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Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show: Blatant Shade, Layered political commentary and a return to true hip hop
Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl halftime performance was a solid showing that delivered on artistry and social commentary but fell short of breaking new ground musically or visually. For Way Out Radio, a blog that thrives on the rebellious energy of rock, punk, and reggae, Kendrick’s set was a mixed bag—interesting, but not exactly groundbreaking.
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ALBUM REVIEW: IDLES - TANGK: A BEAUTIFUL STRUGGLE THAT CUTS DEEP
British band IDLES return with their fifth studio album, TANGK, released on February 16, 2024. The album represents a departure from their typical punk energy, embracing a haunting, almost trip-hop inspired atmosphere. It blends gritty hip-hop grooves with the band's signature post-punk energy, delivering a dark yet irresistibly catchy sonic punch.
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The 2025 Grammys: A Confusing Night of Missed Notes
Amid the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires, the 67th Annual Grammy Awards took place on February 2, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Billed as "Music's Biggest Night," the ceremony sought to celebrate the best recordings, compositions, and artists from September 16, 2023, to August 30, 2024. However, the Grammys have never been without controversy—over the years, they have faced their fair share of criticism. From Pearl Jam declaring during their 1996 acceptance speech that their win "means nothing," to Kanye West posting a picture of his Grammy in the toilet in 2021.
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LOUD WOMEN Celebrate 10 Years of Fem Punk Power with Epic Festival!
Hey Riot Grrrls and punk rock revolutionaries! 2025 marks a decade of LOUD WOMEN kicking down doors and amplifying the voices of badass female across the globe. To celebrate this milestone, they’re pulling out all the stops with a series of electrifying shows that’ll leave you screaming for more. Get ready for the biggest, boldest LOUD WOMEN Fest yet, along with a slew of gigs leading up to the big event. So grab your fish nets, plaster on the glitter, and let’s dive into what’s coming your way!
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Song review: Mother Earth (Youth Remix) - Essential Logic
Essential Logic’s latest offering from their remix album ReKalibrated, sees the post-punk outfit once again pushing musical boundaries with a standout track, "Mother Earth," remixed by Killing Joke’s bassist and producer, Youth. This release, which hit platforms on January 31st, is a testament to Essential Logic’s enduring legacy, blending genres and styles in a way that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary.
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Recommended Artists for 2025
2025 is set to be an exciting year for fresh talent. We've rounded up the must-hear artists who are shaking up London’s underground scene. From gritty garage rock to genre-defying indie and electrifying funk, these rising stars are bringing unique sounds, unforgettable performances, and magnetic stage presence. Their live performances are 100% recommended by us and we encourage you to get down and support them at your local grass roots venue. Whether you’re a fan of raw energy or heartfelt storytelling, these songwriters are ready to leave their mark. Keep reading to discover the hottest new bands you’ll want to see live in 2025!
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Book Review: The First Time: A Book Of 20th & 21st Century Firsts
Nick Hamlyn’s The First Time is an essential treasure trove for music lovers. Written by the best-selling author of The Penguin Price Guide for Record and CD Collectors, this encyclopedic masterpiece spans over a century of music history.
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The Oh Sees Set Troxy Ablaze with Psychedelic Fury
Thee Oh Sees returned to London with an electrifying performance at the Troxy, delivering their signature mix of krautrock, psych-punk, and groove-heavy chaos to an ecstatic crowd. Known for their relentless energy and raw sound, the band reminded fans why they’re one of the most unique acts in the modern rock scene.
From the very first note, the room exploded. A mosh pit erupted almost instantly, with one unlucky participant staggering out within seconds—mouth bleeding and clearly overwhelmed by the intensity. If there was any doubt about the raw power of an Oh Sees live show, it was erased in mere moments.
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Film Review: Conny Plank: The Potential Of Noise
Behind the groundbreaking sounds of The Eurythmics, Kraftwerk, Brian Eno, and David Bowie was one man: West German producer and musician Conny Plank. This fascinating documentary, directed by Reto Caduff and Stephan Plank (Conny’s son), dives into the life of the musical genius who shaped the sound of the 70s and 80s from his farmhouse studio near Cologne.
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Top 10 YouTube Channels Every Independent Musician Should Follow for Skills, Inspiration, and Growth
Every day is a school day, and as an independent musician, finding the right resources to improve your craft and grow your career is a neverending journey. Thankfully, YouTube offers a ton of free content tailored specifically for artists like you.
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Film review: Arcadia: By Paul Wright
Stick with Way Out Radio for all things counter-culture music. We cover everything from punk, indie, and alternative rock to electronic and gypsy music from the depths of DIY scenes around the world. Enjoy album reviews, festival coverage, film critiques, and the discovery of new artists, up-and-coming musicians, and independent releases.
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Interview: Puppy – Inside the Mind of Indie Metal’s Rising Stars
Indie metal trio Puppy released their debut album Goat and embarked on a UK tour in April 2018. Their unique sound fuses metal, pop, and indie, drawing comparisons to the likes of Weezer, Ghost, and At The Drive-In, with hints of Iron Maiden and Muse. Way Out Radio’s Paula Frost caught up with frontman Jock during the band’s European tour to discuss their journey, influences, and creative process.
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Album Feature: Anti-Everything - DragSTER
Six albums in, dressed to kill and armed with incinerating riffs and raw intensity, DragSTER are one of the UK’s hardest-working punk bands on the scene. Straight out of the streets of Coventry, they restore an outlaw edge and chanting anthems to rock. Formed in 2014, they were produced by The Damned’s Rat Scabies within a year and have been managed by Jah Wobble from PIL. Now they’re signed to Louder Than War Records and championed by label leader and The Membranes frontman John Robb.
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Documentary Review: The US FestivaL 1982 The US Generation
Revisiting the 1982 US Festival: Steve Wozniak's Epic Musical Extravaganza Captured in Glenn Aventi's Award-Winning Documentary. We've all done it: daydreamed about putting on our own version of Woodstock Festival (much like the plot of the movie Wayne's World 2) and envisioned the crowds, the colors, the lineups, the scandalous and unpredictable performances of the heroes of rock 'n' roll!
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Book Review: The Bigger Picture: Friday On My Mind III
Vintage posters and photos of the iconic Ronnettes and The Beatles take you back to the setting where mod emerged. Tales of dangerous teens gathering in local cafes to plan their next moves are told fondly and the book gives a number of thorough personal accounts. Most of the book is focused on Hounslow, the west suburb of London, giving a different take on the mod era, which most historians overlook in favour of Twickenham and Richmond.
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The Return of EMF: A History
Recently, Way Out Radio welcomed back EMF to the indie scene and the band took Paula backstage for an interview at the legendary Water Rats pub, where Oasis and The Pogues cut their teeth. Watch the video below and read on for a full down low on EMF.
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Unfiltered & Unapologetic: Sleaford Mods
Never known to pull a punch, Sleaford Mods first spoke to Way Out Radio way back in 2016 when they emerged in the mainstream press with hype surrounding their debut single ‘Tied Up In Notts’. Paula conducted the interview which took place backstage at Ramsgate Music Hall.
45 Years of Public Image Limited: Timeline 1978 – 2023
Step into the intriguing world of Public Image Limited, a band with a 45-year timeline that has left an indelible mark on the music scene. While their name is familiar to many, their journey remains shrouded in mystery. Join us as we delve deep into the fascinating story of a band everyone's heard of but knows almost nothing about.
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Johnny Marr’s Strange Collaborations
Prepare for suprise as we take you on a musical journey through Johnny's extraordinary career. While you may recognize him as The Smiths legendary guitarist who’s Top Of The Pops appearance inspired a generation, the depth of his collaborations may shock you. Join us as we unveil the lesser-known connections of this remarkable artist.
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Review: Good Luck Everybody – Kieran Leonard and Saint Leonard’s Horses
Discover the haunting melodies and captivating sound of St Leonard's Horses in their debut album, "Good Luck Everybody." With a fusion of indie rock and introspective ballads, this London-based artist showcases their talent and relatable lyrics. Having toured alongside music icons like Bob Dylan, The Libertines, and Billy Bragg, St Leonard's Horses brings a wealth of experience to this collection.