We're Only Here For The Banter - M A D I S O N

It's a first here on Scottish Fiction.  In our 12 month run of 'We're Only Here For The Banter', today is the first time anyone has featured twice.  Welcome back Russell Ferguson, lead singer of M A D I S O N.  We've never been in doubt about Russell vocal prowess, and with M A D I S O N's debut release 'Armbands' earlier this year such belief was reaffirmed.  Piano driven pop-rock, the four piece from Cumbernauld joined us for some questions.

Hello, how are you?

Hello there!  I'm great, a bit tired seeings that it's 2.10am.  (I've been playing Super Mario Galaxy 2).

It's the question everyone hates, but could you tell us a little bit about your music and your influences?

In a nutshell, our music is pop/piano/rock, or perhaps "Pocko".  I like to think the majority of our songs have a triumphant air to them, kind of like a marching band parading down a street in full costume.  Influence-wise I think we're quite Coldplay-esque (I know, I too can hear many people people clicking the top right hand side of this page currently).  Throw in a little Twin Atlantic and a dash of Jimmy Eat World and I think you've got us nailed.

What's your song writing process like?

It's bizarre.  It'll start with one single melody on either the piano or guitar.  We'll play around with different drum beats and get a standard three minute song down.  We then like to look over it and add bits in, take bits away, add harmonies (however barbershop quartet they may be), make fun of me for a wee bit and then we'll have a song.

What could we expect to see from a live show?

Well I sweat a lot.  So a lot of sweat, maybe some good tunes?  I think we've got a really unique stage presence.  I've been nicknamed "Snake-hips" because I apparently, whilst playing, sway my hips in the most erotic fashion.  We've also got Oliver on the bass, the craziest little bastard to ever grace the stage.  Off stage he's a gentle and shy soul, on stage he becomes a monster, come see us to watch him transform.

If it were all to end tomorrow, what would you say has been your greatest achievement?

I have once successfully completed "The Holy Trinity".  Yes, I have eaten a McDonald's, Burger King and KFC all in the one day.  As a band, we haven't achieved our greatest achievement yet, this being for me to successfully play a show without making a mistake on the piano, I'm piss poor at it.

What have you got planned for the second half of 2012?

We're actually going to be very busy bees this side of 2012. In the works we have something that involves going to the ocean with a video camera and exercising, some really exciting gigs and hopefully a debut EP.

At Scottish Fiction we focus on new Scottish music, how do you as a band view the Scottish music 'community'?

Close knit.  Everyone knows everyone, everyone supports everyone.  If the 'community' are digging a song or band, it'll resonate throughout the scene.  It's really remarkable.

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

Literally too many to name; our good pals So Many Animal Calls make a rare old noise!  (For the record, they used my amp on Rockness' main-stage, therefore by default, I too played Rockness' main-stage).  Really loving Campfires In Winter and Queen Jane too, again these guys are friends of ours but the music they make is really fantastic.

Thanks for speaking with us, would you care to share a joke with us?

I'm terrible at jokes so let me scroll through Google/Sickapedia to find one... right here we are:

"TAKEN 3 has just been announced...  Social Services step in and declare Liam Neeson an unfit father for putting his daughter in dangerous situations."

God Bless Sickapedia.


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Battle Of The Bands - Round 1

Ding ding!  After a few days of geeky trash talk our new joint feature with David from the excellent Kowalskiy blog got under way tonight.  As you may recall David and myself will be sparring it up every two weeks in a Top Trump duel via the interweb world of Twitter.  Instead of comparing 1970's Dutch footballers we shall be using the vital statistics of Scottish bands to try and outwit each other.  For those who want a recap on the rules of this musical melee then take a peek here.  For those who are all about the blood lust then keep reading! 

Whilst I had confidence I knew I'd need to enlist help.  And in our corner I had the help of none other than Dundee five piece Seams.  I had the home advantage which means that I had control of the picks.  Remember our categories are Number Of Members, Years Active, Soundcloud Tracks, Twitter Follow Ratio, Band Name Scrabble Score, Average Age and Total.

Playing the opening gambit I went with what would appear a respectable Twitter Follow Ratio.  Following that we played the Number Of Members attribute before ending with a tactical decision to go for the Total attribute, where of course the lowest score wins.  Backing up Kowalskiy were Glasgow's indie-popsters French Wives.  Here's how they score up:

In case mathematics isn't you're strong suit, then the scoring went as such.  Kowalskiy took the first point, French Wives boosting a higher Twitter Follow Ratio.  The second point was split 50/50 with both bands comprised of five people.  That meant it all rested on the final roll of the dice.  Luckily, thanks to their sickeningly young Average Age and a pish poor Band Name Scrabble Score, my plucky band of Dundonians Seams rescued the point for Total score and ensured a draw of 1.5 points each.

I'll admit that I'm slightly disappointed that I didn't make more of the home advantage in this first round of the Battle Of The Bands.  But, equally I'm sure that Kowalskiy now realises that he isn't going to get things his own way!  Our next battle will be in a fortnight.  You can keep up to date with all our baiting on Twitter.

Despite our juvenile banter, the real focus is of course on the bands.  First up is our choice, Seams!

The gals and girls had this to say when we asked them how it felt to have drawn with French Wives in the opening heat of Battle Of The Bands.  "It's pretty cool to be a part of this new feature!  And to draw with French Wives is awesome!  We've supported them a few times in the past and they are just amazing."

We've featured them on the radio show before, and they have had the honour of being played on BBC Introducing by Ally McCrae, showing that it's not just us that like them!  Their debut EP 'Colours & Maps' is well worth investing in, which you can do here.  Looking forward to more new material from them, hopefully sooner than later!



And to prove we will never be sore losers, French Wives released their debut album, 'Dream Of The Inbetween' earlier this year, which you can get right here.  It's a cracking album and the band represent a stellar choice by Mr Kowalskiy.

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 June 2012 EP

This month's EP is our twevlth FREE monthly EP.  Who'd have thunked it!  To help us celebrate this month, we've got tracks from our 'We're Only Here For The Banter' friends, The Seven Deadly Sins, Mad Nurse, Make Sparks and Aaron Wright.  Stream the EP below and download it for FREE!  Feel free to share it around and to dig into our archives as well!

The Seven Deadly Sins
Mad Nurse
Make Sparks
Aaron Wright

Enjoy!

Scottish Fiction Podcast - 27th June 2012

The seemingly shy chap above is the lovely Adam Ross from Randolph's Leap, who was my guest on this week's show.  Bringing with him a treasure trove of tracks to play, and also playing three live tracks, we chatted about Randolph's Leap and Scottish music in general.  Oh and Lloyd of Peenko / Olive Grove Records also pipped in now and again!

And if that wasn't enough we still had a plethora of new Scottish music from the likes of Rick Redbeard, Adam Stafford, Withered Hand, Battery Face and more!  Check it out!

George Harrison - Awaiting On You All

Adam Ross (Randolph's Leap) - Man I Feel Rough (Live)

The Tammys - Egyptian Shumba

Adam Ross (Randolph's Leap) - Sober (Live)

Arleta - Tora Th' Anoxio Ta Ftera

Adam Ross (Randolph's Leap) - I Can't Dance To This Music Anymore (Live)

Michael Hurley - Be Kind To Me

The Mouse That Ate The Cat - I Am The Hottest Fire
Beerjacket - Cave
Supermarionation - Choosing My Religion
Saint Max - A Life Worth Living
Capitol 1212 - Good Feelin'
GUMS! - A Long Walk In The Rain
Battery Face - Pugsley
PAWS - The Hospital Song
Rick Redbeard - Now We're Dancing
Adam Stafford - Vanishing Tanks
Waiting For Go - Let You Go
Withered Hand - A New Case

Scottish Fiction - 27th June 2012 by Scottish Fiction on Mixcloud

RockNess - Photo's

At some point soon I promise there will be a review of Scotland's second biggest festival up on the blog, but for now here's some shabbily-taken-on-an-iPhone photo's.

Admiral Fallow, Friday, Main Stage

Noah And The Whale, Friday, Main Stage

The Rapture, Saturday, Main Stage

Guillemots, Saturday, Clash Arena

Errors, Sunday, Clash Arena

We're Only Here For The Banter - Aaron Wright

Aaron Wright is an Edinburgh singer-songwriter currently signed to D-Set Records.  His debut album, 'Aaron Wright', was released earlier this year and is enjoying a fair amount of success both critical and commercial.  We caught up with the singer to pose our usual banter questions.  Have a read!

Hello, how are you?

Hello!  I'm ok thanks! Just gotten over the worst chest infection ever but manned up and got through in the end!

It's the question everyone hates, but could you tell us a little bit about your music and your influences?

It's always a hard question to answer properly but I'll try my best...  I think my music is pop, but credible and clever pop with good strong melodies and interesting lyrics.  Maybe it's not pop though, depends on who you ask I suppose!  I have been told by credible sources that my songs are original, different and, maybe the best compliment of all, exciting.  As for my influences...  I take influence in lots of things, from wee adventures I've been on, or a particularly sad story or experience perhaps.  I usually realise after the song has been written what inspired or influenced it.  As for the sound of my music I take influence again in all different types of music and songwriters from Elliott Smith to Adam Green and Ron Sexsmith.  The list is endless.  Anything different and heart warming I suppose.

What's your song writing process like?

When an idea comes to me for a song I usually write it pretty fast and usually on guitar.  The melody is usually written first then words will usually pop into my head.  I only ever work out what a song is about after I've written it.  I've never sat down to write about something consciously.  That's something I should really do, maybe I'll come out with an entirely different kind of song!

What could we expect to see from a live show?

Playing live is incredibly important to me.  I play shows with my band and also play acoustic sometimes too, depending on how I feel.  I love the energy of playing with the band and hearing a crowded room sing my songs along with me.  When that happens I'm at my best.  If I'm honest I think a crowd makes a good live show, not always the act.  I don't really have a stage act or any of that so I definitely feed off an audience.  I always find our gigs intimate no matter how big the venue is or how big the crowd is.  I like to be involved with my fans during a show and always like a bit banter with them.  And sometimes it kicks off too!  That's always fun!

If it were all to end tomorrow, what would you say has been your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement is my album.  Although a lot of things come to mind, it has to be my album.  I'm proud of it and it has had incredible feedback, reviews and appreciation from people I think of as my heroes.  I suppose as it's my debut album so it'll always have a special wee place for me!

What have you got planned for the second half of 2012?

I'm going on tour with Paul Heaton in July to perform The 8th with the likes of Simon Aldred from Cherry Ghost, Kenny Anderson a.k.a. King Creosote and Jacqui Abbot.  That should be an exciting tour!  We performed it over a couple of days at the Manchester International Festival last year and it went down well so he's decided to tour it with us all.  I'm also playing King Tut's as part of the Summer Nights festival on the 18th of July and releasing 'Go On Yerself' at the end of July too.

At Scottish Fiction we focus on new Scottish music, how do you as a band view the Scottish music 'community'?

The Scottish music scene is great just now musically, however a lot of venues are closing down making it hard to get your music heard.  But with the help of YouTube, etc it's not devastatingly bad.

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

The Scottish artists I've been getting into recently are mostly from Edinburgh, where I'm from.  I really like Matt Norris And The Moon and Caro Bridges new EP is excellent.

Thanks for speaking with us, would you care to share a joke with us?

A man walks into a library and says, "can I have a fish and chips please."  The woman at the counters says, "this is a library."  The man whispers back, "can I have fish and chips please".

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