MUSIC NEWS Scotland

23 : 10 : 19

'Hit The Road' November Youth Tour - see page 6 Nordoff Robbins Scottish Awards - p3 :: Made in Scotland Applications - p8

Scottish Alternative Music Awards Nominations Announced For 2019 The Scottish Alternative Music Awards (SAMA’s) recognises the best new Scottish music, shining a spotlight across an eclectic range of contemporary music genres.

2019 marks the tenth anniversary of music awards taking place at Saint Luke’s Glasgow, on Friday 25 October. The ceremony will include live performances by psych rockers The Cosmic Dead, hip hop visionary Chlobocop, and Dumfries punks Franky’s Evil Party whilst being hosted by new music champion Jim Gellatly and poet Leyla Josephine.

Ran in association with key partners Rebel Rebel Barbers, and Creative Scotland the SAMA’s are set to bring a giant night of music celebration to Glasgow.

Alan Morrison, Head of Music, Creative Scotland said: “The SAMAs shine a light on the bits of the Scottish music industry that other award ceremonies don’t reach. What they find there is a buzz of activity, sometimes in vibrant underground scenes, sometimes on the margins where tomorrow’s talent is ready and waiting to step onto the main stage. For their 10th year, the SAMAs have assembled their strongest list of nominees yet, introducing superb musicians to new audiences who might not otherwise lend an ear to these genres. Creative Scotland is proud to support an event that consistently thinks outside of the musical box.”

The 2019 SAMA’s nominations are :: Best Newcomer in association with The Academy Of Music & Sound :: corto.alto + Cloth + Kapil Seshasayee + VanIves // Best Electronic in association with citizenM hotels :: Ela Orleans :: Ok Button :: Tallisker :: SHHE // Best Hip Hop in association with Help Musicians Scotland :: Billy Got Waves :: Delivery Room :: Nova Scotia The Truth :: Steg G // Best Acoustic in association with BTO BeCreative :: Aaron Smith :: Annie Booth :: Lizabett Russo :: Zoe Graham // Best Live Act in association with Musicians Union :: Bossy Love :: Crystal :: Gallus :: The Vegan Leather // Best Metal in association with Hard Rock Cafe Glasgow :: Centrilia :: From Sorrow To Serenity :: Godeater :: Inferiem // Best Rock/ Alternative in association with Beezer :: Fabric Bear :: Heavy Rapids :: The Snuts :: Walt Disco Tickets via Eventbrite with £1 from each going to charity 'Help Musicians Scotland' and invested back into supporting Scottish musicians.

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Walt Disco are nominated for Best Rock / Alternative :: www.facebook.com/waltdisco/ photo by Kingdom Management

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Music Stars To Celebrate St Andrew’s Day And Raise Vital Funds For Nordoff Robbins we wish all artists the best of luck on the evening.”

Nordoff Robbins have announced the return of The Specsavers Scottish Music Awards for 2019.

Some of the most legendary figures in Scottish music have been awarded over the years at the prestigious ceremony with previous winners including Paolo Nutini, Snow Patrol, Annie Lennox and after another triumphant year for the nation’s music scene, an incredible mix of iconic acts and breakthrough stars will be honoured at 2019’s event.

This year’s host, Edith Bowman, said “There are so many reasons why I’m honoured to be hosting this years awards. One of those being to Now in its 21st year, the prestigious celebrate the amazing achievements award ceremony will once again of musicians , old and new, while raise vital funds for the music reminding people about the therapy charity and honour the very continued outstanding talent best in Scottish music across one Scotland nurtures.” star-studded, unmissable night.

Formed in Glasgow in 1977, Simple The charity has unveiled the first Minds have sold more than 70 nominees and performers for this million records over the last four year’s awards, with the legendary decades. With six UK Number One Simple Minds set to take to the albums to their name, the band stage alongside one of the biggest have one of the most iconic back breakthrough artists of the last catalogues in music history, ranging year, Tom Walker as well as Joesef, from electronica infused post-punk one of Scotland’s most exciting to strident, stadium-filling anthems. emerging artists capturing huge Over their 40-year career, the band industry buzz right now. New for have been responsible for some of 2019, the awards will be hosted by the most innovate and enduring Scotland’s very own Edith Bowman. anthems in rock music including Promising to be one of the biggest ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me)’, ‘Alive nights of the year in the Scottish and Kicking’ and ‘Belfast Child’. music calendar, Nordoff Robbins Having collaborated with artists and sponsors Specsavers will return from Bono to David Bowie to Iggy to Glasgow’s Old Fruitmarket on Pop, Simple Minds are, quite simply, Saturday 30th November to honour one of Scotland’s biggest exports to and reward some of music’s biggest the international music scene. stars, whilst raising funds for the Nominated for the Specsavers UK’s largest independent music Outstanding Contribution to Music, therapy charity.

Simple Minds will also perform at the awards ceremony at the Jill McArthur, Chair of intimate Old Fruitmarket.

Specsavers in Scotland, said: “We are delighted to support this BRIT Award winner Tom Walker will year’s 2019 Specsavers Scottish perform at this year’s awards, Music Awards. nominated for the Barrowland’s Best Album Award. Born in Kilsyth before “The work of Nordoff Robbins and moving to England, the singerThe Scottish Music Awards is a true songwriter has a special place in his inspiration to the people of Scotland heart for Glasgow, with his Scottish which is why Specsavers has gran at the forefront of his Brit returned as headline sponsor of the Award winners’ speech in February. event for this year.

With heartfelt, singalong singles like “We look forward to working with ‘Leave a Light On’ and ‘Just You and both the event organisers and I’ Tom Walker’s intimate charity to ensure the 2019 awards performance at the Old Fruitmarket are the most successful to-date and will be a real highlight of the awards ceremony. A long-time supporter of Nordoff Robbins, Tom’s single ‘Leave a Light On’ received an update from Scotland’s Red Hot Chilli Pipers, and the new track was released earlier this year in aid of the charity, as Tom and the Pipers performed the duet everywhere from Glasgow’s Buchanan Street to Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium.

Joesef :: www.twitter.com/joesefjoesef

Tom Walker plays at the 2019 Specsavers Scottish Music Awards :: www.facebook.com/IamTomWalker/

nominated for this is just amazing.

You can help Nordoff Robbins right now by downloading the version of Leave A Light On I did with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers – all the money from that helps them to keep doing their life-changing work. Thank you Scotland!”

most exciting line-ups to date, this year’s glittering ceremony will shine a light on those acts who have made an outstanding contribution to Scottish music throughout their career as well as those who have made a significant impact over the last 12 months. Making its 21st celebrations even bigger and better, Always supporting the nation’s most Nordoff Robbins have invited the exciting emerging artists, previous outstanding Edith Bowman to Scottish Music Awards have seen present the awards this year. There the likes of Lewis Capaldi and Nina is no one who knows the Scottish Nesbitt scoop awards. Looking to music scene better than the Scots follow in their footsteps, rising star DJ and Presenter, making her the Joesef has been nominated for perfect host for the evening’s Coors’ Best Breakthrough Artist. proceedings on St Andrew’s Day in With his distinctively soulful vocals, Glasgow celebrating all things the artist from the East End of Scotland.

Glasgow has captured the attention of fans and tastemakers alike from Shaping up to be one of the most well beyond the confines of his eagerly anticipated music events of hometown with tracks like ‘Limbo’, the year, The Specsavers Scottish ‘Loverboy’ and latest single ‘Don’t Music Awards have been the main Give In’. With three sold-out nights fundraising event for music therapy at Glasgow’s iconic King Tut’s charity Nordoff Robbins for over 20 already under his belt, and a date at years. Funds raised on the night SWG3 in December, the singerare a vital part of the charity’s songwriter has already carefully ability to provide music therapists crafted a sound that feels incredibly and sessions to those who need it vital and unique to the city’s most. 2018’s winners and attendees constantly developing soundscape. included Susan Boyle, Snow Patrol, Mark Knopfler, Tom Grennan, The Joesef said, "Cheers to Nordoff Snuts and Amy Macdonald.

Robbins for thinking of me as a For tickets to the Scottish nominee for the Best Breakthrough Music Awards email ..... award. I still don't feel like I've even Simon.Foy@nordoff-robbins.org.uk kicked a ball yet so this is pretty

Tom Walker said, "I’ve just heard the absolutely sick news that I’ve been nominated for the Barrowland’s Best Album at the Scottish Music Awards. I won UK Breakthrough before I even had an album out, which was the first award I ever got for my music. It was a huge honour and a real boost www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk special.” for me to have that support, so to www.twitter.com/NordoffRobbins1 be coming back again and Set to feature one of its biggest and www.facebook.com/NordoffRobbins

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WHAT'S The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra (SNJO) presents from the latest releases to The Artistry of Jazzmeia Horn

HOT! reach us ....

DOGHOUSE ROSES

The SNJO is delighted to welcome the outstanding American vocalist Jazzmeia Horn on her first visit to Scotland for three nights of spellbinding vocal artistry and enthralling orchestral jazz. www.doghouseroses.net

TORRIDON

Some albums are like fleeting thoughts, written and recorded in a blink of the eye. Others are nurtured over time, allowed to develop and blossom and this is the case for the fourth album from Glasgow's Doghouse Roses

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TOM McGUIRE + THE BRASSHOLES

Their new album signals a significant progression in the band’s style, sound, vision and drive to showcase a passion for serious and original songwriting. With tracks inspired by men’s mental health and suicide in Scotland

www.tomandthebrassholes.com

Jazzmeia Horn is the foremost jazz singer of her generation and very much a voice for our times.

Musically, she has journeyed through jazz history from its earliest beginnings, absorbing every nuance, influence and inflection along the way. It is an approach that has made her one of the most articulate and relevant voices in improvisational music.

Anyone hearing Jazzmeia Horn for the first time will be struck by several things at once. There is explosive Jazzmeia Horn :: www.facebook.com/TheArtistryofJazzHorn/ power, raw emotion, boundless energy, great strength and consummate control. Yet, there is something else. It is identity and it commands your attention. That much has already been recognized Dream, alongside a bittersweet romance in The with a GRAMMY Award nomination for her debut Peacocks. Also featured is Jazzmeia’s recent album, A Social Call. composition Free Your Mind, which appears on her recently released 2nd album Love and Liberation on It would be a lapse into cliché to say that Jazzmeia Concord Records.

Horn’s music speaks for itself. She has, in any case, explained her relationship with jazz herself, and in the We confidently predict that Jazzmeia Horn, in live clearest possible terms; ‘when I’m scatting, I don’t performance with the SNJO, will be among the most think about a horn player, I just become the horn memorable events of the jazz year, just about player’. anywhere. But, don’t take our word for it. Come and hear for yourself. Prepare to be amazed, to be moved Nevertheless, one jazz journalist was moved to and to be uplifted, but be there! comment that, “Jazzmeia is a performer for whom every word, gesture, and ornament becomes an The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra is supported by expression of her total conviction and she completely Creative Scotland comes alive in the moment”.

GIGnotes :: Friday 22 November at 7.30 p.m. Perth The SNJO’s acknowledged elegance and commitment Concert Hall :: Saturday 23 November at 7.30 p.m. to emancipated expression perfectly matches the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (New Auditorium) :: Sunday 24 bravura artistry of Jazzmeia Horn. The scope of their November at 7.30 p.m. Edinburgh Usher Hall collective vision is self-evident in a set-list featuring www.snjo.co.uk sparkling new arrangements by Bill Dobbins. The selections include affectionately re-imagined www.twitter.com/SNJO2 standards such as I Remember You and Darn That www.facebook.com/theSNJO/

AMY PAPIRANSKY

An eclectic, modern-soul-funk, 8 piece band from Glasgow, headed by Tom McGuire. The funky collective of “killer animals from hell”, consists of a colourful, hilarious bunch of wonderfully talented, animated young men

In this concert series, a big band meets a big voice, but both will be bringing mind, body and soul to the art of performance.

www.amypapiransky.com A stunning self-penned debut album, Amy has been gathering and writing songs over the last eight years. Her debut release is a lesson in flawless vocal dexterity and heartfelt song writing with a side of sass, funk and class

THINK YOUR NEW RELEASE IS GOOD ENOUGH TO APPEAR HERE? To be considered for our 'What's Hot' spot send your new album/ep/single to: MNS Top 4, MUSIC NEWS Scotland Romar House, Birgham, Berwickshire. TD12 4NF

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SCOTTISH MUSIC CENTRE

......... NEWS .....

"The Scottish Music Centre's task is to champion the wealth of talent that abounds in Scotland's musical community"

'Hit The Road' - November Tour visiting ..... Dumfries + Edinburgh + Glasgow Kate Kyle :: Sophie Penman :: Hector Shaw

National youth music touring project, Hit The Road visits Dumfries, Edinburgh and Glasgow from 14-16 November, featuring Kate Kyle, Sophie Penman and Hector Shaw.

Run by Scottish Music Centre; the initiative provides young musicians living in Scotland, age 14-19 years old, the opportunity to learn about the live industry before embarking on a professionally managed tour. Hit The Road aims to equip young artists with the knowledge, contacts and tools required to build a career within the modern live industry and is funded by Creative Scotland’s Youth Music Initiative (YMI) and PRS Foundation.

The initiative has acted as a stepping-stone in the development of some of Scotland’s brightest young artists, including charttopping Lewis Capaldi, Be Charlotte, Indigo Velvet, Man of Moon, JR Green and many more.

Watch all 'Hit The Road' videos @ http://bit.ly/HitTheRoad-Video

KATE KYLE Kate Kyle is a 17-year-old singer songwriter from Dumfries who was shortlisted for the 2019 BBC Radio Scotland Singer / Songwriter Award (video below).

Kate has played Youth Beatz, Eden Festival, Dumfries Music Conference, Resonate, Millport Country Music Festival, Big Burns Supper, Maidens of Music and been championed by ITV and Dumfries and Galloway Life Magazine. She released her debut EP ‘Where I’m Going’ earlier this year. www.facebook.com/katekylemusic www.instagram.com/katekylemusic

SOPHIE PENMAN Hailing from Edinburgh, 19-year-old singer songwriter Sophie Penman was highly commended in the Song Academy UK Young Songwriters Competition.

And Sophie was a top 10 finalist (from 2,800 entrants), in a UK / Australia talent search.

Sophie has performed at Edinburgh Castle thanks to The List magazine’s ‘Knight At The Castle’ event and released her single ‘Take Me’ last year on the Musicplus+ Presents compilation album. www.facebook.com/SPenmanmusic www.instagram.com/spenmanmusic/

Dates and venues for the November tour :: Thursday 14 November Oasis Centre Dumfries Tickets @ http://bit.ly/Dumfries-14Nov19

Friday 15 November Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh Tickets @ http://bit.ly/Edinburgh-15Nov19

Saturday 16 November Webster Theatre, Glasgow http://bit.ly/Glasgow-16Nov19

www.hittheroad.org.uk www.twitter.com/HitTheRoadTours www.facebook.com/hittheroadscotland

HECTOR SHAW Hector Shaw comes from a musical family, and as a child, often accompanied his parents on tour, both members of Capercaillie.

Now studying at Edinburgh University, Hector has been busy performing his own songs in and around central Scotland, supporting acts such as Mt. Doubt.

Through our sister project Musicplus+ Hector performed at Doonhame and Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, including a live session for NetSounds. www.facebook.com/hecshawmusic www.instagram.com/hectorshaw_/

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For further information, please contact 0141 552 5222 or visit: www.scottishmusiccentre.com

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the mns collection ….

Apply now for 'Made in Scotland' 2020 Showcase at Edinburgh Festival Fringe Scottish music, dance + theatre artists invited to apply for funding to present work at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2020

Applications now via link below (deadline 5pm Monday 11 November 2019)

www.creativescotland.com/funding/funding-programmes/targeted-funding/made-in-scotland

Simon Thacker and Justyna Jablonska whose show, 'Karmana, Songs of the Roma', was part of Made in Scotland in 2016 :: photo by Colin Hattersley

Scotland-based artists working across music, theatre and dance are invited to apply to be part of the Made in Scotland 2020 showcase – an annual curated showcase that promotes highquality music, theatre and dance from Scotland-based artists to international audiences and promoters at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

View all the MNS digital publications from links at www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com

the world’s largest arts marketplace and the opportunities that it offers.”

MADE IN SCOTLAND is supported by the Scottish Government Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund. The total amount available for the Made in Scotland 2020 programme will be in the region of £290,000, split approximately between £220,000 to support theatre and dance and £70,000 to support music. An independent panel of expert advisors will select the final showcase in January 2020. The panel consists of both Scotland-based and internationally recognised industry professionals. Applicants will be informed of the panels’ decisions in the week commencing 17 February 2020.

Over 230 shows have been supported Full information on national and international through the programme, including 2019’s touring opportunities for companies who How Not to Drown and Islander – the New Musical. The Made in Scotland showcase is a have been part of the Made in Scotland showcase since 2009 can be found @ partnership between the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, Creative Scotland, Federation www.madeinscotlandshowcase.com of Scottish Theatre and Scottish Music Creative Scotland is the public body that Centre. For more information about Made in supports the arts, screen and creative Scotland, including details of previous industries across all parts of Scotland on showcases, visit the Made in Scotland behalf of everyone who lives, works or visits website. here. We enable people and organisations to work in and experience the arts, screen and Laura Mackenzie-Stuart, Head of creative industries in Scotland by helping Theatre, Creative Scotland, said: others to develop great ideas and bring them “Through Made in Scotland, a fantastic range to life. We distribute funding provided by the of Scottish work will once again be presented Scottish Government and the National at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to audiences Lottery. Further information @ from across Scotland and around the world. www.creativescotland.com This funding provides a fantastic boost to The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, individual projects, and also demonstrates the charity that underpins the Edinburgh that Scotland is one of the globe’s most artistically innovative and exciting countries. Festival Fringe, was established in 1958, “This year we’re once again looking for work eleven years after the birth of the Fringe when the first performers turned up that challenges, excites and brings artists uninvited to perform at the Edinburgh together in new productions and partnerships. We look forward to discovering International Festival. The Fringe is an open access festival – any artist or company can the exciting and dynamic work that shall take part regardless of their experience or form the 2020 programme.” success, and the festival is not programmed Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive, or run by an artistic director or any selection Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society said: body. As a registered charity, the Fringe “We are thrilled to be launching the fund for Society exists to support all participants, industry professionals, media and audience the 2020 Made in Scotland Showcase and look forward to seeing another programme of members who attend the Fringe from all the very best music, theatre and dance from around the world, and to produce accurate and up-to-date information and ticketing for around Scotland enrich the stages of the audiences, and to raise the profile of the Fringe. festival as a whole. Follow events @ “We are very grateful to the Scottish www.facebook.com/edfringe/ Government for their continued investment www.madeinscotlandshowcase.com in ensuring that the work coming out of Scotland is well placed to take advantage of www.facebook.com/MadeInScotland

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Glasgow Indie Rock Band Rascalton Set To Take Stage At Resonate Live plus Scarlett Randle + Awkward Family Portraits + Zak Younger Banks + more Resonate Music Industry Conference have announced their line-up for Resonate Live, the popular live music show which brings the day’s proceedings to a close, on Thursday 14 November at Barras Art & Design Centre.

On the bill are Rascalton, Awkward Family Portraits, Scarlett Randle, Zak Younger Banks, Billy Got Waves X Joell and Grayling. With Resonate Live included in all delegate tickets, the gig is a chance to catch some of the most exciting acts in Scotland’s thriving music scene.

Resonate is a one day event taking place in Glasgow’s popular Barras Art & Design Centre in the East End Quarter. Now in its third year, the day is full of panel discussions, one to one advice sessions, practical led workshops and informative presentations. Built upon four key pillars - collaboration, creativity, accessibility and development; Resonate is keen to continue driving these values in the future.

Fresh from her debut at TRNSMT 2019, Scarlett Randle also joins the bill. Originally from just outside of Aberdeen but now calling Glasgow home, Scarlett has become without a doubt, one of Scotland's most exciting artists. Her feisty character and perfectly executed live sets that Taking place in the picturesque setting of Barras draw on her emotions and experiences have seen the young singer-songwriter gain high Art & Design centre, six acts selected by an praise in the industry. Winning the Tenement independent panel of judges from the industry, including representatives from DF Concerts, 432 Trail emerging artist competition in 2018 and Presents, DIY, SMIA and Scottish Music Centre, performing at BBC Introducing showcase in King Tut’s, BMI's London Showcase, XPO North and will take to the stage to perform in front of more, Scarlett Randle is a great addition to the industry professionals and enthusiasts from across Scotland & beyond. Past performers have Resonate Live line-up. included Declan Welsh & The Decadent West, From the streets of Glasgow to Resonate Live, ONR, Makeness, Carla. J Easton, Dopesickfly, five-piece band Awkward Family Portraits were Lizzie Reid, Kate Kyle and many more. After an selected by the panel of industry judges. With incredible day packed with opportunities for their roguish charm and signature style that networking, collaboration, skills development elevates them far above the dusty stereotypes of and connecting with prospective career changing folk music, AFP are a band that have one central individuals, Resonate Live is a fitting end to the goal and that is to get you to abandon all of the day. outside world’s hang-ups and move. Make sure you catch them in action at Resonate Live as Performing this year at Resonate Live are Glasgow band, Rascalton. A band that has risen they will leave you with an insatiable urge to let from Glasgow’s blistering music scene, Rascalton loose! are no stranger to performing live. Spending Chris Blackmore, the Manager of Awkward years on the road travelling across the UK and Family Portraits said, “Awkward Family Europe supporting the likes of IDLES, Cabbage Portraits are buzzing to have the invaluable and Benjamin Booker and having been named opportunity to be performing at Resonate in ones to watch by tastemakers like NME and front of a congregation of the who’s who of the Clash, the band will bring their old school punk, what’s what of the music industry. They look highly anticipated performance to Resonate Live.

forward to showcasing their wares and getting feedback on their music from industry professionals” Also joining Resonate Live are Newcastle and Glasgow based singer, Zak Younger Banks.

Presenting a blend of raw, acoustic sounds, ambient electronics and electric guitar inspired by his involvement in folk music, Zak is a distinctive and vivacious talent.

Edinburgh born, half Scottish, half Nigerian musician Billy Got Waves has also been chosen to perform this year. Setting the standard for Scottish hip hop after the debut of his first solo release ‘KILL BILLY’ and having performed at multiple festivals, events, and club shows around Scotland, Billy Got Waves is a must-see act.

Lastly, the live event will see Grayling join the five other Scottish acts - a young singersongwriter emerging out of Glasgow’s Academy of Music & Sound who draws influence from the likes of Lana Del Ray and First Aid Kit With this year’s line-up proving the strength, depth and diversity of Scotland’s music community make sure you grab your ticket to Resonate Live (Resonate Live is included in all Resonate Conference delegate tickets) @ https://bit.ly/33FuHQ7

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Fèisean nan Gàidheal launch new digital resource to help make Gaelic music tuition accessible to all The Minister for Public Finance and Digital Economy, Kate Forbes MSP, attended the Annual Conference of Gaelic arts organisation, Fèisean nan Gàidheal, on 27 September, where she congratulated it on one of its busiest and most successful years to date, which has seen the development of a brand new online resource for music tuition.

As well a review of the past year, in which the organisation engaged with nearly 80,000 participants, volunteers or audience members, the Minister heard about plans for Oide (Gaelic for tutor), a new progressive learning tool which will make music lessons accessible, initially in Gaelic singing, fiddle and accordion. This brand new extension of Fèisean nan Gàidheal’s FèisTV service, funded by Creative Scotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig and HIE, will offer lessons in a choice of Gaelic or English with the aim of ensuring anyone can learn Gaelic song or Scottish traditional music, no matter their age, ability or geographic location. The resource will be available online shortly with further lessons being developed to include other instruments, providing further work for professional musicians.

L to R: Kirsteen Graham (Chair, Fèisean nan Gàidheal), Kate Forbes MSP (Minister for Public Finance and Digital Economy) and Arthur Cormack (CEO, Fèisean nan Gàidheal) :: photo by Maree Nicolson

at events which included individual Fèisean, the Blas Festival, Cèilidh Trails, a Gaelic Drama Summer School, a Gaelic Pantomime, a Gaelic residential week in Lewis and Fèisgoil sessions in schools.

hundreds of volunteers more enjoyable and less onerous. Our Annual Conference is an opportunity to thank them for all they do.”

“Alongside Year of Young People events, other highlights included the further development of Kirsteen Graham, Fèisean nan Gàidheal FèisTV, a streaming channel to bring events to a Chair, said: “Fèisean nan Gàidheal’s Annual wider audience across the world and the Report outlines one of the busiest and most increased interest in our education service, successful years to date for the organisation and Fèisgoil. The proliferation of Gaelic Language its members.”

Plans offers the potential for Fèisgoil to continue flourishing and more employment opportunities Kate Forbes MSP commented: “I would like to “Funding secured from EventScotland allowed us arose with tutors delivering Blasad Gàidhlig congratulate Fèisean nan Gàidheal on a fantastic to engage further with our young people in (Gaelic taster sessions) to over 20,000 school delivering a range of projects and opportunities, resource. The Fèisean movement is renowned pupils in schools in Highland, Falkirk, Perth & for its work in opening up Gaelic culture and arts putting them at the helm during the Year of Kinross, East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, North Young People. They were the key decisionto the wider world and this new initiative can Lanarkshire, Argyll & Bute, Edinburgh and makers in relation to events during the Blas only increase the opportunities for those who Glasgow during 2018-19.”

Festival, which was the only signature event in wish to engage with the Gaelic language.” the Highlands organised to celebrate the year Delegates also heard presentations about Delegates at the conference, held at the and involved over 750 young people who upcoming projects, marketing, working with Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness, heard about a very performed alongside some of their musical teenagers and a special conversation with successful year for Fèisean nan Gàidheal with heroes, chosen by themselves, including tradition bearer, piper and singer, Rona the launch of its Annual Report outlining the Skipinnish, Breabach and Trail West.”

Lightfoot, whilst enjoying music from some of impressive programme of events, workshops the talented young participants from two and projects which took place throughout 2018- “Our member Fèisean also delivered a Inverness based Fèisean - Fèis na h-Òige and tremendous programme of opportunities for 19 as the Fèis movement celebrated Scotland’s Fèis a’ Bhaile - and Nairn’s Fèis Inbhir Narainn. young people throughout Scotland and I would Year of Young People. like to extend my thanks to all our volunteers To download a copy of the organisation’s Annual The varied programme delivered Fèisean nan who give of their time to support the Report, or for further information regarding any Gàidheal’s aspiration of supporting the creative development of Gaelic arts, language and of Fèisean nan Gàidheal’s activities, please visit development of young people, giving them culture.” their website below. opportunities to further their skills and Arthur Cormack, Chief Executive, Fèisean knowledge within Gaelic arts, culture and www.feisean.org nan Gàidheal, added: “Fèisean nan Gàidheal is language in communities and schools across always grateful for the support of its funders and www.facebook.com/feisean Scotland. Almost 80,000 people were engaged www.twitter.com/fngaidheal as participants, volunteers or audience members our team is focused on making the work of

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music news scotland

365: Stories + Music an epic cross artform collaboration by Aidan O’Rourke and James Robertson to tour UK Bold, tender, full of old truths and distilled modern wit, 365: Stories and Music is an epic built on the beauty of the miniature. It’s a collaboration between artists steeped in tradition but constantly breaking new ground.

In 2013, James Robertson – one of Scotland’s leading authors – set himself the challenge of writing a short story every day for a year. Each story was to be 365 words, no more, no less. It became an enchanting, roaming collection of fairytales and memories and provocations published in 2014 by Penguin as 365:Stories.

That was only the beginning.

The 356 Installation recently in Linlithgow Palace Word Play Festival, Orkney Library, Celtic Connections and Huntingtower.

LIVE TOUR

Aidan O’Rourke will also be embarking on a live tour to perform music from 365 with pianist and In 2016 Scottish fiddler and composer Aidan harmonium player Kit Downes. The tour will run O’Rourke (of Lau) wrote a tune every day in from 10 October stopping at The Black Isle, response. The result is a major new body of 365 Island of Hoy, Turriff, Barton on Humber, tunes – a significant addition to the Scottish Oxford, Sheffield, Brighton, Bournemouth and traditional music canon. O’Rourke’s fiddle tunes Lerwick. are sparse and emotive; his playing is renowned More information and tickets can be found @ for its lyricism, here paired with kaleidascopic harmonies from Mercury-nominated Kit Downes https://three-six-five.net/Tour/Live on harmonium and piano, guitarist Sorren SUBSCRIBE TO 365 Maclean and harpist Esther Swift.

From January 2020, readers can also receive a The album 365: Volume 1 was released in May daily story and tune to be delivered to their 2018 and 365: Volume 2 was released in August email inbox. With no need to buy a CD or book, 2019. the 365 Stories and Music will arrive every day free of charge – a daily miniature piece of public INSTALLATION art. A son might sign his mum up to receive a Robertson’s stories and O’Rourke’s music now tune and short story every day via email. A form a touring installation designed by inventor tourist might fall in love with Scottish fiddle Yann Seznec in collaboration with design team playing. Couples will nod in recognition to one of Old School Fabrications. The installation is a James’s wise tales; children will get the creeps piece of art in itself, beautifully crafted from from his ghost stories; budding composers might wood and brass with no digital screens in sight feel inspired to create their own 365-day encasing the spoken-word recordings of all 365 challenge. stories: Robertson reads many himself, and other storytellers provide rich and varied accents This project has grown in ways James Robertson couldn’t have imagined when he began writing from artists, actors and young people around his stories. It has become a vast, rich and Scotland including; Gerda Stevenson, Cathy multiform patchwork of fiction woven with Macdonald, Matthew Zajac and Kate Molleson. stunning melody – an expansive catalogue of The free to enjoy installation, which allows up to public art whose multimedia format means it can six people at a time to browse through all 365 be enjoyed in numerous ways. stories and listen through headphones, was Sign up to 365 Stories and Music here @ commissioned by the Edinburgh International https://three-six-five.net/Subscribe Book Festival supported by Creative Scotland and PRSF, and launched in August 2019 and now James Robertson said: “I love the way the embarks on a tour to Linlithgow Palace, Scottish 365 project has built new layers of creativity and International Storytelling Festival, Shetland performance on my original collection of stories.

It's been a total joy and privilege to work with these talented musicians, and I am still astonished that my words have provoked such a rich range of responses in Aidan’s compositions.

Then there is the installation, a thing of beauty in itself, and all the readers who have lifted the stories off the page, adding such a range of voices and moods. It’s been a huge collaborative effort but also great fun, and I am just grateful to be part of it”.

Aidan O’Rourke said: “This project was never meant to be quite so... public! Nobody was necessarily going to hear any of it. That wasn't the point. My 365 tune cycle started as an entirely personal writing exercise – to see what might happen if I imposed a daily writing ritual upon myself. I read James's stories; I felt a tangible connection. I loved how succinct and emotive he could be with his words. I appreciated the power of his understatement, of saying less in a world when everyone seems to be shouting more. I wondered whether there might be a musical parallel.

The older I get, the more quietly I seem to want to play, James warned me off setting myself such an absurdly epic task. He already knew the pitfalls. But I'm driven by a creative challenge– or maybe I'm just a glutton for punishment – and so for a year, these tunes became the punctuation and grammar of my everyday. I had to force myself out of my comfort zone because default settings sound pretty hackneyed after a week or two. And now the cycle has grown and spiraled. It's been mind-expanding working with Kit and James, both of whom take me in directions I would never go without them”.

365: Music + Stories created in partnership with Edinburgh International Book Festival, with support from Creative Scotland, PRS for Music Foundation’s The Open Fund, the University of Glasgow’s Scottish Literature department, BBC Scotland, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Scottish Poetry Library, An Tobar, Reveal Records and Penguin Books.

GIGnotes ::

Installation Tour - 15-30 October - Scottish International Storytelling Festival, Scottish International Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh :: 1-14 November - WordPlay Festival, Mareel, Shetland :: 15-30 November - Orkney Library, Kirkwall :: 16 January-2 February - Celtic Connections, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall Main Foyer :: 1-14 April - Historic Environment Scotland, Huntingtower, Perthshire :: 110 May - Ullapool Book Festival, Ullapool Live with Aidan O'Rourke, Kit Downes and James Robertson - 1 November - Lerwick, Shetland Mareel :: 2 February - Celtic Connections, Mackintosh Church, Glasgow

www.three-six-five.net Kit Downes, Aidan O’Rourke and James Robertson

www.twitter.com/365stories1 www.facebook.com/365StoriesandMusic

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music news scotland

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music news scotland

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Boo Hewerdine :: 'Before' Album Tour Scottish dates - 8-22 November @ www.boohewerdine.net/gigs/

One of the UK's finest singer-songwriters, Boo Hewerdine has announced an extensive UK tour this autumn. Boo will sing songs from his new album ‘Before’, released on 6 September, and his impressive back catalogue. A naturally gifted raconteur his gigs are always a total joy.

The new recordings on ‘Before’ are a perfect contrast of mood and theme to the gloriously rich, full band pop sound of 2017’s acclaimed ‘Swimming in Mercury’ album. This new album finds Boo focused on the art of reduction, consumed by fine details and found sound, songs where the fragility and beauty of life are laid bear with a stark emotive honesty.

‘Before’ was recorded in the first weeks of 2019, with supreme Danish multi-instrumentalist Gustaf Ljungren Boo’s only collaborator on the set.

Whilst this is an album for the times (that echoes the darkness and confusion in Europe surrounding it’s pre-Brexit conception), ‘Before’ is also a timely reminder of the power of simplicity, Hewerdine’s lyricism set to a subtle backdrop of vintage instrumentation.

Boo’s album offers a unique approach to instrumentation and features a Dulcitone a century old keyboard that strikes tuning forks with felt hammers an Indian harmonium, a Vibraphone and several other unusual instruments, alongside his father’s old piano.

Boo said: “This album feels like an opportunity to go back to the source.

The way a song might spring into being almost fully formed. It will be really exciting to bring this organic collection of songs that have been recorded using a whole host of vintage instruments into a live setting. I’m looking forward to embarking on this run of solo shows and showing audiences what I’ve been working on.”

For over 30 years Boo Hewerdine has been considered one of the UK's finest singer-songwriters. As lead singer of seminal band, The Bible, through his subsequent solo work and his long-time collaboration with the incredible Eddi Reader he has become something of a national treasure.

Since Swimming in Mercury was released in 2017, Boo has been writing, recording and touring with Eddi Reader, Chris Difford, Kris Drever and Emily Barker among others. He is in demand as a writer, producer and performer.

Catch Boo live in Dundee, Stonehaven, Irvine and Edinburgh this autumn.

GIGnotes :: 8 November - Stonehaven, Folk Club, Stonehaven :: 10 November - Clarks, Dundee :: 15 November Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine :: 21 November - Queen's Hall, Edinburgh. Tickets @ www.boohewerdine.net/gigs/

www.boohewerdine.net Boo Hewerdine

www.twitter.com/boohewerdine www.facebook.com/BooHewerdinemusic

:: photo by Kevin Westenberg

Angus Munro :: Single release + Inverness / London gigs Single and gig details @ www.angusmunromusic.com

Ahead of the release of “Eqaliza”, the third single release from his debut deluxe vinyl EP “Mirror Man”, the Scottish chamber pop-star Angus Munro will bring his unique, four octave vocals to the Tooth and Claw, Inverness on the 15th November.

alongside many others were a chore to undertake. I would get more frustrated with the lack of results I seemed to not be generating.

Around this time, I was also going through a rough break up of a relationship.

“It was only when I was prescribed antidepressants that I felt myself balance out and see things more clearly. This was a revelation to me and a real turning point on the road to good mental health. However, taking a pill for a toxic relationship was something that remained a fantasy. Likening my dependency for medication to that of being with the person I felt I needed the most led to “Equaliza” being formed. A tragic love-song lamenting the necessity of antidepressants to that of the need to be with the person I loved.

“This is therapy rock!” wrote Gavin Docherty in the Scottish Daily Express. He was reviewing the track Equaliza on Angus Munro’s debut EP “Mirror Man”, now the third single release by the Scottish based chamber pop-star. Gavin adds “but a haunting ballad about Citalopram one of the most prescribed uppers in the United States with more than 26 Angus Munro was born in Sidcup, in 1987 to an Italian father and million prescriptions - has got to be a first.” “The singer-songwriter is Scottish mother. He describes himself as the thorn between his two Angus Munro, 31, a breaking indie balladeer …”. beautiful sisters. By the age of 3 Angus developed Glue Ear which caused Like many other young people dealing with mental health issues Angus deafness which impacted his development. He says he lost his ability to spoke of his experience: “When I was diagnosed with severe depression walk, talk and communicate. It put him back by about two years at which by my therapist, I was given a list of tasks and roles to tackle in order to point he was diagnosed with Dyspraxia a developmental, coordination overcome it. Exercises, repetitive writing analysis and meditation disorder.

Angus overcame his relentless bullying by immersing himself in music and writing. By the age of 24, Angus was a student in Scotland and in addition faced numerous personal challenges which included the loss of his ‘best friend as his father committed suicide. Diagnosed with depression Angus found an outlet through writing songs at the piano and singing.

“Equaliza, to me is one of my most personal songs and despite the difficult time-period in which it was written, it remains a time-capsule of the man I once was, and a reminder of how far I’ve come.”

Open mic nights, stand up evening and workshops provided a means through which he could relate and understand his experiences. Angus adds ‘over the years, I learned that the person I would affect onstage was my real self. I became more confident in not only who I was but talking about mental health as a whole’.

GIGnotes :: 24 October, The Troubadour, Earls Court, London :: 15 November, Tooth & Claw, Inverness. Tickets @ www.angusmunromusic.com/#gigs-section

www.angusmunromusic.com Angus Munro :: photo by Digital-Flow

www.twitter.com/AngusMunwhoa www.facebook.com/pages/Angus-Munro/191871580982717

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page 17

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Mike McKenzie - BBC Radio Scotland Singer/Songwriter Award Listen + watch performances @ www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p073nw31

Mike McKenzie has won the inaugural BBC Radio Scotland Singer/ Songwriter Award after an outstanding performance in the live final.

He was named winner by a prestigious panel of judges on 26 September at the event hosted by Ricky Ross which was broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland from St. Luke's, Glasgow as part of BBC Music Day.

and since then it has started to work’

Sharon Mair, Executive Producer, BBC Mike from Edinburgh has now secured a Scotland, said: recording session with BBC Scotland in Glasgow, 'Tonight's event was an opportunity to play the King Tut's stage at the ideal showcase the TRNSMT Festival and the production of a for these four promotional video. talented musicians.

They have all Mike’s original composition, Love Like This, and performed brilliantly this evening and throughout his accomplished performance, won the acclaim the process. It was a very difficult job for the of the judging panel comprising singer/ judges to single out of the finalists - but many songwriters Fran Healy, Horse McDonald and congratulations to Mike,’ Karine Polwart, promoter Geoff Ellis and music industry executive, Dee Bahl.

Gareth Hydes, Commissioning Editor, Radio and Events, BBC Scotland, said: 'The search Mike was up against Liv Dawn from Loch Lomond to find the country's newest musical stars has area, Gus Harrower, from Edinburgh and Scott been hugely enjoyable for our audiences. It has Wallace, from Aberdeen, who all impressed on been exciting to hear the final contenders an evening of top quality musicianship. developing over the past few weeks, culminating Mike said: 'It’s just amazing. It’s the first time with tonight's memorable show. Hopefully this this has taken place, and it’s so important for us triumph is the start of an exciting new stage in songwriters. I stopped trying to write what I Mike’s musical journey.' thought people would like a couple of years ago The four remaining singer/songwriters had and I just started to write what I wanted to earned a place in the final after a public vote.

Voting had opened on Monday 2 September when hopefuls from across the country uploaded videos on to the BBC Radio Scotland Singer/ Songwriter of the Year online portal. The songs were also played on a variety of BBC Radio Scotland programmes during the voting period.

Ahead of the final, the four contestants were mentored by songwriter and producer, Davie Scott, lead vocalist with The Pearlfishers, and a leading light in the University of West Scotland's Masters in Songwriting course. www.facebook.com/mikemckenzieonline www.mrbangrecords.com/mikemckenzie

Watch Mike's celebration performance in iPlayer, just click the link below ..... www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p07phypw/bbc-radio-scotland-singersongwriter-award-mike-mckenzie-bbc-radio-scotland-singersongwriter-2019

More details and films of the contestants performing their original compositions can be found @ www.bbc.co.uk/singersongwriter

Mike McKenzie

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new releases

music news scotland

page 21

scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download DOGHOUSE ROSES

AMY PAPIRANSKY

We are made of Light

Read Me Write

album - cd / download / stream Release Date: 1 November Some albums are like fleeting thoughts, written and recorded in a blink of the eye. Others are nurtured over time, allowed to develop and blossom and this is the case for the fourth album from Glasgow's Doghouse Roses. ‘We Are Made Of Light’ is a collection of songs, some new, others written over the band’s 15 years together but previously unrecorded. The album grew out of the duo’s touring set lists in 2018 and was laid down in the studio directly after their last live outing, the songs by then well honed. Of the 12 songs featured, half are performed by the duo - Iona Macdonald and Paul Tasker.

Listen/Watch: www.doghouseroses.bandcamp.com Available from: www.doghouseroses.bandcamp.com Live dates: www.doghouseroses.net www.doghouseroses.net www.twitter.com/DoghouseRoses www.facebook.com/doghouseroses

album - cd / download / stream Release Date: Out Now Read Me Write is the stunning self-penned debut album from Scottish singer-songwriter Amy Papiransky set for release on Sunday, 1 September. Originally from Keith in the North-East of Scotland, Amy has been gathering and writing songs over the last eight years. Read Me Write is the product of the Scottish songbird’s musical maturity and growing confidence. A music teacher by trade, Amy’s debut release is a lesson in flawless vocal dexterity and heartfelt song writing, the result of which is a contemporary, hypnotic and soaring sound with a side of sass, funk and class.

Listen/Watch: www.soundcloud.com/amy_papiransky Available from: www.amypapiransky.bandcamp.com/ Live dates: www.amypapiransky.com/gigs/ www.amypapiransky.com www.twitter.com/AmyR_Papiransky www.facebook.com/amypapiranskymusic/

SHOOGLENIFTY and DHUN DHORA Written in Water

album - cd / download / stream Release Date: 9 November “A constant source of surprise and delight” – Living Tradition. The result of last October's ten day recording session in the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Written in Water is the culmination of four years of collaboration between Scotland’s Shooglenifty and Rajasthan’s Dhun Dhora. Dedicated to late members of both bands, Angus R Grant and Roshan Khan Manganiyar, it is a celebrates the meeting of musical minds. Their origins may be far apart geographically, but creatively they're amazingly contiguous.

Listen/Watch: https://soundcloud.com/shoogles/jog-yer-bones Available from: www.shooglenifty.com Live dates: www.shooglenifty.com/gigs/ www.shooglenifty.com www.twitter.com/shooglegigs www.facebook.com/shooglenifty.scotland

ANDREW J. NEWALL

NORRIE McCULLOCH SIMON THACKER'S SVARA KANTI

Compass

album cd / vinyl / download / stream Release Date: Out Now ‘Compass’ is the new album from Scottish alt-folk songwriter Norrie McCulloch. Inspired by the folk roots music of 60's and 70’s and featuring some of Glasgow’s finest players, the album also includes the lead track ‘Road Sign’.

Listen/Watch: www.norriemcculloch.bandcamp.com Available from: www.norriemcculloch.com www.norriemcculloch.bandcamp.com + various independent record shops Live dates: www.norriemcculloch.com/live

www.norriemcculloch.com

www.twitter.com/NorrieMcCulloch www.facebook.com/norriemccullochmusic

Reflections from an Airport album cd Release Date: Out Now

Trikala

double album cd / download Release Date: Out Now

Created over three years in three locations (Scotland/Chennai/Kolkata), Thacker’s third release creating new sound worlds through his immersion in Indian classical, folk and spiritual traditions is the epic double album Trikala (Sanskrit for the three tenses of time, past, present and future), featuring 13 performers from the subcontinent and Europe.

Reflections from an Airport is a must-buy album.

It’s an album for busy people who have earned the right to take a moment to stop and let the world drift by. It’s for people who deserve ‘me time’. So indulge and treat yourself to some time away from the pressures that life may throw at you. The album has songs that will make you smile, make you laugh, make you cry and make you think. Drawn from life’s experiences, each song tells a story and paints a picture we can all relate too. It touches on basic human truths we all share in common... like love won and lost in all its guises. Andy writes songs for adults. His songs are for people who have lived a full life.

For people who can relate to the highs and lows of daily living and know it’s not all ‘happy ever after but the ride can be fun.’ Listen to the songs and discover this for yourself.

Listen/Watch: www.youtube.com/simonthacker www.soundcloud.com/simon-thacker

Listen/Watch: https://open.spotify.com

Available from: www.simonthacker.com/shop

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Available from:

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page 22

music news scotland

scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download TORRIDON Break The Chains

album - cd / download / stream Release Date: Out Now The new album from Highland folk rock outfit Torridon, signalling a significant progression in the band’s style, sound, vision and drive. The record seeks to replicate the band’s enigmatic live performance and showcase a passion for serious and original storytelling and song writing. Several tracks are inspired by men’s mental health and the band’s real-life experience of suicide among young men in Scotland, bravely confronting the silence and taboo around suicide head on. This is not a Highland band telling tall tales of the past, but instead one that fires at the heart of a widespread problem in today’s society.

TOM McGUIRE + THE BRASSHOLES Get Out single - cd / download / stream Release Date: Out Now

THE SEA ATLAS Goodbye

EP - download / stream / Release Date: Out Now

The ‘Goodbye' EP is my new release, written in my cabin in the Outer Hebrides. The EP is sort of about isolation and Tom McGuire & The Brassholes are an eclectic, modern- being alone. It wasn't an intentional thing to write about, but soul-funk, 8 piece band from Glasgow, headed by keen just came about when I got back to the island after touring skater, lumberjack-attired soul bearer, Tom McGuire. and started working on the next release after my ‘Dreams’ EP. The funky collective of “killer animals from hell”, The tracks are a mixture of growing up and figuring out where I am in life, of failed relationships, accepting things, consists of a colourful, hilarious bunch of wonderfully talented, animated young men. The band deliver great and having an open-mind on the direction I'm heading in next. The sound is a mixture of the islands, grand rock variety and include everything from a humble Polish moments, quiet moments, all mixed in with an ambience and saxophonist, a reserved introvert piano pounder, comfort you only get from being comfortable at home.

someone who claims to be the self confessed “sex appeal of the band” and two English horn blowing northerners amongst others!

Listen/Watch: https://open.spotify.com/album/37F2Nsx3FV70dcEvllBqni https://youtu.be/Vu5LhFmRqxo https://youtu.be/sUwHCBuDlcA

Listen/Watch: www.torridonlive.com/media.html

Listen/Watch: www.tomandthebrassholes.com

Available from: www.torridonlive.com/torridon-shop.html

Available from: www.tomandthebrassholes.bandcamp.com/releases

Live dates: www.torridonlive.com/dates.html

Available from: From digital download and on all good streaming sites https://open.spotify.com/album/37F2Nsx3FV70dcEvllBqni

Live dates: www.tomandthebrassholes.com

www.torridonlive.com www.twitter.com/TorridonLive www.facebook.com/Torridonband

Live dates: TBA

www.tomandthebrassholes.com www.twitter.com/brassholes www.facebook.com/tomandthebrassholes

www.facebook.com/the.sea.atlas www.twitter.com/theseaatlas

SAOR PATROL

EVELYN LAURIE THE EVES

Battle of Kings

A Little Bit of Me album - cd Release Date: Out Now

Tides

album cd Release Date: Out Now

New Scottish Female Pop duo The Eves – Caroline Gilmour and Marissa Keltie, release their debut single ‘Tides’ on 19th October 2018.

Caroline's love of Pop music combined with Marissa’s passion for harmony creates a songwriting partnership full of catchy melodies and memorable hooks. The result is a nod towards acts such as The Pierces, First Aid Kit and Florence & The Machine.

‘Battle of Kings’ is the mighty new album from Celtic Rock band, Soar Patrol. It focuses on Scotland’s wars of independence during the reign of Robert the Bruce from 1306-1329 fighting against the English kings, Edward I and later, Edward II. Soar Patrol have written and produced a rousing album that rocks its way through history with driving triple drums, electric guitars and bagpipes.

“A little bit of me” is the debut album of Evelyn Laurie. As she says: it’s taken her a while!

Beautifully delivered in Evelyn’s distinctive, light and multi-textured voice and superbly supported by some of the country’s finest jazz musicians, the well-chosen collection of songs will please your ears and stir your emotions - in a good way! Evelyn’s love of music spans many genres.

This album reflects her eclectic taste and includes some of her own songs - inspired by 1960’s spy themes and Carmina Burana alongside jazz standards plus her own interpretations of Sandy Denny’s folk classic, “Who knows where the time goes” and the ever popular country hit, “Wichita lineman”.

single - download / stream Release Date: 19 October

Listen/Watch: www.evelynlaurie.com/music

Available from: iTunes, Spotify and all main digital download sites. Online store on our official website www. theeves.co.uk from 19 October.

Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com/product/evelyn-laurie/ Live dates: www.evelynlaurie.com/music www.evelynlaurie.com www.twitter.com/redEvelyn www.facebook.com/EvelynLaurieMusic

Listen/Watch: www.soundcloud.com/the-eves-667719698/ tides/s-Wvm81

Live dates: No live UK dates as yet but 2 house concerts in Copenhagen on 17th and 20th October. www.theeves.co.uk/upcoming-gigs/ www.theeves.co.uk www.twitter.com/theevesmusic www.facebook.com/theevesmusic

Listen/Watch: www.smarturl.it/BattleOfKings www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T47-Y6UUV8 Available from: www.smarturl.it/BattleOfKings Live dates: http://smarturl.it/BattleOfKings www.saorpatrol.com www.twitter.com/saorpatrol www.facebook.com/saorpatrol

music news scotland

page 23

scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download THE FIRRENES

THE TROPICANAS

TANNAHILL WEAVERS

Door Too Wide

A Lovely Coincidence

Òrach

album cd / vinyl / download / stream Release Date: 9 November

EP download / stream Release Date: 13 October

album / cd Release Date: 31 August

The Tannahill Weavers are celebrating their Golden Anniversary with the release of their eighteenth album, The album draws on a broad range of influences, The Tropicanas are a Dreamslop band for Livingston, encompassing 70s rock, R&B, burlesque, art rock, blues Scotland who are longing to be shot of into outer space. ÒRACH (“golden” in Gaelic) out 31 August on Compass Records. With ÒRACH (The Golden Anniversary Album), and classical. The songs are all original compositions, Equal parts of Psychedelia and dream pop with a side the current line-up of Roy Gullane, Phil Smillie, John seven by Jules Reed (a.k.a. Julian Wagstaff), three by order of underwater tropical surf vibes.

Martin and Lorne MacDougall, have brought together Walt Cumming, and one by Greg Sanderson, formerly of colleagues and members past and present to record an Edinburgh band Five Day Hemingway. The subject Listen/Watch: album of all new material – traditional and matter ranges from the deeply personal to the highly www.thetropicanas.bandcamp.com contemporary songs and sets of tunes in the Tannie’s political, but is always prescient, immediate, considered www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yhf0F9JqSNQ distinctive style. The physical album contains photos as and aware. well as a glossary to understand the traditional songs Available from: and extensive liner notes for each song detailing its Listen/Watch: Available to download and stream on 13 October, origin and performers. www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKIeDzj4TeY currently available to listen\download the title track ‘A Listen/Watch: lovely coincidence’ Available from: www.tannahillweavers.com/listenandwatch.htm www.thetropicanas.bandcamp.com www.TheFirrenes.com, amazon, iTunes, Apple Music, CD Baby, Spotify Available from: Live dates: www.birnamcdshop.com Live dates: Release show on the 13 October at the Leith Depot, Live dates: www.julianwagstaff.com/thefirrenes/#about www.facebook.com/events/1087929201362421/ www.tannahillweavers.com/gigs.htm www.TheFirrenes.com www.facebook.com/TheTropicanas www.tannahillweavers.com www.twitter.com/thefirrenes www.twitter.com/TheTropicanas www.facebook.com/tannahillweavers www.facebook.com/thefirrenes/

STOUT : MCKAY

EDDI READER

DEAN OWENS

Cavalier

album cd / download / stream Release Date: 29 September Eddi Reader has announced her brand new studio album ‘Cavalier’ will be released worldwide on 28 September by Reveal Records.

Featuring sixteen songs, including recently performed live favourites Wonderful, My Favourite Dress, Starlight, Meg O’ The Glen and Maiden’s Lament the new album was recorded and produced in Glasgow by Eddi Reader and John Douglas. Cavalier is a new creative peak in an already prestigious career, just under an hour of new music, incorporating both contemporary and traditional songs.

Listen/Watch: www.youtube.com/user/rosstyuk Available from: www.revealrecords.bigcartel.com/ Live dates: www.eddireader.co.uk/gigs www.eddireader.co.uk www.twitter.com/eddireader www.facebook.com/eddireader

Bare Knuckle Southern Wind

album cd / download Release Date: 16 February Southern Wind is the new album (his seventh solo) from the man Irvine Welsh describes as “Scotland’s most engaging and haunting singer songwriter”. Recorded in Nashville, with producer Neilson Hubbard, and a host of superb musicians, including award-winning guitarist Will Kimbrough. It has a distinctive swampy, southern rock, soulful groove, but it's also deeply rooted in Dean’s home country. Celtic spirit, country soul.

Listen/Watch: https://youtu.be/fzJo0yQIEUs Available from: Direct from record company (At the Helm) www.atthehelmrecords.bigcartel.com Downloads - http://smarturl.it/SouthernWind And all good record shops!

Live dates: www.deanowens.com/live www.deanowens.com www.twitter.com/deanowens1 www.facebook.com/deanowensmusic

album / cd Release Date: 1 December Chris Stout & Catriona McKay are delighted to announce the release of their long awaited duo album ‘Bare Knuckle’. The music is almost entirely self penned especially for this recording.

It’s a fresh new sound for this duo who have now been performing and recording all over the world for 20 years. Having recorded several albums in collaboration with other artists in recent years, it is actually a staggering 7 years since this awe inspiring pair released their last duo album. The critically acclaimed White Nights.

‘We are so proud of this new album ‘Bare Knuckle. Its a huge development for us and we can’t wait to perform it live!’

Listen/Watch: www.facebook.com/pg/mckaystout/videos Available from: Coda Music, Edinburgh www.chrisstout.bandzoogle.com/store Live dates: www.mckaystoutmusic.co.uk/gigs/ www.mckaystoutmusic.co.uk www.twitter.com/mckaystout www.facebook.com/mckaystout

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music news scotland

scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download JAMES BROWN IS ANNIE GEORGE DUFF

JBiA II

album cd / download / stream (vinyl in 2019) Release Date: 15 September Eleven tracks of full fat, calorie-laden, whipped up funk 'n' soul - James Brown Is Annie's new album sees the Edinburgh-based sextet hook up with producer, Average White Band legend, Hamish Stuart. Imagine AWB tearing down the A9 in a Ford Torino with James Brown strapped to the roofrack, Steely Dan blasting from the car stereo.

Listen/Watch: www.soundcloud.com/jbia www.jbia.bandcamp.com www.youtube.com Available from: www.jbia.co.uk www.jbia.bandcamp.com CODA Music, Edinburgh Live dates: www.facebook.com/Earls.Of.Caithness www.jbia.co.uk www.twitter.com/JBisAnnie www.facebook.com/Earls.Of.Caithness

The Collier Laddie album cd Release Date: Out Now

BEINN LEE Osgarra

album / cd Release Date: out now

The debut album by Beinn Lee, OSGARRA, is a product of five years of playing, writing and arranging music, as George Duff is widely regarded as one of well as bringing together a strong traditional sense of Scotland’s finest singers and interpreters of tune with modern backing to create a new and fresh traditional Scots songs. After a lifetime’s singing, sound to West Coast traditional music. OSGARRA this is his debut solo recording. This is old style showcases a selection of tunes and songs written and Scottish singing, beautifully performed, and as arranged by the band in both Gaelic and English alongside tunes from some of Scotland’s foremost profound as the mine shafts sunk into the coalblack spaces which deeply influence the singing of contemporary composers of traditional music, giving a musical landscape from reflective songs to driving George Duff, “The Collier Laddie” himself. dance beats. Formed in 2013, Beinn Lee are rooted in the West Coast style of traditional music.

Listen/Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFQiQAKt_EQ www.facebook.com/thecollierladdie/

Listen/Watch: www.beinnlee.com

Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com

Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com

Live dates: www.facebook.com/thecollierladdie/ www.facebook.com/thecollierladdie/

DAVE ARCARI

Live dates: www.beinnlee.com www.beinnlee.com www.twitter.com/beinnlee www.facebook.com/beinnlee

ULTRAS DOUGIE MacLEAN

The Live EP

EP download / stream Release Date: out now Four live tracks trailing Dave Arcari’s forthcoming Live at Memorial Hall album which is released on 1 September on double 180g coloured vinyl, special edition digipak CD and download/ streaming formats. These tracks do not feature on the vinyl or CD format releases and are exclusive to this digital EP. Listen/Watch: One Side Blind: https://youtu.be/z_QO0F_Dnw0 Stagolee: https://youtu.be/z_QO0F_Dnw0 Available from: FREE via https://davearcari.com/free-download-live-ep/ or paid from:

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/the-live-ep/id1231315633

Ultras New Tomorrow album :: cd Release Date: Out Now

New Tomorrow is the new studio album by leading singer–songwriter Dougie MacLean; written, recorded and produced with his son Jamie MacLean. It combines a few songs which have already proved popular at his recent concerts along with a selection of brand new songs. The album is beautifully curated and includes the title track New Tomorrow, one of his most popular concert songs The Shadow of the Mountain and Wild and Windy Night, which features choruses recorded at Woodford Festival in Australia and at MacLean’s own much-loved Perthshire Amber Festival.

Listen/Watch: www.dougiemaclean.com

Live dates: www.davearcari.com/tour/

Available from: www.dougiemaclean.com/index.php/shop

www.davearcari.com www.twitter.com/davearcari www.facebook.com/davearcarimusic

Live dates: www.dougiemaclean.com/index.php/tour-dates www.dougiemaclean.com

www.facebook.com/Dougie-MacLean-158324834220405/

www.twitter.com/DougieMaclean

album vinyl / download / stream Release Date: out now With 6 producers and 9 musicians across 12 tracks, ULTRAS is the brainchild of songwriter Gav Prentice, formerly of euphoric pop duo Over the Wall. Describing the project as "violent pop for the patronised", ULTRAS combines elements of rock, electronica, folk, and hip-hop, the collaborative nature of the album inspired by the latter genre's sonically chopped-up mixtape culture.

Listen/Watch: http://ULTRASband.com as a hub for all of the various sites you can listen.

Available from: https://hellothor.bandcamp.com/album/ultras Also available in LP Records and Love Music in Glasgow and VoxBox Music in Edinburgh and to stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal et al.

Live dates: http://ULTRASband.com http://ULTRASband.com www.facebook.com/ULTRASband https://twitter.com/ULTRASband

music news scotland

page 25

scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download JOHN GRAHAM & JIM JACK Sae Will We Yet

LINSEY AITKEN & KEN CAMPBELL Shore To Shore

album / cd / Release Date: out now

album / cd / Release Date: out now

John Graham and Jim Jack’s debut album features an eclectic mix of many of the favourite songs from their live act with contributions from some of the most talented contemporary songwriters from Scotland and further afield. Graeme Miles’ haunting ‘Eldorado’ hints at a life of missed opportunities while Iain Ingram’s ‘Calton Rose’ and ‘Braes o’ Appin’ are love songs in the Scottish tradition and Steven Clark’s ‘Coming Home’ talks of the plight of the many refugees cast adrift in the world today. Jim King’s ‘West Coast Days’ and ‘Home To The Kyles’ from the pen of Duncan McCrone and Celly Paterson evoke memories of summer days on the Clyde Coast. From earlier days of the folk revival come Ewan MacColl’s ‘Manchester Rambler’ and Matt McGinn’s enigmatic ‘Magic Shadow Show’. John and Jim’s love of Americana is also represented in the rollicking ‘Truck Driving Man’. John and Jim’s act recalls much of the spirit of the folk clubs in the 60s and 70s with plenty of chorus singing and a fair measure of humour thrown in.

This is our second CD as a duo, with a mixture of new songs and instrumentals, many focussing on our Scottish connections around the world, each with a story, and most of all about people and histories of the past and present. Fortunately, people seem to really like what we do, and ask what kind of music we perform.

The answer is not one genre or another, but a blending of everyone and everything we have met along the way. A coming together of both our musical journeys, combined into one together, with elements of our respective musical backgrounds in Celtic, Classical, Traditional, Contemporary Music and all else. But most of all our music is about people, and all those who have influenced us and inspired us along the way.

Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com www.facebook.com/folkandfiddle

JAMIE MACDONALD & CHRISTIAN GAMAUF The Pipe Slang

album / cd / Release Date: out now

Listen/Watch: www.linskenscotland.scot/video/

The musical partnership of the Scottish pipes and fiddle is one that is quintessentially and historically Hebridean.

Jamie MacDonald and Christian Gamauf have taken this format and incorporated influences from places such as Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia and Asturias in the north of Spain, putting their own stamp on the music.

Jamie and Christian met while living and studying on the Isles of Uist and began playing together at local concerts and events. After travelling to Asturias on a musical and cultural exchange project, along with performances at Ceòl on the Croft, Celtic Connections and Celtic Colours Festivals, the duo started working on their debut album, The Pipe Slang. The album features the traditional music of the Hebrides and includes songs from the Isle of Tiree as well as self-penned material and tunes from further afield.

Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com

Listen/Watch: www.pipeslang.bandcamp.com/album/the-pipe-slang

Live dates: www.linskenscotland.scot/gigs/

Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com

www.linskenscotland.co.uk

www.pipeslang.com www.facebook.com/pipeslang

www.facebook.com/Linsey-Aitken-Ken-Campbell-304354709639479/

LOU McLEAN

EUGENE TWIST ALEX TRONIC featuring SHUNA LOVELLE

Good Morning Easter Road

The Stuntman

EP cd / download / stream Release Date: 9 June

‘Good Morning Easter Road’ is the 2nd EP from Scottish musician Lou Mclean. This record is a peek into Mclean’s life, expressed through witty storytelling in her inimitable riot grrrl pop style. "a gem of the Scottish underground scene" Tenement TV * * * * - The Skinny Listen/Watch: www.facebook.com/loumcleanmusic/ https://loumcleanmusic.bandcamp.com/releases https://m.soundcloud.com/lou-mclou www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nAwTQeml_4 Available from: https://loumcleanmusic.bandcamp.com/releases The Scottish Design Exchange Tempo Tea Bar, Edinburgh ITunes, Deezer, Amazon

album download / stream Release Date: out now

Brave About It EP download Release Date: 10 July

Brave About It is the new ep from Alex Tronic which features Shuna Lovelle. It is currently on rotation on Chill FM with radio support from DJs such as Jamie Porteous at Ibiza Global and Jim Gellatly at Amazing Radio Listen/Watch: www.alextronicrecords.co.uk

Live dates: www.facebook.com/pg/loumcleanmusic

Available from: www.alextronicrecords.co.uk

www.facebook.com/loumcleanmusic https://twitter.com/LouMcleanMusic https://loumcleanmusic.bandcamp.com/

Live dates: Ibiza Dj Sets in September www.alextronic.co.uk www.twitter.com/AlexTroniclabel www.soundcloud.com/alex-tronic-records

With a lyrical arena boasting whistleblowers, extraterrestrials and self-cannibalisation, Eugene Twist's highly anticipated second album arrives with one mission: to let the storyteller run riot inside the song. From spat-out surrealism to politicised anthems and mystical ballads, 'The Stuntman' is the latest from the unbounded imagination of Eugene Twist.

Listen/Watch: https://eugenetwist.bandcamp.com www.youtube.com/yooteeyoob https://spoti.fi/2iut838 Available from: http://bit.ly/et-album http://apple.co/2iYEoWy www.eugenetwist.bandcamp.com www.eugenetwist.co.uk www.facebook.com/eugenetwistmusic www.twitter.com/EugeneTwist

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music news scotland

scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download JON BUDWORTH

THE FIRRENES

GUN

We All Share The Same Sky

Time and Place/Destitution Row

Favourite Pleasures

Recorded at Chamber Studio in Edinburgh, this twotrack single captures the songs 'Time and Place' and 'Destitution Row' in new arrangements written especially for this release. The first cut has an earlyseventies, American rock feel and speaks of a special and unique moment in life, while the second number incorporates a horn section and choral backing, reflecting on aspects of life in today's UK.

GUN’s seventh studio album, ‘Favourite Pleasures‘ – out on September 15th – stands proudly alongside the very best of their work. The band will be showcasing tracks from the album in 3 live dates in December. Informed by a back-to-basics approach tempered by an innate sense for melody, the record was made in the band’s own Morse Code studios in Paisley. It’s an album that dances on a knife-edge, one that can turn on a single note from the raw pain of emotions hitting the rocks, to an unbridled celebration of hedonism.

album / cd Release Date: out now

Jon Budworth is a singer/songwriter originally from Lancashire but now very much an honorary Yorkshireman living in the bustling market town of Otley. Jon is a relative late-comer to the wonderful world of folk and acoustic music, having spent many years cast adrift in the dark and seedy underbelly of rock’n’roll. Jon changed musical direction in 2010 after happening upon a Youtube video of Richard Thompson playing his beautiful and evocative song Beeswing.

There has been no looking back ever since! Jon cites his influences, amongst others, as John Renbourn, Nic Jones and, of course, Richard Thompson.

Listen/Watch: www.jonbudworth.co.uk/videos Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com Live dates: www.jonbudworth.co.uk/live www.jonbudworth.co.uk www.twitter.com/jonbudworth www.facebook.com/jonbudworthmusic

single (Double A Side) cd / 10" vinyl Release Date: Out Now

Listen/Watch: www.julianwagstaff.com/thefirrenes/ Available from: iTunes + Spotify www.TheFirrenes.com

album - cd / vinyl / download / stream Release Date: Out Now

Listen/Watch: www.youtube.com/user/gunofficialuk Available from: https://gun.tmstor.es/

Live dates: www.julianwagstaff.com/thefirrenes/

Live dates: www.gunofficial.co.uk/tour-dates/

www.TheFirrenes.com www.facebook.com/thefirrenes www.twitter.com/thefirrenes

www.gunofficial.co.uk https://twitter.com/gunofficialuk www.facebook.com/gunOfficialUK

PYRO

NORRIE McCULLOCH TRIPWIRE DC

Forget The Silver Lining

Bare Along The Branches album cd / vinyl (tbc) / download / stream Release Date: 24 February

Norrie McCulloch’s third full-length album in as many years effortlessly merges folk, country, americana and indie genres.

Recorded live to analogue tape with regular collaborators: Dave McGowan (Teenage Fanclub), Stuart Kidd and Marco Rea (The Wellgreen), Iain Thompson (Bella Hardy band) and Iain Sloan (Wynntown Marshals) this is his most accomplished collection of songs to date.

Listen/Watch: www.soundcloud.com/norriemcculloch www.norriemcculloch.bandcamp.com www.norriemcculloch.com/music--video Available from: www.norriemcculloch.bandcamp.com www.norriemcculloch.com/shop (and most good independent record stores) www. norriemcculloch.com

www. facebook.com/norriemccullochmusic

www. twitter.com/NorrieMcCulloch

Dark Alley

album cd / download / stream Release Date: 1 June

The Tripwire DC sound is a colourful blend of Punky/Reggae & Rock with a bit of Ska lobbed in. Energetic male and female vocals are complimented with blistering guitar and a driving rhythm section. Reggae nods are nodded towards mid-70’s London, punk to ‘77 & rock horns are lifted skywards to the Rainbow.

Listen/Watch: spotify @ http://spoti.fi/2rSRGr6 www.soundcloud.com/user-972139164 Available from: iTunes Google Play @ http://bit.ly/2rjb8OW Amazon @ http://amzn.to/2rj5oEQ Live dates: www.tripwiredc.co.uk/gigs www.tripwiredc.co.uk www.facebook.com/TRIPWIREDC

EP cd / download / stream Release Date: 28 April

Debut EP from PYRO featuring their 1st and 2nd single Money and Green and their latest single Sandpaper Throat.

This EP shows the diversity of PYRO’s songs from the massive Green to the more melodic Sandpaper Throat Listen/Watch: www.soundcloud.com/pyromusicband http://bit.ly/2riQjTc Available from: iTunes, spotify etc….

Live dates: Friday 19 May – Stramash Edinburgh – Yellow Movement Friday – Free entry – over 18s Friday 16 June – Sneaky Petes Edinburgh – 7pm - £6 entry – Over 14s www.officialpyro.com www.facebook.com/pyromusicband www.twitter.com/pyromusicband

music news scotland

page 27

scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download PONS AELIUS

BOB LESLIE

PAUL ANDERSON

Captain Glen's Comfort

Land and Sea

The High Summit

After many years as a well-known face on the band circuit, Bob Leslie’s re-invention of himself as an acoustic performer resulted in two well-received Americana CDs - In a Different World (2010) and Fat Cat (2011) - and a re-launch onto the folk circuit. There, his highly-crafted songs - some serious, some very funny indeed - had audiences showing lively appreciation. However, more and more, Bob found himself drawn to the challenge of writing in a more traditional Scottish vein - a medium, as it turned out, ideal for a musical storyteller.

Paul Anderson from Royal Deeside in Aberdeenshire is one of Scotland’s finest traditional fiddle players and The High Summit is his third album of self penned music and song. Like The Singing Land and Land of the Standing Stones before it, The High Summit celebrates the history, landscape and people of Paul’s beautiful North-East homeland. Joining Paul on The High Summit are a group of exceptional artists, highly respected in their own right and adding their own touch of magic to the album. Shona Donaldson on vocals (Scots Singer of the Year 2009 and first female winner of the Bothy Ballad Champion of Champions), Tony McManus on guitar (worldrenowned Scottish guitarist now based in Canada), Malcolm Jones on guitar and accordion (Runrig), Ale Carr on Cittern (Dreamer’s Circus), Ali Napier on keyboards (Miami Vince and former member of the Dougie MacLean Band) and James Gorgon on percussion (Albany show band and The Cutting Edge).

album / cd / Release Date: Out Now

Captain Glen’s Comfort is the much awaited debut album from one of the folk scene’s fastest rising bands, Pons Aelius. Due out on September the 8th, the album showcases the sextet’s expansive sound and unique approach to the traditional music of Britain and beyond; from fiery bagpipe jigs to tender mandolin fronted soundscapes, and everything in between. Since winning a prestigious Celtic Connections Danny Kyle Award in their early days, Pons Aelius have spent the last two years tirelessly honing their sound on stages both at home and abroad, quickly earning themselves a reputation as one of the most exciting new names on the circuit.

Listen/Watch: www.ponsaeliusmusic.com/videos Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com Live dates: www.ponsaeliusmusic.com/gigs www.ponsaeliusmusic.com www.facebook.com/ponsaeliusmusic https://twitter.com/ponsaeliusmusic

album / cd Release Date: Release Date: Out Now

Land and Sea is the result: twelve narrative songs, their subjects ranging from the Highland Clearances to a Stromness witch who told Walter Scott a few tales. Bob is accompanied by some of the brightest talents on the Scottish folk scene.

Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com www.bobleslie.scot

JENNY STURGEON

album / cd / Release Date: Out Now

Listen/Watch: https://youtu.be/WXXTHyWfZwo Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com www.paulandersonscottishfiddler.com www.twitter.com/PaulAnd79837722 www.facebook.com/paulandersonscottishfiddler

DANNY MORTIMER RAB NOAKES

The Wren and The Salt Air album cd / download / stream Release Date: 17 February

‘The Wren And The Salt Air’ is a collection of songs and tunes by acclaimed Scottish singer-songwriter Jenny Sturgeon. It was written to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Scottish archipelago of St Kilda becoming a World Heritage Site for its natural features. 'Musically superb, absolutely fascinating and utterly charming' Shire Folk.

Listen/Watch: https://jennysturgeon.bandcamp.com

https://soundcloud.com/jenny-sturgeon/the-wren-and-the-salt-air

hwww.youtube.com/watch?v=pUOm9_Gd0zI Available from: https://jennysturgeon.bandcamp.com

www.jennysturgeonmusic.com https://twitter.com/Jenny_Sturgeon www.facebook.com/jennysturgeonmusic

Out Of The Blue The Treatment Tapes EP cd / download Release Date: 20 January

In January 2015, Rab Noakes was diagnosed with tonsillar cancer.

Thirty radiotherapy sessions ensued. The post-treatment recovery included singing and, of course, writing songs. Six of those songs are on Rab’s new record.

There’s no self-pity though, here you’ll find defiance, resilience, love, support and, hopefully, wit.

Listen/Watch: www.rabnoakes.com/shop Available from: www.rabnoakes.com and all good online and high street stores www.rabnoakes.com https://twitter.com/rabnoakes

www.facebook.com/Rab-Noakes-Music-189260891282881

EP cd / download / stream Release Date: Out Now

Guitar-Based Melodic Rock Music from the North East Of Scotland.

Solid, chunky riffs with harmonised leads with rolling bass lines and on point drums. FFO Jimmy Eat World, Ash, Green Day and Lifehouse.

Singles "Stay With Me" and "Waiting" taken from "Out Of The Blue" EP. Listen/Watch: http://bit.ly/dm-waiting http://bit.ly/dm-staywithme http://bit.ly/dm-outoftheblue Available from: iTunes, Spotify, Amazon MP3, Google Play, Deezer etc.

CD @ www.dannymortimer.co.uk www.dannymortimer.co.uk https://twitter.com/d_mortimermusic www.facebook.com/dannymortimermusic

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music news scotland

scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download AULD NEW HEIDS

ANDREW TAYLOR

ADRIANA SPINA

AULD NEW HEIDS - Volume 1

From the Outside Looking In

Let Out The Dark

album cd Release Date: Out Now

album - cd / download / stream / Released: Out Now

This is the first solo recording from the front man, songwriter and producer of Scottish alt.country, powerpop band, Dropkick. These songs were written at This album embraces all that was great about the various points in the last 15 years and draw upon a golden days of the scottish folk scene in the 1960s/70s. variety of influences, mixing pop, alternative rock and It is a catalogue of some of the best and most popular Americana. The album was recorded in Dropkick’s songs of the time written by folk legends such as Ewan Edinburgh studio with all instruments and vocals being MacColl, Alex Campbell, Hamish Henderson, Matt performed and recorded by Andrew.

McGinn, Archie Fisher, Jim McLean and Mary Brookesbank.

Listen/Watch: https://dropkickmusic.bandcamp.com/ Also Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott have a song www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_f58_l7S3k each on the album. A quartet of four of Scotland’s most www.rockindiana.com experienced performers brings together the vocal Available from: talents of brothers IAN and FRASER BRUCE along with https://dropkickmusic.bandcamp.com/album/from-the-outside-looking-in the exceptional musical skills of PETE CLARK on fiddle All usual download and streaming sites (amazon / and GREGOR LOWREY on accordion. It has to be said Spotify / apple music / itunes / deezer etc…) that IAN BRUCE is pretty efficient on guitar, to complete Live dates: the instrumental section.

Short acoustic set at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, near Inverness 5 Aug + possible Spanish dates later Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com www.dropkickmusic.co.uk www.fraserbruce.co.uk/auld-hat-new-heids

www.facebook.com/dropkickmusic https://twitter.com/dropkickmusic

album cd / vinyl / download Release Date: Release Date: Out Now Adriana Spina’s second album, released almost six years after her first, is more raw and guitar-driven that its predecessor. Let Out The Dark features Ross McFarlane (Texas, The Proclaimers) on drums, and comprises of ten songs which touch on themes from lost love and infidelity to atheism and the refugee crisis.

Listen/Watch: www.adrianaspina.com/music www.soundcloud.com/adspina www.adrianaspina.bandcamp.com Available from: www.adrianaspina.com/shop www.adrianaspina.bandcamp.com Also available via iTunes and all other popular download sites from 24 March www.adrianaspina.com www.facebook.com/adrianaspinamusic www.twitter.com/adrianamusic

GET YOUR NEW RELEASE LISTED! If you’d like your new release to be included in the MUSIC NEWS Scotland ‘New Release’ section and ALSO be in with a chance of being picked for the MNS Top 4 spot then send it to: New Releases, MUSIC NEWS Scotland, Romar House, Birgham, Berwickshire. TD12 4NF If only available as download then email link to musicnewsscotland@gmail.com Email (as above) information about your new release for our listings, which should be in the format below:

GET LISTED!

BAND NAME: Advertisers also get a 'boxed listing' Release Name: with artwork image album / ep / single: email Carol for details: cd / vinyl / download: - list all formats carol.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com Release Date: Description: - 50 words approx Listen: - link to listen to your music Available from: - webshop, download, retail record shop your website/facebook/twitter

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RECORD SHOP 'Record Store Day 2019' was on 13 April : www.recordstoreday.co.uk We encourage you to support independent record shops in Scotland : A selection of popular ones are below. If you run or have a favourite shop not listed please let us know and we'll happily include it.

Because this is linked to our 'new release' section we are only listing genuine high street retail shops who sell physical copies of new cds/records 'friendly face to friendly face' with their customers!

Email your record shop details to be included below to: carol.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com Apollo Music (Paisley) Causeyside Street PA1 1YH : www.apollomusic.uk.com Barnstorm (Dumfries) Queensberry Street DG1 1BU : 01387 267894 Big Sparra Music Cafe (Ayr) New Bridge Street : www.facebook.com/bigsparra Coda (Edinburgh) [trad/folk specialist] Bank Street EH1 2LN : www.codamusic.co.uk Concorde (Perth) Scott Street PH1 5EJ : www.concordemusic.com Europa (Stirling) Friars Street FK8 1HA : www.europamusic.co.uk Imperial (Inverness) Market Hall IV1 1PJ : www.imperial-music.com Love Music (Glasgow) Dundas Street G1 2AQ : www.lovemusicglasgow.com Monorail (Glasgow) King Street G1 5RB : www.monocafebar.com/index.php?pid=84

music news scotland

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MUSIC NEWS Scotland - GIGguide - FESTIVALS! For details email Carol: carol.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com

Make sure we have your music festival listed, big or small email your information to musicnewsscotland@gmail.com

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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 OCTOBER Royal National Mod Glasgow 10-19 October

Glasgow’s George Square will play host to a sensational party featuring names from across the Scottish Gaelic music scene to mark the opening of the Royal National Mod – and everyone’s invited! Scots Trad-rock band Mànran will headline the free opening ceremony concert on Friday, 11 October, with Scotland’s 33-strong Gaelic Eurovision choir Alba as well as some of Scotland’s top pipers, highland and contemporary dancers, Traditional singers and a beat boxer also performing across the evening. www.modghlaschu2019.com

Spree Festival Paisley 11-19 October

Glasvegas, Hue and Cry, The Snuts, Gruff Rhys, Karine Polwart, Jerry Sadowitz, PP Arnold and Hayseed Dixie are just some of the top acts coming to town for the fast-growing Spree festival, which is now into its eighth year. The bulk of the action at The Spree 2019 will take place in the specially-erected Salon Perdu Spiegeltent in Paisley’s County Square – with a bigger tent than in previous years allowing for more people to enjoy the performances. www.thespree.co.uk

get involved, as well as free events to enjoy while relaxing with a drink. Come along and The second annual Monsterfest music event will discover something new! ‘St Andrews [Voices] is be staged in Inverness with the help of new one of the few festivals anywhere to focus main sponsor Loch Ness Water. Monsterfest entirely on the voice in all its glory… an launched in 2018 with a mix of established, extraordinary festival… the variety is classic and new rock bands and is returning by tremendous.’ BBC Radio 3 popular demand as the only rock festival in this format in the north of Scotland. www.standrewsvoices.com www.monsterfest.rocks

Biggar Little Festival Biggar 17-27 October

Mid-October in Biggar means two weeks of arts highlighting the very best of our local cultural activity together with top class entertainment and artistry from across the country. We want to see local talent flourish in an atmosphere designed to give it a showcase. Biggar Little Festival sets out to work with the arts and crafts communities around the town to advance the arts by: :: developing Biggar and its surrounds as a community where the arts are encouraged and promoted :: encouraging links between local arts groups, artistic understanding and participation :: promoting exhibitions and performances :: developing opportunities for local, national and international artists to demonstrate their talents in Biggar and its surrounds www.biggar-little-festival.com

Denholm Folk Music Festival Denholm 31 October - 1 November

Tenement Trail Glasgow 12-13 October

Tenement Trail Festival will move to the East End of Glasgow in 2019! We are delighted at this news, as we breathe fresh energy into #TT19, taking over some of the most iconic and exciting live music venues in the country including Barrowland Ballroom, Saint Luke's & The Winged Ox, BAaD with more to be announced. Stay tuned for headliner announcement coming soon.

Early Bird Tickets are on sale now! www.facebook.com/tenementtrail/

Folk fused with rock and country gives the 16th Denholm Folk Music Festival an added twist. This folk fusion festival in the Scottish countryside is a small and cozy affair not far across the Scottish border which has always managed to attract quality headline acts to compliment the workshops and open mic sessions. Free sessions all weekend in the Auld Cross Keys, The Fox and Hounds & Festival Club only. Sessions, licensed bar and meals available all weekend in the Festival Club, Lesser Hall. www.denholmfolkfest.co.uk

NOVEMBER

Gallus :: The Scottish Jazz Weekend Perthshire Amber Edinburgh 17-20 October

The Dougie MacLean Festival

Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival has announced it is delighted to continue its support for the burgeoning young Scottish jazz scene by presenting a weekend of Scottish Jazz: “Gallus".

Offering a snapshot of the state of jazz in Scotland though the lens of guest programmer: Fergus McCreadie. www.edinburghjazzfestival.com

St Andrew’s Voices St Andrews 17-20 October

Set in the beautiful town of St Andrews, each October we present a varied programme of events showcasing the versatility and beauty of the human voice in an amazingly broad spectrum of genres including opera, cabaret, lieder, folk, spoken word, choral, a cappella, early music, new music and more… The festival runs during the day and night and includes family concerts, opportunities to sing-along and

Perthshire 1-3 November The Perthshire Amber Festival brings together many musicians and entertainers from different parts of the world who have been involved with Dougie MacLean over the years. This unique festival shares Dougie’s inspiring music, celebrates the history and culture of Perthshire in the heart of Scotland and showcases the beautiful scenery. It’s a vibrant, welcoming festival with music at its core in beautiful autumnal Perthshire. The Festival Hub is Amber Central (The Royal Hotel, Dunkeld). With concerts from castle to concert hall plus Cabaret Amber, Open Mic + acoustic sessions. Contact 01350 724261 for latest or email admin@butterstone.com www.perthshireamber.com

Monsterfest

Inverness 15-16 November

Scots Fiddle Festival Edinburgh 15-17 November

One of Scotland's biggest traditional music festivals, promoting & sustaining traditional fiddle music since 1996. A weekend packed full of great music! Concerts, ceilidhs, recitals, workshops, talks, open stage, festival clubs, sessions, stalls, come and trys, seminars and lots more! www.scotsfiddlefestival.com

SEALL Festival of Small Halls Isle of Skye 22-30 November

The Festival of Small Halls on the Isle of Skye brings music to ten remote village halls around the Island and Lochalsh. The SEALL Festival of Small Halls runs for eight days and includes concerts, cèilidhs and public and music workshops in halls and schools by some of the nation’s finest traditional musicians. www.seall.co.uk/small-halls

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Edinburgh 31 December

See in the New Year at the world’s best street party as Edinburgh invites the world to share the love, embrace friends – old and new – and celebrate the New Year in the home of Hogmanay. Get 2020 ready now - take advantage of our Early Bird discount with tickets for £20.00 + £1.00 booking (limited availability).

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is the UK’s (if not the world’s) leading New Year Festival lasting 3 days in Scotland’s stunning capital city drawing an estimated 150,000 people from Scotland and around the world. www.edinburghshogmanay.com

JANUARY 2020 Celtic Connections Glasgow 16 January - 2 February

Musicians from across the world will take part in over 300 events in venues throughout Glasgow for the UK's premier celebration of celtic music Celtic Connections. The 18 days of entertainment will brighten up the dark, wet January nights with a mixture of concerts that include a host of one-off musical collaborations alongside talks, workshops, film screenings, theatre productions, ceilidhs, exhibitions, free events and late-night sessions. Since then it’s grown more adventurous, experimental and diverse each year and now offers thousands of events in locations across Glasgow. www.celticconnections.com

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music news scotland

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Read the latest MNS FESTIVALS! @ http://bit.ly/mns-festivals-oct19-4

plus read all our MNS titles @ 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

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MUSIC NEWS Scotland

Scotland’s weekly digital music newspaper with all the latest news from the Scottish music scene

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Our weekly gig guide giving a comprehensive snapshot of live music in every corner of the country

MNS

FESTIVALS!

Our weekly look at Scotland’s music festivals with the latest news and a full listings for the year

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