Just wanted to post to say a big thanks to everyone who has offered support, advice and encouragement since I released my first music this year.

All those who have helped stock my CD, played my track on the radio, added to playlists etc, been kind to review my music or given me assistance in any shape or form, it is so much appreciated.

Operating as an independent who is making alternative ‘DIY music’ in a very crowded space is challenging, and there is a learning curve tackling the digital landscape. With that in mind it’s been heartening my debut release You Just Might Try has received internet and mainstream radio plays including Beyond Radio’s ‘Indie Rock Heaven’ show in the UK where it was followed on its initial spin by The Molotovs and then Sonic Youth, which I thought was fantastic. It’s also been played on the radio in the USA, including on rotation on the Lonely Oak station in California, where it received a 4 star rating; and it has also been featured in playlists eg #recordunionrocks Spotify playlist “A selection of the best rock, metal, alternative and punk tracks.”

Based on a pretty humble effort at promotion, the encouragement especially around the North West has been a big boost. Recently David Pratt at the brilliant Folk North West was kind to review my two track CD, describing it as “an intriguing and enjoyable debut solo release, and one that will hopefully lead to more.” You can check out the well-researched article here that name checks some key influences and reassures me that others out there are down with the retro aesthetic.

Cheers to everyone who is supporting grass roots music, live music and still appreciates things that are produced by humans and anyone who is making music for the love of it and the enjoyment of being creative.

My ‘double A-side’ CD is now available in leading Manchester music stores. You can find my CD in Vinyl Exchange on Oldham Street and Vinyl Revival on Hilton Street in the city’s Northern Quarter.

A special mention for Vinyl Revival that has just released its third volume of rare Manchester area punk recordings. Rarities included on this album are tracks by The Cliches (Mark Burgess pre-Chamelons) and The Things who Buzzcocks drummer John Maher joined in 1980. You can find out more here: Greater Manchester punk compilation.

Vinyl Revival was also featured in the Guardian recently, with owner Colin White talking about his passion for supporting new and underground artists: How Manchester’s vinyl scene supports new artists.

As well as the above stores, you can purchase my CD direct here.

Best regards,

Alan M. Cole

Delighted to say my new double-A side CD single is being stocked in selected record stores.

The CD has two original tracks – You Just Might Try / Silverstein Suite – and is recorded with a full band.

It’s available in Forty Five Records in the Kings Arcade, Lancaster, a nice shop and cafe that provides a warm welcome.

You can also find it in Morecambe’s Eden Music, which is in the town centre just off the prom. A hub for Morecambe’s alternative scene, Eden Music has a massive array of vinyl and other treasures on offer.

Last but not least it’s also in the La’l Record Shop in Bolton le Sands. This store opened last year and sells quality vinyl as well as CDs, cassettes, mini discs and vintage audio.

You can also purchase my CD – influences include grunge, punk, folk and rock – via this website.

Best regards,

Alan M. Cole

Pleased to announce I am releasing my debut single as a solo artist, feel free to check it out.

You Just Might Try will be released on online music platforms on January 16, including Amazon Music and Spotify.

Click here to pre save You Just Might Try on Spotify

You can also buy a digital download of You Just Might Try here securely via Stripe

Download includes high-quality MP3 file and CD quality WAV file.

You Just Might Try is also available as part of a ‘double A side’ CD, which can be purchased via this website.

AA Side CD single for sale – You Just Might Try / Silverstein Suite.

If you are a journalist and would like an audio file of my new single or the CD to review, please contact me with your details.

Best regards,

Alan M. Cole.