Michael Gallagher Live in Sunderland (Independent Venue Week)

Michael Gallagher w/ Vice Killer & DAWKS

Real stories about real people and real life. That’s what you’ll find at the heart of every song by rising singer-songwriter Michael Gallagher from Hartlepool, whose stories of love, loss, togetherness and friendship blend anthemic rock with sharply-observed three-dimensional lyrics that deliver social commentary and intimate detail.


The honesty of Michael’s lyricism is matched by the honesty of his musical style: a fond throwback to the thrilling British guitar music boom of the 2000s and a reminder that there’s a whole world of exciting music beyond metropolitan tastemakers. This is music that’s raw, gritty and above all human. And despite Michael’s well-defined sonic palette, he’s achieved a real diversity within his new songs. “One of the things I've tried to do is make every song stand apart from every other one,” he adds. “I like to have each track be individual, so it pricks people's ears up.”

Vice Killer are a four-piece alternative indie band from County Durham, consisting of Thomas Gilling lead vocals/guitar, James Langan lead guitarist, Jack Langan on bass and Lewis Muir on drums. "With clever lyrics, smooth vocals, and catchy instrumentation, 'Alone, In This World' creates an auditory aesthetic that screams "Put on your leather jacket and your best pair of sunglasses. Let's strut on down to the nearest smoky jazz bar and we can talk through our depression". And honestly, what more could you want?"

DAWKS. The project of Hartlepool singer/songwriter Luke Dawkins, debut single, Be Someone, may for some hark back to the dark UK musical age between Madchester and Britpop when grunge ruled the earth, but for the Hartlepool lad it is merely a way of ditching the heavy guitars of his previous bands preferring a more mature blend of organ and catchy melodies for a distinct slice of taut, joyous pop and perhaps a means to shelve the rock shackles for the time being.