Northampton based shoegazing star Maps is set to hit the road after confirming a number of UK tour dates.

Maps is a pseudonym for James Chapman. Beginning by crafting demos in his home studio Chapman began blending shoegaze influenced noise-pop with electronica, crafting a series of fuzzy, lo-fi demos.

Debut EP ‘Start Something’ attracted a huge amount of press attention, and led to Chapman signing to Mute. Requiring a name for his release he chose simply ‘Maps’ and began working on his debut album, ‘We Can Create’.

Released to overwhelming acclaim, ‘We Can Create’ was later nominated for the Mercury Music Prize. Missing out on the trophy, James Chapman was nonetheless given a massive publicity boost.

Touring with a number of local musicians and close friends, Maps earned a reputation for being close to their fans. James Chapman has boasted that he replies to every MySpace message the band are sent – which to be honest must take him ages.

Returning to the studio Maps began laying down demos for their second album. In a MySpace message earlier this year James Chapman confirmed that a new album was almost complete.

Released as ‘Turning The Mind’ Maps’ second album retained the fuzzy pop of their debut, but matched this with an increased confidence in their songwriting ability. Released earlier this year to overwhelming acclaim, Maps are set to bring their new album to a venue near you.

Kicking off with a show in Oxford, the tour will wind its way around Britain before finishing with legendary Glasgow nightspot Nice N Sleazy.

Maps have confirmed the following UK tour dates:

October
17 Oxford Jericho Tavern
22 Edinburgh Electric Circus
23 Manchester Warehouse Project
24 Southampton Joiners
25 Birmingham Hare & Hounds
26 London Cargo
28 Bristol Start The Bus
29 Cambridge Portland
30 Brighton Digital
31 Nottingham Bodega Social