draws it out of us. We want them to see into our souls.

We have a lot of soul and a lot of pain. These are the things we want people to recognise when we perform. It's great when people enjoy it, but when they don't we're not concerned. Our music expresses a lot of hurt, often agony, which some people find hard to understand or empathise with. The performance is reflective of the musical content.

ArtsIn: I happen to think that there is too much musical conformity, and not a little mediocrity that flows from that, where local bands are concerned. Would you agree with me on that?

Bands often rely on emulation alone, never allowing themselves to lose sight of land. Nothing new can be discovered without pushing into uncharted territory.

Artsin: Tell me about how the band makes its live songs. What kind of process takes place when you guys perform and what leads up to performing a live set? I think you told me once that there is a level of spontaneity and improvisation in your work.

True self-expression is fundamental. Spontaneous and unpredictable, improvisation allows for freedom to do so. A performance of a song could be unrecognisable from the last. Each a reflection of that exact internal time and space. The music is part of us, an external representation of our souls.

Watch a video of Different Fish performing Help me.

Listen to Boxes on SoundCloud.

See Different Fish on Facebook.

Find out about Two Headed Snake Productions.

28th April

Flux

Flux is a new band from Leicester whose indie/Funk songs are impressing a growing number of people. The band's music is full of rhythm and vitality as they showed when we saw them on stage at Lock42 on Friday 27th April. The singing by Dominic Bryan - Lead vocals/Rhythm guitar, was well delivered and supported from Cameron Favell - Bass guitar/Backing vocals who's playing often receives favourable comment from other musicians (always a good sign.) Cameron also plays bss in established band Ferris. A good team effort from George Zelenovic - Lead guitar and Ashley Kirby - Drums, is making Flux a popular band, in demand by both venues, promoters and fans. Good melodies and a confident stage presence with ear-pleasing harmonisation between Dominic and Cameron adds up to enjoyable music. They may be new, they may be young but what they are doing is quality.

See Flux on Facebook

The Clipston Project

A folk group based in Leicester/shire with influences that include Dylan, Cohen, Civil Wars, Rumer and so on. They have been working on an album of ten songs - Be Open. Members of the band have a wide spread of experience in music.

The Clipston Project on Facebook | Listen to Romeo on Sound Cloud

Bone Empire

Started in late 2011, Bone Empire consists of rappers Tek-Nique (Ricky C), I-Kotik (Adam Castle) and DJ Blade (DJ Gizmo). They are an alternative metal/hardcore/hip-hop group, hailing from Leicester and Nottingham. Having achieved so much already as a group they have played at three festivals during 2011, as well as many other gigs and events.

Each member has had a good solo career. The group has supported such acts such as: B-Real of Cypress Hill (US), Immortal Tech (US), Necro (US), Sean Strange (US), Lord Lhus (GER), Snowgoons (EU)and Dr Syntax (UK). The group have also performed in: America and Germany, in addition to many other venues in the UK.

it's clear that Bone Empire ain't NTFW. You can see them on Friday 11th May at The Shed.

Zamrish

Whilst I have not yet seen this band play live, I have listened to some of their tracks on ReverbNation. On the basis of what I have heard I will definitely want to pay them a visit. Their alternative, indie rock songs have a nice, atmospheric and alluring ethnic feel to them. Creative and elegant, ear-pleasing and attractive sounds. Their offering of musical confections includes guitars, keys, accordions, mouth organs, percussion, drums, vocals. Looking good.

Zamrish on ReverbNation

Without Light

Without Light at the Sound House © Reece Colling Photography

Chris Slocombe talks to us about metal band Without Light

ArtsIn: Tell us about the band. How did you get going?

Chris: It started our with myself and the bassist Leon. We were previously in a band together and wanted to carry on working. I posted a few ads online and, after a few time wasters, I found two guitarists wanting to put in the time and effort. After jamming for a while we got a rough direction and sense of were we wanted to go. We then started looking for a vocalist. While talking to a friend about it, he mentioned he wanted to join a band. I'd previously worked with him briefly so knew he was capable. We got him down and we all worked really well, so we asked him too join the band. We've had a few ups and downs since then, but we've got through it and looking forward too 2012.

ArtsIn: So, who is in the band and what do they do?

Chris: The band consist of: Sam Cleall - Vocals, Myself - Drums, Leon Wilson - Bass, Colm Bourke - Guitar and Phill Stone - Guitar

ArtsIn: How many gigs have you played so far and which ones stand out?

Chris: We have our first and only gig of 2011 on the 18th December at The Soundhouse in Leicester supporting Glamour Of The Kill

ArtsIn: How many songs have you recorded and where can we hear them?

Chris: We haven't recorded yet. We've spent the last six months working on material, and we will be recording in early 2012, but if you like us on Facebook you'll see all news and updates to with the band and recording.

Without Light are performing at the SoundHouse on Saturday 10th March with Silent Resistance.

See Without Light on Facebook

9th February

The Hot Frolics

Leicester's newest and hottest band The Hot Frolics will be launching their zesty pop rock on to the Leicester music scene this month. The quartet, based in Ashby de la Zouch, have high expectations for 2012 and will be kicking off their musical adventure at The Soundhouse on Thursday 23rd February.

The Hot Frolics consist of Steve Marsden, Jon Tandy, Ben Storer and Andy Abbott and were put together by Steve in November 2011. "It's exciting to be part of something that has real potential", frontman Marsden told us. "Individually we have done some amazing things, from supporting bands like The Streets to playing at the O2 arena. But being able to control our own musical fate is a real incentive to work hard and do what we enjoy."

The lads have big plans for 2012 that include playing at local and national music festivals, performances on radio and touring the west coast of the USA. On Saturday 18th February, Steve will also be performing an Acoustic set as part of an ArtsIn Showcase at The Shed.

See the Hot Frolics's web site

29th January

Icons

Formerly Leicester metal band Coritani, Icons has a new music style and a new facebook page. Now playing Progressive/Metal/Djent/Melodic Hardcore. Icons was formed in February 2007 and has gone by a couple names in the past (Evangelion + Coritani). In 2011 they have had some major changes to the band. After one of the founding members of the band left they decided to completely re-launch the band and change our musical direction.

Icons on Facebook

Prisoners of the Night

Currently a four piece, they are seeking in a new member. They play both original songs and covers. Based in Melton Mowbray, they perform alternative rock music. Bands they like and influences include: My chemical romance, muse, hollywood undead, billy talent, slipknot, asking alexandria, green day, bullet for my valentine, Korn, Alien ant farm, bring me the horizon, the used, billy talent Influences my chemical romance, muse, Asking Alexandria, billy talent, hollywood undead.

Check out Prisoners of the Night on Facebook

Timo Faya

Based in Leicester, Timo Faya started as a College band but when the bass player left, they decided to carry. They play Soul, R'n'B, Acoustic, Rock, Easy Listening and Pop. the band secured a slot to pl;ay in London on 16th February, after which they plan to write some more songs.

See Timo Faya on Facebook

Other pages you might like:

News about bands

All known local bands

Gigs diary - we went, we saw, we wrote

Gig reviews 2012/2011