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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.

29.4.09
Your Sound returns to King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut from 5pm-8pm on Sunday 3rd May

May’s Your Sound welcomes a Guest DJ set from Bruce, Ali and Neil from LoFi studios. Your Sound’s Artist of the Month scheme continues in May where the chosen Artist of the Month will receive a free service to the value of £500. Your Sound is held on the first Sunday of every month at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow, from 5pm – 8pm, and has evolved into a valuable networking tool for unsigned bands and budding industry sorts; it’s a great opportunity to meet new people, hear new music and make new collaborations. www.myspace.com/yoursoundglasgow

27.4.09
WICKERMAN LATEST

The Solway Coast’s annual celebration of all things fiery and a family friendly has added a touch of magic to the Main Stage line up. The Wickerman Festival has announced the psychedelic siblings The Magic Numbers will almost complete the 2009 Summerisle Stage billing.
Dance Til Dawn at the Wickerman : Electro-pop supremos Joe Goddard and Felix Martin of Hot Chip will rock the masses at this summer’s Wickerman Festival. A headline DJ set will be performed in the Skiddle Dance Tent by the Hot Chip-pers who are best known for their massive hits “Over and Over” and “Ready for the Floor”.
Wickerman Festival takes place on the 24th and 25th July - www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk

6.4.09
IN THE CITY 2009 - Band Applications open

Bands and artists can now apply to be part of ITC Unsigned 2009 by visiting www.inthecity.co.uk/applytoplay and via post.
We will need a link to online music, a 300 word biography and a photograph of the band. Full application details are displayed in the ‘apply to play’ section of the ITC website, along with postal details should you prefer to send us a CD.
Applications to play In The City Unsigned are free of charge.

25.3.09
IN THE CITY 2009

Registration for In The City 2009 will open on Monday 30th March and, for a limited period and strictly first come first served, will cost just £200 plus VAT.
You can register by going to www.inthecity.co.uk/register and using the online registration system.

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

19.2.09
FOLK POP LEGEND PLAYS RARE EDINBURGH GIG

Cult legend Vashti Bunyan will headline Oxjam Music Festival’s 2009 swan song at Roxy Art House on Friday 27 March. The rare appearance from the godmother of freak-folk comes eight years after the re-issue and widespread discovery of her debut album – 35 years after she had “abandoned music forever”.

After years of obscurity and blissful hippiedom on the Isle Sky, Vashti re-released Just Another Diamond Day on the Spinney label to huge critical acclaim in 2004 (The Observer Music Monthly placed it at 53 in their Top 100 British albums). A host of young, new admirers emerged citing her influence and Vashti has since recorded with Piano Magic, The Cocteau Twins’ Simon Raymonde, Devendra Banhart and with Animal Collective on the Prospect Hummer EP. Now living in Edinburgh, Vashti is delighted with the revival of interest in her music. Supporting Vashti at The Roxy is accomplished duo Lucky Jim, performing songs from their debut album and revisiting work from Gordon Grahame’s musical past with The Lost Soul Band. Also playing will be Amplifico singer Donna Maciocia and friends.

Doors open 7pm. Tickets: £8 (with booking fee) from www.wegottickets.com or £10 on the door.

5.2.09
SNP SET OUT CREATIVE FUTURE FOR SCOTLAND

SNP MSP Aileen Campbell today welcomed the publication of a blueprint for the future of Scotland's cultural organisations. The plan confirms the merger of the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen into Creative Scotland – a move first put forward and long delayed by the Labour administration – and sees Scottish Enterprise given a key role in promoting the business potential of some of Scotland's Creative industries to deliver economic growth.

Following the announcement South of Scotland MSP Aileen Campbell said; "Today's announcement confirms the SNP's commitment to deliver funding and support for our artists as well as building the business potential of our creative industries. Alongside the Culture Minister's commitment to end Labour's proposals for ministerial control of the arts this is a good day for Scottish Culture.

"Scotland's artists add significantly to our experience of Scotland but they also add to our economy generating over £5 billion a year and thousands of jobs. It is disappointing that Labour continues in its attempts to stall progress on vital changes to enhance the independence of Scottish culture after Scotland's artists waited for years under Labour's dithering and delay

"With Creative Scotland to encourage and fund the arts and Scottish Enterprise able to support those artistic endeavours that can also be strong businesses this is the beginning of a strong set up that will deliver for Scotland's cultural and creative future."

5.2.09
BLUR TO HEADLINE T IN THE PARK
Blur are to headline the Main Stage at this year’s T in the Park on Sunday 12th July. This will be one of Blur’s first dates in over 6 years and a major musical coup as their T in the Park performance will be the ONLY chance to see the band play in Scotland this summer. Blur’s first sonic seduction of the Balado masses took place back in ’94, at the first ever T in the Park, on a bill which also hosted Oasis and Pulp, with all three acts performing in the now-legendary King Tut’s Wah Wah Tent. Sixteen years have now passed but Blur’s Main Stage return is guaranteed to make this year's festival unmissable.

Easily one of the most influential British acts of the last 20 years, Blur’s output is prolific. Debut release ‘Leisure’ deftly demonstrated pop perfection with tracks such as ‘She’s So High’ and ‘There’s No Other Way’. Blur broke down the door for the new wave of bands that came to comprise Brit Pop, but the bands iconic status would be sealed with the release of the seminal Brit Pop album, that would genuinely come to define a generation – ‘Parklife’.

All at DF Concerts and Tennent's Lager are still busily prepping up for this year’s launch where even more of the 3-day line up will be revealed along with that all-important on sale date and time. But, for now a quick reminder that T in the Park has been shortlisted for 'Best Live Event' in this year's NME Awards. Vote online now at http://www.nme.com/awards

1.2.09
HOW TO GET ON THE RADIO SEMINAR
Scotland’s leading music scene social night, Born To Be Wide, returns on Thursday 5 February with guest DJs from Eagle Owl and Phantom Band, as well as a seminar titled ‘How To Get On The Radio.’ A co-production with the Musicians’ Union, the seminar will feature guests from across the broadcasting spectrum, including commercial, community, online, public and student stations. Guests include Michael Douglas Galloway [presenter BBC Radio Scotland/Radio One in Scotland], Duncan Campbell [Programme Director for Forth 1 and 2], John Paul McGroarty [co-chairman, Leith FM], Tallah Brash [chief, Fresh Air FM] and Dougal Perman [programme director, Radio Magnetic].

“All musicians want their music to be heard on radio, be it a young band starting out, or Cliff Richard moaning about Radio 1 not playing his Christmas record,” says Born To Be Wide co-organiser, Olaf Furniss. “This seminar is about giving an insight into how the different types of radio stations decide what to play, and ultimately, how to get on the radio.”

The forthcoming Born To Be Wide marks the second co-production with the Musicians’ Union, which also collaborated on the “Unveiling The Mind Of A Music Journalist’ seminar in 2008. “We felt our last collaboration with the MU was extremely successful and I’m pleased to be teaming up with the organisation again,” says Furniss. “It should be an excellent night as we have a great seminar line up and DJs from two of the best emerging bands in Scotland.” Jen Hunter, Musicians' Union Regional Officer (Scotland & Northern Ireland), says: “The Musicians Union is glad to be part of another Born to be Wide event which we know our members hold in high regard.”

Born To Be Wide Play Norway Night Thursday 5 February Speakeasy Bar, The Voodoo Rooms, 19a West Register Street, Edinburgh EH2 2AA Tel 0131 556 7060

FREE SEMINAR 7.30pm-9pm book a free place at borntobe_wide@yahoo.com or Jen.hunter@musiciansunion.org.uk Find out how radio stations across the broadcasting spectrum decide what music to play and how to get your music on the radio.
SEMINAR GUESTS Tallah Brash [chief, Fresh Air FM] Duncan Campbell [Programme Director for Forth 1 and 2] Michael Douglas Galloway [presenter BBC Radio Scotland/Radio 1] John Paul McGroarty [co-chairman, Leith FM], Dougal Perman [programme director, Radio Magnetic].

31.1.09
ONLINE TALENT SEARCH
A team of talent producers at Graham Norton's production company, So Television, have created an online talent search called Noostar.com. Noostar provides a platform for performers (dancers, singers, actors...) to upload their video clips and receive a high level of publicity. Once you've uploaded your clip, you can invite people to watch it and vote for you (winners are announced weekly) or just enjoy watching others. Norton and his team describe the site as 'like YouTube without the non performers'. Find out more at www.noostar.com

30.1.09
EAST KILBRIDE ARTS CENTRE BAND NIGHTS
Could you be the next big thing? Bands, solo artists, DJ’s if you think you’ve got what it takes to blow us away, then East Kilbride Arts Centre wants to hear from you! They will be showcasing local talent once a month and if you think you’ve got what it takes then send in your demo and details to East Kilbride Arts Centre, Old Coach Road, East Kilbride G74 4DU, or give them a call for more information on 01355 261000.

29.1.09
BANDS WANTED AT THE MILL!
Miller Genuine Draft's The Mill are really keen to try and get as many new bands involved as possible.
How can bands apply?
Simply by logging onto www.themill-live.com and clicking on "Get Involved" at the top of the page. It's that easy! The Mill is always on the look out for new talent to perform at their weekly gig nights in Glasgow and Edinburgh. For anyone looking for more advice about how to get a gig at The Mill, Keren McKean, who coordinates the A&R team and all band bookings will be available at the start of every gig (in both Edinburgh and Glasgow) to offer her wisdom. Don't be shy!
What do the bands have to do?
Spread the word and tell all their fans, then turn up on their given date, at the correct venue and play in front of a great audience!
What do the bands get?
A chance to perform in great venues with newly installed, high quality PA systems and lighting. Live tracks, mixed by the renowned Tony Doogan, from their set at The Mill - which they can then use freely. Professional filming of one chosen live track from their set at The Mill, again - which they can then use freely. Extensive promotion of their gig through advertising around Glasgow and Edinburgh. Professional PR through features, previews, reviews, listings, competitions and airplay in Scottish media.
What's the catch?
There isn't one! The Mill is an ongoing new music initiative which will continue as long as bands want to take part and gig goers want to attend.

For tickets and information on The Mill Glasgow and Edinburgh go to www.themill-live.com

28.1.09
LONDON CITY SHOWCASE APPLICATIONS OPEN
London’s City Showcase Festival has begun its search for the up and coming musical talent that will form the foundations of this year’s festival. In the past, City Showcase has been an early supporter of some of the biggest names in British music, with Keane, Razorlight, Amy Winehouse , Newton Faulkner and N-Dubz among those artists that have played its stages at early stages of their careers. This year, the three day event has been brought forward to May 7-9 and organisers are hoping to secure their biggest line up of musical talent yet. As well as the usual showcases the event will also host a series of workshops and seminars at The Apple Store, Regent Street, bringing together aspiring talent along with the most influential figures in what is a much reshaped and refreshingly vibrant new music industry.
Artists that want to showcase their work should send a CD demo with a MySpace link or weblink, a brief biography and a photo to City Showcase, PO Box 2212, RH20 2XJ. Alternatively musicians may apply through www.sonicbids.com/cityshowcase

22.1.09
MUSIC WEEK AWARDS - DEADLINE WEDNESDAY JANUARY 28
Entering the Music Week Awards is your opportunity to showcase your success stories and hard work that took place in 2008. If you haven't done so already take a look at the website now and see which categories you can enter and for further information. www.musicweekawards.com/pages/how_to_enter.html Good luck, you've only got 4 working days left!

21.1.09
NORTHERN ROOTS FESTIVAL
A new festival has been launched celebrating the Highland’s great love of folk, country and roots music. However the Northern Roots Festival, to be held on the 3rd to 5th of April at Bogbain Farm just outside of Inverness, is hoping that the quality of the artistes and rustic atmosphere will draw the crowds.
“This is a festival for people who like their music raw and intimate”, explained Brian Ó hEadhra, one of the festival’s organisers. “Unlike many of the big outdoor festivals, there won’t be any pyrotechnics, fireworks or screaming decibels as most of the acts are acoustic in nature.” The festival, which will play over three nights and also include afternoon concerts and workshops, will be held in the Victorian farm buildings at Bogbain Adventure and Heritage Farm. “Only a limited number of tickets go on sale on 1st February. www.northern-roots-festival.com

21.1.09
EDINBURGH YOUTH WINS SIBELIUS STUDENT COMPOSER OF THE YEAR
18-year old Steven Kelly from Marchmont has been named Student Film Composer of the Year (17-18 age-group) in the prestigious national Sibelius Student Composer of the Year 2008 competition, beating off competition from more than 1,800 hopefuls from around the country. Steven’s composition can be heard at www.sibelius.com/studentcomposer Sibelius, whose composition software is used by over 75 per cent of UK secondary schools, runs the competition for 10-18 year olds to highlight the growing importance of technology in unleashing musical creativity in young people. Steven will now have his composition performed at a special awards ceremony at the Royal Academy of Music in London on February 12th in the presence of leading musicians including David Arnold, whose work includes the soundtrack for Quantum of Solace and music education ambassadors Lord Puttnam and Howard Goodall. Steven will also receive £500 prize money and take part in a one to one master class with one of the star judges, who include Michael Price, music editor on Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Steven’s former school – James Gillespies’ High School – will receive a multi-pack of Sibelius 5 software plus keyboards, speakers and software from M-Audio and Digidesign. Says Steven, ‘It’s amazing and really exciting to have won and to know that people like my music. ‘My ultimate aim is to compose for film and computer games. The prize money is great and I am really excited to meet the composers in February.’ Says composer David Arnold, part of the judging panel for the Film category of the competition, ‘The standard of composition in this year’s contest was really extraordinarily high.The finalists especially showed a mature and energetic approach to their music. They obviously have become comfortable with using contemporary technology as part of their compositional process and there were several pieces that very successfully blended orchestral and synthetic elements into a single, cohesive whole. ‘I'm sure that as they continue to write and experiment that we will see several of these young composers emerging as singular and exciting voices in the world of composition.’

12.12.08
EDDI MARKS UP ALBUM JOY
EDDI Reader has heaped praise on her recording engineer/co-producer – saying he ‘worked miracles’ on her forthcoming album. Mark Freegard was recommended to Reader by her long-time collaborator Boo Hewerdine and she quickly realised that his laid-back, sun-lit Glasgow studio was exactly where she wanted to record her forthcoming album, Love Is The Way. Reader said:?“It was one of my ambitions to find a brilliant, warm environment to play live in and record in. I also wanted to meet an engineer who would be empathetic to my desire for capturing mood and feeling over technical trickery. ?Mark was that person.? “Before he moved to Glasgow, he had been working as an engineer and producer in London and America successfully for years with artists such as Justin Currie, Del Amitri,?The Breeders,?Manic Street Preachers,?Marilyn Manson,?Maria McKee?and Madder Rose. Freegard said last night: “Eddi and her band are fabulous musicians, which made my job even more enjoyable. “I’ve designed the room and recording system to be as open, flexible and comfortable as possible, so as not to get in the way of musicians actually playing together at the same time. “The album kind of mixed itself. I spent some time mixing post-recording but the character of the mixes was really established as the songs went down. So it was more fine-tuning and sitting with mixes away from the studio to hone in and focus the overall sound. “I like to get the vocals on as early as possible and, of course, Eddi was more than happy to do this. It makes things so much more immediate and obvious, developing and establishing the vocal presentation from the outset. Then everything else can follow naturally. So with Eddi’s wonderful performances at its heart, the making of this album was a dream.” If you would like to record, mix or master with Mark Freegard, call his management team at Strangelove Music on 07776 212 097. www.markfreegard.com

25.11.08
AC/DC NOT PLAYING T IN THE PARK 2009
Geoff Ellis of DF Concerts today says:
"I can confirm that AC/DC will not be playing at T in the Park 2009. We do not want AC/DC fans to buy a ticket for T in the Park under false pretences as this would not only disappoint them, but also the many people desperate to get their hands on a T in the Park ticket regardless of the headliner."

3.11.08
ROCKIN’ AROUND THE CHRISTMAS T
T in the Park Offers Music Fans A Final Chance To Buy Tickets At 2008 Prices
DF Concerts and founding partners Tennent’s Lager are saying a huge thank you to T in the Park fans for voting the festival to victory in the ‘Best Line Up’ category in last week’s UK Festival Awards as theyreveal news of an exclusive pre-Christmas on-sale.
A limited quantity of gold-dust tickets will go on-sale at 9am on FRIDAY 28th NOVEMBER and will be available through www.tinthepark.com or Ticketmaster on 08444 999 990 or via www.ticketmaster.co.uk. These tickets are THE perfect present for the music lover in everyone’s life and, as an additional Yuletide gift; all tickets purchasers will receive an exclusively designed T in the Park Christmas Card with which to present their loved ones this festive-period.
Ticketing Details: Subject to Booking Fee: Saturday and Sunday Combined Ticket - £137 Weekend Camping (incl. Fri arena access) - £160 Car Park Tickets – Must be bought in advance - £17.50 Thursday camping upgrade - £10
Available to buy from official sources only: www.ticketmaster.co.uk or Tel 08444 999 990Further TITP Info: www.tinthepark.com


2.10.08
TUNE UP 2008/2009
Tune Up, the Scottish Arts Council initiative to support music touring in Scotland, is ready to hit the road with a new round of tours. Divided into two seasons of tours, the first will run from October to December 08, with the second season covering February to June 09 sending artists such as Roddy Woomble and Julie Fowlis on their way to different Scottish cities, towns, villages and islands often neglected on conventional tours. Tune Up takes bands like Injuns and artists such as Claes Cem from the indie ambience of Glasgow’s Barfly to Portree Community Centre on their native Isle of Skye, and allows them to deliver their startlingly original musicianship to a whole new range of audiences. More info at: www.tuneup.org.uk

1.10.08
YOUR SOUND TERM FOUR LAUNCHES – BIGGER & BETTER
King Tut’s networking event for unsigned and independent artists returns on Sunday 5th October for the first Your Sound of Term Four. Between 4pm and 8pm in King Tut’s bar, Your Sound will be DJ’ing some of the best new and unsigned music around on a playlist selected from the hundreds of CD’s submitted for consideration every month. Bands featured on this month’s playlist will be: The French Wives, The ID Parade, Canary Warfare, The Good Fight, The Dirty Demographic, Bronto Skylift, I See Shapes, Journeybox, We See Lights, El Dog, Kid ID, Inspector Tapehead, My Final Wish, Any Colour Black, My Cousin I Bid You Farewell, Airraider, The Lava Experiments, Louis MacBeth, Tango In The Attic, Nixon, Brother Louis Collective, We Were Promised Jetpacks. An Artist of the Month and two Runners Up will be chosen from the playlist, who will have their music added to King Tut’s jukebox and be featured on the King Tut’s and Your Sound websites. As well as having their tunes in the King Tut’s juke box, being featured on the King Tut’s and Your Sound website and myspace pages, from Term Four onwards the Artist of the Month will also be given the option to receive one to one training or a service for free, such as specialist legal advice, performance skills training, a PR campaign, or one of a range of services to help develop their musical career. Having your track included on a Your Sound playlist during Term Four has the potential of opening up lots of doors, as well as giving the opportunity to meet lots of musicians from various musical genres and lots of people working within different strands of the industry. New opportunities for Term Four include Your Sound Academy; a Scotland wide tour, Your Sound - Your Place; the release of a Your Sound album, plus other projects soon to be announced! Your Sound is totally free and whether you’re involved in the music industry or not, it’s THE place to hear new music and meet new people in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. For more information about Your Sound or any of the bands please contact Mo - email moyoursound@live.co.uk; telephone 0141 221 5279 www.kingtuts.co.uk/yoursound www.myspace.com/yoursoundglasgow

1.10.08
UNSIGNED IN FALKIRK - WITH A MOD TWIST
This month’s ‘Unsigned’ gig in Falkirk has a Mod twist, 2 Gaelic punk bands, Oi Polloi and Na Gathan, will be playing at Behind The Wall (14 Melville Street) on Monday 13th Oct between 8 and 10pm. Oi Polloi are an Edinburgh-based four-piece rock band who have been playing their own distinctive brand of noisy punk music all around Europe and North America for many years now. With a string of no less than a dozen full length LPs and ten different singles to their name, the band is widely known and respected worldwide throughout the underground punk scene. While their rabble-rousing punk rock may not be strictly to everyone's taste there is no doubt that they put on a spirited and lively show. As the band themselves say of their music: "Fosgail do chridhe agus fairich am buaidh" or "Open your heart and feel the force"! Na Gathan are an indie-rock band from the Sleat peninsula in the Isle of Skye who sing all of their songs in Gaelic. In the year that they have been together they have toured round Scotland, recorded their first single, recorded a four song session for the brand new Gaelic TV channel, BBC Alba, and won the prestigious BBC Rapal competition for the best new Gaelic song of 2008. Na Gathan are: Tim Armstrong (vocals/synth), Greg Thomson (guitar/vocals), Tom MacAlpine (bass/vocals), and Kathryn MacKay (drums). Na Gathan’s main motivation is to help put Gaelic on an equal footing with English by promoting it at every opportunity through their songs which touch on subjects as varied as love, Gaelic, politics, intergalactic space-travel....
Na Gathan and Oi Polloi. Venue: Behind The Wall, 14 Melville Street, Falkirk, FK11HZ Tel: 01324 633338 www.behindthewall.co.uk www.myspace.com/falkirkunsigned

29.9.08
BIGGARS MUSIC CLOSES
It has been in Glasgow for more than 140 years but now the city's oldest music retailer has closed. Biggars first opened its doors in 1867 and the store in Sauchiehall Street became one of the best-known retail outlets in the west of Scotland for generations of aspiring musicians, selling everything from reeds to pianos. Until recently it was the only music outlet in Scotland that stocked Steinway pianos. A statement issued by the joint administrators said: "Leading up to the appointment the company experienced financial difficulties due to tough market conditions and, in particular, its inability to compete with internet retailers with lower cost bases.”

28.9.08
BEANSCENE SOLD TO FIFI and ALLY
Musical coffee chain Beanscene has been sold to the restaurant and retailer, Fifi and Ally, in a move which has saved 130 jobs. Beanscene, which had its headquarters in Glasgow and employed 142 staff in 14 shops across Scotland, went into administration in July. Fifi and Ally said it would rebrand some of the Beanscene shops. Fifi and Ally was founded in 2005 by entrepreneurs Fiona Hamilton and Alison Fielding. Fiona Hamilton said the deal was part of an expansion: "It is our intention to build on all that is good about Beanscene and our initial focus will be on extending the food offer," she said.