GONG
Gong in 2023 features the longest running line up of this legendary international psychedelic band.
Comprising of members hand picked by the founding member Daevid Allen following his intent that his mystical vision for a group be continued after his passing, 21st century Gong remains a psychedelic tour de force, constantly evolving and expanding its core sound.
Kavus Torabi (Cardiacs/ The Utopia Strong) fronts the ensemble with Dave Sturt (Bill Nelson/ Jade Warrior), Fabio Golfetti (Violeta de Outono), Ian East and Cheb Nettles, with a string of studio and live albums.
The universe of Gong began in 1969 by Daevid Allen, following a profound psychedelic vision. A founder member of Soft Machine, Allen wove his spiritual and metaphysical leanings into an evolving collective. More a mythology than a band in the conventional sense Gong established itself as one of the most unique, innovative and experimental rock groups of the seventies, with an experimental mix of rock, jazz and psychedelia with elements of mysticism and based surrealism, all laced with a far-out sense of humour.
The current incarnation, who were put together by Daevid for his swansong album with Gong, I See You, continue his intent that Gong do not die with him, urging the band to take it “into new unknown heights and depths far beyond anything I could ever imagine myself”. The current line up is the most stable one in Gong's illustrious history, having written, recorded and toured together for eight years since Allen's passing, while espousing the ethics, attitude and lifestyle that was always woven into the fabric of the band.
The band have continued to tour internationally since that time including visits to China, Poland Scandinavia, Brazil and Japan. They have released Rejoice I’m Dead (2016), The Universe Also Collapses (2019), Pulsing Signals (2021) and now Unending Ascending (2023), all on Kscope.
HENGE
Attention Humans! This is HENGE.
We are not from this world.
We bring you music from distant planets.
We offer this gift for the edification of humankind… so that eventually your species may put an end to war and set up new homes in space.
Extra-terrestrial joymongers - HENGE - have been delighting audiences in the UK and Europe since they landed on Planet Earth over a decade ago. Their scintillating live performances earned them ‘Best Live Act’ at the Independent Festival Awards and they have since cemented their reputation with four acclaimed albums, numerous tours and regular main-stage festival appearances.
Their latest album, Journey to Voltus B, expands their intergalactic mythology with a conceptually ambitious release that features a novel twist - a double-groove vinyl pressing that offers two possible endings, depending on where the needle lands. The album has received glowing reviews, sold out headline shows across the UK and Europe, and earned radio support from BBC 6 Music tastemakers including Stuart Maconie, Deb Grant, and Craig Charles.
The music escapes definition, but occupies a space between rave and prog rock that nobody knew existed. It is energetic, subversive and invigoratingly playful, jovially going ‘where no one has gone before’. Ultimately, HENGE are spreading a message of hope which leaves audiences feeling amused and uplifted in equal measures.
VINCE LEE & SOPHIE LORD
Vintage blues duo based in Plymouth in the UK. Vince, founder member of The Wildcards and latterly The Big Combo, has been playing and singing the blues in all its forms since the mid 80s and has influenced many likeminded musicians with his guitar playing. Sophie Lord was one of those people. Recently returning to Plymouth after 10 years working as a bass player in London, Sophie joined forces with Vince in early 2022.
SHOOGLENIFTY
Shooglenifty was formed in 1990 by musicians from the Scottish Highlands, Orkney and Edinburgh. Its bright spark was the idea of fusing traditional and traditional-sounding melodies with the beats and basslines of a mixed bag of more contemporary influences. As happy playing a small highland village hall as they are on an outdoor festival stage playing to tens of thousands, the Shoogles (as they’re known to their fans) have promoted Scottish music all over the world for three decades.
In a career spanning many firsts – the first band to incite a stage invasion at the Sydney Opera House, the first UK band to play in Cuba, and the first Scots to perform in the Borneo Rainforest – Shooglenifty blazed a trail that many other top Scottish traditional bands have followed. But they are still the original and best. They will get you on your feet with their electric new tunes and a full-on set of old favourites.
Shooglenifty reached the ripe old age of 30 in 2020. Hopes that they would finally settle down to the quiet life were dashed when they accepted an invitation to start the year in style by performing at midnight for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. The band played gigs in the north of Scotland in February 2020 before all dates for the rest of the year were cancelled, postponed or put on hold due to the Coronvirus pandemic.
Since emerging from the pandemic in 2022, the band have consolidated their amazing new lineup over a headline Scottish tour, two tours of Canada, and dozens of festival and concert appearances across the UK and Europe.
Joining the funky percussion and emotive Gaelic and English vocals of Kaela Rowan, Shooglenifty’s #10 frontline features the virtuosic skills of Eilidh Shaw (The Poozies) on fiddle and Ciarán Ryan (Dallahan / Ciarán Ryan Band) on banjo and mandolin.
Adding to this heady mix is the phenomenal bass and hair of Euan McLaughlin (Valtos / Ann Dansa Dub), who joins founding members James Mackintosh (drums) and the inimitable Malcolm Crosbie (guitar) in the rhythm section. What could possibly go wrong?
The band are currently recording their 10th studio album and are excited to celebrate their 35th year with some of their favourite gigs and festivals after releasing the magic early in 2026.
KARNATAKA
Karnataka began life as a project by Ian Jones and Rachel Cohen to record a selection of songs written during their spells with previous bands.
The band was named after the Indian state of Karnataka where Ian had recently visited.
The debut album ‘Karnataka’, was released in 1998 and featured Jonathan Edwards on Keyboards, Gavin Griffiths on drums and Paul Davies on guitars.
Following the release of the CD the same line-up continued as a band writing new material which would form the follow up album The Storm released in 2000. The Storm was recorded in Ian and Rachel’s home studio and was mixed by Phil Ault at Rockfield Studios in Monmouth. At the 2000 Classic Rock Society Awards in Rotherham, Karnataka won awards for Best New Band and Best Female Vocalist.
In 2001 the band supported Porcupine Tree on a selection of their European dates and filmed a live DVD at The London Astoria 2 which was released by Classic Rock Legends. In 2002 the band filmed another DVD with Classic Rock Legends ‘Live in the USA;.
In 2003 the band released their third album Delicate Flame of Desire. The album was produced by Steve Evans and mixed by Joe Gibb at Mighty Atom Studios in Swansea. The album was mastered at Abbey Road Studios. The album featured Anne-Marie Helder who had previously performed with the band as a guest backing vocalist. In 2004 the line-up released their final album Strange Behaviour, a double live CD recorded at The Limelight in Crewe.
In 2005 Ian announced the band would continue with a new line-up featuring Lisa Fury on vocals, Gonzalo Carrera on keyboards and Enrico Pinna on guitars. In 2010 a new Karnataka album The Gathering Light was released, recorded and produced by Ian Jones, mixed by Enrico Pinna and mastered in London’s Metropolis Studios. The album won Best Album at the Prog Awards.
Following Lisa and Gonzalo’s departure in 2011 new members Hayley Griffiths (vocals), Cagri Tozluoglu (keyboards) were announced. In 2012 the band released a new live album and DVD ‘New Light’. In 2013 the line-up was augmented by drummer Jimmy Pallagrosi and in 2015 new studio album Secrets of Angels was released. The album won Best Album at the Classic Rock Society Awards. In 2017 the band released Secrets of angels Live on CD/DVD and Blu-Ray.
In 2018 Sertari was announced as the band’s new vocalist. They have been writing new material for a new studio album set for release in 2022. The line-up were joined by special guests Luke Machin on guitars and Chris Allan on drums. In 2020 they announced their New Dawn Rising Tour which was postponed to 2022 following the global Covid pandemic.
In June 2023 the band released their new album Requiem For A Dream to critical acclaim.
LIGHTNIN' WILLIE & THE POORBOYS
Lightnin' Willie is a veteran bluesman with in excess of twenty years of touring experience. Originally from Dallas Texas he now resides in the Los Angeles area. Willie plays in a traditional blues format with traditional instrumentation i.e. guitar, keyboards, accordion, bass, drums, and horns. He plays on a regular basis in the Los Angeles area with Grammy award winning producer/guitarist Pete Anderson who incidentally produced his album NO BLACK NO WHITE JUST BLUES on Little Dog Records which is received incredibly consistent reviews and airplay worldwide. " It featured ten clever and powerful self-penned compositions that explore the haunting expressions of human feelings that inhabit the blues alongside a fair share of wit. He writes songs in a concisely crisp manner. He sings with rich, full-bodied character, while playing guitar with sizable skill "- VIVASCENE. " The great grooves, understated guitar, vocals, and lyrics fit perfectly in the genre without seeming old and tired make for one of the best listens "- VINTAGE GUITAR MAGAZINE/DECEMBER " In a world of guitar slingers, Los Angeles-based bluesman is a rare find. His guitar, a 1950 Gibson ES-5N has a rich, deep tone and Willie's tasteful style create a sound that's light years away from the howling Fender Stratocasters that populate so many modern blues recordings. His understated dexterity on guitar and cool, relaxed vocals form a unique style that's simultaneously laid back and steeped in tradition. " - ELMORE MAGAZINE
" One of the best contemporary Blues songwriters & performers today "- PETE ANDERSON/GRAMMY MULTI AWARD WINNING PRODUCER.
" He isn't a simple minded dance band leader. He developed his deceptively simple, boundless appealing style over a lifetime of propinquitous musical experience..." - JONNY WHITESIDE.
" What he doesn't know about putting on a good show isn't worth knowing..."- MICHAEL MEES/BLUES IN BRITAIN.
Lightnin' Willie has a distinctive approach to his music. He is a songwriter, singer and guitarist in that order. The sound is an irresistible blend of tradition and spontaneous creativity, with a deliciously insidious emphasis on the groove. It is a compelling, hard swinging brand of blues that, whenever he performs, packs the floor--his audience can't not dance. He has gone from the low down beer joints to become a staple on the international circuit here and abroad, with wild stops along the the way, from London's Royal Albert Hall Igniter Series to Willie Nelson's infamous 4th of July Picnic, where he appeared alongside Paula Nelson, Willie, Bob Dylan, Leon Russell. Touring the United States and Europe for over twenty years has given him the relaxed, confident and sometimes humorous quality of a seasoned performer. These attributes have won him stacks of enthusiastic praise from the press while landing his original tunes on numerous film and television soundtracks. Lightnin' Willie has the unique knack of bringing his audience into his 'living room' and making everyone comfortable while forgetting their problems for a couple of hours. At a recent show with legendary blues man Robert Cray they played to a packed house receiving a well deserved standing ovation.
THE MENTULLS
With soaring guitar work, rich keyboard textures, hook-laden songs, and standout musicianship, The Mentulls, transcend genres, earning acclaim from both fans and critics alike. Their dynamic, melodic sound has garnered national radio play on BBC Radio 2 and Planet Rock, glowing press reviews, and a growing international following.
Fronted by brothers and founders Andrew Pipe (guitar) and Jamie Pipe (keyboards), who are joined by Ashley Walker (bass, lead vocals) and acclaimed drummer Henry Rogers, form a line-up brimming with energy, chemistry, and power. Together, they deliver music that is as emotive as it is technically accomplished, with live performances that are both electrifying and immersive.
On stage, The Mentulls have toured and shared festival bills with some of rock’s biggest names, including Wishbone Ash, Focus, The Stranglers, FM, Feeder, Walter Trout, and Bad Company’s Mick Ralphs. Each performance demonstrates their ability to win over new audiences with music that crosses genres and generations.
Albums such as Reflections and Recipe For Change highlight the band’s ability to craft bold, melodic, and richly arranged songs, earning strong reviews and admiration from peers.
With a revitalised line-up, The Mentulls are a band to watch—fresh, ambitious, and unafraid to push boundaries while honouring the spirit of rock’s golden era.
THE DIRTY STRANGERS
