Seven Questions With Calva Louise

Calva Louise have been making waves since 2016 on the UK alternative rock scene. From performing at the BBC introducing stage at Reading and Leeds (2021) to support slots of a lifetime such as Albert Hammond Jr. and Boston Manor, their career has hit a litany of highs in less than a decade.

Currently, they are touring late 2023 album ‘Over The Threshold’, and teasing their next album 'Edge Of The Abyss' due out mid-July.

Bassist Alizon Taho and drummer Ben Parker discuss upcoming fourth record, reveal their three ‘desert island’ album picks, and share the highlights of their journey so far as part of the Seven Questions with Music Is To Blame Series. 

Ashes To Ashes, Bowie To Bay: Magdalena Bay’s triple J Debut

Last week, art-pop duo Magdalena Bay took to the triple J studio to make their ‘Like A Version’ debut. The band, composed of lead singer Mica Tenenbaum and guitarist/secondary vocalist Matthew Lewin, has had an immense year as their sophomore album ‘Imaginal Disk’ was met with widespread critical acclaim upon its release in August 2024. 

After delivering a captivating performance of their explosive, avant-garde hit ‘Image’, they took on the challenge of covering David Bowie’s iconic ‘Ashes to Ashes’.

Five New Acts Not To Miss at CloseUp Festival

Next month, CloseUp Festival is taking over Colours Hoxton with a stellar line-up of new and emerging artists. Celebrating 10 years of the festival, the three-day event in East London will see performances by incredible indie and electronic acts from across the UK and beyond. Organised by CloseUp promotions and in collaboration with Signature Brew, CloseUp Festival will take over one of London’s most iconic music venues from 22nd to 24th May. 

The eclectic line-up of artists includes a headline set from Dublin’s electronic-infused indie four-piece milk, a late-night DJ set from alt-pop sensation Ellie Dixon and a whole host of acts for which 2025 promises to be a big year. CloseUp Festival is known for platforming the latest emerging artists! So, to help you find those new and unskippable tracks for your playlist and get ready for CloseUp Festival, here are five new acts you will not want to miss.

The Corrs At The Royal Albert Hall

The Corrs' performance at The Royal Albert Hall was an unforgettable evening, not only because of their exceptional music but also due to the deeper purpose behind the concert. This performance, held in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust, was a unique event that brought together fans and strangers alike, united by more than just their love for the iconic band. 

It was a celebration of charity, shared humanity, and the power of music to bring people together. From the moment The Corrs took the stage, it was clear that this would be no ordinary concert.

Photo Gallery: Millie Manders and the Shutup 28/03/25

Millie Manders and the Shutup, Audio, Glasgow, 28/03/25

Forever Now Festival Hosts Post-Punk Panel in the Heart of Soho

London is often hailed as the place punk started - a disillusioned youth uprising that aimed to face off with the establishment with three chords and a whole lot of aggression. 

As the spark of punk fizzled out towards the late seventies, its embers flew in various different directions - the post-punks took what they had learned from punk and ran in a million different directions. Of course, London was a foundational city in the development of the genre’s offshoots. 

It was only right that the exclusive Q&A session for the incredible Forever Now Festival took place in the heart of Soho. Music Is To Blame was there, taking in the ephemeral experience, and asking some of punk’s finest all about the festival. 

New Romantic Revivalist Aynjel Soaks The Night In Synth At ‘Tell Me When’ Release Party

If you were to have been wandering down the streets of Camberwell on the night of March 25, you would have maybe had the feeling that you had time travelled to 1983. 

To celebrate the release of her electric single ‘Tell Me When’, London’s New Romantic darling Aynjel took to Dash The Henge Records to unveil the track to her nearest and dearest before its official release. Music Is To Blame had exclusive access to the synth-soaked party - here’s how it went.