The Best Soup Ever – Audio Soup

By Neil Kerr

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To us music lovers the name “Audio Soup” contains much excitement. It congers thoughts of many musical delights and multitudes of genres all stirred up into a magnificent ear warming soup. The type of soup that offers a hug, is heart warming, always looked forward to and hearty. The audio chefs that put together the aptly named Audio Soup have got the ingredients just spot on.

Audio Soup, held on the 17th, 18th and 19th of July this year, starts before you even reach the site as the setting for this festival is rural to say the least, but stunning is an understatement. The scenery is incredible as you make your way to Cranshaws where Audio Soup is held and the festival site itself is no different, nestled in a valley on a flat area beside the Whiteadder river, the backdrop of the Lammermuir hills in East Lothian is just stunning and campers are lucky enough to be camped right beside the peaty waters of the Whiteadder river, just perfect. The rural location is no problem though as the organisers were running a shuttle bus from the nearest train station to make sure all soupers get there safe.

On arrival at the well signposted site the relaxed atmosphere is immediately apparent at the well organised  box office where the staff were brilliant, not stressing and very welcoming, a brilliant start by anyone’s standards. Parking and camping also were well organised and staffed. Walking to the festival arena from parking Takes you passed the camp site which looked to be a great place to be, many campers were relaxing and enjoying a pre-festival drink beside the river, I think I might just camp next year.

IMG_5838On to the festival, “Audio Soup”. Normally at this point I would go on about the bands I saw and who I thought was great but I can’t do that here because the talent was all superb, I want this to be about Audio Soup, the fantastic people behind it and the great people who attend it because without all those ingredients the soup would be bland. The folks behind Audio Soup put together top quality ingredients for their soup, a blinding line up of acts of many different genres, including a dedicated Hip Hop tent which is a great addition, and the people who attend are the seasoning, Without each other Audio Soup would be just another good festival, with good music.

This festival however is much more than that, the layout of the arena this year was spot on, bars were well positioned so you were never too far from what you wanted to see and were reasonably priced, which is always nice. There were stalls with all sorts of delights for sale and food was plentiful and rather tasty too. My particular favourite was the Pizza from Big Blue but with plenty to chose from I never managed to try everything. There were plenty stages as well, each one seeming to be as popular as the others showing the wide ranging appeal of Audio Soup as there were never two genres the same, a proper scotch broth in a place that offers a setting that could not be more Scottish, hills, heather, fir trees, great music, great food and fantastic people all adding to the perfect soup.

IMG_5850I raise my hat to all, organisers, volunteers and festival goers alike here, all great people with the same idea, to enjoy some of the finest unsigned musicians in a beautiful place. And that is exactly what we all did, I spoke to a good many people there and they all said the same things as I have said above, some enjoyed the DJ’s, some the Hip Hop and others the live bands. Everyone had great things to say about the chill-out areas with swing seats and bars. Parents with children were equally happy with something as simple as a few bales of straw, creating endless joy for their kids, being just the beginning of what families can enjoy at Audio Soup, I for one never saw an unhappy looking youngster all weekend.

IMG_5945To sum up the music at Audio Soup was awesome, there really was something for everyone, two that stood out for me were Cherry Diesel and the superb Mickey 9s  although I could go on and on here. The sound was bang on too and organisation seemed well sorted except the programmes were a wee bit out but that is immediately forgiven as boards appear with a correct daily line up. The perfect soup just add the seasoning, the festival goers who really are just awesome, every one of them adding to the perfect festival experience offered to us in a field at Cranshaws in the Lammermuir Hills of East Lothian. Great location, fantastic music, brilliant organisation, excellent sound and lighting and probably the best bunch of people you are ever likely to have the pleasure of spending a weekend in a field with.

IMG_5658I loved my soup and suggest you get your tickets for next year as soon as you can because this festival is certain to grow and you really should become part of it as that is how Audio Soup makes you feel, like you are a part of something very special, and you are whether you are a festival goer, a musician, sound guy, organiser, media, stall holder or even supply the toilets. You are part of Audio Soup, a vital ingredient in the perfect weekend festival.

See you next year soupers.

Check out the pictures in the gallery below too.

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Supa & Da Kryptonites Dream of Opening Wickerman’s Main Stage Comes True

 

JS9Supa & Da Kryptonites band members travelled from Edinburgh and North Berwick to Glasgow for the warm-up gig that would seal their fate at one of Scotland’s favourite festivals.  The last heat held in Nice ‘N’ Sleazy proved one of the best nights of their career as news hit home. Yes, Supa & Da Kryptonites would be opening The Wickerman Festival, they are one of the best bands in Scotland, and everything written about them in the last piece all of a sudden became 3D.

Now the eve of this life changing event to date is upon them.

Members: Jay Supa. Sarah Knowles. Matthew Edwards, Murray Boyd, Conal McIntosh. Aaron Coppinger, Lewis Bennet, Jonathan Ginty can say after tomorrow night, that they have gone and done it.  Enjoying every adrenaline fuelled moment.

Even though the festival started today, tomorrow is when Supa & Da Kryptonites will take the stage as their own to smash out their most grime/hip hop/funk fused set to date.

If you have a moment and can load up the Wickerman Festival page and click on full-line up, it takes  you to this link:

http://www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk/line-up/

With the Saturday night main stage line-up listed like this.

SATURDAY 25TH JULY

MAIN STAGE

EXAMPLE & DJ WIRE
TOM ODELL

JIMMY CLIFF
NENEH CHERRY
TAL NATIONAL
ADMIRAL FALLOW
RM HUBBERT
YOUNG KATO
SUPA & DA KRYPTONITES

Looking at the bill is the equivalent of seeing your favourite local band’s name in lights against a few greats that you grew up listening to and loving.

SK7Jay couldn’t quite believe it when the news of securing the opening slot was announced. But the evidence is here, crystallised on screen.

The band’s evolved sound has allowed mass audiences to become enamoured with their vocal agility and instrumental dexterity.

 

 

Jay shard the band’s excitement:

‘It’s just really humbling and exciting for all of us.’

‘It will be our biggest gig to date and largest festival we have played that alone makes it pretty special.’

‘But to be opening up to the likes of Example, Nenah Cherry and the living legend that is Jimmy Cliff is actual madness…but we have to just keep it Supa and be ready to bring da funk!’

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Supa & Da Kryptonites also reveal they are looking forward to bringing their ‘own twist of grime’ to the biggest festival to date for them tomorrow.

With that there are only a few things left to say…

Congratulations Supa & Da Kryptonites!!

To your moment at Wickerman….

*Cheers*

Hari

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One Off Battle Of The Bands in Glasgow’s Walkabout Tonight! Heat winner will go to London to play to win a place opening V-Festival!

Tonight in Walkabout, Glasgow, a one off battle of the bands night is being held in order to find THE act that could open up this year’s V-Festival!

Following on from today, a second heat will take place in London where the lucky band will be announced.This is an absolute gem of a chance for independent bands to shine before thousands of music lovers.

V-Festival takes place  on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd August.  Virgin Media Stage performers on Saturday are Kasabian, Sam Smith, Hozier, Courteeners, Annie Mac, James Bay, Marina & The Diamonds and Imelda Hay.  Sunday’s acts include: Calvin Harris, The Script, Ellie Goulding, George, Ezra, The Kooks, Ella Henderson, Gregory Porter and The Proclaimers.

The MTV Stage also looks good with the line-up featuring the likes of Tom Jones, Stereophonics, Chvrches, Clean Bandit, The Charlatans, Labrinth, Bleachers, Kodaline, Mark Ronson, Sigma and then some.

Which is why this is going to be a blood pumping/ exciting night for the 10 acts who come out to play.  Hotly tipped:  Angry Boy, Aurora, Carrie Mac, G-MO, Inari Kolu, Inkman and the Mayans, Noah Mean, Revolver, Slopes, and, The Label will take to the stage from 6.30-11.30pm.

I caught up Inari last week after she finished a series of exams which allowed her to graduate university with a Bachelor’s  degree in Genetics.  If you are impressed with that you should hear her skills behind the mic and keys, she’s a sensation.

The Finnish born performer has a crisp, unadulterated sound which elevates through each song on her E.P. ‘Echoes.’  Latest release, ‘Shooting Stars’ is also a powerful reflection of her immense potential.   Inari actually covers Ellie Goulding’s track, ‘Lights’ on her E.P. which is available to stream on Sound Cloud now. There is more on Inari and producer/band support Gavin Paterson coming to these pages soon.

Like Inari then, the calibre of all tonight’s performances will be high.

I wish all the bands a cracking time. It’s going to be some experience.

Enjoy!

Hari

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Kelvin Fast Track Through The Circuit

By Harsharan Hoonjan

 

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If you are looking for a new anthemic indie rock band dripping with Glasgow appeal, then look no further, Kelvin has arrived!  And with support now coming from Simple Minds, you should definitely keep an eye on this lot!

Forming in February, after a bunch of experimental gigs last year, Andrew (Guitar), Bradley (Bass), Connor (Vocals & Guitar) and Michael (Drums) decided to take music making seriously by starting Kelvin.

Giving up their jobs and sticking a fork in the ground, the lads planted the seeds that would allow them to flourish. Kelvin has been grafting within the live music sector in Glasgow and beyond since 2013.

Sounding incredible with newfound signature style, their hard work seems to be paying off as they’ve captured the attention of several influential bodies, including Jim Gellatly.

The highly regarded Scottish Music Maestro will this week play Kelvin’s debut single, ‘Punching Bag’,  as his Break Out Track on XFM’s  Drive Time Show on Thursday (23rd July).

Kelvin 3Also, Simple Minds gave Kelvin a shout out and recommendation on Social Media yesterday morning, Kelvin reported this was an ‘unbelievable honour.’

This follows on from months of gigging, getting on national TV and being featured on local radio.

Specifically, the above mentioned include: Kelvin playing a live set on STV Glasgow, having their band story aired on Clyde 1, completing an Irish Tour, gigging in several cities from Dublin to Galway, taking  over a stage in Manchester, Liverpool, Luxembourg (!), Edinburgh (Sneaky Pete’s) and several places in Glasgow.

One of their most successful gigs was at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut (King Tut’s) when they supported Darlia.

With a great response at King Tut’s the first time round, they’ve been booked back in. This time Kelvin will headline and play out the final night of the King Tut’s Summer Nights Festival on 30th of this month!

I eventually caught up with the fast movers in the flesh when they headlined the SAMAs (Scottish Alternative Music Awards) 2nd acoustic showcase event.

Their set followed on from 3 other fantastic acts:  Josephine Sillars, Michael Cassidy and Gerry Cinnamon (Gerry also played the T-Break stage at T in The Park!)

Connor shared his feelings about being part of the successful SAMA experience:

“Exciting man, really cool to be part of it, there’s a good atmosphere”

“Michael Cassidy and Gerry Cinnamon are great, it’s good to play beside these guys and get into the Scottish scene a bit more. “

Kelvin 5bSo when seated on the ground floor of the Citizen M Hotel, Kelvin played us 7 tracks.

Debut single Punching Bag was one of them. It’s a confident rhythmic melody interspersed with hearty bass lines, ratcheting drums, the lyrics alone are worthy of whistles and gushing cheers.   Hard hitters like Bloodlines pull at the senses and smacks you with compassion; it’s another great representation of Kelvin.

Fast Track Ways also featured and is a favourite; this is a song that covers the intensity of soul breaking moments being flipped into something good. Turning things around and going from pain to power.

I also think Kelvin is a band that has sought out the power in what they do, found their voice and strengthened it for the good of their main mission. I love how each song has an intriguing story, but this one and its lyrics ties in quite well with overcoming adversity and winning an internal battle.  Fast Track Ways is just one of many anthems in their superb set list.

I could sum up Kelvin’s sound as tall glass of hot chocolate: rich, filling, and deliciously smooth on the ear, and of course damn hot.

The acoustic set really does do them justice, and brings the depth of Kelvin’s sound to the forefront.

So it’s no wonder their full throttle gigs sell out!

One year in the making and the differences between their performances when I first saw them then and now is striking: noticeable in tone, audience interaction, and vibe.

Front man and lead singer, Connor, definitely has a persona that translates well at gigs.

Interacting with the audience included asking if ‘Man in the hat’, liked what he was hearing. And before, ‘Begging and Pleading’ started; Connor suggested those that had been dumped leave.

K6Their set had a cool, friendly, responsive feel, more so compared to the Luxembourg audience who I’m told:

“…didn’t know what we were talking about”, Connor.

Despite the language barrier, Kelvin must have impressed, as they have been asked back! Although a second visit may be on the pipeline after the band completes their summer gigs.

Because not only are they headlining and closing out the King Tut’s Summer Nights festival on 30th July, they are planning on releasing their single in August, and will also go on a single tour in October. And I was given further news regarding their support slots later this year.  I can confirm the acts Kelvin will be supporting are BIG. Definitely check back on their Website and Facebook/Twitter feeds for updates!

Impressed with their work ethic, fantastic songs and slick style, advancements can be put down to the whole team, but most importantly I believe their manager, Marc McStay, is pivotal to Kelvin’s success. The Playlist Unearthed founder is leading the band in all the right directions.

With his finger on the pulse, Marc contributes to the music scene in a major way, and helps others in the business where he can.

With eye-contact you can’t fail to comprehend as business, Andrew, Bradley, Connor, Michael and Marc know the drill.  You get the feeling Kelvin is in training for a huge event.  A certain level of respect is felt through the atmosphere; this isn’t just a pastime for them, music making is a way of life now. And they want to ensure it’s an amazing one.  It’s all packed into a night’s work, from talking to me, playing their souls out, to connecting with other musicians and then zooming home straight after the doors shut.

K7Although in the short time I got chatting to the lads, it’s nice to know they work hard and play hard, enjoying a beer or two and maybe even some Fifa. Asked about one of the things they loved when on tour in Ireland, Connor responded with:

“Guinness with a dash of blackcurrant, that’s what you call a cocktail over there!”

Well, that’s that settled then.

Kelvin may be a bit on the professional side. But I think that’s partly why they are so damn good

In fact, you might find yourself singing along with them when they belt out:

“I’ve found the good, I’ve found the gooood!” – Fast Track Ways by Kelvin.

Check out Social Media and find out what Simple Minds and everyone else is saying about Kelvin.

Links:

http://kelvinband.com/

https://www.facebook.com/kelvinbanduk

https://twitter.com/kelvinbanduk

Upcoming Gigs:

24th July: The Village Inn, East Kilbride (Acoustic Set)

30th July: King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut for King Tut’s Summer Nights

Kelvin A

 

 

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Break The Butterfly: Achieving The Unachievable

By Harsharan Hoonjan

 

Break The Butterfly is not a band for play it safe folks.

This band is hardcore and not afraid of a challenge.

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So much so, it fought off thousands of entrants, and went through a four week battle of the bands process, and played the final to become Global Finalists representing Scotland, and Europe for Hard Rock Rising in Barcelona.

Break The Butterfly will play alongside the following: Blazer from Buenos Aires,  Enemy Planes from Minneapolis, Chanson Calhoun from Louisville, Dorothy from Osaka and Wolf Colony from New York.

One of which will be crowned the Hard Rock Rising Global Winner.

BTB1The music festival will feature the likes of Avicii, Kings of Leon, Lenny Kravitz, Robbie Williams and . Steve Angello.

Originating from Levenmouth, Fife, Cameron Barnes, Craig Thomson, Andrew Low, Billy Underwood, and Craig Paton from BTB will jet off tomorrow ready for action!

During the first heat in Glasgow, judges praised the folk/rock outfit on their performance and crowd pleasing set.

“Built for Festivals” and “What are you doing here?!” are a few reminders that the band is as strong contender as any other for the Global win. Not only is Break The Butterfly the only band from Scotland to get through, they are the only band representing Europe.

If they do win, Break The Butterfly (BTB) will get the chance to play out to a 60,000 strong audience. The festival  will be held on the Friday 24th and Saturday 25th July. The Global winner will be announced on Saturday night.

BTB2With support from celeb Comedian and Political Activist Russell Brand, their influence has accelerated to a worldwide platform already.  On Twitter @RustyRockets mentioned and shared a link to ‘Pringle’ by BTB. This was in the run up to the Independence Referendum last year.

He posted that Break The Butterfly is: ‘A proper tartan band that embrace Scottish freedom.’

In an interview with me when the lads played Voice of Scotland’s sessions in Edinburgh’s Banshee Labyrinth this year, Cameron revealed he still keeps in touch with the outspoken public figure.

“He always asks how we’re doing and is up for going for a drink, even though he doesn’t drink. “ – Cameron Barnes

Break The Butterfly also have the backing from local press in Fife, to STV Glasgow. The Hard Rock Café chains, and  another important supporter, Jim Gellatly, who is one of the  Hard Rock Cafe BOTB judges, Jim recently published an article on the band in his column with The Scottish Sun.

BTB4Their large home crowd following is one of the best I have seen. Quite boisterous and vivacious.

Musically, BTB reflect a tongue and cheek, playful demeanour, definitely stage worthy and memorable. They break out the bagpipes as well as the smiles. Their music strikes a happy upbeat vibe, which is perfect for a large scale mainstream audience.

So be it festivals or 18th birthday parties. Break The Butterfly will always jump start the party.

But what does the name Break The Butterfly mean?

“Means trying to achieve the unachievable”   – Cameron

With that, on behalf of everyone here at Voice of Scotland, we would like to wish  Break The Butterfly all the best whilst out in Barcelona.

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But regardless of the outcome, BTB should not  stop smiling, because by taking the risk, applying, doing their best, stepping up to the plate, jetting out, playing in Barcelona and reaching the top 6 finalists in the world, they’ve already won.

They are already achieving the seemingly unachievable.

To BTB: Congratulations Guys, enjoy Barcelona. smash your set  and have a great time!

Find out more and keep up-to-date with Break The Butterfly here:

www.facebook.com/breakthebutterfly

https://twitter.com/breaktheb

 

 

 

 

 

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The LaFontaines: Celebrating The Fonts

by Harsharan Hoonjan

The LaFonts 6

Imagine your band winning a slot on the T-Break Stage a year after officially forming, getting to play out to the biggest audience of your life, and finally, finally getting your big break.

It must feel like your dream scene, after countless nights and weekends of training, to be told that yes, you’ve made the cut. Fast forward to being there, pounding the festival stage with lights, guts and glory. And it’s only the start of a brand new journey. Take in the feeling of ecstasy as thoughts and good vibes bounce through your mind like a tennis ball at a Wimbledon match.

THE LAFONTAINES 3Then being called back,  year after year , to play, to give your all, to do it all over again. To be accepted to make the cut every year,  to keep stepping up your game, to actually open up the main stage at T in the Park this year, and being one of the best and most recognisable bands in Scotland and to feel the full force of support behind you.

The LaFontaines…a band that has fans to the tune of 11k, starring Kerr Okan, Iain Findlay, Darren McCaughey, John Gerard and Jamie Keenan from Glasgow/Motherwell formed in 2010, and are an example of this outstanding feat.

Classed as an independent Rap/Rock band from Glasgow/Motherwell, the lads have been cutting loose in pubs, live music venues and an assortment of festivals local and international. Their achievements and accolades must make their mums and dads blush. They have a list as long as half your arm, okay maybe a full arm.

A few of these glowing music achievements include: Winning Best Live Act at the 2013 Scottish Alternative Music Awards, Winning the Big Apple Award.  And being selected to play for Scotland week in New York, also they’ve supported huge names like Twin Atlantic, The Ting Tings, Professor Green, Tinchy Stryder and George Watsky.

CLASS

Having first stumbled across their name while starting out in the live music reporting world, I hit them up on Facebook and found a link to their sound cloud page.   It was like someone had got a huge air vent and blasted it in my general direction. I was thrown off balance, my mind was blown.

“Trying to write lyrics that these kids might repeat. “ – Kerr raps out on King.  Surely, this is one life goal that must have been met by now?

Because their songs imprint themselves on your brain like an exciting memory.  With lines you are happy to have stuck in your head, and you’ll gladly use the repeat button as too much of a good thing in this context is heavenly.

So when the five-piece finally dropped their first album on our laps after successful EP releases, we were ready.  CLASS is an 11 track legend that’s like a best pal, will keep you afloat, make you smile, it raises your spirit, keeps your chin up, it celebrates, and toasts your best days, and hugs your crap ones away. I love the fact that this album is one you can take with you and play anywhere, it’s got your back at every turn,it’s power is CLASS and its being sung for more than just The LaFontaines mates.  It’s for the 5 best pal’s new mates – you and me.

Coupled with the band’s high octane live performances, you just need to watch a live video, maybe even ‘Shark in the Water’ to grab a glimpse of the utterly fantastic show this lot put on.  Surviving on these videos at home doesn’t quite shake the feeling you get at a live gig.

THE LAFONTAINES IMAGESeeing them at Stereo, Glasgow for, ‘Big FONT night in’ to celebrate the success of CLASS, and mark the start of their UK Album Tour. I was overwhelmed.  My nose nearly got bashed in trying to get videos at the back of the mosh pit, but it was one of the best gigs I’ve ever been to.

 

The band got people up to perform stage dives as part of their next video for Junior Dragon.   Literally having folk jumping from the stage into the crowd as the mosh pitters rallied round to catch each falling star. I felt lucky to be there, capturing the spirit.

Everyone that wanted to stage dive did. The LaFontaines made sure of it.

So this weekend, is a big deal for the lads, for the fans, their families and friends.

Following on from that is The Barrowlands gig in November. And if you watch the video for King, it features scenes from the iconic venue, representing home.

If you have been following The LaFontaines, think about where the band was a few years ago at T and where they are this year at the festival. Look at The Barrowlands as another vision that has now also been realised and become an actual set in stone upcoming event!

THE FONTS 4

I have to say it being  a fan of a band like The LaFontaines is celebration in itself.

Cheers for making music guys!

Enjoy  T and The Barrowlands!

Discover The LaFontaines:

http://www.thelafontaines.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/thelafontainesmusic?fref=ts

– Facebook photos used with permission.

 

 

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Tijuana Bibles: Wild Intentions

By Harsharan Hoonjan

t5poss

Tijuana Bibles is one of the strongest bands to have come out of the Glasgow music industry.

Gritty, jaggy round the edges is what I am talking about, creating a tidal wave rush, they define alternative. Making music for punk rebels, deviating from the norm and killing off the generic; they can provide the antidote to a turbulent day.  Their music is laced with wild intentions.

“Wild like the river of my love for you” – Wild, Tijuana Bibles

When they perform, Tony Costello throws as much passion into his moves as he pours into the mic. I am not sure how many tracks the guys have played to get to a level of utter dissonance, but they have come a long way since their first rodeo. Their videos give you a glimpse of their style,  but an actual gig is where you see the congruent force behind scream worthy unrelenting  guitar hooks, licks that pierce your brain, uncompromising super bass, knock ‘em dead drums and a voice so beefy and thick, it could be a five star steak.  And those lyrics…you just have to listen and prepare to be wowed on impact by their collective weapons of mass compulsion.  I was hooked from day 1.

TB OMAt a gig, for This Feeling, the vibe was like fire/smash and grab, urgent and important, pumping a feeling of adrenaline our way.

“Ain’t nothing but a dirty deal, troubles that the world won’t heal,

Ain’t nothing but a dirty deal…gone wrong…wooo hooo hooo hoo, woooo ooooh”

“Oh lord what I wouldn’t give to taste another one of your sweet lies.”

“Now brother please, for you accused, you better walk a mile in ma shoes.”

– Toledo

Their first E.P. titled ‘Wild River’ is four cracking tracks loaded with the band’s signature sound.  Listen out and discover for yourself the mastery contained in lyric and sound dynamism – woo! . Latest releases include Toledo, Crucifixion and Sun Chaser. Nice ‘N’ Sleazy was the venue of choice to launch ‘Crucifixion.’  The gig was so packed; crowds were creeping up to the stage. At this point, it was blindingly obvious the band had succeeded in packing out venues in their home city. Tony even told me that at their Broadcast gig, people were actually lined up outside, and it almost became a 2 in 1 out door policy.

There is absolutely no doubt the amount of attention and fan loyalty Tijuana Bibles have as they get better with each performance. This must be down to all that practising and going on back to back tours.

3From Aberdeen to London, to playing a range of local and widely recognised festivals, they have got plenty of opportunities in front of them.  After first seeing them at Voice of Scotland showcase last year they have spanned the circuit and created quite an imprint.  Managing to land a spot at the King Tut’s Tent at T in the Park last year was understandably one of their biggest achievements. This year they return to the new home of T at Strathlain Castle to play the most lusted after of stages, T-Break.

They’ll join friends, Crash Club who are also playing the stage, and Tony even features on track, ‘Final Dance.’  Crash Club in itself are owed their own review, as they are unstoppable at creating the most exhilarating up-tempo beats. Crash Club will stop you from going to the bar and glue you to the floor. So Final Dance together with Tony Costello from Tijuana Bibles is a completely different animal.

It’s definitely exciting watching Tijuana Bibles smash every opportunity they get.

And as mentioned when they got a double page spread in the papers this year,  Tijuana Bibles should be on your ‘gonna be massive’ list.

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Look out for them playing at a show/festival near you.

To the band, thanks for making music guys!

And congrats to all the T-Break Finalists!

Hari

Discover Tijuana Bibles here:

Website: http://tijuanabibles.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tijuanabiblesofficial?fref=ts

Twitter: @Tijuana_Bibles

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The Rising Souls: The Norman Yarrow Parkinson’s Benefit Review

by Harsharan Hoonjan

TRF6

Like nectar to a bee, Dave Archibald, Tom Reed, and Roy ‘Kelso’ Laing slammed on those seats at The Record Factory when they headlined the Norman Yarrow Parkinson’s Benefit in April, People ate up their words, melodies, bass, percussion, guitar and even their CDs. Their stripped back soul was a recipe akin to creating honey.

The multiplicity generated from the Edinburgh 3 piece was palpable.

Here are some comments from after the show; these are from 2 people who saw the band for the first time that night:

“I love The Rising Souls!!”

“I just bought their album…”

TRS5During the set, Dave championed ‘Drunken Rab’, ‘Boxer’ , all the songs from their then newly released E.P. and at least half a dozen more from their debut album.  Roy swiftly changed gears, tempo and churned out guitar greats, and Tom accelerated the action with his multi-talented percussion mastery. Sitting before us were three credible musicians who came all the way from Edinburgh to headline the charity event.

Driving through for a cause like this after work on a Friday exemplifies what it says on their website; there really is no gig too big or too small for them. They are dauntless and with good reason, they have a portfolio that makes you positively glow, speaking as a promoter and as a live music enthusiast. Their attitude to the scene is a welcome notion that shrugs off any doubts about working with them again.

TRSCandid in their approach and superb quality on stage, toward the end of the stage curfew, they performed three songs for the price of “one more tune!”  The Rising Souls definitely gave their all and made the event worth every minute.

Thank you to everyone that joined in and supported the event. Also,  special thanks to Scott McWatt (who also hosted – an absolute legend, thank you Scott!),  Jonny Jack (who performed an exclusive solo set for us, thank you Jack – another star!), and to Formal Party, who played a blinder as well (thank you very much).

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The Rising Souls are magnetising audiences with their version of  stripped back soul,  and for that they are becoming one of the most reputed bands in Scotland.

There is a far weightier account of all the greats the band has achieved, and you can read all about them and source some of their music from the following links:

https://www.facebook.com/therisingsouls

http://www.therisingsouls.com/

www.soundcloud.com/the-rising-souls

Thanks once again!

Hari

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Jonny Jack Release ‘SHE’

by Harsharan Hoonjan

JJ1B

Douglas, Jonny, Michael and Paul are the easy to approach, friendly four-piece from Glasgow. You may have even read their interview with me on these pages (June, 2014) last year.

Listen to their songs and you can associate them being made for play during a romantic evening, walk along the beach, or at a BBQ.

JJM

But I find new release, ‘She’, represents that uneasy starved feeling you get at the pit of your stomach.

Laced with break –up anguish, She, is a track that will puncture.  The lyrics layered with intense throbbing tones gear you up for a tearjerker.  Produced by Jonny’s vocal prowess and synchronised with echoing rhythms, and beats. It’s in contrast to their previous tracks in tone and subject matter.

 

 

 

“Sheeee don’t care about meeee…” is just one line of thought we get to hear.

And it’s shorter than their other songs too; it’s a mere 2 minutes and 20 seconds long.  But it’s concise and the emotion expresses itself fluently.

JJ12If you are new to Jonny Jack, they are best known as a band with an‘unforgettable’ (NME) sound and ‘irresistible’, Tim Robinson (BBC Introducing), vocals.  So when Jonny agreed to perform (a special solo set) at The Record Factory for The Norman Yarrow Parkinson’s Benefit in April, I was thrilled! Whether solo or full band Jonny Jack play as if their family or best friends are in the audience.  Endearing?   Completely, I believe the band is both on and off stage.

Because as Jonny went to leave after another soul touching performance he stopped, chatted briefly, posed for photos, signed autographs, and said with a straight face:

“Make sure you get home alright.”

Unless close relatives or friends, these days, does anyone ever say things like that to you?

That feeling is resonated in their music.

Music that’s so real…

…It feels wrong.

JJ9

Discover Jonny Jack for yourself and sample ‘She’, here:

https://soundcloud.com/jonnyjackmusic/jonny-jack-she

https://www.facebook.com/JonnyJackMusic

 

 

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West Lothian Rockers Make Waves Across The World

by Harsharan Hoonjan

The Phantoms 55It would seem, Broxburn Band, The Phantoms is making waves in Scotland, England and across international waters too.

From write-ups spanning America ( both Argentina, and New York), Australia, England, and Scotland (including words from the reputable Jim Gellatly). The Phantoms are gaining recognition from rivers to oceans. Not only have they headlined King Tut’s thrice, they’ve supported  Catfish and The Bottlemen, We Were Promised Jetpacks, and recently played at London’s Palomino Party, supporting Bombay Bicycle Club DJ set, they have also bagged a Sheffield gig in July. The Phantoms are jetting through the circuit and quickly aligning themselves as a household name.

tp6Their influence was strengthened last week when they landed in London’s Amersham Arms on Saturday night. Colin Simpson, Colin McKillop, Blair Cullen and Zach Tarimo Goodhur played to a 100 man strong crowd.  The gilt-edged young rockers provided the essential warm up before Bombay Bicycle Club’s DJ Set, blasting out tunes till the wee hours of Sunday morning.

Colin Simpson was delighted saying:

‘It was amazing, we smashed it!’

 

So much so, that the venue organiser got back in touch, mirroring their positive response; London wants more of The Phantoms.

The band’s Facebook and Twitter posts read:

‘London thanks for having us!!!! That was incredible, one of our best gigs yet!! We will be back soon…’

tp8Big cities seem to love this band; they have a way of making things come together.  In Edinburgh they’ve been packing out shows in both Sneaky Pete’s and Cabaret Voltaire. And in Glasgow The Phantoms managed to supply a bus load of hometown supporters to attend their gigs at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut in August and December last year.  On the back of that, they were requested to perform again in March this year. On this occasion they scored more sales than the main band and in an unprecedented landslide, wound up being the ones to headline!

If that doesn’t surprise you, then maybe finding out about the number of bloggers who pen review after review of the four-piece through each stage of their journey will, and it’s been non-stop (Ahem!) Ralph from Ralph’s Life, even has a poll of most blogged bands, at one point The Phantoms were number 1!  Bloggers from Scotland to Australia have had a thing or two to say about the band. The Phantoms music was described in one review as, ‘Arresting’ Well who can contest that?!

Also, Jim Gellatly not only featured The Phantoms latest release on his XFM Drive time show, he wrote impressive things about them in his weekly column with The Sun as well.

‘What Oasis would have sounded like if they had listened to The Doors rather than the Beatles’ – Jim Gellatly on The Phantoms

Intriguing!

tp9Additionally, the lads recently  supported Kyle Falconer from The View on 5th June in Edinburgh. They’re also set to play Tramlines Inner City Music Festival in Sheffield, on 25th July. And of course they are just fresh from rubbing shoulders with members of Bombay Bicycle Club.

Successful shows and rave reviews from Scotland, England, America and Australia are definitely great feats for the 20-somethings who are sharp as tacks, producing noteworthy tracks that hook an audience locally, nationally and internationally.

 

Wasting Time and Revolution are just two examples of their potent style.

Listen now:

https://soundcloud.com/thephantomsuk/revolution

https://soundcloud.com/thephantomsuk/wasting-time

Also, news just in confirms there are only 10 tickets left for The Phantoms upcoming headline show at Sneaky Pete’s this Saturday. They sold out all their presale tickets, surprise has left my face and in its place is… excitement.

What are you waiting for?

Sneaky Pete’s Event Link:

http://thephantoms2014.bigcartel.com/product/headline-gig-sneaky-pete-s-edinburgh-saturday-27th-juneBand

tp2

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/TMATW

https://twitter.com/Phantoms_The

https://soundcloud.com/thephantomsuk

 

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