In no particular order.....bob dylan, crosby, stills & nash, buffalo springfield, the beatles, ray lamontagne, love, john martyn, simon & garfunkel, kings of convenience, ride, doves, jefferson airplane, the byrds, the left banke, bert jansch, big star, the zombies, the doors, 13th floor elevators, the creation, dillard & clark..among others!
Robbie MacInnes was formed on a hot summer's day in the 1970's, and the lineup has remained the same ever since. The No.1 in the charts that week was 10cc's 'I'm Not In Love'.
Here is a recent interview Robbie did with Ian Russell for 'Ayrshire on Sunday':
MUSIC THRILLS WITHOUT FRILLS
"Robbie MacInnes is a new breed of fine Ayrshire singer songwriters.
But his current lofty standing - city gigs, critical acclaim and a debut EP on the way - is far from the 'overnight success' label slapped on him by some 'in the know'. Robbie bought his first guitar in the mid-1990's, so it's hardly been a rapid rise to fame (his fortune's still to made).
There's nothing fancy about the purchase then, from the old Index catalogue store in his hometown's King Street, and there are no frills about Robbie now.
The guitar, 'a piece of rubbish' Robbie reckons, cost just £29, but he treasured the flimsy instrument and spent the next six months working his way through a 'How To Play Guitar' book he bought in the town's RGM Music Shop.
Trying to play the chords for songs like (cringe) Amazing Grace and She'll be Coming Round the Mountain resulted in bleeding fingers, naturally.
"But eventually I got the hang of it," said Robbie, "and it wasn't long until I was writing my own stuff. I think that's where a lot of wannabe guitarists fall down - they buy a guitar and just want to learn how to play their favourite riff from their favourite album. When they realise they aren't getting anywhere they get bored, stick the guitar in the corner of their bedroom, and hope that it will get them a girlfriend."
The MacInnes philosophy? "If you want to play the cool stuff you have to persevere with the crap at the start!"
Now, after stints with bands including Due North, later Moseley, and Joan of Arkansas, the Caprington kid is solo and it's so far, so good for him and his beautiful batch of Americana-tinged tales.
Obviously influenced by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Bob Dylan, The Byrds and The Beatles, Robbie's a man going places. He's hopefully and deservedly, about to break through to a wider audience." IAN RUSSELL
I edited my profile with Thomas' Myspace Editor V4.4
Howdy , Just a wee message to let you know that The Ballachulish Hellhounds will be playing at The Vale, Glasgow on saturday 31st May. Complimenting our line-up for the first time are Ian Fraser (Bass) and Sara Cull (fiddle) Expect the usual good natured Old Timey/Bluegrass mayhem and a whole bunch of new tunes. Theres another 3 bands on the bill , James Hara, Jim McAteer and Paul Malcolm. Its only 4 bucks on the door, much cheapness :) Hope to see you there!! Cheers The Hounds
enjoyed listening to you saturday night at Break Out The Jams, Robbie. and thanks for seeking us out on myspace. we ended up playing after 11pm so you may have missed us. maybe we will see you at one of our gigs, next thursday soundhaus, 6 june renfrew ferry, 18 june the local etc. keep it up really liked your songs man
awritie mate, sounds like your gigging like mad nowadays! we off down to warrington to play on sat unfortunately. We are trying to get a big gig arranged ourselves and hoping to get u on with us mate. Will be in touch! Goodluck sat mate, ur tunes are sounding sweet on the myspace.
Thanks for dropping by... Glasgow is more than a few miles away from western Canada. It's great to connect with other artists overseas. Stop by and leave a comment.
Hey Robbie MacInnes!! Greetings from New York City. Thanks for the ADD which I value. We're from different spectrums but its great to connect... You have great stuff going on. Have to go back again and check it out in more detail. Madooo.. The guy with the "BEATLES TRIBUTE ALBUM FROM INDIA"
How you doing Robbie? Been listening to the EP. Gorgeous stuff, well done that man! Hopefully see you playing soon, once I'm up and running again. Take care. Amy x
Smoke Feathers have been invited to play at the INDY Music Awards media launch and short list announcement party on Wednesday April 2nd 7pm at the Rock Garden, Covent Garden, London.
It’s no guarantee that we have been shortlisted for the final, but we hope it is a good sign....
Cheers Robbie, I enjoyed your set too. Especially the story about your grandad ;) Let me know when you're gigging next and if there's anything happening in Ayrshire. Not had a gig outside of Glasgow for ages!
