Why Blogger? - Dauphin

Dauphin is a music blogger from Edinburgh, focusing on, you guessed it, bands from Edinburgh!  Generally, although not exclusively, focusing on unsigned acts from the fair capital and sometimes beyond.  Their reviews are always well worth reading, with a discerning taste that is pretty much on the button and a nice little review system.  Regular features on the blog include reviews, occasional interviews and a 'song of the day'.  We caught up with them for a wee blogger to blogger chat.

Sum up your blog in 140 character tweet.

Dauphin focuses on local acts in Edinburgh, mostly those who email me with a track or two and occasionally some I see live at the underground venues around the city.

There's little (if any) monetary gain in blogging. Why do you do it?

For the joy of writing; for the free music; because it motivates me to expose myself to a great deal of interesting, exciting music on my doorstop; for fun.

Allow yourself some self praise, what's your proudest blog related moment?

Interviewing the band Chasing Owls and recording a session on my video camera; getting 1,000 hits in a month for the first time.

You're on a plane and the only in-flight movie is Maid In Manhatten. What do you take to:
Listen to: My iPod with some good headphones.  Favourite albums are 'xx' by The xx and 'Live At Dead Lake' by Hot Club de Paris.
Read: I'm currently reading Jon McGregor's second novel So Many Ways To Begin
Watch: Stranger than Fiction is my favourite movie of all time - but since I have never seen Maid In Manhattan I could do worse than give it a try.

What Scottish artists would you recommend to the Scottish Fiction readers?

Chasing Owls, Douglas Firs, Field Mouse, Japanese War Effort, Cameo Colours, eagleowl.

Do you write your blog with an audience in mind, or do you blog about what's on your mind?

I write for an audience that is used to the register, tone and pace of a blog - I limit content to reviews and songs, only rarely going onto comment or other stuff.

What do you think blogs bring to the music 'scene'?

Media attention that lacks on this level of microscopy.  Exposure and dissemination of music.

As a reader, what blog(s) do you frequent?

Tidal Wave of Indifference, Kowalskiy, Seven Seconds.  Edinburgh Man does great podcasts.

Thanks very much for talking to us. Would you care to end with a joke?

Q: How many hipsters does it take to change a lightbulb?

A: It's a bit obscure, you probably wouldn't know it...

Check out Dauphin here

Why Blogger? - Flares n Seagulls

Aberdeen often gets a raw deal.  Not only can the football team not kick a jelly bean according to the school ground taunt, but in terms of music coverage the city often unfairly gets overlooked.  Flares n Seagulls is an Aberdeenshire based online music magazine, which covers reviews, gigs, and interviews with local musicians and beyond.  They blog is made up of several contributors who all play their part in creating a great reading ground spanning all genres and with plenty of interesting content.  George, who goes under the moniker of Still Burning, took some time out to answer a few questions for our 'Why Blogger?' feature.

Hello, how are you?

Currently wondering that despite the record high temperatures during the day in Aberdeenshire why is my car windscreen still all frosted over in the mornings.

Sum up your blog in 140 character tweet.

Irregular reviews and interviews from a blog based on some of the musical about to happen and has already happeneds in Aberdeen.

There's little (if any) monetary gain in blogging. Why do you do it?

Just to let the rest of the world know that there is a vibrant music scene in Aberdeen, sometimes.  Oh, and to moan about it.

I've been a bit busy the last few months with work and other stuff but hopefully getting back into the game properly again.

Allow yourself some self praise, what's your proudest blog related moment?

This is a difficult one.  Maybe some of the emails we've had from featured artists, but they probably say the same to everyone so it maybe that doesn't count.

On a personal note, photographing The Damned at Wickerman Festival last year.  It meant a lot to me but probably no-one else.

You're on a plane and the only in-flight movie is Maid In Manhatten. What do you take to:

Listen to: My mp3 player which always has some old stuff, some recent-ish stuff and some new releases.  I like the fact that it is only 2GB meaning that I have to change it regularly but then I always like making up CDs and stuff.  Aye, it works for me.
Read: A music mag and maybe 2 paperbacks for £7 from the shop before I get on if I can find a second one that suits.  Is it just me that struggles with that?  Why do I HAVE to buy two?
Watch: I'd make everyone watch The Warriors, that'll teach 'em.

What Scottish artists would you recommend to the Scottish Fiction readers?

Ah, the difficult task of namedropping bands and then missing out someone. Stanley have an album out in April which I think will be liked outwith Aberdeenshire.

Do you write your blog with an audience in mind, or do you blog about what's on your mind?

I can honestly say that almost no thought is given to our audience. I have asked what folk want to read but the response was more pictures so we sorted that (I think). Good question actually.

What do you think blogs bring to the music 'scene'?

Done properly and without worrying about upsetting the band/their PR/the promoter/friend who plays in the band they are generally an honest view from the writer of the event or record or whatever.  What I do not like is reading a blog and finding everything all good and hunky dory because that is simply not the case.  Having said that, sometimes bands need a reviewer to suit the genre so there are ways to soften the blow of `its shite`.

I was brought up in a world of paper fanzines so its just the same but with recycled pixels.  Much more green friendly and all that.

As a reader, what blog(s) do you frequent?

On regular reading probably none that haven't been mentioned before although I do find some pretty decent reading on random blog sites when researching artists who are coming to Aberdeen to play.  Wordpress (and Blogger etc.) have been great for the music scene in general.

Thanks very much for talking to us. Would you care to end with a joke?

The price of petrol?

Check out Flares n Seagulls here

Why Blogger? - Song, By Toad

This week on our 'Why Blogger?' feature, we welcome the wittiest amphibian from Auld Reekie into the hot seat.  Song, By Toad, is the internet outlet of one Matthew Young, who also juggles running Song, By Toad Records (a brilliantly diverse independent record label), gig promotion, podcasting and general all round musical enterprising.  In between all this, Matthew took a few minutes to talk to us about the arduous task of running what may be Scotland's funniest music blog.

Sum up your blog in 140 character tweet.

Gin and swearing.

There's little (if any) monetary gain in blogging. Why do you do it?

Because if I went on to my wife this much about music, she'd divorce me.

Allow yourself some self praise, what's your proudest blog related moment?

The Toad Sessions.

You're on a plane and the only in-flight movie is Maid In Manhattan. What do you take to:

Listen to: Micah P Hinson
Read: Life by Richard Fortey
Watch: Mongrels

What Scottish artists would you recommend to the Scottish Fiction readers?

PAWS, Smackvan, Now Wakes the Sea.

Do you write your blog with an audience in mind, or do you blog about what's on your mind?

Not really, I just tend to fire out whatever's on my mind.

What do you think blogs bring to the music 'scene'?

They tend to represent the voice of the fan pretty well, they're fairly democratic as pretty much anyone can start one, and they represent a really useful first step on the publicity ladder for an emerging band.

As a reader, what blog(s) do you frequent?

Basement Fever, The Pigeon Post, Gold Flake Paint and Cloud Sounds (which is a podcast).

Thanks very much for talking to us. Would you care to end with a joke?

Q: How did Luke Skywalker know what his dad was getting him for Christmas?
A: He felt his presents.

Check out Song, By Toad here

Why Blogger? - Favourite Son

The Favourite Son blog is a personal favourite of mine.  It's well run, well presented, and has lots of great regular features.  The man behind it all is Chris Hay and he was kind enough to answer a few questions for our fortnightly 'Why Blogger?' feature.  Cheers!

Hello, how are you?

I'm good ta.

Sum up your blog in 140 character tweet.

Scottish music blog with news, reviews (when I pull my finger out), interviews, podcasts, gig listings, and other features. Occasionally offensive on social networks, and usually running late. I'm currently in the process of trying to reboot the blog a bit and change it up.*

There's little (if any) monetary gain in blogging. Why do you do it?

I guess I regard myself as passionate about grassroots Scottish music, and I'd say that is true about the other BAMS I have met.

I've always been an ardent follower of Scottish music and then spent a few years abroad and became massively out of touch. I got back into what was happening through various blogs and sites like Glasgow Podcart, then started writing for a few places from there, and just woke up very early one day and decided to start a blog of my own.

Also, my friends are not into the same music as me at all so I needed somewhere to vent about the bands I was loving, and now its two years later.

Allow yourself some self praise, what's your proudest blog related moment?

Probably making the guy from Starsailor cry, though that was on twitter.

I wouldn't say one thing in particular stands out, more a collection of things. It might sound daft, but when you see yourself quoted on a press release and then not on the next one as much bigger websites + publications have picked up on the band, that is pretty satisfying and feels like the blog has fulfilled its role if you like.

You're on a plane and the only in-flight movie is Maid In Manhatten. What do you take to:

Listen to: Ryan Adams
Read: probably a geeky Brandon Sanderson book
Watch: The West Wing

What Scottish artists would you recommend to the Scottish Fiction readers?

Where to start? There's always a load of new bands coming through, but I'd say a good guage of what I'd recommend right now would be my Tips for 2012 which included Blank Canvas, Brown Bear and the Bandits, Discopolis, Friends In America, Forest Fires, Michael Cassidy, Scarlet Shift, So Many Animal Calls, The King Hats, and Vukovi.

Do you write your blog with an audience in mind, or do you blog about what's on your mind?

I think you get to know what folk enjoy reading from the stats and response, and you do a lot of trial and error to see what works, but everything I write is due to a personal interest.

What do you think blogs bring to the music 'scene'?

I think they've become quite important. I used to play a bit and even 5 or 6 years ago you didn't have the exposure allowed by blogs and the other forms of media that have become more prominent. If a band can get attention from the blogs then it's a good platform for wider reaching media, and there are some blogs out there with massive readership that can be a catapult alone.

As a reader, what blog(s) do you frequent?

There's loads of great one's out there, and I'd probably say have a look at my blogroll, but I regularly check Aye Tunes, Peenko, Kowalskiy, The Pop Cop, Tidal Wave of Indifference, Rave Child, The Daily Dose, Curious Joe, Song By Toad, and of course Scottish Fiction :) I'll have no doubt missed some great sites out there too.

Thanks very much for talking to us. Would you care to end with a joke?

What do you call an epileptic in a bush?

Russel

Check out Favourite Son blog here

Why Blogger? - Kowalskiy

It's time for another delve into the pysche of the blogger, with 'Why Blogger?'.  This time round David from the blog Kowalskiy has been kind enough to answer some questions.  Every week Kowalskiy bring reviews and chats with bands, as well as the famous 'Singles Club', and the original free monthly EP.

Hello, how are you?

I'm great ta. How's you?

Sum up your blog in a 140 character tweet.

Enigmatic, sporadic blogger and "hub for up-and-coming Scottish music". Caters for lonely hearts and free monthly 5-track Scottish EP lovers

There's little (if any) monetary gain in blogging. Why do you do it?

You say that, but I've saved a fortune on buying CDs! I'd always read blogs (well ever since Planet Sound shut down anyway) and was into a lot of local bands at the time, and thought I'd chip in with my tuppenceworth. Kowalskiy will never be a source of income for me. If I went down that route I think it'd suck all enjoyment and passion out of it, and in the end, that's the main reason I'm kept doing it.

Allow yourself some self praise, what's your proudest blog related moment?

I think the response to my free monthly EPs. I've always been a fan of the unfinished demo, the acoustic version and the live performance. Often they tell you more about a band's music than the polished, final product. Back when I came up with the idea, I emailed my five favourite artists and within 5 days, the first EP was on the cybershelves. That these five artists jumped on board and sacrificed one of their tracks for a relatively new blogger they'd never clapped eyes on, is still something I can't get my head 'round. Bands going out of their way to record something specially is also baffling. There are some extremely trusting bands out there! Other than that, thanks to the good lads from Rose Parade, I've been namechecked in the Evening Times, The List see me as some sort of new music "hub" and Neil Buchanan is following me on Twitter!

You're on a plane and the only in-flight movie is Maid In Manhatten. What do you take to, listen to, read and watch?

First of all, what's wrong with Maid in Manhattan?? I happen to believe J'Lo delivers a sterling performance! OK, true story... I went to Italy in the summer with my beloved. All I had on the iPhone was demos and singles by Edinburgh's Letters - perhaps the most exciting new band that surfaced last year. Cocky, belligerent wee shites (well, Mikey at least ;-) ), but they have the music to back it up! Movie-wise, Grown Ups was on there. Not usually a huge fan of Adam Sandler, Kevin James or Chris Rock... still not, but it wasn't bad. Would much rather have watched something along the lines of The Darjeeling Limited mind you. As for reading, if you can find a better book than Michael Chabon's The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, please let me know.

What Scottish artists would you recommend to the Scottish Fiction readers?

I could be here for a while, but in terms of last year alone, I've loved seeing bands like Letters, Partwindpartwolf, Echo Arcadia, Happy Particles, The Machine Room, PET, Laurence & The Slab Boys start to make some headway. The Little Kicks, Cancel The Astronauts, Over The Wall and French Wives are firm Kowalskiy favourites, and in terms of the soloists, Will Hanson and Wiredrawn have been fantastic, and The Ramisco Maki Maki Rocking Horse continues to amaze me. He deserves some bloody recognition! Also, I have a severe man-crush on King Creosote. One slight disappointment though, and I never thought I'd say it, is the new direction he seems to be going in. All this recent collaboration lark is just not for me, and it pains me to say so. Why Kenny, why!??

Do you write your blog with an audience in mind, or do you blog about what's on your mind?

Neither really. Let''s be honest, no one will read Kowalskiy if they're not prepared to go out and look for new up-and-coming, local music. I don't feature NME and Q-endorsed buzz bands, or whoever the BBC say is one to watch. So in that respect, my audience is gonna have to find me! As for what I blog, it really is just what bands tickle my fancy. I think as soon as you start featuring these 'buzz' bands you don't like, just to get some extra readers, the integrity of the blog is gone. So I guess I'll continue to rely on word of mouth to keep getting visitors to the site...

What do you think blogs bring to the music 'scene'?

I think blogs, along with podcasts and student radio are fast becoming the only way for up-and-coming bands to get their name out there and their music heard. Especially in Scotland! Just look at who the BBC (in all their wisdom) have picked as their so-called Sound of 2012. How's an unsigned pop/indie/folk band from up here meant to get some recognition from the mainstream media when they throw their weight behind that PR-weighty dross?! With that in mind, Andy from TVPE's idea to run a blogger version this year was a great step to rectifying that. Was good to see French Wives getting in the Top 10. Here's hoping that helps them, in some way, get some much-deserved credit.

As a reader, what blog(s) do you frequent?

Before I started blogging, it was only really Peenko and Song, by Toad that I read on a regular basis. So you can probably blame them for me starting my own. Well, them and me wanting something interesting to put in the 'Non-academic activities' sentence on my CV as my Ph.D. was drawing to a close. Now, I've got Aye Tunes, Favourite Son, Radar, The Pop Cop all bookmarked too... as well as your good self! Oh, and Larry "Slab Boy" Reid's procrastinations on his Laurence & the Slab Blog are always a good read.

Thanks very much for talking to us. Would you care to end with a joke?

Gotta be a physics one then. Apologies in advance...

Heisenberg was out for a drive one night when he was stopped by the police. The officer asked, "Sir, do you know how fast you were going?" Heisenberg replied, "No, but I know exactly where I am."

Check out Kowalskiy blog here

Why Blogger? - Tidal Wave Of Indifference

Joining us this time round on 'Why Blogger?' is Stu Lewis, the brains behind The Tidal Wave Of Indifference.  With regular album reviews, and the regular Bandcrush feature, Tidal Wave are a stalwart of the blogging community.  Stu has been kind enough to answer some of my questions, as we once again delve into the mind of the blogger.  Enjoy!

Hello, how are you?

As it happens, on the sleepy side. I could do with a snooze.

Sum up your blog in 140 character tweet.

Immigrant obscurist waffles on about not just Scottish bands. When he can be arsed.

There's little (if any) monetary gain in blogging. Why do you do it?

It's a cliché, but sheer love of music and wanting to tell anyone who'll listen about why they should be listening to it as well. I've been doing that for about 20 years, but learning how to use the internet gave me a whole new platform for my pontificating.

Allow yourself some self praise, what's your proudest blog related moment?

I was delighted to score a little interview with the Go! Team, but ambling into a pub before a Come on Gang! gig to be greeted by two guys that I barely knew (at the time) who were there BECAUSE I HAD WRITTEN ABOUT IT still makes me enormously happy.

You're on a plane and the only in-flight movie is Maid In Manhatten. What do you take to:
Can't I just watch Maid in Manhattan? Sounds quite saucy...
Listen to: Well, my iPod, which has everything I need on it anyway, but I'd probably flick straight to Deerhunter or Grizzly Bear first. Or old favourites My Bloody Valentine.
Read: The latest Colin Bateman or Chris Brookmyre. Easy reads for travelling and you can't beat a bit of humourous crime fiction.
Watch: Aliens. Game over, man.

What Scottish artists would you recommend to the Scottish Fiction readers?

Too many to mention. But try PAWS, French Wives, FOUND, Admiral Fallow and Meursault for starters and get back to me to if you don't like any of them as I'd then feel it my duty to punch you in the face.

Do you write your blog with an audience in mind, or do you blog about what's on your mind?

I'm never really sure what my audience is to be honest so it's usually whatever takes my fancy, also depends on what albums are incoming as a my 'album of the week' pieces have always been the main event on the blog.

What do you think blogs bring to the music 'scene'?

Hopefully a bit of support and some kind words they can use as a quote. It would be nice if they could also generate some sales too, and I know for sure that my musings have prompted a number of purchases; I just don't know how many.

As a reader, what blog(s) do you frequent?

I flit regularly to Aye Tunes, Song, by Toad, Last Year's Girl and Peenko. I know all these people personally and have enormously respect for them. I rely on my Twitter feed to remind me that other great blogs are out there, so tweets are likely to prompt me to have a look at others for both inspiration and entertainment. There's also Radar of course; while I write for them I'm also interested in what the other contributors are doing.

Thanks very much for talking to us. Would you care to end with a joke?

No thanks, although I was reading recent story which suggest that the Flintstones were banned in Dubai. They just don't like them, but apparently the people of Abu Dhabi do.

Check out The Tidal Wave Of Indifference blog here

Why Blogger? - 17 Seconds

Time for another delve inside the curious mind of the blogging community.  This week it's the turn of Ed Jupp who, since 2006 has been running the excellent blog 17 Seconds.  Ed also set up 17 Seconds Records and has a wealth of experience in the music 'scene'.

Hello, how are you?

A little frazzled! have just successfully organised an event in Dalkeith library involving my brother Miles and Frankie Boyle, as part of National Libraries Day, at Dalkeith Library. It went well -and I know have that sort of tension headache comedown. Otherwise...great!

Sum up your blog in 140 character tweet.

Running since July 2006, an mp3 blog featuring reviews, interviews and musings, and the odd rant

There's little (if any) monetary gain in blogging. Why do you do it?

Because I'm passionate about music and writing, so this gives me the chance to do both. There is little monetary gain - but the amount of free music and gigs I get passes to me that I can go to far more and listen to far more than I could do otherwise.

Allow yourself some self praise, what's your proudest blog related moment?

Probably interviewing Roy Harper - who was lovely, although getting a hug from Jennifer Herrema after interviewing her was a close second.

You're on a plane and the only in-flight movie is Maid In Manhatten. What do you take to:

Listen to: My iPod! But my favourite travel album is The Man Machine by Kraftwerk (yes, even above Trans Europe Express and Autobahn)
Read: Something by Christopher Brookmyre or Jonathan Coe would probably be my first choice.
Watch: My favourite film of all time is Withnail and I, so probably that; or an Alfred Hitchcock (not one of his comedies)

What Scottish artists would you recommend to the Scottish Fiction readers?

Do we have all day?!
Idlewild, Aberfeldy, Belle & Sebastian, Chris Bradley, Shop Assistants, Camera Obscura, Matt Norris & The Moon, Josef K, Rustie, Simple Minds (1979-1986), The Delgados, Mogwai, X-Lion Tamer, Meursault, The Skids, Jesus H. Foxx, Young Fathers, Fiction Faction, Wildhouse, eagleowl, White Heath, The Pastels, Wounded Knee...

Do you write your blog with an audience in mind, or do you blog about what's on your mind?

Mostly the latter, I think.

What do you think blogs bring to the music 'scene'?

The opportunity to discover new acts, and (re)discover older acts; the fact that anyone can do it, the opportunity for people to bring something to the table who might not get exposure either as artists or as writers; the fact that their space is inifinte as opposed to print media which, by definition, is finite

As a reader, what blog(s) do you frequent?

Song, by Toad
Peenko
The Vinyl Villain
Aye Tunes
Manic Pop Thrills
Love Shack, Baby
Teenage Kicks...
I Am Fuel, You Are Friends and many more.

Thanks very much for talking to us. Would you care to end with a joke?

I went in to see my boss.
He said: 'What's wrong with you?'
I said: 'I've got a wee cough.'
He said: 'You've got a wee cough?'
I said: 'Thanks boss, see you this time next week!'

Check out 17 Seconds blog here

Why Blogger? - Peenko

First up to bat in the 'Why Blogger' feature is Lloyd Meredith from Peenko.  Lloyd is a busy man, as when not putting out great content on his blog, he also co-runs Olive Grove Records, puts on gigs, and has also recently ressurected Peenko Records.  Here's a peek inside Peenko's head.

Hello, how are you?

Not too bad, not too bad at all.

Sum up your blog in 140 character tweet.

The ramblings of an idiot, mixed in with sensible words from artists.

There's little (if any) monetary gain in blogging. Why do you do it?

I often ask myself the same question. I guess I have always wanted to be involved with music in some way and seeing as I have no musical talent, blogging allowed me to be part of something that I love.

Allow yourself some self praise, what's your proudest blog related moment?

That's a tough question, so many crazy things have happened since I started the blog. What from starting a label, presenting radio shows, being asked to appear on music industry panels and that's just the tip of the iceberg. But out of everything I've been involved with putting on gigs has been the most enjoyable part of it all. The first Aytunes vs Peenko gig with Kid Canaveral, Mitchell Museum and Campfires in Winter is still one of the greatest nights ever for me.

You're on a plane and the only in-flight movie is Maid In Manhatten. What do you take to:

Listen to: Maid in Manhattan
Read: The in flight magazines guide to find out more about Maid in Manhattan
Watch: Maid in Manhattan/for the air hostess to get more drink

What Scottish artists would you recommend to the Scottish Fiction readers?

Off the top of my head PAWS, State Broadcasters, Randolph's Leap and PET

Do you write your blog with an audience in mind, or do you blog about what's on your mind?

I used to write as if I was writing solely for my friend Jamie, but that was a long time ago. Now I just tend to ramble in the hope that someone might give a shit

What do you think blogs bring to the music 'scene'?

A collective sense of support, when I first started it was really only The Pop Cop and Song, By Toad that were posting regularly about Scottish music. Now it really feels as if a new blog starts every week, which I guess just shows what a strong scene Scotland has at the moment. There's so much great music, so we need more folk out there covering it.

As a reader, what blog(s) do you frequent?

I try to read all of my fellow Scottish music blogs, I would list them all but I'd undoubtedly miss folk off. Have a look at my blogroll and you'll get a good idea of what I've been reading.

Thanks very much for talking to us. Would you care to end with a joke?

As a young boy, Joe was completely obsessed with tractors. He had pictures of tractors all over his bedroom walls; he had tractor toys, tractor T-shirts, a tractor carpet, and duvet cover, the whole works. He ate, drank and slept tractors. On his 17th birthday he was thrilled to get an invitation to go to a tractor factory nearby and test-drive a brand new tractor.

His excitement was incredible as he told his family and friends. The great day came and he went to the factory for the test-drive. Unfortunately something went terribly wrong with the tractor when Joe was driving it and it flipped over, trapping and breaking Joe's leg and fracturing his skull.

He was so upset and tried to sue the tractor company for negligence. But the company would have none of it and told there was no liability and he could get lost!

You can imagine he was very annoyed with tractors after this and vowed to shed them from his life completely and forever.

All the posters came down, the toys were given away - tractors were GONE.

Many years later, Joe went into a bar for a drink. Inside, the cigarette and cigar smoke was terrible but through it he saw a beautiful girl seated at the bar on her own. Tears were streaming down her face.

Joe asked her what was wrong and she said that the smoke was making her eyes sting and stream with tears.

With that, Joe looked around and then took a huge breath, sucking in all the smoke. He then walked outside into the car park and blew all the smoke out again. He goes back into the bar where the air is now clear and sweet and sits down next to the girl.

"That was amazing!" she said, "How did you do that?"

"No problem", said Joe

"I'm an ex-tractor fan"

Check out Peenko's blog here

Why Blogger? - Scottish Fiction

Yah! New feature!

Regular readers of the blog will know that I often have little chats with Scottish musicians in my 'We're Only Here For The Banter' feature.  In fact most blogs that you'll frequent will have something similar.

Whilst it's always great to chat to the artists who make this blog possible, wouldn't it be nice to have the boot on the other foot? 'Why Blogger?' is a delve into the murky underworld of blogging?  We are strange creatures, who turn over our free time to promoting music that quite often would not get the time of day, hap-hazardly reviewing music and gigs.  Ah it's a tough old life.  But seriously I thought it would be interesting to know a little bit about the people who make up the blogging community.  Starting with me.

Hello, how are you?

Very well thanks, just had my tea.

Sum up your blog in 140 character tweet.

On the blog I post interviews, reviews, news and other things ending in 'ews'. I also talk nonsense and play new Scottish music on the radio.

There's little (if any) monetary gain in blogging. Why do you do it?

This is a question I get asked by my wife repeatedly as she goes to bed and I'm still battering away at the keyboard (now none of that!).  And the cliched answered I suppose is because music is something that I've always been passionate about.  And when it became apparent that I possess as much musical talent as a juiced lemon, then this seemed an appropriate way to stay 'involved'.

You know that feeling when you're talking about music you like and people stare at you slack-jawed and ask "who?"  I got fed up of that feeling, and although I'm savvy enough to realise it's a drop in the ocean, one of the main reasons I started doing my radio show was to bring some much needed alternative music to the radio. 

And lastly I guess if I'm being honest, it's an ego thing.  It would be absolutely fantastic if I could do this as a full time job, but for the time being I'm happy enough if people actually read what I've written or listen to a band I've recommended.

Allow yourself some self praise, what's your proudest blog related moment?

As I said above I get goose pimples by seeing that someone is actually reading the blog or listening to the show.  Particular highlights include:

RM Hubbert coming on the Scottish Fiction radio show (Shameless plug but listen to that here)
Raising £108 for Shelter with my Christmas EP

You're on a plane and the only in-flight movie is Maid In Manhatten. What do you take to

Listen to: At the moment I am LOVING Happy Particles album 'Under Sleeping Waves'.

Read: I'm a huge comic book geek, and have recently bought 'Castro' by Reinhard Kleist which is a biography of Fidel Castro in graphic novel form.

Watch: I'd love to see the Ian Curtis biopic 'Control' again, so I'll choose that.

What Scottish artists would you recommend to the Scottish Fiction readers?

How much time have you got? Clearly I think Scotland is blessed with musical talent, so here's a smattering of suggestions both old and new, which I'm sure you've already listened to.

PAWS, The Spook School, Michael Cassidy, Errors, Remember Remember, Endor, The Moth And The Mirror, Boards Of Canada, Idlewild, Mogwai, Meursault, Shambles Miller, Camera Obscura and Happy Particles.

Do you write your blog with an audience in mind, or do you blog about what's on your mind?

I tend to write in the style that I would like to read.  Ever the self critic I don't think I quite achieve this.  In regards to content, I have made a vow for 2012 to become more structured with what I post.  Time shall tell...

What do you think blogs bring to the music 'scene'?

Support. As we all know with the ill advised proposals of the BBC regarding BBC Introducing, there's an ever increasing need to champion and support local music.  I also think (although I may be wrong on this one) that it can give encouragement to artists to keep going when they see blogs championing their cause.

As a reader, what blog(s) do you frequent?

Truth be told it was the blog of Mr Jim at Ayetunes that got me into blogging.  I also check out Peenko, Kowalskiy, The Pop Cop, Favourite Son, Tidal Wave Of Indifference and Song, By Toad regularly.

Thanks very much for talking to us. Would you care to end with a joke?

What do you call a fat laptop?

A Dell.