Music

DON’T LET THE MUSIC DIE

The music industry has been hit especially hard through Covid. Venues, recording studios and music retail outlets were all closed and even as they begin to open, with socially distanced performances essential it has been nigh impossible for musicians to return to a financially viable situation. With no live venues open, many of our wonderful musicians turned to online performances and kept many of us entertained during those long months of lockdown. I know I certainly listened to many of them and appreciated them keeping me sane(well nearly), I love my music as I’m sure many of you do too.

Many also took the opportunity to let their creativity flow and a number of new songs have been produced.

Lifestyle has featured a number of musicians over the last few years and they now all need our support more than ever.

Here are a few who have either released or are releasing new albums, EPs or singles in the next few weeks. Please give them a listen and

Amy Papiransky The Zebecks

download them and show your support. What a sad place it would be without music so let’s show them how much we appreciate them.

In no particular order first up we have my local Keith Quine, (no bias intended) the lovely Amy Papiransky who has released a new single and music video Summertime Blues https://ffm. to/summertimeblues.

Amy has recently been championed by her idol KT Tunstall who is quoted saying “Amy is a brilliant new Scottish female talent” I couldn’t agree more. Amy has been heard on BBC Radio. The Zebecks only featured recently, a young four piece band from Elgin, who are going from strength to strength. Releasing their debut EP ‘Out of the Dust’, hot on the heels of their single Violet. Now available to download see their website https://linktr.ee/thezebecks. They are delighted to be getting back to live gigs and have already played in Elgin and will be back supporting Skylights at Downtown USA in November. They can’t wait for their Aberdeen debut on the 17th September supporting Ded Rabbit at Drummonds.

Another fabulous artist/musician previously featured in Lifestyle when he released his wonderful debut solo album Vincular. Born and brought up in Findochty, Ron now stays in Glasgow and is very much part of that music scene. Obviously a long time away from live gigs but delighted to be back performing. Ron has just released his new single “A Place Called Home” featuring Ainsley Hamill.

Algorithm

Featured only recently, Algorithm formed in 2020 and produced their amazing single and video “Left Unsaid” They certainly haven’t let the grass grow and now another single and video has been released “Off The Floor” https://algorithmband.bandcamp. com/releases.

Now working on their album, due to release next year, watch out for that.

Danny Mortimer

another Elgin musician certainly wasn’t idle during lockdown. Apart from the fact that his lovely wife Amy is due to deliver their first son any time now, Danny also kept us entertained, released his fabulous double sided single “Just Like Before/Another Light” and also recorded his version of David Bowie’s classic “heroes” along with a music video of footage submitted by many of you showing how you coped through lockdown. The song and video received a lot of attention from the media and rightly so. Watch out for Danny’s next release coming soon “Through the Sound” https://www.dannymortimer.co.uk Also wishing him all the best in his new role of Dad.

Chris Grant www.chrisgrantmusic.co.uk

Unable to perform his music, Chris went to work in the Aberlour Co-op during lockdown, lucky staff and shoppers were regularly entertained by their resident maestro who always had a ready smile and a funny story to brighten their day.

Chris also had a regular live gig on facebook playing requests and entertaining many, including me, many a Saturday night in lockdown.

His new album “Treading Water” is now available and Chris will appreciate your support if you can make a purchase.

The Roov www.instagram.comtheroov/?hl=en

Performing a short set during lockdown at the virtual Belladrum Tartan Festival was a highlight for the Lossie band. It was of course a disappointment not to play live as they had done for the past two years.

They also managed to release their single “Boys” and they are recording their debut album which features all new songs barring a firm “fan favourite”. All these artists have entertained many of us during lockdown and they want nothing more than to get back to doing what they love, performing live. Until that gets back to normal levels please do all you can to support them, download their music, go to their facebook live gigs and donate to their tip jar. Don’t let the music die.

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