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Miles And The Chain Gang take darker direction on cover of Griff’s Black Hole and confirm Food and Drink Festival gig

Miles And The Chain Gang: “It’s a lot more guitar orientated than the original”

YORK band Miles And The Chain Gang release a cover of Griff’s 2021 hit, Black Hole, as their eighth standalone track on September 6.

“I loved the song,” says band leader Miles Salter. “I thought it was one of the best pop songs of the last few years. It absolutely epitomised the sensation of heartbreak and loss at the end of a relationship.

“I wanted to see what we could do with it. I wanted to do a guitar band version. We changed one or two things – our version is slightly quicker, it’s a lot more guitar orientated than the original. I really like what we’ve done with it.”

Miles continues: “It’s nice to do something different. It’s a little darker than the other songs we’ve released, and Griff is not an act you’d associate with guitar bands.

“I’ve discovered music via having a teenage daughter. She’s introduced me to various things in the last four years. She’s very aware of female singer-songwriters. We’ve been to see gigs by Olivia Rodrigo, Caity Baser and Olivia Dean. A lot of the best pop that’s been released recently has come from female solo acts, it seems to me.”

Miles And The Chain Gang have released eight songs in total, clocking up 24,000 Spotify streams and 60,000 video views on YouTube and other platforms. “We play gigs in Yorkshire and are working on our debut album,” says Miles. “It’s taken ages, but we’re nearly there.” 

Singer, songwriter and guitarist Miles is joined on the recording by Mat Watt (bass), Mothers stalwart Rob Wilson (guitar), Ava Hegarty (backing vocals) and renowned York musician Charlie Daykin (keyboards), as well as Anthony Thompson (trumpet) and Jonny Hooker (drums).

“Jonny produces our music at Young Thugs Studio, in York, and always works hard to get great results,” says Miles. “The video was made my animator, Jamie Scrutton, and the song is distributed digitally by Kycker Music, a Sheffield-based company. I’ve worked hard to build a team and it’s starting to pay off.” 

Miles And The Chain Gang play the York Food and Drink Festival, in the Parliament Street marquee, on Thursday, September 26 at 8pm. Entry is free. Watch the video for Black Hole at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYLCkbb1I2Y

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Pocklington Arts Centre lines up Busking In The Bar return from December. Who plays?

Alice Simmons: Busking in the Pocklington Arts Centre bar on February 25 2022

BUSKING In The Bar returns to Pocklington Arts Centre from next month for a new series of of free Friday night performances by emerging artists. 

Lexi Rae Walker is booked in for December 10; Lily Honey, January 28; Alice Simmons, February 25, and Tim O’Connor, March 25, all starting at 8pm with the bar opening at 7pm.

Past sessions have featured Jess Gardham, Katie Spencer, Dan Webster, Beth McCarthy, Rachel Croft, Boss Caine, Dave Keegan, Charlie Daykin and Ava Rose. 

Director Janet Farmer says: “We’re incredibly excited to be bringing back Busking In The Bar. What can be better than spending a Friday night enjoying a drink with friends and experiencing some free live music? 

Lexi Rae Walker, performing with Busking In The Bar curator Charlie Daykin

“We have some truly talented artists lined up for you, so why not come along to soak up the atmosphere and discover some fantastic talent.”

Charlie Daykin, who has helped to curate the winter line-up, says: “It’s so exciting to see the next generation of singer-songwriters performing in the intimate setting of the Pocklington Arts Centre bar. Prepare to be amazed by the quality of this diverse line-up of talented musicians”.

York singer-songwriter Lexi Rae Walker, 18, is studying at the Access Creative College, York, and names Adele and Amy Winehouse among her influences.

“Singing is my biggest passion and I’m pretty sure I was singing before I could even talk properly,” says Lexi Rae, who performed on the main stage at this season’s York Food and Drink Festival.

Lily Honey: Booked to busk on January 28 2022

Yorkshire singer-songwriter, pianist and guitar player Lily Honey has performed at The Fulford Arms, in York, and such festivals as Latitude, Pocklington’s Platform Festival and York Food and Drink Festival. Since the August 2020 release of her debut single Leaving All My Love, Lily has enjoyed airplay on BBC Introducing.

Alice Simmons wraps her songs in electric piano, heavy bass lines, delicate guitar and smoky vocals, drawing comparisons with London Grammar’s Hannah Reid, Portishead’s Beth Gibbons and Florence + The Machine.  She has played Latitude, Humber Street Sesh and Beyond The Woods festivals.

Tim O’Connor is a troubadour for the 21st century, crafting insightful, heartfelt, contemporary yet timeless songs, influenced by The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Tom Waits, Johnny Cash and traditional Irish music. He has worked with many great musicians, among them the late Maartin Allcock, from Fairport Convention.

For more information, go to pocklingtonartscentre.co.uk or contact 01759 301547.  

Tim O’Connor: Busking on March 25 2022