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
30-years ago, T in the Park launched at Strathclyde Park in glorious sunshine. For a young 18-year old music fan from Carluke (10-miles down the road), it really seemed too good to be true. This was like the pages of the NME and the Melody Maker coming alive in front of my eyes!
Back in 1994, many fans of independent and alternative music in Carluke would take a short train ride to Wishaw and decamp to the pub Girdwoods next to the station. There was a DJ who played a mix of stuff that was veering towards indie. That exploded over the next year or so as Britpop bloomed.
Now, many of the Girdwoods crowd were getting to see loads of bands that were played in the pub on a Friday/Saturday for real. Just a couple of train stops on!
The T In The Park line-up was pretty incredible! The ambition of the promoters to bring all these bands to Lanarkshire has to be applauded. This was a major step for live music in Scotland. From memory, I think they had previously looked at the Isle of Arran for the festival. A beautiful setting, but a logistical nightmare.
Here are a few videos and bootlegs from 1994 to check out when you have time;
The first highlights programme - featuring Crash Test Dummies, Grant Lee Buffalo, Saw Doctors, Crowded House, Rage Against The Machine, Primal Scream, Teenage Fanclub, The Grid and Gun
Transport and jibbing- my brother and I went with my friend Craig Richardson who kindly drove. We met loads of others from Carluke, including a few who managed to jib in by saying that their Mum had ordered tickets and paid by credit card. The ticket office wasn't quite as high tech as it is now. There really was no way of checking, so they got in! There was a meeting point in the middle of the site, so if you wanted to go and see a different band from your mates, you arranged to meet there. This was pre mobiles remember!
Crash Test Dummies- had a massive HIT around this time with Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm and they drew a huge crowd to the main stage in the sunshine, with everyone singing along.
Manics - I vaguely remember the Manics playing the tent with balaclavas on? They must have been roasting! I don't remember seeing Elastica, Blur or Pulp! Surely I saw a bit of them though!
S*M*A*S*H- were a band the NME were giving a lot of column inches too as they talked of the New Wave of New Wave - bands inspired by punk. I don't think any of them really did anything of note and they quickly disappeared almost as quickly as they appeared. Britpop took over! But my brother and I went to the tent to see them and were jumping about at the front when there was a bit of a pile up and Ross was somehow at the bottom. Some big guy next to me grabbed his hand and yanked him out! Thanks mate!
The Levellers- there were loads of Levellers fans kicking around. There Levelling The Land album had been huge, with songs like One Way and 15 Years I ended up pulling (a very 90's term!) a lovely girl from Manchester later on at night.
Rage Against The Machine and Cypress Hill- the big rumour sweeping round the site was that these bands wouldn't make it. They were stuck in London or something. Did a helicopter bring them in? Or am I imagining that? Anyway, they kind of played a joint set with Killing In The Name Of being incredible. We ran to get as close to the front as possible and I remember literally running over a couple of people who were lying on the ground chilling out!
Sunday
Oasis - I caught Oasis for the 3rd time in 4-months. I was so lucky to get into them right from the start. This was a blistering set. There is a very raw (audio) bootleg available on YouTube, but I'd love to see a video. They played football on stage, engaged in crowd banter, looked cool and sounded incredible. The tent was rammed for the hottest band around.
One Dove- Played a blissful set and I was mesmerised by the beauty and coolness of Dot Allison! they may or may not have been on directly before Oasis.
Teenage Fanclub - On the main stage and practically a hometown gig with Bellshill being just up the road. Memories are not so clear for this. I was probably bouncing about as close to the front as possible.
Crowded House - Probably my clearest memory of the festival is fans making a human pyramid and following instructions from Neil Finn on the stage! Their songs seemed so perfect in the sunshine. Weather With You - what a song!
Primal Scream - It had started to rain and Primal Scream just came on a blitzed things. I couldn't take my eyes of Bobby Gillespie. He looked and acted like a total star. The first of many times catching the band.
I think I attended the first 7-9 T in the Parks and then gradually went more sporadically, maybe for a day rather than the weekend. I was at the last one (for the day), up on the new Perthshire site at Strathallan Castle for the Stone Roses. Review T in the Park had to move from their long term Ballado site due to a pipeline issue.
T in the Park was an absolute blast - I camped out, stayed in a hotel (once), got a media pass one time, I volunteered with Oxfam, I organized a tent with Maggie's, I kissed girls, danced with friends, drank loads of beer, misbehaved and saw countless bands. Some breaking, some absolute superstars.
30-years. How time flies!
On the shoulders of my friend Gordon at the last T in the Park
After 3-months of featuring Teenage Fanclub songs by Norman Blake, Gerry Love and Raymond McGinley, the monthly Trust Me feature in my blog veers off into wildly different territory courtesy of Orbital and their song Belfast, one of the most sublime, blissful, dreamy and euphoric tunes I have had the pleasure of hearing and experiencing.
I say experience, as watching Orbital perform Belfast in the Barrowland to a sea of saucer eyed fans with hands in the air, or in a sweaty tent at T in the Park, or listening to it in a pub/club or post club party was always an experience.
Belfast is a song that cuts through the air like a knife, it makes you stop in your tracks. If you've heard it before then a broad smile will begin to plaster itself across your face. If you're hearing it for the first time then you may well ask 'what the f**k is that?'
I think the first time I heard it was in O'Henry's Bar (now the Yes Bar) in Drury Street in Glasgow, across from the famous Horseshoe Bar. Some friends and I used to book the downstairs basement, set up decks and play an eclectic mix of music. It was usually me, my friend's Reddy, Phil and Chris.
Chris played a great mix which took in everything from Candy Flip covering Strawberry Fields Forever to crazy techno. But the end of his set was one he stuck with for at least a couple of years - Orbital and Underworld. Chris ended the night by playing Orbital's Chime into Rez by Underworld, into Belfast - heaven on earth!
Orbital's III EP, released in January 1991
Tracklisting - Satan, LC1, Belfast
Still sounding fresh, vital and futuristic 30-years since it was released, Belfast begins like a cinema soundtrack, as if you know something important is going to happen ... something is!
Synths begin to bubble, the chords become warmer, then we are introduced to the fantastic use of a sample of soprano Emily Van Evera performingO Euchari that heightens the senses and really starts to take the listener off on a beautiful dreamy journey.
Loads of synth sounds are introduced, beats become heavier, there are multiple layers and then a riff comes in to whisk you higher still.
The sounds, the layers, the production, the way everything is pieced so beautifully and so perfectly together is just sublime.
At 3 minutes 30 seconds everything cuts to beats, it's only for a mere 19 seconds, enough for you to catch your breath, before the synths start bubbling again and we're in for another 4-minute ride to the stars.
This is electronic psychedelia, created in a cupboard at the top of the stairs (see link below to Paul Hartnoll's story). Kind of punk, kind of crazy, all kinds of amazing, sheer bliss!
Orbital - brothers Phil & Paul Hartnoll
Around 6-minutes things start to slow down gradually, this is when Belfast reaches peak bliss (at least for me), things slow, leaving you kind of hanging in a higher state of consciousness as the song edges towards conclusion at 8-minutes 10 seconds.
This epic slice of electronic heaven received the title Belfast after Orbital played the Art College in Belfast in May 1990. The duo had been booked by David Holmes and Alan Simms, leaving behind a demo tape which included the track subsequently named Belfast in recognition of the positive experience they'd had in the city.
Trust me - this is as good as it gets. Even if electronic music isn't normally your thing, try this out with your headphones on and your eyes closed.
And below you'll find the released version in all it's ecstatic, euphoric, electronic splendour + a live version from one of the many incredible sets that Orbital have played at Glastonbury over the years.
You can find a playlist of songs in my Trust Me series by searching for Everything Flows Trust Me on Spotify, or CLICK HERE You'll also find links to all previous blogs in the series below.
What will 2017 bring to the Scottish Music Scene? This blog focuses on a number of things I'll be looking out for through the year. There will no doubt be a number of surprises as well but read on for links to festivals, labels, bands, videos, songs and albums......
Festivals
T in the Park - what is the future/is there a future?
We should know the answer to the question hanging over the Scottish music scene by September/October; will T in the Park return in some shape or form in 2018? By that stage DF Concerts will have assessed their Glasgow Green shows (see below), along with the usual Bellahouston shows. They'll also have assessed site options and potential hoops they have to jump through, and considered if they have the desire to jump through them. The DF team will definitely miss T, however, if their Glasgow Green, Bellahouston and stadium shows all sell well then they might not miss the cash.
Will Scotland miss T? Well I never thought I would say this, but I don't think too many will. Times change and 2017 is set to be a year that emphasises that more than most.
Glasgow Green 8-10 July
Radiohead are already confirmed for one of the nights at Glasgow Green, Coldplay are rumoured to be another. Who else could come and sell out that kind of venue? I'd love to see a double bill of Arcade Fire and LCD Soundsystem but that is likely to prove wishful thinking - I'll settle for seeing them grace the Barrowland Ballroom again - if I can get tickets!
Electric Fields 1st-2nd September 2017
Electric Fields jumped up to 2-days with relative ease and now that T and Wickerman have been removed from the calendar this presents a real opportunity for the boutique festival to firmly establish itself. 2016 was delightful - the location and setting is beautiful, the atmosphere was exceptional and the line-up eclectic in all the right ways. Do they stick with the 5,000 capacity or look to increase?
Kelburn Garden Party 30th June - 3rd July 2017
Kelburn is another festival that could make a real statement in 2017. It has been becoming increasingly popular through word of mouth. For fellow Glaswegians it is exceptionally easy to get to, it has a real eclectic line-up and seems equally family and raver friendly.
Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 3rd-5th August 2017
Franz Ferdinand, Sister Sledge and KT Tunstall have already been announced for the Tartan Heart Festival; 3 fantastic festival acts. The festival usually sells out and these acts are bound to ensure that happens again. Get your tickets fast if you are interested.
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award
The SAY Award is going from strength to strength, highlighting the rich artistic talent that our small country has to offer the world. Anna Meredith won the 2016 award with her Varmints album, beating off competition from the likes of FFS, Emma Pollock, Young Fathers and Chvrches.
The likes of Meredith, Kathryn Joseph (2015 winner) and previous shortlisted contenders like Happy Meals have really benefited from the exposure generated from this award. I always look forward to the longlist being announced so I can check out loads of interesting music.
Labels
Last Night From Glasgow - Founded in 2016, LNfG had an incredible first year (even if I do say so myself). 7-inch singles by Mark W Georgsson, Emme Woods and Be Charlotte, a USB credit card album by Stephen Solo, gatefold vinyl album by TeenCanteen, USB slap wrist band by BooHooHoo and some digital releases as well! All on top of having 150 members! Our members got all of that music plus invites to launch shows all for £50 per annum.
As a co-founder and board member of LNfG I know that we have some incredible stuff planned for 2017 beginning with the release of Mark W Georgsson's stunning Faces and Places album in January. We celebrate our 1st anniversary with a show at Stereo on 30th March with BooHooHoo headlining and further guests set to be announced in the near future.
Fuzzkill Records - As the label who first released Catholic Action and Spinning Coin, fans of indie/punk/pop/grunge will be looking to see who Fuzzkill unearth next. They clearly have a great ear and good taste and I look forward to hearing what 2017 brings.
Olive Grove Records - I always keep an eye on Lloyd's label. 2016 was productive with the release of Homemade Lemonade by Ette receiving huge plaudits, including being named in the top 5 albums on Bandcamp for 2016. There were also setbacks with Woodenbox calling it a day but Lloyd's taste and nature will ensure he unearths something new - I look forward to finding out what that might be.
Geographic - read on for mentions of Spinning Coin's album and The Pastels archive project. 2017 could be a busy one for Stephen and Katrina's label.
Song by Toad - are buoyed by the return of Meursault and the success of the Modern Studies Swell to Great LP so enter 2017 in a rich vein of form.
Nightschool Records received a fair bit of money from me last year as I bought releases by Happy Meals, Molly Nilsson and Rose McDowall. They clearly like their pop music, although you can dig deeper for more alternative releases. Definitely a label to watch and Happy Meals will be releasing a summer album - perfect!
Scottish Fiction released the magnificent Mt.Doubt In Awe Of Nothing album in 2016 and have already announced plans for a split 7-inch with Mt.Doubt and ForeignFOXX
Indie / DIY action
TeenCanteen ended 2016 by heading into La Chunky studio to record some new songs. They will hopefully be making an announcement on a release in the near future. The band had an excellent 2016 with heaps of praise on their debut album Say It All With A Kiss and if they can follow that swiftly then the momentum will continue to build.
Spinning Coin brought out their debut single in 2016 on The Pastels Geographic label and followed that by heading North to Helmsdale to record an album with Edwyn Collins. With the approval of two legends from the Scottish indie scene it is safe to say that a few people are looking forward to this release. Stephen Pastel wrote on the Teenage Fanclub forum that their debut single Albany reminded him of the feeling he got from The Boy Hairdressers as they turned into Teenage Fanclub. Their recent tour with the Fanclub definitely won them a number of fans.
Catholic Action had an excellent 2016 with the re-release of L.U.V and the follow up Rita Ora. Teenage Fanclub also took this band out for a few dates and an album must surely be in the pipeline.
Gerry Cinnamon certainly hasn't rushed his debut album, but does he need to? Demo's and videos of songs from live shows are ensuring the word of mouth buzz surrounding him continues to build. Gerry sold out the ABC at the end of 2016 and I wouldn't bet against him headlining the Barrowland in 2017. We will hopefully get the album though - the demand is there!
Colonel Mustard and the Dijon 5 have already played the Barrowland and ended the year by also selling out the ABC. They are my favourite live band in Scotland due to the sheer positivity and good feeling they generate. The band and crowd become one and you are guaranteed to leave a live show with a smile on your face. I hope to be recording a guest podcast with the Colonel and his loyal lieutenant in the near future.
Major Breakthrough?
A number of Scottish acts have signed for major labels over the last few years; White, Kloe, Model Aeroplanes, Fatherson, Neon Waltz..... none have broken through. Two (White and Neon Waltz) have been dropped. Fatherson are in for the long haul and Kloe and Model Aeroplanes are young enough to still do something if they are given time write (or be given) a song(s) to break them. Think of the way Chvrches exploded on to the scene with a string of singles.
Will any Scottish acts snapped up by a major in 2017? It is becoming increasingly difficult, not only to get signed, but to break through. Who are the contenders?
Saint PHNX - seem poised for a deal after Radio 1 airplay, the use of their songs in major sporting events including the CL final, a publishing deal for singer Stevie Jukes, crazy Spotify action and by making all the right moves including securing a fantastic managerial team. I've been singing the praises of Stevie Jukes as a major label writer and star for some time. Will 2017 be his breakthrough year with Saint Phnx? If so he is ready.
Be Charlotte - there has been a load of hype about Be Charlotte - an incredibly talented young 19 year old from Dundee. I spoke with Charlotte at the launch of her Machines That Breathe single and was impressed with her down to earth attitude, work ethic and her talent. At one point she stepped to the front of the stage and sang acapella - it was stunning. Charlotte is sassy, stylish and she has time on her side and also an ever increasing stockpile of songs. I expect 2017 to be another busy year and more forwards progression for the youngster.
K V A S I R - the debut EP by K V A S I R was the most sublime release by a Scottish artist in 2016. I know that he has much more recorded. I wouldn't be at all surprised if a major label or highly established indie came in to give him the platform his music richly deserves. He plays King Tut's on Thursday 5th January.
More from
2016 was a productive year for a lot of bands I have been following for a long time, that looks set to continue in 2017, with 5 long term favourite Scottish bands of mine set for releases and touring throughout the year
Teenage Fanclub
TFC follow up the success of the Here album by continuing to tour in promotion. After hammering September-December, the Fannies return after a festive break with a European tour followed by a jaunt to Japan and Australia. Norman Blake has also promised West Coast of America dates and a number of festivals have been confirmed. Will they play a Scottish festival? Or make a welcome return to Kelvingrove Bandstand? Watch this space...
Jesus and Mary Chain
JAMC follow their reunion and Psychocandy shows with a new album Damage and Joy, due for release at the end of March. This will be the Reid brothers first album since 1998. Expect shows, festivals and lots of media if Alan McGee has anything to do with it.
Belle and Sebastian
The Belles have been recording and from Stuart Murdoch's tweets and online diary it sounds like it will be released via a string of EP's rather than an album. This points towards a prolonged burst of activity but at a pace controlled by the band. I expect some secret shows, special shows and lots of great stuff. The band have already announced a show at Chelsea Royal Hospital in June, so expect a release before or around then with other dates to come.
The Pastels
I've been so busy lately that I haven't been into Monorail for ages! Last year Stephen Pastel informed me that he was working on an archive project for the band. This involved sourcing a lot of old recordings and confirming who owns what. The Pastels have a rich catalogue of material crying out for a reissue and reappraisal. Fingers crossed they can get the paperwork/legal stuff sorted and we get some releases, press (Stephen's musical taste and knowledge really comes across) and shows.
I only discovered this early Creation release by The Pastels last year
Million Tears is guitar pop perfection
BMX Bandits
I was fortunate to spend a lovely sunny afternoon with Duglas last summer and also met him at several shows and events after that, so I know that he has been recording with Stuart Kidd amongst others. I look forward to hearing what they have come up with and to seeing them with TeenCanteen as part of Independent Venue week in January when they play the Bungalow in Paisley on January 23rd. EVENT INFO HERE
Well that was quite a weekend for Scottish music festival news. I thought I would jot down some thoughts on the announcements from Wickerman and the 'leak' from T in the Park (CONFIRMED today - full press release here) and also look at the future of festivals in Scotland.
There was no surprise regarding any announcement concerning the Wickerman Festival sadly calling it a day, or the news filtering through that T in the Park would be having a 'break' from Strathallan Castle after only 2-years at the site, with DF looking at bringing 3 large festival-in-a-day style shows to Glasgow Green.
Music fans have been debating the future of both these festivals for some time.
Wickerman was brilliant and it was on the rise. The sad death of festival founder Jamie Gilroy in 2014 left the festival in doubt, however it kept going in 2015. Although I enjoyed it that year, many regulars felt it didn't have the same feel and that it would be the last one.
Sadly, they were right. Wickerman was set in beautiful rolling countryside, attracting a real mixed crowd of families, locals and music fans. There was plenty of space to explore and a real eclectic mix of music. Some of my highlights from the main stage through the years included; Candi Staton, The Human League, Idlewild, The Magic Numbers, Teenage Fanclub, The Charlatans, Chic, Primal Scream, Martha Reeves, Stereo MC's, Neneh Cherry, Alabama 3 and Jimmy Cliff - quite a mix!
Chic was one of my all-time favourite shows. The place was bouncing, singing, dancing and clapping a-long. The feel good atmosphere was off the richter scale. Jimmy Cliff at the last Wickerman was utterly sensational, I had tears in my eyes during an emotional and uplifting I Can See Clearly Now.
I missed Wickerman in 2016, I really loved the festival and getting to go down some years with bands or with a media pass meant that I got to meet and get to know a lot of the people who brought the festival together.
Chay Woodman and his crew at the Solus Tent were fantastic in their support of new music in Scotland and the way they looked after the artists they booked was tremendous. One of my favourite Wickerman moments was when I was working with Miaoux Miaoux and Detour booked him to have a rave in a caravan round the back of the Solus Tent. There was day glo face paint and all kinds of fun.
Obligatory posing like the Wickerman picture
I was out for a beer last Thursday night and my friend and I both called the biggest T-Break (pardon the pun) in years. It's been coming.
What next for T in the Park? Have we really had the last one? That would have been an unthinkable question a few years ago. Now, it is all too real for music fans in Scotland.
There have been issues with T in the Park for a number of years; the move to Strathallan over a mysterious oil pipe didn't go well in year one, with huge logistical issues surrounding the site resulting in deluge of complaints. Let's not mention the theft of the cash machine - there will be a few more CCTV cameras around Glasgow Green!
T bosses listened and learned from 2015. I attended the festival this year and loved the site and the journey to and from the location was fine. Although an osprey's nest added to DF's logistical worries!
However, I think T2015 was the final straw for large numbers of festival fans. They didn't go back - I wonder if they missed it. T still partied, but the crowds were noticeably down and in the weeks leading up to the festival there were 2 for 1 ticket deals on offer. Something I don't recall happening before.
The pictures of a reformed LCD Soundsystem, one of the coolest bands on the planet, playing to around a thousand people in a swamp seemed to sum things up.
LCD play to the hardcore in the mud
With profits reportedly down by around 50%, T bosses will have taken a long hard look at the festival and the music market in 2016 and plotted out the next step.
For a long time T was like a right of passage for Scottish youths and many just kept coming back year on year. It was something to look forward to, the announcement of the tickets going on sale, the first headliners, which young bands were playing T break, who was playing the Slam Tent.....
I'm not quite sure what happened and it might just be cause I'm getting old, but for me, T definitely lost some of its sparkle. I attended the first T in the Park at the age of 18 and went to pretty much every single T for a long time - maybe 9 out of the first 10-years.
Watching bands like The Charlatans and Black Grape in baking sunshine on the original site the year there was a dust storm due to the heat will stay with me forever. As will leading a conga through the crowd to get down the front for Kylie. And the human pyramid during Crowded House was incredible - doubt that would be allowed these days!
The move to Ballado went smoothly from memory. I remember a huge crowd from Carluke going up and camping out the first few years. One time we were some of the first to arrive and ended up playing an 11-a-side game of football against another group of lads.
Highlights from Balado off the top of my head include watching Orbital play one of their last shows in the King Tut's tent and then running over to the Slam Tent to watch The Chemical Brothers. Vigo Thieves smashed it a couple of times and Kraftwerk were sensational.
After experiencing Benicassim in 2005 I never looked at T the same way again. Benicassim just seemed to have it all going on - of course the sunshine and proximity to the local beach helped! The site was set out perfectly, tarmac (the site is an old airfield) meant that even the odd summer shower meant there was no danger of things turning into a mudbath, the recycling and incredible lack of litter on site was amazing, the variety of acts on offer, bands playing long into the night.... sunshine!
I know that the same thing happened to others who ventured south to Glastonbury, or to Bestival, or went over to Primavera or even further afield.
And for the price of a cheap Ryan Air or Easyjet flight then you easily could. I think my Benicassim ticket in 2005 was £100 and that allowed me to camp for a week! Talk about value for money.
There is a HUGE market for live music and outdoor shows/festivals in Scotland. But things change and that market has to move with what music fans want and it also has to assess the competition what is working (here and elsewhere) and what isn't.
Mud, mud, glorious mud?
Could Brexit and the price of the £ have played a role in the decision to take a break? Will it be a lot more expensive to get bands to the UK due to the pound falling so dramatically against the Euro?
Music fans tend to consume in singles or a few songs from an album; so do they want a 3 or 4 day festival when they really only want to see and hear a few of the acts on offer? If these acts were all playing on a bill at Glasgow Green with easy transport access or the option to stay somewhere with a proper shower.......well then that is quite an attractive proposition to a large number of people.
T has been rotating the headliners for a number of years and has sadly been suffering in the way the music business has been suffering - the new bands are just not breaking through in the numbers they once were. So shaking up the festival isn't as easy as it once was.
Stone Roses smashed T in the Park in 2016
Bellahouston Park has been playing host to large scale concerts by the likes of Biffy, Paulo and Calvin Harris for years. Glasgow Green has also played host to the likes of Oasis, the Chilli Peppers, The Strokes and more recently the Stone Roses.
The format works and the concerts generally sell-out. It would seem a much more safer option for promoters than tackling T after such a drop in 2016. And I am pretty sure that music fans would respond well to 3or 4 large outdoor shows with huge names in proximity to the city centre.
We'll soon find out.
So what Scottish festivals are on offer next summer?
As the news that Brew At The Bog wouldn't be continuing also came out a short time ago. All I know is that there are enough people in Scotland who want to go to festivals and enough creative people to put them on - we'll be fine. Times-are-a-changing - but that isn't a bad thing.
Let's have a quick look at 3 of them; Belladrum, Electric Fields and the Kelburn Garden Party. Before I do, I caught up with David Blair from festival favourites Colonel Mustard and the Dijon 5 for his take on them.
Guaranteed to put a smile on your face
David - Belladrum, Electric Fields and the Kelburn Garden Party were all highlights for Colonel Mustard and The Dijon 5 on the festival circuit this summer. We played 18 across Scotland, England and South Korea! The first two we played for the first time and were mightily impressed with the diverse line-ups that recognised both established acts and up-and-coming Scottish acts. Kelburn Garden Party is well known to us having played there a few times. It seems to get better every year and the work that goes into their Neverending Glen is worth the entry fee alone. One of the most stunning natural assets for a festival anywhere. Should these festivals look to expand given the gap left by T and Wickerman? If logistically they can expand, then I believe they should. I don't think they need to massively increase their capacities but if they have a great reputation then they deserve to thrive and get more punters in to help with the acts they can book and help to create memories for people to take away and tell their pals. Hopefully starting a positive feedback loop that benefits everyone involved in the music industry.
Colonel Mustard and the Dijon 5 - on location at Kilburn
ELECTRIC FIELDS - 1ST-2ND SEPTEMBER 2017 Electric Fields was fantastic this year and I know from speaking to the organisers that they learned a lot from the move to 2-days and the increase in capacity. The feedback they received was overwhelming and the first two tiers of tickets released have already sold out. They look to have the boutique festival sorted - something Scotland has been crying out for for a long time. Many music fans I know reminisce fondly of Indian Summer and Connect.
The atmosphere at EF2016 was exceptionally friendly and it was fantastic to see a lot of young families there. The festival really supports Scottish music with Scottish acts featuring across the main stage, Stewart Cruickshanks Stage, Sneaky Pete's stage and the Tim Peak's Diner.
With the weekend news - will they look to increase the capacity again?
The beautiful setting of Drumlanrig Castle is around an hour from Glasgow. Keep an eye on their website and social media feeds for tickets and line-up announcements. I have heard through the grapevine that the line-up is pretty established already.
BELLADRUM TARTAN HEART - 3RD - 5TH AUGUST 2017
I've never been to Belladrum! One year it had Edwyn Collins, The Lemonheads and Teenage Fanclub - I was travelling! I have thought about going and I have only heard good things about the festival site and atmosphere - but truth be told, the line-up hasn't appealed to me over the last few years.
That might change for 2017 as Sister Sledge have already been confirmed as one of the headliners! Their Kelvingrove Bandstand show in the summer was exceptional and they have sold out the Barrowland Ballroom in December. They will get the party started.
Another I haven't been to, but an increasing number of friends are going year on year and they have said they want to keep it a secret....well it's out the bag! Not just because of me, but word of mouth is the best form of promotion and those that go and don't want to keep it a secret tell friends aplenty.
Check this beautiful film from 2016. It might just sell it for you.
It's 2am, I'm home from T in the Park and wanted to get some words down.
The Stone Roses were magical tonight. Nothing will match the majestic Sunday at Heaton Park, but that was the best I have heard Ian Brown sing. He was top notch tonight.
Of course he was admirably backed by a truly magnificent band. Reni and Mani were particularly hot tonight. Squire's guitar could have been turned up at times, but all 3 are stunning magicians.
Pre-show tunes included Three Little Birds and Hey Jude, the atmosphere was extremely positive as the Roses came on stage at 2220; flares, cheers, dancing and lots and lots of smiles.
Ian said little throughout, thanking the crowd and waving a Scottish flag at one point.
Adored started with that familiar rumbling bass, a sprinkling of guitar and high hat from Reni and we were off. The chorus was loud and euphoric. The Roses were straight into Elephant Stone, then there was a beautiful mellow early outing for Shoot You Down. Bye Bye Badman sounded superb. I spent most of the set dancing and singing, but it was great to look up and see Mani looking so happy on the main screen - the biggest Roses fan there is!
Sally Cinnamon was incredible; the band were on fire and this was psychedelic guitar pop heaven being served up. Squire coaxed extra little riffs as he went along.
Waterfall was a highlight and the band jammed into Don't Stop with ease. I was looking forward to Begging You but it didn't quite catch fire and and I think the band cut it short, sure they would have jammed on it for longer.
All For One might not have been the comeback single I was hoping for, but it sounded huge at T in the Park, everyone was into it - band and fans.
Ian patrolled the stage, thanking and encouraging the fans. The chorus of Made Of Stone could have been heard back at the old Balado site. People coming together en masse like one big choir.
Sometimes I fantasise
When the streets are cold and lonely
It was a magical moment and they kept coming. The atmosphere was incredible, there were people of all ages there, including some young kids that had Ian Brown haircuts that were there with their Dads. Must have been 10 or 11 and there was a great moment when Gordon put a young boy up on his shoulders.
Fools Gold was a delight, Reni and Mani were locked in a groove, Squire let leash and Brown looked and sounded fantastic.
Breaking Into Heaven and Love Spreads were superb, Squire's guitars were turned up the max and he just made it all look so easy.
She Bangs The Drums was pure pop heaven and my mate Gordon hoisted me on to his shoulders for an even better view of the T in the Park site going bananas.
This Is The One is probably my favourite Roses song when they play live, it gets me every time and tonight (last night) was no exception. Emotional, soulful and with a huge chorus.
Reni was let loose for a drum solo before leading the band into I Am The Resurrection with the extended outro. It looked like the Roses didn't want to stop...but sadly they did. A great night.
Vigo Thieves new single Free is out today (30th October) and as the chorus suggests, they are set to soar.
The band burst on to the Scottish music scene a few years ago with the release of their Heart and Soul Pt I EP which contained the magnificent Heartbeats that was picked up by T in the Park for use in their promo video.
An incredible 2-years followed; the band became the first unsigned act to sell-out 2 back-to-back nights at King Tuts, there was the release of the Heart & Soul Pt II EP contained the epic Forever, the soaring Believe and live favourite Ghosts, some incredible festival shows, sell-out shows at The Arches and the ABC, the Barrowlands EP and the euphoric This Love single.
The band, led by the driven songwriter and frontman Stevie Jukes, bunkered down at Rocket Science studios in Glasgow where they found two producers in Michael Bannister and Ross Hamilton who totally understood what they wanted to achieve, to record an album - an album that I have been fortunate to hear.
We'll save that for another blog though, in the meantime Free is the first single to be released from the time at Rocket Science. It has already picked up airplay on Radio 2.
Check out the brilliant video below;
Vigo trademarks are there - melodic piano, soaring backing vocals that are ripe for a stadium or festival, Stevie Jukes singing his heart out, big beats and a chorus you'll be humming and singing for days to come, one that Noel Gallagher would be proud of.
Everybody dreams of something, can you feel it, feel it?
The song could well have been written about Stevie's own dreams and ambitions for the band, yet easily transfers to everyday life for the masses. The verses talk of his head being down, working hard but it's just not enough, being trapped in a small town that feels like it is closing in... we've all been there, but having the dreams and the ambition to break free are what keep you going. Stevie and his band certainly have the dreams, ambitions and songs to break free.
I can feel it, I can feel it coming
Free is being released on King Tuts Recordings. Tour dates are below.
Fatherson have had an incredible 2014, releasing their debut album I Am An Island to critical acclaim, touring Europe and playing some huge shows in Scotland including the King Tut's tent at T in the Park. Check some footage at the end of this blog - it is truly remarkable to watch the audience going nuts and singing along as passionately as the band. The crowd is a size that many signed artists would kill for.
Fatherson seem to be going from strength to strength with word of mouth helping the band to gain new fans with each passing month.
I caught up with Ross Leighton, the singer and songwriter behind Fatherson, to find out what music has caught his ears through 2014.
1. What singles/songs that have been released in 2014 have stood out for you? Feel - Bombay Bicycle Club Messiah - Prides Iron Sky - Paolo Nutini Last January - The Twilight Sad
2. What albums released in 2014 have you enjoyed? My favourite albums of 2014 currently would be :
However my biggest return to an old band is always going to be my favourite band; Thisfamiliarsmile. I think i've re-bought their debut album 'Ribbons, regards and the more machine' like four times now and I love it more every time I listen to it.
4. What has been the musical highlight of 2014 for you?
My musical highlight for 2014 would have to be touring Europe with WWPJ, they took us to so many cool places and we just played our hearts out and loved every minute of it.
However, T in the Park this year we got to play the King Tuts Wah Wah Tent and had an unbelievable show that was the on the red button for a few weeks. I don't think I'll ever forget that day.
5. What are you plans for 2015?
Currently (writing in November) the only plan is to perform at SXSW 2015, which seems like a crazy thing to say, but it's true and I can't wait!
Craig Johnston has a job that I once dreamed of (I guess I still do!)- working for DF Concerts, watching bands, keeping up to date with the music scene and booking them for King Tut's - one of my favourite places in the whole world. I couldn't think of a nicer guy to have this dream job. Craig cut his teeth putting on shows in venues like Maggie May's, building up his knowledge and contacts. Craig is always vocal about bands he believes in and has been singing the praises of young Scottish unsigned/DIY acts like Vigo Thieves, Fatherson and La Fontaines and working with them beyond King Tut's to book them into the Arches and ABC - next stop the Barrowland!
Craig's passion shines through in person and online and I always enjoy checking what he is listening to as his taste is eclectic and he is usually ahead of the game. So this was one review of 2014 I was particularly looking forward to. And here it is.... 1. What singles/songs that have been released in 2014 have stood out for you?
This was a hard one and I think this list shows my mental taste in music. I don't trust people who say they don't like pop music, I understand not liking the idea of the whole pop machine but then those same people say they like motown... wake up... it's the same thing! A few years ago I decided I would judge each song on the song rather than thinking of it a genre or who done it etc and it has totally opened me up to all different styles of music. If I like the song then I like the song. I think people who dismiss pop music are just doing themselves out of hearing some great music and are obviously lying to themselves as everyone likes at least one Spice Girls song. Anyway this list isn't just pop but these are the songs that were released this year that I have listened to most.
Fatherson's "I Am An Island" came out this year and it is amazing. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love this band. I have been promoting them since they weren't old enough to get drunk after gigs. I have watched them grow from a school band to and that are loved throughout the Country and when this album came out it was a really proud moment for me. I imagine it is the same feeling that parents get when they take their kids the first day of school. I am so proud of the boys and it is genuinely my favourite album of the year and not just because of my relationship with the boys but because the songs are belters, it is a massive step up. If you haven't heard this record yet then get on it you are missing out.
3. What old music/bands have you discovered/gone back to in 2014? When I was at SXSW in March I found myself listening to Taylor Swift's Red album again, lots! I thought the album was good when it came out but I fell in love with it this year. I was convinced it was because I had spent the two months leading up to SXSW listening to up and coming bands, bad recording and garage rock as prep I just needed some great pop in my life to redress the balance but thinking about it... It is weird that I got into the album in the quarter that Taylor was being relauched in prep for her new album. Was she around the press more or on TV more so that made me pick that album over the debut Spice Girls example for example? So did I fall in love with the Red album because it is one of the best pop records of all time, was I a victim of the labels subliminal advertising or a bit of both?
4. What has been the musical highlight of 2014 for you? T in the Park seems to be my answer every year but this year was very special. When I was 15 I went to my first T in the Park and it was on that airfield in Balado that I got the bug for finding new bands. Later that year I went by myself to a gig for the first time (at the time I didn't know it would be the first of many) I went to the Martell in Falkirk and seen a band called Biffy Clyro. This was the year I fell in love with both that airfield in Balado and Biffy Clyro so this year to see Biffy headline the last T in the Park on that airfield was a very special moment for me it was made even better now that I am part of the team that puts T in the Park on. Also seeing Fatherson play to a near full King Tut's Tent (12,000 capacity by the way) was very special I really hope there were a few wee guys and girls in that crowd that got the bug for live music like I did.
5. What are you plans for 2015?
Going to more gigs by myself.. really looking forward to the Years and Years, Soak and Prides records coming out (if that is their plans). Also King Tut's 25th Birthday will be fun!
Believe by Vigo Thieves was re-released recently to coincide with the song being chosen by the Scottish FA as then anthem for the nations Euro 16 campaign. It is the perfect choice - Strachan has restored the fire in the soul of the players and the supporters, people believe again.
I was delighted when I found out as the band are huge supporters of the national team. Barry follows the team home and away as a committed member of the Tartan Army and it was only last year that Gordon was creating a bubble bath in Trafalgar Square in London when down watching Scotland against the Auld Enemy!
Gordon Phipps - it's always the bass players that are the party animals!
The band are growing from strength to strength, a summer of festivals followed by an Autumn tour led to the offer of 4-dates with The Courteeners (including 2 at the Barrowlands) and Vigo Thieves will be rounding off 2014 in style with their second headline show at the ABC in December. It promises to be quite a party.
Vigo Thieves have worked hard to build a word of mouth following that will only grow - especially when they release their album. 2015 promises to be a big year for the band so I decided to look at a few of the many reasons why more and more people are believing in the Vigo Thieves.
Vigo Thieves at the SFA launch of Believe
REASONS TO BELIEVE
The songs
Vigo Thieves wouldn't have generated this much noise if they didn't have something about them but at the end of the day it all comes down to the songs. People are looking for songs to sing-a-long with, to dance to, to jump around to, to fall in love with, to look for hope in, or to soundtrack their nights and their life. This band have the songs to do that - attend any of their live shows and you'll see just what they mean to people.
Vigo Thieves have been building a top rate collection of songs over the last few years. More and more people are waking up to it - songs like Heartbeats, Forever, This Love, Believe and Steal Your Heart are festival and stadium anthems in the making - the hooks, riffs, refrains, beats, choruses are all there. People are already singing a-long to the hooks and riffs at the shows.
The enthusiastic responses at live shows and the growing scale of them has only encouraged Stevie Jukes to write bigger and better songs - anthems to be sung loud and heartily.
I'm fortunate to have heard some demos of songs that Vigo Thieves are working on in the studio and they sound incredible.
It isn't just the live environment that these songs work in, they sound incredible on the radio and their anthemic and cinematic nature has been picked up by the Scottish FA, it is surely only a matter of time before they are soundtracking games, adverts, films and shows.
The video of This Love displays the cinematic widescreen feeling of Vigo Thieves
2. Positivity
Vigo Thieves are all about heart and soul. They give it everything and the lyrics of Stevie Jukes highlight that. Examples?
Got to wake up, live for today Stay young in your heart and young in your mind - Steal Your Heart
Love is the fire that's burning, when your heartbeats - Heartbeats
You're looking for the love to heal the pain from all the scars So live for the moment and you'll shine like the stars - Steal Your Heart Pt II
Lets live forever, together we can stay young - Forever
It's not just the lyrics, Vigo Thieves are positive in everything they do - their live shows are a celebration, they are always looking to improve, develop and grow, their attitude and commitment is like no other I have experienced. Which leads on to...
Drummer Alan Jukes has the best seat in the house
3. Vision and leadership
Stevie Jukes had a clear vision for Vigo Thieves when he started out. 'Start with the end in mind' is one of his key philosophies and one that has served him and the band very well. Stevie has combined his talent for singing and songwriting with sheer hard work and resilience to get Vigo Thieves to where they are. He won't rest until he has taken them as far as he can possibly go - and that is all the way.
These qualities and more have helped drive the band forward more than anything else. I've never been anything less than impressed with Stevie, his natural charisma on stage and off has helped create opportunities and develop lasting relationships.
Stevie Jukes knows how to get a crowd on his side
4. A real band
Vigo Thieves didn't stick an advert in a magazine or online, they didn't come together through management or a record company, they are a true band. Stevie and drummer Alan are brothers, Gordon on bass and Barry on lead guitar are long term friends with the Jukes brothers. Chris Gorman on keys, synths and backing vocals joined after producing early demos and being the unofficial 5th member. Recognising his importance to the developing sound, Stevie likened him to 'playing piano like Elton John and having a voice like Jesus'.
The band gel superbly on and off stage, there is a real chemistry between them. Stevie singing his heart out, Alan a power house on drums, Gordon keeping the songs flowing on bass, Barry adding flourishes and riffs on guitar, Gorman helping to take them to the next level. Chris Cruickshanks joins the 5-piece on saxophone, creating a Springsteen feel to songs like This Love.
Vigo Thieves stripped back in session
5. The shows
I've mentioned the live shows turning into celebrations. I've witnessed incredible scenes at King Tut's, T in the Park, Wickerman, the Arches, the ABC, Barrowlands.... The momentum is with this band and the bigger the shows, the more they respond and the more they give.
For an unsigned band to have sold out the Arches and got over 1,000 people into the ABC is an incredible achievement - they still haven't released an album! The songs, the shows, airplay and word of mouth is generating something special and they won't be unsigned for much longer.
Vigo Thieves at the ABC in Glasgow earlier this year - a celebration
