18 : 3 : 16
T Break Stage Opens For Entries, play TITP - see p3 New Head of Music at Creative Scotland - p4 :: Wide Days in Edinburgh - p12 Youth Music Initiative Training & Continuing Professional Development Fund : deadline to apply 31 March See Page 6 in this edition ...... plus application details & form @ www.scottishmusiccentre.com/ymitraining
Paisley to host the Scottish Album of the Year Awards The Scottish Album of the Year Award (SAY) has announced it will hold its prestigious awards ceremony in Paisley, a town synonymous with musical talent, in 2016 and 2017. Paisley will be drawing on its broad musical roots, with internationally acclaimed musicians hailing from the town including; Gerry Rafferty, Paolo Nutini, Joe Egan, Nicholas Currie aka Momus, David Sneddon (Fame Academy), Kelly Marie (Feels Like I’m in Love), Stealers Wheel, and Chris Glen to name a few. The SAY Award ceremony, established in 2012, is coming to Paisley Town Hall on Wednesday 29 June as part of the build-up to Paisley's bid for UK City of Culture 2021, focussing on culture and heritage to transform the area's future.
2015 SAY Award winner Kathryn Joseph in Paisley this week for the host town announcement
www.kathrynjoseph.co.uk
Jean Cameron, director of Paisley's bid for UK City of Culture 2021, said: "We are all very excited that Paisley will be home to one of the most prestigious events in the Scottish musical calendar. The SAY Award and Paisley are a great fit - the town has a wonderful musical heritage and continues to be a cultural hotspot for creative talent to this day”. Caroline Cooper, SAY awards commented: “We are thrilled to be bringing the SAY Award to Paisley for the next two years. The award celebrates the very best of Scottish music and what better place to hold the ceremony than in a town so steeped in cultural history.” 2015 SAY awards winner, Kathryn Joseph hasn’t stopped since winning the prestigious award, when she beat off strong competition from and including; SLAM; Belle And Sebastian and Paisley-born musician, Paolo Nutini, with her album entitled bones you have thrown me and blood I’ve spilled. Kathryn is no stranger to Paisley, having performed at the town's annual Spree Festival in 2015. Speaking of the awards coming to Paisley, Kathryn said: “Paisley has always been a place I’ve loved to be in. It has a warm and great feeling and it is also a very beautiful town - the equally beautiful SAY award will fit right in here.”
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http://apple.co/1UMVvWo http://apple.co/1UMVvWo
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fb @ www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fallen-Angels-Club/149553931728736 tickets @ www.ticketweb.co.uk
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Entries Open For T Break
The Search For Scotland’s Freshest Unsigned Talent Begins Calling Scotland’s unsigned musicians –Tennent’s Lager has put out the call for entries for their grassroots music initiative, T Break giving acts the chance to play the biggest platform for unsigned music at T in the Park - the T Break Stage! Throughout T Break’s 21-year-history, the T Break Stage has seen performances from the likes of Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol, Paolo Nutini, Twin Atlantic and The View and entries are now open for the next 16 unsigned acts set to play the T Break Stage this summer, at this year’s T in the Park. Acts can submit their best three tracks via Soundcloud through the T Break website @
www.tennents.com/tbreak
also gain exposure to many influential music The judging panel, consisting of 16 of Scotland’s industry insiders and benefit from the many press and PR opportunities T Break has to offer, most influential music industry experts including: artists, promoters, bookers, managers I would encourage any unsigned act in Scotland, who believe they have what it takes, to enter and members of the media, will then listen to now!” every demo before handpicking the 16 acts to play the T Break Stage at T in the Park on 8thDave McGeachan, Senior Promoter at DF 10th July. Concerts and T Break Judge said:
Here’s what last year’s acts had to say… “It’s a badge of honour…everyone knows Tennent’s, everyone knows T Break and everyone knows T in the Park so when you play T in the Park it’s like, you’re a proper band now!” – Catholic Action, T Break 2015
“It’s the only show in town, there’s nowhere else that gives bands the opportunity to play a big Tennent’s Lager passionately believe in “T Break is a highlight for me every year, stage like this” - Gerry Cinnamon, T Break supporting Scotland’s grassroots music scene working as Senior Promoter at DF Concerts I see 2015 and T Break offers an unrivalled opportunity for a lot of up and coming acts from all over the “As far as contemporary Scottish music goes, it’s acts to showcase their material to industry world, but there is something great about taking part of the DNA, so many amazing bands come experts and music fans alike on the biggest the time to see a snapshot of what’s coming through…it’s ‘mecca’ for a lot of people”platform for emerging talent at T in the Park – through in Scotland every year. I’m never Tijuana Bibles, T Break 2015 the T Break Stage. disappointed! I’m already looking forward to Tickets for T in the Park 2016 are now on sale seeing what this year’s acts have in store.” Nicola Cooper, Sponsorship Executive at from www.tinthepark.com and are available from Tennent’s Lager, said: T Break is open to musicians of all genres. To www.ticketmaster.co.uk and by calling 08444 “T Break is a fantastic opportunity for Scotland’s get involved entrants must be 18 or over, live in 999 990. Scotland, and must be currently unsigned – full up and coming unsigned acts and one which Tennent’s Lager will announce the line-up for the details on how to submit demos is available at Tennent’s Lager are very proud to have offered T Break Stage in May. www.tennents.com/tbreak and entries must be for 21 years. Not only will the successful 16 acts submitted before the deadline of midnight on get the chance to play the T Break Stage in front www.tennents.com/tbreak Friday 8th April 2016. of the legendary T in the Park crowd, they will
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WHAT'S
HOT Alan Morrison new
DROPKICK
from the latest releases to reach us ....
'Head of Music' at Creative Scotland
www.dropkickmusic.co.uk
CLAIRE HASTINGS
'Balance the Light' is Dropkick's most varied collection of songs, showcasing their unique harmony-driven alt. country powerpop. “.....blending almost equal parts alternative, indie-pop, folk and country.” - Maverick Magazine
www.clairehastings.com
DEADLY INSCRIPTION
Whether Claire is singing in the tradition, about her home, sharing life experiences or interpreting the works of Robert Burns and William Douglas, there’s an enduring sense of beauty, in both vocals and music." - Folkwords
www.deadlyinscription.com 'A Testament to Sin' is mined from the dark depths of 10 years hard graft by Paisley's melodic metalcore band Deadly Inscription, with a freshness created by the new line-up in the last year. MNS loves this. PLAY IT LOUD!!
Creative Scotland has announced that Alan Morrison has been appointed as their new Head of Music.
"I see music as a central pillar of Scottish identity, of who we are and how the world sees us"
Alan takes up the post on 20 June, ahead of the retirement of Ian Smith, the current Head of Music, in July.
music in all its forms is part of who we are and who can be as individuals, communities and as nations.
CARA
With a lifelong passion for music, Alan was, until recently, Group Arts Editor for the Herald and Times Group where he was responsible for all arts, literary and cultural content across The Herald, Sunday Herald and Evening Times.
www.cara-music.com Born 13 years ago of Germany's longstanding love affair with celtic music, Cara's line-up features 4 of that country's finest musicians together with Scottish singersongwriter and pianist Kim Edgar. This is their 5th album
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
During this time Alan developed partnerships with Celtic Connections, Wickerman Festival, T in the Park, Connect Festival, Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh International Film Festival, National Galleries of Scotland, Aye Write and many more. He also sits on the panel to select unsigned bands for the Wickerman Festival and T in the Park. Alan created the Sunday Herald’s Top 50 Scottish Albums of the Year and, prior to his time at the Herald, he worked as Reviews and Contributing Editor of Empire Magazine, as a film critic for the Daily Record and as Editor of The List. Of the appointment, Leonie Bell, Creative Scotland’s Director of Arts & Engagement said:
"I’m extremely pleased that he will be joining the Creative Scotland team and using this knowledge to lead the music team and to help support Scotland’s musicians, music organisations, festivals and the arts more broadly. He will, of course, be building on the significant legacy that Ian Smith has delivered over the past 11 years, for which we thank Ian.” Alan Morrison said: "I’m absolutely delighted to be appointed as Head of Music and to be joining Creative Scotland in one of the most important jobs in the arts. Throughout my life, I have been immersed in all types of music, from classical to contemporary, and this role is a great opportunity to support a sector that means so much to me, both personally and professionally. "I see music as a central pillar of Scottish identity, of who we are and how the world sees us. It's important that musicians are recognised as the vital artists that they are and for the key role that they play in the life of modern Scotland."
“We received a large number of very high calibre applications for this post. Alan demonstrated a deepwww.creativescotland.com rooted passion for and knowledge of music in and https://twitter.com/CreativeScots from Scotland, along with a clear conviction that www.facebook.com/CreativeScotland
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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 Thursday 31 March 2016
For an Application form visit: www.scottishmusiccentre.com/ymitraining
CPD Funding: · · ·
£50,000 available for period 2015-2016 Individuals can apply for awards generally between £100-£750 Organisations can apply for awards generally between £500-£5,000
The Scottish Music Centre administers a Training and Continuing Professional Development [CPD] Fund on behalf of Creative Scotland’s Youth Music Initiative. To help provide individuals and organisations some insight into the kind of projects and eligibility criteria surrounding the fund, we spoke to some of the successful applicants from last year to find out more about their projects.
GREEN DOOR STUDIOS is a not-for-profit recording studio located in the Anderston/ Finneston area of Glasgow. The organisation is run by the three founding recording engineers Emily MacLaren, Stuart Evans and Sam Smith (of Glasgow band Casual Sex).
partnerships with the Tafi Cultural Institute in Ghana, with whom we have gone on to organise several 3-week "Music of the Volta Region" Study Tours to Ghana and several of the participants on those study tours also received funding from the YMI CPD fund.”
Studios | Youth Stand Up! project How beneficial to Green Door Studios and the Youth Stand Up! album project was Creative Scotland’s Youth Music Initiative CPD fund and in what ways did the funding help? “I have many good things to say about the fund, the opportunities it affords,
In addition to the Youth Stand Up! album, [an International album involving musicians spread across three continents] Green Door offer free music production training to Glasgow-based artists 16-25 years old who are Not in Employment, Education or Training [NEET]. The workshops last 12 weeks and teach young people how to use the studio equipment and record themselves for Free. Artists who have benefited from this in the past include Golden Teacher and Whilst [both on the JD Twitch / Optimo record label], both bands participated in the Youth Stand Up! project too. Emily MacLaren | Founder and Recording Engineer at Green Door
and how it has helped our development both as individual professionals and as an organisation through the contacts and partnerships we have made. We have actually received numerous grants from the YMI CPD fund which have sent us to train in Belize and Ghana, helping us to set up an afterschool drum club for young people in Glasgow and to create international contacts which led to the production of Youth Stand Up! - a collaborative recording project between young people in Glasgow, Ghana and Belize - which was released in November 2015 and has gone on to win awards and be named on a few "Best Albums of 2015" lists. Our YMI CPD training also established contacts which helped us set up
The Youth Stand Up! The Green Door All-Stars album is a collaborative recording project between Green Door Studio, Glasgow, Lebeha Drumming Center in Hopkins, Belize, and the Tafi Cultural Institute based in Tafi Atome, Ghana. The album is out now via Optimo / Autonomous Africa listen @
https://soundcloud.com/twitch/youth-stand-up-come-with-me
More on Green Door Studio @ www.greendoorstudio.co.uk All proceeds from the Youth Stand Up! album sales are split between Tuteme Band, Belize and Tafi Cultural Institute’s fund to build their recording studio and cultural centre.
We found out more from another successful recipient of the CPD fund last year - David Francis from the Traditional Music Forum .....
THE TRADITIONAL MUSIC FORUM is a network of around 90 music organisations and individuals supporting Scotland’s vibrant traditional music community. We include clubs, festivals, community music projects, academic institutions, promoters, agents, publishers, tutors, performers and labels among our members; representing a broad sweep of diverse activity and thousands of musicians, enthusiasts, activists, participants and listeners across Scotland.
part of their work. The project was aimed at experienced tutors, and consisted of training workshops followed by a practical project where the learning from the workshops could be applied and observed.” How crucial / beneficial was the CPD grant to your project and in what ways did it enable you to improve youth music provision in Scotland?
“The grant was absolutely essential to the project; it could not have happened without it. It enabled senior tutors in organisations to equip themselves with important conceptual tools that they could take back What purpose did you use your Scottish Music to colleagues. The practical Centre / Creative Scotland CPD funding for? project brought together over 30 young people from all over Scotland aged 8-18 at all different levels of “We used the CPD funding to introduce a framework skill, and provided creative opportunities, skills and for teaching musicians to use in their practice that encourages a holistic approach to their work, and that the chance to share their enthusiasm and ambitions as music learners.” is also useful for the necessary self-reflection that should be Find out more about The Traditional Music Forum at www.traditionalmusicforum.org
Another organisation who praised the fund included Paragon Music PARAGON MUSIC is an inclusive music company inspiring people to create and perform their own music. We are passionate about using music and the arts to raise people's aspirations, promoting positive self-image, teamwork, communication and learning. Ninian Perry, Creative Director at Paragon said: “We used the CPD grant to attend a 2 day course run by the Scottish Mentoring Network. The mentoring course explored mentoring skills, tools and techniques
for those that wanted to develop and enhance their knowledge and understanding of mentoring and to develop their mentoring practice. The CPD grant covered the course fee and travel. It was a very useful course packed full of very helpful information and delivered by an experienced trainer. It gave me a very good grounding in Mentoring skills and taught me a number of techniques and procedures that I could use in my own practice as a mentor. It also enabled me to gain a qualification SQA Accredited Higher National Unit at SCQF level 7. Since using the course I have been able to establish a Mentoring programme for young people to help them pursue their musical aspirations and to offer appropriate guidance to assist them on their career pathways.” Find out more about Paragon at http://paragon-music.org
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· · · · ·
Musical Theatre Festivals Concerts Tours Album Releases
Make your music headline news with Deborah Welsh Commercial Media Specialist PR and publicity consultant based in Scotland
www.deborahwelsh.co.uk T: 07788 101465 : E: deborahwelsh@icloud.com gig info @ www.brookfield-knights.com/up-coming-tours.html artist @ www.russelldecarle.com
w w w . a l m o s t b l u e p r o m o t i o n s . c o m facebook @ www.facebook.com/AlmostBluePromotions tweet @ https://twitter.com/AlmostBlueGigs
linkedin @ https://uk.linkedin.com/pub/deborah-welsh/23/8b2/25b facebook @ www.facebook.com/DeborahWelshCommercialMedia
www.doghouseroses.org
www.josephparsons.com
www.musicglue.com/yellowroom-music
tickets @ www.musicglue.com/yellowroom-music fb @ www.facebook.com/doghouseroses
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the mns collection ….
Canada's Russell deCarle on biggest UK tour ever with 8 Scottish dates " .... a superb level of playing that is rare and precious, are as close to joined-at-the-hip perfection as can ever be encountered.”
There is always healthy debate about the term “legendary” being used to describe a performer – and not without good reason. Most agree that, at the very least, some pedigree is required - built on achievement, length of service, and depth of character. Few would argue that Canadian Russell deCarle has done more than enough in an astonishing career to have won well-earned right to be crowned accordingly. The singer, guitarist and writer famously fronted iconic Canadian country roots band Prairie Oyster over many years and in the process racked up an impressive list of JUNO and Canadian Country Music Awards, gold and platinum selling records and Number 1 singles. As a songwriter, he carried off two SOCAN Song of the Year accolades. Surprisingly, he is set to embark on his most extensive UK and Ireland tour ever and this time, he’s flying over the Atlantic in paredback trio format – the line-up that has recently been winning him a huge amount of praise on his home turf. Scottish-based roots music agency, Brookfield-Knights hooked up with them after seeing them perform in Toronto two years ago. Head booker Loudon Temple says they stood head and shoulders above the competition at the annual Folk Alliance International showcases when he visited as delegate.
sidelines! He is a classy performer whose heart knows how to deliver a lyric. There’s a luxuriously laid back rockabilly edge to the fluent mix of blues, jazz and R&B-tinged western swing that pays homage to some of his all-time favourites,” he added. Loudon continued, “These days, he’s gone back to much more rootsy acoustic basics and, bound together by a superb level of playing that is rare and precious, are as close to joined-at-the-hip perfection as can ever be encountered.” The seasoned front man is joined by superlative compadres Denis Keldie (accordion) and Steve Briggs (acoustic guitar). Temple adds: “The musicianship is dazzling even when the tone is understated and in the gentlest of ‘nice and easy does it’ grooves. Russell delivers his rock ‘n’ roll with panache as his monstrously talented side men take virtuoso into a stratosphere that lies somewhere between JJ Cale and the very best Gyspy Jazz you ever heard. “Distilled from the soundtrack he grew up with, and all of the good stuff absorbed since setting out as a performer, the set list features classics from the past as well as original material ends up as full-bodied, rich and satisfying as a bottle of deluxe Scotch whisky.” Since issuing two well-received albums in Europe over the past two years, deCarle has been picking up some great reviews for his records too, Maverick magazine describing the last album as "astonishing" and Country Music People saying: “This is old-school masterclass.”
GIGnotes ..... (APRIL) 21: Woodend Tennis Club, Jordanhill, Glasgow; 22: The Byre Theatre, St Andrews; 23: ‘Live’ Theatre, Newcastle-upon-Tyne; 24: Dundee Acoustic Music Club (afternoon), Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline (evening); 25: Traverse Theatre Bar, Edinburgh; 27: Performing Arts Centre, Kilbarchan; 29: a Glenbuchat Hall, Strathdon; (MAY) 1: Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine. www.brookfield-knights.com/up-coming-tours.html
“The calibre of performance at the event is as high as it gets,” he recalled, “and Russell and www.russelldecarle.com www.facebook.com/RusselldeCarle his sidekicks blew everyone else into the https://twitter.com/RusselldeCarle
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Reels to Ragas with Red Note and Kuljit Bhamra Scottish-Indian fusion as Red Note is joined by the superb tabla player Kuljit Bhamra and piper-and-multiinstrumentalist Fraser Fifield for new and traditional tunes. Expect love songs, dance music, a hint of Bollywood and plenty of tunes you’ll recognise immediately even in their new guise.
Plus you can join internationally-renowned tabla player Kuljit Bhamra each day at 3pm for a family-friendly hands-on Indian drumming workshop, introducing some of the rhythms and musical ideas that drive Reels to
Ragas. The Red Note Ensemble Performers are: Tabla - Kuljit Bhamra; Cello - Robert Irvine; Violin - Jackie Shave; Viola Simon Tandree; Pipes - Fraser Fifield GIGnotes ..... (APRIL) 11th: The Big Shed, Tombreck, Aberfeldy, PH15 2PB, 8pm. Tickets £10, £6 on 0750 864
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Tabla player Kuljit Bhamra
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5453 / 12th: Ceilidh Place, West Argyle Street, Ullapool, IV26 2TY, 8.30pm. Tickets £7 on 01854 612103 / 13th: The Missionhouse Studio, Finsbay, Isle of Harris. Tickets £10, £6 on 01859 530227. 8pm / 14th: SEALL at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (Skye IV44 8RQ). Tickets £12 + discounts on 01471 844207. 7.30pm / 15th: Glenfinnan Church, Glenfinnan, Highland. Ticket price: £12/ £6. 7pm.
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First Seminars, Speakers & Artists Announced For 'Wide Days 2016' Scotland's only music business convention Scotland's awardwinning music convention Wide Days has announced its first seminars, as well as a showcase line-up which ranges from synth pop to black metal. Moreover, a majority of this year's acts are fronted by women. Taking place on 22-23 April in Edinburgh, panel topics include the rise of city-based festivals, how to make outdoor music events more environmentally friendly and the popular A&R You Brave Enough? demo feedback session. The conference will also feature a presentation by PPL and a talk hosted by Chris Cooke, founder of industry consultancy, CMU Insights. He will explain how artists can get the most out of streaming services and outline how influential playlists can generate income for artists and labels. Other speakers include festival promoters Codruta Vulcu from Romania’s ARTmania event, Katch Holmes [Knochengorroch], Paul Cardow [Stag & Dagger / PCL],
Martin Elbourne [The Great Escape / Glastonbury] and Nick Roberts [Electric Fields]. They will be joined by Eric McLellan, director of A&R at seminal US label Sire Records, Claire O’Neill [A Greener Festival / AIF] and Gemma Lawrence [Creative Carbon Scotland]. “We are looking forward to welcoming great speakers to Wide Days and are very grateful that all our partners from 2015 are on board again,” says founder Olaf Furniss. “We are also really excited with the range of showcase acts, and we hope to inspire those festivals where the line-ups still consist of ten blokes for every bloke.”
Saturday’s networking activities. These begin with a guided coach tour and are followed by a talk, barbecue and low exertion sports.
An Under 18s ticket costs £18 and covers the conference and the first showcases in the Pleasance. Tickets @ www.widedays.com/tickets
Day passes for Friday are available at a concession price of £25 for students, emerging artists and those starting out in the business.
www.widedays.com www.facebook.com/widedays https://twitter.com/widedays
2015 saw former Wide Days acts do particularly well, with Kathryn Joseph winning the Scottish Album of the Year award, Honeyblood supporting the Foo Fighters at Murrayfield stadium and C Duncan nominated for the Mercury Music Prize. This year’s programme presents a diverse snap-shot of some of Scotland’s most exciting new artists, selected in consultation with a team including promoters, journalists and A&R scouts. The showcases feature Be Charlotte, Best Girl Athlete, Elle Exxe, The Van T’s, Tongues and Scumpulse, and are open to the public, with a limited number of free tickets available for each act. Gigs begin at the Pleasance Theatre, followed by La Belle Angele and ending at the Electric Circus. The Wide Days professional convention passes costs £80. It includes food at Friday’s conference and showcase, as well as access to
Be Charlotte plays a Wide Days showcase :
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The Second Hand Marching Band & Benni Hemm Hemm Faults ..... a collaborative album between Iceland and Scotland Benni and Pete met in 2007 at one of the first Second Hand Marching Band performances. Pete, Ross, Rich and Fraser from SHMB started playing in Benni’s band. At the same time Pete and Benni recorded some songs together as a collaboration between the Second Hand Marching Band and Benni Hemm Hemm.
SHMB have played tiny venues like Tchai Ovna tea house, and big venues like the Liquid Rooms and stages at festivals such as The Big Tent Festival, Wickerman and Belladrum. They have toured in Scotland and England, and will be heading to London for the first time this year as a full band.
folk tales (Eliminate Evil, Revive Good Times).
The band first began to take root when Hermannsson, after a limited release of his solo SummerPlate EP in 2003, moved to Italy for a Nine songs have been produced in Edinburgh, few months and began to write a new batch of Glasgow, Fife, Cumbernauld and Reykjavik. A songs. With a full band, including trumpet, bass, long project stretching over seven year, 800 and flügelhorn, Benni Hemm Hemm issued their miles, sixteen instruments and eight singer. SHMB have counted members of Withered Hand, self-titled full-length debut on Iceland's The album is a totally self-funded, DIY, selfBenni Hemm Hemm, Danananaykroyd, John Smákökurnar Records in September 2005, with recorded, self-produced, self-assembled produc- Knox Sex Club, Trembling Bells, Big Hogg and reissues in Japan, Europe, and North America tion. This is no mean feat for a normal band but Eagleowl in their ranks, as well as many dozens coming the following year with the help of P-Vine try it with 17 people in 2 countries! of other bands and music groups. and Morr Music, respectively. In November of 2006 the group's second album, Kajak, recorded They are known for collaborating, having played The Second Hand Marching Band started in in just a few days at Sigur Rós' studio, came out the only accompanied versions of songs from RM 2007 as a big folk ensemble in Glasgow. They in Iceland, and by May 2007 it had hit U.S. Hubbert’s first album in a one-off performance in have released a number of EPs (Dance to Half shores. The band's third studio album, Murta St. 2013, and adding their shambolic ensemble Death, Grit and Determination), compilations Calunga, followed in 2008. In 2011 Benni Hemm sound sound to Zoey Van Goey, Withered Hand (Compendium, And the rest will follow) and an Hemm returned with the album Skot, featuring and Beerjacket. album (A Hurricane, a Thunderstorm) through Hermannsson backed by the Icelandic pop enindependent labels and self-release. All reBenni Hemm Hemm is the project of Benedikt semble Retro Stefson. cordings are self-recorded in sheds, garages, livH Hermannsson from Reykjavik, Iceland. BHH www.thesecondhandmarchingband.co.uk ing rooms and bedrooms, carefully put together has created a number of albums of varied styles, https://twitter.com/shmb over time. from full brass ensemble pop (Kajak) to darker www.facebook.com/secondhandmarchingband
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music news scotland
Over 700 Pupils Play at World’s Biggest School Piping Event More than 700 pupils had Scotland’s capital city in fine tune on Sunday 13 March after going head to head in the world’s largest schools piping competition.
Youngsters from 118 schools across Scotland travelled to Edinburgh to take part in the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships (SSPBC) a competition dedicated celebrating Scotland’s musical tradition and the talent of our young people. This year’s event at Broughton High School saw pupils compete in eight categories tailored to their skill set, including juvenile, novice juvenile, debut, junior and quartets. David Johnston, Chairman of the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust (SSPDT) – the national charity that organises and funds the event, praised the young pipers and drummers on the level of talent and professionalism they displayed in their performances. David said: “The competition has been an enormous success and it was great to see so many schools from across the country taking part. “The competition aims to showcase the versatility of the pipes and drums and the talent of Scotland’s younger generation when playing our national instrument. Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also praised the competition, adding: “Learning an instrument takes patience, perseverance and practise and being a band member needs teamwork, self-confidence and camaraderie. “These are skills and core values that we encourage in schools; they help our young people to raise personal and shared attainment, and to reach their full potential in work and in life.” The SSPDT, and in particular the championships, encourages the formation of school pipe bands with taster grades for schools with no competing experience as well as providing a forum for schools competing at the highest level. David added: “This year has been the toughest year yet for our judges as the bands really raised the bar on the quality of their performances. We are already eagerly waiting to see what bands will come up with next year. “We would like to thank all those who competed in this year’s competition and we hope to see
continued high numbers again for next year, as well as the return of old and new faces to the event.”
Full Schools Competition Results: Debut Contest 1st place – Portree High School 2nd place – Stranraer Academy 3rd place – Tobermory High School Junior B Contest 1st place – Ullapool High School 2nd place – The Glasgow Academy 3rd place – Dundee Schools Junior A Contest 1st place – St Columbus School 2nd place – Gordonstoun School 3rd place – Fettes College Novice Juvenile B Contest 1st place – Lochalsh Juniors 2nd place – George Watson’s College 3rd place – Knox Academy Novice Juvenile A Contest 1st place – Dollar Academy 2nd place – North Lanarkshire Schools 3rd place – George Watson’s College Juvenile Contest 1st place – George Watson’s College 2nd place – Dollar Academy 3rd place – Preston Lodge High School Quartet Contest 1st place – Dumfries Schools 2nd place – Lochgilphead High School 3rd place – St Andrew’s R.C. High School A Freestyle Musicianship Contest 1st place – The High School of Glasgow 2nd place – Gordonstoun School 3rd place – Sgoil Loinacleit
http://thechampionships.org.uk/ Stranraer Academy - 2nd in Debut Contest
All photos by Wullie Marr/Deadline News
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DOGHOUSE ROSES & JOSEPH PARSONS DUO :: Tour tour dates - 6-9 April, more info @ www.doghouseroses.org
A special double bill featuring Scotland's Doghouse Roses and from the U.S.A, the Joseph Parsons Duo - playing for the first time in Scotland - featuring Freddie Lubitz on guitar. Doghouse Roses celebrate the release of their
third album 'Lost is not Losing', their first in 5 years. This album see's the duo's trademark fingerpicked guitars and vocal harmonies augmented by new band member, guitarist, John Alexander to create a 'boundary ignoring landscape (americana UK). There is a restless energy in the Doghouse Roses live performance, as the band takes its folk music through the streets of the blues and highways of the old
west, looking ahead for that next turn in the road. Joseph Parsons is a prolific songwriter, who weaves traces of Emo Rock, Soul and Folk to create his own distinct style of Rock music. Parsons’ early music education was formed busking on the streets of Europe and later honed on the Doghouse Roses club and festival circuit in his native USA. In the late 90s, he landed a deal with German label, Blue Rose Records which kick started a robust recording and performing career and led to his subsequent relocation to Northern Germany in 2007. His duo shows are dynamic, spirited and deeply personal experiences through a time line of Joseph’s songs and bands (JP Band, 4 Way Street, Hardpan, US Rails & Parsons Thibaud.) New songs from the 2016 CD will be unveiled! GIGnotes ..... (APRIL) 6: Acoustic Music Club,
The Newport, Dundee / 7: The Voodoo Rooms, 19a West Register Street, Edinburgh / 8: The Hug and Pint, 171 Great Western Road, Glasgow / 9: The Blue Lamp, Gallowgate, Aberdeen
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Joseph Parsons : photo by Susan Müller
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CAROLINE GILMOUR :: EP :: Electric Waterfalls release date - 25 March @ www.carolinegilmour.com
There's a conventional way to do things, then there's the Caroline Gilmour way! The Edinburgh singer songwriter has already done her time and paid her dues on the live circuit, from selling out her own headline shows
to well-reviewed support doors with folk like Horse and Charlotte Church and events like Edinburgh's Hogmanay and Celtic Connections. Now though, Caroline is going her own way, setting up gigs in the most intimate of settings, inside fans' houses. Taking her music out of the venues and into the homes of the people who appreciate it the most, Caroline has dates
booked up from Scotland to Australia, with more being added around the world all the time as fans get wind of what she is up to. It's the perfect time for her to release her new record, the stunning Electric Waterfalls EP. Sound-wise it's a bit departure from what we're used to hearing, a little more edgy, a little more contemporary, but still at its heart, a collection of Caroline Gilmour pop songs. That knack for a gorgeous melody and a voice that can stop you in your tracks? They're all still present and correct. Working with hitmakers like Jud Mahoney (Michael Jackson, Usher) and John McLaughlin (Busted, Bay City Rollers), Caroline is about to enter a new chapter in her career and is ready to take the fruits of her labours around the world and into the homes of fans everywhere. Caroline Gilmour's Electric Waterfalls EP is be available to pre-order now from iTunes and other digital stores, while a limited edition 7 inch vinyl will be available to buy from all good record stores from 8 April. Caroline will be performing a short acoustic set and signing copies of her 7” EP at Apollo Music, Causeyside St, Paisley on 9 April from midday till 1pm to promote the vinyl release of Electric Waterfalls.
www.carolinegilmour.com photo by Kris Kesiak
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MULL HISTORICAL SOCIETY :: album :: Dear Satellite release date - 8 April @ http://mullhistoricalsociety.com/
Mull Historical Society (Colin MacIntyre) will celebrate his birthday this year, on 8 April, by releasing his seventh album Dear Satellite through Xtra Mile Recordings. The album was produced by Grammy award-winning Dom Morley, known for his work on Amy Winehouse's Back To Black, as well as working with Adele, Grinderman and Sting. He also produced Colin's first album on Xtra Mile Recordings, City Awakenings released in 2012. Listen to the first taste of the album here - ‘The Ballad Of Ivor Punch’. The song’s central character is also the main protagonist in Colin’s debut novel, The Letters of Ivor Punch, published in hardback last year. It won the Edinburgh International Book Festival's First Book award and will be released in paperback edition the day before his birthday and the release of Dear Satellite.
like a perfect distillation of what I can do, and my best work. I’ve really pushed myself as a songwriter and tried to challenge myself to evolve sonically and capture a unique atmosphere within the album. There is a lot of space in it, lushness, but also it feels punchy and melodically pop. It is about home, getting home, leaving home, finding home, whatever planet or street or field you live on. Whatever home means to you. I think having a new music publishing deal with BMG/Xtra Mile Music has also made me reach for higher. I’m so excited to see it enter the world. It looks bloody good too!” This news follows a mammoth 2015 for Colin which saw him celebrate 15 years since the release of his first single 'Barcode Bypass' as well as his first 'Best of' collection on double vinyl for Record Store Day which was celebrated with a sold-out tour performing his Gold-selling MHS debut album ‘Loss’. With a tour in the
Spring supporting the album release still to be announced, 2016 is shaping up to be another exciting year in Mull Historical Society’s extraordinary career.
Pre-order the album now here: Xtra Mile Recordings: http://smarturl.it/DearSatellite-XMR Amazon: http://smarturl.it/MHS-DearSatellite iTunes: http://smarturl.it/DearSatellite-iTunes
http://mullhistoricalsociety.com/ https://twitter.com/MullHistorical www.facebook.com/colinmacintyremull
The album is ten tracks of floating, positive, textually diverse pop songs. The spring morning brightness spread across 'Sleepy Hollow' and 'This Little Sister' may leap you into optimistic, slightly cheerful abandon but 'Why Do They Go So Soon' wrings a little melancholy into the warmth. The odd off-key whistling underpinning the rhyming acoustic pop of 'Bones' meshes the weird elements you'd have expected from MHS of old, while the chiming synth-drive of 'The Ballad of Ivor Punch' reaches into Arcade Fireesque indie rock. 'All the Love Remains' and 'Each Other' captures the sweet and serious strumming that MHS has made his own, while the album closes with the reflective, sky-andsoul-searching 'Farewell to Finisterre', continuing the seeming interest of Xtra Mile Recordings bands in space and star gazing. Colin says: “I couldn’t be happier with the album. It is 10 songs, 36 minutes, and it feels
Colin MacIntyre : photo by Ben Morse
BRIAN Ó HEADHRA & FIONA MACKENZIE :: Tour tour dates - 24 March - 2 April, more info @ www.oheadhra-mackenzie.com
A Highland couple are taking to the road to launch their new music duo – Brian Ó hEadhra & Fiona Makenzie. The pair are no strangers to performing on stage together as both toured the world with the band Anam in the late nineties and then with various bands over the past 15 years including Mackenzie, Cruinn and as solo acts.
The Inverness based duo play traditional and contemporary songs from Scotland, Ireland and beyond. They are also acclaimed song writers and had a song they co-wrote for the band Cruinn nominated for best Traditional Track at last year's BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in Cardiff. Brian Ó hEadhra is from Dublin, Ireland but has been living in Scotland for nearly twenty years. He sings in Irish and Scottish Gaelic as well as in Scots and English. Fiona Mackenzie is from the Isle of Lewis and, like her husband, has been singing on stages as long as she can remember. Ó hEadhra (pronounced O'Hara) states “This is a very exciting time for us musically. We continue to perform together with the Gaelic group Cruinn along with Rachel Walker and James Graham but this new duo allows us to perform a wider range of material and offers us more flexibility as there are just two of us to organise the sets and gigs.” Mackenzie continues “the choice of music in the duo is a mix of our own material, traditional song as well as remodelling of some classic pop songs. It's re-imagined folk music.” GIGnotes ..... 24 March: (fundraiser to raise funds for refugee crisis victims) -
upstairs at La Tortilla on Castle Street, Inverness / 25 March: The Cèilidh Place, Ullapool / 29 March: Leith Folk Club / 1 April: South Uist Folk Club / 2 April: Taigh Chearsabhagh
photo by Conor O'Hara
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new releases
music news scotland
page 21
scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download ASHTON LANE
DUNT
ROMAN NOSE
One Kiss Later
Between Punk Rock and a Hard Place
Jacked Up On Mercy
Single / download Release Date: Out Now Ashton Lane are part of a new wave of homegrown modern country music originating in the UK and are sure to expand their growing fan base this year. The single One Kiss Later is out on 29 February 2016 Ashton Lane consist of Esther O’Connor and Tim O’Connor. The band performs as a duo but at times as a three piece when Graeme Duffin (Wet Wet Wet) joins them as guest guitarist. The band has a romantic back story, being husband and wife and also come from fine musical stock. Esther O’Connor’s musical heritage however spans right back to her childhood. She remembers being out on tour at only five years of age with Elton John on his US tour accompanying her Dad’s band Wet Wet Wet.
EP / cd Release Date: 1 April
After near self-destruction, Edinburgh's Skate Punks are back via the Infinite Hive music label, with five fast, melodic, punk rock tunes on a variety of subjects that shape our everyday misery. Featuring DUNT's nihilistic sense of humour and cutting riffs and rhythms, this is their strongest EP yet. Listen/Watch: https://dunt.bandcamp.com/
Available from: www.ashtonlaneofficial.com
Available from: https://dunt.bandcamp.com/ Google Play Music' Amazon mp3, iTunes, Spotify http://infinitehive.com/shop.html VoxBox Music, 21 St Stephen Street, Stockbridge Elvis Shakespeare, 347 Leith Walk, Edinburgh Vinyl Villains, 5 Elm Row, Edinburgh
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Listen/Watch: www.ashtonlaneofficial.com/#video
EP download Release Date: Out Now
Glasgow’s finest purveyors of sadomasochistic, masked electronica, Roman Nose return to our radars with the release of much anticipated 4 Track E.P. ‘Jacked Up On Mercy' via their own Badly Built Records label. This is bass-heavy, dark and dirty electronic music dipped in futuristic territory, full of pounding synths and driven electro beats. Listen/Watch: https://romannose.bandcamp.com https://soundcloud.com/roman-nose-1 Available from: iTunes, Bandcamp, Spotify etc https://soundcloud.com/roman-nose-1 https://twitter.com/RMNOSE www.facebook.com/romannosemusic
CLAIRE HASTINGS
CAROLINE GILMOUR MULL HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Between River and Railway
Electric Waterfalls EP cd / download / 7" vinyl Release Date: 25 March
This is an exciting new 4 track EP release that is a departure from my usual sound and has been heavily influenced by my love of pop music. I worked with the incredible Jud Mahoney (Justin Timberlake, Usher, Michael Jackson) who produced this EP, and it's also the first time I have included a co-written track on a release, working with Jud and hitmaker John McLaughlin (Busted, Westlife, Bay City Rollers). 'Love this soaring piece of perfect Adult Pop. Fantastic songwriting and beautiful vocal delivery" - John McLaughlin Listen/Watch: https://soundcloud.com/carolinegilmour https://carolinegilmour.bandcamp.com https://www.youtube.com/user/caggyg Available from: https://carolinegilmour.bandcamp.com iTunes / Amazon Vinyl via Apollo Music, Paisley www.carolinegilmour.com https://twitter.com/CGilmourMusic www.facebook.com/CarolineGilmourMusic
Album cd / download Release Date: 29 April
Dear Satellite Album cd / download Release Date: 8 April
Dear Satellite was produced by Grammy award-winning Dom Morley, known for his work on Amy Winehouse's Back To Black, as well as working with Adele, Grinderman and Sting. He also produced Colin's first album on Xtra Mile Recordings, City Awakenings released in 2012. The album is ten tracks of floating, positive, textually diverse pop songs. Listen/Watch: https://youtu.be/_d_BK5-1PVk Available from: Xtra Mile Recordings: http://smarturl.it/DearSatellite-XMR Amazon: http://smarturl.it/MHS-DearSatellite iTunes: http://smarturl.it/DearSatellite-iTunes http://mullhistoricalsociety.com/ https://twitter.com/MullHistorical www.facebook.com/mullhistorical
Since winning the BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year title in 2015, folk singer Claire Hastings’ debut album Between River and Railway has been hotly anticipated. The album features exciting arrangements of traditional folk songs alongside Claire’s self-penned material. The songs are brought to life with band members Jenn Butterworth (guitar & vocals), Laura Wilkie (fiddle) and Andrew Waite (accordion) as well as guests Martin O’Neill (percussion) and Duncan Lyall (bass). Throughout the album, whether Claire is singing in the tradition, about her home, sharing life experiences or interpreting the works of Robert Burns and William Douglas, there’s an enduring sense of beauty, in both vocals and music. (Folkwords)
Listen/Watch: https://youtu.be/cfESHtRcRRE https://clairehastings.bandcamp.com Available from: www.clairehastings.com bandcamp, iTunes and Amazon MP3 as well as selected stores from 29 April www.clairehastings.com www.twitter.com/ClaireHastings1 www.facebook.com/ClaireHastingsMusic
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music news scotland
scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download CELTIC VOYAGE
DEADLY INSCRIPTION
TOY TIN SOLDIER
Various Artists
A Testament To Sin
Yield
Album cd Release Date: 25 March
An enchanting collection of Celtic moods with haunting uilleann pipes, magical harps, fiddles, accordions, guitars… from Ireland, Scotland and Brittany. Beautiful and atmospheric songs, ballads and laments conjure an atmosphere of mystery and magic, reminiscent of the music to the film “Titanic” or to “Riverdance”. Features 2016 Grammy Nominee for Best New Age Album, Catherine Duc [Voyager, MG Music], performing the self-penned song ‘Owen’s Boat.’ Listen/Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8w5vCqfsjJg Available from: http://geni.us/2h50 www.arcmusic.co.uk/shop/index.php
EP CD + Most online streaming/download services Spotify, Itunes, Amazon, Deezer, Release Date: 26 February
Album - cd / download Release Date: 26 February
Toy Tin Soldier is a Scottish indie rock singer songwriter Joe Gallacher, formerly of Mr.Kil. A solo journey supported by a revolving door of incredible support A Testament to Sin is the product of the last year musicians he has worked with over the years, whilst of work from the newly formed line-up. It's a touring with the likes of Hue & Cry, Turin Brakes and collection of fictional tales of dark characters and Martha Wainwright. scenarios, we used the titles as a basis for the Gallacher was born in the outskirts of Glasgow in the creation of the tracks, and made a conscious effort small village of Blantyre. Born into a working class family, music became an escapism from the realities of to keep the E.P out of any sub-genre/category being a teenage in the 90’s. Pretty soon he was in love with all sorts of bedrock music, particularly rock, blues, Listen/Watch: country and of course the 90’s Brit Pop era. Inspired by www.soundcloud.com/deadly-inscription melodic Kings such as Noel Gallagher, Bruce www.youtube.com/deadlyinscriptionband Springsteen and more recently Foy Vance. Available from: Listen/Watch: www.deadlyinscription.com www.youtube.com http://thegrimstore.bigcartel.com/products Available from: All Major Digital Outlets iTunes and all download mediums. www.facebook.com/deadlyinscription www.toytinsoldier.com/ https://twitter.com/DIMETALUK https://twitter.com/toytinsoldier www.deadlyinscription.com www.facebook.com/toytinsoldier
DROPKICK
VÉLONIÑOS THE STRANGE BLUE DREAMS
Balance The Light Album cd / download / vinyl Release Date: 25 March
'Balance the Light' is Dropkick's most varied collection of songs, showcasing their unique harmony-driven alt.country powerpop. “Their music has an originality about it that defies explanation.....blending almost equal parts alternative, indie-pop, folk and country.” Maverick Magazine. 'Balance the Light' will be launched with two special German shows in April, followed by Scottish dates: 21/4 Clark's, Dundee, 22/4 Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh, 23/4 13th Note, Glasgow. Listen/Watch: https://dropkickmusic.bandcamp.com YouTube Available from: itunes, amazon, spotify, google play, apple music and other digital sites. Available from: Coda Music (Edinburgh), Love Music (Glasgow), Assai Records (Broughty Ferry, Dundee), Wall of Noise (Haddington), Vinyl Frontier (Dunbar) www.dropkickmusic.co.uk www.facebook.com/dropkickmusic www.twitter.com/dropkickmusic
VELONINOS THE REVERBERATIN' EP cd / download Release Date: Out Now
The Strange Blue Dreams present their debut EP, three songs that passionately distil the various golden ages of popular song into a unique and exciting new sound. Menacing drums and surf-noir guitars, a cowboy anthem with a dash of Bollywood and Sun Records hillbilly beat, and a Scots air peppered with Balkan drama. Listen/Watch: https://holysmokesrecordsuk.bandcamp.com YouTube Available from: iTunes http://holysmokesrecordsuk.bandcamp.com/ Love Music, 34 Dundas St, Glasgow G1 2AQ. https://twitter.com/@the_SBDs
www.facebook.com/thestrangebluedreams
Album / cd / download Release Date: Out Now The Véloniños; From way out West Port Glasgow and beyond. Their musical influences firmly rooted in americana, rock ‘n’ roll, country and rockabilly, Inspired by the likes of Hank Williams, Gene Vincent, Carl Perkins and The Everlys, to name but a few. This is the debut album from the group, featuring all six tracks from their previously released digital EP and four brand new tracks. “We’d like to think there’s a little of who we are and where we come from in the songs too, Levengrove Park, Helenstown and These Quiet Lands are all relevant to where we live and we hope you’ll enjoy this album for what it is: a no nonsense rockin’ record in all its different guises.” Listen/Watch: www.veloninos.com YouTube Available from: www.veloninos.com amazon / itunes www.veloninos.com www.facebook.com/veloninos https://twitter.com/veloninos
music news scotland
page 23
scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download THE RISING SOULS
AMY RAYNER
Yardbird
Two Years Long
Album cd Release Date: Out Now
EP cd / download Release Date: 28 February
The Rising Souls are a thumping blue eyed soul band from central Scotland. They have been met with universal praise throughout the UK, Europe and more recently NYC. Their second album 'Yardbird' is a mesmerising blend of country, blues and soul. Frontman Dave Archibald displays a powerhouse vocal reminiscent of Frankie Miller and Otis Redding. Supporting Dave are Roy 'Kelso' Laing on bass and Tom Reed on percussion.
Amy Rayner is a singer songwriter from St. Andrews, Scotland, who's relatable and honest lyrics blend amicably with her memorable, soaring melodies. Her new EP 'Two Years Long' is a very personal work that centres around the three stages of a relationship, beginning, middle and end, and features a fusion of genres from folk and pop to country and blues.
Listen/Watch: https://youtu.be/DNSnsV6sLNA
Available from: Spotify + buy on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, Rhapsody, TIDAL and Deezer
Available from: Amazon www.therisingsouls.com www.facebook.com/therisingsouls https://twitter.com/TheRisingSouls
Listen/Watch: https://soundcloud.com/amy-rayner www.youtube.com/user/amyraynermusic https://amyrayner.bandcamp.com/
www.amyrayner.co.uk www.facebook.com/ AmyRaynerSingerSongwriter https://twitter.com/amyrayner
CHARLOTTE HATHAWAY & MIKE VASS (featuring Mairi Campbell) The Dead Stations
Album - cd / download - Release Date: 11 March “The whole forest has this feeling of going on forever. And if you lose track of the train line then you’re lost..." A story told through original music and audio drama featuring new songs by Mike Vass performed by haunting vocalist Mairi Campbell. Dead Stations are out of use platforms on a remote train line through the forested mountains. It’s a story designed to be listened to: a mystery about loneliness and the mind, inspired by a train ride through Brazil’s Atlantic Rainforest and abstract ideas about Little Red Riding Hood. Listen/Watch: https://soundcloud.com/unroofedrecords https://youtu.be/Mp5vjZJ1tic Available from: www.mikevass.com + www.unroofed.com www.facebook.com/vassmusic www.unroofed.com www.mikevass.com www.charlottehathaway.com
WHISKY KISS
CARA SARAH HAYES
sexySOUNDS
Yet We Sing
Album cd / download Release Date: 15 January
Born of a love affair with Celtic music, Cara features four of Germany’s finest traditional musicians, with Scottish singer-songwriter Kim Edgar, delivering an innovative blend of trad/new material, and twin lead vocals. Touring Scotland: Celtic Connections 27th, Eden Court 28th, Carnegie Hall 29th, Queens Hall 30th Jan 2015. Listen/Watch: Live trailer @ www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQmLTW1W6G4 Yet We Sing Promo @ www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhXUjwMvvuc Available from: www.cara-music.com www.cara-music.com www.facebook.com/caramusic www.twitter.com/caramusic
Woven
Album cd / download Release Date: Out Now
Sarah released her début album, Woven, to widespread acclaim in November 2015. This inventive, emotional music explores the relationship between experience and identity; setting traditional words to new tunes and new tunes to traditional forms, tying them together with recurring themes in ‘an utterly compelling tapestry’ (Folk Radio UK). Listen/Watch: www.soundcloud.com/sarah_hayes www.sarahhayes.bandcamp.com Available from: www.sarahhayes.net/shop/ www.sarahhayes.bandcamp.com Love Music (Glasgow) Coda Music (Edinburgh) www.sarahhayes.net www.facebook.com/sarahjhayesmusic www.twitter.com/sarahhayes_
Album cd / download Release Date: 18 January
Debut album from World Record Breaking band Whisky Kiss. Unusually for a Scots trad band debut album, sexySOUNDS by Whisky Kiss includes 3 tracks used by Visit Scotland, 2 tracks that are Guinness World Records & 1 iTunes no1 (debut single Jocks Revenge topped the charts in Uruguay & Luxembourg) Listen/Watch: www.whiskykiss.com Available from: https://itunes.apple.com www.amazon.co.uk www.whiskykiss.com https://twitter.com/twistedtartan www.facebook.com/Whisky-Kiss119642618071059
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music news scotland
scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download BOREAS
AMY DUNCAN
BREABACH
Ahoy Hoy
Undercurrents
Astar
Album cd / download Release Date: out now
Album cd / download / vinyl Release Date: 19 February
Undercurrents is somewhere to the left of folk-pop with 'Like sun on the sea surface.' 'A haunting, rich string arrangements, gorgeous harp and bass, and ethereal bridge between cultures.’ (Sunday interesting drums and percussion. You will find emotional songs exploring themes of mental health, Herald) AHOY HOY, is the eagerly awaited debut album from Boreas, shaped by spanning dissociation and hallucinatory experiences; self acceptance and letting go to the flow of emotions to the expanses of the North Sea. In this find real love and connection. Releasing on my own recording the band have created something label Filly Records. The vinyl is being licensed to Diverse both warm and sparse, shadowy and Vinyl.
glistening, simple and intricate, it is indeed a glorious debut. Listen/Watch: www.boreasband.bandcamp.com Available from: www.boreasband.bandcamp.com www.islemusicscotland.com www.boreasband.com www.twitter.com/boreasband www.facebook.com/boreasband
Listen/Watch: https://youtu.be/GhEBe0kS_80 https://youtu.be/IWyLVw0OmOs
Album - cd / download Release Date: 11 March After a whirlwind five years traversing the globe, Breabach are delighted to present their fifth studio album, Astar (tr. distance/journey). Inspired by the people and places they have encountered, iconic venues and festivals performed at and the exciting, at times groundbreaking, collaborations they have been involved in. These experiences have brought new shape to their sound whilst simultaneously strengthening their identity. Astar is a multicultural celebration, embracing the music of four nations in partnership with their own. The band have invited friends from Norway, Quebec, Australia and New Zealand to be part of this recording, all of which has been brought to life under the guidance and production of Greg Lawson.
Available from: Listen/Watch: Pre-order from Pledge Music: http://breabach.bandcamp.com www.pledgemusic.com/projects/amy-duncan www.soundcloud.com/breabach & receive instant download of 2 songs plus free entry to the album launch on 25 Feb at The Voodoo Rooms Available from: http://breabach.bandcamp.com iTunes + in stores http://amyduncan.co.uk/ https://twitter.com/Amy_Duncan www.breabach.com www.facebook.com/amy.duncan.music www.facebook.com/breabach https://soundcloud.com/amy-duncan www.twitter.com/breabach
DJANA GABRIELLE
JOSEPHINE SILLARS DUKE OF NORFOLK
That Very First Day EP download Release Date: Out Now
Debut EP from the French Cameroonian singer-songwriter. Recorded in Glasgow in the space of 2 days, the EP is an introduction to Djana Gabrielle's rich songwriting and melodies. Ethereal and soulful, « That Very First Day » is the promising debut from an artist to follow. Listen/Watch: Spotify http://open.spotify.com Youtube (Dance with me) www.youtube.com Available from: https://itunes.apple.com www.amazon.co.uk www.djanagabrielle.com www.facebook.com/DjanaGabrielle www.twitter.com/djana_gabrielle
Vincent There Is a Train (and a platform at either end) EP download Release Date: 5 January
Intended as a brief companion to The Duke of Norfolk's album Three Days From the Wolf Month, There Is a Train (and a platform at either end) takes the shape of a journey. The EP employs sounds suggestive of train travel alongside The Duke's characteristic guitar and banjo to reinforce the themes of wandering and to frame a picture of life from birth to death. Listen/Watch: https://thedukeofnorfolk.bandcamp.com YouTube Soundcloud Available from: https://thedukeofnorfolk.bandcamp.com http://thedukeofnorfolk.com/ https://twitter.com/thdukeofnorfolk www.facebook.com/thedukeofnorfolk
single download Release Date: Out Now
‘Vincent’ was written after Josephine discovered that Vincent Van Gogh ‘used to eat yellow paint to make his insides happy’. An upbeat song about beating hearts, serotonin highs and yellow walls, played on piano, xylophone and drums, 'Vincent' is launched at the world famous King Tuts Wah Wah Hut in December. Listen/Watch: https://josephinesillars.bandcamp.com https://itunes.apple.com Available from: https://josephinesillars.bandcamp.com https://itunes.apple.com www.josephinesillars.com www.facebook.com/josephinesillarsmusic https://twitter.com/josephinehere
music news scotland
page 25
scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download FINN ANDERSON Uncharted Lands EP cd / download Release Date: 12 February
Recorded over two stormy weeks in October at his childhood home in rural Scotland, Finn Anderson’s ‘Uncharted Lands’ EP is his most ambitious solo project to date. Straddling pop, rock and jazz, ‘Uncharted Lands’ fuses intricate and poetic lyrics, dynamic vocals and dramatic piano and orchestral arrangements. Listen/Watch: single ‘Hitchcock’ @ www.soundcloud.com/finnanderson/hitchcock video coming soon Available from: www.finnanderson.bandcamp.com Single ‘Hitchcock’ available on iTunes, Spotify + all major online stores www.finnanderson.co.uk https://twitter.com/Finn_Anderson www.facebook.com/finnandersonmusic
IMAGINARY SILVER COAST CREATURES
THE CUT THROAT RAZORS
RACHEL ALICE JOHNSON
Motown's Lost Its Soul
Open Angel
The Cut Throat Razors are an 11 piece band from Glasgow that have been filling the dancefloors across Scotland with their eclectic mix of self-penned songs with a thumping soul, ska, funk and blues vibe. The Cut Throat Razors won the prestigious Sunday Herald Best Unsigned Band Competition in 2014.
The Scottish/New Zealand, Edinburgh College of Art student/singer-songwriter creates songs with an ethereal, pop, rock sound with her band. Inspired by artists such as Lana Del Rey and The Black Keys, Rachel and her band have defined their unique sound with some euphoric harmonics.
EP cd / download Release Date: 27 November
Listen/Watch: https://soundcloud.com/thecutthroatrazors www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-Uq_4XXJcU Available from: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/ www.amazon.co.uk www.thecutthroatrazors.com www.thecutthroatrazors.com https://twitter.com/cutthroatrazors www.facebook.com/thecutthroatrazors
IMAGINARY FREELAND BARBOUR CREATURES
single download Release Date: 3 December
Listen/Watch: https://soundcloud.com/rachyjohnson https://youtube.com/rachyjohnson Available from: iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon mp3, Google Play, Deezer https://twitter.com/rachyjohnson https://facebook.com/RachelAliceJohnsonArts
IMAGINARY STEAL THE SUN CREATURES
The Music and the Land Seasons
EP cd / download The Butterfly’s Dream Release Album Date: 13 November cd / download ReleaseEP Date: This forOutusNow has been
a long time coming. were lot of Imaginary CreaturesThere is a virtual band, a a studio project formed by the collaboration of lyricist different emotions present when and songwriter David Scott and producer and itmulti-instrumentalist was written and we are Iain McKinna. The Butterfly’s Dream is their with debut album. Guest incredibly happy the sound musicians include guitar ace Keith More, of it andlegend the Fraser way Speirs the songs harmonica and ex- can Lindisfarne Rod Clements. relate tosongwriter a number of different situations in people's life's. We Listen/Watch: www.reverbnation.com/imaginarycreatures are so proud of this record! Available from: Listen/Watch: Birnam Shop: http://bit.ly/1bLhVDw www.soundcloud.com/silvercoastmusic-1 www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ID7BLAK www.YouTube.com/silvercoastmusic www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ID7BLAK http://amzn.to/1heO9qD Available from: also coming soonBig on Cartel itunes + spotify iTunes, Amazon, Facebook: www.facebook.com/silvercoastmusic www.facebook.com/pages/Imaginary-Creatures/392409684214473 https://twitter.com/silvercoastband
Album cd Release Date: Out Now
This CD sampler is intended as an The Butterfly’stoDream accompaniment the book The Album Music and the Land, a journey of cd / download words, photography and melody Release Date: Out Now through the lands that have Imaginary Creatures is a virtual band, a studio inspired Freeland Barbour’s project formed by the collaboration of lyricist and songwriter David Scott and producer compositions. The sampler and multi-instrumentalist Iain McKinna. The contains 14 tracks taken from Butterfly’s Dream is their debut album. Guest recordings over the 35 ears musicians include guitar acepast Keith More, harmonica legend Fraser Speirs and and illustrating some of theex-music Lindisfarne songwriter Rod Clements. from the book. It is available for Listen/Watch: £5, or free with each copy of the www.reverbnation.com/imaginarycreatures book. Available from: Available from: Birnam Shop: http://bit.ly/1bLhVDw www.bonskeidmusic.com www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ID7BLAK and Freeland’s live events www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ID7BLAK Book @ http://amzn.to/1heO9qD www.freelandbarbour.co.uk/shop.htm also coming soon on itunes + spotify www.bonskeidmusic.com Facebook: www.freelandbarbour.co.uk www.facebook.com/pages/Imaginary-Creatures/392409684214473 www.birlinn.co.uk/Music-and-the-Land.html
Somewhere, Sometime Debut Album cd / download The Butterfly’s Dream Release Album Date: 4 December cd / download Release Date:conceived Out Now Originally as an
idea to change the face of music forever. Imaginary Creatures is a virtual band, a studio Steal Sun have forgedoftheir project the formed by the collaboration lyricist and songwriter David Scott and producer and way into the spotlight by infusing multi-instrumentalist Iain McKinna. The many genres and Butterfly’s Dream isand theirinfluences debut album. Guest musicians include guitar ace Keith More, evolving their music to create a harmonica legend Fraser Speirs and exbeautiful and addictive sound.' Lindisfarne songwriter Rod Clements. Listen/Watch: Listen/Watch: www.youtube.com/stealthesunuk www.reverbnation.com/imaginarycreatures www.reverbnation.com/stealthesunuk Available from: Available from: Birnam Shop: http://bit.ly/1bLhVDw www.stealthesunuk.bandcamp.com www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ID7BLAK www.facebook.com/stealthesunuk for hard copy www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ID7BLAK http://amzn.to/1heO9qD https://twitter.com/StealTheSunUk also coming soon on itunes + spotify www.facebook.com/stealthesunuk www.reverbnation.com/stealthesunuk Facebook: www.instagram.com/stealthesunuk www.facebook.com/pages/Imaginary-Creatures/392409684214473 www.stealthesunuk.bandcamp.com
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music news scotland
scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download JOHNY CORRIGAN
DAVID PATRICK OCTET KYRRE SLIND
Down The Line
Igor Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring Open Airs Album cd / download Release Date: Out Now
Album cd / download Release Date: Out Now
Down The Line is the new album from Glasgow-born singer/ songwriter Johny Corrigan. It is the much-anticipated follow-up to Johny’s acclaimed debut Inchfad Drive, released in 2013. The album consists entirely of self-penned songs and Johny has recruited an impressive line-up of artists for the recording.
This stunning reworking for jazz octet of Igor Stravinsky's masterwork retains all of the themes and most of the exquisite orchestration of the original composition. Improvisational sections appear organically out of Stravinsky's score, allowing band members to be featured as individual soloists as the piece unfolds. With personnel drawn from Scotland, England and Germany, this international group is a world-class ensemble, completely at ease with each other and this incredibly complex music.
Open Airs is a musical log book of travels in Norway, Ireland and Scotland. In 2011, Norwegian musician and composer Kyrre Slind quite his job, bought a banjo and hit the road on a Vespa 125 scooter, heading for Ireland. Four years later - rich in new experiences - he releases his first solo album, recorded in Scotland and Norway. The melodies describe landscapes, impressions and personalities encountered when travelling the great north and its islands.
Available from: iTunes, Birnam CD Online Shop, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon MP3, Google Play
Available from: iTunes, Bandcamp www.kyrreslind.com
www.davidpatrickmusic.com
www.kyrreslind.com
Album cd / download Release Date: Out Now
Available from: iTunes, Birnam CD Online Shop, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon MP3, Google Play www.birnamcd.com/promo-johny-corrigan/
IMAGINARY SCOTTISH FOLK CREATURES
Imaginary Creatures is a virtual band, a studio Music from the islands to the project formed by the collaboration of lyricist highlands, the cities the sea. and and songwriter David Scottto and producer multi-instrumentalist Iain McKinna. The Traditional folk legends perform Butterfly’s Dream is their debut album. Guest alongside contemporary acts; fourmusicians include guitar ace Keith More, times-winners of Best Band harmonica legend Fraser Speirs and BBC exRadio 2 Folk Awards the legends Lindisfarne songwriter Rod Lau; Clements. Fred Morrison; Dougie Maclean; Listen/Watch: Archie Fisher and Sir Jimmy Shand. www.reverbnation.com/imaginarycreatures A rich collection of traditional and Available from: Scottish folk. contemporary Birnam Shop: http://bit.ly/1bLhVDw www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ID7BLAK Listen/Watch: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ID7BLAK www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbjex6LW7mo http://amzn.to/1heO9qD also comingfrom: soon on itunes + spotify Available
www.arcmusic.co.uk/shop/theultimateguidetoscottishfolk-p-1252.html
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/pages/Imaginary-Creatures/392409684214473 www.facebook.com/theultimateguidetoscottishfolk
www.facebook.com/Kyrre-Slind-1693164894249730
THE DEADLY WINTERS CHRISTINE BOVILL
The Ultimate Guide to Scottish Folk Theliner Butterfly’s with notes by Mary Dream Ann Kennedy
Album Album Double download 2cdx /CD's Release Date: Date: Out Out Now Now Release
Listen/Watch: www.kyrreslind.bandcamp.com
Table In The Corner The Sentence That I Serve EP CD only (at present) Release Date: Out Now
Second release from singer songwriter Christine Bovill. A Roots affair, recorded with the Strange Blue Dreams, strirring in the tangle of Vintage Rock n Roll, Chanson and Americana. Both band and singer have spent years immersed in old blues, jazz, soul and country music and bring a naturally confident, risk taking flair that breathes new life into vintage pop forms. Listen/Watch: https://soundcloud.com/christine-bovill https://youtu.be/QoR9snXg0aU Available from: www.christinebovill.com www.christinebovill.com www.facebook.com/bovill.christine/ https://twitter.com/christinebovill www.facebook.com/ thestrangebluedreams
EP cd / download Release Date: 6 November
Armed with swagger, a thumping singalong chorus and a fervent holler, the title track of the EP is the band at their rousing, anthemic best. The rest of the EP doesn’t disappoint with the raucous anger of Liars, Liars, Liars, the jaunty tale of a war hero that is Sam Did Run and the epic, percussive Gone to Ground. Listen/Watch: https://soundcloud.com/the-deadly-winters/ table-in-the-corner-ep-preview Available from: www.thedeadlywinters.com/shop/ www.thedeadlywinters.com www.facebook.com/deadlywinters www.twitter.com/deadlywinters www.soundcloud.com/the-deadly-winters www.thedeadlywinters.bandcamp.com www.youtube.com/deadlywinters
music news scotland
page 27
scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download JOHN STUART THE GARY FORREST SCOTTISH DANCE BAND CEILIDH BAND North of the Grampians: Vol. 1 Album cd Release Date: Out Now
This is the fourth album from veteran Scots musician John Stuart and his Scottish Dance Band. The album is filled with top-notch tune sets for popular Scottish dances all over the world, including the Britannia Two Step, Canadian Barn Dance, Gay Gordons, and many others. Available from: Birnam CD Online Shop, Amazon UK, Amazon US www.birnamcd.com/promo-john-stuart/
Live at Glen Douglas Hall
SWEET WHITE Monet
EP / CD Release Date: Out Now
Album cd / download Release Date: Out Now
Sweet White are a 5-piece indie band from Peterhead, Scotland. Things began with only 2 friends writing and recording music together in a bedroom. Now one year down the line with the addition of some more friends, Glen Douglas is a small community in the Scottish one released EP and multiple plays on national radio, Borders with a fantastic village hall. The Gary Forrest Sweet White have been gigging live in the local area to Ceilidh Band, led by Gary himself on accordion and midi, with Roddy Matthews on fiddle and Keith Lauder great reviews from crowds and journalists alike, even being described as "The next big Scottish band in the on drums, first practised at the hall for their BBC making." in a live review. Sweet White recently broadcast back in 2003. The band’s lively and trendy concluded a 9-date Scottish tour promoting their new up-to-date style, along with their passion for tradition from both Scotland and England, make them one of the EP 'Monet' which was recently given a 7/10 rating by Tenement TV, proclaiming the EP as "utterly huge". most popular and busiest ceilidh bands in the area. Listen/Watch: ??
Listen/Watch: www.soundcloud.com/sweet-white https://youtu.be/sji0-cuGCz4
Available from: Available from: iTunes, Birnam CD Online Shop, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon MP3, Google Play, Highlander Music, GOJO Check social media Records (Hexham), Coda Music (Edinburgh) https://sweetwhite.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/sweetwhite https://twitter.com/GaryForrestMus https://twitter.com/SWEET_WHITE_ www.birnamcd.com/promo-gary-forrest/
UP
GAVIN BLACKIE MARY MAY
UPrising
Laid Bare
Album download Release Date: 6 November
A new singer is emerging as an exciting recording artist and live performer. Gavin Blackie is delighted to introduce his debut album ‘Laid Bare’. On the same day the album is released, Gavin will perform at Edinburgh’s Church Hill Theatre. Gavin has strived to create an image and album that has been five years in the making. Gavin himself, based on his life experiences, has penned every track on the album. Listen/Watch: https://m.soundcloud.com/offbeat/laid-bare-bygavin-blackie Available from: iTunes on release https://twitter.com/gavinblackie www.facebook.com/GavinBlackieMusic
This is What You Are Album cd / download Release Date: Out Now
Mary May (one of the best Jazz Singers in Scotland....Aberdeen Performing Arts) has already received a * * * * review from 'All About Jazz' for this album and sales have reached from Mexico to Japan. Described as 'Gregory Porter meets Peggy Lee', the album features her regular Quintet accompanied by horn section. Tracks are new arrangements of songs by Stevie Wonder, Wayne Shorter and Mario Biondi amongst others. It's Jazz to the Bone! Official launch 1 November at Edinburgh's Jazz Bar. Listen/Watch: www.cdbaby.com/cd/marymay3 Available from: www.cdbaby.com/cd/marymay3 Coda Music (Edinburgh) Vinyl Villains (Edinburgh) www.marymayjazzsinger.com www.facebook.com/MaryMayJazz https://twitter.com/MaryMayJazz
Album cd Release Date: Out Now UP is a trio comprising guitar, double bass, drums and harmony vocals, based in East Lothian and Edinburgh. These are fine, experienced players, and the album (superbly engineered by Wayne Bell) gives a good crosssection of their eclectic live repertoire - early rock, jive, country, jazz, blues, traditional folk and skiffle pieces all come under a very broad umbrella - if it's fun they play it! Listen/Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hudarwZ0w0w https://youtu.be/pFsYipnuZdI https://youtu.be/IQ7jGLShZ0M https://youtu.be/IFy6Tz0knAY Available from: Direct from the band - email: up.band@btinternet.com or via facebook - album £10 + UK p&p £2.65. Payment via PayPal invoice, either by PayPal a/c or credit/debit card www.facebook.com/uncertaintyprincipleup
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music news scotland
scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download DAVY NICOL
IMAGINARY CREATURES Danse Macabre
Greenock Road
Album cd / download Release Date: Out Now
Album - cd / download Release Date: 2 October 'GREENOCK ROAD' is a self-penned 14 track CD from this seasoned musician, whose influences range from Gram Parsons to Willie Nelson. This is more than a music release, this is a musical journey - a chronicle of living and working in the beautiful but gritty West Coast of Scotland. Hailing from the former shipbuilding town of Greenock, Scotland, the title track is a homage to his roots. 14 melodic tracks of Scottish stories, spirit and celtic soul. Listen/Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32Re7aGU_Qw https://youtu.be/nVumbUrcQSM Available from: http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/DavyNicol
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/greenock-road/id986546844 www.amazon.co.uk/Greenock-Road-Davy-Nicol/dp/B00W9MOXJQ
And on Spotify www.davynicol.com www.facebook.com/davynicolmusic https://twitter.com/davynicolmusic
Danse Macabre is the second studio album from virtual band Imaginary Creatures. The group is a studio project formed by the collaboration of lyricist and songwriter David Scott along with composer and multi-instrumentalist Iain McKinna. For this album, the Imaginary Creatures are joined by legendary drummer Ted McKenna, well-known from the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Rory Gallagher and the Ian Gillan Band. There is also a top-notch lineup of guest musicians. Making a return from the first album are guitar ace Keith More and backing vocalists Alexis and Kirsty. New to this release are saxophone players John Burgess and Kenny Tomlinson, and keyboard maestro Rich Anderson.
NOVANTAE For Us
Album cd / download Release Date: Out Now
Listen/Watch: www.reverbnation.com/imaginarycreatures
Novantae are an award winning Scottish rock band formed in Dumfries & Galloway in 2010. The band are: James Henderson on guitars, mandolin and vocals; Tom Cuddihy on bass guitar, banjo and vocals; Guy Bryson on drums, percussion and vocals. The band’s debut album For Us was recorded in the heart of Galloway, and mastered in Glasgow. The songs are inspired by the people and places of Scotland and take the listener on a diverse aural journey.
Available from: www.amazon.co.uk www.birnamcdshop.com iTunes, Amazon MP3, Spotify, Google Play
Available from: iTunes, Amazon MP3, www.novantae.co.uk
www.facebook.com/pages/Imaginary-Creatures/392409684214473
www.novantae.co.uk www.facebook.com/WeAreNovantae
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 2015' was on 18 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 Avalanche (Edinburgh) Grassmarket EH1 2HY : www.avalancherecords.co.uk Apollo Music (Paisley) Causeyside Street PA1 1YH : www.apollomusic.uk.com Barnstorm (Dumfries) Queensberry Street DG1 1BU : 01387 267894 Big Sparra Vinyl (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 McAlister Matheson (Edinburgh) [classical] Grindlay St EH3 9AT : www.mmmusic.co.uk Monorail (Glasgow) King Street G1 5RB : www.monocafebar.com/index.php?pid=84 Ripping Records (Edinburgh) South Bridge EH1 1HN : www.rippingrecords.com
music news scotland
page 29
Read the latest MNS GIGguide @ http://bitly.com/mns-gigguide-mar16-15
plus read MNS FESTIVALS! @ http://wp.me/P12d6v-21 ADVERTISE IN OUR 3 WEEKLY DIGITAL PUBLICATIONS
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 Niel Gow Scottish Fiddle Festival Dunkeld & Birnam 18-20 March The 2016 Niel Gow Festival will be held in the beautiful Perthshire village of Dunkeld & Birnam, home of Niel Gow. The annual festival was established in 2004 to celebrate the life and music of Perthshire's fiddle legend. It is envisaged that through time the festival and other activities will gather enough funds to erect a fitting memorial to Niel Gow in Dunkeld & Birnam. Niel Gow (not Neil Gow) was born in Strathbraan on 22nd March 1727 and grew up in the village of Inver, by Dunkeld. www.niel-gow.co.uk
Hawick Reivers Festival Hawick 25-27 March As always music is at the heart of Hawick Reivers Festival and there are a number of new innovations this year and plans are being finalised for an exciting weekend. Email email info@hawickreivers.com for info.
www.facebook.com/hawick.reiversfestival.3
Scottish harpists, alongside acclaimed names from the USA and Europe, performing a rich variety of music that spans traditions with outstanding creativity. With special events to celebrate the 85th anniversary of its organisers, The Clarsach Society, EIHF 2016 will be a festival to remember. www.harpfestival.co.uk
TradFest Edinburgh | Dùn Èideann Edinburgh 27 Apr – 8 May A vibrant twelve-day showcase of Scotland’s thriving traditional arts scene with dozens of events in the heart of Scotland’s capital, setting the city abuzz with music, song, storytelling, dance, film, crafts and more. Amongst the host of local and international talent appearing on this year’s programme are Nordic Fiddlers Bloc, Macmath: The Silent Page, Moishe’s Bagel, Dàimh, Niteworks, Gol, Nuala Kennedy Band, Talisk, Sheesham and Lotus & ‘Son and Mairi Campbell’s ‘Pulse’, along with many other songsters, storytellers and dancers to enjoy and discover. www.facebook.com/tradfestedinburgh
Isle of Bute Jazz Festival Isle of Bute 29 April-2 May 2016
North Of The Wall
The Isle of Bute Jazz Festival has grown spectacularly from its small beginnings to become one of Britain's most popular jazz weekends. Top-class UK and international names feature in a programme of traditional jazz music NotW returns in 2016, bigger and better. in one of Scotland's prettiest and friendliest MORGUL - Glasgow Metal and Rock Society seaside resorts. Some very well known jazz presents North of the Wall a one-day metal names featured on the programme over the next festival which returns for a fourth year of madness bigger and better! The festival's venues few years – Acker Bilk, Monty Sunshine, Martin Taylor, Tommy Smith, Andy Sheppard, Carol are Glasgow's The Classic Grand, Ivory Blacks Kidd, The Temperance 7, and The London and Audio. Community Gospel Choir amongst others, and www.facebook.com/thenorthofthewall the Festival continues to attract top class UK and international bands in mainly the Traditional New Orleans idiom.The Festival is a great supporter of young musicians who feature prominently in the annual programme. www.butejazz.com Edinburgh International Glasgow 26 March
APRIL
Harp Festival Edinburgh 1-6 April
The Edinburgh International Harp Festival hosts its 35th annual celebration of the instrument with a magical series of concerts, courses and workshops. A star-studded line-up features top
MAY Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival Dumfries and Galloway
weekend tickets available now @ www.ullapoolguitarfestival.com fb @ www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ullapool-Guitar-Festival/201560546591552
20-29 May Our 9-day festival has taken place since 1979. The founding aim was to bring international performers of the highest quality to a region containing many scattered rural communities since then this region has produced some of its own talent of international standing and we’re proud to also be able to present these artistes from time to time. We offer a wide range of events: music – including classical, jazz and folk, dance, theatre, literary, children’s events, plus the visual arts and films. Events take place in a range of venues throughout the region, from large to small, formal to informal, urban to rural. www.dgartsfestival.org.uk
Orkney Folk Festival Orkney 26-29 May Once again we have some big names coming north to join in the fun in May, and from the ceilidh bands to the almost indie strand, we have brought together a broad mix of artists that we hope appeals to everyone’s interpretation of the increasingly expansive folk genre. As ever, our local traditions and musicians – both established and emerging – will be centre stage alongside those visiting the festival. You would be hard pushed to find another festival throughout the country that has such a strong home representation, and it is one that we are hugely proud of. www.orkneyfolkfestival.com
JUNE Brew at the Bog Inverness 3-4 June Brew at the Bog is one of Scotland's most dynamic hidden gems, championing new and unsigned artists alongside craft beer, gin, cider, whisky, rum and prosecco bars! A two-day camping festival, Brew at the Bog is held at Bogbain Farm in Inverness, which was crowned "Best Unusual Venue" at the 2012 Scottish Event Awards - the perfect setting for a festival that prides itself on championing the best of Scotland’s alternative scene. The lineup for 2016 includes a Mercury Music Prize nominee, Best Breakthrough Act at the Scottish Music Awards, Best Hip Hop Act AND Best Live Act at the SAMAs, Best Up & Coming at the Scottish Trad Music Awards, a Radio 2 Awards nominee, and so it goes on! The festival for 2016 also features a programme of speakers, cinema, alternative therapies and street food!
..... lots more festival dates in our FESTIVALS! supplement read it @ http://musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com/festivals/ www.brewatthebog.com
Eden Festival Raehills Meadows 9-12 June 2016 Set in the stunning Raehill Meadows of Dumfries Eden Festival is boutique festival, with over 250 acts performing across 9 stages, bringing you live music, dance, cabaret, burlesque, circus skills, theatre, a children's area, fun and games and much more. Nominated for three awards in 2015. www.facebook.com/theedenfestival
camping next to the white sands of Crossapol Bay or surfing at Balevullin beach, TMF is an experience very few festivals in the world could compete with. Get your tickets quick, the early birds sell out in hours - http://tireemusicfestival. co.uk/ticket-prices www.tireemusicfestival.co.uk
Pandora Fest Duncarron 16 July
Pandorafest will be Scotland's first music festival that supports women musicians. In 2015 the major festivals displayed a massive gender imbalance, of the 87 acts that were announced, Riverside Rock 78 were all male, 3 were female and 6 were Jedburgh mixed groups - that was an 89.6% all male line 18 June up.* "As far as Scotland is concerned - this is not okay" says Pandora Fest! Pandorafest will be Riverside Rock 2016 already have some fantastic a one day music festival packed full of live music bands signed up: The Men They Couldn’t Hang / from female singer/songwriters, women The Lost Boys / Scocha (Back for a 3rd Year) / musicians and female fronted bands all playing Blistered Molly (Back for a 2nd Year) / Greg from 12noon-11pm. Pandorafest will be running Anderson (Back too for 2nd year) he rocked the 3 stages of live music across many genres, all tent at the end last year! Main tent headliner expertly woven into a line-up to keep you and other bands to be announced. As before entertained from start to finish. Riverside Rock must not be missed, the Scottish www.pandorafest.com Borders very own music festival at Riverside Park, Jedburgh, and 2016 will have more food outlets, more bars and a bigger tent. Tickets on Crail Festival sale soon! Fife www.riversiderock.co.uk 20-30 July 2016
JULY T in the Park Strathallan Castle, Perthshire 8-10 July What more can we say! Scotland’s most widely known and respected festival, which always attracts the biggest names. Check out tickets availability at www.tinthepark.com/tickets www.tinthepark.com
Hebridean Celtic Festival Hebrides 13-16 July 2016 Fantastic four-day festival set against the rich cultural backdrop of the Outer Hebrides, featuring top quality music from around the Celtic nations and beyond. Stornoway and throughout Lewis and Harris. The cream of international folk and Celtic music have heaped praise on HebCeltl as it celebrated its 20th year in 2015 by hosting its biggest number of live performances ever. Award-winning artists who took part in this year's Hebridean Celtic Festival hailed it a huge success after bosses laid on new venues and returned to its roots for the showpiece event. www.hebceltfest.com
Tiree Music Festival Isle of Tiree 15-17 July Tiree Music Festival (TMF) was formed in 2010 when Tiree musician Daniel Gillespie (Skerryvore) teamed up with school friend Stewart MacLennan with the radical idea of holding an open-air festival on their local island of Tiree. TMF is more than just attending a music festival – it is an island adventure. From the stunning sail or flight to the island of Tiree,
"Crail Festival- 20th - 30th July 2016- now in its 4th decade , will ,once again ,offer a wonderful programme of music. It will include: the amazing Jimmi Shandrix Experience Ceilidh Band : Opera Bohemia ' I Pagliacci': the incomparable Richard Digance will be conducting a Songwriting Children's Workshop in addition to his keenly anticipated performance: Gaelic folk from the talented Mischa Macpherson Trio: Matthew McAllister , a 'local' classical guitarist, is rapidly gaining world wide recognition: the legendary Jimmie McGregor will be performing his acclaimed 'Gathering of Songs, Stories and Famous Folk': the hugely popular, irrepressible Christine Bovill will capture her audience with her interpretation of songs about 'Paris': and Buddy Holly and the Cricketers , our headline act, will bring the Festival to a rousing close. Truly something for everyone! Tickets will be on sale from the Byre Theatre Box Office starting 30 May 2016. Follow the build up to the Festival on www.crailfestival.com, www.facebook.com/ CrailFestival, and ‘Crail Festival’ on Pinterest." www.crailfestival.com
Wickerman Festival Dumfries & Galloway 22-23 July Wickerman is one of the UK’s best-loved independent music festivals which will enter its 15th consecutive year in 2016. With ten stages featuring an eclectic and exciting mix of leading artists, heritage acts and up-and-coming talent, the two day summer party caters for all musical tastes. www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk
Speyfest Moray 29-31 July At the end of July, the playing fields on East Street in the Moray town of Fochabers will be home to the 21st annual Speyfest, three days of
the best in traditional and contemporary Celtic music. The tented village hosts a variety of seated and standing events including the Friday and Saturday concerts and stomps, the music marathon that is the Speyfest Family Sunday, a craft and food fair and an ecumenical Celtic Kirk service. The event is fully licensed and offers a wide range of hot foods and a variety of drinks from a number on onsite concessions. www.speyfest.com
AUGUST Tartan Heart ‘Belladrum’ Festival Beauly 4-6 August Get yourself a ticket to Scotland’s all ages wackiest festival of music and performing arts. Bella is back in its beautiful Highland setting with all the crazy variety that makes it Scotland’s premier boutique festival. ''Belladrum - quite simply, it’s what everyday life should be like, if only everyday life didn't get in the way.'' - Clare Damdoaran, eFestivals. Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival takes place in the beautiful Highland surroundings of Belladrum Estate, near Beauly in Inverness-shire. The independent festival has built a reputation for its eclectic line-ups, its offbeat non-musical entertainments and its allages approach. www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk
Party at The Palace Linlithgow 13-14 August 2016 McEwan’s Party at The Palace is back for its third year following the fantastic event last summer. The 2 day party will take place on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th August in Linlithgow. It’s only 20 mins from Edinburgh and 35mins from Glasgow, making it one of the most easily accessible music festivals in Scotland. We have some exciting additions to the 2016 event including a second stage for the first time, new street food outlets and a larger kids zone to keep the children entertained. A limited number of Tier One Early Bird tickets are on sale from 1 January. www.partyatthepalace.co.uk
Innerleithen Music Festival Scottish Borders 19-21 August 2016 A hugely enjoyable weekend of traditional music in this small Borders town, beautifully situated amongst rolling hills by the River Tweed. Memorable concerts feature some of the biggest names in Celtic music alongside the best of the local talent and the weekend is rounded off with a concert presenting wonderful singers of traditional song. Complementing the concerts are an open stage, a singaround and the legendary informal music sessions in local hostelries and the Union Club. www.innerleithenmusicfestival.org
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