April Maybe May

April Maybe May
www.myspace.com/aprilmaybemay
Album released on Crash Records / Seahouse Records – May 24th
Available from HMV, iTunes and all major download sites

April Maybe May are Rosie Hillman (vocals and acoustic guitar) and Matt Kassell (vocals and electric guitar), who formed in 2003 in their home town of Barrow in Furness, Cumbria after both performing as solo artists in their own right, a duo who were later joined by Peter Fitzpatrick (Bass) and Jake Newton (drums).
 
Rosie and Matt’s approach, as a duo was simple: two guitars and two voices, with the emphasis on songwriting above all else. The band expanded to a four-piece affair where bass and drums allow the songs to be given a much fuller and deeper sound working especially well at their live gigs.
 
They release their self titled album “April Maybe May”, a warm, soothing and natural acoustic listen with Rosie’s emotive and sultry vocals complimenting the many and varied percussive instruments that are all used to create such a beautiful drift away album. In 2009 the album had a limited edition release on Seahouse Records. Due to the success of this digital only release, the album has now been given a full distribution release through Crash Records.
 
In 2005/6 they recorded and released their first EP ‘Down To Earth’, under the name Fallen Leaves.
‘Down To Earth’ was a lo-fi, home-recorded affair, which set the tone for future works. The run of 250 CDs, complete with hand-painted, recycled cardboard covers, sold out quickly as Fallen Leaves began making a name in their local area. A main stage appearance at the 2006 Dent Folk Festival saw the duo holding their own alongside national established acts.
 
The following year they released their next EP ‘And It Hit Me’. Again, it was self-released and revealed a more serious, darker side to the band’s sound. Fallen Leaves began to travel further a field to play, testing their songs to city crowds. They were nominated for an INDIE award in the best alternative category, and continued to write new songs to play at gigs. They also supported established artists Catherine Feeny, Elaine Palmer, Diane Cluck and Ezio to name but a few.
 
2008 saw another independent release, ‘Sunshine’. This time the EP was recorded with a full band and this release saw a leap in both production and songwriting skills. National reviews followed and Fallen Leaves got their first national radio airplay on BBC6 Music’s Tom Robinson Introducing show. Their first London show, a headline slot at The Queen’s Head in Islington, was a great success and left the band wanting more.
 
In 2009 the band were forced to change their name after discovering London punks The Fallen Leaves had released their own album and were dominating Google. April Maybe May was the new name, and came about as a reply to when Rosie and Matt’s album would be ready.
And so it was, in May 2009, that their 11-track debut CD was given its initial release, which was a diverse collection of indie-folk-pop gems.
 
When they are not performing live around the country, April Maybe May hide away in their home studio in the attic of their house, constantly working on writing and recording new material.
 
“The band’s soft, warm, occasionally jazz-inflected music floats out of the speakers like meringues on custard. If Radox sold music, it would sound like this.”
Sound on Sound Magazine
"Blending beautiful harmonies and warm acoustic arrangements, this is what love sounds like".
Select Magazine
"'...April Maybe May turn in their songs with a natural, crystalline passion…Their honey dewed melodies and caressed, wondrous sound almost carries you into the room on a bed of succulent, fragrant acoustica.” Manchester Music