Pocketbooks are a pop band from London, combining melodic boy/girl harmonies, spiralling guitars and delicate pianos. The band features Andy Hudson, Daniel Chapman, Emma Hall, Ian Cowen and Jonny Tansey. They've been together since 2006 and have played shows across the UK, Sweden, Germany and the United States. 

The band's debut album, 'Flight Paths', was released on 13 July 2009 on How Does It Feel To Be Loved?, with songs from the album picking up radio play on BBC Radio 1, BBC 6Music and Xfm. Their song 'Fleeting Moments' also appeared on the Rough Trade Shops Indiepop 09 compilation. 

In July 2011 Pocketbooks released a new single, 'Promises, Promises', taken from their second album 'Carousel' (Odd Box Records). 

https://pocketbooksgroup.blogspot.com/
pocketbooks@gmail.com

Just a pop music fan. I pick up the songs that should be known to more people at my point of view.

“Wide Awake” was the reason why Apple Orchard came into existence. Manila’s Definition Records included the track in the now much sought-after Filipino compilation, Mutual Admiration Society back in 2000. Fulfilled and pleased with the result, brothers Ryan and Dale Marquez then constantly conspired writing the starriest of starry-eyed pop tunes. 

Ryan and Dale have played together in Dorian Of Juniper Bells (which incidentally, was also included in the Mutual Admiration Society comp), aside from their other bands: Ryan with Sodajerk and Carnival Park and Dale for Sonnet LVIII and also, Soft Pillow Kisses. Apple Orchard on the other hand was a project which arose without fine warning, but with silent anticipation. The band’s name was taken from a song by Nottingham outfit Bouquet and the brothers considered The Sugargliders, The Field Mice, Brighter, Sweet William and Sarah Records as primary inspirations.

In the early years of the band after “Wide Awake”, plenty songs were written on a 4-track with mostly schoolboy lyrics and near-whispered melodies. Most of these tunes appeared in various compilations, such as Stamp Collecting (For Beginners) from the Secret Crush imprint and Dashboard Teddy from Dorothy Records, as well as cassette EPs like Last Wednesday from Popgun, Paris Was A Daydream and Across Haymarket And The Triangle, both issued by Best Kept Secret. Another three of these early recordings were released by Humblebee in February 2006 as a 7” single, entitled A Hiding Smile. The following year, Cloudberry Records handed out the 3” cd-r single That Happy Glow, the title track featured Raoul Dela Cruz of Popgun Recordings on trumpet. 

In 2008, Apple Orchard’s debut full-length Half-Steps Toward Bright Skies was released through the band’s own label, Haymarket Recordings. With a more polished and dreamier sound, the album received quite a few good reviews. Following the full-length months later was a limited 3” cd-r Turning Point from Germany’s Edition 59 imprint. August 2009 saw the release of another limited cd-r EP entitled Leafy Lanes, which the band issued through Haymarket and in May 2010, the band released a 7” single called “A Month Of Spring”, also on their own Haymarket label. The single, with its crushing pop noise has garnered comparisons with early Ride songs such as "Like A Daydream" and "Drive Blind". 

In 2012, Apple Orchard released a split 7" single with classic jangle pop group, The Proctors, issued by Dufflecoat Records and Luxury Records. 

Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/369X4AThnPBoO64OToG5cF

Shop: http://appleorchard.bigcartel.com/

Bandcamp: http://appleorchard.bandcamp.com/

Everywhere, everyday I get asked if I play basketball because I am so tall. I'm 6'8" I have been making music for over a Quarter century. B-ball can be fun but music is undoubtedly more fun and cooler.  I'm mostly a recording artist composing all my own songs and lyrics and I'm self taught on the guitar and piano. I've been in a few bands over the years but found being a solo artist gives me more freedom and opportunity to explore my creativity. One day I hope to jam out with Louis Armstrong on the moon.

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