When you produced one of the most recognisable songs of the past decade and followed it up with an album with astonishing scope and honesty, you’re entitled to a little bit of time off to let it sink in. And that’s what Noah and the Whale appear to be doing, having only two headline dates left for 2010. They’ll be at Somerset House on July 10th and Manchester Cathedral a week beforehand. However, that doesn’t mean they’re slacking off – they’ll be spending the latter part of the year writing and recording their third effort, which will hopefully be just as heartfelt and unflinchingly truthful.
Before the break, they’ve been busy touring around Europe and, crucially for this post, have recorded a session for 6 music. As you might have heard, the station has been condemned to closure by the BBC. With a possible Conservative government looming over them, the corporation has been ushered into cutbacks, and the digital station (as well as Asian Network) is the first to the chopping block. It’s always been walking a tightrope – damned for not pulling in enough listeners but unable to be too successful for fear of curtailing the efforts of commercial stations – it seems that the end may be near.
Whilst actual listeners to the station may not be numerous, it’s the other efforts of the station that are just as precious. Noah and the Whale recently popped into the station’s studios to record a session, in which they performed a cover of Tom Petty’s ‘Last DJ’, which they’ve now released as a free MP3. It’s these kind of recordings that give the station strength and support it has received, documenting parts of the modern day soundscape. Radio 1′s live longue is there to help big bands promote themselves by doing bland covers of other well known acts, 6 music gives a voice to sections of the industry that are often forgotten. Here’s what singer Charlie Fink had to say about it:
From Charlie…
Dear Ladies and GentlemenAs I’m sure many of you are aware, the BBC is currently facing great tragedy. A tragedy that will be catastrophic on all alternative music groups, new bands and unsigned artists.
The BBC trust have recommended the closure of BBC 6, which in the current climate is quite seriously one of the very few champions of good alternative music left in the mainstream media. Following the BBC’s official announcement of their plans they have now entered into a process of public consultation which will be managed independently by the BBC Trust. So if you have any comments on the recent announcement or any part of the BBC Strategy Review then you should go to the link below
[https://consultations.external.bbc.co.uk/departments/bbc/bbc-strategy-review/consultation/consult_view]
Here you will find the full details of the Strategy Review and how to respond to the Trust with your views on 6 Music and the review in general. You can also email the BBC Trust about the Strategy Review at srconsultation@bbc.co.uk
Or write to them by post: Strategy Review Consultation BBC Trust 180 Great Portland Street London 1W 5QZPlease make yourselves heard.
Anyway, enough rambling – you can get your mitts on the mp3 by following the link, or give it a sample listen below.
https://fan.musicglue.com/sale/promoproducts.aspx?productid=67cf014b-209a-4a9c-a2ae-7c381dccc457
Noah & the Whale – Last DJ
