[News] Live at Leeds 2014 Announces Initial Line-Up

It's that time of year again when festivals big and small begin to tease their fans with the artists that will be gracing their stages. Of course there are the huge announcements Stateside with Outkast reforming for several dates both on US soil and UK. But here at SKoA we're focussed on the ones close to home; For myself (Shey), that's Live at Leeds. A wonderful event that takes place across the city of (you guessed it,) Leeds, and draws bands from a smorgasbord of genres to venues throughout the city. Last year I had an absolute blast and the event was one of my highlights of the festival calendar. This year looks set to top it as they've announced their initial line-up which you can see above via the fancy new poster.

Making up the bill are Albert Hammond Jr, Blood Red Shoes, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Chloe Howl, Drenge, Pulled Apart By Horses, Wolf Alice, Yuck and hoards of other damn fine bands. 

Taking place in 2014 on the weekend of 2-5th of May, tickets are priced at just £25 and for the stuff you can see for that price, I'd snatch up a ticket fast. Grab them over here.

[News] Albert Hammond Jr. Details New EP

The Strokes' guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. appeared on Har Mar Superstar's podcast last month, where he let slip that he has a new solo EP in the works. He didn't say much more than that, but all the details are here now thanks to the ever-helpful press release. The EP is titled AHJ and is due out on October 8th.

AHJ was produced and recorded at Hammond's own studios in Manhattan and upstate New York with the help of longtime producer Gus Oberg. Hammond spoke on the album's influences, saying:

Once you play music for a living, you’re always thinking about stuff. Conversations with friends and things you hear in movies – things come up and become lyrics. Hearing other people's songs becomes like competition – you hear something and mentally you want to beat it. Life in general is pretty inspiring."

No word yet on whether or not we will hear a single before the EP is released, but keep your eyes peeled.

AHJ Tracklist:
01.  Cooker Ship
02.  Strange Tidings
03.  Carnal Cruise
04.  Rude Customer
05.  St. Justice

[News] The Strokes' Albert Hammond Jr. Releasing New EP in September

The Strokes' guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. made an appearance on Har Mar Superstar's "Nocturnal Emotions" podcast this week, revealing some exciting news. While the show typically "features long conversations with musicians, actors, artists, and other people of interest focusing on embarrassing moments in their lives and careers," Hammond Jr. took the opportunity to announce a new EP. While it's yet to be titled, the EP will include five tracks and is set to release in September through bandmate Julian Casablancas' label Cult Records.

That's all the info we've got so far, but I for one am really looking forward to this. Hammond Jr.'s solo work has always been good, but he hasn't released anything since 2008's ¿Cómo te Llama?—below you can check out "GfC," my favorite track from that LP.

[Watch] The Vaccines - "Tiger Blood" (Prod. by Albert Hammond Jr.) (Official Video)

About a month ago, The Vaccines let loose the track "Tiger Blood," that was produced with the help of none other than The Strokes' guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. Today, the visuals for the song have made their way into the hands of the public, and it shows that The Vaccines know how to have fun when they're on the road. Check out the official video after the jump, via RollingStone.com. As well, the song will be be released as a double A-side single with the song "Wetsuit" off of the band's debut album What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?

[Listen] The Vaccines - "Tiger Blood" (Produced by Albert Hammond Jr.)

Two months ago, UK indie rock band The Vaccines announced that they were collaborating with The Strokes' guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. The song that the group collaborated with the guitarist on is called "Tiger Blood," and, after playing the song live at Reading Festival in the UK, the studio version of the song has finally been released courtesy of NME. The track, which was recorded in Hammond Jr.'s studio in rural upstate New York, will be released as a double A-side single with What Did You Expect From The Vaccines? song "Wetsuit."

You can listen to "Tiger Blood" in the player below. As well, The Vaccines will be supporting Arctic Monkeys on tour later this month, and will be going on their own headlining tour starting in November.