Rhys

Music journalist — United Kingdom

01Profile

A Rhys Photo

03Interview

Describe your style in three words?

Casual, easy, outlaw.

The first track you played on repeat?

The Smiths - What Difference Does It Make? - 2011 Remaster

I remember walking into college and playing this constantly. I was lucky enough to interview Johnny Marr a few years back and was a nervous wreck before picking up the phone. We ended up chatting for a good hour and I'd still consider it my favourite interview.

A song from your favorite album?

Elliott Smith - Pitseleh

Elliott Smith has shaped my life more than any other artist. I've got an obsession with Portland because I travelled there to see where his music came into fruition. This album puts me back there instantly, the stunning greenery, the amazing coffee and the backwater dive bars.

A song from your most memorable gig?

AC/DC - Let There Be Rock

I idolised AC/DC growing up and they're still a favourite of mine. I saw them play this live at Hampden Park in Glasgow and was ready to cry when Angus Young played the solo. I've never seen a guitarist command a stadium like he did before and I probably never will again.

A song that always gets you up and dancing?

Creedence Clearwater Revival - Lookin' Out My Back Door

Give me a beer and give me some Creedence and I will be a happy man. Last year I went to see John Fogerty at the Bluesfest in London and hearing him sing this live was golden. It was a seated show but I was having none of that nonsense.

A new song you're listening to?

Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever - Talking Straight

My favourite band to emerge in the last few years are Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, they're not new to me but they still might be to some people. It's basically flawlessly executed, bright and breezy indie pop.

Best song to turn up loud?

Silversun Pickups - Lazy Eye

You can't play this song without turning it up loud. There's a complete anger and release near the end of the track that's chilling. I discovered this track when listening to a battered old CD on magazine distribution with Bristol Live Magazine so owe it to them.

A song that defines the teenage you?

Maximo Park - Apply Some Pressure

Going to see Maximo Park live welcomed in an exciting new phase of discovery for me. Their music brings me straight back to a time of going to the local newsagents to buy the NME and finding the latest new bands. This track is undoubtedly one of their best.

An anthemic song?

The Smashing Pumpkins - Tonight, Tonight - Remastered 2012

This song is such a powerful beast because it's so sad but so uplifting at the same time. The whole Mellon Collie album is an absolute masterpiece as well. My partner bought me the original vinyl and it's my most treasured record.

Best song to end an all-nighter?

Hank Williams, Jr. - All My Rowdy Friends (Have Settled Down)

I love ending the night with a bit of country. I feel like there's a humour and light heartedness behind it that just feels like a great way to see an evening off. Hank Williams Jr. is a comedy genius in this particular song where he's reminiscing his wild days drinking.

04Playlist Notes

03Interview

Describe your style in three words?

Casual, easy, outlaw.

The first track you played on repeat?

The Smiths - What Difference Does It Make? - 2011 Remaster

I remember walking into college and playing this constantly. I was lucky enough to interview Johnny Marr a few years back and was a nervous wreck before picking up the phone. We ended up chatting for a good hour and I'd still consider it my favourite interview.

A song from your favorite album?

Elliott Smith - Pitseleh

Elliott Smith has shaped my life more than any other artist. I've got an obsession with Portland because I travelled there to see where his music came into fruition. This album puts me back there instantly, the stunning greenery, the amazing coffee and the backwater dive bars.

A song from your most memorable gig?

AC/DC - Let There Be Rock

I idolised AC/DC growing up and they're still a favourite of mine. I saw them play this live at Hampden Park in Glasgow and was ready to cry when Angus Young played the solo. I've never seen a guitarist command a stadium like he did before and I probably never will again.

A song that always gets you up and dancing?

Creedence Clearwater Revival - Lookin' Out My Back Door

Give me a beer and give me some Creedence and I will be a happy man. Last year I went to see John Fogerty at the Bluesfest in London and hearing him sing this live was golden. It was a seated show but I was having none of that nonsense.

A new song you're listening to?

Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever - Talking Straight

My favourite band to emerge in the last few years are Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, they're not new to me but they still might be to some people. It's basically flawlessly executed, bright and breezy indie pop.

Best song to turn up loud?

Silversun Pickups - Lazy Eye

You can't play this song without turning it up loud. There's a complete anger and release near the end of the track that's chilling. I discovered this track when listening to a battered old CD on magazine distribution with Bristol Live Magazine so owe it to them.

A song that defines the teenage you?

Maximo Park - Apply Some Pressure

Going to see Maximo Park live welcomed in an exciting new phase of discovery for me. Their music brings me straight back to a time of going to the local newsagents to buy the NME and finding the latest new bands. This track is undoubtedly one of their best.

An anthemic song?

The Smashing Pumpkins - Tonight, Tonight - Remastered 2012

This song is such a powerful beast because it's so sad but so uplifting at the same time. The whole Mellon Collie album is an absolute masterpiece as well. My partner bought me the original vinyl and it's my most treasured record.

Best song to end an all-nighter?

Hank Williams, Jr. - All My Rowdy Friends (Have Settled Down)

I love ending the night with a bit of country. I feel like there's a humour and light heartedness behind it that just feels like a great way to see an evening off. Hank Williams Jr. is a comedy genius in this particular song where he's reminiscing his wild days drinking.

04Playlist Notes