Brett Herlingshaw

I am a freelance writer specialising in music and film. I have contributed to publications such as New Sounds Magazine, Soundsphere Magazine, The Indiependent, and Silent Radio. My skills include copywriting, transcribing, editing and social media. Please take a look around, and if you like what you see and are interested in commissioning me, feel free to send me an email using the contact information above.

The Horrors Rhys Jones on Night Life, 20 Years & In-Store Shows

The Horrors are a band that you cannot pin down to one genre, and bassist/producer Rhys Webb confirms that.  “I certainly don’t believe in any musical boundaries, and I think that’s always been the ethos of the band, and there’s never any limits, or rules or any right or wrongs of what we should do.” The Horrors have evolved slowly but steadily over the years. The group was formed in 2005 and consisted of Faris Badwan (vocals), Rhys Webb (bass), Josh Hayward (guitar/piano), Joe Spurgeon (drums)...

Jaret Reddick talks Bowling For Soup HEADLINING Wembley, his pop-punk legacy and love for Chris Burney - Soundsphere magazine

If someone mentions the band Bowling for Soup, what do you think of first? Is it their hit single Girl All the Bad Guys Want? Is it their hilarious music videos? Or maybe even their theme tune to Phineas and Ferb (AKA one of the best-animated shows ever). Strap in as Dom Smith interviews Jaret Reddick from the band and talks about touring, mental health and much more. Having been in a band for nearly 31 years, Reddick is very self-reflective and grateful for the success they’ve achieved, saying...

Live Review: Focus Wales 2024 - Soundsphere magazine

Focus Wales has been going for over a decade (precisely 14 years now), and it continues to bring thrills, fun, and, most importantly, great music to those who come to the great town of Wrexham. This year was no different, with three days of acts from around the globe that defied expectations. The first day involved a lot of walking, so much in fact that by the end, I had easily exceeded 15,000 steps for the day. This year, we started with a conference discussing the Future of Music Journalism, w...

Johnny Borrell and Jack Flanagan discuss Jealous Nostril's approach to authenticity through sound - Soundsphere magazine

When someone says the words Jealous Nostril, what do you think? If nothing else, it catches your ear and draws you in for more. The heavy art-rock band is fronted by Razorlight’s Johnny Borrell and supported by Jack Flanagan (Mystery Jets), along with drummer Ellis D. So far they have three singles out in the world, including, ‘Phase 6,’ ‘California in the Kryptonite,’ and latest single ‘Problems.’ We caught up with Johnny and Jack over Zoom for a fantastic chat (sans some minor Zoom difficultie...

Sorry's Louis O'Bryen talks maturity, songwriting and new album

In our latest interview, Brett Herlingshaw meets Louis O’Bryen from Sorry to discuss maturity, songwriting, the new album and much more. We meet Louis O’Bryen in the corner of the Brudenell Social Club. A place where bands such as Franz Ferdinand, Kaiser Chiefs, and Kate Nash have graced its stage. After just coming off a soundcheck, he seemed in good spirits and well in need of a drink. We start chatting about the new  album and the critical acclaim it has received. He seems enthused at the at...

Fontaines D.C. talk Jim Beam Sponsorship, touring, third album plans and much more

This week here at Soundsphere HQ, we got the chance to interview one of the most exciting rock bands around, Fontaines D.C. During the interview, we talk about the Jim Beam: Live Sessions, what the guys miss about touring, releasing A Hero’s Death during the lockdown, and what lies in store for their upcoming third record. What happens when one of the best live bands in Europe (maybe even the world) are stopped dead in their tracks for one of the strangest years on record? The post-punk giants

A QUICK CATCH UP WITH CLEAR VINYL

Music is often talked about as a great form of therapy, whether that be listening to it or creating it, there is a lot to be taken from a song that can hit you lyrically where you live. Clear Vinyl, an up and coming Sheffield band have this quality in spades, and their new single ‘Show Me How To Live’ is a wonderful mix of personal lyricism and sugary, energetic guitar melodies that burrow their way into your brain and never want to leave. Clear Vinyl is currently made up of Josh Feeley (vocals)

INTERVIEW: CUCAMARAS

It was an overcast Thursday afternoon when I met Cucamaras over a Zoom call, the four lads dripped in one by one and assembled for the interview. Having done my research, I was excited to interview them about their massive step forward for the band sonically and lyrically. What do you think of when you hear the words post-punk? You may think of bands like Fontaines DC, The Murder Capital, and of course IDLES. But prepare to hear a new name amongst the resurgence of post-punk that is taking the U

The Warren Youth Project's JJ Tatten on success, working with young people, his origins and more - Soundsphere magazine

This week over a video call at Soundsphere HQ, Dom Smith speaks to the inspirational JJ Tatten on Success, working with young people, his beginnings and much more. For those that don’t know, The Warren Young People’s project has been providing a vital support service to the youth of Hull for 36 years. Based in Hull city-centre, the Warren’s 24 strong team offer guidance, training, counselling, employability skills and creative expression activities. The age range for this support is young peopl...

Matt Tong on Bloc Party, Algiers’ success and working with Massive Attack

This week, Brett spoke (virtually) to well-renowned drummer Matt Tong, a veteran of indie darlings Bloc Party and now with the critically acclaimed group Algiers. We talked about lockdown, the influences on the band’s last album, Massive Attack, favourite memories and what success means to him. I ask Tong how his lockdown has been, “I’m in New York right now, I’ve been here for ten years, and you know it was definitely quite a haunting experience, somewhat compounded by the fact that I got the