Another week, another dose of Scottish Fiction to serve up. Get some electronica with new tracks from Django Django and Babe, enjoy some folk and singer-songwriter fare with new ones from Lidh and Siobhan Wilson, and dip into more DIY alt-rock with Polarnecks and The Bellybuttons. And more. There's always more. Enjoy!
T in the Park bid #byebyebalado last weekend, as the festival moves to it's new home of Strathallan Castle in 2015. To help us at Scottish Fiction document the last ever T at Balado, and to capture the experience of playing, we asked a number of bands to keep a T diary. Get ready to feel like a peeping Tom as we take a look into the pages of Call To Mind's T diary...
BBC Introducing invited us to T in the Park to play their stage on the Sunday evening. Having never been to Balado or any other previous T, I wasn't really sure what to expect. As a band, we've been lucky to play at various festivals around the country before, such as Brew at the Bog, Belladrum, GoNorth, In The City, Rockness, and even over at Iceland Airwaves once upon a time. It's fair to say though that T in the Park dwarfs all of those in terms of sheer scale.
Before setting off, we fuelled up in the cosy surroundings of The Glad Cafe, over on Glasgow’s Southside. Cups of tea, scrambled egg and toast
were consumed. The Glad acts as something of a hub for us as pals, a
place to catch up, talk nonsense and check out other bands on occasion
in the venue. We launched our album there back in April.
The drive to Balado was sound tracked by our own enthusiasm - general excitement, chatting about bands you saw on the TV highlights last night, bands you want to see, hoping for decent weather but then rubbish weather when we played (every band playing in a tent wishes this!). The journey there flew past, nipping over the Kincardine bridge, through Yetts o' Muckart, Drum, then Balado. A beautiful day. The sun was shining over the site, which looked huge - the sheer size of it all on the drive down into Balado was something I hadn't expected and it took me by surprise.
Into the staff car park, we headed off to sort out our passes for the
day. The BBC Introducing stage was a few bus stops away, so we hitched a
ride on the backstage shuttle bus, which did a loops around the outside
of the festival over the weekend, getting staff and bands where they
needed to be.
We popped in to say hello to the folks running things (tip to other
bands: always be nice to your sound, lighting and other technical
people, as well as your artist liaison and anyone else involved
backstage - they invariably want to help you out and make your
performance as good as it can be, and moreover they love to see you
enjoy the experience of playing. We absolutely pride ourselves on this
aspect, and typically everyone we meet is brilliant), and with a handful
of hours before we were needed back to set up, we went off to see some
music.
CHVRCHES were just about to start playing a surprise set in the BBC
Introducing tent, so we had timed it well and were able to catch most of
it. The Bones of What Your Believe was my tip for The SAY Award last
month, and it was nice to see the band in a live setting (a first for
me) – the crowd were fantastic as well. This turned out to be the first
of two appearances on the day for CHVRCHES, as they stepped in to
replace London Grammar (who had to cancel due to illness) on the Radio
One stage.
Hot-footing it over to the King Tut's tent, we headed to catch The Twilight Sad, one of the few bands we were all in agreement about
getting down to see. Maybe The Twilight Sad had an inkling of the German
success to come later on in the World Cup final that evening (Andy from
the band was wearing a Germany top). It was great hearing them on a
big stage, with the full force of a sizeable PA behind them - they
sounded utterly epic.
We bumped into Vic Galloway during the Twilight Sad's set and once
they'd finished we decided to venture outside in search of a cold beer.
Sunday saw the sun shine almost all day and well into the evening, in
stark contrast to Saturday's driech downpour! The pancakes from the
stall in the background below were outstanding by the way.
Back over to the BBC Introducing area (while on the way trying really
hard to keep the Kaiser Chiefs’ Ruby from crow-barring its way into my
brain), behind the stage there was an interview tent. On the wall within
this there was space for each band to sign their name or put a message.
This had already been written on by the bands who had played BBC
Introducing stages at Glastonbury and Radio One’s Big Weekend, with
messages, lyrics and band logos, and a few choice drawings, so we added
our own scrawls to it as well.
A wee seat in the sun for about half an hour leading up to our set was
nice. With no sign of rain, we were thinking the crowd coming to see us
might be somewhat minimal, but by the time we headed in to set up on
stage a crowd of 200 or so had gathered inside. Likely 200 people who
hadn’t heard us before, which makes for an exciting prospect.
One of the big differences for us with this gig was the TV cameras
dotted around the stage and also down at the front - it was difficult to
try and not notice them there. For the first few songs the gap between
the stage and the crowd barrier was filled with a handful of
photographers snapping away. I spotted a topless chap (who’d clearly had
too much sun) busy clapping in and out of time at the back of the tent;
he was having a great time. These things made the first half of the set
feel a little bit surreal. The trouble with having a half hour slot is
that you’re only really starting to get into it as the set begins to
wind up – the time flies by – certainly with us, as much of our music
builds up slowly, it sometimes feels a little forced when we have to
squeeze things into 30 minutes. The crowd were on good form and we
really enjoyed playing for them.
Our bass player Andrew unfortunately couldn’t make it to T, so we had
drafted in our friend Dave to help out. He formerly played in Barn Owl
and has recently been playing bass for our Olive Grove pals The Son(s).
It was great having him along – huge thanks for helping us out sir! As
soon as the set was done, we were keen to get our gear off the stage as
soon as possible – the line up had been running like clockwork
throughout the day, so we didn’t want to let the side down.
BBC Introducing is an invaluable channel for us in terms of national airplay, basically a modern-day John Peel in effect, and to be invited to play at T in the Park was a pretty humbling experience, even more so due to the exposure that has come with it. Social media interest in the weeks leading up to T generated welcome attention, with Facebook likes, retweets, and even sales of our music benefiting from a halo effect. Festival appearances seem to do that for bands in general, and we are very much indebted to the likes of Vic Galloway, who has been championing and playing our music for a number of years now, and Ally McCrae, who has supported us on the back of our last few single releases.
From 1 September, unfortunately the BBC Introducing show on a Sunday night will no longer be broadcast, which I find a little unsettling. Granted there will be a BBC Introducing ‘slot’ during Huw Stephens' show throughout the week from 10pm - 1am, Monday through Wednesday, but it kinda feels a bit like the beating heart of new music at the BBC is fading a little. Throughout the day the turnouts at the BBC Introducing and T Break stages only underlined what a pivotal role these mediums play in pushing lesser known often unsigned acts to the mainstream public. So keep supporting radio shows and podcasts, keep listening to them, keep texting and tweeting in... Ruby, ruby, ruby, ruuuby.
With the news that this year's T in the Park would be the last to grace the hallowed Balado turf, the festival is set for a bittersweet party from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th July, before it moves to Strathallan Castle for 2015's festival. It's perhaps fitting that this year's festival marks the 21st year of T in the Park, with 21 traditionally being the age at which young adults go out and seek their place in the world. The festival, for my tastes, has lost its way a little over the last few years, and one wonders if a new site can let it find its feet a little bit.
That all being said, those heading up this weekend will not be thinking
of the future, but of the three days of great music that lay ahead of
them. So if you're will be one of the 100,000 joining in the last
Balado cries of "T IN THE PARK", here are Scottish Fiction's tips for
the weekend.
The
Sad at Balado. Oooh baby! The Twilight Sad are undoubtedly one of
Scotland's best live bands, as proven by their 10th anniversary shows
last year. Unknown to some, cult following to others, and
post-punk/indie Gods to others, The Twilight Sad play early doors on
Sunday in the King Tut's Tent, right after Earl Sweatshirt (so head
along early to catch him as well). Prepare for ear-grinding,
face-dissolving, heart stopping noise, with some of the best penned
lyrics this side of Frabbit.
If you like your electro chilled out and spacious, a la Jon Hopkins,
then Atom Tree is tip for you. Producer/musician Shaun Canning, has
padded out his project with the addition of Julie Knox on vocals and
Michael Robertson providing the drums, lifting the band from Canning's
bedroom to the clubs and venues of Scotland and beyond. Recent release See The Light, turned heads and made many do just that. Join the following and catch the band playing Saturday evening on T-Break Stage.
What
do the Highlands sound like? You'll not get a better answer to that
question than Call To Mind, who play T on the BBC Introducing Stage.
Atmospheric, rich and poignant, the four piece swell and swoop in live
shows, their instrumental moments engulfing the crowd in one big hug.
Be warned, if you are looking for guitars and quiffs look elsewhere. If
however you're open to music from the most beautiful album this year so
far, then Call To Mind are a must see.
Last year's T saw Lauren Mayberry and co. played to a
heavy crowd on the Transmission Stage. With the festival taking place
before their album, The Bones Of What You Believe dropped on 20
September, their ample crowd was based on buzz and hype. Now the goods
are out there, and their top 10 and 20 placings in the UK and US album
charts respectively means the masses will be out in force this time.
Personally I don't think CHVRCHES are as good a live band as they could be, but there's no doubting the crowd love them, and their set this year could prove a real highlight.
We've blogged about Deathcats extensively for the last few months, and with good cause too. They've spread faster than ebola, and are a lot more fun too, rapidly gaining a reputation across the country as an incredible prospect live. Grungy, garage rock guitars, layers of fuzz and reverb, youthful lyrics and ultimately not giving one iota of a fuck, Deathcats' set at the T-Break Stage on Friday is the let loose rock out you need to complete your weekend.
Headliners Biffy know all about plugging away and building success, and fellow Ayrshire boys Fatherson have paid attention and taken notes. Fatherson have been around the Glasgow/Scottish music scene for years, gigging relentlessly, and taking their time with releases in a build up to their album I Am An Island, another nod, intentional or not, in Biffy's direction. Fatherson are their own band however, and they switch with ease from ear bursting guitar rock, to stripped back melancholic indie anthems. Catch them playing in the King Tut's Tent on Saturday.
Previous
session guests on Scottish Fiction, Blood Relatives have an ear for a
catchy melody and witty lyrics. Unashamedly pop, they splice in
influence from the likes of Camera Obsura, Phoenix and elements of Belle
And Sebastian, to present a more intelligent package, which knows how
to dance. With tracks like Dead Hip, Duck, and Deerheart, all
taken from their 2013 debut album, you'll be leaving the T-Break Stage on Sunday evening
with sore cheeks from smiling and sore ankles from dancing.
Medals is the side project/part time hobby/alternative band of JP Reid, him of Sucioperro and Marmaduke Duke fame. Whatever the aim is, Medals has proved a worthy outlet, with album Disguises gaining plaudits last year for it's rock/pop uplifting sound. Medals play on the BBC Introducing Stage, and which hopefully will see them play to a plentiful crowd.
Perth four piece wecamefromwolves have pop punk vibe, with elements of
Biffy whizzed in there too, able to craft rock songs with teeth and pop
sensibilities. Fresh from releasing their Paradise Place EP in
April this year, the band have been edging down into the central belt
with a handful of gigs now clocked up. I've not yet seen them live, but
on the strength of the tracks on their EP, you can bet their set on the
T-Break Stage will be one to catch. Set your alarms for early doors on Saturday morning.
Hail
the conquering heroes! Biffy Clyro and T in the Park are like Frodo
and Sam; always together, and relying on each other. In the past Biffy
have used T to build their profile, fanbase, and live shows but you get
the feeling this year T are using Biffy as their trump card to sell
tickets. Arguments will rage whether 'old school' Biffy were better,
but bearing in mind that latest album Opposites topped the
charts and was short listed for the Scottish Album of the Year Awards,
they ain't doing to bad these days either. Fans from back in the day
will also have the pleasure of rocking out to back catalogue favourites,
as the band don't shy away from dropping their early work into festival
sets. Headliners on Friday night, you can't say they won't put on a
great show.
All girl harmonies and dreamy pop hooks? Check. It must be TeenCanteen, who pretty much capture that summer feeling with their sound. Another band who have previously appeared as Scottish Fiction session guests, their whimsical everyday dreams, and tales of love lost and found, all backed up by cheery melodies will perk up any festival goer who is in need of it. Check them out in the T-Break Stage on Friday night.
Dundee
trio Fat Goth cannot be explained. They cannot be described, nor can
you prepare yourself for them. Fat Goth can only be experienced, in
pure visceral, unadulterated, unfiltered and uncensored glory. T-Break
Stage, Saturday night. Be there.
Other selected highlights, including non-Scottish artists, across the weekend would include; Pixies, Slaves, Earl Sweatshirt, We Are Scientists, Tame Impala, The Amazing Snakeheads, Eilidh Hadden, Tuff Love, Birdhead, Kill The Waves, Secret Motorbikes and The LaFontaines.
For full line up, and more information about T in the Park, check out the official T in the Park website.
Drum roll please... Scottish Fiction is BACK. Repackaged and reorganised as a condensed one hour podcast but still bringing you the best new Scottish music about. As we've been away for nearly two months, this week's returning episode is all about catching up with what we've missed. That includes tracks from Machines In Heaven, Secret Motorbikes, Call To Mind, Deathcats and a whole lot more. Tuck in my friends, and dine at the banquet of indulgence.
Get on board and hold on tight, this ride is about to get bumpy! Racous new music from Young Philadelphia, and BRUNDLEHORSE to kick up the fire, and music from The New Mendicants and Beerjacket to sooth down the flames. It's a bundle of new Scottish music for the hardy souls willing to take the journey.
Olive Grove Records continue to release and work with interesting and talented artists. Further proof, as if needed, can be found in their latest single release A Family Sketch by Highland band Call To Mind.
Call To Mind come across like a Scottish Sigur Ros with a glacial sound reminiscent of Iceland's favourite sons. There's a Cocteau Twins vibe at play here too and a simply gorgeous piano melody that leads us into the main body of the song which is over all too quickly. This is a great track and really whets the appetite for the band's début album in 2014. Ones to watch for sure - David McElroy
Call To Mind - A Family Sketch is out now via Olive Grove Records as a free download.
Hot on the heels of début album Deerheart Blood Relatives swung by the Pulse Community Radio studio for chat and tunes. Their bubbly and witty strain of indie-pop boils over making the session a charming interview about influences, summer festivals, and puns. Three excellent live tracks are also dotted throughout so dig in.
The second hour of the show includes regular features 'Tweet-a-track' and a 'Cover Lover' track from perennial Scottish Fiction chum Lovers Turn To Monsters. There's also new music from Miracle Strip, Mungo's Hi-Fi, Book Group, Call To Mind and more!
I love it when a band describe themselves as a 'collective'. It invokes images of orchestral workings, grand designs and wonderful big ideas at play. Highlanders Call to Mind definitely fit the 'collective' tag as this track demonstrates. The first sounds from their forthcoming début album, on the Olive Grove Records collective (there's that word again), A Family Sketch landscapes beautiful sounds, haunting and ethereal strings and keys, mixed with soaring Sigur Ros-esque vocals.
Check out the track below, which you can also download for free here and keep an eye out for the album dropping in early 2014.
