Friday Freebies

we're only afraid of NYC
I don't think that it's much of a secret round these parts that I'm a big fan of we're only afraid of NYC. Since the release of their debut EP, zero.one way back in 2009, they've continually gotten better in my eyes (and ears). Today sees the release of their new EP zero.four, which again sees the band take another massive step forward. Fuck knows how they're going to move upwards from this point, for now though I don't care as this EP's the dogs proverbials. Get in about it kiddie-winks, it's free...then again I guess you already knew that.

The Seventeenth Century
Bloody hell, this weeks Freebies is starting to look like a who's who of former AvP headline bands. Not only are the NYC boys getting into the spirit of sharing free tunes, we also have those wonderful Seventeenth Century boys getting in on the act with a couple of free tunes. Both of the tunes were written on their tour of the Netherlands earlier in the year, one of which was written in and recorded in just one hour especially for a Dutch radio station. Some bands never write a song this good in their whole life time and those talented fuckers came up with this in just 60 minutes. You can find out for yourself by downloading the songs for free from their Bandcamp page.

Drunk Mule
Having just given away their album 'Crash Test Y'self' for free, Drunk Mule are now back with a cracking wee festive tune called 'Feels Like Christmas', which you can download from their Bandcamp.

Stanley Odd
Edinburgh hip-hop outfit, Stanley Odd have continued on the success of last years Oddvent Calendar by doing it all again this year. For a whole host of free tunes and some cracking videos just follow the link.

Perfume Genius
If you were a fan of Seattle songwriter, Mike Hadreas aka Perfume Genius 2010 debut album, 'Learning', well you might be excited to learn that he''ll be back in the new year with a new album called 'Put Your Back N 2 It'. You can download 'All Waters' taken from said forthcoming album, for free here.

OnTheFly
Fence stalwart, OnTheFly is giving away his double album, DFNC001 as a free download on his Bandcamp. The album which is packed with an array of Remixes & Rarities, totalling 30 tracks all, acts as wee teaser of what we can expect from his debut album which is due out some time next year.

The Plimptons
It's that time of year again when bands start posting up their festive tunes to share with us all. The Plimptons have been getting right into the Christmas spirit, they are giving away a 3 track festive download called “Christmas All Over This Town” which can be downloaded for free from their homepage - they've even made a wee video to go with it too.

Randan Discotheque
How could you not like a band who describes their sound as being 'historico-funpop', I guess that none of that will make any sense until you actually give the band a listen. With a new album due out in Spring of next year, the band have decided to give away their new "The Purgatory E.P." for free on their Bandcamp. The EP features 3 new songs, "Old & Grey", "Who Took the Booze?" and "The Blackness" and there's also a cracking wee video to go with it too.

Hipster Death Squad
If there was an award for the best named band of 2011, thenHipster Death Squad would win it hands down. Having previously raved about their last single, it's good to see the band are back with another cracking wee release. Their new EP, Big City Nights is up on their Bandcamp to download for nowt and it's fucking ace.

Darren Hayman
The former Hefner frontman is giving away free mp3 download every day throughout December 2011 in the run up to Christmas. So far he's posted up tunes from the likes of The Mountain Parade, Josie Long & Ralegh Long and Stars In Coma. Find out more here.

Jack James
Scottish singer-songwriter, Jack James has been making a bit of a name for himself in this past week. Having posted his third album "Leaving Town" up for free download on Bandcamp, he managed to attract a whopping 66 thousand people (fuck me) to his site. Needless to say he soon ran out of free downloads, however, being the good soul that he is, he's reposted the album to download for free here.

How to Swim
Another band getting into the festive spirit are Glagow lo-fi indie pop outfit, How to Swim, who have just released their very own Christmas EP. Featuring 2 original songs and a cover of Pal McCartney's 'Wonderful Christmastime', the EP is free to download on their Bandcamp. The band celebrate the release of their EP in style next Friday (16th) at their 'Xmassive Discrimbobulation' gig at Sleazys in Glasgow, with support from The Store Keys and Adam Stearns.

Julia and the Doogans
What's that, you want even more free festive tunes. Well here's Julia and the Doogans take on the Christmas classic 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas' which is free to download on Bandcamp.

mini50 records
Edinburgh label, mini50 records are getting right into the festive spirit as they've just posted up their Winter Sampler on Bandcamp. Featuring tracks from The Kays Lavelle, Graveyard Tapes and Chris Tenz, you can download it here.

Gringo Records
Nottingham DIY label, Gringo Records have a free sampler up for grabs, featuring tracks from the likes of Part Chimp and That Fucking Tank. Grab it here.

Mr Peppermint
The latest offering from Scottish DIY label, Winning Sperm Party, comes from noisy rock outfit Mr Peppermint, who's third album is free to download here.

Lovers Turn to Monsters
I have said this plenty of times, but I'll say it again, Kyle Wood aka Lovers Turn to Monsters , is one prolific young fella. I have lost count of the number of releases he's put out this year, as it's the festive period he of course has an EP to in with it. Download 'Feed my Christmas Time' for nowt via his Bandcamp.

Hopefully that's enough freebies to keep you entertained for a bit, next weeks post might be a bit more sparse as I am out next Thursday night...

Friday Freebies

we're only afraid of NYC
It's been a pretty good few weeks in terms of news coming out of the NYC camp, first off they've managed to recruit themselves a shit hot new drummer (the last one ran away to France) and now even more excitingly they've just posted up their top notch new single We Lived Here as a free download. Get stuck in kids, it's a great wee tune.

Poor Things
Having released their debut single 'Innocence/18' through the French Wives imprint label, Red Hat Records back in May. Perthshire three piece, Poor Things have just made their new EP 'R U Sitting Comfortably?' free to download on Bandcamp.

Laki Mera
Glaswegian electronica quartet, Laki Mera have posted up the Mogwai remix of their song 'Crater' for free on their Facebook page.

Supermarionation
Edinburgh punk powerpop three-piece Supermarionation have made their new EP 'Amongst the Northern Lochs' free to download here.

Plastic Animals
Having released the excellent A Dark Spring EP back in July, Plastic Animals are now giving away even more free tunes. To celebrate their 5th anniversary since the release of their debut EP, they've made both“The Importance Of Fuzz” and it's follow-up “Forgetting This Is Killing Me” free to download on Bandcamp.

Scottish Fiction
Fellow blogger Scottish Fiction has posted up the next in his series of free EPs, this months offering features free tracks from Shambles Miller, Collar Up, Reverieme and Where We Lay Our Heads. You can download it for nowt here.

Stormy Seas
Edinburgh indie folksters, Stormy Seas have posted up two free tracks from their forthcoming album, Of Rust and Loss (due out in November). It reminds me of a lot of stuff that's coming out of Edinburgh at the moment, with perhaps a touch of the Levellers in there too. Make your own mind up by downloading the tracks here.

monster island.
My fellow blogger Song By Toad pointed me in the direction of this freebie, so if you love it or hate it you know who to blame. Mancunian alt-pop outfit a couple of free tracks from their forthcoming album 'cathedral steps' on their Bandcamp.

Rose Parade
Ayrshire whimsical pop outfit Rose Parade have made their song 'Midnight Wine' free to download on their SoundCloud page.

Blah Blah Blah - News...

This week we welcomed back one of our favourite local bands, we're only afraid of NYC, if you missed this weeks Friday Freebies then make sure you download their new single 'Walls'. The band are playing at King Tuts tonight as part of this years RocknRoll Damnation 2011 along with Lightguides and Pareto.

The ferocious beings that are The John Knox Sex Club return with their second album, Raise Ravens, tomorrow (Monday 29th August). Following up last years excellent, 'Blud Rins Cauld', was never going to be an easy task, but I reckon their latest offering is a marked step forward for one of Scotland's most exciting bands. To celebrate the albums release The John Knox Sex Club are having a launch night in Stereo, tonight (28/8/11) followed by two dates in northern England: Thursday 1st September, Puzzle Inn, Sowerby Bridge, then on Friday 2nd September at Mad Ferret in Preston. The album is available on CD and to download directly from the band through their Bandcamp page. Check back in tomorrow when I'll have a special wee feature about the album.

Bloody hell, it's a busy old night in Glasgow tonight if The John Knox Sex Club or we're only afraid of NYC aren't your cup of tea, then perhaps Duckstock 2"Unplucked" at the Flying Duck might be for you. Our very own Randolph's Leap are on about half ten, alongside The Apples of Energy, Cheer, Conner mcCann, Dave Roy, The Dirt, Dr Mango and the Chickpeas, Grope Town (the quiet set), The Plimptons, The Paraffins and Leap Small Scale Collisions. It's only £3 to get in and it all kicks off at 2pm through until the wee hours of the morning.


I guess every band one day dreams of heading out to Austin to play at SXSW, but fuck me does it take a lot of hard work and is it really all worth it. Well you can find out more about what it takes to play at South By, as the Creative Scotland are hosting a SXSW & MIDEM Training Event at the ABC in Glasgow on Tuesday 30th August. The event will see a number of panellists offering up their tuppence about their experiences of SXSW, to be honest with you the best thing about these kind of events is that it gives you the opportunity to 'network' with folk that you wouldn't normally get access too. In addition to this they've roped in Kid Canaveral to talk about their experiences from last years festival. Seeing as they did all of it off their own back, they should be able to provide any of you unsigned artists with a much greater incite into the barriers that they faced and the benefits they got from going to SXSW. The event kicks off at 7:15, you can find further information on the evening on Creative Scotland's website.

Friday Freebies

we're only afraid of NYC

In the wake of last weekends fourth AvP gig, it's great to be able to welcome back one of our former acts, Glasgow's finest we're only afraid of NYC. It's been far too long since we've heard anything from the three piece, so their return is a more than welcome one, you can download their new single, 'Walls' for now via their Bandcamp page. The band play King Tuts this coming Sunday (28th August) as part of the series of RocknRoll Damnation nights. They will also be releasing another free download single in a few weeks time which is equally as ace/ It's great to have you back boys, just don't leave it as long next time.

Mitchell Museum

From one former AvP band making a triumphant return, we have another band who are sadly going on a bit of a hiatus. As I am sure that most of you are already aware, Mitchell Museum have decided to take an extended leave. Personally I am gutted that they're as good as calling it a day, Mitchell Museum were also one of my favourite Scottish bands, they made some of the most ridiculously catchy pop tunes this country has ever produced, that and they're some of the nicest folk that you're ever likely to meet. As a parting note the band have made their last ever song, 'Bring out the claws, the claws are out', available to download for free. I guess all we can do now is keep wur fingers crossed that we one day herald the return of the mighty Mitchell Museum.

Foxface

Following my friend Jim 'Ayetunes' on twitter can be painstaking task at times, if he's not tweeting about his next sexual conquest (as it happens), he can mainly be found to be setting himself on fire. He does pull out the occasional gem from time to time, this week he pointed out that Foxface hadn't actually disappeared off the face of the earth as I once presumed. They have instead been busy recording a whole host of new material all of which you can now download for free on their SoundCloud page.

Azure Ray

What with me being so blinkered to any music that's not Scottish, I missed the fact that Azure Ray released a new album, Drawing Down the Moon, last year. Somehow I had it in my head that they'd split up. I guess that shows what I know these days, I'm just an old failed hipster, that's no longer down with the kids. If like me you missed their return you're in luck as you can download two free tracks from the album via the Saddle Creek website.

We've Got It Covered #61

It's always nice to come home to find a surprise package waiting for you, so last week when I came home after a shitty day at work, my day was made dramatically better by the fact that one of my favourite Scottish bands, we're only afraid of NYC, had sent me a CD of their forthcoming new singles. Sticking with their ethos of giving their music away for free, the boys new material is sounding pretty great. Having disappeared off the radar a little bit, the boys have been working away behind the scenes and if these new sons are anything to go by then they've clearly developed their sound. The band are playing at King Tuts in Glasgow on the 28th of August as part of the series of Rock n Roll Damnation gigs, with the first of their free singles going live the week before (it will be in Friday Freebies). For now though you can content yourself with this wee cover that they did of Daniel Johnston's 'True Love Will Find You In The End'...

we're only afraid of NYC - True Love Will Find You In The End (Daniel Johnston cover)

I should never have scrapped the weekly roundup...

At the start of the year I decided to stop posting 7 days a week as to be honest I thought I needed to at least take one day off a week from blogging, plus I thought it only fair to save you all from my ramblings for one day. Which now leaves me with a load of gigs and bits of news and nowhere to post them, hence the randomness of these kind of posts, I am still sticking to my guns though, I'll manage one day off one week if it kills me.
As I am heading up to Inverness this week, things might be pretty quiet round these parts as I plan to actually be out seeing some bands instead of sitting in front of my laptop. So there will be no Friday Freebies as I quite fancy enjoying myself instead of scouring about for free downloads. If I get the chance though I might try and type up a daily diary of what I've been getting up to. Although that might be wishful thinking as I doubt my hungover ramblings will be of much interest to any of you and trying to write posts whilst intoxicated just leads to massive regrets, much as in the same way that you shouldn't be allowed anywhere near eBay when drunk. Anyway here are some gigs and bits of news that I think are worth sharing with you all...

I must admit I do like it when folk I know and respect suggest I check a band or an artist out, as it does make my job a lot easier. Earlier this week, Phil from Elba Sessions got in touch to suggest that I check out an artist called Mike Nisbet, who they had recently recorded a podcast with. What with being out most nights this week, I only got round to listening to the session yesterday but even after only a handful of listens I must I am mightily impressed and plan to try and find out more. You can make your own mind by listening to one of the session tracks below, if that tickles your fancy then get yourself along to the Ivy Bar in Glasgow on Thursday night (9th June) where Mike is having his official album launch with support from Jill Leighton. Further details can be found here.

Mike Nisbet - Funny Little Windows (Elba Session)


Lovers Turn To Monsters, aka Kyle Wood, launches his new album, 'Beyond Glasgow Howls' on the 16th of June at Slouch in Glasgow. Support on the evening comes from Where we Lay our Heads and So Many Animal Calls, also the gig itself is free. Lovers Turn To Monsters will be back in a few weeks time to take on some Fresh Meat action.



Another band having a wee launch night are the fabulously named, Mummy Short Arms, who release their debut single 'Cigarette Smuggling' through Flowers In The Dustbin. The launch night is this coming Friday (10th) Stereo in Glasgow. Support on the evening comes from Louise McVey & Cracks In The Concrete and Colonel Mustard & The Dijon 5, tickets can be purchased in advance using the following link.
I know I am always banging on about wanting to hearing something original, well I guess it's safe to say that this like nothing else that's going on in Scotland at the moment. So if you're looking for something that little bit different then look no further.

MUMMY SHORT ARMS - Cigarette Smuggling by Flowers In The Dustbin

If you're looking for more of a fix of Scottish music and indie/alternative tunes then you're in luck as up and coming Edinburgh's internet based radio station, Prestongrange Radio have a new weekly show called The New Scottish Gentry. The show which is on every Tuesday from 8-10pm aims to promote the best in Scottish alternative music. You can find out more about the show on their Facebook page.


I am going to round this post off with a video from Peenko favourites, we're only afraid of NYC, who seem to have been away for ages. It's great to have them back, and it's even greater that they've come back with an awesome new tune and a video to go with it too. Nice to have you back boys, don't go disappearing off like that again though...

We're Only Afraid Of NYC - Live at the Reading Festival 2010

Track Listing
1. It's Tidal
2. Louder Loudest
3. Where We Go At Night

Download
Watch the videos

Friday Freebies

we're only afraid of NYC
Today sees the release of their third EP, 'zero.three', by the Glasgow trio, it could quite possibly be the greatest thing to have been released in 2010. Yes, it's that good. I guess you already know that myself and Jim 'Ayetunes' love this band, if you don't trust us, then trust the lovely Lauren Laverne who also shares our passion. Download yourself a free cope of the EP over on their Bandcamp page, then once you realise how right I am, make sure you come along and catch their headlining set at tomorrow's Ayetunes vs Peenko 2 gig. It's going to be beasting.

Burnt Island
Their mini-album 'Music and Maths' has been one of my favourite releases this year, if you haven't hunted it out I thoroughly recommend that you do. Should you need a bit more convincing, what is my word not good enough for you?! then get yourself over to Wiseblood Industries where you can download 'Hiding Out' the first single to be released from the album, completely gratis. In addition to this you can also download exlcusive new track 'Gamblers Dream', another delicate slice of joy from the Burnt Island kids.

Robin Adams
In a world where singer songwriters seem to be ten a penny you really do need to be at the top of your game if you want to stand out from the crowd. Even after listening to the first couple of minutes of a song you can usually gauge what an artist is going to be like, Robin Adams had me after about ten seconds of listening. It reminds me a lot of traditional Scottish singers, but with a modern twist, personally I really his album 'Down to Reverie' which is free for you to download here.

Frivolous Laura
This download was brought to my attention from good friend of the blog, the mysterious King Post Kitsch, apparently he played on it, although it sounds nothing like his stuff, it reminds me a bit of Kate Bush, no someone that I would normally be all that keen on, but I do like this. If I haven't completely ruined it for you, then you can download her new EP 'Clearing The Decks' over on her Bandcamp page.

Owen Pallett
The artist formerly known as Final Fantasy, or the guy that does the strings for Arcade Fire, has a free EP available for one week only. To get yourself a copy of his 'Lewis Takes Off His Shirt' EP just head on over to the Domino Records site, give them your email address and they'll send you a copy.

Guards
Another wee cracking find from our good friend over at Listen Before You Buy. Some of you might noticed that myself and a whole load of hipsters have been getting very excited over a band called Cults, and rightly so I reckon. Thanks to LBYB we have this little gem which features members of the aforementioned band, plus a wee guest appearance from the lead singer from Chairlift. Now that's enough of reading my rambling, get downloading their EP here.

Shutter
The Highland outfit are starting to cause a bit of a stir up north, want to find out what all the fuss is about? Well you're in luck as you can get yourself a free download of their track 'Pillars of Creation' for free by signing up to their mailing list.

The Boy Who Trapped The Sun
Head over to the DailyRecord's website, enter your details and you'll receive free track, 'Fireplace', which is taken from his debut album which came out on Monday.

Hold Your Horse Is
Signed to the uber cool Big Scary Monsters label, they're giving away a free download from their forthcoming EP 'Rammin' It Home'. Unfortunately, it looks like they've not got the link sorted properly on their site, so to download their song 'You Show Up' just right click and save the link.

Talons
Give them your email address and they'll let you download 'Trevelyan' the final Talons single before their album is released later this year.

Frankie and the Heartstrings
They've just revamped their websit, to coincide with this they're giving away a free download of their song 'Fragile'. Get yourself a copy here.

Emmy The Great
Sign up to her new mailing list and you'll get a free download of 'First Love' Mariachi style, recorded live at the Barbican.

szdl
I hnestly can't tell you all that much about this one, all I know is that they/he/she is from Scotland and makes some amazing 'noise'. There's a free download of an EP called 'Break Before Made' which you can download on their Bandcamp.

Beldina O
She comes from Glasgow via Kenya, she makes really beautiful music, that's pretty much all you need to know, that and she has a gorgeous wee song called 'Chariots' up for free download on her Soundcloud page.

Jenny and Johnny
Ms Lewis and her Scottish boyfriend have made another track available for free, this one's called 'Big Wave' and you can download it over on Stereogum. If you missed out on the first free track 'Scissor Runner' then that's still up for grabs on their homepage.

Unkle Bob
Mind these guys? Well they have a new album on the way so they're giving away a free download of their new song 'So Sorry', just click the link and sign up for their mailing list.

Cut Copy
You can download a free copy of their song 'Where I'm Going' over on their website.

Kowalskiy's Komplimentary Korner

Free Monthly 5-Track Scottish EP
The Doc has just started a new monthly post featuring exclusive tracks from 5 Scottish bands, to start it all of he's lined up some corking tunes. Check this out for a track listing....

Curators - Debut album exclusive track
Arran Arctic - Seldom-heard rare back catalogue track
Cancel The Astronauts - an unheard live track
Punch & the Apostles - a new track from their forthcoming album
The Martial Arts - New demo which was recorded just this week

Stick that in your pipe and er download it...on his new Bandcamp page

Weekly Round Up (11/07/10)

Monday - The Recovery Club provided some very tasty Fresh Meat
Tuesday - Erland and the Carnivals Radio Scotland session
Wednesday - Cancel the Astronauts became the newest entry into the much coveted (or perhaps not) Scots Way-Hay club
Thursday - Be Like Pablo were in doing a wee session for the Vicmeister, plus I had an exclusive Track By Track run through of the fabulous new Mitchell Museum album 'The Peters Port Memorial Service'
Friday - I had a veritable feast of freebies this week, including great stuff from I Build Collapsible Mountains, q without u, dems, the A Forest, Bear Driver, Cults and a late entry from So Many Animal Calls
Saturday - We've Got It Covered #9 saw Peenko favourites we're only afraid of NYC taking on Tom Waits 'Fannin Street', quite stunning it is too.



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

It's shameless I know, but hey I don't care this is my blog, if me and Jim and are putting on a gig and we want to plug it I bloody well will. Next Saturday heralds the second 'Ayetunes vs Peenko' gig. It's going to be fucking amazing. Fact. No question here kids, I appreciate that it's the middle of summer, but fuck it there's nothing that's quite going to match up to what we have lined up next weekend's Ayetunes vs Peenko 2.
we're only afraid of NYC, Randolph's Leap and Little Yellow Ukueleles, bit of an eclectic bill isn't it. It most certainly is, there are only two daft twats out there in Glasgow/Paisley stupid enough/brave enough to put such a line up together. Personally I am excited as fuck, even if you're not, you will soon understand why the pair of us are after seeing what we have instore for you all. Did I just rant at you lot? Were you listening? If you were, sorry kids. If you weren't FFS pay attention kids. I guess I'll see you next Saturday, I'll be the bearded muppet with the cheesy ass grin.



In other news Mitchell Museum (we like them), launched their debut album tomorrow on Vinyl and Download, apparently a CD will be released later in the year. Am I the only person that still buys CD's? I know everyone loves their vinyl, but it just isn't for me I'm afraid. Bugger I'm rambling again. Aye, so they have a 'secret' album launch night on Wednesday, not sure if you can still blag an invite to that, you'll have to contact the band to find out. I still haven't gotten to the point of what I was trying to say, which is that they're doing an instore gig at Fopp on Wednesday afternoon or so Jim Ayetunes tells me. Check their website/Fopp's website, not my blog for details.

There are still tickets left for ScotT Hutchison gig at Stereo this Tuesday, for only a fiver you can catch plus the Frightened Rabbit frontman playing alongside Ross Clark (Three Blind Wolves) and Jonny Sellar (My Cousin I Bid You Farewell). They will all be performing solo sets in aid of the charity A-T Society. Tickets are on sale here.

Frightened Rabbit - Nothing Like You (Live at T in the Park 2010)

We've Got It Covered #9

In case it escaped your attention we're having another wee shindig next Saturday at the the 13th Note. We have Little Yellow Ukuleles, Randolph's Leap and this band we're only afraid of NYC. I'm just a tad excited, you should be too. Anyway, in anticipation of next weeks gig boys from NYC have decided to share a wee cover version with us all. Initially I had asked them to send me over a copy of their cover of Daniel Johnston's 'True Love Will Find You In The End', they did, but they also sent me this version of Tom Waits 'Fannin Street'. I'll admit that I have never heard the original (yes I know shame on me, etc), I will make sure I do hunt it out though as this version gives me goose-pimples.


we're only afraid of NYC - Fannin Street (Tom Waits cover)

Presenting: Ayetunes vs Peenko 2

As some of you might have already spotted, me and my good friend Jim 'Ayetunes' have decided to put on our second gig night together. Seeing as it was so much fun at the first one, we couldn't not have another go at it. This time we're relocating the venue to The 13th Note, not that we didn't like the Captains Rest, but we weren't too keen on sitting at the top of the stairs while you lot all enjoyed yourselves. We're selfish like that.
You might have noticed that this time 'Ayetunes' comes first, that was purely done to stop Jim from crying. He's a sensitive young soul. Anyway, as you can probably see from our ever so pretty poster, we have three cracking bands lined up for Saturday the 17th of July, We're Only Afraid of NYC, Randolph's Leap and Little Yellow Ukuleles.

I'm honestly chuffed to bits with that line up, We're Only Afraid of NYC were one of the bands I first featured when I started my Scots Way-Hay posts. Jim and I have both been big fans for a while now, we actually tried to get them for our first gig, so we're pretty excited to have finally got them. Randolph's Leap are a band that I only really came across a month or so ago, they caught me completely off guard. Having been so impressed by their gig up at last months GoNorth festival, I drunkenly ambled up to their lead singer Adam after their set to see if they'd consider playing at our gig. Just like the man from Del Monti, he said "yes".
Completing the bill are Glasgow indie-pop quartet, Little Yellow Ukuleles, a band that I have seen quite a few times in this past year. Every time they've put a massive grin on my face, and in my book that's the sign of a great live band.
I really think we have something pretty special lined up for this one, these aren't necessarily bands that you might expect to see on the same bill, but I think the variation makes it all the more fun. There is another reason for us going for the bands that we have, all three of these bands have had the bottle to put their music out their for free on their respective Bandcamp pages. In this day and age I think this is quite a bold step, but also a necessity to get your music heard. Jim and I both respect this, these guys are out there making amazing music and not asking for anything in return. It's about time that we showed these guys some respect in return, come down and support these three amazing Scottish acts, I promise you won't regret it.

We're Only Afraid of NYC Bandcamp
Randolph's Leap Bandcamp
Little Yellow Ukuleles Bandcamp


Tickets for the second 'Ayetunes vs Peenko' gig are on sale now, you can pre-order your tickets over on my Big Cartel page. They're priced at £5, there's no postage or booking fees or any other dreamed up ways for us to fleece money from you. If you are planning on coming along, please note that we had to turn quite a few folk away at our last gig, so you might be advised to get your tickets in advance. I look forward to seeing some of you there, it's going to be a top night!

We're Only Afraid of NYC - With Bullets

Randolph's Leap - Squeamish

Little Yellow Ukuleles - Discopants

BUY TICKETS

Weekly Round Up (20/06/10)

Monday - this weeks Fresh Meat Monday were Ming Ming and The Ching Chings, shite name, great band
Tuesday - I wrote my epically long review of my time up at goNorth,
Wednesday - The Lava Experiments became the 20th entry into the Scots Way Hay club
Thursday - nowt happened as I got invited along to the launch of Tennents new marketing campaign. Still not entirely certain as to why they asked me, but hey I'm not one to turn down a freebie. Having turned up knowing not a soul, I managed to find a friendly face in Chris from The Daily Dose and proceeded to milk the free bar dry. This later lead to me turning up at the JD Set in a rather merry state and sporting a top hat. It ended with me telling Jim Ayetunes about how I wanted to kill a seagull. I shouldn't be allowed out in public.
Friday - it's Freebies time, this week we had some corking Scottish bands giving away free stuff, including Mitchell Museum, Aerials Up, Ghost Pants, The Vaselines and Healthy Minds Collapse. There were also some live recordings from Rockness, which included some pretty interesting covers and lastly, there was Frightened Rabbit's World Cafe session.
Saturday - Mitchell Museum were this weeks 'We've Got It Covered' stars, with their interpretation of MIA's Paper Planes. Plus there was the added bonus of Any Color Black's session for Leith FM


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

For any of you that follow me on Twitter or saw Jim Ayetune's Facebook last night, we are pleased to announce that 'Ayetunes vs Peenko' is back for a second outing in July. It's going to take place at the 13th Note on Saturday the 17th with we're only afraid of NYC, Little Yellow Ukuleles and Randolph's Leap. Ticket details and the like are still to be confirmed, we just wanted to get it announced. So get it pencilled in your diaries, it's going to be a cracking night.

Next weekend sees the introuduction of new Scottish Music Festival called Solas Festival. It takes place over in Biggar, and it has a fair few cracking bands from this neck of the woods. The lineup looks something like this....

Friday - Iain Morrison, FOUND, The Starlets, Findlay Napier & the Bar Room Mountaineers, Esther O'Connor, The Homecoming String Band with more bands still to be announced.
Saturday - McIntosh Ross, Jo Mango, We See Lights, Juliet Turner, Theatre – Scaramouche Jones, The Lowly Knights, Alex Cornish, Old Solar, Calamateur, Andy Thornton, Yvonne Lyon, Sol, The Merchants, Suplex the Kid, Brian McGlynn, Augusta Fireball, Paul Shevlin and Hannah Kitchen
Sunday - Peatbog Faeries, Mr McFall’s Chamber, Stanley Odd, Kitty the Lion, Monica Queen & Thrum, Blueflint, Three Blind Wolves, Kim Edgar, Fair Witness, The Russian Choir, Easy Tigers, Michael McLennan, The Lonely Oatcake, Adam Stearns, Rory Butler and Jamie Wilson

If that sounds like it would be something of interest to you, then you can find out more about the festival over on their homepage or alternatively, you can check out their blogspot.

If you live in Edinburgh, and you have no plans for next Saturday night (26th), then might I suggest you head down to the Roxy Arthouse to catch Fiona Soe Paing who is playing at the Roxy as part of a night entitled 'Is This A Test'. Having caught her at GoNorth just last week, she defo gets the Peenko seal of approval Admission for the Video Lounge part is free, £5 (£3 advance from artists) for performances in the Roxy Room. For further information contact: colliderscope@gmail.com

If you are still a bit gutted at missing out on tickets for the Fence Collectives Away Game, then this might bring a little consolation. The East Neuk label have to announced that they are having their own new summer festival in Anstruther. It's called Haarfest and it runs from Monday 16th to Saturday 21st of August. It's being held in the Hew Scott Hall from Monday to Thursday, and then moving to the Cellardyke Town Hall for the Friday and Saturday. A ticket for the whole week, which you access to everything, will set you back £50. With individual tickets priced at just £12.50 per evening show (with concessions for U12s if their licence allows, U7s free). Here's the line up in full.....

Mon 16th - Admiral Fallow, Adem, Silver Columns.
Tue 17th - The Oates Field, Inspector Tapehead, The Pictish Trail's "Bit Of Strange".
Wed 18th - Onthefly, Seamus Fogarty, Eagleowl.
Thu 19th - Lonepigeon, Pip Dylan, HMS Ginafore, Gummi Bako.
Fri 20th - FOUND, Withered Hand, Meursault
Sat 21st - King Creosote, Kid Canaveral, Smackvan.

You can buy tickets for the event here.


It's the end of the month, which means that it's Pin Up Nights time. This coming Friday they have yet another belter of a night planned, playing live they have Foxgang, Little Yellow Ukuleles and Casino Brag. With DJ-sets from Pooch, Ace City Racers and Mitchell Museum.
On top of all this action they've decided to offer up a special offer reduced entry for their Facebook and Mailing list chums. On the night they're running a £3 guest list, with the usual £5 entry on the door. To get yourself and any of your pals on the £3 guest list all you have to do is send a Facebook message or Email to Pin Up Nights with all the names you want added to the list before midnight on 24th June. You gotta love those kids.


Also taking place on Friday (25th) is a very special show by the Noise Abatement Society. Taking place at a secret venue, it features a cracking wee line up, Yahweh, The Japanese War Effort, Field Mouse and RM Hubbert. Tickets are very limited and will only set you back £4, if you're quick off the mark then you might still be able to buy one here.

We're Only Afraid Of NYC - Vic Galloway Session (27/05/10)

Track Listing
1. Where We Go At Night
2. Its Tidal
3. Louder Loudest
4. Further than First Thought

Download

Scots Way-Hay! #4 - we're only afraid of NYC

There's something in a name, if you get that right then you can come up with something eye catching that sticks in a persons head then you're already half way there. Plenty of bands come up with catchy names, very few have the tunes to back them up, we're only afraid of NYC are one of these bands.
If I'm honest I thought their first EP was okay, it didn't particularly stand out from the crowd. So to say that I was surprised about how good their Second EP was, would be the mother of all understatements. To put it simply, it's stunning, I literally had one of those jaw dropping moments were I had to take a step back and appreciate quite how good the music I was listening to was. It boasts a blend of pop, post-rock with a touch of Radiohead too boot. Oh and I nearly forgot to mention that they've taken the bold step of giving it away as a free download on their Bandcamp page. So even if you don't agree with me (you'd be a fool not to), then you won't have wasted a single penny. I really have high hopes for these guys, I expect big things from them over the next few years. If you don't trust me, then trust the lovely Lauren Laverne, who's been playing them on her BBC 6Music show. Not bad for an unsigned band from Glasgow......

Would you care to introduce yourself?

Hi we are we're only afraid of NYC, a three piece band from Glasgow/Stockholm

Where did the name ‘we’re only afraid of NYC’ come from?

It came from a crossword in the paper, just stuck in our heads. We never solved the clue either, which says it all really. (6,4) second letter is a T

How would you describe the music you make?

right now it would be post rock with a hook, loud quiet louder....something like that I suppose. Ask us next week and who knows though, just whatever is sparking our interest at that moment.

How did you start out making music?

same as everyone really, just for something to do. We really started doing this just to please ourselves. We make what we want to hear and then find out if it connects with anybody else afterwards. You can't chase after what's hot, just enjoy and believe in what you are doing. If anything comes of it then that’s a bonus but at least you are doing what you like and you own it.

What process goes into the way you write songs?

our songs start with little ideas about a mood or subject which turn into demos which then fly around between us. then it grows into a ten minute epic whilst we are pushing it in every direction possible. after that we mercilessly edit it down to get the flow right and find the bits that have to be there and everything else is cut. Sometimes a song will just fall out of the sky the week before we record like "run with heart" from the new EP but usually it is the other way around.

Who are your big musical influences?

Right now we are loving Deerhoof, Yo La Tengo, Grinderman, Refused and a lot of stuff like Dion and the Belmonts, the Inkspots. Lots of stuff from the 50's. The clarity of melody/harmony and the way it frees up the music to go wherever it wants in a lot of the 50's harmony groups is really interesting us right now. Also loving the new Tom Waits Glitter and Doom record. We couldn't pay that amount of money to see him without crying a little inside forever. so the record is a barely suitable compromise.

So far you have given all of your recordings away for free, why have you chosen to go down this route?

It just doesn't seem right to us to put a barrier of 79p in the way of someone who wants to hear your music, streaming is okay but its no substitute for having it on your ipod or in the car whenever you want it. We just want to get the songs out to people, get them to share them. I doubt we'd be any worse off financially if we were charging for it, most of the money you pay to a band goes straight to the cd printer or to itunes .so why line the pockets of middlemen with your friends money? The technology is here whether we like it or not so we might as well use it to our advantage. We will deal with the future when it comes but at this stage for us it is something we are proud to do.

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

next record is written, looking at a may/june release. it will again be free to anyone who wants it. Other than that we'll just keep writing, playing good gigs and enjoying it. the rest really isn't up to us.


we're only afraid of NYC - where we go at night (MP3)



we're only afraid of NYC's new EP 'Zero Point Two' is available to download for free from their Bandcamp page. If you fancy catching the boys in the flesh, then head along to the Captains Rest in Glasgow on the 27th of this month where they're supporting Kong. Tickets are available to buy here.

Myspace

Friday Freebies

we're only afraid of NYC
This week we have not one but two Scottish bands that I have been really enjoying, first up is the wonderfully named 'we're only afraid of NYC'. They gave their debut EP away for free a couple of months ago, it was good, and now they're doing the same with their second EP. In my opinion this is better, much better in fact. It's not just me that rates them, the lovely Lauren Laverne has been playing them on her 6Music show last week. The EP is available to download now on their Bandcamp page, if you like what you hear then check back next Wednesday as they're my next 'Scots Way-Hay' victims.

The Kays Lavelle
My other (joint) favourite release this week is the new single from the Kays Lavelle, 'The Hours', which is available to download for free from Wise Blood Industries. This song just simply sounds amazing (I was going to go with lush, but then I sound realised Gavin & Stacey's not cool anymore. Right? Fuck it I liked the first series). After hearing this I really can't wait to the hear the full album which is due out on the 17th of May, get it marked in you diary kids, it promises to be something pretty special.

el hombre trajeado
El Hombre Trajeado were a Glasgow band that emerged toward the end of 1996, they were very much at the forefront of DIY music from this fair city. In total they released three LPs, and one EP, all of which are available to download for free on their homepage, which you can find here.

Glissando
Kudos goes out to Euan from the Steinberg Principle blog (he's also in The Kays Lavelle, talented bugger that he is) for this little find. It's a live recording of the London shoegaze bands 2008 show at the Union Chapel in London, which is of course up for free download on their Bandcamp.

The Pipettes
Remember them? Surprised they're still going? Yeah me too, but hey fair play to them for sticking at it. I am pretty sure that one of the girls has left the band, but then again I have done hee-haw research on the matter. If you fancy seeing what they sound like these days (not very different to be honest), then you might be interested to know that they're giving away a free download of their single 'Our Love Was Saved By Spacemen'. You should know the drill by now, give them your email address and you get the song, piece of piss.

The Silent Forest
The folky-pop Glasweigans have a few tracks up for free download, just head here
and use the password 'brewhouse' and hey presto you've got yourself some free tunes. If you like what you head and fancy catching the Silent Forest live, then you're in luck as they're playing a free gig at the Mill next thursday (26th). To get tickets all you have to do to get a ticket is either text MILL14K to 82500 or go to the Mills site and register for tickets.

Have Fun At Dinner
If you haven't come across 'Have Fun At Dinner', a relatively new blog then I'd suggest you get that rectifiied. If my my word isn't good enough for you, then you might be swayed by the compilation 'A Glass of Scotch Volume 1' that he's just posted which 'demonstrate the caliber of up and coming bands in Scotland'. It includes tracks from Meursault, Eagleowl, The Last Battle, plus many others. Cracking stuff and before I forget, it's free, but then again I guess you saw that one coming.

The Magic Numbers
The worlds happiest band are giving away new song 'Hurt So Good' which will be on their forthcoming album, it's another one of those give your email address in exchange for the song. If that sounds like a fair deal to you, head here.

Maxwell Panther
The lo-fi Mackem experimentalists new album has just come out on Song By Toad Records, if you want a listen to what he sounds like before making an investment then you can check out his album 'All Ages and Body Types' which is free on his Bandcamp page.

Shooting Stansfield
Ian from Have Fun At Dinner posted about these guys earlier in the week, mighty fine they are too. If you sign up to their mailing list they'll give you a free download of their song 'Modern Warfare'.

Lawrence Arabia
6Music have been playing his song ' Apple Pie Bed' a fair bit this week, cracking tune it is too. You can download it for free on Bella Unions website, go on treat yourself.

THERE WILL BE NO FRIDAY FREEBIES NEXT WEEK AS I AM OFF ON HOLIDAY, SORRY FOLKS. HOWEVER, JIM SAID HE'D DO ONE ON AYETUNES SO HEAD ON OVER TO HIS PLACE NEXT FRIDAY.