Named after the debut single by Teenage Fanclub.
This blog is all about being a music lover in Glasgow; reviews, interviews, memories, old faves, new discoveries (past and present), playlists and more. Thanks for visiting - I hope you discover something amazing you have never heard before, or that you rediscover an old favourite.
Regular features/playlists; Never Ending Mixtape / Cover Version of the Month/ Trust Me.
Insta - @everythingflowsglasgow
Tim Burgess has curated a wonderfully eclectic line-up for his Tim Peaks diner at Electric Fields. It is going to be like a festival in a festival with the incredible talent he has discovered and is promoting.
I have just discovered the vast majority of these artists for the first time and I've been blown away by what I have listened to so far. Enjoy this special PODCAST
Mark W Georgsson is also playing but his album, recorded with Rod Jones from Idlewild, is currently being mastered. However you can listen to an unmastered Faces and PlacesHERE
Loads of other fun things going on, fuelled by quality coffee, including a DJ set by me!
Electric Fields is going for it this year, moving up to 2-days, announcing Primal Scream as a headliner and creating a real buzz with its initial line-up. There is a lot more to come!
There are only 5,000 tickets available so be sure to get yours NOW if you are thinking about it.
I am absolutely thrilled to bring you the line-up for Tim Peaks - the diner/tent/stage curated by Tim Burgess from The Charlatans. Tim has his own coffee and has been serving it at festivals since 2012 in his own diner with loads of great acts and DJ's. Guests at previous Tim Peaks have included Edwyn Collins and Roddy Frame (see Tim's interview below), Sleaford Mods, BMX Bandits, The View, Nick Heyward and Suzanne Vega.
Tim always has his finger on the pulse and enjoys discovering up and coming bands/artists and giving them a boost. The eclectic line-up he has curated for Electric Fields is going to be like a festival within a festival with loads of fun things going on as well.
I'll see you there if you are going. As well as the bands I am looking forward to some much needed northern soul dance lessons and I'll also be DJ-ing. And the Bowie disco is going to be amazing!
I caught up with all the bands playing Tim Peaks at Electric Fields for a few quick questions. Read on and enjoy links and videos from all the bands playing. There is loads to explore.
Well, funny you should ask! I have a new book coming out. Telling Stories was my first, so this one is called Tim Book Two. I enjoyed writing the first one and Faber & Faber asked if I wanted to write another. Telling Stories was kind of about everything that has ever happened to me and I couldn't just write about the three years since that came out. I'd always loved record shops and collecting vinyl so I asked some friends to recommend an album that I'd go out and find it in a record shop. I ended up getting recommendations from Johnny Marr, Iggy Pop & Bill Drummond and I was on tour with The Charlatans so I tracked down record shops from Istanbul to San Francisco
2. What is your favourite festival memory?
At the very first Tim Peaks, I asked Edwyn Collins if he'd like to come along and maybe do some drawing. He was still recovering from his illness so he wasn't really playing or singing at the time. He brought Roddy Frame along and they performed a set together. They asked me to join them on a version of A Girl Like You. It was a magical moment. Edwyn's laugh is one of my favourite sounds
3. What song/band would you recommend from another band playing Tim Peaks?
It's a tough one for me as I love all of the bands and am really excited about seeing them all. I'm going to pick the last song that I listened to by one of the bands that was playing - which was about 15 minutes ago. So my choice is Disappear by Horsebeach
4. How do you take your coffee?
Soy latte - if there's no soy milk, black Americano. Can I have a biscuit too please?
Dilwyn from Yucatan How I'd describe them in a tweet - Think Sigur Ros, think shimmering strings, soaring choirs and chiming, ethereal lullabies. Think of melodies building in layers - beautiful
1. How much of a boost is it to have Tim recognising and promoting your music?
It's been really great to know that Tim and the gang like what we do. We've had the chance to play some great events. But more than anything else it's important for us that people like what we do and think it has value. That's even more when it's one of our heroes.
2. Do you have any releases coming out this year?
We are working on recording an album this year but at the moment we are not sure when it will be out. We may put something out this year but don't have solid plans. We had an album out last year called UWCH GOPA'R MYNYDD.
3. What is your favourite festival memory?
Playing Festival Number 6 last year was great. We played at a tower in Portmeirion and the crowd really got into it. And that made us get into it and have fun. It was special.
4. What song/band would you recommend for anyone visiting Tim Peaks?
Carla from TeenCanteen How I'd describe them in a tweet - Gorgeous harmonies, hooks and choruses that will stay with you, clever lyrics full of sugar and honey at one moment and then bittersweet the next.
1. How much of a boost is it to have Tim recognising and promoting your music?
It's wonderful! I think it's so important that established musicians promote and cultivate a community of grassroots, up and coming and/or unsigned bands. It's a snowball effect for everyone involved - as one of the bands playing Tim Peaks at Electric Fields we are now getting to know other bands performing and sharing our music with each other which is really special to be part of. You don't feel like 'just another band on the bill', you feel part of a collective. It's not one band being promoted - it's a whole heap of us - and in some way that feels even better.
2. Do you have any releases coming out this year?
We've just finished recording our debut album which we completed through Pledgemusic. Hopefully it'll be released this year when we find a home for it. In the meantime we'll be organising another limited edition single.
4. What song/band would you recommend for anyone visiting Tim Peaks?
I really can't wait to see Documenta play. The arrangements and production on their songs is just so gorgeously lush and warm. Sunsoaked sonically. I can't wait to see how that will translate to a live experience. Particularly love their song 'TV (Girl on Fire)'. Reminds me of early Pastels and I love the melody played on the cello (is it a cello?). It's really beautiful.
5. How do you take your coffee?
With hot milk and honey.
Chris from Riding The Low How I'd describe them in a tweet - Lofi rock, capable of chiming guitar pop and then raise your hands in the air anthems.
1. How much of a boost is it to have Tim recognising and promoting your music? Since we first met Tim, he has been such a friend to us. We have had a number of opportunities to play at a variety of places arranged/curated by Tim/Nick and their circles of events people and promoters. It has certainly had a positive impact on how many people know about and like Riding The Low! 2. Do you have any releases coming out this year? Our second album, Here To Help The Neighbourhood, arrives late spring/early summer this year. It's a great record with some really cool songs on it - we can't wait to share it with everyone! 3. What is your favourite festival memory? The tent filling up at Forgotten Fields last year. It was quite quiet leading up to us going on and we were really worried that people would miss us play with so much else going on, but it was packed with such a great buzz! Can't beat that! 4. What song/band would you recommend for anyone visiting Tim Peaks? Hot Vestry are great, we've done a few things with them. 5. How do you take your coffee? Simple. As it should be!
Blueprint Blue How I'd describe them in a tweet - Fuzzy, scuzzy, cool melodies to fall in love with. No messing - raw and pure. All kinds of velvet-y goodness.
1. How much of a boost is it to have Tim recognising and promoting your music?
It's great to have Tim pushing our music. His opinion is very well respected and he's always been a champion of new bands. We're really excited that he's given us a chance to get our songs some exposure and to play in front of a whole new audience outside of London. Thanks Tim!
2. Do you have any releases coming out this year?
We recorded our debut album last December with James Hoare of Ultimate Painting, so yes, hopefully that will come out this year.
3. What is your favourite festival memory?
It would have to be seeing Neil Young at Hyde park two summers ago. There was a huge gang of us and we got a great spot right at the front. A highlight of the set was Down By The River and an acoustic version of Only Love Can Break Your Heart.
4. What song/band would you recommend for anyone visiting Tim Peaks?
We are excited to see Yucatan. They had a great concept of streaming their album for a week from the top of Mt Snowdon! Pretty cool. I'm choosing the song Angharad because it's our bass player Huw's sisters name.
5. How do you take your coffee?
I quite like crap black coffee but if I'm somewhere fancy it's nice to have a Cortado.
Blueprint Blue don't have anything on YouTube at present but check them on soundcloud
Joe from Documenta How I'd describe them in a tweet - Creating a sound and a world of their own, one that you'll want to discover and enjoy getting lost in.
1. How much of a boost is it to have Tim recognising and promoting your music?
It's fantastic, outside of being blown away by Tim digging our music, he has let so many other folks know about us. Tim asked us to support The Charlatans when they played Belfast at the Cathedral Quarter Festival last year and it was quite an experience playing to 1500 people!
2. Do you have any releases coming out this year?
Not this year, we just released our second record (Drone Pop #1) last November on Touch Sensitive Records but we have started work on our next record. Hopefully we can get all recording and mixing done as soon as possible and have a new album within the next 16 months.
3. What is your favourite festival memory?
Easy, dancing on stage with The Stooges at Electric Picnic in 2007. Paul from the band got to sing the "C'mon" in No Fun while Iggy held the mic.
4. What song/band would you recommend for anyone visiting Tim Peaks?
It's a cracking line up all quality acts, so that's a bit tough but I'm really enjoying Teen Canteen, Sister is class.
5. How do you take your coffee? Black.
Horsebeach How I'd describe them in a tweet - Melodic, reverby, dreamy gorgeousness.
1. How much of a boost is it to have Tim recognising and promoting your music?
It's awesome of course! It's so great to have Tim spreading our music around and inviting us to play at places like the Tim Peaks stage. We've had the chance to get to know loads of the other bands playing and the whole thing feels way friendlier than just another big line up.
2. Do you have any releases coming out this year?
There will be a single or two surfacing later this year but I'll be getting started on the third LP in time for release next year.
3. What is your favourite festival memory?
When we played Midi Festival last year, hung out in an opera house and our guitarist Tom was nearly taken out by an egg, thrown from apartments above.
4. What song/band would you recommend for anyone visiting Tim Peaks?
I'm particularly looking forward to checking out two bands, TeenCanteen and Hot Vestry. Both great bands. Right now i'd recommend Honey from TeenCanteen.
5. How do you take your coffee?
Black Americano. Brown sugar. In my face.
Hot Vestry How I'd describe them in a tweet - New Order meets LCD Soundsystem at an post club party at 5am to create something to keep the party going.
1. How much of a boost is it to have Tim recognising and promoting your music?
When someone like Tim, who has been in the music game for a long time reaches out to you - (Normally through Twitter, might we add, in front of his 100,000 followers) It can be the perfect platform for any musician trying to reach to greater heights.
Of course, being backed by an musician who is widely renowned as an icon of the Brit Pop Manchester scene isn't always brilliant. But fortunately for us, Tim is on another level. Tim himself is constantly listening to all sorts of music (As you can see from his Twitter) and is pushing himself as both an artist & a pioneer. He is always getting involved in all sorts of various projects. For example, he was an ambassador for Independent Venue Week earlier in 2016, but has also sung on the last Grumbling Fur album released in 2014. Tim does what he wants when he wants.
The Charlatans themselves have released one of their greatest albums in 2015, and have sold out venues around the world on their current album cycle. They are still clearly relevant. That's why it's special to be backed by someone like Tim. He's both at the past & the present, exactly how a real artist should be.
We aren't just backed by Tim & the Tim Peaks gang, we released our debut release on his label O Genesis, which is ran by Mr. Burgess, Nik Colk Void from Factory Floor, Tim Peaks Diner head honcho Nick Fraser, and super producer Jim Spencer. They're like the avengers, but with superior hair.
The most memorable moment of Tim Burgess promoting Hot Vestry would have to be when he wore a HV T-Shirt at The Charlatan's Brixton Academy show. We supported them in Liverpool at the 02 Academy the night before, and Tim told us he wanted to wear a T-Shirt at the Brixton Academy show. We had forgotten to bring the Merchandise with us to the Liverpool show, so we had to drive all the way back to Macclesfield, pick up the T-Shirt, and drive to The Big Mushroom studios (The Charlatan's recording home) inNorthwich. Tim was leaving for London at 5am, and in the end we dropped it off around 4am. A successful night for all involved, but was sadly hampered by the fact Harry had to work at McDonalds at 6:45am.
2. Do you have any releases coming out this year?
We do indeed. Sooner than you think.
3. What is your favourite festival memory?
We played a festival in Sussex called Forgotten Fields last year with The Horrors, Super Furry Animals, Public Service Broadcasting and Basement Jaxx, which stands out as a favourite festival memory.
We managed to befriend The Horrors at the festival, and spent most of the night backstage with them. We knew them vaguely already, but that night we reached the point of phone number swapping. Now that was a moment for the Hot Vestry history books.
We gave Faris a shit tonne of HV merchandise, which he took home to London. We never actually knew if he did take if home, or just dumped it in a bush somewhere along the M25. The next time we saw them was when they supported New Order for two nights at Brixton Academy in November. We opened for New Order on the same tour, but we were in mainland Europe & Glasgow, so our AAA passes enabled us to still get into the shows for free, and more importantly backstage. It turns out Faris did keep all the T Shirts, EP's, and Fanzines we gave him.
4. What song/band would you recommend for anyone visiting Tim Peaks?
Lattes at the moment, but the new Toffee Lattes from McDonalds are the perfect cure for these long numbing February days up in Manchester. A small plug for McDonalds there, considering Harry & Joe from the band work at the branch in Macclesfield... We are on the verge of getting fired for touring too much, so maybe, just maybe they'll keep us now.
Check Hot Vestry playing Tim Peaks
Mark W Georgsson How I'd describe Mark in a tweet - West Coast Americana via Glasgow, stopping off at Iceland en route. Tender, melodic country soul to fall for.
1. How much of a boost is it to have Tim recognising and promoting your music?
It's a massive boost. Tim is so well respected and the fact he takes time out to listen to, watch and promote new bands and artists is amazing.
2. Do you have any releases coming out this year?
Well, I've just recently finished recording my debut album with Rod Jones (Idlewild) producing. It was recorded between between Edinburgh and Reykjavik with a bunch of friends and talented musicians to help me record it.
3. What is your favourite festival memory?
Probably when I played the T Break Stage at T In The Park in 2013 with my previous band The Velveteen Saints. We were asked to headline the stage on the Saturday night, which is a big deal for any up and coming band in Scotland. I remember that we were on at the same time as Beady Eye and Rihanna and still managed to pack out the tent.
4. What song/band would you recommend for anyone visiting Tim Peaks?
I would recommend catching Hot Vestry and Teen Canteen. Two great live bands.
5. How do you take your coffee?
Double espresso.
Mark has only just finished recording and has nothing on YouTube yet, but check the beautiful Faces and Places on his SOUNDCLOUD.
January is an incredible month for music in Glasgow. The cold winds blow, the rain falls from the sky, so we like nothing better than to head to one of the city's many warm and welcoming venues, meet with friends, grab some beers and watch some bands. Celtic Connections grows from strength to strength, but elsewhere in Glasgow, the legendary venue King Tut's Wah Wah Hut has been showcasing some of the brightest young talent in Scotland for the last few years under the banner New Year's Revolution.
New Year's Revolution was set up by Craig Johnston and as Craig deservedly progresses up the DF Concert ranks, the role of booker and curator for NYR has been taken on by young Chris Beltran.
Chris has booked an eclectic array of bands, artists and guest DJ's (including me on January 23rd when one of my own favourite promising acts November Lights take to the Tut's stage) and wants to create a festival style vibe every night.
The 2016 KTSN16 line-up has over 80 acts plating over 16-nights! With 5 bands on offer downstairs and upstairs over the course of each night plus DJ's and all for only £7, Tut's is set to be rammed and jammed in the best possible way to kickstart 2016.
Golden tickets that allow you to go to every show (high stamina required) are available for the bargain price of only £35 for the next two weeks and they then rise to £50. A nice Christmas present and something to look forward to in January!
Here is the line-up (and see poster above), could you find your new favourite band or artist?
Thurs 7th: Little Waves + Graeme Quinn + Ports of Essen + Couriers Club
Venue DJs: Sofar Sounds Glasgow / Bar Band: Michael Cassidy
Fri 8th: Echo Valley + The Pacific Blues + The Chelseas + Orthodox
Venue DJs: EmuBands / Bar Band: Return To The Sun
Sat 9th: The Phantoms + Proud Honey + The Ranzas + Sonic Templars
Venue DJs: Medicine Men / Bar Band: Holy Pistol Club
Sun 10th: Jill Brown + Junebug + Saint Huck + Blackleaf 40
Venue DJs: Ravechild / Bar Band: Steve Grozier
Mon 11th: The Fast Camels + All The Franklins + Homeward James + Black Cat Revue
Venue DJs: DJ5 / Bar Band: Miracle Glass Company
Tues 12th:Chloe Marie + Chris Ashton + Amy Groden + Liam Doyle
Venue DJs: FCK Yes / Bar Band: Northern Central
Wed 13th: FCK Yes (Live): Tongues + Forever + Life Model
Venue DJs: Fantastic Man / Bar Band: Friends In America
Thurs 14th: Cow Cow Boogie + The Big Nowhere + The Strange Blue Dreams + The Rulers Of The Root
Venue DJs: Bella Rebel / Bar Band: Alexander Hynes
Fri 15th: Halo Tora + Toy Mountains + Nothing Universe + Verse Metrics
Venue DJs: VASA / Bar Band: Special Guests
Sat 16th: The Calm Fiasco + Foggy City Orphan + Indigo Velvet + Bad Mannequins
Venue DJs: The Candid Mixtape / Bar Band: Ded Rabbit
Sun 17th: Bloodlines + Tetra + The 21st State + GoodCopGreatCop
Venue DJs: Scottish Fiction / Bar Band: We Were Hunted
Mon 18th: The Winter Tradition + Life On Standby + Cavaliers + Artie Ziff
Venue DJs: Abandon Ship / Bar Band: Copper Lungs
Tues 19th: Patersani + The Blood and Gold + The Dead Settlers + The Northern
Venue DJs: WeCameFromWolves / Bar Band: Velvetbomb
The start of October will see two increasingly important events in the Glasgow/Scottish music calendar take place. Both highlight the incredible talent and diversity of the Scottish indie/DIY/laternative music scene, both have been born from grassroots entrepreneurial spirit and both have been warmly embraced by music fans.
Saturday 3rd October will see The Tenement Trail take place in Glasgow - using venues on or around Sauchiehall Street - Broadcast, Flat 0/1, Nice 'n' Sleazys, ABC2, the Art School and King Tut's will feature a whole hosts of bands and artists that include the likes of White, Neon Waltz and Atom Tree who all featured in my recent blog HERE
The urban festival starts at 2pm and lasts (at least in some venues) all the way through until 3am. Tickets are only £15, available in advance from the website or Tickets Scotland, or you should be able to pick up some on the day if you are quick.
Tenement Trail is the brainchild of the team behind the brilliant Tenement TV which, like the festival, grows from strength to strength with every year.
Here is the line-up and times.
Then next Thursday 8th October it is time to get a little glitzy with the 6th year of the Scottish Alternative Music Awards (the SAMA's), taking place at The Garage.
Richy Muirhead is the bright young spark behind the awards and has grown the event into a highlight of the Scottish Music calendar, gathering increasing support and exposure.
Voting for this years awards has closed and over 20,000 votes have been cast - fantastic stuff.
The amazing Crash Club are playing live, along with special guest performances from previous winners and Holy Esque who have been on the verge of breaking through for a few years.
Richy said; "The shortlist is extremely strong this year, with nominees from every corner of Scotland. There is a huge surge in nominations for new bands which goes to show that Scotland is forever churning out new and exciting talent. It's our sixth birthday, so we've got a few surprises and crowd-pleasers up our sleeves."
The nominees for 2015 are;
BEST ROCK/ALTERNATIVE sponsored by EmuBands
Monogram Wecamefromwolves Catholic Action Dear John SchnarffSchnarff Huxtable
BEST NEWCOMER sponsored by UWS Creative MARTHA FFION WHITE BAER MAN OF MOON ALPHAS BELLA & THE BEAR LIONEL
BEST HIP HOP sponsored by Splitter Scotland
MOG Delighted Peoples DJ YEMSTER & HEXTASY THE ILL COLLECTIVE BIGG TAJ & SPEESIXNINE SPRING BREAK
I have kindly been invited to give a talk about my blog at the Apple Store in Buchanan Street, Glasgow, next Thursday (see above). You can reserve a place for free by CLICKING HERE
During the talk I'll be publishing a live blog to launch The Girl Effect #2, curated by TeenCanteen to raise funds and awareness for Scottish Women's Aid. An incredible selection of bands will be covering girl group songs. The first Girl Effect night took place at Summerhall in Edinburgh back in May and raised almost £3,500. Can the Glasgow one top that?
I will hopefully proving the importance of Social Media in spreading news/launching events - if you come along you can certainly help and it would be great to see you. There will also be a chance to ask questions about my blog.
I'll also be discussing;
1. Why I started writing a music blog
2. What I write about
3. The people I have met
4. Who reads the blog and how do they find it?
5. Stats - the good and the bad
6. Tips for those starting/considering a blog
7. A chat with Carla from TeenCanteen re the importance of blogs
8. An update on stats from the blog launched earlier in the evening
The line-up for the 2015 Wickerman Festival is their strongest to date while remaining typically eclectic; offering a fantastic mix of new and up and coming music alongside established and legendary artists.
Synergy Concerts have taken over the booking of acts for the festival and they have brought in some of their favourites and used their experience to bring in some acts that could and should make Wickerman 2015 the best yet. If only they could book the sunshine!
Who am I looking forward to?...
In no particular order, here are 20 acts that I am hoping to catch over the course of the weekend...
Of course there is much, much more on offer and part of the joy of Wickerman is just wandering around the beautiful site and taking in a melting pot of everything.
Stereo MC's
Stereo MC's at the Barrowland Ballroom back in 2002-ish was an incredible show. Over 10-years down the line Stereo MC's live shows still have a reputation for being high energy; with singer Rob Birch bounding all over the stage and getting the crowd on his side with ease.
The 1992 album Connected spawned massive singles including the title track, Step It Up and Ground Level. An early evening slot in the sunshine would be a perfect time for this band. Funk, pop, dance and soul.
Sugarhill Gang
I caught the Sugarhill Gang at King Tut's last summer. Rappers Delight will be one of the songs of the festival and the summer. Look out for loads of people trying to rap along.
Lulu
Lulu is sure to get the party started. Shout is going to be a massive Wickerman hit with the audience bellowing along. Little known fact - Lulu has also written some monster hits including Tina Turner's I Don't Wanna Fight so expect her band to play some of these songs and some choice covers - Lulu released a cover of Bowie's Man Who Sold The World back in the day.
Squeeze Up The Junction is a guitar pop fave of mine, it is pure pop perfection and the thought of singing a-long to it at Wickerman is a good one. Squeeze have much more than that in their arsenal though and I expect them to be a real festival favourite and gain many new fans.
Neneh Cherry Buffalo Stance at a sunny Wickerman - oh please, please, please. Neneh Cherry's show at SWG3 received outstanding reviews, as did her last album. The lyrca and shell suits may be gone but Neneh will bring a set of sassy funk, jazz, pop and soul to Wickerman. Sure to be a hit. Check this extended re-editversion of Buffalo Stance
Julian Cope
The legendary Julian Cope is a must see for me. Pop hits like World Shut Your Mouth and Trampolene will hopefully feature alongside some material from The Teardrop Explodes and surely Out Of My Mind On Dope On Speed will be a festival anthem for many
Jimmy Cliff
I can't wait to see this genuine legend live and to hear his stunning voice on hits like Many Rivers To Cross, The Harder They Come, Wonderful World Beautiful People and You Can Get It If You Really Want. Sunshine reggae vibes will be perfect for Wickerman.
The Waterboys
I saw the crescent, you saw the whole of the moon
What a song! It flows, rises, soars and keeps on going. Expect people to be dancing around and punching the air with glee when The Waterboys drop this. It is their defining moment and rightly so - not many artists write something as good. Mike Scott and co will astound with their tight musicianship and songs from throughout their career with may lifted from the Fisherman's Blues album.
Tal National
Brian Reynolds who is one of the bookers for Wickerman 2015 has mentioned this band a few times on his Facebook page. He then tweeted me to make sure I checked them out ahead of the festival. I can understand why.
One of the great things about Wickerman is that it will give bands a chance and literally a platform. Tal National's jazzy african rhythms could steal the show - expect quite a performance if their videos are anything to go by. Embrace it.
BMX Bandits
Bellshill legends the BMX Bandits have just been announced as the first headliners for the new Phoenix Tent. Their warm guitar pop is sure to be a festival favourite. Serious Drugs is their most famous song, but look out for some stunning songs from recent albums and I hope they also play songs like Little Hands. I know I'll be going to see them and if you haven't then you should try to pop in.
The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart
A rush of indie guitar pop always warms my heart and this band are masters at that. Catchy, fuzzy, fun, melodic and pure - I look forward to seeing them play songs like Heart In Your Heartbreak.
Kathryn Jospeh
The winner of the 4th annual SAY Awards with her stunning debut album Bones You Have Thrown Me And Blood I Have Spilled. Check the gorgeous live version of Bones below. Kathryn's music and reputation is growing by the week, making this a perfect booking for Wickerman - an artist on the rise.
Miaoux Miaoux
Electronic pop pushed as far as possible. Miaoux Miaoux are capable of sublime moments and also downright dirty dance stuff like Hey Sound! Stop the Clocks is one of my all time favourite songs and It's The Quick off their new album could be your favourite of the festival.
Catholic Action
Are another new band I intend to make the time to see at Wickerman. Their upbeat punky guitar pop is winning them lots of fans. Check L.U.V for evidence of what to expect - could be a real highlight if they have a set of songs like this.
The Sonics
Legendary garage band The Sonics have some incredible songs and their guitar sound is one that many look to for inspiration with James Murphy from LCD Soundsystem being a real fan of their raw punk edge. Have Love Will Travel is a garage classic.
Errors
Errors are on the rise and made the shortlist for the SAY Award this year with their latest album Lease Of Life. Their expansive, spacey, electronic vibes and soundscapes will gain them new fans at Wickerman.
Ela Orleans
Stephen Pastel has been on about Ela Orleans for ages, converting Tim Burgess among others to the beautiful leftfield electronic pop that the Polish artist (now residing in Glasgow) is capable of creating. Listen to The Sky And The Ghost below for starters and imagine this at Wickerman.
Withered Hand
Withered Hand is gaining fans with every release and performance. He blew me away with a solo show in tiny Bowlers Bar last summer. Dan Willson has an incredible ear for melody and his lullaby voice is a joy to listen to.
Tuff Love
Tuff Love are picking up fans as they go about their busy touring schedule; supports with Ride and an assortment of festivals added on to their own gigs over the last year or so have turned this fuzzy scuzzy indie guitar act into one that is road ready and set to win you over. They were in brilliant form at the SAY Award ceremony and i look forward to seeing them at Wickerman.
Neon Waltz
I have yet to catch Neon Waltz live and fully intend to do so at Wickerman. The band hail from Wick in the Highlands and the fact that they are so removed from any 'scenes' has stood them in good stead as they remain true to their own style and tastes. Definitely ones to watch over the next year or so.
