T IN THE PARK REVEALS LINE-UP FOR 2015 FESTIVAL

click for T in the Park facebook pageThis summer, T in the Park will take up residency in the beautiful grounds of Strathallan Castle, and festival organisers DF Concerts and founding partner Tennent’s Lager are thrilled to reveal a stellar cast of acts set to play the historic first year at the festival’s brand new Perthshire home.

Over 10th – 12th July, Strathallan Castle will play host to an unmissable bill packed with some of the world’s biggest bands, DJs, solo artists and hotly tipped breakthrough talent, as well as a daily crowd of 85,000 music fans.

Joining previously announced The Libertines on the T in the Park bill will be fan favourites Kasabian, who headline the historic first day at the festival’s new home. Swedish dance sensation Avicii will make his long-awaited T in the Park debut when he closes the Main Stage on Saturday. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds are sure to deliver a finale of epic proportions when they bring the Main Stage to a close, and influential dance icons The Prodigy will headline the Radio 1 Stage on Sunday night. Both Noel Gallagher and The Prodigy will become the first acts to have graced the T in the Park stage in all three of the festival’s homes – Strathclyde Country Park, Balado and now Strathallan Castle. Long-time festival favourites Stereophonics will appear penultimate to Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds on the Main Stage on the final night. Superstar DJ and producer David Guetta, Sam Smith and The Script will also make a welcome return to the festival.

With some of the biggest names in music heading for Scotland this summer, T in the Park’s debut outing at Strathallan Castle is already shaping up to be an unmissable weekend:

FRIDAY 10th JULY: Kasabian, David Guetta, Sam Smith, Rudimental, Fatboy Slim, Hozier, Annie Mac, Hot Chip, The Wombats, Gorgon City, Duke Dumont, Jessie Ware, Fuse ODG

SATURDAY 11th JULY: Avicii, The Libertines, The Script, Twin Atlantic, alt-J, George Ezra, Jessie J, Courteeners, The Vaccines, Labrinth, The Proclaimers, St. Vincent, Enter Shikari, Seasick Steve, Jungle, Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott, Idlewild, Jess Glynne, Charli XCX

SUNDAY 12th JULY: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, The Prodigy, Stereophonics, Jamie T, Paloma Faith, Above & Beyond, Alabama Shakes, Kodaline, Catfish & the Bottlemen, Clean Bandit, Oliver Heldens, Ella Henderson, Modest Mouse, James Bay, Years & Years, Peace

Kasabian are huge crowd favourites, and when the lads return to the Main Stage this July, they will become the first act to headline Strathallan Castle. Currently in the form of their lives both on stage and on record, their latest album 48:13 became their fourth consecutive no.1 album. The band described the album as being “about the crowd, the fans. That moment we share onstage, where they’re giving as much as you’re giving, it’s so special, so it’s a love letter to that moment and to those people.” T in the Parkers will be able to share that moment this July.

In 2014, Swedish songwriter and producer Avicii cemented his place as a true superstar recording artist/DJ with the success of his genre-defying debut album, True. The album blends the earthy sounds of folk, country, and bluegrass with soaring pop melodies, funky disco jams, and driving house beats. His 4x-platinum stomper Wake Me Up hit no. 1 in 81 countries and became the most streamed song of all time on Spotify. He’s also just released single The Nights and has a brand new album in the pipeline. Having played to millions at major festivals like Miami’s Ultra Music and Lollapalooza and at the world’s biggest clubs, Avicii will add T in the Park to this illustrious list when he makes his debut this July.

Avicii said: “Really looking forward to get back to Scotland for one of the best festivals in the world! Can’t wait for July 11th!”

Noel Gallagher will go down in T in the Park history this July as one of the first artists to play at each of the festival’s three homes. Oasis played the festival’s very first outing at Strathclyde Country Park in 1994, and headlined Balado in 2002. When Noel returns in 2015 with his High Flying Birds, he’ll complete the T hat-trick. Chasing Yesterday is out on March 2nd and marks a new chapter and sound for Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. It’s the first album to be produced as well as written by Noel and features a much broader array of instrumentation than ever before; the result is a rich, expansive and multi-layered record, drawing from a range of disparate influences – from west coast rock to classic rock’n’roll and even some space jazz!

David Guetta has played a pivotal role in turning dance music into the chart-topping juggernaut it is today. His impact is impossible to underestimate, and he can be considered among the elite group of super-producers whose sound is synonymous with an era. His landmark new album, Listen, proves he remains at the top of his game. With residencies at XS and Encore in Vegas, Ushuaia and Pacha in Ibiza, he DJs to millions around the world each year – next stop, Strathallan Castle.

The Prodigy have cut a solitary path through the noise-scapes of electronic dance music. They’ve dropped five epoch-defining studio albums, including 2009’s world dominating Invaders Must Die, and delivered unforgettable live performances that have taken electronic beats into unchartered territories, inspiring legions of artists along the way. They return in 2015 with a brand new album The Day is My Enemy. Huge fan favourites, they will join Noel Gallagher in the T in the Park history books as they become one of the first acts to have played all three of the festival’s homes.

One of the UK’s most successful bands of recent years, Stereophonics defined the sound of British guitar music from the late 90s onwards. They have released 8 studios albums, 1 double live album and 1 greatest hits album and have combined sales of over 9 million albums. The band made a triumphant return with Graffiti on the Train in 2013, which became one of the bestselling LPs of the year, and was an ever-present fixture in the Top Twenty in the first six months of its release. Their hotly anticipated new album is due to be released later this year. Fronted by Kelly Jones and his distinctive, classic vocal, the band have come a long way since being signed back in 1996. After touring relentlessly to support their debut album release, they picked up a BRIT award for Best New Group in early 1998 and have never looked back.

The band said: “We are really looking forward to being back at T in the Park this year for our ninth appearance at the prestigious festival and are excited to perform at the Strathallan Castle for the first time!”

Since winning the BRITS Critic’s Choice award and topping the BBC Sound Poll at the start of last year, Sam Smith has gone on to become one of the biggest breakout UK male artists in recent years. His multi-platinum selling album In The Lonely Hour debuted at no.1 in the UK charts and has sold over 5 million copies globally, making Sam the only artist in the world in 2014 to sell 1 million albums in both the UK and US. Last year he picked up four MOBOs, Best New Act at the Q Awards and Favourite Male Rock/Pop at the American Music Awards, before becoming the biggest winner at this month’s Grammys, including the prestigious prizes for record and song of the year and best new artist.

Since Dublin three-piece The Script hit the no.1 spot with their self-titled debut album in 2008, they’ve gone from strength to strength. Their 2012 worldwide smash Hall Of Fame took them to stratospheric levels of global stardom, with record sales in excess of 20 million, achieving multi-platinum status around the world. Their fourth album, No Sound Without Silence, is the sound of a band firing on all cylinders and channeling the momentum of their last, rocket-powered campaign. The band said:“We are really excited to be playing T in the Park this summer. We’ve had a lot of fun playing at T in the past, and the Scottish crowds always offer us a huge welcome.”

Rudimental are fast becoming T in the Park favourites. The pioneering melting-pot collective rocketed to fame with the chart-topping Feel the Love in 2012, returning to the no.1 spot months later with Waiting All Night, before swiftly following up with a number 1 debut album. Now one of the most in-demand acts on the summer festival circuit, they’ll bring their feel good tunes to T in the Park.

After a soaring performance on the Main Stage at T in the Park last year, Glasgow’s Twin Atlantic have enjoyed a phenomenal year selling out venues around the country and releasing their album Great Divide which debuted at number 6 in the UK Chart. Picking up gongs including ‘Best Indie Single’ at the AIM Awards for their single Heart and Soul’ Twin Atlantic have perfected stadium-ready emo-pop with their anthemic sound, and will play an epic headline the Radio 1 Stage on Saturday night.

Twin Atlantic’s Sam McTrusty said: “For our seventh appearance at T in the Park we shall be headlining the Radio 1 stage on Saturday. Expect a landmark performance from our band to christen the new T site. If you’ve been at any of our previous T in the Park sets you will know that this festival brings out another side to our band and has always helped push us to the next level. It will be an honour for us as well as a massive memorable party. This summer will be the last chance to see us for a while and we hope you will be there to be part of the celebrations.”

Singer-songwriter Jamie T returned after a 5-year absence with Carry on the Grudge last year. The record was hailed as “consistently enthralling” by NME, and he’s sure to receive a warm welcome back from T in the Parkers.

Fatboy Slim’s return to T in the Park has been a long time coming. The legendary DJ’s live shows are an explosive mix of his own patented brand of “party acid house” and complex audio-visual production. Having last played T in the Park in 1999, he’ll surely receive a hero’s welcome.

alt-J returned last September with the hotly anticipated follow-up to their first full-length release, 2012’s Mercury Prize-winning An Awesome Wave. The latest record from the intrepid British art-rock quartet, This Is All Yours, is similarly clever and conceptual, proving the band are capable of both boldness and restraint, and earning them nominations at the 2015 Brit Awards for Best Album and Best British Group.

Hozier’s poetic lyrics and hauntingly beautiful voice has earned him a huge fanbase and a reputation as one of the biggest breakthrough artists of recent times. Reaction to the release of his debut EP, Take Me to Church has been phenomenal, and he’ll make his T in the Park debut this July.

George Ezra is one of the biggest breakthrough stars of 2014. His critically acclaimed debut album Wanted On Voyage has sold over a quarter of a million copies, reaching no.1 for the first time in October. It capped a remarkable twelve months for the singer-songwriter who has gone from virtual unknown to internationally renowned star, taking in three sold out UK tours, top 10 singles in 10 countries, a top 5 album in eight, 33 million views on YouTube, and over 70 million streams on Spotify.

Annie Mac is Radio 1’s queen of dance music, and due to become the new presenter of its weekday evening new music show next month. She’ll get the party started with her dazzling selection of the best newdance music.

Rising from hotly tipped producers to their current global standing, Above & Beyond are the only dance act in history to win Essential Mix Of The Year twice (in 2004 and 2011). The London-based trio have remixed greats like Radiohead and Madonna, played to one million people on Barra Beach in Rio de Janeiro and are much loved for their epic, immersive and interactive live shows.

With a repertoire packed full of feel-good festival anthems, The Vaccines’ high octane tunes are sure to go down a storm. The band scored a no.1 album with their second record Come of Age, with their forthcoming album English Graffiti due out this year.

Labrinth’s breakthrough came with his guest spot on Tinie Tempah’s smash hit Frisky. Juggling production work for the likes of Ms. Dynamite and with working on his debut album – the acclaimed Electronic Earth, he hit the no. 2 spot with hit single Earthquake and topped the charts with Beneath Your Beautiful featuring Emeli Sande. His hotly anticipated second album Take Me to The Truth is due out this year.

Huge crowd favourites, The Proclaimers are set to bring their singalong anthems to Strathallan for the fifth time. Due to release their 10th studio album in April, the band’s return to T in the Park comes after the success of the movie Sunshine on Leith featuring music from the band and a globe-trotting world tour.

Dutch electronic producer Oliver Heldens knows how to get a crowd going and is sure to bring that party atmosphere to his performance at this year’s T in the Park. Capturing the attention of major DJs and producers, the talented Heldens also impressed Tiesto in 2013 with his track Gecko which was later released on Tiesto’s Musical Freedom Label.

The Wombats’ infectious alt.pop platinum debut album Guide To Love, Loss And Desperation won them legions of fans. Their indie dancefloor smashes including Kill The Director, Let’s Dance To Joy Division and Moving To New York will surely prove popular this summer.

The band said: “We can’t wait to get back to the mayhem that is T in the Park! It’s been too long…”

Gorgon City’s are one of the most exciting new acts in the ever-flourishing landscape of British club savvy pop. Polished, powerful and party-minded, their Top 5 single Ready for Your Love featuring MNEK was one of the dancefloor hits of last year.

Jungle’s irresistible report-to-the-dancefloor sound has generated a huge buzz, plus a BBC Sound of 2014 nomination. They sold out their US tour on the back of a SXSW appearance, before they even had an official record out in America, and will make their T in the Park debut this July.

Another hotly tipped newcomer, James Bay is the recipient of this year’s BRITs’ Critics’ Choice Award, and came second in BBC’s Sound of 2015. He releases his debut album, one of the most hotly anticipated of the year, The Chaos and the Calm, next month.

Jessie Ware’s debut album Devotion became one of the most critically acclaimed albums of 2012, lauded by everyone from Pitchfork to Heat Magazine and nominated for the Mercury Prize. She released her second album, Tough Love, in October, scoring another Top 10 record.

Fuse ODG fuses pop sounds with African rhythm and percussion to create an infectious afrobeats sound which has taken the UK charts by storm. He’ll bring his summery tunes to Strathallan Castle, including top 10 smash hits T.I.N.A, Dangerous Love, Antenna ft Wyclef Jean and Million Pound Girl, ft Sean Paul.

Featuring on huge hit records in her short career, the soulful Jess Glynne has leant her vocals to Clean Bandit for their chart topper Rather Be and Route 94’s My Love showing off her star quality. Her solo record Right Here was also a top 10 hit and those hits are sure to please the crowd at this year’s festival.

Fresh from winning a 2015 NME Award in the Dance Floor Filler category, Charli XCX’s catchy pop has seen the artist be thrown into the realms of worldwide success topping the charts, working on hit collaborations including Icona Pop’s I Love It in 2013 and Iggy Azelea’s Fancy in 2014. Her latest single Boom Clap has seen the star hit the top 10 spot in the UK and USA.

Peace are one of the UK’s most exciting guitar bands today. Selling out numerous dates throughout the country armed with a live energy and sense of spontaneity, they are one of the most sought-after live acts in the UK. Their heart-on-sleeve indie anthemics, enthusiastic and youthful zing and an ability to write uplifting, soaring choruses make them a welcomed addition to this year’s T in the Park line-up.

Festival Director Geoff Ellis said: “This year is going to be a very special one for T in the Park as we make the beautiful grounds of Strathallan Castle our new home, and we’re thrilled that some of the biggest artists in the world will be joining us in this historic first year. We’re hugely excited to announce some big names for the festival today, including British rock legends The Libertines, Kasabian, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and Stereophonics, huge global EDM superstars Avicii and David Guetta, and seminal dance acts Fatboy Slim and The Prodigy – it’s going to be some housewarming party.

“Every year, artists tell us that our audience is one of the most enthusiastic in the world, and that they love to play T in the Park because of the wonderful welcome they receive. We’d like to thank our incredible audience for making this festival so special, and we can’t wait to welcome you all to our beautiful new home.”

George Kyle, Head of Sponsorship, Tennent’s Lager, said: “As we enter an exciting new chapter of T in the Park’s history, it is with great pride that we look back on Tennent’s Lager’s wonderful journey as the festival’s founding partner, which began in 1994 at Strathclyde Country Park, and enters its 22nd year this July at Strathallan Castle. We have been the T in T in the Park since the very beginning, and a real highlight for us has been supporting unsigned talent through our T Break initiative, which celebrates its 20th year this year. We are very much looking forward to celebrating what promises to be another wonderful weekend in stunning new surroundings with the T in the Park fans this July.”

Fans can make sure they’re a part of T in the Park history and secure their place in the Strathallan Castle crowd when T in the Park 2015 tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 27th February from http://www.tinthepark.com or http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk or 08444 999 990.

Bus packages will also be available to buy on 27th February and will drop you off at the campsite door – it’s the easiest, most efficient way to travel to T in the Park 2015.

Refresh wristbands – offering fans access to pamper stations, hair straighteners, hair-washing stations, hair dryers, showers and flushing toilets – will also be available for those looking to spend their weekend in style.

T Lady subscribers can also buy tickets 48 hours before they go on general sale from 9am on Wednesday 25th February. To sign up for the T Lady, visit http://www.tinthepark.com

T in the Park’s new home Strathallan Castle is centrally located in the heart of the beautiful Perthshire countryside, approximately one hour away from both Edinburgh and Glasgow. Lying on an estate sprawling a massive 1000 acres, surrounded by beautiful woodland, T in the Park 2015 will truly be a voyage of discovery.

To make sure you’re the first to hear the latest T in the Park news, check out http://www.tinthepark.com, http://www.facebook.com/tinthepark and follow on Twitter @Tinthepark, and on Instagram @tintheparkofficial

Boutique camping options in The Residence will also be available for those looking for luxury living at T in the Park – check out http://www.tinthepark.com/theresidence.

https://www.facebook.com/tinthepark

http://www.tinthepark.com/

Thank you to the Scottish Music Centre for sponsoring our ‘Latest News’ blog …..

click to go to the Scottish Music Centre 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 Festivals | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Hebcelt Stage Slot Awaits Contest Winner

HebCelt 2015 - version2-A4-Feb15A prestigious stage slot in front of an international audience at the 20th anniversary Hebridean Celtic Festival this summer is awaiting the winner of a talent contest, which launches on Friday 20 February.

The CalMac Culture Music contest, introduced last year by CalMac Ferries Ltd, is aimed at finding the best amateur singers and musicians.

This year the search has been extended to include bands as well as promising singer/songwriters.

From tomorrow, entrants can submit a video of a performance of an original piece of music to YouTube using the #CalMacCulture and the title CalMac Culture Music and then encourage fans to view and like the video.

Deadline for entries is Sunday, 8 March and eight finalists will be chosen based on both the opinion of the judging panel and social media response to the video.

All eight finalists will then play live at King Tut’s in Glasgow on 27 March and will also win stage slots at summer music festivals, including HebCelt, which will be held in Stornoway in the island of Lewis from 15-18 July.

For more information see http://www.calmac.co.uk/culture

Last year more than 50 performers entered the competition and the eight finalists each performed three live acoustic tracks to judges at King Tut’s.

Sophie Rogers won a place at HebCelt last year

Among them was Glasgow-based singer and guitarist Sophie Rogers (https://www.facebook.com/sophierogersmusic ) who secured a slot at HebCelt where she was the first artist to perform on the newly-introduced acoustic stage.

Caroline Maclennan, HebCelt’s director and a judge at the contest, said: “The CalMac Culture Music contest is a wonderful event for unearthing talented performers and showcasing them to a wider audience.

“Sophie was a great addition to our list of artists last year and we look forward to seeing more emerging stars on stage this year.”

HebCelt, which was voted Best Event or Festival at the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards in November, has already announced a diverse, international line-up to celebrate its landmark year.

This includes Grammy-nominated Afro Celt Sound System, Glasgow-based Treacherous Orchestra and Highland outfit The Elephant Sessions.

They will be joined by singer songwriter Chastity Brown, from Minneapolis; Canadian folk group Le Vent du Nord; Indian singer-songwriter, producer, and film score composer Raghu Dixit; Michigan roots ensemble Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys; and Jamie Smith’s MABON, an inter-Celtic band from Wales.

Renowned Scottish singer Karen Matheson, will be heading her own band which will include husband and fellow founder member of Capercaillie, Donald Shaw; and is joined in the festival line-up by singers Siobhan Miller and Iain Morrison;  electro/techno group Halcyon, new band Malin; indie pop and folk-rock six-piece Sunshine Social; and Earths, a folk and punk four-piece from the Borders.

http://www.hebceltfest.com/

https://www.facebook.com/HebCelt

 Thank you to the Scottish Music Centre for sponsoring our ‘Latest News’ blog …..

click to go to the Scottish Music Centre 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 Festivals | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

goNORTH BECOMES XpoNorth AS 2015 DATES ANNOUNCED

Click for XpoNorth on twitterScotland’s leading creative industries convention is to take on a new name in 2015

XpoNorth will pick up the reins from popular annual Inverness-based creative industries festival, goNORTH, in June next year.

The re-branded festival will take place on Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 June, in venues across the Highland capital.

A creative melting pot devoted to crafts, publishing, screen and broadcast as well as music, XpoNorth 2015 will be attended by leading creative industry insiders, who will take part in workshops and masterclass sessions over the course of both days.

Like its predecessor, XpoNorth is free for the public to attend. It will include the influential new music showcase, which sees music stars of tomorrow take to stages across Inverness on both nights of the festival, as well as the prestigious XpoNorth film showcasing programme, now a key platform for emerging film and documentary makers looking to make their mark in a fiercely competitive arena.

XpoNorth Music will be managed by former goNORTH music producer Alex Smith with Ironworks Group directors, Robert Hicks and Caroline Campbell. It has been established as the new Music Industry Network for the Highlands and Islands and will be delivered by Ironworks Group. The 2014 festival showcase schedule in Inverness included much-lauded emerging artists such as Neon Waltz, Baby Strange, Ella The Bird, Hector Bizerk and Broken Records.

XpoNorth, is funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the European Regional Development   Fund (ERDF) and is headed up by former BBC drama producer, Amanda Millen.

Millen, a fluent Gaelic speaker and native of Lochaber, said: “This is a very exciting development for the creative industries in Scotland. The original festival started out in 2000 as a platform for musicians from the north of Scotland to be heard by the wider music industry in the Highlands.”

“XpoNorth has since grown and developed into a unique and much-anticipated event in Scotland’s cultural calendar. In 2014, more than 1300 people working in a wide cross-section of creative genres, attended the festival in Inverness, compared to just 500 people in 2011.

“Rebranding as XpoNorth offers us the ideal opportunity to tell the world what we do and what we are all about. The new name reflects XpoNorth’s broad scope across the creative industries.

“Since 2007, we have been building the screen and broadcast elements of the festival and XpoNorth is now an unmissable event for anyone serious about forging a career in these fields. It’s been exciting for me personally to be able to screen films from around the world, as well as offering a platform for Highlands and Islands-based filmmakers to have their work seen.

“In 2015, we’re expanding the open call for submissions and developing our curated programme in partnership with European film festivals.

“In the last few years, the craft and publishing elements have added an exciting new dimension to XpoNorth, supporting some exciting emerging businesses in the fields of fashion and publishing.”

“Across the Highlands and Islands, there are some incredible success stories, such as fashion designers, Kirsteen Stewart and Catriona MacAllister, jewellers Gilly Langton and Eileen Gatt, as well as knitwear and textile designers, Hume Sweet Hume.”

“We will continue to bring leading industry players in the field of fashion, music, gaming, screen, broadcast and publishing to our daytime panels and workshops. Further details of the 2015 programme will be announced in January.”

Singer turned film director, Richard Jobson, who took part in an entertaining Q&A at last year’s festival describes XpoNorth as ‘the perfect platform to meet film-makers, musicians, designers and writers.’

The former frontman with Fife-based Punk band, The Skids, is currently working on two major film projects based in the Highlands and Islands, including a thriller set in the Cairngorms, called Helter Skelter. He describes his other film project is a ‘poetic meditation’ on North East-born writer Nan Shepherd’s classic book about The Cairngorms, The Living Mountain.

He said: “The informality and relaxed nature of XpoNorth in Inverness, makes it easy to get to know the people who are attending.

“From casual meetings at the festival, I have enrolled young sound designers, camera technicians, and even a couple of actors into my next couple of projects, which are both set in the Highlands. I hope to continue my relationship with XpoNorth in both a creative and training basis, bringing all my experience and new ideas to the table. It’s a special event in a special place.”

As well as music the festival will cover four genres under the collective banner of XpoNorth.

XpoNorth Crafts/Fashions/Textiles and XpoNorth Writing and Publishing

Supported by Emergents, the network which co-ordinates HIE industry networks for craft, fashion and textiles as well as writing and publishing. It is managed by Pamela Conacher and Peter Urpeth, who both bring extensive experience in their respective fields of craft, fashion and textiles, and writing and publishing, to XpoNorth.

XpoNorth Screen and Broadcasting

ScreenHI under the leadership of Amanda Millen, also director of XpoNorth, has been nurturing and developing the HIE’s Screen and Broadcast Industry Network for the last four years. ScreenHI will continue to do this under the new XpoNorth name, offering experiences, job opportunities and industry networking to businesses in the Highlands & Islands.

Get all the latest news on XpoNorth at …..

http://xponorth.co.uk/

https://twitter.com/XpoNorth

https://www.facebook.com/xponorth

Thank you to the Scottish Music Centre for sponsoring our ‘Latest News’ blog …..

click to go to the Scottish Music Centre 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 , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

T in the Park 2015 Tickets On Sale Friday At 9am

click for T in the Park facebook pageTickets for the next chapter in T in the Park history go on sale this Friday (5 Dec) at 9am. Taking place across the weekend of 10-12 July 2015, excitement is already building among fans as they look forward to T in the Park taking up residency in the beautiful grounds of Strathallan Castle.

Festival organisers DF Concerts and founding partner Tennent’s Lager are thrilled to announce that fans will be able to get their hands on the ultimate festival ticket for 2015 when a limited batch of Christmas early-bird T in the Park tickets go on sale at 2014 prices for the third year running, at 9am on Friday 5 December. With Christmas just around the corner, T in the Park tickets are the perfect gift for music lovers.

TITP Strathallan banner

T in the Parkers can secure their ticket with the £50 deposit scheme, paying for the ticket in full over 2 payment periods in 2015. Bus packages will also be available to buy on 5 December and will drop you off at the campsite door – it’s the easiest, most efficient way to travel to T in the Park 2015.

2014 was a fitting farewell to the festival’s beloved Balado, when the 85,000 strong T in the Park crowd gave it an incredible send-off with the party to end all parties, featuring epic tunes from Biffy Clyro, Calvin Harris, Arctic Monkeys, Paolo Nutini, Pharrell Williams, Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding and more. The festival’s new location, Strathallan Castle, is centrally located in the heart of the beautiful Perthshire countryside, approximately one hour away from both Edinburgh and Glasgow. Lying on an estate sprawling a massive 1000 acres, surrounded by beautiful woodland, T in the Park 2015 will truly be a voyage of discovery.

Fans can secure their place in T in the Park history and be part of the inaugural Strathallan Castle crowd when a limited number of T in the Park 2015 tickets will be available at 9am on Friday 5 December, with camping tickets and non-camping tickets remaining at the same price for the third year running. The ultimate Christmas gift, T in the Park tickets will be available from http://www.tinthepark.com or http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/ or 08444 999 990.

A teaser video of the new site can be viewed at http://youtu.be/PohPKBxWgFU

T Lady subscribers can also buy tickets 48 hours before they go on general sale from 9am on Wednesday 3rd December. To sign up for the T Lady, visit http://www.tinthepark.com

Boutique camping options in The Residence, which will surround the picturesque Strathallan Castle, will also be available for those looking for luxury living at T in the Park – check out http://www.tinthepark.com/theresidence.

http://www.tinthepark.com

https://www.facebook.com/tinthepark

Thank you to the Scottish Music Centre for sponsoring our ‘Latest News’ blog …..

click to go to the Scottish Music Centre 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 , , , , | Leave a comment

TARTAN CLEFS RAISE £130,000 FOR NORDOFF ROBBINS MUSIC THERAPY

The La Fontaines perform

The La Fontaines who won 2014’s Creative Scotland ‘Big Apple Award’ perform at the awards : photo by Mark Anderson

The 16th Annual Scottish Music Awards took place last night (29 Nov) at Glasgow’s Old Fruitmarket, with the primary function of raising funds for charity Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland. The night brought together some of Scotland’s most celebrated acts and artists and honoured them with numerous awards, named the Tartan Clefs. The real purpose of the ceremony is to generate as much money towards the charity that help enrich the lives of over 400 children and adults all over Scotland suffering from trauma, illness or disability. Opening the evenings proceedings saw voice-actor and now veteran of the awards, Lewis MacLeod introduce last years X-Factor finalist, Nicholas McDonald who sang a chilling rendition of Adele’s monster hit ‘Someone Like You’.

Jimmy Sommerville

Jimmy Somerville : photo by Andy Buchanan

The first award of the evening went to the legendary Jimmy Somerville; whose career now spans 30 years, when his unique falsetto voice featured on ‘Smalltown Boy’, the Bronski Beat hit that still resonates today. Jimmy was deservedly presented his ‘Special Recognition Award‘ by Councillor Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of the Glasgow City Marketing Bureau on behalf of sponsor PEOPLE MAKE GLASGOW and then went on to perform an a cappella version of his smash hit which had the audience roaring on their feet with applause.

Fatherson - XFM and Hard Rock Cafe Rising Star Award

Fatherson : photo by Andy Buchanan

Next up saw ‘Rising Stars’ Fatherson presented with the XFM & Hard Rock Café Award by DJ Jim Gellatly, who also introduced the hotly tipped indie rockers to the stage to perform. Following their performance, the very special Sir Reo Stakis Living Legend Award was presented to American Dr. Steve Foreman; a worldwide respected session musician and tutor who has played with David Bowie and Pink Floyd but recently hit the headlines when his salary did not meet VISA requirements.

PRIDES - Jack Daniels Breakthrough Award

Prides : photo by Andy Buchanan

Also winning big on the night was Julie Fowlis, who received the Creative Scotland Best Traditional Music Award, Prince who won the public voted SSE Hydro Act of the Year Award, Still Game who won the Ticketmaster Hottest Ticket Award and Prides who picked up the Jack Daniels Best Breakthrough Artist Award. The audience were also treated to a special performance from Scottish Hip-Hop Pop fusion act The La Fontaines who won 2014’s Creative Scotland Big Apple Award, which saw them travel to New York earlier this year with Nordoff Robbins Scotland to perform as part of the Caledonia Collective at Scotland Week 2014. Another special moment on the night was the return of cult indie band Idlewild, who have been honoured with the King Tuts Songwriting Award and also spoiled the audience with an exclusive performance featuring their new line up. Big surprise of the night was the Sunday Mail Music Business Award that went to accomplished music promoter Mark Mackie, whose 25 years in the industry has seen him promote artists such as Oasis, Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen. Closing the ceremony was chart-dominating girl band Neon Jungle, who have had 4 singles in the top 20 from their Top 10 album Welcome To the Jungle. 17 year old band member Shereen Cutkelvin originates from Scotland but now spends her time travelling the world supporting Jessie J and playing at the famous Victoria’s Secret fashion show in New York. The awards ceremony also featured a glittering auction with one-of-a-kind items up for grabs such as a unique Ryder Cup 2014 poster containing 26 signatures, including that of both Captains, a coffee table which was made from a winners podium used at this years Commonwealth Games designed by celebrated designer Paul Hodgkiss and a guitar signed by Ed Sheeran. Combined donations and bids at the auction raised more than £130,000. Co- Chair of Nordoff Robbins Scotland, Donald MacLeod commented on the events of the evening saying; “We continue to be both amazed and overwhelmed by the generosity of the Scottish Music scene and public, tonight has been no exception. The Scottish Music Awards are the main source of funding for the charity, and it is hugely important to us that we continue to be able to support those that need us across the country, this year our appeal is even more important as we aim to launch a new service in Aberdeen. Donald continued, “Our thanks go to all those who continue to support the charity, and in particular the musicians who make us so proud of our unique and thriving music scene. The talent on display tonight were all thoroughly deserving and it’s fantastic to be able to celebrate their success with their industry peers.” The Scottish Music Awards has rounded off Glasgow’s year long celebration of sport and culture in the city and hopes that the money raised from the night will have a lasting impact on the charity. Full award winners list: Creative Scotland Best Traditional Scottish Music Award – Julie Fowlis Hard Rock Cafe & XFM Rising Star Award – Fatherson Jack Daniels – Prides King Tuts Songwriting Award – Idlewild Nordoff Robbins Scotland & Creative Scotland Big Apple Award – The La Fontaines PEOPLE MAKE GLASGOW – Jimmy Sommerville Sir Reo Stakis – Dr Steve Forman SSE Hydro Best Act of the Year – Prince Sunday Mail Music Business Award – Mark Mackie Ticketmaster Hottest Ticket Award – Still Game • For more information on Scotland’s only music therapy charity please visit: http://www.nordoffrobbinsscotland.org.uk or to make a donation please visit http://www.justgiving.com/nrmt or call 01506 239578. • Keep up to date at https://www.facebook.com/nordoffrobbinsscotland and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NRScot • #tartanclef2014 #scotmusicawards • Text MMCL14 to 70070 to donate anything up to £10

Thank you to the Scottish Music Centre for sponsoring our ‘Latest News’ blog …..

click to go to the Scottish Music Centre 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 , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment