The Glasgow PodcART

It’s a bit late for a blog. I don’t care though I think I write better on impulse.

Over the last 8 months PodcART has finally started to come together. We have sat and talked and laughed and discussed and realised.

Actually, ‘Do You Realize’ by Flaming Lips just came into my head J what a song. Sorry complete tangent but if you have a minute go listen to it. Lyrically, it’s probably one of the best songs written. I know that is a bold statement but a friend of mine reminded me recently that people take death too seriously sometimes. We need to remember it is part of life. Anyway, on that cheery note!

We have had 3 live sessions now. Bronto Skylift, Julia & The Doogans, Louise McVey and the Cracks in the Concrete, Beerjacket and The Kays Lavelle. Every act I have to extend my hearts fullest thanks because each one has given up their time and played with such passion. From this Sunday you will be able to see the magnificent work that Sean has done.

I have to say something significant about Sean. He is my wing man; I really couldn’t do it without him. He has worked so hard over the last few months for PodcART that it overwhelms me. This I suppose is my way of saying thank you to him. Sometimes you don’t say the things you want to say. You mean them with every look and action but it’s just a few brief words that stamp the candle wax on the back of that envelope you have to send.

Tonight’s live session is the first one I have had a blub at. Peter Kelly (Beerjacket) for me is one of the best songwriters of my generation. His lyrics are things I am desperate to say and the passion of this man supersedes that even of my own. One which I never thought I would witness, I now officially place him in the category as one of my heros along with Mogwai, John Peel, Bjork, my mother, and Nirvana. The Kays Lavelle proved why ‘The Aftermath’ has become a bit of an anthem for us. This passionate group of boys have managed to generate interest and it will not be long before you will be hearing them a lot further afield. Tonight’s performance left us somewhat speechless.

Define Pop is another event that has to be mentioned. Massive kudos to the amazing Wull Swales who put on over 30 unsigned bands. Yes, there was stress but there was also mass laughter, spine shivers and the likes. I have to say special mention to Lovers Turn To Monsters who performed ‘We’re All Done For’ it is one of my stand out songs of 2008 and hearing it live for the first time somewhat made time stand still. Kyle Wood of this band is young but he has the wisest lyrical head on his shoulders if that makes any sense.

Another special mention must go to Chris Lee-Marr of Esperi. Sometime ago Ally and Sean witnessed his set in Dundee that I could not attend. The following day, they were so excited about an extended instrumental song he did that I was near desperate to see it. I managed to see it soon after and after a few discussion Louise had suggested to Sean that it needed to be filmed. Sean filmed the set on Saturday at Define Pop festival and put it on YouTube. This has now had in excess of over 200 views in 2 days and we at PodcART know the reason why. The man is a genius and we are very proud and humbled to be associated with him. We predict great things.

The last thing I have to mention is Mr Stuart Braithwaite. I have been a Mogwai fan for over 12 years now. They are my favourite band and ‘Young Team’ is one of my albums that I keep returning back time and time again. I asked him if he would guest on a podcast thinking it was a long shot and he agreed. When I told the team I know they were a bit apprehensive as with all well known people. I refuse to use the word famous. I suppose I still had that tiny bit of doubt in me about him turning up. 7pm Monday night my phone rang with an unknown number to the sounds of ‘Hey Halina, it’s Stuart’ at which point I think my whole rib cage shook with absolute fear and excitement.

I can now say that I have fulfilled one of my dreams and one of my musical heros has sat, laughed with us and shared music. People say it’s just another person but no, no it isn’t. It’s one of the people that got me through the hardest, the best, the milestone and the celebratory times of my life. I am indebted.

So yes another complete Halina rant and one that had to be said. It’s been a great couple of weeks and the music we discover is getting better and better. I finally feel like the screaming I was doing for years about artists is finally starting to be heard. The little confetti filled transparent capsule I am inhabiting is shaking fervently but by God it’s tremors represent the years of sheer musical growth and conquering I have felt.

Sleep well,

Halina x