Stockport's beloved indie quintet, Blossoms, have taken an unconventional route to promote their forthcoming sixth studio album, 'Songs From The Wedding Cake', by staging surprise performances at fan weddings and an impromptu street gig in Manchester. The band, known for their distinctive indie-pop sound, embraced the 'wedding season' theme directly, arriving in a van to play short sets for unsuspecting couples and their guests. This unique marketing strategy aims to generate excitement ahead of the album's release on 2nd October.
The album's title, 'Songs From The Wedding Cake', is a direct homage to Stockport Town Hall, a landmark affectionately known locally as 'The Wedding Cake' due to its distinctive white facade and tiered clock tower. This building holds personal significance for frontman Tom Ogden, who himself married there five years ago. Speaking about the new record, Ogden expressed strong confidence, suggesting it might be their finest work yet. The album's lead single, 'Joke About Divorce', features the poignant chorus line, 'I guess this argument's not the place for a joke about divorce', offering a glimpse into the lyrical themes.
The band's promotional antics extended beyond wedding receptions. Following one of their impromptu wedding appearances, an off-the-cuff suggestion led to a surprise gig outside the 42nd Street nightclub on Deansgate, Manchester. Hiding out nearby, the band emerged to perform from a truck, much to the astonishment of fans pouring out of the venue. Drummer Joe Donovan recounted how word quickly spread, drawing a large crowd, and even noted a passing police officer giving a 'fist pump' in approval as they played.
Blossoms' growing confidence is also reflected in their ability to attract high-profile collaborations. TV personality Maya Jama features in the music video for 'Meet Me In Love', the album's lead single. The collaboration reportedly came about after a chance meeting at the MTV EMAs in Manchester's Co-Op Live in October 2024, where a shared birthday with band pianist Myles Kellock sparked a connection. A direct message on social media secured Jama's involvement, leading to filming at the community-run Chads Theatre in Cheadle, Stockport – a location used for two of their recent music videos.
This innovative approach echoes the playful marketing around their fifth album, 'Gary', which was inspired by a news report about a stolen giant gorilla model. Blossoms dedicated that album to the ape and toured with a replica. For 'Songs From The Wedding Cake', they have successfully replicated a similar level of engagement and buzz, without overshadowing the couples' special days. The band is set to make their debut appearance at Co-Op Live, further solidifying their presence in the UK music scene.