Friday Freebies

As there was no Friday Freebies last week as I was still up north recovering from my post-goNorth hangover, this weeks post is a bit a monster. A good friendly monster, filled with lots of free goodness...


The State Broadcasters
I haven't really posted much about what has been going on with the label I co-run, Olive Grove Records, for a while now. Not because I have intentionally tried to keep the two apart, more so because I am a bit forgetful, once I have been doing all of my promo stuff for Olive Grove, it doesn't dawn on me that I haven't bothered to mention it on my own fucking blog. That's what old age and sleep deprivation does to you kids. If you want to remember things, don't try running a label and a blog whilst also trying to maintain some kind of sanity. Oh and adding a child to the mix would just be crazy. Anyway, I'll get to the point, in September we're going to be releasing our first album of 2012 and it's ridiculously good. It's from a Glasgow 6 piece, the State Broadcasters, who some of you might remember from their debut album, 'The Ship & The Iceberg' which came out all the way back in 2009. In a few months time we'll be releasing the follow up album. 'Ghosts We Must Carry' and we're understandably pretty damn excited about it. On Monday their we made their track, 'Trespassers' available as a free download on SoundCloud.  I hope you like it.




Touch Sensitive
Our friends at Touch Sensitive launched their first ever album last week in Glasgow and from all accounts it sounds like it was a pretty successful evening. The online directory is looking to establish greater links between underground and alternative music coming out of Scotland, Spain and the rest of the world. As part of their efforts to create greater links between the different nations they've released a compilation which features six of their favourite artists from Spain and Scotland respectively. It's available now as a free download over on their Bandcamp page, featuring tracks from the likes of The Son(s), Plastic Animals and Zoey Van Goey, plus six Spanish bands that are all well worth checking out.





I Build Collapsible Mountains
There's nothing quite like a new I Build Collapsible Mountains to make the day feel that little bit better, admittedly his songs aren't always the cheeriest, but you can always be assured that they'll be good. Luke, aka  Mr Mountain, has posted up a free download of a new instrumental song by the name of 'Sleeplesser', bloody great it is too. You can find it on his SoundCloud page, if you're looking for something to soothe you into the wee hours of the night, then this my friend is the perfect soundtrack, lovely lovely stuff.



Campfires In Winter 
Croy four piece, Campfires In Winter have pretty much become synonymous with this blog, not only have I been championing the band for several years now, I also have their lead singer writing reviews for me. So I guess I am ever so slightly biased about their music, but fuck it, I wouldn't champion the band if I didn't actually like their music. Having been a bit sporadic with their releases, they continually seem to emerge with new demos which are a massive improvement on the last. In the case of the new songs that they've just posted on their Bandcamp page, they do appear to have developed a much more mature sound that bodes well for their debut album, which should hopefully see the light of day before the year is out. Although I wouldn't hold my breath as I have been waiting for an album for more years than I care to remember. For now though get stuck into these new demos, be warned they're catchy as fuck.

Secret Motorbikes
Do you know what Glasgow really needs, a great surf-pop band and you know what, Secret Motorbikes might well be that band. They've got two EPs up for free download on their Bandcamp page, both of which are pretty damn ace. Ch-ch-check 'em out.





Capitals
Edinburgh electronic duo, Capitals, released their new single 'All These Years' on a pay what you want basis on their Bandcamp page. Dare I say it, but this might well be the best thing they've released to date.





Gummy Stumps 
If you like your pop music to be a wee bit bonkers, then you really need to check out the new Gummy Stumps album, "New House Whites" which is available for free download from the good folk over at Winning Sperm Party.





Allan James
Sick of all of the downbeat indie nonsense? well then Mr James might well be your man. His track Don't Look Down is pretty damn awesome, it's also free to download, making it doubly awesome. Nab it for free from his SoundCloud page.





Honey
Glasgow shoegazers, Honey, have two new songs available for free download, if you're not sure which one to check out first, then I'd go for Cape Canaveral, as that's my personal favourite.

The Last Battle
Edinburgh folk-pop outfit, The Last Battle, released their new single, 'Hope Is Gold' earlier this week, as a wee teaser they've made the B-Side to the single, 'The Crunching' available as a free download on their Bandcamp page. Actually scrap that, it's not free anymore, sorry. It's still worth checking out though. The band launch the single with a gig on the 22nd of June at Pilrig St. Paul's Church Hall in Edinburgh.




Supermarionation
Another Edinburgh band who this time are actually giving away a free download are Edinburgh power pop punks Supermarionation who are giving away a free live recording of a couple of tracks on their Bandcamp page. If you like what you hear and you've got a spare grand kicking about, then you could always invest your pennies in their Limited Edition Supermarionation Card Holder!

Friday Freebies

Zoey Van Goey
Tomorrow night at Stereo, Zoey Van Goey are going to be celebrating the released of their very limited edition remix EP. The EP which is called ‘Sexy Rave Eye Zooming’, is limited to just 350 copies, features remixes from local luminaries such as We Were Promised Jetpacks, FOUND, Jonnie Common, Adam Stafford, GRNR, K-Projekt, Gareth Griffiths, On The Fly, and Miaoux Miaoux. The only way to get a physical copy of one of the CDs is by going to the gig, which also features special guests Kid Canaveral, live remixes from GRNR, plus visuals from Katy Wilson.
In anticipation of the gig/EP you can download We Were Promised Jetpacks remix of City Is Exploding for free on Bandcamp.

Stevie Jackson
Not one to rest on his laurels, Belle & Sebastian's Stevie Jackson has been busy working away on his debut album, (I Can't Get No) Stevie Jackson. As a wee taster of what you can expect he's made the track 'Man of God' available for a limited period as a free download. If this is anything to go by then this could be one cracking wee album, it certainly sounds a lot more enjoyable than his full time band have done in recent years.

I Build Collapsible Mountains
The older I get, the more time flies by, I could have sworn that the forthcoming I Build Collapsible Mountains album wasn't out for months yet. It is in fact out on the 11th of October, almost exactly a year to the day after I released his debut EP. I have heard the album and can vouch that it's a fucking great wee album, you don't have to take my word for it though as you can download the lead track from the album, Face Of Thunder Grin, for free here.

The True Gents
Perthshire musical collective, The True Gents' are giving away their new single as a free download here (right click save). Fans of folk like Washington Irving and the French Wives should really check these guys out.

Asian Dub Foundation
Bloody hell, who knew that Asian Dub Foundation were still going, obviously not fucking me that's who. It's always nice when something like this from your past comes along, it reminds me of fun times dancing like a loon ball to 'Free Satpal Ram', ah those were good times. Anyway, they band have released an exclusive free remix of their track “Where’s All The Money Done?” which you can find here.

Bird And The Monkey
Scottish left-field pop duo, Bird And The Monkey have their new Ossie Dean EP free to download on their homepage. I have only had a chance to listen to the EP once, but I will certainly be going back for a few more listens as this is rather lovely stuff.

Honey
The Glasgow dream poppers have just released their new single 'Nowhere Floating', as a free download on their Bandcamp page. If you like what you hear then you can catch the band live on the following dates: G2 - September 30th, The Captain's Rest - October 9th, Club 520 - October 21st and Stairway - November 4th.

Tanera Heights
Glasgow three piece, Tanera Heights have made their new E.P free to download, you can grab yourself a copy here.

Drunk Mule
Bloody hell, Drunk Mule aren't ones for sitting on their hands, having only just recently posted up an albums worth of free material, they've now just made new track 'Crash Test Y'self' free to download on Bandcamp.

I Build Collapsible Mountains reveals debut album details

I Build Collapsible Mountains, the solo project of Scottish musician Luke G Joyce is set to release his debut album, 'The Spectator & The Act' on the 11th of October on Burning Building Records. For those of you with a good memory, I Build Collapsible Mountains was the first and only release on Peenko Records. Since the release of his debut EP, 'A Month Of Lost Memories', Luke has moved on to much bigger things, having been snapped up by a much bigger label, (who re-released his EP), he's also playing at numerous festivals, including this weekends Wickerman Festival in Dumfrieshire, with a US tour to follow.

You can listen to an exclusive stream of the lead track from the album 'Face Of Thunder Grin below...

i build collapsible mountains - face of thunder grin by peenko

Track Listing
1. Face Of Thunder Grin
2. Quickest Exit
3. Jump The Blue
4. Instrumental #1
5. Trail Song
6. Spectator & The Act
7. Instrumental #2
8. Burn
9. History Making
10. Maps & Destinations
11. The Wrong Way

Artwork for the album comes form the photographer Nick Mason, 'The Spectator & The Act' comes out on the 11th of October. Further details on the album will be announced nearer to the release date.

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Presenting: The Peenko Sessions #7 - I Build Collapsible Mountains

I said earlier in the week that I'd have the next Peenko Session up and being a man of my word here we have it, it's I Build Collapsible Mountains recorded live at the Hidden Lane Tea Rooms. Since releasing his debut EP, 'A Month Of Lost Memories', the one and only release on Peenko Records, Luke Joyce (aka IBCM) has moved onto much bigger things having been signed up to an American Record label, making festival appearances and he's just been lined up to play with Scott from Frightened Rabbit later in the year. It's an exciting time for Team IBCM, then again all of that wouldn't have come about if he wasn't as talented as he is. Having heard some of his new material, it's amazing to see how he's developed as a songwriter and I loved his first EP.
So a few weeks back we had him down at the cafe to record a session for us, it was possibly the sweatiest, yet sweet smelling gig I have ever been to and Luke was fucking awesome. You don't have to take my word for it as you can stream, download and watch the session below...

Track Listing
1. Trail Song
2. Rails
3. History Making
4. Jump the Blue / Where We Go Tomorrow
5. Spectator and the Act
6. Burn

Download

Watch the rest of the session on my YouTube page.

A special thank you goes out to Sean from LUGS for filming and recording all of this, to Boab for his camera work skills, Kirsty for letting us take over her awesome cafe and to everyone who came along and made the evening as special as it was.

Peenko Presents: The Mad Hatters Tea Party - I Build Collapsible Mountains by Seanlugs on Mixcloud

Everything Is Big in Texas...A Video Roundup of Sorts

I am sure I am not alone in being the only one who's a little bit envious of all of those lucky folk who are currently sunning it up at this years SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas. I must admit that I have been trying to avoid Twitter as much as I can over the past few days, purely because the more I read, the more jealous I get. This evening though I finally succumbed, thanks to the awesome Peej Reid who runs the Dear Scotland website who sent me this video of King Creosote covering 'And Another Thing!!' with Kid Canaveral as his backing and. I think Peej sums up my feelings for this video perfectly, "I was out last night and I kept thinking that if Peenko were here he would be shitting his pants". I am almost certain that if I had seen this in the flesh then the chances of me soiling myself would have been pretty damn high.

It really does feel as if the whole of the Scottish music industry has decamped to Austin, to show America how it's done. If you want to get a better idea of the festival is all about, then you should really check out the Video Diaries from Detour Scotland and Song By Toad, both of whom have been posting up their daily adventures.

SXSW 2011 Day 1 Video Diary from Song, by Toad on Vimeo.

I think that's enough SXSW chat for one evening, but that's not where the video fun stops kids! I am not sure if I have mentioned this on the blog before, but the first and only release on Peenko Records, I Build Collapsible Mountains has moved on to bigger things. Much bigger things in fact, he's signed up with US label Burning Building Recordings who will be releasing a new EP next month. If this video is anything to go by, then we're in for a bit of treat.
Also, as a few folk have asked about Peenko Records, at the moment things on that front have been put on hold for now as all of my attention is being put into Olive Grove, for now at least.

I Build Collapsible Mountains - U.S. EP promo. from Luke Joyce on Vimeo.

The last video of the night comes courtesy of The Lafontaines, who have posted their new 'Come Dine' with me inspired video for a track called 'Stop it now' to coincide with Comic Relief. They're trying to raise £100 by the end of the day, so get watching then show them your support.

I Build Collapsible Mountains - Fresh Air Session

Track Listing
1. Easily Led
2. History Making
3. Jump The Blue/Where We Go Tomorrow
4. Quickest Exit
5. Rails

Download
Found In Sound

Scots Way-Hay - The Artists Albums of the Year (Part 1)

As it's that time of year when every man and his dog is drawing up their end of year album lists. I thought it would be a fun idea to ask some of the bands that have done interviews for me this year as part of my Scots Way-Hay, to tell me what their favourite albums of 2010.
Kicking it all off we have Call To Mind, Eagleowl, Ghost Pants, I Build Collapsible Mountains, Miss the Occupier, Seafieldroad and the Son(s) telling us a bit about what was floating their boat in 2010.

'Deerhunter - Halcyon' Digest

chosen by Paul Carlin, Ghost Pants/Dananananaykroyd/American Men

"I got into Deerhunter by accident about three years ago and remember walking around in the sunshine listening to their album 'Cryptograms' a LOT. They've steadily become better and better since then and this new album, Halcyon Digest, is, by far, their most concise and complete collection of songs to date. They've somehow managed to come up with a body of work that has a 4-track recorder for a heart but is significantly more shiny on the outside. Everything that Deerhunter has done up until now has culminated in this great album and in Desire Lines, they've written pretty much the perfect indie rock song. There's perhaps less ramshackle charm on this record compared to their earlier work but when the songs are THIS good, who cares? Halcyon Digest is darkness and light in equal measure and a fine starting point if you're new to the band"

'Marnie Stern by Marnie Stern'

chosen by Magnus Hughson, Miss the Occupier

"The basic idea of taking the none-more-metal musical technique of guitar shredding and placing it within the context of non-metal, quirky, Deerhoof-ish songs with sweet vocals was refreshing enough on Stern's first two albums. Here she expands on this massively with the epic For Ash, the bruised Transparency Is The New Mystery, and the understated The Things You Notice. With lots of awesome choruses and riffs in between. For what it's worth, the rest of my top ten albums of 2010 list is as follows: Quasi, The Fall, Manic Street Preachers, Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse, Neil Young, M.I.A, Kristin Hersh, Emma Pollock, and Scout Niblett."

'The Phantom Band - The Wants'

chosen by Jamie Ross, Call To Mind

"We were lucky enough to play one of our first gigs opening for them. It's really pleasing to see a band who've taken their time and done things their own way deliver a really solid first album. With The Want's though, it shows a definite step forward: diverse, more grooves on there, lots of melodies.. You can tell they don't take themselves seriously, but at the same time it's a more intense record than Checkmate Savage. They've really stepped up in terms of song craft, and we've all got a different favourite track ('The None of One' being mine just now). Weird and lovely sounds + weird and lovely blokes to boot"

Field Music - Measure

chosen by Bart, Eagleowl

"This was released way back in February - but it's one I've kept coming back to all year. Field Music always floor me. I guess they're very much a musician's band. The two brothers - the songwriting core of the band - are really proficient, both musically and in terms of the production. It's amazing that they can create such interesting rhythms and structures, have such intelligent lyrics, and yet still retain a real sense of fun. Still keep it so light and accessible. It always seems like they're having the time of their lives, despite the complex nature of the music. This came after a three year break from Field Music. And where most bands take time out to concentrate on other things, or have a rest to recharge the creative batteries, Field Music spent the intervening time concentrating on two side project 'solo' albums - School of Language and The Week That Was. And still had time to write this rather stunning double album. It's as impressive as it is expansive. I think their secret is economy. There's 20 songs, but only one breaks the 4 minute mark. They're never afraid to experiment or play around with ideas, but it's always within the confines of a pop song. Also they always seem to take influences from the most unlikely, most unfashionable places (prog rock, 80s pop), and turn it into something that sounds, for want of a better word, really cool. They're really quite an inspiring band"

St Vincent - Actor

Andrew Eaton, Seafieldroad/Swimmer One

"There are two albums I've had pretty much on repeat this year -Everything Everything's debut, and Actor by St Vincent. If I had to pick one I'd go for Actor. It's called Actor because in every song she plays a character in a different imaginary movie. So the words are very evocative and the music is very cinematic - there are shades of Michael Nyman, Ennio Morricone, Yann Tiersen, Ryuichi Sakomoto and David Arnold, but it's never just pastiche. It’s audacious, unpredictable, really inventive and ambitious in the structure and arrangements, and every song has its own distinct atmosphere. I love it"

Admiral Fallow - Boots Met My Face

chosen by Luke Joyce, I Build Collapsible Mountains/The Gothenburg Address

"I've been a fan of this bands music for quite some time starting back when they were Brother Louis Collective. They were one of the few bands that I knew after the first live show i saw that they were going to be moving on to great things. They took their sweet time mind you. A few years later and a name change in tow, they finally released their awesome debut album for all who had been patiently waiting. The high expectation was easily met. The songs had become favourites from hearing them live so it was Christmas come early to get them in hard copy. The album is being re-released next year and i have no doubts it will find its way in to many a new fans hand"

John Grant - Queen of Denmark

chosen by Karl, the Son(s)

"I must admit there are songs on here I habitually skip but it's also the album I've listened to the most this year, from it's release and still now. Fireflies, Caramel, Marz, Sigourney Weaver.... I love those songs. They seem so naive and unforced. I think you can hear that it is music recorded without an audience in mind, as if it was made to be listened to just by the people who recorded it. I like that here. It came out months ago and it's not spent a week unplayed"

Saturday Night Fun - Define Pop Festival3

There are certain moments that define your life, it's the little things that tend to stick with you. One such moment for me was the last Define Pop festival at the Flying Duck, yes I got drunk, saw lots of great bands and danced like a total fanny (there is video evidence of this, but I'll be fucked if I am going to actively share it with you). More importantly for me it was a day were I got to meet and make friends with a lot of great people. If I hadn't been there, then I am pretty sure that I wouldn't know half of the folk that I do now. I guess to a certain extent that if I hadn't been there I wouldn't be doing half the things I am now, if it wasn't for Define Pop.
If that doesn't sell Define Pop 3 to you this Saturday (the 13th of November), then I guess I should also point out that Wull who organises it has got a cracking wee line up in store for this years festival. Here's what he's announced so far...

Tango In The Attic,
Suspire,
Trapped In Kansas,
The Machine Room, Epic 26,
The Ghosties,
Aspen Tide,
So Many Animal Calls,
Little Yellow Ukuleles,
Campfires In Winter,
I Build Collapsible Mountains,
The Hundred Metre Club,
Keep It Secret,
Indigo Central
With more acts still to be announced!

The festival is spread over three venues, Pivo Pivo, Stereo and The Admiral, tickets are only £7, which allows you to move from venue to venue. You can buy tickets from Define Pop Big Cartel and through Ticket Scotland. Last year was awesome fun, this year promises to be the same.

Tango In The Attic - Off To...
Trapped In Kansas - Our Bodies On Fire
Aspen Tide - Colours
So Many Animal Calls - We Can Sleep Back To Back
Little Yellow Ukuleles - Discopants
Campfires In Winter - They Looked Just Like Fallen Leaves
I Build Collapsible Mountains - Rails

Weekly Round Up (31/10/10)

Monday - Amy Duncan kicked the week off with some Fresh Meat action
Tuesday - Steve Mason and A Band Called Quinn sessions
Wednesday - Inverness post-rockers, Shutter took on some Scots Way-Hay action and I also let you know about a couple of exciting new projects which I am involved in.
Thursday - I had quite a few sessions up for download, Cancel the Astronauts, Isobel Campbell and the Twilight Sad all did there bit. The good folk from Off the Beaten Tracks also did some Community Service
Friday - this weeks Freebies included tunes from Le Reno Amps, Tapes 'n Tapes, Remember Remember and FOUND
Saturday - didn't get tickets to see Take That, then why not console yourself with the Seventeenth Century's cover of Patience, did I mention that they're also playing at AvP3 next Friday? Apparently tickets for that are a bit easier to get your hands on...


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

So the week of THE big gig has finally arrived, Ayetunes vs Peenko 3 is back and this time it's personal (no I have no idea where I'm going with that either). If you haven't already got yourself a ticket sorted what's been stopping you?! In the unlikely event that you don't know who we've got lined up, it's the Seventeenth Century, Come On Gang! and I Build Collapsible Mountains. It's going to be awesome sauce! It's this Friday night, it's only £6, it all kicks off at 7pm at the Classic Grand. We'd love to see some familiar and some unfamiliar faces coming down for the evening. There will of course be the usual free sweets on offer from this bearded twat - man that just sounds plain wrong. I should think these things through more in my head before I say them.....


On Thursday night, Elba Sessions are back with another cracking wee evening of intimate entertainment. Making his first live outing in Glasgow as I Build Collapsible Mountains, Luke Joyce warms up nicely for the following nights show at AvsP, by making an appearance. Joining him for the evening they also have Iglue and Now Wakes The Sea.



Also on Thursday (4th) night, Benni Hemm Hemm, Second Hand Marching Band & Tannahill hit Stereo in Glasgow for an evening of folk pop tinged fun. I won't be usual presumptuous self and expect you to have heard all of these bands, so here's a wee blurb (ie a copy n paste) about them all....
"Benni Hemm Hemm, the delightful pop troubador from Iceland, whose Scottish band features members of Eagleowl, SHMB, Withered Hand, The Occasional Flickers, How to Swim, The Trembling Bells, The Pineapple Chunks, Jesus H Foxx, Captain Slackship's Mezannine Allstars and more (and there's only 6 members). Benni has, in the past, collaborated with Alasdair Roberts and Jens Lekman and is currently recording a joint album with SHMB.
The Second Hand Marching Band will be a 17-or-so piece indie folk funhouse who shall play to the crowd and in the crowd, with post-rock influenced buildups, quiet folk songs and dance party tunes.
And the last group, Tannahill, are particularly special, made up of Alasdair Roberts, Wounded Knee, Sean from John Knox Sex Club and SHMB members Alistair, Pete, Ross and Rich. Their set will consist of reinterpretations of Robert Tannahill songs. Robert Tannahill is a Scottish poet from Paisley who died 200 years ago, but whose legacy is now coming to more people's attention after years of being overshadowed by his contemporary and inspiration, Robert Burns.This will be the first performance of the group, who will be releasing an album of Tannahill songs next year."
Kick off is at 7pm and door charge will be £5.

Next Saturday, the 6th, promoters 45 A-Side Records have a cracking wee gig lined up at Stereo in Glasgow. For your evenings entertainment they have Meursault, Olympic Swimmers and Happy Particles for just £5. The evening kicks off at half seven, it should be quite a night.



I'll leave you this week with a video from a band who have been getting me pretty excited as of late, they're called Let's Talk About Trees, a side project from some of the members of John Knox Sex Club and Washington Irving. The band will be making their live debut at Stereo in Glasgow on the 20th of November, so get the date down in your diary...

We've Got It Covered #22

You might have noticed tat I have there has been just a few mentions of I Build Collapsible Mountains on the site this week. Justifiably so I reckon, it's not every day that I get to be involved in putting a record out. Around this time last week I had a wee thought that it might be fun to ask Luke (that'll be Mr Mountain to you guys) whether he fancied recording a cover version for me at some point. Not one to turn a challenge down, he soon got on the case and within 2 days he came back to me with this cover of Sebadoh's 'Spoiled' which featured on the soundtrack to the film 'Kids'. Apparently he recorded a few covers of some Girls Aloud songs which didn't make the cut. What I was more amazed by was that hew told me he didn't have to look the lyrics up as he knew all the words already....

I Build Collapsible Mountains - Spoiled (Sebadoh cover)

I Build Collapsible Mountains - A Month Of Lost Memories review

The debut album from I Build Collapsible Mountains is a thing of restrained beauty. At times it puts me in mind of Damien Rice and Withered Hand, all the while retaining a unique intimacy wholly of its own. Often little more than acoustic guitar and vocals, other sparse instrumentation is intended merely to compliment Luke Joyce’s superb voice which remains the main focal point of the music throughout. Only handclaps accompany the voice and guitar in Easily Lead, and the song’s ‘days can’t start when the sky is in parts, you know I’m easily lead’ refrain will ring around your head for days. The languid, lilting Smoke & Flesh is reminiscent of the more muted moments of the now sadly defunct-and-forgotten Fields, with its soaring guitar subtly swilling around in the background.

The highlight for me however is Rails. The gorgeous melody and stomping rhythm builds and builds, never quite reaching the explosive climax you expect. Instead, it drops unexpectedly to near silence permeated only by a solitary glockenspiel. Probably best listened to with headphones in the dark, A Month Of Lost Memories is one I’ll be going back to listen to again and again for a long while yet. An excellent collection of intimate, beautiful laments.

Boab

Peenko Blog is Two Years Old Today!

Who'd have thought I'd have made it this far, certainly not me. When I started this blog two years ago the only aim I had was to try and introduce some of my friends to some of the music that I was enjoying. Two years later and still none of them listen, Jamie you are of course the exception to this rule.

In all honesty I still have to pinch myself when I think about everything that's happened in just two years, I know it's going to sound really cheesy (just call me monsieur fromage), but the most enjoyable thing that has come from all of this is the number of amazing people that I have met, many of whom I now consider to be really good friends. I'm pretty sure that they still think I'm a fud, but as long as they only say it behind my back it's all good. Seriously though, I just want to say thank to everyone who's ever done anything to help me out, there are so many great folk out there in the Scottish music scene that are in this for the right reasons, that feeling of being part of a collective that might be making a difference means a lot to me and it's the main reason for me doing this. As for those folk who I think are in it for completely the wrong reasons, buy me a beer and I'll happily rant away. Shit, I am starting to ramble, sorry I can't help it.
Aye, so things are all good, nearly everyone's great, etc... I can well imagine that you're starting to think, where's he going with this. Surely there must be a point to this post is he just going to ramble on for another five minutes, you'd think that and normally you'd be right. But just this once I am actually going to tell you a few wee things that I have planned in the next few months.


First off, last year I celebrated Peenko Blog's 1st birthday by giving away free badges. Affa bonny they were too, sadly that first badge are all gone, although you can admire one of them on David from Kid Canaveral's guitar strap, you'll have to squint your eyes somewhat to see it in that picture though. This year I have decided to up the ante somewhat, this year I have decided that it's about time to start Peenko Records. Yep, you heard that right, I am foolishly following my fellow bloggers Matthew 'Song By Toad' and Ed '17 Seconds', and will be starting up my own wee label. That was the inspiration for my series of Scottish DIY labels, I was really just using those folks to get some pointers before I took this big plunge.

Some of you already know, but in case you don't, the first release will be with Edinburgh based singer song writer, I Build Collapsible Mountains. Better known to some as Luke Joyce from post-rock outfit, The Gothenburg Address and also renowned photographer. He's one talented fella, so I am honestly really flattered that he agreed to be my guinea pig so to speak.
So how did I end up in this position you might well wonder, well to be honest I had been toying with the idea for ages now, having heard so much amazing stuff coming out of my own backyard I felt frustrated that there are so many amazing artists out there who just aren't being heard.
So when Luke sent the songs over towards the start of the summer asking what I thought of this new artist he'd 'discovered', I really was quite taken aback by how good the songs were. Being the inquisitive kind of guy that I am, I was soon pestering Luke to try and tell me a bit more about who this 'guy' was. Soon after of course he revealed that it was actually him behind the songs and that he really just wanted to get back some unbiased feedback on his songs.
What followed was him sending me over some songs every so often asking me if I thought they were any good or not. At no point did it really ever occur to me that I could put release the songs for him, that was of course until I could made redundant and I suddenly had a lot more time on my hand, plus the lump sum pay off that I received might have helped too.
So I sneakily asked him whether or not he had thought approaching anyone with his songs, I guess you can see where this is going. My leading question, led to me asking whether or not he fancied doing something with me, he said 'yes' and the rest as they say is history.

Recorded in his own flat, the debut mini-album, 'A Month of Lost Memories' is collection of songs which reflect a small moment in time of a persons life. For me it's a truly stunning and intimate experience that just gets better after each listen. Don't worry, Boab will be reviving his 62 W0rd Review for a special one off post on the album tomorrow, so you'll have something more in-depth to read about. Also, just to prove that it's not just me, have a look and see what these very kind folk have had to say about it already, The Tidal Wave of Indifference, Bluesbunny and Glasgow Podcart. You can make your own mind up though, as you can stream the album in full using the embeded link below.

Just to prove that these were all hand made, here's some of the assembly process in pictures...

Stage 1

Stage 2

There will also be some wee badges chucked in there good measure - it's worth buying a copy just to get your hands on one of those sexy new Peenko badges...

'A Month of Lost Memories' is out now, you can download a copy at I Build Collapsible Mountains Bandcamp page, or you could always got for one of the sexy little handmade numbers over on Big Cartel. They're only £5 and they're limited to just 50 copies, once they're gone that's your lot.




You'd think that would be me wouldn't you, that would be it. I became a dad for the first time less than 7 weeks ago, so I really shouldn't be taking on anymore projects. Then again I never was one for doing things sensibly, instead I have managed to get myself involved in another really exciting project. Not content with having one label, myself and Halina from the Glasgow Podcart have decided to 'go into business' together to form Olive Grove Records.
I will let you know a bit more about this nearer to the time, but on the 15th of November we will be putting out our first release with Randolph's Leap. Keep Thursday the 18th of November free, as there will be a special free launch night at the Captains Rest to celebrate the release of their 'Battleships and Kettle Chips' EP.


You can stream the lead track, 'As I Lie In The Mud' below, it should give you a good indication of what you can expect to hear. I have been playing the EP in my car for a couple of months now, and I can confirm that it is really something special.




Right, I am going to stop there. I do have a few more things planned which I will announce over the forthcoming week. I don't want to over whelm you with information, let's just say it's all very exciting and I can't wait to tell you all about it.....

Peenko x

Scots Way-Hay #37 - I Build Collapsible Mountains

This is a real first for my Scots Way-Hay feature, never before have as an artist cropped up two different guises. I guess I'd have to have a pretty special reason to justify doing something like, so for all of you folk who are reading this on Dear Scotland (a week after it was originally posted on my blog), then you will have missed my big announcement. So here it is again very briefly, as of today I am launching Peenko Records, and the first release will be with mysterious singer-songwriter, I Build Collapsible Mountains, who might also be know to some of you as Luke Joyce from Edinburgh post-rockers The Gothenburg Address (that'll be the previous Scots Way-Hay reference then). Taking what a bit of a change in direction from crashing guitars that make your ears melt, it's now just one man pouring out his inner thoughts backed by the delicacy of an acoustic guitar. Having lived with his songs fro quite a while now, I have found that they just get better and better with every listen. So much so that I cheekily asked if he would let me release them, foolishly he agreed and several months later here we are. Actually that also sounds very similar to how I ended up becoming a dad. His debut album comes out today (that'd be last week if you're a Dear Scotland reader), it's a intimate melancholic record that I am honoured to have as my firest ever release.


Would you care to introduce yourself?

yes hello. My name's Luke and I play guitar and sing songs under the name I Build Collapsible Mountains

How would you describe the music you make?

They are like therapy for me I think. A musical diary, that I'm quite happy to share with people.


How did you start out making music?

I spent most of my teenage years locked away in my bedroom teaching myself guitar. My dad gave me a guitar that belonged to my gran. It was a custom made Spanish guitar. I just picked up one of those 'teach yourself guitar' TAB books, full of American anthems, and it went from there really.


What process goes into the way you write songs?

I always write the music first, its just how I work. Like I said before, writing music is therapy for me, so I usually have some idea of what the song will be about lyrically. Sometimes I'll write a few in a day, sometimes I go for weeks without playing a note.


Who are your big musical influences?

During the 90's, I was a die hard Smashing Pumpkins fan. They were the first band I ever saw live. He's maybe an egotistical megalomaniac, but Mr William Corgan is a song writing genius. Other bands were on my radar, such as Sheffield's own Cable (r.i.p.) , who's album When Animals Attack is still in my top 5 ever. I loved the indie bands also - Marion, Longpigs, Geneva, Echobelly .. say what you want, I loved it.


What kind of influence do you feel that where you come from has had on the music you create?

I'm not ready to go into details, but lets just say where I come from is ...unique? It's definitely shaped the musician I am today. I write about things that are real, I'm not into imaginary tales. I think you have to experience something to genuinely believe it. If you don't believe what your singing, then I think it shows.


How are you enjoying the freedom of doing all of this on your own as opposed to being in a band?

It's good. I like getting on with things. There's no time constraints waiting for people. If I want to rehearse, I rehearse - all I need to do is pick up the guitar. I miss making the walls of noise sometimes, but this is something I'm enjoying now. If there's an audience for what I'm doing then I'm happy to play it quiet for a while.


Initially you were quite secretive about your identity, in fact you didn’t even tell me that they were your songs when you first sent them to me. Why the mystery? And why have you decided to step out from behind the veil so to speak?

I think I wanted some genuine opinions on the music to be honest. I wanted to send it to my friends who's opinions I respected, but I didn't want any politeness getting in the way just because it was me. Obviously with the live shows it was kind of hard to keep the façade going.


In your own words would you care to share with the kids out there how you ended up being the inaugural release on Peenko Records?

As you mentioned before, you were one of the few people I sent the songs to initially. I think I piled your inbox with a number of tunes and luckily you liked them enough to want to put your name to a release. For the CD to be associated with one of the most popular supporters of unsigned music is nothing short of fantastically ideal.


The songs on ‘A Month of Lost Memories’ were all written over a short period, does this mean that you have already written more songs?

It does! The next record is almost ready. Luckily the songs are coming thick and fast at the moment. I also have separate tracks that I'm going to drop over the pond next year.


You’ve been crazy enough to agree to play at our next ‘Ayetunes vs Peenko’ gig, why should folk make sure that they come down nice and early to make sure that they catch your set?

There's a rumour I might be getting thorough this set without any mistakes, so that might be something quite special to witness. I think I'm also going to debut a track from the next record that is one of my favourite songs I've written to date. And also people should come down and support some great bands and a couple of great chaps doing good things for music. (what a charmer- Peenko)


What are your plans for the rest of the year and beyond?

I'm going to get the next record finished and maybe maybe make a video. I'm also hoping to get a single finished, which will be available here on import. Apart from that I want to just go play where ever there's people who want to listen.


I Build Collapsible Mountains - Rails

So there you have it, a wee introduction to the world of I Build Collapsible Mountains, what a wonderful wee world it is too. Having lived with these songs for quite a months now I feel somewhat privileged to hear how they've developed. It really is a cracking debut, that really caught me by surprise by how someone could consistently write and record songs of such quality in such a short space of time. Having only seen Luke play once live, when he came in and played a wee song on my Fresh Air show back in August, I really can't wait to see him play a full live set. Thankfully though I am in luck as he has a few shows lined up in the next couple of months, one of which is with our good friends at Elba, followed by an appearance at the third in the series of our Ayetunes vs Peenko gigs. If you can make it along to one of these shows I'd urge you to make sure you make it along.



'A Month of Lost Memories' is available to buy now, it is available in hand made limited edition CD's (50 copies, plus it comes with a couple of wee IBCM and Peenko badges) and through digital download over on Luke's Bandcamp page.

Live dates:
October
30th Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh, with Cry Over Billionaires

November
4th Elba Sessions at the Liquid Ship, Glasgow
5th ‘AvsP3’ at the Classic Grand, Glasgow, with the Seventeenth Century and Come on Gang!

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Presenting: Ayetunes vs Peenko 3

The wait is over, it's the third in the series of Ayetunes vs Peenko gigs and what a come back we have in store for you. On Friday the 5th of November, we will be joined by three of the most exciting up and coming artists in Scotland, The Seventeenth Century, Come On Gang! and I Build Collapsible Mountains. Being the hobo's that we are, we will be relocating to the Classic Grand for this one, it promises to be a corker of an evening, we'd be chuffed to bits if some of you could come down and spend Guy Fawkes Night with some real fireworks!



The Seventeenth Century - Roses In The Park


Come On Gang! - Fortune Favours The Brave


I Build Collapsible Mountains - Rails

Tickets for the gig are on sale now, you can buy them directly from us at Peenko Big Cartel, which has the added bonus of there being no booking fees and free postage. Alternatively, you can buy them at Ticketweb or you can buy them in person and online at Ticket Scotland.
We look forward to seeing some of you coming down and celebrating an evening of some of the finest music this country has to offer.

The Peenko Show on Fresh Air - Episode #3 (18/08/10)

Tracks Played
1. Cancel the Astronauts - Funny For A Girl
2. Where We Lay Our Heads - No Glamour
3. Deathpodal - Every Superstition Shall Be Removed
4. Panda Su - Eric Is Dead
5. I Build Collapsible Mountains - Rails (session track)
6. Loch Awe - The Ocean In Me
7. The Last Battle - Ruins
8. Miaoux Miaoux - Knitted
9. Martin John Henry - I Love Map
10. Golden Oldie; Joesphine - This Is Not An Exit
11. Come On Gang! - Fortune Favours The Brave (session track)
12. My Kappa Roots - The Lord Of Rosyth
13. The Burns Unit - Trouble
14. The Unwinding Hours & RM Hubbert - Spirit Ditch (Sparklehorse cover)

I Build Collapsible Mountains - photo by David Canaveral

The last in my run of shows on Fresh Air and what a way to go out, once again I had David from Kid Canaveral in to talk mince with me and basically try and keep me in check. I don't think he quite managed it, although he did make me apologise for my comments about folk who downloaded a charity album for free. Plus on top of all of that we had I Build Collapsible Mountains and Come On Gang! in to play some songs and have a bit of a blether.
Hopefully there will be more shows in the future, watch this space.....

The Peenko Show On Fresh Air - Episode #3 (18/08/10) by Peenko on Mixcloud

The Peenko Show - Fresh Air Sessions

As some of you were aware I did a stint on Edinburgh student radio station, Fresh Air, for three weeks during the festival. I am pretty sure that any of you that heard the show will agree, a future career at Radio One isn't very likely. That being said I did get to play a lot of great music, hopefully I managed to introduce some new music to some of you. I have already posted the first show that I did, I am still waiting to receive copies of the 2nd and 3rd shows (Hitch, if you're reading this, could you please send me a copy...pretty please).
As well as getting to play songs and talk mince, I was also lucky enough to get Edinburgh artists I Build Collapsible Mountains and Come On Gang! in to play a song for me. It was honestly a privilege and an honour to have them come in and do this for me.
I Build Collapsible Mountains, aka singer songwriter, Luke Joyce played the song 'Rails', taken from his forthcoming mini album, 'A Month Of Lost Memories'. While Come On Gang serenaded us with their forthcoming single 'Fortune Favours The Brave'. The recording is a bit crackly, but it still sounds amazing. Look out for the official release next Friday.

I Build Collapsible Mountains - Rails (session track)
Come On Gang! - Fortune Favours The Brave (session track)

Friday Freebies

Standard Fare
I must admit that I had never heard of Standard Fare until I caught them live last month, I had popped along to the Flying Duck to see Kid Canaveral and they were the headline band. Having never heard anything prior to that night, I was completely blown away by the Sheffield three piece. I left that night clutching their debut album 'The Noyelle Beat'. The next morning I arose from my pit to find it in my jacket pocket, I ad no recollection of buying it, but I was chuffed that I did. It's one of my favourite albums of this year, so it's about time that you checked them out. Their song, 'Dancing' is up for grabs here, I strongly urge you to give them a listen.

Frightened Rabbit
The Frabbit are giving away or at least they were, a new song, all you have to do is sign up to their mailing list here. Should that not work or you can't be arsed filling in your details, yes I know it's not hard but folk are generally pretty lazy, myself included I might add, then here's 'Son C' for your listening pleasure.

Skies Fell
The Glasgow rock outfit have just posted up their cracking new single 'Statues' up for free on their Bandcamp page, get downloading here.

I Build Collapsible Mountains
The 'mysterious' singer song writer has posted a new tune for you to download, I reckon this is one of the best songs he's done so far. Check it out for yourself, the track is called 'Rails' and it's free to download on his Bandcamp page.

Philadelphia Grand Jury
This freebie tip comes courtesy of the fabulous 'The Blue Walrus' site who tipped this band as One To Watch, as it was them that turned me on to this Australian trio. They have two freebies up for grabs, the first is a download of their song 'The New Neil Young' and the second is a free download of their 4 track EP.

Where We Lay Our Heads
Make sure you're quick off the mark with this one as it's only up for a week, get your copy of 'My Major is Your Minor' here.

No Age
Stereogum have a couple of new tracks, 'Glitter” and “Inflorescence' which are up for free download, get them here.

Captain Polaroid
The Brummie lo-fi artist has put a whole host of EP's up for free download on his blog, fans of bands like Pavement and Urusei Yatsura should probably enjoy a bit of this.

Delphic
Hyped beyond belief last year, the band have put their 'Counterpoint' EP up for grabs in exchange for a tweet.

Adebisi Shank
The Irish band have a new album coming out soon, you can download the song 'Genki Shank' from it in exchange for a tweet here.

Pumajaw
Sign up to their mailing list and they'll give you access to their members area which allows you to download some free MP3's.

Antony & The Johnsons
There is a new EP coming out soon, which includes covers of both Bob Dylan and John Lennon, Stereogum have a free download of 'Thank You For The Love' from it, you can download it here.

Stars and Sons
The Brighton indie pop outfit will let you download their single 'Fights already fought' in exchange for a a Facebook shout out.



Kowalskiy's Komplimentary Korner

Olafur Arnalds

The Icelandic singer has posted a free download of 4 songs from his live performance in Manchester with full orchestral backing. You can find it here.