Photo: Still
If you caught Jools Holland on Friday you will have seen Ed Sheeran pining for Top Of The Pops. A strange person to be championing for its return because, well, you know, the majority of the top 20 is him.
As it stands, Jools Holland remains the only influential music TV programme out there. The Guardian recently posted an article saying it was "tedious and its host excruciating." It's difficult for us to agree with that, though, as music fans, because they continually book acts that excite us, even if they're a bit off the mark sometimes.
Moreover, the format is familiar in a good way, like The Simpsons at 6pm, or a double bill of Fresh Prince. As for Holland, bless him, he's switched on even after years and years in the game. The programme is ingrained into our culture, and it's one institution not worth worrying about wishing a demise on.
But, that's not to say we can continue to allow Holland to have the monopoly on the box. Oh no, we do need more music television; Sheeran is right in that respect. But should it be Top Of The Pops? We don't think so. Much preferred are the indie promoters This Feeling - the London promoters who against all the odds are keeping rock n roll alive - and they have just announced they're putting on their own tv show in association with Red Stripe.
This Feeling is the brainchild of Mikey Jonns who's spent the last 10 years creating the ultimate rock n roll club night with live bands. This new venture will see the passion and good taste he's applied to his club nights, and have the balance of featuring the huge bands and those on the rise.
So what are the finer details? Well, it's called Red Stripe presents: This Feeling TV’ will be hosted by Radio X presenter and music lover Gordon Smart and produced by Dry Lunch, founded by former Soccer AM producer Robbie Knox. The show has also already received backing from the likes of Gallagher and 2016 standout breakthrough act, Blossoms.
Currently it's an online thing with the first four 20 minute shows being aired over the course of the year online on the programme's Youtube page - we will post full programme details as they emerge.
The chances are, though, with the concept being so strong and the interest already there that it will be picked up by a major station within weeks of its launch. The shows will comprise of a range of segments; including: interview features with a mixture of big-hitters and future stars of the scene, live performances from guests, and a host of other off-the- wall features too that it's going to be picked up by a major station within weeks of its launch.
Mikey Jonns, founder of This Feeling, says: "It's an absolute travesty, bar Jools Holland, there's no music show on our screens. Well, that's about change; please welcome This Feeling TV, bringing musical mayhem and magic back to a screen near you soon..."
There are limited tickets for each show, for music lovers to be a part of the audience and watch indie acts, new and old, do their thing on stage and on the sofa. The first opportunity is this Thursday 27 April as they're filming the first episode and having an afterparty at Nambucca. Check their social media for details on how to apply.
