21 : 9 : 20
During the Covid-19 crisis we are combining our three titles into one MNS MUSIC NEWS Scotland :: MNS FESTIVALS! :: MNS GIGguide
Youth Arts Emergency Covid Funding - page 5 SAY Award 'Longlist' Announced - p12 :: True North Festival Goes Virtual - p16
Music industry Visa Task Force responds to US Visa fee increase Concern has been raised by many in the UK music industry about the unwelcome rise in US visa fees. At a time when musicians across the world need to be confident that a return to national and international touring is viable, the rise in these fees and the possibility of a 'no deal Brexit' means that British musicians could be faced with heavier restrictions. There has been some talk in the UK music press about the visa costs increasing by 50% However, the increases only apply to the filing fees for O and P visas and not the full application costs. Whilst these increases are potentially problematic for British musicians, they are not as high as has been reported. The filing fee for an O (exceptional talent) visa will increase from $460 to $705, equal to a 53.26% ($245) increase. Therefore an application that previously cost $3,000, for example, will cost $3,245 from 2nd October 2020. The P (group) visa filing fee increase is 51.09%, taking $460 to $695 and therefore representing an increase of $235 per application.
Through UK Music, in particular, the Taskforce is also focusing efforts on minimising the impacts of Brexit. Dave Webster, Musicians’ Union Live Performance Organiser and Chair of the Music Industry Visa Task Force said: "As if it isn’t already hard enough for artists to perform in the US, this increase in fees just adds to that. Musicians are faced with great uncertainty right now, so it is important they have all the right information to hand. Some musicians will feel this increase more deeply than others, and it’s certainly a further blow to cultural exchange. However, this increase is only a part of the problem, especially in light of the overall costs and administration placed upon artists when obtaining a visa." Tamizdat, US based immigration attorneys, said: "These fee increases create substantial new burdens for the performing arts, which are already in a state of collapse. However, we encourage the international cultural community to remember that this fee increase is a small part of a much bigger problem: since the early ’90s, when the O and P visa classifications were created, the average effective cost of securing a visa for a foreign artist has increased more than 2,000 percent. PRS Foundation CEO, Joe Frankland, said: “Our International Showcase Fund supports first and crucial export steps, where artists, music creators and their teams already find visa restrictions prohibit international development. 2020 has been a troubling year of financial loss and adaptation and so many will depend on easy export pathways to recover and to forge sustainable careers. While these fee increases are not as high as some first thought, the
Visa Task Force takes any barrier to international development very seriously and will be working with the international music community to push against those challenges.” The Music Industry Visa Taskforce was set up in 2016 to bring together stakeholders from across the music industry to help provide a support network and lobbying group to address issues around UK musicians working in the US.
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Whilst the performing arts sector is clearly impacted by this, it is not a measure that has been introduced specifically in relation to musicians. All visa filing fees which are administered by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be increased. In addition, there is a further change that will create substantial additional costs for large ensembles. USCIS plans to limit the number of artists that can be included on a single work authorisation petition (I-129) to 25 individuals. Under the new rule, large ensembles, including orchestras or theatre companies, will be required to file multiple petitions to cover all of their artists. The cost of the whole process will be increased by a multiple of the number of petitions required. Plus the processing time for USCIS’s optional Premium Processing expediting service - which costs an additional $1440 per petition - is scheduled to increase from 15 calendar days to 15 business days, which effectively will increase the processing from two weeks to almost three weeks. The sector has also been made aware of applications that were pending and then placed on hold when COVID hit. It has been confirmed that the US government will not be issuing refunds and any further applications where dates are changed will require a further filing fee. In taking steps to tackle this issue, the visa taskforce is consulting with key industry bodies to push against prohibitive cost increases and unfair practice. The group is connecting with the international performing arts community through the global Artists Mobility Forum to ensure the concerns of UK-based creators and businesses are heard.
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your listen 'n' watch guide during lock-down :: a selection of music on scotland's tv + radio this week
Music on Scottish
TV & RADIO over the next week ... ---------------------------------------
Celtic Music Radio
Music all day every day from Glasgow promoting Celtic and roots music of all genres - at 95FM or online @ www.celticmusicradio.net ---------------------------------------
LP Radio
Independent Alternative digital radio, broadcasting live from the upstairs of LP Records in Glasgow, listen online @ www.lpradio.co.uk/listen ---------------------------------------
MONDAY 21 SEPTEMBER The Afternoon Show :: 1.30pm on BBC Radio Scotland. What is happening in music, arts and culture from across Scotland. www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland Get It On... With Bryan Burnett :: 6pm on BBC Radio Scotland. Grant Stott sits in with essential music chosen by listeners. www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland Vic Galloway :: 8pm on BBC Radio Scotland. Vic presents a selection of his favourite film scores, soundtracks and composers. www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland Iain Anderson :: 10pm on BBC Radio Scotland. End the day in the company of the songwriting masters of country, folk, blues and soul. www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland TradFest :: 10pm on BBC ALBA. Allan MacDonald presents from the TradFest music festival. www.bbcalba.co.uk Rewind :: 11.30pm on BBC SCOTLAND. The music and news from 2001. www.bbc.co.uk/Scotland TUESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER The Afternoon Show :: 1.30pm on BBC Radio Scotland. What is happening in music, arts and culture from across Scotland.
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one of their tunes. www.bbcalba.co.uk
Get It On... With Bryan Burnett :: 6pm on BBC Radio Scotland. Grant Stott THURSDAY 24 SEPTEMBER sits in with essential music chosen by The Afternoon Show :: 1.30pm on listeners. BBC Radio Scotland. What is happening www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland in music, arts and culture from across Another Country with Ricky Ross :: Scotland. www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland 8pm on BBC Radio Scotland. Ricky introduces you to new and classic Get It On... With Bryan Burnett :: Americana and Alternative Country. 6pm on BBC Radio Scotland. Vic www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland Galloway sits in with essential music chosen by listeners. TradFest :: 10.30pm on BBC ALBA. www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland Allan MacDonald presents from the TradFest music festival. Travelling Folk :: 8pm on BBC Radio www.bbcalba.co.uk Scotland. Bruce MacGregor with the best folk and roots music from around the Fonn mo Bheatha :: 11pm on BBC world. ALBA. Music and chat programme www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland presented by Cathy Ann MacPhee with guest IAIN MACKAY. Natasha Raskin Sharp :: 10pm on www.bbcalba.co.uk BBC Radio Scotland. From 50s rockabilly to country to jazz to the latest indie Roddy Hart :: 11pm on BBC Radio sounds, Natasha has it all. Scotland. Roddy shines a spotlight on www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland great songwriting, both contemporary and classic. Celtic Connections Shorts :: 11.20pm www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland on BBC ALBA. A tune from the fiddle and guitar duo ROSS COUPAR and TOM WEDNESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER OAKES. www.bbcalba.co.uk The Afternoon Show :: 1.30pm on BBC Radio Scotland. What is happening FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER in music, arts and culture from across Scotland. The Friday Afternoon Show :: 2pm www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland on BBC Radio Scotland. Weekend tunes and what is happening in music, arts Get It On... With Bryan Burnett :: and culture from across Scotland with 6pm on BBC Radio Scotland. Vic Nicola Meighan. Galloway sits in with essential music www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland chosen by listeners. www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland Grant Stott's Vinyl Collective :: 6pm on BBC Radio Scotland. Celebrating the Vic Galloway :: 6pm on BBC Radio Scotland. Vic presents a selection of his vinyl revival with classic records and new releases. favourite film scores, soundtracks and www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland composers. www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland Rewind :: 7.45pm on BBC SCOTLAND. The music and news from 1992. The Quay Sessions :: 8pm on BBC Radio Scotland. Enjoy live performances www.bbc.co.uk/Scotland from the foyer at BBC Radio Scotland's Memory Radio - 60s + 70s :: 8pm on Pacific Quay. BBC Radio Scotland. Bryan Burnett www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland relives the 60s and 70s with stories and music from the decade. Classic Scottish Albums 'Screamadelica' :: 10pm on BBC Radio www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland Scotland. Davie Scott reveals stories behind classic PRIMAL SCREAM album Fonn mo Bheatha :: 8pm on BBC ALBA. Music and chat programme 'Screamdelica'. presented by Cathy Ann MacPhee with www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland guest IAIN MACKAY. Celtic Connections Shorts :: 11.45pm www.bbcalba.co.uk on BBC ALBA. Featuring a fiddle and Ashley Storrie :: 10pm on BBC Radio guitar duo performances rooted in Scotland. New and classic Scottish Scottish and Irish traditions. www.bbcalba.co.uk music, soul rockabilly, pop and indie from around the world. Celtic Connections Shorts :: 11.50pm www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland on BBC ALBA. A Canadian trio perform
Email your virtual gig dates to robert.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com
your listen 'n' watch guide during lock-down :: a selection of music on scotland's tv + radio this week Seirm :: 11pm on BBC ALBA. Mary Ann Kennedy and Domhnall Eoghainn MacKinnon present music from Celtic Connections. www.bbcalba.co.uk
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA :: 11pm on BBC SCOTLAND. TEXAS perform with the BBC SCOTTISH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA at the Barrowland in Glasgow. www.bbc.co.uk/Scotland
www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER The Afternoon Show :: 1.30pm on BBC Radio Scotland. What is happening in music, arts and culture from across Scotland. www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland
SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER Ricky Ross Meets CHRIS DIFFORD :: 8pm on BBC Radio Scotland. SQUEEZE co-founder CHRIS DIFFORD shares stories behind the band's most enduring songs. www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland Take The Floor :: 7pm on BBC Radio Scotland. Take The Floor joins the celebrations of BBC Radio Scotland's Live Music Week. www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland
Belladrum :: 00.45am on BBC ALBA. The influential band ALABAMA 3 perform an acoustic set at Belledrum in 2016. www.bbcalba.co.uk
Get It On... With Bryan Burnett :: 6pm on BBC Radio Scotland. Grant Stott sits in with essential music chosen by listeners. www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland
SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER Somewhere Only We Know :: 6.30am on BBC Radio Scotland. Nicola Meighan explores Helmsdale with EDWYN COLLINS and GRACE MAXWELL. www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland
Rewind :: 7.15pm on BBC SCOTLAND. The music and news from 1999. www.bbc.co.uk/Scotland
Take The Floor :: 5.30pm on BBC Radio Scotland. Gary Innes shares your messgaes and plays your Scottish Traditional music requests. Pipeline :: 9pm on BBC Radio Scotland. www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland Gary West presents the definitive pipe music programme, featuring news and Jazz Nights :: 7pm on BBC Radio recordings from the piping world. Scotland. David Allison with the best in www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland jazz music from contemporary to classic. www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland Seirm :: 9pm on BBC ALBA. Mary Ann Kennedy and Domhnall Eoghainn Classics Unwrapped :: 9pm on BBC MacKinnon present music from Celtic Radio Scotland. Stephen Broad presents Connections. music from the SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE www.bbcalba.co.uk and CRAIG ARMSTRONG in conversation. Billy Sloan :: 10pm on BBC Radio www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland Scotland. Hot new releases plus rock and pop music from Scotland and Seirm :: 10pm on BBC ALBA. Mary Ann around the world. Kennedy and Domhnall Eoghainn www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland MacKinnon present music from Celtic Connections. Binneas - Na Trads:: 10.50pm on BBC www.bbcalba.co.uk ALBA. Songs performed by SIAN at the 2019 Na Trads. Iain Anderson :: 11pm on BBC Radio www.bbcalba.co.uk Scotland. End the day in the company of the songwriting masters of country, folk, TEXAS with the BBC SCOTTISH blues and soul.
Vic Galloway :: 8pm on BBC Radio Scotland. Featuring live sessions and new material from the best alternative artists. www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland Iain Anderson :: 10pm on BBC Radio Scotland. End the day in the company of the songwriting masters of country, folk, blues and soul. www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland NITEWORKS :: 10pm on BBC ALBA. NITEWORKS and guests live in Glasgow. www.bbcalba.co.uk TUNE :: 11.55pm on BBC SCOTLAND. Singer-songwriter LIZZIE REID performs her stunning ballad 'Always Lovely'. www.bbc.co.uk/Scotland
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Launch of Scottish Government Youth Arts emergency funding and update on other funds Details have just been announced for the first two funds of a £3million Scottish Government emergency funding package designed to ensure creative opportunities for children and young people continue across Scotland in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Culture Secretary, Fiona Hyslop said: “We are determined that our children and young people will not miss out on creative opportunities a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) A total of at least £1.2million in now available pandemic. Art and music in particular have through the Access to Youth Arts Fund. Building helped many people during lockdown, so the on the successful Youth Music Initiative (YMI) launch of these funds is very welcome. Our Access to Music Making Fund, this is designed to musicians, artists and other practitioners support an increased range of music-making working in the youth arts sector are also highly projects, as well as introducing projects skilled and often highly specialised, and this delivering across wider art-form areas. Fund funding will provide jobs and opportunities within guidelines including eligibility criteria and the sector.” application forms can be accessed on the Iain Munro, Chief Executive, Creative Creative Scotland website. Scotland said: “I’m pleased to be able to The roll out of the Youth Arts funds will continue announce today the roll out of additional funding on Thursday 24 September with the launch of a support for Youth Arts, a vital part of Scotland’s £700,000 Small Grants Scheme which will be cultural sector and an important part of the open to organisations and local authorities and emergency funding package announced a few will provide funding directly to freelance artists weeks ago by the First Minister. It’s right that to undertake artist led youth arts activities part of that overall emergency package supports within communities. Full details will be artists, freelancers and organisations working announced on Thursday 24 September. with young people and that creative A further £50,000 is being assigned to the Time opportunities for young people continue despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.” to Shine Nurturing Talent Fund which provides direct support to young people to develop and produce their own creative projects.
In addition, £1,050,000 is being allocated to support a number of targeted national and local area youth music and wider youth arts organisations with established track records and existing relationships with freelancers working with the fund’s priority groups to support the recovery and renewal of youth arts provision. These organisations will be invited to apply for the Youth Arts Targeted Fund by Tuesday 13 October.
The Youth Arts funds are the latest of five new emergency funds from Scottish Government through Creative Scotland, announced by the First Minister on Friday 28 August, as follows: - The £15million Culture Organisation and Venues Recovery Fund, which has opened for application today, Thursday 17 September, with a deadline of Thursday 24 September. - The £3.5million Independent Cinemas Recovery and Resilience Fund, which opened for applications on Monday 14 September with a deadline of Monday 5 October.
- The £5million Creative Freelancer Hardship Fund for which we issued an open call for partner organisations to help us distribute this fund on Friday 11 September with a deadline of Friday 25 September. We aim to be able to distribute funds from October. The Screen element of these Hardship Funds will open for application on Tuesday 22 September. - The £5million Sustaining Creative Practice Fund includes £1.5million for the Culture Collective programme, mentioned in the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government, supporting organisations employing freelance artists to work in and with communities across Scotland. The remaining £3.5million has been added to Creative Scotland’s existing open fund which is open for applications from individuals now. - Previously announced, the £2.2million Grassroots Music Venue Sustainability Fund closed for applications on Thursday 3 September. The fund has received 97 applications and awards will be announced on Tuesday 22 September. And the £5million open call element of the Performing Arts Venue Relief Fund closed for applications on Thursday 27 August. The fund received 42 applications and awards will be announced by Thursday 24 September. Updates on all emergency funds are being published regularly on the Creative Scotland website and publicised through media and social media communications.
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WHAT'S
HOT! from the latest releases to reach us ....
music news scotland
Sight loss choir 'proclaim' in song what lockdown has been like for them
DOGHOUSE ROSES
To listen to the song go to https://clyp.it/cjigoebs RNIB volunteer Steve Johnstone recorded guitar and vocals
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
www.torridonlive.com 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
TOM McGUIRE + THE BRASSHOLES
A 'virtual choir' of ten blind and partially sighted people has recorded their own version of The Proclaimers iconic 'I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)', the chart-topping hit that became an instant classic of Scottish pop. www.tomandthebrassholes.com
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
But this version has changed the lyrics to give a humorous take on the frustrations and difficulties that people with sight loss have experienced during lockdown. Mike Holroyd, who brings the RNIB Scotland Connect Singers together over the phone, said: "When it comes to social distancing, too often sighted people think that others are being careless if they are getting too close to them. But the reality is that those who are blind or partially sighted can't always fully see other people even when they are alongside. "Singing has become an important pass-time during lockdown in many countries, and this has certainly been true for some of our members in Scotland. "Our singers, who continue to meet over the phone each week, decided to write a song about some of the challenges they face as we emerge out of lockdown. They were all involved in writing and re-writing lines of the song until everyone was happy with the result.
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
"We asked Steven Johnson, an RNIB Scotland volunteer and himself a singer/song-writer, to record some guitar and vocals. We were then able to add piano and further vocals through sending audio-files backwards and forwards and even collecting some vocals via phone call. "This has been a fun project. But it also highlights a serious issue. Many of us who are blind and partially sighted do not find social distancing easy, and so we will need the wider community to understand and maybe offer a bit of support if needed. We have heard stories of blind and partially sighted people being shouted at because they have not been aware of queues or been unable to judge distances. This song conveys a serious message in a light hearted way. "The Proclaimers music publishers have been very generous in allowing us to borrow their tune for this song." The choir members come from Edinburgh, Stirling, Ayrshire and Glasgow.
Alternative lyrics to 'I'm Gonna BE… (500 Miles)' :: After lockdown, well I know I'm gonna need I'm gonna need a bit of freedom just like you. And when I go out, yeah I know I may well need Someone to guide me when I'm walking just like you. If I get drunk, well I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the one who gets drunk just like you. And when I travel, yeah I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the one who travels just like you. But social distancing is something I will find it hard to do And all I ask is understanding That I can't see quite like you. When I'm working, yeah I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the one who's working just like you. When I'm shopping, yeah I know I'm gonna spend I'm gonna spend my pounds and pennies just like you. When I go home, well I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be so pleased I went out just like you. And if I grow old, well I know I'm gonna be I'm going to be so glad of kind folk just like you. But social distancing is something I will find it hard to do And all I ask is understanding That I can't see quite like you. Ba-da-da... After lockdown After lockdown... Well I'm not lonely, I'm not lonely cos I know I'm only one quick call or text away from you And when I'm dreaming, well I know I'm gonna dream I'm gonna dream about the time when this is through And when we go out, yeah we know we're gonna need Someone to guide us when we're walking just like you. And when we come home well we know we're gonna be We're gonna be so glad we've freedom just like you But social distancing is something I will find it hard to do And all I ask is understanding That I can't see quite like you. Ba-da-da-da... No more lockdown No more lockdown All together again... Ba-da-da-da... After lockdown After lockdown...
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SCOTTISH MUSIC CENTRE ......... Member Profile :: Jane Stanley www.scottishmusiccentre.com/jane-stanley/ "The Scottish Music Centre's task is to champion the wealth of talent that abounds in Scotland's musical community"
Jane Stanley is an Australian composer and Senior Lecturer in Music and Head of Subject at the University of Glasgow. She specialises in composition for acoustic media. Jane’s music has been performed and broadcast throughout the world and featured at festivals including Tanglewood, ISCM World Music Days, Gaudeamus Music Week, Asian Composers League, Wellesley Composers Conference, and June in Buffalo. She has received commissions from Tanglewood, Musica Viva, Robert Irvine, Bernadette Harvey, Continuum Sax, Ensemble Offpsring, and Halcyon. Her music has been recorded for release by artists internationally. Her solo ‘cello piece Winter Song features on Robert Irvine’s CD Songs and Lullabies, released by Delphian Records, and the recording of her Piano Sonata by Bernadette Harvey was launched on the Tall Poppies label early in 2018. One of her most often performed pieces Helix Reflectionfor flute and clarinet was recorded by Ensemble Offspring and appears on their Cycles and Circles album. She received her PhD from the University of Sydney and in 2004-5 she was a Visiting Fellow at Harvard University. Her teachers include Anne Boyd, Peter Sculthorpe, Ross Edwards, and Bernard Rands. Jane was a composition fellow at Tanglewood Music Center in 2008, who commissioned Palimpsest for large brass ensemble. In 2009 she was a Fellow at the Aspen Music Festival and School. In 2015 her piece Pentimenti for piano duo represented Australia at ISCM World Music
Days in Wrocław, performed by the Lutoslawski Piano Duo. A highlight of 2017 was the premiere in Sydney of her Piano Sonata, commissioned by Bernadette Harvey and supported by a grant from the Australia Council for the Arts. Her most recent pieces feature delicate ornamental textures and agile, virtuosic writing for instruments. She aims to exploit and maximise the colouristic potential of ensembles for which she composes and to construct nuanced and distinctive gestures. This can be heard most clearly in her Suite for clarinet, violin, cello and piano.
Jane is a Senior Lecturer in Music at the University of Glasgow. She is founder of the Scottish Young Composers Mentoring Project, a year-long programme that provides university students with experience in mentoring secondary school-age people in composition. She is a founding member of the Young Academy of Scotland, a represented composer at the Australian Music Centre, and her music is also published by Composers Edition. www.janestanley.com www.twitter.com/composerjane
www.smc-covid19.com "The Scottish Music Centre's task is to champion the wealth of talent that abounds in Scotland's musical community"
www.scottishmusiccentre.com : www.twitter.com/scottishmusic : www.facebook.com/scottishmusiccentre The Scottish Music Centre currently supports in excess of 100 composer, group/small business and corporate members. Offering a wealth of advantages, initiatives include the bi-monthly Composers' Digest and Exposed Melodies podcast series, regular networking events and notification of valuable opportunities, extensive publicity and increased correspondence with national companies, chamber ensembles, soloists and festivals.
Scottish Music Centre’s City Halls office is currently closed due to Covid-19 and our staff and project teams are working from home. We have made changes to some of our services: please go to the individual page(s) on our website for more info. For general enquiries please contact us on info@scottishmusiccentre.com
music news scotland
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Record Store Day UK announce new line up of exclusive releases for September and October Drops Record Store Day UK are excited to reveal a fresh batch of limitededition goodies coming for the 26 September and 24 October Drops. This comes after the first instalment of Record Store Day took place on 29 August to celebrate the UK’s indie record stores. Now artists and labels have rallied together to announce additional limited-edition vinyl releases that will be hitting the racks on the next Drop dates.
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Ben Soothill & Lou Jackson, owners of Wax and Beans who celebrated their first RSD on Saturday said “We are Artists who have thrown their support behind absolutely elated about our first RSD. Feels the event with new product include: Lewis like half the North West of England and Capaldi, Alice Cooper, Daft Punk, Hospital beyond turned out to support Wax and Records 400th celebratory release, Jethro Beans - it certainly put a beaming smile on Tull, Kali Uchis, Neneh Cherry, Sports Team, our faces greeting people at 6am when we The Rolling Stones, Thurston Moore, and got there, having no idea if anyone at all was many more! The full list of titles available in going to turn up. The anticipation of the day September and October can be found on the was both exciting and nail biting and we had Record Store Day UK website. no idea how the day would go or how much Lewis Capaldi said “It’s been class to work support we’d get, but we were truly blown on some really different versions of my music away. Our plans ran smoothly and despite a long (socially distanced) queue, we managed for RSD in the past and it’s such a buzz to make sure most people got what they watching everyone go out in the morning that day to try and find the releases! Excited wanted, which was a huge relief. Overall, it was an exhilarating, jam packed day with all to get this new album colour way out there to support all of the indie stores over the UK our family roped in to help (including a 7 week old baby) and we were so proud of all this year! X” we managed to achieve. Seeing so many Record Store Day is the one day of the year familiar faces, along with some new ones where more than 200 independent record was the icing on the cake. Mega.” shops come together to celebrate their Now shops look forward to the 2nd and 3rd unique culture and the art of vinyl. The Drops on Saturday 26 September and 24 annual celebration is known for its in-store October as they return to a “new normal”. parties, live performances and very limited vinyl releases and was originally scheduled to Record Store Day UK are also delighted to take place on 18th April. reveal that Bowers & Wilkins are set to come However, like many music events, organisers on board as official partners of the event for were forced to call off the party in light of the the RSD Drops and RSD 2021. COVID-19 pandemic. They went back to the Bowers & Wilkins, founded in the UK in 1966, drawing board to adapt the event to has been at the forefront of highaccommodate social distancing guidelines performance audio for more than 50 years. and created a series of “RSD Drops” whereby Bowers & Wilkins designs and manufactures the release list is split across 3 months. precision home speakers, headphones, custom installation and performance car Supporting artists Sports Team said: “Independent record stores have always felt audio products that set new standards for innovation and sound quality, earning like a support network. Places you can go countless awards and accolades from the when you’re in another city and just chat world’s leading recording studios and about music. Venues like Elsewhere in musicians – therefore making them the Margate, and Banquet Records in Kingston don’t seem faceless, everyone working there perfect addition to one of the biggest music events in the country. is goes out of their way because they’re genuinely passionate about music. They’re Dave Sheen, EVP Product, Brand, the best gigs too, sweaty community.” Strategic Partnerships said "We’re proud to become official partners and supporters of First Drop success as sales exceed Record Store Day, especially in such a expectations :: difficult and unusual year for retail. Everyone The first RSD Drop took place this weekend at Bowers & Wilkins is a passionate music on 29 August with more than 200 lover, and it’s that passion that drives us to participating indie record shops. Although the create the finest audio products possible. We live music and large gatherings were want everyone to hear music exactly as the noticeably missing, fans still flocked to stores artist intended." and took part in socially distanced queues They join Rega Research, Sound and time slots. Performance and Fred Perry as official And in a one-off move for 2020, indie record partners of the event. We look forward to stores put remaining product online at 6pm announcing more details of the partnership in sparking a Glastonbury-esque style rush to due course. secure the limited edition titles. Many www.recordstoreday.co.uk releases had sold out across the UK within www.twitter.com/RSDUK the hour. www.facebook.com/rsdayuk
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The Scottish Album Of The Year Award Announce 2020’s Longlist Scotland’s national music prize, the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, has officially announced the twenty outstanding Scottish albums which have made it onto this year’s coveted Longlist.
click https://youtu.be/l9lBNXEjm7Q to watch Live at the Longlist
General Manager of the SMIA, Robert Kilpatrick said, “2020 is the ninth year of The SAY Award, marking what is undoubtedly our most important campaign to date. As we all continue to navigate the personal and professional challenges we face, celebrating may feel unnatural for many of us. For our music community especially, which heavily relies on physical spaces and people coming together, 2020 has presented a vast array of challenges that last year were unimaginable. But as we celebrate our culture, we help further articulate its value, and we draw more eyes and ears to some of the best new music Scotland has to offer. This year’s Longlist showcases 20 outstanding albums, and it is arguably the most diverse range of albums of any SAY Award Longlist to date. Never have we been prouder to announce the Longlist, and never more than now has it felt truly special and important to do so. A huge congratulations to each of this year’s Nominees, and a heartfelt thank you to our partners’ incredible commitment to championing Scottish music at a time it’s never been more needed.” Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland said, “In this year like no other, music has given us the strength to get through whatever life has thrown at us. Scotland’s musicians have shown us, time and time again, that their creativity can thrive in the most difficult circumstances. These 20 albums were recorded when Covid19 wasn’t even a blip on the horizon but there’s a glorious thread of that same creativity running through them all. This thread pulls together different genres, binds debut artists and seasoned stars, and makes The SAY Award such a wonderful expression of Scotland’s world-class musical talent.”
on the fly and then spent a year in debt slowly paying the album off. We knew it was the right decision to go ahead and make the album at the time, despite all the difficulties, but it’s even clearer in hindsight with the current situation and restrictions placed on us. Taking over a brewery in Glasgow for 4 days, inviting all of our musical friends along and shaping the album together remains one of our career highlights.” Free Love said, “We are extremely honoured to have ‘Extreme Dance Anthems’ included in this year's Longlist. More now than ever it's important to us to be able to connect with people and to know that this record is a beautiful thing.” Honeyblood said, “I am astounded and grateful to be Longlisted for my record ‘In Plain Sight’. As always, being recognised by my peers within the industry is an unbelievable honour and I am sure to be surrounded by 19 other exceptional Scottish albums.”
Anna Meredith said, "In such an absolute stinker of a year I'm just very happy to be part of the amazing SAY Award and its stonking Longlist again!”
Karine Polwart said, “On behalf of the ‘Scottish Songbook’ band, I’m really chuffed our album is Longlisted for The SAY Award this year. To me, it’s not just an album of covers. It’s a personal labour of love and a proper mining of memory and connection. Beyond that, from our sell out show at Leith Theatre back in August 2018 to our album release last year and the final sold-out Usher Hall gig in 2019, the whole process of pulling the ‘Scottish Songbook’ together has been one big joyful collaboration. Massive thanks to everyone whose name isn’t on the front cover.”
Blanck Mass said, “I am truly honoured to be considered for The SAY Award and to be Longlisted. ‘Animated Violence Mild’ was created at a time of great personal turbulence and it feels extremely cathartic to have been able to share it with everyone. Thank you for listening.”
Lewis Capaldi said, "It's an absolute honour to be nominated for such an incredible award. It would be quite nice to win to not bring any further prolonged shame on my household after being named as the only ‘non essential’ worker in the house.”
Bossy Love said, “It’s humbling, to say the least, to be Longlisted from such a strong eligible list. The SAY Award has become an annual reason to celebrate and pore over the immense talent that Scotland is producing, and we’re very grateful to be included alongside such amazing and diverse artists.”
Mezcla said, “To have our debut album featured in this year’s SAY Award Longlist is a massive honour and a little bit of a shock! A big part of our ethos has always been to bring Jazz and improvised music to a wider audience, so it’s really invigorating for us to have ‘Shoot the Moon’ recognised in this way. It’s great to have an award in Scotland that represents all genres equally, shining a light on so many amazing projects – we’re looking forward to checking out some great new music!”
Callum Easter said, “‘Here or Nowhere’ is like a strange memory now, recorded in the gaps of my day to day. It feels great to make The SAY Award Longlist. Thanks to everyone that helped me see it through.”
NOVA said, “‘RE-UP’, being my second rap project following my mixtape ‘Risin’ Up’, was an opportunity for me to experiment with different sounds, different flows, different producers and subject matters! It was about expressing myself and the things that were on my mind at the time of writing. My manager Sof and I had a great time putting it together, programming the launch events and Comfort said, “It’s great to be recognised by SAY at a time in which promoting the release. A big thank you goes out to all the producers blatant transphobia exists within our government and mainstream who contributed and everyone who has streamed ‘RE-UP’ - and now media. Our "modern" Scotland has yet to legally recognise non-binary The SAY Award for the recognition!" people and it is vital that queer voices be amplified during times like Sacred Paws said, “We are honoured to be part of this year's these. The ferocity of our record matches our determination, we feel incredible Longlist. The people at SAY help promote Scottish music in it is important for ‘Not Passing’ to be recognised by the mainstream such an inventive and celebratory way and they continue to help us as we firmly believe our message must be heard. Bigotry is given a believe in ourselves too. Thank you!” home under its many guises and it must be resisted at every chance.” SHHE said, “Thank you to The SAY Award, SMIA and all nominators Declan Welsh & The Decadent West said, “To be recognised for for including my album on this year's Longlist. It's been an incredible our album is a very nice feeling and we're very thankful to those who year for Scottish music and I'm honoured and proud to be a part of a nominated us. In a very strange year where we can’t get out to see community that supports, champions and celebrates artists in the way folk at gigs, it's a welcome reminder that some folk out there connect that The SAY Award does.” with the tunes. Much appreciated." The Ninth Wave said, “When making ‘Infancy’, The SAY Award was Elephant Sessions said, “We are absolutely delighted to be included always in the backs of our minds. With some of our biggest in The SAY Award Longlist, particularly this year which has been so inspirations having won in the past, the thought of being up there difficult for everyone. This is a huge highlight for us and it's an among those names was ever-present, wondering if people will be as honour.” inspired by your album as you have been by theirs. We make music Erland Cooper said, “This is a record about the sea, our relationship to connect to people on a personal level, and the fact that so many with the outside world and forces outside of our control but also, as people thought of us when nominating their favourite Scottish Album birds do, navigating through wilder weather and nurturing our own of the Year makes us feel like maybe we’re doing our jobs right. sea havens, those nests and sheltered bays we step out from each Scotland has such a wealth of talent and we are so proud to be part day - whether that be a home, a room, a landscape, a bed, a of this powerful scene.” relationship, a friend or a book. I was inspired by the work of Vistas said, “It’s an absolute honour to be included in this year’s SAY Margaret Tait in remembering to find the magic in the everyday. As a Award Longlist and to be recognised for our debut album makes it child, taking refuge alone in a music room in Stromness Academy to even more special. The songs on 'Everything Changes In The End' tell my work now being recognised in Scotland’s arts industry, I’m really stories of youth and friendship growing up in Scotland so the fact it's honoured. To be able to create and collaborate with like minded folk garnered support from figures in the Scottish music scene is is a dream. When I see a musician play, it’s like spotting a bird of wonderful. We are incredibly proud that many of the themes, lyrics, prey, the air above them just sings and it inspires me to write. Thank sounds and influences that helped shape our album are rooted in you for including me and my music in your wider world.” Scotland. Thank you very much for the nomination.” Fat-Suit said, “It really is a huge privilege to make the SAY Longlist, Following a turbulent few months in the Scottish music industry, The as we’ve followed The SAY Award since it came about in 2012. As a SAY Award’s Live at the Longlist virtual event brought artists, industry band we don’t place much importance on genre or classification, professionals and music fans together from across the globe. Filmed embracing lots of different influences and musical backgrounds, and at Edinburgh venues 54EP and Summerhall and co-hosted by Nicola as SAY embodies a similar ethos, it means a lot to make it this far in Meighan and Vic Galloway, the digital event saw the exclusive reveal the process. This album came so close to not happening at all - we of the highly-anticipated Longlist, with viewers treated to special, crowdfunded it in large part through Pledge Music, which collapsed socially distanced performances from former SAY Award nominees shortly before we were set to make the record. We remade our plans Free Love, Kinnaris Quintet and Sacred Paws. Cloth said, “We’re delighted and extremely proud to have our debut album make The SAY Award 2020 Longlist. The SAY Award has a history of shining a light on some of Scotland's best music, so to be included this year is something we couldn't be happier about.”
The SAY Award Longlist is the product of an extraordinary nationwide consultation; encapsulating the strength and diversity of Scotland’s music scene. This year, a record-breaking 362 album submissions were narrowed down to the 20-strong Longlist by 100 impartial nominators representing a variety of genres including jazz, classical, hip-hop, pop, trad folk, rock, electronic, indie and many more. The newly announced Longlist will now be whittled down to a final 10 albums to make up this year’s Shortlist, one of which can be chosen by music fans in a 72-hour public vote. From 5th - 7th October, music fans have the chance to ensure their favourite album from the Longlist makes it onto the Shortlist by voting at www.sayaward.com. The top 10 albums to make the Shortlist will then be announced on 8th October 2020 ahead of the winner announcement on Thursday 29th October. The winner of The SAY Award will collect £20,000, one of the most lucrative prize funds in the UK, while all nine runners-up are each awarded £1,000 and their own bespoke award. To date, The SAY Award has distributed over £232,000 in prize money across eight previous campaigns, with 2020 set to be another stellar year in showcasing the best of Scotland’s music industry. Developed and produced by the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), the 2020 campaign will be delivered in partnership with Creative Scotland, City of Edinburgh Council, YouTube Music, 54EP, Sweetdram, Culture & Business Fund Scotland via Arts & Business Scotland, PPL, Summerhall, Ticketmaster and new charity partner Music Declares Emergency. Previous winners of The SAY Award include Auntie Flo ‘Radio Highlife’ (2019), Young Fathers ‘Cocoa Sugar’ (2018), Sacred Paws ‘Strike A Match’ (2017), Anna Meredith ‘Varmints’ (2016), Kathryn Joseph ‘Bones You Have Thrown Me And Blood I’ve Spilled’ (2015), Young Fathers ‘Tape Two’ (2014), RM Hubbert ‘Thirteen Lost & Found’ (2013) and the inaugural winner Bill Wells and Aidan Moffat ‘Everything’s Getting Older’ (2012).
To keep up with The SAY Award 2020 journey, make sure you follow the award @
www.sayaward.com www.twitter.com/SAYaward www.facebook.com/SAYaward In alphabetical order the 2020 SAY Longlist is :: Anna Meredith FIBS Blanck Mass Animated Violence Mild Bossy Love Me + U Callum Easter Here Or Nowhere Cloth Cloth Comfort Not Passing Declan Welsh & The Decadent West Cheaply Bought, Expensively Sold Elephant Sessions What Makes You Erland Cooper Sule Skerry Fat-Suit Waifs & Strays Free Love Extreme Dance Anthems Honeyblood In Plain Sight Karine Polwart Karine Polwart's Scottish Songbook Lewis Capaldi Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent Mezcla Shoot the Moon The Ninth Wave Infancy NOVA RE-UP Sacred Paws Run Around The Sun SHHE SHHE Vistas Everything Changes In The End
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Over £76,000 worth of funds launched to support Scottish arts world during Covid Two Scottish arts funds, worth over £76,000, are now open and accepting applications in a bid to help Scottish artists and organisations to continue to deliver creative projects, after many of them have been severely affected financially by Covid-19. Being delivered by Gaelic arts organisation, Fèisean nan Gàidheal, on behalf of Creative Scotland, the funds aim to provide support for individuals and organisations to continue delivering projects in their communities and sustain creativity for musicians and artists at this time. collaborate with Creative Scotland again in disbursing funds from both schemes. A great many traditional artists contributed to the general wellbeing of people during the Covid-19 lockdown and, at this particular time, it is Tasgadh (meaning investment in Gaelic) :: is important for them to get working and generate designed to provide support for individual artists an income. We hope these funds will help and organisations to create, perform, tour and facilitate that." showcase work. The fund, which has an There will be two funding rounds for Tasgadh in allocation of £31,500, is open to those with a 2020-21 with the following deadlines for proven track record in Scottish traditional dance, applications: 23 October 2020 and 29 January Scottish storytelling or Scottish traditional music. 2021. Awards of between £250 and £1,000 are available and past successful projects supported For more information about Tasgadh by Tasgadh include weekly music classes and and details of how to apply, please visit workshops, music videos, dance development www.feisean.org/en/tasgadh/ and collaborations, composition of new music, Mairi Kidd, Head of Literature, Languages & To find out more about tours, personal development and research Publishing, Creative Scotland, said: “In the Maoin nan Ealan Gàidhlig, please visit projects, internships and festivals. present challenging circumstances the work of www.feisean.org/en/meg-en/ Arthur Cormack, Chief Executive, Fèisean artists and cultural organisations is more nan Gàidheal, commented: "The Tasgadh important than ever and we very much hope www.feisean.org that Maoin nan Ealan Gàidhlig will support Gaelic fund has been very successful in enabling www.facebook.com/feisean traditional arts projects over the past few years speaking artists and audiences to continue www.twitter.com/fngaidheal and Fèisean nan Gàidheal is very happy to creating and connecting.” Maoin nan Ealan Gàidhlig (Gaelic Arts Fund) :: has been designed to assist the delivery of Gaelic arts projects, by both organisations and individuals. Throughout 2020 and 2021, £45,000 will be available, with priority being given to applications for projects which are delivered through the medium of Gaelic; sustain artistic practice throughout the Covid-19 pandemic; from individual artists to create work or address personal development needs; with international partnerships; that will develop business skills for individual artists or arts organisations as a means to creating a market, increasing audience numbers or strengthening stability; or which propose online delivery of arts activities during the Covid-19 pandemic.
There are two deadlines for applications for Maoin nan Ealan Gàidhlig (Gaelic Arts Fund) Friday 19 October 2020 and Friday 22 January 2021.
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True North goes digital with showcase of North-east talent Full schedule @ www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/truenorth
Aberdeen Performing Arts has announced a series of free to view virtual events as this year’s True North Music Festival is staged online.
seen and heard in a fresh new way in the empty surrounds of the hall’s historic auditorium.
at the Northern Star Awards – since venues across the country closed in March and will be broadcast across all the True North social media channels.
With live music and performance venues across the country still closed, True North will create a nostalgic digital exhibition piece inspired by the live, gig experience. Live Music: Long May You Run will feature photography and memories from the five years of True North and will look forward to the time when we can all attend concerts once again. The exhibition will begin on Friday 25 September and run for a month in the virtual Music Hall Stepping In digital artspace @ www.steppingin.space
All the family can get involved in a digital performance inspired by True North’s popular My First Gig concept. Adam Ross, of indie-pop outfit Randolph’s Leap, will be performing a set of songs with young audiences in mind. Recorded at his home in Laurencekirk, the set list will include music by Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and Adele, as well as music from Disney films and Adam’s own original songs. The set will be available to view from 9am on Saturday 26 The award-winning annual festival which has September and aims to inspire young gig-goers been staged across the city each September since 2015 will feature an exclusive performance with an early taste of fantastic music. in the Music Hall by Kathryn Joseph, a set of Under the banner of True North Introduces, songs specially for younger audiences, and a the festival will showcase three of the most series of live streamed performances exciting new artists emerging from the Granite showcasing some of the finest young talent in City and its surrounds – 15 year old Aiysha the North-east. A digital exhibition celebrating Russell from Drumoak reached the final stages the love of live performance will run over the of The Voice Kids in 2019, Aberdonian singer weekend and will include memories and Rachael Bissett opened the city’s Hogmanay reflections of past festivals. stage last year, and Scott Wallace was a finalist The concerts mark the first performances staged in the inaugural BBC Scotland Singer-Songwriter of the Year Award – who will each perform a live by cultural charity Aberdeen Performing Arts – named the North-east Business of the Year 2019 streamed set daily at 6pm during the festival.
Ben Torrie, Aberdeen Performing Arts’ Director of Programming and Creative Projects, said “Over the past five years, True North has become an important and popular milestone of the city’s cultural calendar and when it became clear it couldn’t go ahead as normal we were determined to mark the weekend in some way. We’ve curated a programme which shines a light on the immense talent of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire musicians and can’t wait to share their unique and distinct voices with music-lovers everywhere. With so many gigs and festivals not going ahead this year, we are delighted that we can present a miniature version of True North online for audiences to enjoy.” Headlining the event is acclaimed singersongwriter Kathryn Joseph, who will perform a special set filmed in the iconic surroundings of the Music Hall. With a musical career firmly rooted in the North-east, Kathryn has released two studio albums with her debut winning the Scottish Album of the Year award in 2015. Her ethereal and thought-provoking music will be
All performances at the virtual festival will be free to watch with an option to make a donation to Aberdeen Performing Arts. For further information on how to watch the virtual True North Festival and for the full schedule visit www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/truenorth or any of our social media channels. The virtual True North festival was made possible thanks to the support of the Scottish Government and Creative Scotland via the Performing Arts Venues Relief Fund, and the support of Aberdeen City Council.
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Colin Steele Quartet :: album - 'Joni' Released :: 18 September @ www.marinarecords.com ‘Joni – Jazz Interpretations of the Joni Mitchell Songbook’ :: Awardwinning Scottish trumpeter Colin Steele has won admirers across Europe for his folk musicinfluenced approach to jazz.
album, Steele was commissioned by Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival to arrange and perform a selection of Joni Mitchell songs with his quartet.
went on to enjoy productive musical relationships with innovative bass guitarist Premiered at EJBF 2019, with EXPO funding from Jaco Pastorius and the Scottish Government, the work received saxophone master Wayne rapturous audience responses and enthusiastic Shorter, tour with Pat reviews and has now been released by German Metheny, Michael record label Marina Records. Brecker, Pastorius and Don Alias, and collaborate Having worked with pop-soulsters Hue & Cry in Joni Mitchell is one of the pre-eminent with bassist-composer Charles Mingus on the addition to playing jazz across the classic-tosongwriters of the past sixty years. Since her album Mingus. modern spectrum, he has recently turned his earliest recordings in the 1960s her songs have Steele’s choice of songs for Joni focuses largely melodic phrasing and improvising gifts to been an inspiration to singers and on Mitchell’s early recordings, with four from the interpreting contemporary songwriters, including instrumentalists including Frank Sinatra, Diana classic confessional album, “Blue”, one from her Scots pop rockers the Pearlfishers. Krall, Herbie Hancock, Dianne Reeves, Prince debut, “Song to a Seagull” and two from its and Cassandra Wilson. Following successes and recognition including successor, Clouds, including her signature song, the BBC Jazz Awards Best Album prize for his Having grown up listening to Miles Davis’ 1950s Both Sides, Now. There is also one song each 2004 release, “The Journey Home”, a Herald classics “Sketches of Spain” and “Kind of Blue”, from her “jazz period” albums, “Court & Spark” Angel for excellence in performance at the from the 1970s Mitchell famously worked with and “Hejira”. Edinburgh Festival and his signing to leading jazz musicians, beginning with saxophonist Tom In keeping with the songs’ very personal style, European label Act for his “Across the Waves” Scott on her 1973 album “For the Roses”. She Steele plays with a mute throughout, emphasising the confiding nature of Mitchell’s melodies and singing. His rhythm section – pianist and arranger Dave Milligan, bassist Calum Gourlay and drummer Alyn Cosker – are all bandleaders in their own right and while stretching out with Steele over the songs’ chord changes, they remain acutely aware of the songs’ original details and atmosphere. The mischievous “Jingle Bells” reference that Mitchell used to preface River is echoed by Cosker’s intro on cymbals. Gourlay enjoys the soloing freedom granted to Jaco Pastorius on “Hejira” while Milligan captures its feeling of travelling with gospel music-inflected zest. The trumpet and bass reading of “Tin Angel” reflects the original’s spartan qualities, and for “California” the group revels in a brisk tempo that emphasises the euphoric mood Mitchell conveyed in the summer of 1971.
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Emma Miller :: ep - 'Honey' Released :: out now @ https://linktr.ee/ohemmamiller
Emma Miller has spent the past two years quietly watching from the sidelines as her peers began to find success with their own musical projects. During this time she was diligently working on her songwriting and building up a body of work she could be proud of. Like many artists and songwriters finding themselves jaded by the music industry, it wasn’t until Emma let go of the idea that music had to pay the bills that she fell head over heels back in love with it. Today, amongst other things, (such as roaming the Scottish hillsides and looking after her dog, Gracie) Emma is pursuing a masters in Psychology with the view to becoming a counselling psychologist. Being able to have the freedom to create the music she wants, when she wants, already looks like it’s taking this unconventional artist to new heights as she continues to follow her curiosity. ‘Honey’ is a cool, collected melody that shows off how Emma’s vocals match perfectly with slow piano chords and laid-back drums. Alongside artful guitar licks and complex harmonies it’s a clear indication of the high standards this
songwriter holds herself to, and perhaps, even a reflection of the creative approach she enlists not only in her music, but in the way she chooses to live her life in general. Emma Miller on ‘Honey’: "Honey is a song that's taken on a life of its own. It began as a cathartic release following a break-up, but getting some space and distance from that time in my life I can now hear that the lyric is relevant to so many different contexts outside of a typical romantic relationship. “Whatsmore, I got to work on this song with friends and what had stemmed from a place of heartache became such a joyful and uplifting experience creating music with my mates. One of these friends was Blanca Romeo who went on to fully produce the track with her production partner Tobin Jones (Park Studios). “I felt especially chuffed that Blanca had wanted to produce the song as I'm a big fan of her own artist project (Odina) and was delighted that Honey was going to be the first song she would work on as a producer in her own right."
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Alex Maxwell :: single - 'Inaction' Released :: 15 September @ http://smarturl.it/InactionAlexMaxwell 'Inaction' is a turn to a full band performance and is Alex’s first indie-folk-rock song. It was released on 15 September.
An indie-folk-rock project by Dumfries singersongwriter Alex Maxwell, with the music being realised through solo, duo and 5-piece band performances.
Introducing Artist and Scotsman/Scotland on Sunday ‘Artist to Watch’. Further positive responses from Rave Child, BBC A landmark 2017 saw Alex championed as a BBC Radio Scotland and Amazing Radio followed five summer festival appearances. The first single had repeated airplay on BBC Radio 6 Music through BBC Introducing and BBC Radio Scotland. Alex was featured as a Fresh Fave on Tom Robinson’s ‘Fresh On The Net’. Showcase performances at the BBC stage, Edinburgh Fringe and Dumfries Music Conference preceded this. ‘Soul Divine’ was recorded with the Tinderbox String Quartet and was Single of the Week on Janice Forsyth’s BBC Radio Scotland show. BBC Radio Scotland (Janis Forsyth Show) ‘Themes of nature and Scottish heritage flow throughout all of Alex’s releases and he will have more to come, with harmonious vocals which compliment his guitar playing. Whether it’s his strong sense of songwriting, his stylish guitar playing, or the tone of his voice, Alex has all these areas covered’
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Adam Stafford :: album - 'Diamonds of a Horse Famine' Released :: October @
www.songbytoadrecords.bandcamp.com/album/diamonds-of-a-horse-famine
For multi-instrumentalist and filmmaker Adam Stafford, lockdown has ended up being a creatively fruitful period, sparking unexpected journeys into the past and consequently, brand new LP Diamonds of a Horse Famine.
Revolving around the discovery of a little red book hidden beneath some tupperware in a cardboard box, the album is a snapshot of a previous life; an unearthing of forgotten stories and mistakes told by different characters, with Stafford’s trademark cinematic soundscapes taking centre stage. "Erotic Thistle' was mostly written during a period in 2010,’ he says of the album’s lead
single, ‘when I lived in Glasgow and slept for most of the day due to anxiety-ridden bouts of depression.’ The track perfectly exhibits the album’s emotional depth, stripped of any external fanfare yet bursting with lyrical ingenuity. As well as dealing with an honest portrayal of mental illness, it features the lyrics ‘Melt down my death mask and fashion it into a dildo’, which Stafford explains was added after he read a story about a Russian woman who wanted to steal Lenin's death mask and turn it into a sexual object. As he notes, "That story appealed to my very odd sense of humour." It’s a mellow and moving sketch of hollow bleakness, with a backdrop that lulls you into a false sense of comfort, gradually building in texture, before dropping off again into nothingness. With this track and the wider album, Stafford succeeds in cementing his reputation as one of Scotland’s finest composers and arrangers, with music that paints vivid pictures and communicates history like a skilfully scripted film. Aaron Shrimpton's video for 'Erotic Thistle' reflects the mundane reality of life in lockdown and, like Adam's song, picks apart the minutiae of domestic incarceration. Adam Stafford comments: "Shrimpton became obsessed with filming flickering, dancing light on walls and floors of his house and the many spiders, dead or otherwise that populated these spaces. In turn he creates something beautifully hypnotic in the organically animated chairoscuro."
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