Shambles Miller Presents: The Scottish Fiction Selfie Competition Winner(s) and Runners Up

Hello everyone. Shambles Miller here again. It's day six and I think you all know why I've brought you here today. My momentous takeover of Scottish Fiction is almost over, but before I burn this place to the ground and walk away from the explosion while Metallica plays in the background (that's tomorrow) we still have to crown a winner of the Scottish Fiction Selfie Competition. Of course, we can't have a winner without a judge. When I first came up with the idea of a selfie competition, I knew that there was only one man for the job. Only one man who could do it right. Only one man who could do it justice. The God of Games. The King in the North. The Sultan of Selfie. It can only be...Robert Florence.

He's here to judge a contest, and to stare into your soul.

You might know him from the hit show Burnistoun. Perhaps you know him from the time he wrestled Greg Hemphill. Some of you might even know that he invented the Public Power Selfie, and it's that pioneering work and dedication to the craft that gives him the authority to judge this competition. So without further ado, I'll let the man himself present you with his winner and runners up. Runner ups? Runners up.

The Runners Up

Aidan Moffat

In this case, V does NOT stand for victory.

This has been a very difficult decision for me. I'm known as the Master of the Modern Selfie, so I never take any of these selfie judicial roles lightly. I will begin by saying that I was impressed by Aidan Moffat's effort. A selfie is not all about the “self”. This is a common mistake made by some. To believe that the “self” is enough to capture the magic of the selfie is sheer folly. (For what indeed is the “self”? Philosophers have wrestled with this matter for centuries.) The background of the selfie is key, and Aidan Moffat (who has a poet's heart) understands this completely. We assume he is on a boat, but he could easily be hovering above a body of Scottish water, representing man's separation from nature. It is a beautiful thing. But yet, only a runner-up.

RM Hubbert

Mona Lisa wishes she was this enigmatic.

RM Hubbert's selfie is what I would call a textbook “exclusion selfie”. His eyeline is carrying below the lens, separating his self from the self of the viewer. He excludes us by doing this, keeping his mysteries to himself. But this is how an artist invites us to probe those mysteries. I imagine that this selfie will be studied for many years to come – what do the posters represent? Why that exact number of books on those shelves? This is a classic “enigmelfie” by a wonderful musician.

Julia Doogan

She played dirty, but she didn't win.

Julia Doogan, by introducing the tongue into the selfie, invites us on a sexual journey. There is also an element of topicality, as she channels Miley Cyrus with her careful angling of the tongue. Her two fingers warn us off, but also ask us to consider how we can use two fingers in the sexual act. Of course, the selfie should be a “high-art” pursuit, and Doogan dips a little towards “low-art” with the sexual content and the introduction of mirrors and doors and the debauchery they represent.

The Winner(s)!

Campfires in Winter

Professionals. These guys are the A-Team of Selfies, and they're all The Face.

The winner of this thing must be Campfires In Winter. Masters of the selfie can recreate poses at will. A great selfie is all about knowing how you can look at your best. And having seen some of the Campfires In Winter team in real life, these photos do absolutely present them at their very best. That they can recreate those poses so easily shows that they have an innate understanding of the selfie, and thus they must take away the prize. Is there a prize?

There isn't. Because what prize could be greater than having the title "winner" thrust right upon you by the Best in the Selfie Business? Money? An Xbox One? Don't be ridiculous. Maybe a Wii U. I'm sad that I couldn't enter the competition, but also relieved. To fly so close to the sun is always a dangerous thing. I just hope Campfires in Winter don't get burned. Congratulations men! You've earned this victory, and you deserve it.

Thanks to everyone who took part, and a special thank you to Robert Florence for agreeing to be the guest judge. Braw folk. Braw faces.

Until tomorrow, my friends.

Shambles

x

Shambles Miller Presents: The Scottish Fiction Selfie Competition

Why hello! It's day five of what critics are now calling the greatest and most bold takeover of a website in recent history. I'm Shambles Miller, and today I present you with both a celebration and a competition. The year is nearly over and pundits are in agreement that 2013 has been the year of the selfie. It's become acceptable to post photos of yourself online as long as you use that ubiquitous word. 'Selfie' has entered the dictionary. Barack Obama just took one at a funeral (sort of). The future is as bright and full of wonder as it is dark and terrifying to behold.

It's also a bit debonair. Hello.

Here at Scottish Fiction, I've brought together a collection of selfies from a number of Scottish bands and artists for your visual delectation. You're quite right though, well remembered: this is also a competition. I did say that. The winner will be chosen in secret by a guest judge and revealed tomorrow. But for now, I present your competitors...

Aidan Moffat

He's on a boat motherfucker, take a look at him.

Julia Doogan (Julia and the Doogans)

Channelling Miley Cyrus?

Niall McCamley (The Spook School)

He's a good egg, but will he crack under the pressure?

David Officer (Daemons)

David is also a photographer and claims that this is his best side.

Chris McKeown (Halo Tora)

Limmy could learn a thing or two from this man's face.

Neil Wilson (Scottish Fiction)

Neil might not be a musician, but he owns the place, so he can do what he wants amigo.

James Mackenzie (Love Civilian)

Glasses. Beard. Mad hat. High-vis jacket. A bold choice to be sure.

RM Hubbert

Wait, is this a selfie competition or a beard competition?

Louise Dodds

Opting for a classic selfie here.

Campfires in Winter

Recreating their Twitter avatar in selfie form. Inspired.

Jamie Sturt (Atlas: Empire, This Silent Forest)

Sporting a Will Selfie.

Well there you have it folks! Who are you rooting for? Which selfie is your favourite? Is this all just a pointless charade? Let me know in the comments below and be sure to come back tomorrow to find who the winner is, and to see what I have in store for the last day of my Scottish Fiction Takeover!

Til tomorrow,

Shambles

x

"What is your favourite word...?"

Hello again, Shambles Miller here, your host for the week. Today I want to talk to you about a TV show I'm a big fan of called Inside the Actors Studio. If you've never seen it, it's a show where boot-polish haired, warmly staccato-voiced James Lipton asks successful actors a series of questions, sometimes with such a depth of knowledge that the guests are quite surprised. "How did you know I wished for a bike when I was five", or "who told you about that time I had a hamster up my bum", they'll say. Obviously I haven't done anything like that level of research for this (or anything, ever), but every episode ends with the same ten questions. It's based on the Proust Questionnaire and I decided to ask it to some musical friends. Let's get a little insight into the hearts and minds of Scotland's bands and artists.

Julia Doogan (Julia and the Doogans) 

What is your favourite word?

My favourite word is "hilarious".

What is your least favourite word?

My least favourite word is "nice". I also don't like the word pussy but that's too rude to put in isn't it?

(Nope! - SM)

What turns you on?

Disco music.

What turns you off?

Nu metal.

What sound or noise do you love?

I really love my mums laugh.

What sound or noise do you hate?

When people can whistle but it's completely out of tune. Drives me insane.

What is your favourite curse word?

Cunt. I rarely say it but find it hilarious (fave word) that people can be so offended by a word.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

An extra on Casualty.

"Yeah, I just...I just have no idea what I'm doing."

What profession would you not like to do?

An extra on Holby City.

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

"You had a good run. Well done hen."

Julia and her Doogans can be found here and here.

Kyle Wood (Lovers Turn to Monsters)

What is your favourite word?

Artefact. Maybe...

What is your least favourite word?

I hate crude Scottish colloquialisms. So much I won't even say them!

What turns you on?

Female rappers.

The stuff Kyle's dreams are made of.

What turns you off?

Vanity I guess. People who worry too much about what others think.

What sound or noise do you love?

Clichéd, but can't beat rain fae yer bed.

What sound or noise do you hate?

I work in a bakery and my oven makes this horrific alarm noise when it finishes.

What is your favourite curse word?

Can't beat the F-word or a slow dragged out basturt!

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

I guess I'm far from being a 'professional' musician so that'd be nice. Something art related anyway.

What profession would you not like to do?

...

(Kyle couldn't think of a profession he really wouldn't like to do. Which is how he got his new post as my personal butler. I make him wear a wee hat. - SM)

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

"No bad son".

Kyle has a gig this week! For more info go to his Facebook.

Squirrel (This Silent Forest)

What is your favourite word?

Ephemeral or haberdashery.

What is your least favourite word?

Process.

What turns you on?

Generally most attractive girls between the age of 18 and 30.

What turns you off?

Smells.

What sound or noise do you love?

The old noise of a modem.

What sound or noise do you hate?

The iPhone standard alarm.

What is your favourite curse word?

Cunt.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

I've had many but I would like to work for a think tank coming up with ideas or creating scenarios to test national security.

"Right, what if we just put all the baddies over here next
to Steve's house? Steve's a dick anyway."

What profession would you not like to do?

Telecoms project management.

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

"Yeah".

This Silent Forest play King Tut's New Years Revolution in January. More info here!

James Mackenzie (Love Civilian)

What is your favourite word?

Plethora is my favourite word. Don't ask me why.

What is your least favourite word?

My least favourite word is when people say STATUS the American way, like lattice.

What turns you on?

Wet hair turns me on.

What turns you off?

Eggy farts and spots turn me off.

What sound or noise do you love?

I love the sound of windy nights as I lie in bed.

(Not THAT kind of wind, obviously. Parp. - SM)

What sound or noise do you hate?

I hate the sound of people blowing raspberries.

What is your favourite curse word?

Cunt.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

I'd like to try out to be a footballer, or some kind of sportsman.

What profession would you not like to do?

I'd hate to be a doorman.

I don't know man, I can't think of many jobs where you
get to dress like some sort of extravagant circus pimp.

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

I'd like God to say, "Whattup bro, I got your album playing in the waiting room. It's goooooooddd shiiit".

James is on that Internet, check him out!

Finn LeMarinel

What is your favorite word?

Dinosaur.

What is your least favorite word?

Shampoo.

What turns you on?

Dinosaurs.

It's not known if Finn is the author of this book.

What turns you off?

A lack of dinosaurs.

What sound or noise do you love?

A car indicator.

What sound or noise do you hate?

The iPhone alarm tone.

What is your favorite curse word?

Fuck.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

Astronaut.

What profession would you not like to do?

Police man.

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

Hallo!

A man of few words but awesome music. Check him out right here.

Wullie "Mammoth" Swales (Wullie Mammoth, Where We Lay Our Heads, Algernon Doll)

What is your favorite word? 

The first word that came to my head was pernickety.

What is your least favorite word?

 I'm not sure but I'm not a huge fan of people who misuse the words “epic” and “random”...

(I see what you did there, and I approve. - SM)

What turns you on? 

Not being afraid to be who you are. Not sure if that answer sounded a little bit too Jonas Brothers.

What turns you off? 

Ego. Fake Tan.

Sorry Donald, he's just not that into you.

What sound or noise do you love? 

I love the sound clapping hands, genuine laughter, the sound of a beer bottle being opened and that sound the microwave makes when it's reheated some delicious chilli.

What sound or noise do you hate? 

The sound of metal being scraped, like a knife off a plate, or stick drags across cymbals maks me feel physically sick.

What is your favorite curse word?

I'm a man of simple tastes, gotta go with Fuck or Fuckwit.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

I've thought about this before and it's tricky but maybe something like board game designer, script writer, primary school teacher or some kind of dancer....maybe Salsa or Swing.

What profession would you not like to do?

 I once spent three days working a festival where my role was making sure people didn't piss on a wall, so not that again.

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

”I can't believe you managed to save that girl and her army of puppies from those evil ninjas while the entire building was burning down, defeated the evil lord Chtulhu with nothing but a spork and stopped the zombie apocalypse yet died falling out of the shower. You'll be in need of a pint”.

Wull's up to hunners of stuff. Like this and this and this.

Boab Canavan (Campfires in Winter)

What is your favorite word? 

Callipygous.

(Yeah, I had to look it up too, and I must say, I like it. - SM)

What is your least favorite word? 

Test. No idea why.

What turns you on? 

I wouldn't say it turns me on exactly but a heartbeat is an absolute must.

What turns you off? 

Bad teeth. Pretty standard answer that but it's true.

What about NO teeth?

What sound or noise do you love? 

Ice crackling in a drink.

What sound or noise do you hate? 

That wee squeaky noise you hear in your head when you chew on the sleeve of a woollen jumper.

(Aaaaaaggghhhhhhhhhhhhh. - SM)

What is your favorite curse word? 

Bastart. Always with a 't' at the end.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? 

Mixing engineer/producer.

What profession would you not like to do? 

Septic tank cleaner.

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates? 

"Sorry pal, not tonight. Away back and have another couple of years. And do it right this time."

Campfires in Winter are also playing KTNYR! Get tickets here.

So what have we learned here today? Musicians like to swear, have a good taste in interesting words, like being in their beds when there's weather outside, hate iPhone alarms, have lofty ideas about God's personal opinions, and look damn good in black and white. But what would Proust say? I don't know, probably something like "you're using my questionnaire for what?"

I'll be back with another post tomorrow. In the meantime, you can catch up with me on Twitter or Facebook. For now, I leave you with Will Ferrell's take on Inside the Actors Studio and the great James Lipton.

Fun fact: James Lipton used to be a pimp.

Julia Doogan - Scottish Fiction Session - Videos

Our Scottish Fiction Session guest on 2nd October 2013, was the talented songstress Julia Doogan.  Appearing in the Pulse 98.4 studios sans her backing band The Doogans, Julia very kindly previewed some brand new material, which fans of the band can look forward to hearing at some point during 2014.  Wearing her influences proudly on her sleeve, there's also room for a mellow Kylie Minogue cover too.  You can hear the full session and interview here should you wish.  Enjoy!

Julia and the Doogans also play our next Scottish Fiction Presents gig on 5th December at Mono, with Beerjacket and Michael Cassidy.  Tickets still available here.

Scottish Fiction - 2nd October 2013 by Scottish Fiction on Mixcloud

Below are videos for session tracks, 'Far Behind', 'Whirlpool' and 'Love At First Sight'.  Enjoy, and check out YouTube page for all session video

Scottish Fiction Presents: A Beerjackt & Friends Christmas

The most magical time of the year, just got a little bit more magical.  You may have seen we announced the latest Scottish Fiction Presents: gig via Facebook and Twitter on Thursday night.  If not, here's the official blog post promoting what we will be getting up to!  You can purchase tickets right now at this link.

Scottish Fiction Presents: A Beerjacket & Friends Christmas

Glasgow singer-songwriter extravaganza Beerjacket will be playing alongside some special guests in a very special, very Christmassy performance.  We're keeping his musical collaborators under wraps just now, but as we get closer to the night, some treats might just come unwrapped.  Needless to say we have some very exciting things up our sleeve.

Beerjacket's last album, The White Feather Trail, was received to rave reviews throughout the Scottish music press (and beyond).  Recent live shows saw Beerjacket play with Kristin Hersch (Throwing Muses / solo).  She had this to say about his music:

"No matter how much music you listen to, you rarely stumble across a musical approach that does not wear its influences on its sleeve. these songs speak in their own language."

With a new Beerjacket album waiting in the wings for release, this show will be a seasonal mix of tracks old and new.

Support comes from the wonderful Julia and the Doogans with another support act still to be announced.  Julia Doogan has one of the finest female voices in Glasgow, and with back up band of cello, flute and keyboards, the band create charming melodies that will wrap your heart in joy.  Perfect tonic for a Glasgow Christmas evening.

Taking place on Thursday 5th December at Mono Cafe Bar in Glasgow, tickets will be limited in number for a cosy intimate evening, and will be priced at a bargain £5.  Tickets are currently onsale here.

Scottish Fiction Podcast - 2nd October 2013

Guesting on the show this week was Julia Doogan, lead vocalist and namesake of the splendid Julia And The Doogans.  She performed three achingly beautiful tracks live in the studio including two new songs and an unexpected Kylie cover.  We also chatted about the band and the glitz and glamour of US TV shows.  Your usual injection of new Scottish music includes both sides of the new Gerry Loves Records 7" split from Over The Wall and John Knox Sex Club, plus there's the last of our Oxjam: We're Skint, They're Skinter features.

John Knox Sex Club - Animals

CHVRCHES - Tether - As chosen by Julia Doogan

Julia Doogan - Far Behind - Live in  Pulse 98.4 FM studio

The Smiths - Stop Me If You Think you've Heard This One Before - As chosen by Julia Doogan

Julia Doogan - Whirlpool - Live in Pulse 98.4 FM studio
Julia Doogan - Love At First Sight (Kylie Cover) - Live in Pulse 98.4 FM studio

Sarah J Stanley - Secretly Not - As chosen by Julia Doogan

Pinact - Beauty Freak
Over The Wall - Tell Her I Love Her

FEATURE - Oxjam: We're Skint, They're Skinter

Drunk Mule - Lucky Strike
Bottle Of Steven - Darkest Fools
The Second Hand Marching Band - We Will Convince You
Arab Strap - The First Big Weekend
Campfires In Winter - Picture Of Health


Subscribe/listen to the podcast via iTunes.

Scottish Fiction - 2nd October 2013 by Scottish Fiction on Mixcloud

Scottish Fiction Podcast - 26th June 2013

Having had the pleasure of hearing an advance copy of 'Imaginary Walls Collapse', I was thrilled to be able to welcome it's creator Adam Stafford into the Pulse 98.4 studios.  We chatted about the forthcoming LP, which is being released via Song By Toad Records on 15th July, as well as discussing Adam's distinctive and encapsulating sound and stage presence.  On top of that, as you would expect from our session guest, there's three live songs from Adam.

Elsewhere, there's a return of regular features 'Re-Mixing It Up' and 'Cover Lover', with a track from Song Of Return and Cairn String Quartet respectively.  And keeping us in tune with the freshest Scottish music there's tracks from Profisee, Lovers Turn To Monsters, The Amazing Snakeheads and more.

The Twilight Sad - The Room

RM Hubbert feat. Aidan Moffat and Alex Kapranos - Car Song - As chosen by Adam Stafford

Adam Stafford - Vanishing Tanks - Live in Pulse 98.4 Studio

Dock Boggs - Sugar Baby Now - As chosen by Adam Stafford

Adam Stafford - Carshulton Girls - Live in Pulse 98.4 Studio

Irma Thomas - Anyone Who Knows What Love Is - As chosen by Adam Stafford

Adam Stafford - Please - Live in Pulse 98.4 Studio

Lost Ghosts - Tunnels
Emma's Imagination - Arms Of Old
Siobhan Wilson - All Dressed Up
Julia And The Doogans - Those Things
Jo Mango - The Black Sun
The Amazing Snakeheads - Testifying Time
Profisee - I Need You
Fabled Circuitry - Warmth
Lovers Turn To Monsters - Big Fish
Now Wakes The Sea - Peak

Re-Mixing It Up - Song Of Return - Torn Between The Tides (Lantage RMX)

Cover Lover - Cairn String Quartet - French Navy

Great Cop - Stop Hiding


Subscribe/listen to the podcast via iTunes.

Scottish Fiction - 26th June 2013 by Scottish Fiction on Mixcloud

Scottish Fiction Presents: Aye Tunes vs. Peenko - Jo Mango, Julia And The Doogans, Siobhan Wilson

Time for the second of our gig announcements today, and after the success of February's singer-songwriter gig, we're doing another time, but with an all female line-up.  And to make it all much more exciting, the gig will be part of the West End Festival.  Here's what's going down.

Siobhan Wilson - Originally from Aberdeen, now based in Glasgow via way of France, we are delighted to have Siobhan opening proceedings, with material from her excellent 'Glorified Demons' EP which was produced by Frabbit's Gordon Skene didn't you know. 

Julia And The Doogans - We've long been fans of Julia and her doogans, so to say we are chuffed to finally get her on a gig doesn't quite cover it.  They need no introduction to the Glasgow music scene, and you won't regret catching them live.

Jo Mango - And headlining this feast of music will be Jo Mango with her ever intriguing musical performance, playing delectable delights from recent album 'Murmuration'.


All this takes place at The Roxy 171 as part of the West End Festival on Saturday June 29th.  Doors from 8pm.  Tickets online or at the door for £6.

Or buy online tickets as a bundle with May's gig and save some pennies! Given May's line up is also realllllly good I'd recommend that option!

If Facebook events are your kind of thing, then you can say your going in interactive form too.

Scottish Fiction Podcast - 20th February 2013

Live guest AHOY!  This week we welcomed* with open arms for a bearded hug Shambles Miller as he kindly recanted tales of music, influences, song-writing and medium sized dogs.  As well as the chat, he also picked some songs and played three live tracks exclusively for us and you! 
* Note this picture is a toilet, NOT Pulse 98.4 FM studio!  We don't stick our guests into the bathroom!

As well as this there was the usual smattering of new Scottish music from the likes of Kid Canaveral, Garden Of Elks and The Yawns.  There's also a dupstep remix of Julia And The Doogan's track 'Come Home' as our 'Re-Mixing It Up' feature (it's good, trust me!), an 'Aye Tunes Friday Freebie', and a 'Cover Lover' track from our resident writer Lovers Turn To Monsters, with his take on PAWS 'Catherine 1956'.  Haaaaave it!


Hector Bizerk - Burst Love - As chosen by Shambles Miller

Shambles Miller - Deadpool - Live in Pulse 98.4 FM Studio

Loudon Wainwright III - Motel Blues - As chosen by Shambles Miller

Shambles Miller - Chris Brown Is A Dick - Live in Pulse 98.4 FM Studio

Shambles Miller - Confessions - Live in Pulse 98.4 FM Studio

Burns Unit - Blood, Ice And Ashes - As chosen by Shambles Miller

The Deep Red Sky - The Zombie Song

Aye Tunes Friday Freebie - Andy Pearson & The Riflebirds - Ribbons

A Sudden Burst Of Colour - Afterglow
The Pictish Trail - Of Course You Exist
Pinact - Telephobe

Cover Lover - Lovers Turn To Monsters - Catherine 1956

IT GIRL - Neon Signs

Re-Mixing It Up - Julia And The Doogans - Come Home (Bebo le vrai Remix)

The Yawns - Full Of Admiration
Garden Of Elks - Floaty
Kid Canaveral - The Wrench

Subscribe/listen to the podcast via iTunes.

Scottish Fiction - 20th February 2013 by Scottish Fiction on Mixcloud

Scottish Fiction Podcast - 2nd January 2013

This podcast is our second one focusing on a round-up of all the was good and righteous in 2012.  Rather than look at albums, which we did on the last podcast, here we play out some of our favourite singles and EP's released last year.  There's music from The Spook School, Fat Goth, Michael Cassidy, So Many Animal Calls, Randolph's Leap and so much more!  Check it out and remind yourself of some of the great music released last year.

CHVRCHES - Lies
The Spook School - I Don't Know
Stanley Odd - Marriage Counselling
Michael Cassidy - Battleships
Frightened Rabbit - State Hospital
Aggi Doom - Cakewalk
Fat Goth - Debbie's Dirty Harry
Father Sculptor - Blue
Holy Esque - Tear
Julia And The Doogans - Diamonds
Martin John Henry - Span
Mitchell Museum - The Closer We Got The Harder We Fell
The New Fabian Society - Hate Fills The Day
North American War - Geraniums On A Spit
PAWS - Sore Tummy
PET - Wear Black
Plastic Animals - Yellowcraig
Quickbeam - Seven Hundred Birds
Randolph's Leap - Hermit
Rick Redbeard - Now We're Dancing
Saint Death - Thompson's Daughter
Shambles Miller - Confessions
So Many Animal Calls - Traps
The Son(s) - Roaring Round The House
RM Hubbert feat. Aidan Moffat & Alex Kapranos - Car Song

Subscribe/listen to the podcast via iTunes.

Scottish Fiction - 2nd January 2013 by Scottish Fiction on Mixcloud

Wickerman - Preview

Home of the burning 30ft wickerman, Wickerman Festival returns this Friday and Saturday (20th/21st July) for it's 11th year.  Over those 11 years it's became a firm favourite on the Scottish festival calendar, offering something that it's bigger rivals, RockNess and T In The Park, tend to overlook; the relaxed family experience.  It's all built upon an eclectic choice of music, spread over several stages located in the East Kirkcarswell Farm in Dundrennan.

The festival is easy to access for us central belt dwellers, only an hour off the M74, and it's wide choice of camping facilities mean even the slickest city dweller can camp out in style.  Choose from yurts, squrts, cloudhouses, tipis and the luxury camping field or brave it with the elements in the normal camp site.  Reports of rain should not be too concerning as organisers state the ground is in top notch condition at present.  And for those of you travelling with kidlets in tow, there is a fully fledged children's area to keep those hyperactive ankle biters entertained.

The festival culminates on Saturday night with the ritual and primal burning of the festival's namesake; the 30ft Wickerman.  But before that you can enjoy a plethora of music treats, including reggae, ska, punk, pop, indie, folk and everything in between.  Here's our pick of the weekend (you'll note there's a slight shift towards the brilliant Solus Tent!)


Friday 20th July

Bwani Junction - The Edinburgh quartet have been seizing 2012 as their own, making good on their SAY Award 2011 Longlisted album 'Fully Cocked'.  Their blend of indie/afro beats will coax a hip shake from even the most solemn crowd.  Catch them on the Summerisle Main Stage.

Dog Is Dead - This five piece indie band are popping up to Wickerman from Nottingham, and are now coming back stronger than ever after an initial wave of success in late 2010 - 2011 thanks to many festival performances and an airing on Skins.  Uplifting and joyful, think of a more jazzy Noah And The Whale.  Check them playing the Summerisle Main Stage.

Tragic O'Hara - Far from tragic, Tragic O'Hara is a one man wonder, bringing music, blues, folk and comedy all into the one set.  Expect some well spun yarns.  Tragic plays the Acoustic Village Main Stage.

Rachel Sermanni - One of Scotland's most glorious talents, a voice that captures your attention, and heartfelt lyrics beyond her years, Rachel Sermanni will be an absolute joy to behold playing the Acoustic Village Main Stage.  Recent tracks such as 'Eggshells' and 'Black Current' will be accompanied by tracks from the forthcoming debut album 'Under Mountains'.

Campfires In Winter - If stirring and layered post-rock melodies are your thing, then Campfires In Winter are a must.  Their recently posted '2012 Demos' are a sign of great things to come from these guys.  They'll be playing the goNORTH Festival Tour Tent.

Olympic Swimmers - Creators of one of 2012's finest albums' 'No Flags Will Fly', Olympic Swimmers boost the vocal prowess of Susan Smillie and orchestrated musical bliss to blow you away.  Head to the goNORTH Festival Tour Tent for their set.

Quickbeam - Had enough of guitars and keyboards?  Fancy some cello, double bass, viola and harmonium?  Quickbeam are your best bet then.  Together on stage, these musicians weave music as delicate as butterflies wings, and if you allow the soft waves of beauty to envelope you, you won't regret it.  Head over to the goNORTH Festival Tour Tent.

United Fruit - Loud?  Check.  Tight as fuck?  Check?  Blistering debut album?  Check.  United Fruit are an absolute MUST if you'll be at Wickerman.  Think of their music as a full on assault on all five senses, and a barrage of break-neck tunes with bark, bite and attitude.  They'll be rocking out the Solus Tent.

Holy Mountain - Three guys who make a hell of a lot of noise.  This is rock 'n' roll they way they made it back in the 70's.  They are well worth going to see in the Solus Tent.

Beerjacket - Alt/folk singer songwriter from Airdrie, Beerjacket is, IMO, Scotland's premium songwriting talent.  He's been riding an overdue wave of praise since the release of 'The White Feather Trail' last year, topped off by last night's headline show in King Tut's.  Do yourself a favour and make Beerjacket a must see set in the Solus Tent.


Saturday

Stanley Odd - One of Scotland's finest purveyor's of hip-hop, the Stanley Odd collective will bring fun, beats, hooks and killer rhymes all to your ears during their set on the goNORTH Festival Tour Tent.

Michael Cassidy - If Beerjackey is our favourite Scottish singer songwriter, then Michael Cassidy is close at his heels.  Having just been announced as the winner of the inagural Gerry Rafferty Songwriting Prize, Michael has shown just why he is head and shoulders above the competition.  Go see his live show for the unique banter and the crackin' tunes.  All happening at the goNORTH Festival Tour Tent.

Human Don't Be Angry - Malcolm Middleton under his real name, Human Don't Be Angry has yielded positive reviews and a whole raft of '80's inspired work.  Largely instrumental, the set will no doubt mirror a hugely rewarding debut album, full of electronic wonder and power pop riffs.  The full band performance will be in the Solus Tent.

The Machine Room - Making bewitching pop musings, The Machine Room are an Edinburgh five piece that you should go out your way to see this weekend.  Playing songs from their latest EP 'Love From A Distance', they'll be on stage in the Solus Tent.

Julia And The Doogans - Julia Doogan is a pop genius.  Backed by her band, rather egotistcally called The Doogans, of cello, piano and flue, Julia's voice and lyrics create some of the most introspective and heartbreaking music you'll have the good fortune to hear.  Catch the ladies playing in the Solus Tent.


Of course the above is just a handful of the bands playing this Friday and Saturday at The Wickerman Festival.  There are plenty more great bands and artists, and for the full line up, as well as all ticket and travel information, head over to the official website.