After the success of their previous event in London last year, Big Scary Monsters are bringing their pop up to Cardiff for the first time. From April 11-16, residents of the Welsh capital can expect to see Duke Street Arcade filled with merch, beer, and lots of music. There will be an array of performances across the five day event, seeing the likes of Jamie Lenman and Sorority Noise’s Cameron Boucher take to the stage for exclusive acoustic sets.
Founded almost 20 years ago in Oxford by Kevin Douch, BSM has become one of the most important players in UK alternative music. Whether they’re championing the weird world of math rock or bringing the brightest lights of US emo over for a bit of a look around, they’ve helped to shape the scene that they operate in.
Their pop up will celebrate some of the names currently on the roster – from both sides of the Atlantic – while there will also be rare records, signed stuff, test pressings and even some free shit and giveaways to get your hands on. But get down quick – they’re not likely to stick around for long.
Orchards – April 12 @ 6pm
Describing themselves as a ‘glitter gateway drug’, alt-pop quartet Orchards are a breath of fresh air. The Brighton-based band have recently signed to BSM and will be playing at the likes of ArcTanGent, Truck and the Great Escape festivals thus summer. Their upbeat sound will bring a refreshing twist as they support Tiny Moving Parts on tour this April.
Jamie Lenman – April 14 @ 5pm
After taking a break following the split of his influential rock band Reuben and pursuing a thrash metal/folk direction, Jamie Lenman has stepped back into the post-hardcore scene. He recently reached the top of the iTunes Rock charts with single Mississippi and has since released a new album, ‘Devolver’. He will be playing an acoustic set at the pop up and signing records.
Nervus – April 15 @ 2pm
Nervus’s new album ‘Everything Dies’ details Em Foster’s struggle with the issues of non-acceptance in society by discussing gender dysphoria and addiction. The band give a voice to anyone in the LGBTQ+ community who has ever faced prejudice and their catchy songs make them sound good doing it, too. Recording every instrument (minus drums) in the comfort of Em’s bedroom, the four-piece have produced a great album with an even greater message. They will be performing before Slaughter Beach, Dog at the event.
Slaughter Beach, Dog – April 15 @ 3pm
Slaughter Beach, Dog began as a product of Modern Baseball singer Jake Ewald’s writer’s block. The solo project documented the tales of fictional characters from a fictional town, titled, you guessed it, Slaughter Beach. But now he is taking the reins again. His recent album ‘Birdie’ takes inspiration from John K. Samson, creating a folkier acoustic sound which details Ewald’s progression as an artist. He will be bringing the sound to Wales for the first time at the BSM pop up.
Cameron Boucher – April 16 @ 5pm
Member of Sorority Noise and Old Gray, Cameron Boucher is supporting the Wonder Years on Sorority Noise’s last tour before their hiatus. He will be taking a brief break to perform an acoustic set at the pop up on its closing day.
Big Scary Monsters’ pop up event will run from April 11-16. For more information head to http://www.bsmrocks.com/popup.