Tag: music

Soundhouse announces line-up for NEW winter music festival

Full Line-up Announced for New Music Festival  

Dates: Thursday 28 November to Monday 2 December 2024

www.soundhousewinterfest.com

The Soundhouse Winter Festival, is a brand new music festival which will take place from Thursday 28 November to Monday 2 December in Edinburgh, thanks to support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.

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Fergus McCreadie headlines the Soundhouse Winter Festival on Sat 30 Nov

The festival showcases musicians either from, or based in Scotland, and runs over St Andrews Day and the Fair Saturday weekend. The programme includes some of Scotland’s finest jazz, and trad musicians, a showcase of emerging new musicians, music workshops for adults and young people, a silent film accompanied by live music, and live performance poetry.

Headliners include award-winning pianist Fergus McCreadie performing solo and with fellow leading world musicians Mindaugas Stumbras (guitar), Michelangeol Scanroglio (doublebass) and Mattia Galeotti (drums); rising star Megan Black whose music has been described as 70s blues rock meets queer feminist pop, and whose latest EP ‘Full Circle (Part 1)’ has recently been nominated for ‘EP of the Year’ in Scotland; Su-a Lee and Friends (Duncan Chisholm, Donald Shaw and Hamish Napier) who sold out The Soundhouse’s Rose Theatre Fringe run in 2023; and Callum Easter & the Roulettes, fresh from touring the USA, who will play The Queen’s Hall with special guest Iona Zajac whose powerful voice seamlessly blends folk and indie and alternative genres with an authentic grit that has captivated audiences across Europe.

The festival is also delighted to present a brand new collaboration between outgoing Edinburgh Makar Hannah Lavery and acclaimed composer Kate Young. This one hour show will be based on Lavery’s work Unwritten Women with a new score by Young.

The festival’s programme also includes some unmissable early evening concerts at the Traverse with Gaelic singer songwriter Rachel Walker performing with one of the country’s foremost folksingers and accompanists Aaron Jones; Edinburgh-based poetic psychedelic supergroup Acolyte (Ruairidh Morrison on bass, Gloria Black on synth and backing vocals, Daniel Hill on percussion and led by award-winning poet and spoken word artist Iona Lee); acclaimed singer-songwriter Victoria Hume, joined by long-term collaborator Chris Letcher, playing alt-folk songs from her new album Radical Abundance, about the dying days of capitalism and what might emerge next; and singer Nicole Smit performing some cool jazzy numbers with her Quintet (Vid Gobac on drums, Cameron Bradley on piano, Dave Toule guitar, and Kassandra E’Silva on saxophone).

Other highlights over the weekend include the SWF Spotlight, a showcase of the jazz stars of tomorrow programmed by Helena Kay; and a screening of The Rugged Island: A Shetland Lyric accompanied by music composed by award-winning multi-instrumentalist Inge Thomson from Fair Isle with Shetlander Catriona Macdonald. The Rugged Island: A Shetland Lyric is a beautiful tender dramatisation of Shetland life, and was originally filmed in 1933 by pioneering Glasgow filmmaker Jenny Gilbertson. It will be opened by a short solo set by award-winning Shetland pianist Amy Laurenson.

Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers said: “The Soundhouse Winter Festival presents a snapshot of the very best music produced in Scotland today.

“There’s no doubt that our small country produces some of the world’s finest musicians and we are honoured to give them a platform at our new festival.

“Shining a light on our home-grown stars seems an appropriate way to extend the St Andrew’s Day celebrations across this 5-day event. Despite the current gloom in the Scottish arts world, we hope the event will be inspirational and the first of many Soundhouse Winter Festivals.”



Siobhan Anderson, Music Officer at Creative Scotland said: “The Soundhouse Winter Festival looks to showcase some of Scotland’s finest musical talent and brighten up dark evenings with a dazzling array of acts.

“St Andrew’s weekend is the perfect time to hold such an event and it is great to see the cross section of artists from across different genres with experimental and innovative programming and collaborations.”

Booking link for tickets – soundhousewinterfest.com

SAY Award opens public vote

MUSIC FANS INVITED TO ‘HAVE THEIR SAY’ ON SCOTLAND’S NATIONAL MUSIC PRIZE

Scotland’s national music prize, The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, today invites music fans to ‘Have their SAY’ and vote for their favourite Scottish album. 

The SAY Award’s 72 hour public vote is open now, meaning the public can back their favourite Longlisted album to secure its place on 2024’s Shortlist: remaining in the running to win the coveted title and £20,000 first place prize. 

The free vote is now open via www.sayaward.com – fans have 72 hours to back their favourite record, with a diverse range of albums in the running from the likes of Arab Strap, Barry Can’t Swim, Becky Sikasa, Theo Bleak, The Snuts and more. 

Voting closes 11.59pm Wednesday 2nd October. 

Plus, The SAY Award has revealed 2024’s judging panel includes Scottish actor and comedian Karen Dunbar, author Doug Johnstone, BBC Radio Scotland presenter Stephanie Cheape, V&A Dundee Director Leonie Bell, Amazon Music’s Hazel Berry and more.

Music fans can vote once per person, choosing between 20 albums on The SAY Award Longlist, from trad to jazz, metal to indie and more. The album with the most public votes will be guaranteed a place on the 10-strong Shortlist, taking home a minimum prize of £1,000 and remaining in the running to win the title of Scottish Album of the Year and a £20,000 prize. 

The SAY Award Longlist

Afterlands We Are the Animals in the Night

Amy Laurenson Strands

Arab Strap I’m totally fine with it don’t give a fuck anymore 

Barry Can’t Swim When Will We Land?

Becky Sikasa The Writings and the Pictures and the Song

Bee Asha Goodbye, Gracious

Blue Rose Code Bright Circumstance

Broken Chanter Chorus Of Doubt

corto.alto Bad With Names

Dead Pony IGNORE THIS

Empire State Bastard Rivers of Heresy

Fergus McCreadie Stream

Kathryn Williams & Withered Hand Willson Williams

Lucia & The Best Boys Burning Castles

Malin Lewis Halocline

Mama Terra The Summoned

Rachel Sermanni Dreamer Awake

rEDOLENT dinny greet

The Snuts Millennials

Theo Bleak Pain

The nine other albums on the Shortlist will be chosen by an esteemed judging panel, chaired by culture journalist and music professional Arusa Qureshi. The Shortlist will be announced Thursday 3rd October, with The SAY Award winner unveiled at this year’s Ceremony, taking place on Thursday 24th October at Stirling’s Albert Halls.

Buy tickets for The SAY Award Ceremony now via www.sayaward.com. 

Robert Kilpatrick, CEO and Creative Director of the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) said: “Each year, The SAY Award public vote is a chance for music fans to have their SAY and help determine the Scottish Album of the Year.

“The public’s choice will be guaranteed a place in this year’s Shortlist, securing them a minimum prize of £1,000 and keeping them in the running to win the overall prize of £20,000. 

“We encourage music fans across Scotland to get involved, back their favourite record and have their SAY by taking part in the public vote. Best of luck to this year’s Longlist – it’s a truly fantastic snapshot of Scottish music from the past year, and we’re looking forward to celebrating these records and more, at The SAY Award Ceremony next month.”

2024’s judging panel will reconvene at The SAY Award Ceremony to choose the ultimate winner. This year’s judging panel is: Alistair Braidwood (Owner/Host, Scots Whay Hae!), Briana Pegado (Author & Founder, Good Trouble Co.), David Pollock (Journalist), Doug Johnstone (Author), Hazel Berry (Artist Relations & Amazon Originals Lead, Amazon Music), Karen Dunbar (Comedian/Actress/Entertainer), KevTame (Music Industry Professional, Welsh Music Prize Organiser), Leonie Bell (Director, V&A Dundee), Paul Bonham (Professional Development Director, Music Manager’s Forum), Sabrina Henry (Head of Programme, CCA), Stephanie Cheape (Singer/songwriter and BBC Introducing Presenter, BBC Radio Scotland). 

All shortlisted artists receive a trophy designed by Dunblane glass maker Elin Isaksson via The SAY Award Design Commission, as well as a prize of £1,000. The SAY Award winner takes home the ultimate prize of £20,000 plus a bespoke trophy, which will be made from recycled and molten glass. 

One of the most highly anticipated nights in Scotland’s musical calendar, music fans can buy tickets to attend The SAY Award Ceremony, joining an audience of artists, industry professionals, press and cultural tastemakers to celebrate outstanding Scottish music, with a series of special live performances on the night. 

The SAY Award judging panel will reconvene to select 2024’s Scottish Album of the Year Award winner, exclusively announced at 2024’s ceremony, alongside this year’s Modern Scottish Classic and Sound of Young Scotland winners. 

The SAY Award is a Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) production. The SAY Award 2024 is delivered in partnership with Creative Scotland, Stirling Council,  Stirling Alive with Culture, Seabass Vinyl, Ticketmaster, Help Musicians, HMV, FOPP, PPL, the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative, Youth Music, Music Declares Emergency and Hotel Colessio (hotel partner for The SAY Award Ceremony). 

The SAY Award’s charity partner is Scotland’s national children’s and young people’s mental health charity, Tiny Changes, set up in memory of Frightened Rabbit frontman Scott Hutchison to help young minds feel better. 

Now in its thirteenth year, previous winners of The SAY Award include; Young Fathers ‘Heavy Heavy’ (2023), Fergus McCreadie ‘Forest Floor’ (2022), Mogwai ‘As The Love Continues‘ (2021), Nova ‘Re-Up’ (2020), Auntie Flo ‘Radio Highlife’ (2019), Young Fathers ‘Cocoa Sugar’ (2018), Sacred Paws ‘Strike A Match’ (2017), Anna Meredith ‘Varmints’ (2016), Kathryn Joseph ‘Bones You Have Thrown Me And Blood I’ve Spilled’ (2015), Young Fathers ‘Tape Two’ (2014), RM Hubbert ‘Thirteen Lost & Found’ (2013) and the inaugural winner Bill Wells and Aidan Moffat ‘Everything’s Getting Older’ (2012).

SAY Award Ceremony tickets are on sale now via www.sayaward.com 

£18 + booking fee

Don’t miss The SAY Award 2024 news – follow the award on social media across Twitter @SAYaward, Instagram @sayaward, Facebook @SAYaward and TikTok @thesayaward

World Premiere at St Mary’s

🎵 Join us for a world première!

✨ Our renowned choir will give the first performance of Joanna Marsh composer‘s new piece ‘The Everlasting Covenant’ at Choral Evensong on Sun 6th Oct at 3.30pm!

💡 All welcome to join us, for FREE. https://tinyurl.com/3w9pnztw

National Playlist Day: Create the Soundtrack of Your Life

Today is #NationalPlaylistDay.

Playlists of personally meaningful music can improve the lives of those living with dementia, their families and carers.

What songs make up the soundtrack of your life?

Looking for inspiration on what music to add to the soundtrack of your life this #NationalPlaylistDay?

Have a read of the prompts below that can help you think about the songs that have soundtracked your personal story:

👩‍👧 Songs from your childhood

👯‍♀️ Songs that remind you of friends

😃 Songs that make you feel happy

💃Songs that you danced to at school discos

🙌 Songs that are linked to your faith

🏅 Songs that are associated with your sports team

📺 Songs from your favourite films and TV shows

Create your playlist today. http://nationalplaylistday.org

Autumn Magic Carpet Concert

SUNDAY 29th SEPTEMBER 4pm in STOCKBRIDGE CHURCH

Help support Stockbridge Primary Parent Council’s musical fundraiser! 🍁🎵🎹🎻🎶🍂

Come along to our Autumn Magic Carpet Concert at Stockbridge Church, 4pm on Sunday 29 September!

Our live music concert is a great opportunity to get close to incredible live music played by world-class musicians 😁 You’ll get the chance to see talented musicians perform – accordionist Sofia Ros from Spain 🇪🇸, double bassist Nikita Naumov 🎻 & concert pianist (& City of Edinburgh Music Schoolteacher) Shola Sharbakova Miller from Kazakhstan 🎹!

You can buy your tickets here 🎟⬇️https://www.tickettailor.com/…/stockbridgeprima…/1389996

Funds raised secure much needed carpets for our classrooms 🫶🏻🏫

Our poster has been designed in collaboration with students from Submarine Art & Design School 🤩 check out their courses – there’s loads on for teens! https://www.submarineart.co.uk/

or follow them on instagram @submarineartstudio

Royal Northern Sinfonia to close Lammermuir Festival in style

One of Lammermuir Festival’s most enduringly popular artists, Royal Northern Sinfonia, will celebrate the fifteenth festival coming to a triumphant close tonight (Monday).

They play the two most influential of early Romantic composers, Mendelssohn and Schumann, making for a great pairing for the final concert. Schumann’s Violin Concerto – composed at the end of his life and still very much a rarity in concert – is a gloriously lyrical, heroic work perfectly suited to Maria Wloszczowska’s sweet-toned virtuosity.

This is the last chance to catch Maria Wloszczowska who has had astonishing success in her concerts throughout the 2024 festival.

 The sparkling beauty of Mendelssohn’s enthralling Shakespearian score brings the 2024 Lammermuir Festival to a magical conclusion.

Monday 16 September, 8pm

Royal Northern Sinfonia

St Mary’s Parish Church, Haddington

Tickets on sale at: https://www.lammermuirfestival.co.uk/event/closing-concert-royal-northern-sinfonia/

Texas to headline Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations

Organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay have announced that Scottish music icons TEXAS will headline the Concert in the Gardens on Tuesday 31 December, welcoming party-people from around the globe to dance their way into 2025 at the world-famous New Year festival. 

The homegrown heroes announced their Hogmanay headline slot live on stage during their sold-out show at the Glasgow Hydro tonight (Sunday 15th September) and will be joined by special guest Callum Beattie this December, with Concert in the Gardens hosted by award-winning comedian Susie McCabe.  

Following a recent run of sell-out arena shows and rave reviews across the UK; including two triumphant sold-out nights at the Glasgow Hydro, Texas’ appearance at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2024, makes them the first band to ever headline the festival three times, and marks their first appearance at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay for almost 20 years, having last performed back in 2005.  

Fronted by multi award-winning singer-songwriter Sharleen Spiteri, Texas will play beneath the spectacular backdrop of Edinburgh Castle amidst one of the world’s greatest New Year firework displays, performing the last show of 2024 and first of 2025, bringing in the bells with a hit filled set of career spanning anthems including I Don’t Want a Lover, Say What You Want and Inner Smile.

35 years since ‘I Don’t Want A Lover’ exploded into the charts back in 1989, Texas have gone on to produce ten studio albums, selling over 40 million records worldwide, becoming one of the UK’s most enduring and loved bands.

Their headline appearance at the Concert in the Gardens will once again make Edinburgh the best New Year party on the planet with a Scottish show like no other at the ‘Home of Hogmanay’.  

Texas frontwoman Sharleen Spiteri said: “We can’t wait to play here for a third time. So get on your glad rags and let’s party for the New Year.”

Joining Texas at the Concert in the Gardens is very special guest Callum Beattie. Edinburgh-born Callum has progressed from busking outside the city’s Usher Hall, to recently selling-out two nights at the iconic venue. A special guest slot at the country’s biggest Hogmanay party closes a triumphant year for the singer-songwriter, who’s punchy, rousing, emotive and gloriously catchy debut album scored a No.1 in The Official Scottish Albums Chart. 

Callum Beattie said: “In just a few years I’ve gone from selling 30 tickets, to sold out shows including three sold out Barrowlands and two sold out Usher Halls, but being asked to play the Concert in the Gardens at Hogmanay is without a doubt the greatest highlight of my career so far, and to be doing it with Sharleen and the guys just makes it even sweeter. I can’t believe it!”

Plus, award-winning comedian Susie McCabe will return to host Concert in the Gardens, leading the country in a countdown to midnight. The winner of 2024’s Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, Susie McCabe is one of the country’s most beloved comedians and a fitting host for the night.  

Also on the 31st December, the world-famous Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party will this year welcome 45,000 revellers into Edinburgh city centre and Princes Street, to party their way into 2025 with friends old and new from around the world, counting down to the spectacular Midnight Moment from Edinburgh Castle.

Revellers will once again enjoy a feast of live music, DJs, international street theatre, thrilling funfair rides, along with delicious food and drink, creating a carnival atmosphere throughout the city centre for one massive outdoor party. Tickets are on-sale now, with full programme details to be announced in the coming weeks. 

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2024/25 is supported by Principal Funding Partners City of Edinburgh Council and Major Partners the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and Essential Edinburgh, all working together to create spectacular Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations for Scotland. 

City of Edinburgh Council Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker said: “The capital’s Hogmanay celebration is not only an Edinburgh tradition – it’s world renowned.

“It will be wonderful to welcome back the iconic Texas performing a career-spanning set. With Edinburgh’s own Callum Beattie joining them as a special guest, I’m delighted that this year’s Concert in the Gardens has such a strong Scottish line up. It promises to be a fantastic party to welcome 2025, where gig-goers will have unequalled views of midnight fireworks over Edinburgh Castle.

“Edinburgh will continue to be THE place to welcome in the new year and I look forward to the full Hogmanay programme being unveiled.”

Directors of Unique Assembly who create and produce Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council said:“We are thrilled to welcome Texas back to headline Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, 25 years after their very first appearance at the festival. 

“Plus, with the addition of Edinburgh’s own Callum Beattie, it’s fantastic to have a stellar Scottish line-up for the very last show of 2024 and the first of 2025. 

“With a hit-packed show from Texas and the world-famous Midnight Moment from Edinburgh Castle, the Concert in the Gardens will kick-start 2025 with a bang, and give party-goers from around the world the perfect start to the year.”

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay – Elephant Sessions – Sun 31 Dec 2023 (© photographer – Andy Catlin www.andycatlin.com)

Concert in the Gardens with Texas and special guest Callum Beattie, takes place on Tuesday 31 December 2024 in West Princes Street Gardens, from 9pm to 12.50am. 

Tickets go on general release Friday 20 September at 10.00am from www.edinburghshogmanay.com priced from £72.50 plus booking fees, ticket price includes £1.00 charity donation to CHAS (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland).

A limited Concert in the Gardens pre-sale is available to those registered with www.edinburghshogmanay.com and will begin Wednesday 18 September at 10am. 

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party tickets are on-sale now priced £30.00 plus fees and includes 50p charity donation. Discounted EH Postcode Resident Street Party Tickets £24.00 plus fees and includes 50p charity donation.  

The full Edinburgh’s Hogmanay programme and ticket details will be released in the coming weeks, but other confirmed events taking place over the 4-day Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2024/25 festival include the Night Afore Disco Party (30 Dec) beneath Edinburgh Castle, and a packed programme of free New Year’s Day events for young and old, with the return of the First Footin’ culture trail, which welcomes artists from across Scotland to perform in landmark buildings, pubs, cafes and venues throughout the city centre, and Sprogmanay family events in the Old Town.  

Lammermuir Festival celebrates with a comeback masterpiece

PATH of MIRACLES: Tenebrae at the National Museum of Flight’s Concorde Hangar

In Lammermuir Festival’s history, the 2024 programme marks the first time it will offer a rare returning event. And with the comeback of Path of Miracles and Tenebrae proving hugely popular with audiences, organisers have added a second performance on the night giving festivalgoers a second chance to grab a ticket this year. 

Joby Talbot’s Path of Miracles, performed in the Concorde Hangar at the National Museum of Flight, is at the heart of the 2024 programme. Sung by one of the finest choral groups in the world, Tenebrae, for which it was written 20 years ago, the work is both ravishingly beautiful and hugely dramatic.  

Last performed at Lammermuir back in 2017, the sold-out audience stood cheering when it finished. The tour de force is inspired by the famous pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela and performed alongside one of the technological marvels of modern travel in the Concorde Hangar. 

Sunday 8 September, 8pm / 10pm

Tenebrae – Path of Miracles at Concorde

Concorde Hangar, National Museum of Flight

8pm tickets on sale at https://www.lammermuirfestival.co.uk/event/tenebrae-path-of-miracles/

10pm tickets on sale at https://www.lammermuirfestival.co.uk/event/tenebrae-path-of-miracles-extra/

lammermuir-festival-brochure-2024-downloadDownload

Funding for Big Noise

Musical learning and nurture supported for thousands

Almost 4,000 children and young people will have the opportunity to realise their potential through music education supported by £2.6 million of Scottish Government funding.

Sistema Scotland’s Big Noise programme uses music and nurturing relationships to improve the lives of children and young people and strengthen communities. It offers all instruments, tuition, snacks and participation free of charge to families across Stirling, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh.

First Minister John Swinney confirmed the funding as he watched performances from school pupils at Sistema Scotland’s dedicated space at the Community Campus in Raploch.

Among those taking part were a group of Primary 2 pupils from Our Lady’s Primary School in Raploch, as well as the centre’s beginner strings group, a woodwind, brass and percussion group made up of primary school pupils, the Redfire intermediate strings group and the Raploch string ensemble, made up of high school students and school leavers.

The First Minister said: “Music and the arts have power to bring people together, and I am consistently impressed with Big Noise’s efforts to ensure children and young people across five cities have the opportunity to learn, play and perform.

“As well as the opportunity to perform, Big Noise gives the young people they work with a community – and as they progress through the programme they have developmental opportunities including to gain leadership skills, which are beneficial to them in the world of work even if they do not pursue a musical path.

“I am grateful to Sistema Scotland for continuing to enrich the lives of so many children and young people by making music accessible and inclusive.”

 Vicky Williams, Sistema Scotland Chief Executive said: “We are enormously grateful to the Scottish Government for their continuing support of Big Noise in Scotland.

“This funding means we can do more to support young people and families, tackle poverty and inequality and help build firm foundations for the future of our young people.

“Our work over the past 15 years has transformed lives throughout Scotland and we look forward to continuing this critical work with the support of our partners and funders.”

 Shannon Galloway, 17, from Raploch, joined Big Noise when she was five years old. She spent the summer working as an intern at the Raploch centre, and has a place at Aberdeen University to study music, with her sights set on becoming a music therapist.

She said the programme had given her opportunities she would never have dreamed of – including her first trip abroad to India last year, and playing on stage with the RSNO and Nicola Benedetti. It also boosted her confidence and skills and helped her towards a positive future.

Shannon said: “I just don’t know what I would have done without Big Noise. I wouldn’t be going to university because I wouldn’t have discovered music. I had no interest before and now it is my entire life. It opened this whole life path for me.”

Big Noise (makeabignoise.org.uk)

Meanwhile uncertainty remains over arts and culture funding in Scotland. Here’s hoping that this can be resolves soon and at least some of these talented and enthusiastic young people will have the opportunity to perform in later life.

#NoArtWithoutArtists