Staff Sergeant Graeme Tennick, and rock band Morpheus Rising release their second single in aid of the charities Help For Heroes and the Royal British Poppy Appeal on November 2nd 2009.

Morpheus Rising are actively supporting charities in aid of those injured and affected by current conflicts. Their original music and lyrics are often inspired by the experiences of their singer, Graeme Tennick, a staff sergeant who has actively served in Afghanistan and is due to return in early 2010. Their sense of camaraderie and support for charities is a positive message emerging in darker times.

Tennick’s career in the army began in the late nineties where he first served in Kosovo, and later Bosnia and Iraq. In 2007 Tennick found himself in the middle of the conflict in Afghanistan, an experience which was the inspiration for the lyrics for the band’s latest single “Fighting Man”.

Tennick spent his first months in Afghanistan at Kandahar Air Field where he regularly attended Repatriation Parades during which the coffins of soldiers killed in conflict are carried through a parade of hundreds of service personnel of all nations, saluting in silence as it moves towards the C17 aircraft bound for home.

Later serving in Camp Bastion in the Helmand Province, Tennick encountered injured soldiers of all nationalities arriving at the field hospital. The exposure to injury and death, particularly the death of a friend, WO2 Dan Shirley who served at 2 Sig Regt in York inspired Tennick to write the lyrics for Morpheus Rising’s single “Fighting Man”, which is due for release on Monday November 2, 2009, the week of remembrance day.

Morpheus Rising current line-up have been together since April 2008, though the project dates back to 2004, and Tennick’s experiences in the forces, often unintentionally, inspire his lyrics. Music serves as an escape from life in the army for Tennick, allowing him to create music he is passionate about with Morpheus Rising.

The band’s desire to support charities in aid of those injured or still serving shows that it is not just Tennick who is effected by his experiences in the army, and brings home the seriousness of conflict to everyone who listens to their music. The band have received success in Germany, featuring in Rock Hard Magazine, they were listed as one of the top 3 metal bands for 2009 on sacredmetal.de and have appeared as featured artists on the Independent Music Download sites in the UK and the US.

“Fighting Man” is the second single the band have released in aid of charities supporting the serving and ex-serving community.

Their first, “An Ordinary Man”, released on 28th October, 2008 (the same day as the X Factor single) received a moving response from the general public, raising a large sum for Help For Heroes, and had over 2500 hits on the accompanying youtube video in its first week. A great achievement for an unsigned, independent group. A re-working of “An Ordinary Man” accompanies this year’s single.

Staff Sergeant Tennick is currently preparing to return to Afghanistan with his current unit in 2010.

The single Fighting Man will be released on November 2nd 2009 and can be downloaded from all major online stores including iTunes, Napster, Rhapsody and HMV Online.

Buy Music:

Morpheus Rising on amazon.co.uk

Watch “Fighting Man” video, in aid of HELP for HEROES and the Poppy Appeal:

Morpheus Rising MySpace
Morpheus Rising Official Website

This intimate stripped down acoustic set will feature cousins James and Robert Allan performing songs from their critically acclaimed Mercury nominated debut album ‘Glasvegas’. All profits from the night go to the Team Continuum Cancer Charity.

Since they exploded onto the scene back in 2008 the band have been touring relentlessly and 2009 has seen no let up of their busy schedule.

Taking their brutally honest and anthemic debut to headlining status at Reading/Leeds, Oxegen and T In The Park as well as a triumphant Other Stage performance at Glastonbury, this summer has also seen the band draw massive crowds at several major European Festivals as well as two sell out shows in Japan.

Their absence from the UK for much of the year was due to their growing popularity in the USA and with an impressive six trips already under their belt they have quickly become one of the must see acts in America.

Numerous USA highlights included the band being top draw at SXSW and Lollopolooza, appearing on USA TV no less than four times on the likes of David Letterman, Craig Ferguson, Jimmy Fallon and Carson Daly, headlining two sell out tours and being chosen as main support to Kings Of Leon in September.

From a UK perspective Glasvegas also found time to headline the NME Awards Tour at the start of 2009 and U2 personally requested the quartet as main support during their 360 Degree Tour.

The hard work has certainly paid off! Already Gold in Sweden the eponymously titled debut album reached Platinum status in the UK just last month.

The band will be taking a well deserved break from the road this month, but the hardworking quartet will be begin work on their second album from November in Los Angeles.

Buy Music:

Glasvegas on amazon.co.uk

Glasvegas on amazon.com

Team Continuum Official Website

Glasvegas Official Website
Glasvegas MySpace

Absolute Radio are celebrating their first birthday and all this week the Christian O’Connell show on Absolute Radio will be auctioning amazing prizes to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

For your chance to meet Madness or Newton Faulkner at Absolute Radio’s party on Regent St on Sunday September 27, 2009, including green room access and signed memorabilia visit the Absolute Radio website now:

Auctions on Absolute Radio

For sports fans, there is also the chance to bid on a special Bobby Moore Fund Celebrity Sports Quiz package including a meet-and-greet with the voice of football, Clive Tyldesley!

All of the proceeds from the auction will go to fund Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work.

For more information, go to:

Cancer Research UK

Download release 19th October 2009

Mohammed George who played Gus Smith in the BBC soap EastEnders for five years is set to release his new single “Broken”.

Mo who has supported The Ben Kinsella Trust from its formation in 2008, having marched with his friend and colleague Brooke Kinsella to raise awareness of the tragedy of street knife crime – has chosen to release his debut single for this specific charitable cause.

Mohammed George said, “This cause means a lot to everyone and this will hopefully help in raising awareness of knife crime on the streets”.

The single which also features Dax O’Callaghan who’s 1/5 of Europe’s biggest boy band LEXINGTON BRIDGE (check out latest single featuring rap royalty Snoop Dog) and is a new platform in song writing & producing for the young artist. Mohammed and Dax, who met whilst pupils at the famous Sylvia Young’s stage school (Amy Winehouse, Leona Lewis also attended), sees this collaboration as the first of many to come and hope that the single will speak for itself and bring a positive message to young artists.

The song which was co-written, recorded by Dax as well as co-produced with platinum cut writer/producer Jay-F was originally recorded in Dax’s home studio and was inspired when he heard about Mo’s emotional journey and brave victory. Mo then finished off his commercial but gritty track with controversial, clever lyrics and magical performance.

“Broken” is a charity single, with all royalties going to the Ben Kinsella Trust*

The song features ex EastEnder and MC Mo George and Dax O’Callaghan – one fifth of Europe’s premier boy-band LXB – making meaningful music together in a collaboration produced by Dax and platinum cut writer/producer Jay-F (a.k.a. D&J Music). The song is scheduled to hit the airwaves on October 19th 2009.

*Ben Kinsella was tragically murdered in June 2008 and his family formed the trust to fight in his memory to stamp out knife crime and make the streets safe for our children. Donations are used to fund anti-street crime campaigns and provide worthwhile charities with funding.

For more information, go to:

Lexington Bridge
Dax O’Callaghan MySpace

Mohammed George MySpace

Ben Kinsella Trust Official Website

September 7th Marks The Late Dave Matthews Band Saxophonist’s Birthday

The LeRoi Moore Fund, established by the late saxophonist’s trust to ensure that his philanthropic activities would continue after his passing, has created three four-year college scholarship programs that will launch with the 2010-2011 academic year.

The Fund will also make annual contributions to the following charities: Toys For Tots, Habitat for Humanity, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.

LeRoi Moore, a founding member of Dave Matthews Band, had regularly supported these organizations during his lifetime. Born in Durham, NC on September 7th, 1961, Moore died on August 19, 2008 from complications stemming from an ATV accident earlier in the summer.

“LeRoi was one of the most generous people I have ever met, although he was very private about it. It is great to see that his legacy of giving will live on,” said Rit Venerus, Trustee of Moore’s estate. The LeRoi Moore Fund, which was established by LeRoi’s Trust, is administered by the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation.

The following scholarships have been established in Moore’s name:

North Carolina Central University – a four-year/$5,000 per year scholarship open to Business and Education majors, the departments in which Moore’s parents studied while at the university. Applicants will be evaluated based on their financial need, with an emphasis on community service.

Albemarle High School – a four-year/$2,500 per year scholarship towards the recipient’s college expenses. The scholarship will be open to music students and be based on their talents, financial need and community service. Moore attended Albemarle High School, where his father was also a teacher.

University of Virginia School of Nursing – a four-year/$5,000 per year scholarship will be awarded to a Nursing Department student exhibiting financial need and a history of community service. Moore, who was treated at The University of Virginia Medical Center, had expressed a desire to honor the efforts of all those who had helped him during his time there.

Applications and additional information on the scholarships may be obtained from the respective schools.

LeRoi Moore grew up in Charlottesville, VA, where he established a reputation as an accomplished jazz musician, co-founding the Charlottesville Swing Orchestra and the John D’earth Quintet. In 1991, he and childhood friend Carter Beauford joined up with Dave Matthews and, subsequently, Stefan Lessard and Boyd Tinsley, to form Dave Matthews Band.

The group became the highest-grossing American touring act in history and has sold a collective 35 million units (CD and DVD combined) since 1994. Moore played bass, baritone, tenor, alto and soprano saxophones as well as the flute, bass clarinet, wooden penny whistle and oboe. Credited with arranging much of Dave Matthews Band’s music, he masterfully traversed jazz, funk, rock and classical styles to make what Matthews characterized as “the most astonishingly honest music.” In 1999, the band members formed The Bama Works Fund, which supports numerous humanitarian and environmental initiatives.

In early 2008, Dave Matthews Band began recording a new studio album. Although he did not live to complete the sessions, Moore is heard throughout the resulting album, the RIAA-certified Platinum Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King.

Released in June 2009, it entered The Billboard 200 in the top position – thus tying Dave Matthews Band with Metallica as the only two groups in chart history to have five consecutive studio albums bow at No. 1.

Buy Music:

Dave Matthews Band on amazon.com

Dave Matthews Band on amazon.co.uk

Remember LeRoi Moore Website

Dave Matthews Band MySpace
Dave Matthews Band Official Website

Maximo Park celebrate their return with a free charity show at the Newcastle College Performance Academy on March 24, 2009.

For those who weren’t already aware – Maximo Park are back in 2009, and they are making a splash.

And, to celebrate their return, the band are set to play a very special show indeed on March 24th.

The gig is a strictly one-off, free event, and fittingly enough takes place at the Newcastle College Performance Academy, one of the UK’s leading lights in performing arts, music and media, and home to a generation of aspiring musicians influenced by the band and their peers.

Wristbands will be available on the day and will be given away on a strictly first-come, first-served basis (one per person) so make sure you get there early!

Moreover, Maximo Park will even be signing 250 “Wraithlike” 7″s at the event – the only copies that will ever be available in the UK. Costing a minimum of £3 (fans will be welcome to donate more if they choose) all proceeds will go to their chosen charity No Surrender. The No Surrender Charitable Trust was set up by Jason Boas, a friend of the band who recently passed away, with the aim to support cancer sufferers all over the world through establishing a social network at www.no-surrender.org. This is a cause extremely close to the band’s heart – last year, they organised a sell-out show with Mystery Jets, Blood Red Shoes and Pete and the Pirates at the Kentish Town Forum with all proceeds once again going to the charity.

All signs point to 2009 being Maximo Park’s most exciting year yet. Case in point: “Wraithlike”, the first teaser off Maximo Park’s forthcoming third album, ‘Quicken the Heart’, was given its debut airing on Zane Lowe’s Radio 1 show on March 9, and such was Lowe’s unbridled enthusiasm for the track that he played it twice, back to back: an almost unprecedented event. It is currently available as a free download (for a limited time) on the band’s official website (www.maximopark.com), where downloads have already been in excess of 50,000 around the world and which will be available for 1 more week, as a very special gift to their fans, and to whet their appetites for the imminent new album to be released in the spring.

Produced by Nick Launay, ‘Quicken the Heart’ showcases another side of the band completely; one filled with a renewed sense of looseness, vim and vigour, and one which most certainly picks up the shiny pop baton and goes sprinting with it.

More information on the brand new album to be released very soon…so watch this space!

Maximo Park on amazon.com

Maximo Park on amazon.co.uk

Maximo Park Official Website

Cancer Research UK has announced today that Stereophonics front man Kelly Jones will be joining the already incredible line up at its annual heritage music event, Sound & Vision. He will be performing a stripped down, live acoustic set at the event, which takes place at the iconic Abbey Road Studios on 26th February 2009.

The night will also see performances from Paul Weller, Lemar and Diana Jones at what will be the hottest event this year.

Now in its fourth year, Sound & Vision has raised over £400,000 for Cancer Research UK’s lifesaving work. Following high demand for tickets to this year’s event, Cancer Research UK is auctioning off the final pair of tickets online now.

The exclusive tickets will give the top bidder access to Sound & Vision, as well as the VIP reception and the Green Room, where they will get the once in a lifetime chance to meet Paul Weller and have a picture taken with him as a memento of the night.

The auction closes at 8am on February 21, 2009, so head straight to our NEWS section at www.soundandvisionofficial.com to be in with a chance!

Teenage Cancer Trust has announced an exclusive line-up of music and comedy to launch its ninth year of gigs at the Royal Albert Hall.

The charity’s annual shows at one of London’s most iconic venues are some of the most eagerly anticipated dates in the music calendar.

The 2009 shows kick-off on Tuesday 24 March 2009 with an evening featuring critically acclaimed artists. Mercury prize winning Antony & The Johnsons, hot off the heels of celebrated album “The Crying Light”, will be joined by Brits Critics choice winners Florence and the Machine.

The Stereophonics will take to the stage on Thursday night. Lead singer Kelly Jones has been an inspirational supporter of Teenage Cancer Trust since he joined The Who onstage to perform a storming version of “Substitute” at the very first Teenage Cancer Trust gig back in 2000.

On Friday, one of Britain’s hottest bands, Kasabian, will perform their first London show since recording their hotly tipped new album due for release in June. Kasabian will return to the Royal Albert Hall to perform for the second time for Teenage Cancer Trust.

Kasabian lead singer, Tom Meighan says “It’s great we can continue to support Teenage Cancer Trust and help them make a difference. We were inspired after meeting some of the teenagers with cancer at our gigs last year and it really made us want to do more for the charity.”

To bring the week of gigs to a close, comedy duo Mathew Horne and James Corden from Bafta winning sitcom, Gavin and Stacey, will host an Evening of Comedy. Hot property, Horne and Corden, are due to present the Brits later this month and launch their much anticipated new sketch show due to be aired on BBC3. This exclusive show for Teenage Cancer Trust will be one of the first live performances following the airing of the new series.

The brainchild of The Who’s, Roger Daltrey CBE, the renowned gigs raise money to help the charity provide the best possible care and support for young people with cancer.

Announcing the 2009 line-up, Roger Daltrey, Patron of Teenage Cancer Trust said: “At a time when your body is changing, your social life is everything and you’re still trying to figure out who you are, getting cancer can seem like an impossible blow to take. But thanks to Teenage Cancer Trust, thousands of teenagers are taking it, and coming out fighting.

Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall raises essential funds to support the charity’s work. There will be 7 completely new units built between now and the end of 2009. Everything about these specialist units has been designed to give teenagers the very best chance of a positive outcome. So show your support by coming to one the gigs or by making a donation.”

Simon Davies, Chief Executive of Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “We are indebted to Roger Daltrey CBE for the work he does year on year for Teenage Cancer Trust and for helping us to secure the wonderful talent that makes our shows such a success. His continued support and dedication has helped us reach thousands of young people with cancer and to raise awareness of this often-neglected group. Six young people are told they have cancer every day in the UK. So far Teenage Cancer Trust has built enough units within NHS hospitals for half of them to have access to the dedicated, specialist support they need. Our aim is to build enough units so that, by 2012, every single teenager will be treated on one.”

David Elliott, Chief Executive of the Royal Albert Hall commented, “The Royal Albert Hall is delighted to once again host the Teenage Cancer Trust Concerts. This week is one of the highlights of our programme each year and we are thrilled to see such a fantastic line-up of artists in support of such a worthwhile cause.”

Absolute Radio Breakfast show presenter, DJ Christian O’Connell said, “The Teenage Cancer Trust gigs at the Albert Hall are a highlight of the year, it’s always an amazing line up and this year’s no exception – Daltrey’s done it again!”

Ticketing information is as follows:

Tuesday 24 March 2009: Antony and the Johnsons with Florence and the Machine

Thursday 26 March 2009: Stereophonics plus special guests

Friday 27 March 2009: Kasabian plus special guests

Sunday 29 March 2009: An evening of comedy hosted by Mathew Horne and James Corden

More acts to be announced – check www.teenagecancertrust.org for details.
Tickets onsale Friday 13th February at 10am.

Tickets are available from the following outlets:
Teenage Cancer Trust: www.teenagecancertrust.org 0871 231 0836
The Royal Albert Hall: www.royalalberthall.com 0845 401 5030
Gigs and Tours: www.gigsandtours.com
Q The Music: www.qthemusic.com

Roger Daltrey has worked tirelessly year on year to secure the best line-up. Previous music acts include The Who, Oasis, Coldplay, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, Eric Clapton, The Cure, Madness, The Stereophonics, Keane, Razorlight, Franz Ferdinand, Jools Holland, Tom Jones, Noel Gallagher, Kasabian and Kaiser Chiefs. In addition to music’s biggest stars, Teenage Cancer Trust’s shows have played host to the cream of British comedy, including Ricky Gervais, Peter Kay, Little Britain, Steve Coogan, Simon Pegg, Russell Brand and Noel Fielding.

For more information please visit:

Teenage Cancer Trust Official Website (registered charity, no. 1062559)

Tweet. Meet. Give.

On 12th February 2009 175+ cities around the world will be hosting Twestivals which bring together Twitter communities for an evening of fun and to raise money and awareness for charity: water.

The Twestival is organized 100% by volunteers in cities around the world and 100% of the money raised from these events will go directly to support charity: water projects.

Swedish cities participating in Twestival: Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, Norrköping, Linköping.

Stockholm Twestival:

Venue: Timbro offices, Kungsgatan 60.
Time: 19-21
Ticket price: 150 kr per person
Capacity: 115 people

Program:

Key speakers:

* Roland Poirier Martinsson – Timbro Media Institute “Social Media Phenomenon”
* Thomas Bjelkeman-Pettersson – akvo.org “Water, Sanitation and Akvo”
* Magnus Lindkvist – Trend spotter “social entrepreneurship, and the future of the developing region”

Music:

* Sofia Talvik
* The Deportees

Refreshments: light refreshments served.

Special thanks to our sponsors Timbro, Tweetmeetup and Bluewals.com for making this charitable event possible.

For tickets to Twestival Stockholm and the latest details about the event please visit:

Stockholm Twestival

Twitter: @sthlmtwestival

Twestival Official Website

charity: water

Twitter

To celebrate the newly remastered ‘The Sound Of The Smiths‘ release, Rhino are giving fans of The Smiths the chance to bid on a Fender® ‘62 Jaguar® in Candy Apple Red, signed by the legendary guitarist Johnny Marr.

All proceeds will go to the Pictor School for children with special needs, as selected by Johnny himself.

Get the full guitar specs on the Fender website.

To co-incide with the auction, Rhino UK will be also be donating 10% from all sales of The Sound Of The Smiths and The Smiths Singles Box sold from its eBay store to the Pictor School.

Visit The Smiths on Rhino UK or email rhino.d2c@warnermusic.com for further information on the auction or The Smiths.

Fender® and Jaguar®, are trademarks of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. All rights reserved.

This auction is being run by Rhino UK, A Warner Music UK Ltd. company.

For the auction, go to:

Johnny Marr Signed Fender ‘62 Jaguar Guitar on Ebay

On November 3rd 2008, Sheffield singer-songwriter Helen Boulding releases a brand new single, “It’s You”, on the Maid In Sheffield label.

The track is the first original piece of music commissioned by the charity PDSA (People’s Dispensary For Sick Animals). It soundtracked a short campaign last month and, bringing the biggest response to any previous campaign, it will soundtrack a new campaign this month. The track is available to download from www.pdsasong.org.uk.

“It’s You” originated as a 30 second verse and chorus, written by Helen and film composer Guy Farley specially for the advert, currently running across daytime commercial channels. Due to the public reaction to the track, Helen completed the song, with the PDSA actively involved in promoting the release, via their website, links on their Facebook page, homepage banners, mailouts to all PDSA shops, hospitals and veterinary partnerships, links to her site on PDSA staff signatures, emails to all PDSA registered supporters and editorial in their monthly magazine.

Profits from sales of “It’s You” will be donated back to the PDSA.

You can watch the official video here:

“It’s You” Video:

Helen Boulding Official Website
MySpace

To celebrate this year’s festivities, Teddy Thompson and family will perform an incredibly special one off Christmas Show Wednesday December 17th, 2008 at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London.

Tickets go on sale October 29th. Proceeds will be donated to Amnesty International.

Joined by some very special guests, it will be the first time the Thompson Family have performed together in concert, and one of the year’s undoubted highlights. The full line up will be announced shortly.

“We aim to put on a beautiful night of music that will benefit those in need all over the world,” Teddy said. “Amnesty are a great organisation who fight poverty and suffering all year round.”

His mother Linda added: “Tis the season to sing, dance and give a little to those less fortunate than ourselves.”

Teddy Thompson Official Website

Photo: Keyboard Choir

A special fundraiser benefit gig for the Oxford based Buddhist charity group, So-Wide, will be taking place Sunday 19th October, 2008, at the dining hall of Wolfson College, Oxford.

Featuring performances from atmospheric acoustic maestro Padma and a special, ambient set from Oxford based electro soundscapists Keyboard Choir.

Watch Keyboard Choir “Bugs” video:

Plus, cosmic DJing courtesy of Pindrop Soundsystem.

About So-Wide:

So-Wide (http://www.so-wide.org) promotes the accurate understanding of Buddhist wisdom and tradition in academic research teaching and in, clinical research, teaching and training in mindfulness based applications through its activities and sister Charities, The Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies (www.ocbs.org) and the Oxford Mindfulness Centre (www.oxfordmindfulness.org).

£6/£4 concs

19 October 2008
19:00 – 22:00
Wolfson College
Linton Road
Oxford

For more information, go to:

So-Wide Official Website

There’s a PIRATE Party in town and you’re invited!

That’s if you’re in the vicinity of the beautiful and historic Iffley Village in Oxford, England on Wednesday 17th, September 2008.

At the Prince of Wales Pub to be exact.

The Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre is raising money in aid of Cancer Research and there’s a Fancy Dress Party being held at The Prince of Wales, including a prize for best costume.

Party starts at 8:30pm – w/ live music by Jim Driscoll & Jenny May. Playing acoustic/alternative/folk.

For phone number and directions go to:

Prince of Wales

Joan Armatrading is set to run her first marathon!

She says:

“I’m going to run the New York Marathon on November the 2nd 2008. I will then be a month off being 58 (birthday December the 9th) I have a page here http://www.justgiving.co.uk/joanarmatrading if you would like to make a small donation to spur me on that would be fantastic. If you know of anyone else who might like to sponsor me I’m trying to raise a lot of money for a great organization that gives small grants to help people, to grow food, to find shelter, to fight aids, and to generally have a better life. Click this link to find out about the organization and to make a donation. No matter how small it will make a huge difference.
Thank you.”

Even if you have never run a marathon you can imagine the thrill of the experience. Imagine that experience even more highlighted when you know that you have helped others with your run. Visit Joan’s page and make your donation. “Every little helps”.

For more information, go to:

Just Giving – Joan Armatrading

Joan Armatrading will be on tour June – August 2008.

For tour dates, music and more, go to:

Joan Armatrading Official Website