By Harsharan Hoonjan

It feels odd writing about a singer who confesses that he “doesn’t like” his own songs. Preferring the works of other artists, you’ll find Dave McNeil, 23 from Fife happily belting out covers.  With his own songs, Dave is conscious of bands and even DJs playing up-tempo numbers at venues, feeling he produces and performs “quieter” songs.

On learning this information, I am writing to confirm, there is nothing “quiet” about this singer’s voice…

I caught up with Dave before his live performance for The Voice of Scotland Showcase Weekend.  We’ve been lucky enough to have Dave perform for us, three showcases in a row.

I just want to say thank you very much for performing at another showcase event for us Dave.

To start, please provide some background information for our readers:

 

I’m a local lad and I’ve been playing the guitar since I was about 16. I started playing with a couple of lads in a pub called Torleys which is in Lochgelly and it’s where I’m from.

I started doing gigs when the Coaltown Daisies asked me to support them.  They used to come to the pub quite regularly.  That’s about it, they were my main source of gigs for about three years, I  gave up playing for a year, and a half and I’ve just started again.

I’ve been in touch with Neil (Voice of Scotland) for the past 9/10 months.   I actually started back at the Green Room with Donald (Donald Makin) for Oxjam.

I’m trying to get back into it and do as much gigging as possible, and as you know I’m playing tonight.

Of course, thanks again Dave!

Dave performs beautiful acoustic sets and is regularly played on Castle FM and Radio West Fife.  Heart wrenching originals from his EP made me want to interview the singer for myself, his delivery is something else.

Can you talk about Too Young for us, one of Voice Radio’s favourites?

That was a sad song; it was about two girls in my school that passed away.  A couple of months back in a car crash.  It’s not me knowing who they were, or having them as close friends, or missing them. It’s more that it was a big shock, they were young girls of 20-21 years of age. I used to walk past them every day in school. I remember serving them in the Glasshouse on a black Friday.

It was quite surreal, it was about that, I just put pen to paper.  The sad songs tend to be the only kind I can write!  *Laughs*

 I don’t believe you

However, this song is performed with emotional sensitivity, obviously quite meaningful as well.  Can you describe then, what it’s like to write a song, and do you have a specific process?

No, not really, I tend to do it while I’m sitting at work actually, I probably shouldn’t say that! I base a song around a few key words.

For example, with too young, somebody put up a comment on one of the girls Facebook pages:

“There’s now a brighter star in the sky”

I took that line and I thought, that’s really good, and I wrote the whole song around that one line.  I build line on line after that. Look to the stars feels quite linked to that as well. I wrote that when I was 16/17, hence all the stars on my arm!

I do remember taking (fuzzy) pictures of it at the Voice of Scotland Electric Circus gig!

I got them all up my back as well.  That song was about the first ever real love that I had.  It was puppy love, and it was a girl that I fancied at school.  It was her last day she was leaving to go to University, and I still had a couple of years to go.  We were in the school play, Fame together, and it was her birthday, so I wrote Look to the stars as a surprise.

I played it to her, and we saw each other for six months. And at the drop of a hat she was away.  So I was gutted! I was an angry 16-year old, I didn’t know what to do with myself, but that was the first song I wrote.

Aww heartbroken!

Did you not fancy pursuing a career in the performing arts then?  How were you rated in your school’s production of Fame? What was your role?

I was the lead in the production of Fame; my girlfriend at the time was a dancer in it. My Dad was the deputy head of the school, so nobody really got rated.  We all did really well, so we got a: “Well done” and that was that.

I couldn’t and still can’t read music even though I studied Higher Music at school and got an A for it.  To be in Theatre you need to be able to read music, I prefer what I’m doing now.   I was in the Choir as well and I played the Violin for six years.

Wow

Would you consider learning to read music now??

Got a long fine without it

What if you were offered a lump sum to play in one country abroad, for 30 nights?

I couldn’t risk it but obviously it’s depends on what’s involved, the place and amount!

 Ah okay…so about creating music…

Was it/has it ever been a creative outlet, and have your views towards making music changed?

I don’t sit down and try and write music, I go driving around whilst humming a wee tune in my head.  If I quite fancy an idea, I’ll stop and write it down or put it in my phone.  I’ll sing four lines and go back and try and build a song around it.  But if I sit down and try to write a song, I Cannae do it!  It’s just if something catches my eye, spurs on a memory, or a feeling if you like

So that tends to be how I write songs. It’s not just a creative outlet because I prefer to sit and play covers.   Because, I know how the songs originally sound, and I can change them and make them my own   When I sing, and write my own songs, I tend not to like them!

Why is that, is that because you feel you need to perform your songs a certain way? 

I really don’t know, for instance you’ve got guys like Paolo Nutini who’s got a certain style, some people like that, some people don’t.

Then you’ve got Ed Sheeran, some people like his music, some don’t   They’ve both got a certain style.    I don’t know what my style is I don’t have my own  type of music to follow because I don’t know what my style is.

What about when you listen back to your music, does that not help you?

It’s more constructive criticism I give myself   But I’ll end up sitting and writing a song, singing half of it and trashing the last half, saying I don’t like that!  I go for five/six days and think I’ll take it out and try and work on it again.

One song…

There is one song that I like called Boys Like Girls.  I wrote it for the Mrs, and I like it mainly because it’s a three chord trick and it’s catchy.  It’s only because it’s the first song that I’ve written that is a bit of a foot tapper!  There’s lots of rhythm to it, I think it’s catchy.  It’s the only one I like doing!

I’m looking forward to hearing it!

Is that your plan moving forward, to move away from “sad” songs?

I want to do more upbeat songs

For instance, here last time when I played, it was very loud, very very busy and I was trying to play quieter songs.  They had Paulo Nutini, One Direction playing and then they had my quieter songs and I didn’t think they were received well. So, I’ve tried to change my set this time to more upbeat faster songs. But not many people are out yet.  Well I hope more people will come,  all at once and stop hogging the bar!

I hope so!

It’s a good idea to mix things up.

 

Yea, but, I don’t like writing about happy songs because I never get that happy feel good Pharrell Williams *clicks fingers* type of feeling.

I never get that, It’s more if someone’s really pissed me off, aww I’m gonna play them down, or if somebody’s passed away.  It’s the sad emotions or heartbroken emotions that make me put pen to paper. Like Look to the stars, Too Young, things like that.  That tends to be what I can write a song about.

It’s usually something that happens and then I write a song on the back of it.

Do you think your songs are in anyway uplifting or soothing to listeners?

I don’t know, I don’t get that

Neil gives me good feedback but I think he’s just trying to keep me sweet to play more gigs!

That’s not true, okay final question: If you could have one of your songs played anywhere in the world where would it be?

America!  In Madison Square Gardens or during the Superbowl, that would be amazing,

It would Dave, it really would

Dave, takes his seat on stage, armed with his guitar, he starts his set.  He rolls out the smoothest lyrics to a minimalist scattered crowd in PJ Molloys. Some come down the wooden stairs to get closer, and some stay listening at the bar.  His faster songs do make a change to his set this time, and he seems to enjoy performing his favourite up beat number: Boys Like Girls, that he talked about earlier.

I think the Lochgelly Singer Songwriter has hit the balance just right this time and as I look around, I wish he had a bigger audience.  Dave’s vocal range is impressive; his voice is finely tuned, like a well-connected radio signal, there is no fuzz or white noise, just crisp clear reception. Even at low volume, you’ll hear, there is nothing quiet about Dave McNeil, he might not like many of his songs but like school, he remains a music ace.

Check out Dave’s Facebook and Sound Cloud links below, which includes a Podcast he (kindly) did for EastVoice:

https://www.facebook.com/davemcneilmusic

https://soundcloud.com/bigdingodave

https://soundcloud.com/voiceof-scotland

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by Harsharan Hoonjan

One of the most enthusiastic bands to have played for us at the Voice of Scotland Showcase Weekend in PJ Molloys, is Common Ground. They organised a full bus and travelled all the way from their hometown of Kilwinning Ayrshire. This is the third showcase gig Voice of Scotland has put on and the second time the band has agreed to perform a live set for us.

Catching up with Wullie (Lead Vocals), Sean Mckay (Lead Guitar), Chris Price A.K.A. Posh Boy (Bass, posh because he comes from Troon!), Craig Bryden (Drums), Lee Robertson (Rhythm Guitar),   Conversation revolves around music, touring, cover bands, world domination, and performing drunk on stage…

 

For anyone who doesn’t know the band, what’s your background?

Wullie and Craig: We got together in August last year.

Wullie: What happened was Craig, Sean and Lee always jammed together, Sean heard about me through music circles and that’s how I heard about him.  A spied him in the boozer tapped his shoulder, asked if he wanted to start a band, he said aye and that was it.

Excellent and the band are described as: ‘The great new hope of the British music scene’?

Wullie: Well that’s the rumour, we’re gonna take over the world man, especially with these shoes on!

Looking at his Yellow Submarine shoes, all the boys burst out laughing.

I want some for myself!

 

Who are all your influences then?

Wullie: John Lennon in The Beatles for me

The Beatles record Revolver, I listen to it all the time.

Lee: Britpop

Wullie: John Lennon, just the way that guy was man, just everything about him

Lee: Aye we all have different influences

Everyone: Rolling Stones, The Libertines, all the same sort of raw guitar stuff, in your face

What is your sound?

Wullie: Oh we’re no like indie bands or anything like that. We’ve got our own sound.  It’s punky, raw, it’s not got a specific genre, but, it’s in your face, we’ve got a softer side too but…

You’re not big on showing it off?

Wullie: Na

Okay…so who writes the songs?

Wullie: Sean and I get together and Sean is a bit of genius at writing them.

I say that’s for the bassist etc and Sean goes and gives the songs a structure

Do you spend a lot of time writing them?

Sean: Every day in the Garage

Lee: He came in one day with a new track and then the next day we were recording it.

Every time we try something new and see what it sounds like.

Then if it’s good we keep working on it.

Do you have any repeat song requests?

Chris: Mr V.I.P. is quite popular.

Wullie: We just play a set through man, every song is different.

Lee: There are one or two songs we thought were good but we did nae think they were gonna be as good.

What songs are you particularly proud of?

Lee: I don’t think we would ever sing a song we were no proud of.

Wullie: I love them all man! I really love that song ‘That Thing Called Love’, it does something to me at the end. It’s got a big finish, it’s fast, it’s pacey – I like it and I like the beats in it.

Do you perform any covers?

Lee: Na, we’d never touch a cover!

No?

Wullie: Na, we just want to do our thing.

Don’t get me wrong; once you get to a certain level just flung out a cover out of respect but the now no just want to do one of our own.

Lee: If we put a song out as a cover and that becomes successful you think, it should have been one of our own songs that was successful.

Wullie: Gotta be careful with that.

Chris: If you write songs that are good enough, it doesn’t matter; your own songs should blow people away just as much.

Lee: People who do too many covers are a bit desperate.

Wullie: They will be just known as a covers band and I’m no having that man.  Don’t get me wrong I like a good cover band if that’s who we’re there to see.

Lee: Someone might do a cover and it might sound good but we’d no do that.

Wullie: Just trying to be myself man/we’re just trying to be us.

I don’t think there are many bands doing what we are doing right now or trying to

We’re just doing it and seeing what happens

If one person is no happy then we throw it in the bin, scrapped.

So…would you ever work with a pop band/ever consider it?

Wullie: Na, I’d tell em to f*ck off!

Best of luck to them and all that  *Laughing*

You’re trying to be yourselves…so who are you guys really??!

I’m Wullie, I’m the front man! – *Laughing*

(I stepped right into that one!)

How do you prepare for a show then?

Craig: Just a practise once or twice through the week

Chris: We live about five minutes down the road from each other. It’s really handy especially good to get together and go to places like this.

Brilliant

There are loads of other good bands on tonight, anyone in particular you’re looking forward to seeing?

Wullie:  Tijuana Bibles, I’ve heard about The Holy Ghosts but I’ve no seen them live.  Tijuana Bibles are more the sort of thing we’re into, they’re a different class.

What about other gigs, you played in King Tuts earlier this year, how was that?

Chris: It was dream come true!

We’ve been asked back to headline on June 14th. 

Fantastic!

Wullie: We asked The Mona Lisa’s to come and support us but they’re away that weekend

Gutted.

Wullie: They are in here tonight to see us as well, they’re no playing but they’re quite big fans of ours. They were on last night though.  We like what they do as well, we like their sound.

Buzzing for all that though

Where else are you planning to tour, all over Scotland?

Wullie: Aye if someone pays for it!

Lee: Think we’re just going to work with the gigs we’ve got just now and then be a bit more picky and choosey later!

Wullie: My First Music production are helping us, before we were just doing one gig after the other but now these guys are organising the gigs more.  It gives us time to work on material and that, so it’s good.

Aah good stuff, so how many tracks are you playing in total tonight?

Wullie:  Eight tracks.  We’re gonna drop two songs tonight that no one has ever heard of…

Ooh a Voice of Scotland exclusive, looking forward to it!

And how you all feeling for tonight then, hope you guys are not drunk!  What do you think of bands playing sets when they’ve had too much to drink?

Sean: You go in drunk, you’re ruining if for everybody else.  You think you’re amazing and you’re no, you’re sh*te

Lee: If someone records that, you’ll play it back, you’ll switch aff the first track, cos it’s embarrassing

Wullie: Couple of beers, if you cannae do it sober, there’s no point man!  But we don’t need anything we’re buzzing for this man!

Wullie: We’re buzzing for this, we’re buzzing the noo.  We’re buzzing that you’re here!

Aww, happy to hear that, thank you very much for performing for us!

Finally, what message would you like to share with your fans?

Wullie:  Live the dream – that it, that’s our motto!

Great, thanks lads can’t wait for your set tonight!

The lads performed a stage worthy show, the vocals were a rough smooth mix akin to an old Manchester band that defined a generation…  The guitars and drums were kicking out some sparky edgy riffs, and the electronics were shocking. Filling the dance floor were loads of people just going wild.  Drinks and shapes were being thrown; it felt like the crowd had Common Ground’s rhythm pulsing through their veins.  They have a raw, rough, fearless energy about them, PJ Molloys was all pumped up.  What a result!  Bands that create a vibe like that may just conquer the world. Their chat isn’t half bad either.

 

 

After our event, Common Ground went on to perform at The Classic Grand in Glasgow on April 24^th, which was another smash hit.

Common Ground’s E.P.  can be streamed by following the link below.  Tracks include the superb: Snap On, Mr V.I.P.and That Thing Called Love.

https://soundcloud.com/commonground

We look forward to watching the lads’ progress, and would like to thank them once again for performing as part of the Voice of Scotland Showcase Weekend in PJ Molloys.

Upcoming Gigs:

10th May – PJ Molloys, with a DJ set from The View. 

24th May –  Grand Hall for the Kilmarnock Dirty Weekender.

16th June – King Tut’s – Headline Act. 

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/commongroundmusic

www.facebook.com/commongroundmusic

By Harsharan Hoonjan

When I first witnessed The Fire and I live, I was expecting some hard hitting vocals, smashing drums and bass thick enough to wallop someone over the head, I was wrong, I got more than that.

After playing their digital archive at home, interest soared, as I realised that I was in fact listening to major rock quality, from a two man outfit. Gordon Love (from Bathgate) on Bass and Lead Vocals and Hooligan Sadikson (from Mexico) on Drums and Backing Vocals make up the scorching, The Fire and I. The pair have power housed their talents since forming in 2008, and have also crossed international waters, touring both Mexico and Italy. With regular rave reviews, a second album release, and another European tour lined up, I had to see what this band was like live.

Their second album launch for Double Kamikaze on 8^th March was the perfect opportunity. On the night a feeling of comfortable apprehension took over; the kind you get when you go to see a band that you expect will knock your socks off. Drawing closer to the venue, anticipation was mounting.

Shutting out the damp dreary night, I entered one of Edinburgh’s famous rock establishments that’s been around for decades. Opium is the original venue for rock hard music fans, on surveying the crowd they were already dancing away as Coholic’s brilliant set came to a close. They were more than ready for The Fire and I to headline their launch of Double Kamikaze.

When the band were on, Gordon and Hooligan worked their instruments and fans into frenzy all while sharing words of wisdom and being completely unconventional in performance.

The band performed tracks from their first and second album including Left and Right, which is one of my favourites. Pressurised drum and bass lift this number, hitting hard with minimalistic vocals to create a rock rhythm balance. The track closes low tempo to the words, ‘feeling hollow, broken from the inside’, before stopping on a static drum beat. The words echo through the band’s unique sound.

One of my favourites from their new album, Double Kamikaze is Ruined Graffitied, which is a banging track.  It punches in right from the get go and keeps going till fade out.  It ticks all the right boxes for me, vocal, drum and bass synchronicity at its best.   I also loved their performance of songs such as Mr K, which is also from their debut album, Stampede Finale. It raised the bar by shaking their sound from the ground up.

A slight variation to Mr K is the title track to the album Double Kamikaze, a head banger of a number, that has Hooligan screaming in the background as the bass and drums thicken and intensify, the drum beat pulses and then picks up speed and solidifies before stopping – no fade out, just a sharp stop. This created total immersion as the crowds melted in the groove; actually they had been at it since the band came on. The duo performed an outstanding 15 tracks – 15!!

I would love to go through all their incredible tracks, and I do wish they had performed F*ck The Cliché, because it would have been apt, but I have to move onto the reason why I think seeing them live is important.  Their recorded material should inspire you to see them live anyway, their dynamic, sound sticks out from the very beginning, completely unlike any other musical style I’ve listened to. It’s refreshingly eclectic, and I’m not used to listening to alternative music this thought provoking! You should check out and buy their albums, although, if you need further convincing, read on…

I noticed that apart from the musical quality, there were many unsuspecting elements to The Fire and I’s live set that intrigued me.  Gordon’s comment as Hooligan jumped off stage in an impromptu fashion: ‘Where’s he gone? I’m lost without him.’ was endearing and significant. It wasn’t egotistical, It wasn’t a bit of I can do this without him, it was a mini revelation into twin spirit that the band has, no airs, graces or funny banterous remarks, just some raw brotherliness that we could appreciate, they immediately transpired as authentic in lyrics, tone and message.

Second they actually set the stage alight with some pyrotechnics, the crowd’s eyes were also blazing! The band really was on fire!  As a newbie to the Fire and I experience I was just taken aback. It was a simple act, but it was visually striking, especially against the backdrop of the black and white Opium banner.  A few photos later and the crowd were getting even more amped up.

I was expecting the pair to don their signature masks but alas that was not meant to be, instead a topless man from the crowd jumped on stage and then onto the platform donning a devil head.  Testing the band’s charm, fan loyalty, and strength the man attempted a crowd surf, not once, not twice but approximately three times. From what I saw, this was something out of a movie, I’ve never experienced anything like it but that was not all….

The fans started frolicking in their movements, bouncing into each other; I think it’s a new type of mosh pit move.  After that, I caught some Balkanize style dancing, with everyone moving from one side of the dance floor to another (in appreciation of Left and Right?). Word of warning, if you don’t move with this lot; prepare to be thrown off guard, literally!

The main surprise of the evening for me though had to be, Hooligan’s words of wisdom in the middle of the set. It was unexpected and out of the entire unconventional goings during that set, that felt like the biggest for me.  I recall the drummer saying something along the lines of: “Don’t give a sh*t about what people say or think, just do what you want to do for you”, articulated with a straight yet moist face, looking us the crowd in the eye. No one said a word, perhaps, like I they were speechless and a bit dumbfounded, that a member of this already awesome rock band could come out with something profound without the backing of musical chord or beat.

It’s easy to see why they are adored, their existing fan base came out with similar feelings towards the band at the end of the night, ‘amazing, awesome, truly talented, love them, seen them loads of times’, everyone left wholeheartedly satisfied, some even like me were a bit stunned. A fan even went on to tell me about the band and finished by saying: ‘they are genuinely nice guys’. No wonder the band are as successful here as they are internationally, they tick all the right boxes.

And okay, I may have left with some bruises and the smell of dried beer (part of the course, next time I’m staying away from the pit!) The Fire and I deserve all the acclaim they get because after one live viewing, I can say confidently, their style of alternative music never felt so good.   And no, they didn’t knock my socks off, they rocked my socks off.  I would wish The Fire and I all the very best.  Although, with their scorching sound and unconventional ways, they’ve got it nailed.

Links:

http://www.thefireandi.com

www.facebook.com/thefireandi

http://www.myspace.com/thefireandi

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Harsharan Hoonjan

Indie Rockers The Rah’s from Prestonpans, are music to my ears. After seeing them for the first time last summer in Cabaret Voltaire (Haddow on the Fringe), I was mightily impressed. They are the first bunch of talented young Indie musicians I have been lucky enough to witness live.

Catching them for the third time in Edinburgh was a surreal experience, because. listening to their songs, then coming to a live gig, and seeing their universal quality, is spine tingling.  Mileout Events pulled together an impressive line-up for the second half of their all day festival in Liquid Room, Edinburgh. The Rah’s kicked off the evening’s entertainment which also included The Begbies, Modern Faces, and Twisted Wheel.

The band launched into their first track as fresh faces filled the crowd; the place was getting busier by the minute.

Andrew McLeod (bass guitar) Jack McLeod (lead vocalist), Jordan McIntyre (lead guitar/vocals),  Neale Gray (drums) provided a flawless, noteworthy performance. Whilst they were representing the best of Prestonpans on stage, this photographer’s camera appeared to be somewhat infected. The images of the performance did not adequately represent, The Rah’s set (therefore photos from Haddowfest 2013 were also used), but it left a rare window of opportunity to soak in their performance with bare eyes and ears! Looking at the boys, one thing was clear; they know how to ‘rock’ a stage,

Since 2009, the boys have been working hard to create the magic that raptures our attention today. The band members are close knit (having grown up together, attending the same nursery and schools), and the vibe you get from them is reflected in their savvy style. Last year saw the band support top names in the form of The Holy Ghosts, The Rifles, The Complete Stone Roses and Twisted Wheel (who were also headlining this event). The Rah’s are next supporting; The Sherlocks in Glasgow as part of their UK tour on 29^th March, and perform alongside Ded Rabbit in Edinburgh (for This Feeling) on 4^th April.

The title track to their E.P. Living The Dream came on, whilst the heart of the audience looked up at the boys, hanging onto the sound of a promising beat, Jack McLeod (lead singer) began by strumming out a guitar rhythm that I know only too well, after that a strong slick voice and powerful instruments took over, The band also played Give Me Life, and a few other dynamic tracks including It’s Just Another Word.  The smooth melodies with juxtaposed rhythm include: knockout guitars, fiery bass and pounding drums that can leave you for six. They have the sound balanced just right. Enough to keep you dancing, and singing along, with plenty of jumpy beats to keep you on your toes!  In some aspects they remind me of the  Arctic Monkeys but that is just another thought…

During their set, Jack announced the band were giving their E.P. away for free, and to pick one up –nice one guys!

The E.P. cover is a picture collage of the lads photographed in various poses, some animated more than others, from body parts to gig photos. Definitely Jack the lad stuff, speaking of which, have you seen their debut video yet? It is recommended viewing, for those who like, beautifully shot videography, which includes, silly sketches, cheeky antics meshed with sober singing, and comical dance moves.

Living The Dream is an inspirational track, ending on ‘You know what you’ve got to work for to live your life’, in the singer’s dulcet tones, it’s a firm favourite.  With well over 3000 video views for the video, if the boys release something similar for their first single, it will fly off those digital shelves.

The E.P.’s second track, The Time Is Now, is an absolute rocker as well, it deals specifically with change. Again we have a song that is powerful in outlet as the message. It’s got an amazing intro, slow pulsing drums, fab bass guitar, with the vocals and rhythm guitar slicing through the record.

Last track on the E.P.is I’m Feeling Fine, this is an up-tempo exhilarating trip of a song, from start to finish  a bouncy number is too cool for school and like most of their tracks, this is an impressive listen, rock n roll all the way to the bank.

There are not enough words to describe the expertise that the boys have mustered to create music so ear pleasingly fantastic.  If these songs sound this good at home, just imagine how they sound live!  Quite a few of their tracks leave you feeling inspired to take action and make the most of your life. The E.P. which was released last year is about holding out until the weekend by toughing out the week, most of us can all relate to that feeling!

Their entourage of loyal followers echoed these words every couple of tracks:

“Ooh aah, up The Rah’s, Ooh aah up The Rah’s”

The boys strong following could also be due to their, charitable contributions, witty banter, as well as their amazing musical talents, and because the young lads appear to just love what they do.  The Rah’s are easy to warm to, if you follow them on Twitter or like them on Facebook you might be able to appreciate the personality behind those innocent smiles as well.

As they say on their Facebook page: ‘Stay Tuned’ for some exciting stuff coming up. I am in no doubt about these guys; something exciting could very well be the stuff that legends are made of. I’m already anticipating their next move.

However, it seems like The Rah’s are already Living The Dream, but will it continue and will they headline a big stage show with superstar lights and mass market appeal? Yes they will, because, that I believe is inevitable.

Upcoming gigs:

4th April, This Feeling, The Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh

20th April, The Old Town Street Food Festival, The Three Sisters, Edinburgh (FREE ENTRY)

Links:

http://www.facebook.com/therahsmusic

www.facebook.com/therahs

www.//therahs.bandcamp.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfIbf8bfRYg

By Harsharan Hoonjan

Stolen Sound dropped a bomb when they performed for ‘Up The Junction’ at Liquid Room, Edinburgh this year. The debut festival run by Hazel Miller for Mileout Events and Promotions, included Shaun Gilroy, The Delaplains, Last Minute Glory, Danny Mahon, The Rah’s, The Begbies, Modern Faces and Twisted Wheel.

Attracting a friendly bunch of music lovers the party started as Stolen Sound cranked up the volume and rocked the crowd from one shockingly brilliant song to the next. Starting their seven track performance with Pretend and ending on Over and Over, It was an electrifying set and a revelation to many, the question on everyone’s lips was, if the first band are this good, then what can we expect from the rest of the day? It was a combination of catchy guitar riffs, thick bass, interspersed with solid drums and consistent fierce vocals, that gripped us all, Every change, each new hook in style and vocal range slammed our ears, what a discovery.

Coming from Glasgow, members,  Andy Fyfe (Lead Guitar), Bradley Revel ‘Pockets’ (Bass) Connor McGlave (Lead Vocalist), Mike Biggert (Drummer) and Bradley Revel ‘Pockets’ (Bass), brought the heat, and set the bar high.   While they were playing I was able to learn more about lead vocalist Connor.  Prior to Stolen Sound, the singer was  a soloist for a number of years , he supported The View at the Glasgow Barrowlands in 2011, and even has a makeshift studio built into his house, it felt like we had unmasked a professional at his core.

 

 

The band also has a noticeable following, in fact, after their set, a spectator couldn’t stop raving to me about them, saying the band are “Sh*t Hot”, and I had to agree. They have the personality to match their Indie rock and roll image. Connor was the only singer I have ever encountered that gave me the finger (middle that is). I’m not sure if it was in jest for the camera or if I was in his face too much. Either way it was unexpected, and for some reason that photo came out a little blurry as well!

Image aside, I do believe there is more to this band than meets the eye, for now, I can definitely assert that Stolen Sound is an edgy rock and roll band, with seriously hot tunes that could melt your ice cream on the chilliest of days. The high quality of this band’s performance was something else for 2.30pm on a rainy Saturday afternoon. Thankfully some of us made the start of the gig in time to see them perform.  Hazel Miller has even asked Stolen Sound back for her second event, to be held on 10th May in Glasgow. The band will support The Begbies, along with The Delaplains, and Blossoms.

 

 

As we await their official Facebook page, you can check out a sample of Stolen Sound’s songs on Sound Cloud and see them at their next gig.  I have no doubt; they will be bringing the heat, all over again!

Contact:

www.facebook.com/connormglave

Sound Cloud:

https://soundcloud.com/stolensound

Stolen Sound next perform at:

Mileout Events and Promotions Presents:The Begbies, The Classic Grand, 10^th May, from 6.30pm

www.facebook.com/hazelmiller

www.facebook.com/mileoutpresents

By Harsharan Hoonjan

 

The Phantoms are a band I have had the pleasure of seeing a couple of times now.  Made up of Colin Simpson (Vocals and Rhythm Guitar) Colin McKillop (Lead Guitar), Peter Stewart (Bass Guitar and Backing Vocals), and Brad Young (Drums), the band got together in 2012, and come from Broxburn, West Lothian. Last November, they released their first single entitled This Is How It Should Be and it was included in their E.P. which received significant attention.

Interestingly the band went one step further when they released: Revolution earlier this month, accompanied by the music video which can be found on YouTube. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3-h4F9zE6E)

After listening to: Revolution, which is free to download on sound cloud, that’s right it’s free, you may wish you had a signed copy of the single and/or the E.P.

Sneaky Pete’s in Edinburgh hosted the release of the new single on March 1^st, where the lads were watched by loyal fans, and brought in some newbies who are only just discovering that something akin to gold is being created here.

When you see The Phantoms live, there is a noticeable confidence amongst the members. From leather jackets, slick hair, smart shirts, sunglasses and vibes of ‘we know what we’re doing’. And that’s before they start playing…

 

Revolution leads with pulsating guitars, fluid bass lines and whipping drums before Colin’s voice pierces into the song, his rough edginess offsetting the progressive number. It’s evident that the guys have really worked to create a dynamic second single. This is a great solid track from the band, it expertly shows off their instrumentation and laces it with well-timed lyrics, the whole song upholds excellent melody and rhythm throughout. The guitar, the bass and the drums, from start to finish shows off the work of young professionals honing in on their craft. Because as the song ends there is as much effort placed in the fade out as there is with the intro.  Their video is also exceptional to watch, expressing their passion whilst shining in all their glory. On observation you will find it represents the band’s image at this stage, in that they are recognised for their musical talent above all else.

On seeing the band live you too will feel vibrations of something pretty rare, instruments being used in the way only indie bands can, The Phantoms energy and execution is a breath of fresh air. They are doing what they do best, pulling out all the stops and creating fine pieces for us to enjoy.  They are fantastic to watch, their talent will drive people towards them in droves.

Yes, I believe their new track is the start of their very own Revolution. Because this band are going for gold and I believe they can take it…

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/TMATW

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3-h4F9zE6E

https://soundcloud.com/thephantomsuk/revolution

 

By Harsharan Hoonjan

After an epic couple of sets, for The Post Orgasmic Sunshine Band’s Christmas party on December 14th 2013, it was time to see the headline act hit the stage of Stereo Glasgow.

The band came on, however, and orchestrated a set that gave us all food for thought.

Something amazing was going on here, but it was not evident at first. There are two vocalists who have voices that are somewhat mismatched, there is the smoothness of the clarinet and saxophone, slick keys gliding over each beat, thick grooves coming from the bass, all the while laced with thumping drums and hearty guitar strings. Oh yes, and there is not one distinct sound either, the mish-mash of genres sparked my interest further, because like their recorded material, this band has created a new sound, and bring it to life with their on-stage banter.

I wanted to interview the band to find out a bit more about them, their formation, their ethos and their vision. The members that make up this Ska, Dub, Reggae, Celtic, Dirty Groove collaboration are: Al (Lead Vocals and Rhythm Guitar) Dr Eschaton (one of the founding members that occasionally joins the band on Guitar and Vocals), Josie (Backing Vocals), Frazer (Bass), Griff (Keyboard), Ja (Drums), Jay (Saxophone), Fi (Clarinet).  Since forming in 2012, the band has toured up and down the country. They had an impressive “fifteen members at one point” – Al.

With three different line ups of musicians in 2013 the band has now established: “the faithful few” – Frazer.

On speaking to members of The Post Orgasmic Sunshine Band after their dynamic performance it was easy to forget I was conducting an interview! I have to hold my hands up and admit defeat, ‘they definitely got me!’  Their story was in charge, I was merely an avid reader, and what a wonderful tale it is…

‘Finally a light tore from the crack in the door frame, leaving scars of bright white across the floor, as a group assembled outside.

“There’s no such thing as coincidence!” said the Magician. ‘

An excerpt from your biography (https://www.facebook.com/posbmusic?fref=ts)

Al: This was written by one of our founding members just to symbolise how we got together.  There was an element of new beginnings required. Elements from people and of bands they came from and bands they were still with. It was collaboration really; the idea was based around how many musicians we knew and how many we could get in the same room at the one time.

Only over the last several months have we felt we’ve got a group of people that aren’t going anywhere.  There were members of the band who enjoyed what they did but had other things going on.  When it came to last year we lost the bass player to go off and start a family.   From then on, we were quite apprehensive, that was when we thought that things this year were gonna be a bit difficult. Instantly it wasn’t difficult, Frazer just stepped from guitar to the bass.

So really it seems to have helped us and we did some good gigs last year and we’ve got a solid basis I believe for 2014.  I think we’re a better band than we were 12 months ago. I believe we’ve tried to rush certain aspects of our development and it’s not really worked. I think it will develop as quickly as it sees fit. With regards to the musicians in the band, even myself with regards to my instrumentation and stuff like that, things will happen exactly when they are supposed to happen. We tried to rush it and we can’t rush it. The band is still alive and it’s still existing and developing and changing every time we play.

I think one of the biggest things about us is we really really enjoy what we do!

Jay: Yea we all just do what Al does!

Fi: Which is to mostly moan, ‘Aww we’re not good enough!’

Al: You’ve got to push forward and give credit to the band because I’m quite an erratic performer. Songs that I write generally don’t stay the same. We’ve changed them gig by gig, you’ve gotta give credit to the band to act *clicks fingers* instantly on my behaviour which is pretty much what most of the band is based upon.

Frazer: Griff messaged me on Facebook and I got it on my lunch break from work. The message was:

‘Do you wanna join the sunshines? Three chords, easy peasy’

Al: One song has got four chords in it though

Jay: Ooooh four chords

Frazer: You’ll get done for that!

Al:  It was a natural development, a situation occurred and we needed another string man on guitar, next thing Frazer is in the room. It wasn’t something that we sat down and planned.  Frazer’s here because he’s meant to be here!

So we have Frazer and guys like Frazer, stepping up really interested in joining the band and experienced musicians like we’ve already got who travel from Edinburgh twice a week (Fi and Jay) that come to rehearsals, that’s a powerful thing!

We’ve got three members of family in the band. Jay and Fiona (Fi) are partners they might as well be married and Josie is Fiona’s daughter!

Jay: This is the first band Josie’s ever been in. We brought her along to a recording we were doing and she wasn’t involved.

Fi:She had never sang in front of anyone in her life before and we said to Al she can sing! Al goes, can she? Right, he put a mic in front of her and went, ‘Sing!’

Al: Fair f*ck to her she could sing!

Fi: She went from having never sung in front of anyone before in her life to recording with us and being at her first band practise two days later and doing her first gig at a festival 10 days later.

Unbelievable!

Frazer: One month of…

Jay: Baptism of fire! And now we cannae get her off the stage!

Fi: That’s how we got involved, although Jay and I are partners; we all work on a stage at Knockengorroch. Jay and I run the stage and Al came in five years ago as the sound guy and fell in love with it all so that’s how we all got involved you know.

They love what they do so much, sometimes not wanting to stop…

Fi: So we were playing this year at Knockengorroch and went a wee bit crazy and started jamming at 4 o’clock in the morning. Nobody in that tent and on that stage wanted to go anywhere so we just kept playing.  It poured all night; there was no leaving so we just kept playing!  At 8.20 in the morning, we went up to Al and said, “I think it’s time we stopped!!”  We just jammed solid for about four and a half hours!

Al:  I played blues music, all the time, and blues rock music! People I worked with at the Wickerman festival said:  “Listen we’ve got a gig happening in Dumfries you need to go see this”, and I was like: “You want me to do the sound that’s no problem”. Small system, small tent for four days, thinking what’s the worst that can happen?!   I got off at Knocky (Knockengorroch) at the grounds of the farm and I’m like man this is a different place. You’ve gotta drive half an hour to forty minutes to get to the actual tiny little venue!

Fi: It’s five miles north

Al: It’s bananas, It’s such a beautiful place and I remember feeling 24 hours into this, something is happening to me here, musically.  I was standing watching these different roots musicians playing and understanding yeah I do like roots music and I play blues but that’s not really who I am.  I would like to be more, I would like to expand, in my musical talent,my musical knowledge and watching these guys play, one of the greatest things they ever did and this is how this band started. One of the greatest things was, people on stage would be like ‘Dude, bring your clarinet!’

Jay: ‘Come on up!’

Al: ‘Can you mic this boy up so he’s not running about?’

Fi: It’s the ethos of the stage

Al: So then you’re going man! The next thing this clarinet player from some other band is jamming with the band on stage. Everyone is having a great time and everybody knows what’s happening. I’m standing watching these guys going…that’s not f*cking blues! That’s not 1357 what’s going on with these guys?! It’s like they know everything, for a moment I was like, ‘f*ck man!’

I wrote a song called ‘Young Brother’, it came to me, I’m very fortunate to have this song in my life, and it’s a beautiful folk song. It’s about the feeling that I got in Knocky. The feeling of togetherness, musical togetherness and being able to reach out and touch the musician next to you and go: “Do you know what this one’s in G”, and just start playing, that was a new thing for me.   The main scene is f*cking, so cut throat and it’s f*cking, people are out for themselves, people think, you know, that popular culture is the be all and end all.  That’s not the case for me as I’ve learned over the years.

What I thought once is not what I think now.  Knockengorroch was the trigger for me and I watched a band called Captain Slackship that played a song, it was in D minor and it was a Dub Reggae feeling, D minor with lots of effects. I was doing the sound and I looked about, the tent was full, in the middle of the night in this place and everybody was just there, you know,  in that moment in that place. It was the most amazing thing I’ve ever felt. It was better than any blues song I’ve ever played in my life.   I went home and I thought about it and I just kinda hoped that one day you know what, I wanna be like these guys, it was simple so I wrote Young Brother, folk song. Because that was what I did, I wrote folk songs, blues and blues songs but the band went from that and we developed into what we are and that’s how it started.

Brilliant story!

You look like you really enjoy yourselves on stage!

However, if you could jam with any other artist, who would it be?

Fi: They’re all dead! *laughing*

Jay: I’ve played with The Skatalites, The Godfather of Ska. I’ve played with The Specials (most of them) and I’ve played with Toots and Maytals, Toots and Laurel were my heroes. That was it for me but if we could ever play with somebody up to date it would be Radiohead. I don’t know if we’d ever be on the same bill as them!

Al: If we do a Radiodread style set, for me personally, Fat Freddy’s Drop.  You must get yourself involved!

Fi: They’re our kind of band, great at live gigs, they play everything completely different.

Al: They are exactly the same as what we are.

Jay: A New Zealand band and they’re just crazy, they really enjoy themselves.

Fi: A six minute song becomes fifteen minutes long.

Jay: We would not just support them; we would get on stage with them!

Al: One of the biggest things about where we are is, we cover a wide age range and we cover a wide style range. It was at points a wider style range; we had some blue grass and some other things happening. The band itself is developing into a genre which I feel is kinda dub reggae ska type music, we play some funk. We played blues stuff but we ditched all the blues stuff so it’s developing at its own pace, in its own time and do you know what? The band is in charge, not any of the individuals. The music is in charge. We are very fortunate, we’re just hopeful for plenty of gigs and plenty of things to happen for us.

Would you ever consider playing in someone’s living room?

Al: We’ll play anywhere man! Anywhere you can fit us in we’ll play. Of course

Jay: Yea

Frazer: Just fit us round the TV!

Al: We’re going to Morocco for a month in February, gonna do some Guerrilla stuff, we’re gonna be doing some writing, some practising, gonna take our acoustic instruments and we’re gonna bombard Morocco with some white reggae!

Jay: Running round bars going, giz a drink!

Al: I’ll play for 10 minutes, you give me a drink!

Fi: You let us play inside for half an hour, we’ll stop playing outside! *bursts of laughter*

Al: The music’s in charge!

Frazer: One full month in Morocco

Fi: Got a gig on 29th March for Audio Soup

Al: We’re back four days and we’ve got a gig! Audio Soup Equinox Party

Frazer: Always think it’s a good time to learn now that you have a gig.

Al: It’s a great thing to know you’re away for a month and then you’ve got a gig!

Fi: The Equinox party, this year will be its third year running. It’s a big barn party, an indoor festival because it’s too cold outside. First festival of the season, that’s the one we’re coming back from Morocco for.*

Fantastic!

Okay so what’s been your best performance or best gig to date?

Al: Something changed at Kelburn

Frazer: Yes!!

Al: This whole chaotic element to what we do was always there but bubbling under the surface. We were all very structured, doing what we do and then something happened. On stage it was a case of: ‘What we playing next?’ I just was in one of ma moods I think and was just like ‘I dunno what we’re playing next?’

So somebody picked, all of a sudden there was this thing where everybody was involved. Even though we always did it musically in between songs, all of a sudden outside of songs people had a say on what was happening on stage it wasn’t a set list, it was a discussion. Like tonight it was like:

‘I don’t want to do that’.

‘Well he’s picked it and the majority rules!!’ *laughs*

Something happened I remember standing on stage taking about missiles going: “Auch I wanna play missiles” and chat, chat chat and then you go f*ck there are people here!

“Sorry, we’re gonna play you a song – honest!”

I think that’s when we kinda embraced the element of chaos within who we are. There’s something beautiful about, you don’t know what’s gonna happen next.  Generally, you can only really do things like that with the right musicians. I’ve been in a lot of bands and it doesn’t f*cking happen all the time man.  You can’t just step into a band and feel as comfortable as we all feel and do the things that we do.

And even f*ck up on stage royally and then be able to go: ‘oh okay’

That’s pretty cool

Al: Coolest band, with other bands as soon as you make a mistake…

Jay: Everybody stops!!

So can I ask…what is your favourite track?

Frazer: Oooh

Al: What is our favourite track?

Jay: That’s a hard one!

Frazer: Oh it’s The Detective for me! It’s the reason I joined the band! Last year I was sitting with a broken ankle, I had to go to the hospital that night, I was at the gig and had to go to hospital right after it. I said: ‘No, I will endure the pain of this broken ankle to get to the end of their set!’

Then they played the detective twice once at the beginning and at the end

Al: We played the same riff of The Detective for nearly 25 minutes, it’s sick!

Frazer: Was that how long I was in pain for?!

Al: It was wrong man!  It’s interesting with Frazer; he is a multi-instrumentalist, talented musician. To use the word virtuoso when he’s sitting here is a bit strong.  Along with others, Frazer as an example had to wait a long time to join this band.

Frazer is also in a couple of other bands, what other bands do you listen to?

Al: We’re really big on who we know.  Again we’re not in charge; there are bands that are associated to us that other people play in… We’re very big with them man! We’re big with Victorian Trout Conspiracy, Sea Bass Kid, New Urban Frontier, Big Fat Panda

Fi: John Langan

Al: Chandra

Frazer: Mickey 9s!

Jay: Mickey 9s, who were playing tonight, that’s the first time I saw them and they’re f*cking brilliant!

Fi: Alba Roma

Al: Alba Roma!!

Jay: Great Band

Al: We’re very big on wavelength, and people on the same wavelength you know.

Like you can offer bands gigs and play at everything else, you know you get on well, gig goes great and everything’s brilliant!

With anything in life, you get a connection with someone you cannae take it away, especially musically, like the boy from the Big United and the lead from Mickey 9s – Dougie, he’s hooked.  I’ve only seen them twice and he likes what we do, he likes the attitude of what we do, he likes the idea of what we do and that’s it.

He’s a great musician in a great band and you know what? The music is in control! We’re no in charge of this! We can only organise gigs.

Fi: When you’re involved in the live music scene you’re constantly seeing bands you’ve never heard of and there are so many fantastic bands. There are lots of good bands and there are a percentage of exceptional bands, you find yourself at a gig or festival and you walk round the corner and you think: ‘Oh my gawd who are these guys?!’ You know what I mean and its people you’ve never heard of before and didn’t know existed.

Do you just go up to them and say: ‘Fancy playing with us sometime?!’

Fi: Well yea

Jay: Now is a good time to tell you I’ve invited Ella from the New Urban Frontiers to come and sing with us for a couple of songs

Fi: Aah nice one

Frazer: Excellent

Fi: We were playing a gig in Edinburgh last month we saw the New Urban Frontiers playing at that as we saw them at Kelburn.

I went straight up to Ella and said we’re putting a night on in Edinburgh in November, will you guys play?

Fantastic

What about rehearsals, ever rehearse on the road?

Al: We rehearse at gigs and we kinda just roll like that

Frazer: In Kelburn we rehearsed, unplugged, behind the stage in what I think was an old train station/museum.

Al: We’ve been on holiday and haven’t been together for 10 days/2 weeks and so we had a rehearsal this afternoon, so aye.

Fi: If we had the money for a van bus and a driver then we would rehearse on the road

Al: Yea I think it’s about a level of existence, if we had the finance to do things exactly the way we wanted to do them we would. We work with what we’ve got and we’re very thankful with the space time continuum, physically where you are, that thing, that’s really important.

If we had a million pound budget you bet you’re a** I’d be playing and rehearsing every single day and all that stuff but we don’t, we work with what we’ve got! We’re thankful for what we’ve got

Fi: We have to work day jobs, got to commute from Edinburgh and then you think,  f*ck I’ve got to get to practice, but soon as you get in the room you don’t want to leave.  You want to stay there forever. You go and you’re absolutely knackered and you’re like: ‘I’m too tired for this, I can’t do this’, but as soon as you’re in the room that all goes away cos you’re totally energised.

What’s next?

Frazer:  We’re planning to hibernate so we can write and record

Al: We’re only off for about 6/7 weeks till we go to Morocco and then come back

Fi: Focus on writing

Al: More of the same, the band changed a few months ago so more development of this line up

Have you discussed the next 3-5 years at all?

Al: What we’re talking about at the moment is what we need to compete in the modern market for festivals. We need press passes and all those things.

We’re dragging our feet, because it’s not really about that for us, it’s about that thing that we’ve all got but we need to be part of the scene and different scenes. The development of ourselves is fundamental to what gigs we play, the bigger gigs we play, the better we get the more experience we get with a wider range of scenarios and that’s pretty important. We’re expecting nothing.

Fi: I just want to spend the winter touring in pub places and the summer doing festivals in Britain!

Al: Yea sunshine!

Fi: Following the sunshine!

Sounds Good!

What’s your advice for people thinking of starting up a band?

Fi: Have fun

Frazer: Don’t take it too seriously

Jay: Enjoy it!

A few lyrics from your favourite song/s:

Al: ‘It’s not about how it looks it’s about how it sounds’

Frazer, Jay and Al:

‘We’ve all got common sense in give love, breed strength and confidence, give love, give love’

Fi: And of course

‘Living in the sunshine’

Al: ‘Standing on the beach in the sunshine do you feel small? But that doesn’t mean that your life means nothing at all cos you can make a change if you change yourself’

Fi: ‘Living in the sunshine, you can make the change!’

Oh wow, well I know P.O.S.B. can also stand for Part of Something Beautiful too, it definitely was a pleasure!

After their live performance I became increasingly fascinated with their work. Al’s voice is powerful, dynamic with a gritty edge and Josie’s tender, smooth tones are simply breath-taking! As for the rest of the band just…wow!  The band is exquisitely multi-talented, full of some of the best musicians I’ve come across. What a revelation indeed. I was lucky enough to listen to some compelling songs including The Guy, Fever, 4 letter word, Farady Cages and found a few new favourites in Chimps Tea Party, Howard Beale (the crowd loved the so called ‘mood killer’) and I thoroughly enjoyed The Detective too. The band have a clear message to spread to the world, I think it will be about making changes and radically improving the conditions and society that we live in, I believe this is what is so brilliant about this band, they are not just musicians, they stand for more than that and their stage presence is rhythm and harmony personified.

Not only does the band experiment on stage, they exchange banter, make you laugh, involve you, encourage each other and have fun. They are sensational to watch, the crowd loved it, leaving us hungry for more! This is a band in total control of their art, even if they do say that the music is in control.

It was an invigorating interview; I was intrigued by their story.  I understood their commitment and determination to excel collectively not competitively.  The members are cool, yet passionate about their work, and they draw you in because you can feel their work has heart and a whole lot of soul. I also believe their musical style is revolutionary, edgy and that they have the energy and enthusiasm to back it.

As long as their tale continues, I see success written in their future.  After all there can only be one The Post Orgasmic Sunshine Band.

Go along and see them next perform at:

The Citrus Club in Edinburgh on 2^nd March and

Audio Soup Equinox Party on 29^th March from 2pm

For more information, updates and events please visit:

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

*Information was correct at time of interview; however, The Post Orgasmic Sunshine Band have announced an earlier gig at The Citrus Club, Edinburgh (2^nd March, as above).