MUSIC NEWS Scotland

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Specsaver Scottish Music Awards - see page 14 The Great Fife Roadshow - p8 :: Disney Musicals + Primary Schools - p16

MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards Kinnaris Quintet awarded £25,000 Belhaven Bursary for 'Innovation in Scottish Music' The winners of the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards emerged on 7 December at Aberdeen Music Hall in a livebroadcast ceremony honouring the year’s most exceptional traditional musical talent.

:: photo by Paul Campbell

Produced by Hands Up for Trad, the evening celebrated Scotland’s rich cultural heritage and flourishing folk scene. Hosted by world-renowned Gaelic singer, Mary Ann Kennedy and awardwinning musician, Kim Carnie; guests enjoyed stellar live performances by trad music heroes’ including Skerryvore, Session A9, Benedict Morris, Heisk and Sian during the sold-out ceremony.

The biggest award, The Belhaven Bursary for Innovation in Scottish Music in association with Showcase Scotland Expo supports the winner to progress unique ideas and empower creation.

Financially matched only by the Mercury Prize, the prestigious fund of £25,000 was awarded to Kinnaris Quintet, making them the first allfemale band to win the prize.

Kinnaris Quintet, winners of the Belhaven Bursary for Innovation in Music Award :: www.facebook.com/kinnarisquintet

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MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards continued from front page

:: photo by Paul Campbell

Breabach were presented with the Album of the Year Award for their sixth album, Frenzy of the Meeting.

Presenter on the night Mary Ann Kennedy scooped up Gaelic Singer of the Year sponsored by The Highland Society of London.

Adding to her list of Trad Award accolades Jenna Reid won Composer of the Year battling against an allfemale shortlist. Jenna’s group Blazin’ Fiddles were also awarded Folk Band of the Year. In 2005 Jenna won best up and coming artist and two years later she was nominated for best instrumentalist.

Following ten consecutive sell outs, Tiree Music Festival picked up the award for Event of the Year.

The popular and deserving winner has contributed £6.4 million to the small island economy.

Dubbed by Rolling Stone as ‘forward-thinking folk music’ Man of the Minch took home The Up and Coming Artist of The Year award, which recognises fresh and promising talent.

After a whirlwind year of wowing crowds at Belladrum and preparing to kick off 2020 with sold-out shows across the UK, trio PEAT & DIESEL picked up the award for Live Act of the Year :: www.facebook.com/peatanddiesel

After a whirlwind year of wowing crowds at Belladrum and preparing to kick off 2020 with sold-out shows across the UK, trio PEAT & DIESEL picked up the award for Live Act of the Year.

Brewery said: “We are thrilled to award this year’s Belhaven Bursary for Innovation in Scottish Music to Kinnaris Quintet. Their musical range, innovative arrangements and vibrant stage presence stood out Club of the Year went to Sutherland Sessions, a newly among an amazingly talented shortlist. Since coming together in 2017, Kinnaris Quintet have brought a formed organisation who provide opportunities for fresh energy to the trad scene and we look forward to young local musicians to play live music and bring the Bursary helping them spring to the next level. local, national & international musicians to Sutherland.

Belhaven Brewery are proud of our links with this wonderful scene with which we see so much in The sought-after Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the common – inspired by our traditions and roots, which Year sponsored by Traditional Music and Song we use to spur our imagination to create new beers Association went to Steve Byrne. and new music that bring people together for great Event founder and promoter, Simon Thoumire, times. We are very excited about working with said: “It has been another fabulous year at the MG Kinnaris Quintet in 2020 and can’t wait to see where ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. Another great set of the journey takes us.” winners which include all the new Scots Trad Music Industry Award winners as well! Our scene is in good Stuart Fleming, PRS for Music Senior Membership Manager, Scotland & Northern shape!”

Ireland, said: “Congratulations to all of the Communications Manager for MG ALBA, Murdo nominees and worthy winners. It’s great to see such MacSween, said: “It’s been another wonderful year diverse talent recognised at the MG ALBA Scots Trad for Scottish traditional music, and we’re delighted that Music Awards which continue to showcase the MG ALBA was yet again at the heart of this celebration incredible writing and creative talent within the of our world-class talent. BBC ALBA is an amazing Scottish traditional music community. PRS for Music is platform for the fantastic acts recognised tonight and proud to once again support the Composer of the Year we look forward to continuing to showcase them on Award - especially this year with all the nominees our screens in the years to come.” being exciting female composers.”

Alan Morrison, Head of Music, Creative Scotland The evening also included a number of exclusive said: “Yet again Na Trads prove that Scotland has an recognitions including The Hamish Henderson Services age-old music which lives and breathes in the 21st to Traditional Music Award Sponsored by Edinburgh century. This year’s winners include grassroots heroes Folk Club where Dr. Peter Cooke was praised. The and international stars, acts who have blazed a trail Services to Gaelic Award, sponsored by Bòrd na for decades and others who are just starting out on a Gàidhlig, was presented to Anne Soutar. The Janet promising career. Congratulations to them all – and to Paisley Services to Scots Language sponsored by every one of the nominees who make our music the Scots Radio was presented to Sheena Blackhall, well envy of the world. known for her poetry.

Congratulations too to Iain Ruari Finlayson, winner of the Youth Music Initiative’s Music Tutor of the Year award, whose work with Skye Youth Pipe Band takes Scotland’s most distinctive instrument to the next generation of players.”

Gordon Muir, Marketing Controller at Belhaven

Full winners list ::

Quintet Club of the Year sponsored by Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland - Sutherland Sessions Composer of the Year sponsored by PRS for Music - Jenna Reid Community Project of the Year sponsored by SKIPINNISH - SEALL Festival of Small Halls Event of the Year sponsored by VisitScotland - Tiree Music Festival Gaelic Singer of the Year sponsored by The Highland Society of London - Mary Ann Kennedy Musician of the Year sponsored by The University of the Highlands and Islands - Jenn Butterworth Live Act of the Year sponsored by Greentrax Recordings Peat and Diesel Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year sponsored by Traditional Music and Song Association - Steve Byrne Scottish Dance Band of the Year sponsored by National Association of Accordion and Fiddle Clubs - The Cruickshank Family Band Scottish Folk Band of the Year sponsored by Threads of Sound - Blazin’ Fiddles Scottish Pipe Band of the Year sponsored by Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust - Inverary and District Pipe Band Trad Video of the Year sponsored by Ceòlas Uibhist Heroes by Tide Lines Music Tutor of the Year sponsored by Creative Scotland's Youth Music Initiative - Iain Ruari Finlayson, Skye Schools Up and Coming Artist of the Year sponsored by Royal Conservatoire of Scotland - Man of the Minch Venue of the Year Award sponsored by Musicians' Union An Tobar (Mull) The Hamish Henderson Services to Traditional Music Award sponsored by Edinburgh Folk Club - Dr. Peter Cooke Services to Gaelic sponsored by Bòrd na Gàidhlig - Anne Soutar The Janet Paisley Services to Scots Language sponsored

by Scots Radio - Sheena Blackhall

Album of the Year sponsored by Birnam CD - Frenzy of the Meeting by Breabach

The evening was broadcast live on BBC ALBA and a special highlights show with unseen footage will go out on 27 December at 9pm.

The Belhaven Bursary for Innovation in Scottish Music in association with Showcase Scotland Expo - Kinnaris

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WHAT'S

The Scottish Awards HOT! For New Music 2020 DOGHOUSE ROSES

from the latest releases to reach us ....

www.doghouseroses.net 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

Nominations Now Open @ www.newmusicscotland.co.uk/awards2020/ New Music Scotland has announced that nominations for the fourth annual Scottish Awards for New Music are now open.

TORRIDON

The Scottish Awards for New Music celebrate Scotland’s creatively ambitious and vibrant contemporary music scene, showcasing some of the most innovative, experimental and ground-breaking work taking place in Scotland. The awards highlight the depth and breadth of our country’s composers, musicians, sound artists, programmers, producers and ensembles. www.torridonlive.com

TOM McGUIRE + THE BRASSHOLES

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

www.tomandthebrassholes.com

The 2020 award categories are :: * Electroacoustic/Sound Artwork * Small / Medium Scale New (1-10 performers) * Large Scale New Work (11+ performers) * Recorded New Word * Collaboration in New Music * Contribution to New Music in Scotland * New Music Performer(s) of the Year * Creative Programming * Making it Happen * Innovation in New Folk Music * Environmental Sustainability The Awards are created by New Music Scotland with support from the National Lottery through Creative Scotland’s Open Project Fund. Award sponsors will include Dorico Steinberg and PRS for Music.

Nominations can be submitted by anyone from now until Friday 10 January 2020 on the New Music GIGnotes :: Scottish Awards For New Music, 7pm, Scotland website link above, where full guidelines and Tuesday 14 April 2020, at V&A Dundee, 1 Riverside submission criteria can be found.

Esplanade, Dundee, DD1 4EZ The Awards event will take place at V&A Dundee on Tuesday 14 April 2020.

New Music Scotland’s Co-Chair Oliver Searle said: “We are pleased to be running these Awards again for the fourth year in a row, which are fast becoming an established part of the new-music calendar in Scotland, raising the profile of new work from our performers, promoters and creators around the world. We are particularly excited to be able to host the awards in one of Scotland's newest, most high-profile venues, V&A Dundee, which to us perfectly complements the level of innovation and creativity alive in new music in Scotland today.”

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There are eleven award categories, including a new category for 2020 of Environmental Sustainability, which recognises a project or policy that puts climate

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

action at its heart.

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

Winners of the 2019 Scottish Awards for New Music :: photo by Iain Smart

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SCOTTISH MUSIC CENTRE

......... NEWS .....

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

'Hit The Road' - December Tour visiting ..... Aberdeen + Stirling + Glasgow Velvet :: The Shoals :: The New Routines

National youth music touring project, Hit The Road visits Aberdeen, Stirling and Glasgow from 19-21 December, featuring Velvet, The Shoals and The New Routines.

Run by Scottish Music Centre; the initiative provides young musicians living in Scotland, age 14-19 years old, the opportunity to learn about the live industry before embarking on a professionally managed tour. Hit The Road aims to equip young artists with the knowledge, contacts and tools required to build a career within the modern live industry and is funded by Creative Scotland’s Youth Music Initiative (YMI) and PRS Foundation.

The initiative has acted as a stepping-stone in the development of some of Scotland’s brightest young artists, including charttopping Lewis Capaldi, Be Charlotte, Indigo Velvet, Man of Moon, JR Green and many more.

Watch 'Hit The Road' videos @ http://bit.ly/HitTheRoad-Video

Dates and venues for the December tour :: Thursday 19th Tunnels, Aberdeen Tickets @ http://bit.ly/Aberdeen-19Dec19

Friday 20th Tolbooth, Stirling Tickets @ http://bit.ly/Stirling-20Dec19

Saturday 21st The Attic, Glasgow Tickets @ http://bit.ly/Glasgow-21Dec19

www.hittheroad.org.uk www.twitter.com/HitTheRoadTours www.facebook.com/hittheroadscotland

VELVET Velvet are an indie/shoegaze band from Glasgow.

They’ve secured airplay on CamGlen and Amazing Radio and they’ve been championed

by Jim Gellatly via his new music column in The Sun. Their debut single ’Underglo’ was released exactly one year ago followed by their EP ‘Everybody Wants to Be Famous in Japan’ collectively earning the group over 30,000 streams on Spotify.

Their latest EP is scheduled for release in December. www.velvetglasgow.com www.twitter.com/Velvetband__ www.facebook.com/velvetbandglasgow

THE SHOALS Falkirk quartet The Shoals, occasionally performing as a five-piece, have selforganised, promoted and sold out several hometown shows, as well as one in Glasgow.

They’ve played festivals like AMP Music Festival in Armadale and are confirmed for a slot at King Tut’s New Years Revolution festival next year. www.twitter.com/TheShoalsband www.instagram.com/shoals_band

www.facebook.com/ShoalsBand

THE NEW ROUTINES Based in Stonehaven near Aberdeen, The New Routines have only been performing together since April 2018.

The young band released their debut single ‘Pilot’ in January and they’ve since sold out their local town hall.

Their favourite gigs to date were supporting Wave Pictures at The Lemon Tree and Vida at Tunnels.

Hit The Road is their first tour.! www.facebook.com/thenewroutines www.instagram.com/thenewroutines/ www.soundcloud.com/user-884573432

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the mns collection ….

The Great Fife Road Show 50th Anniversary Concert featuring; Maureen (Chalmers) Blyth, Davie Craig, Barbara Dickson, Noel Farrow, Cilla Fisher, Jim Herd, Jimmy Hutchison, Brian Miller, Rab Noakes, Davey Stewart and Artie Trezise!

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

The Great Fife Road Show featuring; Maureen (Chalmers) Blyth, Davie Craig, Barbara Dickson, Noel Farrow, Cilla Fisher, Jim Herd, Jimmy Hutchison, Brian Miller, Rab Noakes, Davey Stewart and Artie Trezise!

and organisational skill is introduced. The tour covered Scotland from Dumfries to Ullapool, a total of some 25 dates.

Back in late 1969 a troupe of singers from the Fife Folksong Scene gathered themselves together for a trip to Belfast. The occasion was an invitation to provide a show around Folksong from Scotland at Queens University.

Later that year a wee tour of East Anglia was undertaken and here the name The Great Fife Road Show was unveiled.

To quote the song ‘Fife’s got Everything’ – ‘Fife’s entertainment, finest in the country, when it comes to arty talk we’re no’ the mugs’. But we’ll let the audience be the judge of that claim.

As 1970 emerged, ambition was rife and a tour over the summer months was suggested. And so it came to pass. The numbers expanded and the tour was plotted.

It’s here the late John Watt makes his presence felt and a level of professionalism

Following that outing, the personnel altered slightly as new members arrived and others went on to establish substantial presence in the world of music’n’song. Reunions and celebratory events have occurred occasionally and The Great Fife Road Show has gone on to achieve legendary status.

This celebratory show will be performed by all surviving ex-members. Singer/Guitarist Des Haldane, who died too young in 2008, will be fondly remembered and there’ll be a segment of the show devoted to the seminal John Watt which will contain several of his masterly compositions. The show will revisit some of its renowned ensemble pieces and solo performances. There’ll be old songs, new songs, old jokes and a delicious camaraderie on display.

Laughter, tears, nostalgia and memories of 50 years of friendship, wrapped up in The ‘Great Fife Road Show’.

GIGnotes :: Saturday 18 January 2020 Lochgelly Centre, Lochgelly, Fife. KY5 9RD. Show 8pm Tickets £10 Tel. 01592 583303 boxoffice.lochgelly@onfife.com

www.onfife.com/venues/lochgelly-centre

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special feature :: Brookfield Knights

“Three Of The Best” from BrookfieldKnights at Celtic Connections 2020 Scottish roots music agency, BrookfieldKnights will once again have a creamof-the-crop selection of artists appearing at Glasgow’s big midwinter musical bash - Celtic Connections In the past, the Renfrewshire-based tours operation has introduced a variety of big names to the event, including The Stray Birds, The Fretless, Bronwynne Brent, Laura Cortese & The Dance Cards, The Mammals and the Grammy-nominated California Feetwarmers.

This time, they were invited to provide three different names, and came up with a trio of gems covering a wide cross section of musical styles.

Few artists from traditional Irish music are more influential than Seamus Egan.

A founding member of groundbreaking powerhouse band, Solas, the multi-instrumentalist has a reputation as one of the leading lights, having inspired generations of musicians.

As a composer, he has scored numerous documentaries and indie films; as bandleader, he established Solas as the pre-eminent Irish-American band of their generation for the past 20 years, continuously bringing in fresh ideas, including teaming up with

Cam Penner :: www.facebook.com/CamPennerMusic

Seamus Egan :: www.facebook.com/seamuseganproject

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special feature :: Brookfield Knights

Brookfield-Knights @ Celtic Connections Rhiannon Giddens on their 2015 album.

potent force is, of course, singer and songwriter Amanda Anne Platt, who has been rightly compared to some of the great female performers of the post-war years.

When Solas took a break in 2018, he began touring with a hand-picked band – all cream-of-the-crop players – and this project sprang from that.

She gets a fair share of the credit when the pens come out to write the reviews.

Now we can all enjoy the fruits of these The UK media already had them on their exhilarating new adventures with the radar and when the last two albums were upcoming release of the Early Bright album released over here, they each won a batch which will get its world premiere and launch of glowing reviews and ended up on many in conjunction with their Celtic Connections “Best-of” end-of-the-year lists. show on the main stage of Glasgow Royal Concert Hall in an impressive double bill Writing at Acoustic magazine, Julian with Breabach headlining.

Piper said: “Amanda Platt has one of those gorgeous heartache-drenched voices that Egan had declared an early intention to brings to mind Loretta Lynn or Sheryl make an impact when he carried off titles in Crow.” Over at Folk Radio UK, seasoned FOUR different categories of the All-Ireland reviewer and broadcaster Mike Davies said Championships at the age of 14. In his later their most recent release was teens we was a star soloist with Mick “unquestionably one of the finest Americana Moloney’s The Green Fields of America. albums of this year.”

In his hands, flute, tenor banjo, guitar, They headline their own show at The mandolin, tin whistle, and low whistle are all Mitchell Theatre on January 21 with the handled with an astounding level of superb Armagh-based sibling trio Cup o’Joe dexterity and trademark joie de vivre. As a in support. composer, he was behind the soundtrack for the award-winning film The Brothers Canadians return .....

McMullen, co-wrote Sarah McLachlan’s The 2020 event will mark a triumphant breakout hit, Weep Not for the Memories, return for Canadian big hitters Cam Penner and has scored numerous documentaries & Jon Wood following their previous success and indie films. in 2016 when they had a sold-out Celtic From North Carolina .....

Connections show at Glasgow’s Tron Theatre.

One of the most successful touring Americana bands, Amanda Anne Platt & The This time, they headline the new auditorium Honeycutters’ music has been described as of Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on the Appalachian honky tonk, and being based opening weekend, with “anglo-Irish girl out of Asheville, that’s about as close as it power bluegrass band”, Midnight Skyracer, can get to presenting them a handy style who have won two IBMA Award tag. nominations, opening the show.

But, The Honeycutters are more wellrounded with a richer depth of character than that suggests – a factor that has won them a much wider span of appreciation.

Everyone agrees that the band’s most

Penner and Wood have built a faithful UK following and are renowned for both their powerful live shows and studio work (Wood is also a highly-regarded record producer).

These two have gathered in an impressive amount of positive press over the years.

Maverick magazine writer Paul Kerr described them as “mesmerising,” while (writing at AmericanaUK), Mike Ritchie said they were: “Masterful - an utterly compelling duo - brilliant!”

Their last appearance at Celtic Connections came after they won major TV exposure when tracks from the To Build A Fire album were chosen as the backdrop to the BBC 2 TV drama based on Iain Banks’ Stonemouth novel.

Acoustic magazine have referred to their work as “totally glorious,” adding: “it’s maybe as fine as music’s likely to get.” RNR magazine said they create “work of outstanding genius.”

This time around, the audience will be treated to a selection of material from past albums as well as new songs which are currently being road-tested ahead of their next stint in the studio. They will return for a more extensive UK tour in September.

Brookfield-Knights’ Loudon Temple told Music News Scotland that it was always a great pleasure to be invited to participate in the event each year: “Look, we’re not the only ones who see this as one of the great highlights of every year.

We keep getting invited back so we must be doing something right!

“There are SO many performers we want to catch this year including Band of Burns which features our own multi-talented Mikey Kenny.

“The order for the stamina pills has been placed and we’re raring to go.”

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Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters :: www.facebook.com/Honeycutters

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music news scotland

New round of funding to support talented young Scots trad musicians Clink on link below to apply :: www.creativescotland.com/funding/funding-programmes/funds-delivered-by-partners/the-royal-edinburgh-military-tattoo-youth-talent-development-fund

Arts and cultural organisations across Scotland are invited to apply for a share of £150,000 from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Youth Development Fund to support traditional cultural activity.

Organisations can apply for awards of between £5,000 and £20,000 Administered by Creative Scotland, the fund :: photograph courtesy of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo aims to nurture the talent, skills and ambition of young people (aged 5-26) engaged in traditional Scottish music and dance, specifically in piping, we are very much looking forward to receiving drumming, Highland dance and traditional fiddle applications for this year’s fund and helping arts groups around Scotland to develop exciting new playing. work with the next generation of extraordinary Rucelle Soutar, Chief Operating Officer, The talent.”

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “Now Joan Parr, Interim Director of Arts & in its third year, we are proud to see The Royal Engagement, Creative Scotland said: “We Edinburgh Military Tattoo Youth Talent Development Fund, in partnership with Creative are delighted to continue working in partnership with the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (REMT) Scotland, continue to nurture excellence in to deliver this fund, which supports and traditional Scottish artforms. celebrates the talents of Scotland’s young “Since its inception in 1950, supporting the traditional artists. For a third consecutive year, future of the arts has been at the heart of the the Fund will provide young people from across Tattoo. We have been impressed by the Scotland with a wonderful opportunity to incredible talent that exists around the country progress their skills in traditional Scottish arts, and are absolutely thrilled to be helping young support organisations to create new and people from a variety of backgrounds develop innovative work, and increase participation in their creative skills. piping, drumming Highland dance and traditional fiddle playing.”

“As we approach our 70th anniversary in 2020,

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo first performed in 1950 and is 69 years old. The event has sold out for the last 21 consecutive years. The Tattoo is performed to a live audience of 220,000 annually on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle with a further global TV audience of over 100 million. Performers from 50 countries have taken part.

Funding guidance and application forms are available on the Creative Scotland website on the link above.

Deadline for applications is midnight Monday 3 February. Proposed work from selected projects should be carried out between 1 April 2020 and 31 March 2021.

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Star Studded Award Ceremony In Glasgow Raises Vital Funds For Nordoff Robbins On St Andrew’s Day The best of Scotland’s music industry came together on St Andrew's Day to celebrate another incredible year in the country’s music scene whilst raising incredible amounts for Nordoff Robbins on Scotland’s celebrated St Andrew’s Day.

:: photo by Andy Buchanan

With performances from the epic Simple Minds, Twin Atlantic, Tom Walker and The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Be Charlotte, Tide Lines, Fat Cops and more, 2019’s Specsavers Scottish Music Awards was quite simply one for the history books. Stars came together to celebrate Scotland’s music scene on St Andrew’s Day, whilst raising vital funds for Nordoff Robbins music therapy.

The Specsavers Scottish Music Awards have been the main fundraising event for music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins for over 20 years. Funds raised on the night are a vital part of the charity’s ability to provide music therapy to vulnerable and isolated people with a range of challenges, and tonight’s attendees heard just how important the work Nordoff Robbins is to recipients and their families.

Donald MacLeod, Chairman of the Fundraising Committee: “We’re delighted that yet another fantastic milestone has been reached in the journey of the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards, which have grown in importance and stature over the past 21 years. We feel very proud that our annual night of music and cultural celebration also raises vital funds for Nordoff Robbins whilst celebrating the living legends and rising stars of the Scottish music scene.

From Simple Minds to Joesef, Twin Atlantic to Tom Walker and more, we really can’t thank all the artists who have come together to support Nordoff Robbins enough. Their support ensures we can provide music therapy to those who need it most across the country and it is truly enriching lives. Thank you once again to all of our outstanding partners and friends who come together to celebrate the biggest night in the Scottish music industry.”

Jill McArthur, Chair of Specsavers in Scotland, said: “Specsavers was delighted to be involved with the Scottish Music Awards 2019 – in particular the Outstanding Achievement in Music award category.

“We would like to commend the organisers for the fantastic work and fundraising efforts for music therapy charity, Nordoff Robbins on the night and congratulate Simple Minds on scooping the prestigious title."

After a star-studded red carpet, Fat Cops opened proceedings followed by Dundee singer-songwriter Be Charlotte who deservedly won the Evolution Award Sponsored by Assai UK. A true shining star, Charlotte brought her poptastic, upbeat sounds to the stage and her incredible voice, addressing the audience Be Charlotte said, “When I was in high school I wrote an essay about Nordoff Robbins and even then, it’s always inspired me. For me, I write songs that can help me and help other people so I love the idea of music being able to help people no matter what situation they’re in.” Affirming herself as one to watch, Be Charlotte ensured the night started with a bang.

Next, BRIT Award winner Tom Walker brought his massive heartfelt, singalong tunes ‘Leave A Light On’ and ‘Just You and I’ to the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards, joined by global phenomenon Red Hot Chilli Pipers for easily one of the most memorable moments of the night. Tom Walker picked up his second ever Scottish Music Award, for Best Album Sponsored by The Barrowlands. The singer-songwriter, who was born in Kilsyth, said “It’s a pleasure to be here back in Scotland, amongst many talented people and to be nominated is absolutely amazing, it’s just lovely to be here. Music is therapy for me, any time I’ve felt sad, depressed, upset or unable to process something, I’ve written about it and it’s made me see the importance of what Nordoff Robbins are doing.

And I think it is an incredible charity.”

Jake Duncan picked up the Music Business Award Sponsored by the Sunday Mail, while this year’s SAY Award winner Auntie Flo collected Sub Club’s Electronic Music Award.

It came as no surprise that one of the biggest rising stars in Scotland today, Joesef, collected the

:: photo by Ryan

Be Charlotte who won the Evolution Award sponsored by Assai UK :: www.facebook.com/iambecharlotte

Breakthrough Artist Award Sponsored by Coors Light.

The artist from Glasgow’s East End performed his huge tune ‘Loverboy’ and has already sold out three nights at the city’s iconic King Tut’s and with an upcoming date at SWG3, it’s clear Joesef’s unique, carefully crafted sound is here to stay.

Foundation on behalf of the band.

After a huge week in which he was announced as a headliner for TRNSMT Festival, the Scottish Beyoncé Lewis Capaldi made an appearance at the ceremony via video link, met with one of the biggest cheers of the night. The young singer-songwriter from Bathgate has had an outstanding year which has recently seen The unparalleled The Cuban Brothers picked up Best International Award Sponsored by ROX - Diamonds & him Grammy nominated. Rounding off 2019 perfectly, Lewis Capaldi won the Song Writing Award Sponsored Thrills while their comedy act Bridge & Allan also

by King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut. Accepting on his made a hilarious appearance at the ceremony. Celtic folk band Tide Lines brought a rousing performance to behalf, Luke La Volpe, who supported Lewis at Edinburgh Summer Sessions said, “I grew up with the Specsavers Scottish Music Awards, after picking up the Rising Sound of Scotland Award Sponsored by Lewis and he used to talk about how much of a dream it would be to headline King Tut’s one day!”

Gael Signature Scottish Gin. Since releasing their debut single ‘Far Side of the World’, the band have Best UK Artist Award Sponsored by Raymond Weil rocketed to stardom, selling out shows across the went to the one and only Liam Gallagher, who sent land, from Glasgow to John O’Groats. a personalised video message saying: “Scotland, New for 2019, the awards were hosted by none other you don’t have to give me awards, you know I love than Edith Bowman. Nobody knows the Scottish music you unconditionally – but thank you anyway! Maybe I’ll see you next year!” scene better than the Scots DJ and Presenter, so it was befitting that she joined Nordoff Robbins and When it came time for the final performance of the sponsors Specsavers to honour some of the country’s night, it could only be one band. With more than four standout musicians. decades in the music industry under their belts, more One of the most heartwarming moments of the night than 70 million records sold and six Number One albums to their name, it was time for Simple Minds to came from Laura, whose son Jay takes part in music therapy with Nordoff Robbins. Laura told the crowd come home. One of Scotland’s biggest exports to the international music scene, the band were overjoyed to how music therapy has helped her son and her collect the coveted Specsavers Outstanding heartfelt speech was met with a standing ovation: “Jay would become overwhelmed by people Contribution to Music Award. Iconic frontman Jim around him and he preferred to be on his own all the Kerr said, “It feels great to be here. It’s always nice time. His world became very small and for a parent to to be recognised, especially by Nordoff Robbins because throughout our career it’s been synonymous watch that was heart breaking. One thing I noticed was that music was still a part of his life. Jay’s school with music – it’s a fantastic charity. We were first recognised by Nordoff Robbins 20 years ago, so it’s has a music therapist called Janet and when we saw really generous of them to have us here again. So what happened over the following weeks it was much great music has come out of Scotland. When we incredible. My little boy was happy, he was free and he was expressing himself through music – it was an started there wasn’t so much a local scene, we had to go down to London but that’s changed now, obviously absolute joy to see. He has since become more Glasgow particularly has a great vibrant scene." Of tolerant of the world around him and his confidence course, the night had to end with Simple Minds’ has grown in abundance. Music was his remedy. It breaks down the barriers and I will be forever grateful everlasting song ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me)’, for what music therapy has given us. I want to thank rounding an epic night off in spectacular fashion.

Janet for her patience and for giving my little boy the Another year celebrating the biggest and best in the chance to find himself again.

Scottish music industry came to an outstanding end, One of the highlights of the night came from Glasgow simultaneously honouring some of the most revered band Twin Atlantic, who have just been announced for legends in music whilst putting the spotlight on rising stars and showing exactly why Scotland’s music scene TRNSMT Festival and made an epic return to the is famous around the world. award ceremony, performing ‘Novocaine’ and ‘Heart and Soul’. Set to release their highly-anticipated www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk fourth album ‘POWER’ in January next year, the band also collected the Hard Rock Cafe Glasgow Best Band FULL LIST OF WINNERS:: Evolution Award Sponsored by Assai UK Be Charlotte : Best Album Sponsored by The Barrowlands - Tom Award. Huge supporters of Nordoff Robbins, Walker : Music Business Award Sponsored by the Sunday Mail - Jake frontman Sam McTrusty said, “We want to use this Duncan : Sub Club’s Electronic Music Award - Auntie Flo : Breakthrough Artist Award Sponsored by Coors Light - Joesef : Best platform to give back to Nordoff Robbins who have supported us and we’d like to invite Jay and his mum International Award Sponsored by ROX - Diamonds & Thrills - The Cuban Brothers : Rising Sound of Scotland Award Sponsored by Gael to come and stand on stage at TRNSMT, and come Signature Scottish Gin - Tide Lines : Hard Rock Cafe Glasgow Best Band Award - Twin Atlantic : Women in Music Sponsored by Kimpton and record a song with us in our studio. These two Blysthwood - Debbie McWilliams : Living Legend Award Sponsored by songs are for him!”

Debbie McWilliams picked up the Women in Music Sponsored by Kimpton Blysthwood while Mike Heron of The Incredible String Band collected the Living Legend Award Sponsored by Sir Reo Stakis

Sir Reo Stakis Foundation - The Incredible String Band : Song Writing Award Sponsored by King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut - Lewis Capaldi : Ticketmaster Tourmaster Award Sponsored by Ticketmaster - Gerry Cinnamon : Best UK Artist Award Sponsored by Raymond Weil - Liam Gallagher : Specsavers Outstanding Contribution to Music Award Simple Minds

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Scottish Opera & Disney Musicals in Schools join forces with Primary Pupils Primary schools are :: Lawthorn, Irvine : Todholm, Paisley : East Plean, Stirling : Langlee, Galashiels : St Anthony’s, Johnstone Scottish Opera and Disney Musicals in Schools are collaborating for the first time to give five primary schools in Scotland the opportunity to learn and produce their own Disney KIDS musical including The Lion King KIDS, Aladdin KIDS and The Jungle Book KIDS. The pupils will then perform two special shows in their schools and at Theatre Royal Glasgow.

Following a selection process by Scottish Opera, the schools initially chosen to take part in the free, three-year Disney Musicals in Schools programme are Lawthorn Primary School in Irvine, Todholm Primary School in Paisley, East Plean Primary School in Stirling, Langlee Primary School in Galashiels and St Anthony’s Primary School in Johnstone. This is the first time the programme has taken place in Scotland, and five new schools will be chosen to take part in 2020, and another five the year after.

Over a 17-week period, the Scottish Opera teaching artists guide pupils through music and movement, and work with staff to give them experience in singing, stage directing, choreography and stage management. In addition, there are visits from set and costume design specialists to help staff create the costumes and props required for the performance.

attainment levels and to build a child’s capacity to achieve their potential and we hope that access to the extensive learning and teaching resources we have to offer, will help them to support their pupils even more effectively in the future.’

Nancy Shakerley, Education and Outreach Manager, Disney Theatrical Productions commented: ‘We are delighted to join forces The schools are also provided with a Disney with Scottish Opera to bring Disney Musicals in This collaboration between Scottish Opera and Show Kit including scripts, director’s guide, Schools to Scotland. Creativity is at the heart of Disney Musicals in Schools coincides with the music score, choreography DVD, and rehearsal everything we do, and we are committed to return of Disney’s The Lion King which is running and accompaniment CDs. helping young people, their teachers and their at the Edinburgh Playhouse.

Disney Musicals in Schools was first launched ten schools access the arts. Schools play a vital role years ago as an outreach initiative designed to in igniting the spark of creativity in their young The Primary 7 pupils from the five selected develop theatre programmes in New York people and it is our aim that initiatives like schools this month start working with two music Elementary Schools, and then in London in Disney Musicals in Schools inspire not only the and drama artists from Scottish Opera’s 2016. next generation of theatregoers but theatre Outreach and Education Department, who will makers on and off stage.’ run step-by-step workshops covering every Jane Davidson, Head of Outreach and aspect of casting, rehearsing, staging and Education at Scottish Opera said: ‘SOE is Jacqueline McBurnie, Head Teacher at St performing a 30-minute long version of one of delighted to be Disney Musicals in Schools’ very Anthony’s Primary School in Johnstone Disney’s musicals. first Scottish partner in the delivery of Year 1 of added: ‘We are delighted to be part of this Disney Musicals in Schools features Disney KIDS a three year in-depth, skill building programme exciting project. It will allow our children to have for schools. This unique programme is designed an experience that would have been beyond musicals, which are shorter stage adaptions of not only to introduce teachers to the key their wildest dreams. What makes it even more classic Disney stories written expressly for elements involved in preparing their pupils to fantastic is that it will be happening at a time primary school performers. stage one of Disney’s classical musicals but also, when the school will be celebrating its 50th The programme aims to build skills and through interaction with parents and families, to anniversary. What a way to celebrate as a confidence in both pupils and teachers, help establish the role of the arts as a valuable community!’ encourage participation and collaboration, and tool in consolidating the school at the heart of leave a sustainable arts legacy for years to the community it serves. Both organisations are www.scottishopera.org.uk come, especially in schools that are actively firm advocates of the power of the arts to www.twitter.com/ScottishOpera seeking greater engagement with the arts. support integrated learning; to enhance www.facebook.com/ScottishOpera

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Angela Musk :: ep - 'Letters' release date :: 13 December @ iTunes and Spotify etc

Releasing this much-anticipated body of work Angela Musk has written each song in the style of a letter that addresses something that people might find difficult to talk about in person. Each track is direct, honest and unapologetic and an outlet for personal exploration.

Angela released her first EP, entitled Inspiration, when she was only 16 years old. She wrote the material within a year of losing her mother and each track explores the emotional turmoil she felt dealing with that loss.

In her new EP Letters, Angela continues to share some honest and direct lyrics that explore difficult emotions such as grief and love.

‘Something’s Changed’ was written about nearing the end of a relationship and the painful recognition that things are no longer what they were. Despite the pain and angst that comes with a break-up, the song describes the process of accepting that sometimes what feels like the cruellest decisions are also sometimes the kindest.

‘To be Free’ was written about the freedom of childhood, about experiencing the world through the innocent eyes of youth and living in a world of imagination and possibility and fun. This is something that Angela feels is important at any age, to strive to live as fully as possible and this song reflects on the feeling of being so ultimately free.

Recorded in Autumn 2019, at Castlesound Studios by Stuart Hamilton, the 4 track EP features a 6 piece line up including; Brendan Musk - Piano and Trumpet, Stewart Musk - Violin, Patrick Kenny - Trombone, Harry Brunt - Saxophone , Grant Kilpatrick - Guitar and Euan Sked - Drums.

Angela says: “The songs in Letters aren’t afraid to address subjects Letters will be available via digital download/streaming sites and there which are painful, but perhaps not discussed very openly within society. will be a limited number of CDs for sale.

The first track ‘Can I let Go’ was written as a letter to my mother - it talks about all the things that I would love to do with her if she was still here. www.facebook.com/Angelamuskmusic I reflects over on the beautiful memories I have, all the memories I wish I could make, yet also explore the feeling of no longer wanting to reflect on the painful time when she was in her final days. The song asks permission to let go of those painful memories and the guilt of not feeling close to her anymore, yet still maintain the feeling of immeasurable love for her.

“I really hope that each of the tracks will speak to people from all different walks of life. The four songs address difficult emotions that are universally relatable but also notoriously difficult to talk about.”

As we’ve mentioned above, ‘Can I Let Go’ talks about death which isn’t a topic that people find easy to discuss. Understandably many find the idea of losing someone, or being faced with terminal illness themselves, incredibly scary.

"The four songs address difficult emotions that are universally relatable but also notoriously difficult to talk about”

The title track is Angela showing that talking about and addressing death, grieving and guilt is okay and in so many ways it can help. The incredible strength that people show in the darkest most surreal times of their lives is something that Angela wants to recognise and celebrate.

‘In Another World’ explores the feeling of being in love with someone that you can never have. It describes the feeling that at a different time, in another life, there could have been a place for that love, but it wasn’t to be. The realisation that you can still feel love for them and hold a place in your heart for them and wish them well, even if you can’t be with them.

This shines through in the lyrics of this track.

Tamzene :: single - 'You're With Somebody Now' release date :: 22 November @ iTunes and Spotify etc

Following the success of ‘LastSong’, the standout talent that is Tamzene is back with another heart-stopping moment in newest single 'You’re With Somebody Now’.

It speaks of heartbreak, nostalgia and regret, with the practical outlook that the past is the past and now things must change. This soulful pop track is accompanied by a captivatingly choreographed music video, directed by fellow Highlander Archie Short. Throughout the song,

Tamzene’s vocal soars with all the authentic passion of lost love, over a contemporary pop production that shows just how far and fast this songwriter has come from her days busking on the streets of Inverness.

“You’re With Somebody Now came from a period where I was looking to the past for answers, and I found them. Lewis Gardiner (producer and cowriter) has a talent for tapping into truth. So this song comes from an honest place of pain and realisation.” - Tamzene TAMZENE is a young singer, writer and multi-instrumentalist from the coastal town of Cromarty in the Scottish Highlands. Having started learning violin aged eight, at 14 she further extended her musical dexterity by picking up guitar and embarked on writing her own material.

Immersed in Soul and R&B from an early age, her initial influences came from hearing the Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone songs played around her home- before progressing to contemporary artists like Birdy, Solange and James Bay. Spotted busking on the streets of Inverness by bookers from Scotland’s Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival- TAMZENE has had an incredible year performing at leading showcase events MUSEXPO in LA, Live at Leeds, and The Great Escape. With her expanded live set up, she has graced festival stage up and down the country including, Latitude, Kendal Calling, TRNSMT, and Belladrum along with European festival dates at Sweden’s Live at Heart and Germany’s Reeperbahn Festival.

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Shaz Martin :: debut album - 'Art Aesthetic' release date :: out now @ iTunes + Amazon Music Glaswegian singer/songwriter Shaz Martin (writer of the Scottish Women’s football anthem 'Girl') has released her debut album, Art Aesthetic which offers eight smoky acoustic tracks with an electro/pop feel.

Recorded at Motherwell’s The Foundry Music Lab, Martin reports that the album is inspired by her experiences as a socially-aware feminist and member of the LGBTQI community.

derived from her youth and sexual objectification.”

Jameela Jamil (feminist activist and wellknown actor on Netflix’s The Good Place) offered recordings of her own voice to the track which also nods to the incredible heroism and activism of those such as Rosa Parks, Malala and NASA’s Catherine Johnson.

An upbeat, catchy number, ‘Glaswegian Feminist guitar anthem ‘Carter Scratch’ is a stand out track – Martin said: Lights’ is a heartfelt homage to Martin’s home city and is quickly proving “I wrote the song to highlight that a women’s worth should not be solely to be a popular track with her growing fan-base.

Closing track ‘Annie Lennox’ is a tribute to the musical living legend, and demonstrates Martin’s admiration for synth wave and androgyny.

Shaz said: “I wrote this track after binge listening to the Stranger Things soundtrack and Eurythmics 1983 album, Touch album and felt like I needed to melodically reply to the neuro-chemical experience that music gave me.”

Shaz Martin is an artist dedicated to the service of songwriting as a powerful medium to communicate both truth, and the good times -- and her debut album, Art Aesthetic certainly does what it says on the tin.

Shaz Martin is a Scottish singer/songwriter and former front woman of electro disco duo ‘Flesh’ with Grammy nominated producer Stephen Lironi (Altered Images/Black Grape/Fun Lovin’ Criminals). Shaz was the writer behind Scottish Women’s Power Anthem ‘Girl (Daughter of Scotland)’ the Official Anthem of Scottish Women’s Football and Scottish Women in Sport.

Her solo album ‘Art Aesthetic’ showcases an uncommon songwriting dynamism, communicated with the lyrical prowess of a Warrior Poet.

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Malka :: album - 'I'm Not Your Soldier' release date :: 28 February @ www.cdbaby.lnk.to/MALKA

MALKA has announced the release of her forthcoming third album I’m Not Your Soldier, out on 28 February 28 via Tantrum Records.

life,” explains MALKA, “and also not overthinking it in terms of how I’m feeling.”

MALKA will be touring in support of the release next year and One of the many great examples of this found on will play four headline I’m Not Your Soldier is the kaleidoscopic ‘Get shows across the Up’, which blends twisted synths and world country in March 2020. music while addressing the juggling of family life Tickets are available and as a touring musician. Speaking about the via www.malkamusic. song MALKA says, “There’s a lyric on ‘Get Up’ co.uk and full dates about two worlds aligning, and that’s about the To mark the announcement the Scottish multiare listed below. mum ‘me’ and the musician ‘me’ trying to instrumentalist has released the new song ‘Tiny balance in my life again.”

I’m Not Your Solider will be released on all DSPs, Fires’.

CD and unique eco-vinyl. The latter is created Elsewhere I’m Not Your Soldier moves between ‘Tiny Fires’ is a brooding warped piece of from recycled vinyl runs, cutting down waste and banging trace-pop as found on opener ‘A New electronica and tribal percussion about also offering fans the opportunity to own a oneWord’, to psychedelic reverie in ‘Moving perseverance and looking to a positive future. off piece of vinyl, as no two are the same pattern Together’, while there’s also beautiful delicate or colour.

Regarding the song MALKA says, “The song touches reflected in the likes of ‘Close Your is about striving for more. About escaping from a Eyes’, which ends the record.

MALKA first made waves on the music scene as situation that you find yourself in and making At the core of MALKA is honest songwriting.

Tamara Schlesinger, the frontwoman of moves to change the path you are on. I love the Whether that is day-glo, clattering brilliance or a acclaimed alt-folk collective 6 Day Riot and also feel of the song and the interplay of the bass line pared-down hymnal for bedtime, MALKA always as a prolific songwriter. Her past work has been with the synth - that was so much fun to record remains true to herself. I’m Not Your Soldier included in a host of high-profile syncs for TV in the studio. I think it gives a real feel of what confirms a talent for all seasons. series and Hollywood blockbusters – most you can expect with the new album.” notably Skins, Scream 4 and 127 Hours. Her voice can also be heard in Lock, Stock & Two ‘Tiny Fires’ follows the release of I’m Not Your Smoking Barrels. Her music has also been Soldier lead single ‘Taking It Back’. The dark featured in Degrassi Next Class and MTV’s bass-laden dream-pop track finds MALKA Catfish. celebrating success over personal fears. The video was released in conjunction with World Under her MALKA moniker she has released two Mental Health Day and the song has received albums, her 2015 debut Marching To Another great support from BBC 6Music with Chris Beat and Ratatatat in 2017. Both records saw Hawkins, Amy Lamé and Lauren Laverne all big her gain great support from BBC 6Music, achieve fans of MALKA at the station. strong critical praise from the likes of The Independent, Drowned In Sound and Line Of I’m Not Your Solider is produced by Paul Savage Best Fit, while also selling out headline shows (Mogwai, Franz Ferdinand, King Creosote) and is across the country. a reflective record that finds MALKA at her most personal yet, following the release of her politically charged album Ratatatat in 2017.

While the new record is awash in dark fuzzy bass and haunting synths, its intimate depth comes with uplifting lyrical content.

“Lyrically it is very much about where I am in

“Scottish alt-pop talent with a highly independent streak… the singer’s alt-pop sound doesn’t quite resemble anything else we’ve heard.”Clash

GIGnotes :: March - 6th – Glasgow, Stereo :: 12th – Galashiels, MacArts :: 13th – Manchester, Eagle Inn :: 14th – London, The Victoria

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new releases

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

AMY PAPIRANSKY

We are made of Light

Read Me Write

album - cd / download / stream Release Date: 1 November 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. ‘We Are Made Of Light’ is a collection of songs, some new, others written over the band’s 15 years together but previously unrecorded. The album grew out of the duo’s touring set lists in 2018 and was laid down in the studio directly after their last live outing, the songs by then well honed. Of the 12 songs featured, half are performed by the duo - Iona Macdonald and Paul Tasker.

Listen/Watch: www.doghouseroses.bandcamp.com Available from: www.doghouseroses.bandcamp.com Live dates: www.doghouseroses.net www.doghouseroses.net www.twitter.com/DoghouseRoses www.facebook.com/doghouseroses

album - cd / download / stream Release Date: Out Now Read Me Write is the stunning self-penned debut album from Scottish singer-songwriter Amy Papiransky set for release on Sunday, 1 September. Originally from Keith in the North-East of Scotland, Amy has been gathering and writing songs over the last eight years. Read Me Write is the product of the Scottish songbird’s musical maturity and growing confidence. A music teacher by trade, Amy’s debut release is a lesson in flawless vocal dexterity and heartfelt song writing, the result of which is a contemporary, hypnotic and soaring sound with a side of sass, funk and class.

Listen/Watch: www.soundcloud.com/amy_papiransky Available from: www.amypapiransky.bandcamp.com/ Live dates: www.amypapiransky.com/gigs/ www.amypapiransky.com www.twitter.com/AmyR_Papiransky www.facebook.com/amypapiranskymusic/

SHOOGLENIFTY and DHUN DHORA Written in Water

album - cd / download / stream Release Date: 9 November “A constant source of surprise and delight” – Living Tradition. The result of last October's ten day recording session in the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Written in Water is the culmination of four years of collaboration between Scotland’s Shooglenifty and Rajasthan’s Dhun Dhora. Dedicated to late members of both bands, Angus R Grant and Roshan Khan Manganiyar, it is a celebrates the meeting of musical minds. Their origins may be far apart geographically, but creatively they're amazingly contiguous.

Listen/Watch: https://soundcloud.com/shoogles/jog-yer-bones Available from: www.shooglenifty.com Live dates: www.shooglenifty.com/gigs/ www.shooglenifty.com www.twitter.com/shooglegigs www.facebook.com/shooglenifty.scotland

ANDREW J. NEWALL

NORRIE McCULLOCH SIMON THACKER'S SVARA KANTI

Compass

album cd / vinyl / download / stream Release Date: Out Now ‘Compass’ is the new album from Scottish alt-folk songwriter Norrie McCulloch. Inspired by the folk roots music of 60's and 70’s and featuring some of Glasgow’s finest players, the album also includes the lead track ‘Road Sign’.

Listen/Watch: www.norriemcculloch.bandcamp.com Available from: www.norriemcculloch.com www.norriemcculloch.bandcamp.com + various independent record shops Live dates: www.norriemcculloch.com/live

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Reflections from an Airport album cd Release Date: Out Now

Trikala

double album cd / download Release Date: Out Now

Created over three years in three locations (Scotland/Chennai/Kolkata), Thacker’s third release creating new sound worlds through his immersion in Indian classical, folk and spiritual traditions is the epic double album Trikala (Sanskrit for the three tenses of time, past, present and future), featuring 13 performers from the subcontinent and Europe.

Reflections from an Airport is a must-buy album.

It’s an album for busy people who have earned the right to take a moment to stop and let the world drift by. It’s for people who deserve ‘me time’. So indulge and treat yourself to some time away from the pressures that life may throw at you. The album has songs that will make you smile, make you laugh, make you cry and make you think. Drawn from life’s experiences, each song tells a story and paints a picture we can all relate too. It touches on basic human truths we all share in common... like love won and lost in all its guises. Andy writes songs for adults. His songs are for people who have lived a full life.

For people who can relate to the highs and lows of daily living and know it’s not all ‘happy ever after but the ride can be fun.’ Listen to the songs and discover this for yourself.

Listen/Watch: www.youtube.com/simonthacker www.soundcloud.com/simon-thacker

Listen/Watch: https://open.spotify.com

Available from: www.simonthacker.com/shop

www.birnamcdshop.com/product/andrew-j-newall/

www.simonthacker.com www.twitter.com/thackerguitar www.facebook.com/simonthackerguitar www.instagram.com/simonthackerguitar

Available from:

www.birnamcdshop.com/product/andrew-j-newall/

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music news scotland

scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download TORRIDON Break The Chains

album - cd / download / stream Release Date: Out Now The new album from Highland folk rock outfit Torridon, signalling a significant progression in the band’s style, sound, vision and drive. The record seeks to replicate the band’s enigmatic live performance and showcase a passion for serious and original storytelling and song writing. Several tracks are inspired by men’s mental health and the band’s real-life experience of suicide among young men in Scotland, bravely confronting the silence and taboo around suicide head on. This is not a Highland band telling tall tales of the past, but instead one that fires at the heart of a widespread problem in today’s society.

TOM McGUIRE + THE BRASSHOLES Get Out single - cd / download / stream Release Date: Out Now

THE SEA ATLAS Goodbye

EP - download / stream / Release Date: Out Now

The ‘Goodbye' EP is my new release, written in my cabin in the Outer Hebrides. The EP is sort of about isolation and Tom McGuire & The Brassholes are an eclectic, modern- being alone. It wasn't an intentional thing to write about, but soul-funk, 8 piece band from Glasgow, headed by keen just came about when I got back to the island after touring skater, lumberjack-attired soul bearer, Tom McGuire. and started working on the next release after my ‘Dreams’ EP. The funky collective of “killer animals from hell”, The tracks are a mixture of growing up and figuring out where I am in life, of failed relationships, accepting things, consists of a colourful, hilarious bunch of wonderfully talented, animated young men. The band deliver great and having an open-mind on the direction I'm heading in next. The sound is a mixture of the islands, grand rock variety and include everything from a humble Polish moments, quiet moments, all mixed in with an ambience and saxophonist, a reserved introvert piano pounder, comfort you only get from being comfortable at home.

someone who claims to be the self confessed “sex appeal of the band” and two English horn blowing northerners amongst others!

Listen/Watch: https://open.spotify.com/album/37F2Nsx3FV70dcEvllBqni https://youtu.be/Vu5LhFmRqxo https://youtu.be/sUwHCBuDlcA

Listen/Watch: www.torridonlive.com/media.html

Listen/Watch: www.tomandthebrassholes.com

Available from: www.torridonlive.com/torridon-shop.html

Available from: www.tomandthebrassholes.bandcamp.com/releases

Live dates: www.torridonlive.com/dates.html

Available from: From digital download and on all good streaming sites https://open.spotify.com/album/37F2Nsx3FV70dcEvllBqni

Live dates: www.tomandthebrassholes.com

www.torridonlive.com www.twitter.com/TorridonLive www.facebook.com/Torridonband

Live dates: TBA

www.tomandthebrassholes.com www.twitter.com/brassholes www.facebook.com/tomandthebrassholes

www.facebook.com/the.sea.atlas www.twitter.com/theseaatlas

SAOR PATROL

EVELYN LAURIE THE EVES

Battle of Kings

A Little Bit of Me album - cd Release Date: Out Now

Tides

album cd Release Date: Out Now

New Scottish Female Pop duo The Eves – Caroline Gilmour and Marissa Keltie, release their debut single ‘Tides’ on 19th October 2018.

Caroline's love of Pop music combined with Marissa’s passion for harmony creates a songwriting partnership full of catchy melodies and memorable hooks. The result is a nod towards acts such as The Pierces, First Aid Kit and Florence & The Machine.

‘Battle of Kings’ is the mighty new album from Celtic Rock band, Soar Patrol. It focuses on Scotland’s wars of independence during the reign of Robert the Bruce from 1306-1329 fighting against the English kings, Edward I and later, Edward II. Soar Patrol have written and produced a rousing album that rocks its way through history with driving triple drums, electric guitars and bagpipes.

“A little bit of me” is the debut album of Evelyn Laurie. As she says: it’s taken her a while!

Beautifully delivered in Evelyn’s distinctive, light and multi-textured voice and superbly supported by some of the country’s finest jazz musicians, the well-chosen collection of songs will please your ears and stir your emotions - in a good way! Evelyn’s love of music spans many genres.

This album reflects her eclectic taste and includes some of her own songs - inspired by 1960’s spy themes and Carmina Burana alongside jazz standards plus her own interpretations of Sandy Denny’s folk classic, “Who knows where the time goes” and the ever popular country hit, “Wichita lineman”.

single - download / stream Release Date: 19 October

Listen/Watch: www.evelynlaurie.com/music

Available from: iTunes, Spotify and all main digital download sites. Online store on our official website www. theeves.co.uk from 19 October.

Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com/product/evelyn-laurie/ Live dates: www.evelynlaurie.com/music www.evelynlaurie.com www.twitter.com/redEvelyn www.facebook.com/EvelynLaurieMusic

Listen/Watch: www.soundcloud.com/the-eves-667719698/ tides/s-Wvm81

Live dates: No live UK dates as yet but 2 house concerts in Copenhagen on 17th and 20th October. www.theeves.co.uk/upcoming-gigs/ www.theeves.co.uk www.twitter.com/theevesmusic www.facebook.com/theevesmusic

Listen/Watch: www.smarturl.it/BattleOfKings www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T47-Y6UUV8 Available from: www.smarturl.it/BattleOfKings Live dates: http://smarturl.it/BattleOfKings www.saorpatrol.com www.twitter.com/saorpatrol www.facebook.com/saorpatrol

music news scotland

page 23

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

THE TROPICANAS

TANNAHILL WEAVERS

Door Too Wide

A Lovely Coincidence

Òrach

album cd / vinyl / download / stream Release Date: 9 November

EP download / stream Release Date: 13 October

album / cd Release Date: 31 August

The Tannahill Weavers are celebrating their Golden Anniversary with the release of their eighteenth album, The album draws on a broad range of influences, The Tropicanas are a Dreamslop band for Livingston, encompassing 70s rock, R&B, burlesque, art rock, blues Scotland who are longing to be shot of into outer space. ÒRACH (“golden” in Gaelic) out 31 August on Compass Records. With ÒRACH (The Golden Anniversary Album), and classical. The songs are all original compositions, Equal parts of Psychedelia and dream pop with a side the current line-up of Roy Gullane, Phil Smillie, John seven by Jules Reed (a.k.a. Julian Wagstaff), three by order of underwater tropical surf vibes.

Martin and Lorne MacDougall, have brought together Walt Cumming, and one by Greg Sanderson, formerly of colleagues and members past and present to record an Edinburgh band Five Day Hemingway. The subject Listen/Watch: album of all new material – traditional and matter ranges from the deeply personal to the highly www.thetropicanas.bandcamp.com contemporary songs and sets of tunes in the Tannie’s political, but is always prescient, immediate, considered www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yhf0F9JqSNQ distinctive style. The physical album contains photos as and aware. well as a glossary to understand the traditional songs Available from: and extensive liner notes for each song detailing its Listen/Watch: Available to download and stream on 13 October, origin and performers. www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKIeDzj4TeY currently available to listen\download the title track ‘A Listen/Watch: lovely coincidence’ Available from: www.tannahillweavers.com/listenandwatch.htm www.thetropicanas.bandcamp.com www.TheFirrenes.com, amazon, iTunes, Apple Music, CD Baby, Spotify Available from: Live dates: www.birnamcdshop.com Live dates: Release show on the 13 October at the Leith Depot, Live dates: www.julianwagstaff.com/thefirrenes/#about www.facebook.com/events/1087929201362421/ www.tannahillweavers.com/gigs.htm www.TheFirrenes.com www.facebook.com/TheTropicanas www.tannahillweavers.com www.twitter.com/thefirrenes www.twitter.com/TheTropicanas www.facebook.com/tannahillweavers www.facebook.com/thefirrenes/

STOUT : MCKAY

EDDI READER

DEAN OWENS

Cavalier

album cd / download / stream Release Date: 29 September Eddi Reader has announced her brand new studio album ‘Cavalier’ will be released worldwide on 28 September by Reveal Records.

Featuring sixteen songs, including recently performed live favourites Wonderful, My Favourite Dress, Starlight, Meg O’ The Glen and Maiden’s Lament the new album was recorded and produced in Glasgow by Eddi Reader and John Douglas. Cavalier is a new creative peak in an already prestigious career, just under an hour of new music, incorporating both contemporary and traditional songs.

Listen/Watch: www.youtube.com/user/rosstyuk Available from: www.revealrecords.bigcartel.com/ Live dates: www.eddireader.co.uk/gigs www.eddireader.co.uk www.twitter.com/eddireader www.facebook.com/eddireader

Bare Knuckle Southern Wind

album cd / download Release Date: 16 February Southern Wind is the new album (his seventh solo) from the man Irvine Welsh describes as “Scotland’s most engaging and haunting singer songwriter”. Recorded in Nashville, with producer Neilson Hubbard, and a host of superb musicians, including award-winning guitarist Will Kimbrough. It has a distinctive swampy, southern rock, soulful groove, but it's also deeply rooted in Dean’s home country. Celtic spirit, country soul.

Listen/Watch: https://youtu.be/fzJo0yQIEUs Available from: Direct from record company (At the Helm) www.atthehelmrecords.bigcartel.com Downloads - http://smarturl.it/SouthernWind And all good record shops!

Live dates: www.deanowens.com/live www.deanowens.com www.twitter.com/deanowens1 www.facebook.com/deanowensmusic

album / cd Release Date: 1 December Chris Stout & Catriona McKay are delighted to announce the release of their long awaited duo album ‘Bare Knuckle’. The music is almost entirely self penned especially for this recording.

It’s a fresh new sound for this duo who have now been performing and recording all over the world for 20 years. Having recorded several albums in collaboration with other artists in recent years, it is actually a staggering 7 years since this awe inspiring pair released their last duo album. The critically acclaimed White Nights.

‘We are so proud of this new album ‘Bare Knuckle. Its a huge development for us and we can’t wait to perform it live!’

Listen/Watch: www.facebook.com/pg/mckaystout/videos Available from: Coda Music, Edinburgh www.chrisstout.bandzoogle.com/store Live dates: www.mckaystoutmusic.co.uk/gigs/ www.mckaystoutmusic.co.uk www.twitter.com/mckaystout www.facebook.com/mckaystout

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music news scotland

scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download JAMES BROWN IS ANNIE GEORGE DUFF

JBiA II

album cd / download / stream (vinyl in 2019) Release Date: 15 September Eleven tracks of full fat, calorie-laden, whipped up funk 'n' soul - James Brown Is Annie's new album sees the Edinburgh-based sextet hook up with producer, Average White Band legend, Hamish Stuart. Imagine AWB tearing down the A9 in a Ford Torino with James Brown strapped to the roofrack, Steely Dan blasting from the car stereo.

Listen/Watch: www.soundcloud.com/jbia www.jbia.bandcamp.com www.youtube.com Available from: www.jbia.co.uk www.jbia.bandcamp.com CODA Music, Edinburgh Live dates: www.facebook.com/Earls.Of.Caithness www.jbia.co.uk www.twitter.com/JBisAnnie www.facebook.com/Earls.Of.Caithness

The Collier Laddie album cd Release Date: Out Now

BEINN LEE Osgarra

album / cd Release Date: out now

The debut album by Beinn Lee, OSGARRA, is a product of five years of playing, writing and arranging music, as George Duff is widely regarded as one of well as bringing together a strong traditional sense of Scotland’s finest singers and interpreters of tune with modern backing to create a new and fresh traditional Scots songs. After a lifetime’s singing, sound to West Coast traditional music. OSGARRA this is his debut solo recording. This is old style showcases a selection of tunes and songs written and Scottish singing, beautifully performed, and as arranged by the band in both Gaelic and English alongside tunes from some of Scotland’s foremost profound as the mine shafts sunk into the coalblack spaces which deeply influence the singing of contemporary composers of traditional music, giving a musical landscape from reflective songs to driving George Duff, “The Collier Laddie” himself. dance beats. Formed in 2013, Beinn Lee are rooted in the West Coast style of traditional music.

Listen/Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFQiQAKt_EQ www.facebook.com/thecollierladdie/

Listen/Watch: www.beinnlee.com

Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com

Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com

Live dates: www.facebook.com/thecollierladdie/ www.facebook.com/thecollierladdie/

DAVE ARCARI

Live dates: www.beinnlee.com www.beinnlee.com www.twitter.com/beinnlee www.facebook.com/beinnlee

ULTRAS DOUGIE MacLEAN

The Live EP

EP download / stream Release Date: out now Four live tracks trailing Dave Arcari’s forthcoming Live at Memorial Hall album which is released on 1 September on double 180g coloured vinyl, special edition digipak CD and download/ streaming formats. These tracks do not feature on the vinyl or CD format releases and are exclusive to this digital EP. Listen/Watch: One Side Blind: https://youtu.be/z_QO0F_Dnw0 Stagolee: https://youtu.be/z_QO0F_Dnw0 Available from: FREE via https://davearcari.com/free-download-live-ep/ or paid from:

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/the-live-ep/id1231315633

Ultras New Tomorrow album :: cd Release Date: Out Now

New Tomorrow is the new studio album by leading singer–songwriter Dougie MacLean; written, recorded and produced with his son Jamie MacLean. It combines a few songs which have already proved popular at his recent concerts along with a selection of brand new songs. The album is beautifully curated and includes the title track New Tomorrow, one of his most popular concert songs The Shadow of the Mountain and Wild and Windy Night, which features choruses recorded at Woodford Festival in Australia and at MacLean’s own much-loved Perthshire Amber Festival.

Listen/Watch: www.dougiemaclean.com

Live dates: www.davearcari.com/tour/

Available from: www.dougiemaclean.com/index.php/shop

www.davearcari.com www.twitter.com/davearcari www.facebook.com/davearcarimusic

Live dates: www.dougiemaclean.com/index.php/tour-dates www.dougiemaclean.com

www.facebook.com/Dougie-MacLean-158324834220405/

www.twitter.com/DougieMaclean

album vinyl / download / stream Release Date: out now With 6 producers and 9 musicians across 12 tracks, ULTRAS is the brainchild of songwriter Gav Prentice, formerly of euphoric pop duo Over the Wall. Describing the project as "violent pop for the patronised", ULTRAS combines elements of rock, electronica, folk, and hip-hop, the collaborative nature of the album inspired by the latter genre's sonically chopped-up mixtape culture.

Listen/Watch: http://ULTRASband.com as a hub for all of the various sites you can listen.

Available from: https://hellothor.bandcamp.com/album/ultras Also available in LP Records and Love Music in Glasgow and VoxBox Music in Edinburgh and to stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal et al.

Live dates: http://ULTRASband.com http://ULTRASband.com www.facebook.com/ULTRASband https://twitter.com/ULTRASband

music news scotland

page 25

scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download JOHN GRAHAM & JIM JACK Sae Will We Yet

LINSEY AITKEN & KEN CAMPBELL Shore To Shore

album / cd / Release Date: out now

album / cd / Release Date: out now

John Graham and Jim Jack’s debut album features an eclectic mix of many of the favourite songs from their live act with contributions from some of the most talented contemporary songwriters from Scotland and further afield. Graeme Miles’ haunting ‘Eldorado’ hints at a life of missed opportunities while Iain Ingram’s ‘Calton Rose’ and ‘Braes o’ Appin’ are love songs in the Scottish tradition and Steven Clark’s ‘Coming Home’ talks of the plight of the many refugees cast adrift in the world today. Jim King’s ‘West Coast Days’ and ‘Home To The Kyles’ from the pen of Duncan McCrone and Celly Paterson evoke memories of summer days on the Clyde Coast. From earlier days of the folk revival come Ewan MacColl’s ‘Manchester Rambler’ and Matt McGinn’s enigmatic ‘Magic Shadow Show’. John and Jim’s love of Americana is also represented in the rollicking ‘Truck Driving Man’. John and Jim’s act recalls much of the spirit of the folk clubs in the 60s and 70s with plenty of chorus singing and a fair measure of humour thrown in.

This is our second CD as a duo, with a mixture of new songs and instrumentals, many focussing on our Scottish connections around the world, each with a story, and most of all about people and histories of the past and present. Fortunately, people seem to really like what we do, and ask what kind of music we perform.

The answer is not one genre or another, but a blending of everyone and everything we have met along the way. A coming together of both our musical journeys, combined into one together, with elements of our respective musical backgrounds in Celtic, Classical, Traditional, Contemporary Music and all else. But most of all our music is about people, and all those who have influenced us and inspired us along the way.

Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com www.facebook.com/folkandfiddle

JAMIE MACDONALD & CHRISTIAN GAMAUF The Pipe Slang

album / cd / Release Date: out now

Listen/Watch: www.linskenscotland.scot/video/

The musical partnership of the Scottish pipes and fiddle is one that is quintessentially and historically Hebridean.

Jamie MacDonald and Christian Gamauf have taken this format and incorporated influences from places such as Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia and Asturias in the north of Spain, putting their own stamp on the music.

Jamie and Christian met while living and studying on the Isles of Uist and began playing together at local concerts and events. After travelling to Asturias on a musical and cultural exchange project, along with performances at Ceòl on the Croft, Celtic Connections and Celtic Colours Festivals, the duo started working on their debut album, The Pipe Slang. The album features the traditional music of the Hebrides and includes songs from the Isle of Tiree as well as self-penned material and tunes from further afield.

Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com

Listen/Watch: www.pipeslang.bandcamp.com/album/the-pipe-slang

Live dates: www.linskenscotland.scot/gigs/

Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com

www.linskenscotland.co.uk

www.pipeslang.com www.facebook.com/pipeslang

www.facebook.com/Linsey-Aitken-Ken-Campbell-304354709639479/

LOU McLEAN

EUGENE TWIST ALEX TRONIC featuring SHUNA LOVELLE

Good Morning Easter Road

The Stuntman

EP cd / download / stream Release Date: 9 June

‘Good Morning Easter Road’ is the 2nd EP from Scottish musician Lou Mclean. This record is a peek into Mclean’s life, expressed through witty storytelling in her inimitable riot grrrl pop style. "a gem of the Scottish underground scene" Tenement TV * * * * - The Skinny Listen/Watch: www.facebook.com/loumcleanmusic/ https://loumcleanmusic.bandcamp.com/releases https://m.soundcloud.com/lou-mclou www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nAwTQeml_4 Available from: https://loumcleanmusic.bandcamp.com/releases The Scottish Design Exchange Tempo Tea Bar, Edinburgh ITunes, Deezer, Amazon

album download / stream Release Date: out now

Brave About It EP download Release Date: 10 July

Brave About It is the new ep from Alex Tronic which features Shuna Lovelle. It is currently on rotation on Chill FM with radio support from DJs such as Jamie Porteous at Ibiza Global and Jim Gellatly at Amazing Radio Listen/Watch: www.alextronicrecords.co.uk

Live dates: www.facebook.com/pg/loumcleanmusic

Available from: www.alextronicrecords.co.uk

www.facebook.com/loumcleanmusic https://twitter.com/LouMcleanMusic https://loumcleanmusic.bandcamp.com/

Live dates: Ibiza Dj Sets in September www.alextronic.co.uk www.twitter.com/AlexTroniclabel www.soundcloud.com/alex-tronic-records

With a lyrical arena boasting whistleblowers, extraterrestrials and self-cannibalisation, Eugene Twist's highly anticipated second album arrives with one mission: to let the storyteller run riot inside the song. From spat-out surrealism to politicised anthems and mystical ballads, 'The Stuntman' is the latest from the unbounded imagination of Eugene Twist.

Listen/Watch: https://eugenetwist.bandcamp.com www.youtube.com/yooteeyoob https://spoti.fi/2iut838 Available from: http://bit.ly/et-album http://apple.co/2iYEoWy www.eugenetwist.bandcamp.com www.eugenetwist.co.uk www.facebook.com/eugenetwistmusic www.twitter.com/EugeneTwist

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music news scotland

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

THE FIRRENES

GUN

We All Share The Same Sky

Time and Place/Destitution Row

Favourite Pleasures

Recorded at Chamber Studio in Edinburgh, this twotrack single captures the songs 'Time and Place' and 'Destitution Row' in new arrangements written especially for this release. The first cut has an earlyseventies, American rock feel and speaks of a special and unique moment in life, while the second number incorporates a horn section and choral backing, reflecting on aspects of life in today's UK.

GUN’s seventh studio album, ‘Favourite Pleasures‘ – out on September 15th – stands proudly alongside the very best of their work. The band will be showcasing tracks from the album in 3 live dates in December. Informed by a back-to-basics approach tempered by an innate sense for melody, the record was made in the band’s own Morse Code studios in Paisley. It’s an album that dances on a knife-edge, one that can turn on a single note from the raw pain of emotions hitting the rocks, to an unbridled celebration of hedonism.

album / cd Release Date: out now

Jon Budworth is a singer/songwriter originally from Lancashire but now very much an honorary Yorkshireman living in the bustling market town of Otley. Jon is a relative late-comer to the wonderful world of folk and acoustic music, having spent many years cast adrift in the dark and seedy underbelly of rock’n’roll. Jon changed musical direction in 2010 after happening upon a Youtube video of Richard Thompson playing his beautiful and evocative song Beeswing.

There has been no looking back ever since! Jon cites his influences, amongst others, as John Renbourn, Nic Jones and, of course, Richard Thompson.

Listen/Watch: www.jonbudworth.co.uk/videos Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com Live dates: www.jonbudworth.co.uk/live www.jonbudworth.co.uk www.twitter.com/jonbudworth www.facebook.com/jonbudworthmusic

single (Double A Side) cd / 10" vinyl Release Date: Out Now

Listen/Watch: www.julianwagstaff.com/thefirrenes/ Available from: iTunes + Spotify www.TheFirrenes.com

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

Listen/Watch: www.youtube.com/user/gunofficialuk Available from: https://gun.tmstor.es/

Live dates: www.julianwagstaff.com/thefirrenes/

Live dates: www.gunofficial.co.uk/tour-dates/

www.TheFirrenes.com www.facebook.com/thefirrenes www.twitter.com/thefirrenes

www.gunofficial.co.uk https://twitter.com/gunofficialuk www.facebook.com/gunOfficialUK

PYRO

NORRIE McCULLOCH TRIPWIRE DC

Forget The Silver Lining

Bare Along The Branches album cd / vinyl (tbc) / download / stream Release Date: 24 February

Norrie McCulloch’s third full-length album in as many years effortlessly merges folk, country, americana and indie genres.

Recorded live to analogue tape with regular collaborators: Dave McGowan (Teenage Fanclub), Stuart Kidd and Marco Rea (The Wellgreen), Iain Thompson (Bella Hardy band) and Iain Sloan (Wynntown Marshals) this is his most accomplished collection of songs to date.

Listen/Watch: www.soundcloud.com/norriemcculloch www.norriemcculloch.bandcamp.com www.norriemcculloch.com/music--video Available from: www.norriemcculloch.bandcamp.com www.norriemcculloch.com/shop (and most good independent record stores) www. norriemcculloch.com

www. facebook.com/norriemccullochmusic

www. twitter.com/NorrieMcCulloch

Dark Alley

album cd / download / stream Release Date: 1 June

The Tripwire DC sound is a colourful blend of Punky/Reggae & Rock with a bit of Ska lobbed in. Energetic male and female vocals are complimented with blistering guitar and a driving rhythm section. Reggae nods are nodded towards mid-70’s London, punk to ‘77 & rock horns are lifted skywards to the Rainbow.

Listen/Watch: spotify @ http://spoti.fi/2rSRGr6 www.soundcloud.com/user-972139164 Available from: iTunes Google Play @ http://bit.ly/2rjb8OW Amazon @ http://amzn.to/2rj5oEQ Live dates: www.tripwiredc.co.uk/gigs www.tripwiredc.co.uk www.facebook.com/TRIPWIREDC

EP cd / download / stream Release Date: 28 April

Debut EP from PYRO featuring their 1st and 2nd single Money and Green and their latest single Sandpaper Throat.

This EP shows the diversity of PYRO’s songs from the massive Green to the more melodic Sandpaper Throat Listen/Watch: www.soundcloud.com/pyromusicband http://bit.ly/2riQjTc Available from: iTunes, spotify etc….

Live dates: Friday 19 May – Stramash Edinburgh – Yellow Movement Friday – Free entry – over 18s Friday 16 June – Sneaky Petes Edinburgh – 7pm - £6 entry – Over 14s www.officialpyro.com www.facebook.com/pyromusicband www.twitter.com/pyromusicband

music news scotland

page 27

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

BOB LESLIE

PAUL ANDERSON

Captain Glen's Comfort

Land and Sea

The High Summit

After many years as a well-known face on the band circuit, Bob Leslie’s re-invention of himself as an acoustic performer resulted in two well-received Americana CDs - In a Different World (2010) and Fat Cat (2011) - and a re-launch onto the folk circuit. There, his highly-crafted songs - some serious, some very funny indeed - had audiences showing lively appreciation. However, more and more, Bob found himself drawn to the challenge of writing in a more traditional Scottish vein - a medium, as it turned out, ideal for a musical storyteller.

Paul Anderson from Royal Deeside in Aberdeenshire is one of Scotland’s finest traditional fiddle players and The High Summit is his third album of self penned music and song. Like The Singing Land and Land of the Standing Stones before it, The High Summit celebrates the history, landscape and people of Paul’s beautiful North-East homeland. Joining Paul on The High Summit are a group of exceptional artists, highly respected in their own right and adding their own touch of magic to the album. Shona Donaldson on vocals (Scots Singer of the Year 2009 and first female winner of the Bothy Ballad Champion of Champions), Tony McManus on guitar (worldrenowned Scottish guitarist now based in Canada), Malcolm Jones on guitar and accordion (Runrig), Ale Carr on Cittern (Dreamer’s Circus), Ali Napier on keyboards (Miami Vince and former member of the Dougie MacLean Band) and James Gorgon on percussion (Albany show band and The Cutting Edge).

album / cd / Release Date: Out Now

Captain Glen’s Comfort is the much awaited debut album from one of the folk scene’s fastest rising bands, Pons Aelius. Due out on September the 8th, the album showcases the sextet’s expansive sound and unique approach to the traditional music of Britain and beyond; from fiery bagpipe jigs to tender mandolin fronted soundscapes, and everything in between. Since winning a prestigious Celtic Connections Danny Kyle Award in their early days, Pons Aelius have spent the last two years tirelessly honing their sound on stages both at home and abroad, quickly earning themselves a reputation as one of the most exciting new names on the circuit.

Listen/Watch: www.ponsaeliusmusic.com/videos Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com Live dates: www.ponsaeliusmusic.com/gigs www.ponsaeliusmusic.com www.facebook.com/ponsaeliusmusic https://twitter.com/ponsaeliusmusic

album / cd Release Date: Release Date: Out Now

Land and Sea is the result: twelve narrative songs, their subjects ranging from the Highland Clearances to a Stromness witch who told Walter Scott a few tales. Bob is accompanied by some of the brightest talents on the Scottish folk scene.

Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com www.bobleslie.scot

JENNY STURGEON

album / cd / Release Date: Out Now

Listen/Watch: https://youtu.be/WXXTHyWfZwo Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com www.paulandersonscottishfiddler.com www.twitter.com/PaulAnd79837722 www.facebook.com/paulandersonscottishfiddler

DANNY MORTIMER RAB NOAKES

The Wren and The Salt Air album cd / download / stream Release Date: 17 February

‘The Wren And The Salt Air’ is a collection of songs and tunes by acclaimed Scottish singer-songwriter Jenny Sturgeon. It was written to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Scottish archipelago of St Kilda becoming a World Heritage Site for its natural features. 'Musically superb, absolutely fascinating and utterly charming' Shire Folk.

Listen/Watch: https://jennysturgeon.bandcamp.com

https://soundcloud.com/jenny-sturgeon/the-wren-and-the-salt-air

hwww.youtube.com/watch?v=pUOm9_Gd0zI Available from: https://jennysturgeon.bandcamp.com

www.jennysturgeonmusic.com https://twitter.com/Jenny_Sturgeon www.facebook.com/jennysturgeonmusic

Out Of The Blue The Treatment Tapes EP cd / download Release Date: 20 January

In January 2015, Rab Noakes was diagnosed with tonsillar cancer.

Thirty radiotherapy sessions ensued. The post-treatment recovery included singing and, of course, writing songs. Six of those songs are on Rab’s new record.

There’s no self-pity though, here you’ll find defiance, resilience, love, support and, hopefully, wit.

Listen/Watch: www.rabnoakes.com/shop Available from: www.rabnoakes.com and all good online and high street stores www.rabnoakes.com https://twitter.com/rabnoakes

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

EP cd / download / stream Release Date: Out Now

Guitar-Based Melodic Rock Music from the North East Of Scotland.

Solid, chunky riffs with harmonised leads with rolling bass lines and on point drums. FFO Jimmy Eat World, Ash, Green Day and Lifehouse.

Singles "Stay With Me" and "Waiting" taken from "Out Of The Blue" EP. Listen/Watch: http://bit.ly/dm-waiting http://bit.ly/dm-staywithme http://bit.ly/dm-outoftheblue Available from: iTunes, Spotify, Amazon MP3, Google Play, Deezer etc.

CD @ www.dannymortimer.co.uk www.dannymortimer.co.uk https://twitter.com/d_mortimermusic www.facebook.com/dannymortimermusic

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music news scotland

scotland's new releases ..... album : single : ep / cd : vinyl : download AULD NEW HEIDS

ANDREW TAYLOR

ADRIANA SPINA

AULD NEW HEIDS - Volume 1

From the Outside Looking In

Let Out The Dark

album cd Release Date: Out Now

album - cd / download / stream / Released: Out Now

This is the first solo recording from the front man, songwriter and producer of Scottish alt.country, powerpop band, Dropkick. These songs were written at This album embraces all that was great about the various points in the last 15 years and draw upon a golden days of the scottish folk scene in the 1960s/70s. variety of influences, mixing pop, alternative rock and It is a catalogue of some of the best and most popular Americana. The album was recorded in Dropkick’s songs of the time written by folk legends such as Ewan Edinburgh studio with all instruments and vocals being MacColl, Alex Campbell, Hamish Henderson, Matt performed and recorded by Andrew.

McGinn, Archie Fisher, Jim McLean and Mary Brookesbank.

Listen/Watch: https://dropkickmusic.bandcamp.com/ Also Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott have a song www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_f58_l7S3k each on the album. A quartet of four of Scotland’s most www.rockindiana.com experienced performers brings together the vocal Available from: talents of brothers IAN and FRASER BRUCE along with https://dropkickmusic.bandcamp.com/album/from-the-outside-looking-in the exceptional musical skills of PETE CLARK on fiddle All usual download and streaming sites (amazon / and GREGOR LOWREY on accordion. It has to be said Spotify / apple music / itunes / deezer etc…) that IAN BRUCE is pretty efficient on guitar, to complete Live dates: the instrumental section.

Short acoustic set at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, near Inverness 5 Aug + possible Spanish dates later Available from: www.birnamcdshop.com www.dropkickmusic.co.uk www.fraserbruce.co.uk/auld-hat-new-heids

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

album cd / vinyl / download Release Date: Release Date: Out Now Adriana Spina’s second album, released almost six years after her first, is more raw and guitar-driven that its predecessor. Let Out The Dark features Ross McFarlane (Texas, The Proclaimers) on drums, and comprises of ten songs which touch on themes from lost love and infidelity to atheism and the refugee crisis.

Listen/Watch: www.adrianaspina.com/music www.soundcloud.com/adspina www.adrianaspina.bandcamp.com Available from: www.adrianaspina.com/shop www.adrianaspina.bandcamp.com Also available via iTunes and all other popular download sites from 24 March www.adrianaspina.com www.facebook.com/adrianaspinamusic www.twitter.com/adrianamusic

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 2019' was on 13 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 Apollo Music (Paisley) Causeyside Street PA1 1YH : www.apollomusic.uk.com Barnstorm (Dumfries) Queensberry Street DG1 1BU : 01387 267894 Big Sparra Music Cafe (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 Monorail (Glasgow) King Street G1 5RB : www.monocafebar.com/index.php?pid=84

music news scotland

page 29

Read the latest MNS GIGguide @ http://bit.ly/mns-gigguide-dec19-10

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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 31 December

See in the New Year at the world’s best street party as Edinburgh invites the world to share the love, embrace friends – old and new – and celebrate the New Year in the home of Hogmanay. Get 2020 ready now - take advantage of our Early Bird discount with tickets for £20.00 + £1.00 booking (limited availability).

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is the UK’s (if not the world’s) leading New Year Festival lasting 3 days in Scotland’s stunning capital city drawing an estimated 150,000 people from Scotland and around the world. www.edinburghshogmanay.com

The Red Hot Highland Fling Inverness 31 December

First staged in 2008, the Red Hot Highland Fling is Scotland's biggest FREE Hogmanay concert and attracts visitors from all over the world to the Highlands. Hosted by Comedian Craig Hill the Red Hot Highland Fling is 100% Family Friendly and children are welcome to attend the show. This year's show features Skipinnish, Torridon and Dorec-a-belle - 3 great Scottish bands that are guaranteed to have you singing along and dancing the night away. The Red Hot Highland Fling is regularly placed in the UK's top ten New Years Eve parties and we would like you to discover why. www.invernessfestivals.com

JANUARY 2020

provide a warm welcome to all those who wish mixture of traditional sounds and dance-floor to come and celebrate culture in a spirit of grooves that have been embraced worldwide. togetherness, as championed by Rabbie himself. Drawing upon a dazzling myriad of influences from jigs and reels through Dance Music, Jazz, www.bigburnssupper.com African, and more, they will bring the sound of Scotland fresh-faced and breathless to The Gathering.

APRIL

Mànran :: 10 by the Ben Fort William 10-11 April

Next year will mark ten years at the heart of the Scottish Traditional Music scene for folk supergroup Mànran. Having been in high demand as a live act across the world with shows in over 30 countries, the 7-piece are coming home to host a star-studded two-day festival in Fort William on Friday and Saturday, 10-11 April. Joining the band to celebrate their ten years at the top will be a host of talented friends, including long-time cohorts and internationally acclaimed, Skerryvore, who will headline the Friday night. www.manran.co.uk

MAY TradFest Edinburgh Edinburgh 1-11 May

From Thursday 16 January to Sunday 2 February 2020, musicians from across the world will take part in over 300 events in venues throughout Glasgow for the UK's premier celebration of celtic music - Celtic Connections. The 18 days of entertainment will brighten up the dark, wet January nights with a mixture of concerts that include a host of one-off musical collaborations alongside talks, workshops, film screenings, theatre productions, ceilidhs, exhibitions, free events and late-night sessions. Renowned as a musical cure for the wintertime blues, Celtic Connections 2020 will be the 27th incarnation of a festival that began in 1994, when it offered 66 events at one venue. Since then it’s grown more adventurous, experimental and diverse each year and now offers thousands of events in locations across Glasgow. www.celticconnections.com

Orkney 21-24 May

One of Scotland’s longest-running folk festivals, celebrating its 38th outing in 2020, the Orkney Folk Festival is one of the most prolific events in the Scottish and UK folk calendars, and one of the highlights of Orkney’s diary of community events. An entirely voluntary run event, the festival annually attracts artists from all corners of the folk world - from leading international names to up and coming fresh faces - to Stromness, in Orkney’s West Mainland, for four days of concerts, ceilidhs, clubs, sessions, talks and craic. Artists and audiences are welcomed by and into Orkney’s own thriving folk scene, with Orcadian artists providing around two thirds of the festival programme. Line-up announced across December-March, with tickets on sale in April, around six weeks ahead of the event. www.orkneyfolkfestival.com

9th Big Burns Supper Dumfries 23 January - 2 February

The Gathering Inverness 30 May

The world’s biggest contemporary Burns celebration, Big Burns Supper, kicks off on 23 January 2020 in its home of Dumfries for its 9th edition. The festival will run across 11 jampacked days, from 23 January to 2 February, with world class musicians and performers raising a wee dram to Scotland’s national bard, in the town he called home. With community at the festival’s core and writ large across every aspect of the festival, Dumfries will once again

Skerryvore XV Argyll 6 June

Scottish supergroup Skerryvore will celebrate their 15th anniversary next year with a special one-day festival branded ‘XV’ in the beautiful grounds of Inveraray Castle, Argyll. Taking place on Saturday 6 June, this unmissable day of celebrations will see Skerryvore welcome to the stage 15 special guests and acts who they have worked with over their 15 years at the centre of the contemporary Scottish traditional music scene. xv.skerryvore.com

Killin Music Festival Killin 19-21 June

JULY

Orkney Folk Festival

Glasgow 16 January - 2 February

JUNE

Year 5 for Killin Music Festival promises to bring another exciting weekend to the heart of Edinburgh Tradfest has a rich story. With its longer tap roots in the Edinburgh Folk Festival, it Scotland in June 2020. Lineup will be announced, and tickets will go on sale, towards was launched by Traditional Arts and Culture the end of 2019.

Scotland (TRACS) in 2013 to provide a distinctive platform for folk arts in the capital www.killinmusicfestival.com city. Edinburgh is a hot house of talent, home grown and visiting, and Tradfest is an opportunity to see it all in play. www.edinburghtradfest.com

Celtic Connections

www.thegatheringscotland.com

The Gathering Festival is set to return to The Northern Meeting Park in Inverness for its second outing on Saturday 30 May 2020 with a line-up showcasing the very best traditional music, food & drink and crafts from the Highlands and across Scotland. The family friendly one day festival will feature a line-up including legendary Scottish trailblazers PEATBOG FAERIES who have created a glorious

Stonehaven Folk Festival Stonehaven 9-12 July

The pretty North East coastal town of Stonehaven comes alive with a vibrant mix of traditional and contemporary “Folk” music and song ….. concerts, ceilidh, sessions, singarounds, workshops, the famous aqua ceilidh and world paper’n’comb championships! www.stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk

Tiree Music Festival Tiree 10-12 July

The festival offers a diverse programme with a mixture of genres including folk, pop and indie.

Artists across the years have included The Fratellis, Dougie MacLean, Sharon Shannon, The Levellers, Capercaillie, Sandi Thom and Eddi Reader. With picture-perfect white sands and world-famous surf, a trip to Tiree Music Festival is a real Island adventure, often described as one of the most stunning festival locations in the world. Details of TMF2020 will be announced later in the year. www.tireemusicfestival.co.uk

More festival listings in our latest

MNS FESTIVALS! edition @

http://bit.ly/mns-festivals-dec19-17

www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com

..... lots more festival dates in our FESTIVALS! supplement read it @ http://musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com/festivals/

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music news scotland

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Read the latest MNS FESTIVALS! @ http://bit.ly/mns-festivals-dec19-17

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

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MUSIC NEWS Scotland

Scotland’s weekly digital music newspaper with all the latest news from the Scottish music scene

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Our weekly gig guide giving a comprehensive snapshot of live music in every corner of the country

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FESTIVALS!

Our weekly look at Scotland’s music festivals with the latest news and a full listings for the year

To advertise with MUSIC NEWS Scotland For details email Carol : carol.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com

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