Pete MacLeod recording with Youth

Scottish artist Pete MacLeod is currently recording his second album, with legendary producer Youth at the helm!

With Alan McGee as his manager, this album could lead to a real breakthrough for the hard working artist who is always willing to help younger artists trying to break through.

Youth has worked with artists ranging from Paul McCartney and The Verve through to Crowded House with quite a diverse range in between including Blue Pearl (who he formed) who had the massive hit Naked In The Rain. His taste and ear for sound has led to remixes for artists like the Sugarcubes and U2.

Pete's debut Rolling Stone displayed a real ear for melody, honesty and soul. It will be interesting to see how Youth helps him to develop his songwriting talents on his follow up. 

Pete kindly answered a few questions on what it is like to work with Youth and his future plans.

1. So - you are recording with the legendary producer Youth. How did you feel when you first heard of this possibility? Were you aware of his work?

Yes it's great. It feels like I've been working towards this point the whole time I've been involved with music. I'm a big fan of his work. Youth helps create timeless music. He has the gift. A lovely man too may I add. An artist in every way of life.

2. What has Youth brought to the table? Has he turned you on to any new music? Taught you some new tricks? 

Well, we are probably about a quarter the way through the LP at the moment and the table is round with colours. As I say, he's an artist and I respect artists. I would like to think I create art...so we both have that same mind set if that makes sense? I don't want to disappear up on my own arse or anything but if I was doing music for money then I'd have quit a long time ago. I do it to be creative. That's always been my angle. Youth get's that. In respect of learning from the man....yes, every day's a school day as soon as you wake up eh?

3. What did you learn from releasing Rolling Stone? What was the highlight?

Eh...I learned that I can do this. I learned that some will grudge you the time they have and others won't but overall I think I've been fortunate to connect with many who appreciate what I do. That's been my highlight so far. The connection through my music with others. It's a healthy circle if people are as willing. But I have no expectations. I do music because it's my passion. Anything else would depress me to be honest. I learned that through my 20's.

4. You are in exceptional company in working with Alan McGee - what is the best advice he has given you?

Yes Alan is a believer. It's great to be working together with him and Youth. It's kinda like a dream team for me I suppose. I couldn't be in better position. We'll make a record that we like and if others connect then brilliant. Best advice from Alan? I'm not sure...we are really close so we talk to each other so often it's like, when he's not around I subconsciously kinda do what he would do...maybe? I don't know...we give each other advice with our lives and certain situations. He respects my opinion as much as I do with what he has to say. It's very much a 50/50 friendship. I don't think I need a baby sitter. Just people I trust. And I trust Alan. 

5. Will the new album be coming out on 359 music? Do you know when it will come out?

No. I am glad to have been a part of 359 and I truly wish each artist signed to the label all the very best in the music industry. It's not an easy trade what we try and do. It's tough man...I like to see everyone doing well...especially if they work hard and are genuine. Music isn't a competition. I'm not into competing with music. That's bullshit. That's not why I love music. I'm not sure when my album will come out? Hopefully before the summer. That would be ideal.

6. What has influenced your new songs? What influence has Youth had on them and your sound?

Well, a lot of people don't really know the music that I listen to a lot. And I listen to it a lot! I suppose my close friends know. I listen to it to relax and step away from everyone and everything. It's just where my heads been at for a long time now. Like I've needed it. It's like my meditation. I guess I've been traumatised by shit in my life...some things out with my control and others being my own doing...I think Youth is a perfect partnership for the songs that have came out of these experiences. Like a soundtrack to my thoughts/words and voice. Alan and I had a chat about what we wanted to do with this album...we met Youth and explained the direction...he was intrigued and then we gave it a go in the studio. It's exceeded my expectations...and they were already pretty high. So it's exciting now. It's early days though so feet on the ground and all that!

7. Are there any artists trying to break through that you like?

Mmm...well, if I've heard them and I like them they've broken through to me I guess eh? I'm helping a young singer/songwriter just now called Kieran Fisher. He kinda comes from a similar background to me in terms of not having much help around him. Apart from his Father and friends/family but it's still tough man...your kinda looked upon as a weirdo if you want to be an artist or an actor in this country aren't you? That's why I fucked off for 5 years. Sometimes I struggle with others mentality...I just hope these kids don't have to go through that same shit I did to get to this point. Kids like Jamie Reilly, Jamie Coleman and Mark Maclean and his band The Beat Movement. So many of them just want to do music...a system should be set up to encourage aspiring artists...not grudged or set up for them to fail. What the fuck is that? So many young musicians come up to me and contact me. I feel helpless...it's frustrating. What can I do man? I'm skint and I've chosen my path...I wouldn't wish the lack of empathy for that sacrifice on anyone never mind a young kid just wanting to create music! 

8. Do you have an ultimate goal for you and your music?

A goal. Yes, to score! Haha. Good question...my ultimate goal would be to inspire and help anyone going through a shit time or celebrate when they are going through a great time. If I do both with my music then that's an achievement. If one song can do either...that's a result!  

2014 review by Kevin Harper

I've met some brilliant people involved in the Glasgow/Scottish music scene since I started this blog, putting on a few gigs and managing/advising bands. One of the nicest, funniest and most knowledgable guys (about music and films at least)  I have met is Kevin Harper, formerly lead singer and guitarist with Little Eskimos, sometime contributor to (Glasgow) Podcart and now a solo artist - check his incredible album Kingdom of Wires if you haven't already.

I have fond memories of a brilliant night at a youth hostel in Loch Lomond when Kev played  alongside Sonny Marvello and I DJ'd and we partied long into the night.

I caught up with Kev to see what music had been turning him on through 2014.

1. What singles/songs that have been released in 2014 have stood out for you?

Ahhh as much as I hate to say it, Swifty's 'Shake It Off' is pretty much perfect, (as perfect a pop song as Call Me Maybe and Heart Of Glass) but that's all I really wanna say about it. 

It's been a long time since he interested me (and I'm speaking as someone who used to be *obsessed* with his work) but I have to say, 'Gimme Something Good' by Ryan Adams is just a fantastic tune. I can't wait to get sick of it. And it's an apt title. When he's good he's great, but he seems to have no internal filter. If he was accidentally recorded farting in the next room I'm convinced he'd release it. The rest of the album bores me. He uses pretty much the same chorus on two songs. 

The main song from the soundtrack to 'Battered Bastards of Baseball', Man With A Broom by Brocker Way is my song of the year. And as a sidenote, if you haven't seen that film yet, do so at your earliest convenience. 

2. What albums released in 2014 have you enjoyed?

I haven't had a lot of time to listen to any albums this year, I'll be honest, but' Alvvays' by Alvvays took me right back to the glory days of the 90's (in fact you can apply this to all the music I like. If it's from or evokes the US indie tidal wave that hit just before Britpop happened then it's A-Okay with me). 

The new Deerhoof is as weird and wacky as is to be expected, but god damn it could possibly be their best album. 

'Complete Surrender' by Slow Club is just great. Songs which would make Goffin and King proud. Those guy are two or three years away from being HUGE. And by god they deserve it.  

I feel redundant including Sharon Van Etten's 'Are We There' despite it being beautiful, because everyone else has already sppken at great length at how great it is. That woman can seriously do no wrong.

3. What old music/bands have you discovered/gone back to in 2014?

I got re-acquainted with two of my favorite albums this year, Illmatic by Nas and Girls Can Tell by Spoon. Neither of them should require any introduction. If you haven't heard them, then you should totally do that. 

This year I came to the conclusion that there's no point whatsoever in trying to decide which is the best British space rock album between 'Northern Soul' by the Verve, 'Lost Souls' by Doves or 'Ladies and Gentlemen, We Are Floating In Space' by Spiritualised. So just listen to all three of them. At once. While on drugs.  Sorts the wheat from the chaff. 

Also, I've been hammering the hell out of everything Lee Hazlewood and Nancy Sinatra did. God they were nuts. There's something almost Vic and Bob about them.. But Hazlewood was a pioneering producer and not a bad songwriter to boot.

Realising how insipid and bland Tegan And Sara have become, I went back and listened to The Con to make sure i wasn't imagining a time when they were fantastic. I wasn't imagining it. It's a shame when that happens eh?  

4. What has been the musical highlight of 2014 for you?

Let's see... Sharon Van Etten utterly KILLED IT on Jools, Like i said, she can do no wrong. I have to say I felt a considerable bit schadenfreude when Beady Eye split up. Oasis without the songs: what's the point? 

I'm sure I'm forgetting something.....

5. What are you plans for 2015?

Well I soon shall be welcoming the birth of my son (congrats on the birth of Jackson), and everything that that entails, (developing a fear of sharp corners, beginning my sandal collection, all music instantly becoming 'noise') and if I get the chance I hope to record another album. Hopefully I get to do that but my focus is shifting on to other things anyway, things that take time, like writing, film making. Whatever happens, I feel it's time to stop writing songs about girls, definitely. It's already gotten me into too much trouble

Vigo Thieves at The Arches, 7th September 2013

It felt special, one of those 'I was there' shows, but then every Vigo Thieves show feels like that these days - the King Tuts shows in February, a Barrowlands support with The Fratellis, BBC Introducing and Transmission Stage shows in consecutive years at T in the Park, a rammed Solus Tent at Wickerman, a riot of a show up in Elgin...This is a band determined to create something special...they are succeeding; the word is out and the word is spreading.

Vigo Thieves have progressed at an exceptional rate since the release of their debut EP 'Heart and Soul Pt I' in February 2012; reviews, airplay, shows, supports, festivals, songs, production, confidence (not that they have ever lacked in that department!), They ramped it up another notch with this show, selling out the Arches.

Support was from Model Aeroplanes, a feisty young band from Dundee and Arches, but the night was all about Vigo Thieves.

The atmosphere built considerably between 8.30pm and the stage time of 9 o'clock as I got a number of fans to help hand out glow sticks to the crowd that were pouring through the doors. The band didn't hang about and came on to their own atmospheric track 'Wide Awake' that opens their debut EP. The layered vocals building Verve/Ashcroft style before the line 'dreams I'm having with you by my side' is repeated.

The band blast into 'Steal Your Heart', the circular guitar riff lifting the already pumped crowd immediately. Glow sticks twirled in the air as the crowd sang back the lyrics and also the guitar riff as frontman Stevie Jukes walked to the front of the stage with his arms aloft in celebration.

Stay young in your heart, and young in your mind

'Blood Red' is the oldest song in the Vigo Thieves cannon, revitalised since the addition of Chris Cruickshanks on saxaphone for some songs. 

'Viiiigo, Viiiiigo, Viiiiigo' terrace style chants filled the air. Vigo Thieves are a band of the people, positive anthems that almost demand to be sung.

There was a brief interlude as Chris Gorman on piano teased the crowd with the hypnotic riff from 'Heartbeats'. The crowd started singing along, so Stevie started singing with them - it is usually the other way round! It was a spine tingling moment and I've got to admit that tears came to my eyes, this stripped back piano version was incredibly emotional.

The bands motto has always been 'believe' or #believe online. It has served them well and it was natural that a song with that title would come along at some point.


What a song it is! Starting with arms in the air style synths and Stevie Jukes singing like his life depends on it before the rest of the band kick in. Stevie was off the stage and up on the barrier in front of the crowd, shaking hands with the adoring masses and being held up by them.

Do you believe in the fire in your soul

With confidence flowing the band introduced the first of two new songs, the slower yet still anthemic 'Songs That We Sing' and with the crowds reaction you would never guess it was brand new - literally completed the week of the show. Alan Jukes hammered down on his drums during the intro to the point he was leaving his seat. Chris Cruickshanks joined the band again to play flute, highlighting the growing sound that the band have found.

'Steal Your Heart Pt II' was incredible, containing my favourite Vigo Thieves lyric;

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

'Forever' is one of my favourite Vigo Thieves songs, it is so cleverly constructed and written so that when the chorus hits for the second time it truly soars to places that other bands can only dream of flying. The band ripped through it.

Let's live forever, together we can stay young

I'd started off the show at the back of the room by the sound-desk to make sure everything was sounding good - it was. By now I was down the front, dancing and singing with the rest of the fans. During this song an older guy was standing next to me, hand banging against his heart. Our eyes met and we shook hands. After the song I found out he had travelled all the way from Wick to see the band! What a guy! 

Next up was a song that I have been dying to hear for a couple of months. I'd heard it in soundcheck for the first time and it blew me away, now I was eager to see how another 800 people would react.

'This Love' is a special song. It flows superbly, Stevie Jukes has a knack for that. The band gelled superbly and the breakdown towards the end when Stevie, Barry (guitar) and Chris (piano) come together in glorious 3-part harmonies before the song jets off to the sun. Exceptional.

The band departed to gather their breath. Chris Gorman (keys) and Chris Cruickshanks (sax) came back out first and started a stripped back 'Ghosts' to get the crowd in the mood. They knew what was coming.

The band came back on and hammered into it, Stevie Jukes was urging the crowd on, as if they needed it! The closing instrumental saw the band locked tight in a groove with Cruickshanks allowed to go wild on sax - E-street band-tastic! 

We can be alive tonight, we can be alive tonight!

'Heartbeats' is the traditional set closer for Vigo Thieves. The place went absolutely mental. The simple piano riff just sticks in your head for days, the lyrics are as heartfelt as anything Stevie Jukes will ever write.

The band all came to the front of the stage with their arms aloft at the end - totally triumphant. This is a band of the people, a band for the people. To get such a huge crowd singing your songs with you was just incredible - anyone for the Barrowlands next year?

View from the stage at the end, by Stevie Jukes

And triumphant backstage