Since starting up this blog last year we've received our fair share of direct messaging from aspiring artists, labels and other such entities on our twitter account; the majority of it not sparking much more than a five second browse. However, for whichever fitful reason I nonchalantly came across a message that gripped me. It seemed like somebody had slapped the nail in the sweet spot. A concept full of innovation, desire and love. The Sessions of March (SoM) they call it. You know it's a great idea when your head is split between pure excitement and jealousy. "Why didn't I think of that?", I thought begrudgingly green eyed. In the shell of a nut, SoM have brought together the best unsigned artists from Manchester and the surrounding areas. Put them in a room to record their own tracks, plus extra collaborations. Then they have released a single from each artist for the public to enjoy and uploaded each artists details on their website for bookings and enquiries. These guys are serious. Not a sniff of profit about, just love for music. From all at the Stiff HQ we'd like to say a massive "fair play". Beneficial for all parties involved and such an outlet for these musicians.
From an audiences point of view it is an absolute treat on the ear and retina respectively. 2015 sessions had sounds that varied from the world of acoustica, heavy rock to r'n'b. Within each "genre" on show you couldn't find more polarised styles. The eery sounding John Ainsworth, clashes wonderfully with the whimsically effortless Ben Hayward. Add that to the Mancunian blues of Jim Adama, who can howl like the Wolf himself.
If that doesn't get you foaming at the mouth, you need to get onto Noon's Welsh Belly Boogie. Country funk that would put Creedance to shame. The sensational things about this project is not just the standard of musical talent, or the comprehensive nature of it. No, its the very concept itself. A free platform for bands to promote themselves. Something that The Stiff Upper Lip have been trying to do. They've uncovered some of the eclectic and eccentric that Manchester has in its gym bag. My two personal favourites come from the bouncing madcap string set Buffo's Wake, whose tunes wouldn't be out of place at an Adams Family reunion party, reminiscent of The Squirrel Nut Zippers. Also, Ten Foot Wizard's tenderly named King Shit of Fuck Mountain. Any Rage Against the Machine fanboys will especially appreciate the latter.
SoM is something that we at The Stiff Upper Lip are going to remain evangelical about. However, this brilliance unfortunately comes with a financial implication that the lads and ladies of SoM are unable to bare the full brunt of. In order for them to cover costs this year they require £6969 and they are just about half way, with little time left to go. If the acts that you've seen so far are something you're interested in and you want to see more then please donate here. Whether its a quid, or a grand, it doesn't matter. Let's pull together and do it for the music.
I for one want to hear more of the likes of Jenna and the Gs (which by the way is like listening to an early Lauren Hill in front of a Ska band, with a delightful blend of soul) and will continue to offer support to what is a humble and honest cause.
We hope you like as much as we do
