Has it really been a whole year since our very own Winter Gardens graced the REDS stage on that gloomy Saturday afternoon in Bognor back at Rockaway 2019? Absent from this year’s line-up but austerity were in attendance nonetheless.
This is now the fifth year this fantastic boutique festival has taken place &, as has been the case for the previous four years, the line-up for 2020 was an absolute belter. Day One (Friday) kicked off at 16:00 in REDS &, after a stress-free journey and a pain-free check-in at our lodgings, we found ourselves lost in the dreamy guitar-laden beauty of Indian Queens; the sisters O’Neil treating us to note-perfect harmonies drenched with layered guitars that sent us to a different relm. A truly special start the Rockaway weekend. The evening festivities took us to a busy Centre Stage where we were treated to the most amazing show from the swirling Cambridge seven-piece Black Country New Road. These guys & gals really are one of the most important new bands around today. Our Friday was completed by a spell-binding performance from Bridie Monds-Watson, better known as SOAK. Atmospheric & heart-rending, her effortless vocals - complemented by the most beautiful ‘gaze-drenched guitar - left me (and those close-by) absolutely speechless. A delectable set that was truly a highlight of the entire festival.
Day Two (Saturday) found us back at REDS for Scrounge. Admittedly, I had not heard a great deal of their material prior to the festival but left feeling far richer for discovering them, an electrifying post-punk band that I shall definitely be keeping an eye on. Early afternoon saw one of the most fun performances of the weekend, as AUS favourites & great friends Penelope Isles took to the stage. Their set, later described as “a bit rusty” by vocalist/guitarist Jack Wolter, was an absolute riot with bassist Lily even crowd-surfing her way through "Gnarbone" without missing a single note. If Jack had thought that not playing live since their sell-out show at Brighton's CHALK back in December had left the band a bit rusty, it was very quickly apparent that this was a view not shared by the packed crowd that watched them. Whilst handing out flyers for the AUS x Independent Venue Week x Penelope Isles show (tickets available HERE) after the set, there was nothing but praise for what I would say was the perfect way for the band to start a big year. I loved it! A scintillating performance by noise-pop trio The Sweet Release Of Death followed, & my afternoon was completed by an incredible show from Nova Twins. austerity’s very own SNAYX were lucky enough to support the young London act at The Hope & Ruin in Brighton a few months ago, and it was a pleasure to see them owning a main-support slot at one of the most up-&-coming festivals in the country. The duo, fusing equal parts punk & grime, put on a performance that has guaranteed some serious attention to come. Rest assured, these guys will be massive. Up next was alt-rock classics The Jesus & Mary Chain - the reason why back in January '19 I purchased an early-bird ticket to this year’s event prior to even leaving the site. As expected, they did not disappoint. The Creation legends pulled out one of the most electrifying sets I have ever witnessed (and I’ve seen a few) in their Centre Stage headline slot. Needless to say, that’s the way to finish a day of discovery & enlightenment.
The morning of Day Three (Sunday), after a suitably heavy Saturday night, found me bouncing around our chalet to the tunes of Irish boys Fonatines D.C in preparation for their festival-closing slot on the Centre Stage that evening. I could hardly contain my excitement for what was sure to be the crowning glory of Rockaway Beach 2020. However, we still had hours to fill & some fine acts ahead of us. The Vegan Leather thrilled us with their unique art/indie/pop, with their album "Poor Girls, Broken Boys" being taken to a new level being performed live. Following on from this was perhaps the most frenetic & energetic performance of the weekend. LIFE blew away any remaining hangovers, finishing on a version of "Popular Music" that saw lead-singer Mez being paraded around the crowd on a willing audience member’s shoulders. Stunning! The catchy, synth-driven pop tunes of International Teachers Of Pop completed our afternoon in REDS. A most-entertaining performance, I can now understand why Jim had these guys listed as his top live act of the year in the austerity review of 2019. A fantastic set by indie cult-heroes The Wedding Present - full of all the crowd-pleasers & a gratifying mix of old & new - drew us back to the main stage, & I can confirm that I will never tire of David Gedge’s jangly guitar chords & thick Yorkshire accent. I feel blessed to have witnessed one of the greats of the genre perform once again.
And thus, the end was upon us. It was finally time to experience Fontaines D.C. live for the first time. One of the most talked about bands of the last 12 months & an album of the year for many discerning people (including myself) in "Dogrel", it was so strikingly evident that these five lads from Dublin City know their craft. Beautiful, moody & utterly captivating, we left safe in the knowledge that we had just experienced something very, very special.
So, another year’s Rockaway Beach over & another success for what is fast becoming one of the most important weekends of the year. We departed with ideas of who we believe should be on the line-up for the festival’s return in 2021. Dare I finish on these three words: My Bloody Valentine?
Fingers crossed.
Garry.
THANK YOU!
Our sincere thanks & gratitude to each & everyone of you - those who have attended a show we have promoted, purchased vinyl or digital, streamed, viewed, taken photos, producers/engineers/promoters we have worked with & anyone who has shown interest with a follow or a like on the socials. We have been overwhelmed with the positive support we have received & feel incredibly accomplished within our first year as an independent record label.
We have made many new friends as well as discovering the many, many unique talents on our doorstep.
Next year will bring us even more, including the debut EP's from both Winter Gardens & SNAYX - both dusting the finishing touches as I type.
Here's to 2020!
All our Love,
Jim & Garry x
Following our big roster announcement last week, we’re happy to confirm that the AUS III event at The Blackmarket VIP in Hastings on Dec 06th will now be the official SNAYX signing party. Come down & celebrate with the lads, BADLAWS, Zooni & local faves HotWax (previously The Kiffs). austerity DJ's will also be carrying the party into the early morning with some classics. Advanced tickets are available now over at SEE TICKETS for only £5, which is an absolute steal. Make sure you head down - the Bucky will be flowing...
We are absolutely delighted to introduce the newest members of the austerity family, the blistering SNAYX from Seaford.
We cannot wait to delve more into the jagged minds of Charlie & Ollie. The boys have grown with much admiration over the past couple of months & have certainly grabbed our attention, as well as that of audiences around the South East.
SNAYX play a unique brand of swaggering alt-punk-rock, complete with huge bass riffs & in-your-face vocals. Despite only being a band for less than a year, the sneyks have been electrifying audiences with their live shows, playing to a number of sold-out crowds with the likes of Kid Kapichi & Nova Twins in the process.
The boys have some stellar new music coming soon, so trust us when we say you don’t want to sleep on this band.
Listen to SNAYX HERE.
Well... what an amazing week! It's been an amazing journey to watch Winter Gardens evolve as a band this year & see them embark on a mini-tour with Seattle's Acid Tongue - a band we & they adore. Incredibly proud to see WG make new fans, sell merchandise & play to fresh crowds. We also highly recommend getting yourselves down to Dials Festival in Portsmouth next year - efficiently ran, amazing vibes & stellar bands (LibraLibra & Swedish Death Candy blew us away!). The past week has been fulfilling, exciting & rewarding. Onto the EP!
We are beyond happy to announce that Winter Gardens will be embarking on their first tour, joining the UK leg of psych-rockers Acid Tongue’s world tour this October! It’s an absolute honour to see WG play these shows with a band we’ve known & loved for so long. Check out the dates below, with tickets for all shows available now HERE.
Last call over at our webstore for the ‘Coral Bells’ 7”, the debut single from Winter Gardens. This hand-numbered, limited edition record is pressed on special ‘bone’ coloured vinyl and features an exclusive version of Cocteau Twins’ “Pearly-Dewdrops’ Drops” - a song you won’t hear anywhere else.
We have less than 10 copies left, so grab one now because once they are gone, they are going to stay gone.
After the success of the austerity records launch in February, we bring you our second event of the year at The Blackmarket VIP in Hastings on Fri, June 21st.
Tickets available HERE
Once again, we're bringing four live performances from the following...
RATS
A blast of direct & anthemic indie that’s as infectious as it is heartfelt, the sound of RATS has already seen them burst out of their native hometown Liverpool, with their sizeable ambition lining up the rest of the world in their sights.
The full breadth & power of RATS becomes even more evident when on stage, where they’ve been hailed by fans & critics alike for sounding record-perfect in the live arena, but with a spine-tingling & raw delivery.
With their debut single "Weekend" gaining over 120,000 streams on Spotify in under two months, it’s clear RATS don’t do things by half measures & now they’re well & truly in it for the long-game.
Check them out on Facebook // Spotify
WINTER GARDENS
After the success of their debut single "Coral Bells", Winter Gardens have secured some impressive support slots as well as defining their captivating set. Taking influence from 80's post-punk, Factory, 4AD & Creation era bands, they have developed their own 'dream-punk' sound, with all the ethereal haze of shoegaze & dreampop combined with the energy of punk. WG have managed to secure support slots for the likes of Modern English, Say Sue Me, Magic Wands & opened this year's Rockaway Beach festival headlined by Echo & The Bunnymen, Maximo Park & Gary Numan.
Check them out on Facebook // Spotify
THE MYSTIC SHED
In 2015 a beanpole & a chest of drawers decided to form a band, & went about sounding like utter drivel & donning dodgy haircuts. After a horrific performance at a summer fayre, the duo pulled their socks up, let their hair down & wazzed out some ear plugs to turn it up to eleven.
Check them out on Facebook // Spotify
JCK
A three-piece with a big sound & big personalities. For fans of Arctic Monkeys & The Kooks but with a hip-hop influence.
Check them out on Facebook
AUSTERITY DJ's
Expect to hear Northern Soul, Warp Records, Acid House, 80's/90's Indie, New Wave, Punk, hip-hop, a splash of twee & much, much more...
We will also be collecting for the charity 'Heads On' - A Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust's Charity. Heads On help people with mental health problems to feel supported, be active & be hopeful.
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We are really proud to have our very own Winter Gardens playing alongside The Gallerys & Alibi at a special Q&A evening with one of our heroes, Alan McGee. A true legend of the British music industry, Alan will be talking about all things Creation, Oasis & beyond.
Expect some great music & fascinating anecdotes!
BUY TICKETS
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WOW.
We really weren't expecting such an incredible turnout for our debut event. We would like to thank you all for the support & special gratitude to IDLES, Penelope Isles, Daisy Coburn, The Kiffs & our very own Winter Gardens. Inspiring, beautiful sets from all.
Moving forward, expect to hear updates on our next release very soon. We also plan on hosting more nights at the BlackMarket VIP, so make sure you keep up to date on our social medias.
LOVE.
AUS001
22 February 2019
Happy release day to Winter Gardens! We have worked extremely hard on this debut release (debut for the band too!)
Limited to 100.
Bone coloured vinyl with exclusive Cocteau Twins cover B-Side.
First 20 include Limited Edition Transfer Sticker.
Includes download voucher.
Availabke now.
We can finally announce the official launch of austerity records!
We are proud to be hosting some of our favourite acts in the UK right now at Blackmarket VIP in Hastings on Friday, February 22nd.
IDLES will be performing a late night DJ set as well as live performances from Bella Union's Penelope Isles, our very own Winter Gardens (also launching single "Coral Bells", The Kiffs & Daisy Coburn.
An INCREDIBLE line-up, with tickets only £10 & available HERE.
