Tag: music

Short film starring autistic pianist wins Scottish BAFTA

A documentary film showcasing a talented autistic pianist has won a prestigious Scottish BAFTA award.

Harmonic Spectrum, which features 25 year old Edinburgh-based Sean Logan, was awarded the distinguished honor in the Short Film & Animation category at the star-studded BAFTA Scotland Awards on Saturday.

The film focuses on Sean, a talented musician using the piano to navigate life on the Autistic Spectrum. As he is drawn into new musical collaborations, he must learn to balance his enthusiasm and compulsive energy with understanding and compromise, redefining his artistic perspective.

The documentary short was produced and directed by Austen McCowan and Will Hewitt (above), and has been shown at several film festivals throughout the UK.

Having already gained Best Short Documentary at the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival and the Optical Sound Award at the Flatpack Film Festival, the BAFTA win is the film’s most high-profile honour to date.

The BAFTA Scotland awards honour achievement in Scotland’s film, television and video game industries.

Sean Logan, who is starring in Harmonic Spectrum, said: “I hope that the legacy of this film is focused on what art can mean for people on the spectrum. Music is a therapeutic tool for people like myself, it connects me to people, music is something that brings people together.

“What I’ve learned is that the help is out there, and it’s by using tools that are out there already in the world for autistic people like myself, that I’ve succeeded. However, we need to ensure that people have access to those tools, because loads of people are still struggling.

“We’re really coming into a great time for people on the spectrum, as autism is being understood and identified a lot more now, and by 2050, who’s to say that neurodiversity won’t be the norm?”

Rob Holland, External Affairs Manager at the National Autistic Society Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to see Harmonic Spectrum receiving a Scottish BAFTA award, as it represents an important step in raising awareness of the lives and experiences of the 56,000 autistic people in Scotland.

“The depiction of autistic people in film and TV has often been from the perspective of non-autistic people and in many cases has compounded myths and assumptions. This film flips that putting Sean’s voice as well as his music at the heart of the story.

“We hope that this achievement will inspire more stories from autistic people like Sean to be told through film.”

Scottish Ensemble announces Concerts by Candlelight tour

Music for Warmth and Restoration

This December Scottish Ensemble will take its annual Concerts by Candlelight on tour to locations across Scotland for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Taking place at venues in Aberdeen, Inverness, Perth, Dundee, Edinburgh, and Glasgow from the 2 – 8 December 2021, Concerts by Candlelight: Music for Warmth and Restoration is the perfect pre-Christmas musical feast set against a backdrop of shimmering light.  

For the first time ever the incisive and dynamic presence of violinist and director Matthew Truscott will lead proceedings and Concerts by Candlelight: Music for Warmth and Restoration will offer something for every taste, with a selection of music spanning centuries, inclusive of a variety of genre and styles.

A web of connectedness binds this string programme around its central work, Beethoven’s taut and beautiful ‘Heiliger Dankgesang’. A song of thanks for recovery from illness it is one of the most celebrated, profound and joyful pieces of string music from any period, and its intimations of past, present and future make it a very fitting tribute to the past 18 months, as we emerge into the ‘new normal’ and enjoy live music all together, once again.

From the gorgeous musical balm of Henry Purcell to the warmth and generosity of Brahms, the touching music by Biber, and the thick, treacly sonic textures of Julia Wolfe’s Four Marys, wherever you are in Scotland this winter, Concerts by Candlelight is the perfect outing for both families and friends.  

Violinist and director Matthew Truscott said: “I am very much looking forward to working with Scottish Ensemble to help bring some warmth and restoration to audiences across Scotland with Concerts by Candlelight this December.

“The programme features music that channels sentiments of courage and overcoming adversity, which seems fitting this year, and I can’t wait to perform in front of live audiences in Scotland once again.”

Concerts by Candlelight Ticket Details

2 December – St Machar’s, Aberdeen

3 December – Inverness Cathedral, Inverness

4 December -St John’s Kirk, Perth

6 December – Caird Hall, Dundee

7 December – Greyfriars’s, Edinburgh

8 December – Wellington Church, Glasgow

Available from www.scottishensemble.com

Repetoire

Henry Purcell In Nomine in 7 parts, Dorian

Julia Wolfe Four Marys for string orchestra

Heinrich Biber Balletti Lamentabili a 4

Johannes Brahms Adagio from String Quintet No.2 in G major

Franz Schubert Der Leiermann (The Hurdy-Gurdy Man) from Winterreise (arranged for string orchestra by Dobrinka Tabakova)

Henry Purcell

Symphony and Here the deities from Welcome to all the pleasures

Fantasy on One Note

Ludwig van Beethoven Molto Adagio (Holy song of thanksgiving) from String Quartet No.15

(arranged for string orchestra by Iain Farrington)

Anon In Nomine in 6 parts

Basement Jaxx to headline Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2021

Grammy winning, electronic music duo headline Party alongside Scottish DJ and presenter Arielle Free

Tickets for Party at the Bells headlined by Basement Jaxx (DJ Set), supported by Arielle Free, are on sale now available here.

The electric duo will take to the Ross Bandstand stage under the famous Edinburgh Castle backdrop to perform hits from their DJ set such as Where’s Your Head At, Do Your Thing, Romeo and Oh My Gosh!

The double BRIT and Grammy winners will be supported by BBC Radio 1 DJ, and Scotland’s answer to Annie Mac, Arielle Free, who will be returning to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay after ringing in the bells in 2019. Party goers can prepare themselves for more bangers than the midnight fireworks, making it the best place to welcome the new year!

Garden Access Tickets for Party at the Bells are now sold out, a limited number of Premium Garden Access Tickets for Party at the Bells went on sale today (Tuesday 9 November) at 10am.

Party at the Bells: Street Access tickets will allow revellers to view Basement Jaxx’s DJ set through a series of screens as they are beamed onto the street from the Ross Bandstand. Party goers will also enjoy interactive street theatre entertainment from Close-Act Street Theatre, who will be joined by Scottish based PyroCeltica with more acts to be announced soon.

The world-renowned midnight firework display will also return with a bang, accompanied by a special soundtrack from Basement Jaxx themselves.

Underbelly Co-Directors, Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam, said: ‘Basement Jaxx are world class DJs and we’re bringing them to Edinburgh for the biggest night of the year!

“Nothing brings people together like live music and, after a year like no other, we can’t wait to see them on stage in Edinburgh, helping us to see 2021 out in style.’

Basement Jaxx duo, Felix Burton and Simon Ratcliffe said: “Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is an iconic event known to artists around the world.

“The crowds in Edinburgh are always full of atmosphere and we know it will be a special night heading into 2022.”

Cllr Cammy Day, Depute Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Edinburgh is THE place to be to celebrate Hogmanay and it’s great to have the return of live events including music from Basement Jaxx to herald 2022.

“The past year has been very challenging right across the globe and for us, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is such a fantastic way to close 2021 and bring a shared sense of renewed hope and optimism for the year ahead.”

In a showcase of some of the best of Scottish music, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay festival will also see Greyfriars Kirk play host to imaginative contemporary folk act, Breabach, on 29 December whilst local singer-songwriter, Dougie Maclean OBE and three x BRIT Award winner, Eddi Reader OBE take to the stage on 30 and 31 December respectively.

Working closely with the City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Government, Underbelly is meticulously planning Edinburgh’s Hogmanay in the context of Covid-19 and is dedicated to creating a safe and fun environment for the 2021 celebrations. Ticket holders for the Party at the Bells and the Torchlight Procession, who are aged 18 and over, will need to show a Covid-19 passport to enter the events.

For more information and tickets, please visit:

https://www.edinburghshogmanay.com/

Live in Leith returns to Leith Theatre for second series

Intimate performances from two of Scottish music’s rising stars, streamed live from the historic Leith Theatre

Live in Leith returns after its inaugural series in Spring 2021. Streaming on DICE with exclusive weekend access over 6-7th November 2021, the venue hosts Lizzie Reid, Scottish Album of the Year nominee; and Wester Hailes’ LOTOS/Last of The Old School, recently featured in a BBC Scotland documentary (https://bbc.in/3pllbA2), who are one of the key voices in Scottish rap.

Inset: Lizzie Reid / Live in Leith – C: Rory Barnes

After being successful in gaining 2nd round funding from Creative Scotland’s Performing Arts Venue Relief Fund, Leith Theatre was able to once again reach audiences who have a love of new music and the venue while the building remains closed.

Live in Leith was able to re-engage with the local creative network and work alongside them to produce two incredible recorded sets while providing important income streams for industry professionals and the artists themselves.

Inset: LOTOS / Live in Leith – C: Rory Barnes

Hosted once again by Vic Galloway, Live in Leith puts a spotlight on 2 of Scotland’s rising stars at what is an important time in their careers. 

The artists play a 20 minute set composed of current and new numbers followed by a get-to-know-you interview with host, Vic Galloway. The setting is Leith Theatre’s Female Chorus Room, a green room used for major productions in the venue. A special space, largely untouched since its 1961 refurbishment, the viewers get an AAA pass for these streams.

“These streams are not to be missed. The recordings are up close and personal with two of Scotland’s brightest talents. I am in no doubt, these acts will come back and headline our main stage as well as many other famous venues across the country.” – Callum Jones, Programme Curator & Coordinator

Tickets on sale now on a Pay What You Want scale:

 https://dice.fm/venue/leith-theatre-6qp8

Research reveals the ultimate Halloween playlist

  • ‘Thriller’, ‘Monster Mash’ and ‘This is Halloween’ top the list 
  • Lana Del Rey, Rihanna, Stevie Wonder and Billie Eilish also feature 
  • Listen to the ultimate Halloween playlist here 

New research has revealed the ultimate playlist for Halloween, with ‘Thriller’, ‘Monster Mash’ and ‘This is Halloween’ crowned the most popular songs. 

The study, conducted by Gala Bingo, the nation’s favourite bingo site, analysed thousands of Spotify playlists1 that contain the words ‘Halloween’ or ‘scary’ to identify the tracks which appear the most frequently. 

Other spooky classics, such as ‘Ghostbusters’, ‘I Put a Spell On You’ and ‘Time Warp’ also feature highly, as do artists like Billie Eilish, Rihanna and Lana Del Rey. 

The top 25 Halloween songs are: 

1) Thriller – Michael Jackson 

2) Monster Mash – Bobby ‘Boris’ Pickett 

3) This is Halloween – The Citizens of Halloween 

4) Halloween Theme – John Carpenter 

5) Spooky, Scary Skeletons – Andrew Gold 

6) Season of the Witch – Lana Del Rey 

7) (Don’t Fear) The Reaper – Blue Öyster Cult 

8) Somebody’s Watching Me – Rockwell 

9) Spooky, Scary Skeletons (Undead Tombstone Remix) – Andrew Gold 

10) Ghostbusters – Ray Parker Jr. 

11) Stranger Things – Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein 

12) Time Warp – Little Nell 

13) I Put a Spell On You – Screamin’ Jay Hawkins 

14) Disturbia – Rihanna 

15) Superstition – Stevie Wonder 

16) Highway to Hell – AC/DC 

17) Psycho Killer – Talking Heads 

18) Calling All the Monsters – China Anne McClain 

19) Dead Man’s Party – Oingo Boingo 

20) People Are Strange – The Doors 

21) bury a friend – Billie Eilish 

22) Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) – Eurythmics 

23) The Addams Family (Main Theme) – Vic Mizzy and His Orchestra and Chorus 

24) Oogie Boogie’s Song – Ed Ivory 

25) The Purple People Eater – Sheb Wooley 

Karina Adrian, head of brand marketing at Gala Bingo, said: “Halloween is a time of celebration and parties, and a good playlist can really set the tone!  

“Our ultimate Halloween playlist is packed full of the best spooky songs, both old and new, so you can create the perfect atmosphere this weekend.” 

You can listen to the ultimate Halloween playlist here: 

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/57yJGdxaWtgA7BRk4FVhxm?si=55d052aa380b452d  

Common Sound: Why is live performance so important?

Scottish Ensemble & Nemone Metaxas launch Common Sound, a concert and discussion celebrating collective experience touring Scotland this October

  • Scottish Ensemble teams up with 6 Music DJ and psychotherapist Nemone Metaxas for Common Sound
  • Common Sound is a mix of music and discussion exploring what performance means for audiences & performers
  • Taking place in Dundee, Glasgow, Inverness and Edinburgh with performance options adapted to accommodate those social distancing
  • All tickets are at the special price of £10 to welcome back audiences to live performance

Scottish Ensemble is excited to return to live performance at locations across Scotland for the first time since the pandemic. Common Sound is a brand-new programme of live, in person events exploring the importance of live performance, which will take place at four locations across Scotland this autumn.

Common Sound is an hour-long event that asks the question ‘why is live music important?’ and Scottish Ensemble are inviting audiences from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Inverness to come along, take part and share thoughts, insights and inspiration.

At a time when many, if not most, performances – from music through to dance and theatre – are available to watch online, Nemone and Scottish Ensemble performers will discuss what it is about being in the same room as other people who are all seeing and hearing the same thing, that elevates the quality and impact of a performance.

Blending live musical performance with provocations, conversation and debate, Common Sound will see Nemone and Scottish Ensemble musicians sharing their perspectives on what music does to us and why. Carefully devised sets of music, including tracks by Jonny Greenwood, Caroline Shaw and Steve Reich, will create an absorbing listening experience for mind and body, and a specially developed atmospheric lighting design will bring the music to life on stage.

After 18 months of primarily online performance, SE can’t wait to get back in front of audiences from across the country at this exciting set of events which have been tailored to accommodate those with concerns around safety, as we emerge from the pandemic. In a nod to those who are still adjusting to the ‘new normal’ and seek the reassurance of social distancing, SE will host both socially and non-socially distanced events at all locations, apart from in Dundee Where the single performance will be socially distanced

Common Sound will take place at Cottiers in Glasgow on Wednesday 21 October, at Eden Court in Inverness on Friday 22 October, at Assembly Roxy in Edinburgh on Saturday 23 October and finally at Marryat Hall in Dundee on Sunday 24 October 2021.  The performance in Edinburgh on the Saturday 23 October, will be live streamed (audio only) via Mixcloud (full programme below).

William Norris, Interim Chief Executive at Scottish Ensemble, said: “It’s hard to put your finger on what it is exactly, but there’s something very special about sharing a performance with a room full of expectant audience members.

“We hope that Common Sound will go some way to exploring what that intangible something is, and it’s particularly apt as this will be the first time we’ve gathered indoors for live music with audiences across Scotland for almost two years.

“Developing these concerts with Nemone has been a privilege and joy, there have been so many creative ideas being exchanged, and we’re going to have our work cut out to fit it all into a 60 minute show!

“I’m thrilled to be meeting audiences across Scotland, face to face, and exploring our relationship to live music in more depth. It feels like such an important conversation to have, particularly after the events, or rather the non-events of the past 18 months.

“We very excited to share this project with audiences, and as a thank you to them for sticking with us during the last 18 months we’re going to be offering all seats at just £10.”

Nemone Metaxas, 6 Music DJ and psychotherapist, said: “I’m really excited by my first collaboration with Scottish Ensemble. It’s been fantastic devising the Common Sound project with their Artistic Director Jonathan Morton.

“It’s going to be so reaffirming to be back in front of live audiences for Common Sound and listening to live music together once again.”

St James Quarter’s first ever fashion festival ‘Edinburgh Style’

Grab your heels, dress to impress and prepare to be inspired as St James Quarter presents its very first ‘Edinburgh Style’ event from Thursday 14th – Sunday 17th October.

Scotland’s new fashion capital, St James Quarter will host an array of stylish events over the long weekend. The line-up includes fashion and beauty workshops hosted by world-renowned influencers, autumnal wreath demonstrations to live music with Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival and an unmissable fashion show in partnership Edinburgh College of Art.

Kicking off from 11am each day, St James Quarter will have a variety of pop-up locations for fashionistas to explore including the ‘Style Dome’ on St James Square and the ‘Style Lounge’ in the galleria.

Attendees can drop into the ’Style Dome’ to watch a series of talks hosted by eight iconic influencers over the course of the weekend. The influential hosts include the beauty icon who boasts Kim Kardashian as one of their number one fans, Reuben de Maid, Scottish fashion guru and Dula fashion house founder, Jilly Isabella and food expert Just Jess.

John Lewis will also host an exclusive session with established model Chioma who will provide top tips on how to style your wardrobe this winter.

And it doesn’t stop there: Edinburgh College of Art graduates will be presenting their collections with models in the galleria and onto the car park for a one-off not to be missed boutique fashion show.

Attendees can also admire work created by Textiles and Jewellery & Silversmithing graduates displayed in the ‘Style Dome’, as well as hear from Edinburgh College of Art and Graduate Fashion Week 2019 Award Winner Rosie Baird, who will be discussing her own graduate collection and inspiration behind the St James Quarter Tartan that she designed.

Throughout the weekend shoppers will be entertained with pop-up bars, an art exhibition, selfie stations at the ‘Style Stories’ and so much more. A number of brands from The Quarter including Boots, Peloton, Ixia Flowers, Bodyshop, Keihl’s and IOLLA are also set to get involved throughout the weekend.

 Rochelle Weir, brand and marketing director at St James Quarter, said: “What an event we have lined up. Not only will this give people an opportunity to see all the amazing brands, including Keihl’s and IOLLA, we have here at St James Quarter but it’s also a chance to flaunt your own style and be inspired by others. The influencers attending to host our fashion and beauty workshops are some of the best in the business.

“Who better to give you glam tips than Reuben de Maid – the person who has worked one to one with Kim Kardashian!

“We are also extremely excited to be working with Edinburgh College of Art graduates to bring our very own fashion show to life. If you’re in Edinburgh from the 14th-17th October, make sure to come down and check out everything we have going on – it’s not to be missed!”

Mal Burkinshaw, Head of Design at Edinburgh College of Art, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with St James Quarter for this unique event. This opportunity gives our graduates a platform within a high-end retail context and will be an invaluable experience for them.”

Edinburgh Style events are free to attend and will be allocated on the day through a first come, first served basis. For more information on the events taking place from Thursday 14th – Sunday 17th October visit St James Quarter’s event page at: https://stjamesquarter.com/events/

To celebrate Edinburgh Style and other upcoming events, St James Quarter is offering all customers half price car parking from 5:30pm every night until Sunday 31st October.

Society launches whisky talk podcast series with Vic Galloway

Famous faces of Scottish culture and arts including crime writer Ian Rankin to feature on The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s new podcast series

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has partnered with Vic Galloway for a special podcast series dedicated to great music and stunning whisky.

Since collaborating with the Society in May 2021 to match music with the 12 SMWS flavour profiles, BBC Scotland DJ and writer Vic Galloway is taking his passion for Society whisky to the next level, with his Whisky Talk: Malts & Music podcast series.

Across the series, Vic will sit down in the Tasting Room at The Vaults, the Society’s spiritual home in Leith, for a whisky-fuelled chat with well-known whisky fans from Scottish cultural life.

Along with a tasting pack of five Society single cask malt whiskies, each of Vic’s guests will explore their creative loves, their passion for whisky and most importantly, how each of the five Society drams has inspired a favourite piece of music.

Whisky Talk: Malts & Music kicks off on Thursday, 7 October with crime writer Ian Rankin, who pairs his Society drams with tunes from John Martyn, James Yorkston, Karine Polwart, The Skids and The Blue Nile.

The podcast series will continue with Norman Blake from Teenage Fanclub, writer Val McDermid, Justin Currie from Del Amitri and Stina Tweeddale of Honeyblood.

BBC Scotland DJ, writer and whisky enthusiast, Vic Galloway said: “Good whisky and good music go hand in hand. I had such a great time pairing 12 music genres with the 12 Scotch Malt Whisky Society flavour profiles earlier this year, and that gave us the idea for Whisky Talk: Malts & Music.

“Asking a whisky-loving creative person to match five malts with five pieces of music and chat to our guests about the experience was a huge amount of fun. As the whisky flows, we go off on unexpected tangents about creative work, opinions and life in general.

“I hope the Whisky Talk: Malts & Music interviews give listeners and viewers a new insight into these creative minds and some of the finest whisky on the planet. Join us for a good chinwag and spectacular drams!”

SMWS: Vic Galloway, Radio DJ photographed at The Vaults, Edinburgh. Photograph: Mike Wilkinson…02/04/21. Copyright: Mike Wilkinson. 07768393673 mike@mike-wilkinson.com www.mike-wilkinson.com

Whisky Talk: Malt & Music with Vic Galloway launches on Thursday, 7 October on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iTunes, Google Podcasts and Stitcher, or simply search for ‘Whisky Talk podcast’.

You can watch the videos of the conversations on the SMWS YouTube channel at: https://cutt.ly/4ERQC4R.

For more information about The Scotch Malt Whisky Society click here.

Edinburgh creative projects get go ahead with Lottery funding

Thirteen creative projects from Edinburgh-based artists and creative organisations are taking place thanks to more than £253,000 National Lottery funding through Creative Scotland.  

And If Not Now When? – a new audio-visual installation being exhibited at National Museum of Scotland; Open Book – a project aimed at making literature accessible to diverse populations and Positive Imaginings, an innovative outdoor show presenting the issue of climate change for young audiences are among 44 projects in total sharing in £903,734 of funding.  

And If Not Now When? (above) is a new work from sound-designer Philip Pinsky and film-maker Karen Lamond. The interactive audio-visual installation aims to inspire a re-imagining of our urban spaces and what our human experience of them is and can be. 

The installation will be on public display at National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh from 1st to 14th November 2021 (during COP26). 

Co-creator and sound designer Philip Pinsky says: “Through our work we are inviting the public to experience a transformed urban reality with the aim of inspiring social change and provoking answers to the question, how can we respond to the climate emergency?” 

Open Book uses literature as a tool for combating social isolation, supporting wellbeing, inspiring creativity and amplifying marginalised voices.  

Open Book’s co-founder and development director Marjorie Lotfi says: “Participants describe our groups as ‘a lifesaver’, an ‘oasis’ and a ‘way to connect’ with others when they feel isolated by geography, disability or circumstance. 

“Funding means we can continue this work from Shetland to Ullapool to Stranraer, in community groups, groups for the elderly and refugees and migrants, in prisons, and in public sessions in English, Gaelic, Scots and Arabic.” 

Speactram is the debut album from vocalist, lyricist and poet Marcas Mac an Tuairneir. This debut release will see Marcas embrace the Gaelic language whilst showcasing musical influences from the genres of pop, pop-folk, R&B and dance.

A key element of this new work will be an exploration of LGBTQ’s place within the Gaelic corpus.  

Marcas Mac an Tuairneir says: “I am grateful to Creative Scotland for seeing the worth in me as an artist and this new development in Gaelic music.

“As an urban new speaker of Gaelic, it is important to me that Gaelic arts represent the myriad experiences of the community across Scotland and in Canada too.”  

Finally, Positive Imaginings is a new outdoor show from Rowanbank Environmental Arts & Education CIC.

Director Arran Sheppard said: “Creative Scotland funding will enable us to bring the Positive Imaginings show to communities in Edinburgh and Glasgow during COP26, giving children from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to engage with the Climate Emergency in a creative and empowering way.”

Iain Munro, CEO, Creative Scotland said: “Thanks to the generosity of National Lottery players who raise £34 million for good causes across the UK every week, our Open Fund awards are helping artists and creative organisations develop innovative projects that enrich the lives of people across Scotland, while raising questions about the important issues of our time and ensuring our collective creative voice continues to be heard.”

A full list of recipients of Open Fund awards is available on the Creative Scotland website.