Friday Freebies

Kowalskiy
The trouble with writing these Friday Freebies on a Thursday night is that quite often someone posts a cracking free download on the Friday and I don't have time to update the post. This happened last week when my fellow blogger, Kowalskiy posted up his latest free monthly EP, his latest offering was possibly his best to date (do I say that every month?) including tracks from Blue Sky Archives, This Silent Forest, The Sea Kings, The Spook School and my current favourite thing ever - Behold, the Old Bear (who are also coincidentally playing at Stereo tonight). You can download the EP for free from Bandcamp


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Where We Lay Our Heads 
I think I should warn you in advance that the new Where We Lay Our Heads single, Bury You. is one catchy fucking song. Seriously I haven't been able to get it out of my head all week, not that I complaining mind you. You can download the single for free over on their Bandcamp page. If you live in Edinburgh then you catch them playing live along with Letters and Loch Awe at the Wee Red Bar on Sunday night.




Woodenbox
Nothing makes me want to delete an email more than seeing the word 'remix' in the subject header, I have never really seen the point. But sometimes there is the odd exception to this rule as I fucking love the new remix that the FOUND boys have done for Woodenbox's Everyone Has a Price. You can download it for yourself and marvel in it's glory over on SoundCloud.

  Everyone Has a Price (Found remix) by Woodenbox band

Happy Particles
If you haven't already checked out Happy Particles debut album 'Under Sleeping Waves', then I would urge you to get that rectified asap, either that or you are already fully aware of just how fucking good the album is. Then either way you should check out the very first demo of the song Rhodia, that band recorded as back in 2009 when they were just a duo, as it's free to download on Bandcamp. You can catch the band playing their first live gig of 2012 next Saturday at the 13th Note, with support from North American War & Olympic Swimmers.



FatCat Demo Compilation
When the label that gave us the Twilight Sad, We Were Promised Jetpacks, Frightened Rabbit and now PAWS, post up a compilation of the best demos that they received recently you can't help but be interested to see what little gems they've unearthed. Find out for yourself what's been exciting them recently by downloading the compilation for free here

  Sisterland - New Jersey (Red House Painters) by FatCat Records Demo .

130701
Seeing as we're on a bit of a FatCat trip, you should check out their imprint label, 130701, as they've got a free sampler download up for grabs. Featuring tracks from Max Richter, Dustin O'Halloran, Hauschka and Jóhann Jóhannsson, the compilation can be downloaded in exchange for your email address.

Brazil Exists
Stirling pop-rock outfit, Brazil Exists have posted up a few free downloads on their SoundCloud page. Some of the tracks were recorded with Frightened Rabbit’s Andy Monaghan last year, you can find them here. The band will also be supporting the Frabbit boys on their Highlands & Islands tour of Scotland next month.

  Boxcar by Brazil Exists


Greyhound Out Of Mainline
What the world needs now is some incredibly miserable lo-fi shoegaze recorded in someones bedroom and thanks to Greyhound Out Of Mainline that hole has now been filled. He's just released his album, 'Quirky', on limited edition CD-R and as a free download on Bandcamp. If you're looking for something a bit downbeat to take you into the wee hours of the night then you might want to check this out.




Drunk Mule
And so we come to the end of this weeks Freebies, to round it all off we have the kings of Friday Freebies, a free download from those prolific Drunk Mule boys and their new track Forget The Crowds which can be found on their Bandcamp page.

Friday Freebies

King Post Kitsch 
In his quest to continue to give away great music for free, King Post Kitsch really does rule the roost. This week he decided to share a new EP with the world and rather ace it is too, coming in at just under 6 minutes it's a short but sweet trip, but one well worth taking. I am particularly taken with the lead instrumental track, 'Nocturnal Wandering', but as always with these things you don't need to take my word for it, find out for yourself by downloading the EP for free here.

Blue Sky Archives
On Wednesday I spent my evening back and forth between Bloc and King Tuts as I had tickets for Beerjacket and Micahel Cassidy, but I also wanted to catch my new favourite band, Behold, The Old Bear play their first ever gig. What does that have to do with Blue Sky Archives you might ask, well kids they were the headline band at Bloc. Sadly I didn't get to catch their set as I was up at Tuts catching Beerjacket, but I did hear their soundcheck which sounded pretty good, as is their new single ,Cosplay The Hard Way, which is available as a free download here. The track is the first taster from their forthcoming Triple A Side, which is scheduled for release at the end of February.

Kowalskiy
With his 19th (yes 19th) Free Monthly 5-track Scottish EP, my fellow music blogger Kowalskiy has pulled out another fine collection of the Scottish music scene. This month he's got free tracks from My Tiny Robots, PET, The Machine Room, Wolves Of Winter and a wee cover from French Wives. You can find out more details on the EP and how you can download it over on his blog.

Schwervon!
This freebie comes courtesy of my friend through in the East, the fabulous podcaster and new dad, Edinburgh Man (if you get the chance check out his shows!). He pointed me in the direction of this track from the New York duo, Schwervon! Not only is it a great wee pop tune, but it also features backing vocals from none other than Frances McKee from the Vaselines. You can download the tune for nowt on their Bandcamp page.

Errors
Momentum is really starting to build for the forthcoming album, Have Some Faith In Magic, which is due out at the end of this month on Rock Action Records. As a wee teaser of what you can expect Drowned in Sound have posted up a free download of an album track, 'Pleasure Palaces', remixed by Brassic, which you can find here.

Delta Spirit
I had totally forgotten about Delta Spirit until I got one of those NoiseTrade emails in my inbox telling me that I could download two of their EPs for nowt. I originally came across them a goof while back when I ordered the first ever Cold War Kids EP. Anyway enough of me and my pish, what you need to know is that you can download the EPs for free here. Fans of My Morning Jacket and Dr. Dog should enjoy this.

Summer Break

I have been promising myself a beak for ages now, but there's always been something that's sprung up that's made me keep going. However, seeing as it's the summer time and things are a wee bit quieter I have decided to cut back on my posts for a few weeks. I will still be posting the odd session here and there, plus I will have a few Fresh Monday posts and perhaps a sporadic ramble or two. However, there will be no Friday Freebies posts for the a few weeks and I'll also be taking a break from my Scots Way-Hay posts so I can recharge my batteries a wee bit.


But before I bugger off here's some news for y'all...




Peenko favourites, Mitchell Museum return with a new single which comes out on Monday, it's called 'What They Built' and it's the bands first new track in the lead up to their second album release which is due out in early 2012. The single will be out digitally, plus there is also going to be a super exclusive run of children's keyboards with the single download code hidden somewhere inside. Apparently you have two options to reclaim the code: A: Systematically remove the screws from the underside of the keyboard to gain access or B: Smash it to pieces.

What They Built - Single by mitchellmuseum

The band celebrate the singles release with a show tonight with a gig at Stereo in Glasgow, support comes from their friends Fur Hood and Andrea Marini (last I head one of these two had pulled out, not sure which one though), it all kicks off. If any of you kind souls have extra pennies to spare and you're going to this gig I'd love you forever if you could pick me up up one of them pretty keyboards. Yeah I know the chances of anyone doing this are pretty fucking slim, but I can only ask...

Mitchell Museum - What They Built (Marc Riley Session)


If you're out about in Edinburgh tonight then you might want to get yourself along to a fundraising event for The SSC (A Club for the Youth of Scotland) at the Cabaret Voltaire.
Doing their bit for charity are none other than Washington Irving (who I caught for the first time last Sunday and were ace), Bwani Juntion, Matt Norris & the Moon, and recent Scots Way-Hay starlet, Mike Nisbet. The gig kicks off at 7pm, you can pre-order tickets in advance here. Further information on the gig can be found on Facebook.

Washington Irving - Babble (MFR Session)

If Mitchell Museum aren't your thing, but you're still looking for something to do in Glasgow tonight, then Nice N Sleazy's might be for you, as Aberdeen's finest sons Indian Red Lopez are in town to promote their cracking debut album 'Empty Your Lungs and Breathe'. The boys were on top form when they played the bloggers showcase night at goNorth, so I can vouch that they're great to see live. Support tonight comes from local starlets Blue Sky Archives and The Brazen Cars, it's only £5 to get in and it all kicks off at 8pm. Further details can be found here.

IndianRedLopez - My Eyes


On Tuesday night BBC Scotland will be airing their documentary on the Scottish bands that played at this years SXSW Festival. This will include Peenko favourites such as Kid Canaveral, Admiral Fallow, The Twilight Sad, Bronto Skylift, Withered Hand and King Creosote among other. The show will be on at 9pm on BBC2, however, you can watch a wee taster video below:

The Electric Frog Summer Weekender returns on the 30th-31st of July. The festival which is held at SWG3 (street & warehouse) in Glasgow, this years feature performances from bands such as The Fall, Nitzer Ebb, Chrome Hoof, Errors and a lot more. Early bird tickets are available now, with day tickets setting you back £22.50 (+ booking fees) and weekend tickets at £40 (+ booking fees). Further details can be found on the festivals website.

Errors - A Rumour in Africa


On Thursday Born To Be Wide are hosting a seminar explaining how to get music synched in ads, TV, film and computer games. The event takes place from 1930-2130 at Edinburgh’s Electric Circus and will be followed by Buy What You Hear DJ sets in partnership with the Oxfam Record Shop. Confirmed speakers include Gerry Farrell, creative director of the Leith Agency and David Harron, Executive producer at BBC Scotland. They will be joined by one of Scotland’s leading music supervisors, Caroline Gorman from Rage Music and David McGinnis, A&R and head of licensing at Mute Song. An additional guest is expected to be confirmed in the coming days. “Getting music synced can be a valuable source of extra income for musicians, and can also generate useful exposure,” says Born To Be Wide co-organiser, Olaf Furniss. “Each of the panellists is an invaluable source of information and will be able to shed light on this aspect of the business.” The seminar will cover how the music choices are made, how much money is paid and will provide tips on the best way of getting music used. Following the panel, the participants will DJ with tunes they have selected from the Oxfam Record Shop and everything played will be available to buy. Further details on how to book tickets and the like can be found here.



Right I guess that's enough from me for one post, I'm going to finish up with this cracking wee video this years Homegame Festival. The video is sound tracked by Kid Canaveral and their cover of King Creosote's 'Missionary' which they originally covered as part of a session that they did for Vic Galloway last year. This studio recording even features King C on backing vocals and accordion and it sounds ace if I do say so myself. If you pre-order their album 'Shouting At Wildlife' on vinyl, they'll send you on old school cassette tape which features my favourite song on the album ʻAnd Another Thing!!ʼ and the studio recording of 'Missionary' (the tape also includes a download code). You can pre-order the album on vinyl through Fence Records, the band will also be playing on the BBC Introducing Stage next Saturday at T in the Park.

"Time is precious and everyone wants a piece of it"

"Time is precious and everyone wants a piece of it", very profound words, sadly it wasn't me that first said. Credit for that goes to a nice fella called Danny who manages the Sea Kings, never the less what he had to say struck a chord with me as nowadays I do find it a lot harder to keep on top of everything that I get sent. I used to be able to pride myself at being able to keep my inbox relatively clear, however in the past few months I guess things have just gotten on top of me and I now have a stack of unanswered emails waiting to be dealt with. So if you've sent me anything over the past few months and haven't heard anything back from me, I am not ignoring you, I just struggle to find the time to reply to everyone. For that reason I thought it would be a good idea to post some links to things that I have listened to and enjoyed recently.


First up we have Doug Johnstone and his debut solo EP, ‘Keep it Afloat’ which is officially due out tomorrow, but you can already nab yourself a copy on his Bandcamp page. Spookily I had been talking to my wife about Doug just a couple of days before he got in touch, however, it wasn't because of his music, it was because he had just released his latest book, 'Smokeheads'. As we had picked up his last novel, 'The Ossians' at Fences' Home Game Festival back in 2009, I was intrigued to hear what his music would sound like. Having cut his teeth in Scottish 'lo-fi shamblers' and part-time Fence Collective associates Northern Alliance, Doug's debut EP features songs about parenthood, homesickness, the creative process and having a car crash with Bjork. This won't necessarily appeal to everyone, as it is quite a lo-fi release, the lyrics are a wee bit clunky and he doesn't have the greatest voice in the world. That being said, I do really like this EP, there is something very endearing about it. If you are going to give it a chance then check out 'Keep It Afloat'.

Blue Sky Archives released their new EP, 'Plural', Blue Sky Archives', way back in March, but I've only now found the time to get round to listening to it (see I told you I was rubbish). The Glasgow five piece are quite unique in that their sound blends elements of post-rock with pop, as the summer months approach I am sure that you can expect to see them sound tracking a number of festivals.

Having firmly established themselves in their home town, Edinburgh four piece, Sebastian Dangerfield, release their new EP, ‘The Sound of the Old Machines’ this coming Monday (2nd May). The record is a mixture of brand new material and re-workings of previously self-recorded tracks. Having already gained a lot of exposure after featuring in the Pop Cops' last Music Alliance Pact post, the band look see for bigger things with this a catchy wee pop record.

Some of you with good memories might be able to remember the very first Scots Way-Hay post that I featured was with an Edinburgh called Ardentjohn, way back in February of last year. Since then things have been pretty quiet from the band, so it came as a nice surprise to receive word from Al Shields from the band who had been busy working away on a solo EP, Some Songs. Taking much more of a country tinge to his sound, Al is currently working away on his full-length debut album, which is due out later this summer 2011. You can stream his latest below and find out further information on his website.

Some Songs EP by alshields

I am going to sign off this wee post with some brutal fucking noise from Glasgow's very own United Fruit, who's debut album Fault Lines is out at the end of May. Having listened to my partner in crime, Halina of Glasgow Podcart cream her pants over this band for a while now, it has taken me an age to finally get my finger out and give them the once over. On first listen their At the Drive In meets McLusky noise is very much in your face, in a good way. Keep your ears peeled for a lot more from the Glasgow four piece.

Weekly Round Up (05/09/10)

Monday - q without you took on some Fresh Meat action
Tuesday - I Build Collapsible Mountains and Come On Gang! both performed songs for me on my Fresh Air show, and now I can share them with you lucky punters
Wednesday - The Son(s) were the latest band to join the Scots Way-Hay club - love this band!
Thursday - Adam Stafford kicked off my series of posts on Scottish DIY labels as he told us a bit more about his label Wiseblood Industries. The lovely folk at Fresh Air also sent over a recording of my second show, which I stuck up for you to stream/endure.
Friday - Freebies time, man this week was good, oh so very good. Plus there was a recording of Galleries in session for Ally McCrae on Radio One, my third appearance on Fresh Air.
Saturday - Zoey Van Goey took on the Velvet Underground in 'We've Got It Covered'


News, gigs and any other gubbins......

First of, if you're free this afternoon and in Glasgow and looking for something to do, then look no further as the next Words Per Minute is being held at Creation this afternoon. Featuring sets from Zorras, Sian Bevan, Kirsty Logan, Georgina Porteous andKirsty Neary, plus a DJ set from Miaoux Miaoux. It all kicks off at 4pm and it's only three quid, find out more here.


On Thursday night at the 13th Note, Scottish music blogger The Daily Dose and Define Pop (promotions/radio) have teamed up to bring you a cracking line up under the banner of onewordPResents. The line up features Kochka,Blue Sky Archives, Campfires In Winter and Jonathan Sebastian Knight, tickets are only a fiver. If you fancy checking out a diverse range of local talent, then look no further.

On Friday promoters 'Gathering Whispers' have a great wee shindig lined, Swedish band Slaraffenland (Home Tapes) who are on tour in support of their most recent album "We're On Your Side", as it hits Stereo in Glasgow. The band have been getting a lot of amazing reviews recently, Pitchfork have even been raving about them. The support for the evening is pretty special too, with Glasgow indie stalwarts How To Swim, recent Scots Way-Hay'ers The Social Services, and Turning Plates completing the bill. Tickets are available here, although you might be advised to buy them from TSS as they have them that bit cheaper.






Edinburgh based band The Remnant Kings have a gig this Friday (10th) at the Wee Red Bar in the capital. The band are using the evening to raise money to record their debut EP, tickets are £4 in advance or £5 on the door, and doors open at 7pm. Further details can be found here.


After my piss poor attempt to 'do my bit for charity' on Fresh Air the other week (if you didn't hear it, don't ask), I am going to do my best to try and promote as many charity events as I can to try and counter balance my actions . This Thursday at Sleazys, the first of a series of Oxjam events is being held, to kick it off they're having an iBINGO night, 'where it’s music you’ll hear instead of numbers. There will be three rounds – Classics, Hits and Top 40 So for all of you who are ‘young and keen’ it’s ‘time for fun’. This game might be ‘unlucky for some’ but for 3 of you it could be your ‘saving grace’. By taking part you’re ‘halfway there’ to winning some fab prizes. So come on down and have a ‘jump and jive’ and remember it’s not over until the ‘2 fat ladies’ sing (or in this case shout bingo). 1 round will cost £2 or you can buy all 3 cards for £5. and remember all the money raised goes to OXFAM'. Aye so get along and do your bit.

This week sees Esperi heading out on a mini tour with the Portuguese indie star, Noiserv. Having met last year the pair really hit it off and became pretty good friends, which has sees them reuniting next week for some live dates in Scotland. The tour calls in at the following;

8th – Roxy Rooms, Edinburgh
9th – Tunnels, Aberdeen
10th – Secret Location, Glasgow
11th – n_ilk festival, Botanic Gardens, Dundee

The secret performance in Glasgow sees them being joined by special guests RM Hubbert and Finn LeMarinel (Trapped in Kansas). The location of the gig will be revealed in an email upon purchase purchase of a ticket on 'Untitled 4' s Bandcamp, which also includes a free download from each of the artists, plus as if that wasn't enough you will even be fed on the night.



And to finish us off, here's a wee video that Belle and Sebastian posted this week.....

Fresh Meat Monday - Blue Sky Archives

photo by by Nicola McGrath

Would you care to introduce yourself?

Pete: Konichiwa. We are 40% of Blue Sky Archives. I play the bass and Matt plays guitar and sings a bit. The others are Paul (guitar and lead vocals), Lauren (drums/percussion, keys and also lead vocals) and Ross (drums/percussion).

How would you describe the music you make?

Pete: I'd say its a kind of poppy post-rock. Pretty upbeat stuff on the whole. Our backgrounds are all from different bands with different music, which creates a big melting-pot of musical stew.

Matt: Yeah, it's basically a group of people who enjoy making lots of different kinds of music and decided to make a pop band. The post rock part kinda just comes from the fact that we all enjoy that vein of music and it can't help but come through a little.

How did you start out making music?

Matt: Being the second last addition to the collective I can't really comment, I just somehow appeared in a practise room with the rest of them and got a few odd looks before being accepted. The added rhythm from Ross definitely gave the whole thing the final boost it needed.

Pete: I agree. The final piece of the puzzle was when Ross joined in December. That's when things started to really fall together and hit a rich vein of productivity. But don't tell Ross that, or he'll try and take all the credit for it...

What process goes into the way you write songs?

Pete: I would say it's your classic 'one guy writes the basic song, and everyone else augments' approach. I think the thing that makes it most interesting is our diverse backgrounds. One person might write lyrics with a certain set of ideas and influences, whilst someone else might write a guitar part that comes from a completely different approach and style. It creates a nice mish-mash of sounds.

What can people expect from your live shows?

Pete: This is a good question! I can tell you what they won't see: I won't be taking my top off, Ross won't look happy as he's made to play the keys, Paul and Matt won't be doing any lefty-oriented Status Quo stage moves and Lauren won't be allowed to fill the gaps between songs with jokes about penguins or any of that.

Matt: Well... The jury is out on the Status Quo moves, it's not everyday you get to play alongside another lefty. I'm hoping you will get to see lots of smiling faces, apart from Ross with the keyboard...

What are you all listening to at the moment?

Matt: In the hope of some sun, a bit of Zapp and Roger along with Tokyo Police Club and Mew. In terms of local bands, there are a lot of people making good music. We're particularly enjoying Olympic Swimmers.

Pete: Literally? Soundgarden. Generally? In all seriousness, Witchburner, Jimi Hendrix and The Unwinding Hours. Or so my Lastfm tells me.

What can we expect to see/hear from you in 2010?

Pete: Things are pretty busy right now. Between commitments to other bands, we're getting a limited EP run pressed up, playing quite a few shows over the next couple of months and continuing to write new material. We're lucky enough to still be at that experimental writing stage where you just throw things in to the mix and see what sticks. If you'll excuse the implied metaphor.

Matt: Once the EP comes out we are hoping to hit the ground running in terms of gigs, we will be playing Nice n Sleazys, Electric Circus and Captain's Rest in June and hopefully hit some of the festivals come June/July as well. Anyone interested can check out our myspace to find out more specifics.

Crash Your Face by Blue Sky Archives

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