The Team

ANDY BARNES - An avid music fan for far more years than he cares remember, and an avid gig goer since the age of fifteen. Of the three Sonic Bandwagon presenters, Andy exhibits the most varied taste. It’s certainly not uncommon for a diabolically dark piece of Black Metal to be swiftly followed by minimalist electro pop, a laid back piece of ambient jazz or even a full scale hoedown. If Mike and Nige bring a sense of stability to the show, Andy provides moments of abject chaos and ear drum shattering brutality. On occasion, some of his selections are best heard from a safe haven with crucifix and sharp stake close to hand. You have been warned…………

NIGEL CARTNER - Nigel thought his taste in music was varied until he met Andy, and then he really knew what the words ‘varied’ and ‘eclectic’ meant. Still, his musical tastes pose a variety of genres, but it’s back to the nostalgic basics that really hold his interest with the 60s and 70s rock/blues scene, and a special love in particular for The Doors. His admiration for modern underground music has really blossomed over the past few years, and his eyes have been opened to the talent that sits beneath the commercial surface. He is a great believer in supporting music that sits at this level and his passion for writing within the industry helps support that. Any bands/artists wishing to make use of this for reviews and interviews then please do get in touch….

MIKE AINSCOE - Mike’s love of music can probably be traced back to the Dave Clark Five’s 1964 single “Bits And Pieces”. Being jigged about to the 2 minute antiphonal (google it) hit was the beginning of an ongoing journey of musical discovery. Inevitably, there was Top Of The Pops and the glam of Slade and T Rex (first album bought was “Electric Warrior”) and onto a Boys Grammar School where a whole new musical world opened up. Seeing sixth formers carrying albums under their arm was his first encounter with the wonderful worlds of bands such as Genesis, Yes, Led Zeppelin and ELP, many of whom were enjoying their Indian Summers of the seventies. Their gatefold sleeves and lyrics were devoured and a lifetime’s devotion to prog rock became set in stone, moving seamlessly into the eighties with the nu-prog era led by lifelong favourites Marillion, but also being seduced by the ever so slightly related fields of harder edged rock and metal. From a time when anything non-prog was anathema to Mike, he’s mellowed in his old age, discovering the delights of traditional folk and acoustic music and the constant stream of new music coming through his passion as a gig-goer, music photographer and writer. With favourite artists and favourite songs which change daily, even hourly, he adds another spoke to the Sonic Bandwagon wheel of fortune.

We also have a few contributors to our site and you can see their individual reviews by clicking on their names:

Gareth Allen

Stuart Kristensen

Callum Barnes

Philip Patterson

Keiran Allen

Amy Barraclough

Tim Verhaegen

Lewis Allen