Indy awards
Rare LYs track used on Philadelphia compilation
9 April 2009
An extremely rare live version of Lightyears track “Inside Job” has been included on a compilation album released this week in Philadelphia, USA.
The album is called “Milkboy Live Vol. 1” and comprises eleven live tracks recorded over the last two years at the Milkboy Coffee venue in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. Milkboy was one of the first venues we sold out on the East Coast and has featured in every single one of our American tours since. Click here to visit my USA tour diaries and read up on our past adventures at Milkboy.
The release also feaures The Brakes, Jim Boggia and the late Robert Hazard, the Philadelphia legend who wrote Cyndi Lauper’s hit single “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”, in one of his last recorded live performances.
The Milkboy website says of The Lightyears involvement in the project: “We were glad to include these British lads. They came to us all the way from England, where they were voted best pop/rock band at the first ever UK INDY Awards in 2007. They have great elements of pop in their quirky style of rock and roll. They come complete with 3-part harmonies and a drummer that stands up to play. What’s great about this tune is that you won’t catch them playing this anywhere else. After selecting the song, we found out from the band that this is an early version of a song that went on to become something completely different. The Lightyears agreed after a listen that the tune was rocking. Thanks to the guys for giving us the exclusive track, ‘Inside Job’.”
In fact, “Inside Job” was a re-working of “We Keep The Beat Alive” from our 2005 album Mission Creep. It eventually became the track “That Was Us”, which features on our 2009 album London, England (click here to visit the LYs shop where both albums are available now priced £4 and £5 respectively).
“Milkboy Live Vol. 1” is available now for $7 (around £4.80) from the Milkboy website – click here to visit the store. You can also purchase it as a download from iTunes.
Our Top 20 Moments Of 2008
23 December 2008
So, as 2008 draws to a close, I thought I’d send out a festive greeting to all our fans. Y’know, kinda like The Queen’s Speech.
2008 has been an unpredictable year. We’ve never known quite where we’re gonna end up from one month to another but it’s been a pretty exciting ride all told.
We have big plans for 2009. Our new album “London, England” is coming out in the New Year and we have a feeling you’re gonna like it! Plus next year is gonna be all about you – the fans – and we’ll be spending our time creating music, media and all manner of delectable treats intended for your voracious consumption. More about that after Christmas…
In the meantime, we’d like to thank Lightyears fans everywhere for your continuing support of the band. Wherever you are and whoever you’re with, have a disgracefully Merry Christmas and a calamitous New Year.
In the meantime, here are our Top 20 Most Memorable Moments Of 2008:
- Performing at London Road stadium to thousands of people (twice!)
- Being played on XFM
- Being name-checked in The Guardian newspaper
- Selling out The Troubadour
- Performing in front of Barry Fry and the Mayor of Peterborough
- Reaching #45 in the iTunes Plus Top 100 with charity single “Posh We Are”
- Touring to Ireland to play at the launch of national music magazine State
- Making the short-list for Best Pop Act at the INDY Awards
- Presenting the award for Best Female Solo Act at the INDYs alongside Feargal Sharkey and Mike Rutherford
- Playing London Astoria 2
- Drinking a toast in a Korean jacuzzi at 7am after one of the best gigs of our lives
- Performing twice at Glastonbury Festival
- Supporting the Mystery Jets at a packed Barfly
- Fans at Brightlingsea Festival singing all our lyrics back to us on a hot August evening
- Flying Business Class to New York!
- Headlining the Time Out Festival in Union Square, Manhattan
- Releasing our EP “At Midnight” in the USA and being nominated as “Single Of The Day” at Amie Street
- Filming a music video for “Obama Republic“
- Recording our new album “London, England”
- Buying a bitchin’ new van!
Here’s to 2009!
Chris Lightyear
LYs nominated for Indy Awards 2008
3 February 2008
For the second year running The Lightyears have been nominated for an INDY Award.
The INDY Awards were set up last year to highlight the achievements of independent bands across the UK. 218 artists were nominated out of an estimated 40,000 who played at participating venues, meaning the INDYs effectively identify the top 0.5% of independent bands currently on the live music circuit.
Last year The Lightyears were awarded the title of BEST POP/ROCK ACT at the gala ceremony in May. This year the Clapham Grand has nominated the LYs for the accolade of BEST POP ACT 2008 and the band’s success depends on your vote – so show your support by voting for the band here (note: voting has now closed).
Voting is free and takes just a few seconds. Thanks again for your continuing support!
Lightyears scoop “Best Pop/Rock Act” at Indy Awards
27 May 2007
On Tuesday 15 May The Lightyears were awarded BEST POP/ROCK ACT at The INDY Awards 2006/07 (hosted by Virgin Radio).
Many thanks to everyone who attended the ceremony and flew the Lightyears flag whilst the band were in New York!