Festivals! Scotland's Music
the Scottish music festival supplement from MUSIC NEWS Scotland
Skye's 'Niteworks' gets first ever Edinburgh's Hogmanay midnight fireworks music commission along with composer Dan Jones - see page 5 for full story photo :: Hogmanay fireworks over Edinburgh Castle
INSIDE: Wee Dub :: Edinburgh's Hogmanay :: HebCelt :: TRANSMT :: Big Burns Supper :: Celtic Connections :: Oban Live ..... PLUS our Scottish music festival listings www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com
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Wee Dub Hogmanay 2017 - the NYE party by Wee Dub Festival - is back for its 5th year Edinburgh :: 31 December :: www.weedubfestival.co.uk TICKETS @ www.weedubfestival.co.uk/tickets The Wee Dub Festival brings Edinburgh's biggest NYE party for lovers of good music and irie vibrations returns taking place over two venues, Wee Dub Hogmanay will be taking guests on a musical trip fuelled by reggae, dub, jungle and beyond. Samedia Shebeen bring the tropical vibes upstairs at the Mash House. The event attracts over 800 people annually and is well known as an excellent choice amongst festive revellers to find good vibes, nice people and plenty good music. This year’s party is no different – with the sad closure of regular venue Studio 24, Wee Dub Hogmanay will
now be taking place across two venues – La Belle Angele and The Mash House – creating a vibey, festival atmosphere in the legendary Hasties Close in the heart of the Old Town. As ever the Wee Dub team bring together a diverse line-up of UK talent to bring the party on numerous levels. Star vocalist of the moment Eva Lazarus (as seen recently with Mungo's HiFi, Gentleman's Dub Club and Zed Bias) brings her wicked PA show north for the first time. Leeds' #1 dancehall exports Danny T & Tradesman (album forthcoming on Scotch Bonnet) bring their ruff and ready digital fire to the club. Nice Up! Records don DJ Shepdog is a legendary reggae party-starter and you'll be seeing why. Regular Wee Dub collaborator Escape Roots comes to play his hottest dubs, and on hosting duties, Unit 137's Jago flies in to deliver the flavours and flow on the mic, while the mighty Bass Alliance Sound System provide the sound reinforcement. Upstairs at The Mash House, Scotland's #1 tropical music explorers Samedia Shebeen will be in full effect with a guest set from Bristol's Ru Robinson.
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Edinburgh’s Hogmanay commissions Isle of Skye band Niteworks and award-winning sound designer Dan Jones to create first epic score for city’s midnight fireworks Edinburgh :: 31 December :: www.edinburghshogmanay.com TICKETS @ www.edinburghshogmanay.com/information/ticket-info
For the first time at any of Edinburgh’s famous fireworks displays, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay fireworks will be choreographed to a score written and designed for the occasion. New producers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, Underbelly, who produce the event on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council, has commissioned Scotland’s sound of the future, the electrifying Niteworks, and the award-winning film and theatre composer and sound designer, Dan Jones, to create an epic soundscape to the midnight fireworks The soundtrack to the extended fireworks display, designed by Titanium, will feature several well-loved tracks from Niteworks latest album shaped and developed into a single 9 minute work which evolves with light and shade and progresses to an exciting, epic conclusion. The tracks from NW include Beul na h-Oidhche (Gaelic for the beginning of the night), Coming Down (Anais Mitchell cover), Maraiche (featuring Kathleen MacInnes), and Eilean (Gaelic song about Skye). Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam, Directors, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay said: “This is probably one of the most exciting things to happen to fireworks in Edinburgh since the first recorded firework was set off at Edinburgh Castle in 1507. Those attending the Street Party, Concert in the Gardens or Ceilidh under the Castle will be treated to an exceptional sound and light spectacle. Niteworks, Dan Jones and Titanium are mighty individually but as a trio they are creating an epic midnight moment for those at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay to enjoy.” Niteworks: Trailblazing Isle of Skye foursome, Niteworks, fuse Gaelic language and traditional music with electronic influences to create a unique and exhilarating sound. Allan MacDonald (the Piper) from Niteworks said: "It really is an honour. We were thrilled to be asked to perform live for the street party, but to be asked to put the music together with Dan for the fireworks has just been something else entirely. We're a bit lost for words on how to describe this one!" Talking about the inspiration behind the piece Allan added: "The original brief we got was to try to re-create the sound of Scotland, tomorrow. To do this, we felt it was important to include songs in both Gaelic and in English, and also to have a tune on the pipes for immediately when the bells come in. Straight away we spent a whole day just watching New Year’s Eve fireworks displays from around the world. It's interesting to see the different styles; London and Melbourne are quite pop and contemporary, whereas Tokyo or Dubai, for example, are more traditional / classic. We're aiming for a vibe something in-between these styles that people will hopefully enjoy bringing the bells in to." Composer and Sound Designer Dan Jones:
Niteworks :: www.facebook.com/niteworksband
photo by Liam Dickson
Dan Jones has a huge reputation in composing and sound design for movies and TV with accolades including a long listing by Variety as an Oscar contender for Shadow of the Vampire, BAFTA and Ivor Novello awards and Emmy nominations for Any Human Heart and his first Ivor Novello award for Max, starring John Cusack and Noah Taylor. In 2012 he received the Special Jury Prize for Excellence in Sound design for his work on the highly acclaimed, Kursk. He also specialises in large events and was the lead sound designer on Hull City of Culture and London’s Paralympic Opening Ceremony. www.coolmusicltd.com/composers/dan-jones/ Dan Jones said: “I’ve been working with Nitework's very beautiful music to create even more light and shade and really draw out the drama for Titanium to work with on the visual front. It’s been a fantastic collaboration and they have been very generous. Apart from just loving their music, it is interesting because it can carry things in two different directions – becoming very intimate but also their tunes can carry a symphony orchestra along too which we’ve brought on board, lending it the epic quality we need for such a big occasion. It’s great too to hear Gaelic lyrics and instrumentation. There’s a huge energy in their music.”
sure of a place amongst the great capital cities of the world. The soundtrack is the backbone of any pyromusical display; so it’s as critical to get this right as the firework design itself. Getting the music together which ensures a broad range of styles, tempos and dynamics and reflects all of this yet remains accessible has been collaborative privilege.” Dan added: “There’s obviously pressure on all of us to deliver something that moves things forward for Hogmanay in Edinburgh, both with the fireworks and the party leading up to that, and I’m really excited about what we’ve achieved together. I think this is going to be different and I can’t wait to see what Titanium have done.” Niteworks live on Waverley Stage: Niteworks is playing a live set on the Waverley Stage on the 31st December in a festival line up of bands and musicians making the Street Party the best in the world. Joining Niteworks on the four arena stages are Human League, Huey Morgan, Sacred Paws, Treacherous Orchestra, Mac Twins, and Colonel Mustard and the Dijon 5 among others. Rag’n’Bone Man, Declan McKenna and Nina Nesbitt play the Concert in the Gardens.
Street Party Sound Design: Dan Jones is part of a world-class creative team brought in to work on the event lead by Executive Producer On working with Dan, Allan added: "Working Martin Green (Head of Ceremonies for the with Dan has been great, and it's amazing to London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games hear our music reconstructed for a bigger stage. and currently the CEO and Director of Hull UK Dan's music is epic and designed for large City of Culture 2017). Dan’s plans for sound soundscapes, whereas ours is more impact stuff design across the whole Street Party arena will made for a club setting. Hopefully by joining give ticket holders the opportunity to be totally forces we've managed to capture the best of immersed in sound or have time out from it. both of those elements, and hopefully the first of Councillor Donald Wilson, Culture and many more collaborations between us!" Communities Convener, said: “For decades, Fireworks by Titanium: Titanium has been all eyes have turned to Edinburgh for our creating Edinburgh’s Hogmanay fireworks for Hogmanay midnight moment. This year, for the the last 8 years. They also design London’s New first time ever, all ears will be listening in too as Year display and recently the finale across Niteworks and Dan Jones provide a live Adele’s tour. soundtrack to our famous fireworks display. Toby Alloway, Director of Titanium said: Produced on behalf of the Council for the “We’ve been thrilled to work with Underbelly, enjoyment of all, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is the Dan Jones and Niteworks on the soundtrack for best New Year’s Party in the world. Don’t miss this year’s Hogmanay Fireworks. Edinburgh is a this extended, musical extravaganza as we say city like no other with a massive overseas influx goodbye to 2017, and herald in the new year.” yet it manages to retain an extraordinary www.edinburghshogmanay.com intimacy. The Castle is the most remarkable www.twitter.com/edhogmanay backdrop to the Hogmanay arena and it cries out all that is Scottish and proud, confident and www.facebook.com/edinburghshogmanay
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First acts highlight HebCelt’s 2018's international flavour Glasgow :: 19-21 July :: www.celticconnections.com TICKETS @ www.hebceltfest.com
An enticing mix of international artists and home-grown talent make up the first acts announced for the multi-awardwinning Hebridean Celtic Festival’s 2018 line-up. HebCelt has enjoyed a highly successful year, picking up three major awards, but is already planning for its 23rd event next summer. The first acts on the bill for the festival, which will run from 19-21 July in Stornoway, come from three different countries. Festival favourites Skipinnish will headline the arena opening evening on Thursday, 19 July. The band’s ascent is escalating, having rocketed to the top of the Scottish music scene recently and being shortlisted for Live Act of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2017. They have also released four consecutive charttopping, self-penned singles and enjoyed a 3,000-seat, sell-out concert in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
Skipinnish :: www.facebook.com/Skipinnish old-time and classical music. The band members have performed with Shooglenifty, Fiddler’s Bid, Niteworks, The Shee, Salsa Celtica, Ross Ainslie & Jarlath Henderson Band, Dougie MacLean, FatSuit, Songs Of Separation and Phil Cunningham, to name a few.
HebCelt director Caroline Maclennan said: “This is a fresh, lively set of artists which is in line with HebCelt’s aim to bring a mix of established and young talent from different cultures to our audience.
“It’s a great start to our 2018 programme and Completing the Scottish contingent, Trail West, we will have more exciting announcements, whose members hail from Tiree and South Uist, including our other headline acts, in the coming plan a new album in 2018, backed with a new weeks.” six-piece festival line-up. A limited quantity of early bird tickets, priced Vishtèn and the Yves Lambert Trio join the £90, £80 concession and £15 (6-14 years) are festival programme to continue HebCelt’s long available from www.hebceltfest.com cultural connection to Canada. Earlier this month, HebCelt was named Best Having released their ninth album this month, Hailing from Prince Edward Island’s Evangeline Cultural Event or Festival in the Highlands and the internationally-acclaimed Blazin’ Fiddles area, Vishtèn are a trio of multi-instrumentalists Islands Tourism Awards, a title it also won in will play HebCelt as part of their 20th who merge traditional French songs and Celtic 2014. The festival also collected both the anniversary celebrations next year. and Acadian music with a modern twist of rock Festival of the Year award and the Grand Prix After a stunning HebCelt debut last year, Tide and indie-folk influences. prize for ‘best of the best’ at the Scottish Event Lines will be back in 2018. Also shortlisted for Awards, and is also one of only two Scottish Yves Lambert, who appeared at HebCelt 20 Live Act of the Year in the trad awards, the events among the ten finalists for a UK Greener years ago as frontman for La Bottine Souriante, band, who released their first full-length album Festival Award. finally returns to the festival. The charismatic this summer, have a fervent fanbase which musician has been a pioneer and driving force Organisers followed up the hugely successful helped their show in Stornoway in March next 2017 event, headlined by The Waterboys, year sell out in ten minutes and seen their music for Québécois folk music for 40 years and is credited with extending its popularity outside Imelda May and Dougie MacLean, just a few rack up huge numbers of online streams. Canada. weeks later by curating a sell-out opening Local band The Tumbling Souls, a six-piece, concert at the Lorient Interceltic Festival in Representing Denmark will be one of the fronted by Lewis singer-songwriter Willie Brittany on 5 August – Europe’s largest Celtic country’s leading folk acts, Habadekuk. The Campbell and featuring members of Face The festival - when Scotland was Guest Country of eight-piece band blend folk, salsa and big band West, Astrid and Hò-Rò, will make their festival Honour. jazz. The group’s debut album was awarded arena debut in 2018. Album of the Year at the Danish Music Awards in www.hebceltfest.com Also featured are Kinnaris Quintet, a new all2011 and picked up the Tradition Award two www.twitter.com/hebcelt female band who combine new compositions years later. with traditional Scottish and Irish, Bluegrass, www.facebook.com/HebCelt
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Liam Gallagher, Courteeners, Wolf Alice + J Hus - the first acts confirmed to play TRNSMT 2018
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Glasgow :: 29 June-1 July and 6+8 July :: www.trnsmtfest.com TICKETS from 29 November @ www.trnsmtfest.com TRNSMT Festival will return to Glasgow Green in 2018 and will be extending its music offering across two weekends on 29 June – 1 July plus 6 and 8 July, and now festival organisers DF Concerts have confirmed the first headliner Liam Gallagher will play Glasgow Green on Saturday 30 June, joined by fellow British stars Courteeners, Wolf Alice and J Hus. An era-defining voice and the frontman of his generation, Liam Gallagher is set to play his biggest ever solo show in Scotland at TRNSMT next summer, he’s sure to bring tunes from the celebrated fastest selling vinyl record of the last 20 years with criticallyacclaimed solo album As You Were as well as Oasis classics that have stood the test of time over the last two decades. Joining Liam on the first weekend of TRNSMT 2018 are Courteeners, who’ve been described as “One of the best live British bands of the moment” by Clash Music. The band's alternately jangly and bombastic brand of indie guitar rock lends itself to festival stages around the world. With big tunes from the debut record including ‘Not Nineteen Forever’ and ‘What Took You So Long’ carved out as pure indie classics, Courteeners’ appearance at TRNSMT 2018 will be sure to bring hero singalongs from that first guitar hook. Wolf Alice released their acclaimed second album Visions Of A Life in September, which followed its predecessor to number two in the UK charts and is already a staple on end of year lists. Ahead of a sold out UK tour that ends at London’s Alexandra Palace on Friday, and included two nights at Glasgow Barrowland, The GRAMMY, Brit and Ivor Novellonominated four piece bring an incredible passion, energy and atmosphere to their live performance, making their stint at TRNSMT 2018 one not to be missed. And in the final announcement in this first wave announcement, TRNSMT are delighted to reveal that English grime artist, four-time MOBO nominated singer and breakthrough star of today’s rap scene J Hus will also join these home grown British acts to
Wolf Alice :: www.facebook.com/wolfalicemusic
photo by Laura Allard Fleischl
play TRNSMT 2018. J Hus has created a name for himself in 2017 with hit single ‘Did You See’ climbing the UK charts, plus an appearance on Stormzy’s album Gang Signs & Prayer and the release of his debut album Common Sense in May 2017. J Hus will perform for the first time at TRNSMT on 30 June. In the first announcement from TRNSMT organisers, this news highlights the incredible British music scene right now with genres spanning rock, indie and grime; offering music fans a taste of what’s to come on the rest of Saturday 30 June and the other four TRNSMT events next summer. TRNSMT celebrated an incredible inaugural event in 2017 with stand-out performances from headliners Radiohead, Kasabian and Biffy Clyro all now firmly established in the TRNSMT hall of fame. Glasgow city centre will once again provide the backdrop to TRNSMT Festival in Glasgow Green next summer, offering fans an amazing summer of music with five events in the heart of the city. Shortlisted for three UK Festival awards including ‘Best Major’ and ‘Best New’, TRNSMT was heralded by fans and critics in 2017 for its incredible audience, atmosphere and perfect mix of international and local talent. Said Geoff Ellis, Head of DF Concerts: “We’re absolutely thrilled to announce TRNSMT 2018’s lineup – all four bands are testament to the brilliant British music scene right now and will offer an amazing day of music for TRNSMT fans on 30th June. “It’s set to be a brilliant summer of music. We’re bringing some of the best world-class artists to Glasgow Green, with many more exciting announcements still to come. TRNSMT’s outstanding audience in July this year showed the world why TRNSMT should be central to the festival music calendar. Much like in 2017, TRNSMT will showcase some of the best up and coming talent in the UK, mixed with world-class artists so stay tuned as there’s so much more to come!”
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Public Service Broadcasting, Bay City Rollers and Marcel Lucont added as full 'Big Burns Supper' line-up revealed Festival uncovers biggest programme ever staged in Dumfries - including over 200 live events Dumfries :: 18-28 January :: www.bigburnssupper.com TICKETS @ www.bigburnssupper.com/download-2017-brochure.php
January's Big Burns Supper sees electroinstrumentalists Public Service Broadcasting will play their first ever Spiegeltent show with a unique set that will offer their fans and local audience, a once-in-alifetime experience. Bay City Rollers make a triumphant return headlining the newly titled Tartan Sunday Sessions which is a festival-within-a-festival. They will play alongside Dumfries & Galloway legends ONR and rocket-fuelled Dangleberries as well as a Jamaican dub outfit Jamaica Sings Robert Burns offering festival goers an-all-one ticket to close the festival in a thirteen-hour extravaganza Marcel Lucont is added to the brand-new comedy strand alongside a host of acts who will play in venues ranging from Spiegeltent, Theatre Royal and in the festival’s brand-new Container Theatre. The family programme includes brand new children’s theatre, as well as the return of the sell-out Roller Disco, including special sessions just for the under 5’s.
Badly Drawn Boy :: www.facebook.com/badlydrawnboyofficial different acts presented, including a brand-new show case of the region’s school talent, as well as local favourites Ward & Watson, LOKA, Stoney Broke and Scott Maxwell
to welcome diverse artists to the already jampacked programme. Our 2018 Festival programme is about experiencing something Saxophonist and composer Brian Molley different by bringing our audience to our festival presents his quartet in the Spiegeltent as part of hub which is reclaiming its rightful position in The inaugural Dumfries Fringe - the newest part the weekend programme of events which the centre of Dumfries, at the heart of the of the festival includes up to 60 shows and includes Soul Nation Choir and Dougie McLean amazing venues that help make our programme events taking place in venues ranging from incredible. Emily Smith and Robyn Stapleton join a host of Gracefield Arts Centre, Robert Burns Film local acts broadcast to the world in the festival’s Theatre, Theatre Royal, Coach & Horses, Chair of the Big Burns Supper board, Karen special Burns Night Live show which is beamed Troqueer Arms, The Stove and many more. Clapperton said: We are indebted to our local from the Spiegeltent across the globe. partners, SP Energy Networks, Loreburn The D-Lux, Festival of Light makes a return with Housing, D-Lux, Dumfries & Galloway Council A brand new Free Fringe will run from the an even bigger programme of installations and and our local venues, the army of local festival site each daily, featuring over 100 events beaming across the winter night sky volunteers who work with us to create the magic throughout the festival. that is Big Burns Supper Festival. The festival also presents a range of new The festival team moved into a new pop up experiences including a brand-new ballroom venue on the Whitesands on the 15 November dancing masterclass, which will culminate in a and tickets for all events can be purchased big band event, live from the Spiegeltent, and through the festival website above or by calling free cooking demonstrations in the festival hub. 01387 271820. Colonel Mustard and the Dijon 5 will raise the Big Burns Supper Festival is a non-profit event, roof in their eclectic style as they play a post Le produced by local charity Electric Theatre Haggis late night special on Saturday 27th. Workshop Ltd The Festival is also launching its first digital www.bigburnssupper.com channel via Facebook Live which will feature interviews, features and performances from the www.twitter.com/bigburnssupper www.facebook.com/BigBurnsSupper Festival. The additions are added to the existing line-up which includes Bill Bailey, Donovan, Camille O’Sullivan, Badly Drawn Boy, We Banjo 3, Eddi Reader, Dougie Maclean and the Dumfries made, Le Haggis. Eddi Reader :: www.facebook.com/eddireader
Executive Producer, Graham Main said: The full line-up makes this our most ambitious festival in our seven years, and we are thrilled
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Celtic Connections Launch Exciting + Ambitious 25th Festival Programme Glasgow :: 18 January - 4 February :: www.celticconnections.com TICKETS @ www.celticconnections.com
The Celtic Connections festival will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2018. In true Celtic Connections style the festival will feature an ambitious and eclectic line-up of musicians from all corners of the world who have been invited to take to the Glasgow stage early next year.
core of what they do. The band will be joined at Celtic Connections by Finnish seven-piece Frigg who are similarly led by four contemporary The festival will run from Thursday 18 January to champions of proud native fiddle traditions. Sunday 4 February 2018. The 18 days of Audiences can expect a mix of Nordic-hued entertainment will brighten up the dark, wet Shetland tunes, both old and brand new, laced January nights with a mixture of concerts that with Québécois and east European flavours. will include a host of one-off musical Reprising their monumental encounter at last collaborations alongside talks, workshops, film summer’s Kaustinen Folk Festival, on Frigg’s screenings, ceilidhs, art exhibitions, free events likewise fiddle-rich home turf, both bands will and late night sessions. play individually before a roof-raising joint finale. Highlights of the 25th Festival ..... Described as being one of the world’s greatest Following its debut at the opening concert of female singers, Mali’s Oumou Sangaré returned Celtic Connections 2015, the GRIT Orchestra from an eight-year recording break in 2017 will perform another world première at The SSE when she released her album Mogoya - marking Hydro during next year’s festival - a grand-scale a bold step away from previously recorded live version of Bothy Culture, the late Martyn material. Featuring French production trio A.l.b. Bennett’s second album that is celebrating its e.r.t. and iconic Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen, 20th release date. The show will feature a the album couples her phenomenal voice and special appearance by Scottish stunt cyclist traditional Wassoulou roots with dynamic dashes Danny MacAskill whose performance will be of rock, funk and soul, together with edgy dance inspired by his 2014 film The Ridge (which has grooves, while retaining the powerful social been viewed 55 million times on YouTube) and commentary for which she’s also renowned. sound tracked by Bennett’s track ‘Blackbird’. Just over 25 years ago, an 18 year old Kate Bennett’s music has again been arranged for Rusby gave her first solo public performance at orchestra by violinist Greg Lawson, who also Holmfirth Folk Festival – fifteen solo albums and conducts the performance. Comprising of around four BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards later and Kate’s 80 leading folk, jazz and classical musicians, the shining star continues to rise. She will be joined GRIT Orchestra will be a unique ensemble and at next year’s festival by some special friends. an embodiment of Scotland’s diverse contemporary music scene, a scene that Bennett In 1998, Bruce MacGregor assembled a selection himself helped pave the way for. Skye’s of Highland and Island fiddlers, spotlighting Niteworks will open tonight’s show; the young distinctive regional styles, for a one-off twoquartet is well known for inciting festival and week tour that showcased an array of young dancefloor euphoria, splicing traditional tunes talent. It is from here that Blazin’ Fiddles was and instrumentation with symphonic synths and born. The line-up still includes Bruce, alongside colossal beats. Jenna Reid, Rua MacMillan, Kristan Harvey, Anna Massie and Angus Lyon – retaining the founding American singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin will format of multiple frontline fiddles, plus celebrate 20 years since the release of platinumpowerhouse piano and guitar. This 20th selling A Few Small Repairs and its recent reanniversary show will feature ex-Blazers Duncan release in a newly expanded edition at Celtic Chisholm, Aidan O’Rourke, Catriona Macdonald, Connections 2018. She will be joined by her full Iain MacFarlane, Allan Henderson, Marc Clement band as well as acclaimed husband and wife duo and Andy Thorburn. Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams, who will also open this show. In 1988, Levellers co-founders Mark Chadwick and Jeremy Cunningham met in Brighton pub Shetland’s Fiddler’s Bid will headline a Main The Eagle and discovered their mutual musical Auditorium concert at Glasgow Royal Concert tastes and political views. Fast forward thirty Hall. Having formed playing lunchtime sessions years and they remain one of the UK’s most at high school, Fiddlers’ Bid share a bond going passionate live acts, and also the most fiercely back more than 25 years and since day one their independent – booking their own gigs, recording island’s unique musical heritage has been at the on their own label and running their own
Beautiful Days festival. Their heartfelt punk-folk sound and anti—authoritarian stance earned them a string of gold albums during the 1990s, and amid today’s political climate they’re still as relevant as ever. Fans old and new can watch them at Old Fruitmarket as part of Celtic Connections 2018. In a unique world premiere Celtic Connections will present a night of symphonic arrangements of Gaelic repertoire under the title of Òrain nan Gàidheal: Songs of the Gael - featuring The BBC SSO & special guests. This show, taking place in Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, will feature much loved and renowned Gaelic vocalists including Kathleen MacInnes, Julie Fowlis, Karen Matheson, Robert Robertson, Isobel Ann Martin, Kim Carnie and Mischa Macpherson. England’s Frank Turner turned his focus to a primarily acoustic based solo career in 2005 after the demise of his former punk-hardcore band Million Dead. With a devoted fanbase via six studio albums and a touring schedule not for the faint hearted, Turner is working towards his seventh album which he will showcase at next year’s festival. Describing his new material as “a radical departure” from his previous solo work, Turner has centred his new album on classic soul and EDM influences. In the words of The Mavericks’ frontman Raul Malo, alluding to current US and world events, “No matter what’s going on, you can still shake your ass”. While their new album Brand New Day features some pointedly topical lyrics (“building walls between us doesn’t fix a thing”), these new songs will have Celtic Connections audiences dancing the night away in the Old Fruitmarket this January. In the breath-taking surroundings of City Halls Gaelic songstress Julie Fowlis will perform her spine-tingling new album alterum. With supernatural themes subtly intertwined with the new material, Julie performs the songs in her native Gaelic as well as in English and Galician, with harmony vocals from Mary Chapin Carpenter, Muirean Nic Amhlaoibh and Gillebride MacMillan, all accompanied by Julie’s customary brilliant live band.
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Economic impact of rural Scottish music festival Oban Live rises by 27% Oban :: 8-9 June 2018 :: www.obanlive.com TICKETS - 'Early Birds' sold out, more coming soon @ www.obanlive.com
Survey results from rural music festival Oban Live have revealed the 2017 event brought in £1.39 million to the local economy, a 27% increase from the previous year. The two year-old event has immediately become the biggest open-air live music concert in rural Argyll, entertaining just under 8,000 attendees each year with traditional Scottish and Celtic rock music. It has also attracted international superstars such as KT Tunstall (2016) and Toploader (2017) to the line-up. Held over an off-season, non-holiday weekend, the survey results confirm the June event’s growing popularity and positive impact on the local economy. It’s attracting more visitors from further afield too. A rise in the number of festival visitors travelling to Oban from outwith Scotland was identified. 10% (7% in 2016 and 6% in 2015) of the survey sample were from outside Scotland and trips from outside the UK accounted for 4% (2% in 2016 and 2015) of the sample. Meanwhile, 38% were visiting from other areas of mainland Scotland, outwith the local area and the Highlands and Islands. Impressively, more than 17% of visitors stayed for four or more nights (14% in 2016). Almost 5% (3% in 2016) were staying away from home for more than seven days. The use of overnight paid accommodation was a lot more popular in 2017 than 2016 and 2015, notably self-catering, B&Bs and campsites. The rise in camping comes as no surprise. Supported by EventScotland, part of
VisitScotland’s Event Directorate, shuttle buses run by West Coast Motors and the tent-site development for 50 extra campers at Oban Caravan Park created an additional budget accommodation option in the sold-out town. The trial was a sold out success and is to be repeated for 2018 with 50 more spaces, total of 100, currently on sale. 98.4% of attendees were in the area as a result of Oban Live with many of them returning visitors. The analysis found that more than two thirds (50% in 2016) had visited Oban Live in 2016 meaning 2017 was a successful year in encouraging repeat visits as well as attracting a new audience.
thanks goes out to all our sponsors, partners and the supporting local community whose input and advocacy for the event has proven to be a key factor in the growth of Oban Live and it’s social and economic impact.” Fergus Murray, Argyll and Bute Council’s Head of Economic Development and Strategic Transportation said: “This is fantastic news for the town of Oban and the wider Argyll and Bute area. The Oban Live music festival attracts a large number of people and helps boost the local economy. We wish them every success.”
Oban Live 2018 takes place at Mossfield Stadium, Oban, on 8 and 9 June. Tickets on sale Discounted early bird tickets for Oban Live 2018 soon, more details to be announced in the sold out in record breaking time earlier this coming weeks. month ahead of any line-up act announcements which are expected in the coming weeks. Tickets www.obanlive.com were bought from a range of locations from www.twitter.com/OBANLIVE Oban and surrounding areas, to as far afield as www.facebook.com/obanlive Europe and America. Speaking of the survey results, Oban Live Managing Director Daniel Gillespie said: “Since day one, creating economic opportunity for the local area and attracting more visitors to the town of Oban has always been a main objective. So we are absolutely delighted to see such positive results and encouraged to see the event going from strength to strength. Our
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SCOTTISH MUSIC FESTIVALS to be included in our festival listings email details to: musicnewsscotland@gmail.com NOVEMBER
Dumfries 18-28 January
Jedburgh 23 June
Kinross-shire's Winter Festival
The jam-packed programme is only the start of announcements due every month in the lead up to what has become the biggest Burns Night Celebration on the planet. Donovan will play a special show at 9pm on Saturday 27 January, featuring his world-renowned repertoire.
Riverside Rock is a musical extravaganza with something for everyone young and old and designed primarily to help raise cash for our chosen charity and other organisations around the Scottish Borders. Children’s Entertainment includes, Laser Quest, Inflatables of all sorts, Climbing Walls, Wrecking Ball, Kids Fun Fair Rides and much more. Kids entertainment is free for under 18’s from 12pm till 6pm. You’ll not find a better value family festival anywhere in Scotland, Riverside Rock is the place to be.
Kinross-shire November-December
Kinross-shire is looking forward to a very busy www.bigburnssupper.com end of year with many events being organised throughout November and December as part of Kinross-shire's Winter Festival. To celebrate all the various local events that are happening KLEO (Kinross-shire Local Events Organisation) has produced a Winter Festival Brochure promoting the numerous events organised by local community groups and businesses. Edinburgh www.kleo.org.uk 26 Apr – 6 May
APRIL
TradFest Edinburgh Dùn Èideann
DECEMBER
Experience Scotland Live with a seasonal feast of living traditions and local cultures. Encounter music, storytelling, dance, craft, song and folk drama at venues – indoor and outdoor – across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Rooted in the past Edinburgh yet resonating in the present, TradFest 31 December showcases dynamic engagement with Scotland’s History and Heritage as well as providing a Edinburgh's Hogmanay have unveiled the line-up platform for up and coming talent in the world of to see in the New Year in front of the spectacular Trad. Look out for the Battle of the Folk Band castle backdrop. Edinburgh singer Nina Nesbitt event as part of the finale performances this supports Concert in the Gardens headline act year! Rag'n'Bone Man. While other Scots acts Niteworks, Treacherous Orchestra, Colonel www.tracscotland.org/tradfest Mustard and the Dijon 5 and Sacred Paws appear at the Street Party.
Edinburgh's Hogmanay
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Wee Dub Festival's Hogmanay
JUNE 2018 Oban Live
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TRNSMT 2018 Glasgow 29 June-1 July and 6+8 July TRNSMT Festival will return to Glasgow Green in 2018 and will be extending its music offering across two weekends on 29 June – 1 July plus 6 and 8 July, and now festival organisers DF Concerts have confirmed the first headliner Liam Gallagher will play Glasgow Green on Saturday 30 June, joined by fellow British stars Courteeners, Wolf Alice and J Hus. www.trnsmtfest.com
JULY 2018 Hebridean Celtic Festival Hebrides 18-21 July
Four day festival set against the unique backdrop of the the Hebrides. Organised by the HCF Trust, this first festival was held in 1996 and now regularly attracts attendances of 14,000 over its Edinburgh Oban Live was created following the open-air four day run. Wild, but not a bit woolly, this 31 December concert ‘DECADE’ in 2015 – the 10th anniversary festival has built up a fabulously loyal audience celebration of trad-fusion band Skerryvore that locally and from across the world, many of whom The Wee Dub Festival brings Edinburgh's biggest attracted 6,000 people from all over the world to have Hebridean ties, many of whom just love NYE party for lovers of good music and irie Oban. From this, Oban Live was formed in 2016 coming here and joining in the great party. vibrations returns taking place over two venues, with the aim of showcasing the very best Wee Dub Hogmanay will be taking guests on a Scottish and International artists as part of both www.hebceltfest.com musical trip fuelled by reggae, dub, jungle and the open-air concert and Oban Live Fringe beyond. Samedia Shebeen bring the tropical events. Details for early bird Oban Live 2018 vibes upstairs at the Mash House. tickets will be announced soon on Oban Live’s social media channels. www.weedubfestival.co.uk www.obanlive.com Beal Farm, Berwick-upon-Tweed 30 August - 2 September Oban 8-9 June
AUGUST 2018
Lindisfarne Festival
2018
Killin Music Festival
Celtic Connections, the leading festival of world, folk and roots music, will be celebrating its 25th anniversary from Thursday 14 January to Sunday 4 February 2018 with 300 events featuring more than 2,000 artists from across the world in venues throughout Glasgow.
Following a successful Lindisfarne Festival 2017, which saw a 38% increase in attendees from the previous year and a 3500+ strong crowd, organisers are giving festivalgoers and Killin Music Festival delivers a weekend packed businesses an opportunity to get more involved from start to finish with top-of-their-game and shape the future of the Northumberland artists, supported by a festival fringe featuring music & arts festival by launching an exciting bar sessions, workshops, kids activities, competitions and even a pipe band! Now heading crowdfunding campaign for the 2018 festival. for it’s third year, Killin Music Festival looks to www.lindisfarnefestival.com solidify it’s standing in the festival calendar, taking on board feedback from visitors, and by spreading it’s wings a bit further this time. Don't miss out for 2018! Tickets are on sale now via our website www.killinmusicfestival.com and are selling fast!
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Big Burns Supper
Riverside Rock
Killin 15-17 June
JANUARY Celtic Connections Glasgow 18 January - 4 February
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