Artist description Melodic and uplifting London-based indie-rockers

Music Style Indie Rock

Musical Influences Stones, Beatles, Ash, Oasis,

Similar Artists Coldplay, Ash, Manic Street Preachers, Oasis, Travis

Artist History Playmaker are: Paul Rey-Burns: lead vocals, guitar. Originally from Teeside in the North of England, Paul used to travel to London in his transit van to play gigs. When he decided to make the move permanently, he lived in it for weeks before he found somewhere to live! Chief songsmith in the band, he sings every word like it may be his last. Ste Brennan: Guitar, backing vocals.Another northerner - this time from Bolton. Ste is probably the most natural musician in the band, and it has been said that his playing can blister paint! His harmony vocals with Paul really hit you when you first see the band live. Ste is a talented designer and is responsible for most of the band's images. Stacy Harman: Bass. Comes from the Isle of Sheppey. The last to join after helping as the band's roadie, he suddenly found himself 'thrown in at the deep end' when previous bassist Leo left to concentrate on his young family. Stacy's natural enthusiasm and motivation have given the band a kick in the pants, and his 'no-nonsense' style dovetails perfectly with Pete's to drive the band forward. Pete Lewis: Drums. From Walthamstow, London. Pete formed the band in 2000 with Paul. Believes in a stripped-down approach, and his direct attitude makes him a solid base upon which Playmaker is built. Playmaker were initially a duet, when, in 2000, Burns and Lewis rose from the ashes of 'Loudmouth', a cocktail of guitar pop and indie rock. Finding Brennan and his guitar later that year was to prove an essential element in the developing alchemy, turning the Playmaker alloy at once both harder and dirtier. Summer 2002 and bassist Harman moves from back-stage to front. Playmaker were whole! Their London shows continued to expand their fanbase, and Pale Fox Records was onto the scent. A very special evening at The Borderline Club saw the label approach the band with an offer they decided not to refuse. Playmaker's debut single is Arizona. Pale Fox boss, Gary Williams says "The single is everything we could have wanted as a first release for the label; exhilarating, urgent and impactful. It is a fantastic calling card for a fantastic band... a real statement of intent!" The single has already picked up plays on Radio One and alt.rock stations XFM and The Storm, as well on local radio across the UK. XFM's Claire Sturgess declared it to be "Quality stuff, I think you'll agree", whilst The Storm's Ben Glover said that Arizona was "Sex on a disc and I want to have its babies!". Arizona also spent nine days at number on in Total Rock radio's daily listener's request chart. The video for Arizona, which features the band playing in a battered old caravan to a 'capacity crowd', was directed by Jon Harris (editor of Guy Ritchie film Snatch and, most recently, Johnny English). On hearing a promo copy of the single, New South Wales-based indie label Little Big Music immediately licensed the single via Pale Fox for release in Australia. What happens next? Watch this space.

Group Members Paul Rey-Burns: Lead vocals, guitar. Ste Brennan: Guitar, vocals. Stacy Harman: Bass Pete Lewis: Drums

Instruments Guitars, bass, drums, vocals

Albums Arizona E.P.

Press Reviews "Emotive, ambitious and exciting melodic rock that anyone whose pulse ever quickened when they first heard Oasis could also get quite excited by. Just as some footballers only score show-piece goals, eschewing the mundane, it appears from the three songs on their debut e.p. that Playmaker aim for the epic and anthemic: every song is resplendent with the sound of proud hearts, defiant minds, and vocals ablaze with wavering emotion. Yes, so they've probably heard the Manics too. Strong though all three songs are, Arizona is definitely the one that could slip straight onto any radio station looking for the next-big-rabble rousing thing." Q Sheet Magazine "Playmaker deliver passionate, glowing rock that floods the head with light. What a relief, I can get down off this ledge now. Comforting, but not smothering; warming, but not burning, this is quite a treat. Why not? Go on, you deserve it."Ireland's Sorted Magazine "Damn damn good... I like that very much." Andy King, Total Rock Radio, announcing Playmaker at Number one in the station's listener's chart "Jumping straight into their Brit-pop boots, Playmaker launch with a hooky, melodic single reminiscent of many of the UK greats. Although a shade imitative at times, it still manages to do what all good power-pop numbers should (namely tapping along in time) and with a generous lashing of lead guitar and a strong vocal, ‘Arizona’ achieves that goal. The sparser approach taken with final track ‘Shine’ shows a little more of what the band has to offer but all in all, expect a crunchy Brit-guitar attack." Australia's Time Off Magazine. "There are a number of acts currently rummaging through the wreckage of Britpop in search of inspiration; newcomers Playmaker seem to be the only band so far who've found anything worth salvaging. Debut single Arizona is a meticulous exercise in traditional jangly indie pop, at once both gloriously harmonious and delightfully boisterous. Ste Brennan's guitars are downright infectious whilst Paul Burns' vocals easily fill the void left by the demise of great bands Mansun and Longpigs. Mark my words, this is a band to watch. Captain Birdseye should have hooks so catchy." eyeballkid.com "Heartfelt British rockers with Noel-esque solos, and an easy, approachable style. Makes ya feel good, it really does. Australia's Beat Magazine "Described by the label as ‘alt-rock’ which is a bit of a trendy catch-all and doesn’t do this lot justice as the sound they’re coming on with is a thoroughly rocked up Tom Petty on Arizona that claims the stadium rock slot as obviously as George Bush eyes up an oilfield before switchbacking to a grown-up lurch through the Oasis “let’s filter the Beatles through the seventies” thang of “Head” and they’re both great and they should do a full album so I don’t have to keep getting up to press the replay button." Unpeeled Magazine.

Location London, England - United Kingdom

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