Lancaster Unsigned With The Taphouse

Betty Kendrick is an independent folk/blues/indie artist from North West England known for a "hauntingly distinctive sound" blending dark folk, blues, soul, and indie influences. Her music features rich vocals and guitar work that moves between intricate fingerpicking and heavier chord-driven arrangements. More of her here: https://www.facebook.com/bettykendrickmusic  

The Cherished Times are a Lancashire-based alt/folk/rock band formed around singer-songwriter Kev Scott. The project evolved from Scott's solo studio albums into a full live band in 2023. We caught up with them at The Taphouse after a splendid gig where they played their original material. They have their own website, go there for more: www.thecherishedtimes.com  

Everyone in Lancaster loves Arcane Hope, they're a local phenomena. Music lovers like us were ecstatic at the news that they've recruited a new member, Scott Millington. Already a huge star on our show Scott joined us with Alice to explain how and why Arcan Hope are ready to make more fantastic music. Go now to their BandCamp and feast on some music: https://arcanehope.bandcamp.com/  

Kind Hearted Thieves are a 5-piece cinematic folk rock (grunge) band from Blackpool, England, fronted by singer-songwriter Jamie, whose voice has been described as roaring like the sea on a stormy winter night. We chat to him about the band after an AWESOME solo set at The Taphouse in #LANCASTER More here: https://kindheartedthieves.com/ And here: https://www.instagram.com/kindheartedthieves/

The charismatic Jackson Ward introduces us to a side of the local music scene which seems to be growing in stature all the time, Americana! Our guest performs both solo and with the Jackson Ward Trio, mixing classic-country storytelling with rock 'n' roll energy. If you only do one thing with your day today make it this YouTube video of his: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9jW-2BXXgY And find out more about him here: https://www.instagram.com/jackson_wardmusic/

These guys are AWESOME live. They've got some real MC5 energy in there, a real treat. Strong reccommend from us at Lancaster Unsigned. Go here for more: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvx4vr0E6oaTV1TwNX-cn7Q And then follow them on Insta here: https://www.instagram.com/greenhousebandlancs/  

From his Facebook page: "Hi, I'm Oliver, a 17 year old musician from Preston/Chorley area. I gig locally, doing covers and I am currently working on a lot of original work. Hope you enjoy what you see". We got Oliver to promise to bring some recorded work to our next interview. He's got a real talent for songwriting, which pub goers at The Taphouse were treated to, just prior to us recording this piece you have here. Hear how watching the recent 2018 film "Bohemian Rhapsody" inspired him to get on the stage and write his own music. MORE HERE: https://www.facebook.com/p/Oliver-Mercer-Music-61577128333745/

CHIMPS OF THE FUTURE frontwoman Kat sits in for a chat. We cover off the new song from the Discordian rock outfit, Ascenscion, and then play a track from fellow Lancaster act "dull". More on CHIMPS OF THE FUTURE here: https://www.instagram.com/chimps_of_the_future/ More on dull here: https://www.youtube.com/@dull-band

Hawkmen dive make music to move your soul. They're an alternative rock / indie band from the Lancaster music scene who have been active for several years and are known for mixing indie rock with heavier and more atmospheric influences, plus some introspective songwriting. Their music has been described as blending indie, metal, pop, and even classical inspirations. They're about to become your new favourite band. You'll need this link to explore their stuff further: https://soundcloud.com/hawkmen-dive

Brendan Cleary is a young singer-songwriter based in Lancaster who impressed the crowd at The Taphouse where we do our regular Unsigned night. More on him here: www.facebook.com/brendanclearymusic  

Alsation Eyes are an interesting band, this interview catches them at a moment of transition. Expect to hear more from them on the radio show and podcast soon. More here: https://www.instagram.com/newdelphi80/  

indifferentMonKeY are an award-winning UK-based alternative "Trip Hop Rock" band formed in 2022 by Joe Lowe, known for blending deep grooves, dark moods, and edgy guitars. They won "Best Band 22" at the Radio Wigwam awards and are actively gigging through 2026, including shows in Manchester, Lancaster, and Liverpool. More here: https://indifferentmonkey.com/

Violet Cry made a huge impact on us at The Taphouse, when they played the Unsigned Night there (every Weds, 8pm) recently. This is our first interview with them. More here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUmfjq2tSpYbj2enEs8radA  

One of the groups we affectionately name "the big four", Early Darts are making world class music right now, right here in Lancaster. They're one of the City's big hitters, you need to become a fan immediately! https://www.instagram.com/earlydarts/  

Shelectro creates a beautiful sonic world and then invites you to join them! We're fans, this interview is a good introduction to an important side of the Lancaster Music Scene. Find more here: https://www.instagram.com/shelectromusic/  

Legendary Lancaster and Morecambe act Hiroshima Twinkie join us for a chat about this an' that. Find more here: https://www.hiroshimatwinkie.com/  

Art Gallery—Ryan (vocals/guitar), Joe (drums), and Ralph (bass). Legendary Lancaster band who have built a solid live show and reputation around gigs at The Ferret, The Golden Lion and Lancaster University. This is their first appearance on the show. INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/artgallerytheband/  

We catch up with the enchanting Eleanor Bennett after her Tap House set and play her tracks "Breathe Light" and "So Full." She describes her music as "folk acoustic ambience," discusses writing original material (initially poetry set to music, now lyrics and melody together), and says her songs come from a heartfelt, soulful place and function like a diary of her life. Worth noting she removed her music from Spotify/iTunes due to low artist payouts and instead shares music on SoundCloud and sells CDs. She also goes busking in Lancaster, Edinburgh, Bath, and Paris, and mentions playing concertina. Fall in love with more of her music here: https://soundcloud.com/eleanor-bennett-arts

Darren Leadsom from More Music Morecambe pop in to tell us more about the a community music charity based in Heysham's West End that has operated since 1993. They run inclusive workshops for all ages and abilities, work in schools, host gigs and community festivals, and use music to build confidence, wellbeing, and community connections. Sessions are typically £3 for youth and £5 for adults, with affordable gig pricing and LA3/LA4 resident discounts, plus non-means-tested bursaries to prevent cost being a barrier. Darren describes their youth program that writes and records original songs into compilation albums produced by staff member Leroy, including climate-action-themed tracks for the youth-led Three Degrees Festival, and introduces songs "The Mountain" and "Horizon." He also highlights the 60+ "Singing Cafe". Find out more at https://moremusic.org.uk/

Sometimes you just know a band is on the verge of something special, that's the vibe we got from XOX after thier TRIUMPHANT gig at The Taphouse where this interview was recorded. Since then the band have been making good on that promise with showcases and gigs around the North West. "That's one of the best live performances I've seen this year" is the headline from our correspondent. They feature aggressive vocals, heavy guitars, and a metallic, driving bass sound, which as electrified people around Lancaster, Manchester and the northwest. They're basically your new favourite band. Go find more here: https://www.instagram.com/xoxbanduk/

Ruth Eliza joins us, an acomplished songwriter and performer. Hear her how taking up five-string clawhammer banjo, after hearing Darrell Adams perform, and learning through lessons and Sore Fingers summer schools, where she formed the band Blue Lass. Her solo work blends bluegrass and old-time influences with an Anglo folk/Americana feel, featuring original songs and instrumentals. Catch her in Lancaster gig at The Hall Café (Atkinson's) on Saturday 25 April; her debut album is due around March 2026. Find her work here: https://rutheliza.bandcamp.com/album/while-the-light-shines

Derek Meins has a chat to us about THE LANCASTER MUSIC COOP where he is both a Director and Volunteer. Hear about the student-founded hub for rehearsal and recording, its closure during lockdowns, and how post-lockdown disrepair prevented reopening. Hear about our efforts to secure a permanent lease to access funding, a full strip-back renovation with five soundproofed rehearsal rooms and a rebuilt recording studio, and hopes to reopen in 2026. We also chat about the thoroughly epic monthly free-entry co-op fundraising gigs held the last Friday of every month at The Pub in Lancaster. And the recent Bandcamp compilation, of local acts put out ot raise money for the cause. We couldn't let Derek escape without telling us about VEX MESSAGE the influential three-piece and their themes of surveillance and modern "utopian" visions... Find VEX MESSAGE: https://open.spotify.com/track/0vfwxSyS1JCgbUC2WVJSGI FIND THE COOP ALBUM: https://lancastermusiccoop.bandcamp.com/album/co-opilation-vol-1  

The wonderful effervescent CHLOE JANE HIRST joins us. Do make sure you go and listen to her music, a fantastic vocal range and powerful lyrcis. She talks about her new as yet unreleased song "Soldier Boy," inspired by concern for men experiencing pain and lack of support, a possible summer 2026 release. In that chat we mention Andy's Man Club. Here's a link to them: https://andysmanclub.co.uk/ And here's a link to Chloe's LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/chloejanehirst

Lancaster artist Last Dan Standing (Dan) on Beyond Radio's Lancaster Unsigned. We discuss his move to Lancaster and impact on our music scene. Explore alternate guitar tunings and playing exclusively in C major nine (C-G-E-G-B-D) for about 15 years Discuss rebuilding after relocating and receiving encouragement on the Lancaster scene. He can be found on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@DanLDS We love his work. You should love him too!

ARCANE HOPE are an enigmatic ever evolving musical wonder that has been part of the Lancaster Music scene for years now. Alice Evans explains the band and gives us more reasons to binge on their fantastic back catalogue of tunes. Go here now: https://www.arcanehope.co.uk/

Stephen, lead guitarist from Massive Wagons, pops in to chat about Promanade Music. Every great City has a cool guitar shop where you can buy (or try) out an axe worthy of your calibre. If you're from Lancaster you generally make the trek to a town also known as the home of rock. Morecambe, rock. The iconic shop has a long and interesting history, we discuss it. We also discuss Massive Wagons, one of The City of Lancaster's most successful musical exports. Fall in love with them and their music here, now: https://www.youtube.com/user/massivewagons  

This charismatic chap is an interesting new voice on the #LancasterMusicScene With the promise of recorded material on the way we chat about what it's like to decide to go out into our City armed only with a guitar and some tunes. Turns out it's quite fun. Expect big things from Joe Butler next year, in the meantime he's proving to be a popular live choice with audiences around the town. Find out more here: https://www.instagram.com/joe.butler_01/

One of the most powerful young voices in the region, Lois Brooks joins us for an update. Her new single is out now. Go listen: https://open.spotify.com/album/6sY9K3jGl7FDeQFRmGY559 And if you've not already heard it, check out our previous interview with Lois here: https://sites.libsyn.com/592775/lois-brooks  

Lucas Willaims has a talent that goes way beyond his years. A confident performer in a crowded pub on a Wednesday night, this chat is him right after he finished his gig. The description of his music on his Spotify page puts it in context: "I started gigging at various events and venues at age 12 and more recently I've been out on the streets busking." His studio work is excellent, we suggest you suppliment this podcast with a binge. Start here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6xEINUfzwfdAQIMnG9ZZOw Find him here: https://www.instagram.com/lucas_williams_music/

Indie rock upstarts, The Mandrills, joined us on the show. These guys are on a mission and it's one we're happy to help with. They do shows that have an indie-rock energy, with DIY / alternative influences. Strongly suggest you go find them online: https://www.instagram.com/the_mandrills_band/ And listen to their music: https://open.spotify.com/album/7HgF5eReXCqtRrjpRU2B6h  

Someone Else's Radio are three musicians who nail energetic alternative rock into orbit. They hail from the more eclectic side of the Lancaster music scene. You can buy their music on Vinyl here: https://elasticstage.com/someoneelsesradio Find them here: https://someoneelsesradio.bandcamp.com/ And see them here: https://www.instagram.com/someoneelsesradioband/  

Adam Lucas, drummer from Coyote Black drops in to introduce the five piece rock band to your ears, many formerly of the acclaimed local act, Philip James and The Crow Mandala. The super group is composed of band members who have all gained a fearsome reputation on the Lancaster Music scene. View video of their incredible debut here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1460113108427441  

David Frederick wears many hats, but we think "Jackson and Young" might end up being the thing that propels him to an even larger audience than his work already commands. Make sure you check that out, link at the bottom of these notes. Engaging company, as you'll hear, David has made a name for himself by both doing unusual and eclectic work online, while in real life frequently showing he can entertain and please any crowd he likes. Applause also for the work he does at the local open mic and his solo work, which gets a mention in the podcast. And the Soundcloud account he uses to document the live music sessions he hosts, that's here: https://soundcloud.com/dfsoundwaves Jackson and Young: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0e6001tdmfKiT07KuuTkuP Find his Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/DavidFrederickMedia/

K:KITCHEN RADIO are deep lore in relation to CHIMPS OF THE FUTURE, they preceed it and yet still manage to get themselves together and gig. Occasionally. Recently they've released an EP. You can find that here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4lHDPx2prwIaD5Pn1TGZLX They have spurned all other forms of internet communication.

ANIMUS TWIN are a necessary new band in the Lancaster Music Scene. They provide solid powerful rock music worthy of any venue in our great city. The two piece join us for a chat and outline their plans for world dominion. As it's unreleased you get to hear their track in full on this podcast, for now. Check out their Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/animustwin/ With thanks to The Taphouse in Lancaster and Beyond Radio.

The mighty Shelly's Bane*. These guys are impossible not to like. Sardonic, passionate, real. Their live shows are a vibe, people have a good time. The vocals are next level and the songwriting is anthemic. They fit into a pantheon of Lancastrian artists who have a solid fanbase and are making music which is infectious, catchy and has rightly found an audience. Fans sing along to their original songs. And they've got a sense of humour. If it's not already obvious, we're fans of their work, and we hope you will be too when you listen to this little chat and then their music here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1xCd0h2YficFXsXfAk5Lnh Join their rapidly growing fanbase, of over one and a half thousand plus people, here: https://www.facebook.com/shellysbane   *Yes, we ask them why they're called that.

"A Lancaster singer has revealed how music literally saved her life when she was in a coma as a child" runs the headline on the Beyond Radio webpage. Here's the full interview with Rowena Sian Hogg on The Unsigned Show. Rowena, who plays guitar and sings, and writes her own music, is a regular at open mic nights in the city. She tells her story here. Highly reccomend you try and catch her performing, she's incredible live. We're all big fans of her work. Some of which is on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1929263644303175 Here's the news story we contributed to: https://www.beyond.radio/news/local-music-news/listen-lancaster-singer-songwriter-tells-how-music-saved-her-life/ With thanks as always to Beyond Radio and The Taphouse Lancaster.

Not a word from their illusive founder, Harry Mason, in this podcast, but he's sent the band to represent him. Before chatting to us I got the chance to see the guys in action, solid, energetic blues rock. Decent. Fully enjoyed them. Find out more about them here: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Harry-Mason-Project-61567243780503/ And listen to their music here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Z5cfxtVsQJspH2gGYUYQm With thanks to Beyond Radio and The Taphouse.

The Glass Poppies are part of the core of The Lancaster Music scene. Heavily influenced by the rock of the 1990s, but with original songs and a unique vibe. This conversation delves into the history of the Lancaster music scene as the old Co-Op is remembered and that world before the internet is recallled, where a chance meeting or a note on a noticeboard could determine the fate of your musical life forever. Find The Glass Poppies here: https://www.facebook.com/theglasspoppies And listen to their music here: https://soundcloud.com/the-glass-poppies  

The Craic Inn are a local phenomena, of considerable size. In short: musicians Tommy and Dara did an internet stream on Facebook during lockdown. Initially two blokes with cans of stout, instruments and a liking for traditional Irish music. A few weeks in, the internet stream was essential viewing with many many thousands of fans watching the duo avidly. In the wake of their new found celebrity they bought a mobile bar, which sells some of the world's finest Guinness, and started touring our area to play in person for their many thousands of grateful fans both new and old. The story was covered in the national press and has allowed them to produce original music which then found an even wider audience when it was frequently played on Beyond Radio. They show no signs of slowing down; what was local fame is now gradually developing into a regional recognition and, hopefully soon, national appeal. You've heard of a "national treasure", for now enjoy this conversation with our very own "local treasure" Tommy. Find the Craic Inn here: https://www.facebook.com/thecraicinnlancaster Find Tommy's soundcloud here: https://soundcloud.com/tommy-mc-tomtom  

This band are unique, an avalanche of sound awaits you. One of those bands that record tunes which reward many listens; Flight Risk are a serious musical feast. "High energy funk driven heavy rock riff fuelled punk jazz" is a fair label, go listen now: https://soundcloud.com/flightriskband Find their Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/TheFlightRiskBandPage  

Good Plan; hear them discuss their two-year journey, self-producing their music, and their recent single 'Dreamscape'. They also announce a new single, 'Light You Up', set to release on November 5th. Good Plan reflect on the unique music scene in Lancaster citing local influences like Good Boy Nikko and The Limes. Find out more via their socials: https://www.instagram.com/goodplanmusic/ Or their Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6C2VQ58zkKwnACQyftJEFs

XOX provide a solid rock edge to the Lancaster Music Scene. We're long term fans of the band. Ellis and Josh tell us about the band and their current direction. Recorded prior to the final Vandangos gig which of course occured at the recent Music Co-Op gig above The Pub. Expect big things from XOX in 2026. Find more here: https://open.spotify.com/track/2K07JN3cb5brwyqw1pDzEO And here: https://www.youtube.com/@XOXbanduk INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/xoxbanduk/  

Legendary Lancaster super group, The Out and Out Blues band add further detail to the music scene we're looking at on this podcast. It's our first real acknowledgement of the THRIVING Lancaster Blues Music scene that has been a feature of this great city for decades now. Make sure you listen to their awesome album here: https://open.spotify.com/album/6xEvMtgeXNClCp9VSTmYVo And enjoy their charismatic online presence here: https://www.instagram.com/theoutandouts/ With thanks to Beyond Radio and The Taphouse, for their kind support of this podcast and the Lancaster Music scene itself.

Extremely strong work here from CHLOE JANE HIRST, a very strong performer, with a growing and committed fanbase. If you go check out her back catralogue you'll find a host of songs all expressing her creativity and ideas. Charismatic company, with a big oversized red guitar, you'll soon be a fan of this lady's work. Go checkout her Spotify and spend some time with a quality songwriter now: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Oj3JqphqBOEnkswH9ZO9o And, while you're at it, follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/chloe_jane_hirst With thanks to The Taphouse and Beyond Radio.

I've watched this guy play a number of times and each time I've been amazed at what he can do with a guitar. A prodigal auteur of the Lancaster guitar world. Famed for his involvement with the stunning and acclaimed local band Wytch Hazel (wiki - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wytch_Hazel ). We discuss the band, but get to grips with the STRINGMAN as a solo artist. Strongly reccomend you check out both. Who are Wytch Hazel? Go here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4EwBNQKEzshM5Yxs6cyzpt Where do I find STRINGMAN's music? Here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4PuFMNhujcZZt315cT5egf With thanks to The Taphouse and Beyond Radio.

A definate personal favourite this one. These guys feel like they know what they're doing. Solid charisma and a sense each band member is a star in their own right. In a perfect world they'd be nationally recognised, maybe that day is coming soon. For now we're delighted to have them spend 20 minutes chatting on our show. We've left the unreleased song they kindly allowed us to play to you in the final cut of the podcast, it'll be removed when they release it next year - so for a limited time only, download and enjoy. Go find them now, they're your new favourite band: https://www.instagram.com/stepfordwivesband/ Their incredibly bingeable back catalogue is here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5d2upvmAnTN3xVUYOeqZRz With thanks to The Taphouse and Beyond Radio.

These guys know how to bring the vibe, the night we interviewed them they absolutely tore it up at The Taphouse. Felt like a stadium gig! They're doing it, they're living the dream, touring. We're delighted they took time out to join us here in the Mighty City of Lancaster, the official music capital of Lancashire. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seaperrymusic/ Spotify, worth a proper binge: https://open.spotify.com/artist/12bLNYczjfAm0l8GCFyxL5 With thanks to both The Taphouse and Beyond Radio.

Fresh from supporting Lancaster music legends Massive Wagons at their historic Lancaster University gig, Harrison Rimmer takes some time out to chat on the podcast about music and what it's like to do it at a high level. Charismatic and charming to talk to his personality is an interesting contrast to the passionate delivery you'll hear if you check out his stuff online, all the major streaming services have his stuff, why not start with this link to Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/harrison-rimmer/551753910 Also - check out www.harrisonrimmer.com  With thanks to Beyond Radio and The Taphouse, Lancaster.

These guys are HUGE personal favourites. I'd gladly have done an hour with them. Their recent album is premier league stuff. Highly highly highly reccomend: https://open.spotify.com/album/09XXeOBTgT2dLaaZYZqlrM?si=uXyzOFZ8Qu-kGZWRtPNePA The above is a link to Spotify, a search engine will send you to various streaming services. For various podcasting law reasons we can't play the tunes on the podcast so do yourself a favour and listen to that album. The whole thing. Their INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thezoffs This show's INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/lancastermusicunsigned Don't forget to like and sub to the podcast. Wherever you're reading these words...