All Turnpike Glow News

Turnpike Glow debut EP news and video!

Posted Thu, 10 May 2012


For fans of: Pheonix, Broken Social Scene, Super Furry Animals


Turnpike Glow will release their debut EP Inflatable Optimism on 11th June 2012. The 4-track EP, mixed by Broken Social Scene and Los Campesinos producer Dave Newfeld, perfectly encapsulates their infectious indie pop sensibilities.

The EP is the perfect little slice of Turnpike Glow’s agenda - honest, unabashed indie exuberance. Opener “No More Dancing” shows that the band aren’t just about the sing along chorus - they have substance too. “Marie” showcases quirky guitars and summery songwriting not unlike Vampire Weekend. Previously released single 1986 continues the theme with the band writing one of the most infectious chorus’ you’ll hear in a while. The song is about “the heaviest snow to fall in Rome since 1986”, which also serves as the main lyrics for the chorus. Latest single and last track of the EP, The Turn, The Pike and The Glow, was inspired by the documentary ‘Inside Job’. Guitarist / vocalist Sandro notes “the track is an ironic take on off-shore banking and moral bankruptcy.” Despite the seemingly heavy subject matter, the band make light of it all with their signature upbeat indie tempos and catchy lyrics.

The video for the single The Turn, The Pike And The Glow is available to watch now on the band's YouTube channel.



The title of the EP - Inflatable Optimism - not only mirrors the bands music but their outlook as well. “It took us a while to find our way as a band and to settle down in London. There were times for us when optimism had to be 'inflated' artificially. And more generally these aren't exactly rosy times we're living in so it's also a reflection of that in a way,” notes Sandro. Turnpike Glow aren’t all rosy cheeked indie enthusiasm, their cheerful songs front four, deep thinking individuals.

The EP is available to pre-order via Turnpike Glow's Bandcamp page for a very reasonable £3. There are also 500 numbered, limited edition copies available.



The band started life in Rome, in a scene marginalized by glossy Italian mainstream pop and insider trading. However, with their Pavement and Phoenix inspired sound, they soon found themselves supporting acts like The Futureheads and Cooper Temple Clause. In 2007 they started flying over to do live shows in London, Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester. It wasn't long before Sandro Schiena (vocals/guitar/keys) and Giuseppe La Mela (vocals/bass/keys), the songwriting core of the band, moved to London armed with only their guitars and a bag full of European plug adaptors. One rainy Sunday, the pair bumped into (drums) busking on the tube in a giant sombrero. They talked, they laughed and eventually, they joined forces to become the Anglo-Italian indie pop powerhouse Turnpike Glow! Their line-up was recently complete with the addition of Tom P. Griffiths (guitar/BV’s).

The band have previously received airplay from Absolute Radio’s Frank Skinner and heavy support from Amazing Radio. Spinner featured 1986 as their Video of the Day whilst Classic Rock awarded The Turn, The Pike and The Glow their Track of the Day and websites like The 405 have hailed the band as “ludicrously catchy”.

Inflatable Optimism will be released via Fünke Pop Records on 11th June 2012.

If you'd like more information about Turnpike Glow or our PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com

Turnpike Glow’s release video for “1986”

Posted Wed, 15 Feb 2012


For fans of: Pheonix, Broken Social Scene, Super Furry Animals


Turnpike Glow begin 2012 with the release of their next free download single 1986 available from 5th March 2012 on Fünke Pop Records. The track has been mixed by acclaimed producer Dave Newfeld (Broken Social Scene, Super Furry Animals, Los Campesinos), giving it that full-bodied edge that has become one of his trademarks. The single is the follow-up to their free download track The Turn, The Pike and The Glow, released at the tail end of 2011. It received a great reaction online including Track of the Day features from Spinner and Classic Rock Magazine.

The band have released the video for "1986". The song captures the end of a relationship under a heavy and unusual Roman snow. That amazing snowfall made for a Guardian headline entitled: "The Heaviest Snow to Fall in Rome Since 1986" and this true story became the inspiration for 1986. The video captures the band's sense of fun and energy with Tunpike Glow kicking around in the snow - the song and video are guaranteed to make you smile.

You can watch the video now on Turnpike Glow's YouTube channel.



The track is unadulterated Turnpike Glow, with the band displaying all their melodic signature moves with producer Newfeld's touch packing an extra punch; quirky keys overlay steady beats and a catchy verse and chorus. By the end of the song, you're sure to be humming along and you'll definitely want to hear more.

1986 is available to stream now via the ABoF Soundcloud page and will be released as a free download from 5th March 2012.


Turnpike Glow - 1986 by abadgeoffriendship

The band started life in Rome, in a scene marginalized by glossy Italian mainstream pop and insider trading. However, with their Pavement / Phoenix inspired sound, they soon found themselves supporting acts like The Futureheads and Cooper Temple Clause. In 2007 they started flying over to do live shows in London, Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester. It wasn't long before Sandro Schiena (vocals/guitar/keys) and Giuseppe La Mela (vocals/bass/keys), the songwriting core of the band, moved to London armed with only their guitars and a bag full of European plug adaptors. One rainy Sunday, the pair bumped into Anthony J. Hutchinson (drums) busking on the tube in a giant sombrero. They talked, they laughed and eventually, they joined forces to become the Anglo-Italian indie pop powerhouse Turnpike Glow! Their line-up was recently complete with the addition of Jeremy Levy (guitar/keys) and Tom P. Griffiths (guitar/BV's).

The band will be celebrating the release on 1st March 2012, playing live at Geek Out at the Wheelbarrow (55 Camden High Street, London). The release party will be free entry with A Badge of Friendship and Geek Out DJs.

If you'd like more information about Turnpike Glow or our PR services, please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Turnpike Glow to release “1986”

Posted Wed, 25 Jan 2012


For fans of: Pheonix, Broken Social Scene, Super Furry Animals


Turnpike Glow begin 2012 with the release of their next free download single 1986 available from 5th March 2012. The track has been mixed by acclaimed producer Dave Newfeld (Broken Social Scene, Super Furry Animals, Los Campesinos), giving it that full-bodied edge that has become one of his trademarks. The single is the follow-up to their free download track The Turn, The Pike and The Glow, released at the tail end of 2011. It received a great reaction online including Track of the Day features from Spinner and Classic Rock Magazine.

The song captures the end of a relationship under a heavy and unusual Roman snow. That amazing snowfall made for a Guardian headline entitled: “The Heaviest Snow to Fall in Rome Since 1986”. This true story became the inspiration for 1986. The track is unadulterated Turnpike Glow, with the band displaying all their melodic signature moves with Newfeld’s touch packing an extra punch; quirky keys overlay steady beats and a catchy verse and chorus. By the end of the song, you’re sure to be humming along and you’ll definitely want to hear more.

1986 is available to stream now via the ABoF Soundcloud page and will be released as a free download from 5th March 2012.


Turnpike Glow - 1986 by abadgeoffriendship

The band started life in Rome, in a scene marginalized by glossy Italian mainstream pop and insider trading. However, with their Pavement / Phoenix inspired sound, they soon found themselves supporting acts like The Futureheads and Cooper Temple Clause. In 2007 they started flying over to do live shows in London, Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester. It wasn't long before Sandro Schiena (vocals/guitar/keys) and Giuseppe La Mela (vocals/bass/keys), the songwriting core of the band, moved to London armed with only their guitars and a bag full of European plug adaptors. One rainy Sunday, the pair bumped into Anthony J. Hutchinson (drums) busking on the tube in a giant sombrero. They talked, they laughed and eventually, they joined forces to become the Anglo-Italian indie pop powerhouse Turnpike Glow! Their line-up was recently complete with the addition of Jeremy Levy (guitar/keys) and Tom P. Griffiths (guitar/BV’s).

The band will be celebrating the release on 1st March 2012, playing live at Geek Out at the Wheelbarrow (55 Camden High Street, London). The release party will be free entry with A Badge of Friendship and Geek Out DJs.

If you'd like more information about Turnpike Glow or our PR services, please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Turnpike Glow are Classic Rock’s “Track of the Day”

Posted Thu, 15 Dec 2011


Quirky, indie pop four-piece, Turnpike Glow, released their first free MP3 offering - "The Turn, The Pike And The Glow" - recently as a little taster of what's to come in 2012 and the response has been brilliant.

Classic Rock have featured the track as their Track of the Day on their website. Thanks guys!

Watch out for an official single, which will be released in early 2012, along with the band's debut EP in spring. Keep checking the A Badge of Friendship website for details.

For more information about Turnpike Glow or our PR services, please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Turnpike Glow interview on Gaydar Radio!

Posted Tue, 13 Dec 2011


Turnpike Glow released their first free MP3 offering "The Turn, The Pike And The Glow" last month. The band's sunny

Pheonix led sound has been well received so far with Artrocker, FAMEmagazine, Panic Dots and The Pop Stereo featuring the band on their websites.

Gaydar Radio interviewed the band recently about the free track, their favourite invention and their fantasy gig.



Turnpike Glow - The Turn, The Pike And The Glow by abadgeoffriendship

Watch out for an official single, which will be released in early 2012, along with the band's debut EP. Keep checking the A Badge of Friendship website for details.

For more information about Turnpike Glow or our PR services, please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Turnpike Glow Interviewed by Panic Dots!

Posted Fri, 09 Dec 2011


We've got a double header of news for Turnpike Glow this friday!

Panic Dots managed to catch up with them before their show at The Wheelbarrow in Camden last thursday, to chat about the important things - like the inspiration they draw from the one, and only, Dr Tobias Fünke, London's world famous cheap rent, and why they decided to take the plunge and leave Italy behind them. Be sure to check out the full interview.

"The stage may have been small, but [Turnpike Glow] more than filled it with their raucous presence." - Panic Dots

Panic Dots were also on hand to review Geek Out at The Wheelbarrow, where Turnpike Glow played live alongside The Unkindness Of Ravens for a night of fantastic music. Be sure to check out the full review.

Watch out for an official single, which will be released in early 2012, along with the band's debut EP. Keep checking the A Badge of Friendship website for details.

For more information about Turnpike Glow or our PR services, please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Good vibes for Turnpike Glow!

Posted Thu, 01 Dec 2011


Last week we announced that we're working with new band Turnpike Glow. The Pheonix influenced band comprise of a half Italian, half London mix and are ready to tackle the UK music scene with their first free MP3 offering - "The Turn, The Pike And The Glow".

This week Artrocker, FAMEmagazine, Panic Dots and The Pop Stereo where amongst those who've featured the band on their websites along with the aforementioned free MP3 download.

Watch out for an official single, which will be released in early 2012, along with the band's debut EP. Keep checking the A Badge of Friendship website for details.

For more information about Turnpike Glow or our PR services, please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

ABoF Friday News Round-Up!

Posted Fri, 25 Nov 2011
It's exactly 30 days till Christmas and we're counting down the minutes till we can kick-off our ABoF shoes, kick back, relax and kick-start the Christmas break!

We're not slowing down though, oh no… As you can see from this week's Friday News Round-Up, we're busy as ever.

Enjoy the weekend folks!

The Birthday Suit making more noise!





Whilst Idlewild have been on hiatus, guitarist Rod Jones has been busying himself with his new band. The Birthday Suit have been making a big impression this month after the release of their debut album The Eleventh Hour. Artrocker were the latest to review the band's debut in this month's issue. Subba-Cultcha also gave the album a brilliant 8/10, whilst The Skinny likened the record to Idlewild's critically acclaimed albums 100 Broken Windows and The Remote Part.

The band's free download track "Do You Ever?" was also played on various programs across Amazing Radio. To ensure the the band hit the Amazing Radio chart, please go vote for the track, like it and download it from the Amazing Radio website.

A lotta love for The Moth & The Mirror!





The Moth & The Mirror have also been making waves on Amazing Radio. You can vote for them via the Audition page on Amazing Radio's site.

The band have received an overwhelming amount of love online with some great reviews from Drowned in Sound, The Line of Best Fit and Subba-Cultcha.

Spinner are going to feature the track "Fire" as their MP3 of the Day next month, watch this space for more details!

New band alert - Turnpike Glow!





We announced we are now working with Turnpike Glow this week. The band are giving away the fantastic "The Turn, The Pike And The Glow" via our Soundcloud page as a little taster of what's to come in 2012.

Turnpike Glow - The Turn, The Pike And The Glow by abadgeoffriendship

The Leisure Society Last.fm pop-up session!





Last night, The Leisure Society played a stunning set at Tamesis Dock. It was a fitting venue for the quirky folk band, with everyone enjoying this free intimate set on the water.

Last.fm's last pop-up session of the year will be with the fantastic We Are Augustines on December 12th at The Book Club. More details about that in the coming weeks!

Coming up…



Next week we're DJ-ing Geek Out at The Wheelbarrow (Camden) for the last time this year! Do come along and join the fun. The Unkindness of Ravens and Turnpike Glow are playing plus it's absolutely free - no excuses!

For more information about any of the bands mentioned here or our PR services, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Introducing… Turnpike Glow!

Posted Wed, 23 Nov 2011


Turnpike Glow started life in Italy but are now UK based, bringing their sunny, quirky Phoenix influenced sound to Britain’s rainy shores. The band's first offering, The Turn, The Pike And The Glow, is being released to press and music fans alike as a free MP3 download, which will serve as a little taster of things to come in 2012!

The track’s strong euphoric chorus is contrasted by minimalist verses that allow the band's strong vocal harmonies to shine through (catchy vocal harmonies being one of the band’s signature sounds). This is accomplished songwriting performed by a band that knows exactly what they're trying to achieve.

The Turn, The Pike And The Glow is available to download now from the A Badge of Friendship Soundcloud page.


Turnpike Glow - The Turn, The Pike And The Glow by abadgeoffriendship

Sandro Schiena (vocals / guitar / keys) and Giuseppe La Mela (vocals / bass / keys) started the band in Rome, in a scene marginalised by glossy Italian mainstream pop and insider trading. However, with their Pavement / Phoenix inspired sound, they soon found themselves supporting acts like Cooper Temple Clause, The Futureheads and The Constantines. In 2007 they started flying over to do live shows in London, Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester. It soon became clear that the UK was the place to be if they wanted to find a receptive audience. It wasn't long before Sandro and Giuseppe, the songwriting core of the band, moved to London armed with only their guitars and a bag full of European plug adaptors! One rainy Sunday, they bumped into Anthony J. Hutchinson (drums) and Jeremy Levy (guitar) busking on the tube in giant sombreros. They talked, they laughed and eventually, they joined forces to become… Turnpike Glow!

An official single will be released in early 2012, along with their debut EP. Keep checking the A Badge of Friendship website for details.

For more information about Turnpike Glow or our PR services, please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).