OXYGEN THIEF TO RELEASE NEW ACOUSTIC EP ON 24 MARCH // NEW SOLO AND FULL-BAND TOUR DATES

Oxygen Thief returns to his acoustic roots with new 5-track EP One Day This Will All Be Fields released through Xtra Mile Recordings on 24th March 2014.

Following his first full-band release Accidents Do Not Happen, They Are Caused in December 2013, Barry Dolan (AKA Oxygen Thief) has switched to his previous (dis)comfort zone of "one man genre" aggressive acoustic riffery. Armed with over an album's worth of new songs, he chose five to lead the charge ahead of a full record, likely to follow in the summer.

“Some of the tracks will end up being re-interpreted by the band in the same way that older ones were for ADNHTAC, while the rest will only be on the EP. In a way, I see the acoustic recordings as being the ‘proper’ versions of the songs, and anything we do with them later on will be embellishments. When we started the band, we agreed that I wouldn’t change anything about the way I wrote; all the songs would start out solo acoustic, I’d perform and record them that way, and we would then see where switching to electric guitar would take them.”

— Barry Dolan

Those buying the CD edition, or downloading directly from Xtra Mile Recordings, will receive two bonus tracks - a cover of 'Suckerpunch' by The Wildhearts ("my favourite song ever, containing my favourite riff ever" - Barry) and live favourite 'On Your Easy Marks, Get Set, Go', a tale of political frustration and ideological betrayal in the form of a furious singalong.

The new EP was recorded at The Old Blacksmith's Studios, where the full-band mini-album was birthed. It's a contrast from the early days of recording solo at home, the preferred studio for the three-way split EP ('!@*#' or 'Exclamation At Asterisk Hash') in 2009 with Ben Marwood and Jim Lockey, and Oxygen Thief's first foray with Xtra Mile. Since that frothing introduction, Barry has taken his furious steel-string slashing on tour with Frank Turner, Jamie Lenman, Ben Marwood, Jonah Matranga and punctuated festival lineups at T in the Park, 2000Trees and ArcTanGent.

Oxygen Thief has also announced a prized support slot, with full-band, for InMe in May, to add to Barry's solo shows in March and April.

InMe dates

MAY
09 Southampton @ Talking Heads
10 Plymouth @ White Rabbit
11 Bristol @ The Fleece
12 Birmingham @ The Flapper
13 Nottingham @ Rock City
14 Glasgow @ Audio
15 Sheffield @ Corporation
16 Manchester @ Sound Control
17 London @ Islington Academy

@oxygenthiefyeah / www.facebook.com/oxygenthief666 / www.oxygenthiefmusic.com

JAMIE LENMAN NEW SINGLE FOR RECORD STORE DAY AND APRIL SHOWS

Jamie Lenman returns with a double A-side single ‘It’s Hard To Be A Gentleman / All The Things You Hate About Me, I Hate Them Too” released through Xtra Mile Recordings on Record Store Day, April 19th 2014. Both tracks have been re-worked for the exclusive Record Store Day release, which also comes with a functioning zoetrope.

Photo by Ben Morse

Jamie will be embarking on a special 3 date tour with a 7-piece band in April including a full horn section in support of the release. The three shows are the most ambitious Jamie has undertaken to date. As well as these selective dates, Jamie will also making a number of appearances at festival throughout the summer including a headline slot at this year 2000 Trees Festival. 

TOUR DATES

15 March - Southampton @ Takedown Festival 
21 April - London @ Islington Assembly Halls (7-piece band)
23 April - Manchester @ Gorilla (7-piece band)
25 April - Glasgow @ Oran Mor (7-piece band)
12 July -  Withington near Cheltenham @ 2000 Trees Festival 
30 August -  Bristol @ ArcTanGent Festival

www.jamielenman.com

LARRY AND HIS FLASK RETURN TO UK AND EUROPE IN MAY

Taking a break from the constant touring of their homeland for a month, the inimitable Larry and His Flask will be storming across the UK and mainland Europe, flooding the land with nothing but furious shanties and non-stop dancing.

 A much-needed burst of joy for our continent, these five Oregon natives look to spread their frenetic homespun bluegrass and anarchic rock even further than ever. Five albums on, including last year's stupendous By the Lamplight released by Xtra Mile Recordings, every song is imbued with infectious energy, seething through every raucous note. You don't even have to know the words; you'll just know you'll want to join in.

Label mates Crazy Arm join them for a number of the May dates. The politically-driven, fiddle-toting folk punk group have just finished their European tour in support of third album, 'The Southern Wild' released last year on Xtra Mile. They're all set to complement the rousing celebratory atmosphere with strident melodies, strong words, and robust hearts.

MAY
01 Hamburg (DE) @ Pirate Satellite Festival 20
02 Meerhout (BE) @ Groezrock
03 Stuttgart (DE) @ Pirate Satellite Festival
04 Bamberg (DE) @ Freiraum *
07 London (UK) @ Borderline *
08 Southampton (UK) @ UNIT Club *
09 Newport (UK) @ Le Pub *
10 Harlow (UK) @ The Square *
11 Newcastle (UK) @ The Cluny 2 *
12 Manchester (UK) @ The Star & Garter *
13 Brighton (UK) @ Prince Albert *
16 Freiburg (DE) @ The Great Raeng Teng Teng
17 Timelkam (AT) @ GEI Musikclub
18 Vienna (AT) @ Teenage Riot Festival
20 Berlin (DE) @ Auster Club *
21 Kiel (DE) @ Schaubude *
22 Amsterdam (NL) @ Paradiso
23 Deventer (NL) @ Burgerweeshuis *
24 Leeuwarden (NL) @ Fries Straatfestival

* - support from Crazy Arm

For those unlucky enough not to have experienced them before, Larry and His Flask make music that lies somewhere between a barn raising and a mosh pit. The New York Times calls them "uncommonly joyous" and "deviously astute", while their live show is a "breathless, polymorphous good time." Originally conceived as a four piece punk band, the group has swelled into a fully realized line-up with strong Americana influences complete with stand-up bass, mandolin and banjo. Their live act is not to be missed - unlike any other band playing music today, Larry and His Flask truly incorporate their audiences into each show, connecting to create an experience that converts everyone into fans and permeates the border between performer and spectator. Performances see members careening wildly across the stage with instruments, narrowly avoiding harrowing collisions amongst themselves and frequently trading said instruments mid-song while still maintaining pitch-perfect 4-part harmonies.

“There is so much verve and spirit on display, not to mention clever songwriting, which sees them weave moving, intriguing and entertaining stories through their heartfelt music. And if they are half as exciting live as they are on record, Larry And His Flask are a special entity indeed.” – 4 out of 5 review in Alternative Press

“As expected and hoped for, we’re treated to more lashings of old time country tropes reconfigured through the equalizing lends of punk rock. It’s truly riveting stuff…” - 9 out of 10 review in Rock Sound (UK)

www.larryandhisflask.com

CHEAP GIRLS RELEASE THIRD ALBUM 'FAMOUS GRAVES' ON 12 MAY 2014

Michigan three piece CHEAP GIRLS can announce further details of their forthcoming album. ‘Famous Graves’ will be out on 12th May 2014 around the world, excluding North America when it will come out a day later on 13th May 2014. It’s the band’s first record for Xtra Mile Recordings and the label's first full worldwide release. 

The first fruits of the record can be find on AV Club who premiered the upcoming single, ‘Knock Me Over’ today  – you can check it out here.

Famous Graves was recorded in Chicago and Grand Rapids by Rick Johnson (who recorded Cheap Girls' first two records, 2008's Find Me a Drink Home & 2009's My Roaring 20's) and Jeff Dean (The Bomb, Dead Ending, All Eyes West). Recorded over 3 months, the band self-produced the record and mixed it with the assistance of Dean.  The follow-up to their 2012 release Giant Orange, Famous Graves sees the band continuing to grow their authentic Midwestern rock that's drawn comparisons to bands such as The Lemonheads, The Replacements, and early Smoking Popes.

With tours in the States confirmed with label mates Against Me! and The Hold Steady, and with plans being made for a summer of festivals plus a full UK and European run ear-marked for Autumn – Cheap Girls are set to have a fantastic 2014.

Cheap Girls is Ian Graham (vocals/bass), Adam Aymor (guitar) and Ben Graham (drums).

Tracklisting:
01) Slow Nod
02) Short-Cut Days
03) Knock Me Over
04) Amazing Grace
05) Pure Hate
06) Man In Question
07) 2nd Floor
08) Splintered
09) Thought Senseless
10) Turn

Tour Dates:
03/09/14: Omaha, NE at the Slowdown^
03/10/14: Columbia, MO at the Blue Note^
03/15/14: Corpus Christi, TX at House of Rock^
03/16/14: Houston, TX at Fitzgerald’s^
03/18/14: San Antonio, TX at Backstage Live^
03/19/14: Dallas, TX at Gas Monkey^
03/21/14: Denver, CO at the Summit Music Hall^
03/22/14: Salt Lake City, UT at Murray Theatre^
03/23/14: Reno, NV at Knitting Factory^
03/24/14: Portland, OR at Hawthorne Theatre^
03/25/14: Seattle, WA at Neptune Theatre^
03/26/14: Vancouver, BC at Commodore Ballroom^
03/28/14: Edmonton, AB at Starlite Room^
03/29/14: Calgary, AB at Republik^
03/30/14: Regina, SK at Exchange^
04/01/14: Winnipeg, MB at West End Culture Center^
04/02/14: Minneapolis, MN at First Avenue^
04/03/14: Madison, WI at the Majestic Theatre^
04/04/14: Palatine, IL at Durty Nellie’s^
04/05/14: Indianapolis, IN at the Vogue^
04/06/14: Asheville, NC at the Orange Peel^
04/07/14: Washington, D.C. at the 9:30 Club*
04/08/14: Buffalo, NY at the Town Ballroom*
04/09/14: Toronto, ON at the Phoenix Concert Theatre*
04/11/14: Albany, NY at the Hollow*
04/12/14: Pawtucket, RI at the Met Cafe*

^ = w/ Against Me! * = w/ The Hold Steady
 
http://cheapgirls.net

BEN MARWOOD TAKES TO THE ROAD

Hitting the road in the first half of 2014 to put second album Back Down to bed, Reading-based songwriter Ben Marwood adds a poetic twist to intricate folk; lyrics that swerve and tumble over one another, switching from the gravely serious love letters to the tongue-in-cheek swipes at life itself.

Originally ploughing a lone, DIY furrow, Marwood was finally snapped up by London label Xtra Mile Recordings (Frank Turner, Chris T-T, Jamie Lenman) late in 2010, before releasing two albums in the next three years. After attention from BBC Radio 1 & 2, Xfm, Rocksound and Kerrang! amongst others, 2013 saw Marwood tour the USA with Frank Turner and Epitaph's Off With Their Heads, and travel the UK with some of the best underground talent, playing shows alongside fellow Xtra Milers Jim Lockey, Oxygen Thief, Retrospective Soundtrack Players, Chris T-T and Franz Nicolay on the way.

Check Ben out at the following dates: 

14.02.14                      CHELTENHAM Frog and Fiddle*
15.02.14                      LEEDS Fox & Newt*
16.02.14                      SOUTHAMPTON Joiners*
17.02.14                      SWINDON The Vic*
18.02.14                      LONDON The Monarch*
07.03.14                     COLCHESTER Lakeside Theatre at Essex University
08.03.14                     KINGSTON The Cricketers
13.04.14                      NOTTINGHAM JT Soars
14.04.14                      MANCHESTER Star & Garter
17.04.14                      GLASGOW Glad Cafe
19.04.14                      YORK Black Swan 
09.05.14                     BRISTOL The Louisiana
13.05.14                      READING South Street Arts Centre
31.05.14                      CARDIFF Moon Club
05.06.14                     DERBY Ryans Bar
06.06.14                     DURHAM Old Cinema Launderette
 *denotes support from Retrospective Soundtrack Players

Buy Ben's stunning albums: Back Down and Outside There's A Curse

BILLY THE KID SIGNS TO XMR

Xtra Mile Recordings can announce the signing of Canadian singer/ songwriter BILLY THE KID for a worldwide deal. She joins the likes of Frank Turner, Against Me!, Larry and His Flask, Beans On Toast, Cheap Girls, To Kill A King, Northcote, and many many more as the label and the roster continues to expand in the UK and all across the globe.

Billy has been busy in London recording tracks for her fourth full length album working with Frank Turner as producer. Title, tracklisting and artwork all to be unveiled in due course but for now, here’s a video of the two of them working together: 

Billy The Kid is a regular face on the North American underground touring circuit and a prolific writer amassing a wealth of music, firstly with her band Billy & The Lost Boys and more recently as a solo artist. She has collaborated with such artists as Garth Hudson (The Band/Bob Dylan), Randy Cooke (Ringo Starr/Dave Stewart) Stan Behrens (Willie Dixon/Ruth Brown/the Four Tops) and just recently, producer Jamie Candiloro (Ryan Adams and Willie Nelson). But she is best known for her creative crowd-sourcing campaigns.

In true DIY spirit 2010 saw work begin on her debut solo full-length album ‘Ours’. In addition to pre-orders and specialized bundles, Billy travelled across the continent to play fundraisers, anniversaries, birthday parties and private concerts as well as going camping, white water rafting and rock climbing with fans. One year later, she was back at it again, with a second album ‘Stars, Exploding’ ready to be recorded with her dream producer, Candiloro. Surprise bundles, birthday presents, and fan-requested cover songs helped fund this latest effort, recorded in LA and complete with a chance encounter with the Kid’s favourite songwriter, Ryan Adams.

However, Billy knew that she couldn’t keep hitting up fans for money to fund her continuous out-pouring of music and with no real other options, Billy was ready to quit music all together after she had finished on the Warped Acoustic Basement Tour last summer. As with so often the case you have to hit rock bottom to see a way to the top and a chance day-off in Toronto resulted in meeting Frank Turner who was in town headlining Lee’s Palace venue. They got on, Frank invited her on stage for a Neil Young cover and a friendship was born. In the audience was Xtra Mile’s managing director Charlie Caplowe who instantly saw the promise in this home-grown star.

Charlie says of the signing: “As soon as I saw Billy I thought she was really cool, with a great voice and infectious enthusiasm. I was also really impressed with her DIY attitude and thought she would fit right in at Xtra Mile. We’re thrilled to have her on board.”

Billy says: “In a world that's constantly asking us to doubt and question ourselves, it's always been important to me to ‘stick to my guns’ when it comes to music. It was the one thing I wasn't willing to compromise, so much so that I remained independent for more than half of my life. Eight (or something) albums later, I am very happy to announce that I have finally found a home with Xtra Mile Recordings and I am looking forward to the (not so lonely!) future!