Music and politics have gone hand in hand for years, with artists such as The Clash and Billy Bragg using political and controversial lyrics to attack the establishment since the 70s – but it didn’t end there. Today, young artists are becoming more and more politically aware, and are using music as a platform to inspire the future generations. Among those artists is Beans on Toast, fronted by Jay McAllister, who confirmed that the band name fits well because “it’s cheap, easy and English, and who doesn’t like Beans on Toast, eh?”

Currently hitting up the states on tour with his new album A Spanner in the Works (available from December 1^st), I managed to have a quick chat with Jay in-between his time gigging, pre gig ritual drinking and exploring New York City. When I asked him how things were going, he replied “Great! I’m currently in the US for 5 weeks, touring and drinking, and spending my time talking about Donald Trump with like-minded people in veggie cafe's” which then lead on to ask why he titled his new album ‘A Spanner in the Works’, and in his own words “it is referring to the phase – fucking things up”; which inevitably means it’s time for change. Noticed for being an openly topical lyricist who sings about politics, war, drugs and love, I wondered whether the front man realises that his music has a substantial impact on his audience, however the folk music singer told me “I take it with a pinch of salt, but I do believe in 99% of my songs”, he goes on “ It is extremely important to talk about movements, thoughts and feelings that are happening at the time, it’s just a simple way to change quit a lot”, and this definitely doesn’t go unnoticed in his new album.

 Singing about current affairs, one track really stood out – ‘The Drum Kit’ – where we are introduced to the issues facing the music venue industry. Intrigued, I asked Jay what his thoughts where about this, in which he replied “I used to work in a music venue, I know what it is like, noise licenses can be tough, but I don’t think music will go anywhere.” Obviously an issue very close to his heart, the Beans on Toast singer goes on to speak of how “the pressure should be on how we can open new music spaces, as well as clinging onto the old ones because that is just as important”, and he’s not wrong!

I asked Jay where his love for music came from, and what inspires him the most, in which he replied “my parents are my inspiration. They’re music lovers, my dad’s into country music and my mum is huge Beatles fan, but my influence to write comes through my thought and feelings and life itself.”

Beans on Toast - 2016

With his UK tour coming up, Jay told us “I’m looking forward to get going, I love touring”. Playing at Sheffield’s most iconic venue TheLeadmill on November 24^th, the band are “extremely excited to get back to Sheffield after a long stint away”, noting “ we don’t underestimate the power of playing a gig, so we will be mixing up the line up with new and old tracks for everyone”. 

Beach Baby certainly knew how to throw a party, when they hit the stage touring their new debut album No Mind No Money, at The Leadmill in October. Dressed to impress - think Hawaiian shirts with socks and sandals – the London college lads brought the blazing sunshine on a miserable, cloudy day with their laid-back, cool rock vibes.

Shooting straight into Sleeperhead, lyrics “I wish I was a Sleeperhead/ be well rested and be well fed” insinuate a simpler lifestyle, but that didn’t dampen the atmosphere as their groovy, psychedelic sounds immediately catch the crowd jumping. Continuing the set with Lost Soul, U R and Smoke Won’t Get Me High, the blend of Brit post-punk, with 80’s new wave and hints of a nosier grunge, shoegaze guitar was enough to evoke a mass sing-along, and the dancing contagiously spread across the audience creating a huge energetic buzz.

Beach Baby - No Mind No Money 

A specific highlight from the night was Ladybird, bringing to the stage fresh indie pop riffs laced with smooth harmonies that counteract the catchier chorus, and incredibly the live version doesn’t differ much from what you hear through your earphones, proving that the foursomes band sound is for real.

Finishing off the night with titled track No Mind No Money and everyone’s favourite Limousine, featuring funky basslines hooked with dreamy synths and unforgettable lyrics of youth dazed escapism, it is clear that the party is well and truly under way, making this a night to remember. 

Well-known English rock band You Me At Six shocked us all as they hit the scene again this year with their 5^th studio album set to drop in January 2017, and their recent release of their debut single ‘Night People’. And if that wasn’t enough the Surrey band are in the midst of their European and UK tour, which included a stop off gig at the O2 in Sheffield this October.

Kicking it off with old favourite ‘When We Were Younger’, front man Josh Francheschi – hooded and clad in all black – oozed with charisma, captivating the crowd and creating an electric energy that was hard to turn away from. The set included further tracks from their album ‘Sinners Never Sleep’, such as Bite My Tongue, Loverboy, Reckless and Little Death, which were undoubtedly what the audience wanted to hear; except us Sheffield lot were hoping for an Ollie Sykes duo during Bite My Tongue – we were left bitterly disappointed.

Rock steady, passionate and alive, they didn’t falter, bringing to the stage even older classics, Safer to Hate Her and Stay with Me; and not forgetting Underdog, releasing everyone’s inner-teen causing nostalgic chaos which raised the roof. Newer material – Plus One, was also heard, featuring significant explosive instrumental elements, opposing with the soft nature of the verse.

You Me At Six - Night People

The encore blew the night apart, returning to the stage to play their new single ‘Night People’, the crowd – still buzzing- did not want the night to end, and who can blame them. It is definitely an exciting time, with their new album proving to be a fresh, heavier sound, You Me At Six are back marking their definite return to rock realm.