Following the unprecedented success of his summer anthem Foolish Feet, Garfield Mayor heralds the change of season with a bold new single titled Light the Dark. This time Mayor bids farewell to the beach disco in favour of a rugged, indie-pop landscape, reminiscent of fellow Northern songsmith Ian Brown.

Despite a turbulent career, Mayor’s resurgent return has yet to reveal much of his acrimonious split with Sony and subsequent retreat from public view. But whilst Light the Dark remains unwaveringly defiant in its narrative, there are hints he may be preparing to lower his guard:

“There’ve been times since Sony I’ve felt paralysed – like I’ve lost my voice, and can’t honour my blessings... We've all got talents that define us - it's vital we nurture them. Light the Dark's a call to exercise your talents no matter what... Or as Dr. King says: 'we must keep moving'” muses Mayor.

Whilst fans are seasoned to surprises from his expansive production locker, Light the Dark is straight from the engine room: back is the electric piano which combines with tough drums to drive forward relentlessly. Synth, electric guitar, and inevitably his beloved Taylor 314 get their moment too. Despite the familiarity, there’s a crunch here which makes for something altogether harder: this is classic Mayor - but on steroids.

Whereas previous productions have benefitted from the watchful eye of Mike Spencer (Ellie Goulding/Emeli Sandé/Ed Sheeran), this is an entirely solo affair, recorded and mixed at Mayor's home in Coventry. Not that you’d guess – Light the Dark is arguably his most accomplished work yet, and surely set to brighten the Autumn of his career further.

ABOUT
Garfield Mayor's music, and his gift for song writing are of the most timeless and special I have ever heard” - Evan Lamberg (President, Universal Music Publishing)

From a guy that's been instrumental in the careers of Neil Diamond, Miley Cyrus, Billy Joel, Pharrell Williams and Regina Spektor to name but a few – that's high praise indeed...

Garfield Mayor is a visionary British singer-songwriter who "weaves pop melodies around trenchant lyrics" (Melinda Newman - Billboard Magazine). Through his stories we are taken on a journey where ultimately we are reminded: there's no need to be lonely.

His talents have been likened to those of David Gray, Seal, and Joan Armatrading (alongside whom he performed on her farewell tour in 2015). His critically acclaimed debut album Take and Take has garnered such comments as being “…loaded with songs that belong on every radio and in every house” (Merck Mercuriadis - manager of Elton John/Morrisey/Pet Shop Boys) and “...full of ‘I wish I’d written that’ songs”  - (Rob Thomas - Grammy winning Singer/Songwriter, Matchbox 20/Santana).

Often alone with his guitar or piano, he has performed in London, Nashville, New York, and Paris. Other accolades include being nominated for UK Emerging Talent Awards Best Solo Artist and People’s Choice Award, Ultimate Ears Artist to Watch, and Hollywood Music in Media Best Video for “Take and Take”.
 
Influenced by the class and breadth of Paul Simon’s pen, the aesthetic of Fleetwood Mac, the hybrid sound of David Gray through to Kasabian, and the attitude that the best of any genre deserves due respect, Garfield Mayor is diverse yet familiar all at the same time.

Emerging from the vibrant Manchester music scene in late 2021, Dreaming of Citra is a five-piece band forging a distinct path through the soundscape. Blending potent rock instrumentation with pop- infused melodies and emotionally charged lyrics, their diverse influences culminate in a sound that's both fresh and captivating.
 
With two singles under their belt, numerous Manchester gigs igniting audiences and winning Manchester's Artist of the Month, they have earned their stripes as a rising force. Their raw energy and heartfelt songcraft have garnered the attention of tastemakers like BBC Introducing, BBC Manchester, and Absolute Radio, propelling them to a wider audience.

Dreaming of Citra is releasing their new song 'Bitter' on 15th November 2024. The song explores the ups and downs of a complicated relationship and playfully expresses feelings of dissatisfaction and the desire for something more. With a mix of witty lines and heartfelt emotions, the song touches on themes of personal growth, the search for identity, and the bittersweet moments in love. The lively melody contrasts with the introspective lyrics, making "Bitter" both relatable and easy to sing along to, perfect for anyone who's ever felt stuck but is ready to move on.

Manchester based psychedelic, alt rock trio Jesus Knievel triumphantly return with a brand new single!
 
A typical genre smashing groove, with ska-tinged verses and a singalong chorus, sitting comfortably next to psychedelic instrumental breaks and intriguing timing changes, “The Bee in the Middle” showcases a band at the very height of their eclectic, eccentric powers.
 
Available on all major streaming platforms from 8th November 2024, the song is to be accompanied by an exciting new self-produced music video, that is not to be missed. The B(ee) side is an unexpectedly concise post punk, surf rock explosion of noise. It’s over in two joyously exuberant minutes, that are as spiky and pointed as its name - “Cactus”.
 
The two songs on this single represent another sonic milestone on the aural roadmap of one of Manchester’s most consistently exciting and inventive bands.
 
Jesus Knievel - The Story So Far…
 
Formed in 2007, Jesus Knievel have spent over 15 years building a loyal and loving fan base, via their unpredictable and explosive live shows, and the release of four eclectic, exuberant studio albums.
 
Encompassing everything from psychedelia, punk, pop, country and funk, Jesus Knievel take great pride in creating a joyous, genre smashing sonic legacy that defies easy categorisation.
 
2024 saw the band release their long awaited fourth studio album ‘The Plural of Hiatus’ and promote it with a plethora of live shows up and down the country.

With a touring schedule that shows no sign of slowing down and new material out before the end of the year,  promoters, venue owners and festival organisers are encouraged to reach out if they wish to secure one of Manchester’s most dynamic and in demand live acts.
 
The Band
Richie Gradwell (drums)
​Combining the different styles learnt playing in a myriad of disparate groups Richie is the literal and figurative beating heart of Jesus Knievel.  From indie stalwarts ‘The Slides’, noise rockers ‘Drink & Drive’, improvisational post punk poets ‘Tax Drone Debt Slave’ and the joyously surreal alternative fun house that is ‘Sugar Crease’ Richie has an unending well of percussive practice to draw from.
 
Richie’s grooves, timing changes and ability to effortlessly shift style is a huge part of what makes Jesus Knievel’s music so instantly recognisable.
 
Ste Morris (Guitar/Vox)
If ‘Clapton is God’, then JK fans know that Ste is ‘Moses’! In possession of a unique and distinctive guitar style, Ste is the musical driving force of the band, propelling songs to the abstracted places they arrive. As pianist and singer for Manchester’s greatest alt rock, anti folk, jazz improv quartet Perspex Leslie, and founding member of the legendary hip hop, rock fusionists People in the Bassment, Ste brings a plethora of experience and influences to the band.
 
As a singer, his voice is as big as you’d expect from a man who shares a pharmacist with Tom Jones!
 
Pete Smyth (bass)
The anchor that tethers the ship, Pete’s assured baselines keep the good ship Jesus Knievel afloat on a sea of lukewarm water and fuzz pedal effects. As a founder member of Manchester’s underground drone rock monolith Delphin, Pete brings a healthy dose of anti-musicality, noise rock and lo-fi sensibilities to temper the virtuosity of other members.
 
He has also been described by some as ‘low’, something he believes to be a good thing for a bassist.