MUSIC NEWS Scotland

goNORTH Showcase Applications Open

Posted on January 31, 2013 by MUSIC NEWS Scotland

DEADLINE: Monday 1st April : APPLY TO SHOWCASE AT goNORTH 2013

goNORTH organisers are pleased to announce the window for music and film submissions this year will open on Friday 1 February. goNORTH will again take over Inverness city centre across the 5 to 6 June as Scotland’s premier creative industries festival celebrates thirteen years supporting new talent.

Over 50 of the most exciting new acts in Scotland will be invited to showcase at this year’s edition, along with a selection of wider UK and international artistes. goNORTH has become firmly established as one of the key showcase platforms in the country, attracting a wide range of industry and connecting them with the best new music in Scotland.

“We are delighted to be starting our 2013 submission process”, said Director for Music, Shaun Arnold. “The live programme exposes the best new talent in Scotland to a broad cross-reach of industry professionals in a compact and targeted environment, and also generates a great atmosphere across the city. We are also pleased to confirm BandWagon as our new submission partner, a development that will make the application process completely free for artistes. We have an excellent programme in place this year and are looking forward to announcing further details over the coming weeks.”

The screening programme this year has two explicit categories – WIDE OPEN and EXTREME. There is no specific thematic criteria around the first category, however with Extreme we are seeking submissions focussing on any kind of extreme sporting activity- from snowboarding to skydiving and anything which involves a certain element of danger, specialist equipment, speed or height challenges.

“I’m particularly excited about the new themed categories we have introduced to this year’s film submission process”, said Festival Director, Amanda Millen. “Scotland is a world class destination for all types of sporting activity, and there is a wealth of talent in this genre producing work which highlights our breathtaking scenery and our passion for high octane sports. Last year proved our most successful event to date, with a significant increase in audience across all elements of the festival. We are looking forward to developing goNORTH further in 2013 and delivering another fantastic showcase for new creative talent”.

The application process will open on Friday 1 February 2013 @ http://www.gonorthfestival.co.uk The submission window will close on Monday 1 April 2013.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY …..

Alan Galbraith VP International, Wind Up Records

“Simply put, goNORTH gets it right. They put the music first and it’s just the right size to participate in everything”.

John Robb

“goNORTH is great on many levels, great line up of bands that goes beyond the usual dustbin indie fare, a beautiful city to hang out in and a surprisingly diverse cross section of people attending making it one of the best of the music conference circuit”.

Sat Bisla: Musexpo Founder

“Events such as goNORTH are essential to give buyers and sellers a broader understanding of the opportunities that lie within the market place. There is always a hidden gem at goNORTH, be it a new act or a new business opportunity”.

Keith Harris: Director for Performer Affairs, PPL

“goNORTH is a much more open seminar. A lot of conferences are expensive, which makes them exclusive. goNORTH makes it easy for the people who really need the information to get it”.

Stewart Cruickshank FRSA: Senior Producer BBC Radio Scotland

“goNORTH continues to be one of the UK’s benchmark A&R event and the many attendees at the well-subscribed panels and evening gigs bear witness to that”

ABOUT goNORTH …..

goNORTH was launched in 2001 to provide a platform for artistes from the north of Scotland to showcase for music industry and media representatives on their own patch. Originally hosted across Aberdeen’s Belmont Street, we briefly relocated to Dundee, before settling in Scotland’s most northerly city, Inverness. Now covering a much wider remit including Screen & Broadcast, Designer Fashion and Publishing, the event has become firmly established as Scotland’s leading Creative Industries Festival.

ScreenHI and Go Events have come together to form Creative Highland, now responsible for the delivery of goNORTH to a professional industry audience. Our hope year on year is to grow, in all senses of the word; increase the variety of workshops, invite speakers and industry professionals that you want to see and most importantly make it an event not to be missed.

In 2011, we introduced the goNORTH Festival Tour, an exciting addition which takes goNORTH back to its roots and supports new music and film across some of the finest independent festivals in the country. Partners include Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, Wickerman Festival and Loopallu. We also project manage the delivery of talent to a broad range of international opportunities across Mainland Europe and the US, partners include MUSEXPO (US), Sumerfest (US), Yellow Phone (US), SPOT Festival (DK), PLAY Festival (BE) and Freeze Festival (NL).

In recent years goNORTH has featured an international array of talent spanning not only Scotland and the wider UK, but also the USA, Russia, Scandinavia, The Netherlands, Australia and Japan.

Previous keynote speakers include, Tony Wilson, Alan McGee, Jazz Summers, Mark Jones and former UK Music CEO, Feargal Sharkey.

The goNORTH Music Week CD featuring a selection of showcasing artists is also delivered direct to industry on the cover of leading trade publication, Music Week.

As always, there will be no charge to attend any element of the festival, with free registration open from Thursday 31st January 2013.

www.gonorthfestival.co.uk

www.facebook.com/gonorthinverness

https://twitter.com/goNORTHFEST

We are delighted to have the Musicians Union as a sponsor of the MUSIC NEWS Scotland ‘Latest News’ Blog – please click above to view their website and see what services they can offer Scottish musicians

Click to find out more about the Scottish Music Centre

We are delighted to have the Scottish Music Centre as a sponsor of the MUSIC NEWS Scotland ‘Latest News’ Blog – please click above to view their website and see what services they can offer Scottish musicians

Posted in Festivals, Latest News | Tagged creative highland, go north, gonorth, gonorth festival, gonorth showcase, inverness, shaun arnold | Leave a comment

ROCKNESS 2013 LAUNCHES

Posted on January 30, 2013 by MUSIC NEWS Scotland

EXAMPLE * BASEMENT JAXX * MADNESS * THE VACCINES * BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB * BEN HOWARD * ELLIE GOULDING * THE MACCABEES * JESSIE WARE * CAMERA OBSCURA * NEWTON FAULKNER

RockNess 2013 launches today with an announcement of quality and depth, and in keeping with the eclectic signature synonymous with the festival, a tantalising flavour of 2013’s hottest rising stars.

First up, with a knack for dispensing ridiculously catchy chart toppers, EXAMPLE’s live shows, complete with full band, are back-to-back, energy packed affairs. Drawing on a four album strong catalogue, including multiple number one successes, it’ll be a hits-a-thon come June with the likes of ‘Kickstarts,‘Changed the Way You Kissed Me’, ‘Won’t Go Quietly’ and ’Stay Awake’. EXAMPLE’s brand of dance-rap, flavoured with input from the likes of Benga, Calvin, Skream, Zane Lowe and Blur’s Graham Coxon, will be the RockNess soundtrack impossible not to bounce to with reckless abandon.

Few live acts shout “party” more than chief shindig instigators BASEMENT JAXX, and we are delighted to announce the ringleaders are back and heading to Dores this June. Last time the unstoppable duo and their merry band of singers, dancers and MCs landed at Dores, the brilliantly wild, main stage pandemonium never moved below fourth gear. Now the JAXX experience is returning, and with new material recently being teased across airwaves, igniting strong rumours of a new album, it’ll soon be party time again.

Having now attained national treasure status, MADNESS bring their inimitable nutty magic to The Highlands. ‘One Step Beyond’, ‘House of Fun’, ‘Baggy Trousers’, ‘Our House’, ‘It Must Be Love’… in now signature RockNess style, this promises to be the festival’s mass sing-along moment of 2013.

Predicted to “help usher in a new era for guitar music” with a sound described as “fantastic, exhilarating and exciting”, THE VACCINES are fast track sealing their status as rock ‘n’ roll icons. Debut demo “If You Wanna” exploded as Zane Lowe’s ‘Hottest Record in the World’ in 2010, and an instant sell out UK tour played to rapturous media acclaim, and audiences including Alex Kapranos, Marcus Mumford and members of White Lies and The Maccabees. Second album ‘Come of Age’ rocketed straight into number one in September 2012, certifying gold status less than 3 weeks after release, and this summer, in what will be an electrifying assault, THE VACCINES will play RockNess.

Winners of the Best New Band award at 2010’s NME Awards, and Ivor Novello-nominated for second album ‘Flaws’ in 2011, BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB have arrived proper style with third album ‘A Different Kind of Fix’, a lesson in how to work a groove to glorious genre slicing effect. Witness the remarkable evolution this June,

Extolling the finest virtues of a modern day troubadour, singer songwriter BEN HOWARD is one of the brightest talents to emerge in recent times. The lush musicianship of debut album ‘Every Kingdom’ oozes quality, earning him a Mercury Prize nomination in 2012, and recent follow up EP ‘The Burgh Island’ continues his ascent. Relentless gigging has honed BEN HOWARD’s live shows like few others. Soulful, emotive and one of many unmissables set for RockNess 2013.

Since bagging the BRIT Awards’ Critics Choice in 2010, ELLIE GOULDING has shape shifted from the sparkly pop of debut album ‘Lights’ to the more bombastic but equally magical follow up of ‘Halycon’, released late 2012. Live, her sound, and especially her voice – folky, primal, soaring when it needs to – stands GOULDING apart as an original. Pop music in sublime effect.

THE MACCABEES posses the kind of heroic force that heavy touring has beefed them up for. Gutsy and honest, the band’s latest album ‘Given to the Wild’ was Mercury nominated in 2012. Check them out and see why for yourself.

Next up, RockNess is absolutely delighted to announce the stunning sound of JESSIE WARE will be gracing Dores. Since emerging on to the scene in 2010, the London songstress has been laying impressive foundations with a sound that oozes soulful quality, reminiscent of the 80’s most seductive divas. Guest production duties assumed by the likes of Julio Bashmore, SBTRKT and Joker edge her gorgeous sound on the credibility stakes too. JESSIE WARE. Here, now, and utterly authentic.

CAMERA OBSCURA epitomise the spirit of indie. Coming on to the scene around the same time as the likes of Belle & Sebastian (debut album ‘Biggest Bluest Hi Fi’ was produced by Stuart Murdoch), the Glaswegian band’s output has never strayed far from their intoxicating brand of golden pop, building up a loyal cult following in the process.

Last but by no means least, as one of the original torchbearers to break through for the nu folk / acoustic movement of the noughties, NEWTON FAUKLNER’s distinct sound was prophetically ahead of its time. Since then the dreadlocked one has refused the temptation to kowtow to any fleeting trends, sticking to what he does best – essentially tight, rhythmic guitars, nimble finger picking, uncommon tunings and inventive chord changes. NEWTON FAULKNER is not just an artist but an entertainer definitely worth checking out live.

With heaps more exciting announcements and arena details coming soon, including line ups for the mighty SUB CLUB SOUND SYSTEM and SOMA RECORDS, the countdown has officially commenced!

Speaking about this year’s launch announcement, Festival Director Jim King said ”I’m delighted to announce the first names we’re bringing to the party at Loch Ness this summer. We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to bring you an eclectic line up of the highest calibre acts for which RockNess is synonymous. To top it all, we’ve reduced the price of our Weekend Camping tickets by £20 so you can join us at RockNess for less than most other major UK festivals at an amazing value price of £139. We’ve introduced a new Inverness Discount ticket, which is inclusive of all fees to support local businesses in Inverness if you buy over the counter; more details can be found on our website.

If you haven’t joined us at RockNess before, I promise you it is the best way to kickstart your summer, a completely electric atmosphere, partying in what is probably the most beautiful festival site in the world. If you have been to RockNess before then as always I’d like to thank you for your continued support in making it the best festival in Scotland. We’ve got many more bands and DJ’s still to announce, plus another very special headliner, so stay tuned…!”

Want to see how much fun RockNess really is? Check out the video from last year! http://vimeo.com/54136241

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! For more information about all ticket types go to www.rockness.co.uk

We are delighted to have the Musicians’ Union as a sponsor of the MUSIC NEWS Scotland ‘Latest News’ Blog – please click above to view their website and see what services they can offer Scottish musicians

Posted in Festivals, Latest News | Tagged BASEMENT JAXX, BEN HOWARD, Bombay Bicycle Club, ELLIE GOULDING, Example, MADNESS, rockness, THE VACCINES | Leave a comment

First Names Revealed For Knockengorroch

Posted on January 29, 2013 by MUSIC NEWS Scotland

Organisers have announced the first confirmed acts appearing at the Knockengorroch World Ceilidh 2013. The renowned roots music festival, established in 1998, has become known for its eclectic line-up, featuring music from all corners of the globe.

Asian Dub Foundation

The unclassifiable ragga/ jungle/ dub/ punk/ trad sounds of pioneers Asian Dub Foundation will ring out in the hills. One of the first bands to merge contemporary Western sounds with traditional Asian beats and melodies, ADF have established themselves as one of the most exciting live bands on the festival circuit.

The musical programme will span a multitude of genres including acts such as Dizraeli and the Small Gods – a multi instrumental outfit fusing hip-hop with folk for a fresh outlook on both genres; Breabach – a young band making waves in the Scottish traditional scene who won the Scottish Folk Band of the Year at the 2012 Trad Awards; Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole, four time Grammy-award nominated Texans playing authentic and soul stirring music from Southern Louisiana and Cornishman Luke Vibert, alias Wagon Christ, a lauded creative voice in electronica and ‘ambient trip-hop.

Breabach

Further acts appearing include: Congo Natty aka Rebel MC with Tenor Fly, Slamboree, Headmix Collective, The Correspondents, Federation of the Disco Pimp, The Old Dance School, Sheelanagig, Vibronics, Mungo’s Hi Fi Sound System, The Bevvy Sisters, Krar Collective, Freddy Frogs, Morphamish, the Mezzanine Allstars and many more still to come.

The well established festival will take place from 23 to 26 May in a stunning location in Dumfries and Galloway and will present not only music but also arts from all corners of the globe.

One of the organisers, Katriona Holmes said ‘We’re really excited by the incredible array of talent we have joining us this year at Knockengorroch. As well as brilliant music acts there will be dance, theatre, multi-media and comedy; happy kids making things, workshops in all manner of new skills, good food, a healing area, a sauna, fire shows, world cinema, and lots more. Its brilliant to have so many inspiring artists join us in our mountain valley and we look forward to welcoming festy goers from all across Scotland and the rest of the world to enjoy our exceptional event in the hills!’

Advance tickets are available from the Knockengorroch website www.knockengorroch.org.uk. Family and concession tickets are available.

www.knockengorroch.org.uk

Click to find out more about the Musicians' Union - (Pic: Isabella Summers)

Posted in Festivals, Latest News | Tagged Asian Dub Foundation, Breabach, Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole, Dizraeli and the Small Gods, Katriona Holmes, Knockengorroch, Luke Vibert, Wagon Christ | Leave a comment

PRIMAL SCREAM TO PLAY WICKERMAN

Posted on January 16, 2013 by MUSIC NEWS Scotland

WICKER FANS TO ‘GET THEIR ROCKS OFF’ AS INDIE LEGENDS TAKE CENTRE STAGE : PRIMAL SCREAM ANNOUNCED FOR 2013

Friday 26 & Saturday 27 July : Dumfries and Galloway

Buy tickets now at Skiddle from this link: http://bit.ly/S24GmS

Wickerman, one of Scotland’s best-loved independent music festivals, has revealed that the Friday night headliner for this year’s summer festival will be seminal Scottish rock band Primal Scream. Also joining the Festival’s red hot line-up will be critically acclaimed duo Public Service Broadcasting, who will inform, educate and entertain festival goers with their original mix of past and present.

On Friday 26th July, Bobby Gillespie and the band will take their iconic style to the stage in what will be Primal Scream’s only Scottish festival appearance this year. Debuting material from their eagerly awaited new album, their first in five years, alongside classic hits from their back catalogue, the influential group will be ‘moving on up’ to the top of the bill with what is set to be an electrifying performance.

Public Service Broadcasting will join them on the Summerisle Stage line up to deliver a unique and spellbinding Wickerman performance, showcasing their signature mix of archive samples, electronic beats and live audio visual transmissions.

The Wickerman Festival provides a valued platform for championing Scottish music and prides itself on presenting the best up-and-coming acts whilst catering for every music taste. From dance and electronica, to rock, indie, reggae and punk, a plethora of new and established artists across a variety of music genres will be announced over the coming months.

Now in its twelfth year, the two-day Festival will once again come to its legendary and spectacular climax with the Saturday night lighting of the Wickerman, followed by a promise to keep the Wickerman party stoked into the early hours.

Wickerman Festival Coordinator Helen Chalmers is delighted to be revealing the first names for the 2013 event. She commented: ‘Primal Scream is one of Britain’s most iconic, inventive and exciting bands and having them play at Wickerman is a major coup, both for the Festival and its fans.

Once again the full line up will feature an eclectic and sometimes surprising mix of leading artists, alternative acts and exciting emerging talent, so whether its Primal Scream or Public Service Broadcasting stirring up the crowds with sizzling sets, we are certain that Wickerman 2013 will be one of the most relaxed, fun and friendly festivals of the summer!’

About The Wickerman Festival

Wickerman is one of the UK’s best-loved independent music festivals and is now entering its 12th consecutive year. With nine stages featuring an eclectic and exciting mix of leading artists, alternative acts and up and coming talent, the two day summer party caters for all musical tastes.

From the main Summerisle Stage to the Acoustic Village and the punk-driven Scooter Tent…Wickerman acts have included: Scissor Sisters, Texas, The View, Newton Faulkner, Levellers, James, Feeder, The Charlatans and The Coral amongst many others.

It is one of the friendliest festivals in Scotland and with hundreds of music-loving families in attendance each year, there’s a host of cool kids entertainment and activities on offer. The festival site is a working farm in picturesque Dumfries and Galloway; its rolling hills, lush forests and fresh country air make for a refreshing vibe. It is also where the classic 1973 Wicker Man film was made – the inspiration for the festival’s name.

The Wickerman site is a wonderland for adults and children alike with a cinema, fun fair, circus entertainment, grass sledging, mountain biking and array of arts and craft activities scattered throughout its fields. High quality yurts, tipis and cloudhouses and spacious campsites complete the magical festival experience.

Every year the festival stages an unforgettable finale, as thousands of fans flock to watch a towering 40ft Wickerman be spectacularly set alight

Primal Scream

Bobby Gillespie of Primal Scream

Primal Scream is made up of Bobby Gillespie (lead vocals), Andrew Innes and Barrie Cadogan (guitars), Darrin Mooney (drums), Martin Duffy (keyboards) and Simone Butler (bass).

Winners of the first ever Mercury Music Prize for 1991’s Screamadelica, Primal Scream have influenced a generation of fans and bands alike over their 20 year career. Bestowed with NME¹s Godlike Genius Award in March 2007, Primal Scream remain one of Britain’s most exciting and inventive bands.

They’re currently working on a new LP, due for release in spring 2013.

www.facebook.com/primalscreamofficial

Public Service Broadcasting

Public Service Broadcasting is the brainchild of London-based J. Willgoose, Esq. who, along with his drumming companion, Wrigglesworth, is on a quest to inform, educate and entertain audiences around the globe,

The duo’s unique live AV Transmissions see them weave samples from old public information films, archive footage and propaganda material around live drums, guitar, banjo and electronics as they teach lessons of the past through music of the future – beaming the past back to us through vintage TV sets and state of the art modern projection devices.

www.facebook.com/PUBLICSERVICEBROADCASTING

www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk

Click to find out more about the Musicians Union

Posted in Festivals, Latest News | Tagged Bobby Gillespie, Dumfries and Galloway, Esq., Helen Chalmers, J. Willgoose, Primal Scream, Public Service Broadcasting, The Wickerman Festival, wickerman | Leave a comment

Posted on December 20, 2012 by MUSIC NEWS Scotland

Update after the Big Apple Award finals last night (Wednesday 19 December)

MUSIC NEWS Scotland

NEWS UPDATE:

STANLEY ODD WIN BIG APPLE AWARD LAST NIGHT!

Stanley Odd win the trip to New York

to support The View – event details below …..

THE BIG APPLE AWARD FINALISTS ARE: Stanley Odd : Tango in the Attic : Finding Albert : The Deadline Shakes : The Featherman

The finalists have been announced for the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland – The Big Apple Award. After a fantastic response it’s been announced that the five bands going into the illustrious final are: Stanley Odd; Tango in the Attic; Finding Albert; The Deadline Shakes and The Featherman. The winning act will perform in New York City supporting The View at the renowned Bowery Ballroom on Sunday 7 April, during Scotland Week 2013.

Music therapy charity Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland and Creative Scotland teamed up once again to launch the once in a lifetime…

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