An hour of mixed Music, usually with a theme – genre, decade, facts & history, instrument focus, pioneers & game changers.
A dedicated slot featuring new artists & bands, gig updates and announcements across this show and the station.
Get in touch via:
derek@smileradio.co.uk to be featured on the shows & station!
With the world becoming seemingly more fractured, Silverhex are driven to break the established boundaries to share their message of hope and unity despite it being a time of great personal sacrifice for everyone Spanning from London to Colombia, Hertfordshire to Catalonia, and formed in 2019, Silverhex set out to create music the way they believe it should be; Evocative, powerful and ultimately fun. Combining elements of metalcore and nu metal with a melodic punk edged sound and massive stadium rock vocals, Silverhex took inspiration from bands like Killswitch Engage, In This Moment, Pantera and In Flames to forge a sound of pure energy and atmosphere with powerful cathartic lyrics.
The real turning point in the evolution of Left Hand Man came with the posing of a question, “Do you want to keep it as a simple acoustic recording, or shall we throw the kitchen sink at it?” Chris Smith (guitars/producer) had been helping Marc Plant (vocals) develop song ideas he had been working on since departing his previous band and the kitchen sink meant experimenting with a full range of sounds and recording techniques.
The next few months saw an ‘anything goes’ approach to writing and recording, combining a wide range of influences, from riff laden alternative rock to stripped back acoustic folk.
Nic Burrows (drums/producer) was added to the line up and his heavy hitting/fluent style gave further texture to the sound and saw the ‘First World Problems’ EP released in August 2015 and Bass player Ben Wade was added for the band’s 2nd and well received album, ‘Strange Creations’ . To help promote the album to live audiences, Dave Cotterill (Guitar) from Marc’s previous band, came on board. The new group of musicians gelled quickly and immediately began work on what would become the band’s upcoming 3rd album “Mission:Transmission”
‘An elaborate tapestry of prowling blues rock, loose-limbed indie and elastic soul’ Root and Branches Review
‘The band seem to be able to turn their hands to anything with a great deal of success. The musicianship and creativity throughout the album helps stand them apart’ Spin Magazine
‘Album of the month left hands down! There’s so much musical genius here that I just need to get to the point. Left Hand Man should be considered just as musically credible as bands like Radiohead and Muse because of this album’ Ryan’s Gig Guide
New Album ‘Mission Transmission’ is out now!
WEAK13 is an award winning British band based in Black Country & Birmingham. Featuring Nick J Townsend (vocalist & guitarist), Wesley Smith (bass player) Drums John Stewart (2020-), Justin James (2017-19), Neel Paramar (2010-16). The debut studio album ‘They Live’ was finally released late 2015 and re-released on all major streaming services including iTunes, Spotify, Amazon in 2017. The music is inspired by world events, corrupt media, 80’s Video Nasties & British comics, Underground music, the Grunge & 90’s music scene and real life. Each song is a different story. All guitars on recordings are played using strange dark low-tunings. WEAK13 is any style the band wants to be; every form of music in it’s rawest form. There is a song for everyone. Nick J. Townsend is the longest official member of WEAK13, bassist and writing partner Wesley Smith has worked with Townsend since 2010. Justin James & John Stewart feature as drummer on the forthcoming album Aluminium. WEAK13 was originally founded in 1999 by Nick J.Townsend in Kidderminster, United Kingdom. Before 2009 numerous musicians played live in WEAK13. The band relaunched in the Black Country in 2010 and artistic direction and responsibility became shared between Wesley Smith and Nick J Townsend.
Smile Radio's Song of the Week, with a new track selected and played across all shows for an entire week, every week! Left Hand Man - 'How do we make things Better' The real turning point in the evolution of Left Hand Man came with the posing of a question, "Do you want to keep it as a simple acoustic recording, or shall we throw the kitchen sink at it?" […]
