Artists To Watch Out For In 2012: #5 - Holy Mountain

The main thing that I love about Chemikal Underground is the fact they aren't ones for doing things conventionally. Alongsode the recent addition of electro-pop wonder kid Miaoux Miaoux, they've also added Glasgow's riff-tastic, Holy Mountain to their rather eclectic family. With a mini-album already in the bag, the noisy three piece look set to tear a new one out of the Scottish music scene in 2012. Anyway, that's enough of my pish, here's Pete from the band to tell us all a bit more...

Hello, I'm Lloyd. Who on earth are you?

Mustang, Flextacy and Load-Out (a.k.a. Standby). Wherever there is injustice, you will find us. Wherever there is suffering, we'll be there. Wherever liberty is threatened, you will find ... Holy Mountain.

Seeing as your one of my ‘Ones to Watch’, what exactly should everyone be watching out for from you in 2012?

We'll be releasing our first album through Chemikal at the start of the year, and will be recording the follow up shortly thereafter. We have some big plans for shows, tours, merch and videos, but we don't want to give too much away just yet.

Remember, if in doubt, wearing a wife-beater will always win over taps aff.


Great Monkey by HolyMountain

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Artists To Watch Out For In 2012 - #4 Django Django

Good things come to those who wait apparently, in Django Django's case they really did make us wait. It was way back in May of 2009 that I ran a tiny wee introduction post on the band, since then the band have been taking pretty slowly with the odd single here and there, they've spent the past few years doing the odd tour here and there. You'd hardly call them prolific, but then again they have just spent the past three years holed up in the East London bedroom of their drummer, producer and de facto leader David Maclean, crafting their debut album. 

The psychedelic art-pop four-piece who originally formed in Edinburgh, but now reside in East London, are all set to release their self-titled debut album on Because Music (home to Justice, Jarvis Cocker and Metronomy) at the end of this month. Sadly I didn't manage to grab a word with the band (not through a lack of trying I should add), so I am afraid you're stuck with my ramblings this time round, or you could always just check them out for yourself, I promise you won't be disappointed!

  Django Django - Default by Django Django

Django Django play Stereo in Glasgow on the 19th of February, tickets for the gig are available here. Their self titled debut album comes out on the 30th of January, you can stream some of the album on Because Music's site.

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Artists To Watch Out For In 2012: #3 - Behold... The Old Bear

 I don't know about you, but I was genuinely gutted last year when Mitchell Museum decided to take an indefinite hiatus. Being the talented bunch that they are, I guess it was always inevitable that they'd resurface with other musical projects sooner than later. It was only recently that Kev from the Moth & The Mirror started raving about how great, former Mitchell Museum drummer, Raindeer's new project, Behold... The Old Bear was. At first I was a bit hesitant as it turned out that Kev was actually also in the band, however, after asking Raindeer to send me a few tunes, it's safe to say that Kev wasn't lying. Having heard the demos that they've been recording I am really looking forward to seeing what 2012 has in store for Behold... The Old Bear. If you're looking for some kind of pointers as to what they sound like, I'd go with The Dodos crossed with a darker version of Mitchell Museum, or at least that's the best that I can come up with. Anyway, here's Raindeer for some more sensible words about Behold... The Old Bear



Hello, I'm Lloyd. Who on earth are you?

Hello, I am Behold, The Old Bear.


Seeing as your one of my ‘Ones to Watch’, what exactly should everyone be watching out for from you in 2012?

People should be looking out for some gigs, which I will be involved in, in a musical capacity. It will be the first time that this has happened as I have recently assembled a combination of people I can now call a band. Also, I will be looking to doing a semi to full re-record of my album that I recorded in my bedroom this year. This is an exciting thought for me because I love the writing and recording process. It will give me the opportunity to further expand the sounds and ideas which I have created so far.


2nd start by Behold, the Old Bear

Behold... The Old Bear play their first ever gig supporting Blue Sky Archives at Bloc in Glasgow on the 18th of January.

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Artists To Watch Out For In 2012: #2 - Olympic Swimmers

My second choice for a band to watch out for in 2012 are Glasgow five piece, Olympic Swimmers, a band who have been simmering away quite nicely for a few years now. Featuring members of Strike The Colours, The Unwinding Hours and the soon to be defunct Take A Worm For A Walk Week, they are all set to step step into the lime light with the release of their debut album which is due out later this year. 

Hello, I'm Lloyd. Who on earth are you?

I'm Graeme and I play bass in Olympic Swimmers, a band made up of my favourite people: Susie Smillie, Simon Liddell, Jonny Scott and Jamie Savage. We formed in Glasgow in 2009, have self-released two EPs, and had the pleasure of playing with lots of great bands in that time.

Seeing as your one of my ‘Ones to Watch’, what exactly should everyone be watching out for from you in 2012?

We will be releasing our first full length album which we've spent the second half of 2011 recording and mixing, between all the various other jobs and musical projects that everybody in the band is involved in. We have recorded it with Iain Cook, who Jonny and I play for in The Unwinding Hours. Iain is a bit of a genius and has taken on many roles in the recording of this album, ranging from producer, engineer, therapist and friend. He is also mixing it and mastering it. In essence he is judge, jury and executioner, and really has went above and beyond the call of duty on many an occasion. We are getting together some visual delights to accompany the actual music, and should hopefully just be popping some up online as and when they are finished, in the lead up to getting the album out in its entirety. We're pretty excited about letting people hear it, and think it's a big step forward from the previously recorded EPs, although the album will include a couple of older songs from them. We're really looking forward to playing a lot more live shows, hopefully in places we have never played. Also, looking to start getting new songs together as soon as possible in preparation for number two, should we ever have enough money to record it. Which would be amazing.

A Curse Or A Blessing by olympicswimmers

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OLYMPIC SWIMMERS - Where it Snows from hollywood academical on Vimeo.

Artists To Watch Out For In 2012: #1 - Snowgoose

So as the end of year polls start to peter out, it's that time of year when the blogosphere starts to make their predictions of what they expect to be big in 2012, or in some bloggers cases they choose to dismiss these kind of list. Personally I normally find that the artists that I expect to make some kind of impact aren't normally my cup of tea. So rather than try and predict who's going to 'make it big' this year, I thought I'd try and introduce you to a few names that you might not have heard much of that I am looking forward to hearing more from in the next 12 months.

To kick it all off I'd like to point you in the direction of a Glasgow based group by the name of Snowgoose, who I only first came across after they recorded a session for Marc Riley towards the end of November, although I should point out that they've been going for a few years now. The band who are made up of Jim McCulloch, Dave McGowan and Anna Sheard are all set to release their debut album Harmony Springs on the Open Hearth label later this year. If the lead track from the album is anything to go by then we're in for a right treat.


Hello, I'm Lloyd. Who on earth are you?

Hello, Lloyd. I go by the name of Jim McCulloch. I am but one member of a band called Snowgoose. I play guitar and write songs.


Seeing as your one of my ‘Ones to Watch’, what exactly should everyone be watching out for from you in 2012?

We will be releasing our first album,which is to be called "Harmony Springs". It`s going to be released on the Open Hearth record label. It`ll be on beautiful vinyl in a hand -crafted sleeve, as well as CD and download. There`s a lot more information on Snowgoose at www.reverbnation.com/snowgoose


  Snowgoose - Harmony Springs by Snowgoose

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Scots Way-Hay: Ones To Watch in 2011 #4 - Finn LeMarinel

So by now pretty much all other sites have finished with their tips for the year ahead, not me, I like to stretch these things out. Milk the fucker for all it's worth I say, next week we'll be returning to normal Scots Way-Hay action, which is pretty much structured in exactly the same format as these 'Ones To Watch in 2011' posts.

To finish things off I have gone with Finn LeMarinel, an artist who I have known about for a few years now, but that was purely down to him being the frontman of Scottish 'math-rocker' outfit Trapped in Kansas. His solo material is somewhat different to his 'day job', in that he is more akin to the legendary RM Hubbert with his 'tipsy-tapsy' guitar strumming. Funnily enough, Finn has just signed up to Hubby's label, Ubisano, which makes a lot of sense I guess.
His debut EP, 'I'm Through' which came out last May, clearly shows that Hubby's post-rock flamenco sound has been a massive influence on Finn. This of course is a massive plus point in my book, add to this his luscious sounding voice and you've got quite an amazing sound. Anyway, I think that's enough of my ramblings for one week, here's Finn to tell you a bit more about himself.....

Would you care to introduce yourself?

Finn LeMarinel. Human. Male.


What inspires the music you make?
I find inspiration a tough word to link in with my music, I see it more as fulfilment of a need. I see writing music as a way offsetting a sort dull bruise on my skin that continuously makes me aware of its presence with a familiar but relentless pain. I need the bruise and the bruise needs me, sometimes when I'm writing music the bruise will become the antithesis of itself..much like when you invert a picture on photoshop. Suddenly the bruise becomes pleasant like its releasing endorphins. Its a rush. That is why I write music. I sometimes also write about family and relationships..that happens.


What artists do you feel that you have an affinity with?

I listen to lots of music..there are lots of artists..hmm..I sense that I might have to involve a list...lists are boring though. The two artists I’m listening to most the moment are Cast Spells and Joanna Newsom..they are my favourites, I reckon. My dad had (and still has) a really cool c.d collection..my mum used to live abroad so I used to tirelessly make her mixtapes by recording tracks from c.d on to tape, I took these mixtapes very seriously..the spaces inbetween tracks where verging on surgical precision..two seconds every time, all the time, no excuses. I planned out the track order of the tapes in my notebook while laboriously listening through every album my dad owned. I loved doing it, I gave every album a chance, and even if the first eleven tracks were utter shit there was a chance that the twelfth track on the album might fit the mood perfectly..I couldn't guarantee it, but why take chances. It was through this process that I started to realise that all music had value (in that it was worth listening to and taking something from) even if it was manufactured or surface value..It still had value. So to answer the question I feel I have an affinity with anyone who makes music whether they are masquerading as an artist or not. Having said all this..sometimes music just doesn’t connect with me..apart from funk..I only listen to funk..exclusively.


For people out there that have never heard of you, why they should they check you out?

The fact they have never heard of me should be reason enough...people should be curious of new things, otherwise..what's the point.


What do you enjoy more, playing live or being in the studio?

I've been in studio quite a lot recently with my band and that’s been really fun. As for which I enjoy more.. I don't know..they are completely different reptiles I reckon, if I was forced to go with a particular species it would probably be an iguana for recording and a crocodile for playing live.


Your debut album is coming out on RM Hubbert's label, Ubisano, how did that come about?

I've been a total fan boy of Hubby's guitar playing for ages..I then met him through Halina Rafia (who is brilliant) and he turned out to a real nice guy. He asked me recently if I wanted to release an album through his label Ubisano, which he runs with John and I said yes please, that would be amazing and..rad. I'm really excited


The music you make with your other band, Trapped In Kansas, is quite different to your solo stuff, do you find it easier working on your own or do you prefer having bandmates around you to bounce ideas off?

First of the Kansas stuff that is available is a lot older, I feel I've moved on since then and I think the new Kansas material will show that process, the solo stuff I have recorded is a little bit further down the line..but still relatively old. I find it easier working alone, it’s what I’m more used to. Trapped in Kansas is a beautiful thing I reckon, it’s changed my life for sure and I think it has of the other members to. What we do is very much a group effort and I hope the music we make, disregarding whether other people say it’s good or not, is honest and of course interesting. I feel at the moment I am at an exciting period of time for both Kansas and my solo stuff, I’m excited anyhow. If again someone forced me, possibly at gun point, to assign an animal to each project I would say my solo stuff was probably a border collie while Trapped in Kansas is most definitely an emperor penguin.


Are there any new up and coming artists that you would recommend I check out?

Right for this one I'm going to shirk responsibility and just use a list: Zefs Chasing Cara, Carson Wells, So Many Animal Calls, Pensioner, Vicki Cole (one day she will record her songs), Verse Metrics, Run Lucky Free, The Darien Venture, Its All Happening, I Build Collapsible Mountains, Esperi, Randolph's Leap (who I have a suspicion you might be aware of), Amber Wilson, Let's Buy Happiness There's loads and loads more, my memories a sieve


What can we expect to see and hear from you in 2011?

Music I hope..lots and lots of music.



Finn LeMarinel - Is This All They Are

Finn's EP 'I'm Through' is available to download through iTunes and you can also stream it on Spotify. You can catch Finn playing live supporting RM Hubbert at the Arches on the 26th of February. Tickets are on sale here.

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Scots Way-Hay: Ones To Watch in 2011 #3 - 30lbs of Bone

Photo by Stephen Burch

It might seem a bit of an odd choice for me to be choosing 30lbs of Bones, aka multi-instrumentalist, Johny Lamb, as one of my tips for 2011. For one his latest album, 'Method' came out last year, plus he doesn't sound particularly Scottish, but ever since Al from Armellodie sent his album over to me a few months back it's slowly worked it's magic on me. It's the kind of album that will undoubtedly grow in popularity as word of mouth spreads. I think that's enough of my ramblings for one post, as I don't think anything I say will really do this justice. So here's Johny to tell you a bit more about himself and his music....

Would you care to introduce yourself?

My name is Johny. My real name is Thirty Pounds of Bone.


What inspires the music you make?

Places, situations and people. I like to give things that can’t speak voices, like the island that sings on ‘Island’s ode to the itinerant’. But of course, they are all thinly disguised love songs…



What artists do you feel that you have an affinity with?

I’d like to say Harry Parch but that makes me pretty cocky, him being a genius and all. But what I mean is that I’ve always written quite intuitionally (whatever that means), but as I get older, I feel like there should be, or is, some sense of musical purpose. Like I am actually trying to do something.


For people out there that have never heard of you, why they should they check you out?

Because I write songs properly.



You've just released your new album, 'Method', through Armellodie Records, how did you end up signing with them?


After I did an EP of sea shanties for Woodland Recordings, Armellodie got in touch. I said no of course, but they sent me a number of beautiful gifts. When I received a particularly good bottle of port, I caved in and gave them an album.


What do you enjoy more, playing live or being in the studio?

I love touring. I don’t like real studios, but I’m very much at home with all my stuff. I have a nice old ½ inch reel to reel tape 8 track now I have a lap top too, and a bunch of instruments. I suppose I’m happiest when left alone with my toys and no people. Does that sound misanthropic?



Are there any new up and coming artists that you would recommend I check out?


Bygrayvpartyynmyryghtarm I love them. I think they might change their name though…



What can we expect to see and hear from you in 2011?

Some UK gigs, I think I’ll try to make an EP. Some kind of little release on woodland recordings too. And a couple of collaborations in the pipeline. Oh, and the King James (a collaboration between me and the diamond family archive) album is out in January.


30lbs of Bone - Crack Shandy in the Harbour



30 Pounds of Bone's latest album, 'Method' is available to now through Armellodie Records. You can catch him playing live at Bloc in Glasgow alongside the Scottish Enlightenment and Ranolph's Leap on Friday the 18th of February as part of the series of Barmellodie gigs. The following night he's through in Edinburgh playing at a Song By Toad night at the Wee Red Bar alongside Rob St. John.

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Scots Way-Hay: Ones To Watch in 2011 #2 - Happy Particles

The second act that I have high hopes for in 2011 are Glasgow seven piece, Happy Particles. Formed by members of Remember Remember, they first came to my attention at the tail end of last year, thanks to Halina from the Glasgow Podcart. She suggested I check them out as she thought they were pretty special. I think the phrase she used was something along the lines of "you're going to spaff when you hear them" and spaff I did. It was the song 'Infinite Jet' that I heard first, having come across a link to download it from RCRD LBL. I must have listened to the tune on repeat an unhealthy number of times, for most of December it was pretty much all I listened to on my way to, and from work. Intermixing elements of shoegaze, prog-rock and even a touch of pop, Happy Particles are a band that excite me a lot, I expect big things for them this year, I'm sure they won't disappoint.



Would you care to introduce yourself?

We are Happy Particles from Glasgow, Scotland. Steven does guitar and vocals, some occasional drones. James does keyboards, saxophone. Al does guitar and bass. Ricky plays guitar. Gordon is on drums and percussion. Graeme plays bass mostly and sometimes piano.


What inspires the music you make?

Pretty much everything going on in our lives really. Friends. Childhood memories. Other music. Thematically a lot of the little stories are about being slightly dislocated from society in some way, that could be either physically, emotionally or financially. Or event's described from different points of view at the same time. Some sort of attempt at neutrality of observation is probably the biggest inspiration. I'm always left cold with music (or any other art from) that is really direct and demands specific reactions from the listener/audience.


What artists do you feel that you have an affinity with?

Any other artists who just need to make music/Art to exist, to keep sane. To make something special for the sake of it. I think you can really hear it in peoples music when they are coming from this perspective. Local artists i would point out like this would be, Alec 'Cheer' (he made the video for a song of ours called 'a.m. sky' but is also a prolific sound artist) . He has released a ridiculous amount of amazing material, quietly for the last few years. Another would be RM Hubbert. He started stripping things back for his solo work, musically and also the actual environment of the show itself, making it more personal. He has started to get more recognition in the last few months which is really exciting because of where it's all coming from originally, totally humble, stark but mind blowing music. Historically i suppose band's like 'Low', 'Codeine' or 'Red House painters' would be references, both musically and the fact they had the guts to write and explore their own distinct musical world without fear of not making money or whatever.


For people out there that have never heard of you, why they should they check you out?

I'm not sure really, i don't think that's really our job to tell them why. I guess we aren't really here to sell anything, if you happen to hear us and you like it then that's amazing. If someone finds our music years from now by accident and it becomes an intimate part of their life then that's all you can really ask for. When someone finds out about us is pretty meaningless from our point of view, as we can only really write and hope for a bit of luck. Most of the music that has come to be dear to me has been either a happy accident in finding it or the artist is either penniless or dead. Cheery, haha. I think the only thing i could say as a 'selling point' is that it is pretty much uncompromised from what we set out to do.


Is it true that you have already recorded an album? When can we expect to see it coming out?

We have recorded 99% of our album. We spent about 9 or 10 days in total on it but spread out over about 7-8 months. So it seems like it has taken us longer than it actually has. We basically are being recorded by a friend (Robin Sutherland) for extremely cheap as we have no financial backing at all. It should be mixed by the end of January and after that we shall just send the whole album out to some labels we are fond of etc. If that fails we might just end up releasing it ourselves but fingers crossed we get a good response.


What do you enjoy more, playing live or being in the studio?

I personally like both when it's going good but they can be equally horrid experiences. Most of the album was written before we went into the studio, so it was basically painting by numbers for us in there. Having said that, we have had our moment's of nearly killing each other in the studio and that never happened until that situation came up. It can be very difficult psychologically for all involved, especially if you care so much about the thing, which we all do.


Are there any new up and coming artists that you would recommend I check out?

If you like anything such as 'Tim Hecker' or 'Stars of the Lid' i would check out a local band called 'No Comet' who just played with us. Findo Gask aren't new and have in fact split up but i hear they may release their album soon anyway. I've heard it and it's one of the best things that has come out of Scotland in years. So keep and eye out for that. We are all in other bands too so i would shamelessly plug them, Tangles, Stapleton, Remember Remember, Prayer Rug. All amazing obviously ;o)


What can we expect to see and hear from you in 2011?

Our album hopefully, 'Under Sleeping Waves'. Fingers crossed.

Happy Particles - Infinite Jet



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Am Sky from Alec Cheer on Vimeo.

Scots Way-Hay: Ones To Watch in 2011 #1 - FOUND

It has to be said that Chemikal Underground really do know their stuff. In recent years they've released some pretty amazing albums from the likes of the Phantom Band, De Rosa, Zoey Van Goey and Aidan Moffat. In 2011, they're continuing this rich vein of form by selecting exciting new Scottish artists to work with. In March of this year they will release FOUND's third album 'factorycraft', it is their first studio album and it's an absolute belter.
They're not ones to be pigeonholed, much like their stable mates The Phantom Band. For me personally they sound like a mish-mash of the Beach Boys and the Cure, with a wee bit of Hot Chip added in for good measure. I fully expect big things from the Edinburgh 3 piece in 2011, if you don't believe me have a listen to the stream of their forthcoming single 'Machine Age Dancing' at the bottom of the page.

Would you care to introduce yourself?

I'm Tommy and I'm in a band called FOUND alongside Kev Sim and Ziggy Campbell. When we play live I'm on bass guitar and dodgy, shouty backing vocals, Kev plays sampler / electronics and shouts and Ziggy plays guitar and sings. Ziggy has come up with a name for mine and Kev's backing vocal style: "bawlsetto".


What inspires the music you make?

So many things. All three of us are avid music fans and voracious consumers of TV comedy. Recently I've been watching a lot of Kenny Powers and Eastbound & Down. It's one of the best comedy series I've seen in years.

We all listen to such a wide variety of music that it's very difficult to pluck out a few artists. I'd say that most eras and styles are reflected in our collections. I suppose technology and experimentation also inspire us. It's a lot of fun building our own instruments and effects and generally messing around with anything that makes a noise in search of 'the new sound' . . .


What artists do you feel that you have an affinity with?

I'm just talking from my perspective here as Kev and Zig have different tastes, but I think musically we have a lot in common with The Phantom Band. In particular I really get Paul Savage's production style. We mixed our album with Paul and I found him very easy to work with. I'm also a massive fan of the music of Dimlite (aka Dimitri Grimm from Switzerland). His songwriting and production is way out there, but at the same time underpinned by fantastic hooks and loads of soul. I believe him to be a genius. He disagrees. He's such a humble fool.

Your set to release your new album through Chemikal Underground, how did you end up hooking up with them?

The simple answer is that we recorded the album at Chemikal's studio, Chem19. Paul Savage passed it on to the others at the label, they liked what they heard and asked if we'd be interested in working with them. It was a pretty easy decision to make. Chemikal feels like a really logically progression from our time on Fence Records. When I told Johnny Lynch (Fence's Pictish Trail) about the Chemikal deal he remarked: "Ahhh another graduate from the Fence Academy". We're very proud and honoured to be involved with Scotland's two finest record labels. Both labels feel like real family affairs and the Chemikal lot have been extremely welcoming. I'm gushing. Oh dear. They're actually shit. You should see the state of their office!


The album's been finished for a while now, has it been tough having to sit on the album when you're dying to get it out there to the world?

It's not been too bad actually. This album came together relatively quickly – it was recorded and mixed over 10 days in the studio, so it didn't feel too laboured. Since we finished it we've been really busy on other projects so I've not had much time to dwell on it. It also feels really nice to have a decent length of time to prepare for the release. I've been able to take my time designing the artwork which has been a lot of fun. Chemikal are releasing the album on vinyl and CD and I've thoroughly enjoyed doing the sleeve for the gatefold vinyl. I can't wait to see how it turns out.


For people out there that have never heard of you, why they should they check you out?
I like to think that we can craft a good tune and Kev's got great hair. He's actually a hair model. Seriously.


What do you enjoy more, playing live or being in the studio?

I love both although they are very separate pursuits. There's times when I become a bit of a recluse, hide in my little studio and make weird noises (sometimes I even make music). Then there's other times when it's a great release to just play bloody loud on stage. I feel extremely lucky to have the opportunity to do both.


Are there any new up and coming artists that you would recommend I check out?
My younger brother Bobby is definitely one to watch for 2011. He produces electronic / hip hop / post dubstep music under the name S-Type. He's just released a free EP on Glasgow blog label Phuturelabs and it's caused quite a stir. Next year he'll be releasing a longer EP / mini album on LuckyMe.


What can we expect to see and hear from you in 2011?

Hmmm. Wow, I'm just thinking about what we've got coming up next year and it's quite a lot.

The new album drops in March so you'll be seeing and hearing that obviously. We've commissioned our good friend Adam Proctor to make a series of taster films for the album and I'm very excited to see those. They will be aired on our site from January until the release. We're doing two launch parties, one in Edinburgh on 10 March and one in Glasgow on 13 March. Full details will be announced on our site soon. We're taking part in a few gallery exhibitions too. There's a group sculpture show called Material Rites which is in London at the Royal British Society of Sculptors in January then moving down to Inspace Gallery, Edinburgh in February. And I can't forget about our emotional robot Cybraphon. We're taking him over to feature in the Celtronika night during Celtic Connects then in April down to the London Word Festival and on to the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill on Sea on the south coast. Phew and breath . . . Uuuuhhhh . . . . . . Okay . . . At the end of April I'm involved in putting on an exhibition in Edinburgh called It Was A Famous Night. It's a group show featuring 15 international artists, designers and illustrators who are creating gig posters commemorating a fictitious gig of their choosing. I've also booked myself a solo exhibition in June but who knows if I'll get time to do any new drawings for it! We've also been hatching a very ambitious plan for a major new artwork / sound installation / interactive story in collaboration with Aidan Moffat. At the moment I can't say any more than that as and it is dependent on getting funding so keep your fingers crossed please. We should find out early January. If we get the cash we'll be hard at work on it for a lot of 2011/12. Man that sounds like a lot doesn't it? We're also aiming to fit in a fair amount of touring. We're definitely going over to play some shows in India and I believe we'll be collaborating with a local act while there. We've been approached to do a 15 date tour in southern Brazil too but that's not confirmed yet. Then there will be a string of dates in Germany and Northern Europe and perhaps even some across the UK. There is more going on but I'm beginning to scare myself seeing it all written down here so I will stop now.

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FOUND's third album, 'factorycraft' is due out on Chemikal Underground on the 14th of March, note that date in your diaries kids as it's an amazing piece of work that you won't want to miss.

Ones to watch in 2011 - Some familiar faces

I know it's a bit of a cliché to run end of year lists in December, followed by your tips for the year in January. But then again I never said I was one for breaking the mould, so I will be making a few suggestions of artists you might want to keep your eye out for in 2011. I have decided to split these into different posts. First up we have some artists that I have previously featured and who I have high hopes for this year, then tomorrow I will introduce four artists who I haven't really featured much before and who you really should be checking out in the next 12 months.


Martin John Henry

I have to be honest and admit that I was a bit of a late comer to Martin's former band, De Rosa, so when they broke up in June of 2009 I was a bit gutted that I hadn't had the chance to see them play live a bit more. That being said I did get to see their last ever live show at Fence's Homegame, although my memories of that are somewhat hazy due to a few too many shandies.
I remember thinking they were amazing, although my more sober wife has somewhat different memories (Edited by Mrs Peenko to say that I loved seeing De Rosa, they just took a while to come on and play at Homegame!). Either way, it was still pretty gutting to lose such an exciting Scottish band.
Thank

The Head & The Heart

One of the best things about writing this blog is the number of tips that I get from all around the world. Through a shared love of Frightened Rabbit, I have established a pretty good friendship with a cracking fella called Ryan, who not only shares various bootlegs of gigs for me to post, but also sends me tips of bands to check out from his home town of Seattle. A lot of the stuff that he has sent my way has been pretty fucking amazing, but The Head & The Heart, stood out of the crowd for me. Their self-titled album came too late to be featured in my albums of 2010, but needless to say it would have ranked pretty high up if I had heard it before I started drafting the list. If you liked the Local Natives and Hey Marseilles (more from them very soon), then I would urge you to check them out.

The Son(s)

When trying to describe the Son(s), the word mysterious doesn't even come close. I have been a massive fan of this Scottish 3-piece for quite a while now, without even playing any gigs they've managed to create a a massive buzz about themselves. With the List already touting them as one of their acts to watch in 2011, plus debut single, 'Radar' which is coming out on Jen Anderson's new label, Eli and Oz, later this month, big things are expected of this lot. Details of their debut album, which will be out in March, should be getting announced pretty soon.

King Post Kitsch

I have always tried my best not to become one of those people that starts to brag about who 'discovered' an artist first. Mainly because it makes you sound as if you're taking credit for their work, seriously it's not that hard to decided if you like something or not. It's the artists who put the hard work and effort into creating music, all I have to do is click play and decide if I like it or not. That being said, I do like to think that I was pretty lucky in that I was one of the very few people that he first sent his songs to. That's where my bragging rights pretty much end, as it took me months to actually get round to listening to his tunes. You've no idea what a cock I felt when I first heard his tunes, as they completely blew me away.
In the end I think I suggested he get in touch with Matthew from Song By Toad, purely because I thought that it'd be right up his street. Turns out it was and in March Mr Kitsch will be releasing his debut album on Song By Toad Records. Personally I can't fucking wait to hear it!

Fante's Last Stand from King Post Kitsch on Vimeo.

The Seventeenth Century

Yes I know One To Watch lists are all supposed to be about artists who are pretty new to you all, and yes, we did put the Seventeenth Century on at the last ever Ayetunes vs Peenko gig, but fuck it, this is my site and I can do what I like. In a world where Radio One cream their pants over Mumford & Sons, there has to be a place for the fabulous Seventeenth Century. Their forthcoming EP is a belter of a record, plus live they're tighter than lead singer, Mark Farmer's trousers, which leave little to the imagination according my friend Colette.

The Seventeenth Century - Roses In The Park - Radio Amsterdam FM from Onder Invloed on Vimeo.

So that's my first four acts to watch in 2011, starting tomorrow I'll hopefully be introducing you to some more artists who should hopefully tickle your fancy.