The legendary MC arrives on stage around half an hour late to a restless and irritable Arches crowd. The GZA makes no apologies before steam rolling effortlessly, and somewhat relentlessly, through the motions of the classic 1995 album, giving brief snippets and nostalgic snapshots into an album that is sold short here by the lack of fellow Wu Tang members.

The absence of Ghostface Killah’s hooks on ‘4th Chamber’ making the delivery of the track seems somewhat redundant. Whether these seamless transitions between tracks work as a solid collection of his greatest rhymes or whether the Genius is in auto pilot – rarely shifting from a neutral gear, whilst maintaining his infamous laid back persona and underpinning broodiness -remains to be seen.

There are moments when GZA injects some spontaneous bursts of energy into his set, engaging the crowd with the question/answer section of ‘Living in the World today’. Often noted as one of Wu Tang Clan’s finest MCs, his towering presence is merely let down by the lack of any real momentum between tracks. Just as the deep pulsing groove of ‘Triumph‘ kicks in, the GZA then fast forwards on to a lesser known track from his wildcard ‘Beneath The Surface’ album.

Regardless of the trimmed down song structures and constant transit throughout the set, the GZA is always on point. This is clearly a platform where he thrives, however, with the biggest cheer of the night reserved for a cover of the late ODB’s ‘Shimmy Shimmy Ya’, one can’t help but wonder how much better he would have fared with the backing of the rest of the Clan.

Jack Taylor

Photo by Matthew McAndrew – http://matthewmcandrew.com

It’s no shock then that the album itself is a collection of intimate acoustic tracks. Given the background to the ‘tour’ it’s no surprise that this comes across, considering Stylusboy was sitting in someone’s kitchen or living room at the time. The recordings are good even though they’ve been done on a small digital recorder. Sure, there’s interference from mobile phone signals, coughing, the background hiss, giving it a ‘warts and all’ feeling, but this actually helps it a lot for me, placing the listener right there on the sofa beside the audience. 

The production isn’t really the important part of this album though, that would be the songs. Without exception they are very good. Jones manages to eke out lots of emotion from his words, through both his voice and his lyrics. He has a good, solid voice that can sit low and tug the heartstrings or soar to heights that take you with him. is accompanying guitar work is also excellent. On ‘Stopclock’ he manages to make an acoustic guitar and is vocal sound like it has a full band behind it. It’s quite impressive. ‘Jigsaw’ is another track that sounds like so much more than one man and his guitar. There are layers here that belie the fact it’s on man playing the music.

There are a couple of nice slow numbers too. ‘Love’s Tale’ is a good example, showcasing the voice. It’s a delicate song, with a fairly simple guitar running underneath and a pretty uplifting vocal on the chorus. It even comes with the creak of floorboards and mobile interference, but this doesn’t detract one bit. Not with that chorus. It’s just great. ‘Left to Hide’ is similar, using the vocal to great effect and using the guitar to keep the tempo ticking over. He even manages to do a song about some water damage to his house and turn it into something beautiful. 

There are a few upbeat songs in there too, with nice toe tapping rhythms. ‘Whole Picture’ gets the feet going at a nice pace, while ‘Open’ and ‘Beyond the Flags’ are a bit more upbeat too, with the latter in particular featuring a really good, catchy chorus. If you like the singer/songwriter vibe then this is worth getting hold of. It shows a man who can take a guitar and his voice and put together some really great and diverse songs that will have you wanting to sing along and tap your feet to. The production, including all the little coughs, beeps and squeaks doesn’t detract from the music at all for me and serves to put you in the front room with the audience (or kitchen perhaps). I’d invite him round with his guitar any day of the week. 

Steve McGillivray

I obviously don’t want to describe this farcically, but I got bloody excited! ‘Starling’ is full of charisma, it is characteristically bursting with licks of genius musicianship and whilst it takes everything in your power to not to dance around like a maniac, you cannot help but fall in love with its endearing lyrics.

‘Starling’ is our Song of the Day. Turn it up loud, stand in the middle of your desired listening room and dance your arse off.

Halina Rifai

 ‘Sure Shot’ invites a special guest photographer each week to chose a favourite image from a fellow photographer that they feel is fantastic and explain why. Additionally, they will be asked to choose one of their own images and explain why they like it so much. A bit of self praise never heard anyone!

Our first guest is photographer Jessica Newell, we first came across her work through Detour’s ‘Wee Jaunt’ where she was taking pictures and subsequently we have seen her at various festivals snapping and her photos in publications.

Over to Jessica:

“I’ve chosen this shot of Mark Hoppus of Blink 182 by Sinead Grainger as I love her work and this shot is a perfect example why. I love the vibrancy of the colours, the punchy contrast and the way that her photos don’t look like a clone of everyone else’s. They always stand out and capture moments. I love the low angle of this photo and the expression on Mark’s face.”

“This is probably my current favourite photo that I’ve taken myself. It’s Sam McTrusty of Twin Atlantic at the Aberdeen Forum. During this part of the gig all I could see were flashing strobes and everything felt like it was going at 100 miles an hour, yet it contrast this photo has a sense of calm. There’s something about the backlighting and the shadows created that I just really like.”

You can find more of Sinead Grainger’s work here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sineadgrainger

You can find more of Jessica Newell’s work here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/manchesterphotography

If you are a photographer and want to take part then please email info@glasgowpodcart.com!

Halina Rifai

This is our Song of the Day without much deliberation and has the ability to make you emotional, but you just can’t really explain why. Well, having said that, it may be the beautiful harmonies, the lilting guitar, the epic chord rise 2/3 of the way through or indeed the play on words ‘fail for you’.

I am sitting here biting my trembling lip.

Halina Rifai

Sean McKenna – average white guitarist/lungsmith. The last Disney film I watched was “Tangled”. Not a classic by any means but my Mum got me it for Christmas and my girlfriend bought me the official shampoo. It’s for long and luscious hair and, thus, is wasted on me.

Ross Stewart- Guitar/Making whale noises with guitar- I’m not sure what was the last Disney film he watched. He looks like he would enjoy a right good viewing of Sleeping Beauty.

Ross Coll- Bass/Stupid dances- Toy Story 3, that counts right? Still can’t handle the end of that film.

Martin Johnston- Drums/HairHairHair (ginger) – Martin just sits in his house all day playing drums, he thinks Walt Disney is a myth.

Why have you been watching Disney films?

Ross Coll- We’re sensitive, some may say too sensitive.
Sean Mckenna- I’m not allowed to watch anything above a PG or I enter into a violent lust.

You have a pair of Ross’ in your band. Describe your band in 5 words
beginning with ‘r’?

Raucous
Really really loud and then really really quiet
RAWR
Ravishing
Randy Savage

So 2011 was a highly productive year for you guys, leading to a debut single release today on Overlook records. Major achievement. How does that feel and what else have you got planned for the next 6 months?

It’s pretty insane – sometimes it feels like a massive elaborate joke someone is playing on us. It’s odd actually being asked to play shows with bands that you love and then to be asked to be on their label just makes it even more surreal. In the next few months we’ll be writing our next EP and hopefully doing a wee jaunt up north. Later on in the year it’s all about touring as much as possible, maybe even outwith the UK if we can get it sorted.

What’s the formula that’s got you to a debut single release in a fairly short space of time?

Lots and lots of preperation. We can’t really take too much credit it for it, our manager Toni and the guys at Overlook put an insane amount of prep into the single. They planned everything down to a tee perfectly and kept us in check when we were being wee lazy buggers. Everything from how the single was released to the organisation of the music video we have Toni and The Overlook guys (OVERLADS) to thank for.

Which other bands do you champion on the Overlook roster?

Are we allowed to say all of them? aye, ALL OF THEM. Seriously though there are so many great bands on the overlook roster. Trapped in Kansas are a personal favourite of ours, their “how to go ” EP is insane. I’m also a big Salo fan. The boys in The Darien Venture are absolutely insane at writing some great math rock songs with killer harmonies. Bellow Below have a fantastic EP out right now for free download again with some mind boggling math rock songs on it. Also proper excited to hear As In Bear’s EP when it comes out, caught them live and they were mental. Extremely excited about hearing more from Vasa aswell!

What are each of your favourite animal calls and how would you spell their call? This is so we can recreate their call to get Attenborough in the country. For example, I like the call of the velociraptor. It goes, ” Awwwreeeeeeeeeeecccch! Awwwwreeeeccccccch” (graining shrillness as the call progresses)…

Sean Mckenna- My favourite animal is a guinea pig. I have to say this because my guinea pig (Claudio) is watching me as I type and he’d get upset if he found out I liked degus better. Guinea pigs make this noise, “wheeep wheeeeep Whhheeeeppp WHEEEEEPPPP WHEEEEEEEEEEP.” This indicates he’s hungry, upset, confused, amused or scared. He’s a complex character.

Ross Coll- I make a bitchin’ pigeon impression, ask me next time you see me. You will be so impressed.

Martin Johnston is an animal, Ross Stewart is his keeper.

Tell us all about your new acid trip Narnia video. Who conceived the concept? How cold was it and where did you film it? Did Martin’s hair form icicles?

On a scale of “Boiling” to “Michael Barrymore’s Killer Instinct”, it was Michael Barrymore’s Killer Instinct – very cold. I had to fall over a lot/fell over a lot accidentally. It was filmed up at Eaglesham Wind Farm (we should mention a massive thank you to Rennie + Maree at the Whitelee Countryside Ranger Service for their outstanding support and guidance when planning for the video.)

Martin’s hair didn’t form icicles but did, however, form a habitat for a family of young starlings who we are training to perform backing vocals. The cuts on Martins scalp as a result of incessant pecking are a small price to pay for saweet harmonies.

As for the conception of the idea it was a mix between ourselves and the director, the super duper talented Emily Wylde, We had a right good chat about it and loads of ideas we’re put about until we finally settled on “fucked up animals chasing Sean” we were hoping it would snow and it did. Then we were filming and crying about how we couldn’t feel our toes.

You are sort of half-man, half-animal in the video. Which would be each of your dream human/animal fusions?

I have always always alwaaaaays wanted wings, mainly if im too steamin to walk I can just fly home. Plus I’d look proper bad ass.

Martin is already a cross between a lion and a human, have you seen that mane?

Ross Stewart would make a pretty swell unicorn man I bet…PRETTAAAAY UNICORN.
Sean is too pretty to have him be half human half animal… can we leave him as his perfect self?

We talked about it and having listened to a bunch of Bruce’s work and some of the great artists he has recorded it was a bit of a no brainer. Bruce has produced some great tracks the past couple of years, his work has a distinct sound and is very, very well produced. We were all extremely excited to work with him.

Which other unsigned bands should we be keeping our ears erect for?
Carnivores, Make Sparks, More Than Conquerors, Galleries, Scarlet Shift, Paws (who are technically signed now but are A-mazing), Bwani Junction, there are loads and loads and loads, we could go on forever.

Since it’s that day of hearts coming up next week and you playing the Anti-Valentines Milk, name three different people that each of you would slot into the kiss, cuddle and torture categories.

This has been left to me ( Ross Coll) oh dear…

Kiss- Kristen Stewart, I dont care what anyone says, I don’t care that she can’t act and I don’t care that she only has one facial expression, ah wid.

Cuddle- Rachel McAdams (y’know the one, in the Time Traveller’s Wife? which I did not cry at) she seems dead nice
Torture- Fearne Cotton, she talks hunners of shite.

If there was one song to inspire / get your paws ready to play a show what would it be?

Me and Sean listen to loads of Fall Out Boy. Sean has a pretty awesome FOB mixtape ( least cool thing ever said on podcart?) in his car so if we’re driving to shows that’s usually on.

For Ross S and Martin it’s probably Nirvana, they well love Kurt Cobain, as Martin has frequently said, “HE’S MA HERO, BUT HE’S DEID.” They’d probably then call me and Sean names for listening to Fall Out Boy.

So Many Animal Calls are infiltrating ears and winning fans all over, whether it’s by their fury, heart on sleeve lyrics, or immaculate fringes. You better pick up a copy of Traps before they’re on ebay at blood diamond price, after a re-release by a major label. You can grab the record in Love Music Glasgow or here. For more information, or to try your very best at adoping the guys (join the queue), you can check out the links below.

Bandcamp
Facebook
Website
Soundcloud
Merch stall
Overlook Records

Kirstin Lynn

Miaoux Miaoux was one of our backstage highlights at Wickerman’s Solus Tent in 2011. His track ‘Hey Sound’ was filmed in a tiny caravan and billed as ‘the smallest rave in the world’. He now has a brand new video to go with the track. Whilst it doesn’t have the ‘taps aff’ appeal of the Detour shot Solus extravaganza, it does have an exceptionally fit female.

So without further ado here is the beautifully shot video by visionary Falentin:

Halina Rifai

It is a beautiful track that whilst synthetic in essence has the ability to co-exist with an organic body and give unexplainable warmth. Middleton is a master when it comes to this and previous work has always had a solid emotional power that taps right into your core.

Sometimes words are not needed to explain things and this is one of those occasions.

You can stream the track here: http://soundcloud.com/chemikal-underground/hdba_theme

Halina Rifai

Every now and then it is imperative that you get a good dose of pop blasted through your flesh and bones. Turnpike Glow are here with their new track 1986 to give you a bombastic blast of ferocious pop medicine!

Check out the video for the single below:

You can also stream the single on SoundCloud! Get this in your ears immediately!

Halina Rifai  

‘Unicorns and Ghosts’ has been chosen as today’s lullaby, an intimate and haunting song that has enough naivety to tug at your coat tails and heart strings. I only have one small request in that the synth is replaced with something else, however I must stress this is a minor quibble.

The Dundee based band are a mysterious bunch, but are getting noticed by a fair few folk fans. Sonny Carntyne can certainly interweave enough style to grab your attention. This is a promising start from a shy collective.

Halina Rifai

Taking part will be Claire Sawers, Music Editor at The List, Edinburgh Evening News’ Gary Flockhart, David Pollock (who has written for almost every newspaper and music publication in the UK) and Sue Wilson (who covers folk and roots music for the Sunday Herald and Songlines, as well as writing the Celtic Connections brochure and artist biographies).

An impressive array of literary people awaits you! Additionally, there will be DJ’s on from 9 till late following the seminar!

To purchase tickets for this event please visit: www.borntobewide.bigcartel.com

BORN TO BE WIDE presents Music Journalist Seminar:

Thursday 8 March,

Venue: The Electric Circus, 36 Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DF
Phone: 0131 226 4224

1930-2130

MUSIC JOURNALISTS

£5.00 / £3.50 [MU] / £2.50 [under 18s] + booking fee.

Group discounts available on request.

Claire Sawers [Music Editor, The List]

Gary Flockhart [Evening News]

David Pollock [Everyone]

Sue Wilson [Sunday Herald, Songlines, The Scotsman]

2130-0000

DJ sets by seminar guests using records from Oxfam shop 

FREE

 Halina Rifai

Erika M Anderson (EMA) explains in her own words the work behind the single and video and also why she is doing this:

“This footage comes from a South Dakota trailer park in the mid-90s, and features a small group of freaks and misfits who seem to be having the time of their lives. Dressing up, hanging out, making up funny skits, and lots of laughing. When I look back now at our fresh young faces (yes that is me with the short dark hair and cat-eye liner), I’m amazed at how simply happy we all look. This is especially remarkable as I know what was going on outside those plywood walls: getting called names, shoved into lockers, and threatening to get our asses kicked for being queer or punk or just plain weird.
 
But despite all that, there is a joy, strength and self-acceptance in our faces that I find inspiring and wanted to pass on. I’m offering the proceeds of this song to an anti-bullying non-profit started by a 15-yr-old girl in Long Island who was a victim of bullying for 7 years before switching schools. It’s called The Jamie Isaacs Foundation (www.jamieisaacsfoundation.org) and it works to bring youth advocates into schools and pass anti-bullying legislation.
 
When I first put together this video I sent it out to the people involved to get their take on it before it was released. My friends thought it was “adorable” but I didn’t hear back from the sweet boy in the turquoise teddy. I worried that it was too much, too revealing, and he wouldn’t want that footage put out into the world. Finally, I got a message back:
 
“That was the most beautifully done video I have ever seen I love it I love it I love it. I could not stop bawling. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so secure as when we were all hanging out in the trailer bedroom. Erika. Lacy. All 3 of us went thru some pretty tough shit. But we made it through. Let’s use what we learned and give it to somebody else that needs it.”
 
I couldn’t have said it better myself. This one’s for all the weirdoes out there: cherish your friends, fuck the haters and let your freak flag fly.”

The single can be purchased from: http://bit.ly/x7pMal

Halina Rifai

By Luke Joyce

Now, I’d say tape is a fitting format for a folk-pop outfit (Peenko’s words, not mine) like Randolph’s Leap. As soon as the album starts with ‘Sunday Morning’ this assumption seems fitting given the tape hiss, the bedroom production and the track which is the pretty much the epitome of lo-fi. Generally, the songs are pretty low key in terms of tempo and instrumentation. Simple seems to be the watchword, but as we all know simple does not mean dull. The guitars here are pitched just right, the vocals are bordering on perfect for the songs wringing out just the right level of emotion where needed. They manage to have as much impact with this approach as any band battering you senseless with a wall of sound.

‘I Can’t Dance To This Music Anymore’ is a perfect example. The song starts with a heartfelt vocal from singer Adam, alongside a pretty straightforward guitar. Understated percussion comes in, but so far it’s simple stuff. As the song progresses it gets a hook into you and you grow into it as the tempo and the song build. Subtle new layers are added and by the time additional vocals come in you’re hooked. It’s a beautiful song. It’s not alone either. Aside from the quirky chip-tune interludes there are some absolute gems. ‘News’ has a very nice guitar while ‘This Nonsense in My Soul’ is sonic gold. Coming over a little bit Belle & Sebastian initially, it’s soon got you skipping along with its pop sensibilities. The tempo is more upbeat, with a fuller sound than a lot of the tracks elsewhere. It perks up even more around the two minute mark and if you fail to find this enjoyable you may well be dead inside. It also has the great line “I was described as endearingly shambolic”. I think we can all relate to that.

‘Bile’ keeps the standard really high, whilst taking the sound and adding a lot of fuzz. It also has a tempo like a children’s nursery rhyme meaning it gets in your head and does not leave. ‘On That Fateful Day’ manages to name check my currently place of residence Cowdenbeath and will probably be the only song this decade to do so. ‘Dying In My Sleep’ is simply stunning. Everything about this song is great. The tempo skips along happily and the individual instruments sound great. When it hits the chorus it’s like The Kinks at their folky best. Just when you think it can’t get any better the whole band join in on the vocals and you can’t help but smile.

After this high point, I’m waiting on a comedown. Thankfully these guys aren’t finished yet. ‘Cassie O’Tone’ is almost traditional sounding at the outset and the addition of strings reinforces this. Lyrically it’s pretty damn good too, albeit in a downbeat manner. “My spirit was broken by 21 years old” giving a major hint this isn’t a love song. Before the end of the album there’s another really great track, ‘Falling In Love’. Again, it starts relatively simply, gradually picking up in tempo. The vocal on the chorus is heartbreaking and again, after the relatively Spartan beginning the addition of the remainder of the band just takes it to another level. ‘Suitable” rounds off the album and does the slow guitar intro again. You’d think it’d be boring by now, but this album never gets boring. It just shows that with a delicate touch, amazing music can be produced and one thing this album has plenty of is amazing music. Take a bow Randolph’s Leap. This is a stunningly simple and beautiful piece of work. Best dust off those cassette players folks, you’ll definitely want to get this album. It does come in digital format as well, for you old fashioned folks.

Steve McGillivray

This is without a doubt a feel good track and with its intelligent use of sampling combined with fantastic production it is simply a hit. LETTERS are clearly making a bid for the mainstream and ‘The Halfway House’ shimmers with a sophistication that is quite admirable for a new band. There is an emotional weight to this track that is delivered with sincerity and I think this is what translates as the most appealing thing.

There is no denying that LETTERS like to produce grand songs, with an added paper weight of string arrangements to flesh out gorgeous melodies, they really have an edge.

Halina Rifai

Burial (William Bevan) first gained real critical acclaim with his last album Untrue and tracks such as Archangel were completely captivating. He brought a rare and addictive style of Dubstep that was dark, complex and overall breathtaking.

His new Kindred EP continues the Burial theme that we have grown to respect. Ashtray Wasp is devastatingly good, it successfully immerses you full throttle into a world of grimy sonancy.

Turn it up loud kids, the man is back in style.

Follow: http://www.hyperdub.net/releases/view/149/HDB059 to stream Ashtray Wasp and the Kindred EP. You can purchase from Hyperdub Records.

Halina Rifai

Andrew Butler will be releasing his EP, February 14th on Folkroom Records, unsurprisingly on Valentines Day. If this enchanting heartbreak is anything to go by, the EP should be one for every day and not just the yearly love in.

The EP is available to download here from the 14th. At £4 it’s cheaper than your average bunch of roses, and with less thorns, though perhaps it comes with a greater chance of someone getting a prick.

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Kirstin Lynn

So, you’re a pretty eclectic kinda guy and we’ve only just met. What do we need to know about you? Describe yourself to us in three sentences (please)…

I start to smell quite quickly due to how hirsute I am, I think it just catches all the smells flying around.
I make things.
Third sentence.

There’s a lot going on on your records. What instruments do you play?

There are instruments I play and instruments I can get noises from but just the usual nonsense like piano,drums,guitars and some traditional folk instruments as well.

I do believe you produce all your own sounds from your chamber. What’s your studio set up?

I dont want to take all the credit for my sounds because Im still quite a big fan of sampling but most things you hear will be made in house (HA! In house get it, hmph) .
The set up is basic – PC,Hi-Fi Speakers,Mixer,Mic,Instruments and an endless supply of tea. Software is still Fruity Loops (7 or something), Adobe Audition and thats about it.

Cowbell: love or hate, discuss?

Used in the right areas it steals the show but used in the wrong areas it can be like the flatmate who finishes the milk and doesnt say anything about it.

Your most recent releases Maimies Lounge (The First Bit), At The Market and Skunk Hour are fairly contrasting. Describe each of them to us and who they’re aimed at?

At the Market is pretty much the only one I am playing live the now due to my lack of a band and is the more electro based album.

Maimies Lounge is where all my experimenting of instruments gets done and is the most acoustic.

Skunk Hour & The 3 Heroes (Re-Release) are a kind of mix of the both but have a sound of their own.

I dont even think about who I am appealing to, if someone tells me they like it then that goods my head but i have found that the older generations enjoy Maimies Lounge more than any of the others which I can understand.

Who and what are your main influences?

Van Morrison
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
Captain Beefheart
French Electro
The Mars Volta
90’s T.V

If we took you out on a hot date (we’re talking equator hot here son) where would we take you to ensure we’d see your ceiling that night?

Cut that night out nonsense, straight into the sex hurt and emerge some days later and go for a non flesh orientated munch.

Which other local bands or artists would you most like to share a bill with?

Why am I Building a Tank? Those children know how to make noise!

Describe the Bovine live experience to us…

They are electro only at the moment, I have been playing electro gigs for a few years now and have been toying with the band idea for a while and have had good reason to, so hopefully in the next few months there might be some Maimies Lounge gigs…

You released three albums in three months. What are you powered on?

Tea, Lack of sleep and going AWWW!!! when I make something I like.

You make videos too, take photographs and are a general all round whizz. What’s your magic made of?

The stuff you can see on a sunny day floating about inbetween you and the tv.
Also just reading stuff, pressing buttons and then put a Bovine on it.

How chart friendly do you think you are, is this important and ideally where would you like to see yourself in the prime of your success?

Some of my tunes are chart friendly, not all of them but I dont really know much about the charts. I dont have a TV and my internet usage is limited to my nanas so I dont know the latest on Frankie Cocozza etc but i know there is good stuff in the charts, I just dont get much of a chance to check it out.

2012 is the year of the dragon, but it can be the year of the cow for us. What magic have you got up your wizard’s sleeve of tricks?

Year of the cow, yes!
I would like to think a good few more albums,videos and gigs.
Also been working on some ideas for small stories with a couple of friends so we shall see how things go with that as well, but a productive one i hope…

P.S If you were allowed to hear one song before the BAG (Big Angry Giant) ripped off your ears and sooked out your ossicles for a life time of subtitles and signing, which song would you chose?
Keith Jarret – Treasure Island

For more information on Mr Bovine and his creative juices/ milk check out the links below. The tart with a heart is also available for remixes as well as making his very own fruits of ear succulence. Listen until your udders swell.

Kirstin Lynn

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Booking And Management Agency

We dedicate this episode to Hubby (as he is known by his friends) in a tribute to his second album Thirteen Lost & Found. Released January 30th on Chemikal Underground Records and a true testament that if you have the passion and talent then things will come your way.

Tracklisting for this week is:

RM Hubbert – ‘Sandwalks’ with Stevie Jones & Paul Savage

Adam Ant – ‘Prince Charming’

El Hombre Trajeado – ‘Cartesian’

Minutemen – ‘Joe McCarthy’s Ghost’

I Build Collapsible Mountains – ‘Burn’

Aidan Moffat & Bill Wells – ‘The Copper Top’

RM Hubbert – ‘We Radioed’ with Luke Sutherland

RM Hubbert – ‘Sunbeam Melts The Hour’ with Marion Kenny & Hanna Tuulikki

RM Hubbert – ‘Half Light’ with Emma Pollock & Rafe Fitzpatrick

The Delgados – ‘The Light Before We Land’

RM Hubbert – ‘The False Bride’ with Alasdair Roberts

Thirteen Lost & Found is out now. We thank RM Hubbert for his continued support and belief. He really is one in a million.

By Luke G Joyce

No big deal to people in Edinburgh and Glasgow I’d imagine, but when you live in Fife these occasions don’t come around very often. Once the Jam Jar is located, it’s up the stairs into the unknown. The venue turns out to be a fairly small room, with a two tier stage. Dominating the back of the stage is a large drum kit that I’m guessing belongs to Mark Devine from The Twilight Sad. You can almost picture the “Do Not Touch” and “Keep Off” signs. Drink in hand and positioned stage left with my wife, we settle in for the openers Astrid & Quinn. It’s great seeing local bands (both support bands are from Dunfermline) getting on the bill with such an established band and Astrid & Quinn get straight into proving they deserve to be there. They set a fair tempo throughout their set, with some songs featuring violin alongside the usual instruments. I got a sense of New Order/Joy Division at times, but a good slice of pop sensibilities from the 4-piece as well. It’s fair to say the front man had a cracking voice, giving it some volume at times. There was a hint of New Wave in there too, with the violin being set aside in favour of a Korg synthesiser or a keyboard. The crowd were lapping them up too and even some Grandmothers were present lending their support. (Sheila was the singer’s Grandmother apparently). All in all it was a great start to the night and hopefully we’ll hear much more from these guys. It’s always nice to see good support from friends and family too.

Number two on the bill are another local band People, Places, Maps. It’s probably fortunate there are two levels to the stage as these guys are rocking six band members, comprising three guitars, one singer, one bass and one drummer. They form a solid line and let rip with a great guitar riff on their opening song. The energy levels have been raised considerably. Singer Ryan McGlone is like a whirlwind on stage, racing back and forth like a mad General rousing his troops for one last charge. The music is pretty much indie rock, but there are hints of Madchester, a dash of Frightened Rabbit and a sprinkling of headliners The Twilight Sad. This isn’t to suggest mimicry; more subtle references as the band have a sound unique to them. Occasionally the three guitars smother the vocals but this is more to do with the sound set up than anything else. It’s another very good set and once more the locals are appreciative. As with Astrid & Quinn, this is a band I will try and get along to see again in the future. It’s also encouraging to see two bands show that the Fife music scene isn’t just about the Fence Records gang.

Once the stage is cleared and set up for The Twilight Sad, the band themselves retreat to a room at the rear of the stage with what appear to be fish bowl sized wine glasses. The lights go down and a repeating note rings out, sounding like a synth created alarm. It reverberates in your chest and it feels great in the small, compact venue. The band soon appear while the “alarm” continues to sound, then without further ado they literally throw themselves into ‘Kill It In The Morning’. It’s fantastic. The new industrial/synth outlook these guys have is propelling them to new heights and this translates into very moody, atmospheric live shows. Andy MacFarlane is like a magician with that guitar, creating mesmerising soundscapes that rush at you like a sonic wall, breaking before impact to reform into another pattern, before coming at you again.

There’s a bit of a false start to the second song but the band take it in their stride and don’t bat an eyelid. That’s the only misstep that I noticed during the otherwise flawless set. As you would reasonably expect with a new album due this week, there are a lot of new songs getting an airing. They sound utterly fantastic too. James Graham looks like he’s gone into his own world, switching between staring out at the crowd to seemingly battling a demon inside as he writhes on the stage, shaking his head. He is a brilliant frontman. The power he can get into his voice is something to behold. When he lets rip at one stage I swear people in Edinburgh must be looking northwards towards Fife. Special mention must go to Mark Devine. Sat behind his drum kit on the raised section of stage at the back, he’s like a king on his throne. That is if a king made a hell of a racket and led a brilliant rhythm section along with a great bass guitar from Johnny Docherty. There’s also Martin ‘Dok’ Doherty, standing sentinel behind his synth and keyboard, MacBook open to his side. Unsmiling throughout, but clearly into what he was doing, his work on the new material in particular is great. The fact he didn’t crack a smile just made it cooler.

This was a great gig. Locals Astrid & Quinn and People, Places, Maps were both excellent but to see The Twilight Sad in such a small venue and in Fife too was a real treat. The new album is superb and the live versions of those songs, as well as some classics, were a joy to behold. James Graham told me, for this very site, that he isn’t a natural frontman. He may not be a natural, but he is an incredible front man. These guys are now unquestionably the live band to see in Scotland. The future, somewhat ironically, is very bright for the boys from Kilsyth. Glasgow is in for a treat come the 7th of February, when the band head out on a UK tour.

Steve McGillivray

The album review is on its way, but in the meantime I couldn’t let this pass without making them one of our Songs of the Day. It was genuinely difficult to pick a single track and my favourites keep changing like my underwear, but ‘Judicial Duel’ was the one that I first had on repeat for a long time.

This track gives me faith in Indie music after becoming somewhat disillusioned for a while. A delightfully composed song that is almost cathartic in delivery. Declan Gallen’s unmistakeable vocals are exhilarating; The Jane Bradfords have taken common influences and grafted them into fresh and arresting.

The album comes out February 13. You will not be disappointed; Northern Ireland has something to be shouting from the rooftops about.

Halina Rifai

The festival will run February 16 – 26 and has been a focal point over the years; it grows each year and has become a major event in Glasgow’s cultural calendar.

The Glasgow Music and Film Festival live events and screenings will take place across selected venues. These are as follows: The Arches, Mono, SWG3, The Old Hairdressers (opposite Stereo), GFT, CCA, Cineworld and Pollockshaws Burgh Hall.

The Glasgow Music and Film Festival screenings are as follows:

No One But Me, GFT Tuesday 21 February (17.00)

Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest Cineworld Wednesday 22 February (13.00), GFT Saturday 25 February (22.45)

Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone, CCA Wednesday 22 February (20.30), GFT Thursday 23 February (13.00)

Backyard: Cineworld Tuesday 2 February (14.45) & Wednesday 22 February (21.15)

The Other F Word: GFT Thursday 23 February (11.30), CCA Friday 24 February (18.45)

The Swell Season: GFT Thursday 23 February (21.00)

The Phantom of the Opera: (1925), Pollokshaws Burgh Hall Sunday 26 February (19.30)

Bob and the Monster: CCA Friday 24 February (20.45), GFT Sunday 26 February (20.30)

I am a huge fan of a Tribe Called Quest and The Swell Season. Two artists at polar spectrums from one another, but both exceptionally inspiring.

The Glasgow Music and Film Festival Live Events are as follows:

HIGH PLACES: The Arches, Thursday 16 February (20.00) £8

A PSYCHOCINEMATIC RITUAL: OV, Psychogeographical Commission and The Wyrding Module: The Old Hairdressers, Thursday 23 February (20.00) £5 

This looks like it could be one of the highlights of the whole GMFF for Podcart. After their spectacular warm-up for Italian horror soundtrack legends Goblin at last year’s Festival, occult project OV returns – this time using ritual, coincidence, numerology and a hefty dose of magick – to explore both the beauty and cruelty of war. An unsettling collaboration between members of Desalvo, Unwinding Hours and Sons and Daughters, OV was born out of a shared fascination with the occult and the otherworldly. Performing live film soundtracks alongside intriguing visuals, OV and collaborators use the power of music and cinema to shock and disturb.

CRY PARROT PRESENTS: UMBERTO – Secret live film soundtrack, SWG3, Saturday 25 February (20.00) £5

Having followed the work of Cry Parrot and their astonishing hard work this is sure to be a highlight. They are a relentlessly loveable collective that are a real asset to the DIY circuit in the city.

As you can see the programme is pretty impressive. We urge you to check out the festival!

Tickets for all shows are on sale now from the Central GFF Box Office at Glasgow Film Theatre, by phone on 0141 332 6535 and online via www.glasgowfilm.org/festival or from The Arches Box Office, on 0141 565 1000 or online via www.thearches.co.uk.

Halina Rifai

I’m adorned with a pretty good facsimile of the All Seeing Eye (in permanent marker too) by the lovely lady (El Parks) on the door and into the venue I go. There’s a decent crowd, which is to be expected given the host and line-up. Local boys Vasquez are first up and a good number of the crowd at this point seem to be fans as the three piece launch into what is a series of raucous metal instrumentals. There are riffs aplenty and the sound the three make is pretty impressive. I hear that the bass player on stage isn’t even the regular guy. I can’t verify this, but if it’s true the guy is a natural, pumping out some rather fat bass lines. All in all it’s very well received and an impressive set from the guys. Oh, they’re named after the tough female marine in Aliens too, which is pretty cool in my book.

A quick hello in between bands is in order, with Matthew from Song, by Toad Records and our very own founder Halina, amongst the audience. Before long and after a few hellos, it’s time for PAWS. I’ll assume you know who these guys are (if not get it sorted now. You won’t regret it). Having seen these guys twice last year I am fairly excited about seeing them tonight. A few tweaks from the always brilliant Electric Circus sound man and they are ready to go. Now, as I write this I’m referring to my trusty notebook and beside PAWS  entry from Thursday night it just says “awesome”.

These guys know how to make an almighty racket, but they do it with melody, booming rhythm section and killer hooks. It’s easy to see the influences from the likes of Sonic Youth and Pavement, but with their own energetic twist. It’s by no means perfect, or as tight as it could be, but rather than detract this merely makes me like them even more. There’s a pivotal moment when Philip has problems with tuning and the set has a few false starts. I say it’s pivotal because the mood on stage takes a downward spiral culminating in Philip launching his guitar into the drum kit mid song. The consensus in the audience is the days of recording in London and constant gigging have taken their toll and if that’s the case, who can blame them. It doesn’t detract from a brilliant set and will only serve to add some notoriety to the band. I can’t wait to see them again.

More hellos and chat fill the time between PAWS and United Fruit. The Glasgow based rockers are taking the stage for what will be my second time seeing them. I caught them by chance at T in the Park in the summer and they were really impressive. The crowd are treated to an ear bleeding set from the band. Reminding me of At the Drive-In they grab your ears and stuff rapid drum fills, screaming, snarled vocals, booming bass and shredding guitars. It’s pretty breathtaking. They were good at T in the Park’s, T Break Stage but tonight up close and personal they are excellent. Switching between vocalists on some songs adds a nice touch of variety, while the guitars have a brilliant droning note in the background. Vic Galloway even gets a song dedicated to him which he proceeds to play air guitar and head-bang through. It’s exhilarating, noisy and just plain good fun. For the final song, which is pretty stunning, the drummer even takes a drum from his kit and puts it in front of the stage and has audience members play along with the band too. It’s great stuff.

Hats off to Vic Galloway for putting these band together on the bill. Three different bands but all with the common theme that they rocked my socks right off. Vasquez managed to be inventive and interesting, even though each track was instrumental. PAWS were just PAWS i.e. they were brilliant and United Fruit were also brilliant, channelling bands like At the Drive-In and …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead, all done with their own snarl and booming bass. Special mention to drummer Ross Jenkins. I can’t recall seeing hands move so quickly, yet look like they were hardly moving at all. Kudos, Sir! To top it all I got a new PAWS badge and their Volume 3 tape. Result.

Steve McGillivray

We were first introduced to this incredible artist by Rich Thane and the team at The Line of Best Fit. TLOBF is a London based music site that is essential reading and listening. They highlighted the track ‘Under The Bridges’, which is a stunning cacophony of experimental sounds that combines into one of the most uplifting tracks I have heard in some time. But, we are here to talk about ‘The Fox’!

Deservedly ‘The Fox’ is our Song of the Day. Niki & the Dove is an artist that you could lose yourself in for days and this track is a prime example why. It is full of grace, flair, elegance and added brouhaha.  It is as much intellectually satisfying as it is musically.

The video for the track was released yesterday and shows the boundaries that artists like this push in terms of creative excellence. Interpretations like this make me happy that people are not settling for a run of the mill video involving a few shots and some panning. They are actually using the imagination that we were meant to explore.

Halina Rifai

I saw them first in Bar Bloc some time ago having been introduced to them by my better half and have since followed them. I have chosen their belting track ‘The Corporation As We Know It is Dead, Dead, Dead’. This is an almighty track, it ebbs and flows with incredible ease and when it hits its peak it is full on gargantuan riff city.

The boys play The 13^th Note tonight and I am very much looking forward to it.

Halina Rifai

Our Song of the Day is ‘Heart Heart’ which is the title track from his forthcoming EP released through those workaholics Fence Records.

‘Heart Heart’ is a track abnormally alive with possibilities. Additionally, it is a defiantly charging song that could almost celebrate the human spirit.

Sincerity will always play a big part in communicating music; ‘Heart Heart’ is firmly worn on its own sleeve.

Halina Rifai

When we saw Dems name in the same sentence as Common’s we immediately got that aroused feeling, you know the one you get if you saw Björk with Thom Yorke? These two gentlemen are at the top of their game when it comes to new music and with their fingers firmly on the pulse.

‘Infinitea’ was originally composed by Common and Dems (Dan Moss) has remixed it with a lot of love. There is nothing like a delicate array of synthesisers, percussion and a naïve vocal. Sometimes it far outweighs the brutal punch of some electronic music and makes a far greater impact. This is one of those occasions.

This is our Song of the Day; I don’t think either of these two artists will ever disappoint me.

Halina Rifai

‘Hollow Bones’ has been chosen as our Song of the Day for numerous reasons. It is a rich acoustic song that is delicate and beautifully endearing. I am not the biggest fan of acoustic material so it does take someone special to come along and intrigue me.

The video itself is absolutely stunning. A painstaking stop animation process that took literally thousands of pictures, a stanley knife and incomprehendible patience. I have been raving about this for days and as a whole this is beatific.

You can purchase the track from Siiga’s Bandcamp: HERE!

Halina Rifai

The song taken from his second album ‘Thirteen Lost & Found’ sees RM Hubbert collaborate with Marion Kenny and Hanna Tuulikki. Two exceptionally talented ladies.

‘Thirteen Lost & Found’ was released yesterday to a rapturous reception and this video is another string to RM Hubbert’s exquisite bow.

The video was created by visionary David Hand http://www.alongbirdalley.co.uk.

‘Thirteen Lost & Found’ was released on Chemikal Underground Records yesterday. Feast your eyes on this beauty:

The band have announced a new video, ‘No Future/No Past’ and it is a stand out. The track is maniacal, yet it is tinged with melody. It builds an unnerving amount of tension and the video mimics this with an undeniable amount of imagination. ‘No Future/No Past’ is like an HD David Lynch movie with added ferocity.

Halina Rifai

Cloud Nothings – “No Future / No Past” Official Video from Urban Outfitters on Vimeo.

As a collective they had a hunger, a real passion for what they were doing. You could see it in them. The way they played together, how accomplished they were given their age and the camaraderie immediately stood out. However, I wasn’t entirely sold on their catalogue of tracks.

Ex-Podcart member Sean McCann was in love with them and I suppose that is the beauty of having different members with different tastes. The band I am sure will not mind my honesty but the last 12 months has been very hit and miss for me.

I saw the band live in Mono in Autumn 2011 and the first half of the set was not to my liking and I think that is entirely because of the older material, but then the new material took over the latter half. It was strikingly more accomplished.

‘Younger’ is my Song of the Day and fills me with jubilance. It just goes to prove that you cannot in any way write off a band because of a few songs that you don’t like. Everyone that knows my musical tastes knows that I am a very emotionally driven person and when it comes to music I immerse myself in the grand crescendos, the enormous uplifting choruses and the spine tingling melodies. ‘Younger’ is simply brilliant and illustrates exactly how far French Wives have come on as a band.

The maturity and experience they have gained shines through this track and there is no denying that Stuart Dougan has one of the most attractive singing voices.

Congratulations guys, you have won me back over.

French Wives’ debut album ‘Dream of the Inbetween’ is out on 7th May via Electric Honey and ‘Younger’ will be available as a free download on 27th February.

Halina Rifai

This year it is even bigger and better with various sponsors and a venue upgrade to Glasgow’s Garage. We caught up with Richy and asked him all about the SAMA’s.

Expect a lot of coverage from Glasgow Podcart on this event. It really has brought the community together in a brilliant way.

Over to Richy!

Please tell us a bit about yourself and why you decided to start the SAMA’S?

For years and years I’ve always been a massive music fan, so much so that I took part in MTV FanWalk in 2009. FanWalk is a once in a lifetime experience in which 100 of Europe’s biggest music fans walk together from Hamburg to Berlin in Germany over 10 days, to the MTV EMA’s and one lucky walker gets the opportunity to present an award live on stage at the EMA’s which is broadcasted to millions of viewers! From this experience of bringing people together to celebrate music, made me want to reinvent something similar back home, but of the genres which I listen too. After some research into what currently exists, I felt the need to create the SAMAs with the aim of recognising and awarding alternative and cutting edge artists in Scotland, therefore this became my unique creative project for 3rd year at University.

What makes the SAMA’s unique from other awards?

From my experience at Award shows they all tend to be very suited and booted, drinking overly expensive champagne and eating luxurious food. Don’t get me wrong, I like that – however the SAMA’s is more of a gig like environment featuring comedy, exclusive performances and special guests. It’s almost a party.

How have you improved the event this year?

The event has been improved in terms of capacity, it is now being held at the Garage on Sauchiehall Street. We are also doing an exclusive VIP Experience with a Meet N Greet, Complimentary Drinks, experience behind the scenes of awards, and Balcony Access for viewing the show. Other improvements include a Press Area, Red Carpet with display and there will be two after parties.

Other improvements include working with our main sponsor Vintage Guru (Byres Road, Glasgow). We are also holding a free launch party at Bar Bloc in Glasgow on the 8th February and we released an IPhone & Android Mobile Application which is also a free download.

Why do you feel that you have made this a popular event? Do you think it is crucial to know your audience?

I think because of the consistency and natural growth of the awards is probably the main reason for the popularity. Awarding in only seven categories make this special and memorable, from talking to various artists and people within the industry they respect this decision. In terms of knowing the audience, I feel it is very important – however it is also great to be able have new faces experience the awards and enjoy themselves in the process.

Who have been some of your favourite Scottish unsigned bands over the last few years?

Oh there are so many! I played a show in my old band with Twin Atlantic, and now they are on tour with Blink 182, Sold out UK tours, Red Bull Records, Kerrang Covers – so from seeing them at such an unsigned level to what they are currently are, is incredible. The Lafontaines are another artist who have worked incredibly hard and are seeing great results by playing in the likes of Camden Barfly, Supporting Example etc. My current favourite EP is by a band called Dweller – a great blend of hardcore, with melodic vocals and catchy guitar hooks! A few other favourite acts include Alan McKim, Indian Red Lopez, Finding Albert, and Amber Wilson.

What are some of the obstacles you have come up against since planning the awards?

Sponsorship has been a very difficult obstacle in the start up process, especially beginning this as a University project and people not having heard of it before. Other obstacles include running it successfully whilst fitting it into my work and University schedule.

Are there any fairly unknown artists you think we should check out?

Two artists recently who have really been standing out for me are both Brown Bear & the Bandits and Athos. Both acts are actually from Ayrshire where I’m from!

What is the best part of what you do?

I love it when people are talking about the awards and who they voted for/want to win the category with their friends, or tweeting us saying they love the iPhone app, seeing winners & nominees further their musical career, and obviously the final product of hosting the main event. The main event is always my favourite part of the entire process – bringing people together to celebrate music.

For full information on the SAMA’s then please visit: http://www.officialsama.co.uk

You can also find the Facebook: HERE!

Halina Rifai

This weeks tracks are all artists that played New Year’s Revolution 2012 which Craig organised. We chatted to Craig about everything including tips for unsigned bands, his own personal music tastes and also his pet hates when it comes to unsigned bands! This is well worth a listen!

Our podcast is also available to download from iTunes and SoundCloud!

Tracklisting for this week is:

The King Hats - ‘6/8′

The LaFontaines – ‘Stop it Now’

Bear Arms – ‘Towers’

Kill The Waves - ‘The Oak Tree’

United Fruit – ‘Red Letter’

Hector Bizerk – ‘Man Up’

Ajimal – ‘Wolf’

Holy Esque - ‘Rose’

Coat Hooks - ‘Popcorn Blues’

Discopolis - ‘Bears Kill Kids’

If you would like to send your demos over to Craig at DF Concerts then please email: Craig.Johnston@dfconcerts.co.uk

I don’t actually give a fuck who is in the band to be honest. I mean that with the greatest of respect as the thing that interests me more is their music. Die Hard are so ridiculously vibrant that I find each song so overwhelming I have had to spend a lot of time listening to each track for long periods of time.

Our Song of the Day is ‘Hands’. Tracks like this give me writer’s block because I find it so difficult to try and describe what an exquisite cacophony they are. There is no denying that it brings me back to Panda Bear, but it is a derivative and they have so many other individual qualities. ‘Hands’ builds up to an extraordinary level of grandeur and still maintains an extreme warmth and delicateness.

Halina Rifai

Hands by Halleluwah_Hits

Those two wee ladies at LAID (for those that don’t know this is not a sexual promotion course, nor a human battery farm). LAID is the new gig promotion night started off by the same two girls Hannah and Aileen that crashed into our lives with MILK! Dairy is good for the soul.

Tonight LAID will be celebrating Rab’s birthday in their unique style. 3 artists will be gracing Bar Bloc for a treat of an evening.

First up are Podcart favourites Trapped in Kansas. The math-rock quartet have an impressive number of accolades under their belt. Their latest EP ‘How To Go’ is nothing short of inspiring. Finn, Chris, Iain and Colin have maintained an individuality with their music and having lived parts of their journey quite extensively, then we are confident in saying they are an incredible band to see live. (http://trappedinkansas.com)

Next up is Poor Things, first introduced to us by those lovely chaps French Wives. However, they sound nothing like their recommenders. These lo-fi beauties are dreamy, captivating and take me right back to my Pavement days. They create slices of weird rock with tracks such as ‘Retreat’ that I wholeheartedly welcome with open arms. Poor Things are a band that has been on heavy rotation in my ears over the last 12 months. (soundcloud.com/poorthings)

Finally, a curve ball is being thrown in the shape of Scottish hip-hop legend Loki. There is promise of a unique take from him on Robert Burns’ ‘Toast to the Lassies’ which we are sure will be every bit as brilliant as we predict. (

It has to be said that the MILK/LAID girls should be given a huge pat on the back. They are consistent with their nights and cover all spectrums of this diverse and wonderful music community that we are all part of. I am sure tonight is going to add to the confetti of delights that they have showered us with.

Well done girls! Tonight is FREE! Yes, that’s right it will cost nothing so you have extra pennies to spend on your whisky to toast this evening.

Halina Rifai

The day in question is Saturday February 23^rd and it is all part of the UK MOBO Tour 2012. So what exactly is involved on this day? Well, there is an afternoon packed full of workshops and seminars and in the evening the The MOBO Academy ‘Industry Takeover’ will hit the city with an open MIC/MC battle and an evening gig that will feature both local artists and MOBO Tour artists.

The Takeover will feature many respected experts from various organisations including: SB.TV, RWD Magazine, PRS for Music Foundation, DF Concerts, artists on the MOBO Tour alongside luminaries from the Scottish scene including Andy Rankin (ABAGA Records), Profisee, David Boyd (Capital 1212), Rachel Grimes and one of our favourite people on the planet Muslim Alim (BBC Radio 1). Each will share their own knowledge.

Now for the brilliant bit, it is all completely free! It is hitting 8 cities across the UK and will be a massive opportunity for you to showcase your talent and to get networking!

The full day will take place across: The Mitchell Library/Art School Union/The Garage.

TO APPLY FOR YOUR FREE TICKET FOR THE MOBO TOUR OR INDUSTRY TAKEOVER VISIT:

To apply for tickets for the Glasgow workshops please click: HERE!

To apply for tickets for the Glasgow concert please click: HERE!

Halina Rifai

We have always been a fan of this band, their vigour and passion for what they do feeds through their music and performance and the track that has been chosen as our Song of the Day is a prime example of this.

‘6/8′ is in my opinion one of the stand out songs from the band’s catalogue. An angry track with stalking percussion and beautifully addictive guitar lines intertwined throughout. I can definitely hear a progression in the band, both musically and maturely.

An unsigned banned that thoroughly deserve this Song of the Day.

Have a listen:

6/8 by thekinghats

‘6/8′ is taken from the band’s new EP First Light and is available to purchase now. Please visit: http://thekinghats.bandcamp.com/album/first-light

Halina Rifai

The company has created inklink™ – a brand new process, which puts a unique and secure music digital download code on to artist designed merchandise. Everything from t-shirts to hoodies, belts, tote bags and skip hats can be encoded.

The initiative is band-led and means bands now have a new low cost alternative format for releasing their music: a band t-shirt, with a screen-printed inklink™ to their latest track(s), album or video.

Jetpace Industries specialise in band t-shirts and work closely with local bands, including RM Hubbert, We Were Promised Jetpacks, Remember Remember and The Gothenburg Address, to hand screen-print their merchandise.

Tim Pearson, director at Jetpace, said:

“The inklink™ idea arose as we pondered two factors. First, how hard it is for bands to sell their music on CD. And second, how increasingly reliant bands are on t-shirt and other merchandise sales.

Integrating download codes into t-shirt designs seemed an inspired, cool and natural solution.

At jetpace we are fans of music and want to support bands and musicians – the beauty of t-shirts is they can’t be converted into ones and zeros.”

JohnPaul Coyle, director at Jetpace, added:

“Every inklink™ t-shirt or hoody or bag is completely unique. It’s much more than just a CD. It’s a numbered and limited edition collectors’ item which bands can create and fans can cherish.”

The first artists to commission inklink™ t-shirts are I Build Collapsible Mountains and RM Hubbert.

RM Hubbert commented:

“Inklink™ t-shirts is a genius new way for me to promote my music”.

Bands and artists interested in releasing their own music as an inklink™ t-shirt should get in touch with jetpace industries.

For more information please visit: http://www.jetpace.com

I Build Collapsible Mountains Close Up

I Build Collapsible Mountains Graphic

Errors have therefore landed our Video of the Month title for this colourful and awe-inspiring video. Directed by the very talented Rachel Maclean, ‘Pleasure Palaces’ is what the inside of Kraftwerk’s combined brains would look like on a bender of absinthe and that kids programme Lazy Town. In no way a piss take of a comparison, however one that really fuels your imagination to a phenomenal degree.

Halina Rifai

Dick Hyman – Alfred, The King of Disco (Magic Daddy Travesty Edit 2012)

Not entirely sure about the name Magic Daddy, but this is has to have the word funky included somewhere. It also takes me back to Super Discount days and Etienne De Crecy which is always a bonus. A cross-pollination of house, disco and electro this is a beauty.

Dick Hyman – Alfred, the King of Disco (Magic Daddy Travesty Edit 2012) by Magic Daddy

Saturday Night Gym Club – How To Build A Life Raft

This was one of those tracks that was a grower. Newly signed up to the A Badge of Friendship roster, this is one of the first tracks to get real publicity. The quartet that hails from England and Ireland have already had an impressive live history. We seem to be having a mega pop day on Podcart today! This is fantastically upbeat and

Saturday Night Gym Club – How To Build A Life Raft by abadgeoffriendship

Urvanovic – Bubblewrap

This is exceptionally sweet. I don’t mean in a completely patronising and demoralising way, but in the way that it makes you want to sit there and smile to yourself. Staccato strings and plummeting synth sounds combined with duelling male/female vocals shows that this lot have a lot of promise. I really want to see this band live now!

Bubblewrap by Urvanovic

Ólöf Arnalds – Car Song

I first saw Ólöf in Glasgow’s Captains Rest and she brought time to a standstill. She is one of these artists that creates different worlds with simple, heart –felt melodies and whispering vocals. This is one of those songs, a lullaby essentially and a track that just goes to show less is more.

Ólöf Arnalds – Crazy Car by One Little Indian Records
diurvan

If you want us to check out your SoundCloud then please follow us at www.soundcloud.com/glasgowpodcart

Halina Rifai

We are huge fans of one of his previous collaborators Aidan Knight (whom you should check out immediately if you haven’t)! We are therefore delighted to find out that Mangan has a new single coming out March 19^th called ‘Row of Houses’. It is a rousing single with added gospel ingredients taken from his stunning album ‘Oh Fortune’. It will undoubtedly raise the profile of this promising musician.

You can see the official video below:

Additionally, Mangan has announced he will be touring the UK again in April/May. This is brilliant news as having seen the man himself live previously it is not a show to be missed. The dates are as follows:

APRIL

27th: BRIGHTON, The Hope

28th: MANCHESTER, Castle

29th: GLASGOW, Stereo

MAY

1st: NEWCASTLE, Cluny 2

2nd: BRISTOL, Louisiana

3rd: LONDON, Bush Hall

4th: OXFORD, Jericho Tavern

5th: LEEDS, Holy Trinity Church

We urge you to check him out!

Halina Rifai

With alumni that includes And So I Watch You From Afar and Oppenheimer and a present gargantuan roster that includes LaFaro and More Than Conquerors it is no surprise that Podcart follow them very closely.

The latest artist to grab our attention is the beatific Iceland group Feldberg. To put it simply, when you can listen to one track on repeat for an hour or more and you get that ridiculous excitement akin to Christmas Eve then you know you are onto something special.

Our Song of the Day goes without any hesitation to the Reykjavik based duo. The track in question is the glorious ‘Don’t Be A Stranger’, a track full of additive little hooks, syncopated vinyl scratches, nectar vocals and a chorus that is bursting with uplifting melodic bloom.

We demand you listen immediately!

Don’t Be A Stranger by Smalltown America

For more information on Feldberg and indeed all the Smalltown America artists please visit: http://www.smalltownamerica.co.uk/artists/feldberg

Halina Rifai

The album opens in a fairly low key, broody manner with The Sleeping Colony. There’s a sense of barely restrained energy throughout, with the songs intensity building as it progresses. So far the post-rock boxes are being ticked. Vocally, it’s pretty special too, almost spoken word at times but when Rachel Grimes adds her voice, it’s great. It’s a lengthy opener at around seven minutes long, but it’s never dull.

There are no three minute pop songs here. Most songs start around the four and a half minute mark and head north of there. The post-rock is referenced, but not copied. Songs like Arc of the Absentees are deceptively simple, but compelling. One of the features of the album is the vocals. Every member chips in, but it’s mainly Joe Manning and Rachel Grimes. Individually they are excellent, but together they are spectacular.

It’s not all nods to the bands post-rock origins though, The Anniversary has a folk feel to it thanks to the guitar and hushed vocal style. With the addition of piano and the more traditional bass, guitar and drums the tempo increases, moving away from the initial lo-fi feel. Again though, it’s a lengthy number at around eight minutes, it’s always engaging.

There are some moments that evoke Radiohead and Neil Young, particularly A Storm Kept Them Away and Volunteer. The former is an instrumental track that begins like something from OK Computer before veering off into it’s own sound, while the latter is another that starts low key before the band give it some body and it ends with you feeling you’ve heard vintage Neil Young.

Lorelei is one track that starts and ends pretty low key, while closer Open Sky opens with a vocal duet and no music. As elsewhere on the record, the two vocalists are sublime and play off each other beautifully. The rhythm section is prominent and the piano features again. The tempo picks up a couple of minutes in thanks to a sparkling guitar that becomes the main focus of the track. It’s great stuff.

Overall, this is a very good album, it’s a very enjoyable listening experience. It’s not filled with traditional three minute indie tracks, rather five, six, seven minute tracks of complex beauty. The vocals are excellent and when the male/female dynamic is used they take on a whole new dimension. This is definitely one of the most enjoyable albums I’ve heard in months and I suggest you have a listen too.

Steve Mcgillivray

Yesterday Joan McAlpine secured the debate and brought it to Edinburgh and you can now watch the debate below:

What we must stress is that you have to keep highlighting this issue and not let it disappear into the shadows. The more it stays in the limelight then the more chance there is of something realistically happening. You the unsigned have this amazing platform to showcase your music and it is a magnificent filter to work towards.

Halina Rifai

Beerjacket – delightful, beery.

Julia & the Doogans - warm, cinnamon.

Michael Cassidy – stolid, apple.

I’m going with “The Ornament/Last Wrongs” by Oceansize, mainly because all montages should be set to it.

I’ve had some truly lovely times at King Tut’s!

As a performer, we supported Cattle & Cane last year, and I just loved that gig. We debuted new material that night, the crowd were great, and I thoroughly enjoyed performing in that configuration of the Coat Hooks (for the band changes with each gig/recording. That night Coat Hooks were: Nav Noorbakhsh, Andy McKinnon, Neil Campbell and myself).

As a punter, attending all five of Idlewild’s ‘album gigs’ in December 2008 was quite something. I’m a bit of a die-hard fan, so hearing each album in full, alongside various b-sides and requests, was wonderful. Also there were solid support acts in the form of The Twilight Sad and Foxface.

Red Rocks, in Colorado, has always looked incredible.

Our interview with the warm-milk effect wonder that is the truly scrumptious Julia went a little like this…
Describe each other band on your bill in one word and a flavour?

Beerjacket:
Word: Inspiring
Flavour: Home Baked Apple Pie (warm)

Michael Cassidy:
Word: Insightful
Flavour: Whiskey

Coat Hooks:
Word: Infectious
Flavour: Cherry Cola

God Only Knows – The Beach Boys.

We played the Summer Nights Festival and the crowd sat down on the floor during our set. It calmed us down and was brilliant for a mellow bunch like us.

In a complete dream world: somewhere like Carnegie Hall in NYC with a massive orchestra. Or failing that, at a circus while acrobats defied gravity. Dressed as clowns.

And in the words of the lovely Michael Cassidy…

Describe each other band on your bill in one word and a flavour?
Beerjacket – incredible guitar work – Prawn Cocktail

i was lucky enough tom play the brudenell social club in leeds which was a dream for me but I would love to play main room in the concert hall on my own and after seeing Bon Iver at the Usher Hall I have to say that would be my life complete if I got to play there!

Tonight really is set to be more nurturing than a breastfeeding from Pamela Anderson (in her prime lads, in her prime). We’ll see you there for a suckle…

Kirstin Lynn

Sean Campbell of the band gave us a unique insight into things including his passion and love of the GlasgowBlogger.

Describe each other band on your bill in one words and a flavour?

United Fruit – fruity, red Skittles

Lady North – regal, maltesers

Natalie Pryce – kazoo, marzipan

Jonathan Snee – Godless, bitter

What song (apart from one of your own) would soundtrack film footage of the best bits of your band so far?

Stan Bush – The Touch

Seal – Kiss From A Rose

What’s your best memory of King Tuts either as a punter or performer?

The burgers are really nice.

If you could play any venue on this planet which would it be?

The GlasgowBlogger’s bedroom

http://www.huntgatherband.com

We have now put on two shows with the guys and if we could adopt them then I am sure we would. As we have been banging on about they are playing King Tut’s tonight and we are actually finding it hard to contain our excitement.

We asked the band a few questions about tonight in a quick fire type round and here is what genius drummer Paul Bannon had to say:

Describe each other band on your bill in one word and a flavour?

Natalie Pryce: Mental & Cream

Hunt / Gather: Angry & Vanilla

United Fruit: Radge & Strawberries

What song (apart from one of your own) would soundtrack film footage of the best bits of your band so far?

Dillinger – Cocaine In My Brain

What’s your best memory of Tut’s so far, either as a punter or performer?

The three of us went to see the Fall of Troy play in 2009 which was real good, I think. We were all pretty burst so they could’ve been shite. We’ve played at Tut’s before, but in different bands. I like how they have a TV and coffee pot backstage so you can catch the soaps with a strong cup of special K before you have to play.

If you could play any venue on this planet which would it be?

King Tut’s, obviously! Britain’s best small venue, NME, June 2011. Cheers!

Halina Rifai

Photo Credit: Su Anderson

Well if there was a band to wet yourself with excitement about then this is them. Lady North are one of the most incredible unsigned artists we have had the pleasure of seeing live.

We have now put on two shows with the guys and if we could adopt them then I am sure we would. As we have been banging on about they are playing King Tut’s tonight and we are actually finding it hard to contain our excitement.

We asked the band a few questions about tonight in a quick fire type round and here is what genius drummer Paul Bannon had to say:

Describe each other band on your bill in one word and a flavour?

Natalie Pryce: Mental & Cream

Hunt / Gather: Angry & Vanilla

United Fruit: Radge & Strawberries

What song (apart from one of your own) would soundtrack film footage of the best bits of your band so far?

Dillinger – Cocaine In My Brain http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8e6S8mXLSQ

What’s your best memory of Tut’s so far, either as a punter or performer?

The three of us went to see the Fall of Troy play in 2009 which was real good, I think. We were all pretty burst so they could’ve been shite. We’ve played at Tut’s before, but in different bands. I like how they have a TV and coffee pot backstage so you can catch the soaps with a strong cup of special K before you have to play.

If you could play any venue on this planet which would it be?

King Tut’s, obviously! Britain’s best small venue, NME, June 2011. Cheers!

Halina Rifai

Headlining are juggernauts United Fruit. Having premiered their new video for ‘Red Letter’ yesterday, United Fruit have been a band that we have been consistently been following since early 2009.

Having established themselves as one of the best emerging bands of 2011 and their debut album Fault Lines being cited as a favourite by not only BBC Introducing Scotland and Vic Galloway, but many others, United Fruit really are a band to keep an eye on.

The thing about United Fruit is that they have appealed to so many people from differing sectors of the music industry and also people into varying styles of music. I suppose when you can do that then you know you are onto something great.

Supporting them is a cacophony of incredible talent. First up is our band of 2011: Lady North. There is nothing more I can really say about this band that has not been said. I just implore you to go and see them live, they will blow your bollocks off and if Masterchef extraordinaire Greg Wallace was here to describe them, well they would give you a big intricately beautiful kiss in the face.

Next is Hunt/Gather. My first time seeing them live tonight, however I am familiar with members’ side projects including all round nice guy Sean Campbell. On record they sound huge, so I am incredibly excited.

In the bar we have Jonathan Snee of Flood of Red, I have check out his Bandcamp page and it is full of dark, brooding tracks. I will be sure to be in early doors to check this belter out.

So back to our headliner, United Fruit. We caught up with drummer Ross Jenkins who fancies himself as a king of sorts. We asked him some questions and in his own comical way he answered them:

Tell us who is in your band and an interesting short fact about each person.

We’re a 4-piece comprising of Iskandar (guitar, vocals), Stuart (guitar, vocals), Marco (bass) and Ross (drums)

*FUN FACTS!*

Iskandar is regularly voted ‘Prettiest Sound Guy in Bar Bloc’, much to the chagrin of colleagues ‘Beautiful’ Iain and ‘Gypsy Prince’ Chris. It’s not an official award mind you, but you can tell by the knowing glances by regulars and random punters alike that it’s pretty much a foregone conclusion “who’d get pumped’”.

Stuart is Batman. No joke the man straight up leathers petty criminals on a nightly basis in his homemade, all black, rubber catsuit, cape and cowl combo..Recent reports regarding a hotel bouncer and claims of excessive violence are completely unfounded and have nothing to do with BatStuarts recent ‘expansion’ into traffic crimes, paperwork duties and the introduction of the ‘Batdesk’.

Marco’s like, really tall and shit.

Ross is rarely allowed to write the interview answers for reasons of being ‘too awesome and handsome’.

You are headlining King Tut’s for their New Year’s Revolution which is awesome! Have you played there before and if so what is a great memory you have about the place?

It is awesome! It’s a nice feeling after having played in the venue several times to be asked to headline not just a night, but the night of the festival. I mean look at that line-up! Pretty darn bitchin’ if I do say so myself (and I do). It’s a nice follow up to our show back in July as part of the King Tut’s Summer Nights which has gone down in United Fruit lore as one of our proudest achievements and a gig that really set the bar for us performance wise.

What do you love about playing Glasgow live? Is it different to other cities?

Well having lived in the city all my life I couldn’t possibly compare it to other cities realistically but it’s always nice telling people about the ’scene’ (and I mean that as a general term for the whole city) in my hometown and seeing their reaction. It seems the way Glasgow tends to produce and nurture a high number of quality bands and performers is a bit of a rarity and one that I feel should be cherished not only by the venues and punters but by the outside community in Scotland as a whole.

Name one artist that is playing the KTNYR12 festival that you want to see and why?

My mate Iskandar’s band, United Fruit. I’ve heard they’re badass. Aside from them maybe Lady North, Hunt/Gather, IT Girl, Pareto and a fair few others. No real reason other than the tunes are good and I owe them money.

If your band was an alcoholic beverage what would it be and why?

Well according to Drinkify.org, the internet’s favourite way to kill ten minutes finding out if all those obscure bands you know can be randomly matched with an alcoholic beverage, United Fruit is an 8oz bottle of Soju (no, me neither).

Is there a band that didn’t make the KTNYR12 bill that you think should have? Can you recommend us a track by them?

Citizens. Best band about. Try a track called ‘My Education’ off their Try harder EP. As in Bear maybe? Although maybe its best they’re not playing as they’ve been getting a lot of good stuff their way recently and I don’t want them turning into egotistical pricks.

What does 2012 have in store for you?

Is it clichéd to make an apocalypse joke? Hopefully 2012 will be the year of the unnecessarily long tour for us. We’re currently writing new material for our second record so we’re aiming to have that out this year.

Would you rather shit out a monster truck or shit out Anne Widdecombe?

I’m assuming by ’shit out a monster truck’ you mean out the window of a monster truck because Anne Widdecombe doesn’t have windows because she’s a person and not a monster truck. So that’s my answer. Although in all cases I would strive to locate the appropriate facilities beforehand and only choose public defecation as a last resort.

If you could punch another artist in the face who would it be and why?

I’d be more inclined to punch the fans of different artists as it’s their fault I’m aware of said artist in the first place. Although some sort of ‘accident’ involving Scouting for Girls would be interesting.

Finally, choose 3 words to describe what your KTNYR12 set will be like?

Corby Trouser Press.

Halina Rifai

Photo Credit: Martin Baker

Here’s what Bronagh had to say for herself:

Describe each other band on your bill in one words and a flavour?

Esperi: sparkling, mint.

What song (apart from one of your own) would soundtrack film footage of the best bits of your band so far?
Call me Al- Paul Simon.
What’s your best memory of King Tuts  either as a punter or performer?

Playing with Ane Brun, she was sooo lovely (and an incredible performer) and it was our first time playing at King Tuts. I’ve never been so nervous and so excited at the same time, complete rush.

If you could play any venue on this planet which would it be?
Playing in Times Square with a huge jazz band would make my dreams come true.

And from Callum…

Describe each other band on your bill in one words and a flavour?

Esperi: handsome/thai sweet chilli

Gary Ovens: dashing/cheese and onion

Bronagh Monaghan: enchanting/tomato ketchup

What song (apart from one of your own) would soundtrack film footage of the best bits of your band so far?
‘You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet’ -  Bachman-Turner Overdrive
What’s your best memory of King Tuts  either as a punter or performer?

Probably last Thursday with the Lafontaines… incredible tight set, top guys and a great way to kick things off.

If you could play any venue on this planet which would it be?
Winterland Ballroom, Nov 25, 1976

Kirstin Lynn

‘Red Letter’ is a fucking ferocious song off United Fruit’s album Fault Lines and a firm favourite amongst fan. This video is weird and wonderful. Full of texture, colour and has something really quite disturbing about it. Essentially it is a belter! The boys will be headlining King Tut’s New Year’s Revolution tomorrow night!

WARNING: THIS CONTAINS FLASHING IMAGES

Without further ado here she is:

VID: united fruit – red letter from all aboard film on Vimeo.

Get to http://unitedfruit.bandcamp.com/ to listen to the new FAULTLINES album, as well as the rest of the united fruit discography – it’s all great!

Photo credit: Martin Baker

We asked Chris Marr (the man behind the name) some questions about what is coming up and everything that is King Tut’s New Year’s Revolution. A man of very few words, this is his interview:

Tell us who is in your band and an interesting short fact about each person.

Just myself, I like turtles.

You are headlining King Tut’s for their New Year’s Revolution which is awesome! Have you played there before and if so what is a great memory you have about the place?

Yeah I’ve played before, I really like it.

What do you love about playing Glasgow live? Is it different to other cities?

J’adore Glasgow, un public magnifiques.

Name one artist that is playing the KTNYR12 festival that you want to see and why?

There’s loads of great bands I dunno where to start.

If your band was an alcoholic beverage what would it be and why?

Crabbies.

Is there a band that didn’t make the KTNYR12 bill that you think should have? Can you recommend us a track by them?

Sigur Ros, they’ve got loads of great songs.

What does 2012 have in store for you?

I dunno yet.

Would you rather shit out a monster truck or shit out Anne Widdecombe?

I just like to do regular poos.

If you could punch another artist in the face who would it be and why?

I don’t want to punch anyone.

Finally, choose 3 words to describe what your KTNYR12 set will be like?

A fun night.

Also on the bill are some BRILLIANT supports: Callum Baird + Bronagh Monahan + Gary Ovens + Cafe Disco!

Kirstin Lynn