Innovation Hub looks at how to reinvent our world – from medicine to education, relationships to time management. Great thinkers and great ideas, designed to make your life better.

ASPECIALTHING RECORDS is a Los Angeles-based independent comedy record label owned and operated by Matt Belknap and Ryan McManemin. Stemming from an online message board, aspecialthing records has taken a D.I.Y. approach to producing and distributing the finest stand-up comedy albums since 2006. Having already worked with such celebrated artists as Paul F. Tompkins, Doug Benson, Kyle Kinane, Greg Proops and Jen Kirkman, AST is looking forward to expanding their catalog while continuing their dedication to exceptional emerging and established comics.

Formed in Brighton, UK, in 2007, Bitter Ruin quickly established themselves as an innovative force in the music scene, captivating audiences globally with their emotionally charged and theatrical live shows. The duo, consisting of Ben Richards and Georgia Train, is known for their provocative, genre-defying music and thought-provoking lyrics that blur the boundaries between folk-noir, rock, and alt-pop.
Bitter Ruin’s back catalogue boasts years of skilful musicianship and songwriting from both members - there’s an attention to detail and technique that sets them apart from the ‘oh-so-casual-cool’ music of the last decade, and their confidence to genre-hop makes it quite the challenge to categorise them effectively; outliers in this sense, but familiar in tone and relatable in substance, the music still feels nostalgic and distantly recognisable to their listeners. You can hear this best on their 2014 album Waves which earned critical and fan acclaim for its intricate compositions and unapologetic vocal acrobatics.

Following a string of successful tours across the USA and Europe, Georgia and Ben announced a sudden and mysterious hiatus. Now, ten years later, the band is poised for a highly anticipated return with a new album ‘Arches & Enemies’ set for release on 15th May 2025. This upcoming project promises to ignite an exciting new chapter in their creative journey, incorporating unchartered themes that reflect their growth and continued passion for music exploration. 

Fiercely independent and committed to pushing boundaries, Bitter Ruin continues to defy categorization and reject fleeting trends in favour of creating interesting and explorative art, earning them a devoted following and a lasting legacy in the music world. With their upcoming release, they are ready to captivate a new generation of listeners while reigniting the love of longtime fans.

In-depth, biographical portraits of pre-eminent classical musicians and artists interviewed by Norman Lebrecht. Frank, self-appraising and psychologically revealing, these 44 minute interviews include conductors, singers, broadcast weekly during the BBC Proms season, July to September. Lebrecht interviews this year include Riccardo Chailly, Marilyn Horne, Simone Young, Sir Roger Norrington and Joyce DiDonato. 

Interviews with leading novelists, musicians, film directors, artists and more, from Radio 4's flagship arts show, presented by Mark Lawson, Kirsty Lang and John Wilson. Front Row is broadcast on BBC Radio 4 each weekday evening at 7.15 - 7.45pm. New editions will be available each night following the live broadcast.

Hi my name is Alex and this is where I'm putting all the demos I record in my room. I am a college student making music in my free time. I'm trying to post new material weekly (read monthly (read seasonally)), so follow me for updates!

You can check out my other project here (free album download) http://acceleratedreaders.bandcamp.com/album/mistakes

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