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Swansea’s music scene is set to erupt on Saturday Feb as rising stars Kikker headline the House Party at the iconic Swansea Arena. This marks a significant moment, not just for the band, but for the city’s thriving underground music community.

The House Party promises a full day of sonic exploration, showcasing a diverse range of local talent.  (Time and details for supporting acts can be found on the Swansea Arena website).  Proceeds from the event will benefit the Music Venue Trust, a cause close to the hearts of many musicians.

Kikker’s ascension to the Swansea Arena stage is a testament to their dedication and raw talent. Having honed their sound in the intimate confines of local haunts, they’re now poised to captivate a larger audience in a prestigious venue usually reserved for established acts.  Anticipation is simmering for their 7:15 PM set, with whispers of a high-octane performance that’s guaranteed to ignite the crowd.

Beyond the Headliners:

The House Party isn’t just about Kikker. The day serves as a platform for a multitude of local acts waiting to be discovered. Be sure to check out DMR favourites:

• DAISY, serenading the crowds during the coffee shop sessions at 2:30 PM.
• Prepare for a mind-bending experience with Rainyday Rainbow, taking the stage at 5:45 PM.

For fans who crave an extended dose of Kikker’s energy, the afterparty kicks off at 10:00 PM at The Bunkhouse Swansea. Here, the band will trade instruments for DJ decks, spinning a late-night set that promises to keep the party going.

Tickets for the House Party are a mere £10, offering an unparalleled opportunity to witness Kikker’s triumph, support a worthy cause, and immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Swansea’s music scene.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of a defining moment for Swansea’s underground.

📷 © 2023 Deathmonkey

Friday MAY 26 sees the launch of EXOSKELETON, the new EP from Kikker recorded here at Death Monkey Records.

Already receiving lots of attention from the first two singles to feature from the album ‘Anxiety Being’ and ‘Trash’. This week the final Radio Only single ‘ Cringe Culture has also had its first airings on BBC Music Introducing with Adam Walton debuting it on his Radio show on Saturday night.

Listen Back here:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001m3lc

(Kikker are at the 1 Hour mark)

You can Pre Save Kikker’s -Exoskeleton to your Spotify Library here:

https://snd.click/7w3u

The Launch show for the EP is at the Amazing The Bunkhouse Swansea on FRIDAY and there are still some tickets left which you can get your hands on here:

https://bunkhousebar.gigantic.com/…/2023-05-26-18-00

Support comes from:

The Shunkos

Pariyah

DJ set from Bunkhouse’s Top Dog Jordan McGuire with the main man at the decks for the After Party.

There’s a lot of excitement at DMR also, as for EXOSKELETON we’ve done a run ofSuper Cool, Exclusive, Limited Edition Cassette’s of the EP, which only those attending the Launch Show will be able to bag initially.

They look , so don’t expect them to hang around for long if you want one!

See you at the show!

It is with very heavy hearts that we report the passing of our much adored friend, Directer and conceptualist Keith Williams, a pioneer in the world of music videos and feature films whose influence shaped the echelons of Hollywood and MTV. 

Keith was responsible for the very first “concept video” on MTV, the Buggles “Video Killed The Radio Star” and went on to create and define a whole new job description category in video music production of ‘CONCEPTUALIST’ where he was sought out by Hollywood and the music industries elite performers to work on their videos.

Williams, who’s name often has the the prefix “The Legendary” attached, worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Duran Duran, Bob Dylan, Billy Idol, Stevie Nicks, Sir Elton John, Madonna, Supertramp, Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), Donna Summer, Russell Mulcahy, and Sir Christopher Lee.

At Death Monkey Records we are particularly honoured to have had the opportunity to work with Keith on more than one occasion and to also be able to call him a friend, we are truly deeply saddened by his loss. Keith was a visionary and his contributions to the world of music and film will be sorely missed, alongside his classic dry wit and humour.

Rest in Peace Keith X

As the team at Death Monkey Records, we couldn’t be more thrilled to see one of our own, Kikker, featured in Godisinthetv‘s Sound of 2023 article. The online magazine has a reputation for spotlighting some of the most exciting up-and-coming artists in the UK, and we’re thrilled to see Kikker recognised as a band pushing through the melee.

The article itself is a glowing review of Kikker’s unique sound and style. Acknowledging the turbulent times we live in and how Kikker’s music channels the anger and frustration felt by many in society. Writer Bill Cummings describes their music as a “caustic blend of guitars and vocals, delivering a dose of pure rage that is both energising and cathartic”

Godisinthetv compares Kikker’s sound to that of iconic bands like The Birthday Party and Fontaines DC, drawing attention to the ferocity and relentlessness of their music. We couldn’t agree more – Kikker is a force to be reckoned with, and we’re proud to have them on our roster.

At Death Monkey Records, we’re always on the lookout for artists who bring something fresh and exciting to the table. Kikker is a prime example of this – they’re not afraid to speak out and make a statement with their music, and that’s something we value highly. We’re extremely excited to see what the future holds for Kikker and look forward to continuing to support them on their journey.

Thanks to Godisinthetv for recognising the talent of Kikker and for shining a spotlight on the incredible music being made by up-and-coming artists in Wales. We can’t wait to deliver Kikker debut EP to you all later in the year!

https://t.co/v0HV2flhef

Swansea Fringe Festival 2022 just got a whole lot louder! Get ready to rock out at Crowleys Rock Bar, the city’s beloved underground institution, as we take over the stage on Friday, November 4th for an unforgettable night of music.

Joining us for the evening are Kikker and Zed Motel, two of the hottest acts on our roster. But that’s not all! We’ve got some very special guests lined up, including Rainyday Rainbow, The Rock Foxes, The Warbirds – Dan Jordan, KD Knows My Name, and in a massive update to the schedule, Heavy on the Ride will be joining us too!

Expect an explosive night of epic tunes and killer vibes at one of our favourite venues. Don’t miss out on the action and grab your festival pass now to access all stages for the entire weekend. Head over to Ticket247 to get your tickets.

Stage times are from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm, with an after-party to keep the good times rolling. Get ready to rock Swansea Fringe Festival with us!

As part of Death Monkey Records’ 10-year anniversary celebrations, the label has been releasing a series of remasters from some of its early releases. And this Friday, the label is dropping an exclusive bonus for the upcoming remaster of Nine Plan Failed’s debut album.

“Follow The Leader” is a previously unreleased single that is available exclusively on the remastered edition of the cult trio’s eponymous debut album. The album, originally released in 2012, featured Nine Plan Failed’s sharp and bitter political commentary, which gave no quarter to the corruption and greed that typified the times.

Today, Nine Plan Failed’s songs and subject matter stand more relevant than ever to the zeitgeist. And their much-anticipated return with the newly remastered edition of their debut album is sure to be a hit with both old fans and new.

NINEPLANFAILED (2012) [REMASTER] is set for release on October 21st. But for those who can’t wait, the first new release from Nine Plan Failed in almost a decade, “Follow The Leader,” is available now. Check out the lyric video below and head over to Bandcamp to pre-order the remastered album and download the new single by signing up to the DMR mailing list.

After years of quietly building a following in Swansea’s arts scene, James T. Morgan is finally ready to make his mark with the release of his debut EP “In Our Endless Day” on August 12th. The EP features four songs that showcase Morgan’s talents as a modern-day troubadour, weaving stories of Swansea’s industrial past and his own personal reflections into a beautiful tapestry of Indie Folk.

Morgan’s live performances have earned him a loyal following in the region, with his low-key shows in arts venues and cafe bars drawing in new audiences and fellow musicians alike. He is known for his authentic, wistful tales and melodies that are full of beauty, and his recent performance at the Swansea Fringe festival was captured and released ahead of the EP, giving fans a taste of what to expect.

The EP features Morgan’s standout performances of his original tracks “Laugharne,” “Mary Vance,” “The Woman,” and “Winter Palace,” which have previously captivated audiences at his live shows. The recording of Morgan’s performance at last year’s The Swansea Fringe festival was also recently released ahead of the EP, capturing his rapturous set supporting the renowned Scott Matthews. The Live album showcased everything that makes James T. Morgan so appealing and unique in the indie folk genre, and gave a glimpse of what to expect from his first studio recordings. “In Our Endless Day” is deeply rooted in the landscape and history of Swansea, and his EP is a fitting tribute to his home city and his family’s ties to its industrial past.

Fans can expect to hear more from James T. Morgan in the months to come, as he takes his music beyond the borders of Swansea and introduces it to new audiences across the UK and beyond. In the meantime, be sure to check out “In Our Endless Day” and experience the beauty and authenticity of James T. Morgan’s music for yourself.

Death Monkey Records has just dropped the latest single from Kikker, and it’s a raging anthem that’s sure to get fists pumping and heads moshing. Titled “Trash,” this track is a high-energy, raucous Post-Punk inspired tune that takes aim at a variety of societal ills.

The lyrics tackle everything from environmental issues to political unrest and anxiety, with a healthy dose of punk rock nihilism thrown in for good measure. Kikker’s signature sound is on full display here, with driving guitars, pounding drums, and snarling vocals that cut through the mix.

In a recent interview the band said “Trash” is all about the frustration and anger that comes with feeling like you’re powerless to effect real change in the world. It’s a call to action, a challenge to people to take a stand and fight for what they believe in.

As always, Kikker delivers the goods with a no-holds-barred approach that’s sure to get your blood pumping. And if you missed it, don’t worry – “Trash” will be getting another play on BBC Radio Wales tonight on Adam Walton’s show at 10pm. So turn up the volume, grab a beer, and get ready to raise some hell with Kikker’s latest single, “Trash.”

Welsh singer-songwriter James T. Morgan has just released an exquisite live performance from The Swansea Fringe 2021, now available for everyone to enjoy! This talented artist is getting ready to drop his forthcoming solo EP release on Death Monkey Records, and in anticipation of that, he’s treated us to an exclusive live performance that showcases his amazing talent.

Recorded at The Perch Swansea, where he supported fellow DMR artist Sarah Birch and the renowned UK folk artist Scott Matthews. This set was mixed and mastered by Dave Milsom of Death Monkey Records and recorded by local live sound engineer legend Graham Morse of Eleven Sound Hire. The digital release of this live performance is now available on all major streaming sites.

In a statement, James T. Morgan said, “I am very excited to announce the upcoming digital release of my live performance with Kate Ronconi at last year’s Swansea Fringe Festival. This exclusive live performance is just a taste of what’s to come with my forthcoming solo EP release on Death Monkey Records. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!”

Keep your eyes, ears, and bananas peeled for more updates from James T. Morgan and his exciting journey. With his soulful voice and captivating melodies, this elusive troubadour is definitely one to watch out for in the Welsh music scene.

Zed Motel rocked the Swansea Airshow on the weekend with a fierce performance that had the crowd revving their engines and banging their heads. The Welsh quartet took to the stage organised by the Swansea Music Hub with an energy that matched the roar of the planes soaring overhead, delivering a hard-hitting set that showcased their raw power.

The band, known for their unrelenting riffs and explosive live shows, were the perfect fit for the massive crowds and high-octane atmosphere of the Airshow. Fans were treated to an unforgettable performance and somehow there were even a few noise complaints from their set…

 “We’re officially louder than a jet engine!” 

the band posted on their social media after the show. That one left us all scratching our noggins… but their thunderous sound perceived and the electrifying stage presence proved once again that this band has the intensity to make them noticed.

Zed Motel’s performance at the Swansea Airshow was a true testament to their commitment to delivering a banging live show. They showed all present that they are a force to be reckoned with, winning the audience over with a sound of what might happen if you took the haunting melodies and ethereal vocals of Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks and smashed them together with the twisted pop, underground temperance and raw power in the song writing of Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain, even if there were a few people who were expecting a bit of a quieter day out…. at an airshow…