MUSIC NEWS Scotland

RSNO Chorus perform your favourite Christmas carols

Posted on December 8, 2011 by MUSIC NEWS Scotland

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) are searching to find the nation’s top Christmas carol.

Scotland’s national orchestra are holding an online poll with the RSNO Chorus lined up to perform the winning selection on Saturday (10th).

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) are holding an online poll to determine the most popular Christmas carol in 2011, with members of the RSNO Chorus performing the decided top five selection at key locations around the city of Glasgow this Saturday.

Festive revellers from around the world are invited to visit the RSNO’s website, www.rsno.org.uk, to vote for their favourite yuletide song. The online poll is open until 12.00pm on Friday 9 December.

On Saturday 10 December over 60 members of the RSNO Chorus will start at Glasgow Airport at 12.00pm and tour to locations across the city; the new Riverside Museum (1.00pm), Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (1.45pm) and the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall steps at the top of Buchanan Street (2.30pm), performing the chosen top five Christmas carols as well as taking carol requests and performing their own festive favourite. The final performance of the day will be held at 3.00pm on the concourse at Glasgow’s Queen Street Station, where passengers will be treated to an extended set, with chorus members and ScotRail staff aiming to raise money for CHAS (Children’s Hospice Association Scotland).

In the spirit of Christmas the RSNO Chorus will be inviting members of the public to join in on the day as well as encouraging enthusiastic singers to try out for the chorus of Scotland’s national orchestra.

The RSNO Chorus will be led by conductor and long-time associate of the RSNO, Michael Bawtree: “Everyone has their favourite Christmas carol but it will be interesting to discover what people collectively decide as their favourite. Once we know what has been decided, members of the chorus and I will be visiting all kinds of public venues, performing what voters have chosen as their top five. I’m anticipating a few surprises too!”

The RSNO Christmas Concerts – sponsored by ScotRail – featuring celebrated Scottish actor Siobhan Redmond, conductor Christopher Bell and the RSNO Chorus or Junior Chorus commence on Thursday 15 December at the Music Hall, Aberdeen and travel to the Caird Hall, Dundee (Friday 16 December), twice at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (Saturday 17 December, 2.00pm and 6.00pm) and at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh on Sunday (Sunday 18 December).

The RSNO Christmas Concerts – sponsored by ScotRail – featuring celebrated Scottish actor Siobhan Redmond

For more information and to vote for your favourite carols, log onto www.rsno.org.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

Click to visit the Scottish Music Centre's website

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 Latest News | Tagged Aberdeen Music Hall, CHAS, Christopher Bell, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, RSNO, RSNO Chorus, Siobhan Redmond, The Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Usher Hall | Leave a comment

SCOTS TRAD MUSIC AWARD WINNERS!

Posted on December 4, 2011 by MUSIC NEWS Scotland

WINNERS ANNOUNCED AT

THE MG ALBA SCOTS TRAD MUSIC AWARDS

Scottish music stars were out in force last night (Saturday 3rd December) to attend the 2011 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards, which have been dubbed, ‘the Brits of the Trad scene.’

A record number of almost 100,000 votes were cast online by the public and winners were announced by hosts Mary Ann Kennedy and Tony Kearney at a glittering ceremony at the Perth Concert Hall.

Julie Fowlis and event host Tony Kearney arriving at the awards - pic by Louis DeCarlo

Winners at the prestigious awards included Skerryvore (Best Live Act), Innes Watson (Instrumentalist of the Year), Battlefield Band (Folk Band Of The Year), Manran (Album Of The Year) and Siobhan Miller (Singer of The Year).

The tiny Ben Nevis bar in Glasgow fought off strong competition from major venues to be named Venue of the year, while the Orkney Folk Festival was named Event Of The Year. (See full winners list at the end).

Ten artists were also chosen by a panel comprised of their peers and the award organisers to be inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall Of Fame. They are John Watt, Ian Duncan, Billy Thom, Alasdair Fraser, Bert Jansch, Donald MacLeod (Islay), Tannahill Weavers, Bobby MacLeod, Tobar an Dualchais – Kist O Riches, Arthur Cormack

Skerryvore performing at last night's awards - pic by Louis DeCarlo

The night was rounded off by some fantastic performances from winners Skerryvore, party starters Peatbog Faeries, the incredible Barbara Dickson Band and emerging talent Kristen Harvey and the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland.

Barbara Dickson Band at the awards - pic by Louis DeCarlo

Event founder and promoter Simon Thoumire says: “A massive congratulations to this year’s winners and also to everyone that made the shortlist – the competition was fierce this year and the voters had a tough job. Thanks to everyone who made this year’s event the best one yet. Roll on our tenth birthday next year.”

Alasdair Morrison, Chairman of event sponsors MG ALBA adds: “We’ve seen some incredible performances and honoured some fantastic winners this evening so we are thrilled once again to be the event sponsor. We believe passionately in showcasing the best of Gaelic and Scottish culture on BBC ALBA and we’re delighted that we can offer even more people the chance to share in the Awards by transmitting them on our channel.”

The MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards programme will air on BBC ALBA – Na Trads, Monday 5 December at 10pm. Repeated Friday 9 December @ 9pm. Freeview 8, Virgin Media 188, Freesat 110, Sky 168 http://www.bbcalba.co.uk

The full winners list for this year’s MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards:

Album of the Year sponsored by Birnam CD

Manran – Manran

Gaelic Singer of the Year sponsored by Macmeanmna

Norrie MacIver

Instrumentalist of the Year sponsored by Temple Records

Innes Watson

Instrumentalist of the Year Innes Watson - pic by Louis DeCarlo

Music Tutor of the Year sponsored by Creative Scotland’s Youth Music Initiative

Mairi Campbell

Composer of the Year sponsored by PRS for Music

Aidan O’ Rourke

Coda Music Venue of the Year Award

Ben Nevis

Event of the Year sponsored by VisitScotland

Orkney Folk Festival

Up and Coming Artist of the Year sponsored by The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

Rura

Trad Music in the Media sponsored by ScottishCultureOnline.com

Transatlantic Sessions

Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year sponsored by Traditional Music and Song Association

Siobhan Miller

Community Project of the Year sponsored by Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust

Blazin in Beauly

Live Act of the Year sponsored by Greentrax Recordings

Skerryvore

Scottish Folk Band of the Year sponsored by All Celtic Music

Battlefield Band

Pipe Band of the Year

Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band

Scottish Dance Band of the Year sponsored by National Association of Accordion and Fiddle Clubs

Robert Nairn

Club of the Year sponsored by Royal Scottish Country Dance Society

Leith Folk Club

Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame sponsored by Fèisean nan Gàidheal 2011 Inductees

John Watt

Ian Duncan

Billy Thom

Alasdair Fraser

Bert Janch

Donald MacLeod, Islay

Tannahill Weavers

Bobby MacLeod

Services to Gaelic Music sponsored by Bòrd na Gàidhlig

Tobar an Dualchais/Kist o Riches

Hamish Henderson Services to Traditional Music Award

Arthur Cormack

www.twitter.com/scotstradmusicawards

www.handsupfortrad.co.uk/tradmusicawards

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 Latest News | Tagged Aidan O' Rourke, Barbara Dickson, Battlefield Band, Bert Jansch, Mànran, Orkney Folk Festival, Peatbog Faeries, Scots Trad Music Awards, Skerryvore | Leave a comment

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Announce Hog The Street Winners!

Posted on November 30, 2011 by MUSIC NEWS Scotland

STOP PRESS NEWS:

Matt Norris and the Moon

have won Hog the Street!!!!!

http://www.mattnorrisandthemoon.co.uk/

Emelle / The OK Social Club / The Soul Foundation /

Matt Norris and the Moon / The Marvels / Finding Albert / Das Contras /

Clog & The Quirks / Davey Horne / Madhat McGore

Organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2011/12 are delighted to announce the ten bands who have been shortlisted for the finals of ‘Hog the Street’, the new bands competition taking place on Princes Street this Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 December, 1pm – 5pm. Scotland’s best new acts will busk it out for the chance to kick off the world’s greatest New Year party.

The winning band from this busk off will open the Concert in the Gardens – the music and fireworks spectacular – and join the bill alongside headliners Primal Scream and special guests Bombay Bicycle Club and Sons & Daughters.

The ten lucky bands have been chosen by Leith Records and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay from over 80 entries to compete in a live busking final on Princes Street this weekend, hosted by DJ, broadcaster and champion of new music, Jim Gellatly. Each band will perform on stage at the West End for 20-25 minutes and must include their favourite Christmas cover. The line-up includes an eclectic mix of indie, hip-hop, folk and soul to entertain the weekend crowds on Princes Street. The act which raises the most money for Shelter Scotland during their busking set will win the coveted opening slot for Concert in the Garden on 31 December.

The Finalists are (in no particular order):

Emelle: Three brothers, a friendly fiddler and finnie playing honest tunes and paying homage to the past, present and future. They hail from the northeast banks of the Don but migrated further and further south and are now based in Edinburgh.

The OK Social Club: An Edinburgh 4-piece who write about life in Scotland’s capital. Sometimes hectic, sometimes serene, never dull and always colourful.

The Soul Foundation: A high energy soul band from Edinburgh who have taken their influence from the Detroit Motown Sounds of the 1960’s. A fresh, creative outfit, their original material has been compared to Holland/Dozier/Holland.

Matt Norris and the Moon: Foot stomping, five part harmonising quintet from Edinburgh pitting trumpet swells against folksy fiddle runs to create infectious melodies.

The Marvels: An Edinburgh based band with a lot of heart, energy and fun to give. Following the success of their single in June, and a gig at the Usher Hall in May, the Marvels are moving onwards and upwards.

Finding Albert: This indie four piece band from Glasgow and Dumfries have been described by Jim Gellatly in the Sun as ‘future superstars’.

Das Contras: Das Contras hail from Fife and Glasgow and blend folk, rock, latin, punk and reggae to make some really great music.

Clog & The Quirks: A young pop-ska-funk-rock band from North Berwick, they have huge ability and would certainly get the party started.

Davey Horne: A blistering young talent from Falkirk, Davey Hornesings sould and R&B will break your heartand put it back together again.

Madhat McGore: As mad as a hatter? Well he might just be! Madhat Mcgore has been rapping from 12 years, and proudly represents Auld Reekie.

Pete Irvine, Festival Director, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, said: “This is a fantastic line-up of fresh, new Scottish talent and the winner will be a worthy addition to the world-class line up for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay this year.

Jim Wolff, Co-Founder, Leith Records, said: ‘”Hog The Street will be bringing a lively festival atmosphere to Princes Street this year. Regardless of who wins, we hope new Scottish bands will get a good bit of exposure, shoppers get a great weekend of a live music, and Shelter gets a healthy Christmas bonus.”

Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, said: “This is a great competition with some very talented acts in the running. We want the public to vote with their wallets and help the acts to support Shelter Scotland. For one of them this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to perform with Primal Scream at the biggest New Year’s Eve party in the world. Not only that but with proceeds from the busking going to Shelter Scotland, they will help us to help the tens of thousands of people in Scotland who are in housing need.”

Leith Records (http://www.leithrecords.com) is the latest project to come out of The Leith Agency, providing a stage for new music and home-grown artists across Scotland. It has helped provide unique musical experiences for the Mountain Bike World Cup, the Leith Festival and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.

Tickets are already available for the city’s world famous Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party; which features a world class line-up over 7 live music stages, with artists including Primal Scream, superstar DJ Mark Ronson, Festival favourites The Vaccines and Friendly Fires, Sons & Daughters, Wild Beasts and Kassidy.

Revellers can purchase tickets for the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party, Concert in the Gardens and The Keilidh in one of three ways: Online at www.edinburghshogmanay.com; by calling the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Box Office on 0844 894 2011 or by contacting Tickets Scotland, 127 Rose Street or Ripping Records, 91 South Bridge, Edinburgh.

As well as the events taking place on the 31st December, a varied festival programme of events takes place over the four days of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay which runs from Friday 30 December 2011 until Sunday 1 January 2012

For further information, to purchase tickets and to register for online updates visit: www.edinburghshogmanay.com

Posted in Latest News | Tagged Bombay Bicycle Club, Das Contras, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, Finding Albert, Leith Records, Matt Norris and the Moon, Primal Scream, Shelter, Sons & Daughters | Leave a comment

BORN TO BE WIDE STUDIO SEMINAR

Posted on November 29, 2011 by MUSIC NEWS Scotland

Born To Be Wide is to host a seminar providing an ‘all you need to know’ insight into the studio process.

Taking place at Edinburgh’s Electric Circus on Thursday 1 December it will feature industry professionals providing advice from a diverse range of perspectives including that of the musician, producer, engineer, manager and record company.

Participants include Teenage Fanclub’s Francis Macdonald, who also owns the Shoeshine label, manages Camera Obscura and in recent years has branched out into production.

Keren McKean’s experience includes managing Snow Patrol, working as an A&R, running festivals and founding the We Make Music Work record company and consultancy.

They will be joined by Stanley Odd frontman and mastering expert, Dave Hook and engineer Garry Boyle who works in several high-end Scottish studios including Castle Sound, Depot and Gorbals Sound.

The panel will focus on how to select the right studio, how to get the best value on a budget, finding the right producer and engineer, as well as the importance of mastering. It will also cover what should be taken into account when recording from home and the technical requirements involved in recording for different media such as film or television.

“Getting the right recording is one of the most important aspects of an artist’s work as it acts as a calling card,” says Born To Be Wide co-organiser, Olaf Furniss. “This seminar is geared towards answering the questions which many people are afraid to ask.”

BORN TO BE WIDE Studio Seminar

Thursday 1 December – Venue: The Electric Circus, 36 Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DF

1930-2130

STUDIO SEMINAR with

Dave Hook – www.stanleyodd.com

Francis Macdonald – www.shoeshine.co.uk

Garry Boyle – www.garryboyle.com

Keren McKean – www.wemakemusicwork.com

£5.00 / £3.50 [MU] / £2.50 [under 18s] + booking fee.

Group discounts available on request.

Buy tickets in advance and save money visit: www.borntobewide.co.uk

2130-0000

DJ sets by seminar guests

FREE

ABOUT BORN TO BE WIDE

Born To Be Wide was launched in February 2004 to provide a meeting place for those involved or interested in the Scottish music scene. A diverse range of musicians, journalists, promoters, label owners and friends of music, invited to play their all-time favourite records unless they were by Morrissey or Joy Division

Since April 2008 the night has hosted seminars covering subjects such as How To Get A Gig, A&R, Music Management, and Music Photography.

Born To Be Wide’s organisers also host the Wide Days conference and showcase event, which takes place in Edinburgh every April. Both events enjoy the support of the Musicians’ Union.

www.facebook.com/borntobewide

www.twitter.com/borntobewide

www.borntobewide.co.uk