MUSIC NEWS Scotland

24 : 12 : 16

A very Merry Christmas to our readers and advertisers

'Lost In France' explores Scotland's independent music scene in the 90's - page 4 HebCelt announces latest acts - p3 :: 'Off The Record' seeks event partners - p8

£900,000 support for cultural activity across Scotland from Creative Scotland in November Creative Scotland has awarded over £900,000 National Lottery Funding through the Open Project Fund in November to 37 recipients. Awards of between £1,300 and £112,500 have been made to festivals, musicians, visual artists, dancers, writers and community arts hubs.

Shetland Folk Festival and East Neuk Festival have both received awards for the development of their 2017 festival programmes.

Independent Venue Week has received funding to support the celebration of independent music venues. Scottish venues include The Mash House (Edinburgh), The Glad Cafe (Glasgow), Buskers (Dundee) Krakatoa (Aberdeen) The Bungalow (Paisley).

Multi-platform musical venture, The Big Music Society is among those who have received funding awards for music. Their project, 'Tryst' will see the creation of new performance contexts for Ceòl Mòr/Big Music, Scotland's oldest surviving music for the highland bagpipes.

The project will involve musicians and composers: Finlay Macdonald, Rory Campbell, Ross Ainslie, Ali Hutton, Calum MacCrimmon, Steven Blake, John Mulhearn, Lorne Macdougall, James Duncan Mackenzie and Mairearad Green.

New Opera in Scotland Events (NOISE) have received funding to research and develop a new opera project with Scottish band Admiral Fallow and classical composer Gareth Williams. Glasgow School of Art Choir’s funding award has been made towards the Choir’s Fifth Anniversary Gala Concert. The concert will contain music by James MacMillan, the World Premiere of Light Through Tall Windows, which was composed for the ensemble following the Mackintosh Building fire in 2014; and the World Premiere of a new commission by Scottish composer, Shona Mackay.

James Robert Carson, Artistic Director, NOISE said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for the company to harness the talents of the remarkable indie band Admiral Fallow with those of Gareth Williams and Sian Evans. The company is delighted to be expanding our repertoire of new Scottish operas."

In a multi-artform award, Stornoway-based An Lanntair has received funding to enable the arts venue to undertake essential capital improvements.

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Admiral Fallow :: www.admiralfallow.com

Details of the Open Project Fund and other Creative Scotland funding can be found at www.creativescotland.com/funding/funding-programmes/open-project-funding

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Dougie Maclean Heads Six New Acts In HebCelt Christmas Cracker Dougie MacLean, one of Scotland’s most revered singer songwriters, is making a return to the Hebridean Celtic Festival next year, more than two decades after he helped launch the event which has become one of Scotland’s most successful music festivals.

MacLean, who appeared at the first HebCelt in 1996 and is in the festival’s Hall of Fame, will take his solo show to Stornoway in 2017.

He will be joined at the event by Skerryvore - just announced as 'Live Act of the Year' at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards - and who have a new single and album to be launched in the new year.

Maclennan said: “Dougie Maclean enjoys legendary status and is in the festival’s Hall of Fame for his outstanding contribution to music for more than 40 years, so we are thrilled he is returning to HebCelt.

Dougie MacLean :: www.dougiemaclean.com

“The other artists we are announcing are a fantastic blend of established favourites and exciting new names which add up to a truly wonderful Christmas cracker for festival fans.”

Dougie MacLean, OBE, is a muchhonoured singer-songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist and record producer, who last appeared at HebCelt in 2013, the same year he received the BBC Radio 2 Lifetime Achievement Award. He was then invited into the festival’s Hall of Fame and agreed to become Earlier this month the band won the HebCelt! We've all been over before an ambassador for the event.

Live Act of the Year Award at the with other groups and had an MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards. incredible time. It's such a beautiful He has also won a string of other honours, including Tartan Clef Skerryvore said: "It has been five place and the festival is one at the top of our list - bring on July!”

Awards, a gold disc for sales of over years since we last visited HebCelt

500,000 for his music used in the so we are extremely excited about film, the Last of the Mohicans, and a returning next year. It is one of the place in the Scottish Music Hall of best festivals in the UK so we are Fame. His ending of the Closing delighted that it will be part of our Ceremony of the Commonwealth new album tour in 2017.

Games in Glasgow (with Kylie The Skye-based Peatbog Faeries Also announced for next year’s Minogue and Lulu) was viewed by have twice been named Live Act of event are the Peatbog Faeries, over a billion people worldwide. the Year in the MG Alba Scots Trad another act in the HebCelt Hall of For the last 20 years he has also Music Awards and last year they Fame and one of the biggest names had a house in Lewis and is a were nominated for Album of the in contemporary folk music, who are regular visitor to the area when not Year for ‘Blackhouse’. They were marking their 25th anniversary this touring around the world. also nominated for Best Live Act in year.

Dougie MacLean said: “HebCelt is the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in New live act Ímar, who include 2012. rightly regarded as one of the best members of groups including RURA, festivals, with its unique setting, the In 2010 the band, along with Julie Manran and Talisk; make their wonderful atmosphere and great Fowlis and Runrig, were the first HebCelt debut. Also appearing will music programme. inductees to the HebCelt Hall of be local favourite C. Macleod Fame.

“I have a long connection to the (formerly known as The Boy Who island of Lewis and to the festival, Trapped the Sun) whose eagerly Peatbog Faeries said: “We are awaited new album comes out next dating back to the very first event, really looking forward to playing year; and the Luke Jackson Trio, and it’s always a real joy to return again at HebCelt. It is one of our another HebCelt first, featuring the to see so many friends and perform favourite festivals and the crowd is to the brilliant HebCelt audiences.” always really up for having a good award-winning singer songwriter from Canterbury. time, which makes it all the more Skerryvore were formed in the enjoyable for us. Roll on July!”

HebCelt, which will be held from 19- island of Tiree in 2005 by brothers

22 July, has already announced headliners The Waterboys as well as former X Factor contestant Lucy Spraggan, and Tide Lines, a Scottish band with strong traditional influences who launched earlier this year.

HebCelt director Caroline

Daniel and Martin Gillespie with holidaymaker Fraser West and friend Alec Dalglish over a shared love of music which includes everything from traditional to rock and jazz. The seven-piece has evolved with the arrival of Craig Espie, Alan Scobie and Jodie Bremaneson.

Luke Jackson is a young roots singer songwriter who in 2013 was nominated in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards for both the Horizon Award for Best Emerging Talent and The Young Folk Category. His third studio album, ‘Tall Tales and Rumours’, was released last month.

Early Bird tickets for next year’s festival are on sale via the HebCelt website @ www.hebceltfest.com

The 2016 HebCelt was the most successful in the event’s 21-year history. Headlined by Runrig and featuring more than 50 other artists Ímar, a five-piece band based in Glasgow, feature current and former including the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, members of Mànran, RURA, Talisk, Hayseed Dixie, Julie Fowlis, Eddi Reader, John McCusker, King Barrule, Cara, Mabon and The Lowground. All five group members Creosote and Breabach, it smashed originally met as teenagers through all previous records.

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the An independent visitor survey and Irish traditional music network that economic impact report on the 2016 tutors budding players. event showed it generated more than £2.2 million for the islands’ Their debut video, released during economy and helped safeguard 40 Celtic Connections 2016, has been tourism-related jobs. viewed more than 200,000 times.

Credits also include the opening set at last year’s Cambridge Folk Festival (technically, the band’s first billed gig) and headlining a stage at Belgium’s Dranouter Festival just a week later.

The band will release their debut album ‘Afterlight’ in January during Celtic Connections. It features stunning artwork by artist Bruno Cavellec, depicting Ímar, a 9thcentury king who reigned across the combined territory of Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man from where the band members originate.

Skerryvore :: www.skerryvore.com

Lewis-based singer songwriter Colin Macleod, now performing under the name C.Macleod, will be playing on home turf at HebCelt. He toured the Highlands in 2013 with Ethan Johns, best known for producing Ryan Adams, Laura Marling and Ray LaMontagne, and now Johns has produced Macleod's debut album, ‘Bloodlines’, due for release next year.

Ímar said: "We can't wait to get over to Lewis and bring the Mar to

HebCelt is a not for profit charitable event firmly rooted within its community and is almost entirely managed and produced by voluntary effort.

HebCelt has grown from a small event attracting less than 1,000 fans, to an international showpiece for roots, Celtic and traditional music. It is estimated it has generated more than £20 million for the local economy over two decades.

www.hebceltfest.com www.facebook.com/HebCelt https://twitter.com/hebcelt

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WHAT'S GFF 2017 exclusive live music performance to be simulcast

HOT! EMILY SMITH

from the latest releases to reach us ....

www.emilysmith.org

DOGHOUSE ROSES

Emily presents a beautifully crafted album of original and traditional material drawn from her folk background. The result is an album of songs that inspire, comfort and celebrate Christmas and the winter season. MNS loves it!

www.doghouseroses.net Glasgow's Doghouse Roses once more present their unique take on contemporary folk and reaffirm that they are "something a bit special" (The List) with the release of their long-awaited third studio album 'Lost Is Not Losing'

with Alex Kapranos (Franz Ferdinand), Stuart Braithwaite (Mogwai), Emma Pollock, Paul Savage (The Delgados) and RM Hubbert Glasgow Film Festival 2017 has announced its first special event and programme strands for next year's festival. On 21 February Glasgow's ABC will host a special screening of Niall McCann's acclaimed documentary Lost In France, exploring the rise of Scotland's independent music scene in the 90's, led by cult Glasgow label Chemikal Underground, The Delgados, Bis, Mogwai, Arab Strap and other seminal musicians and bands (including Alex Kapranos who would go on to form Franz Ferdinand).

Following the screening, GFF audience members will have the chance to see Alex Kapranos (Franz Ferdinand), Stuart Braithwaite (Mogwai), Emma Pollock, Paul Savage (The Delgados) and RM Hubbert re-unite for an exclusive live performance. The film and performance will be screened live to cinemas across the UK on the 21 February, ahead of the film’s general release by Curzon Artificial Eye on 24 February.

ALEX TRONIC

Tickets for the unique screening and performance are now on sale priced £16 and £14 (concessions) via: www.glasgowfilm.org/festival.

Two strands for the 2017 programme have also been announced - Dangerous Dames and True North: New Canadian Cinema. Both will run at the newly restored Glasgow Film Theatre and venues across the city from 15 - 26 February.

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True North: New Canadian Cinema marks 150 years

The GFF 2017 Industry programme will run 22-24 February and will be announced in the coming weeks.

Early Bird passes are now on sale via www. glasgowfilm.org/festival The Festival’s Opening and Closing Galas will be announced on 5 January, with tickets going on sale on 9 January. The main programme will be announced on 18 January, with tickets going on sale to GFF members on 19 January and on general sale 23 January. Fans of the festival are encouraged to become GFF Members this year; a one-off payment of £10 offers exclusive access to advance booking.

www.glasgowfilm.org/gsff https://twitter.com/GlasgowSFF www.facebook.com/glasgowshortfilmfestival

KIM EDGAR

Alex Tronic versus Leith Bass Team features guest musicians Matthew Leigh Embleton ( Snakestyle) plus vocal collaborator Kirsty Brown, Polina Domnina and Georgia Gordon. Third album from producer Paul Croan. Excellent!

The Dangerous Dames retrospective screenings are free to the public and will celebrate the big screen's sultriest femme fatales - this programme is the perfect excuse for audiences to reacquaint themselves with some women behaving (very) badly.

of Canada’s confederation with a selection of strikingly original new and rediscovered voices in independent Canadian cinema. Sidney J.

www.kimedgar.com An intimate and inspiring collection of original songs, tackling topics including child soldiers, crime and punishment, loss, and love in its many forms. Album of the week from Iain Anderson and Celtic Music Radio. MNS loves it!

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

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Musical Theatre Festivals Concerts Tours Album Releases

Make your music headline news with Deborah Welsh Commercial Media Specialist PR and publicity consultant based in Scotland

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SCOTTISH MUSIC CENTRE

............

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

Hugh Kelly is an Alt. Blues/Soul singer songwriter, originally from Edinburgh but now based in Glasgow. By the age of 18 years old, he was already a regular fixture on the busking and open mic scenes in both his hometown and Aberdeen where he spent two years studying for a law degree.

After returning home to Edinburgh, deciding law wasn’t what he wanted to do, he released his debut EP titled ‘Give Me All Your Love’ in February of this year. The four track EP secured a considerable amount of media attention, securing ‘Artist of the Week’ in The Scotsman’s Scotland On Sunday title, ‘Single of the Week’ on The Janice Forsyth Show on BBC Radio Scotland in addition to being featured by Jim Gellatly in The Scottish Sun and Tom Robinson’s Fresh On The Net programme.

There is no doubt 2016 has been a landmark year for the young songwriter. He completed a 10-date UK tour throughout May and June and a whopping 45 solo performances as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Highlights included a televised performance for Scottish Television’s (STV) Edinburgh Festival 2016 show and 2 live performances for BBC Radio Scotland and BBC at the Edinburgh Festival.

In addition to a full schedule of gigs in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Newcastle and London between September and December, Hugh released a brand new single, ‘The Double’ last month.

If 2017 is anything like this year, expect big things.

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

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

www.scottishmusiccentre.com : https://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.

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

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the mns collection ….

Off The Record Seeking Event Partners Download the partnership document here: www.offtherecord.me/partner-with-us/ Born To Be Wide is inviting organisations, venues, companies and individuals with a track record of working in youth initiatives, to partner on its final two Off The Record events in the current series.

About Off The Record And Born To Be Wide

Supported by EmuBands, The Robertson Trust and the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative (YMI), and administered by Creative Scotland, local partners have included: Leisure and Culture Dundee, Station House Media Unit (Aberdeen), Aberdeen Performing Arts, Scottish Borders Council, #artcore (Out of the Blue Drillhall, Edinburgh) and Dumfries Music Conference.

College, Perth College, Spotify, EmuBands, Eventbrite, the Orchard, the Scottish Music Industry Association, the Scottish Parliament, Creative Edinburgh, the Academy of Music & Sound, Music Export Norway and the German Consulate.

Off The Record, was founded by Community Interest Company Born To Be Wide in 2013 and is a series of daytime events for young musicians and those who want to work in the industry. It is open to anyone aged 14-25, and is designed to equip young people with music business knowledge, information and skills to help them forge a career in music.

Born To Be Wide started life in 2004 as an informal social night to bring together those involved in the Scottish music scene, and Aimed at 14-25 years olds, interested in a soon began attracting interest throughout the career in music or the music business, the one-day sessions feature talks, presentations UK. In 2012 it was incorporated as a Community Interest Company with Michael and advice on key areas including releasing Lambert and Olaf Furniss as its directors. In tracks, getting/organising gigs, promotion addition to its seminar/networking evenings and employment opportunities. and Off The Record it stages the annual Wide “We are keen to hear from prospective Days conference and showcase, which in partners, in particular in the Highlands & 2014 won Best Networking Event/Service at Islands, and are happy to tailor the content the Yearly Music Convention Awards. according to the priorities of local audiences,” says Born To Be Wide director, Olaf Furniss. Born To Be Wide also organises bespoke talks and workshops for other conferences Events in the current series have already and organisations. These include the BPI’s taken place in Aberdeen, Dundee, Galashiels, Big Music Project, the Scottish Parliament's Edinburgh and Dumfries, and have included Festival Of Politics, Education Scotland, the guest speakers from the BBC, Scotland on Edinburgh International Book Festival, Heart Sunday, DF Concerts, the Electric Fields Of Midlothian FC’s Big Hearts Community Festival, record labels and leading artists Trust, the Depot Recording Studio and management companies. creative industries convention, GoNorth.

In the current series 92% of attendees Its numerous events have included surveyed said they would “definitely” use partnerships with the following organisations, what they had learned, and participation has companies and educational institutions: BPI, led to airplay (including the BBC and MU, PPL, ERA, AIM, MPA, CC Skills, Creative Amazing Radio), gig/festival bookings and a Scotland, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, range of employment opportunities.

Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh

www.offtherecord.me

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

Off The Record - Aberdeen, Lemon Tree - October 2015

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Scottish Opera Travels Scotland With Opera Highlights in 2017 Scottish Opera’s annual Opera Highlights tour to smaller, more remote venues the length and breadth of Scotland kicks off in February.

This 15-date tour visits Easterhouse, Maybole, Dumfries, Banchory, Gairloch, Nairn, Durness, Ardross, Fraserburgh, Lanark, Strathmiglo, Brodick, Killin, Bathgate and Strontian.

Artist Jim Manganello directs.

Jim Manganello said, ‘I've been blessed to haunt the Scottish Opera corridors for the past year, collaborating with our extraordinary and colourful team on stage and behind-the-scenes.

This year's Opera Highlights is a celebration of what we all love about opera – the outsized characters, the towering dreams, the deep despairs – but translated into an intimate, upclose format that I hope is as captivating to the first-time operagoer as it is to the aficionado. I relish working with these funny, sassy, generous singers, and I can't wait for audiences around Scotland to fall in love with them as I have.’

Scottish Opera is Scotland’s national opera company and the largest performing arts organisation in Scotland. It was founded by Alexander Gibson in 1962 and was inaugurated with a production of Madama Butterfly at the King's Theatre in Glasgow.

Notable achievements include the world premiere of James MacMillan's Inés de Castro at the 1996 Edinburgh International Festival and Touring from Tuesday 14 February to Saturday 18 March, Opera Highlights promises an evening complete Ring cycles at the 2003 Edinburgh International Festival, which won the 2004 South of fun for all the family with a programme of Bank Show Award for Best Opera Production. works by opera’s greatest composers, colourful costumes and props, larger than life characters, Recent commissions include Five:15 Operas Made in Scotland (2008-10); The Lady from the and plenty of humour.

Sea, Clemency, the double bill of In the Locked Perfect for both seasoned fans and those new to Room and Ghost Patrol (winner of a South Bank opera, the varied programme features music by Sky Arts Award) which premiered at the 2012 Edinburgh International Festival and 2016's The Mozart, Handel, Puccini, and Gilbert & Sullivan, and has been curated by Scottish Opera’s Head Devil Inside by Stuart MacRae and Louise Welsh. of Music, Derek Clark.

Scottish Opera is committed to bringing the widest possible range of opera, performed to the Opera Highlights will also feature the world highest possible standards, to the maximum premiere of a short innovative new parody of audience throughout Scotland and the UK. Each Bartók’s Bluebeard’s Castle called ‘Bluebeard’s Cake’, created especially for the tour by Scottish year it performs in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Opera’s Composer in Residence Lliam Paterson. Aberdeen and Inverness, as well as smaller theatres, village halls and community centres throughout the country.

This year’s cast is full of fresh new talent, including two Scottish Opera Emerging Artists, mezzo-soprano Emma Kerr and tenor Elgan Llyr Scottish Opera’s Education and Outreach Department was the first of its kind of any opera Thomas, and two recent graduates of the National Opera Studio, soprano Roisín Walsh and company in Europe. It operates an extensive programme which involves over 8,000 primary baritone Adam Gilbert. Former Scottish Opera school children every year, as well as many Emerging Artist Repetiteur Jonathon Swinard returns to accompany the four young singers on other activities including adult learning and free Unwrapped taster sessions. piano, and current Scottish Opera Emerging

GIGnotes ..... (All at 7.30pm) 14 Feb: Platform, Easterhouse :: 16 Feb: Maybole Town Hall :: 18 Feb: Dumfries Theatre Royal :: 21 Feb: The Barn, Banchory :: 23 Feb: Gairloch Community Hall :: 25 Feb: Nairn Community & Arts Centre :: 28 Feb:: Durness Village Hall :: 2 Mar: Ardross Community Hall :: 4 Mar: Dalrymple Hall, Fraserburgh :: 7 Mar: Lanark Memorial Hall :: 9 Mar: Strathmiglo Village Hall :: 11 Mar: Brodick Hall, Isle of Arran :: 14 Mar: McLaren Hall, Killin :: 16 Mar: Regal Community Theatre, Bathgate :: 18 Mar Sunart Centre, Strontian

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New Christmas Album by Scotland’s Young Choristers RSNO Junior Chorus’ new festive album features new work from Christmas No1 composer Paul Mealor Some of the country’s finest young voices have produced a new recording to coincide with the arrival of the festive season.

With several formats to choose from, including Studio Master 24bit FLAC, A Christmas Festival is available to download now from www. linnrecords.com CDs are available to buy online and at RSNO concerts.

points throughout their time singing with the group.

To provide the highest level of training and guidance as the singers progress, the chorus is divided into five groups; the Training Choir, The RSNO Junior Chorus - which is supported by Probationary Choirs 1 and 2, the Changed Voices Big Lottery Fund: Youth Start, W A Cargill Fund, group and the Junior Chorus.

The Cross Trust and The Mickel Fund Christopher Bell was appointed Chorus Director performed as part of the RSNO Christmas of the RSNO Junior Chorus in 1994. Born in Concerts, alongside the RSNO at the Caird Hall, Belfast, Christopher studied at the University of Dundee on Friday 16 December and with the Edinburgh. His extensive work with young people A Christmas Festival is the second seasonal RSNO and the RSNO Chorus at the Glasgow includes directing the TOTAL Aberdeen Youth release from the RSNO Junior Chorus. In 2009 Royal Concert Hall on Saturday 17 December.

Choir for five years. For many years he worked the ensemble released A Family Christmas on The RSNO Junior Chorus is one of the leading with Children's Classic Concerts, conducting and Signum Classics, also accompanied by the RSNO children and youth choirs in the UK, with over presenting concerts all over Scotland, and was and led by Christopher Bell.

400 members aged seven to eighteen. their Artistic Director between 2001 and 2008.

A Christmas Festival finds traditional favourites www.rsno.org.uk such as Jingle Bells, In A Cottage In A Wood and It was formed in 1978 by Jean Kidd and since 1994 has been directed by Christopher Bell.

It Jolly Old Saint Nicholas accompanied by 20th https://twitter.com/RSNO www.facebook.com/royalscottishnationalorchestra century classics from British composers Michael has built up a considerable reputation singing under some of the world's most distinguished Head (Little Road to Bethlehem) and Howard conductors and appearing on radio and Blake (The Snowman, The Bear) and a new television. work, I Pray, from Paul Mealor, who is wellThe Royal Scottish National Orchestra’s (RSNO) award-winning Junior Chorus, accompanied by the RSNO and led by Junior Chorus Director Christopher Bell, release A Christmas Festival, featuring the music from their popular Christmas concerts. The recording is supported by The Iain and Pamela Sinclair Legacy.

known for achieving a UK Christmas No1 with his RSNO Junior Chorus members sing regularly with work for The Military Wives’ Choir in 2011.

Scotland's national orchestra in major concert halls and festivals throughout the country. The The RSNO Christmas concerts are one of the Junior Chorus has also sung at BBC concerts and most popular orchestral and choral concerts in the country, and the spirit of the annual event is regularly appears at the Edinburgh International Festival. captured on this double-length recording.

Director of the RSNO Junior Chorus Christopher Bell: “The RSNO Christmas concerts have been making family audiences smile for more than 20 years. This new recording captures the seasonal charm of children's voices accompanied by a full symphony orchestra. The energy and enthusiasm of the performers is infectious - let us bring a smile to your face and a warm glow to your heart.”

The RSNO Junior Chorus follows the Kodály method of training and links closely to the National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCoS) musicianship curriculum. Through this course, the young singers are taught to read and write music notation and our staff work hard to increase the confidence and self-esteem of the talented young musicians.

The RSNO Junior Chorus is a highly competitive choir and members are re-auditioned at various

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"It's CHRISTMAS!!!" - a few ideas below for the ideal present which also supports musicians

RAB NOAKES :: EP :: 'The Treatment Tapes' release date - 20 January @ http://rabnoakes.com/shop/

Early in 2015 Rab Noakes was diagnosed with tonsillar cancer. From March to May that year the treatments took place, thirty early morning radiotherapy sessions and two chemotherapy overnights. It’s rigorous stuff and rendered him inactive for a few months.

He wasn’t inactive for any longer than was necessary though and was soon back in action.

The treatments’ rigours were alleviated by creating landmarks to reach such as the MU conference in July, followed by Roddy Hart’s Neil Young Tribute concert in September. The release of his ‘I’m walkin’ here’ album was delayed from May and saw the light of day in October.

November 2015 was devoted to touring in support of the release.

The songs on this EP were written during the post-treatment period and were part of that process. They were recorded chronologically so their performances reflect that progress. There

was one initial session in December 2015 followed by one in April 2016.

There’s no selfpity though, here you’ll find defiance, resilience, love, support and wit.

Rab’s wife, Stephy Pordage, was an integral part of the process at every stage. She was part of the production team with John Cavanagh.

She was a key part of the writing process and contributed a significant part of the lyric of the song,‘Mindful’.

Rab Noakes :: photo by Carol Ann Peacock

Rab’s included the songs, at least one at a time, in performances since the gigs restarted back in November 2015.

He often prefaces any rendition by making a little light of it saying something like “When something like this happens to the likes of me at least I know I’ll probably get a couple of songs out of it”. He goes on to say “It sounds a wee bit flippant and it does puncture the tension a bit.

Truth is, though, it’s what we do creatively.

We utilise experience and observation of, and response to, life’s ingredients, add a helping of imagination and deliver a work”.

GIGnotes .....

2 February: Glasgow Celtic Connections, The Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow. Tickets @ www. celticconnections.com

www.rabnoakes.com https://twitter.com/rabnoakes

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

TEANNAICH :: album :: 'Energised' release date - 9 December @ www.teannaich.com/shop.htm

Teannaich are a 5 piece rock ceilidh band who have been playing their unique twist on Scottish music for ceilidh dancing since 1996. The band is made up of the musicians; Jon Bews - Fiddle, Mike Ross Cittern, Colin Cairncross Drums, Jonathan Kemp - Bass & Mark Neal - electric guitar.

The band met in Edinburgh while many of them where studying at The University of Edinburgh (with three of the band going on to obtain PhD's) and despite their diverse musical backgrounds they quickly started to find a common ground.

As well as many years of performances around Scotland and England the band have toured widely with overseas trips to Russia, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Ireland and more.

'Energised' is their 2nd album following on from the 2001 release 'Lucid,' with this album the band have brought the energy from their live performances to the recording studio making a CD both great for listening or dancing to.

Teannaich mostly play for ceilidh dancing although they do also play for listening (or

spontaneous dancing) audiences, and as such their music is all arranged to make for great dancing but they are never ones to sit on their laurels, always pushing the boundaries with intricate arrangements, blending influences from rock, funk and jazz along with great traditional Scottish and Irish tunes and their own compositions.

www.teannaich.com

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

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music news scotland

page 15

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page 16

music news scotland

"It's CHRISTMAS!!!" - a few ideas below for the ideal present which also supports musicians

ROBYN STAPLETON :: album :: 'Songs of Robert Burns' release date - 20 January @ www.robynstapleton.com/shop/ January 2017 marks the release of Robyn Stapleton's album, Songs of Robert Burns. Through the poetry of Scotland's national bard, the album explores the themes of history, humanity, love and nature. It features an array of Scotland's finest instrumentalists, with arrangements that echo the sensitivity and raw emotion of Burns' works.

Robyn has been invited to perform Burns' most famous works on BBC television and radio, alongside Oscar-winning actors, and on legendary radio programme, Desert Island Discs. Her voice is undeniably one of the finest in Scottish folk music, and since winning the coveted title of BBC Radio Scotland's Young Traditional Musician in 2014, she has become one of the most respected interpreters of Scots song. Her

(bouzouki), Alistair Paterson (piano, harmonium), Signy Jacobsdottor (percussion) and Innes White (guitar, mandolin), and Jenna Reid (fiddle). A specially selected string ensemble brings a powerful and evocative dimension to some of Burns' most iconic works: 'My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose', 'Westlin' Winds', 'Parcel o' Rogues' and 'Auld Lang Syne'.

debut album (released in 2015) received outstanding reviews: Songs of Robert Burns, recorded by Stuart Hamilton at Castlesound Studios, brings together an array of Scotland's finest musicians. It features performances from Patsy Reid (fiddle, viola), Aaron Jones

The album captures the incredible range and depth of Burns' works and the passion, humour and sensitivity of his words. From the gut-wrenching, 'Slave's Lament', to the rousing, character-filled 'Tae the Weavers'; And from the hauntingly ethereal 'Ca the Yowes', to an emotional and powerful performance of 'Ae Fond Kiss'. This album is a celebration of Burns and a celebration of Scotland's musical heritage and language, which are at the heart of Burns' literary and musical legacy.

some interviews. If you are interested, please get in touch Robyn will be performing launch concerts across Scotland, including Dumfries, her home town of Stranraer, Inverness and a special Burns' Night concert in Glasgow as part of Celtic Connections.

GIGnotes ..... (All January) 15th, Dumfries, The Usual Place :: 22nd Stranraer, St. Ninian’s Church :: 25th Glasgow, St. Andrew’s in the Square :: 29th Inverness, Eden Court.

Hope you enjoy this beautiful album www.robynstapleton.com as much as I do and can consider for review and/or feature. Robyn www.facebook.com/robyn.stapleton would be more than happy to do https://twitter.com/RobynStapleton

SOUTHERN TENANT FOLK UNION :: album + tour :: 'Join Forces' release date - out now @ http://www.southerntenantfolkunion.com/audio_shop/

September 2016 saw the release of the seventh Southern Tenant Folk Union album 'Join Forces' and the band are now touring in support of it.

It was written following the May 2015 general election result, and then recorded in June and July this year amidst a quickly changing political landscape, something that has made the suite of songs seem timelier still. The band will be touring to support the release into Spring 2017.

Musically the album harks back to the more roots and bluegrass sounding earlier albums and is divided into two main strands.

Firstly there are some tracks which have a much poppier and melodic approach than in the past. Songs such as the dynamic opener To The War, the frantic Arthur Lee & Love influenced The Media Attack, Rory Butler’s Carefully Does It and the title track Join Forces. Then, secondly, several songs deliberately take in more old-time bluegrass chord sequences and sounds. Tracks like Ash, a metaphor for political progress meeting the sci-fi eco movie Silent Running, and the uptempo bluegrass lament that is Our Revolution It Will One Day Come which concerns the slow nature of change. Plain Stanley Brothers style A cappella harmony vocals start off My Grandfather’s Father before mixing in folk fiddle & percussion breakdowns and then there’s the anthemic What Would

You Give For A Leader With Soul?, which was released as a single in September.

Returning to the album title, it was the vote to leave the EU that eventually decided what it should be. And Join Forces itself is a big pop bluegrass groover featuring call and response backing vocals and lyrically is about the idea of people from the same country, town or street on opposite sides of a futile military conflict. The title’s double meaning itself being an invitation to society. The second track, Carefully create a more hopeful future.

Does It, brings a 70’s pop almost Jimmy Webb styled sensibility to the Lead singer and guitarist Rory album powerfully utilising the big Butler pens two tracks for the band acoustic sound of Southern record, firstly the opening cut To The War reflecting on the frustration Tenant Folk Union. of us all being complicit in war A strong flavour of Scottish folk also abroad and in despair at the ‘war’ runs across the whole record with on those least fortunate in our the exciting and daring fiddle playing of Katherine Stewart intertwined throughout. Plus Katherine and percussionist Steve Fivey specially wrote the Islay Crossing Set which features three original tunes – of sometimes fiendish complexity, dynamic rhythmic impact and stark beauty – that demonstrate the link between folk and bluegrass and their relation and common currency over time.

GIGnotes ..... Fri 27 Jan: Byre Theatre, St Andrews :: Thu 23 March: Eden Court Theatre, Inverness :: Fri 24 March: An Lanntair, Stornoway, Isle Of Lewis :: Mon 27 March: Soundhouse @ Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh

Southern Tenant Folk Union :: photo by Sandy Butler-

www.southerntenantfolkunion.com

https://twitter.com/stfuband

www.facebook.com/SouthernTenantFolkUnion

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music news scotland

page 17

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page 18

music news scotland

"It's CHRISTMAS!!!" - a few ideas below for the ideal present which also supports musicians

GILCHRIST :: EP :: 'Soul Preacher' release date - out now @ http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/gilchrist5

Gilchrist are an Edinburgh based band that play an exciting fusion of rock, funk and soul. Following the release of their debut album ‘Funky Philosophy’ in November 2014, Gilchrist have played at venues all over the UK and also appeared on STV’s “Live at Five” show in February 2016.

Heart' and 'River Of Tears'.

The band were planning to play a number of shows to support the release of this EP but had to cancel their plans and take an enforced break as one of the band was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and has to undergo surgery.

However, rather than postpone the release, they decided to go ahead as they hope to be back performing in March 2017 to coincide with their next EP release.

They’ve recently been working with award winning producer Steve Power who’s mixed a number of tracks for the band.

The band are to release 4 EPs over the next 12 months, starting with the ‘Soul Preacher’ EP which contains 3 tracks mixed by Steve; 'Soul Preacher', 'Better Listen 2 Your

www.gilchristfunk.com www.facebook.com/gilchristfunk https://twitter.com/GilchristFunk

HEATHER DICKSON :: single :: 'Harley Honey' release date - out now @ www.heatherdickson.co.uk celebrate the release of her new single ‘Harley Honey’.

Heather recently travelled to Nashville, USA, to record the new EP and now she hopes to share her passion and her edgy rock/country sound with her growing army of fans in the UK and around the world.

She was thrilled to team up with HarleyDavidson Edinburgh to share her passion for rock music …and motorbikes!

Heather said: “Recording at Nashville's Midtown Studio was the most incredible experience for me. The musicians were simply world class."

Now she hopes to share her passion and her edgy rock/ country sound with her growing army of fans in the UK and around the world.

Harley Honey is available from www.cdbaby.com and to download on Amazon and iTunes now. https://twitter.com/dicksonh40 www.facebook.com/heather.dickson.96

Rock Chick Heather – Scotland’s Own Harley Honey Dunfermline's rock country star Heather Dickson wowed the crowds recently at the Edinburgh Harley-Davidson dealership, performing live to

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photo by Wullie Marr

music news scotland

page 19

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new releases

music news scotland

page 21

scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download TEANNAICH Energised

album cd / download Release Date: 9 December

Edinburgh Rock ceilidh band have released their 2nd album Energised.

With this album Teannaich has brought their unique band of high energy folk rock ceilidh music from the stage to the studio with 11 great tracks of music which is both great for listening or dancing to.

Listen/Watch: www.teannaich.com/media.htm Available from: www.teannaich.com/shop.htm www.teannaich.com www.facebook.com/teannaich https://twitter.com/Teannaich

EWAN McLENNAN & GEORGE MONBIOT Breaking the Spell of Loneliness album cd / download / stream Release Date: Out Now

A remarkable collaboration between writer George Monbiot and musician Ewan McLennan, seeking to use music and word to open up the issue of loneliness and bring people together.

Listen/Watch: www.youtube.com https://soundcloud.com Available from: All usual outlets www.ewanmclennan.co.uk www.monbiot.com

LOUISE McVEY & CRACKS IN THE CONCRETE Under The Heart

album cd / vinyl / download Release Date: 5 December

Glasgow-based two-piece Louise McVey & Cracks in the Concrete, Louise McVey (vocals) and Graeme Miller (sound), met in a basement in 2009.

McVey‘s sonorous vocals and Miller’s off kilter musical arrangements create darkly atmospheric, and at times unsettling songs , highlighting their shared passion for dark unexplored musical territory.

Listen/Watch: www.youtube.com https://soundcloud.com Available from: www.threadsofsound.net/louisemcveycitc/ www.facebook.com/louisemcveyandcracksintheconcrete

GILCHRIST

PYRO VERSE METRICS

Soul Preacher

Money

single download / stream Release Date: Out Now

Debut video single from Alternative Rock duo PYRO. These 17 year old lads from Bathgate produce a wall of sound that you would expect from a 5 piece band.

Connor leads on vocals from behind the drums while Cameron uses one guitar and few friends he calls pedals. A blend of Royal Blood and Foo Fighters.

Listen/Watch: YouTube: http://bit.ly/2hBB8My https://soundcloud.com/pyromusicband Available from: itunes Spotify cdBaby apple music www.facebook.com/pyromusicband https://twitter.com/pyromusicband Email: emailpyromusic@gmail.com

We’ll Be Listening and Remembering Until We’re Old and Unsteady EP vinyl / download / stream Release Date: 2 December

'We’ll Be Listening and Remembering Until We’re Old and Unsteady’ is the third EP from Glasgow’s Verse Metrics, a groove-driven 4 piece band with a knack for writing twisty, turny alternative rock songs. Expect post-rock instrumentation with nontraditional song structures; and math-rock subtleties as a bed for Bob Dick’s introspective and often cryptic lyrics.

Listen/Watch: http://soundcloud.com/versemetrics http://versemetrics.bandcamp.com http://youtube.com/versemetrics Available from: Vinyl - http://bit.ly/metricsvinyl Download - http://bit.ly/listeningdl iTunes - http://apple.co/2i59smR www.versemetrics.com www.facebook.com/versemetrics http://twitter.com/versemetrics

EP cd / download / stream Release Date: 16 December

Gilchrist are an Edinburgh band playing an exciting fusion of rock, funk and soul. They released their debut album ‘Funky Philosophy’ in November 2014 and have recently been working with award winning producer Steve Power. They are to release 4 EPs over the next year starting with the ‘Soul Preacher’ EP which contains 3 tracks mixed by Steve.

Listen/Watch: https://soundcloud.com/gilchrist-2/soul-preacher https://soundcloud.com/gilchrist-2/river-of-tears https://youtu.be/EDZBPoFI7A8 https://youtu.be/b4fID8urlzE https://youtu.be/CnRZ0R29qoc Available from: https://itun.es/gb/V_BKgb www.gilchristfunk.com www.facebook.com/gilchristfunk https://twitter.com/GilchristFunk

page 22

music news scotland

scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download BRITTLE HEAD GIRL

RICHARD BUCHANAN

SOPHIE RAMSAY

Fall In Line

Highway Stars

The Seas Between Us

EP cd / download / stream Release Date: 28 October An unsigned 4 piece indie rock band from Edinburgh.

Their influences are varied and include Swervedriver, Ride, Redd Kross, Smashing Pumpkins, Therapy?, Girls Against Boys, Helmet, Alice In Chains and Placebo to name but a few. Their music has been described by 7Ahead as “…the raucousness of early Nirvana records jumps out and appears to be revitalised in BHG’s style.” https://t.co/N11Ucdc4 Listen/Watch: www.brittleheadgirl.bandcamp.com https://m.soundcloud.com/brittleheadgirl

single download Release Date: 7 October

The title of this latest release from Richard Buchanan, former bass player with 90’s Scottish under-achievers The Lost Soul Band, is a mondegreen, or misheard words. This unashamed pop song describes a special, enduring friendship with a fellow troubadour and features an odd instrumental section.

Listen/Watch: Available from: https://richardbuchanan.bandcamp.com/ www.brittleheadgirl.com https://brittleheadgirl.bandcamp.com/album/fall-in-line- Available from: ep http://feersum.co.uk/ www.brittleheadgirl.com https://twitter.com.brittleheadgirl www.instagram.com/brittleheadgirl

http://feersum.co.uk/ https://twitter.com/feersumMusic

PETE COUTTS

album - cd / download Release Date: Out Now

My new album The Seas Between Us is out now! It has twelve old Scots and Gaelic songs, many of which I’ve been singing since I was a little girl. It was recorded and produced by Matheu Watson, who also played several instruments (guitars, fiddle, mandolin, prepared instruments, synth, organs, etc.) and features Fraser Fifield (prepared whistle, lowland pipes, kaval), Jim Rattigan (French horn), Ben Cashell (cello) and Findlay Napier (voice). It was mixed by Leo Abrahams and mastered by Iain Hutchison.

Listen/Watch: www.youtube.com/user/sophrams/feed https://soundcloud.com/sophie-ramsay Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com www.amazon.co.uk iTunes, Amazon MP3, Google Play, Spotify www.sophieramsay.com https://twitter.com/sophie_ramsay www.facebook.com/sophieramsaysinger

PAUL ARMOUR THE KATET

Northern Sky

album cd / download Release Date: Out Now Northern Sky is the eagerly awaited debut solo album from Aberdeen musician Pete Coutts (mandolin, guitar, vocals). This collection of original Doric songs and tunes draws from the cultural heritage and language of the North-East whilst keeping its roots planted firmly in the contemporary sound of traditional Scottish music. Featuring some of Scotland’s finest musicians including: Ali Hutton (pipes, whistles, guitar), Jonny Hardie (fiddle), Brian McAlpine (accordion), Martin O’Neill (bodhran). The album weaves its way through a rich tapestry of tunes and tales inspired by traditional life in North-East Scotland’s fishing and farming communities Listen/Watch:

https://petecoutts.bandcamp.com/album/northern-sky

The Poets & The Beats Guillotine

album cd / download Release Date: Out Now

Guillotine was launched on 10th oct at Summerhall with a massive 19piece line-up including string and brass sextets. This was the only way to do the album justice. Guillotine is the culmination of the band's 8 year weekly residency at Edinburgh's notorious Jazz Bar. This is definitely a huge step up in Mike Kearney's production and writing style. Enjoy!

Available from:

https://petecoutts.bandcamp.com/album/northern-sky

Listen/Watch: https://thekatet.bandcamp.com/ www.youtube.com/user/thekatetband

https://twitter.com/pete_coutts www.facebook.com/petecouttsmusic

Available from: https://thekatet.bandcamp.com/ www.thekatet.co.uk www.facebook.com/thekatetband https://twitter.com/thekatetband

album cd / download / stream Release Date: Out Now

The Poets and the Beats from Musician / producer Paul Armour (ex Seminal Glasgow Surf Pop Band “The Cuban Heels") “The album is very much a beat combo sound. Punchy with grooves using classic retro instruments: Rhodes Wurlitzer & Hammond, vintage amps and guitars. The feel is a mix of styles, melodic & rhythmic. Lyrically quirky with themes of hope and renewal. A recent review from Rock Fm. Scotland described the sound as “Weller-ish” but more refined! It’s all in the ear of the beholder.

Enjoy the beats…”

Listen/Watch: https://soundcloud.com www.youtube.com Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com www.paularmour.co.uk https://twitter.com/paul497191 www.facebook.com/paul.armour.31

music news scotland

page 23

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

JUDE ADAMS

KIM EDGAR

Skeletons

This Girl, This Woman

Stories Untold

album - cd / download / stream Release Dates: CD Out Now / Download 31/10/16 / Steam 1/1/7

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

This Girl, This Woman is the debut album by 57-yearHailing from The Shetland Islands, The Revellers are a old singer Jude Adams, who discovered her talent seven-piece juggernaut, that combine fiddle, mandolin following a life-changing M.E. diagnosis. The album, and tenor banjo with heavy metal, punk and alternative which Jude describes as soulful pop with a 60s twist, rock rhythm section. The end result is something which contains 10 tracks all written and sung by Jude, and has been nicknamed by onlookers as ‘Heavy Folk Music’ produced and arranged by musician Janette Mason. or ‘Viking Metal’. The band release their second album Jude comments: " I always loved to sing, and I always did, but behind closed doors. It was only when I got to this autumn – ‘Skeletons’ with Tim Matthew (Lau/ 50 that I summoned the courage to start singing in Mystery Juice) at the helm and cameo appearances public. And then two years later I was diagnosed with from some of Shetland’s finest musicians (including M.E. Performing, work and many ways in which I lived Arthur Nicholson and Kris Drever) and Danish multimy life had to stop or change significantly. It was instrumentalist, Perry Stenback. debilitating, but led to a lot of personal reflection, and Listen/Watch: ultimately the silver lining of discovering a passion for www.the-revellers.com/category/videos/ songwriting."

Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com www.amazon.co.uk iTunes, Amazon MP3, Google Play, Spotify www.the-revellers.com https://twitter.com/TheRevellers www.facebook.com/therevellersshetland

Listen/Watch: https://soundcloud.com/judeadamssings Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com // www.amazon.co.uk iTunes, Amazon MP3, Google Play, Spotify www.judeadamssings.net https://twitter.com/thelittlefunky

album cd / download Release Date: 23 September

Stories Untold is an intimate and inspiring collection of original songs, tackling topics including child soldiers, crime and punishment, loss, and love in its many forms. Early responses have been positive, with five stars from Spiral Earth, and album of the week from Iain Anderson and Celtic Music Radio.

Listen/Watch: www.soundcloud.com/kim-edgar Available from: From release from iTunes and other download stores and also in all good record stores through Proper Music Distribution and www.kimedgar.com/music www.kimedgar.com www.facebook.com/KimEdgarMusic www.facebook.com/KimEdgarSongwriter

LIZA MULHOLLAND

FAT-SUIT HEATHER DICKSON

Fine ’n’ Rosy

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

Atlas

album cd / download / stream Release Date: 3 October

"FAT-SUIT (“One of the best bands in British music full stop” - Stephen Duffy, BBC Radio Scotland) is on a collective journey through music, using jazz as the point of departure to explore a myriad of soundworlds. This ensemble of rotating musicians release their third album ‘Atlas’ which features ten brand new compositions performed live by twenty seven of the UK’s fnest and most in demand musicians."

Listen/Watch: www.facebook.com/pg/fatsuit/videos/ Available from: http://fatsuit.bigcartel.com/product/atlas https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/fatsuit13

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/atlas/id1136200086

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Harley Honey single cd / download Release Date: 22 October

Don’t miss this edgy new sound from Scotland’s Heather Dickson. 'Harley Honey' was recorded in Nashville, the home of country music but the heart of the song is rock n roll!

Listen/Watch: www.cdbaby.com/cd/heatherdickson22 Available from: www.cdbaby.com/cd/heatherdickson22 www.heatherdickson.co.uk www.facebook.com/hdickson37 Download on iTunes www.heatherdickson.co.uk www.facebook.com/hdickson37 https://twitter.com/dicksonh40

Born and brought up in Inverness, Liza has been involved in folk music for many years. Although classically trained in piano, her family background of a big Glasgow-Irish clan of musicians and singers on her father's side, and the Gaelic song tradition of her mother's Isle of Lewis heritage, inevitably meant a strong pull towards the folk scene. On her first solo album of original songs and tunes, Fine 'n' Rosy, Liza brings together some top players, including cousin, Rua Macmillan, winner of Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Of the Year 2009, Alasdair Taylor of the Folk Award-winning band, The Elephant Sessions, and Robin Abbot of The Mystic Shoes. This intimate album comprises reflective ballads and uptempo songs with catchy choruses, complemented by rollicking trad-style tunes and dreamy instrumentals.

Listen/Watch: http://apple.co/2dO3pST Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com www.amazon.co.uk iTunes, Amazon MP3, Google Play, Spotify www.facebook.com/liza.mulholland.94 https://twitter.com/lizamulholland1

page 24

music news scotland

scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download GRAHAM MacKENZIE

MARTHA L. HEALY

MARY K BURKE

Crossing Borders

To Be Free

Tonight, As We Dance

album cd Release Date: 9 September ‘Crossing Borders’ was a Celtic Connections commission in 2015 written for a nine piece ensemble and represents Graham's musical journey to date, reflecting on places, people and musical styles that have influenced him and his music. The piece draws on vibrant Scottish, Irish and Cape Breton styles and is written in four sections, each highlighting one of these cultures. It brings together a fusion of traditional and classical styles in his own composition.

Listen/Watch: www.youtube.com/user/Graham30771

EP cd / download Release Date: Out Now

To Be Free is an interim project - in between albums number one and two - for Glasgow's Martha L. Healy. Including two originals and two of Martha's favourite country classics, the EP was recorded with her band over a snowy weekend in Glasgow in January 2016.

Listen/Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K__HHP3zq1w

Available from: iTunes and www.grahammackenziemusic.com/shop/

Available from: www.marthalhealy.com https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/to-be-free-ep/ id1148312525 plus Amazon + other sites

www.grahammackenziemusic.com https://twitter.com/Grahamfiddle www.facebook.com/grahammackenziemusic

www.marthalhealy.com www.facebook.com/marthalhealy https://twitter.com/MarthaLHealy

ALEX TRONIC v LEITH BASS TEAM

single - cd / download Release Date: Out Now

The song was written by singer/songwriter John Faulkner and was first recorded in 1993 on the album Solid Ground by Dolores Keane. Mary K’s version was recorded at Gaf Studios in New Inn, Co Tipperary and was arranged and produced by award winning musician and producer Fran Curry and engineered mixed & mastered by Joe Gallagher. It has been a busy year for Mary K with the successful single” I’ll accept the rose” and her second album “Sweet is the melody”. Mary K has also finished the recording of her self-penned album which is attracting a lot of attention particularly in The United States.

Listen/Watch: http://marykburke.bandcamp.com www.mkburke.co.uk/videos.html https://youtu.be/8PZd0bKVsk4 Available from: www.mkburke.co.uk www.mkburke.co.uk www.facebook.com/mkburke1 https://twitter.com/marykburke1

ALTINAK IMAGINARY CLAIRE M SINGER CREATURES

Long Way Home Nature Flow

album - cd / download - Release Date: 17 October Nature Flow is the third album from Scots producer Paul Croan using his Alex Tronic name. This cd titles as Alex Tronic versus Leith Bass Team. Leith Bass Team is another outlet for some of Paul’s material that features guest musicians namely Matthew Leigh Embleton ( Snakestyle). The cd also features long time vocal collaborator Kirsty Brown and new contributions from Polina Domnina and Scots chanteuse Georgia Gordon.

Listen/Watch: https://soundcloud.com/leith-bass-team Available from: On release from all Major digital stores including Beatport, Spotify, iTunes, Deezer and on CD from Amazon, Pyshop , www.alextronic.co.uk and all good record stores

www.alextronicrecords.co.uk www.twitter.com/djalextronic

www.facebook.com/Alex-Tronic-Records-151332024903595

Solas

Album cd / download The Butterfly’s Dream Release Album Date: Out Now cd / download Claire Singer is Now a composer, producer and ReleaseMDate: Out

performer of both acoustic and electronic Imaginary is a virtual a studio music.

SheCreatures has performed herband, music project formed by the collaboration of lyricist everywhere from the Roundhouse in London and songwriter David Scott and producer and with The London Contemporary Orchestra multi-instrumentalist Iain McKinna.

The Soloists; Glasgow Cathedral; XMV New York, Butterfly’s Dream is their debut album. Guest Ceremony Hall Austin TX, Muziekgebouw, musicians include guitar ace Keith More, Amsterdam, Kunst-Station Sankt harmonica legend Fraser Speirs and Peter exCologne, the Tate Modern London, Lindisfarne songwriter Rod Clements. Union Chapel London and many more. Solas (‘Light' in Gaelic) is Claire’s debut album and Listen/Watch: spans 14 years of her work. Released on www.reverbnation.com/imaginarycreatures Touch.

Available from: Birnam Shop: http://bit.ly/1bLhVDw Listen/Watch: www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ID7BLAK http://bit.ly/29PCwfn www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ID7BLAK http://amzn.to/1heO9qD Available from: also coming soon on itunes + spotify http://bit.ly/29vl4Hh

Facebook: www.clairemsinger.com www.facebook.com/pages/Imaginary-Creatures/392409684214473 https://twitter.com/clairemsinger www.facebook.com/Claire-M-Singer-185844428105134

EP download Release Date: Out Now

ALTINAK are a 4 piece indie band from Linlithgow. This belter of an EP showcases their range from the soulful sultry vocals and melodic guitar riffs that force you to sing along to Australia and Fall to the whole band on full throttle thumping out Next Time and Hard to Love.

Listen/Watch: https://soundcloud.com/altinak Available from: Spotify, Deezer, Itunes, Apple Music, Google, Amazon, Shazam, etc www.altinak.com

www.facebook.com/Altinak-657662020984122/

https://twitter.com/alastairdfc

music news scotland

page 25

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

ROTU

THE VIVIANS

Time Enough For Love

(Revenge Of the Tartan Unicorn)

The Vivians

single download Release Date: Out Now

Edinburgh based trio Stillhound announce the release of ‘Bury Everything’ along with single and album opener ‘Spring Conscious,’ a vast and soaring pop track with Foals-esque guitar intricacies and towering chorus.

Consisting of Fergus Cook, Laurie Corlett-Donald and Dave Lloyd, the band take inspiration from art, geography and the far flung soundscapes of their homeland, creating an avant-pop record with glacial electronics and packed with unashamed synth pop moments.

Listen/Watch:

https://soundcloud.com/stillhound/time-enough-for-love-2

http://stillhound.bandcamp.com/ Available from:

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/stillhound/id989810716

http://stillhound.co.uk/ https://twitter.com/stillhound www.facebook.com/stillhound/

IMAGINARY STARLESS CREATURES

Rise Of the Tartan Unicorn single /EP / album cd / download / stream Release Date: Out Now

ROTU are a new Alternate Funk Rock three piece who are rooted firmly in the sounds of 70's funk and rock. They blend influences of Psychedelic Blues with Classic Rock sounds coating it with a fresh glaze of interesting rhythmic changes. This makes for an exceedingly satisfying act in any line up or playlist.

Listen/Watch: https://soundcloud.com/rotu-3/late-night-sandwich http://apple.co/2cufdp1 Available from: Cd, iTunes/Apple Music/Spotify www.facebook.com/RotuAberdeen/ https://twitter.co.uk/rotuuk

album - widescreen in scope and ambition Imaginarysuch Creatures is a collaborators virtual band, as a studio featuring illustrious Paul project formed by the collaboration of lyricist Buchanan (The Blue Nile), Karen Matheson and songwriterJulie David Scottand andChris producer and (Capercaillie), Fowlis Thomson multi-instrumentalist Iain McKinna.

The (The Bathers). Written, arranged and Butterfly’s Dream is their debut album.

Guest masterminded

by McGeechan and recorded with musicians include guitar ace Keith More, the stunning Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, the harmonica Fraser Speirs and exresult is an legend emotional soundscape with Lindisfarne songwriter Rod Clements. references ranging from Ennio Morricone to The Cocteau Twins and David Sylvian.

Listen/Watch: Listen/Watch: www.reverbnation.com/imaginarycreatures https://soundcloud.com + http://bit.ly/2a785hA Available from: from: Available Birnam Shop: http://bit.ly/1bLhVDw Vinyl:bit.ly/StarlessVinylPO www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ID7BLAK CD: bit.ly/StarlessCD www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ID7BLAK DL: https://itun.es/i6Yc99D http://amzn.to/1heO9qD Store: Love Music, Glasgow also coming soon on itunes + spotify http://starless.co.uk http://facebook.com/Starless-1599802900268447/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Imaginary-Creatures/392409684214473 http://twitter.com/Starless_music https://twitter.com/paul_mcgeechan

The Vivians 10th Anniversary Demos Album #TheVivians10yr - To mark their 10th anniversary of forming, cult indie punk band The Vivians will release a collection of songs spanning their tumultuous career.

The self-titled album, digitally released 26th August 2016, will comprise newly mastered unreleased demos and rarities, recorded between 2006 and 2010, accompanied by a new video and artwork. Formed in August 2006, The Vivians dared to dream big and set out to achieve great things. From their humble beginnings in a basement rehearsal room in Edinburgh, through to splitting in April 2010, the band’s story is one of dreams, misguidance and brotherhood.

Listen/Watch: www.soundcloud.com/theviviansofficial Available from: iTunes / Spotify www.facebook.com/theviviansofficial

HUGH KELLY IMAGINARY KAELA ROWAN CREATURES

Give Me All Your Love

Starless

Album - cd / vinyl / download Release Date: Out Now Dream The Butterfly’s Album Starless is the lushly orchestrated brainchild of cd / download Paul McGeechan, keyboard player of Love & Releasefrom Date: Out Now Money Glasgow.

It’s an epic and unique

album stream / download Release Date: Out Now

The Fruited Thorn

Album cd / download The Butterfly’s Dream Release Album Date: 5 August cd / download Release Date: Out Now homage This album Kaela's

to all the amazing ballads and ballad singers Imaginary Creatures is a virtual band, a studio past present.

To those great projectand formed by the collaboration of lyricist singers who David bringScott songs life and and songwriter and to producer and multi-instrumentalist Iain McKinna.

The helped awaken the young singer in Butterfly’s Dream is their debut album. Guest her.

Sheila Stewart saidKeith “you search musicians include guitar ace More, and you find soul and harmonica legendyour Fraser Speirs andyou ex- put Lindisfarne songwriter Rod Clements. that into the singing.” The Fruited Thorn is a collection of folk ballads, Listen/Watch: ancient and modern, in Scots, English www.reverbnation.com/imaginarycreatures and Gaelic.

Available from: Birnam Shop: http://bit.ly/1bLhVDw Listen/Watch: www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ID7BLAK https://kaelarowan.bandcamp.com www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ID7BLAK http://amzn.to/1heO9qD Available from: also coming soon on itunes iTunes/Amazon/record shops+ spotify

Facebook: www.kaelarowan.net www.facebook.com/pages/Imaginary-Creatures/392409684214473 https://twitter.com/kaelarowanband

EP download Release Date: Out Now

Alt.Blues/Soul musician, Hugh Kelly found his ‘big’ voice busking on the streets of Edinburgh in his teens. Now 21, his debut EP combines intricate songwriting, catchy melodies and a sense of raw emotion. “an extraordinary voice that ranges from the crunch of steps on a pebbly British beach, to a soaring heavenly and slightly whiskeysoaked angel’s falsetto” Arun Kendall, www.BackseatMafia.com Listen/Watch: www.HughKellyMusic.com/music www.soundcloud.com/HughKellyMusic Available from: iTunes + Spotify www.HughKellyMusic.com www.Twitter.com/HughKellyMusic www.Facebook.com/HughKellyMusic

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music news scotland

scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download BARON SALMON

OCEANS

ROSIE SULLIVAN

Wild Things

Oceans

Wonderland

Wild Things is the first release from East Lothian Alt-Folk singer songwriter Baron Salmon. The four songs are tender tales of moving on, each one showcasing the musicianship, the fine singing and the mature songwriting of their creator. In these songs we also glimpse some of his influences, from Dylan to Bonnie Prince Billy, to Tallest Man on Earth, whilst never losing sight of the exciting new sound that belongs to Baron Salmon.

Oceans are an anthemic alternative rock band from Glasgow, Scotland. Influenced by varied range of acts; 30 Seconds To Mars, Explosions In The Sky, Thrice, and U2, Oceans' sound is a mix of powerful, soulful vocals with sing along choruses to soaring, melodic lead guitar, and rhythm with a punch.

Rosie Sullivan is young singer /songwriter from the Isle of Lewis. After winning a national competition last year she has grown in confidence and maturity and has compiled her first EP of her original material. She has performed live at Wembley in March this year and is active in the local music and performance scene. She launched her EP "Wonderland" at An Lanntair Arts Centre in Stornoway on the 25 May.

EP cd / download Release Date: Out Now

Listen/Watch: https://baronsalmon.bandcamp.com/ Available from: Most digital music outlets - Amazon, Google etc and @ http://apple.co/2bS1e0d Buy CD @ http://bit.ly/2ca5Qy8 https://twitter.com/baronsalmon www.facebook.com/baronsalmon

EP cd / download Release Date: 29 July

Listen/Watch: www.soundcloud.com/oceansnoise Available from: www.oceansnoise.com and will be released digitally on all major online streaming platforms (Spotify, iTunes, Google Play) www.oceansnoise.com www.twitter.com/oceansnoise www.facebook.com/oceansnoise

EP cd / download Release Date: Out Now

Listen/Watch:

https://soundcloud.com/user706914125/sets/wonderland

Available from: Free download or £5 for CD available at 'Rosie Sullivan Music' facebook site @ www.facebook.com/rosiesullivanmusic/ www.facebook.com/rosiesullivanmusic

CLAIRE HASTINGS

CHAMBERLAIN & HAYWOOD

ALASTAIR SAVAGE

Between River and Railway

First Impression Album cd / download Release Date: Out Now

With a fresh take on world music the duo take their instruments on an international tour - enjoy the sultry sounds of the Tango, the rhythmic drive of the Balkans, with riproaring tunes from Russia and Scotland.

Virtuoso playing and fresh musical ideas, Paul and Michael explore the potential of their instruments in a way that is exciting and engaging. The result is a vibrant, intriguing and occasionally explosive mix of music that crosses cultural boundaries.

Listen/Watch:

https://soundcloud.com/paul-chamberlain-2/sets/chamberlain-haywood

Available from: www.amazon.co.uk iTunes, Amazon MP3, www.chamberlain-haywood.com Google Play, in stores through Highlander Distribution www.chamberlain-haywood.com https://twitter.com/_Accordionist_ www.facebook.com/chamberlainhaywood

Alone With History Album - cd / download Release Date: 23 May

'Alone With History is Alastair Savage's 4th album release and his first completely unaccompanied fiddle recording. Recorded in the historic surroundings of Crathie Kirk in Royal Deeside, the album features 18th Century melodies by Niel and Nathaniel Gow alongside music by 19th Century master James Scott Skinner. The recording also includes a tribute to Rabbie Burns alongside Savage's own unique compositions dedicated to the great Scots fiddle composers of the past.'

Listen/Watch: www.alastairsavage.co.uk/music.htm www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0GUT5uL4BQ www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVXSChKEeUI Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com / www.amazon.co.uk www.amazon.com / www.alastairsavage.co.uk iTunes, Google Play, Amazon MP3, Scottish Music Information Centre, shops via Highlander Distribution www.alastairsavage.co.uk

Album cd / download Release Date: 29 April

Since winning the BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year title in 2015, folk singer Claire Hastings’ debut album Between River and Railway has been hotly anticipated. The album features exciting arrangements of traditional folk songs alongside Claire’s self-penned material. The songs are brought to life with band members Jenn Butterworth (guitar & vocals), Laura Wilkie (fiddle) and Andrew Waite (accordion) as well as guests Martin O’Neill (percussion) and Duncan Lyall (bass). Throughout the album, whether Claire is singing in the tradition, about her home, sharing life experiences or interpreting the works of Robert Burns and William Douglas, there’s an enduring sense of beauty, in both vocals and music.

(Folkwords)

Listen/Watch: https://youtu.be/cfESHtRcRRE https://clairehastings.bandcamp.com Available from: www.clairehastings.com bandcamp, iTunes and Amazon MP3 as well as selected stores from 29 April www.clairehastings.com www.twitter.com/ClaireHastings1 www.facebook.com/ClaireHastingsMusic

music news scotland

page 27

scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download ANGELA PATERSON Down To The River Album - cd / download Release Date: Out Now

Throughout the album, Angela’s stunning vocal harmonies soar, a newly found and defining quality in her individual style. Although influences of country, soul and pop all join together in Down to the River, Angela’s island roots are never far beneath the surface. John Saich, former Capercaillie bass player and guitarist, and Wild Biscuit co-producer Mags Russell have created multi-layered arrangements on tracks such as Don’t Say Hi, Yesteryear and the title track Down to the River reminiscent of many of the classic singer-songwriter albums; on others such as Wax Doll and Closing Doors a contemporary acoustic approach puts the emotion up close and in the moment.

Listen/Watch: www.angelapatersonmusic.com Available from: www.angelapatersonmusic.com/store.html All major online retailers and in stores across Scotland through Highlander Distribution www.angelapatersonmusic.com www.birnamcd.com/promo-angela-paterson/

RACHEL ALICE JOHNSON

ALLAN MACDONALD & NEIL JOHNSTONE

Safe Island

The Bruce 700

single download Release Date: 27 May

Rachel Alice Johnson returns with her third single. Since being selected for Creative Scotland’s ‘Verden Studios Demo Project 15’, Rachel has been steadily winning over critics with her contagiously catchy melodies, with her next single ‘Safe Island’ set for release on 27 May. Listen/Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqfieiiDuOU Available from: http://apple.co/1V6vYcq www.twitter.com/rachyjohnson www.facebook.com/RachelAliceJohnsonArts

Album - cd - Release Date: Out Now This CD is the culmination of a much earlier celebration, in music and song, of ‘The Wallace’ in 2005, by way of a commission from Alasdair Campbell who was then with The Tolbooth Music and Arts venue in Stirling. This was followed by another commission by Carolyn Paterson in 2014 to celebrate another icon of history of whom we know a good bit more than the former, Robert de Brus of Norman French stock, the 14th C warlord who became King, regaining Scotland’s place as an Independent nation. This orchestrated progression of music ranges from an arrangement of a classic traditional pibroch theme, in its most appropriate animated and rhythmic presentation, to specially composed and arranged pieces. Melodies are presented on a range of pipes in several different keys, overlaid and blended with percussion, clarsach, cello, soprano saxophone, violin, whistle and vocals.

Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com www.amazon.co.uk / www.amazon.com www.birnamcdshop.com

www.facebook.com/Angela-Paterson-1079279085416991/

VÉLONIÑOS

MULL HISTORICAL SOCIETY THE STRANGE BLUE DREAMS

Veloninos

Dear Satellite Album cd / download Release Date: 8 April

Dear Satellite was produced by Grammy award-winning Dom Morley, known for his work on Amy Winehouse's Back To Black, as well as working with Adele, Grinderman and Sting. He also produced Colin's first album on Xtra Mile Recordings, City Awakenings released in 2012. The album is ten tracks of floating, positive, textually diverse pop songs.

Listen/Watch: https://youtu.be/_d_BK5-1PVk Available from: Xtra Mile Recordings: http://smarturl.it/DearSatellite-XMR Amazon: http://smarturl.it/MHS-DearSatellite iTunes: http://smarturl.it/DearSatellite-iTunes http://mullhistoricalsociety.com/ https://twitter.com/MullHistorical www.facebook.com/mullhistorical

Reverberatin' Love EP cd / download Release Date: Out Now

The Strange Blue Dreams present their debut EP, three songs that passionately distil the various golden ages of popular song into a unique and exciting new sound. Menacing drums and surf-noir guitars, a cowboy anthem with a dash of Bollywood and Sun Records hillbilly beat, and a Scots air peppered with Balkan drama.

Listen/Watch: https://holysmokesrecordsuk.bandcamp.com YouTube Available from: iTunes http://holysmokesrecordsuk.bandcamp.com/ Love Music, 34 Dundas St, Glasgow G1 2AQ. https://twitter.com/@the_SBDs

www.facebook.com/thestrangebluedreams

Album / cd / download Release Date: Out Now The Véloniños; From way out West Port Glasgow and beyond. Their musical influences firmly rooted in americana, rock ‘n’ roll, country and rockabilly, Inspired by the likes of Hank Williams, Gene Vincent, Carl Perkins and The Everlys, to name but a few. This is the debut album from the group, featuring all six tracks from their previously released digital EP and four brand new tracks. “We’d like to think there’s a little of who we are and where we come from in the songs too, Levengrove Park, Helenstown and These Quiet Lands are all relevant to where we live and we hope you’ll enjoy this album for what it is: a no nonsense rockin’ record in all its different guises.”

Listen/Watch: www.veloninos.com YouTube Available from: www.veloninos.com amazon / itunes www.veloninos.com www.facebook.com/veloninos https://twitter.com/veloninos

page 28

music news scotland

scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download EUAN DRYSDALE

MARS PATROL

PAUL TASKER

Songs from the Boarwood

Human Condition

Cold Weather Music

Album cd / download Release Date: Out Now

Album / cd / download Release Date: 29 April

The Mars Patrol have been honing their stirring alternative rock sound over a series of rapturouslySongs From The Boarwood is Euan Drysdale’s received EPs and singles. Now it’s time for their first second CD release. It is a collection of heartfelt album "Human Condition". The album is crammed full and uplifting songs inspired by reminiscences on of songs more melodic than a spaceship full of growing up in a Scottish town.The 10 songs on Nightingales that stick in your head like a recurring Songs From The Boarwood are all original Drysdale dream you won't ever want to wake up from. Recorded between the Capitals of both Scotland and England compositions. They are a seamless mix of folk, respectively and mixed by Tim Palmer (U2, Goo Goo blues and ballads. The three musicians work Dolls) and Chris Sheldon (Foo Fighters, Biffy Clyro, Twin sensitively together to create a tasteful acoustic Atlantic), the Album is entirely crowd funded by The sound that is the perfect sound-world for such Mars Patrol's mega-loyal legion of international fans evocative, lyrical and beautiful songs. the reward of relentless touring and maintaining enthusiastic online relationships.

Listen/Watch: www.euandrysdale.co.uk Listen/Watch: www.youtube.com/themarspatrol Available from: www.soundcloud.com/themarspatrol www.euandrysdale.co.uk Available from: iTunes, Amazon MP3, Google Play www.themarspatrol.com + iTunes + Amazon www.euandrysdale.co.uk

www.facebook.com/Euan-Drysdale-254923697865597

www.themarspatrol.com www.twitter.com/themarspatrol www.facebook.com/themarspatrol

Album cd + download + vinyl Release Date: Out Now

This is Doghouse Roses' guitarist Paul Tasker's first solo album. An all instrumental album peformed on fingerstyle guitar and clawhammer banjo with flute, flatpicked guitar, cello, pedal steel guitar and percussion. The 10 tracks are musical responses to both real life and imagined events and largely have a folk or old time Americana feel, but with 2 guitar duets adding a jazz tinge.

Listen/Watch: https://souncloud.com www.youtube.com Available from: www.paultaskermusic.com https://paultasker.bandcamp.com www.paultaskermusic.com https://twitter.com/pntasker www.facebook.com/paultaskermusic

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

GET LISTED!

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

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RECORD SHOP 'Record Store Day 2017' is on 22 April : www.recordstoreday.co.uk We encourage you to support independent record shops in Scotland : A selection of popular ones are below. If you run or have a favourite shop not listed please let us know and we'll happily include it.

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

Email your record shop details to be included below to: carol.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com Avalanche (Edinburgh) Grassmarket EH1 2HY : www.avalancherecords.co.uk Apollo Music (Paisley) Causeyside Street PA1 1YH : www.apollomusic.uk.com Barnstorm (Dumfries) Queensberry Street DG1 1BU : 01387 267894 Big Sparra Vinyl (Ayr) New Bridge Street : www.facebook.com/bigsparra Coda (Edinburgh) [trad/folk specialist] Bank Street EH1 2LN : www.codamusic.co.uk Concorde (Perth) Scott Street PH1 5EJ : www.concordemusic.com Europa (Stirling) Friars Street FK8 1HA : www.europamusic.co.uk Imperial (Inverness) Market Hall IV1 1PJ : www.imperial-music.com Love Music (Glasgow) Dundas Street G1 2AQ : www.lovemusicglasgow.com McAlister Matheson (Edinburgh) [classical] Grindlay St EH3 9AT : www.mmmusic.co.uk Monorail (Glasgow) King Street G1 5RB : www.monocafebar.com/index.php?pid=84 Ripping Records (Edinburgh) South Bridge EH1 1HN : www.rippingrecords.com

music news scotland

page 29

Read the latest MNS GIGguide @ http://bit.ly/mns-gigguide-dec16-19

plus read all our MNS titles @ http://wp.me/P12d6v-21 ADVERTISE IN OUR 3 WEEKLY DIGITAL PUBLICATIONS

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

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

MNS

FESTIVAL Listings Following is our 'short' listings guide to forthcoming Scottish music festivals - see our comprehensive guide in our weekly FESTIVALS! publication @ http://musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com/mns-digital-publication-links/

No matter how small or new your festival is we want to list it!! www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com

Scottish Music Festivals to be included in our festival listings email details to: musicnewsscotland@gmail.com DECEMBER Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Edinburgh 30 December - 1 January 2017

the mountain, followed by an Apres-ski party until the early hours at Badaguish Outdoor Centre featuring acts including Grandmaster Flash, Hot Chip and Radio 1’s Monki amongst many others.

Orkney Folk Festival Orkney 25-28 May 2017

One of Scotland’s longest-running folk festivals, celebrating its 35th outing in 2017, the Orkney Folk Festival is one of the most prolific events in Three days of spectacular events, incredible the Scottish and UK folk calendars, and one of bands and amazing crowds from every corner of the highlights of Orkney’s diary of community the globe. See Shetland Vikings bearing firelit events. An entirely voluntary run event, the torches, hear beautiful choral singing in St Giles' festival annually attracts artists from all corners TradFest Edinburgh | Cathedral, enjoy birling to traditional Scottish of the folk world - from leading international music in the Old Town, and watch top stars and names to up and coming fresh faces - to incredible fireworks from Princes Street Gardens. Dùn Èideann Stromness, in Orkney’s West Mainland, for four Edinburgh's Hogmanay shows the world how to Edinburgh days of concerts, ceilidhs, clubs, sessions, talks 26 Apr – 7 May 2017 party! and craic. Artists and audiences are welcomed by and into Orkney’s own thriving folk scene, Experience Scotland Live with a seasonal feast of with Orcadian artists providing around two thirds www.edinburghshogmanay.org living traditions and local cultures. Encounter of the festival programme. Line-up announced music, storytelling, dance, craft, song and folk across December-March, with tickets on sale in drama at venues – indoor and outdoor – across April, around six weeks ahead of the event. This Edinburgh and the Lothians. Rooted in the past is relatively close to the festival itself, as the yet resonating in the present, TradFest festival consists of around 35 individually showcases dynamic engagement with Scotland’s programmed and ticketed events, rather than Celtic Connections History and Heritage as well as providing a Glasgow offering all-in-one day or weekend tickets. platform for up and coming talent in the world of Artists visiting the festival perform on several 19 January - 5 February Trad. Look out for the Battle of the Folk Band occasions, though, offering a number of chances event as part of the finale performances this Celtic Connections 2017 comprises a wealth of to catch them over the weekend. concerts, ceilidhs, talks, workshops, free events year! and late night sessions taking place over 18 days www.tracscotland.org/tradfest across various venues in Glasgow. From www.orkneyfolkfestival.com Thursday 19 January to Sunday 5 February 2,100 musicians from across the globe will take part in 300 events at venues throughout Glasgow, Scotland, for one of the leading annual festivals of world, folk and roots music. The Southside Fringe Solus festival is supported by Glasgow City Council and Glasgow The Bield at Blackruthven, Perthshire Creative Scotland, and delivered by Glasgow 12-18 May 2017 23-25 June 2017 Life. 18 days of concerts, ceilidhs, talks, art exhibitions, workshops, free events, late night With their festival programme running from the Solas Festival is an allage arts festival held in sessions and a host of special one-off musical 12th-28th of May 2017, Southside Fringe is now Perthshire from 17 to 19 June, with hip-hop, collaborations will once again light up the gearing up for its 5th year. Online event electro loops and some of the finest folk and Scottish winter when Celtic Connections returns. applications launch on the 30th of November, roots music you’ll find in a Scottish field: a rich you can register your event via www. mix of traditions, talents and tastes. Expect an www.celticconnections.com southsidefringe.com . Building on the success of unusual mix of art, music, theatre, comedy, 2016 with 50 venues hosting more than 200 debate and soul-searching. The programme also events, Southside Fringe are now putting the call makes space for challenging debate with out for all kinds of events to be part of next activists, writers and thinkers from across the year’s festival – Theatre, Music. Comedy, Art, political, cultural and religious spectrum. Solas Cabaret, Spoken Word, Family, Heritage, Food & Festival offers a creative and entertaining Groove CairnGorm Drink, Health & Wellbeing, Film, and Literary/ Cairngorms programme for festival-goers of all ages in a Books. Closing date for applications, 17 25-25 February 2017 safe environment.

February 2017. For more information, contact: Launched last year as the UK’s first resort based corinna@southsidefringe.org.uk www.solasfestival.co.uk www.facebook.com/groovecairngorm

APRIL

JANUARY 2017

MAY

JUNE

FEBRUARY

snowsports festival, Groove Cairngorm combined winter snowsports, along with a selection of DJs www.southsidefringe.com and acoustic acts performing over two stages up

JULY

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are now working on festival listings for 2017 please send in details of your music festival, big or small!

email details to:

musicnewsscotland@gmail.com

..... lots more festival dates in our FESTIVALS! supplement read it @ http://musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com/festivals/ Hebridean Celtic Festival Hebrides 19-22 July

www.butefest.co.uk

AUGUST

Fantastic four-day festival set against the rich cultural backdrop of the Outer Hebrides, featuring top quality music from around the Celtic nations and beyond. Stornoway and throughout Lewis and Harris. The cream of international folk and Celtic music have heaped praise on HebCeltl as it celebrated its 20th year in 2015 by hosting its biggest number of live performances ever. Award-winning artists who took part in this year's Hebridean Celtic Festival hailed it a huge success after bosses laid on new venues and returned to its roots for the showpiece event. www.hebceltfest.com

ButeFest The Isle of Bute 28-30 July 2017

Tartan Heart ‘Belladrum’ Festival Beauly 3-5 August 2017 Get yourself a ticket to Scotland’s all ages wackiest festival of music and performing arts.

Bella is back in its beautiful Highland setting with all the crazy variety that makes it Scotland’s premier boutique festival. ''Belladrum - quite simply, it’s what everyday life should be like, if only everyday life didn't get in the way.'' - Clare Damdoaran, eFestivals. Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival takes place in the beautiful Highland surroundings of Belladrum Estate, near Beauly in Inverness-shire. The independent festival has built a reputation for its eclectic line-ups, its offbeat non-musical entertainments and its allages approach.

A three day festival of music, food and fun. This accessible and hugely friendly family festival all takes places a mere thirty-five miles as the crow www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk flies from Glasgow. Butefest has endeavoured to compile a richly varied and superb line-up that includes both the contemporary and the classic of the music world and runs that gamut from rock to roots and folk to dance.

SEPTEMBER

Electric Fields Drumlanrig Castle 1-2 September 2017 Nestling in the beautiful surroundings of Drumlanrig Castle, south west Scotland. We’ve been working really hard to top last year and we’re pretty excited about this summer, as well as having some brand new developments. One of the most exciting music festivals in Scotland returns in 2016, over two days in the stunning grounds of Drumlanrig Castle! www.facebook.com/electricfieldsfestival

Party in the Park Bathgate, West Lothian 3 September Now in its 7th year ‘Party in the Park’ music festival and family fun day is a great day out for music lovers with families, held in Bathgate’s Kirkton Park. There is a main stage and acoustic stage with music on both throughout the day from 11am to 6pm with free entry and no ticket required. A real mix of music from local bands and artists to those further afield. This is no ticket required and no entry fee and as this is geared towards familys there is a strict no alcohol policy. www.facebook.com/partyinthepark

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