100 Not Out...A News Round Up Of Sorts

t's been a while since I did one of my news round up posts, so I guess just now is as good a time as any...

Our good friends over at Glasgow Podcart celebrated their 100th podcast this week, so a big congratulations goes out Halina and all the gang. To celebrate the latest shows was recorded in 45 A Side Studios, with special guest Vic Galloway and an array of tunes including Hidden Orchestra, Salo, Wounded Knee, Craig_FS, Clean George IV, plus an exclusive new song from Julia & The Doogans, Young Fathers , PAWS, Django Django and Die Hard. You can check out the show for yourself over on the Podcarts website.

Not content with hitting the century mark, the Podcart team will be having their annual Christmas party at the Captain's Rest on Sunday the 18th of December. The night which is titled as the 'Glasgow Podcart's Nightmare Before Christmas' features one hell of a noisy line up which includes As in Bear, PAWS, Citizens and Lady North. Further information on the night can be found on their Facebook page.



Way back in June, those luverly boys at Detour had another one of their now legendary 'Wee Jaunt's'. This time round the boys took over 100 folk out and about round Edinburgh to see an array of artists including Madhat McGore, Shields Up, Stanley Odd, I Build Collapsible Mountains, Teklo, Over the Wall, Conquering Animal Sound, a story from the notorious VIC (Mr Galloway to you and I), Withered Hand, and Lady North, all in “venues” that will probably never be used as venues again.
To celebrate they're are going to show a wee premiere of the best of the footage this coming Thursday (15th) at the in Electric Circus, Edinburgh. The show which will run between 6pm-7pm will be totally free to get in. Plus it also coincides with Vic Galloway's special Christmas show in the same venue, featuring Jill O'Sullivan(Sparrow and the Workshop) and Jenny Reeve(Strike the Colours), Neil Pennycook and Lorcan Doherty(Meursault), James Yorkston plus a very special guest who's playing under the guise of Owl John (my guess is Withered Hand, but that's just a guess).

Remember The Social Services? Well they went and changed their name to Tall Tales. Their name might well have changed, but their songs are still ace. Next Friday night (16th) they're going to be celebrating their first release as Tall Tales, with their a double A-side single 'Windows 98/All The Things You Read To Me' with a wee shindig at The Billiard Room at the Pearce Institute in Govan, Glasgow. Entry to the evening is just £5 which also includes a copy of their handmade single, (designed by Emma from the band). Having been lucky enough to have been sent one of the singles earlier this week, I can vouch for just how pretty they are.
The first 25 people through the door will get a deluxe single pack, including badges and a copy of 'Small Tales', a book of flash fiction by Martin from the band (who not only plays drums, he also writes award-winning fiction). If that wasn't enough they will also have a couple of very special guest musicians joining them on stage. If that sounds like it'd be up your street then you can find out more here.


I think that's enough rambling for one evening, I am going to finish on a high though. Here's a video of 'Real Snow', Withered Hand's Christmas song which is also his first new material in 2 years. The song is being released on Fence Records as part of an exclusive to subscribers of their new EP series, anyone who signs up before the 16th of December will receive a Xmas card with a mini-CD inside which will have 'Real Snow' on it. Talking of Fence, if you're going to see Malcolm Middleton on Thursday night, if you keep hold of your stub for the gig, then you can use it to get into the Fence Christmas Party at the CCA on the same night...

Talking More Rubbish Than Normal...

I know I keep moaning about how tired I am, today I have done relatively little but I still feel whacked. Please take this into consideration if you start to think that this post is a bit of ramble...


This week sees innovative arts facility, Platform celebrating their 5th birthday, in the next few weeks they have a series of special gigs lined up. Based out in Easterhouse in the East End of Glasgow, Platform will be hosting Ethiopian, Mulatu Astatke on the 30th June, were he will be playing his only Scottish show. On the 1st of July, they have Zu, a 3 piece from Rome who play a style of music best described as math/ jazz/ prog/ metal and a few others, will be at Platform, then the following night Aidan Moffat and Bill Wells will be playing songs from their fabulous new album, Everything's Getting Younger. This will be their first Scottish show since release and it promises to be something rather special, support comes from The Bill Wells Trio featuring Gail Brand. Details on tickets and the like can be found on the Platform website.




Edinburgh's finest, The Last Battle have new EP coming out next month. It's called, 'The Springwell E.P' and as a wee teaser they've put up a new song, Viv Nicholson to stream on their Soundcloud. The song is all about the tragic tale of 1960's Littlewoods pool's winner Viv Nicholson, who also featured on the sleeve of The Smiths single 'Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now'. You can pre-order the EP via their Bandcamp which includes an instant download of this track.
The band are having a couple of launch nights to celebrate the EPs release with two gigs in Edinburgh and Glasgow. On the 30th of June they'll be at the Wee Red Bar in Edinburgh, support comes from King Creosote, plus a DJ set from wur blogger mate Stuart from Tidal Wave of Indifference. Last I heard this gig was sold out online, however, Avalanche have a few left so if you fancy going get your skates on. Talking off blogger mates, my partner in crime Jim Ayetunes will be putting on the Glasgow gig at Stereo, with support from the Second Hand Marching Band and Loch Awe. You can get tickets for this gig online via Jim's Big Cartel page. They round up their tour with a gig up in Aberdeen at Cafe Drummonds along with Second Hand Marching Band & R.M Hubbert. Tickets for that gig are available here.

Viv Nicholson by thelastbattlemusic

In terms of hotness, I think it's safe to say that Discopolis are the hottest band in Scotland at the moment, or at least that's what those in the know seem to be saying (I wouldn't include myself under this bracket). Since they created such a buzz about themselves after the T Break judges started creaming their pants over them. In the past month they've supported FOUND at a Detour night in Edinburgh, they're now about to release a single with uber cool label, Eli & Oz, and that's before they've even graced the stage at T in the Park. So is all the hype justified, well I'll let you make your own mind up as you can stream their new song 'We Should Have Been Born In Canada' below. I know I have said it before, but the only thing I dislike about this lot was the fact that it wasn't me that first 'discovered' them.

Discopolis - We Should Have Been Born In Canada by discopolismusic

Next Friday night Glasgow Podcart are taking over Bar Bloc in Glasgow for another of their Mix Up Mayhem Nights. This time round they've roped in So Many Animal Calls, Kill The Waves and The Dirty Beggars. For those of you unfamiliar with the night, the rules are pretty simple, basically each band covers each other as well as performing a well-known cover, amongst their own songs. The night kicks off at around 9pm running through until 3am, so expect things to get messy (in a good way), further details on the event can be found here.


Right time stop rambling, here's the beautiful new video from King Creosote & Jon Hopkins for their new single 'Bubble'...

Craig B (The Unwinding Hours) - Glasgow Podcart Session

As I am sure that most of you are well aware, I am pretty good friends with the Glasgow Podcart crew. So last week I sent them a cheeky wee email asking if they could send me the MP3s of a session they recorded with Craig B from The Unwinding Hours, they were kind enough to oblige and they even said I could share the songs with all of you. Ain't that kind of them! Recorded in Halina from the Podcart's living room, the session is up to stream now on this weeks podcast. It also features a wee interview with Craig, which is well worth a listen. You can listen back to it and watch the videos here.

Track Listing
1. Burning River
2. Wayward
3. Annie Jane

Download

Bits and bobs

Ever since I scrapped my Weekly Roundup posts I've ended up with loads of bits of news that I should share with you all, but my rigid structure has stifled things a wee bit. Hence every once in a while when I get some free time I'm going to post up one of these random news posts.

First up we have a wee reminder that you only have until midnight tomorrow (Thursday 10th) to get yourself discounted Early Bird tickets for this years Wide Days event in Edinburgh. For those of you who don't know, Wide Days is an industry event aimed at up and coming musicians which gives them the opportunity to come along and attend seminars on things like touring, SXSW and many others. It's also a great opportunity for you to get to have access to speak to industry folk in person that you wouldn't normally be able to get anywhere near. If you're serious about pursuing a career in music then this is something that you really need to get yourself down to. Plus mind and be quick and get your tickets nice and early at the cheaper price.


He's been off the scene for a while, but thankfully Ally from the Glasgow Podcart has returned to fold (nice to have you back sir), and his come back heralds the return of Mix_Up_Mayhem.

The concept behind Mix_Up_Mayhem they have three acts, of which each band will play there own tunes, plus they have to play a cover of each of the other two bands' songs and as if that was enough they also have to play at least one well known cover too. Now that's a challenge and a half if ever I heard one, the next acts with the balls to step up to the plate are none other than Other People, You Already Know and Carnivores. Now there's an evening of carnage if ever I heard one. The night takes place on Friday 25th March at Mix_Up_Mayhem's new spiritual home of Bar Bloc in Glasgow, you can find further details here.

Lastly, new Scottish festival, Doune the Rabbit Hole have announced that they're returning for a second outing. Last years festival had a cracking wee line up, but it didn't appear to be promoted all that well, thankfully though the organisers seem to have recognised this and have addressed this accordingly. The festival takes place on the 10th, 11th and 12th of June, in the beautiful countryside surrounding Doune Castle, Stirlingshire.
Blending the finest psychedelic music complimented with a dash of folk brewed to perfection in a
big pot of sunshine. Plus there is the added bonus of freshly baked cakes, yum!
Alongside this there will be poetry, dancing, philosophy, forests, stories, lights, trees, cows, theatre, comedy, dressing up boxes, whisky, games, face-painting, giant mushrooms, rainbows, local ale and cider and lovely organic food. Oh and there will also be some bands too, headlining the festival they have Glasgow dance lords, Mungos Hifi, lo-fi legends The Vaselines, electric folk band Trembling Bells and finallyThe Incredible String Band member Mike Heron.
Other acts announced so far are Alasdair Roberts, Rise Kagona, Quack Quack, Dam Mantle, Conquering Animal Sound, Colorama, Nick Garrie, Remember Remember, The Hidden Masters, Blurt (Ted Milton), Ben Butler and Mousepad, Frank Farfield, James Yorkston, Broadcast 2000,
RM Hubbert and The Real Tuesday Weld. If that sounds like it's your cup of tea then you can find out more and even buy tickets on their homepage.

Friday Freebies

Meursault
God Don't Like it have a free Download of Meursault’s 'Crank Resolutions' up for grabs. It's taken from their 2nd album “All Creatures will Make Merry” which is due out at the end of May.

Wounded Knee
I caught Drew aka 'Wounded Knee' last week at the warm up to the Dead Parrots 3rd birthday bash, alongside the ever fabulous RM Hubbert. Both of them put on top performances, so I must admit that I was well chuffed when I stumbled across his newest release, The Ayrtime.Org EP, it's available for free download here.

The Pernice Brothers
You can download an MP3 from their upcoming record “Goodbye, Killer,” which is out in mid June, all you have to do to get the new song “Jacqueline Susann” is click here.

Glasgow Podcart
the lovely Podcart folk have put up a few more sessions up for download, including sessions from Beerjacket, Julia and the Doogans and Dead Boy Robotics, they're all available for free download on their Bandcamp.

Beneath Us The Waves
A bootleg recording of Beneath Us The Waves live at the Liquid Ship for Elba Sessions is up for free download here.

Dananananaykroyd
Those pesky kids and their fun ways, they've only gone and recorded a cover of the Friends theme tune for all their Facebook/Twitter followers. Seeing as I don't want you lot missing out you can download it here.

Sleigh Bells
This weeks hipster freebie comes from the amazing Sleigh Bells, I cannae wait for their album to come out. If the demos that are floating about are anything to go by then this could be something pretty damn special. Until then you can get an inkling of what to expect by downloading "Tell 'em" over on their homepage. Sweet as the proverbial fucking nut.

Go-Away Birds
The latest offering from the band made up of folk from Zoe Van Goey and Gold Help the Girl has just been up for grabs. Head on over to their homepage to download their latest EP 'Those Bombs' which is available completely gratis.

Ash
Those wacky Irish men are still banging away at their A-Z compilation, what larks they are. They have 3 tracks up for free download, including a remix by Mogwai, just over to their homepage and you'll find the links on the right hand side of the page.

Throwing Muses
A new Throwing Muses demo, "Freesia" is up for free download here.

Hair Rocket
A free download of Pennsylvanian indie pop outfit Hari Rocket's debut EP 'Don't Leave A Light On' , is up for free on their Bandcamp (cheers to Drunk Country for the tip off).

The Monroe Transfer
The London post-rockers got a cracking review on Line of Best Fit this week, if you fancy giving them a go then head over to their Bandcamp where you can download their song 'Waltz' for free.

Muscle Club
Their song 'We Don't Watch We Stare' is up for free download, and as you probably already guessed it's up on their Bandcamp. Don't you just love Bandcamp, so simple yet so fucking brilliant.

Casino Queen
The Lo-fi Edinburgh outfit have an EP up for free download, and yep you guessed it, it's Bandcamp time. Fuck I am starting to feel like one of the American Pie movies going by the number of times I've mentioned the 'B' word this week.


Interpol
In a first for Friday Freebies, I have embedded a download link so you don't have to bugger off anywhere else. As I know how much you all love it here, all that beautiful green-ness. Aye, anyway, NYC hipster folks Interpol have a new song up for grabs. Download it below.

Kowalskiys Komplimentary Korner

Arran Arctic
Sign up to his mailing list and you get an acoustic version of one of his album tracks!
Just click here.

Friday Freebies

The National
I was a bit late in actually listening to The National, it wasn't until about a year after 'Boxer' was released that I cottoned on what I was missing out on. My fail, I know. On the plus side though I did have one hell of a back catalogue to work my way through. Anyway, I digress, on Tuesday Lauren Laverne debuted new “Bloddbuzz Ohio” on her 6Music show. This led to several blogs posting radio rips of it. In reaction to this their label 4AD have posted a high quality version of the song to download here. It’s really fucking good, if you only download one freebie today, make sure it's this one.

Adam Stafford
This week we have not one but two freebies from the lovely folk over from Scottish indie 'internet' label Wiseblood Industries. First up is the new album from Adam Stafford, the man who not only runs the label, but is also the lead singer of Falkirk outfit Y'all Is Fantasy Island. His album 'Miniature Porcelain Horse Emporium' is up for free download, bloody good it is too.

Jocky Venkataraman
The second free download from Wiseblood comes from Jocky Venkataraman & Jim Megaw, who's new Post Post Office EP, is also available for free download, go grab yourself a copy here. I'll be honest and admit that I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet, hey there's only so much time that I have each week. If Jocky's previous material is anything to go by, then you're in for a treat.

Phoenix
Out of of all of the freebies that I came across this week , this one of my favourites. It's a free download of French band Phoenix recorded live in Sydney. Originally it was made available by the Observer, however, you can bypass all of the filling in your details part by clicking here. It features 9 out of the 10 tracks from their latest album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, and it is cracking.

Teenage Fanclub
Woo hoo the Fannies are back!! And there's a new song out there for free, “Baby Lee,” which is taken from the group’s forthcoming ninth album Shadows is available to download over on Stereogum right now. Bloody lovely it is too.

Trapped in Kansas
It's been quite an exciting week in terms of things news coming from the Ayrshire outfit, not only have they signed up with Daydream Management (Halina and Iona from Glasgow Podcart), but they also posted up some B-sides for free download up on their Bandcamp page. If you like what you hear then you might be pleased to know that they are playing at Sleazy's next Wednesday (the 31st).

Glasgow Podcart
While I am on the subject of the Podcart team, they have made a couple of their live sessions from The Scottish Enlightenment and St Deluxe available for free download. All you need to do is head on over to their flashy new Bandcamp page and get downloading.

Spaghetti Anywhere
A fair few of us Scottish bloggers have already declared our undying love for this twee pop duo, in case you weren't paying attention when Ayetunes, Have Fun at Dinner, Kowalskiy, Elba Sessions and myself posted about them, then this is the time for you to do some catching up. Head over to Toy Soldier Records, sign up to their mailing list and they'll send you a free Spaghetti Anywhere 'Girlfriends with Boyfriends' single.

Hot Chip
Their latest album 'One Life Stand' is already one of my favourite of 2010, if you haven't heard it yet then I would suggest you check it out. If you need some encouragement to check it out, then head over to the Line of Best Fit as they have an exclusive free download of a new remix of their cracking new single “I Feel Better”. Go download it here.

Aqualung
Remember this guy? one of his song was used in an advert a few years back, must have been great to get that bit of exposure, but it pretty much killed his career. Anyway, if you want to hear what he sounds like these days then head over to his homepage for a free download of a new song called 'New Friend'. It's actually pretty damn good.

Peggy Sue
The Brighton based folk trio have posted a collection of songs from all their singles and EP available as a free download! There are 10 songs up there for your aural pleasure, download them all from their Soundcloud page.

Wintersleep
They release one of my favourite albums of last year, 'Welcome to the Night Sky' (although I think it came out back in 2008, possibly 2007 - hey I am bit slow to pick up on things sometimes). They'll be back in May with a new album entitled 'New Inheritors', in promotion of it's release they're giving away a free track from it. It's one of those sign your life away/email address up and they'll send you the song.

The Girobabies
You can get 'Jeremy Kyle' from their Bandcamp page, if you like what you hear then you might be interested to know that their debut EP is released on the 1st of May. Thanks to Jim Ayetunes for the tip.

The Horns of Happiness
Indiana band, the Horns of Happiness have just made their new EP available for free. Just head over to their label Secretly Canadian to download the EP, which includes three previously unreleased songs

Kowalskiy's Komplimentary Corner

Ohbijou
This week our good friend Kowalskiy has pulled two corkers out of the bag, first up we have Ohbijou's Third Floor Session which includes 8 free MP3s. In addition if you have a scour about on the site you can find sessions from DD/MM/YYYY, Kay Pettigrew, Gravity Wave and The Wooden Sky.

Conquering Animal Sound
They might well be the latest buzz band amongst Scottish bloggers/podcasters, but I have to be honest and admit that I hadn't given them a listen until David Kowalskiy sent me this freebie,
A free MP3 of 'Alice shoes (live)' (right click save) is available for free download from the Gizeh Records website . Also up for grabs on their site are tracks from Glisando, Trespassers William and worrieaboutsatan, who in case you'd forgotten, play at the Flying Duck tomorrow night.

Community Service #3 - Glasgow Podcart

I first came across the Glasgow Podcart after Boab introduced me to Sean and Halina at a Yahweh and applesofenergy gig last year. Due to the consumption of a few cans of the finest Red Stripe, my memories of that evening are a bit blurry, I do remember being bowled over about how passionate they both were about music and what they wanted to do with the Podcart. My other memory is of rambling utter shit at Sean for quite a long time, I still cringe when I recall that moment. The following day, I was hungover in work and I had my first listen to an episode of the Podcart. Since that day it's become part of my weekly routine, although I did have to stop listening to it on public transport as I kept getting odd looks when I started pissing myself laughing. I think the most fun thing about the Podcart is listening to what gems they've unearthed this week combined with some piss funny 'banter'. It really does make for a great combination. If you want to find out why I will never be able to drink Irn Bru out of a glass bottle ever again, or the truth behind who was 'Pumped in Venice', then get listening boys and girls. Today is the Podcarts first birthday, as part of the celebrations of this milestone, they're having a wee shindig at the 13th Note tonight. The lineup for the evening boasts three of the finest unsigned Scottish acts about at the moment, Little Yellow Ukuleles, Campfires in Winter and St. Deluxe. Entry is free and it all kicks off around 8pm tonight, it should be a belter of an evening.
Now I'll pass you over to Halina, the Queen Bee of the Podcart-Crew to explain to you in her own words what the Glasgow Podcart is all about and what they have up their sleeve in 2010.....

In your own words describe what Glasgow Podcart is
This answer changes everytime! Glasgow Podcart is a media platform and networking community for musicians, artists, photographers and now writers and film makers. We produce weekly podcasts as well as specialist live sessions. The idea is to enable people to push their ideas forward in a way and create a voice for them. Ultimately, we want people to be seen and heard in a different way.

Please introduce the Podcart team
There is Sean McCann our specialist recording and filming expert and also a talented writer, Ally Burton who is a brilliant photographer and writer, Will McNeilly who is based in Belfast and our graphic designer, web designer all round talented Mr nice guy, Paddy Duke who also with Will does the weekly artwork on the website for our podcasts, Nicola Blair who is now working closely with Sean on recording and filming projects, Louise Cochrane who is a design student also from Northern Ireland. We have 2 new recruits! Iona Bruce and Sophie Stubbs both of whom have very strong arts backgrounds and will be raising the profile of our arts section quite substantially. Finally there is myself, Halina. I with Sean do a lot of the decision making and mainly content on the website.

What was it that motivated you to start doing a weekly Podcast?
I have always been a music fan but mainstream radio was infuriating me. Being subjected to artists that were created through the vision of a record company mogul as opposed to organic musicians I was listening to was very frustrating. There is of course BBC Radio 6 however, which I must point out is a God send! Everyone always says instead of moaning try and change things so that was the idea. We knew about podcasts briefly and I had noticed an increase in digital listening as well as the decline in Radio listeners. We wanted to do things a bit different though and incorporate other art platforms as well.

What would you say has been the best thing to happen since you started it?
Some would immediately presume me saying Stuart Braithwaite of Mogwai and by God that really was a highlight but ultimately I think the relationships we have made. Of course it is natural to be competitive about things sometimes but I suppose it is more the networks we have established. I see all the people we have introduced and some of whom have gone on to work closely together or spawn other projects. It's pretty special.

How difficult is it to find so many new and exciting bands each week?
I think there is a misconception that people think we love everything we listen to. This isn't the case. People have to remember how many people there are in the team and we all have very diverse taste and if someone likes something then so be it we will play it. I will let you into a little secret though if someone is somewhat quiet when the song is played it generally isn't their cup of tea! (I am going to get killed for exposing that haha). I often spend time trawling through myspace friends listening to artists and this is the way I have found most of them. Obviously there is word of mouth and blogs such as yourself and others but I get more satisfaction actually spending time just listening. Some weeks I do find that I listen to several artists in a row that I just have to switch off but generally we have been very lucky.

For you personally what artist/band has excited you most over the past 12 months?
I think in all honesty it is between And So I Watch You From Afar and Panda Su. ASIWYFA are one if not the best live act I have ever seen and their energy is unbelievable. Panda Su is one of the most intriguing young women in music I have had the pleasure of coming across. She wears her heart on her guitar and has often provided a comfort blanket for my emotions with her music. I really think great things are going to happen for her.

For all the folk out there that haven’t heard an episode of the Glasgow Podcart, why should they give you a listen?
We are honest. First and foremost. Just imagine Friday night round your friends with a few beers and you sit and listen to some music and talk about the gigs you have been to and the artists you are listening to that week. It's not scripted and yeah I am going to say it is pretty funny as well.

Lastly, what can we expect to see/hear from Glasgow Podcart this year?
Well! I don't really want to say much as we are going to keep our cards very close to our chest this year but we have some very interesting live things coming up, podcasts from a couple of festivals and a brand new website! The 2 ladies we have taken on for our art side also have some extremely exciting art's ideas that people are going to be happily surprised by. We will of course give Peenko news before these things happen as we love him (Peenko - stop it your making me blush).


Glasgow Podcart