Yorkshire

Ernie released alt rock anthem: Hold Yr Horses

16th Aug 2023 — 1 Comment

Sometimes even the fastest of us need to slow down…

Ernie captured by Steph James

As we grow we tend to shrink back into the shadows of our former selves, shedding new light in past stories, holding a candle up to who we used to be, tales of misspent youth, underage drinking, to passing exams we were sure we’d fail and final kisses. Still reliving the rivalries, reminiscing over schoolboy errors and mischievous pranks, resisting dreams we were sure we would have achieved by now, looking within to see where we need to go next.

Ernie Hold Yr Horses

Detailing his second ever release ‘Hold Yr Horses’ explores small town narratives, being 16/17 and getting into drunken scrapes. Bottles filled with blurs, fists reddened and voices raised these were the nights that flooded the days. Ernie describes the song as being a bit “tongue in cheek, I’m kind of poking fun at some of the weird toxic masculinity that was present in the town at the time, but ultimately the song is about a tense and unnerving time of my life.”

Anger and resentment, two complex emotions full of layers the ultimately peel back to reveal fear and vulnerability, the harmonies and instrumentals weaved through Hold Yr horses reflect this, two voices in the fog, an internal conversation, which emotion is guiding you through the darkness? Ernie, a part-time chef, full-time singer-songwriter touches on themes of identity, family, relationships and the trappings of being the “odd one out” in a small northern town within his music.

Ernie captured by Steph James

A cacophony of what could, be this song showcases Ernie’s artistic innovation, exploring the depths of his songwriting capabilities, demonstrating his strength as a singer. The music morphs, the patient tone of the message, encouraging the listener to slow down offers a reassuring hand against the fast paced and suspenseful guitar riff that propels the narrative.

The change in tone effortlessly illustrating the minefield of emotions we once felt as an adolescent, life becomes a stuck lift, limboeing between change and opportunity or face falling back to ground floor but never knowing which buttons to press to calculate success. But with communication and self awareness, those buttons can be pushed into the place, sometimes it just takes the help of a friend, a family member or even courage within ourselves to find the right sequence. 

Ernie Pink Headaches

And Ernie has done, from supporting Sam Fender at St. James’ Park to receiving plaudits from the likes of NME, The independent, Dork and his debut ‘Pink Headaches’ receiving airplay from BBC 6 music, Ernie has recently signed too Gravity Records (EMI imprint), and landed himself an upcoming headline onNovember 3rd at Star & Shadow Cinema, the alt-rocker’s impressive rise is certainly gathering pace.

Wakey Wines is in its Prime.

26th Feb 2023 — 1 Comment

What’s the best shop in Wakey?

Whether you’re one of the 700k TikTok followers or a Wakefield local by now you must have heard the iconic Abdul, come closer, Abdul, go back,” and the catchy “Bingo bingo, Gala bingo”. Well now there is even a Wakey Wines song, Come Closer, with its own music video.

Frustratingly the song is quite catchy, one that we’ll no doubt see trend on TikTok for a while.With is simplistic but effective wordplay the song cleverly markets Wakey Wines as the place to be, it is where things happen. Local communities, small towns and villages seemingly have the stigma that not much goes on but Wakey Wines raises a glass against this stereotype, a beacon to everyday people trying to make it.

Prime energy, WFD branded sweets, to it’s own merchandise Wakey Wines has transformed from being a tedious Tuesday lunch time trip to a Friday night hangout spot. You’re not going there for a bag of crips and a pint of milk, you’re going there to experience a slice of fame and full throttle vibrancy. Perhaps this theatrical display, evocative of a victorian market seller, will trend again changing retail once more.

The track has the potential to become this summer’s club banger, a grenade on the dance floor. This truly defines doing it differently, name another shop that has it’s own song. Binley Mega Chippy? That short lived jingle is no competition for this wobbler, right? Or will Wakey fall victim to these TikTok trends, you may burn bright but you burn out quicker.

Although owner Mohammad Azar Nazir may have gone viral for his phrases landing him guest star appearances at various nightclubs across the UK he has been met with criticism after selling the highly coveted prime energy drinks at an extortionate rate, in some cases charging £100, although this has been deemed as a marketing stunt by some.

Partial owner and promoter of the Prime Brand KSI actually responded to Mohammad’s antics yelling that ‘he can’t keep getting away with this’. It is clear that KSI is very passionate about keeping Prime at the agreed price of £2, when supermarket Asda was found to be selling it for £2.50, he called them out on twitter, writing “No, no, no. This is out of order. This isn’t Prime doing this. This is Asda.” subsequently Asda did then drop the price back down.

Mohammed has defended his decision to charge such a rate by arguing that he is just ‘making the best of a business opportunity’.

But the prices don’t seem to be deterring people who have, for the most part, accepted that this is all part of the experience such as Darren Grieves who travelled 130 miles with his three children to spend £66 on four drinks Wakey.

Whether you feel like travelling to Wakey or you’re not even up to walking to your local it is clear that TikTok is changing the face of retail, helping local businesses and giving creators the space to demonstrate their talents.

Hull based duo The Arkut Brother’s release Restless.

13th Jan 2023 — Leave a comment

Restless for a remedy that brings some recognition.

Yorkshire a county known for the pud, the terrier and the dales.

But did you know it is also host to a rich music genre from The Artic Monkeys, Kaiser Chiefs and now The Arkut Brothers.

The Hull based duo make music inspired by their surroundings, personal pride and heartache. The brutal awakening of a walk on the dales is whipped into the wit of these musicians. Their song ‘Take your time” is an ode to mental health, giving yourself priority over the whip of the world, let yourself take that walk, read that book or sleep it off. In our world of instant gratification and 7 step successes it is so easy to be fooled by immediacy. Remember things take time and we all run at different paces.

The Arkut Brothers live at Kardomah 94

Ironically their latest track ,Restless, discusses the need for productivity, pride in the face of a final. Of course achievements take time, perfection really does tae practice, but when they seem to take too much time the sense of delay can cripple you. Comparison to peers who may be tax brackets ahead, flights to trace every weekend as a work trip while you’re stuck in your local pub trying to make ends meet. It is bittersweet this roll of dice, we all play the game but each hand weighs differently. You have tried your best, a good balance of conformity and deviance, why isn’t it working?

It seems all forces are against you, lovers turn to heartbreakers, parents shut you out, friends don’t have time for you and confiding in your boss is ruled out. Are you the problem? Or is it the stars? Who knows what the answers are. The desperation and the dramatics that are born from lack of recognition is a dangerous route, my only advice in this scenario is to be patient and to persevere. Take measures to recognise your own worth and believe that one day someone else will see that too. Let yourself be enough for you.

Ben and Sam Arkut.Photography by Tone Broomfield

The guitar riffs are uplifting, giving the song a motivational edge which compliment the protest of the lyrics.The study beat is sure to set a crowd swaying one of their live gigs.If you’re boiling with the pain of potential being met but not being recognised then The Arkut Brother’s have the sound for you. Keep up to date with their socials for updates for up coming gigs.

Ben and Sam Arkut have made hits at a number of festivals including Beverly Folk , Springboard , Filey Folk and Humber Street Sesh making them well known across the Shire . Their dynamic talent and original twang have landed them airplay across various radio stations including BBC Radio Humberside where they were described as “very talented fellas, great guitarists and great songwriters!” by Alan Raw