Draft:Stone Black Witches

  • Comment: Highly unlikely that a one-year-old band with local "cult following" is notable enough for inclusion in a global encyclopaedia. DoubleGrazing (talk) 12:04, 27 August 2025 (UTC)

Stone Black Witches

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Stone Black Witches are an English rock band formed in 2024 in Retford, Nottinghamshire. The band consists of Brian James (Vocals and Lead Guitar), Ryan French (Percussion and Backing Vocals), Quinn Kyle (Bass Guitar) and Jan Kowski (Drums). The group have had multiple appearances on BBC Introducing[1][2] East Midlands and have garnered a cult following in their hometown. They often appear in the magazine Retford Life[3], and contribute to local charity events. They describe their sound as Psych Groove Beats.

History

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Stone Black Witches
 
Photograph of Stone Black Witches backstage at Rough Trade Nottingham.
Background information
OriginRetford, Nottinghamshire, England
Genres
Years active2024-present
Members
  • Brian James
  • Ryan French
  • Quinn Kyle
  • Jan Kowski

The band was formed when Brian James ran into Quinn Kyle in a chance meeting in Sheffield, in December 2023. Both had worked together previously and Brian was looking to start a new project. The two began rehearsing together at a local Methodist Church in Retford in January 2024. They were soon joined by Quinn's friend Jan Kowski, and Jan's friend Ryan French.

After only a few months together, the quartet had already gained local notoriety after creating high energy atmospheres at open mic nights around their hometown and appearing for the first time in the local magazine, Retford Life[4].

The group were subsequently banished from rehearsing at the Methodist Church following the first article that was written about them. The Church handed them an eviction letter and deemed the four piece 'unaligned with catholic values'. Brian James responded to this shock confrontation in a later article by saying: "We're just four lads who play tunes together, we're not sure what they were so frightened of. Maybe the name". The band moved rehearsals to their home studio, where they continue to practice today.

 
Photograph of Stone Black Witches at Rough Trade Nottingham

Stone Black Witches are also the founders of AFTERPARTY on The Square, a yearly event that branches Party on The Square. AFTERPARTY has been personally endorsed by North Notts BID.

Influences

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They have stated that their earliest mutual influences include The Beatles, Tool, Stone Roses, Soft Play and Viagra Boys. The group have stated they strive for a 60s rock sound with modern riff tendencies.

Members

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  • Brian James - Vocals, Lead Guitar, Piano
  • Ryan French - Backing Vocals, percussion
  • Quinn Kyle - Bass, Guitar
  • Jan Kowski - Drums

Singles

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Title Year
"You're My Scene" 2025
"Pub Crawl" 2025

References

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  1. ^ "BBC Local Radio - BBC Introducing - East Midlands, Jayahadadream's Big Weekend". BBC. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
  2. ^ "BBC Local Radio - BBC Introducing - East Midlands, flöat and Joel Foster in session". BBC. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
  3. ^ Stevenson, Richard (2024-12-15). "A sound that reaches deep into your soul". Life Publications. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
  4. ^ Stevenson, Richard (2024-05-30). "A sound that calls out your inner fire". Life Publications. Retrieved 2025-08-27.

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