15 for 2015 By Neil Kerr
Here it is, my wee list of some of the acts I reckon are going to shine through in 2015. There is no order in the list, no 15th or 1st place, just the acts i have encountered over 2014 that I think have what it takes to progress in the industry. I have not based my choices on preference or taste as far as possible, although I think it inevitable that a bit of that has stowed away in there regardless. I have chose acts that work hard, and not just on stage but in the band room behind closed doors, on promotion, on recording, videos and of course their live performance. Hard work in my opinion well worth a mention.
It was a tough list to compile, many many acts should be in there but that would take forever to sort out so a limit had to be adhered to. I settled for 15 for 2015 because it was easy.
So without further delay and in no particular order here is my 15 For 2015 with a brief intro and some links to their stuff.
Have Mercy Las Vegas
HMLV have been on the scene since 2011 and have worked hard since then to be heard. I first heard this act a while back when I heard them on Ds Saturday Session on Radio West Fife and had to hear some more of the Dunbartonshire act. The band Released their single Pappy this year and it is brilliant I love it they also released their excellent debut album entitled That’s Life. Go Get the album if you can. And go see this great live act.
https://havemercylasvegas.bandcamp.com/
https://twitter.com/hmlvuk
https://www.facebook.com/HaveMercyLasVegas?fref=ts
Enemies Of The State
EOTS came to my attention when they sent me a copy of their song “No Tomorrow” and I loved it so had to hear more. I have to say I am glad they sent me that because the band are superb. The past 12 months have seen the Glasgow band release their first music video, release their debut album (which is brilliant,) support big country and headline King Tuts amongst a host of other achievements. Keep an eye out for them in 2015 because this band is moving fast.
http://www.enemiesof.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Enemiesofthestateband?fref=ts
https://twitter.com/Enemiesof
Victorian Trout Conspiracy
This band have the ability to bring entire rooms to life with their unique rock, pop, ska, funk mix If you like a dance then the Trouts will not disappoint, great fun band, great songs that make you move skillfully put together by talented musicians. This year saw the release of VTC’s second EP “Paddles With Piranhas” I have my copy and its great, go get yours and remember to catch the band live.
http://www.victoriantroutconspiracy.com/
https://www.facebook.com/victoriantroutconspiracy?fref=ts
Oskar
The first thing you will notice when you hear Oskar perform is the vocal, the frontman knows how to use his voice, and he does just that. Oskar caught my eye in may this year at a gig in Edinburgh, the band were only a month old at that point and how they have progressed over the past 7 months releasing their debut EP and ending their debut year with a gig in the famous King Tuts in Glasgow.
Check them out
Broken Boy
Formed in 2012 Broken Boy have carved a successful path for themselves and if you go see them you will see why. This band work hard to put on a show you wont forget in a hurry, both visually and with their well crafted songs the three piece are sure to impress. I have watched this band grow over the past 12 months and they are definitely one to look out for in 2015. Go Check em out.
Break The Butterfly
Levenmouth Folk Rock outfit Break The Butterfly are moving fast. If folk rock is your thing then get a load of them. Another band who I must recommend you see live because they are great live, Their recordings are good too yes, but live they really shine. Their song “Pringle” Caught my attention the first time I heard them, great tunes and hard work from these guys is sure to get them seen in 2015
Check BTB out on the links below.
The Mona Lisa’s
The Mona Lisa’s brand of indie rock has got them noticed over the last 12 months seeing them get gigs with This Feeling, Pretty Green and King Tuts to name a few as well as airplay on many radio stations across the country. The Ballingry band work tirelessly to make their music the best they can and it shows when you see them. Formed in May 2013 The Mona Lisa’s have quickly made themselves a band to be noticed. Look out for them as they take 2015 to the cleaners. Keep up to date with TML using the links below.
Mickey 9s
Mickey 9s were recommended to me by a friend who was keen for me to see them, a great recommendation it turned out to be. The Mickey 9s are a real treat, showmanship is the winner here, mix that with catchy tunes, a great vocal and the talent that makes up Mickey 9s and you have a recipe for a great night. Again the recordings from this Glasgow band are great but you really have to see them live, it’s a must see.
Foreignfox
In a successful debut year seeing the release their debut EP ‘We Float Like Sinking Ships’ and appearing at GoNorth, Wickerman & Belladrum Festival as well supporting some well known acts, Foreignfox have made themselves seen fast. Another great sounding hard working band to look out for in 2015. Have a listen and see for yourself.
Jo Hill
Jo Hill couldn’t not be on this list, Jo and I met through radio, she came and did a live session on a show I did and she left me shaking. This Catalan songstress has a voice that will leave you stunned. I have seen Jo Hill leave rooms of seasoned musicians stunned, they can’t believe their ears when they hear Jo belt out one of her original tunes for the first time. Another must see for 2015.
Cherry Diesel
Now this band are really new, having only played one gig to the date I wrote this so you could say they are a bit of a gamble, however I know some of the members from their involvement with another band. and I liked what they did there, I was also sent a couple of demos from them before their gig and I am impressed, I think if this band keep up the hard work and work their set the best they can then you really should check out Cherry Diesel in 2015. It’s gonna get funky!
Common Ground
Kilwinning band Common ground have had a busy year, after playing their first ever gig in December 2013 this act went on to become the Voice Of Scotland single of the year as voted by our readers then in early 2014 played their second ever gig to a packed PJ Molloys in Dunfermline in aid of the Clutha Disaster benefit. The band have went on to play gigs all over in their debut year and secured themselves some great support slots too. No surprise with songs like “Mr VIP” on their set list.
Jamie & Shoony
Another act that have kept up a fast pace throughout the past 12 months are Jamie & Shoony. This band started as a duo in 2011 and have progressed to become a four piece. The past twelve months saw the band release their first music video and share a stage with Big Country in front of 6000 people at Party at the Palace, good achievements which reflect the work the boys do to keep their art alive. Again another band that are well worth going to see live.
Echo Arcadia
Echo Arcadia are set to move in 2015, they have some big things coming and plenty new stuff for us to hear too, as well as all the fantastic stuff from their debut album “Beauty In An Average Life” released in 2014 which I personally love. The band are set for many things in 2015 which I will let them tell you about as they see fit, all you have to do is follow the links below and give em a like or a follow to keep up to date with this superbly creative band. 2015 looks set to be the year of the Arcadian.
The Beat Movement
I have stole the words of Voice contributor Pat McGuire here because he said it so damn well.
“Live The Beat Movement are note perfect the way that only a band who puts the work in can be. And that is heartening to me. I’m not anti electronic music or studio bands at all, but I really admire bands than put the effort into their music so that they can produce live just as well as on record. I see great things on the horizon for The Beat Movement if they keep up their hard work, keep gigging and recording, and keep on keeping on.”
http://www.reverbnation.com/beatmovement
https://www.facebook.com/thebeatmovement?fref=ts
https://twitter.com/BeatMovementThe
There you have it my 15 for 2015, 15 acts for you too lookout for while they make their mark on 2015. Check them all out and give them a like, tell your pals, your mum and the delivery guy about them and remember to go and see them live and buy their work if you can afford it you will not be disappointed with any of these acts.
Now for your one to watch, we are going to find out the peoples favorite for 2015 using social media, email and a poll on these pages we ask you to tell us your one to watch for 2015. Email your nominations to otw2015@myvoiceofscotland.com and look out for the posts asking for votes etc. Here are the links to our social media.
https://www.facebook.com/myvoiceofscotland?fref=ts
https://twitter.com/voiceoscotland
