Lancaster Unsigned With The Taphouse

Betty Kendrick is an independent folk/blues/indie artist from North West England known for a "hauntingly distinctive sound" blending dark folk, blues, soul, and indie influences. Her music features rich vocals and guitar work that moves between intricate fingerpicking and heavier chord-driven arrangements. More of her here: https://www.facebook.com/bettykendrickmusic  

The Cherished Times are a Lancashire-based alt/folk/rock band formed around singer-songwriter Kev Scott. The project evolved from Scott's solo studio albums into a full live band in 2023. We caught up with them at The Taphouse after a splendid gig where they played their original material. They have their own website, go there for more: www.thecherishedtimes.com  

Everyone in Lancaster loves Arcane Hope, they're a local phenomena. Music lovers like us were ecstatic at the news that they've recruited a new member, Scott Millington. Already a huge star on our show Scott joined us with Alice to explain how and why Arcan Hope are ready to make more fantastic music. Go now to their BandCamp and feast on some music: https://arcanehope.bandcamp.com/  

Kind Hearted Thieves are a 5-piece cinematic folk rock (grunge) band from Blackpool, England, fronted by singer-songwriter Jamie, whose voice has been described as roaring like the sea on a stormy winter night. We chat to him about the band after an AWESOME solo set at The Taphouse in #LANCASTER More here: https://kindheartedthieves.com/ And here: https://www.instagram.com/kindheartedthieves/

The charismatic Jackson Ward introduces us to a side of the local music scene which seems to be growing in stature all the time, Americana! Our guest performs both solo and with the Jackson Ward Trio, mixing classic-country storytelling with rock 'n' roll energy. If you only do one thing with your day today make it this YouTube video of his: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9jW-2BXXgY And find out...

These guys are AWESOME live. They've got some real MC5 energy in there, a real treat. Strong reccommend from us at Lancaster Unsigned. Go here for more: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvx4vr0E6oaTV1TwNX-cn7Q And then follow them on Insta here: https://www.instagram.com/greenhousebandlancs/  

From his Facebook page: " Hi, I'm Oliver, a 17 year old musician from Preston/Chorley area. I gig locally, doing covers and I am currently working on a lot of original work. Hope you enjoy what you see ". We got Oliver to promise to bring some recorded work to our next interview. He's got a real talent for songwriting, which pub goers at The Taphouse were treated to, just prior to us recording thi...

CHIMPS OF THE FUTURE frontwoman Kat sits in for a chat. We cover off the new song from the Discordian rock outfit, Ascenscion, and then play a track from fellow Lancaster act "dull". More on CHIMPS OF THE FUTURE here: https://www.instagram.com/chimps_of_the_future/ More on dull here: https://www.youtube.com/@dull-band

Hawkmen dive make music to move your soul. They're an alternative rock / indie band from the Lancaster music scene who have been active for several years and are known for mixing indie rock with heavier and more atmospheric influences, plus some introspective songwriting. Their music has been described as blending indie, metal, pop, and even classical inspirations. They're about to become your new...

Brendan Cleary is a young singer-songwriter based in Lancaster who impressed the crowd at The Taphouse where we do our regular Unsigned night. More on him here: www.facebook.com/brendanclearymusic  

Alsation Eyes are an interesting band, this interview catches them at a moment of transition. Expect to hear more from them on the radio show and podcast soon. More here: https://www.instagram.com/newdelphi80/  

indifferentMonKeY are an award-winning UK-based alternative "Trip Hop Rock" band formed in 2022 by Joe Lowe, known for blending deep grooves, dark moods, and edgy guitars. They won "Best Band 22" at the Radio Wigwam awards and are actively gigging through 2026, including shows in Manchester, Lancaster, and Liverpool. More here: https://indifferentmonkey.com/

Violet Cry made a huge impact on us at The Taphouse, when they played the Unsigned Night there (every Weds, 8pm) recently. This is our first interview with them. More here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUmfjq2tSpYbj2enEs8radA  

One of the groups we affectionately name "the big four", Early Darts are making world class music right now, right here in Lancaster. They're one of the City's big hitters, you need to become a fan immediately! https://www.instagram.com/earlydarts/  

Shelectro creates a beautiful sonic world and then invites you to join them! We're fans, this interview is a good introduction to an important side of the Lancaster Music Scene. Find more here: https://www.instagram.com/shelectromusic/  

Legendary Lancaster and Morecambe act Hiroshima Twinkie join us for a chat about this an' that. Find more here: https://www.hiroshimatwinkie.com/  

Art Gallery—Ryan (vocals/guitar), Joe (drums), and Ralph (bass) . Legendary Lancaster band who have built a solid live show and reputation around gigs at The Ferret, The Golden Lion and Lancaster University. This is their first appearance on the show. INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/artgallerytheband/  

We catch up with the enchanting Eleanor Bennett after her Tap House set and play her tracks "Breathe Light" and "So Full." She describes her music as "folk acoustic ambience," discusses writing original material (initially poetry set to music, now lyrics and melody together), and says her songs come from a heartfelt, soulful place and function like a diary of her life. Worth noting she removed her...

Darren  Leadsom from  More Music Morecambe pop in to tell us more about the a community music charity based in Heysham's West End that has operated since 1993. They run inclusive workshops for all ages and abilities, work in schools, host gigs and community festivals, and use music to build confidence, wellbeing, and community connections. Sessions are typically £3 for youth and £5 for adults, wit...

Sometimes you just know a band is on the verge of something special, that's the vibe we got from XOX after thier TRIUMPHANT gig at The Taphouse where this interview was recorded. Since then the band have been making good on that promise with showcases and gigs around the North West. "That's one of the best live performances I've seen this year" is the headline from our correspondent. They feature...

Ruth Eliza joins us, an acomplished songwriter and performer. Hear her how taking up five-string clawhammer banjo, after hearing Darrell Adams perform, and learning through lessons and Sore Fingers summer schools, where she formed the band Blue Lass. Her solo work blends bluegrass and old-time influences with an Anglo folk/Americana feel, featuring original songs and instrumentals. Catch her in La...

Derek Meins has a chat to us about THE LANCASTER MUSIC COOP where he is both a Director and Volunteer. Hear about the student-founded hub for rehearsal and recording, its closure during lockdowns, and how post-lockdown disrepair prevented reopening. Hear about our efforts to secure a permanent lease to access funding, a full strip-back renovation with five soundproofed rehearsal rooms and a rebuil...

The wonderful effervescent CHLOE JANE HIRST joins us. Do make sure you go and listen to her music, a fantastic vocal range and powerful lyrcis. She talks about her new as yet unreleased song "Soldier Boy," inspired by concern for men experiencing pain and lack of support, a possible summer 2026 release. In that chat we mention Andy's Man Club. Here's a link to them: https://andysmanclub.co.uk/ And...

Lancaster artist Last Dan Standing (Dan) on Beyond Radio's Lancaster Unsigned. We discuss his move to Lancaster and impact on our music scene. Explore alternate guitar tunings and playing exclusively in C major nine (C-G-E-G-B-D) for about 15 years Discuss rebuilding after relocating and receiving encouragement on the Lancaster scene. He can be found on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@DanLD...

ARCANE HOPE are an enigmatic ever evolving musical wonder that has been part of the Lancaster Music scene for years now. Alice Evans explains the band and gives us more reasons to binge on their fantastic back catalogue of tunes. Go here now: https://www.arcanehope.co.uk/