23 : 2 : 20
Showcase opportunity at HebCelt - see page 10 MU fight music education cuts - p4 :: Training Funding Available - p6
Edinburgh's Wide Days announce conference sessions and speakers Scotland’s music convention, Wide Days, has announced its first conference topics which include sessions on musical martial artists, distribution/label services, music video, and how to use data for planning PR, tours and releases. Taking place in Edinburgh on 23-25 April, it also sees the addition of the Local Heroes strand, which celebrates individuals who have made a significant contribution to Scotland’s music scene, while a Podcast Lounge will allow delegates to watch some leading music-industry shows being recorded live. Wide Days will again team up with long-term partners PPL, CMU Insights, UHI and the Association of Independent Music (AIM) on several panels. And a media partnership with IQ Magazine, will see the live music-industry publication programme a session which will be announced later this month. “Wide Days has built a reputation for its innovative, thought-provoking and entertaining conference, which aims to be relevant across the music industry spectrum,” says founder Olaf Furniss.
Enough? while this year the Ten Things I Hate About You panel will feature managers vs musicians (in the spirit of greater understanding and harmony). Confirmed speakers include Ally McCrae (How Did You Manage That? podcast) Anna Grace (IQ Magazine), Blue Kirkhope (SMIA/North Rising podcast), Chris Cooke (CMU Insights), Gabi Corbett (BBB podcast), Joe Hendry (wrestler), Lisa Whytock (Active Events), Nicola Phillips (Embassy of Music), Pip Newby (Friends vs Music), Tom Ketley (FLY Events), Sam Taylor (CMU Insights), Sarah Wall (PPL), Sophie Paluch (How Did You Manage That? podcast).
Read all about the Wide Days Showcase acts on page 14
Further sessions are set to be announced later this month, while on page 14 in this edition we have the acts selected for the mentoring and showcase programme. Wide Days runs from 23-25 April, with the conference taking place at Teviot Row House on Friday 24 April. For tickets and other information visit: www.widedays.com/tickets
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Blue Kirkhope of SMIA and North Rising Podcast is one of the speakers
Local Heroes will feature individual interviews with Showcase Scotland organiser, Lisa Whytock, whose company Active Events celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Also included in the new strand is electronic music entrepreneur and FLY Events founder Tom Ketley. His company started out as a student club night in Edinburgh in 2013 and his large-scale FLY Open Air festivals have launched the international careers of several Scottish DJs. “Lisa and Tom have respectively developed international platforms for traditional and electronic music, and this is a unique opportunity to hear their amazing stories,” says Furniss. AIM and CMU Insights host a session focusing on the range of different distribution/label services available for artists, while the latter will also present panels on getting the most out of video and data. The Martial Artists discussion features musicians who also practice martial arts and/or combat sports. It includes world champion boxer and orchestral bassoonist Hannah Rankin and wrestling musician (and judo blackbelt) Joe Hendry, who represented Scotland at the Commonwealth Games. Wide Days also sees the return of popular perennials, Introducing PPL and A&R You Brave http://bit.ly/issuu-googleplay
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Ali Levack wins BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician for 2020 Piper and whistle player Ali Levack has been named BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2020 – the 20th recipient of the prestigious award - after an outstanding winning performance at Glasgow’s City Halls. The 26-year-old, of Dingwall, accepted the award, now seen as the premier accolade for young musicians in their field, from Gareth Hydes, Commissioning Editor, BBC Scotland. Ali said: “It’s such an honour to win – especially in this 20th anniversary year of the competition. Everyone played their hearts out tonight and gave a fantastic performance which has made it such a special night. The competition was tough so I’m a little bit shocked to have won, but utterly thrilled. “The past winners of BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician have gone on to do some amazing things so it’s really exciting to think what could lie ahead – 2020 is going to be a very exciting year.” Each of the six finalists gave a rousing performance, broadcast live on BBC Radio Scotland and BBC ALBA as part of Celtic Connections.
Ali Levack - winner of BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2020 :: www.facebook.com/ali.levack
But Ali had the edge during an evening of superb entertainment. Gareth Hydes, Commissioning Editor, BBC Scotland, said: “It’s been Previous winners of the award who have gone on to make a big name for a really special evening celebrating 20 years of this award. All the finalists themselves on the trad scene include last year's winner, fiddle player Benedict Morris who joined the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra on were superb and the judges faced a very difficult decision. stage at last Septembers BBC Proms in the Park Scotland at Glasgow “Ali’s performance personifies everything we want to celebrate about Green. traditional music – it was vibrant, showed fantastic spirit and had the This 20th anniversary year of the competition also saw Benedict join audience truly captivated. We want to wish Ali huge success for the previous winners on stage for a momentous celebration concert as part of future.” Celtic Connections. Previous title winners including Claire Hastings, A finalist once before in 2018, Ali is considered one of the leading Mohsen Amini, Catriona Watt and inaugural winner Gillian Frame all instrumentalists on the traditional music scene. Winning accolades for his performed. Highlights of the concert are available on Travelling Folk on competitive piping from an early age, he’s also a master of the whistle BBC Sounds. and his unorthodox technique as part of band Project Smok has been Organised by BBC Radio Scotland, the Young Traditional Musician of The getting him noticed in recent years. Year competition has increasing the profile of Scottish traditional music Ali wins a recording session with BBC Scotland, he’ll perform at the Scots and recognising rising talent in the genre since 2001. Trad Music Awards 2020 and be given a one-year membership to the Musicians Union. All finalists get a one-year membership to the Traditional The other 2020 finalists were: Music and Song Association of Scotland (TMSA) plus the opportunity to Josie Duncan, 24 - Voice (Lewis): Raised in the rich musical landscape take part in the TMSA’s annual Young Trad Tour. of the Outer Hebrides, Josie Duncan has long been able to enthral listeners with her melodic and finely-honed approach to traditional song. Since graduating from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, she has performed across the globe. Pàdruig Morrison, 23 – Accordion (Uist): Pàdruig, from Grimsay, in Uist, performs regularly with Beinn Lee, and also with Causeway Trio (Radio 2 Young Folk Award finalists), as well as various solo projects. He has written several BBC Alba soundtracks, composes in the contemporary classical field, and is studying for a PhD in Composition. Mhairi Mackinnon, 27 - Fiddle (Perthshire): Fiddle player and teacher Mhairi is originally from Perthshire but now lives in the Highlands. She has a wealth of experience when it comes to performing, teaching and colaborating with musicians from all over the world. Playing the fiddle has always been her passion. Calum McIlroy, 23 - Guitar, mandolin, voice (Aberdeenshire): Calum McIlroy is a guitarist, mandolin player and singer from Elrick in Aberdeenshire. A student at the acclaimed Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, he has been tutored by highly-regarded musicians such as Kevin MacKenzie, Ali Hutton and Fiona Hunter. He fronts his own trio featuring Megan MacDonald (Eabhal, HEISK) on accordion, and Ruairidh Gollan on fiddle. Cameron Nixon, 21 - Voice (Aberdeen): Scots singer and fiddle player Cameron is currently in his final year of undergraduate studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, having previously attended Plockton Music School. He toured with previous Young Trad finalist Iona Fyfe in 2018 and has recently returned from playing in the Celtic Colours International Festival in Cape Breton. Winner of BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2020 Ali Levack receives his award from Gareth Hydes, Commissioning Editor, BBC Scotland
Footage and live performances from the finals, including the winning performance, can be seen at www.bbc.co.uk/youngtrad
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WHAT'S
HOT! DOGHOUSE ROSES
from the latest releases to reach us ....
Musicians' Union joins call against City of Edinburgh Council’s music service cuts Sign the petition @ www.megaphone.org.uk/petitions/city-of-edinburgh-council-save-our-instrumental-music-service
www.doghouseroses.net
:: photos by Musicians' Union
TORRIDON
Some albums are like fleeting thoughts, written and recorded in a blink of the eye. Others are nurtured over time, allowed to develop and blossom and this is the case for the fourth album from Glasgow's Doghouse Roses
Musicians in and around Edinburgh gathered outside Edinburgh City Chambers on the High Street to create a flash mob in support of Edinburgh’s instrumental music service. www.torridonlive.com
TOM McGUIRE + THE BRASSHOLES
Their new album signals a significant progression in the band’s style, sound, vision and drive to showcase a passion for serious and original songwriting. With tracks inspired by men’s mental health and suicide in Scotland
The MU today called on its members and music lovers to sign the petition demanding the City of Edinburgh Council to let every child learn music, in the wake of the council’s proposition of significant cuts to its instrumental music service. The council is launching a ‘full consultation’ on its future ahead of proposed cuts of £150,000 in 2021/22 and £350,000 in 2022/23. The MU strongly objects to this proposal and to the introduction of any charges or other barriers to access.
www.tomandthebrassholes.com An eclectic, modern-soul-funk, 8 piece band from Glasgow, headed by Tom McGuire. The funky collective of “killer animals from hell”, consists of a colourful, hilarious bunch of wonderfully talented, animated young men
Musicians in and around Edinburgh gathered outside Edinburgh City Chambers on the High Street to create a flash mob in support of Edinburgh’s instrumental music service. Caroline Sewell, MU Regional Organiser for Scotland & Northern Ireland, said:
AMY PAPIRANSKY
“Over 40% of those from low-income families say music lessons are beyond their household budgets. MU research shows that families with a total household income of less than £28,000 are half as likely to have a child learning an instrument as more affluent peers with a family income of £48,000 or more, despite similar levels of interest from both groups of children. Music should be available and attainable for all, whether they are the next Lewis www.amypapiransky.com
A stunning self-penned debut album, Amy has been gathering and writing songs over the last eight years. Her debut release is a lesson in flawless vocal dexterity and heartfelt song writing with a side of sass, funk and class
THINK YOUR NEW RELEASE IS GOOD ENOUGH TO APPEAR HERE? To be considered for our 'What's Hot' spot send your new album/ep/single to: MNS Top 4, MUSIC NEWS Scotland Romar House, Birgham, Berwickshire. TD12 4NF
Capaldi, Nicola Benedetti or Primal Scream, or they just want to try something new. There is plenty of evidence that shows the benefits of music beyond art for art’s sake, and its value to the UK economy worth £5.2 billion. Music has been shown to boost attainment in schools, and positively impact a child’s cognitive abilities as well as social and emotional development.” As we went to press we heard that the cuts have gone through and there will now be a consultation with parents and stakeholders on what these might be. Caroline Sewell said: "We are hugely disappointed and concerned at Edinburgh City Council’s decision to plough ahead with the proposed £0.5m cuts to the music service. This will inevitably mean the introduction of charges and a reduction in services which will undoubtably impact the poorest children with the greatest force - not to mention the affect on the livelihoods of our music teachers. We must continue to oppose these cuts, save our instrumental music services and put a stop to the inequity of the postcode lottery which now exists within our education system. We’re calling on parents, musicians, teachers and everyone in Edinburgh who cares about access to music in schools to sign our petition and join the campaign
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SCOTTISH MUSIC CENTRE
......... NEWS .....
"The Scottish Music Centre's task is to champion the wealth of talent that abounds in Scotland's musical community"
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES : APPLY NOW! Creative Scotland’s Youth Music Initiative Training and Continuing Professional Development [CPD] Fund administered by Scottish Music Centre: DEADLINE to APPLY is 5pm on Tuesday 30 June
For an Application form visit: www.scottishmusiccentre.com/ymitraining The Scottish Music Centre administers a Training and Continuing Professional Development [CPD] Fund which is funded by the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative through Creative Scotland. There is £45,000 available in the budget for 2020.
What are the Criteria for the Fund? :: Your application must demonstrate how it meets the following minimum criteria: How the proposed training will develop professional practice and deliver any or all of the following outcomes: (a) the development of skills and confidence; (b) the development, strengthening and increased sustainability of the youth music sector; (c) the provision of increasingly high quality, efficient, innovative youth music services. Details of the staff you propose to train and also how you have considered all your appropriate staff’s training requirements (Organisations / networks only).
What is the Purpose of the Fund? :: Details of the methods, employees or third-party professionals to be To support individuals, organisations employed in order to ensure quality if and networks who work outwith school you are applying to design and deliver settings to undertake training and training (Organisations / networks continuing professional development only). that will strengthen youth music in How Will Decisions Be Made? :: Scotland for the benefit of young people. We understand that many On receipt of your application, Scottish music freelancers and organisations Music Centre officers will check for may be working with young people eligibility before passing to an both in and out of school settings and independent adviser for assessment. so will be eligible to apply. Advisers will be drawn from a pool of suitably qualified professionals working Intended Outcomes :: in Scotland’s youth music sector. People delivering youth music develop You can expect to be notified of your their skills and confidence application’s outcome in writing no The youth music sector develops, later than eight weeks from the date strengthens and becomes more we receive the application. Please bear sustainable Supporting services to be high quality, this timeframe in mind when planning continually improving, efficient, and to the start dates of your project. provide innovative responses to people’s needs We welcome applications proposing any training and CPD that will deliver the above outcomes. Types of activities you might want to consider are:
Who can apply? :: Individuals who are -
already involved in the delivery of youth music projects OR seeking to take part in training to widen their career opportunities to include delivery Professional development, such as of music projects OR aiming to further attending short-term or one-off training extend the range and scope of their courses, conferences, master-classes, skills-base within the delivery of youth mentoring and any other relevant music projects. experiences which develop skills and Organisations who wish to provide confidence and lead to improved training and professional development professional delivery of music to that will increase their capacity to children and young people. develop and deliver improved musicReceiving private tuition that will lead making opportunities to young people. to improved skills in a particular genre All applicants must be resident in or instrument which will result in improved professional delivery of music Scotland and working for the benefit of young people in Scotland. to children and young people. Development, design and delivery of specialist training courses. New and innovative approaches that improve engagement in high-quality music-making activities. Examples of this might be undertaking study visits to research delivery methodology currently not widespread in Scotland, or using new technology in creative ways. There is £45,000 available in the budget for 2020, and awards to Individuals will generally be within the range of £100 to £750, while the range for Organisations will normally fall between £500 and £5,000.
Who is Ineligible? :: You are not eligible to apply for this fund if you are: A Local Authority employee who delivers instrumental and vocal music services within formal education (eg. school-teachers, instrumental service instructors). An academic attending or developing papers for conferences. A private music tutor (unless involved in music tuition with larger groups of children and young people in addition to private practice). A student in full-time education (16
hours or more per week) at the time of only when necessary due to applying. undertaking the proposed activity) Loss of earnings (freelance music Exclusions :: tutors) If you were awarded a grant from the NB Costs involved with buying or hiring 2018-19 round of YMI CPD funding. equipment are ineligible You will need at least 10% partnership Applications for prolonged full- and part-time study at centres of further or funding, which can be cash or in-kind. higher education.
Repeated training programmes that you have previously accessed through this fund – unless there is clear evidence of further significant development in the individual or the programme.
***Partnership funding cannot be drawn from Local Authorities’ Youth Music Initiative formula-funding budget or the Youth Music Initiative Access to Music Making and/or Strengthening Youth Music Funds, as this is considered double funding.
Any project which has already started, Organisations should note when planning activities that any award will or which will have started before we give you a decision on your application. be payable in two instalments: 90% in advance and the remaining 10% on How Do I Apply? :: satisfactory submission of an End of You can submit your application at any Project report and certified financial statement to Scottish Music Centre. time during the year until the fund closes at 5pm on: Tuesday 30 June Additional required materials :: 2020. As relevant to your application **Please note however the fund may be fully expended earlier than this date A PDF or web link to the proposed training/conference/event. and therefore early submission of CVs of those undertaking the training. applications is recommended. CVs of those delivering the training, if Apply by e-mail to the following the application is to design/deliver address; training programmes (Organisations ymitraining@scottishmusiccentre.com Only) A copy of your Child Protection Policy Please put your name in the subject (Organisations only.) heading Attach your completed application form Equalities Monitoring Form. Scottish Music Centre recommends in Word document format: Creating Safety to all practitioners YMITrainingCPDApplicationForm2020 Attach the additional required materials working with young people. No allowance can be made for For organisations, if the application has electronic delays so it is the been successful, in order to release the responsibility of the applicant to ensure last 10% of awarded funds, we require that their application is received on an End-of-Project Monitoring Form to time. Notification of receipt of the be completed and returned within 2 application will be made by email within months of the funded activity taking one week. place. Please return this form to us and Your Budget :: All costs must relate to the activity and your budget should be complete, accurate and balanced. The following are examples of Eligible Costs; Course or Conference Fees Travel Accommodation Subsistence (out-of-pocket expenses for meals) Childcare costs – (individuals only, and
not Creative Scotland.
Should you require help and advice in completing your application, email ymitraining@scottishmusiccentre.com or phone the Scottish Music Centre on 0141 552 5222. The Centre is open 10am – 6pm, Monday to Friday.
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For further information, please contact 0141 552 5222 or visit: www.scottishmusiccentre.com
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the mns collection ….
The Musicians' Union responds to news of PPL record high of £86.7m in international collections
This additional PPL income has the potential to make a huge difference to the lives of session musician members as referenced by renowned session saxophonist Chris ‘Snake’ Davis (pictured) in his recent Radio 4 interview.
The Musicians’ Union (MU) today welcomed the news that music licensing company PPL has collected £86.7m in international monies in 2019 and achieved a growth of £15.8m on the total secured in 2018.
work of our own Recording & Broadcasting department, becoming a session musician would not be a financially viable career choice. Phil continues: “Whilst session musicians have the right to receive a share of income from PPL for traditional radio and television broadcasts and plays of their recordings in public venues such as shops, restaurants and bars, there is currently no income whatsoever for session musicians from streams on sites such as Spotify, Amazon and YouTube.
“The last few years have seen an astounding increase in the use of such sites to the detriment of audience figures for traditional This money has been collected overseas radio and television broadcasts, especially in where recorded music rights exist - for public the 15 to 24 age group. Our concern is that performance, broadcast and private copy. this will eventually lead to a reduction in the The company achieves this through almost PPL licensing income on which session 100 agreements with collective management musicians are so reliant. organisations across Africa, Asia, Europe, “The MU is working hard, alongside PPL and and North and South America. other industry bodies, to try to negotiate a As PPL also acknowledges, this impressive share of streaming income for session return is possible thanks to the talented musicians, but it is a potentially long and artists and recording rights holders who have difficult road ahead. In the meantime, we entrusted PPL with their rights. wholeheartedly applaud PPL’s hard work and sincerely hope they can continue to maintain Phil Kear, MU Assistant General such impressive results in future. Our Secretary - Music Industry, said: “On behalf of the MU, I would like to congratulate members’ careers depend on it.” CEO Peter Leathem, and the entire PPL team, on an amazing set of international results for www.theMU.org www.twitter.com/WeAreTheMU 2019. This additional income has the www.facebook.com/Musicians.Union potential to make a huge difference to the lives of our session musician members.
View all the MNS digital publications from links at www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com
“As referenced by renowned session saxophonist Chris ‘Snake’ Davis in his interview, alongside Peter, on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme this morning, the initial payment session musicians receive for going into a studio and performing on a recording is incredibly modest. Without the additional licensing fees received from PPL, and the
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HebCelt Stage Fame Awaits University Of Highlands And Islands Competition Winner Details on how to enter (deadline midnight 6 March) @ www.hebceltfest.com/lccuhi
The best up and coming acts are to battle it out to win a sought-after stage slot at the 25th anniversary Hebridean Celtic Festival this summer. The multi award winning festival has partnered with Lews Castle College UHI to offer the exciting opportunity to perform on one of HebCelt’s arena stages in front of an international audience. The winner of the Showcase competition will join the likes of Texas, Seasick Steve, Skipinnish, Julie Fowlis and Tide Lines in the HebCelt lineup. They will also receive £500, passenger ferry tickets to Stornoway and overnight accommodation if required, as well as arena weekend passes to enjoy the milestone festival. They will hope to emulate last year’s winners, Jamie MacDonald and Christian Gamauf. Fiddler Jamie and piper Christian are BA Applied Music degree graduates from Lews Castle College UHI, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands. They met while studying in Benbecula and have since performed at high-profile events around the world. Jamie said of winning last year’s contest: “Performing at HebCelt was brilliant. It’s a great island festival and an amazing crowd. The university’s Showcase competition to perform is a great way to reach a wider audience.” Christian added: “Performing at HebCelt last year was one of the many great opportunities the University of the Highlands and Islands provides for students and alumni. Getting to come back to the Western Isles again and perform at the festival was a highlight of the summer for me."
Last year’s winners, Jamie MacDonald and Christian Gamauf
College UHI, said: “Our relationship with the festival is now in its fourth year. Lews Castle College UHI is proud be supporting this fabulous festival which provides great opportunities for current students and graduates to perform. “It is really rewarding to see the talent and interest in studying traditional music grow year on year, I can’t wait to watch this year’s winner on the stage at HebCelt.” HebCelt Director Caroline Maclennan said: “The festival benefits enormously through its association with Lews Castle College UHI and its focus on traditional music. “The competition fits perfectly with HebCelt’s passion for finding and supporting new talent and providing an opportunity to perform on a bigger stage.”
Julie Fowlis, was one of the first inductees to the HebCelt Hall of Fame and is an ambassador for the event. She is also a graduate from the The competition is open to any performer or band who play a genre of University of the Highlands and Islands and a former Alumnus of the Year. music that reflects the general programming of the festival. Julie said: “I’m very proud of the fact that the Hebridean Celtic Festival To enter, acts need to prepare a promotional pack in electronic format to has always nurtured both local and young talent. One of my earliest solo sell their music to the judges and must include at least one high performance slots was at HebCelt and it was a whirlwind and joyous resolution photo and a biography, links to good quality recordings (three experience, from which I learned so much. tracks) of their music and video of ‘live’ performance (optional). “It’s heartening to see this partnership with the university, which will afford an artist an amazing showcase opportunity.”
For details on how to enter visit www.hebceltfest.com/lccuhi
The second year of the competition further strengthens the ties between HebCelt and Lews Castle College UHI which is also sponsoring the festival’s acoustic stage for the fourth year in succession. Many students on the college music courses have gone on to perform on the HebCelt stage. Iain Macmillan, Principal and Chief Executive at Lews Castle
The deadline for all submissions is midnight on Friday 6 March 2020. The winning artist(s) will be informed by 20 March.
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Showcase Scotland @ Celtic Connections Showcase Scotland at Celtic Connections welcomed 200 music industry professionals from 23 nations for five days of world-class music and entertainment, making it the largest gathering of the international music community in Scotland.
Organised by Active Events on behalf of Celtic Connections the event will promote Scotland’s dynamic music scene to delegates from as far afield as Australia, Mexico, China and India.
Lisa Whytock, Director of Active Events, Organisers of Showcase Scotland
Each year Showcase Scotland offers a spotlight on an international partner and for the 2020 edition there will be a Scandinavian flavour with Finland as the partner region. Both leading and emerging Finnish artists will perform alongside their Scottish counterparts over the four days in association with Music Finland.
Donald Shaw, Creative Producer of Celtic Connections, said: “I can’t wait to welcome some of the top Finnish musicians to the Glasgow stage as part of Showcase Scotland at Celtic Connections. As a festival we are really looking forward not only to some unmissable The hundreds of delegates have access to an concerts but the chance to create new incredible 45 concerts in over 20 venues across connections between Scotland and Finland, two Glasgow, as well as the Celtic Connections countries for whom a deep-rooted love of Festival Club that showcases short performances making and sharing music is part of our national from an array of artists performing as part of the identity.” line-up. Lisa Whytock, Director of Active Events, Showcase Scotland provides an opportunity for Organisers of Showcase Scotland, said: “I Scottish artists to gain international exposure can’t quite believe it’s 20 years since Showcase and meet the people who can help them break Scotland began. In that time, hundreds of artists into new international markets. It is now one of in over 1000 concerts have been showcased and the biggest international showcases of its kind in we have shared international partnerships with Europe, creating hundreds of opportunities for 16 countries forging working relationships with delegates from around the world to see and hear festivals and events from Australia and New the very best music that Scotland has to offer, Zealand to France and Norway. The event has resulting in festival appearances and tours for gone from strength to strength and we are really Scottish acts throughout the world. looking forward to welcoming artists from Finland as our international partner. The next five days really will be fantastic, with festivals and venues from 23 nations coming together to celebrate the cultural links that help promote the music of Scotland and Finland on the world stage.”
Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland, said: “The list of acts who have performed at Showcase Scotland over the past two decades reads like a Who’s Who of modern folk music. Along the way, careers have been made, friendships have been formed and Scotland’s traditional music has evolved to become the envy of the world. Showcase Scotland is the perfect cultural crossroads, where our best artists meet delegates from home and abroad – the starting point of a long and exciting journey to performing for eager audiences across the planet.”
Celtic Connections 2020 commenced on 16 January and closed on 2 February. Over the 18 Henna Salo, Export Manager for Music days, musicians from across the world took part Finland, said: “In many ways, Finland is like in over 300 events in venues throughout Scotland: a small Northern country with a big musical heart. Open-minded crossings of musical Glasgow for the UK's premier celebration of celtic music. borders, courageous experimentation with styles, and a rich cultural history have all The festival brightens up the dark, wintry contributed to the soundscape of Finnish folk January nights with a mixture of concerts that music today. include a host of one-off musical collaborations “Partnership with Showcase Scotland at the 2020 edition is a great honour. In Glasgow we will be proud to present a wide spectrum of Finnish musical traditions from West, East and North, from the unique vocal tradition of the indigenous Sami people to virtuoso fiddling, and from the crispy sound of kantele to exuberant accordion tones. Welcome to discover it all with your own ears – ’tervetuloa’, as we say in Finnish.”
alongside talks, workshops, film screenings, theatre productions, ceilidhs, exhibitions, free events and late-night sessions.
More information on Showcase Scotland at Celtic Connections @ www.celticconnections.com/showcase-scotland
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music news scotland
Wide Days 2020 Showcase And Mentoring Line-Up Announced Wide Days is pleased to announce the six emerging Scottish acts selected for its mentoring programme who will showcase at the award-winning convention, taking place in Edinburgh from 23-25 April. The artists, who will play on the second night of the event, span a broad range of genres including pop, hip-hop, singer-songwriter and indie rock. Hosted in partnership with PRS Foundation and Ticketmaster New Music, the performances take place consecutively with a limited number of free tickets made available to the public. platform for Scotland’s emerging music creators, many of whom have broken through to secure “Narrowing it down to six acts was extremely significant record deals, tour across the UK and difficult, reflecting the healthy state of the perform overseas," says Joe Frankland, CEO of Scottish music scene,” says Wide Days PRS Foundation. "These artists are the founder Olaf Furniss. “We are really grateful to all the artists who applied and the network of headliners of the future which makes Wide Days’ commitment as a Keychange Associate Festival selectors who played an invaluable role in the vital in the push for gender equality on festival decision.” line-ups by 2022." This year sees a typically diverse line-up, with Past Wide Days events have served as an early acts selected in consultation with broadcasters, journalists, promoters and bookers from several career platform for artists including Honeyblood, Be Charlotte, The Ninth Wave, Fatherson and international showcase events. The line-up Scottish Album of the Year Award winner, comprises indie popsters Swim School, singerKathryn Joseph. songwriter Magpie Blue and hip-hop duo Billy Got Waves & Joell., who have been recording in “The showcases at Wide Days have introduced Young Father’s Edinburgh studio. They are us to a bevy of incredible Scottish artists over joined on the bill by pop two-piece One Nine, the last few years so we are really excited to be Steve Lamacq favourites, MEMES, and the supporting Wide Days again in 2020,” Jonathan enigmatic Kapil Seshasayee, who combines West, marketing director of Ticketmaster Artist electronic influences with Indian classical guitar Services. and the occasional burst of aquaphone. In 2016, Wide Days became the first UK music Ahead of the convention, artists will benefit from industry convention to feature a majority of acts a two day mentoring programme covering a fronted by women and was the first event first in broad range of essential themes including Scotland to join PRS Foundation's Keychange promotion, welfare, media and income, while initiative. The showcases begin in the Debating post-event they will continue to receive career Hall of Teviot Row House, the world’s oldest support.
student union building (rebranded as the Gilded Balloon during the Fringe) and continue at La Belle Angele in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. In addition to the gigs, the Wide Days recently announced the first sessions in its conference programme. They include a panel on musical martial artists, distribution/label services, using data, music video and a new local heroes strand with FLY Events founder Tom Ketley and veteran agent and promoter, Lisa Whytock, whose company Active Events celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The Saturday daytime activity of the convention is based around relaxed networking opportunities for industry delegates, including a music-themed walking tour, and a choice between whisky or exotic Scottish soft drink tastings. In the evening this is followed by the Festival Takeover with three festivals each guest programming a stage. Tickets and other information @ www.widedays.com/tickets
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“We’re delighted to be partnering again with Wide Days this year. The event is an excellent
Rascalton play at Wide Days 2018 :: www.facebook.com/Rascalton photo by Jannica Honey
Lucia & The Best Boys play at Wide Days 2018 :: www.facebook.com/LuciaAndTheBestBoys/ photo by Jannica Honey
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music news scotland
page 15
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page 16
music news scotland
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Dean Owens :: album - 'The Man From Leith' release date :: 20 March @ www.eelpierecords.com/reserve--pre-order.html Irvine Welsh: Dean Owens’ music and story also feels like a tribute to the songs inside us, reaching into us to find the threads of our common humanity... As a vocalist Dean is possessed with a voice which soars to the exuberant highs and swoops to melancholic lows that I’ve witnessed break hearts far, far harder than mine. And it perfectly delivers those beautiful songs of love and loss, the pulse of all our lives. (From the sleeve notes for The Man From Leith)
:: Retrospective collection from award winning Scottish singer songwriter Award winning Scottish singer songwriter Dean Owens, from Leith, Edinburgh, is widely hailed as one of UK’s finest troubadours, with fans including Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh – who wrote the sleeve notes for this release - and BBC legend "Whispering" Bob Harris.
(Pocket of Wind Resistance, Scottish Songbook). The results are little gems of songs which touch hearts and cross genres, strongly influenced by his US heroes, while retaining his own unique Scottish roots and voice. Dean’s genre-hopping ability is clear from his upcoming tours and gigs which feature showcases at Folk Alliance International (New Orleans), AmericanaFest UK (London) and tour dates including Orkney Folk Festival, Top Secret Blues Festival Scarborough and Maverick Festival. In 2020 he will be recording his next album in Tucson USA, with desert noir legends Calexico, as he explores some exciting new directions.
Eel Pie Records is based in Twickenham. The name may be new, but the individuals behind it have wide experience in the music scene. Founder Phil Penman has a long history in the business including with HMV, Warners, BMG, and his own label, Drumfire. He has been working with Originally the front man for Scotttish alt country/cowpunk band The co-owner Kevin Jones in live music promotions for many years. Their first Felsons, Dean has had an almost 20 year, 7 album solo career (4 and 5 release was the widely acclaimed Buffalo Blood’s self titled debut album, star reviews, and comparisons with the likes of Springsteen, Ryan Adams, recorded on location in the heat and dust of the New Mexico desert – a Roddy Frame and Richard Ashcroft, among many). He has toured around “US/UK supergroup” (Paul Sexton, BBC) featuring Dean with Neilson the world, particularly in UK and USA, and opened for, and performed Hubbard, Audrey Spillman and Joshua Britt - www.eelpierecords.com with, the Mavericks, Roseanne Cash, John Hiatt and many more. He was www.deanowens.com the first Scottish musician to officially showcase at Nashville’s renowned AmericanaFest in 2017. The title song from his recent highly acclaimed www.twitter.com/deanowens1 Southern Wind album won the UK Song of the Year Award 2019 (AMA-UK). www.facebook.com/deanowensmusic The Man From Leith (The Best of Dean Owens) is a collection of songs from Dean’s 7 official solo albums. A natural storyteller, Dean draws inspiration from his life, his family and travels. Some are from his personal history including the title track, the acclaimed Man From Leith (about his father’s life from the shipyards in Leith to working the roads across Scotland) and Dora - about his circus born grandmother and his lion tamer ancestor (Ambrose Salvona) who originally came from north Italy and ended up in a graveyard in Inverness (with a Salvation Army band salute at his funeral). And the classic Raining in Glasgow, written in Australia, thinking about home. Others are drawn from stories he has been told or imagined, like Elvis Was My Brother and The Night Johnny Cash Played San Quentin. His songs capture the universal within the personal stories. There are intimate songs like Evergreen, big production numbers like the award winning Southern Wind and the whooping, hollering pub rock of The Last Song.
Recording in Scotland, but mostly in Nashville and New York, Dean always puts a top quality team together for his albums, working with producers like award winning Neilson Hubbard, and musicians including long time collaborator, award winning guitarist/songwriter Will Kimbrough (of Emmylou Harris’s Red Dirt Boys) and Al Perkins. The poignant Strangers Again features a duet with Scottish singer Karine Polwart
:: photo by Neilson Hubbard
Roddy Woomble :: ep - 'Everyday Sun' release date :: 27 March @ www.musicglue.com/roddy-woomble
"Everyday Sun" is a new single which came out on 4 February from Roddy Woomble, and the first taken from his forthcoming EP which is released on 27 March.
woozy synth washes and a languid beat. That intersection of memory and technology provided inspiration for film director Danny Grant, who shot the single's accompanying video. "I was watching a documentary from the early 1980s that had a section processed by video synthesizer, and was discussing how the abstraction of the processed images are an interesting representation of memory," Grant says. "The tech was pretty raw but there was something compelling about the quality of it, and as soon as I heard 'Everyday Sun' I thought of those images. There's some visuals taken from the lyrics – built up cities, empty spaces – and some abstract images, all processed to try and evoke the haze of a distant memory."
The song is a hazy rumination, where observations on meaninglessness sit alongside optimism. Written alongside frequent collaborator and Idlewild bandmate Andrew Mitchell and recorded in the latter's Dundee studio, it marks a departure from Woomble's traditional working methods with either piano or guitar.
:: photo by Euan Robertson
"I greatly enjoyed both of Andrew's instrumental solo albums (under his Andrew Wasylyk moniker), and really liked the idea of trying to read some of my words over his compositions," says Roddy. Andrew would send over ideas, essentially basic beats, and Roddy would construct lyrics around them. "It was interesting just to have an electronic drumbeat to base my words around," he says of the experience. A new style of delivery, neither spoken word nor straight-forward singing, adds to the mystique and texture; many lines were also rearranged to strip them of conventional meaning and narrative. "Do our souls cause the desert to exist?" he asks, later lamenting how "everyone lives in a state of forgetfulness" over
Minimal and hypnotic, it's neither song nor poem, and serves as the perfect taster for the rest of Roddy Woomble's new EP and forthcoming UK tour with Andrew Mitchell. "Spontaneous and creative" is how he describes their collaboration - qualities now applied to the latest chapter of one of Scotland's most acclaimed artists. "Everyday Sun" EP (limited edition vinyl and CD) @ www.roddywoomble.net GIGnotes :: 26 March - Lerwick, Shetland, The String / 28 March Arbroath, Webster Memorial Theatre / 29 March - Paisley, Arts Centre / 10 April - Irvine, Harbour Arts Centre
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music news scotland
page 17
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music news scotland
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The Lost Words: Spell Songs :: concert performances' April dates :: 14th (Glasgow) + 15th (Perth) - tickets @ www.thelostwords.org/live 2019 saw The Lost Words: Spell Songs, a musical companion piece to The Lost Words: A Spell Book by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris enjoy standing ovations at sellout performances in major venues across the UK.
There is great musical potential within the pages of The Lost Words book; with its poetic rhythms, imagined birdsong and resonating watercolours. Recognising this Folk by the Oak eagerly commissioned Spell Songs. They invited eight remarkable musicians whose Spell Songs was a highlight of The Hay International Literary Festival in May, and in August they were invited to perform at the BBC’s Lost Words music engages deeply with landscape and nature, to respond to the creatures, art and Prom in the Royal Albert Hall. language of The Lost Words. Scottish musicians “… one of the most sublime evenings you will ever enjoy. The magic of Karine Polwart, Julie Fowlis, Kris Drever and Rachel Newton join Seckou these superstars onstage - the art, the music, the sheer, ravishing beauty Keita, Kerry Andrew, Beth Porter and Jim Molyneux to sing nature back to of the language... one of the greatest concerts we've ever had at Hay. life through the power of music, poetry, art and magic. Long, rapturous standing ovation. People weeping for joy” Peter “Undoubtedly one of [The Lost Words] most thrilling transformations has Florence, Festival Director, Hay International Literary Festival been into the music [of Spell Songs] brought about by the vision and With 4 acclaimed Scottish musicians forming part of the Spell Songs brilliance of eight musicians, who have together taken The Lost Words supergroup, there has long been a desire for Spell Songs to visit Scotland, and turned it into something diverse, hopeful, moving and new” - Robert both from the musicians and their many fans. Macfarlane The Spell Songs performances are woven through with original artwork by Jackie Morris (winner of the 2019 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal and Shadower’s Choice Awards for The Lost Words) who lived and breathed the music with the musicians. With her visionary artistic skill, Jackie will also be painting live at each venue, conjuring creatures using inks and poetry. Spell Songs is a performance rich in spoken voice, whispers, accents, dialects, native languages, proverbs, sayings, birdsong, river chatter and insect hum, alongside beguiling music, poetry and visual beauty. Pre-show Author Talk :: Lost Words author and artist Jackie Morris and award-winning musician, author and Spell Singer Karine Polwart will begin the evening with an enlightening talk on the origins, ethos and enduring influence of The Lost Words book.
Lost Words Spell Songs tour 2020 - L-R Jim Molyneux, Kris Drever, Seckou Keita, Julie Fowlis, Beth Porter, Karine Polwart and Rachel Newton :: photo by Elly Lucas Photography
GIGnotes :: April - 14th, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. / 15th, Perth Concert Hall. Both at 7.30pm, £24 tickets @ www.thelostwords.org/live
www.thelostwords.org www.facebook.com/LostWordsSpellSongs
Katee Kross :: album - 'Show Your Hand' release date :: 22 February @ www.kateekross.com/home#albums
Katee Kross has made a blistering return with the release of her new album Show Your Hand. The record – her fourth in four years – unveils a punchier outlook with a number of up-tempo tracks that incarcerate the listener. The 22-year-old built her sound around strong country elements but has never been one to shy away from experimentation. This time around, the tracks are laced with more evocative lyrics and heavier rock ‘n’ roll influences. Her voice is more than up to the task as she bounces back and forth with the sharp guitar stylings of long-time collaborator Ross Barron.
the finished record is our best work. I remember hearing the final mixes for the first time and I was I was blown away. I had the biggest smile on my face for days. “You can hear more of our influences creeping in. It has our core sound, for sure, but it’s been tightened and fitted around the subject matter which is a little different. Ross cut loose in the studio and his guitar work is incredible – he’s given quite a few tracks a lift and it has helped take us to the next level. “Of course, we get to the point now where – after recording, and mixing, choosing the artwork and planning the release – we really just want everyone to hear it. It’s been a long-time coming and we’re aching to hit the road and play these songs live.”
way, but this time we thought a little added help would give us a little more freedom in the recording process. I think we all expected the funding would just be a bit of extra support; I doubt any of us realised just how important it would be for the record. “It afforded us so much more time and space to work. It gave us the platform we had been crying out for in previous recordings – and the difference is plain for all to see. If there are other artists out there in the same boat, I’d recommend they apply as well.”
The band officially unveiled Show Your Hand with As with the latest three offerings from Kross, the a launch show at the Webster Theatre in project was produced and recorded without label Glasgow on 22 February. A few days later they While Show Your Hand is a clear development for assistance. However, the album was funded by will travel to down south to play Nashville Meets Creative Scotland. Katee and her band, she feels the added London, with a slot at the Buckles and Boots elements offer a whole new perspective on her Kross added: “We normally do things our own Country Festival in Manchester also on the work. horizon. “There is an edge to it,” the singer said. “This is our fourth full album now and there was a desire among us all to really push the boundaries. “There is always a temptation to play it safe; to go with what works – but that’s never been us. We’re all different people from when we started out and the way we write and play has changed along with that. “When we sat down last year to begin work on Show Your Hand, we knew this was an opportunity to delve deeper into our own songs. We had a few songs ready, but it the rest of the writing process was where it all came together. “It is a bit of a blur, looking back, but we reckon
“We just want to play,” Kross continued. “We love writing and the recording process is always an experience. But, in the end, we want audiences to hear our songs live. “There are more gigs in the works and we’ll be sure to play some new songs around the UK over the next few months. We’ll be kicking all that off in a big way; we’re hoping that everyone who played on the album will be with us on 22 February. “The stage will be packed; the floor will be packed…We can’t wait to get started.”
www.kateekross.com
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music news scotland
page 17
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new releases
music news scotland
page 21
scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download DOGHOUSE ROSES
AMY PAPIRANSKY
We are made of Light
Read Me Write
album - cd / download / stream Release Date: 1 November Some albums are like fleeting thoughts, written and recorded in a blink of the eye. Others are nurtured over time, allowed to develop and blossom and this is the case for the fourth album from Glasgow's Doghouse Roses. ‘We Are Made Of Light’ is a collection of songs, some new, others written over the band’s 15 years together but previously unrecorded. The album grew out of the duo’s touring set lists in 2018 and was laid down in the studio directly after their last live outing, the songs by then well honed. Of the 12 songs featured, half are performed by the duo - Iona Macdonald and Paul Tasker. Listen/Watch: www.doghouseroses.bandcamp.com Available from: www.doghouseroses.bandcamp.com Live dates: www.doghouseroses.net www.doghouseroses.net www.twitter.com/DoghouseRoses www.facebook.com/doghouseroses
album - cd / download / stream Release Date: Out Now Read Me Write is the stunning self-penned debut album from Scottish singer-songwriter Amy Papiransky set for release on Sunday, 1 September. Originally from Keith in the North-East of Scotland, Amy has been gathering and writing songs over the last eight years. Read Me Write is the product of the Scottish songbird’s musical maturity and growing confidence. A music teacher by trade, Amy’s debut release is a lesson in flawless vocal dexterity and heartfelt song writing, the result of which is a contemporary, hypnotic and soaring sound with a side of sass, funk and class. Listen/Watch: www.soundcloud.com/amy_papiransky Available from: www.amypapiransky.bandcamp.com/ Live dates: www.amypapiransky.com/gigs/ www.amypapiransky.com www.twitter.com/AmyR_Papiransky www.facebook.com/amypapiranskymusic/
SHOOGLENIFTY and DHUN DHORA Written in Water
album - cd / download / stream Release Date: 9 November “A constant source of surprise and delight” – Living Tradition. The result of last October's ten day recording session in the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Written in Water is the culmination of four years of collaboration between Scotland’s Shooglenifty and Rajasthan’s Dhun Dhora. Dedicated to late members of both bands, Angus R Grant and Roshan Khan Manganiyar, it is a celebrates the meeting of musical minds. Their origins may be far apart geographically, but creatively they're amazingly contiguous. Listen/Watch: https://soundcloud.com/shoogles/jog-yer-bones Available from: www.shooglenifty.com Live dates: www.shooglenifty.com/gigs/ www.shooglenifty.com www.twitter.com/shooglegigs www.facebook.com/shooglenifty.scotland
ANDREW J. NEWALL
NORRIE McCULLOCH SIMON THACKER'S SVARA KANTI
Compass
album cd / vinyl / download / stream Release Date: Out Now ‘Compass’ is the new album from Scottish alt-folk songwriter Norrie McCulloch. Inspired by the folk roots music of 60's and 70’s and featuring some of Glasgow’s finest players, the album also includes the lead track ‘Road Sign’. Listen/Watch: www.norriemcculloch.bandcamp.com Available from: www.norriemcculloch.com www.norriemcculloch.bandcamp.com + various independent record shops Live dates: www.norriemcculloch.com/live
www.norriemcculloch.com
www.twitter.com/NorrieMcCulloch www.facebook.com/norriemccullochmusic
Reflections from an Airport album cd Release Date: Out Now
Trikala
double album cd / download Release Date: Out Now
Created over three years in three locations (Scotland/Chennai/Kolkata), Thacker’s third release creating new sound worlds through his immersion in Indian classical, folk and spiritual traditions is the epic double album Trikala (Sanskrit for the three tenses of time, past, present and future), featuring 13 performers from the subcontinent and Europe.
Reflections from an Airport is a must-buy album. It’s an album for busy people who have earned the right to take a moment to stop and let the world drift by. It’s for people who deserve ‘me time’. So indulge and treat yourself to some time away from the pressures that life may throw at you. The album has songs that will make you smile, make you laugh, make you cry and make you think. Drawn from life’s experiences, each song tells a story and paints a picture we can all relate too. It touches on basic human truths we all share in common... like love won and lost in all its guises. Andy writes songs for adults. His songs are for people who have lived a full life. For people who can relate to the highs and lows of daily living and know it’s not all ‘happy ever after but the ride can be fun.’ Listen to the songs and discover this for yourself.
Listen/Watch: www.youtube.com/simonthacker www.soundcloud.com/simon-thacker
Listen/Watch: https://open.spotify.com
Available from: www.simonthacker.com/shop
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page 22
music news scotland
scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download TORRIDON Break The Chains
album - cd / download / stream Release Date: Out Now The new album from Highland folk rock outfit Torridon, signalling a significant progression in the band’s style, sound, vision and drive. The record seeks to replicate the band’s enigmatic live performance and showcase a passion for serious and original storytelling and song writing. Several tracks are inspired by men’s mental health and the band’s real-life experience of suicide among young men in Scotland, bravely confronting the silence and taboo around suicide head on. This is not a Highland band telling tall tales of the past, but instead one that fires at the heart of a widespread problem in today’s society.
TOM McGUIRE + THE BRASSHOLES Get Out single - cd / download / stream Release Date: Out Now
THE SEA ATLAS Goodbye
EP - download / stream / Release Date: Out Now
The ‘Goodbye' EP is my new release, written in my cabin in the Outer Hebrides. The EP is sort of about isolation and Tom McGuire & The Brassholes are an eclectic, modern- being alone. It wasn't an intentional thing to write about, but soul-funk, 8 piece band from Glasgow, headed by keen just came about when I got back to the island after touring skater, lumberjack-attired soul bearer, Tom McGuire. and started working on the next release after my ‘Dreams’ EP. The funky collective of “killer animals from hell”, The tracks are a mixture of growing up and figuring out where I am in life, of failed relationships, accepting things, consists of a colourful, hilarious bunch of wonderfully talented, animated young men. The band deliver great and having an open-mind on the direction I'm heading in next. The sound is a mixture of the islands, grand rock variety and include everything from a humble Polish moments, quiet moments, all mixed in with an ambience and saxophonist, a reserved introvert piano pounder, comfort you only get from being comfortable at home.
someone who claims to be the self confessed “sex appeal of the band” and two English horn blowing northerners amongst others!
Listen/Watch: https://open.spotify.com/album/37F2Nsx3FV70dcEvllBqni https://youtu.be/Vu5LhFmRqxo https://youtu.be/sUwHCBuDlcA
Listen/Watch: www.torridonlive.com/media.html
Listen/Watch: www.tomandthebrassholes.com
Available from: www.torridonlive.com/torridon-shop.html
Available from: www.tomandthebrassholes.bandcamp.com/releases
Live dates: www.torridonlive.com/dates.html
Available from: From digital download and on all good streaming sites https://open.spotify.com/album/37F2Nsx3FV70dcEvllBqni
Live dates: www.tomandthebrassholes.com
www.torridonlive.com www.twitter.com/TorridonLive www.facebook.com/Torridonband
Live dates: TBA
www.tomandthebrassholes.com www.twitter.com/brassholes www.facebook.com/tomandthebrassholes
www.facebook.com/the.sea.atlas www.twitter.com/theseaatlas
SAOR PATROL
EVELYN LAURIE THE EVES
Battle of Kings
A Little Bit of Me album - cd Release Date: Out Now
Tides
album cd Release Date: Out Now
New Scottish Female Pop duo The Eves – Caroline Gilmour and Marissa Keltie, release their debut single ‘Tides’ on 19th October 2018. Caroline's love of Pop music combined with Marissa’s passion for harmony creates a songwriting partnership full of catchy melodies and memorable hooks. The result is a nod towards acts such as The Pierces, First Aid Kit and Florence & The Machine.
‘Battle of Kings’ is the mighty new album from Celtic Rock band, Soar Patrol. It focuses on Scotland’s wars of independence during the reign of Robert the Bruce from 1306-1329 fighting against the English kings, Edward I and later, Edward II. Soar Patrol have written and produced a rousing album that rocks its way through history with driving triple drums, electric guitars and bagpipes.
“A little bit of me” is the debut album of Evelyn Laurie. As she says: it’s taken her a while! Beautifully delivered in Evelyn’s distinctive, light and multi-textured voice and superbly supported by some of the country’s finest jazz musicians, the well-chosen collection of songs will please your ears and stir your emotions - in a good way! Evelyn’s love of music spans many genres. This album reflects her eclectic taste and includes some of her own songs - inspired by 1960’s spy themes and Carmina Burana alongside jazz standards plus her own interpretations of Sandy Denny’s folk classic, “Who knows where the time goes” and the ever popular country hit, “Wichita lineman”.
single - download / stream Release Date: 19 October
Listen/Watch: www.evelynlaurie.com/music
Available from: iTunes, Spotify and all main digital download sites. Online store on our official website www. theeves.co.uk from 19 October.
Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com/product/evelyn-laurie/ Live dates: www.evelynlaurie.com/music www.evelynlaurie.com www.twitter.com/redEvelyn www.facebook.com/EvelynLaurieMusic
Listen/Watch: www.soundcloud.com/the-eves-667719698/ tides/s-Wvm81
Live dates: No live UK dates as yet but 2 house concerts in Copenhagen on 17th and 20th October. www.theeves.co.uk/upcoming-gigs/ www.theeves.co.uk www.twitter.com/theevesmusic www.facebook.com/theevesmusic
Listen/Watch: www.smarturl.it/BattleOfKings www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T47-Y6UUV8 Available from: www.smarturl.it/BattleOfKings Live dates: http://smarturl.it/BattleOfKings www.saorpatrol.com www.twitter.com/saorpatrol www.facebook.com/saorpatrol
music news scotland
page 23
scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download THE FIRRENES
THE TROPICANAS
TANNAHILL WEAVERS
Door Too Wide
A Lovely Coincidence
Òrach
album cd / vinyl / download / stream Release Date: 9 November
EP download / stream Release Date: 13 October
album / cd Release Date: 31 August
The Tannahill Weavers are celebrating their Golden Anniversary with the release of their eighteenth album, The album draws on a broad range of influences, The Tropicanas are a Dreamslop band for Livingston, encompassing 70s rock, R&B, burlesque, art rock, blues Scotland who are longing to be shot of into outer space. ÒRACH (“golden” in Gaelic) out 31 August on Compass Records. With ÒRACH (The Golden Anniversary Album), and classical. The songs are all original compositions, Equal parts of Psychedelia and dream pop with a side the current line-up of Roy Gullane, Phil Smillie, John seven by Jules Reed (a.k.a. Julian Wagstaff), three by order of underwater tropical surf vibes. Martin and Lorne MacDougall, have brought together Walt Cumming, and one by Greg Sanderson, formerly of colleagues and members past and present to record an Edinburgh band Five Day Hemingway. The subject Listen/Watch: album of all new material – traditional and matter ranges from the deeply personal to the highly www.thetropicanas.bandcamp.com contemporary songs and sets of tunes in the Tannie’s political, but is always prescient, immediate, considered www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yhf0F9JqSNQ distinctive style. The physical album contains photos as and aware. well as a glossary to understand the traditional songs Available from: and extensive liner notes for each song detailing its Listen/Watch: Available to download and stream on 13 October, origin and performers. www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKIeDzj4TeY currently available to listen\download the title track ‘A Listen/Watch: lovely coincidence’ Available from: www.tannahillweavers.com/listenandwatch.htm www.thetropicanas.bandcamp.com www.TheFirrenes.com, amazon, iTunes, Apple Music, CD Baby, Spotify Available from: Live dates: www.birnamcdshop.com Live dates: Release show on the 13 October at the Leith Depot, Live dates: www.julianwagstaff.com/thefirrenes/#about www.facebook.com/events/1087929201362421/ www.tannahillweavers.com/gigs.htm www.TheFirrenes.com www.facebook.com/TheTropicanas www.tannahillweavers.com www.twitter.com/thefirrenes www.twitter.com/TheTropicanas www.facebook.com/tannahillweavers www.facebook.com/thefirrenes/
STOUT : MCKAY
EDDI READER
DEAN OWENS
Cavalier
album cd / download / stream Release Date: 29 September Eddi Reader has announced her brand new studio album ‘Cavalier’ will be released worldwide on 28 September by Reveal Records. Featuring sixteen songs, including recently performed live favourites Wonderful, My Favourite Dress, Starlight, Meg O’ The Glen and Maiden’s Lament the new album was recorded and produced in Glasgow by Eddi Reader and John Douglas. Cavalier is a new creative peak in an already prestigious career, just under an hour of new music, incorporating both contemporary and traditional songs. Listen/Watch: www.youtube.com/user/rosstyuk Available from: www.revealrecords.bigcartel.com/ Live dates: www.eddireader.co.uk/gigs www.eddireader.co.uk www.twitter.com/eddireader www.facebook.com/eddireader
Bare Knuckle Southern Wind
album cd / download Release Date: 16 February Southern Wind is the new album (his seventh solo) from the man Irvine Welsh describes as “Scotland’s most engaging and haunting singer songwriter”. Recorded in Nashville, with producer Neilson Hubbard, and a host of superb musicians, including award-winning guitarist Will Kimbrough. It has a distinctive swampy, southern rock, soulful groove, but it's also deeply rooted in Dean’s home country. Celtic spirit, country soul. Listen/Watch: https://youtu.be/fzJo0yQIEUs Available from: Direct from record company (At the Helm) www.atthehelmrecords.bigcartel.com Downloads - http://smarturl.it/SouthernWind And all good record shops! Live dates: www.deanowens.com/live www.deanowens.com www.twitter.com/deanowens1 www.facebook.com/deanowensmusic
album / cd Release Date: 1 December Chris Stout & Catriona McKay are delighted to announce the release of their long awaited duo album ‘Bare Knuckle’. The music is almost entirely self penned especially for this recording. It’s a fresh new sound for this duo who have now been performing and recording all over the world for 20 years. Having recorded several albums in collaboration with other artists in recent years, it is actually a staggering 7 years since this awe inspiring pair released their last duo album. The critically acclaimed White Nights. ‘We are so proud of this new album ‘Bare Knuckle. Its a huge development for us and we can’t wait to perform it live!’ Listen/Watch: www.facebook.com/pg/mckaystout/videos Available from: Coda Music, Edinburgh www.chrisstout.bandzoogle.com/store Live dates: www.mckaystoutmusic.co.uk/gigs/ www.mckaystoutmusic.co.uk www.twitter.com/mckaystout www.facebook.com/mckaystout
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music news scotland
scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download JAMES BROWN IS ANNIE GEORGE DUFF
JBiA II
album cd / download / stream (vinyl in 2019) Release Date: 15 September Eleven tracks of full fat, calorie-laden, whipped up funk 'n' soul - James Brown Is Annie's new album sees the Edinburgh-based sextet hook up with producer, Average White Band legend, Hamish Stuart. Imagine AWB tearing down the A9 in a Ford Torino with James Brown strapped to the roofrack, Steely Dan blasting from the car stereo. Listen/Watch: www.soundcloud.com/jbia www.jbia.bandcamp.com www.youtube.com Available from: www.jbia.co.uk www.jbia.bandcamp.com CODA Music, Edinburgh Live dates: www.facebook.com/Earls.Of.Caithness www.jbia.co.uk www.twitter.com/JBisAnnie www.facebook.com/Earls.Of.Caithness
The Collier Laddie album cd Release Date: Out Now
BEINN LEE Osgarra
album / cd Release Date: out now
The debut album by Beinn Lee, OSGARRA, is a product of five years of playing, writing and arranging music, as George Duff is widely regarded as one of well as bringing together a strong traditional sense of Scotland’s finest singers and interpreters of tune with modern backing to create a new and fresh traditional Scots songs. After a lifetime’s singing, sound to West Coast traditional music. OSGARRA this is his debut solo recording. This is old style showcases a selection of tunes and songs written and Scottish singing, beautifully performed, and as arranged by the band in both Gaelic and English alongside tunes from some of Scotland’s foremost profound as the mine shafts sunk into the coalblack spaces which deeply influence the singing of contemporary composers of traditional music, giving a musical landscape from reflective songs to driving George Duff, “The Collier Laddie” himself. dance beats. Formed in 2013, Beinn Lee are rooted in the West Coast style of traditional music. Listen/Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFQiQAKt_EQ www.facebook.com/thecollierladdie/
Listen/Watch: www.beinnlee.com
Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com
Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com
Live dates: www.facebook.com/thecollierladdie/ www.facebook.com/thecollierladdie/
DAVE ARCARI
Live dates: www.beinnlee.com www.beinnlee.com www.twitter.com/beinnlee www.facebook.com/beinnlee
ULTRAS DOUGIE MacLEAN
The Live EP
EP download / stream Release Date: out now Four live tracks trailing Dave Arcari’s forthcoming Live at Memorial Hall album which is released on 1 September on double 180g coloured vinyl, special edition digipak CD and download/ streaming formats. These tracks do not feature on the vinyl or CD format releases and are exclusive to this digital EP. Listen/Watch: One Side Blind: https://youtu.be/z_QO0F_Dnw0 Stagolee: https://youtu.be/z_QO0F_Dnw0 Available from: FREE via https://davearcari.com/free-download-live-ep/ or paid from:
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/the-live-ep/id1231315633
Ultras New Tomorrow album :: cd Release Date: Out Now
New Tomorrow is the new studio album by leading singer–songwriter Dougie MacLean; written, recorded and produced with his son Jamie MacLean. It combines a few songs which have already proved popular at his recent concerts along with a selection of brand new songs. The album is beautifully curated and includes the title track New Tomorrow, one of his most popular concert songs The Shadow of the Mountain and Wild and Windy Night, which features choruses recorded at Woodford Festival in Australia and at MacLean’s own much-loved Perthshire Amber Festival. Listen/Watch: www.dougiemaclean.com
Live dates: www.davearcari.com/tour/
Available from: www.dougiemaclean.com/index.php/shop
www.davearcari.com www.twitter.com/davearcari www.facebook.com/davearcarimusic
Live dates: www.dougiemaclean.com/index.php/tour-dates www.dougiemaclean.com
www.facebook.com/Dougie-MacLean-158324834220405/
www.twitter.com/DougieMaclean
album vinyl / download / stream Release Date: out now With 6 producers and 9 musicians across 12 tracks, ULTRAS is the brainchild of songwriter Gav Prentice, formerly of euphoric pop duo Over the Wall. Describing the project as "violent pop for the patronised", ULTRAS combines elements of rock, electronica, folk, and hip-hop, the collaborative nature of the album inspired by the latter genre's sonically chopped-up mixtape culture. Listen/Watch: http://ULTRASband.com as a hub for all of the various sites you can listen. Available from: https://hellothor.bandcamp.com/album/ultras Also available in LP Records and Love Music in Glasgow and VoxBox Music in Edinburgh and to stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal et al. Live dates: http://ULTRASband.com http://ULTRASband.com www.facebook.com/ULTRASband https://twitter.com/ULTRASband
music news scotland
page 25
scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download JOHN GRAHAM & JIM JACK Sae Will We Yet
LINSEY AITKEN & KEN CAMPBELL Shore To Shore
album / cd / Release Date: out now
album / cd / Release Date: out now
John Graham and Jim Jack’s debut album features an eclectic mix of many of the favourite songs from their live act with contributions from some of the most talented contemporary songwriters from Scotland and further afield. Graeme Miles’ haunting ‘Eldorado’ hints at a life of missed opportunities while Iain Ingram’s ‘Calton Rose’ and ‘Braes o’ Appin’ are love songs in the Scottish tradition and Steven Clark’s ‘Coming Home’ talks of the plight of the many refugees cast adrift in the world today. Jim King’s ‘West Coast Days’ and ‘Home To The Kyles’ from the pen of Duncan McCrone and Celly Paterson evoke memories of summer days on the Clyde Coast. From earlier days of the folk revival come Ewan MacColl’s ‘Manchester Rambler’ and Matt McGinn’s enigmatic ‘Magic Shadow Show’. John and Jim’s love of Americana is also represented in the rollicking ‘Truck Driving Man’. John and Jim’s act recalls much of the spirit of the folk clubs in the 60s and 70s with plenty of chorus singing and a fair measure of humour thrown in.
This is our second CD as a duo, with a mixture of new songs and instrumentals, many focussing on our Scottish connections around the world, each with a story, and most of all about people and histories of the past and present. Fortunately, people seem to really like what we do, and ask what kind of music we perform. The answer is not one genre or another, but a blending of everyone and everything we have met along the way. A coming together of both our musical journeys, combined into one together, with elements of our respective musical backgrounds in Celtic, Classical, Traditional, Contemporary Music and all else. But most of all our music is about people, and all those who have influenced us and inspired us along the way.
Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com www.facebook.com/folkandfiddle
JAMIE MACDONALD & CHRISTIAN GAMAUF The Pipe Slang
album / cd / Release Date: out now
Listen/Watch: www.linskenscotland.scot/video/
The musical partnership of the Scottish pipes and fiddle is one that is quintessentially and historically Hebridean. Jamie MacDonald and Christian Gamauf have taken this format and incorporated influences from places such as Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia and Asturias in the north of Spain, putting their own stamp on the music. Jamie and Christian met while living and studying on the Isles of Uist and began playing together at local concerts and events. After travelling to Asturias on a musical and cultural exchange project, along with performances at Ceòl on the Croft, Celtic Connections and Celtic Colours Festivals, the duo started working on their debut album, The Pipe Slang. The album features the traditional music of the Hebrides and includes songs from the Isle of Tiree as well as self-penned material and tunes from further afield.
Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com
Listen/Watch: www.pipeslang.bandcamp.com/album/the-pipe-slang
Live dates: www.linskenscotland.scot/gigs/
Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com
www.linskenscotland.co.uk
www.pipeslang.com www.facebook.com/pipeslang
www.facebook.com/Linsey-Aitken-Ken-Campbell-304354709639479/
LOU McLEAN
EUGENE TWIST ALEX TRONIC featuring SHUNA LOVELLE
Good Morning Easter Road
The Stuntman
EP cd / download / stream Release Date: 9 June
‘Good Morning Easter Road’ is the 2nd EP from Scottish musician Lou Mclean. This record is a peek into Mclean’s life, expressed through witty storytelling in her inimitable riot grrrl pop style. "a gem of the Scottish underground scene" Tenement TV * * * * - The Skinny Listen/Watch: www.facebook.com/loumcleanmusic/ https://loumcleanmusic.bandcamp.com/releases https://m.soundcloud.com/lou-mclou www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nAwTQeml_4 Available from: https://loumcleanmusic.bandcamp.com/releases The Scottish Design Exchange Tempo Tea Bar, Edinburgh ITunes, Deezer, Amazon
album download / stream Release Date: out now
Brave About It EP download Release Date: 10 July
Brave About It is the new ep from Alex Tronic which features Shuna Lovelle. It is currently on rotation on Chill FM with radio support from DJs such as Jamie Porteous at Ibiza Global and Jim Gellatly at Amazing Radio Listen/Watch: www.alextronicrecords.co.uk
Live dates: www.facebook.com/pg/loumcleanmusic
Available from: www.alextronicrecords.co.uk
www.facebook.com/loumcleanmusic https://twitter.com/LouMcleanMusic https://loumcleanmusic.bandcamp.com/
Live dates: Ibiza Dj Sets in September www.alextronic.co.uk www.twitter.com/AlexTroniclabel www.soundcloud.com/alex-tronic-records
With a lyrical arena boasting whistleblowers, extraterrestrials and self-cannibalisation, Eugene Twist's highly anticipated second album arrives with one mission: to let the storyteller run riot inside the song. From spat-out surrealism to politicised anthems and mystical ballads, 'The Stuntman' is the latest from the unbounded imagination of Eugene Twist. Listen/Watch: https://eugenetwist.bandcamp.com www.youtube.com/yooteeyoob https://spoti.fi/2iut838 Available from: http://bit.ly/et-album http://apple.co/2iYEoWy www.eugenetwist.bandcamp.com www.eugenetwist.co.uk www.facebook.com/eugenetwistmusic www.twitter.com/EugeneTwist
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music news scotland
scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download JON BUDWORTH
THE FIRRENES
GUN
We All Share The Same Sky
Time and Place/Destitution Row
Favourite Pleasures
Recorded at Chamber Studio in Edinburgh, this twotrack single captures the songs 'Time and Place' and 'Destitution Row' in new arrangements written especially for this release. The first cut has an earlyseventies, American rock feel and speaks of a special and unique moment in life, while the second number incorporates a horn section and choral backing, reflecting on aspects of life in today's UK.
GUN’s seventh studio album, ‘Favourite Pleasures‘ – out on September 15th – stands proudly alongside the very best of their work. The band will be showcasing tracks from the album in 3 live dates in December. Informed by a back-to-basics approach tempered by an innate sense for melody, the record was made in the band’s own Morse Code studios in Paisley. It’s an album that dances on a knife-edge, one that can turn on a single note from the raw pain of emotions hitting the rocks, to an unbridled celebration of hedonism.
album / cd Release Date: out now
Jon Budworth is a singer/songwriter originally from Lancashire but now very much an honorary Yorkshireman living in the bustling market town of Otley. Jon is a relative late-comer to the wonderful world of folk and acoustic music, having spent many years cast adrift in the dark and seedy underbelly of rock’n’roll. Jon changed musical direction in 2010 after happening upon a Youtube video of Richard Thompson playing his beautiful and evocative song Beeswing. There has been no looking back ever since! Jon cites his influences, amongst others, as John Renbourn, Nic Jones and, of course, Richard Thompson. Listen/Watch: www.jonbudworth.co.uk/videos Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com Live dates: www.jonbudworth.co.uk/live www.jonbudworth.co.uk www.twitter.com/jonbudworth www.facebook.com/jonbudworthmusic
single (Double A Side) cd / 10" vinyl Release Date: Out Now
Listen/Watch: www.julianwagstaff.com/thefirrenes/ Available from: iTunes + Spotify www.TheFirrenes.com
album - cd / vinyl / download / stream Release Date: Out Now
Listen/Watch: www.youtube.com/user/gunofficialuk Available from: https://gun.tmstor.es/
Live dates: www.julianwagstaff.com/thefirrenes/
Live dates: www.gunofficial.co.uk/tour-dates/
www.TheFirrenes.com www.facebook.com/thefirrenes www.twitter.com/thefirrenes
www.gunofficial.co.uk https://twitter.com/gunofficialuk www.facebook.com/gunOfficialUK
PYRO
NORRIE McCULLOCH TRIPWIRE DC
Forget The Silver Lining
Bare Along The Branches album cd / vinyl (tbc) / download / stream Release Date: 24 February
Norrie McCulloch’s third full-length album in as many years effortlessly merges folk, country, americana and indie genres. Recorded live to analogue tape with regular collaborators: Dave McGowan (Teenage Fanclub), Stuart Kidd and Marco Rea (The Wellgreen), Iain Thompson (Bella Hardy band) and Iain Sloan (Wynntown Marshals) this is his most accomplished collection of songs to date. Listen/Watch: www.soundcloud.com/norriemcculloch www.norriemcculloch.bandcamp.com www.norriemcculloch.com/music--video Available from: www.norriemcculloch.bandcamp.com www.norriemcculloch.com/shop (and most good independent record stores) www. norriemcculloch.com
www. facebook.com/norriemccullochmusic
www. twitter.com/NorrieMcCulloch
Dark Alley
album cd / download / stream Release Date: 1 June
The Tripwire DC sound is a colourful blend of Punky/Reggae & Rock with a bit of Ska lobbed in. Energetic male and female vocals are complimented with blistering guitar and a driving rhythm section. Reggae nods are nodded towards mid-70’s London, punk to ‘77 & rock horns are lifted skywards to the Rainbow. Listen/Watch: spotify @ http://spoti.fi/2rSRGr6 www.soundcloud.com/user-972139164 Available from: iTunes Google Play @ http://bit.ly/2rjb8OW Amazon @ http://amzn.to/2rj5oEQ Live dates: www.tripwiredc.co.uk/gigs www.tripwiredc.co.uk www.facebook.com/TRIPWIREDC
EP cd / download / stream Release Date: 28 April
Debut EP from PYRO featuring their 1st and 2nd single Money and Green and their latest single Sandpaper Throat. This EP shows the diversity of PYRO’s songs from the massive Green to the more melodic Sandpaper Throat Listen/Watch: www.soundcloud.com/pyromusicband http://bit.ly/2riQjTc Available from: iTunes, spotify etc…. Live dates: Friday 19 May – Stramash Edinburgh – Yellow Movement Friday – Free entry – over 18s Friday 16 June – Sneaky Petes Edinburgh – 7pm - £6 entry – Over 14s www.officialpyro.com www.facebook.com/pyromusicband www.twitter.com/pyromusicband
music news scotland
page 27
scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download PONS AELIUS
BOB LESLIE
PAUL ANDERSON
Captain Glen's Comfort
Land and Sea
The High Summit
After many years as a well-known face on the band circuit, Bob Leslie’s re-invention of himself as an acoustic performer resulted in two well-received Americana CDs - In a Different World (2010) and Fat Cat (2011) - and a re-launch onto the folk circuit. There, his highly-crafted songs - some serious, some very funny indeed - had audiences showing lively appreciation. However, more and more, Bob found himself drawn to the challenge of writing in a more traditional Scottish vein - a medium, as it turned out, ideal for a musical storyteller.
Paul Anderson from Royal Deeside in Aberdeenshire is one of Scotland’s finest traditional fiddle players and The High Summit is his third album of self penned music and song. Like The Singing Land and Land of the Standing Stones before it, The High Summit celebrates the history, landscape and people of Paul’s beautiful North-East homeland. Joining Paul on The High Summit are a group of exceptional artists, highly respected in their own right and adding their own touch of magic to the album. Shona Donaldson on vocals (Scots Singer of the Year 2009 and first female winner of the Bothy Ballad Champion of Champions), Tony McManus on guitar (worldrenowned Scottish guitarist now based in Canada), Malcolm Jones on guitar and accordion (Runrig), Ale Carr on Cittern (Dreamer’s Circus), Ali Napier on keyboards (Miami Vince and former member of the Dougie MacLean Band) and James Gorgon on percussion (Albany show band and The Cutting Edge).
album / cd / Release Date: Out Now
Captain Glen’s Comfort is the much awaited debut album from one of the folk scene’s fastest rising bands, Pons Aelius. Due out on September the 8th, the album showcases the sextet’s expansive sound and unique approach to the traditional music of Britain and beyond; from fiery bagpipe jigs to tender mandolin fronted soundscapes, and everything in between. Since winning a prestigious Celtic Connections Danny Kyle Award in their early days, Pons Aelius have spent the last two years tirelessly honing their sound on stages both at home and abroad, quickly earning themselves a reputation as one of the most exciting new names on the circuit. Listen/Watch: www.ponsaeliusmusic.com/videos Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com Live dates: www.ponsaeliusmusic.com/gigs www.ponsaeliusmusic.com www.facebook.com/ponsaeliusmusic https://twitter.com/ponsaeliusmusic
album / cd Release Date: Release Date: Out Now
Land and Sea is the result: twelve narrative songs, their subjects ranging from the Highland Clearances to a Stromness witch who told Walter Scott a few tales. Bob is accompanied by some of the brightest talents on the Scottish folk scene. Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com www.bobleslie.scot
JENNY STURGEON
album / cd / Release Date: Out Now
Listen/Watch: https://youtu.be/WXXTHyWfZwo Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com www.paulandersonscottishfiddler.com www.twitter.com/PaulAnd79837722 www.facebook.com/paulandersonscottishfiddler
DANNY MORTIMER RAB NOAKES
The Wren and The Salt Air album cd / download / stream Release Date: 17 February
‘The Wren And The Salt Air’ is a collection of songs and tunes by acclaimed Scottish singer-songwriter Jenny Sturgeon. It was written to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Scottish archipelago of St Kilda becoming a World Heritage Site for its natural features. 'Musically superb, absolutely fascinating and utterly charming' Shire Folk. Listen/Watch: https://jennysturgeon.bandcamp.com
https://soundcloud.com/jenny-sturgeon/the-wren-and-the-salt-air
hwww.youtube.com/watch?v=pUOm9_Gd0zI Available from: https://jennysturgeon.bandcamp.com
www.jennysturgeonmusic.com https://twitter.com/Jenny_Sturgeon www.facebook.com/jennysturgeonmusic
Out Of The Blue The Treatment Tapes EP cd / download Release Date: 20 January
In January 2015, Rab Noakes was diagnosed with tonsillar cancer. Thirty radiotherapy sessions ensued. The post-treatment recovery included singing and, of course, writing songs. Six of those songs are on Rab’s new record. There’s no self-pity though, here you’ll find defiance, resilience, love, support and, hopefully, wit. Listen/Watch: www.rabnoakes.com/shop Available from: www.rabnoakes.com and all good online and high street stores www.rabnoakes.com https://twitter.com/rabnoakes
www.facebook.com/Rab-Noakes-Music-189260891282881
EP cd / download / stream Release Date: Out Now
Guitar-Based Melodic Rock Music from the North East Of Scotland. Solid, chunky riffs with harmonised leads with rolling bass lines and on point drums. FFO Jimmy Eat World, Ash, Green Day and Lifehouse. Singles "Stay With Me" and "Waiting" taken from "Out Of The Blue" EP. Listen/Watch: http://bit.ly/dm-waiting http://bit.ly/dm-staywithme http://bit.ly/dm-outoftheblue Available from: iTunes, Spotify, Amazon MP3, Google Play, Deezer etc. CD @ www.dannymortimer.co.uk www.dannymortimer.co.uk https://twitter.com/d_mortimermusic www.facebook.com/dannymortimermusic
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music news scotland
scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download AULD NEW HEIDS
ANDREW TAYLOR
ADRIANA SPINA
AULD NEW HEIDS - Volume 1
From the Outside Looking In
Let Out The Dark
album cd Release Date: Out Now
album - cd / download / stream / Released: Out Now
This is the first solo recording from the front man, songwriter and producer of Scottish alt.country, powerpop band, Dropkick. These songs were written at This album embraces all that was great about the various points in the last 15 years and draw upon a golden days of the scottish folk scene in the 1960s/70s. variety of influences, mixing pop, alternative rock and It is a catalogue of some of the best and most popular Americana. The album was recorded in Dropkick’s songs of the time written by folk legends such as Ewan Edinburgh studio with all instruments and vocals being MacColl, Alex Campbell, Hamish Henderson, Matt performed and recorded by Andrew. McGinn, Archie Fisher, Jim McLean and Mary Brookesbank. Listen/Watch: https://dropkickmusic.bandcamp.com/ Also Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott have a song www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_f58_l7S3k each on the album. A quartet of four of Scotland’s most www.rockindiana.com experienced performers brings together the vocal Available from: talents of brothers IAN and FRASER BRUCE along with https://dropkickmusic.bandcamp.com/album/from-the-outside-looking-in the exceptional musical skills of PETE CLARK on fiddle All usual download and streaming sites (amazon / and GREGOR LOWREY on accordion. It has to be said Spotify / apple music / itunes / deezer etc…) that IAN BRUCE is pretty efficient on guitar, to complete Live dates: the instrumental section. Short acoustic set at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, near Inverness 5 Aug + possible Spanish dates later Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com www.dropkickmusic.co.uk www.fraserbruce.co.uk/auld-hat-new-heids
www.facebook.com/dropkickmusic https://twitter.com/dropkickmusic
album cd / vinyl / download Release Date: Release Date: Out Now Adriana Spina’s second album, released almost six years after her first, is more raw and guitar-driven that its predecessor. Let Out The Dark features Ross McFarlane (Texas, The Proclaimers) on drums, and comprises of ten songs which touch on themes from lost love and infidelity to atheism and the refugee crisis. Listen/Watch: www.adrianaspina.com/music www.soundcloud.com/adspina www.adrianaspina.bandcamp.com Available from: www.adrianaspina.com/shop www.adrianaspina.bandcamp.com Also available via iTunes and all other popular download sites from 24 March www.adrianaspina.com www.facebook.com/adrianaspinamusic www.twitter.com/adrianamusic
GET YOUR NEW RELEASE LISTED! If you’d like your new release to be included in the MUSIC NEWS Scotland ‘New Release’ section and ALSO be in with a chance of being picked for the MNS Top 4 spot then send it to: New Releases, MUSIC NEWS Scotland, Romar House, Birgham, Berwickshire. TD12 4NF If only available as download then email link to musicnewsscotland@gmail.com Email (as above) information about your new release for our listings, which should be in the format below:
GET LISTED!
BAND NAME: Advertisers also get a 'boxed listing' Release Name: with artwork image album / ep / single: email Carol for details: cd / vinyl / download: - list all formats carol.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com Release Date: Description: - 50 words approx Listen: - link to listen to your music Available from: - webshop, download, retail record shop your website/facebook/twitter
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RECORD SHOP 'Record Store Day 2019' was on 13 April : www.recordstoreday.co.uk We encourage you to support independent record shops in Scotland : A selection of popular ones are below. If you run or have a favourite shop not listed please let us know and we'll happily include it.
Because this is linked to our 'new release' section we are only listing genuine high street retail shops who sell physical copies of new cds/records 'friendly face to friendly face' with their customers! Email your record shop details to be included below to: carol.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com Apollo Music (Paisley) Causeyside Street PA1 1YH : www.apollomusic.uk.com Barnstorm (Dumfries) Queensberry Street DG1 1BU : 01387 267894 Big Sparra Music Cafe (Ayr) New Bridge Street : www.facebook.com/bigsparra Coda (Edinburgh) [trad/folk specialist] Bank Street EH1 2LN : www.codamusic.co.uk Concorde (Perth) Scott Street PH1 5EJ : www.concordemusic.com Europa (Stirling) Friars Street FK8 1HA : www.europamusic.co.uk Imperial (Inverness) Market Hall IV1 1PJ : www.imperial-music.com Love Music (Glasgow) Dundas Street G1 2AQ : www.lovemusicglasgow.com Monorail (Glasgow) King Street G1 5RB : www.monocafebar.com/index.php?pid=84
music news scotland
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MUSIC NEWS Scotland - GIGguide - FESTIVALS! For details email Carol: carol.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com
Make sure we have your music festival listed, big or small email your information to musicnewsscotland@gmail.com
MNS
FESTIVAL Listings Following is our 'short' listings guide to forthcoming Scottish music festivals - see our comprehensive guide in our weekly FESTIVALS! publication @ http://musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com/mns-digital-publication-links/
No matter how small or new your festival is we want to list it!! www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com
Scottish Music Festivals to be included in our festival listings email details to: musicnewsscotland@gmail.com MARCH
Carsphairn Hills, Castle Douglas 21-24 May
The line-up for our 34th festival reflects the mix of traditional and electronic music from home Cash Back in Fife and abroad which makes this festival so special Aberdour and we’re very excited to unveil the first names 6-8 March on our bill for next year. We can’t wait to A new festival with Rab Noakes, Ian Rankin, welcome familiar and new faces back to the Dean Owens & The Celtabilly Allstars, Marha event in May to experience the diversity, Healy, Hannah Rose Platt, The Marriage and inclusiveness, liberating atmosphere and musical David Latto at Woodside Hotel, Aberdour. A new celebration of Knockengorroch.” festival celebrating the legacy of music legend Johnny Cash - his music, inspiration and his www.knockengorroch.org.uk family roots in the Kingdowm of Fife. A mix of original songs + songs written, inspired and The Gathering covered by The Man in Black. Weekend accommodation packages and individual gig Inverness tickets available. Info and ticket on link below. 30 May The Gathering Festival is set to return to The Northern Meeting Park in Inverness for its second outing on Saturday 30 May 2020 with a line-up showcasing the very best traditional music, food & drink and crafts from the Highlands and across Scotland. The family friendly one day festival will feature a line-up Mànran :: 10 by the Ben including legendary Scottish trailblazers Fort William PEATBOG FAERIES who have created a glorious 10-11 April mixture of traditional sounds and dance-floor Next year will mark ten years at the heart of the grooves that have been embraced worldwide. Scottish Traditional Music scene for folk Drawing upon a dazzling myriad of influences supergroup Mànran. Having been in high from jigs and reels through Dance Music, Jazz, demand as a live act across the world with African, and more, they will bring the sound of shows in over 30 countries, the 7-piece are Scotland fresh-faced and breathless to The coming home to host a star-studded two-day Gathering. festival in Fort William on Friday and Saturday, 10-11 April. Joining the band to celebrate their www.thegatheringscotland.com ten years at the top will be a host of talented friends, including long-time cohorts and internationally acclaimed, Skerryvore, who will headline the Friday night. www.deanowens.com
APRIL
JUNE
Skerryvore XV
www.manran.co.uk
Argyll 6 June
MAY
Scottish supergroup Skerryvore will celebrate their 15th anniversary next year with a special one-day festival branded ‘XV’ in the beautiful TradFest Edinburgh grounds of Inveraray Castle, Argyll. Taking place Edinburgh on Saturday 6 June, this unmissable day of 1-11 May celebrations will see Skerryvore welcome to the Edinburgh Tradfest has a rich story. With its stage 15 special guests and acts who they have longer tap roots in the Edinburgh Folk Festival, it worked with over their 15 years at the centre of was launched by Traditional Arts and Culture the contemporary Scottish traditional music Scotland (TRACS) in 2013 to provide a scene. distinctive platform for folk arts in the capital city. Edinburgh is a hot house of talent, home xv.skerryvore.com grown and visiting, and Tradfest is an opportunity to see it all in play.
Killin Music Festival
www.edinburghtradfest.com
Orkney Folk Festival Orkney 21-24 May
One of Scotland’s longest-running folk festivals, celebrating its 38th outing in 2020, the Orkney Folk Festival is one of the most prolific events in the Scottish and UK folk calendars, and one of the highlights of Orkney’s diary of community events. An entirely voluntary run event, the festival annually attracts artists from all corners of the folk world - from leading international names to up and coming fresh faces - to Stromness, in Orkney’s West Mainland, for four days of concerts, ceilidhs, clubs, sessions, talks and craic. Artists and audiences are welcomed by and into Orkney’s own thriving folk scene, with Orcadian artists providing around two thirds of the festival programme. Line-up announced across December-March, with tickets on sale in April, around six weeks ahead of the event. www.orkneyfolkfestival.com
Killin 19-21 June
Year 5 for Killin Music Festival promises to bring another exciting weekend to the heart of Scotland in June 2020. Lineup will be announced, and tickets will go on sale, towards the end of 2019. www.killinmusicfestival.com
JULY Stonehaven Folk Festival Stonehaven 9-12 July
Tiree 10-12 July
The festival offers a diverse programme with a mixture of genres including folk, pop and indie. Artists across the years have included The Fratellis, Dougie MacLean, Sharon Shannon, The Levellers, Capercaillie, Sandi Thom and Eddi Reader. With picture-perfect white sands and world-famous surf, a trip to Tiree Music Festival is a real Island adventure, often described as one of the most stunning festival locations in the world. Details of TMF2020 will be announced later in the year. www.tireemusicfestival.co.uk
TRNSMT Festival Glasgow 10-12 July
150,000 music fans descended on Glasgow Green last weekend for the sold out TRNSMT Festival which well and truly lived up to its reputation as Scotland’s biggest and best music festival. Hot on the heels of another hugely successful weekend, festival organisers have confirmed dates for TRNSMT 2020 with the festival set to return to Glasgow Green between 10th - 12th July 2020. Over 70 acts performed at TRNSMT 2019 over three days of incredible live music and glorious sunshine as fans were treated to unforgettable sets from Main Stage heavyweights Stormzy, Catfish & the Bottlemen, George Ezra, Gerry Cinnamon, Lewis Capaldi, Emeli Sandé and more while over at the King Tut’s Stage Powered by Utilita Energy and the brand new Queen Tut’s Stage, fans had the opportunity to check out an exciting array of up and coming talent from all over Scotland and further afield. www.trnsmtfest.com
HebCelt
Stornoway 15-18 July Four day festival set against the unique backdrop of the Hebrides. Organised by the HCF Trust, this first festival was held in 1996 and now regularly attracts attendances of 14,000 over its four day run. Wild, but not a bit woolly, this festival has built up a fabulously loyal audience locally and from across the world, many of whom have Hebridean ties, many of whom just love coming here and joining in the great party. www.hebceltfest.com
Doune the Rabbit Hole Stirling 17-19 July
Iconic Glasgow indie band Belle and Sebastian will headline Scotland’s Doune the Rabbit Hole festival in 2020 which is held at the Cardross Estate in Stirlingshire taking place from 17-19 July. The Brit Award winners re-leased latest album Days of the Bagnold Summer earlier this year following three-part EP How To Solve Our Human Problems Parts 1, 2 & 3 and launched Mediterranean music cruise The Boaty Weekender. Also headlining are bold, provocative Moscow based activist art collective Pussy Riot whose members were famously convicted under Putin’s regime.
The pretty North East coastal town of Stonehaven comes alive with a vibrant mix of traditional and contemporary “Folk” music and song ….. concerts, ceilidh, sessions, singarounds, www.dounetherabbithole.co.uk workshops, the famous aqua ceilidh and world paper’n’comb championships!
More festival listings in our latest
www.stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk
Knockengorroch Festival
Tiree Music Festival
MNS FESTIVALS! edition @
http://bit.ly/mns-festivals-dec19-17
www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com
..... lots more festival dates in our FESTIVALS! supplement read it @ http://musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com/festivals/
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Our weekly look at Scotland’s music festivals with the latest news and a full listings for the year
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