Jordan Kean is one of the people helping keep Teesside’s live music scene moving. As well as running and promoting gigs at KU in Stockton and working with KU Promotions, he’s one of the organisers behind Gathering Sounds and Stockton Calling. With his finger firmly on the pulse of what’s happening across the region and beyond, we asked Jordan to pick five artists who are currently inspiring him.
FCUKERS
FCUKERS are probably my favourite band right now. They’re a super-fun electro-dance band from New York, and their debut album, ‘Ö’, is one of the best things I’ve listened to this year. It’s a proper no-skip album, blending indie, hip-hop and jungle into this brilliant, genre-blurring mess. They’re also an incredible live band. If you get the chance to see them, you won’t regret it. They’re just a really fun band to dance to.
Yard Act
Yard Act have been one of my favourite bands for a long time, and they just seem to get better with every release. They’ve recently put out their third studio album and continue to push things forward. I saw them live and they brought out a Wheel of Fortune to decide what they were going to play next. They’re as hilarious as they are brilliant and, if they ever get tired of music, I reckon they’ve probably got a career in stand-up waiting for them.
Adult DVD
Over the past few years, I’ve really got into this new wave of electro-punk bands, with Fat Dog, Getdown Services and Warmduscher among them. They don’t take themselves too seriously, but the pick of the bunch for me is Adult DVD. One of the lads is from Stockton, so they’re just about a Teesside band! I saw them at The Great Escape last year in Komedia Basement, and it was the perfect venue for them: a proper, low-ceilinged basement bar. They’re getting ready to release their debut album, and the new track ‘Real Tree Lee’ has really got me.
Enola Gay
Enola Gay are a self-described Irish noise-punk-rap-shoegaze act from Belfast. I’ve loved them for ages but never managed to see them live, so they’re a bit of a unicorn band for me. They’re not over in England that often, but when they are, they have a reputation for putting on a completely mental live show. I’m also really looking forward to their debut album.
Kate Ireland
Kate Ireland is my wildcard pick. I discovered her earlier this year after she featured on Antony Szmierek’s album. Originally from Scotland and now based in Manchester, she’s a brilliant poet and spoken-word artist who collaborates with electronic artists and DJs. Her thick Glaswegian accent over electronic tracks gives her music a really unique sound, and her songwriting is amazing. If you like Antony Szmierek or Good Health Good Wealth, you’ll love her.
