music news scotland latest news scroller .........

2.11.09

VOTING OPENS FOR TRAD MUSIC AWARDS

Voting is now open for the 'MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2009'. Full details of categories and how to vote at: www.handsupfortrad.co.uk/tradmusicawards/

23.10.09

TRASHCANS SEARCH FOR MYSTERY VIDEO STARS!

One of Scotland's most respected bands Trashcan Sinatras release their new single People on Nov 9th via Lo Five Records.

The video to the single was shot in Glasgow on Sun 4th Oct between 2-5pm outside the underground station on Buchanan Street and featured two girls who were offering 'free hugs' to the good people of Glasgow.

The two girls have turned into the stars of the video and the band now want to trace them to offer them VIP places at their Glasgow gig and also offer the chance to offer more 'free hugs' on stage at the Glasgow gig.

The video can be seen in full at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXBsZxyPgws - the two mystery girls can be seen clearly at the end of the video.

If you've any idea who they are please email Carol at carol.mns@btinternet.com and we'll pass the info on.

21.10.09

For anyone in London tomorrow (22nd) .......
PERFORMERS DEMONSTRATE AGAINST LICENSING ACT

Equity and Musicians’ Union members will gather outside Parliament on Thursday, 22 October to demand that ministers amend laws on licences for performance in public venues

Over 100 performers, including clowns, singers, children’s entertainers and musicians, will gather outside Parliament from 11:30 on October 22, 2009 to put pressure on government to amend the legislation governing entertainment licences. The demonstration takes place the same day as a Parliamentary debate in Westminster Hall on the recommendations of the Culture Media and Sport Select Committee, which also recommended that the laws be amended.

Research has shown that The Licensing Act, which came into force in 2005, has had a detrimental effect on small venues across the country and we are asking for an exemption to the Licensing Act to be introduced for venues hosting events with fewer than 200 people attending.

Equity Assistant General Secretary Stephen Spence said: “We have already won the argument over licensing laws. Everyone in the industry knows that the present legislation is fundamentally flawed and we have persuaded MPs through the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee of the common sense of the proposed changes we want. Only government ministers and civil servants remain to be won over. Our demonstration here today is to encourage the government to take this chance to accept what everyone else accepts and to make the changes everyone wants: simpler licensing that promotes entertainment not puts up barriers.”

John Smith, General Secretary of the Musicians’ Union said: “We are still of the opinion that the inclusion of regulated entertainment in the Licensing Act is unnecessary. However, the area in which it has had the most damaging effect has been in small venues. We therefore ask the Government to reconsider the Select Committee recommendation to introduce an exemption for venues putting on events with fewer than 200 people in attendance.”

9.9.09

PITLOCHRY STREET FESTIVAL - PERFORMERS WANTED
16-21 October
Street performers and local musicians will keep Pitlochry's streets buzzing every night of the festival with shows and sounds for your entertainment. Performances will be busking for your attention and participation up and down the length of Atholl Road from the War Memorial to the Auld Smiddy between 6pm to 8pm each night.

If you are a musician or street entertainer and would like to take part, contact Martin Anderson 01796 472478 or by E-mail to enquiries@craigatinhouse.co.uk for details.

www.pitlochryautumnfestival.co.uk

8.9.09

dD DRUMS Drum Night 2009
dD Drums , Central Scotlands Specialist drumshop, tutoring service and drumming community are hosting a 'Drum Night' at Falkirk's City Nightclub on Thursday the 29th of October from 7-10.

The night will feature the talents of the dD Drums teachers Ted McKenna (Sensational Alex Harvey Band , Rory Gallacher), Phillip Ragsdell (jazzcourse UK) and dD owner David Dowell as well as performances on the night from selected pupils of the drum school, and appearances from groups Puff Uproar and the Shimmering Sound Affair and the dD Drums Bang Gang.

For further information contact dD Drums on 01324 628202 or check out www.dddrums.co.uk

4.1.09

ANYONE CAN SING
East Kilbride Arts Council introduce a new and exciting course of Singing Classes.

These classes are for anyone who can sing and anyone who wants to learn to sing. Various styles of music will be taught from pop, jazz, shows, folk & classical so there is a challenge for all!

Free “Come And Try” Session on Sunday 6 September 2009 6.45pm – 8-16years 8.00pm – Adult/Family

8—16 years 6.45pm-7.45pm £20 for 10 weeks Adult/Family Sessions 8.00pm-9.00pm £20 Adult/£45 Family of four for 10 weeks

Tuesdays, 15 September – 24 November 2009 (Excluding 13 October 2009)

Held in the East Kilbride Old Parish Church Hall, Montgomery Street

Contact East Kilbride Arts Centre for further details on 01355 261000

1.9.09
THINKING OF SHOWCASING AT SXSW 2010 or 2011?
SxSW Training Events 17 September & 18 September

The Scottish Arts Council and Cultural Enterprise Office will be holding two training events for artists, managers and others wishing to showcase at the SxSW Music Conference in Austin Texas in March 2010.

The events will give bands, artists and managers the opportunity to hear from artists and managers who have showcased at the event in the past; to meet staff from SxSW and hear how you go about applying; to understand the process for securing US visas; to find out about the ‘Showcasing Scotland’ events coordinated by the Scottish Arts Council and the funding which is available to support bands.

THURSDAY 17 SEPTEMBER – 7pm, ABC2, 300 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow
Speakers: Scott Paterson (Sons & Daughters), Una Johnston (SxSW), Francis Macdonald (Manager of Camera Obscura), Paul Grieve (Paul Grieve Management), Katie Ray (Traffic Control) Stuart Thomas (Scottish Arts Council)

FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER – 2pm, Scottish Arts Council, 12 Manor Place, Edinburgh
Speakers: Tommy Perman & Ziggy Campbell (FOUND), Una Johnston (SxSW), Paul Grieve (Paul Grieve Management), Katie Ray (Traffic Control) Stuart Thomas (Scottish Arts Council)

These events are free of charge but booking is essential. To reserve a place, please email events@culturalenterpriseoffice.co.uk or call 0844 544 9990

25.8.09
BURNSONG AT SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT

The 10 finalists of The Burnsong International Song Contest will play a showcase concert in the Scottish Parliament on St Andrews Day November 30th as part of the finale celebrations for Scotland’s Year of Homecoming.

The finalists will perform their winning songs to an audience of MSP’s and the Scottish public as part of a full day of events at the Scottish Parliament marking St Andrew’s Day. The concert will be hosted by the Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson MSP and presented by Burnsong patron Midge Ure OBE

Burnsong’s objective is to promote, nurture and encourage songwriting in Scotland; started in 2005 it has been held bi-annually. During this Year of Homecoming, inspired by the 250th Anniversary of Robert Burns, the song-writing competition named in the Bard’s honour is looking for new songs of hope and optimism

For the first time, the competition is international, and is open to songwriters from around the world. Songwriters are invited to enter their song in the 2009 Burnsong Competition via the Sonic Bids platform. Songs can be uploaded until 13h September at www.burnsong.org.

9.7.09
HEBRIDEAN CELTIC FESTIVAL ON TV!

BBC ALBA is delighted to announce today that it will be broadcasting two special programmes from this year’s Hebridean Celtic Festival.

This year’s festival taking place in Stornoway from 15 – 18 July, is being billed as the ‘original homecoming party’ and will be the first time, in the festival’s 14 year history, that it will be broadcast on television.

The two, one hour music specials which will include performances from the tent main stage, the An Lanntair stage and from fringe activities, will be broadcast on BBC ALBA on Saturday 18 and Saturday 25 July at 9pm. BBC ALBA is available on Sky channel 168 and on Freesat channel 110. The programmes will also be repeated on Sunday 19 July at 3.30pm and on Sunday 26 July at 5.30pm and will be available to view via the BBC iPlayer.

www.hebceltfest.com

22.6.09
NEW YOUTH MUSIC INITIATIVE

A new Scottish touring consortia, devised by the Scottish Arts Council’s Youth Music Initiative to create an alternative touring circuit for the country’s young, up-and-coming musicians, kicks off this week. ‘The Touring Consortium’ involves three venues (Glasgow’s Platform, Stirling’s Tolbooth and East Lothian’s Bridge Centre) and four tours, and has already successfully supported three young Scottish bands in May’s first tour. Each tour – the second of which runs from the 25th to the 27th June, featuring young heavy metal acts Burn The Sunset (Stirling's Tolbooth this Thursday 25th), Scordatura (Glasgow Platform, 26th) and State Freed (Haddington's Bridge Centre, 27th) – allows the three-band line-up to experience touring life as both headline and support acts.

The Consortium is also calling on young Glasgow bands to apply for its third tour in September. “The response to the first two tours, which take place between Glasgow, Stirling and East Lothian, has been fantastic,” says James Dean, Arts Coordinator at Greater Easterhouse Arts Company. “In Glasgow, we’re currently looking for unsigned bands in the electronica or punk genres, aged 12-19 years old, who have only performed locally and want to be part of an authentic tour. Previous experience doesn’t matter – we want young musicians who can rise to the challenge of touring, performing, working with industry professionals and committing to tour dates.

“It’s also a unique platform in each of the areas for local youngsters to get together, based on a shared love of music and a genuine ambition to perform,” says Dean. And while the Consortium is seeking to support the ambitions of grassroots talent, the success of the initiative will also be measured in the wider impact it has on the local community – and Scotland’s existing touring circuit, notoriously difficult to master without the direct help of an agent or promoter. “ The next tours will build on the success of the first, where young bands achieved a lot, without being exploited in ‘pay-to-play’ situations,” says Dean. “We want to create a real buzz around this touring network and build local audiences who really want to see good, live local music in their communities.”

- Touring Consortium’s third tour will take place on the 24th, 25th and 26th of September, with workshops & training (in media and online promotion and technical tuition) in early September. Glasgow bands should send their demos or contact: James Dean @ The Bridge, 1000 Westerhouse Road, Glasgow G34 9JW / james@platform-online.co.uk / 0141 276 9675 Award-winning photographer Bryan Sweeney (Eminem, Sigur Ros, Jarvis Cocker, Moby) has signed up to the project to provide the bands with professional press shots (available on request).

- The bands for Stirling and East Lothian have already been chosen for the third tour, but those interested in the project or the fourth tour can contact Iain Bruce (The Bridge, Haddington) / iain.bruce1@btinternet.com and Stephen Hume (Tolbooth, Stiring) / humes@stirling.gov.uk -

- For more information visit: http://www.scottisharts.org.uk/1/artsinscotland/music/youthmusicinitiative.aspx

19.6.09
TWEED, TICKETS AND FESTIVAL FUN AT HEBCELT

Its getting close now and with less than a month until HebCelt '09 their office will open full time from Monday, 22 June. Tickets, bookings, pick-ups, merchandise and more. Already tickets for some shows are reaching sold out but if you are still considering what to see they have uploaded a bunch of video clips and songs at www.myspace.com/hebceltfest.

The ever popular hoodies are now to be seen around the streets of Stornoway and indeed have been making their way around the world as festie folks travelling from afar snap up their gear in advance. Hoodies, t-shirts, tankards and our stylish NEW ecobags, a final extra order has been placed to meet demand, order yours now to avoid disappointment http://www.hebceltfest.com/merchandise/.

Last week we brought you news of the creation of the festival tweed, more information from http://www.hebceltfest.com/news/. Hebridean Artisans are busily creating a wide range of garments and accessories and their display in the festival office will be updated in the next week with just some of these fabulous bespoke items.

And finally, some more fun items for all the family have been added to the programme, information on Trumpets to the Sky can be found on http://www.hebceltfest.com/festival/workshops/. More on our street arts programme shortly, Eff 'n' Hec, Laird and Lady, Vince the Baby Dragon and more great characters will be out and about during the week with walkabout, workshops and fire shows.

17.6.09
WICKERMAN TICKETS STOLEN!

At a battle of the bands event held on Sunday 7th June in Dumfries a number of Wickerman Festival tickets were stolen. The incident has been reported to the police and anyone with any information should call Dumfries & Galloway Constabulary on 0845 600 5701.

The stolen ticket types and numbers are as follows: Adult Weekend 1776 - 1850
Weekend Child 851 - 875
Saturday Adult 501 - 525

All 2009 Wickerman tickets are barcoded and following the theft these tickets have been cancelled from our system. If a ticket is handed over to a member of staff it will be flagged up as stolen and the ticket holder will be referred to the police. Anyone found in possession of a stolen ticket will be removed from the site and no refunds will be offered.

15.6.09
WANT TO PLAY BIG CHILL 2009?

Alterhit in association with the Big Chill Festival 2009, will be giving one Alterhit artist the chance to perform at this year's festival on August 2009 at Eastnor Castle. There are no judges, the fans decide who should play at this years festival, the winner being the band that sells the most music.

If you're an artist and would like to enter the competition, then please visit visit www.alterhit.com/comps/BigChillFestival2009 and follow the simple instructions to get started. All artist's earn 70% of the sales they make on their Alterhit homepage and every single sale contributes toward their competition place.

25.5.09
SCOTTISH ARTS COUNCIL CALLS FOR NEW HOSTS FOR TUNE UP’s 2009/2010 SEASON OF TOURS

Since 2003, The Scottish Arts Council funded project TUNE UP has helped an impressive collection of new and established, local and international musical artists tour across Scotland. Targeting not just the major cities, Tune Up also gives artists the rare opportunity to go off the beaten track and connect with new audiences all over Scotland, from Drumnadrochit to Langholm. Tune Up are currently finalising the list of tours for 2009/2010 and are looking for new promoters and venues to get involved to continue their pledge to reach every inch of the country.

Building on this season’s unparalleled successes; with sell-out shows courtesy of James Yorkston & Lisa Knapp, Going Across The Sea (featuring Kris Drever), De Rosa and The Hebrides Ensemble, Tune Up are keen to tour even further across Scotland and involve yet more promoters and venues who want to bring Tune Up to their local area, wherever that may be. This is a call to all Scottish music venues, bars, village halls and promoters to get in touch and be a part of this hugely successful, inspired and ultimately very important Scottish Arts Council initiative.

Not just an opportunity to host great music in your local area, this is also a chance for ambitious promoters and venue bookers/managers to make new industry contacts and also help the Scottish Arts Council to establish a wider music touring network in Scotland.

To register, applicants must join the database by logging onto: www.tuneup.org.uk/section/industry_mailing_list/

www.tuneup.org.uk

23.5.09
SIMPLE MINDS ALBUM SIGNING - MONDAY IN GLASGOW

Simple Minds will be signing copies of their new album 'Graffiti Soul' at HMV in Glasgow's Buchanan Street on Monday 25th May 2009 at 3pm.

20.5.09
EDGE FESTIVAL 2009

After picking up last year from where T on the Fringe left off, this year’s Edge Festival promises a storming month-long series of gigs throughout August featuring the very best in established favourites, leftfield acts and ones-to-watch.

This year also marks the 10th anniversary of a dedicated popular music programme at the Edinburgh Fringe, with over 40 gigs planned, taking place all across the capital at Sneaky Pete’s, Cabaret Voltaire, Studio 24, HMV Picture House, Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh Playhouse and the Corn Exchange.

The final line-up for The Edge will be unveiled in June, but gig-goers can register online now at www.theedgefestival.com for regular updates and to stay informed of all the latest announcements and ticket news.


15.5.09
SPIRIT OF THE GLEN WINS 'BRITS' ALBUM OF THE YEAR!
The NS&I Album of the Year, chosen by Classic FM listeners and Classic FM Magazine readers, is Spirit of the Glen – Journey, by The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.

Legendary British radio DJ Simon Bates presented the award to rapturous applause and triumphant bagpipes as key members of the Dragoon took to the stage in full regalia. Gracefully thanking the support of the public, on behalf of every soldier, sailor and airmen, they gave an extremely heartfelt acceptance before a powerful parting rendition of Amazing Grace.

The second album from the Scottish Cavalry Regiment’s traditional pipes and drums features some modern arrangements of a collection of popular songs including their most famous piece, Amazing Grace, which originally reached number one in the charts in the UK, Ireland, Australia and South Africa in 1972.

14.5.09
SUBMISSIONS INVITED FOR COMPILATION ALBUM Fourtrak Records are looking for Scottish bands/artists to contribute towards a compilation album entitled ‘A Sort of Homecoming’, which is scheduled for an Autumn release. The album will showcase the best new Scottish music, taking an alternative slant on the Homecoming Scotland celebrations. The only criteria are great (previously unreleased) music and a Scottish connection. All styles of music considered although Alternative / Rock with popular appeal preferred. If you wish to be submit a song, please send an mp3 link. For more information and enquiries, contact Bobby Mooney at bobby@fourtrakrecords.co.uk. Deadline for submissions: 12 June 2009.

12.5.09
TIGERFEST LATEST
Alun Woodward, former singer/guitarist in Mercury-nominated Scots indie act The Delgados is set to make his first full-band performance in the UK when he performs at Tigerfest on Saturday 16th May at Dunfermline's Carnegie Hall. Under his solo guise Lord Cut-Glass, he has already recorded with author Alasdair Gray on a Ballads of the Book collaboration, but this live show will serve as a preview for his debut album, due in June. His 9-piece band will feature former Delgados bandmate, drumer Paul Savage, as well as brother Jamie Savage on keyboards.

Tigerfest is a music festival taking place in three Scottish cities during May 2009 and showcasing acts such as King Creosote, Aberdeldy, Cruiser, James Yorkston, Found, ballboy and Alasdair Roberts. The Edinburgh leg kicked off on May 6th with Dunfermline this week and the Aberdeen shows w/c 18th May.

More at www.tigerfest.co.uk

7.5.09
FRINGE SUNDAY CANCELLED!

Edinburgh’s free Fringe Sunday event has been axed after organisers failed to find a headline sponsor. The event, which offers a preview of scores of festival shows in a series of marquees, attracts crowds of up to 250,000 people every year.

But this year it has been pulled for the first time since it began in 1981, after failing to attract a backer to help cover the £70,000 costs.

A spokesman for the Fringe said: ‘We can confirm that the decision has been taken not to go ahead with Fringe Sunday this year.

‘Although there were several expressions of interest it has not been possible to secure sponsorship for the event. Staging the event without sponsorship would require diverting resources from other areas.

‘No decisions have been made regarding Fringe Sunday in future years.’

5.5.09
BOGUS T BREAK EMAIL ALERT

Someone has been masquerading as a T Break official and contacting bands via email, inviting them to play the T Break Stage at T in the Park this year.

The email address tbreakstage09@hotmail.com and the name David Boide, are not connected in any way to T Break, Tennent's Lager, DF Concerts or Material [who organise T Break on behalf of Tennent's Lager] and you should disregard any correspondence from this source or any other unofficial source.

All T Break correspondence will come direct, in the first instance from Material [either from tbreak@materialmc.co.uk or in the format of name@materialmc.co.uk], and then, only if you are invited to play at T in the Park, from DF Concerts.

If you receive an email from any other source please disregard it, or forward it on to jenny@materialmc.co.uk if you have any doubts as to whether or not it is genuine.

The industry panel demo judging sessions are ongoing, and no decisions have yet been made about which bands will play the T Break Stage. You will hear later this month if you have been selected.

Keep up-to-date with T Break news and announcements at www.tbreak.co.uk.

5.5.09
2009 UK SONGWRITING CONTEST – POSTAL ENTRIES OPEN

The 2009 contest is now open for postal entries. You can get the postal entry form from the contest website at http://www.songwritingcontest.co.uk Or if you prefer you can also enter by email from the contest website.

30.4.09
RED DOG MUSIC SUPPORTS ELECTRONIC FESTIVAL

Red Dog Music, Edinburgh's largest independent musical equipment retailer, has announced it will be sponsoring a one day festival of electronic music to take place at the Roxy Arthouse in Edinburgh on Saturday 30th May 2009. Going by the title of "Unique Beats", the show will be a three floor event dedicated to promoting all forms of electronic music-making. There will be workshops throughout the day with manufacturers of cutting-edge products displaying and demonstrating their wares (already confirmed are Roland, Yamaha, Korg, Ableton, Steinberg, Propellerhead, Novation, and Native Instruments), and live appearances throughout the day and evening from a range of electronic music and electronica acts (already confirmed are Christ., Frog Pocket, Joe Acheson Quartet, ESPion and more). The event will be given a visual background and narrative structure by the noinput visual collective. As well as being informed and entertained, attendees will benefit from exclusive deals on gear, and all those who attend the workshops will be entered for a prize draw to win over £1,000 worth of electronic music making equipment. The event is being run in conjunction with www.tentracks.co.uk, an innovative platform for the online marketing and retail of music. The founders of www.tentracks.co.uk will be available on the day to advise electronic musicians on ways to promote their music.

A limited number of tickets are available at only £5 for the whole day (12pm - 11pm) from the Red Dog Music store, 1 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2HY. Call: 0131 229 8211 Email: info@reddogmusic.co.uk

www.reddogmusic.co.uk www.uniquebeats.co.uk


30.4.09
HEBFEST TICKETS ON SALE

Visitors from around the world are set to book for this year's Hebridean Celtic Festival, which has been voted one of Scotland’s top five festivals and one of the UK’s top 50, when tickets go on sale on 1 May.
The leading Celtic performers at this year’s four day event (July 15th-18th) include The Sharon Shannon Big Band, La Bottine Souriante, Michael McGoldrick Band, Blair Douglas Band, The Wilders, Karen Matheson, Fred Morrison, The Chair and Le Vent du Nord.
Tickets can be secured online at ">www.hebcelticfest.com from 1st May or by telephone from 5th May on 01851 702333.

16.3.09
UNIQUE TICKET DEAL FOR BANDS

Pivo Pivo, a live music venue on Waterloo St, Glasgow, are currently offering a unique ticket deal for local bands. If a band/performer book to play at the venue on Sunday - Wednesday at one of their weekly gigs (NoTribe, Eclectiv etc) they are issued with 50 tickets to sell for anything up to £5, the unique part being, the band/performer keep ALL the money.

Band booker Gary McKenna said "Since we began having 6 nights a week of live music, we wanted to offer bands a fairer deal than what seemed to be on offer in the local scene. This scheme allows bands to make rare and much needed income, and also ensures a busier night, meaning more people get to hear your music".

In addition to this, the venue hope to offer online sales for each individual band/performer, making it even easier to earn money for playing live. If you'd like to know more or would be interested in getting a gig contact garymckenna@barpivo.co.uk or visit their myspace at www.myspace. com/pivopivo