Stop the Blackout

Stop the Blackout are a Manchester rock band described as playing epic, modern pop with an experimental edge. They release their debut single, “Headlights!”, on ifm records and follow it with “All Our Lovers”, which is due as a later single from their debut album.

Background and sound

The band are a quartet from Manchester. Their music is associated with anthemic, stadium-sized rock and has been compared in live reviews to Coldplay, Elbow and U2. They also describe acoustic versions of their songs and perform stripped-back sessions for radio.

Releases and recording

“Headlights!” gains airplay and press attention across radio and television, and its instrumental is used on talkSPORT Radio’s Alan Brazil Breakfast Show. The band’s follow-up single, “All Our Lovers”, is set to appear as part of their debut album. That album is recorded at Motor Museum Studios in Liverpool with Simon Cullwick, who has production credit with Arctic Monkeys.

Live work and appearances

Stop the Blackout support Editors, One Night Only and Oceansize, and play venues including Club Fandango, Greasy Lips Club, Notting Hill Arts Club, Camden Barfly, Ruby Lounge, Moho Live, and Academy 2 and 3 in Manchester. They also perform at Solfest Festival alongside The Stranglers, Cast and The Damned.

The band make several media appearances around the release of “Headlights!”, including live and interview segments on ESPN’s Talk Of The Terrace and an acoustic filming for SportsVibe, a pilot for Channel 5. Their music also appears in football and sports coverage, including ITV broadcasts of Champions League and international matches and British Touring Car Racing.

Sports links

Stop the Blackout are supporters of Manchester City and perform three times at Manchester City FC. These appearances include a City Sound initiative with Key 103 Radio, the club’s Player of the Year Awards, and holiday celebrations at City Square. They also feature in the club’s monthly magazine, ManC, and on Football Burp.

Reception and promotion

The band receive praise from radio presenters and broadcasters, with comments highlighting their sound and future potential. They also promote the release through acoustic sessions on Beacon FM, Pure FM and NME Radio in Cardiff, and use a text messaging service to offer downloads to mobile phones and PCs.