What have MBR been up to in 2017?

Musical Bear Records • December 6, 2017

The Musical Bear Records end of year roundup

 

It's the end of year Musical Bear Records Roundup!

 

It's been an exciting year at MBR, and we've seen new additions to the label (more of that in 2018), new faces on the team (Mark and Oli) and several releases getting some attention nationwide.

 


Kodiak Island

Congratulations to Kodiak Island who have been receiving national airplay on 6Music’s Gideon Coe show with their ‘Orange E.P’. He’s already played two of the tracks….fingers crossed he lets the nation hear the other two soon.


If you couldn’t make the show at the After Dark on Saturday and buy a copy on CD, it’ll be available on our soon to open online store….or you can buy it digitally at all the usual sites right now.


H.A.T.Y.M & Uncle Peanut

Against all odds, Musical Bear’s very own ‘anti pop star’ duo have been picking up some excellent reviews for their second long player ‘This is the Standard Life’.

'A n album that explores all manner of malcontent, from the personal and political, to the musical –all with a kind of self-awareness that delivers the residual humour of the survivor . For their latest album we award Here Are The Young Men & Uncle Peanut one half-pint of Cider and Black to throw at the jukebox when Ed Sheeran comes on.' – POPBOLLOCKS.COM

A glorious 22 minutes of spiky guitars, stuttering drum machines and venom-tongued rants . – JOYZINE

It’s nothing short of fucking brilliant, short and anything but sweet. The use of swearing alone is commendable. A sort of vitriolic, generation X middle-aged series of rants on what we’ve lost, what we are set to lose and what we could do without. (Album of the year) – MONOLITH COCKTAIL

Find out the inside take on the album from the twisted mind of Uncle Peanut here


Again, a limited edition CD copy will be available via our store, or you can buy it digitally today.

Kill Committee

 

After two years, a false start (seeing the band record, then abandon the first attempt), and a bunch of live performances that are gaining them a loyal crowd, the debut album 'The Things We Nearly Saw' will be released in the first part of 2018.

 

This is the first vinyl release on MBR, and the band and label are very proud of it, and excited to get it out in the world for all to hear - and hold the record.

 


 

The Musical Bear Records Live Revue at The After Dark Club

 

We'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone who turned up Saturday, we had an amazing evening at the After Dark!

 

Thank you to all artists who made our revue a success! The After Dark has already asked MBR to return in the new year, so look out for our next night come 2018!!

 

We raised £150.00 to Launchpad helping homelessness in Reading. If you would like to donate, it's not too late as you can do it easily, just CLICK HERE to find out how.

 

You can find out more about the great work they do here

 

Read the review from The Whitley Pump

 


 

 

Thank you to ...
Ed Morrison - Doors
Oliver Gatherer - Merchandise table
Steve Reynolds - DJ
PA - Nico and Crew

 

Bands:
Kill Committee
Nobodies Birthday
H.A.T.Y.M & Uncle Peanut
Kodiak Island
Doops.

 

Zahid/Marie - The After Dark

 

All ticket holders! THANK YOU!

 

See you all soon... Musical Bear Records

 

An album cover for the two man travelling medicine show

Want a MBR update?

By Danny James • October 10, 2023
Bennet play the face Bar, Two man travelling medicine show have a gig, and other updates from Musical Bear Records.
A group of people standing next to a caution tape.

What have you been up to on lockdown?

By headoncreativedesign • May 15, 2020
Lockdown update from Musical Bear Records, listen to what the musicians of Reading have been up to
The word shoals that is on a guitar

Musical Bear Live night Friday 17th August

By Danny James • May 7, 2018
Live performances from Shoals, Dharma Sunset, and Long Day Late Night at The After Dark Club Musical Bear Records present another night of live music with three bands on Friday 17th August. Here at MBR we care about great music more than anything else, and this means we put on gigs from bands whether they are on our label or not. For our August live music night we are doing exactly that, with all three bands hand picked to play. Headliners Shoals last played for MBR to a packed out Oakford supporting Kill Committee, bringing a loyal following who sang along and danced to their jingle jangle indie tunes. Now freshly signed to the label, they headline their own show at the Legendary After Dark , ahead of the release of future indie classic (we know because we've heard it) 'When the news is bad'. Don't miss this, as Shoals bring the powerful harmonies and crashing chords reminiscent of The Byrds, The Beatles, and more recent hits of 90s indie. Dharma Sunset are another local act with a collection of rock and pop songs full of hooks and melodies. Long Day Late Night are from a little further out of town, but with a number of London dates under their belt, and two EPs out already, you won't want to miss them. Don't let their fresh faces fool you, their songs are crisp, intelligent indie and they know how to put on a show. We saw them just a few weeks ago at the Reading Fringe, bringing a brash confident set to a damp summer afternoon. If you like your indie with a bit of swagger, and a touch of rock, this is for you. Don't forget to check out all the bands on the label, we have a few releases out now and soon - and some exciting label news just around the corner! That's all for now, but remember to check back for more news and updates about what we're up to at MBR
Kill Committee album cover - The things we nearly saw

Kill Committee album launch - Oakford Social Club

By Danny James • March 4, 2018
Live performances from Kill Committee and special guests The Doops and Shoals at The Oakford Social Club Find out more about the event here . It's been a while coming, but the Kill Committee album is finally available with a release date of 30th March, and to celebrate they are having a launch party at The Oakford Social Club, and playing tracks from the new album live. If this wasn't enough, there are two other bands playing on the night, and they'e been hand picked by the band. Firstly we have The Doops (we first heard these when they joined Kill Committee at the MBR night at The After Dark in December) and Shoals. Shoals have been around on the local scene a while but took some time out recently, and now they are back sounding better than ever. This is a night not to be missed. You'll also be able to buy a copy of the album on the night, and hear some of the tracks live (and a few brand new ones due for album 2 ...) You'll be able to download your copy from all the usual places ( Amazon , Apple , Spotify )and we are very excited to say that you can also buy your vinyl copy via our friends ay KeyMailorder . You can catch Kill Committee at The Purple Turtle this month supporting Palace Winter on 19th March (you will probably have heard these being played on 6Music recently), it's a free gig, but you'll need to register for your ticket here . Don't miss it. Actors - single out now The latest single from Kill Committee is out now, and can be found online. We've had a fantastic response to the single with over 5k views of the video on Facebook, along with the great comments. There are four songs available for download - only one of which is on the album, so check it out now and either buy or stream on your favourite device. Watch the video on youtube here . Were you there for the After Dark MBR night last month? Last month Musical Bear Records put on our second night hosting live music. We are very happy to say it was another huge success promoting local talent and showcasing exactly why live music is important to the town. We were lucky enough to have the night reviewed by The Whitley Pump, and that can be found here - take a read. That's all for now, but remember to check back for more news and updates about what we're up to at MBR
A group of people playing instruments on a stage in front of a sign that says marcel

What's that? Another gig at The After Dark?

By Danny James • February 20, 2018
Join us again on February 24th at The After Dark for a night of exciting new music If you were lucky enough to be among the crowd at the packed After Dark last December, you'll know what Musical Bear Records are all about. We love great music, and supporting unsigned bands along with the acts on our label - followed by the usual 'Loaded Live' DJ Set. On Saturday we have four acts taking to the legendary stage at The After Dark. We start early at MBR, so don't hang about, doors open at 7pm and until 7.30 it's FREE entry. After then it's £8 on the door so get in early, see the bands and save a few quid for an extra drink or two. Get advance tickets for £5 (plus booking) here The Final Clause of Tacitus - Something a bit heavier here from our well established headliners Doops - If you were lucky enough to see them at our first MBR night you'll know they're not to be missed Harroland - don't miss this - these chaps are making a name for themselves, and with good reason. The BJ Bevy - a bit like Jack White, kind of. Get there early to catch this But that's not all that's been happening ... We have more gigs across the country from our MBR acts , and right here in our hometown of Reading. Kill Committee are playing a free gig at The Purple Turtle supporting 6Music favourites Palace Winter. It's free, but due to demand you'll have to book your ticket in advance. It's also Kill Committee member Danny's birthday, so bring a card. They also release the debut album on 30th March with a launch night at The Oakford Social Club. Support from Shoals - who're back after a break - and sounding better than ever. We have a lot more planned for the year, more acts joining us and more releases - so pop back and visit us to find out. That's all for now See you Saturday, MBR
A man in a gold suit and tie is dancing

A very special festive treat

By Danny James • December 12, 2017
A very special Christmas gift for friends of Musical Bear Records It’s very nearly Christmas and we couldn’t let this most special times of year go without giving you all at least one special festive present. We’re very excited to announce that legendary all round entertainer and personal friend of Valerie Singleton, Lenny Beige, will be releasing his truly special cover version of Greg Lake’s "I Believe in Father Christmas" as a free download single via Musical Bear Records on Christmas Eve! Keep an eye out on our twitter and Facebook pages for more details as the big day draws near.
A close up of a brown bear 's face in the woods.

Musical Bear Records website launch

By Danny James • August 7, 2017
We have finally decided to take the plunge and add a blog to the new MBR site. We wanted an easy way to share information with you and we're excited to start this journey. Keep coming back to my site and check for updates right here on the blog.
A crowd of people are standing in front of a stage at a concert.

Record Label launch night

By Danny James • August 7, 2017
Its time we got noticed, and we think you'll agree We've had a great couple of years releasing records, putting on events and generally having a lot of fun being Musical Bear Records, but now is the time to shout a bit louder, let people hear who we are, and have a bit of a party. Party with us at a legendary venue on 2nd December The words 'legendary' and 'venue' can only mean one thing in Reading ... The After Dark. Yes you heard it, we are taking over the After Dark for one night to celebrate with you, some of our acts and music to bring you all into the MBR family. Confirmed so far from the label are Kill Committee, playing songs from debut album The Things We Nearly Saw (and you can buy your limited edition vinyl copy at the gig), HATYM and Uncle Peanut, and Kodiak Island. We also have local favourites Nobodies Birthday, and while they are not on the Musical Bear label, they are friends and we are very happy to have them join the party. Get your tickets now here