A year of Spotify

Around a year ago I joined Spotify!!!!

F**K!

I always said I wouldn't......I held off for so long.......but I joined. Read on as I try to justify it to myself, try to do the sums for the company and for artists and scroll right down to the first playlist I created- almost 7 hours long and featuring 100 songs by Scottish artists!

I can actually remember the day I joined.  I spent a pleasant day off with no kids, anything on my to do list or anything really to do at all. That doesn't happen too often! I spent about 4 hours listening to loads of Scottish music. Some of my faves, songs I haven't heard in ages and bands/songs I have always wanted to check out.

And then on Saturday when the kids went to bed I checked out an album Carole King made with her short-lived band The City. I had read about it in The Times that day and then, just like that, it was at my fingertips.

Fear not artists and record shops. I will always buy records or merch. It is vitally important to support musicians by buying their work...if you enjoy it. They need money to to buy equipment, to rehearse, learn and gel, to get around and ultimately to record. And quite simply, I do love browsing in a record shop! I don't think I have ever been into Monorail without coming away with something!

Spotify - it initially felt like cheating. Even though it is legal.

A year down the line, any thoughts of cheating have long been banished. Spotify is now part of my life on a daily basis, it is the new norm. It is convenient, user friendly and it allows me to explore all kinds of stuff quickly and with ease. I don't think I have used iTunes since I joined Spotify for the pricely sum of £9.99 per month. Jeez, when I think of what I used to spend on a Monday lunchtime in HMV in the mid-90's!

I'm not alone, more and more people are joining the Spotify revolution - Forbes reported that they had hit 50 million paid subscribers back in March 2017. That was less than 6-months after reporting they had hit 40-million. Pretty strong growth!

The amount of money actually paid out to artists is negligible. Something like 0.004p per play/stream. In comparison, 1 play on Radio 1 will earn the songwriter around £50.

So for the likes of Calvin Harris whose This Is What You Came For is approaching an unbelievable 800,000,000 (yeah 800 million) plays - he should be earning around £3.2 million from Spotify just for that one song.

For another Scottish artist Duglas T Stewart has seen his seminal BMX Bandits song Serious Drugs achieve over 55,000 plays. Sounds like a lot, but it only earns the artist (the songwriter) around £220.

Gerry Love from Teenage Fanclub should have earned around £8,800 for the 2.2 million plays of one of his most loved songs - Sparky's Dream.

But do the sums. Lets say they now have 60 million subscribers paying £9.99 per month. So, unless my calculator is mistaken, that is a whopping £599,400,000 per month that Spotify rakes in. I know they have a lot of songs - but how much goes out to artists on a monthly basis?!

All quite interesting. Songs (to an extent) have a shelf life on radio, unless you are talking Christmas hits. Online and on Spotify, they are timeless.

One of the reasons that I used to put off joining Spotify was the fact that I want artists to be rewarded for their efforts. So Spotify do....whether they pay enough or not is another matter entirely.

It doesn't look like Spotify is going anywhere anytime soon and artists are having to adapt to the fact that actual physical sales will never return to way they once were and why download when you can stream?

I regularly blog about my Never Ending Mixtape playlist on Spotify, but here is my first playlist. It has 100 songs and clocks in at almost 7-hours!

Named after a classic Fanclub album the 100 songs fly through Scottish musical history; from The Poets and Lulu in the 60's, early Simple Minds with the glorious Chelsea Girl, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, The Skids, 80's heavyweights like Deacon Blue, Wet Wet Wet and Texas, loads of indie legends like Orange Juice, Teenage Fanclub, The Vaselines, The Pastels, BMX Bandits and Jesus and Mary Chain, gone but not forgotten acts like AC Acoustics (great to listen to them again), Dogs Die In Hot Cars, the likes of Churches, Catholic Action and loads of DIY bands like Stanley Odd, Colonel Mustard and the Djion 5.

Not to mention Mogwai, Remember Remember, Arab Strap, The Blue Nile.....

Too many to mention, but check the playlist here. Volume 2 might follow soon. Arguably I should have titled the playlist after the first song!

This Love by Vigo Thieves

Epic, emotional, soaring and of course; full of heart and soul. Ladies and Gents….'This Love' by Vigo Thieves is available to download from i-tunes tomorrow - Monday 3rd March.

Piano chords chime before a synth riff kicks in, so simple and addictive that you'll be singing along to it before you know it.

Can you feel it? This love? I got nothing else

Like a fever, this drug, in my veins until the death

Stevie Juke vocals have never sounded so good, straining and gasping with the emotion, packed with soul and love. Jukes has an uncanny knack for writing an epic pop/rock song. There have been references to U2 and Simple Minds in the past, the piano chords and overall feel and production make 'This Love' even more cinematic and theatrical; Jim Steinman would be proud of this beauty.

The breakdown for the final verse is brilliant, building up to a suitably huge chorus which is just hammered home for a full minute and 20 seconds.

When all is said and done

And we're fading like the sun

How you gonna feel it if you ain't got this love? (REPEAT loads)

Can you feel it?

There is an urgency, a feeling. 'This Love' is going to open even more doors for Vigo Thieves and they've kicked quite a few down over the last 2-years.

This is an unsigned band that are growing in the best way possible; by word of mouth. Anthems like 'Heartbeats', 'Forever' and 'Believe' are being backed up by incredible live shows that are making them a must see band.

Set to play a huge show at the ABC in Glasgow on Saturday 28th March, it is surely only a matter of time before someone makes a move to sign Vigo Thieves to give them the platform they deserve.

If they don't, then Vigo Thieves are on track to do it themselves anyway.

Tickets for the ABC show are available HERE

Watch the epic video for 'This Love', a homage to the film 'Drive', below;

The D Aye Y music scene in Scotland/Glasgow

The weekend that just past was an excellent one for the DIY/Independent scene in Scottish Music.

Friday saw the Scottish Alternative Music Awards ceremony take place at the Garage in Glasgow. The SAMA's (as they are affectionately known) was an idea born from the creative young mind of Richy Muirhead during his studies. It has grown arms and legs and has become a real staple in the DIY music calendar and an excellent platform for bands and artists to strive to reach.

Saturday saw the guys from Tenement TV throw a multi-venue festival named the Tenement Trail (a-la 'Stag & Dagger') and after speaking to Chae and Paul last night (and witnessing the scenes at the Art School) it was an incredible success. These guys are developing all the time, literally buzzing with creativity, full of ideas and never afraid to make an ask or try something out. Top artists like Jake Bugg are playing sets for them, they are getting involved with festivals in a big way, promoting nights in Glasgow and beyond and reaching for the stars. The future is burning bright for these guys.

Despite the current financial climate, the appetite for music in Scotland is as strong as ever. There may not be as much money as there once was in the music industry, but that is only strengthening the resolve and inspiring the creativity of bands, artists, labels, bloggers and promoters and things are flourishing in Glasgow (and across Scotland right now).

2013 is shaping up to be an incredible year for the D.Aye.Y music scene in Glasgow. Bursts of creativity from artists and bedroom/flatmate labels are gathering ever increasing exposure that is really threatening to blow quite naturally over into the big time.

This blog will look at a few of the people responsible for that;

As it is my blog I am going to start with Vigo Thieves who I manage. This is a band shooting for the stars armed with an ever increasing collection of anthems with the kind of universal lyrics that soundtrack lives - think of the stuff that Weller served up with The Jam but fed on a diet of U2, Simple Minds and New Order.

The epic cinematic songs are enhanced by the bands incredible range of videos. That partnership is really setting them apart from their peers in many ways (along with the fact that they are commercial and don't hide it).

'Heartbeats' was used to soundtrack the T in the Park line-up announcement in 2012, adding a couple of thousand new likes to their Facebook page in a week. The band then played the BBC Introducing Stage at the festival and packed it out - check this footage.

'Forever' featured Jody Latham from Shameless and new video single 'Ghosts' features John Leslie entering an old mans drinking den and promptly getting up on karaoke to sing the song.

Their songs, videos and bond with their fans through Social Media is DIY on a scale that no-one else is doing. The 'Heart & Soul Pt II' EP has just been released an it is off the scale.

So OK I started off with some shameless self promotion, lets look at who else is doing well.

Two lovely people that I have met since becoming involved in band management are Lloyd and Halina who run Olive Grove Records, as well as Peenko and Glasgow PodCart. I do wonder how little sleep the couple manage giving the time and energy they put into their blogs, podcasts, promotion, label and band management, but somehow they keep going.

Olive Grove Records in particular are developing at a fast rate of knots, with the pair quick to recognise  talent and offer them a platform to release.

The Son(s) is an act of theirs that I particularly enjoy, but look out for them developing with Jo Mango and Randolphs Leap in particular, with Lloyd and the Leap forging excellent links with Fence Records and 6Music. I do feel that it is only a matter of time before the label breaks through with the right artist and song...and a little bit of luck which everyone needs and their hard work deserves.

Another label I find interesting right now is Comets and Cartwheels. They have announced an innovative partnership with Brewdog and their artists will be playing shows at their bars throughout the country. This is innovative and also commons sense. Bars need business, musicians need good venues, everyone should be a winner....and I think in this case that will happen.

Fake Major are the most recent signing to the label and I imagine that as they feature former members of Endor that they will have learned a lot and be eager to crack on. Their initial offering (below) certainly highlights the quality that they and the label will be striving for.

So the SAMA's, Tenement TV, bands like Vigo Thieves selling out 2-nights at Tuts and gaining incredible exposure and a fanbase for a DIY band, labels like Olive Grove and Comets & Cartwheels pushing further forwards and an army of bloggers and music fans backing them up.

It is an exceptionally exciting time for Scottish D.Aye.Y Music (there is a blog name for someone), heightened even more by the emergence of Chvrches, showing other bands that they can make it.

Who knows what they year will hold.

Vigo Thieves - 2012 review

2012 has been an epic year for Vigo Thieves and in turn a thoroughly enjoyable one for me.

They have taken DIY to a new level thanks to a combination of hard work, creativity, innovation, exceptional songs and their motto #believe.

Highlights? Well there have been many, but watching the band pack out the BBC Introducing Tent at T in the Park and turn in an epic performance that got the place bouncing is probably the one that stands out most. Check out this brilliant fan footage that really captures the atmosphere.

The band have made a video review of the year taking in fan photos and videos alongside their own. Check it out and some of their achievements are noted below. Come along for the ride in 2013.

Website                              www.vigothieves.com

Facebook                            www.facebook.com/vigothieves            

Twitter                                 www.twitter.com/vigothieves                  

Soundcloud                        www.soundcloud.com/vigothieves

YouTube                             www.youtube.com/vigothievesonline

                                         

Bio

Vigo Thieves formed in 2009 and are from Wishaw, a satellite town rich in industrial history, 20-miles outside of Glasgow yet a world away. Starting a monthly club night, Shook To The Bones, gave the band a chance to develop their sound and fanbase, as well as an opportunity to put on bands from around Scotland that led to gig swaps in cities and towns across the country.

Stevie Jukes (vox/guitar), Barry Cowan (guitar/vox), Gordon Phipps (bass) and Al Jukes (drums) combine to produce epic songs that are fit for stadiums and festivals. There are echoes of band favourites like New Order, Simple Minds and U2; driven beats, explosive synthesisers and soaring emotionally charged vocals with lyrics that can be sung from the heart and soul.

Key achievements in 2012

·         Packing out the BBC Introducing Tent at T in the Park (see fan footage above)

·         4 sell-out shows in Glasgow, the last one at the Art School sold out 6-weeks in advance. Review http://extremelisteningmode.com/2012/05/29/vigo-thieves-the-art-school-glasgow/

·         ‘Heartbeats’ being used to soundtrack the T in the Park announcement film

·         ‘Heartbeats’ was the opening track on the GoNorth CD distributed in Music Week

·         Vigo Thieves have received airplay on BBC Radio 1, Amazing Radio, BBC Radio Scotland, Clyde 1 and more

Future plans

The release of the 'Heart & Soul Pt II' EP in February followed by live dates including launch parties at King Tuts Wah Wah Hut on 8th and 9th February.

The following live dates are currently confirmed with more to be announced in the near future.

08/02 & 09/02/13 - King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow

23/02/13 - Sneaky Petes, Edinburgh

Media highlights

"A huge piece of indie rock, I can imagine hearing that at T In The Park!” Ally McCrae BBC Radio 1 

Introducing

“Their brand of big upbeat rock is Simple Minds with an edge of Glasvegas A fantastic band shooting for commercial glory with an arsenal to make it.” - The Daily Record

“Really emotional, heart felt and anthemic. Epic rock fit for stadiums” Vic Galloway – BBC RADIO 1 

“A start-stop motion heart pounder!” NME

“Young pretenders to Simple Minds throne.” Jim Gellatly – Clyde 1 IN:Demand/Amazing Radio

“If you want modern guitars with an electronic edge but the soul of Springsteen, here comes your band.”extremelisteningmode.com

"This is a band built for the big stage. This is emotionally charged stuff – blending muscular beats and anthemic sensibilities with soaring, Bono-aping vocals and a euphoric synth-soaked arrangement. If you like U2 at their most epic, you’ll love this." This Feeling

"No one should be able to create a sound this huge in a venue this small. They’ve taken elements from U2, Simple Minds, and New Order and blended them in a way that you can immediately recognize the influence, but are still swept away, and excited even, by the fresh direction Vigo Thieves have taken the sound." The Vinyl District

You’re looking for a love to heal the pain from all the scars

So just live for the moment and you’ll shine like the stars

With your Heart and Soul

Vigo Thieves 2012

Vigo Thieves - Forever

Vigo Thieves have just released their new song and video, 'Forever'.

This is a real statement of intent and a positive display of creativity and ambition from a DIY band with no financial backing. I like to think of it as modern day punk, being the romantic that I am.

Vigo Thieves 'Heartbeats' and 'She's On Fire' videos released earlier this year have amassed a total of over 100,000 views on YouTube and a fan-made video from their T in the Park performance at the BBC Introducing Tent has reached over 11,000 views at the time of writing.

This is a band that recognise the importance of Social Media and quality content.

'Forever' stars Jody Latham from Shameless and gorgeous Mary Jane O'Harra in an epic 3 minute 27 second film of young love, dreams and tragedy shot by Shootback Productions.

The song starts with stabbing synths before a soulful vocal kicks in and leads the listener on a journey that matches the film perfectly. 

Let's live forever, together we can stay young

Let yourself surrender, together we can stay young

Just let yourself surrender

The first chorus is a total hands in the air moment before the beat and chiming guitar kick in.

We are blinded by lights

Forever falling through neon skies

I see a child as I look in your eyes

It keeps me believing in a place that we can go where we'll grow old

The chorus then lifts off, supersonic jet stream, leaving others trailing in the slipstream.

Check it out. The band have live dates coming up in London, Edinburgh and Glasgow with more to be announced.

Vigo Thieves are a band for the people. #believe

Vigo Thieves at King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, 14th January 2012

I always get a buzz when I see (and hear) and band nail a gig. The sound is loud and clear, the band gel on stage, the crowd respond.....everything comes together.

Vigo Thieves nailed it last night as they headlined a sold out King Tuts as part of the New Years Revolution series of gigs. It was a brilliant night.

The night started in the Variety Bar as I met Mick, Craig and Kirsten for a few beers in one of my favourite Glasgow bars; great scuzzy but cool art deco feel, superb music and very cool barmaids ;-)

I had soon forgotten about Motherwell's atrocious performance against Inverness earlier in the day.

We headed down to Tuts just after 10pm and managed to catch most of the Cherri Fosphate set. Not a great band name, but I really enjoyed them. Young lads in their late teens/early 20's playing guitar pop with echoes of Orange Juice. The last song 'Passion' was cracking.

On to the main act though. We started off the gig up by the sounddesk for a good view and a chance to appreciate the sound.

The lights went down and the Vigo Thieves came on to terrace style chants of 'Viiiiiigo, Viiiiigo', the atmospheric 'Wide Awake' that opens their forthcoming EP was playing and then the band burst into opener 'Steal Your Heart', the circling guitar riff lifted the crowd immediately, the beat was simple but strong and the crowd sang along to the hooks;

Stay young in your heart, and young in your mind

As openers go, this was a good one and halfway through the song Mick had said he was going down the front to join in with the jumping and singing.

I stayed up for the next song 'Heartbeats', the band announced they hadn't played it live before. It didn't show. A rumbling bass with echoes of U2 underpinned a simple piano riff and singer Steve Jukes got the crowd to clap along. This is a total festival anthem in the making.

A song to clap along to and plenty of 'woah oh oh oh' backing vocals to sing along to, the fact the crowd were doing this on the first live airing of the song must have been a joy for the band on stage. 

'Start the fire, let your heartbeat, let your heartbeat'

I finished my beer and went down to join Mick at the front.

I reviewed the bands last single 'Love Is Dead' on this blog and gave it a great review, it sounded even better live through the Tuts sound system.

The pulsing bass for the verse leading to a huge synth riff for yet another sing-a-long chorus. 

This love is dead, feeling that you can't go on

This love is dead, in the shadows waiting for false dawns

This love is dead

The crowd bounced along to the chorus, the band looked like they were having the time of their lives on stage.

The next song 'She's On Fire' was the most epic yet, pure Simple Minds. A slow start before beats and synth kick in. Singer Stevie Jukes abandoned his guitar and took the mic from the stand to sing his heart out, whilst lead guitarist Barry Cowan coaxed Edge style riffs, bassist Gordon Phipps and drummer Alan Jukes were locked in the groove.

The flow of this song is outstanding, it is also on the forthcoming EP and it is crying out to be played on the radio. It swoops, rises and soars in all the right places.

The band closed with one of their older songs, the brilliant 'Blood Red', clearly a favourite with their fans as they sung along to the catchy guitar riff, jumped about like loonies and sang the chorus back at the band, me and Mick joined in.

Someone has already posted a video online, the sound isn't great but this will give you and idea of how much the crowd and band were up for it.

The crowd yelled for more but it was curfew time. 

This is a band clearly on top of their game with anthems in the making. I look forward to the release of their EP in February.