Lancaster Unsigned With The Taphouse

Nich chats with Joe Butler at the Tap House after Joe joins Rachel onstage to perform a co-written song. Nick praises their voices together and promises to play the track once it's recorded.

Joe shares how he started gigging by approaching bars on his first day at uni, without studying music formally, after writing since age 14–15 during COVID. He discusses writing about issues like drink spiking, his influences (Yard Act, Ren, Sablo, Arctic Monkeys), and regular gigs at venues including the Cornerhouse, John O'Gaunt and open mics, alongside growing social media interest. Joe explains his concept EP "Pendle Witch Volume One," plans for Volume Two and a full album.

More here: https://www.instagram.com/joe_buttler_music/

Nick Margerrison chats with Paper Jones after watching them play a packed, dance-filled gig at The Tap House for Beyond Radio's Lancaster Unsigned.

The five-piece explain their name comes from a friend nicknamed "Paper Jones" because they're into origami, with bandmate Connor still able to fold a swan. They perform their original track "Someone to Swim With," described as a love song with a dual meaning that could also be about fishing, and discuss how they write together, with Lon bringing catchy song ideas and melodies that the group builds into full tracks. The band shout out local acts Shelley's Bane and Early Darts, reveal it was their first ever gig, and say they'll share the filmed set on socials and release more music soon.

More here: https://www.instagram.com/paper.jones/

Nick Margerrison, Lancaster Unsigned on Beyond Radio, from the Tap House, chatting with returning favourites Shelley's Bane.

The band share updates including a new single, "Greengrass," expected in about a month, with cover art planned from a specific spot in Barrow Park. They discuss the importance of testing mixes in the car, play "You're a Richard Head, But I Love You," and note missing member Colin.

Find more here: https://www.facebook.com/shellysbane

Nick Margerrison chats with James from Morecambe-based band Coastline on Beyond Radio's Lancaster Unsigned.

They discuss the shift from a long-running covers setup into releasing original music. James explains the band's roots with Tom Woods and members Liam, Lucy and Stefan, and how past writing experience in other local bands led them to develop powerful, hook-led songs designed to stand as "bangers" in their own right.

The show premieres their unreleased track "Celebrate" as an exclusive, with Nick describing it as epic and anthemic enough to sit alongside their live covers sets. James shouts out local inspirations including Soul to the Sky, Lowes (with their drummer Luke producing the song), Kiwi, Good Boy Nikko and Early Darts, and they discuss the supportive Lancaster scene and Morecambe's influence. Coastline announce their first live originals performance at the Unsigned Music Festival at the Tap House and share where to find them on social media: https://www.facebook.com/coastline.22

Kristi Michelle on Beyond Radio's Lancaster Unsigned, discussing how she moved from Los Angeles to Lancaster after being invited to tour the UK and stayed for the live music culture.

She describes her folk and roots influences, songwriting as emotional processing, and the need to perform live. She reflects on piano-bar gigs with the late Chas Ambler as "Victoria Rose and Charles," mentions past Monday residencies, and plugs a solo gig at The George and Dragon with Amy Rae.

More of her here: https://www.facebook.com/akristibird

Lancaster Unsigned, Nick Margerrison interviews Lancaster guitarist, songwriter, and performer Owen Saunders, recalling their first meeting when Owen's unassuming playing transformed the room.

Owen says he started guitar at 16, began on electric, switched to acoustic, and was writing strong original songs within a year, supported by a musical family. They play his SoundCloud track "Simple Pleasures," then discuss local peers including the Yheti boys and flamenco guitarist Howard Hague, with Owen describing his fusion style shaped by flamenco, Latin/Cuban, and gypsy jazz influences and time living in Spain.

After airing "I Don't Mind The Rain," Owen promotes "Mish Mash" at The Golden Lion on Sunday, featuring Manchester punk-rooted artist Rick Munchie headlining, with Owen opening and DJs between sets.

The music you can hear is free to listen to now on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/owen-saunders-1

Nick Margerrison chats with returning guest Chloe Jane Hirst at The Tap House in Lancaster, after a live performance.

They discuss music as connection rather than perfection, concerns about arts education being cut or judged, and optimism about Lancaster's music scene.

She talks about recording more material, including politically themed songwriting such as "Ferocious Diagnosis," and introduces a new demo "Imbolc," inspired by seasonal transition from early February to the spring equinox.

With thanks to Beyond Radio and The Taphouse Lancaster.

More on Chloe here:

https://linktr.ee/chloejanehirst

Betty Kendrick is an independent folk/blues/indie artist from North West England known for a "hauntingly distinctive sound" blending dark folk, blues, soul, and indie influences. Her music features rich vocals and guitar work that moves between intricate fingerpicking and heavier chord-driven arrangements.

More of her here: https://www.facebook.com/bettykendrickmusic

The Cherished Times are a Lancashire-based alt/folk/rock band formed around singer-songwriter Kev Scott. The project evolved from Scott's solo studio albums into a full live band in 2023.

We caught up with them at The Taphouse after a splendid gig where they played their original material.

They have their own website, go there for more: www.thecherishedtimes.com

Everyone in Lancaster loves Arcane Hope, they're a local phenomena. Music lovers like us were ecstatic at the news that they've recruited a new member, Scott Millington. Already a huge star on our show Scott joined us with Alice to explain how and why Arcan Hope are ready to make more fantastic music.

Go now to their BandCamp and feast on some music: https://arcanehope.bandcamp.com/