Peterborough is home to some real talent and here at ESP Magazine Peterborough we like to champion anyone putting the city on the map.
We’ve been plugging rock band Austin Gold as one of the original talents coming out of the city and since we first spoke to the guys things have really ramped up.
Signed to the Jigsaw Label they’ve had gigs across the UK and successfully released their brilliant debut album Before Dark Clouds which received some great reviews from the music press with the likes of Radio 2 dubbing them ‘ones to watch’.
They’ve already sold out a hometown gig at the Key Theatre in July and are now preparing to headline at The Junction in Cambridge this month for the first time, followed by a slot at the Cambridge Rock Festival this summer.
They’ll also be supporting Toploader at Oundle Festival’s Party on the Wharf on Saturday July 24 and have more UK gigs lined up.
The band consists of David James Smith (vocals & guitars), Jack Cable (guitars), Lee Churchill (bass), Russell Hill (Hammond & keyboards) and Chris Ogden (drums). Together they’re producing impressive original tunes infused by a melting pot of rock and soul influences.
Time for an update to keep up! Bassist Lee Churchill told ESP things are really moving fast for the guys.
“We’ve been booked into bigger support slots and festivals as well as winning awards such as Get Ready To Rock’s Best Breakthrough Act 2017 and Rock And Roll’s Best New Release 2017. Another big booking for us is the headline slot at the Cambridge Junction 2 on April 28. It’s a terrific venue and we can’t wait to play it.”
They were keen for a big hometown gig and singer Dave Smith says they were surprised at the reaction to the Key Theatre date – “It feels amazing and humbling at the same time. We have brilliant fans and to sell out the Key Theatre in only two-and-a-half days is incredible and a huge surprise. We are so looking forward to it and promise that it will be one hell of a performance!”
Getting seen out of town is vital though if they’re to break through on the wider music scene.
“Every show is important and we really value our Peterborough fans but it’s great to get bigger gigs out of town,” says guitarist Jack Cable. “We’re very proud to be playing the Cambridge Rock Festival as main support to blues rock outfit King King – we honestly can’t wait!”
They’ve built up a firm fanbase on the local scene and keyboard player Russell Hill hopes the music scene can build.
“There are less venues these days but there’s still passionate support for live music and it’s important that we all continue to support local musicians. It would be great to see more venues promoting original music though.”
We’ve been following Austin Gold’s progress and their hard work is really paying off.
“We never expected a sudden jump. We always knew things would improve gradually,” says drummer Chris Ogden. “But events have moved along faster since our label (Jigsaw – Frontier Promotions) became our managers too. They’ve booked us onto support slots for big bands as well as bigger festivals. It’s definitely stepped up a notch!”
The buzz about the band in the music press is infectious and Austin Gold are being predicted to achieve big things – now wouldn’t that be great for the city?!
Singer Dave Smith says there’s plenty to look forward to – “We’ve just had our latest single released – Before Dark Clouds, the title track off the album. It’s received airplay on Radio 2 and Planet Rock. We’re keeping our options open for a hopeful tour of the UK or Europe. The speed at which we sold out the Key Theatre meant that there were a lot of disappointed fans, but they can always book tickets for the Cambridge Junction 2 gig on April 28, which is pretty local.”
Rest assured ESP will keep you posted but you can follow Austin Gold on facebook and find out more on www.austingold.band
Photos: Olivia Johnston Photography
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