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.

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!

Scottish Fiction Podcast - 4th June 2012

Good to be back after last week's missed show.  Did you miss me?  I'll pretend you say yes.  As I'm heading off to RockNess on Friday for my good friend's stag do, naturally I focus on homegrown artists playing Scotland's most scenic festival.  There's also plently of new music from the likes of Olympic Swimmers, Capitals and Woodenbox.  Our featured artist is Biffy Clyro and our Classic Scottish Album comes from post-punk legends Orange Juice.

Sex Pistols - God Save The Queen
Lost Ghosts - Summer Nothing
The Son(s) - Roaring Round The House
Admiral Fallow - Old Fools
The Machine Room - Cost Of Progress
Olympic Swimmers - Knots
Homework - Thoughts
Hunt / Gather - Harbouring
Kick To Kill - Mushroom Cloud
Saint Death - Sycle
Errors - Earthscore
Burnt Island - Nightwatchman
Betunizer - Cedric Ceballos

Classic Scottish Album - Orange Juice - Rip It Up - Rip It Up

The Seven Deadly Sins - Yesterday
So Many Animal Calls - Traps

Peenko Friday Freebie - Woodenbox - Kings Liar

Featured Artist
Biffy Clyro - Glitter And Trauma
Biffy Clyro - Semi-Mental

Nina Nesbitt - The Apple Tree
Guillemots - Trains To Brazil
Thank You So Nice - Let's Make Money
Capitals - All These Years

Scottish Fiction - 4th June 2012 by Scottish Fiction on Mixcloud

Scottish Fiction Submissions - 3rd June 2012

You've not done one of these for a while, I hear you say.  This is true, and whilst my inbox has been bulging with submissions I've been both busy and lazy.  So I owe an apology to you for not passing on these fine pieces of music, and also to the artists who've sent me stuff.  There's lots more still sitting in my inbox, but for the time being here's a short and sweet post about a few of my favourites. 

(Some are relatively old news now, but still deserve a mention 'cause they are that good!)

Satellite Dub - 'Velikovsky Said'

This bad boy came out on 17th April (yes that's how far behind I am) and is a behemoth of electronica and dance music.  With the spirit of Kraftwerk in his sails Craig, a.k.a. Satellite Dub, set off on an intergalactic stellar trip.  Mind that bit in the the song 'I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor' that says, "just banging tunes and DJ sets"?  This is that, but better.  Get it on a 'pay-what-you-want' basis or buy a CD with download for £4.


Lost Ghosts - 'Summer Nothing'

A new band from Glasgow, so new in fact that I can't find any information on them other than that Daniel Young of Where We Lay Our Heads is involved, and that there's four of them.  I'm actually a fool for sitting on this track for so long and doing nothing about it.  Consider myself well and truly scolded.  This is really good.  A little rough albeit, but good.  With the female vocals they sound a little bit like my favourite band ever (ok not EVER, but I still like them) The Spook School but heavier.  Terrible description I know.  Just listen eh.  And you can download this song plus another, 'Seven', for free on their Soundcloud.  Braw!



The Machine Room - 'Love From A Distance'

Crikey!  You though April was ages ago, try March when this brilliant EP came out.  Further proof that my head is up my arse in terms of keeping up to date with new music (not good advertising for the blog).  Anyhow now that I've devoted full attention to this, you should too.  It's a four track EP from the Edinburgh band.  They describe it as 'bewitching pop music' and that pretty much does it for me. (They also do a really good cover of Bronski Beat's 'Small Town Boy' which you can hear here.)


Wolves Of Winter - 'The Thaw'

Finally a track which I haven't completely neglected!  The lads from Wolves Of Winter featured on our February EP with their brilliant track 'The Art Of Temptation'.  The follow up isn't half bad either, with it's other-worldly feel and dark beauty.  I played the track on our radio show recently which shows that not everything passes me by idly.  'The Thaw' is available as a free download so you've no excuses.


Plastic Animals - 'Automaton'

Slightly more up to date now as this EP by Edinburgh's Plastic Animals was released yesterday.  'Automaton' is the band's first new material since their 'A Dark Spring' EP, and it's well and truly worth the wait.  It's probably deserving of a bigger spot on the blog, and it may well get that if I can squeeze in some time amidst all the cucumber sandwiches and sub-servitude during the jubilee.  For now though, I can tell you that this is good stuff.  Available as a 'pay-what-you-want' download, you should give them some cash because it's worth it.  'Yellowcraig' itself is an atmospheric post-rock inspired doozy.


Olympic Swimmers - 'No Flags Will Fly'

This is another submission which is definitely worthy of more attention, as it is the debut album from one of Scotland's most talented unsigned group Olympic Swimmers.  I first saw them supporting Admiral Fallow some time ago in The Arches, and they've taken their time to produce a stunning debut album, full of melody, landscaped guitars, and shimmering strings.  This one is released on Monday 4th June, but you can pre-order it now from the link above.  Here's the track 'Where It Snows' to convince you why you should buy the album.



The Seven Deadly Sins - 'Misery Lake'

Another Edinburgh band, this time it's the biblical named The Seven Deadly Sins.  Despite being sinful, they are actually rather good, even if what they do is nothing new (I always wonder why that's a criticism).  Unless of course they sold their souls to the devil, Robert Johnson style, in which case everything makes sense.  Rambling?  Me?  Musically, their EP is pretty strong, slightly darker indie rock.  Below is a video for the EP track 'Yesterday' and you can buy the full 'Misery Lake' EP from the link above.

North American War - 'Ivory And'/'Geraniums'

And to end this rather long (yet fully awesome) post of recent submissions, something that you can buy on 7" vinyl.  North American War are a Glasgwegian based four piece making some rather good alternative pop/rock music.  This double A-Side is a prelude to their forthcoming album, which I'm told is dropping in August this year, and showcases two different sides to their sound.  'Ivory And' goes down the loud '80's new-wave path that lots of people are treading currently, and 'Geraniums' is a softer approach.  The 7" is available on a limited 250 run and can be found on the above link for £5, as can a download only copy for £2.


Aaaaaaand that's your lot for today.  I promise the next Scottish Fiction Submissions post won't be too far off, mainly because there is plenty more excellent music lurking in the depth of my inbox.  Toodles.