T In The Park - Preview

This year will be the first time in the last eight years that I will not be up in Balado for Scotland's largest and premier festival T In The Park.  It's due to lack of money, a poorer-than-it's-rivals line-up and boredom of the overcrowded festival scene.  That said however, there is still plenty of musical talent on show this weekend, and for those going here is Scottish Fiction must-see picks!*

* I don't know stages and stage times for most bands.  Sorry!

Friday

New Order

The choice of headliner has to be New Order.  They might be sans-Hooky, but with a back catalogue as diverse as theirs and hits such as 'Crystal', 'Blue Monday' and 'True Faith', it's the best way to close your Friday evening.

The Brian Jonestown Massacre

American psychedelic, folk, experimental group will be an interesting and entertaining performance.

Bwani Junction

Probably not quite as exciting as their gig played today on top of the Forth Rail Bridge, the boys will be bringing their Afro-Indie Rock to Balado.  Check them out and do a dance to 'Two Bridges'

Saturday

The Stone Roses 

A few things need to be made clear.  I don't think The Stone Roses are the greatest band ever.  I don't think their debut album is the greatest album ever.  And I know that Ian Brown can't sing.  But indulge yourself in two hours of nostalgia and sing along to tracks such as 'She Bangs The Drums' and 'Waterfall'.

We Were Promised Jetpacks

Fresh from a SAY Award nomination and playing Coachella earlier in the year, Jetpacks know how to put on a stormer of a live show.  If you've never seen the rising stars of Scottish indie before, rectify this on Saturday.

Django Django

Do you want to dance?  If they answer to that was yes, then you need to see Django Django at TITP.  Their self titled debut is one of 2012's best so far and their tight playing on stage always impresses.

Hector Bizerk

Fancy some Scottish hip hop?  That's right, Scottish hip hop.  Guaranteed to open your eyes to the talent that exists in this particular genre and entertain, Hector Bizerk are worth a visit in the BBC Introducing stage.

United Fruit

Last year they played the T-Break stage, this year they are on the BBC Introducing stage.  Noisy, frenzied, furious rock, United Fruit are not to be missed.


Randolph's Leap

Playing the T-Break stage, the folk pop of 8 piece Randolph's Leap will bring a smile to your afternoon, especially if it's raining!  We had lead singer Adam live on the show last week so you can listen back to the podcast for a taste of what to expect!


The Machine Room

If the Stone Roses are your final destination on Saturday, then The Machine Room should be one of your pit stops along the way.  Style and substance included.



Sunday

The Horrors

Eehh... I had to go down the lineup until the writing got really small for my first pick on Sunday.  Sorry folks it's gonna be a tough day music wise.  The Horrors will be good though so go see them.

Admiral Fallow

If the main stages disappoint, then head to the BBC Introducing stage, where Scottish indie-folk leaders Admiral Fallow will be showcasing material from their new album 'Tree Bursts In Snow'.  They were great at RockNess so expect a good performance.

Miaoux Miaoux

Another one of 2012's finest albums, Miaoux Miaoux's 'Light Of The North' is an electronic-poptastic journey and translates perfectly onto the live stage.  Expect Julian to be bounding from guitar to synth to keyboards like a Duracell bunny with purpose.  'Hey Sound!' is a particular live favourite.  I cannot emphasise this strongly enough... GO SEE MIAOUX MIAOUX!


Beerjacket

Another Scottish Fiction favourite, Peter Kelly, a.k.a. Beerjacket, is finally getting a bigger audience.  At times delicate, and at others playful, Beerjacket's set will be filled with tracks from his excellent 2011 album 'The White Feather Trail'.  Again, a must see.




Whatever you get up to this weekend in Balado, enjoy!