Scottish Fiction

The SAY Awards - Calvin & Emeli: Too Big To Care?

noreply@blogger.com (Neil Wilson) — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:08:00 +0000

"I want as many people as possible to hear about as many of these albums as possible ... so getting a plug from artists with their following would be a real bonus." The words of SAY Awards organiser Stewart Henderson when speaking with The Pop Cop upon the unveiling of The SAY Award 2012 long list. The artists he is referring to are global stars Emeli Sande and Calvin Harris, both of whom have an album, 'Our Version Of Events' and '18 Months' respectively, nominated for the overall prize of £20,000 and honour of being crowned the best Scottish album of 2012.

Stewart does go on to state that any decision to plug the awards is the choice of the artist, a very diplomatic statement indeed. Yet I think it's fair to say that Stewart, along with those who support, fund and organise the awards, were hoping for some positive coverage and some acknowledgement from two of pop musics biggest stars. Indeed I commented on a previous Scottish Fiction radio show, that were even a fraction of Calvin Harris' and Emeli Sande's fanbase to discover some of the other artists on the long list simply through curiosity of what the awards are all about, it would be a major success for promoting Scottish music.

For that to happen though, the two artists in question would need to mention it to their fans.

Now I'm willing to be corrected on this, but after spending some considerable time trawling through both artists Facebook, Twitter and official websites, there's not a single mention from either, or their management/PR, that their albums have been included for this award.

Perhaps they don't like to boast? Modesty, after all can be very becoming of a music superstar. Yet with mentions of Ivor Novello success from both, plus endless plugs regarding recent Brit Awards won (Sande) and the amount of number ones from the album (Harris), it appears that's not the case.

Could it perhaps be, that both artists, either intentionally or otherwise, don't see this as something important enough to devote even a Facebook or Twitter post to? Again, the publicity that the awards could gain out of it is huge. Calvin Harris' Facebook account has 2.25 million 'Likes', and his Twitter account has 2.3 million followers. Emeli Sande clocks in at a very impressive 816,000 Facebook 'Likes' and 991,000 followers on Twitter. Given that there's bound to be a high amount of crossover between the artists Facebook and Twitter fans, plus shared fans too, you'd be looking at potentially 3 million plus people WORLDWIDE seeing a post, perhaps with link to the website, acknowledging The SAY Award nomination. Considering that the next biggest online fanbase for any of the remaining 18 artists is Django Django, who have 81,000 Facebook 'Likes' and 21,000 Twitter followers, this should illustrate how small some of the other artists, all of whom as far as I can tell have mentioned the awards, are.

Now clearly neither Sande or Harris need £20,000. Nor are they I imagine particularly bothered about whether they can add SAY Award winner to the list of accolades both albums already have. (Although the cynic in me thinks should either win, they won't be shy in letting people know). And further to that I don't think either album will win, or is expected to win. Quite frankly there are much better albums on the long list, and I wouldn't be surprised to see both dropped from the final shortlist of 10. (The public vote may decide otherwise.) What is disappointing is that neither have taken the slightest opportunity to acknowledge the nomination or promote grass roots music in the country they have their roots in.

It's a sad affair, and perhaps highlights all too well, the problems facing Scottish musicians as a whole. Outside of our very supportive own bubble of labels, funding bodies, blogs, press, and DJ's, hardly anyone cares. And when those from within do become big enough for people to care about, they seem to adopt the same attitude. Ah well, while Emeli tweets from LA, and Calvin Instagrams from London, I'll be happy to shake the hands of RM Hubbert, Julian Corrie, Dave Hook a.k.a Solareye, Philip, Matt and Josh from PAWS, Louis Abbot from Admiral Fallow. They, and their fellow musicians who struggle against a London-centric industry, yet still create such varied and wonderful music and art are the real heroes of Scottish music.

Gig Plug, Gig Plug, Gig Plug

noreply@blogger.com (Neil Wilson) — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:35:00 +0000

This Saturday, Lloyd, Jim and I gather once more for a blogger's gig, which this time round will be in Broadcast on Sauchiehall Street.

It'd be really good of you to come along, and as well as giving the three of us a feel good glow, you'll also let yourself be treated to these delights!

Colin's Godson are an entity all on to themselves. Fabulous fun, great sense of humour and not bad at the old music malarky either.

Death Star Ditty by Colin's Godson

Garden Of Elks released a new EP. Today. It's so good that Fleetwood Mac are ripping it off. Saturday's gig is the official launching of said EP, and you can buy it straight from their hands.

Floaty by Garden Of Elks

The last gig The Spook School played a Scottish Fiction gig they sported some rather fetching football tops. Maybe they'll do that again on Saturday. You'll only know if you come along. One thing they'll definety do is play quirky, C86 styled jangly pop. Lots of it.

Cameraman by The Spook School

Tickets are £6 and available online here or purchased at the door. Doors are from 8pm.

Incidently you can also grab a bundle ticket package for this gig and our June gig right here.

Gig Review - Stag & Dagger 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Neil Wilson) — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:09:00 +0000

Returning for its fifth year in Glasgow, Stag & Dagger 2013 boasted all the bravado and swagger of a really well run festival that knows how to have a good time. Perhaps there wasn’t the same calibre of international artists, which have played in previous years, (think Warpaint, White Denim, Milk Music) but don’t let that fool you into thinking the standards were anything other than outstanding.

As usual the festival spread its wares out over multiple venues in the city centre, and with the owners of the now defunct Captain’s Rest moving to the recently opened Broadcast, you could easily have re-branded the day ‘The Sauchiehall Street Festival’. Along side Broadcast, it’s neighbours Nice N Sleazy’s, The Art School, ABC1 & 2 and CCA, the Renfield Lane based Stereo completed the venue line up. Big tick for saving me walking great distances. Shame about the rain though.

Opening up proceedings at the ABC2 were the endearing Kitty The Lion, who drew an impressive crowd eager to check out their brass laden set. At the core of Kitty’s appeal is the feel good folk music that is given a pop reboot, creating insanely catchy melodies and leaving the crowd warmed in spirit and momentarily forgetting the dreich downpour outside.

With a bit of downtime before Fake Major took to the stage at the CCA, and with no desire to go back outside, there was time to check out South Londoners Filthy Boy. It’s a tell-tale sign of my ageing that the first, and lasting, thought I had was how young these lads looked. Lead singer Paraic Morrissey, growled Nick Cave baked vocals, whilst the band strained at the leash, treading that line between keeping in check the dark ‘60’s rock and roll vibe and the feeling that at any point they were going to let loose in a orgy of noise.

Over in the cultured setting of the CCA, Fake Major, duo Richard Ferguson and David McGinty were justifying just why they had been named on the 16 strong list for this year’s T-Break stage at T in the Park. Their PR material bills them as a four armed singer-songwriter, and it’s the most apt description one can give when trying to explain how linked and connected their performance is. Every string strummed, every harmony sung, is completely synced and complements the other perfectly. My companion for the evening remarked they possessed the kind of musical synchronicity last seen by a certain Messrs Simon and Garfunkel. New tracks, such as ‘Little Researcher’, sit side by side with Endor favourites such as ‘Chapel Doors’. “I said I loved you and isn’t that enough?” muse the duo on the latter of those tracks, displaying the kind of emotional yearning that sweep the crowd along, hanging on each and every word.

‘Technical difficulties’ meant a much latter than billed stage time for electro-pop trio Prides at The Art School. Hopefully that didn’t lead to people missing them as along with Fake Major, they were the undoubted standouts of the day. It’s not often that a band comes along and so early on is able to deliver a complete package. Live show, tightly worked instrumentation, and blistering vocal delivery wrapped up in so much heart and belief, it was impossible not to be in awe. Now some will rightly point out that Prides are themselves a rebirth of the band Midnight Lion, so technically aren’t brand new. Fair enough, but with this being only their third live set, and with most of the packed venue singing back the choral hooks of set closure ‘Out Of The Blue’, it’s evident that Prides have gone about things in the right way. With a tip from CHVRCHES, and airplay across several BBC Radio One shows already, (plus a certain community radio station too), you’ll be hearing a lot more of their striking drums, shimmering synths and anthemic electronica.

Returning to the venue they headlined back in December 2011, and also back in 2010 as part of that year’s Stag & Dagger festival, We Were Promised Jetpacks strode onto the stage at ABC1 hell bent on enjoying themselves. I’ve seen the band four times previously, witnessing their always impressive live set grow in stature. With no new material since last 2011’s sophomore effort ‘In The Pit Of The Stomach’ their set consisted of fan favourites played with unyielding fury and intensity. Mixing nerve-endingly raw emotions with maxed up guitars, it’s the perfect end to what has been a wonderful opportunity to revel in what Scotland does best. Music.

We're Only Here For The Banter - Luca

noreply@blogger.com (Neil Wilson) — Sun, 19 May 2013 10:53:00 +0000

Having spent much of 2012 rehearsing, gigging and honing their sound, 2013 has seen Luca kick on from that point with the release of a mini album, 'Sectioned' showcasing a fine tuned alternative/post-punk sound. I grabbed the a quick chat with the Glasgow four piece. Have a read below.

Hello, how are you?

We're very well, thank you.

It's the question everyone hates, but could you tell us a little bit about your music and your influences?

We make music that we would want to hear, taking little bits of inspiration from everywhere. We're big fans of bands like Brand New, Interpol and The Twilight Sad, they're probably amongst the biggest indicators of our sound. We try not to narrow ourselves to alt rock inspirations, everyone loves a meaty riff or a great synth line so we'll probably experiment with different sounds soon as well.

What's your song writing process like?

It's a nightmare a lot of the time! Often one person will start with a small part, a chord progression or riff, and then we just go from there and add in parts until we're satisfied. Unfortunately with us, that can take an awful long time. Other times everything will come together extremely quickly. We've had songs done in a week and then songs still sitting about unfinished months later, but we get there in the end.

What could we expect to see from a live show?

We try to create an atmosphere that matches our music, punctuated with flurries of activity. We're not big talkers on stage, really. We'd rather play an extra song than have 4 or 5 minutes of banter, let our music do the talking for us.

If it were all to end tomorrow, what would you say has been your greatest achievement?

Finally releasing our mini album after it being a year in the making was a great feeling. To actually have a physical product out there (along with our 3 video story arc) that we can all be proud of and show off to people feels great.

What have you got planned for 2013?

Our mini album 'Sectioned' came out on May 1st and we played a few dates around that around the country. Next up for us is supporting Chapel Club on June 4th in The Art School and then continuing work on new material. We have other things lined up as well, but we've been sworn to secrecy so that's as much as I can say.

What other artists (Scottish or not) would you recommend to the Scottish Fiction readers?

We all love Childish Gambino, anything Donald Glover is involved in is just fantastic. In terms of newer bands, Mono Six, Blindfolds and the Cairn String Quartet are all Scottish acts to look out for and New York's MS MR have really caught our ear too.

Thanks for speaking with us, would you care to share a joke with us?

Q: How do you turn a duck into a soul singer?
A: Put it in the microwave until it's Bill Withers

Check out more from Luca

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That's My Jam #14 - We're Only Afraid Of NYC - Blood

noreply@blogger.com (Neil Wilson) — Sun, 19 May 2013 10:01:00 +0000

There's something quite special about seeing a band progress from that giddy stage of writing and recording songs and instantly sticking them up on Bandcamp for people to hear, to the precise and calculated move of recording their début album. We're Only Afraid Of NYC have made that step, and after four EP's worth of material, the are releasing their album 'Patterns' on 24th May. Leading the charge for that album is 'Blood'. Emphatic alternative rock, the blowout towards the end of the track is up there with anything Biffy have written. Head-bangingly good.

T-Break Lineup 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Neil Wilson) — Fri, 17 May 2013 09:57:00 +0000

Cue industry bitching, sniping, and moaning, side by side with actual anticipation to what is generally the best stage at T In The Park. Yes folks it's the T-Break stage!

The 16 acts playing across the stage on Saturday and Sunday at this year's 20th T In The Park have been announced. Further details regarding day splits and times will be announced in due time, right now, let's just salivate at the prospect of some good music on the T bill.

My tuppence worth... Machines In Heaven and Poor Things are two of the most exciting bands about, Vasa, and Honeyblood will rip your ears and hearts open with wonderful noise, Hector Bizerck are making some of Scotland's finest hip-hop beats and Michael Cassidy and Fake Major are not to be missed for some brilliantly crafted indie with folk leanings.

THE LINE-UP

Arches
Blindfolds
DARC
Fake Major
Hector Bizerk
Honeyblood
Machines In Heaven
Michael Cassidy
Poor Things
Pronto Mama
Seams
Sunshine Social
The Merrylees
The Velveteen Saints
Vasa
Waiting For Go

Scottish Fiction Podcast - 15th May 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Neil Wilson) — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:35:00 +0000

Kicking off another packed show this week was the charming Charlie and Charlotte of King Post Kitsch, who very kindly joined me in the studio. And with the three tracks they chose to play during the session, they are welcome back any time! There's nothing quite like an intimate acousitc session, and the three tracks the pair performed live in the studio were simply magnificent. In between discovering them during the show, there's chat about an upcoming new album too.

I also continued down The SAY Award rabbit hole, with another five tracks taken from long listed albums. The Aye Tune Friday Freebie track this week comes from Cuddly Shark, while it's a Fence Records extravaganza with the Re-Mixing It Up track. All that and plenty of chat and tunes about this Saturday's Stag & Dagger festival in Glasgow. Ta-ra.

David Bowie - Always Crashing In The Same Car - As chosen by King Post Kitsch

King Post Kitsch - Fante's Last Stand - Live in Pulse 98.4 FM Studio

Can - Vitamin C - As chosen by King Post Kitsch

King Post Kitsch - Blood And Glitter - Live in Pulse 98.4 FM Studio

King Post Kitsch - Walking On Eggshells - Live in Pulse 98.4 FM Studio

John Cale - Fear Is A Man's Best Friend - As chosen by King Post Kitsch

Rachel Sermanni - The Fog

Re-Mixing It Up - The Pictish Trail - Wait Until (Kate Canaveral Remix)

Duncan Chisholm - Big Archie
RM Hubbert feat. Aidan Moffat & Alex Kapranos - Car Song
Meursault - Flittin'
The Unwinding Hours - Wayward
Dam Mantle - Canterbury Pt. 1
Prides - Out Of The Blue

Aye Tunes Friday Freebie - Cuddly Shark - Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind

United Fruit - Taste I Can't Give Up
We Were Promised Jetpacks - It's Thunder And It's Lightning

Subscribe/listen to the podcast via iTunes.

Scottish Fiction - 15th May 2013 by Scottish Fiction on Mixcloud

That's My Jam #13 - Adam Stafford - Please

noreply@blogger.com (Neil Wilson) — Thu, 09 May 2013 22:21:00 +0000

On Wednesday 26th June the live guest on the Scottish Fiction radio show will be one of the finest Scottish musicians and one of my favourite artists of past couple of years, Adam Stafford. He's on the cusp of releasing a new album on the Song By Toad Records label in July this year, and preceding that is the first single 'Please' which is out now.

Effortless combining elements of soul and Motown into laid back rock, it's so gloriously pleasing it beggars belief at how easy it seems. The little inflections in Stafford's strained refrains of 'please' relay passion and the soul coated guitar solo towards the end of the track just kills me.

Scottish Fiction Podcast - 8th May 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Neil Wilson) — Thu, 09 May 2013 20:36:00 +0000

Another week, another dose of new Scottish music... Scottish Fiction style. Might actually try come up with a dance for that and become a YouTube sensation. Or not. Anyway, back to the music, and this week you'll hear some stunning tracks from Discopolis, Hector Bizerk, Finn LeMarinel, Sparrow And The Workshop and more. Aye Tunes Friday Freebie returns after a few weeks away, and Cover Lover, Re-Mixing It Up and Tweet-a-track all pop up too.

Week two of looking at The SAY Award Long List means another five albums, with a track from each. This week it's the turn of Emeli Sande - 'Our Version Of Events', Errors - 'Have Some Faith In Magic', Paul Buchanan - 'Mid Air', Django Django - 'Django Django' and Human Don't Be Angry - 'Human Don't Be Angry'.

Sparrow And The Workshop - The Faster You Spin
Mogwai - Special N
Sacred Paws - Falling Over

Aye Tunes Friday Freebie - GUMS! - Luckless Days

The Deep Red Sky - Look On Your Face
Seams - Eight
Sonic Heart Foundation - Northern Lights
Errors - Pleasure Palace
Emeli Sande - Heaven
Human Don't Be Angry - Monologue: River
Django Django - Default
Paul Buchanan - After Dark
Finn LeMarinel - Garden
Adam Stafford - Please
Dead Sea Souls - Brave

Cover Lover - Trapped In Kansas - I'm Not Alone

Hector Bizerk - Orchestrate
Discopolis - Falling (Committed To Sparkle Motion) [Axwell Radio Edit]
Holobeams - Colour Motion

Re-Mixing It Up - Nevada Base - Foresight (Magic Daddy Quantum Enmanglement)

Sharfla - Build A Wall
The 10:04's - Throes

Tweet-a-track - Black International - The Sky's Falling In - As chosen by @ElecCompMusic

Three Blind Wolves - Gold On The Cross
Tijuana Bibles - Howlin' Moon

Subscribe/listen to the podcast via iTunes.

Scottish Fiction - 8th May 2013 by Scottish Fiction on Mixcloud

We're Only Here For The Banter - Dear Lara

noreply@blogger.com (Neil Wilson) — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:10:00 +0000

It's a bit of a singer songwriter cliché these days really. Broken relationship, head to a log cabin/secluded island/hut in the middle of nowhere/delete as appropriate, write some songs. Yet when it produces music as heartfelt and stripped back as 'Plans', the EP which was born of Dear Lara's recent recordings, then it can be cliched all it wants!

Hello, how are you?

Hi, I’m a little sleepy because I’m just in from work but well thanks. Hope you’re good.

Indeed I am! It's the question everyone hates, but could you tell us a little bit about your music and your influences?

My solo music came about sort of by accident. I had found myself in some sort of post university crisis, just been laid off from my job, realised that I had to finish my band because I was the only one who cared anymore, and try get over a breakup which ended for the same reason. This cheery sequence of events made me decide to pack up and go travelling for a few months, just pretending I was a Glasgow uni student finding themselves on their ‘gap year’ around Asia until the money ran out. One of the first things I did after arriving was buy a little kids classical guitar at a market. Between reflecting on what I had left back home and my new beach bum lifestyle, I started writing these songs which had a different feel to anything I’d done before. I get inspired to write songs by listening to great music by other artists, but it’s the things that happen to me, the places I visit and my relationships / experiences with people which influence my music completely. Really, my songs are just simple, hopefully, relaxing acoustic songs to fall asleep or something to. You really can’t really dance to them unfortunately. Sway at most.

What's your song writing process like?

New songs will generally be like a snapshot of whatever I’m going through at that particular time. I’ll be inspired to write a song by odd things like a view from the top of a mountain, the feeling I get when I’m travelling somewhere alone for the first time, or a scene in a movie which cripples you with nostalgia. Just anything that makes me feel something. I’ll normally scribble down a lyric on my hand or a bit of paper and then hopefully it will snowball from there. I’ll end up with a pile of messy notes with awful handwriting which I’ll decipher into something that reads like a sort of poem. A singing melody and guitar always seems to work themselves out after that, but the focus is definitely on the lyrics to begin with. I think it’s important I try and keep things natural. I never sit down and decide to write a song. I want it to be from a real moment of inspiration or genuine feeling.

Your recent EP 'Plans' was recorded in a loch side cabin. What was the experience like?

Just brilliant, I had such a good time. I still can’t really believe it all worked out and went to plan. I always had the sound I wanted in my head and initially tried recording a demo at a little studio but it just never seemed right to me. It just seemed to lack the intimacy or character I was looking for. Home recordings got me closer to the sound I wanted, but it got frustrating when I’d have to keep scrapping takes because of a freight truck going by or a flatmate cooking a pie in the microwave. I heard how one of my favourite artists, Fionn Regan, went to this log cabin and recorded his newest album by himself with one microphone and that started a little pipe dream in my head. After a few chats with my friends, Jodie Laird and Steven Forrest, we found a cheap offer and headed up to Loch Awe with a guitar, microphone, and a bunch of fairy lights to see what happened. The whole experience was a giant learning curve with a lot of trial and error as none of us really knew what we were doing. The place was incredibly beautiful and it was amazing being able to take a walk through the woods to the loch under moonlight before sitting down and recording a song. It was just a great, relaxed and comfortable vibe with no pressure and I think that came through in the recordings.

What could we expect to see from a live show?

Some old, pretty guitar and someone unworthy playing it. I have a bad habit filling my set time with silly stories about the songs but apart from that I’ll try my best to play them with feeling and keep it organic by mixing up the setlist depending on how the audience is reacting. I throw in the odd unexpected cover once in a blue moon too.

If it were all to end tomorrow, what would you say has been your greatest achievement?

I think just finishing the EP. It’s a collection of all my first songs which always felt like they belonged together.

What have you got planned for 2013?

I just hope to get the chance to play some good gigs to more people, hopefully some outside of Glasgow too. I have enough new songs to record another little EP… but we’ll see what happens.

What other artists (Scottish or not) would you recommend to the Scottish Fiction readers?

A brilliant singer-songwriter and friend of mine is Michael Timmons who creates beautifully ambient music which is incredible live. You can’t really believe the wall of sound is coming from one guy. One of my all time favourite bands who I still can’t believe got dropped by their label were the Irish band The Thrills. They were the closest thing to a modern Beach Boys for me and the honesty and melodies in Conor Deasy’s lyrics definitely had a huge impact on a 15 year old me hearing their first album.

Thanks for speaking with us, would you care to share a joke with us?

I went to a seaside disco last night. Pulled a muscle.

Check out more from Dear Lara

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That's My Jam #12 - Finn LeMarinel - Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Neil Wilson) — Wed, 08 May 2013 22:24:00 +0000

Finn LeMarinel's album 'Violence', released last year on RM Hubbert's Ubisano label is getting a dust down a bigger scale release by the brawsome folks over at Glasgow label Comets & Cartwheels. Ahead of the full scale release, comes lead single 'Garden'. Flamenco guitar which keeps a hypnotic beat, rhythmic hand clapping, and real depth of feeling in the vocals, 'Garden' is a fine reminder of why this album deserves a bigger audience.

That's My Jam #11 - Electric Gardens - Sparrow

noreply@blogger.com (Neil Wilson) — Fri, 03 May 2013 08:30:00 +0000

Since their inception a few months ago Glasgow based indie label Electric Company have thrown out some seriously good tunes to us grateful music fans. The latest comes from Glasgow quartet Electric Gardens (gets confusing this), who have been around gigging Glasgow for a while but haven't put out much music so far. If this then is the first foray into proper releases it's a most welcome start. Gritty blues rock, with some serious guitar shredding going down mid way through, and woozy vocals woven over the top. "Got my eyes on you" they croon. Which is exactly what you should do to Electric Gardens.

The single will be available for free download on 14th May via www.electriccompanymusic.com

Scottish Fiction Podcast - 1st May 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Neil Wilson) — Thu, 02 May 2013 12:17:00 +0000

With The SAY Award Long List being announced last Thursday, it's time to start delving into the albums themselves starting with Admiral Fallow, Lau, Stanley Odd, PAWS and The Twilight Sad. There's a track from each plus chat about the albums in this week's podcast. There's sunshine promised this weekend, and we run over the line up for Brew At The Bog on Saturday 4th May, with bands such as Fake Major and Cherri Fosphate getting a play during the show. And there's chat about Boards Of Canada, amidst the announcement we've all been waiting for... NEW ALBUM!

Woven amongst this there's music from Young Fathers, Nevada Base, Baby Strange, The Machine Room, a 'Cover Lover' track from Three Blind Wolves and a 'Re-Mixing It Up' track from Bwani Junction. Tuck in!

Captains - Lips That Touch Liquor Don't Touch Mine
Cherri Fosphate - Wool
The Spook School - Cameraman
Boards Of Canada - Dayvan Cowboy
Nevada Base - Foresight
Electric Gardens - Sparrow

Tweet -a-track - The Aliens - Magic Man - As chosen by @drunkmule

James Yorkston - Spanish Ants
Lau - Throwing Pennies
Admiral Fallow - Guest Of The Government
PAWS - Catherine 1956
The Twilight Sad - Sick
Stanley Odd - Marriage Counselling
Young Fathers - I Heard

Re-Mixing It Up - Bwani Junction - Civil War (Lyer Remix)

His Name Is Codeine - Shoot To Kill
Baby Strange - Pure Evil
Mad Nurse - Violent Dreams
Rainbow Dissolve - False Counsellor
The Machine Room - Sweden
Thirty Pounds Of Bone - The Truth Of The Matter

Cover Lover - Three Blind Wolves - Thrasher

Wake The President - Bill Drummond
Fake Major - Love In The Mundane

Subscribe/listen to the podcast via iTunes.

Scottish Fiction - 1st May 2013 by Scottish Fiction on Mixcloud

That's My Jam #10 - Young Fathers - I Heard

noreply@blogger.com (Neil Wilson) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:56:00 +0000

Young Fathers have been championed a lot by people such as Vic Galloway and Ally McCrae, and with very good reason too. The three piece from Edinburgh have got an unique sound, with hints of The xx fused with r'n'b, and have already got tongues wagging with their 'Tape One' release last year. This track, taken from their forthcoming 'Tape Two' album, is wrought with emotion, the lyrics bleak and tortured, yet the beat fixated on a hypnotic tribal feel. It's been on repeat practically all night. Dive in and get lost in the glorious 'I Heard'.

We're Only Here For The Banter - The Streams

noreply@blogger.com (Neil Wilson) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:52:00 +0000

If you are a fan of Stag & Dagger headliners We Were Promised Jetpacks, then chances are you'll dig this three piece from Denny. The Streams have a pretty awesome start to the year by anyone books. Grabbing the chance to support The 1975, they have also released their début EP and support The Twilight Sad, with whom they also share loud noise making influences. Check them out!

Hello, how are you?

We are great, had a good Sunday roast like...

It's the question everyone hates, but could you tell us a little bit about your music and your influences?

Our music is really modern and loud, we use a lot of reverb and staccato to make things interesting because there are only 3 of us. We don’t know how to describe our sound but we go with the tag of indie/alternative. We have various influences from bands like Dire Straits, Nirvana, Queen and Pink Floyd, but we love our Scottish music scene just now. There are so many good bands we look up to and are influenced by.

What's your song writing process like?

Basically Shaun will write a rough song and bring it in the practise room and we build it round that. Jamie starts adding in bass melody and Martin tries some drums to fit. It’s the easiest way, we all have input and contribute different ideas and end up with noise, good noise.

What could we expect to see from a live show?

We try to be as loud as possible at our live shows. There are moments when vocals and guitar are dynamically arranged so that when drums and bass kicks in its head nod-able! We just play our set and try say minimum so we can fit in as many songs as possible. Something always goes wrong like a strap coming off or a lead coming out, always works out alright though ahah!

What was playing with an establish band like The Twilight Sad like?

The fact we are all fans of The Twilight Sad made it pretty amazing getting to play with them, even better that it was at our home town, and even better it was the same day we released our EP! It was only a few people from selling out. The Sad absolutely killed it, such a pleasure.

If it were all to end tomorrow, what would you say has been your greatest achievement?

Definitely the last six months! Supporting The 1975 three times at sold out shows and playing with The Sad! We never thought we would get these chances in one year.

What have you got planned for 2013?

2013 has been pretty amazing already, we have been so lucky and had such a great response! We just want to keep going the way we are, try get some more amazing support slots and travel around meeting people.

What other artists (Scottish or not) would you recommend to the Scottish Fiction readers?

We are good pals with Mini Dinos, those guys are really cool, and so catchy live! We have been fans of Bwani Junction for ages, Shaun was part of the stage invasion at the album launch, those guys are so good. Also check out Honeyblood, those girls are Deap Vally... but better!

Thanks for speaking with us, would you care to share a joke with us?

We got asked to support Biffy Clyro this year, but we couldn’t cause Martin was grounded

Check out more from The Streams

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That's My Jam #9 - Nevada Base - Foresight

noreply@blogger.com (Neil Wilson) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 22:17:00 +0000

You know that moment when you finally get a band that other people have been raving about for ages? Yeah that's what this track, 'Foresight' is all about for me. I'm sure it won't trouble them too much, but I'd never really got on board with Nevada Base and their brand of electropop. The title track from their new single however has reeled me in with sheer electric magnetism, the funky beat locking into my brain and re-writing my earlier apprehension. Think James Murphy meets David Byrne with a sexy swagger, and you're in the right (disco) ball park.

'Foresight' comes out on Monday 29th April on Black Lantern Music.

Scottish Fiction Podcast - 24th April 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Neil Wilson) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 18:38:00 +0000

Check out my swag from Record Store Day! In the show you'll get the chance to hear a track from the Frightened Rabbit & Manchester Orchestra 12" and a song from next week's guest Adam Stafford's special RSD cassette. But before we look ahead to next week's guest...

It's Lenzie Moss live in session! It was a pleasure to be joined by Finlay, Gareth and Chris, who as well as some lovely chat, brought with them some great tracks to play during the first hour of the show. And to top it all off they treated us to three excellent session tracks exclusive to Scottish Fiction.

On top of all that there is the usual dose of new Scottish music from the likes of Lidh, eagleowl, Atomic League and more!

Imogen Heap - Hide And Seek - As chosen by Lenzie Moss

Lenzie Moss - Time Is On Your Side (Live in Pulse 98.4 FM Studio)

Dionne Warwick - Are You There (With Another Girl?) - As chosen by Lenzie Moss

Lenzie Moss - I Don't Believe In Anything (Live in Pulse 98.4 FM Studio)

Queen - March Of The Black Queen - As chosen by Lenzie Moss

Lenzie Moss - Kelvin British Summertime (Live in Pulse 98.4 FM Studio)

The Mirror Trap - Westminster Ghost Story
Dear Lara - rabbit island
Lidh - Quite At Ease
Reverieme - Dark Matter
Frightened Rabbit & Manchester Orchestra - Architect

Tweet-a-track - A Sudden Burst Of Colour - Zen - As chosen by Luke Duncan

Atomic League - Die For Your Love
FLYNN - Luv
eagleowl - not over
Adam Stafford - Zero Disruption

Subscribe/listen to the podcast via iTunes.

Scottish Fiction - 24th April 2013 by Scottish Fiction on Mixcloud

goNORTH 2013 - Showcase List Announced

noreply@blogger.com (Neil Wilson) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:24:00 +0000

The full list of acts invited to showcase at goNORTH 2013 was unveiled earlier today.

Back for a 13th year, the Scottish showcase festival for the creative industries returns to Inverness on June 5th and 6th with over 70 acts set to perform across the city centre. Having never been before, I'm very much looking forward to not only checking out some of the fantastical music on show, but indulging in the various seminars, talks, advice giving, bribing (you never know...) and what not that goes on amongst the movers and shakers in Scottish music.

The 2013 showcase list is as follows:

ALARM BELLS
ALGERNON DOLL
ARCHES
ATLAS:EMPIRE
BE LIKE PABLO
BEAR ARMS
BEHOLD THE OLD BEAR
BIRDHEAD
BLACK INTERNATIONAL
BOOK GROUP
CALL TO MIND
CAMPFIRES IN WINTER
CARNIVORES
CASUAL SEX
CLEAVERS
DAVEY HORNE
DONALD MACDONALD & THE ISLANDS
DUNCAN OVERMEER
DYLAN TIERNEY
EUGENE TWIST
FAKE MAJOR
FAT GOTH
FLUTES
FOREST FIRES
FRIENDS IN AMERICA
GALOSHINS
GARDEN OF ELKS
HECTOR BIZERK
HOMEWORK
JEMMA TWEEDIE
JO MANGO
KOBI
LIDH
LIONEL
LITTLE FIRE
MIKE NISBET
MINIATURE DINOSAURS
PINACT
PLASTIC ANIMALS
POOR THINGS
PRONTO MAMA
RED RONSON
ROMAN NOSE
SAINT MAX AND THE FANATICS
SHAMBLES MILLER
SO MANY ANIMAL CALLS
THE BOY WHO TRAPPED THE SUN
THE BROKEN RAVENS
THE DEADLINE SHAKES
THE IMAGINEERS
THE LAFONTAINES
THE MOUSE THAT ATE THE CAT
THE OK SOCIAL CLUB
THE OXIDES
THE RECOVERY
THE SEA ATLAS
THE VELVETEEN SAINTS
THE YAWNS
VASQUEZ
WILLIE CAMPBELL
WOODENBOX

That's My Jam #8 - The Pastels - Check My Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Neil Wilson) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 09:25:00 +0000

Back with their first new material since 1997's 'Illumantion' album (conveniently discounting their 2003 soundtrack for The Last Great Wilderness), The Pastel's return with this the first single from their forthcoming album 'Slow Summits'.

The single was released digitally on iTunes on 8th April, and get's a physical release on 7" vinyl on Monday 29th. You should pop to Monorail Records, which is owned and run by The Pastels' very own Stephen McRobbie, to buy your copy, which will also contain B-side 'Illuminum Song'.

Enjoy this breezy summery feeling video, which fits the chilled out, alt-rock vibe of 'Check My Heart'.

The Pastels - "Check My Heart" from stereogum on Vimeo.

That's My Jam #7 - The Mirror Trap - Westminster Ghost Story

noreply@blogger.com (Neil Wilson) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:34:00 +0000

Dundee four piece The Mirror Trap return following their EP 'The Invisible Hand' late last year, with this, the first cut from their second album 'Stay Young'. Dark, jagged and off kilter rock, 'Westminster Ghost Story' is a kick in the cojones and home to an earworm of a beat.

The album is scheduled for an autumnal release later this year, and in the meantime if you're a Dundonian, or like travelling, you can catch the band play Juteopolis Fest at Beat Generator Live! on Saturday night along side We Were Promised Jetpacks, Arches, Copper Lungs and more.

We're Only Here For The Banter - Cairn String Quartet

noreply@blogger.com (Neil Wilson) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:39:00 +0000

Hello, how are you?

Hi Neil, we're great today thanks. How are you?

Very well thank you! It's the question everyone hates, but could you tell us a little bit about your music and your influences?

Oof tricky. We listen to everything. We do a lot of travelling and we usually have things on in the car that we plan to cover that week. This week included both Rachel Sermanni and Rihanna but if you thought you saw us driving past singing Mahler 5 or a Shostakovich Quartet at the top of our lungs you probably wouldn't be mistaken.

What's it been like working with people such as Camera Obscura, Admiral Fallow and with the Electric String Orchastra, The Twilight Sad and Emma Pollock?

We are so lucky to have been asked to join such incredibly talented musicians! Live collaborations are our favourite part of what we do. We have played twice now with Camera Obscura both at the Barrowlands. There's no words to describe the Barras, there's just magic in the air. You just know you and everyone on stage is going to have the best ever gig! And you play your socks off. And so do they. And you do .. you just have the best gig ever!

And once we got to play the Barrowlands with Camera Obscura and Attic Lights on the same night! We were so excited, we were afraid we'd take off! Often these artists come up to us and say they are nervous around the 'real musicians'. We get really embarrassed at that as we count the artists to be the real talent - they are writing the amazing songs! We just play or join in with what they have created. The Twilight Sad said they were the most nervous they'd ever been before our ESO gig! They didn't believe us when we said there were more than a few shaky knees in the Electric String Orchestra.

What could we expect to see from a live show?

A lot of sequins :) No, it depends on the repertoire really. We use pedals and looping for quite a few tracks and we're always trying to make new sounds on the instruments. We generally have a very diverse playlist and we try hard to replica the sounds of the bands we cover but also put our own spin on. Also classical orchestral training leaves you with the habit of mimicking one another's sounds too so often you'll see the grins and grimaces as one of us mixes something up and the others have to catch on for fear the ghost of Leopold Mozart will be after us! No two live shows are ever the same.

If it were all to end tomorrow, what would you say has been your greatest achievement?

I think we're just really humbled by all of the diverse performance opportunities we've had. Last year, we had fantastic traveling experiences to South America, North Africa, Cannes and Holland but the best bit was probably on home ground, when hundreds of people in a packed out tent at T In The Park stamped and screamed, "One More Tune" as we left the stage after our quartet set.

What have you got planned for 2013?

We have a few studio collaborations due for release this year which is very exciting. Call To Mind, Laurie Cameron and There Will Be Fireworks. We may have some other news up our sleeve too.....

Is it fun to challenge people's perceptions of classical and traditional music, by doing covers such as your CHVRCHES and Biffy ones?

Absolutely brilliant craic! We do what we do simply because we love such a diverse range of music. A lot of people pick up a guitar and learn the song that they've heard on the radio. We just try and recreate the music we love the only way we know how.

What other artists (Scottish or not) would you recommend to the Scottish Fiction readers?

Our videos are our recommendations. We try to cover whatever we are listening to at the moment! But also loving Young Fathers, Stanley Odd, Luca, Homework, Will Hanson and our new favourites from the studio Call To Mind.

Thanks for speaking with us, would you care to share a joke with us?

There's two fish in a tank. One of them says to the other, "how do you drive this thing?"

Check out more from the Cairn String Quartet

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That's My Jam #6 - eagleowl - 'Not Over'

noreply@blogger.com (Neil Wilson) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 21:12:00 +0000

In August 2008 eagleowl released their début EP having been making music for a good few years beforehand. On 13th May 2013 their début album 'This Silent Year' via Fence Records. What's that about good things and waiting?

This track, 'Not Over' is the first track to be properly previewed ahead of the album release, and it's a soaring, emotional number, layered with beautiful instrumentation; strings, drums, guitars; and soft vocal harmonies which tug at the heart and hint at a sorrow behind the lyrics.

The album, which will be available on limited runs of CD with hand printed sleeve, booklet and beer mat (saves you using the sleeve) and on vinyl (incl. CD). The band play two launch dates, firstly on 10th May in Edinburgh at the Pleasance, and then through in Glasgow on 12th May at The Glad Cafe.

That's My Jam #5

noreply@blogger.com (Neil Wilson) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 19:20:00 +0000

'Out Of The Blue' is a very appropriate name for my latest jam, as the re-invention of Midnight Lion into Prides (not letting go of the lion references quite yet lads) was kept pretty under wraps by those in the know. Having added Callum from Kitty The Lion, Prides have struck out with the electro-pop grove being trail blazed by CHVRCHES, who incidentally are fans. On the day when Daft Punk dropped their new single 'Get Lucky', this track from Prides more than holds its own in the catchiness stakes.

We're Only Here For The Banter - Inuit

noreply@blogger.com (Neil Wilson) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 22:23:00 +0000

Not many bands can say their début release was on a engraved bamboo USB stick packaged in a handmade wooden box. But then again, Inuit, are not your average band. When Without Aeroplanes disbanded last year, Inuit, previously a side-project, became the full time vehicle of 'ambient post-rock'. And with all respect to Without Aeroplanes, I'm glad they did! The EP 'At One Time, For A Time' boosts some incredibly haunting and fulfilling music.

Hello, how are you?

We're doing well, thanks!

It's the question everyone hates, but could you tell us a little bit about your music and your influences?

When we first started this band we deliberately aimed at 'ambient post-rock' without really being sure what that would actually sound like. Inuit was originally intended to be a side project while we devoted most of our time to another band that we were in called Without Aeroplanes so when that band broke up it just made sense for us to push on with Inuit as our main project. We make floaty instrumental music with a lot of electronic backing that we sell on bamboo USBs in foam lined boxes. We are not even close to joking. As far as influences go there's a pretty eclectic mix. Chris listens to a lot of ambient/electronic bands like Hammock and The American Dollar, Darren is a massive Frightened Rabbit, and Scottish folk fan and Andy is really into Joy Division, Sigur Ros and a long list of punk bands.

What's your song writing process like?

Usually we all will come up with an idea and we'll all jam it out together in someone's bedroom. If that works we'll take it into the rehearsal space to hear what it sounds like with live drums then on to Barecalf Studios where we torture our good friend and producer Michael Butler with copious amounts of programming and click track mixing. It's a pretty lengthy process given that we use a lot of backing but it's been paying off so far.

What could we expect to see from a live show?

We put a lot of focus on having a visual aspect to the show as well as the musical side of things. Our EP launch involved live visuals, animations, a big sheet, smoke machines and a crazy light show so hopefully we'll be able to continue doing that going forward.

If it were all to end tomorrow, what would you say has been your greatest achievement?

Managing to be in a band we all love that shares all of our interests and influences equally.

What have you got planned for 2013?

2013 has started pretty well for us. We've released our debut EP on Good Grief Records and finally launched a band that we've been working on in the background for the last 6 months. The plan right now is to get to work on writing more new songs and playing as many shows as possible. We're currently working on a show in Edinburgh in the next month or two as well as a pretty cool gig with another Glasgow band that we can't really talk about right now. Safe to say we have a lot of plans!

Can you build an igloo like your namesake tribe, or is it all just bravado?

Just bravado, but we are quite accomplished at building couch forts.

What other artists (Scottish or not) would you recommend to the Scottish Fiction readers?

Our label mates Bianca and Young Philadelphia. Also, our buddies in Flood Of Red, Owls In Antarctica, Fiesta Minor and Vasa.

Thanks for speaking with us, would you care to share a joke with us?

Two Inuits were sitting in a kayak and were very chilly. To keep warm, they lit a fire in the craft, but it sank. They should have known. You can't have your kayak and heat it too.

Check out more from Inuit

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We Don't Go There In Winter by Inuit

Record Store Day 2013 - A Scottish Fiction Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Neil Wilson) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 19:51:00 +0000

Saturday coming is Record Store Day, a day for celebrate, and supporting, all that is good and right about independent record stores. In it's sixth year, it has grown to a behemoth of an event, and shows no sign of abating, much to the glee of record store owners.

The day has become about so much more than just shiny pieces of plastic, and it now encapsulates so much about what makes record stores great; live music, local bands and promoters, family fun, carnival atmospheres and DIY record label releases. To help guide you on your adventures tomorrow I've put together a list of what's going on where, and some special releases from Scottish artists you should be looking out for.

Releases

First thing to bear in mind is that there's the official RSD release list and then there are other releases being put on in conjuction, but not in association with RSD. I'm not sure if shops will be distributing lists around their customers of what is in stock, but if so be aware it might only be official stock, rather than some of the indie stuff listed below. I've indicated where this might apply. Here's what to look out for from a Scottish musicians point of view:

Adam Stafford - Millions Must Work Forever EP - Cassette - Non official RSD release

Admiral Fallow – Tree Bursts In Snow including 24-bit studio master download - 12" vinyl

Beer vs. Records - Song By Toad split EP - Featuring tracks from Le Thug, Plastic Animals, Magic Eye and Zed Penguin - 12" vinyl - Non official RSD release

Beer vs. Records - Barney's Beer - Four beers and download codes for tracks from Le Thug, Plastic Animals, Magic Eye and Zed Penguin - 4 pack of beer - Non official RSD release

Biffy Clyro – Modern Magic Formula b/w City Of Dreadful Night - 7" vinyl

Big Country - In A Broken Promise Land b/w Flower Of Scotland - 7" vinyl

CHVRCHES – Recover - 12" vinyl

Django Django – Hi Djinx! - 12" vinyl

Edwyn Collins & The Heartbreaks – What Are You Doing, Fool? - 7" vinyl

Frightened Rabbit – Norland Wind - 7" vinyl

Frightened Rabbit & Manchester Orchestra – Architect b/w Manchester Orchestra & Grouplove – Make It To Me - 12" vinyl

Frightened Rabbit – The Midnight Organ Fight / Quietly Now - 12" double vinyl

Glasvegas – I’d Rather Be Dead (Than Be With You) b/w Later… When The TV Turns To Static - 7" vinyl

Garbage – Because The Night (Patti Smith cover feat. Screaming Females) b/w Love Like Suicide and Automatic Systematic Habit (Costa Cadeu remix) - 10" vinyl

Jesus And The Mary Chain - Pyscho Candy (reissue) - 12" vinyl

King Creosote – That Might Well Be It, Darling - CD

Mogwai – Special N (L. Pierre remix) b/w Bill Wells & Aidan Moffat – The Copper Top (Plasmatron remix) - 7" vinyl

Orange Juice – Rip It Up (reissue) - 12" vinyl

Orange Juice - You Can’t Hide Your Love Forever (reissue) - 12" vinyl

Orange Juice - Texas Fever (reissue) - 12" vinyl

Orange Juice - The Orange Juice (reissue) - 12" vinyl

Primal Scream - Record Store Day - 12" vinyl

Randolph's Leap - Furtive Glances EP - Cassette - Non official RSD release

Simple Minds – Promised You A Miracle (Mylo remix) b/w Broken Glass Park - 12" vinyl

The Beta Band – Champion Versions (reissue) - 12" vinyl

The Beta Band - The Patty Patty Sound (reissue) - 12" vinyl

The Beta Band - Los Amigos Del Beta Bandados (reissue) - 12" vinyl

The Twilight Sad – (If You) Keep Me In Your Heart (Bill Wells & Aidan Moffat cover) b/w Bill Wells & Aidan Moffat – Alphabet (The Twilight Sad cover) - 7" vinyl

Three Blind Wolves - Three Blind Wolves Love Music - CD (only available in Love Music) - Non official RSD release

Once you've splurged your pennies it's time to unwind. And that won't be difficult as here's what's going on across the various independent record stores in Scotland. If you're about in Glasgow, I'll maybe see you. Say hi!

LOVE Music - Glasgow

Expect queues folks, it's always busy on RSD and the added cake and coffee whilst you wait is a welcome bonus! There's also a pinball competition for those with crazy flipper fingers. Music wise here's what to expect (times subject to change):

14:00 - Young Aviators
14:30 - Viking Galaxy
15:00 - French Wives
15:30 - Fake Major
16:00 - Washington Irving
16:30 - Three Blind Wolves
17:00 - Woodenbox
17:30 - Glasvegas

Monorail - Glasgow

At Monorail there's a real family feel being nurtured, I remember spotting Bob Hardy from Franz Ferdinand last year with some sproglets running about, and with their face painting and home baking on offer the kids will feel right at home. Musically things kick off at 17:00 and run until approximately 20:00 with Vic Godard & The Sexual Objects, Ela Orleans, World Peace.

Oxfam Music - Glasgow

TYCI have organised a fabulous female line-up, so whilst you might not get new RSD vinyl, although you can trawl the racks for some great second hand stuff, you'll be able to hear this lot play some sweet music from 16:00 to 18:00:

Kitty The Lion
Siobhan Wilson
Jo Mango
Kirsten Innes

Avalanche Records -Edinburgh

As well as plenty of RSD goodies you can catch Fake Major, who'll be playing to the crowd around 13:30, and then in-store performances from Glasvegas at 14:30 and Admiral Fallow at 15:30.

VoxBox Music

Gerry Loves Records are helping out with the event, which probably has the best line up of the day. Sadly I'll be in Glasgow, but if you're a resident of the capital enjoy this lot:

12.00 - Wounded Knee
13.00 - Magic Eye
14.00 - eagleowl vs Kid Canaveral
15.00 - Mike Heron Band (feat members of the Incredible String Band and Trembling Bells)
16.00 - Rob St. John
16.50 - Adam Stafford
17.30 - Honeyblood