For the past 56 years there has been Eurovision, just looking at the name alone you think "Vision, a vision of music bringing together coutries" is that the case though? Is it really a vision, or a Euro-wide Xfactor?
I remember when I was a lad ( I like using that phrase, deal with it) sitting one night a year with my family and watching Eurovision, in all honesty it was one of the only things we done together as a family and maybe that's why I hate Eurovision so much. Musicians from all over would take the stage and perform, some good and some bad, but mostly it was entertaining. I don't remember as far back as "ABBA" and quite frankly I'd glady punch each of them in the face for giving us "Dancing Queen" but I've heard the stories about how good Eurovision used to be.
Now it's a showcase for autotuned, talentless, hopeless wannabes, getting on television in the hope of making a name for themselves. I'm 100% sure that if you asked any of the entrants why they do it, they'll turn round and say "I'm proud to represent my country" which roughly translates as "I could get a record deal and make a shit load of money"
This years UK entrant has to be my favourite ever......We have so much talent around Britain, so many great musicians and songwriters, so it must have been such a difficult decision to choose someone. When it gets that tough, who do we pick? Engelbert Fucking Humperdinck! Surely we deserve points on his name alone?
I haven't watched eurovision in years, and I have to say that I don't plan to again. I can honestly say that I would much rather be out at King Tuts or even just a wee pub with one man and a guitar. I say next year we start a campaign to get real musicians to represent the UK. I'll even write the damn song if I have to. I have no doubt that Ireland next year will send in Jed (look at us, we like attention so much that we merged our names together, and our mum didn't mean to give birth to us, she just needed an exceptionally large jobby) ward
If next year someone tells me that a great band or singer/songwriter is on Eurovision, then I'll tune in but if not you can be sure that I'll be found with a beer and a real band.
Saturday 26 May 2012
Thursday 24 May 2012
Sun on the brain
The sun never gets tired of rising but sometimes a person gets tired of being under the sun.(Simone Schwarz-Bart (b. 1938
I don't know much about the human brain, but I do know that when the sun comes out everybody changes, it's like they get injected with life.
I'm sitting here while Emily's getting ready so we can go down to a beach party. The suns out, apparently the BBQ's going to be out along with guitars and beer. Guitars and Beer? Now you see why I'm going don't you?
Ever since I was a wee lad, roaming about the fields and trees during the summer months, I've never been that interested in the sun. Not because I'm a miserable guy, or because I'm not one for getting my top off. I just always thought that there was such a thing as too much heat. I've worked in kitchens most of my life, and so the last I wanted to do was leave a sweltering hot kitchen and go out into the sun to be cooked alive.
I must be one of the only people in the world who couldn't care less about the weather, yeah it's good to get some colour in about you and yes it's good to get out in the fresh air. I love fresh air, I love walking and I love being out. What I don't get though, is the sudden change that everyone goes through.
I can clearly see the weather from my window, so why do I need constant updates via Facebook?
I'm not stupid, I'm not going to doubt my own eyes and then need clarification on facebook. We get it, it's hot outside.
I'm going to go down to the beach today, with my beautiful other half and enjoy the day, I'm not going to enjoy the sun, I'm going to enjoy the music, enjoy the laughter and just have a good time. I don't need it to overwhelmingly sunny to do that.
Maybe I am a grumpy bastard, but that doesn't bother me. I'm sure someone will announce on facebook that.
Give it a couple of years and the weathermen on TV will be out of jobs, and all you'll get at the end of the news is a facebook feed with people telling you what the weather's like.
Does my nut in.
Anyway, better go check facebook to see if it's still sunny.
Wednesday 23 May 2012
The Ayrshire Mafia
One of my favourite part of The Simpsons was Fat Tony and his gang. They would show up randomly, cause the biggest amount of hassle you could imagine, walk away from it, get away with it but everyone still loved them. So when you see a band who can do pretty much the same thing, then you start to wonder...
If you know anyone who knows anyone then chances are that you have heard of "A Band Called Cadence" or as they're calling themselves at this point in time "A Beer Called Cadence"
Sitting here, I'm looking back to the past year and thinking where to start. Do I start with their controversial methods of publicity stunts, do I start with the fact that the mere line up represents a "Scots man, English man and Irish man" Joke or do I start with their musical talents?
Thinking about it, you have to start with their controversial methods.
Start a debate about anything and you can be sure that at some point ABCC will stick their oar in, but not in just any fashion. They always make sure they have all the facts and that they are on the right side before they start, but even then they still make it a debate worth taking notice of. I remember a few months ago a debate began about shady promoters and straight away ABCC had the facebook status updated and were naming and shaming people, publically exposing promoters and at the same time giving us all a good laugh. I've heard stories of people crying because of ABCC's antics, I've heard people being scared to go up against ABCC but it's all relevant because the fact remains that these guys are always sticking up for the music, always caring about the scene and always trying to create a better industry
Music wise the group are as tight as you can get. They cover a vast range of cover songs thrown in with many of their own. There is not one flaw that I can pick up on whenever I've witnessed them live or listened to recordings. Switching vocals between Lee and Xav gives the band a new dynamic, it's not often you hear a band go from song to song with the lead vocals switching from Scottish to English. Whether using a Cajon or a full Drum Kit, Xav's time keeping is always 100% on time, and he does it so effortlessly. Conors ability to change from Guitar to Mandolin makes sure that the on-stage show is kept fresh and interesting. Unfortunately I've not witnessed new member Ian Newlands on Bass, but I have no doubt that he's talented otherwise he wouldn't be allowed in the band. There's no lack of talent from these guys when it comes to music.
A Scots Man an English Man and an Irish Man walk into a bar..........and here's their story. Conor, Lee and Xav are three musicians who came together through music, a love of music a passion for music and basically to form one of the most outspoken, talented, determined and helpful bands around in Scotland at the moment. They've sure had their controversies and even been banned from Radio Stations but the fact remains that these three guys are talented and entertaining musicians. Now with a fourth member the band can only get stronger and more outspoken.
I'm going to start rating bands I think, so I'm going to give ABCC............5 out of 5 sausage rolls.
I could write a film on these guys, and who knows maybe one day that'll happen, I just don't think the censorship laws would allow it to hit the cinema.
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Music doesn't lie
Sometimes I can be biased, I always say how Scottish Musicians are the best and sometimes maybe that's true, but sometimes I overlook those from different places. Granted this musician was born in Gibralter and lived in Scotland until he was 7 then spent most of his life down south, in a little place called Telford before moving back to Scotland.
Logan La La Lies is one of the most talented and passionate musicians I've ever had the privilege to meet. His enthusiasm for the art is matched only by his song-writing talent, showcasing songs such as T-E-L-F-O-R-D and Hope. Logan has the ability to entertain aswell as perform the perfect set with such ease and grace.
If we listen to his lyrics you can instantly tell this this guy has a bucket load of life experience and uses it to his musical advantage. Take "T-E-L-F-O-R-D" a song written about the town he grew up in, you realise that to Logan that town was more than just a town, it was a home and a place where he has many fond memories.
"Hope" is a song about a girl (I know what you're thinking, but no it's not cheesy or typical acoustic songwriting) and moving on but with that tinge of ache at seeing someone else being with the person you love.
The thing about Logans music is that no matter who you are or where in the world you are, you can relate to it. You feel the music, you feel the lyrics and there's not many musicians who can get a story across in 3 minutes but Logan does it perfectly.
Both as a recorded artist and a live artist, Logan draws you in with his vocal ability and his guitar playing. It's one of those moments in life where you can see someone who loves music put it into action. I remember at Johnny Grahams Album Launch I spoke to Logan after we had both played our sets and he said to me "Martin, I was shit but I don't care I just love music" the thing is he was far from shit. He was one of my favourite acts from the night, infact any line up that Logan is on he's guaranteed to be one of my favourite acts. I truly love his music, I love his passion, I love his talent and above all I love the way he portrays himself.
There's not alot of bad points I could pick out about him, infact all I can think of is that he doesn't have a full studio released album out. That is something I want to hear, it's something I need to hear. I want to be able to listen to studio versions of each of his songs whenever I feel like it.
Logan La La Lies is a talent that deserves recognition, he deserves a push towards big things and hopefully one day he'll get it. For the moment though his music has me "Under the thumb"
Music is what we make it son
A few years back I remember going to a gig, that gig was Atreyu! I don't know if you're familiar with them, but they're a bit heavy and they used to be one of my favourites.
I remember the night well, it was raining, and as usual I thought it was a great idea to get a cheeky bottle of Strongbow (it used to be thee boy) and drink it on the train up to Glasgow. I was set for an amazing night, and I wasn't disappointed. That's not what this blog is about though, it's not about me or the band. It's about a frail old man, who was at the gig.
I remember getting in and having a few pints while I watched the support bands, as I normally do. I was disappointed, as none of them caught my attention, but I was still looking forward to Atreyu. I remember I had a bandage on my arm from an injury at work, and so I couldn't take part in "the pit" so I stood near the back, far enough to be out of harms way but close enough to get a good view and listen. I remember I turned round at one point with my pint in my hand and there he was.
This man could not have been a day younger than 70, and there he was at an Atreyu gig. My friends had all pushed to the front and so I was on my own, so I made my way over to the old man out of curiosity, perhaps he was a grandad of one of the members of the support band, perhaps he worked there I thought. I approached him, and he looked at me and turned his head back to the music. I was intrigued, this old man looked to be loving the music so much, that I felt a strange sense of warmth in me. I made the usual hand gesture to him to see if he would like a drink, and he replied with "JD and Coke" this baffled me even more. I got him his drink and together we watched the band perform. Every song, he would not take his eyes off the stage, he appeared to be into this so much I was amazed.
After the show, I made my way outside just behind the old man and he stopped in the street. I stopped behind him, eager to approach him and ask why he was at an Atreyu gig but before I could say anything, he turned to me and said "Don't stereotype people son, music is what you make it" and he walked off.
Those words still ring in my ears today.
Who says you can't like a certain type of music because you are a certain age or dress a certain way. Music is everywhere, it's all around us. We make music with everything we do, every breath, every word, every footstep. Music is in every single one of us, it's in our blood and it's in our hearts. The day the music dies, is the day the world dies.
I remember the night well, it was raining, and as usual I thought it was a great idea to get a cheeky bottle of Strongbow (it used to be thee boy) and drink it on the train up to Glasgow. I was set for an amazing night, and I wasn't disappointed. That's not what this blog is about though, it's not about me or the band. It's about a frail old man, who was at the gig.
I remember getting in and having a few pints while I watched the support bands, as I normally do. I was disappointed, as none of them caught my attention, but I was still looking forward to Atreyu. I remember I had a bandage on my arm from an injury at work, and so I couldn't take part in "the pit" so I stood near the back, far enough to be out of harms way but close enough to get a good view and listen. I remember I turned round at one point with my pint in my hand and there he was.
This man could not have been a day younger than 70, and there he was at an Atreyu gig. My friends had all pushed to the front and so I was on my own, so I made my way over to the old man out of curiosity, perhaps he was a grandad of one of the members of the support band, perhaps he worked there I thought. I approached him, and he looked at me and turned his head back to the music. I was intrigued, this old man looked to be loving the music so much, that I felt a strange sense of warmth in me. I made the usual hand gesture to him to see if he would like a drink, and he replied with "JD and Coke" this baffled me even more. I got him his drink and together we watched the band perform. Every song, he would not take his eyes off the stage, he appeared to be into this so much I was amazed.
After the show, I made my way outside just behind the old man and he stopped in the street. I stopped behind him, eager to approach him and ask why he was at an Atreyu gig but before I could say anything, he turned to me and said "Don't stereotype people son, music is what you make it" and he walked off.
Those words still ring in my ears today.
Who says you can't like a certain type of music because you are a certain age or dress a certain way. Music is everywhere, it's all around us. We make music with everything we do, every breath, every word, every footstep. Music is in every single one of us, it's in our blood and it's in our hearts. The day the music dies, is the day the world dies.
Monday 21 May 2012
It's not an Illusion
You know when MESi Radio started, I did have my doubts about what guff we would get sent to play. We've been lucky enough not to have had any awful tracks, infact most of them have been superb.
One of the first bands to get in touch was "Twisted Illusion" a name that made me think for a good few days about where it came from. To be honest, to this day I still have no idea, but that's what makes me like it. There's an air of mystery about these guys, they sent tracks and then they seemed to disappear. Then last week I saw they had a new video and that's when I was captured.
They don't have the sound you would expect, it's got that psychedelia feel to it, but it works. Not many bands can pull a sound like that off, but they do.
I sat down, with the headphones on as I often do, and watched the video for "Powerful and Cunning" and it hit me, who they reminded me of. It just came to me in a wave of realisation that made me sit up and pay even more attention to these guys.
Back in the day (yes I realise I'm getting old, and so I am allowed to use that phrase) I was obsessed with a band called "Million Dead" a band who I never ever got to see perform live and I hate myself to this day for that. Twisted Illusions video for "Powerful and Cunning" reminded me so much of that, in both the way it was shot and the song itself. Million Dead were one of my favourite bands around and if Twisted Illusion keep going the way they are, I can see them climbing up my top 20 list (that list will never be revealed due to me being a bam)
Powerful and Cunning is a video that as soon as you watch it your first thoughts are "What the hell is this" and to be honest if you watched it on mute, you would think that you were watching the intro to a cheesy horror from the 80's.......BUT.........that's not a bad thing. Look at the way it's shot, look at the angles, the lens motion, the whole thing comes together beautifully and to be quite honest I love it. It's one backward masked wonder walking through the countryside, with not a care in the world, and my guess is that under that hood he's listening to the track itself, which is great. You get the feel that the video fits the music and vice versa. Twisted Illusion are a slowed down version of Million Dead, and if they sped up their music they would be on to a proper winner.
I want you to see what I'm talking about
So I've posted both videos below for you to compare.
Twisted Dead or Million Illusion?
No?
Yeah you're right, lets leave them to their own name
Twisted Illusion
I want these guys to push themselves and get to the stage where I'll kick myself if I don't see them live. I want them to turn into my new dirty secret.
Because you know what, they have the potential, they have the talent, they just need to get the music up one tiny notch, and I'm not saying that as a criticism, I'm saying that because I know they have the talent to go far, and I'll be frustrated if they don't!
Twisted Illusion - Powerful and Cunning
Million Dead - Living The Dream
The Detours
There's always a band who catch your attention, but the problem with music is that after a while you get fed up of the same sound over and over again. It's natural that you get bored listening to the same songs and watching the same videos.
So two months later, I've been listening to the same three tracks on their E.P over and over again, and I've been watching their videos on YouTube over and over again. The question is.....am I bored? am I fed up? The answer is............HELL NO!!
If anything my love of The Detours has grown.
Personally I don't think I could ever get bored or fed up with The Detours, it's their energy that captured me at first and then you combine that with lyrical perfection, outstanding time signatures, genius bass lines, quality guitar riffs and vocals that blow you away. When put all those together you get a cocktail that if it were actually a drink you would be paying an arm and a leg to get it. Maybe someone should create a cocktail and name it "The Detours" cause I'm sure a hell of a lot of people would pay for it.
The five piece from Glasgow are without a doubt the best band on the circuit at the moment and deserve any success that comes their way. Anyone who came along to the MESi Radio launch night will be able to vouch for that, that night I witnessed old men bouncing around like teenagers, I saw people who looked depressed suddenly look like they had just won the lottery. The name on everyone's lips in Ayrshire for weeks was "The Detours" and quite rightly so.
They can capture anyone's attention, whether you like alternative music or prefer to sit in your bedroom listening to Roy Chubby Browns "Who the fuck is Alice" this band make you realise what music is about. It's about passion, it's about entertainment it's about giving people something they love. It frustrates me seeing a band that good being confined to the local circuit. I want them to be out there, touring Europe, hitting up the USA and making millions. I want to switch on my TV in the morning and see those 5 guys sitting talking to Holly and Phillip on This Morning.. I want to see them getting places because quite frankly I don't think anyone has more potential than this band.
I get jealous of them, because for years I tried to get a band together that sounded good, and seeing these guys I see my dream in front of me. Emily was watching Band Slam or something yesterday and the band were performing "I want you to want me" and both of us turned round and said "I can't listen to anyone else cover that other than The Detours" and it's true.
If The Detours don't make it big, then I will personally come and be a servant to everyone who reads this blog (you need to leave a comment down the bottom for me to know who you are ya diddy)
So what do I say now? All I can say is, if you haven't heard them then go and check them the hell out! Don't sit and read this and say to yourself that you'll check it out later, because chances are you'll forget, do it NOW! Spend 3/4 minutes listening to one song, and I guarantee you will never look back. Infact I'll even help you out by attaching a wee video down the bottom of this!
Until next time..................
Thursday 17 May 2012
New York or Ayr?
I've worked with Martin Bone a few times in my career. He's always been a great photographer and a great friend of mine. So when I heard he was filming a music video I had my doubts, not because I didn't believe he could do it, but because I can sometimes be a bit hesitant of seeing people cross over into new things. Martin is an established photographer and one of the best around, a quick glance through some of his work can show you that. Music video wise I was a bit doubtful, I had watched his video for The Risk and quite enjoyed it, but now he was going to work with Scott Nicol, a musician who has so much energy, I wondered whether it would be possible to capture it on video.
"New York City Summers Day" was a Scott Nicol song that I was not very familiar with, and so I had to go and listen to the song, and get an image of what I imagined the video would be like. That's nothing bad, it's just that if you don't have expectations with these things, then you tend to not be able to give a real opinion.
I saw the preview, I was lucky enough to see a quick preview and during that I instantly had a few negative comments to say. Not in a nasty way, but in a constructive criticism sort of way which myself and Martin spoke about.
So anyway, a couple of weeks pass, and the video launch comes. I sit eagerly at my computer waiting for the link so I could see the finished product. I got the link, I clicked the link, I cranked the headphone volume up and I sat back.
My first though, was that it had that annoying photo at the start of the video, I hate that but do you know what that's a personal opinion.
Lets get past that for a moment and look at the rest, a bouncing crowd in what is clearly Ayrshire's favourite small venue Su Casa, it captures Scott's energy perfectly, the camera angles give it the feel that you're not sitting at home watching this on a screen, but that you're actually there taking part. The outside shots are superbly shot, no flaws in the lighting. It captures you in those first 30 seconds, and any doubts I had about this video are long gone. Cut over to New York city and there's Scott bouncing about Times Square like a playful child with a guitar. The video is tight, it captures everything about the artist that you want to see in a video. I'm going to firmly slap myself in the face and warn myself to never doubt this man again. I didn't watch the video because it was Scott Nicol, I watched it because it was Martin Bone, a man who does so much for the music industry but gets so little recognition. Take a look at the video, take a look at his photographs, take a look at what he puts in and what he gets out. If the time ever comes when he's out of here, making millions, I'm sure a few people will say "oh he used to photograph me, but I never done anything for him" whereas I hope I can still say......"Oh aye, Martin Bone? Aye he's my photographer, has been since the start"
"New York City Summers Day" was a Scott Nicol song that I was not very familiar with, and so I had to go and listen to the song, and get an image of what I imagined the video would be like. That's nothing bad, it's just that if you don't have expectations with these things, then you tend to not be able to give a real opinion.
I saw the preview, I was lucky enough to see a quick preview and during that I instantly had a few negative comments to say. Not in a nasty way, but in a constructive criticism sort of way which myself and Martin spoke about.
So anyway, a couple of weeks pass, and the video launch comes. I sit eagerly at my computer waiting for the link so I could see the finished product. I got the link, I clicked the link, I cranked the headphone volume up and I sat back.
My first though, was that it had that annoying photo at the start of the video, I hate that but do you know what that's a personal opinion.
Lets get past that for a moment and look at the rest, a bouncing crowd in what is clearly Ayrshire's favourite small venue Su Casa, it captures Scott's energy perfectly, the camera angles give it the feel that you're not sitting at home watching this on a screen, but that you're actually there taking part. The outside shots are superbly shot, no flaws in the lighting. It captures you in those first 30 seconds, and any doubts I had about this video are long gone. Cut over to New York city and there's Scott bouncing about Times Square like a playful child with a guitar. The video is tight, it captures everything about the artist that you want to see in a video. I'm going to firmly slap myself in the face and warn myself to never doubt this man again. I didn't watch the video because it was Scott Nicol, I watched it because it was Martin Bone, a man who does so much for the music industry but gets so little recognition. Take a look at the video, take a look at his photographs, take a look at what he puts in and what he gets out. If the time ever comes when he's out of here, making millions, I'm sure a few people will say "oh he used to photograph me, but I never done anything for him" whereas I hope I can still say......"Oh aye, Martin Bone? Aye he's my photographer, has been since the start"
How many more to be overlooked?
Recently the clique orientated promotion of Scottish artists has grated on my nerves greatly. I would start telling you who are part of this clique, but to be honest by doing that I would only be giving them more promotion which the don't really need. It's not that I don't want to promote them, it's just that why should I overlook other acts like Dead Sea Souls, Pure Dead Brilliant, Kenneth Bowman, Dougie Greig and many more.
Last night I posted a comment on a status which I agree was a bit harsh, but it lead to a conversation with a well known Radio DJ who's reputation in Scotland only proceeds him. We agreed that we should all work together to promote artists, but what wasn't agreed on is the fact that the newer and lesser known artists should be given as much exposure as possible.
It's not an easy industry to get into, it's not easy to make a name for yourself and it's a lot of hard work to make just a few new fans. There are avenues there to get your music heard, there are a number of radio stations willing to play unsigned music, the only problem seems to be that if you're not "in the gang" then you'll be waiting a hell of a long time to get your music out there. I try and play every band that sends us songs within an hour, it might now always be possible but I try my hardest to do so. Every musician deserves recognition, a chance to build up their confidence and the chance to get some constructive criticism. As I mentioned to the auld fella last night, I sent him 2 tracks from my debut E.P two years ago, and I've still not heard anything back. If he thought the tracks were shit, then a bit of constructive criticism would have been nice. I actually considered not releasing that E.P because my confidence took a hit from that. I eventually released it, and I'm glad I did.
Why should music be so "tribal"
Why should music be so "one sided"
I walk into a pub with live music, and I'll listen, I'll have a chat with whoever was performing, and to be honest, even if I think they're shit, I'll give them a business card and tell them to send over a few tracks. Everyone deserves a chance, everyone can improve and the only way of doing that is to get feedback. Yes in the past, I've reacted badly to negative feedback, but I realised that I could improve on it.
I know this might sound like a shameless bit of self promotion, but it's true. If you send a track to MESi Radio, we'll play it. Chances are, you could get a gig or two out of it. We work with some venues, we get a lot of listeners, we'll do our best to help out anyway we can.
I'm not surprised that a certain radio station is not going to be on DAB anymore, and I'm also not surprised that another certain radio station currently looks like it's hitting the shit. From what I can see, there's about 4 or 5 good named stations in Scotland that say they are dedicated to Unsigned Music, well here's the killer......it's a load of bullshit, there's 3 out of those 5 that are only out to help themselves and don't care about the music. They see pound signs, they see recognition for giving "the clique" a push. It's a shame, because like I said, we should all be working together to promote everyone.
What do I know?
I've only been on the receiving end of a couple of those stations policies, and to be frank, I know a good few others aswell. I would never tell anyone not to listen to them, or even send them tracks, you never know, you might get lucky. All I'm saying is, don't let it bother you when you don't get the airplay. Just realise that you're not part of the elite task force and that when you've done something special you can snigger, and sit with a big cigar as you watch them grovel for an interview.
I think that's my rant over, hmmmm
Someone say Pizza? ...................
Last night I posted a comment on a status which I agree was a bit harsh, but it lead to a conversation with a well known Radio DJ who's reputation in Scotland only proceeds him. We agreed that we should all work together to promote artists, but what wasn't agreed on is the fact that the newer and lesser known artists should be given as much exposure as possible.
It's not an easy industry to get into, it's not easy to make a name for yourself and it's a lot of hard work to make just a few new fans. There are avenues there to get your music heard, there are a number of radio stations willing to play unsigned music, the only problem seems to be that if you're not "in the gang" then you'll be waiting a hell of a long time to get your music out there. I try and play every band that sends us songs within an hour, it might now always be possible but I try my hardest to do so. Every musician deserves recognition, a chance to build up their confidence and the chance to get some constructive criticism. As I mentioned to the auld fella last night, I sent him 2 tracks from my debut E.P two years ago, and I've still not heard anything back. If he thought the tracks were shit, then a bit of constructive criticism would have been nice. I actually considered not releasing that E.P because my confidence took a hit from that. I eventually released it, and I'm glad I did.
Why should music be so "tribal"
Why should music be so "one sided"
I walk into a pub with live music, and I'll listen, I'll have a chat with whoever was performing, and to be honest, even if I think they're shit, I'll give them a business card and tell them to send over a few tracks. Everyone deserves a chance, everyone can improve and the only way of doing that is to get feedback. Yes in the past, I've reacted badly to negative feedback, but I realised that I could improve on it.
I know this might sound like a shameless bit of self promotion, but it's true. If you send a track to MESi Radio, we'll play it. Chances are, you could get a gig or two out of it. We work with some venues, we get a lot of listeners, we'll do our best to help out anyway we can.
I'm not surprised that a certain radio station is not going to be on DAB anymore, and I'm also not surprised that another certain radio station currently looks like it's hitting the shit. From what I can see, there's about 4 or 5 good named stations in Scotland that say they are dedicated to Unsigned Music, well here's the killer......it's a load of bullshit, there's 3 out of those 5 that are only out to help themselves and don't care about the music. They see pound signs, they see recognition for giving "the clique" a push. It's a shame, because like I said, we should all be working together to promote everyone.
What do I know?
I've only been on the receiving end of a couple of those stations policies, and to be frank, I know a good few others aswell. I would never tell anyone not to listen to them, or even send them tracks, you never know, you might get lucky. All I'm saying is, don't let it bother you when you don't get the airplay. Just realise that you're not part of the elite task force and that when you've done something special you can snigger, and sit with a big cigar as you watch them grovel for an interview.
I think that's my rant over, hmmmm
Someone say Pizza? ...................
Wednesday 16 May 2012
So Nothing Happens in Ayrshire?
I used to be a firm believer that the "Ayrshire Scene" was dwindling. I used to sit and say to everyone, that there was nowhere to gig and no way to gain new fans of my music. I suppose in a way, I was right.....THEN. Now however I keep seeing statuses or hear people talking and the same thing comes up "There's nowhere to gig in Ayrshire so we need to go to Glasgow" now that is the biggest load of shite I've heard in a long while, and believe me I've been subjected to Shintys Sabotage every Tuesday night on MESi Radio.
I could name you a massive list of venues in Ayrshire where you can find live music. There is not one night of the week in Ayrshire where there isn't a live performance somewhere. I'm not going to start listing venues because frankly I would be here for God knows how long. Infact, screw it I'm listing some:
Su Casa, Ayr
The Burns, Irvine
McCabes, Largs
Bakers, Kilmarnock
Dirty Martinis, Kilmarnock
The Courtyard, Ayr
The Firehouse, Ayr
Girvans, Troon
and so many more, that I won't bore you to death.
The thing is, the people that say there's no scene or no venues, simply just don't get up off their arse and look for them. Ayrshire Music isn't hidden, it's not an underground industry where only the elite know about it. Ayrshire Music is there for everyone to hear, to enjoy and even to criticise. So I say this with sincerity and I give you my word, the next person who says they don't know any venues to play at in Ayrshire is going to get my fist swiftly across their left cheek.
And for those who say there's no real talent in Ayrshire, take those ears along to MESi Radio www.mesi-radio.co.uk
I could name you a massive list of venues in Ayrshire where you can find live music. There is not one night of the week in Ayrshire where there isn't a live performance somewhere. I'm not going to start listing venues because frankly I would be here for God knows how long. Infact, screw it I'm listing some:
Su Casa, Ayr
The Burns, Irvine
McCabes, Largs
Bakers, Kilmarnock
Dirty Martinis, Kilmarnock
The Courtyard, Ayr
The Firehouse, Ayr
Girvans, Troon
and so many more, that I won't bore you to death.
The thing is, the people that say there's no scene or no venues, simply just don't get up off their arse and look for them. Ayrshire Music isn't hidden, it's not an underground industry where only the elite know about it. Ayrshire Music is there for everyone to hear, to enjoy and even to criticise. So I say this with sincerity and I give you my word, the next person who says they don't know any venues to play at in Ayrshire is going to get my fist swiftly across their left cheek.
And for those who say there's no real talent in Ayrshire, take those ears along to MESi Radio www.mesi-radio.co.uk
Friday 11 May 2012
It's hard to earn a living
I've been watching it go on for year, ever since I first step foot into the music scene I've watched and also been victim to the exploitation of musicians. I was naive at first, as a 14-15 year old boy I just wanted to get out there and play in a band (and a god awful band we were may I add) I used to beg my parents for money so I could go and get new strings, get band practice, go to perform at gigs all across the country. My parents until I turned 16 funded me to go to venues so that the promoter could line their pockets. Promoters have this idea in their head that us musicians should show up, bring a crowd, sell tickets, play and then leave. They think that they are giving us an opportunity to perform when the fact of the matter is that most of the venues have no "reputation" and so would performing there really boost your career?
I remember me and the old band had a gig booked at Rockers in Glasgow one night and myself (as I always was, ran late) we hadn't sold that many tickets, and we weren't getting any return on any tickets sold, so what was the point of pushing ticket sales? Anyway before I arrived at Rockers I received a phone call from my Bassist who said that because we hadn't sold many tickets the venue were keeping our instruments until we paid the cash. If it wasn't for the other halves of the band members grabbing the guitars etc and running out the door, those instruments may very well be one of the ones sitting in your room that you purchased from E-Bay.
Yesterday I received a wall post on my facebook asking me to go along and perform at the "Kopperberg Sessions" in Prestwick. No fee! Just show up and have a few free drinks, which is nice of them. I mean I'm sure a couple of free drinks will pay the rent, the electricity and keep me fed. Musicians work hard at what they do, and should never be used simply to put money in a till. I think people sometimes think that a musician just buys a guitar and shows up at gigs with a list of songs that "just came to me in a dream" and that those guitar strings never need replaced, or that you can pick plectrums off of a tree branch in the Ibanez garden next to the Zylgen pond in the town of Everything's Free.
It's not, they work damn hard to do what the do. Paid Musicians are guaranteed to put on a better performance and bring a better crowd. There's a saying "Speculate to Accumulate" and I suggest that promoters start doing it.
Rant Over
I remember me and the old band had a gig booked at Rockers in Glasgow one night and myself (as I always was, ran late) we hadn't sold that many tickets, and we weren't getting any return on any tickets sold, so what was the point of pushing ticket sales? Anyway before I arrived at Rockers I received a phone call from my Bassist who said that because we hadn't sold many tickets the venue were keeping our instruments until we paid the cash. If it wasn't for the other halves of the band members grabbing the guitars etc and running out the door, those instruments may very well be one of the ones sitting in your room that you purchased from E-Bay.
Yesterday I received a wall post on my facebook asking me to go along and perform at the "Kopperberg Sessions" in Prestwick. No fee! Just show up and have a few free drinks, which is nice of them. I mean I'm sure a couple of free drinks will pay the rent, the electricity and keep me fed. Musicians work hard at what they do, and should never be used simply to put money in a till. I think people sometimes think that a musician just buys a guitar and shows up at gigs with a list of songs that "just came to me in a dream" and that those guitar strings never need replaced, or that you can pick plectrums off of a tree branch in the Ibanez garden next to the Zylgen pond in the town of Everything's Free.
It's not, they work damn hard to do what the do. Paid Musicians are guaranteed to put on a better performance and bring a better crowd. There's a saying "Speculate to Accumulate" and I suggest that promoters start doing it.
Rant Over
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