NEWS: Underground Music Conference comes to Belfast - Toby Jepson amongst speaker

THE Underground Music Conference (UMC) is coming to Belfast as part of a UK tour, with Wayward Sons singer Toby Jepson amongst the speakers and...the event on April 10th at Limelight2 is free!

The conferene is the one place for artists and bands to get an edge.

The UMC offers an invaluable opportunity to get the lowdown on what’s happening in the growing underground music scene, as well a chance to network and make useful contacts.

Artists, bands and songwriters can all benefit from conference as it continues to move forward as its facilitators and guest speakers meet and speak with bands, listening to what they need and want, then tailor the delivery.

“The underground rock scene has really kicked off,” says Bruce John Dickinson. He should know as former guitarist of Little Angels and The Colour of Noise “It feels like the audience and the bands have reclaimed their own music, and it’s existing outside normal media.

"It’s social media and it’s bands talking to each other, generating the interest, developing a large community, and with this community comes self-sufficiency. Everywhere I look I see talented bands hitting a wall because they don’t know where to turn for help and advice. Our job is to join the dots and help get new music heard.”

Terri Chapman of Rock People Management agrees: “The Underground Music Conference is exactly what this industry has been missing, finally the emerging acts of this thriving scene are getting some professional high end and FREE advice!

"The first Underground Music Conference was extremely successful: I came away from it having signed The Rocket Dolls and they are doing amazing things, already including playing Ramblin Man on the Rising stage this year.”

Claire Lloyd, of Central Press, stresses the importance of smart strategy and tactics in the music business, and making the right contacts. “It may sound like a fortune cookie, but it you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail. Even if you’ve got great material and performance, you’ll get far better exposure and results by smart planning and making the right connections.

"I’m very much looking forward to giving a help in hand to bands and artists trying to navigate their way in today’s fast-evolving music business.”

Guest speakers include Bruce Dickinson (Little Angels, Colour Of Noise) Arya Goggin and Mikey Demus from Skindred, Jimmy O from The Graveltones; Toby Jepson (Little Angels, Wayward Sons) Jimmi Wheelwright (Tigerclub) Tom Harte (Trucker Diablo)Ben Ash (Carcass) Mark Clayden (Pitchshifter); Sara Leigh Shaw (The Pearl Harts)  Rob Town (Stampede Press) Andrew Michael & Lisa Mckeown (Ninelives Management) Claire Lloyd (Central Press) Terri Chapman (Rock People Management) also Damian Keyes (DK Music Management) Peter Keevil (TMR Band Management)
Topics covered at the Underground Music Conferences include: Self and D.I.Y. Management; how to finance your band and projects (covering crowd funding, grants, and traditional record deals); planning your career within the industry, and going from local to national level; PR, social media and networking.

What’s more the UMC helps bands make contacts with labels, managers, PR’s, distributor, merchandisers, etc. - contacts that will make a difference. The Pilots already led to some amazing hook-ups, notably the Rocket Dolls signing to Rock People Management and Saint Apache working with 9 Lives Management.

Bruce recently announced the launch of BRUCE’S NEW MUSIC SHOW on Hard Rock Hell Radio and is looking for the newest and most exciting new music out there which deserves to be heard and bring to a new audience.

To submit for this email a track, biog etc. to mycareer@wbear.io if you want feedback send to george george@wbear.io

The Belfast event is on Tuesday 10th April, Limelight 2, Belfast. Speakers in Belfast confirmed so far ae Toby Jepson, Tom Harte (Trucker Diablo) and Rob Town (Stampede Press)

Get your chance to get up to speed on the brave new world of Underground Music and learn what’s needed to succeed on the new frontiers at the Underground Music Conference.

For further details, and to reserve places at these amazing free events, email Claire Lloyd at claire@centralpress.co.uk.

ALBUM REVIEW: Big Truck rolls over all in its path as Trucker Diablo go to war on 'Fighting For Everything'

THE Big Truck has just got an upgrade, superchargers fitted and the engine tuned to within an inch of its life. Trucker Diablo are rolling inexorably forward with new album 'Fighting For Everything' set to wipe the floor and leave a trail of fans slack jawed in amazement.

But first a Public Service Announcement: Should you play this album in your car you are more than likely to incur a speeding fine. When you have it playing your right foot will have a tendency to go further to the floor...The traffic cops may understand, but don't rely on it.

If said cops were to listen to 'Fighting For Everything' they would bow down and acclaim Trucker Diablo.

It is an album born from adversity, birthed in troubled times for the members of the band personally, and because of the travails of the music industry.

But those travails see a band emerging with a single finger thrust in the air, and defiant 'fuck you' to all that dare stand in their way. While all previous releases by Trucker Diablo have been excellent, this is their magnum opus - a masterpiece of heavy melodic rock.

Kicking the audience's ass from the start with 'Born Trucker' these are 11 songs many an international superstar band would kill to have in their repertoire.

Ten of those songs will have your fist pumping, but when you are standing proud, singing along Trucker being Trucker hit you with a sucker punch. After being so pumped up the closer 'When The Waters Rise' smacks you in the face. Emotionally charged, wonderfully arranged, if you don't feel the tears well up you don't have a heart.

The entire album  - boosted by Frankie McClay's production polish - is a masterclass in how to deliver a varied, but coherent set of tunes, rooted in a conjoined passion for rock 'n' fucking roll.

There is a fire within this album, and that fire has forged an album that works. Yes, works. Whether it is the resolute stance of  'We Will Conquer All' or 'Fighting For Everything' or the impassioned 'Over The Wall' it works as a complete set of tunes.

And, it has enough variety to please all Trucker fans - in fact all fans of hard rock. 'Let's Just Ride'. Don't fucking tell Joe Elliott or Jon Bon Jovi about this song. This captures all that was great about those wonderful days when rock ruled supreme.

And, 'Detroit Steel' is reminiscent of when Kiss had balls. If Simmons and Stanley hear this they may actually decide to record new material. And if they do they won't come close.

Is this description sounds like over-blown hyperbole so be it. Given it's a Northern Ireland band, readers could be forgiven if we were listening to this with more than a taint of bias. However, that is definitely not the case.

When a band bares their soul on the songs they commit to master tapes that are this personal it is something to be marvelled upon. When Tom sings "The scars will keep hurting/But my love will never change" on Drown In The Fire' you can sense the battles the band have been though to release this album.

And, many listeners will spot 'Voodoo II' and wonder have Trucker Diablo disappeared up their own arses á la 'Tallica's unforgiven. Then the track grabs you by the back of the neck, kicks your arse, and throws you to the ground. This is Voodoo fitted with nitrous oxide, a 16 cylinder beast, a truck that will roll over anything in its path.

This is as complete as an album that can be released. Tom, Simon, Jim and Terry have exceeded all expectations. If this is the recorded new material we feel our bowels loosening a little in expectation of the live delivery.

Review by Jonathan Traynor

Fighting For Everything will be officially launched on October 14th at QUB's Bar Sub, with Gasoline Outlaws opening the show.

INTERVIEW: Trucker Tom ready to get the Big Truck rolling into momentous months ahead of new songs and touring

IT'S an exciting few months ahead for the Big Truck as Trucker Diablo gears up for festival dates and the release of their latest set of soaring songs on 'Fighting for Everything'.

A series of slots at some of the most respected festivals in the UK will gather the legions of fans together once more and an acoustic show is set with the legendary Ginger Wildheart at the Diamond Rock Club.

We caught up with Tom Harte to chat about the next six exciting months, starting off with how the new album is coming along with just over three months until release.

"After being locked away for a few month recording our new album, it's time to fill the tank and cast some riffs to the wind," he said.

"We are nearly ready to mix the album and its gonna be a non stop riff monster with the usual trucker stamp on it.

"We will be releasing a new single and video shortly and we are excited to get things underway."

As to playing Trucker have a hectic schedule ahead.

"On the live front we will be starting off at the excellent Amplified festival, which we can't wait for, after that we are playing FUEL in Cardiff, so that kicks thing off nicely before we return to the mountain of rock and the much loved Steelhouse festival before rounded things off at the epic Ramblin' Man Fair."

And, come August there is a wee bit of unfinished business...

"Keeping the foot down, but distortion off we will be joining Ginger Wildheart at the Diamond Rock Club," said Tom. "He is a hero of ours and an honour for us to support him, we were offered a tour last summer but couldn't do it for family  reasons, so we're thrilled to help kick things off, and delighted to open what will be a memorable night."

The rest of the year promises to keep the Big Truck rollin'.

"After the gig with Ginger we will be concentrating on getting the album done followed by a UK tour and festival shows at Planet Rockstock and Rock n Roll Circus.

"After that we will be concentrating on getting the album done followed by a UK tour and festival shows at Planet Rockstock and Rock n Roll Circus at the end of the year. We are looking forward to getting the big truck rolling again!"

ALBUM REVIEW: Muscular melodic Trucker Diablo show their quality on Rise Above The Noise

LAST year Jake Burns of SLF told us that recording an album on Pledge Music was a challenge because when a band enters a studio people have already committed their cash before hearing or knowing what the album would sound like, or whether their audience would 'get it'.

Thus, when Trucker Diablo. decided to end their temporary hiatus it must have taken balls the sizes of water melons to commit fans to purchase 'Rise Above The Noise' before a singe track had been laid down in pre-production in the Rock Shed.

But, fans faith has been rewarded by an album that would put many a major league artists to shame: indeed if labels are not clamouring for Trucker's signatures on contracts they are idiots.

From opener 'Fight Life' through to closer 'Don't Cry' this is masterclass in muscular, melodic hard rock: all the elements that make art form such a cathartic and joyous experience.

With the likes of 'Girl in a Photograph' eeking out the hard rock groove - with stunning solo to boot -  and the anthemic 'Party Like They Started The End Of The World' there is not a dud track.

Amidst all the songs with the trademark Trucker bottom end they are comfortable stretching their sound. The southern rock infused 'Take Me To the River' will have many of the so-called southern boogie bands going back to the drawing board.

Taking the hard rock template to its most impressive format - the power ballad -  Trucker deliver something extraordinary in the shape of 'Murder Ballad'. Hard rock acts across the globe will shake their heads in disbelief as they find they have had their asses handed to them on the proverbial plate by Northern Ireland's Trucker Diablo.

It is clear that the band has emerged from its hiatus invigorated, energised and effervescent. Damn it, hard rock is never better than this.

But, by the same token this is not a one-dimensional release of hard rock. Instead Tom (Harte) and his compadrés have delivered a rounded album, full of hard rock standards, tight appropriate solos and riffs that roll and rock the way they should - just listen to the closing few minutes of 'Sun Deprives The Day'. And as for 'We Stand Strong'....live this will be a killer!

What could have been a train wreck after the impressive 'Songs of Iron' instead shows Trucker Diablo triumph. When the Quireboys Keith Weir tickles the ivories it is but another part of the Trucker package that pulls no punches, aided by Frankie McClay's production.

If you have not managed to get this album then make tracks to get it...that's not a suggestion, that's an order!

Rise Above The Noise is out now! The 'official' album release party is on March 7th at the Diamond Rock Club in Ahoghill Rock City...

Review by Jonny

"Simple, great song writing" - Tom Harte checks out Tesla's Simplicity release

Guest reviewer Tom Harte (Trucker Diablo) casts a critical eye over Tesla’s Simplicity, with a track-by-track analysis

Somehow Tesla has escaped my auditory tractor beam over the years, which is surprising because they definitely cruise down an avenue that I frequent. In light of that I’m not sure if that is a good thing or bad thing... anyway, onto the review.

The album kicks off with ‘MP3’ a mid-paced rocker that grooves along nicely, which flies the flag for the transition of technology in the music industry and driving forward the message of getting back to basics.

‘Ricochet’ celebrates the rock and roll lifestyle and rocks from start to finish. Tesla effortless spew out guitar harmonies and vocal melodies that can’t be ignored. ‘So Divine’ slows the pace a bit and kicks everything back into gear with a stadium sing-a-long chorus: love the guitars in this tune.

Jeff Keith’s raspy vocals could lend themselves to any ballad or hard rocker and in ‘Cross my Heart’ they shift into southern rock mode. This is my favourite on the album.

In ‘Honestly’ my previous vocal views are reinforced, as this ballad is the perfect song for a rainy night in when you’re looking out the window pondering life and your next move. Jeff’s vocals remind me of Raine Maida from Canadian rockers “Our Lady Peace” and I’d be interested to see if Raine was a fan.

‘Flipside’ and ‘Other Than Me’ continue the strength of the album onto the second half.

This is simple, great song writing by a great band, and if that’s what they were going for then they hit the nail on the head.

‘Break of Dawn’ kicks in with choppy riffs that is a definite head nodder…

I have to say ”Simplicity” has a great mix of acoustic tunes and hard rockers and you don’t feel yourself getting bored or clicking next, they seem to have a penchant for huge choruses, as a musician that’s something I strive for and they do it with ease.

There’s enough emotion and soul in the songs that make you fall in love with the songs even more. ‘Life is a River’ is another acoustic rocker with a hint of southern rock.

‘Sympathy’ pumps along, leading into a killer chorus, while ‘Time Bomb’ is explosive as the title and has a bit of a stoner riff to it and again another great chorus. The album closes with the melancholic ‘Til That Day’, which is perfect closer to a great album.

The album ends with a demo of ‘Burnout To Fade’: always great to hear the demo versions compared to the album-finished tracks

”Simplicity” is one of albums that won’t totally blow your mind but could easily fit into rotation for a roadtrip or a day lazing around the house. I will be certainly be checking out their back catalogue.

Tesla know their craft so well and seem to have earned their place in millions of hearts, and rightly so. Only one thing for it now... Repeat!

Review by Tom Harte

Sub-editing by Jonny

Big Truck rages through Ahoghill

THE Diamond Rock Bar in Ahoghill is said to have a family feel to it, despite it being a rock venue that blazes out massive tunes from bands far and wide - and when Trucker Diablo kicked off their Trucktober tour lead singer/guitarist Tom Harte even had his mother present.

This tour is another important step for Trucker - with the first run of Songs of Iron CDs sold out (vinyl still available) and Classic Rock débuting the video for Maybe You're The One on Tuesday (8th October) they will once again see the Big Truck rolling on to more success.

The first date of the tour had Glaswegian rockers Attica Rage kicking off proceedings. Despite a tentative start the band grew more comfortable with the mid-tempo numbers allowing the melody to survive amidst the metallic assault.

Singer and guitarist Johnny Parr and lead guitarist Steve Bell are comfortable leading the line with support from Colin Wilson on bass and vocals and Richie Rage pounding out behind the kit.

Tracks from album 88mph were played with aplomb: coming at the end of the tour backing that release this came as no surprise.

Overall their set was rewarding and entertaining, but ending with two cover versions (Overkill and Paranoid) was probably an error as it detracted from their own songs.

By then the Diamond family was set-up for Trucker...

There can be no doubt that Trucker have melded together as a stronger more potent force since their first release (The Devil's Rhythm).

More recent album from Songs of Iron have been receiving very positive reviews and it was a declaration of confidence in that album that the majority of tracks on this date came from that release.

Taking the stage with a roar of Year of the Truck the band were quickly into the groove; the bottom end of monstrous sound not over-bearing songs' structures or the huge melodies in their choruses that are infectious in the best way.

Singles Drive and Rebel were given an outing, with Rebel and Red Light On driving the set along at a massive pace.

However, Trucker are not a one-dimensional beast. Tom and Simon keep the guitars and vocals ripping when needed, but equally sensitive tracks like Baby You're The One and the 'best song Skynyrd have written in years' Highway Radio are carried with a light, deft touch.

But Trucker are a unit - Glenn's bass and Terry's drums lend a weight and solidness to the entire ensemble, like a rumbling eighteen wheeler of rock.

Bulldozer and the aforementioned Year of the Rock are both an articulated lorry of riffs and huge basslines.

While Songs of Iron was to the fore - Shame on You and Rock Hallelujah particularly notable in the set - Devil's Rhythm was not forgotten.

Drink Beer, Destroy was the party anthem it always has been, but played at breakneck pace, while Voodoo and Juggernaut assaulted everyone in the room with their incessant rock attack.

Trucker Diablo are now setting forward on their Trucktober tour full of energy and when they hit their English dates and an appearance in France their can be no doubt audiences are in for a hard rockin' treat.

Tom, Simon, Glenn and Terry have always been a tight unit, but they have been incrementally growing on record and now their live sets have reached the next level.

The Big Truck is now knocking down all in their path. Jump on board or get flattened in its path.