Craig Redpath

They’re a good breed over Cramlington-way, just ask Craig Redpath, lead singer of the band, the Jet Reds, and someone who, for the here-and-now at least, is flying the solo flag. Don’t worry, it’s not spelling the end of the Jet Reds, far from it; Craig is filling time and continuing doing what he loves, whilst the band, there’s something of a geographical hardship there at present. Launching pretty much at the start of this year (after setting up the expected, customary social media), Craig has already been busy laying down some solo tracks, and getting some gigs under his belt, including the one performed in ‘My Big Bedroom.’ Forgive him, he’s just letting himself go and having a little fun along the way, honestly. What’s the deal though, why the going solo, and why now? “The band, we’re still going,” began Craig, “it’s just a case of we’re a bit apart, geographically speaking, so that make things a little tougher. “We knew it was coming though, so there’s no issues, but, it’s because of that I decided to try my hand at some solo stuff – why? Because I needed to keep active, and we’ve still got things to do, band-wise as well.” The Crammy native though is going for it, even with a heavy, deep, thought-provoking opening salvo in which to put out there to the masses. It is a track that will divide opinion, much like many others have done that have had, and will have, a similar chord to them, but, Craig’s tune, entitled ‘A Fractured Landscape,’ is, to the attuned music aficionado, as beautiful as it is deep. Spun out in late January, Craig said upon its release that; “It’s a song I’ve written on the back of the political disillusionment I’ve felt post-Corbyn, as well as the backlash that came from certain people during the early stages of the BLM (Black Lives Matter Movement) movement. “Polarising opinions on both is-

sues from people I’m sure, but it’s my attempt to share my feelings on it all through music. “It’s a track which comes with numerous reasons attached to it, and the negativity weaving through society itself, in whichever form that takes. “ Now though, as mentioned, the foreseeable is about Craig Redpath, the solo artist, and whatever trajectory that, in itself, takes on. He’s got the tools, the knowledge, because, at the end of the day, having ran with the Jet Reds, he’s certainly picked up a few bits-andbobs, it’s just that, well, solo is that little bit different to band. “The plan has always been to forge myself a career in music,” continued Craig. “But I also know that it doesn’t happen overnight, straight away. “I’m enjoying it though, and really into what I’m doing right now. “As for my ambitions, although that hasn’t changed, there’s no long-term plans. Just shorter ones, whilst being more productive, doing more gigs, and hopefully a few festivals. “And, of course, writing and releasing some new music. “Solo-work though, it’s certainly a lot more different to the band side, and I’m finding it easier to get gigs at present, and with different venues, supporting new, and different acts, which is great, enjoyable really.” More, new music to go alongside that of ‘A Fractured Landscape,’ now that is certainly something in which to get excited about, and rightly so – he’s good at what he does, and certainly puts a lot of thought and effort into his music. With the production on new music, he’s calling on an old friend, and will be heading off to Manchester later this month to lay down the demo of a number of tracks already in the pipeline. “I’ve got just short of an album’s worth of music written, and three or four of those which will be released on a demo,” beamed Craig. “So, I’m thinking, maybe I release a single, and then an EP, over the summer, and take it from there. “Overall though, I just want to be looking at getting myself out there, getting more gigs, and of course, increase my social media following.” Music lovers, and fans of the Jet Reds of course, if you want to continue, or pick up on following the future path of Craig Redpath, then follow him on socials, there’s some great content there that’s for sure – head over to Facebook https:// www.facebook.com/craigredpathmusic/ and Twitter https://twitter. com/redpath_music and do what’s needed….

Hi Colin, welcome to NE, can

David here from Beyond. So I’ve just found out that my Charity Single (in aid of the Batten Disease Family Association) which is A double A-side “Stay The Same” & “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” With Santa Ste has been announced as one of 11 official contenders in the race to the Christmas No1 in the top 100 Official UK Charts this year along side Ed Sheeran & Elton John, Adele, Abba and Gary Barlow! The Single is out now digitally and on limited edition CD this week. The more steams, downloads and CD’s purchased the better! Getting into the top 40 will be hard enough never mind number 1! It would be amazing if we could get the single into the main charts this year and raise awareness of Batten Disease which is a terminal illness in very young children. If I could ask you all a massive favour and if you wouldn’t mind over the next few weeks streaming, downloading and buying a copy of the CD so we can get this into the charts. Its a bit of fun but for a serious cause and why shouldn’t the Christmas Charts have something different for a change? Could you imagine a Geordie Record store owner getting a Christmas No1!!! Totally overwhelmed with the support from everyone so far and from the Official UK Charts. All profits will go to the charity... CD available from: www.beyondvinyl.co.uk or www. beyondrecords.uk/ Click HERE to Stream

Also i’m excited to announce the Now or Whenever in-store run for release week in January: Fred, Jed, a guitar, keyboard, albums, signatures, selfies, questions, answers, hopes, regrets. And an exclusive splatter vinyl if that’s your thing.

Pre order now to get a free ticket to Spector’s performance at Beyond Vinyl on 10th January 2022: https://beyondvinyl. co.uk/product/spector-now-orwhenever/