Blind River Scare is a vehicle for the Americana & Alt Country influenced songs of South Wales, UK, based singer/songwriter Tim Manning.

Blind River Scare have released 'Killing Time' (2007), 'The Straight And True' (2010), 'The Point Of No Return' (2014), 'Pastures New' (2017) and 'The Mileage Made' (2021) on Creosote Records. 
Contributed 'Walking On Hell's Roof Looking At The Flowers' to the John Langford tribute album 'Levitation' (2008) and 'Open Door' to The Acoustic Programme album 'Taking It Back To The Wood' (2009)

Wayne McDonald and Andy Callen met on the Manchester acoustic scene in the early noughties. They started working together following the splits of their former bands: "Because They Came From The Wrong Side Of Town" and "The Spinning Fields" in 2005. In 2006 they became "Picnic Area" (on the basis that they were a British band playing country music, and picnic areas are what you find in the British country-side!) As a duo, they released their first album, the confidently-titled "The essential Picnic Area". This was a sprawling 21 track DIY recording made at home in Wythenshawe. It nevertheless drew some favourable comments in early reviews. The additions of Simon Parkin, Matt Crawford, and Paul Manina resulted in a flexible line-up capable of playing any type of gig. The follow up extended player: "You know you want it!" was recorded with legendary producer Bill Leader and engineer/ jazz keyboardist: John Ellis. Simon Parkin left the band in September 2012, to be replaced by Stephen Braithwaite on drums. Paul Bratt joined the band as an occasional member in 2013, playing congas and bongos. Picnic Area play frequently in the Manchester area, including their own monthly "Picnic Club" showcase at Fuel Bar, Wilmslow Road, Withington. They have hosted events at the Middlewich Festival, Cheshire, and have played support to many leading acts on the British new country scene, such as Quiet Loner, and The Good Intentions. They host and play at the annual Manchester Americana Festival, and in 2013 by invitation appeared at the prestigious Grillstock Festival in Manchester. 2015 has proved to be the most exciting year of the bands life, with a highly successful performance at London's "Slaughtered Lamb" along with two Americana festivals at Prestwich and Todmorden. The band rounded off the year by launching their new album "Classics" at Manchester's: "Wonder Inn". The night was a huge success. The album is available through Limefield Records, and features the familiar production skills of John Ellis and significant contributions from Ellis himself and special guests: Dave Rigby and Rachel Donnelly.

Mike West has a reputation as an honest and engaging Alt-Country musician. Beginning his musical journey as the frontman and guitarist for a thrash metal band, Mike traded in his electric guitar for an acoustic and began paying homage to his love of delta blues, folk and country while remaining true to his metal and rock roots.

“Rusted is the best solo record [Mike West] has ever done”
Mike West*

A walking dichotomy of genres and influences, Mike is as comfortable performing at a metal festival, as he is at a tattoo convention, arts café or folk club. This widespread appeal is down to his honest lyrics, driving rhythms and diverse subject range, from his home town of Rock Ferry to the practice of Tibetan Sky Funerals.

With his new E.P ‘Rusted’, named from him coming to terms with the fact that he not that metal anymore, Mike explores the themes of working for the machine, Walt Whitman’s poetry, love, struggle and the dereliction of his home town and with an ever expanding repertoire of songs, his live performances are a roller coaster of existentialism, literature and dealing with the pressing questions in his life, wrapped up into relatable songs you can tap your feet too.

“Definitely not a waste of 18 minutes. This isn’t a dog-shit of an E.P”
Michael West*

Most recently, Mike has had the pleasure of opening for American artist Shawn James on his first UK tour, warming up crowds in Newcastle, Leeds, Nottingham and Birmingham, earning fans with a down to earth manner and reliable songs and gaining traction within each city. 

Mike West is an honest, open musician constantly improving through his song writing and live performances, developing a unique blend of optimistic and realistic world views with a driving rhythm of acoustic music that pays tribute to his array of influences while sounding unlike any other acoustic act around.

Singer-songwriter from South Wales inspired by Buddy Holly, Paul Simon and Marc Bolan to name a few.

Guitarist/ backing vocalist/ occasional lead vocalist with Picnic Area. My debut solo album "Virtue signaller" is now out on Low Quality Accident Records.

 Risa -born in the  USA ..went to Forest Hills High, also known as Rock and Roll High School (Ramones, Lesley West,  Simon and Garfunkel).  Has supported Nerina Pallot, James Apollo, Ned Evett and Jess Klein and is releasing her new album which was  was produced by Nigel Stonier (Thea Gilmore, The Waterboys). With Reddiscrecords and Proper UK . Album Second Chances called 'breathtaking' debut album. 

Avant Garde were formed in summer 1978 in Addiscombe, Croydon. In their early days their music was mainly acoustic, and could be described as folk-punk. Later they added drums to their lineup and moved in more of a powerpop/ sixties-influenced direction. They released 2 cassette-only albums on the Web of Tircelyn label, 1979's "Old hat" and "Here we come a Wandle-ing" in 1982.

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