This is a beer.
Lots been happening in the music world, so let's get to it. I'm delighted to be able to share with you some fine music making and a little bit about those that help bring it to a wider audience.
The Deadly Winters have released a new single, The Deadly Winter. The lead track is a story of winter travels and the hardships faced, fought and conquered - best enjoyed beside a roaring fire, with friends and good cheer. As an added gift to you, the single includes two new songs, stripped bare to voice and guitar. The captivating tale of Edinburgh’s most notorious villains, Burke & Hare, and the heart-wrenching tale of traveling entertainers, Troubadours'.
There's a rather interesting video to accompany the lead track that I had a hand in shooting. The single can be downloaded from iTunes and Spotify.
The White Eagle Lounge will be released in early 2012, with the completed album featuring 35 musicians who have taken part in the collaborative journey. As well as the aforementioned special guest Nath an Connolly, fellow Snow Patrol member Tom Simpson, Rick McMurray from Ash and Alex Cornish also join the ensemble. Alan will be increasing his web updates as recording draws to a close so do follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
If you are looking for a festive gig to attend, and let's be honest, an alternative to your work Christmas night out, then clear your diaries on Thursday 22 December. There comes a point in everyone’s life where they begin to doubt whether they believe in Father Christmas. For The Dirt, The FiREBUGS and The Deadly Winters that day is yet to come……. On Thursday 22nd of December they invite you to the Voodoo Rooms in Edinburgh to believe in Father Christmas as well. Expect the gothic country of The Dirt to be top of your Christmas list, the beautiful harmonies and wandering arrangements of The FiREBUGS to put some holly on your ivy and the stories and soaring melodies of The Deadly Winters to fill your stockings. Each will also bring you a festive tune to ensure that it won’t be a silent night.
It was good to follow the progress of the second MashUp Session at the weekend. The two acts this time round were Stanley Odd and The Banana Sessions. Here's what they produced in 23 hours!
A mention now for a few acts I really like who have new releases out.
Donna Maciocia has a new EP "Fists At The Sky".
I'll take this opportunity to sell the radio station RECHARGED RADIO to you. Recharged has been created by Jordan Thomas, who has gathered presenters from all over the world to start up a radio station dedicated to bringing the grass-roots, unsigned, independent artists of the world the airplay they deserve. Recharged Radio does not favour "friends" of the station over new emerging artists when deciding who gets airplay. They don't favour established or semi-famous artists, rather the new unheard artists who are passionate about what they are doing and want to share their music with an eager new audience.
Right. That's enough for today.
The only criteria that Recharged Radio has is that the artist is unsigned, independent and willing to support this cause - where new-comers to the scene have a place they can rely on for promotion, broadcast and support for their music - and indeed themselves.
Right. That's enough for today.
