Here’s a reminder of the diverse Scottish talent featured on the long list

Scottish Album of the Year Awards 2013: Longlist

They join 2013′s hottest rising stars alongside some of the more established names like Basement Jaxx and Madness.  The new additions from the Highlands and Islands offers a real opportunity for the Rockness audience to also discover some of the best emerging acts the area has to offer.

Netsounds Unsigned along with Inverness Gigs were asked once again by the festival organisers to select 5 of the most promising acts from the Highlands and Islands to appear at the Black Isle Tent at this year’s RockNess.

The 5 acts we selected are:

Niteworks (Isle of Skye)
After a busy year of playing the length and breadth of the UK, Celtic Electronica act Niteworks are using 2013 to focus on writing new material, and to continue honing their skill as one of the most exciting and energetic live acts on the scene.  Niteworks, who hail from Isle Of Skye told us they are very excited to make their RockNess debut which will be one of a select few appearances for the band in 2013.  They will be using RockNess as a test bed for new ideas and live concepts, and it is the perfect opportunity to do so by playing to a local crowd.

The Boy Who Trapped The Sun (Stornoway)
Colin Macleod from the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides goes under the name of The Boy Who Trapped The Sun.  In 2010 he released his beautifully crafted folk-rock debut album Fireplace on the legendary Geffen record label to critical acclaim.  Now free from Geffen, he is continuing his DIY ethic under his own steam with tour dates and brand new material for 2013.  Colin returns to RockNess having previously played in 2010 as well as appearances at Belladrum and T In The Park.

The Little Mill Of Happiness (Inverness)
The Little Mill of Happiness will be a great addition to the number of the rock bands already lined up for RockNess.  Their massive, guitar driven layered sound and powerful and dark lyrics make them one of the most passionate bands around.  To date the band have released their debut 5 track strong EP Capsized Sailors, and are likely to unleash brand new songs for Rockness.  They have previously played at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival and goNORTH Festival to name but two.

The Little Mill Of Happiness ©Netsounds Unsigned

Toby Michaels Rolling Damned (Inverness)
The zany Scottish rock act recently told us they were delighted to be part of the Rockness party.  “Rock ‘n’ Roll ain’t nothing without soul, so we promise to bring absolute anarchy, hilarity and hard rock power to the festival.” claims front man Toby Michaels.  Their Rockness debut follows on from their recent successful single launch at Ironworks in Inverness.  In timely fashion they release the double A side single featuring the songs ‘Rolling Damned’ & live favourite ‘A Little Bit of What You Fancy (Does You Good)’ on Monday June 3^rd, just in time for Rockness!  Toby added, “RockNess is a perfect opportunity for people to jump on the Rolling Damned Freight Train and come party with us!”

Jemma Tweedie (Nairn)
Nairn singer songwriter Jemma Tweedie was nominated in the ‘Best Acoustic’ category at the 2013 Scottish Alternative Music Awards and her debut EP Two Hands received exposure on BBC Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music.  Her appearance at RockNess will precede her first UK tour which starts in June touring the length and breadth of the country as one of Caffé Nero’s featured artists.  Jemma will be doing in-store performances playing in over 40 Caffé Nero stores starting in Aberdeen and finishing up in London.  Jemma has also been confirmed to play at the 10th Corbury Festival in Oxfordshire alongside the likes of Squeeze, Keane and Van Morrison.

Further line up announcement

In addition RockNess has also announced that Scottish Electro producers Them & Us will be making their debut at RockNess.  Their appearance will mark a roller-coaster 18 months for the duo (Mark Mackenzie and Liam Macleod) in which they released their debut single The Bomb and also their debut EP Neon Lights with a powerhouse launch party at Ironworks in Inverness.  Since the end of 2011 the hard working pair have also showcased at goNORTH, appeared at B Fest in Wick, Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival and supported Annie Mac, Zane Lowe, Simian Mobile Disco and Jack Beats.

Also added to the line up Electronic glam from Fenech-Soler, concept rock funk from Public Service Broadcasting, Scottish rock power pop kings Fatherson and Highland Electro house masters the Filth DJs.

More details on these acts and others on our forthcoming Rockness Podcast.

They all join Example, Basement Jaxx, Madness, The Vaccines, Bombay Bicycle Club, Ben Howard, Ellie Goulding, Madeon, The Maccabees, Jessie Ware, Camera Obscura, Newton Faulkner, The Temper Trap and special guest Fatboy Slim.

Tier 1 and Tier 2 sold out. Tier 3 still available.  For details of the full line-up and all ticket types go to www.rockness.co.uk

Playlist

This is a brilliant opportunity to play in front of a potential audience of thousands.  All you have to do is upload a video or audio, which should be less than five minutes in length to YouTube. Then complete the RockNess application form including the link for the judges to access the track. You’ll also need to provide a short biography of less than 200 words about your act.

You have until Sunday, May 12 to submit your entry.

For full details on how to enter, please visit www.dailyrecord.co.uk/playatrockness where you will find step-by-step instructions.

One of last year’s winners were Glasgow based So Many Animal Calls.  They went on to release the brilliant She Was Speaking From The Bottom Of The Sea which as a song sits comfortably next to output from the likes of The Xcerts or even Frightened Rabbit.  In 2013 they are set to appear at goNORTH in Inverness in June and are currently hard at work on a new EP.  Hurry up lads.

Sean McKenna (So Many Animal Calls), Rockness 2012. ©Netsounds Unsigned

RockNess takes place from June 7-9 at Clune Farm, Dores, on the banks of Loch Ness, near Inverness.  For details of the line up and ticket types visit www.rockness.co.uk

The excitement is still running through our veins as I type the names Meursault, Washington Irving, PAWS and The LaFontaines.

This is in addition to the previous line up announcement that included the brilliant Fatherson, Largs 3-piece Brown Bear and the Bandits, Admiral Fallow and Inverness based ”rock juggernaut freight train” that is Toby Michaels Rolling Damned.

And, if you needed any more they’ve only gone and added Seasick Steve to the bill as well!  The now legendary Californian bluesman last played at Bella in 2006 before his career went sky high and he went onto play Glastonbury and host of other major festivals worldwide.

Also announced are indie rockers Pigeon Detectives, Celtic artist Julie Fowlis making her first appearance at the event, emerging singer-songwriters Tich and Nick Mulvey, former Razorlight singer-songwriter Andy Burrows and Leeds dub band Gentleman’s Dub Club

Speaking to Phil from PAWS on the line up announcement he said, “We can’t wait to come back to Bella.  It’s our favourite festival.”

PAWS who are based in Glasgow and trace their origins back to Tain in the Highlands of Scotland.

Their brilliantly fuzzy garage pop-rock and vibrant live shows helped build up a loyal following for the band.  They have recorded sessions for BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music, not to mention a session for ourselves and goNORTH in Inverness before signing to Fat Cat Records.  In 2012 they released their debut album Cokefloat which we featured as one of our albums of 2012.

The Scottish trio recently played SXSW 2013 where they they were listed as one of the top bands to have appeared at the showcase.

A band also with their heart in the Highlands and Islands but now based in Glasgow is Washington Irving.

The  poetic folk rock five-piece have a strong Scottish heritage running through their music that is currently showcased on part one of their debut album Palomides.  The band have built up a strong momentum over the past couple of years through numerous gigs and festival appearances.  They picked up the pace at the start of 2013 performing at Celtic Connections, released the single single Holy Company and completed more live dates, this time supporting Frightened Rabbit.

Washington Irving. Photo ©Jannica Honey

Along with Cokefloat by PAWS, one of our favourite albums from 2012 was Something For The Weakend by Meursault.  The album went on to top 2012′s Scottish BAMS (Blogs and Music Sites) poll for the best Scottish Album of the Year.

The innovative Edinburgh based folktronica band are led by powerful lead singer Neil Pennycook.  He’s been going under the name of Meursault since 2006, sometimes on his own and often with his friends.  Lazy comparisons to Beirut, King Creosote and Arcade Fire are abound but in truth Meursault create their own expansive soundscape of beautifully arranged, emotional lo-fi indie folk.

It will also be a delight to see The LaFontaines return to the Highlands. It’s always a euphoric and triumphant occasion.  The Glasgow 5-piece hip-hop fusion crew were previous and worthy winners of “Best Live Act” at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards and were previously chosen to support heavyweights such as Pendulum, Example, Beardyman and fellow Belladrum 13 act Twin Atlantic.  They recently finished a series of tours across the UK with The Blackout, 3OH!3 and Sonic Boom Six and staged their biggest headline show to date at the Classic Grand in Glasgow.

Expect a couple of exciting Bella podcasts to land here soon!

Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival’s tenth anniversary takes place at Beauly, Inverness-shire; 2^nd and 3^rd August 2013.

Headliners are Manchester indie legends James and Glasgow rock prodigies Twin Atlantic along with an exciting and wide-ranging list of other acts that you can find listed at the Belladrum website or on our previous Belladrum post here.

Tickets

Saturday day tickets are currently on sale on-line and retail through The Ironworks and Eden Court in Inverness and TicketScotland in Edinburgh and Glasgow. 

Full weekend tickets can also be purchased in person at Ironworks, Cafferys, Hootananny and Eden Court in Inverness.  You can also pop into a number of trusted vendors in the Inverness surrounding area, Elgin, Inverness, Dingwall, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.  Full details here.

All ticket types also available at Skiddle.

The 2013 Bella theme is ‘Carnival’, in keeping with the birthday party atmosphere the milestone event is bound to create.  

The reason he appears on our latest podcast is not just due to the fact we rather like the lad or solely due to him playing at Brew At The Bog but because he is heading back out on the road in May to promote his new self titled EP.

During the tour James will also be joined by Bedford-based folk group, The Darling Mundaring.  Scroll your wee fingers down to the bottom of this page to see a lovely wee video from them.

Not to be outdone Mr Mackenzie too has also gone and done a promotional film with music.

James Mackenzie’s self-titled EP is released on 5th May on iTunes and bandcamp.

James Mackenzie EP artwork © houdidontblog

Live dates

28/04 – Buff Club, Glasgow supporting Callers + Harry & The Hendersons + Kirsty Marquis.  Tickets

04/05 – Brew At The Bog, Inverness (7:15pm) Tickets

07/05 – Ort Cafe, Birmingham [£3 on the door] + Samantha Wate
08/05 – The Bedford, London
With The Darling Mundaring:

09/05 – Esquires, Bedford
11/05 – Orange Tree, Nottingham
12/05 – Odd Bar, Manchester
13/05 – Bar Bloc, Glasgow
14/05 – Pivo, Edinburgh
15/05 – PJ Molloys, Dunfermline
16/05 – Cellar 35, Aberdeen
17/05 – Y-Not Bar, Thurso
18/05 – Twa Tams, Perth
19/05 - Hootananny, Inverness

Pete Roe is one of these acts that initially, by accident I ended up seeing more than any other act in one year.  He was everywhere we went whether it was Belladrum, Rockness, Hootananny in Inverness, goNORTH Inverness or teaming up with Laura Marling in Glasgow.

Each time he has been a joy to watch and listen to.

Pete Roe. Photo ©ROOK

In fact it’s Laura Marling that has taken up most of his time in the past four years with Pete being a live and studio stalwart for her band.  He is also a respected figure in the London folk scene.

However it’s Pete’s solo career that takes centre stage in 2013 with the release of his debut album Our Beloved Bubble.

Following the success of Highland songwriter Rachel Sermanni’s debut album Under Mountains Rachel and friends established their own independent record label, Middle Of Nowhere Recordings on which Pete Roe releases his debut on Monday 6th May 2013.

The album was recorded in a remote studio in the Highlands of Scotland with final touches added by acclaimed producer Ethan Johns.

Pete’s influences include John Martyn, Neil Young and Ryan Adams and the album covers a broad range of themes which trawl Pete’s encounters, ruminations, pub studies, love and friendships.

As a taster you can download Pete Roe’s double A-side Midnight:Mystery.  The release features exclusive versions of album tracks Further Into Midnight and A Strange Kind Of Mystery In The Air.  All that Mr. Roe requires in exchange for this is an email address.  Download here.

There Has To Be A Reason.  Original version appears on Our Beloved Bubble

To support the album release, Pete will set off on a headline tour of the UK and Ireland accompanied by members of Hot Feet. The tour starts in Leicester on Thursday 2nd May and takes in ten cities before closing in Brighton on Monday 13th May.

The Beloved Bubble Tour

Thursday 2nd May: The Cookie Jar, Leicester
Friday 3rd May: The Soup Kitchen, Manchester
Saturday 4th May: Live at Leeds, Leeds
Sunday 5th May: Poetry Club, Glasgow
Tuesday 7th May: Unitarian Church, Dublin
Thursday 9th May: St Marks Church, Dalston
Friday 10th May: Glee Club, Birmingham
Saturday 11th May: Moon Club, Cardiff
Sunday 12th May: Folkhouse, Bristol
Monday 13th May: The Greys, Brighton

Our Beloved Bubble is available to pre-order now at www.monr.co.uk/shop
Pete Roe: www.peteroe.org

Featured on the podcast we have music from Glasgow based Donald Macdonald & The Islands with a track form their recently released EP Gibson Street and Olympic Swimmers who we were lucky enough to have got a session from them last year and are mesmerising live.

All the tracks on the Brew At The Bog podcast were chosen by festival organiser Yvonne Murray.

The second Brew At The Bog takes places on Saturday 4th May at the picturesque Bogbain Farm on the outskirts on Inverness and showcases some of the finest emerging acts from Scotland and beyond.  If you are fed up of big and brash festivals this will be right up your street.  Once again Brew At The Bog is perfectly partnered with Scotland’s cool indie brewers Brew Dog.

Our Brew At The Bog podcast also features foot tappingly good indie folk from Sienna, indie disco pop  from Little Kicks rock electronica from Discopolis, punchy indie-pop from Fake Major, Edinburgh based folk outfit Adam Holmes & The Embers, glorious indie-pop from Fatherson and Prides with their track Out Of The Blue which is making waves across the current Scottish music scene.  We also have a brand new track from Scottish singer songwriter James Mackenzie.

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With almost 40 acts appearing at Brew At The Bog it would almost be a triple album style playlist so on this podcast we’ve really just scratched the surface of the some sounds you’ll hear at the festival.

With the festival in the Highland Capital there is local representation on the line up in the shape of The Whiskys with Brew At The Bog being their first major gig since their line up change.  Also included is singer songwriter James Mackenzie.  James is releasing his self-titled EP (it’s called James Mackenzie he tells us!) the Monday after Brew (Monday 6th May) and heading out on a mini UK tour to support the release.  Also on the line up is a bigger and better than ever sounding Naked Red and Inverness 4-piece  Ashley & The Cosmonauts who have performed at various venues throughout Scotland as well as impressing at previous local showcases at Ironworks in Inverness.

Michael Cassidy. Photo ©Netsounds Unsigned

Other acts appearing include the brilliantly quirky Randolph’s Leap, award winning singer songwriter Michael Cassidy and the brilliantly raucous sound of Three Blind Wolves.

The festival hosts are BBC Radio Scotland’s Vic Galloway and BBC Radio 1′s Introducing in Scotland Ally McCrae.

Brew At The Bog will no doubt once again appeal to music lovers and those who want to catch some of the finest emerging acts without being po-faced about it.

Get the full line up with links to all the acts, including music and videos here.

Tickets for Brew at the Bog are priced at £30 which includes camping or £20 for a standard ticket.  For tickets and that all important full line up visit brewatthebog.com

Don’t bother following us on Twitter while we are at Brew.  We will be far too busy enjoying beer and bands.

It’s our 6th year as Netsounds Unsigned and it’s our 10th Takeover.  Surely a time for celebration and rejoice?  We’ve not organised the jelly and ice cream for our 6th birthday party yet but let’s have a few raised glasses for Takeover #10!

Better still let’s have 3 outstanding live bands.

Dingus Khan
We are delighted to have the Essex band back up to Inverness for our 10th Takeover.  They perform as an eight piece,  with at last count three drummers, three bass players and an electric ukulele just for good measure.  They make full use all eight members producing an amazing sound that burst with energy that has been witnessed at Latitude and Reading and Leeds festivals as well as a previous stop over at Hootananny in Inverness last year.  Expect wonderful chaos and rock ‘n’ roll madness.

The Broken Ravens
We are genuinely excited to have The Broken Ravens on the line up.  We played the band on a recent podcast and can’t get enough of their recent demo EP.  With diverse influences ranging from Howlin Wolf to Slayer the foursome brought these influences together and banged heads to create their own “headbanging, foot stomping, rip roaring, fireball of fuzz” sound.  They will take tour buddies Dingus Khan over to their native Stornoway on Saturday 27th April for another feats of rock at the Jager Rooms.

The Last September
Completing the line up is an impressive indie-folk- rock Edinburgh based band who’s recent second album that drew some very worthy 4 star reviews.  Led by front man and chief songwriter Pete Deane, they reformed in 2011 following an extended 7 year break and are currently working on their third album.

Takeover #10 is on Friday 26th April 2013 at Mad Hatters in Inverness.  Doors are at 9:30pm and it’s FREE entry.

Takeover #10 goes into the wee small hours (3am) with what we can promise to be a blindingly good indie/alternative/rock/pop/electro/funk/soul/hip-hop Netsounds DJ set.

See you there!

The Highlands based storyteller will be releasing the album on his own micro-indie label Bruadar Records.

He will be celebrating the album release with a special show at Hootananny, Inverness on Sunday 28th April where he will be performing with a full band line up.  Duncan has also just been announced to appear at this year’s goNORTH in Inverness in June.

We’ve seen Duncan a couple of times in his solo acoustic guise (sometimes as Matchstick Maker) and his songs are quite simply captivating.  I was expecting a solo acoustic affair on Rumour Mill but he has been joined by a small group of friends who recorded the album in a quiet studio tucked away in the hills over three days.

The result is a diverse master of simplicity.  Jaunty moments on the album sit comfortably next to the slower more delicate and enchanting tracks.  It’s an album that will be warmly received by Duncan’s fans and likely to win him new followers after first listen.

The debut album follows the FiveSongs EP (2011) as well as the free download-only Fireside EP (Matchstick Maker) in 2012.

Rumour Mill features limited edition screen-printed cases, handmade by Highland artist/printmaker Emma Noble with images adapted from original paintings by Edinburgh-based artist Kate Green.

Duncan recently supported Rick Redbeard (Rick Anthony, Phantom Band) when he played Mad Hatters in Inverness.  As a special treat we have a live version of the album track For Those Who Sing… recorded at that very gig.

Rumour Mill is released on 29th April 2013 and available at itunes, Amazon and at www.duncanovermeer.com