The Glasgow PodcART

Monday morning and I am cheerful, yes that’s right people I start work soon and I am a happy bunny. Why you ask? Well, last night was just what I needed.

We put on a gig last night, it was the last night of Conquering Animal Sound’s UK tour and they are a band that we have wanted to do work with for some time as they are one of the most promising acts in my eyes to emerge in the last wee while. Friday I got notification that we had a bit of an obstacle and needed to find a new venue. I have to say I was more than stressed and nerves kicked in big time. People may think that putting on and promoting gigs is easy but I can assure you my respect for an elite group of promoters and indeed bookers has augmented somewhat as it is not an easy thing. Ultimately though if the artists you put on are awesome then in the words of Jim Morrison in Wayne’s World……’they will come’.

The supports last night were Yahweh and Cheer. It is no secret that Podcart adore Yahweh and Cheer was a newbie for us but did not disappoint at all. Cheer opened and was a fragile wall of beautiful noise, Alec is a quiet, humble man and he was the perfect opener. Yahweh….(sigh). I love these guys, as a band, as people they are humorous and damn talented bunch. Front man Lewis Cook’s father was present. Now I am an emotional bastard, this is quite well known now and last night, guess what? Yeah, I cried a bit. Watching Henry Cook (Lewis’s dad) watch his son on stage with such pride was one of the things that made last night super special. If Mr Cook is reading this then please don’t worry I was not watching you in a Glenn Close way just in a fluffy care bear kind of admiration. Yahweh’s new material is just brilliant, they have matured and you can hear it. They have some very exciting things coming up, I have to be a cock tease here and tell you I am not allowed to say, but trust me it is going to be worth the wait.

Conquering Animal Sound are just effortless. They are the perfect pairing and they were mesmerising last night. The final track of the set ‘Bear’ is by far my favourite and swells to points that you just want to scream with joy. A few weeks ago someone told me that Anneke from CAS was moving to the US to study and the band were splitting up. This is a crock of shit I have to say and the band are far from splitting if anything they are going to just get bigger and better.

Last night was special, after a nervous couple of days it all came together. Everyone that came: Ally, Lou, Iona, Chris, Peenko, Aye Tunes, Claire, Schultz, Kirsten Pooch, Jonnie Common, Ben and the mass of others it was almost like a comfort blanket and I hope they enjoyed it as much as me.

I have been a ball of stress over the last few days due to certain unfortunate situations, however last night if anything was to eradicate that it was the music of those bands. Sometimes you feel that a hand rules what you do in this scene, that hand was firmly pushed out of the way last night.  

The biggest thanks go to The Halt Bar. They saved us at the 11^th hour and Rob the sound engineer is a fucking diamond. The Halt were just unbelievably kind and if anything the sound, atmosphere and treatment was just awesome. I cannot recommend this venue highly enough. To quote my favourite film of all time ‘So shines a good deed in a weary world’

Next we have our first Hip Hop session organised by Sean! This is Thursday and we cannot fucking wait! Congratulations to Sean as well as he completed his German marathon in about 3 and a half hours and also raised nearly £400 for The Alzheimer’s society. We are very proud of him.

Friday we have Mix Up Mayhem 2 organised by Ally! 3 bands swapping songs and maybe even saliva! *ponders*….back in the room. Anyway, yes the last one was one of the best nights Podcart has EVER had and we are spaffing with anticipation at this one!

So yes, Podcast recording tonight and a week of more life affirming music. Bring it on!

Have a great week folks,

Halina x