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
Sun Rose - great name, positive and warm - Everything Flows Maximalist melodramatic funk-pop outfit from Glasgow - band description on Facebook
We like to take our time - Gus Wemyss, Sun Rose
For fans of Todd Terje, ESG etc - Maioux Miaoux
Sun Rose are a brand new band signed to Last Night From Glasgow (LNFG) who have just released their debut single Smirk ahead of their debut album later this year. Check the video below or head to iTunes to download or Spotify to stream.
Inspired by the likes of Talking Heads, Daft Punk, ESG and Kraftwerk, Calum Muir and Albert Kawmi began writing the songs which would form the basis of the Sun Rose debut album over the winter of 2013/14.
The friends had previously in a band together - Nevada Base - but then life got in the way. Things stalled a little until Gus Wemyss (also a previous member of Nevada Base) got involved in 2015 and by late 2016 Julian Corrie (Miaoux Miaoux and now Franz Ferdinand) was involved with production and mixing.
The completed album is an absolute gem - techno, electro, melodic, funky, disco, harmonies.... I'll be blogging about that nearer the time of release.
One of the beautiful thing about this band is that their only ambition was to release it on vinyl and play a couple of shows! It is all about the music - so much so that they have only recently set up a Facebook page. And the band name was only confirmed shortly before the release!
Smirk is fantastic - the guitar playing, vocals and changes in pace mean that there is an edge throughout. The piano break is sublime and then the synths and beat take things higher. The final 30-seconds take things even higher and leave you wishing for an extended mix. I can't wait to see and hear them play it live.
The Brian Sweeney produced promo video features members of the band and members of the LNFG label in a kaleidoscope style effect - keeping with the flow and changes of the song.
To celebrate 10-years of Everything Flows Glasgow I will be publishing a series of blogs - 10 bands, 10 albums, 10 songs, 10 shows....
We'll start with 10 bands on the DIY/unsigned scene that I fell for; read on for memories, videos and music. A further blog will follow in the near future with links to loads of old blogs on DIY bands on the scene over the last 10-years.
Who are/were they?
My sister Carla's (keys, synths and vocals) first band with Edinburgh Art School buddies Sita (vocals), Harry (guitar, vocals, effects and beats) and Cecilia (Ceal) (bass and vocals) in their final line-up. Additional help from Dan on trumpet, Luke on bass (before Ceal joined) and Adam on shouty vocals at first. What do/did they sound like?
I have a clipping of Malcolm Jack writing in The Metro describing them as a bunch of kids who had stumbled across Fisher Price instruments whilst overdosing on Sunny D - or words to that effect. Most of the songs were recorded in bedrooms/living rooms in Edinburgh/Glasgow. It was MySpace/laptop/DIY fun. The tender Isn't It Lovely remains a favourite, while the riotous pop of Jenna still brings a smile to my face. Why did I fall for them?
Infectious pop music that I found myself singing after 1 or 2 listens. What do I remember?
Packed shows at 13th Note, Captain's Rest, The Wee Red Bar, self releasing EP's, an incredible show at Mono with Martin Creed and Samba Ya Bamba and my all-time favourite show was at the Hidden Lane Festival in front of La Chunky in glorious sunshine.
In 2017
Carla leads TeenCanteen and Sita plays bass. Carla also has her Ette solo/collaborative project - both are doing well after albums released in 2016. TeenCanteen have an EP out in April and Carla is also going to to the prestigious Banff Arts Centre in Canada on a songwriting workshop. Ceal has guested with Errors, Adam makes videos and the rest are all doing other things.
2. Sonny Marvello
Who are/were they?
A 5-piece from Castlemilk fronted by Stephen Farrell with Mick Caldwell on lead guitar, Craig Douglas on bass, Mike Walker on keys and Michael Bryans on drums. What do/did they sound like?
Very influenced by The Beatles with a nod to Blur, Bowie and Queen. Lots of classics. Superb players.
Why did I fall for them?
I stumbled across them at a charity aftershow in Sloans ballroom. They looked amazing in old blazers, suits, hats....they romped through songs like Easy Girls, My Lover and played a blistering song called We're All Cruel that seemed to good to be true with a closing section that stopped me in my tracks. I asked their bass player Craig their name and if they had a manager. Then woke up and I could't remember their name! Fast forward a few months and I found them again and managed them through; selling out Stereo, putting out a 7-inch, organising our own festival at a youth hostel, being ahead of the game and crowdfunding through the 100 club, lots of Sailor Jerry's and some incredible songs. Great, great people and I still play football with Craig and Mike every Wednesday. Incredibly talented musicians and Stephen still has songs and melodies pouring out of him.
What do I remember?
Everything - it was a rollercoaster ride. They'd been f**ked about a bit and I remember Stephen going up to a certain Glaswegian producer and telling him he was a c**t to his face. This was on the second time I had met Stephen! I thought this was great - punk. Prior to meeting them they had run secret shows, been to NYC and were generally playing to no-ones rules but their own. The 100 club mini-album was a highlight, pulling that off along with organising our own festival on the banks of Loch Lomond was quite a feat. They were not interested in any scenes, they just wanted to create music. Photo shoots, videos, a crazy night at Pin Ups.....just great, great times.
In 2017
Sonny Marvello are over, they brought out an incredible album under the guise of Flash Talk and then changed back. Sparks To Fire is a gem, recorded with the producer who is now gaining recognition under the guise of KVASIR. Ultimate Toppers is a collection of demos and the 100 club album is an acoustic album recorded in a day that contains the beautiful Fire Went Out. Stephen now records under the guise of Stephen solo and released an incredible album Pii via Last Night From Glasgow in 2016 on a USB credit card that he recorded on an iPhone! Craig is beginning to demo some recordings and I hope Mick returns to playing guitar as he remains the best guitarist I have seen in Glasgow.
Who are/were they?
Producer, songwriter Julian Corrie is Miaoux Miaoux. Julian played solo for a number of years before adding a couple of friends to his live line-up.
What do/did they sound like?
Glorious, inventive electronic pop.
Why did I fall for them?
See above! I caught posters around town for the Blooms EP and show at the 13th Note. I attended and was blown away. Julian's has an incredible ability to take the listener on a journey, to allow him and them to get lost in riffs, grooves and beats. Snow from the aforementioned EP has such a beautiful, dreamy and flowing guitar riff, I loved to watch Julian play this live. The early live shows would see Julian bound between keyboards, synths and all kinds of gadgets with his plectrum in his mouth, sing like no-one else I had seen before or since in Glasgow - like a choir boy in rave - and then go all My Bloody Valentine on guitar. It was special.
What do I remember?
I remember of picking Julian up from Glasgow Airport and driving like a maniac to get to the Wickerman Festival. I think he had been recording with friends in Sweden and his flight was late and some of his equipment hadn't turned up! A few phone calls to friends at Wickerman ensured he had enough to perform. We literally arrived at the festival and Julian was on in 10-minutes. Shortly after that he played a rave in a backstage caravan for Detour. I got rather excited and sprayed beer and you can hear Julian shout my name in the video - sorry Julian!
And I remember just feeling kind of blessed to be close to such a talent and to try and help him. Julian had a little studio in the Hidden Lane at the time and I was working at Charing Cross, so I would pop by and listen to what he had been up to. He had a white board up with the working album title Arcs of Brilliance (which would go on to be Light of the North) and song titles. He played me the bones of Stop The Clocks, this gentle acoustic riff and hushed vocals. I sat amazed as it morphed into huge pulsating riffs, beats and white noise. It is my favourite Miaoux Miaoux song - simply stunning.
In 2017
Miaoux Miaoux has released 2 albums via Chemikal Underground and remixed the likes of Chvrches, Belle and Sebastian and Arab Strap. Could be some interesting news coming from him in the near future.
4. Nevada Base
Who are/were they?
Albert, Calum, Gus, Andy and James
What do/did they sound like?
Like 4 guys from Glasgow stumbling into a New York loft apartment party hosted by James Murphy and picking up his instruments to see what they could create.
Why did I fall for them?
They were different. Albert (singer and guitar) was super cool and had a huge afro, their songs were mature beyond the bands tender years. People danced! I mean really danced. I put them on at 13th Note before I managed them and they absolutely blew me (and everyone else) away. Free CD's were handed out at shows, they had a clear vision of what they wanted to do.
What do I remember?
Dancing and getting lost in the music. A Tenement Trail show in a basement bar was a real highlight when everything all seemed to just come together at once. A little frustration at not getting a string of singles/EP's or an album or two out. Things just didn't work out as I hoped or planned in that sense - I'm sure the band would say the same. But great memories, a Tenement Trail show in a basement bar was a real highlight - again....people danced.
In 2017
Watch this space - likely to be announcing a new band at some point.
Who are/were they?
Stevie (vocals and guitar), Barry (guitar), Gordon (bass), Gorman (keys), Al (drums) and joined by Chris (sax) on various occasions
What do/did they sound like?
Kids from Wishaw who discovered Simple Minds Greatest Hits, a bit of Springsteen and The Killers debut album all at once. Big on ambition, songs, choruses and attitude. They didn't just want to dream about it, they wanted the taste, feel and sensation.
Why did I fall for them?
They had something, they really had something, they worked their socks off, were good fun and had a pile of great songs. Songs like Forever and Believe should have been huge all across the land. Stevie Jukes was charming, positive and aiming for the stars. There wasn't anyone else like them and they took a whole heap of people along for the ride. Live shows became a celebration and a giant sing song.
I fell so hard that I started co-managing the band with Stevie and had a great time dreaming and scheming with him and the band. And anyone would fall for Gordon Phipps if they spent a night out with him. What a gem of a guy.
What do I remember?
Glowsticks at Sleazys, selling out 2-nights at Tut's, T in the Park, London, Jager Bombs, the mess of Gorman's studio, the Arches, Wickerman, the ABC, supporting The View at the Academy, The Fratellis at the Barrowland....daily phone calls with Stevie, the EP's, promises of tattoo's if they got a deal....it was quite a ride. Good, good times and I really thought they were going to go all the way.
In 2017
Stevie and Al are doing really well as Saint PHNX and may well make the step that the Vigo's so narrowly failed to make. Vigo Thieves have released an album that you can check below and have confirmed a show at King Tut's on 23rd December. Tickets HERE
Who were/are they?
James Barker formerly of Juno! on vocals and guitar, with his friend and brother-in-law Mark on bass and a variety of drummers. Ace City Racers were all art pop.
What did/do they sound like?
They were/are very influenced by Modern Life Is Rubbish era Blur. They had some promise and asked me to help out. At the time I was managing a few bands and said that while I couldn't manage them I would help out. We sent some demos to Blur producer Stephen Street and to our amazement he said he would love to work with the band!
First single Waiting was produced by Stephen Street and released via Fred Perry. There were some cracking early shows but the momentum never really got going. Stephen Street isn't cheap!
Why did I fall for them?
I have known James for a while, so our friendship helped. The fact that he was so passionate and hard working was also infectious. James is a HUGE music fan and worked hard on songs and with contacts to try and get things going for the band. Mark is one of the most positive people I have ever met and someone I could totally imagine being an indie pop star. Like a lot of the bands I love and all the bands on here, it was the people as well as the music that I fell for.
What do I remember?
My close links with Ace City Racers were all over in a bit of a Blur (pardon the pun). They played some good shows, got some good press but (no offence to James or Mark) possibly peaked a little too early with the Stephen Street and Fred Perry single. So I remember how buzzed James was to be working with a real hero of is, how excited I was that Stephen Street might introduce them to people and how much effort James put into the band.
In 2017?
James is still in Ace City Racers and has a couple of little side projects on the go. I would never bet against James coming up with something incredible.
7. Seventeenth Century
Who are/were they?
Mark Brendan Farmer, Ryan Jospeh Burns, Andrew Arthur Truscott, Michael Wilson Truscott, Nicholas John Grant
What do/did they sound like?
Mark Brendan Farmer possessed a truly unique and powerful voice, the sight and sound of him in full flight was mesmerising to watch and listen to. He combined this with an outrageous haircut and also played violin with such ferocity that he would sometimes rip his bow to shreds.
Backed by friends that played trumpet, drums, bass and guitar (among other things), Seventeenth Century created a sound that was all their own. Mark's melodies were sometimes as unique as his voice and the band really did create a special sound and feeling when they were on top of their game.
Why did I fall for them?
I returned from travelling around the world in June 2008 and was walking down Sauchiehall Street when I hears this great song being played. Outside Marks and Spencers was group of young lads that looked like they were a real band/gang. It turned out to be a cover version of Beruit's Postcard's From Italy and upon making a donation and asking their name I found out that they were playing Bar Brel that very night. So my wife (fiance at the time) went along and immediately fell for them for all the reasons mentioned above. Turns out that they were all super nice guys as well.
What do I remember?
I followed Seventeenth Century very closely and caught them live on many occasions and in many settings; ranging from Rock Ness to many a basement bar in Glasgow. Many fellow bloggers and people associated with the music scene thought they had everything to take things forwards and get a record deal. I'm not really sure what happened, they seemed to fizzle out a little bit which was a real shame. Traffic (video above) is one of my favourite songs that a young Glasgow band have released.
In 2017
Ryan is still playing and releasing music, I bump into Mark now and again around town, but it seems that the band are over. Would love to hear Mark singing again.
Who are/were they?
Tino (vocals and guitar), Sean (vocals and guitar), Mark (vocals and bass) and Michael (drums)
What do/did they sound like?
A punk pop Clash that each take 4 sugars in their tea. Super charged power melodies.
Why did I fall for them?
Songs, charm and beers. I was invited to their 2nd ever show and to motivate me I was promised 4 vouchers for beer! I get a lot of requests for reviews but I had never been motivated by beers! I wouldn't have gone if I didn't like the band though - I liked their name and the brilliant video they had shot for Rock N Roll Is Dead from their first ever show in the basement of Blackfriars that they charged a mere £1 for people to get into. I also liked the friendly but confident tone of their short email.
I went to the show, had my beers, met the band and was blown away by their performance. They had a briliant set of punk pop tunes, full of hooks and melodies. Their on stage presence was excellent, they bounced off each other, they could play and they looked brilliant.
What do I remember?
I caught the band a few times and met bass player Mark. I thought they were going to get signed, they went on a long European tour with The View, supported The Charlatans at Delamere Forest and were doing all the right things in all the right places. They all shared a flat like The Beatles in Help!
In 2017
Sean is studying in Aberdeen, Tino and Michael are in The Bar Dogs who are doing quite well and Mark has released a solo album under the guise Mark W Georgsson which is leading the way for my album of 2017.
Who are/were they?
Joe Kane and Stu Kidd; multi-instrumentalists, incredible musicians and very talented guys What do/did they sound like?
Psychedelic pop kids. Capable of moments of sublime guitar pop, dreamy psychedelic genius and the odd barking mad fun track.
They described themselves as; Disappointing Todd Rundgren gigs, Tascam 4 track cassette recorders, animal oddities, The Monkees, cider, children's TV shows from the 80's and sci-fi movies (good and bad) are all the ingredients to the sounds of Dr Cosmos Tape Lab. Why did I fall for them?
Within a week 3 people I know had asked me if I had heard them. I loved their name and when I heard The Secret Of The Tibetean Grapefruit I knew that I would love the band. The second side of their debut album is incredible and it was recorded on a Tascam 4-track studio! Return to Nineteen Canteen is pure Macca.
The follow up album Beyond The Silver Sea was my album of the year in 2015. A concept album with spoken word tales of surreal escapism (to Camden in 1966 via a time machine) and thoughts in between some incredible songs. You can read my review of the album HERE and listen and buy HERE What do I remember?
I never caught them live! They didn't play much but when they did I always seemed to be away with work or have something on I couldn't change!
So I remember the band for their vision, for being so different and for producing exceptional music.
In 2017
Joe and Stu remain incredibly active across the Glasgow and Scottish scene (and beyond). Joe plays in and produced the Ette album, has produced and mastered for a number of other acts and continues to write regularly. Stu has released his own album and is heavily involved with the forthcoming BMX Bandits album. Hopefully we'll get another Dr Como's album.
Who are/were they?
The Colonel John McMustard and his dancing friend David Blair (the Djancer) have let their imagination run wild to create an epic band that can include up to 20 members - conjuring up a euphoric and fun mix of music that is guaranteed to make you smile and dance.
Their vision, work ethic and exceptional live shows/performances have led to them being a must see act at festivals throughout the UK and beyond; selling out the ABC and the Barrowland in Glasgow.
What do/did they sound like?
In their own words (and I agree);
Imagine Primal Scream and Happy Mondays had children genetically fused with the DNA of Frank Zappa, Bob Marley, James Brown and Neil Diamond. Our live shows have included crowdsailing in rubber dinghies, crowdsurfing on inflatable alligators, laughter yoga, hig-offs, dance-offs in a giant hay bird nest, singalongs about dancing in gay discos and being heartbroken by ginger people, line dancing and high 5ing to the beats. Always expect the unexpected when The Dijon 5 come to town!
Why did I fall for them?
I missed them for ages. The and and their fans were everywhere at Wickerman a few years ago and I missed them! Everyone said they were the band of the weekend.
They brought out These Are Not The Drugs You Are Looking For and I was hooked. Cracking video, brilliant song, funny and making a point.
Then I finally saw them live and it all made sense. They are just full of the joys of life and have a lot of love to give and they
What do I remember?
Being blown away by the feel good atmosphere they created at Electric Fields last summer. And I saw them hanging around the VIP area at T in the Park just looking like they were taking it over. The Yellow Movement is growing all the time. Anyone that sees this band will become a fan. Lovely guys as well - I hope to be bringing back podcasts in the near future and David Blair is top of my list for an interview.
In 2017
They are playing all kinds of festivals this summer and I expect another big end of year show. Colourful, imaginative and innovative - great fun.
I really enjoyed recording it and would like to record a few podcasts a month if time allows, so here we are on number 2 which you can listen to HERE.
Please don't hesitate to get in touch via email if you would like me to email this to you. Good Vibrations - The Troggs Altered Images - Happy Meals Don't Fear The Reaper - Rose McDowall Breakaway - The Frank Popp Ensemble Our Lips Are Sealed - Fun Boy Three Believe Me, I Know - The Pictish Trail and Jo Mango Snow - Miaoux Miaoux I Heard You Looking - Yo La Tengo
2015 has been a pretty good year for music; there were albums and shows from long time favourite bands of mine, discoveries of some great new artists, plenty of brilliant music from Scottish artists and plenty of surprises including the Belles going disco, Gaz Coombes stunning Matador album, the return of Idlewild and Blur showing how booking time to just jam and create, can sound wonderful.
Here are my favourite albums. I have selected my favourite song from each album to give you a flavour of what you can expect from each artist in case you haven't heard anything from the album. Just click on the link to stream.
I'll still be discovering albums from 2015 for a while to come and I have Trust Fund's 2 albums on order at Monorail as I type. But for now....
ALBUM OF THE YEAR -Dr Cosmos Tape Lab - Beyond The Silver Sea
Dr Cosmos released 2 albums in 2015. This was the first of 2015(their second album) released back in March - a cosmic trip full of McCartney and Wilson inspire melodies, hooks and harmonies. If you haven't discovered them yet then you are losing out. The sounds that Joe Kane and Stuart Kidd are all the more impressive given their method of recording! The album was recorded in Joe's bedroom on to an old Tascam 424 mk3.
FAVE SONG - I have 5 real favourites! The Mirrors Reflection, The Stars My Destination and the closing trilogy of The Long Sleep, Space Dream and Beyond The Silver Sea - stream them and the rest of the album HERE Read my review from back in April HERE
Gaz Coombes - Matador
I heard a couple of incredible songs on 6Music and wondered who it was - 'Gaz Coombes....really?' Well the answer was yes, it was, Gaz Coombes from Supergrass delivered an exceptional album - playing most of the instruments and producing as well. The musicianship is incredible, delivery sublime.
My fave song -DETROIT the way it develops is incredible. Read the guest review by Craig Douglas from Sonny Marvello HERE
The Charlatans - Modern Nature
Modern Nature contained some songs that are up with the bands best - the singles So Oh (check the Brian Jonestown Massacre remix), Come Home Baby and Let The Good Times Be Never Ending along with gems like In The Tall Grass and Emilie.
My fave song - COME HOME BABY that soaring chorus gets me every time, also my 4-year olds fave and we dance around the kitchen to it. My blog review is HERE
Happy Meals - Apero EP
This mini-album/EP was released at the end of 2014 but it only came to my attention (and pretty much everyone else's) when it was longlisted for the SAY Award. Their name stood out and then I checked out their song Altered Images and was just blown away. This was something different, completely different, sounding super cool and totally brilliant.
Fave song - Yeah it is still ALTERED IMAGES check this incredible BBC Radio Scotland session.
There will be a special guest blog on Happy Meals very soon.
New Order - Music Complete
How would they sound without Hooky? Well, I personally miss his unique bass playing but New Order still sound fantastic and full of energy. My good friend Tel who saw them away back in 1981 and he was blown away by Music Complete. The Academy show in Glasgow was one big party.
Fave song - PLASTIC edges it for me, Bernard Sumner in great form.
Natalie Prass - Natalie Prass
A beautiful album released on Matthew E White's Spacebomb label. Word of mouth spread on this, leading to sold out shows and a performance on Later With Jools. Check BIRD OF PREY from Jools - HERE
Fave song - IF the disney-esque album closer is one of my songs of the year, never mind song of the album.
Ultimate Painting - Green Lanes
I saw this bands name kicking around a little and then Bobby Gillespie posted about how much he was enjoying it and Holly Calder from Eyes Wide Open booked them to play the Old Hairdressers - two people with impeccable taste. I got tickets for the show (later upgraded to Mono) and the album and wasn't disappointed.
Fave song - (I'VE GOT THE) SANCTIONED BLUES is pure Velvets inspired brilliance with fantastic harmonies and a gorgeous guitar riff.
Norman Blake and Jad Fair - Yes
Norman and Jad also released How Many Glasgow with Tenniscoats, but this album that followed shortly afterwards, with a show at Mono to coincide edges it for one of my favourite albums of the year. Jad Fair is unique, a romantic dreamer, a poet. This is a beautiful album, full of love.
Fave song - ADD YOUR NAME is bursting with positivity and hope
Belle and Sebastian - Girls In Peacetime Want To Dance
The Belles delivered a few surprises with Girls In Peacetime Want To Dance, going a little electro, a little disco, but still remaining distinctly Belle and Sebastian with Stuart Murdoch's clever, witty and at times autobiographical lyrics backed by an exceptional band. Their show at the Hydro was an absolute delight - a far cry from the first time I saw them at the QMU all those years ago when they had breaks on stage to go off for cigarette breaks.
Fave song - Loads to choose from as you will see if you read my blog review of the album HERE but my favourite is the epic disco of PLAY FOR TODAY
Hooton Tennis Club - Highest Point In Cliff Town
Ah the sound of raw and loud duelling guitars and a band having fun - it doesn't seem to happen quite so often these days with so many bands being over-produced and using synths. This is glorious.
Roddy Woomble and Rod Jones returned with a couple of new members and they released a brilliant album and performed some sensational shows. Both were on top form.
Fave song - UTOPIA closes the album in a devastatingly beautiful manner. This was truly special when they played it live at the ABC earlier in the year. Read my album review HERE
Miaoux Miaoux - School Of Velocity
I really thought Miaoux Miaoux might just break through a little bit further with this album. 6Music got behind It's The Quick and it sounded superb on the radio. Away from the studio Miaoux Miaoux delivered some brilliant live shows with the bands set at Wickerman being a real highlight.
Fave song - Lead single It's The Quick showed a funkier and meatier side to Miaoux Miaoux but I really fell for LUXURY DISCOVERY live when the band went into an extended jam at the end. And that chorus is just so uplifting, camp and disco.
Best Girl Athlete - Carve Every Word
A Facebook post alerted me to this artist, I like the name and checked out the album and it is one of my favourite albums of the year. Incredible songwriting from one so young. Check my blog review HERE
Damon Albarn and co produce something quite special by using downtime in Japan to jam and record a quite raw but superb album. The rawness is what makes the album, nothing is over though or over produced. Lonesome Street was like stepping back into 1995, Thought I Was A Spaceman was blissfully dreamy and My Terracotta Heart just what you wanted from Blur in 2015.
Fave song - ONG ONG just has a great feeling to it
The Phoenix Stage/Tent in association with Drowned In Sound was a welcome addition to the Wickerman Festival this year. Indie stalwarts like BMX Bandits, Aidan Moffat, Bill Ryder Jones and Emma Pollok lined up alongside the likes Kathryn Joseph - winner of the SAY Award, Alias Kid - Alan McGee's latest faves and many hotly tipped acts from around Scotland. This blog focuses on three of them. Miaoux Miaoux has just released his second album on Chemikal Underground, yet he remains hotly tipped. It is surely just a matter of time before he releases a breakthrough single and people suddenly discover his fantastic catalogue on Chemikal and previous self releases. Miaoux Miaoux provided an early highlight on Saturday afternoon with Julian Corrie assisted by the incredible rhythm section of Liam Chapman on drums and Liam Graham on bass. The sound guys in the Phoenix Stage really got it spot on throughout the weekend, I think the sound for Miaoux Miaoux was noticeably better than that for his recent show at Stereo. The crowd and band responded, there was dancing throughout with Julian instructing and conducting the band to extend outro's to keep things going. Luxury Discovery and Star Sickness from School of Velocity were exceptional while trusty fave Hey Sound! sounded sublimely funky andStop the Clocks caused jaws to drop in admiration. This was the best I have seen Miaoux Miaoux - great sound, superb performance and a well thought out set.
After a quick stroll in the sunshine for a cider I was back at the tent for Neon Waltz who recently signed to Atlantic Records. The young band hail from Wick so are nicely removed from any local scene - showcasing their talent and taste via YouTube with some cracking covers and a show in a castle near their hometown. The band clearly have something and go for feeling rather than trying to ram a chorus down your throat. Bring Me To Light was beautiful and young frontman Jordan Shearer looks like a cross between a young Tim Burgess and Bobby Gillespie - definitely ones to keep an eye on, loads of promise.
Early on Sunday afternoon I left my friends nursing their hangovers in the acoustic village to nip back to the Phoenix Tent to catch Kloe - a young teenage girl from Clydebank who has been creating an incredible amount of interest throughout Scotland and beyond. Indeed, this could prove to be a VERY, VERY BIG week for this young popster. I was taken aback by Kloe's confidence as she strutted around the stage, falling to her knees to find the moment and introducing songs with humour 'this is another song about the same guy'. Kloe also displayed a knack for melodies, hooks, choruses and clever lyrics. Check out Feel and Grip on her sound cloud, both of which sounded superb. (again the sound was brilliant in the Phoenix Tent) A song called Teenage Craze was my personal highlight, flowing superbly to big hooks at the end. It was interesting to see youngsters moving to the front of the stage during the set and the tent becoming fuller as it went on. A teenage girl writing songs about teenage life for teenagers to listen to - I don't think that has happened in a while in Britain. Kloe took me back to my own teenage years and a pop star from America called Debbie Gibson. Definitely one to keep an eye on.
Wickerman 2015; a kaleidoscope of sunshine, fire, fireworks, friends, music and good times. What a weekend!
The Everything Flows team expanded to 4 for the weekend; expect blogs to come on Example, Optimo Espacio, Hector Bizerk, Jimmy Cliff, Neneh Cherry, BMX Bandits, The Vaselines, Miaoux Miaoux, Neon Waltz and more.
In the meantime; this is a bit of a round up of some of my own highlights that took place over the weekend;
The weather- the forecast changed dramatically in the week leading up to the festival, at one stage 2-hours of rain was forecast for the Friday night! Instead it was mainly dry with large periods of sunshine, particularly on the Saturday after some rain around noon.
The site- the Wickerman site is beautiful lush rolling green hills that lead down to a natural stage setting. There is plenty of space, yet everything is within easy walking distance, including the campsites.
The atmosphere - Positive, friendly, family friendly yet with space to party, everyone out for a good time. I even attended a wedding at noon under the Wickerman but had to run as unfortunately the heavens opened for the lucky couple. Thankfully the sun came out for them afterwards!
The fireworks were the best in the 6 visits I have enjoyed at Wickerman.
The crowd during Jimmy Cliff - pic by Gordon Reid
Jimmy Cliff - My award for performance of the weekend goes to this guy and his incredible band. They smashed it out the park with a set jammed full of classics in the glorious Wickerman sunshine leading to sunset. I Can See Clearly Now was absolutely beautiful, I don't mind admitting that I had a tear in my eye and my hands in the sky dancing and singing with friends when this was on.
Jimmy Cliff - sensational performance; pic by Gordon Reid
Stereo MC's - They came, they saw, they conquered Wickerman with an energetic set that saw singer Rob Birch cover every inch of the stage and wow the crowd with hits like Step It Up and Connected. The whole set had a real clubby feel to it and got the crowd dancing and singing. It was a particularly important set for the main stage after the unfortunate cancellation of the Sugarhill Gang who many were looking forward to. The main stage hadn't had a moment, the crowd hadn't had a chance to dance...they got one.
Rob Birch - Stereo MC's; pic by Gordon Reid
The line-up- Synergy Concerts have joined the Wickerman team as bookers and they used their skills, knowledge and experience to create a brilliant eclectic line-up that fully utilised the incredible music scene in Scotland. We had indie legends like The Vaselines and BMX Bandits, young up and coming artists like White, Neon Waltz and Kloe, top quality ska by the likes of Esperanza and The Amphetameanies and it was all ended in style by the incredible Optimo Espacio team - gotta be invited back next year?
The Amphetameanies - pic by Gordon Reid
BMX Bandits- I have to give a special mention to the BMX Bandits who headlined the Phoenix Tent last night. There cannot be many, if any, bands who can create the warmth and love that Duglas T Stewart and his friends are capable of making. I've always thought they would be perfect for Wickerman and indeed they were, playing a set spanning their full 30-years and giving older fans some long lost classics and wowing new fans who chose to end their Wickerman Festival with them. Girl At The Bus Stop was an absolute delight and Duglas rolled out Kylie's Got A Crush On Us for the first time in 20-years to the delight of those around me.
Please, please, oh please take the same bus as me
Two different generations enjoying BMX Bandits; pic by Jim Burns
I can't remember the last time I was at a gig in Stereo. I'd forgotten what a cracking little venue it is - conveniently located near Central Station, yet hidden away down Renfield Lane, shielded from some of the mayhem that the centre of Glasgow can bring at times.
Last night was the launch of Miaoux Miaoux'sSchool of Velocity, his second album on Chemikal Underground. The exposed brick work and industrial pipes running through the basement venue kind of transports you to New York or Berlin. Stereo has a wonderfully relaxed vibe in the upstairs bar and that transfers downstairs.
We caught the end of Kill The Waves, impressed by the soundscapes the 6-piece created on stage. I had high hopes for Monogram after falling for their song Romance that was released last year, picking up some airplay including some from Radio 1. They didn't do it for me last night though - the drum sound overpowered pretty much everything else; the singer (admittedly) wasn't in the best of form - blaming it on burrito he had pre-gig. Romance was a clear highlight in the set and they have set the bar high with that song - fingers crossed they can reach those heights more often in the future. It is early days for the band - they only played their first show in April.
On to the main event - Miaoux Miaoux; Julian Corrie backed by his trusty sidemen on bass and drums and also joined by the beautiful Cairn String Quartet on a number of songs.
With no expense spared on the silver balloons spelling M I A O U X the band set about showcasing the talented Corrie's tunes from his two Chemikal albums.
Autopilot and Better For Now are sublime, the closing instrumental of Better For Now sounded absolutely stunning last night.
Luxury Discovery from School of Velocity was a highlight with Julian proclaiming 'Oh my god, it really is beautiful to me as well' before going into a glorious falsetto with echoes of Pharrell crossed with Chic.
Hey Sound! was the point in the gig when the crowd started dancing,. An extended version allowed the band the time and space to jam on and really find a groove to get lost in along with those dancing in the crowd.
Lead single It's The Quick was another that got even more people moving with the effects on Corrie's vocals bringing something a little different; the pulsating synth riff turns into a monster when the bass kicks in.
The closing Stop The Clocks is one of my favourite songs and last night the addition of the Cairn String Quartet took it to even greater heights of beauty.
I'll be reviewing School of Velocity in the very near future - it is out on Chemikal Underground next week. I got an advance copy last night and on first listen Miaoux Miaoux has produced a beautiful work of art.
My aims ..... to try and write catchy songs that don't have traditional structures or do things that you're not expecting. How far can you push 'pop' song structure with it still working?
Julian Corrie (Miaoux Miaoux)
Long term readers of this blog will know how fond I am of the artist Miaoux Miaoux, AKA Julian Corrie.
Julian produced a string of sublime self releases that led to a deal with Chemikal Underground and the 2012 release of the album Light of the North. Julian's ear for sound and melody is exceptional, his ability to create beats and layer sonic soundscapes is joyful. Oh and he has a beautiful voice as well!
This clearly evident talent has led to (increasingly) strong support of Miaoux Miaoux in Scotland from bloggers, publications like The List and The Skinny, bookers, Chemikal and fellow artists - ranging from the DIY scene up to Chvrches and Belle and Sebastian, as well as music fans of all ages and backgrounds.
A positive response to It's The Quick, the lead single from the forthcoming album School of Velocity, and also Unbeatable Slow Machine, by 6Music bodes well. This could be the album that pushes Miaoux Miaoux on to a new level and it would be richly deserved and celebrated by his loyal fanbase.
I caught up with Julian to see how he is getting on ahead of what could be an extremely busy second half of 2015.
1. Light of the North was your first album released via Chemikal Underground. What were the main differences you noticed from a self release?
Well, it was great to get a vinyl release haha! All of the physical product was much better obviously, I wasn't designing and sorting the printing out myself. They're also really supportive guys, great to phone up if you need help with something or just want to rant. As I'm basically a solo artist it helps to have that support there.
2. The album gathered some incredible reviews; 3-years since release, what are your favourite moments from the album?
I think 'Stop The Clocks' is probably my favourite moment, although I'm proud of the whole thing. But, you know, I probably haven't listened to it for three years. Once something's done, I tend to put it behind me and move on, although those tracks that I made really fast and seem to be accidentally great (my Chvrches remix for example) I can come back to. But it seems weird to listen to stuff once you've made it. Maybe I'll give it another 3 years.
Stop the Clocks
3. Since then you’ve commandeered a band for live shows- were they involved in the writing/recording? What do the band bring to the live shows?
The band make the live shows so much better. Everything is lifted, and it's great to have the dynamic between people - even though we're working with a lot of playback, there still feels like there's some flexibility. I'm not on my jimmy lonesome frantically pressing buttons. Drummer Liam recorded some drums for the album, which sound great. Writing-wise, they don't contribute, although there's always scope for that.
4. You recorded a lot of Light of the North in your own little studio that you owned at the time. Where did you write and record School of Velocity?
An even smaller studio, haha. Both were rented, actually, although the old one was in a trendy location and was getting expensive, so I moved to a rundown building north of the city centre, where my friend and collaborator James Houston was working at the time. It's great to have your own space but the move was definitely a little disruptive and contributed to the gap between records! I'll be staying there for at least another year I think.
5. Who/what influenced the sound of the album?
This is such a difficult question. I listen to a whole load of stuff, but I'd say my aims are pretty similar to Light of the North - to try and write catchy songs that don't have traditional structures or do things that you're not expecting. How far can you push 'pop' song structure with it still working? Actually I think other people do this a lot better than I do. Sound wise, I borrowed some great analogue synths from a friend at work, Michael Hines, who is forever in my debt, and that's something I ended up using a lot of.
6. Have you favoured any particular synths, effects or gadgets for School of Velocity?
I bought a Juno 106 after borrowing one for a while and that's all over the record. Also I've got a little battery powered synth that's great for spacey noises and sound effects, I have to stop myself using it too much.
7. The teaser that you have released is very impressive. Are there any songs you are particularly proud of?
I guess 'Luxury Discovery', the first song on the video, because it was written really really fast (the bassline is pretty much the first take and I could never play it better), the original demo sounded great, and then it became an absolute bitch to mix and master the final version. That's often the case if the demo is too good. Jamie Savage and I pushed through and I think it turned out really well.
School of Velocity teaser
8. You've remixed Chvrches and Belle and Sebastian (among others)- how do you tackle a remix?
Those were both very different processes - the Chvrches remix, I may have said this before, but I didn't actually listen to the original before I started. Which was a good thing, because I ended up writing very different chords to Lauren's vocal, then when I heard the original I was like 'ooh, this is weird'. And it let me put my own stamp on the song without being intimidated. The Belle and Sebastian one - they were very specifically looking for an update on an existing song. So it wasn't so much a 'remix' as a 'reproduction'. I beefed up the drums and added some arpeggiators but the song itself stayed the same.
Chvrches remix
9. The Cairn String Quartet feature on the new album - are there any other Scottish artists you would like to work with in the future?
We'll see! I enjoyed producing last years' Body Parts single, so I'm interested in doing some production work with other artists. I'm in the process of starting work with someone just now.
10. What music are you enjoying at present?
In preparation for the next album I'm listening to a lot of Afrobeat and related / influenced stuff. So Fela Kuti, Talking Heads' Remain In Light album, Floating Points - beats that trip over themselves a little, that sound like water, are fluid. I've got a strong idea about what I want the new stuff to sound like. Also revisiting Matthew Dear's output - he's an absolute genius, and one of those people who's doing what I want to do so much better!
Miaoux Miaoux play a number of shows and festivals over the summer to promote the album including Stereo on May 27th. Give him a like on Facebook to get details of all the shows planned.
There will probably be two or three that I only discover in 2013 (indeed I have the Allah La's album on order from Monorail) but for the time being, these are my albums of 2012.
One Day I'm Going To Soar - Dexys
The magnificent return of Kevin Rowland. A quite incredible album, autobiographical, funny, moving and full of energy, love and care. I would strongly urge anyone to check out this exceptional album, ambitious and grand, the album that Rowland has been dreaming of delivering for decades.
Oh I know that I've been crazy, and that cannot be denied
But inside of me there's always been, a secret urge to fly
Electric Cables - Lightships
Gerry Love from Teenage Fanclub released a gorgeous album full of his trademarks; melody, hooks, mentions of the sunshine, the city, the countryside, escaping.... A lot of care has gone into this album, the guitar riffs, melodies played on xylophone and vocally are gorgeous, I love it. Timeless.
Light of the North - Miaoux Miaoux
The release of this album absolutely delighted me having previously worked with Julian (Miaoux Miaoux). Released on Chemikal the album received fantastic reviews and must surely have whet the appetite of many for the next installment. Check out the absolutely stunning 'Stop the Clocks' for starters if you haven't already, the musical trip of the year.
In Space - BMX Bandits
Duglas T Stewart rejoins us on planet earth with a band of Bandits to release an incredible album, following on from 'My Chain' and 'Bee Stings'. Stewart is in the best songwriting form of his life, heavily influenced by favourite and classic artists like Wilson and Bacharach. Check out 'The Unforgiven' for an incredible vocal performance from Stewart and a possible career highlight. Also a very personal album for me as my sister Carla (TeenCanteen) has a song 'Fireworks' covered by the Bandits.
A simple thought when all our words are gone....the unforgiven
Even though I love you so, you make me feel funny
Like there are loads of fireworks exploding in my tummy
In Our Heads - Hot Chip
It was a busy year for Hot Chip with side projects including The 2 Bears and New Build also releasing excellent albums. The best was from the main project though, their debut for Domino. The album starts in a rich vein with 'Motion Sickness', 'How Do You Do?' and 'Don't Deny Your Heart' all showcasing a band on truly top form. This form continues throughout the album and the closing 'Let Me Be Him' and 'Always Been Your Love' are just beautiful.
Coexist - The xx
Sparsely beautiful, heartbreakingly so at times. The xx follow up their exquisite debut with a sublime second album. The songwriting, performance, structure and production make them stand out a mile from their peers.
Oh No, I Love You - Tim Burgess
My love for The Charlatans and Tim Burgess is probably well documented through the history of this blog but I didn't anticipate this album. Written with Kurt Wagner from Lambchop, Burgess turns in a performance that showed the depth of his skills as a writer, performer and collaborator. 2012 was a memorable year for Tim with the release of his autobiography, co-managing a label, a tour with The Charlatans, curating some festival stages/tents and launching his own brand of coffee! Whatever next? A breakfast cereal anyone?
Oh no, I love you
Hello, I love you
Sugaring Season - Beth Orton
Beth Orton returned in October this year after a 6-year absence with a beautiful album. Beth's voice has never sounded better, rising, falling, sounding sweet, innocent and full of hope at times and then full of regret and experience at others.
Sweet Heart, Sweet Light - Spiritualized
Jason Pierce delivers yet again. No real surprises, we have the hushed, fucked up vocals, religious overtones, drug overtones and when Pierce finds a melody and hook he loves he hammers it home in mantra style fashion. There is one little surprise, his 11-year old daughter guesting on the gorgeous closer 'So Long You Pretty Thing.' Her name?....Poppy...
So long you pretty thing, save your little soul
The music that you played so hard on your radio
All your dreams and diamond rings and all that rock'n'roll can bring you
So long, so long
Blunderbuss - Jack White
Jack's back, well he never really goes away does he? This is a tremendous collection of songs full of White's unique delivery of melody and some exceptional guitar playing. 'Take Me With You When You Go' (the albums closing song) absolutely floored me when I first heard it and I had to play it about 5 times in a row. It flows superbly but then goes off in a completely new direction at around 1 minute 55 seconds, coming on like Sufjan Stevens for a few seconds before White comes in with a great guitar riff and a vocal melody that leaves you breathless. Simply stunning, no-one else can touch him when he is in that kind of form. In the zone!
So there you have it, I also liked the albums from New Build and 2-Bears (Hot Chip offshoots), Alabama Shakes and Bruce Springsteen. I seem to be the only person who found the Django Django album to be massively disappointing considering the hype.
