Big Smoke Music Weekly

Big Smoke Music Weekly goes out with a bang! As Luke heads for the sights and sounds of Melbourne Town, he brings a host of top tier interviews to bring a close to 5 years and 5 seasons of BSMW. The feature interview for this curtain-closer is with the genius that is DMAs guitarist Johnny Took. He sits down with Luke, looking ahead to the band's forthcoming album, How Many Dreams. Johnny opens up on the band exploring new sounds, filling arenas in the UK and growing together as a band. Johnny tells all about how the new album needed to be something that "didn't stink of covid" as they look to maximise a newfound positivity and defiance within their tracks. He also serves up some tips on how to survive the flight to Oz and which snacks Luke should be stuffing his face with. Another Australian outfit with a big future - DICE - drop by for a chat about how their brand of surfer-rock has triggered their meteoric rise down under and what they can achieve moving forward...all whilst squeezing everything they can out of the process. Our last CloseUp 60 Seconds interview is with the brilliant London group, Pynch. And...the circle is complete as we catch up with a guest from Season 1, Charlie Vaughan. Charlie is on hand to chat about how things with his old band, Weird Milk, came to an end and how he came to step out from behind the drumkit! 5 seasons, over 60 artists interviewed, over 60 episodes, countless gigs and festivals and many happy memories made. Enjoy the last of BSMW! x

It's Season 5, Episode 11! This week, Luke speaks with an artist for the first time in three long years… The Amazons front-man, Matt Thomson! Fresh off the back of the release of their third album, How Will I Know If Heaven Will Find Me?, Matt tells all about the story behind the album that cracked the top 5 in the UK Album Chart.   He opens up on the pandemic-triggered emotions behind the album, how The Amazons never stop learning and honing their craft and how they're breaking out of the profile of their first two albums with this new record. Matt explains to Luke how he met Mel C and decides whether he'd leave The Amazons to team up with Spice Girls. Plus, we hear how Matt and the boys are ready to ‘own' their huge upcoming show at London's Roundhouse! It's a mega interview from one of the hottest British acts right now. Hit ‘play' to hear this, plus a CloseUp 60Seconds interview with Louis & The Shakes and an ‘Oldies but Goldies' gig review from way back in '79, featuring Joy Division! AND find out if The Clash tribute act that Luke saw made him want to Stay or Go (see what we did there?). A bumper of an episode, get on it now!

The 10th episode of Season 5 is here... After catching their huge set at Truck Festival, Luke has finally had a sit down with Sean Connelly, guitarist of The Clockworks! Sean opens up on the move to London from Galway a few years back, signing to Alan McGee's label and weird encounters in Cologne. He also tells the story how he ended up playing tambourine on some of their biggest sets to date, after breaking his wrist!  Gig season is here and that means gig reviews are back! This time out, Luke gives a full run down of Katy J Pearson & Swim Deep at The Joiners and Heartbreakers in Southampton. This week's CloseUp artist is London outfit, The Motive, and we roll back the years with a classic gig review in 'Oldies but Goldies' where Luke looks to 2006 and a set from Good Shoes! Luvvvly jubbly!

And here it is…the last festival episode of season 5! Luke Scanlan brings you reviews from 2 different festivals, along with a huge BigSmoke:InFocus interview. After seeing festival season come to an end, he takes a look at Tame Impala's highly anticipated headline slot at All Points East. Find out how that went down, and how Luke ended up in the sound tent… He also  gives a full review of Victorious Festival with the likes of Self Esteem, Paolo Nutini and more on the bill. We'll learn all about the Southsea weekender, where Luke managed to spend over £20 on pick & mix. This week's InFocus interview is with the superb Jacob Slater, frontman of Wunderhorse. Jacob opens up on the story behind breakout track ‘Teal', if that riff from ‘Leader of The Pack' is really inspired by Lynyrd Skynyrd or Kurt Vile and we find out how he came to work under Danny Boyle, as Sex Pistol drummer Paul Cook in Disney's Pistol series. Plus we hear from our reporter George Sexton-Kerr, who headed down to Field Day to find out if Kraftwerk, Chemical Brothers & co brought good energy to London town.  Wrapping things up, we have a CLoseUp 60 Seconds interview with Indie-pop delights - hailing from sunny Dunfermline - is Dancing on Tables

Episode 8 of Season 5 sees us take a trip down to the quaint Oxfordshire fields of Truck Festival! Now his voice has recovered from belting out ABBA at the silent disco, Luke gives a full review of the weekend. Find out why The Big Moon's set was so special, why bands such as The Clockworks & Talk Show impressed and why Truck Festival is one of the best fests on the UK summer circuit right now. Have a listen as he heads back stage for a chat with Spector frontman Fred Macpherson. The guys look at the 10th anniversary of their mega debut album, 'Enjoy It While It Lasts'. Fred tells us how many copies One Direction were ahead of him, and why London 2012 Olympics were reasons they missed out on a UK top 10 debut album! He also tells us how he ended up in a picture with Snoop Dogg and what scenes he saw in the back of an ambulance at Glastonbury! A whole load of festival goodness for ya!

This week, we bring you a festival special from Slovakia's unreal Pohoda Festival! Tune in to hear a full festival review, which acts dropped the hottest sets across the weekend and how a woman managed to fall out of a portaloo... We have two huge interviews for you....The Libertines spoke to the media ahead of their mega Friday headliner slot. Find out whether we can expect any new music from the 'boys in the band', how 20 years since their landmark debut album 'Up The Bracket' have flown by, what makes playing together so "sacred" and how they love big shows but have a big love for the smaller sets of times gone by. PLUS...Joe Mount - frontman and brains behind Metronomy - tells us about the evolving role the band are playing in becoming an influence for a new wave of acts, why the food at this year's Glastonbury was bang average and what plans Joe has for himself and the future of Metronomy. Big Smoke Music Weekly loves a festival & you'll 100% love this episode!

This week, Brighton outfit Opus Kink join the show as our BigSmoke:InFocus artist. After years of building up a fan base off the back of their high energy live shows and the recent release of their long-awaited debut EP, 'Til The Stream Runs Dry', frontman Angus Rogers swings by for a chat. We chat about the band picking up unwanted and inaccurate labels like "Indie Mariachi", Robert Plant's mythically silky hair, whether he'd have sloth arms over ant legs and what sandwich he's tucking into.  Joining us in this week's CloseUp:60 Seconds is The Night Society!  Plus...a look-back at Glastonbury 2022 and an 'Oldie But Goldie' classic gig review of The Libertines' 2014 Hyde Park comeback show.

Season 5 is back after a short break from the firing line! This episode involves a huge BigSmoke:InFocus interview with beat-makers Porij. They tell all about their quest to constantly experiment with sound and to create tunes that make gig venues and festivals shake and groove to their dance & garage inspired tracks. Egg, Jacob and James from the band drop by for a chat as we delve into the beginnings of the band, touring with Metronomy, how they've gone back to bigger crowds post-lockdown and why that 80s and 90s fusion brings a sense of nostalgia to their music! Plus, Luke tells all about his trip to Vienna, as well as a look ahead to Pohoda Festival out in Slovakia next month. This week's Close Up 60 Seconds chat is with Portsmouth surf-pop outfit, Dutch Criminal Record! And we take a look at another classic gig review in our new feature, ‘Oldies are Goldies'. This time out, we take a trip back to 2007 and a Maccabees show in Glasgow.

Henry Wood from FLOWVERS is this week's InFocus artist! He chat to us about why the music scene is his hometown Portsmouth demands more attention, what happened with an Airbnb balls-up on tour, and why charity shop bargains are where it's at! Luke also chats to him about the bands summer anthem Daylight and we find out if Henry backs Noel or Liam in this week's "Either Or?!" Dropping by for a chinwag in CloseUp 60 Seconds is MantarayBryn. He describes a mad dream and how his artist name came into being. All this plus a new feature 'Oldies are Goldies' where we take a look at gig reviews from days gone by. Kicking us off is the 1979 heyday of The Clash! Come join us!

Luke is back with Bristol Dave this time out, as the boys record from their Hampshire HQ after a big night out. Find out how Dave made his way home using the most bizarre/ genius piece of thinking you'll hear in a long time.... PLUS, this week's BigSmoke:InFocus artist is Lime Garden! We chat with drummer Annabel Whittle all about the band having roots in pretty much every corner of the country, how their sound has nods towards dance and disco and why pre-gig nerves are a big thing in the band! We also discover Annabel's love for Kangol hats, "far-out" sunnies and what sounds she brings to her side project, 'ANNIE'. The boys also give a review of Lime Garden's brilliant set last week at The Social in fair ol' London Town! What a bucket-load of tastiness!

Another barnstorming episode sees Big Smoke Music Weekly season 5 kick off in sweet, sweet style! This time out, Luke chats with Harry Jordan, lead singer and guitarist of the irresistible Leeds outfit, Eades. Harry tells us how the band recorded their superb debut album, Delusion Spree, in a weirdly-named AirBnb, how classic guitar music has seeped its way into the Eades sound and how (and more importantly why!) he ended up getting pulled over by the feds just before they spoke! With there being some signs of some beer-garden-worthy weather, Luke gives his tips on the best festivals to hit-up this summer both home and away and why a trip away may be the best bang for your buck. AND David Thomas, from Make Friends makes an appearance in this week's CloseUp:60Seconds! Yet another Big Smoke serving of Indie goodness!

WE ARE BACK! 2022 is in full swing and life is back up an running... Season 5 of Big Smoke Music Weekly is here to make sure things stay a little less normal! As ever, we'll be your go-to Indie & Alternative new-music podcast, with interviews featuring the biggest and best artists out there in Indie-land right now! Your host  -Luke Scanlan - is the pilot of this rickety ship once again, as he juggles life between running the podcast and being a dog-Dad to his new pup, Bertie! Kicking things off this time out is Leo Wyndham, the supremely talented frontman to London-based outfit, Palace. Tune-in as he tells about the awe-inspiring moment the band recently headlined O2 Brixton Academy; how he never truly sang before the band started and why cheap hair dye bought from his local shop in Peckham had him earn the nickname “noodle head”! Once again, we team up with CloseUp – promoters, label and music management company – in “CloseUP: 60 Seconds”. The latest artist from their roster to join us is Bandit! PLUS…this season sees us hook up with the awesome YouTube channel SoundON – you're one-stop-shop for gig and festival vlogs, live sessions and interviews! Corrr…it's good to be back!

Gig season AKA the best season is upon us! Tune in this time out as a long awaited interview with the superb Katy J Pearson - one of the best voices in British music - as our BigSmoke:InFocus Artist. Katy opens up about her country influences, how Joe Lycett sliding into her DMs ended up in a music video, finally touring 2020's sublime debut 'Return' and why cows are what it's all about! In the co-host hot seat this week, Luke is joined by Joey Julliard - bassist for Honey Moon - fresh from supporting FUR out on their UK tour. Joey tells all about the buzz of being back out on the road, as well as how FUR are shaking live sets by getting the crown involved in a raffle midway through the set. He tells all about his ventures with the intergalactic gig space Close Encounter Club, rehearsing as a 17 year-old next door to Babyshambles and how he found himself filming with one of the UK's hottest bands right now, Wet Leg. Gig reviews of TV Priest, Kasabian & Paul Weller are peppered in nicely for y'all, along with a blast of CloseUp:60Seconds with Rob Castelino from Castells, fresh from the studio!   We're not admitting it's festive season just yet!

Big Smoke Music Weekly is here to kick away those clocks-going-back blues with a bumper episode! This time out, Luke is joined by Sam Tucker, founder of record label, promo company and booking agent CloseUp - our partner for Season 4. The boys look back on CloseUp Festival 2021, as well as delving into killer topics such as which are the best herbal teas on the market. The BigSmoke:InFocus featured artist this time out is Cassia, who add even more layers of delicious sunshine in this grim time of year! Luke chats with bassist Lou Cotterill, live from backstage at their Edinburgh show. Lou tells all about life back on the road, how fundamental Gregg's is to the band's success, and why the band have arrived at a more natural-feeling sound. All this, plus find out what life has been like since moving back from Berlin, and what happened when a rogue drumstick smacked a fan in the face.

Well here it is....episode 10 of season 4 This time out, the boys bring you an interview with a band that have led the rise of the UK post-punk scene over the past few years: Shame. Listen as Luke and Dave catch up with Eddie and Josh from the band, just before their homecoming headliner slot at Wide Awake Festival. Plus, Dave tells all about how he ended up on stage at a Camden gig, and Luke heads to see The Vaccines for the 1000th. AND, we have a round-up of some ace new tracks in Tunes of The Week as well as a "mad 5 minutes" with Mollie Coddled in this week's Close Up 60 Seconds.

Festival season is still just about rumbling on, and Luke and Dave are clinging on as hard as they can! This time out, they review Bank Holiday Monday at the brilliant All Points East. The crowd were blown away by a vintage set from Bombay Bicycle Club before a typically stomping show from none-other than Foals. A brilliant day out, rounded off with Luke thinking he'd broken his nose in a mosh! Today (3 September), Big Smoke Music Weekly is back to it with a trip down to Brockwell Park in Brixton for Wide Awake. The line-up makes it an absolute must for any fans of the post-punk scene, with IDLES, Squid,  shame, Dry Cleaning and more set to tear South London up! Luke & Dave hit you with their hot tracks from the bill to get you in the mood. All of this, PLUS the boys do their very own version of the 'Big Smoke Big 10' and Luke looks back on a perfect show from Katy J Pearson down on the south coast.

A ruddy good day to you all! To say we are buzzing with our new episode of Season 4 is a big understatement. We finally get to chat with a band that has been taking spots on our playlists all year long, one of the hottest new guitar bands in the UK, the brilliant L'objectif. The boys catch up with lead singer Saul Kane to ask about fronting a band made up of 16/17 year olds and what they make of their constant tagging as a ‘young band'. Saul opens up on his influences from funk to The Stone Roses, how he knew from as early as he can remember that he wanted to be in a band and how they landed their first record deal through a Twitter competition! Luke and Dave as always give you a big helping of their Tunes of The Week, we speak to Leeds outfit VICTORS ahead of their extended EP release and…Dave tells us how he styled-out falling off his chair at a BBQ. All ahead of a big weekend for the boys at Victorious Festival and All Points East!

FESTIVALS ARE BACK! Strap yourselves in for Big Smoke Music Weekly's chaotic return to festivals, as Luke and Dave headed for Latitude Festival. It was one of the first festivals to make a return following the past 18 months that have felt like the world's worst sci-fi movie. Tents packed, beers in the back of the tiny rental car, the guys were absolutely buzzing to be back in a field and soaking up the live music that they and every music fan have been missing so badly! If you are yet to get back to a festival, look no further that our Latitude Festival Special...the perfect way to get you in the mood!

Well... it looks like summer has finally arrived and Big Smoke Music weekly is here to add with fizz with another episode bursting at the seams with new music goodness! The BigSmoke:InFocus this time round is the brilliant FEET. We speak with frontman George Haverson all about how the band are moving on to new horizons following 2019's debut 'What's Inside Is More Than Just Ham' and into the world of Crease Pop. George tells all on how FEET feel their succession of single releases this  year have gone down, why soft cheese with a French stick is the only snack you need in your life and how in the hell they got their band name! PLUS....Luke & Dave dish up some tasty new servings for their Tunes of The Week & Jamie Hoddle - one half of Indie-House duo Mona Vale drops in as our CloseUp 60 Seconds artist. All this as well as details about Dave's new Love Bus! If that isn't exactly what you need to get into the swing of summer, we don't know what is!

Alright muckers! Before Luke & Dave horrify the locals and get their pale beach bods out down in Cornwall, they thought they had better drop a new episode to keep things ticking over. And….what an episode it is! The boys chat through the all-important plans for the playlist down the land of pasties, as well as picking their Tunes of The Week. Hear some tasty little treats from the likes of Junodream, MILA, Bandicoot & more! Luke even tells a tale of being recognised by a fan of the show…has he now “made it”?! The BigSmoke:InFocus artist this week is the simply superb Pixey! She joins the show to chat all things KP Peanuts as well as revealing a fan named their kid after her and how she is sharpening her production skills to become one of the biggest-sounding artists out there right now. Oooft, what an episode!

Welcome, kids! Luke and Dave have finally got a pub trip out of the way after 5 months without seeing each other… Now they can bring you a new episode, wahoo! Big Smoke Music Weekly is back with a mega BigSmoke:InFocus chat with Black Honey lead singer, Izzy B Phillips. She tells all about Black Honey’s brilliant second album, ‘Written & Directed” that charted at number 1 in the Independent chart and 7 in the UK album chart...one of the albums of the year!Take a listen to find out how her big night with Razorlight ended up in cut knees, why she signed a lobster and how filmic elements influenced the new album. All this, plus Luke spills his heart over having to miss 110 Above Festival this summer, along with a CloseUp: 60 Seconds with Edith Violet of the fantastique FOURS.

Luke and Dave are back after making it through a big first weekend back in the pubs!Episode 3 of Season 4 comes with a huge BigSmoke:InFocus chat with Ethan Barnett AKA Ten Tonnes, off the back of his festival-ready banger of a new single ‘Everything You Got’. We chat with him about how life in this Sci-Fi horror of a year has helped him get busy with writing, how he ends up thinking about his dinner options during live shows and all about a chance encounter with TV chef royalty, Gino D’Acampo! This week’s CloseUp 60 Seconds sees us catch up with The Hubbards, who are set to play alongside the likes of whenyoung, Sad Boys Club and Valeras for CloseUp Festival 2021. PLUS! Luke digs out a compilation album that drips with 90’s anthems and a round-up of this week’s Tunes of The Week, featuring L’Objectif, Speedboat & more.

Big Smoke Music Weekly comes back at ya with yet more lashing of Indie & Alternative goodness!This week, Luke & Dave discuss killer topics such as holes in crotches, aching joints & weird messages from delivery drivers.The BigSmoke:InFocus artist in residence is the brilliant TV Priest. We speak with front-man Charlie Drinkwater about the many years that sit behind their debut album 'Uppers' and why their one and only gig was played in a disused industrial freezer....AND Birmingham group VIOLET drop by for a chat about their mega new tune 'Fade' in the CloseUp 60 seconds.

As the days get longer, we have more sunshiiiiine and the beer gardens to open soon....Big Smoke Music Weekly returns!Luke and Dave are with you once again for the wild ride of Season 4!BigSmoke:InFocus returns, along with the tasty new feature, 'The Big Smoke Big 10', where each InFocus artist is asked a set 10 questions about life behind the scenes, to find out what makes them tick and how they got where they are, and most importantly....to find out their favourite on-tour snack.First up to the plate is Jack Cochrane, the writing powerhouse and quick wit behind The Snuts. He joins us in a week the band release their long-awaiting debut album, W.L.PLUS! We have teamed up with CloseUp - a London-based live promoters, booking agent and label. Each episode of Season 4 will see us bring you a chat with one of the artists on their roster in the 'CloseUp 60 Seconds'. This week, we chat with High Wycombe outfit, Only Sun.Corrr blimey guv'nor, it's good to be back!The Big Smoke Boys x

THE END OF AN ERA! It is on a bittersweet cushion we present to you Episode 12 of Season 3! On one hand, it means we are closer to this dumpster of a year ending, but on the other...we say goodbye to our biggest & best series yet! Luke & Dave are back for more snippets of wisdom and tomfoolery with Dave's Music News & a soon to be award-winning new feature: Favourite Bits of The Series. PLUS! We put a glittery lil ribbon on this festive gift by bringing you a bumper BigSmoke:InFocus with Joey Julliard & Dan Hipkin - the team behind The Close Encounter Club. This year, the club has been serving the thirst of music fans amongst us earthlings by beaming sessions and live stream shows back into our homes on planet Earth. Plug yourselves in for an intergalactic journey through exclusive in-session tracks from Lazarus Kane, Porridge Radio, Willie J Healey & FEET. Feast on this treat and fill your space boots on this huge final episode.  See ya in '21 for more xx

The Big Smoke Music Weekly boys are back with a huge new show! In the 11th episode of Season 3, Luke and Dave have a sit down with lead singer and creative power behind Sundara Karma, Oscar Pollock, in their biggest BigSmoke:InFocus interview to date. Oscar opens up ahead of the release of Sundara Karma's new EP, 'Kill Me', and how a decade in the band has resulted in a natural shift in styles and creative influences.  Find out how personal struggles have enabled him to have a greater sense of strength, and how Oscar was in some way responsible for Luke's  brother bagging a fiancé! All this, plus a round-up of the tracks Luke & Dave have on repeat and a trip down to the news center in Dave's Music News. Plug yourselves in - Lockdown 2.0 is saved!

Hello gang! The summer seems to have gone by in a flash, but we are still hanging on, with this episode's BigSmoke:InFocus featured artist, Cassia. The boys from Macclesfield hopped on a plane just before the chaos of 2020 truly kicked off, heading for the bohemian heights of Berlin. There, the band have carved out an irresistible new sound at their studio and home, Casa de Cassia. We speak with lead singer Rob Ellis all about adapting to life in the land of Bratwurst, as well as how this new sound is one that has left the band feeling as though they are the winners of the weirdest year to date. Luke and Dave bring you all the best tracks that have been the soundtrack to life over the last few weeks, and they discuss the need for all music lovers to get behind the WeMakeEvents campaign. It's good to hit double figures in season 3, baby!

Big Smoke Weekly returns with another bonus edition of BigSmoke:InFocus. Episode 9 of Season 3 delivers two of the hottest artists on the Indie circuit, straight into your pocket. First up is Glasgow 5-piece Walt Disco. We catch up with guitarist David Morgan about the band's latest release, their on-stage extravagance and how they have dealt with being part of the Class of 2020...the year that has been put on ice. We also catch-up with lead singer of the sensational Leeds outfit Marsicans. James Newsbigging tells us all about the excitement in releasing their long-awaited debut album, Ursa Major and how a Tweet from one of the biggest acts in world music has helped light the blue touch paper in a march towards a UK Top 40 billing.

HELLO HELLO! 2020 is the year that is disappearing before our very eyes...so too is our Weekly title! Luke and Dave are getting you back in their good books with this tasty BigSmoke:InFocus feast as they pick 3 artists as part of this 'Ones To Watch' special. They come in the form of the brilliant new solo project from Sam Hong (HONGZA). He opens up to us about the excitement of going it alone and finally getting the freedom to explore and create a sound true to himself.  Tom McConnell of Novelty Island stops by as we chat about the alternative world he has created - the perfect escape from the weird limbo of this post-lockdown world. Finally....Tom Cherrill of Brighton Punk outfit GURU drops by to tell us how £5 bargain Burberry jumpers were part of the story behind the band's formation. More than enough to make it up to you! All this, plus another edition of Dave's Music News. Enjoy!

Tune in for episode 7 of Season 3 for yet another huge BigSmoke:InFocus interview. This week, we bring you our chat with Kris Smith, singer and guitarist of The Magic Gang.  He tells us all about the themes of nights out and the time in between on their upcoming second album Death of The Party, set to land in August! On top of this, he explains the freedoms that the band’s label -YALA Records – allow them, how The Magic Gang name came into being and the how their cover of the Arthur theme tune has hit the spot with many fans during lockdown. Biggest of all, we bring you the long-awaited return of ‘Dave’s Music News’! And, of course, lashings of the best new Indie tunes out there right now. Time for a lockdown boogie!

 Happy lockdown, kids! Big Smoke (not so) Weekly returns from the abyss! With no studio access, the Big Smoke boys bring you this episode, recorded from their humble abodes. Whilst Luke and Dave are miles apart, they have more company than ever in the form of two top drawer BigSmoke:InFocus guests. First up - the brilliant Chris Bailey - lead singer of Nottingham outfit ,Do Nothing. He joins the boys for a chat to discuss releasing their new EP, 'Zero Dollar Bill' in lockdown, how having awkward hands led to his unique performance style and how the infectious nonchalance in his talking of lyrics came into being. Chris tells us how the band are  keen to get back to playing gigs and festivals. They are one of the bands on the indie-lovers dream line-up for this year's Hit The North festival. Steve Davis, director of Hit The North, also takes a seat in our Zoom meeting room to tell us all about how festivals are handling the impact of corona virus.  With the original May date now switching to October and a line-up boasting the likes of DMAs, Pale Waves, The Amazons and Tim Burgess, it holds even more importance with a glut of summer festivals being cancelled. Put your feet up, turn off Netflix for 5 minutes and enjoy an Indie break-time!

Big Smoke Music (not-so) Weekly is back with a tasty snack for you to sink your teeth into! With the world the way it is at the moment, the boys have been unable to get the audio back from the studio in order to bring you this episode... HAVE NO FEAR - THE WAIT IS OVER! And...we believe the wait is worth it, as Luke and Dave bring you a chat with Matt Mason - lead guitarist of DMA's. One of the most successful Australian musical exports in recent years, Matt explains the DMA's stylistic changes and shift in sound on the band's upcoming third studio album 'The Glow' as he sat down with the boys in Soho. He tells us why this is thei band's most daring and best work to date. With distinct British influences seeping through their music, Matt also explains the love affair between DMA's and British crowds, after their biggest ever show at Brixton Academy and a mega show lined up for Alexandra Palace this October. Fill one hour of your lockdown day with some top new tunes, horrendous banter and an attempt from Luke and Dave at some old school rap. PLUS - we bring you the weirdly amazing entry from Iceland for this year's Eurovision! STAY SAFE, KIDS!

In the biggest Big Smoke Music Weekly episode to date, we bring you 2 interviews from some of the UK’s best Indie acts, recorded across a jam-packed weekend at BBC 6 Music Festival! First on the bill is our exclusive sit down with Sports Team.  3 of the 6-strong gang join us - Rob Knaggs, Al Greenwood and Alex Rice - to chat ahead of their eagerly anticipated debut album, ‘Deep Down Happy’.  The band tell-all on their lighthearted take on life and how that bleeds into their quick witted writing and onstage flair. We ask them about mixing things up with fans through mad last-minute guerrilla gigs, and how their tunes come from a place of fun-loving madness. The Orielles speak with us a couple of weeks after the release of their second album, ‘Disco Volador’.  An album dripping in disco, funk and cosmic pop tastiness, Sidonie and and Esme from the band run us through the influences behind the release and the stress that comes in putting a second album together.  We find out about the mad anticipation a band can feel ahead of playing new material out on the road. We have these two interviews, plus gig reviews from across the festival, including  The Big Moon’s magical set at the Roundhouse’s Sackler Space, and Sunday’s bash down at Camden’s Electric Ballroom which saw blistering sets from Warmduscher, Squid and Bombay Bicycle Club! And... as coronavirus spreads, we look at how it is starting to hit the music world. Lauran Hibberd talks us through the impact of SXSW being cancelled and what that means for up and coming bands. Welcome to the show!

The third episode of Season 3 is headed up by a BigSmoke:InFocus interview with a band that have been tearing up the Big Smoke city over the past few years on the way to their debut album, False Heads. Front-man of the energetic punk outfit, Luke Griffiths, takes us through the roller-coaster time the band have gone through in the lead up to the album and how the different fortunes have led them to become the band they are today. He also opens up on the ugly side of the music industry, and fires shots at those who have an easy ride, as he has steered False Heads towards the release of their debut album, ‘It’s All There But You’re Dreaming’, which lands this Friday (March 13th). Luke Scanlan is back once again with Dave Bohin. Find out why Luke is smashing his way through Mars bars, and how a fake plant has broken a woman's heart in Dave's Music News. OH YES!

Fresh off the back of their sold out show at The Dome in London, The Mysterines are this week’s BigSmoke:InFocus artist. Luke chats with Lia Metcalfe, the powerhouse lead singer leading the band's charge towards 2020 domination. She speaks about her outlandish onstage outfits, the confidence in her performances, as well as a comment on the lack of female artists at some of this summer’s biggest festivals. All this, plus an insight into Lia’s “infatuation” with crisps... Gig reviews of Cage The Elephant, Fontaines D.C. and Squid round things off before a dose of Dave’s Music News! Pull up a pew and have a sit down with the Big Smoke boys!

YES YES YES! Big Smoke Music Weekly is BACK! Your host, Luke Scanlan, returns alongside Dave Bohin to bring you 12 weeks of Indie and Alternative dreaminess. Join the boys as they bring you their picks of the best new tunes and biggest upcoming names making a mark on the scene from interviews with some of the hottest artists out there, to gig reviews of some of London's top gigs...you don't want to be anywhere else! Season 3 kicks of with a 'BigSmoke:InFocus' interview with rising Ipswich star Bessie Turner.  With a string of beautifully composed alt-pop singles behind her and an enticing honesty in her writing, Turner is an artist set for a big 2020. She takes time out of her tour with Genghar to chat about some surprising influences, as well as how a pickled egg-eating competition somehow had a role to play in the story behind her new single, 'Donkey'! PLUS! A new feature puts Dave to the test in 'Dave's Music News', along with a gig review of Bombay Bicycle Club as part of the War Child / Brits Week gig series. Season 3 - LET'S GO!

  Here it is….gift wrapped and made with love: the season 2 finale of Big Smoke Music Weekly! The boys are going out with a bang! With Luke being struck down by man flu – Dave was left to his own devices, to seek out the best gigs in London’s top venues. He reports back with his gigs of the week. Episode 12 also brings you a brilliant BigSmoke:InFocus chat with “friend of the show” and lead singer of Sad Boys Club, Jacob Wheldon.  The charismatic frontman tells all on the openness of the band’s new tracks and change in sound on their new EP, ‘Four Shades of The Transitional Phase’ and how things will shape-up for 2020.  Jacob also tells us how the band encourage talking about struggles in mental health, particularly from young men, and how cathartic it can be. They are one of our picks of next year…huge things to come! All of this, plus a look at Luke and Dave’s Christmas routine, a chat about why the festive period is so mad and a heated debate on how to go about eating their favourite chocolate bars. Typically ground-breaking stuff! Thanks again for tuning in all season....A very Merry Christmas from the Big Smoke team!

 Hola and bonjour! Kickstart the festive season with this tasty stocking filler – Season 2, Episode 11! Luke and Dave once again bring you a round-up of the best new Indie tunes out there, as well as a gig review of The Amazons’ (Series 1 Episode 14 ‘BigSmoke:InFocus’ guest) mind-blowing set at Brixton Academy. With their barnstorming set dropping covers of two timeless classics, the boys dig up a favourite old feature: ‘Certified Banger’. All this, plus magical mystery tour into the mind of Dave in ‘Dave Dissects’, before a look ahead to Fontaines DC’s milestone show at Kentish Town Forum! Strap yourselves in...IT'S CHRISTMAAAAAAS!

In at 10! Big Smoke Music Weekly is back with ya for another round-up of all of the sumptuous delights from the world of Indie. A gig review of Do Nothing and Girls In Synthesis at Old Blue Last is dominated by toiletries on hand that night, Dave invents a terrible new game, ‘Word Tennis’ and  PLUS! A mega BigSmoke:InFocus chat with Jess Allanic, the powerhouse lead singer of Calva Louise. She speaks with Luke and Dave about her love of the UK and the British music scene, having moved over from Venezuela. Jess tells the guys of the newfound freedom the band felt in writing their new EP ‘Interlude For The Borderline Unsettled’(released 22nd November 2019), and a look ahead to their UK tour! Lock yourselves on to this one….it’s a ride worth taking!

Big Smoke Music Weekly is back to save your winter blues once again! Episode 9 of season 2 brings you a gig review of last week's InFocus artist, Flyte, and their magical set at Village Underground. This week, we welcome a BigSmoke:InFocus guest into the studio, Sam Tucker.  The founder of CloseUp - the UK's hottest live promoters, booking agent and label - Sam gives us unique industry insight.  From his Mum providing the sandwiches for his first show 5 years back, to having a stronghold across the south coast and in London town, tune in to hear about the setbacks, the successes and the future plans. PLUS! Loads more tunes to brighten your day! Enjoy, kids!

THE BOYS ARE BACK IN...THE STUDIO! After a mid-season breather, Big Smoke Music Weekly is back once again with a feast of Indie goodies. Luke and Dave talk you through why Heavy Lungs (Series 2 Episode 3 BigSmoke:InFocus artist) have made them want to invest in earplugs after their headline show at Camden Assembly and they welcome a very special BigSmoke:InFocus artist to the show. Will Taylor, front-man of Flyte, joins the show to discuss both the struggles and the wonders of a recent 20+ tour with Jade Bird out in the US and how the band have changed their sound over the years. This, plus the boys choose band names for one another after Dave claims that we are running out of band names. WE'RE BACK, BABY!

The last episode before the mid-season break! The Big Smoke gang are back once again with another Indie remedy to cure those wintery blues and sniffly noses! The BigSmoke:InFocus chat in episode 7 of season 2 is with an artist that has so far shown a glimpse of his daring outlook on his music and how he refuses to be defined by one sound, the fantastically talented Ash Bates. This, plus a review of The Snuts' magnificent show down at a sold-out SCALA.  Tune in and let us guide you through the weekend!

The boys have recovered, a week on from their big away day in Manchester town. Join them as they take you through the tales of the day up at Neighbourhood Festival, the best multi-venue one dayer in all the land! Luke and Dave give you their pick of the best acts on the day, along with chats with the brilliant Porridge Radio, Egyptian Blue and BlackWaters. You don't want to miss this!

Episode 5 Season 2 is flying by! Here in Episode 05, Luke and Dave chat to Toby Mitchell, front man of the guitar-heavy delight that is The Velvet Hands, as our BigSmoke:InFocus interview. Toby tells all about supporting some of the country’s biggest acts over a jam-packed summer, what it is that draws the band to a distinctly British sound and why Cornwall is becoming a hotbed of musical talent. Chuck in a couple of gig reviews and some huge new tunes, you have yourself a polished sub-hour gem! Check it out now!

HELLO HELLO HELLO! Well.....if you didn't get a Glasto ticket (like every sorry soul we know!) the Big Smoke boys are here to give you a smile this Sunday! Another round-up of the best new bands making waves on the Indie scene, and a very special BigSmoke:InFocus guest in-residence...Shannon Cotton are served up in this latest episode. The Editor-In-Chief at top music site Gig Wise, Shannon tells all on what it takes to keep across all the hottest acts and news in music, how she got where she is and the trends that she thinks will be coming our way in the near future. Have a sit down with the Big Smoke gang and forget Glasto!

That’s Episode 3 in the can! The Big Smoke boys are back once again for your weekly round-up of all the best new music in the Indie-sphere! Luke and Dave bring you a bumper “double-bubble” edition of BigSmoke:InFocus interviews. First up to the plate is sassy Liverpool sensation, Zuzu who tells all on her pop inspiration and her honest approach. Watch out for Luke’s slip-up at the end of the interview.... Next is Bristol’s post-punkers Heavy Lungs. Luke has a mad chat with frontman Danny Nedelko ahead of their new EP release and on their new t-shirts designed with the help of their ol’ pals, IDLES. Never fear - Big Smoke Music Weekly is here.... sit back, enjoy the ride!

Luke and Dave are back with the second offering from Big Smoke Music Weekly Season 02! A gig review of Ed The Dog, Dave selling himself to potential landlords and a round-up of the tunes making the boys tick are all tied up in a tasty package. The ribbon holding it all together is this week’s BigSmoke:InFocus interview with Will Murray from Brighton retro-pop boppers FUR. He takes time out to chat to the boys right before a show on their UK tour to chat influences and how March Attax stickers are keeping spirits up during life on the road!

WE ARE BACK! After a summer of waking up in a sweaty tent at festivals across the country, Luke and Dave return ready to rumble on a new series of Big Smoke Music Weekly. Season 2 will see the boys deliver even more interviews from top upcoming artists, industry insiders and more gig reviews than you can shake a tent pole at! Episode 01 of the new season welcomes Kyle Ross, front man of the synth-heavy deliciousness of Fuzzy Sun. Kyle chats with the boys about how he achieves such luscious locks, the choreography for the video of their new single 'I Ain't Right, plus a look at their live shows across the coming months. Strap yourselves in, series 2 is here....

Episode 15 lands on the week Luke hits the quarter-century mark! Luckily, there is plenty of new music for him to cure the blues with... Join Big Smoke Music Weekly on another journey through the Indie-sphere as whenyoung frontwoman Aoife Power joins the show off the back of the release of the Irish band's brilliant debut album, 'Reasons To Dream'.  Aoife talks how moving to the Big Smoke with the band has helped them grow as people, whilst having an effect on their sound. She also tells us of the interesting dynamic behind writing songs and fans applying their own meaning to them, far from what she intended. What's more, Lauran Hibberd speaks to the boys ahead of Luke's trip to Isle of Wight Festival. The Island rocker gives an invaluable insight into how to survive the festival, as well as where to head for the best island night life and which local celebs to look out for. Tune in NOW!

In our biggest and best show yet, your hosts Luke Scanlan and Dave Bohin welcome lead singer of The Amazons, Matt Thomson, as the BigSmoke:InFocus artist to Big Smoke Music Weekly  this week. In a brilliantly honest discussion, Matt talks to Luke in an extended two-part interview around the release of the band’s second album, ‘Future Dust’. The charismatic rock and roller opens up on The Amazons refusing to bow down to industry trends as they look to make an immovable mark on the musical map the identity the band look to carve out as they invite fans on their journey of escapism. This comes with two tracks from the album, including Matt’s personal favourite. Luke and Dave give their thoughts on the album along with an in-depth look at the mammoth potential of The Amazons. Matt also reveals how he would shape up in the ring against Liam Gallagher, following last week’s story where Pete Doherty laid down the gauntlet for a bout with the former Oasis frontman.

Episode 13 of Big Smoke Music Weekly has landed! Hosts Luke Scanlan and Dave Bohin bring you their picks of the best new Indie tunes, as well as a review of Lauran Hibberd’s headline show at The Lexington. The BigSmoke:InFocus artist under the spotlight this week is North East outfit Llovers. The boys chat with vocalist and guitarist David Macnab about the rise of bands in the North East area, the influence of love and relationships…plus he and Dave have a David-off to see who the best David is! This comes with a chat about the annoyance of receiving marketing calls from withheld numbers…the boys give Luke’s old man a ring. He is not best pleased….! Don’t miss out!