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2/20/13 2/20/13

[News] Dot to Dot Festival announces first acts of 2013

Last year's Dot to Dot Festival was a raging success with the likes of Willy Moon, Pulled Apart by Horses and Waves bringing their noise to Manchester, Bristol and Nottingham. It's now a year on and the first round of acts for the 2013 event have just been announced and you're in for a treat if you're headed down this year. Dry The River, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Chapel Club, The 1975, Lucy Rose and a load more have been announced for the festival.

It takes place on the weekend of May 24th, 25th, and 26th in Manchester, Bristol and Nottingham respectively. I had an absolute blast at last year's Manchester date and hope to do the same again this year. Check out some of my thoughts here and check out the full lineup above in the poster. Tickets are only £20 so don't hang about, go and grab one ASAP.

Last year's Dot to Dot Festival was a raging success with the likes of Willy Moon, Pulled Apart by Horses and Wavves bringing their noise to Manchester, Bristol and Nottingham. It's now a year on and the first round of acts for the 2013 event have just been announced and you're in for a treat if you're headed down this year. Dry The River, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Chapel Club, The 1975, Lucy Rose and a load more have been announced for the festival.

Dry The River
Benjamin Francis Leftwich
Lucy Rose
Little Green Cars
Wave Machines
MØ
Wolf Alice
Bo Ningen
PINS
The 1975
Chapel Club
Teleman
Golden Fable
Only Real
Black Books
SKATERS
Satellite Stories
Night Engine
Gavin James
The Bots
Story Books

9/13/12 9/13/12

[Download] Benjamin Francis Leftwich Covers M83 and Frightened Rabbit

We've seen Benjamin Francis Leftwich deliver stellar sounding covers for the past 12 months. He's been touring relentlessly since the release of his brilliant debut, Last Smoke Before The Snowstorm, last July. He's not ready to slow down yet either as he's just announced a huge amount of UK dates and North American dates and what better way to celebrate than to share a few covers with fans? Below you can check out not one, but two truly great covers.

First up he takes on the still fresh sounding M83 track "Midnight City" before tackling one of his favourite bands' tracks, Frightened Rabbits' "Swim Until You Can’t See Land". Both deserve a moment of your time as Ben puts his own signature sounds into the tracks making them feel slightly different while keeping the foundations in tact. You can download them over here. Tour dates can be seen after the jump for those of you wanting to check him out on the road this Autumn.

First up he takes on the still fresh sounding M83 track "Midnight City" before tackling one of his favourite bands tracks, Frightened Rabbit's "Swim Until You Can’t See Land". Both deserve a moment of your time as Ben puts his own signature sounds into the tracks making them feel slightly different while keeping the foundations in tact. You can download them over here. Tour dates can be seen after the jump for those of you wanting to check him out on the road this Autumn.

Benjamin Francis Leftwich 2012 UK Tour

01/10 – BRIGHTON – Concorde 2
02/10 – BOURNEMOUTH – Old Fire Station
03/10 – EXETER – The Phoenix
04/10 – FALMOUTH – Princess Pavilion
05/10 – SWANSEA – Sin City
06/10 – BRISTOL – O2 Academy
08/10 – OXFORD – Town Hall
09/10 – NEWCASTLE – Northumbria Uni
10/10 – EDINBURGH – Pleasance Theatre
11/10 – ABERDEEN – Lemon Tree
12/10 – INVERNESS – Ironworks
13/10 – GLASGOW – Oran Mor
15/10 – LEEDS – Varieties
16/10 – SHEFFIELD – Plug
17/10 – BIRMINGHAM – Irish Centre
18/10 – CAMBRIDGE – Junction
19/10 – NORWICH – Waterfront
20/10 – NOTTINGHAM – Rescue Rooms
22/10 – CARLISLE – Brickyard
23/10 – LIVERPOOL – Stanley Theatre
24/10 – LONDON – KOKO
25/10 – MANCHESTER – HMV Ritz
26/10 – STOKE – Sugar Mill
27/10 – YORK – The Duchess
29/10 – WREXHAM – Central Station
31/10 – GALWAY (Ireland) – Roisin Dubh
01/11 – CORK (Ireland) – Cyprus Avenue
02/11 – DUBLIN (Ireland) – Whelan’s
03/11 – BELFAST (Ireland) – The Limelight

North American Tour Dates

11/08 – San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill
11/09 – Los Angeles, CA @ Bootleg Bar
11/10 – San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar
11/12 – Eugene, OR @ Cozmic
11/13 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
11/15 – Seattle, WA @ Tractor Tavern
11/16 – Vancouver, BC @ Media Club
11/17 – Kelowna, BC @ The Habitat
11/18 – Canmore, AB @The Communitea
11/21 – Calgary, AB @ Palomino
11/22 – Edmonton, AB @ Brixx
11/23 – Regina, SK @ The Exchange
11/24 – Winnipeg, MB @ Park Theatre
11/26 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
11/28 – Chicago, IL @ Schubas
11/29 – Indianapolis, IN @ (venue TBD)
11/30 – Louisville, KY @ Uncle Slaytons
12/02 – Nashville, TN @ 3rd n Linsly
12/03 – Columbus, OH @ The Rumba Café
12/05 – Lansing, MI @ Mac Bar
12/06 – Toronto, ON @ Rivoli
12/07 – Montreal, QC @ Petit Campus
12/08 – Albany, NY @ Jacks Place
12/09 – Boston, MA @ Club 939 Berkeley
12/12 – New York, NY @ Studio @ Webster hall
12/13 – Philadelphia, PA @ World Cafe Live
12/14 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Cafe
12/15 – Washington, DC @ BlackCat
12/16 – Charlottesville, VA @ The Southern
12/18 – Raleigh, NC @ The Pour House
12/19 – Atlanta, GA @ Vinyl

6/21/12 6/21/12

[Listen] Benjamin Francis Leftwich - "With A Little Help From My Friends" (Beatles Cover)

We know that Benjamin Francis Leftwich has a penchant for covering Beatles track, he did a wonderful job earlier in the year of covering their track "Ticket To Ride". Today he's feeling generous and offered up an interesting take on "With A Little Help From My Friends". I say interesting because it was recorded in a hotel room with his travelling recording kit. See the above photo for evidence. The reason he decided to let loose the track is that this Summer he'll be going rogue at a number of Festival's around the UK and is currently running a competition where the winner gets a private gig at their tent at any of the festivals he's playing. Expect some extra people surrounding around your tent if you win! Take a listen to the track below and head to his official site for the full details on how to be in with a chance of having Ben play your tent.

6/13/12 6/13/12

[News] Benjamin Francis Leftwich Announces US Tour

Here in the UK, Benjamin Francis Leftwich has made a little bit of a name for himself and following the release of his stunning debut, Last Smoke Before The Snowstorm, he's going from strength to strength. With the UK artists rising up through the charts in the US so much at the moment the natural step for him to take is to announce a US tour and to take his album to the masses. He'll do so with a headline North American tour scheduled for November and December. He's also preparing to release his album Stateside later in the year via Vagrant Records.

As well as this exciting news, Ben is also back in the studio recording some new tracks for the deluxe version of his debut. Working in the Church Studios, London with producer Ian Grimble he says:

"Its great to be back in the studio...I've been on tour for the last year so it's nice to be making new music again. I'm really proud of the new songs and I'm looking forward to sharing them with people. I'm in a really good creative headspace at the moment and feel like my song writing has developed whilst I've been on tour and experienced new people, places and things."

Check out his dates after the jump and at the top of the page you can check out a video he recorded on his last trip to the US in the shape of a session for In The Open with "Box of Stones".

As well as this exciting news, Ben is also back in the studio recording some new tracks for the deluxe version of his debut. Working in the Church Studios, London with producer Ian Grimble he says:

"Its great to be back in the studio...I've been on tour for the last year so it's nice to be making new music again. I'm really proud of the new songs and I'm looking forward to sharing them with people. I'm in a really good creative headspace at the moment and feel like my song writing has developed whilst I've been on tour and experienced new people, places and things."

Check out his dates after the jump and at the top of the page you can check out a video he recorded on his last trip to the US in the shape of a session for In The Open with "Box of Stones".

North American Fall Dates:

11/08 – San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill

11/09 – Los Angeles, CA @ Bootleg Bar

11/10 – San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar

11/12 – Eugene, OR @ Cozmic

11/13 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge

11/15 – Seattle, WA @ Tractor Tavern

11/16 – Vancouver, BC @ Media Club

11/17 – Kelowna, BC @ The Habitat

11/18 – Canmore, AB @The Communitea

11/21 – Calgary, AB @ Palomino

11/22 – Edmonton, AB @ Brixx

11/23 – Regina, SK @ The Exchange

11/24 – Winnipeg, MB @ Park Theatre

11/26 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry

11/28 – Chicago, IL @ Schubas

11/29 – Indianapolis, IN @ (venue TBD)

11/30 – Louisville, KY @ Uncle Slaytons

12/02 – Nashville, TN @ 3rd n Linsly

12/03 – Columbus, OH @ The Rumba Café

12/05 – Lansing, MI @ Mac Bar

12/06 – Toronto, ON @ Rivoli

12/07 – Montreal, QC @ Petit Campus

12/08 – Albany, NY @ Jacks Place

12/09 – Boston, MA @ Club 939 Berkeley

12/12 – New York, NY @ Studio @ Webster hall

12/13 – Philadelphia, PA @ World Cafe Live

12/14 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Cafe

12/15 – Washington, DC @ BlackCat

12/16 – Charlottesville, VA @ The Southern

12/18 – Raleigh, NC @ The Pour House

12/19 – Atlanta, GA @ Vinyl

3/21/12 3/21/12

[Listen] Benjamin Francis Leftwich - "Look At Miss Ohio" (Gillian Welch)

A few weeks ago we posted up a great sounding cover of The Beatles' "Ticket To Ride" from Benjamin Francis Leftwich, a man we knew could already knock out a great cover after his Covers EP last year! So, today another surprise from Ben has appeared online in the shape of his cover of Gillian Welch's Soul Journey featuring track "Look At Miss Ohio". See what you make of BFL's take on the track. Still blown away by the sounds he's making these days. Very much looking forward to seeing him on the road again later this year and if you want to see him in a live setting too, jump over here to peep his extensive tour dates..

3/9/12 3/9/12

[Download] Benjamin Francis Leftwich - "Ticket To Ride" (The Beatles Cover)

It's quite likely that every Beatles song ever has been covered in one way or another but that doesn't mean there are all that many good ones out in the world. Step forward Benjamin Francis Leftwich who to celebrate his US tour kicking off, has covered the Liverpudlians classic, "Ticket To Ride". Give the brilliant sounding cover a spin below. I love how Ben always puts his own twist on songs, remember the Covers EP he gave us last year. Brilliant. Peep his upcoming US tour dates after the jump and if you are stateside in the coming weeks, check this guy out.

US TOUR:

10/05 - New York, Bowery Ballroom
13/05- Philadelphia, Johnny Brendas
14/05 - Washington, DC
16/05 - Boston, Brighton Music Hall
17/05 - Montreal, Divan Orange
18/05 - Toronto, Mod Club
20/05 - Chicago, Lincoln Hall
21/05 - Minneapolis, Triple Rock
23/05 Winnipeg, West End Cult Centre
24/05 Saskatchewan, Amigo’s
26/05 Edmonton, Pawn Shop
27/05 Calgary, SAIT
28/05 Nelson, The Royal
30/05 Whistler, Lucky
01/05 Vancouver, Biltmore Cabaret
03/05 Seattle, Crocodile
04/05 Portland, Mississippi
08/05 San Francisco, Independent
11/05 Los Angeles, Troubadour
05/05 San Diego, Casbah

3/2/12 3/2/12

[News] Benjamin Francis Leftwich Announces Huge UK Tour

Benjamin Francis Leftwich has not long wrapped up a UK tour but he's now planning another for later in the year and it's his biggest to date! His talented hands ill hit the road in October/November to play tracks from his brilliant full length debut, Last Smoke Before The Snowstorm. Ben now also plays shows with full band backing so it's sure to be a treat! He'll also be heading out to SXSW later this month with a string of US dates afterwards.

Now, not only this but in between his hectic schedule he's somehow found time to record some new material that will be released later in the year! Check out his tour dates after the jump.

Benjamin Francis Leftwich 2012 Tour Dates

US TOUR:

UK Dates:

02/10 - BOURNEMOUTH - Old Fire Station

03/10 - EXETER - The Phoenix

04/10 - FALMOUTH - Princess Pavilion

05/10 - SWANSEA - Sin City

06/10 - BRISTOL - O2 Academy

08/10 - OXFORD - Town Hall

09/10 - NEWCASTLE - Northumbria Uni

10/10 - EDINBURGH - Pleasance Theatre

11/10 - ABERDEEN - Lemon Tree

12/10 - INVERNESS - Ironworks

13/10 - GLASGOW - Oran Mor

15/10 - LEEDS - Varieties

16/10 - SHEFFIELD - Plug

17/10 - BIRMINGHAM - Irish Centre

18/10 - CAMBRIDGE - Junction

19/10 - NORWICH - Waterfront

20/10 - NOTTINGHAM - Rescue Rooms

22/10 - CARLISLE - Brickyard

23/10 - LIVERPOOL - Stanley Theatre

24/10 - LONDON - KOKO

25/10 - MANCHESTER - HMV Ritz

26/10 - STOKE - Sugar Mill

27/10 - YORK - The Duchess

29/10 - WREXHAM - Central Station

31/10 - GALWAY (Ireland) - Roisin Dubh

01/11 - CORK (Ireland) - Cyprus Avenue

02/11 - DUBLIN (Ireland) - Whelan's

03/11 - BELFAST (Ireland) - The Limelight

* Tickets On Sale 9am Thursday 1st March *

2/24/12 2/24/12

[Listen] Benjamin Francis Leftwich - "Titanium" (David Guetta Cover) in Radio One's Live Lounge

Today Radio One's Live Lounge payed host to the talented Mr. Benjamin Francis Leftwich. We all know the Live Lounge can result in some truly wonderful yet left field covers from artists and Ben didn't disappoint. He laid down a cover of David Guetta's "Titanium", you know that big house tune featuring Sia's vocals from last Summer?! BFL turned it into an acoustic masterpiece with some electronic guitar sliding in mid way through. A truly great original take on a track if I ever did hear one.

Check out his cover below and jump over here to pick up us full length debut Last Smoke Before The Snowstorm.