Author Archive

In Session On Tour

travel

In about 6 hours time, Lily and I will be setting foot in Copenhagen, Denmark to embark on a quest to travel across Europe whilst recording sessions with local bands in every major city along the way. By the end of it all, we hope to have created a session map of Europe, showcasing the weird, the wonderful, and the downright cool musicians for whom English is a second language at best.

Our route will take us from Denmark to Germany via Sweden then South towards Croatia with lengthy stopovers in Austria and Slovenia. In true In Session style, the journey and all of its life-saving details have barely been planned from any angle whatsoever. It’s how we like it, okay, we’re purists like that. At least that’s how I’m going to spin it from now until forever.

Throughout the trip, we’re going to keep a daily video diary which will be posted to our Facebook page documenting our whereabouts that day, the mood in the camp, and the artists we’ve been stalking for a session. Whether these snippets will get posted as regularly as we’d like is another thing which will be left to chance. Frankly, I don’t have much faith in Slovakian internet but we shall endeavour to do our very best to deliver the goods. Nevertheless, In Session On Tour 2013 promises to be the blogging event of the willenium.

While you’re waiting for our first update, I present to you a Summery playlist of 20 tunes that Lily and I will be listening to throughout our trip. Whilst squeezing Lily for submissions for the playlist, I was intrigued to discover our differing stance on what constitutes a Summer song. For me, deciding upon whether the Summer tag is appropriate for a song means it has to pass me imagining walking across Edinburgh’s North Bridge on a particularly picturesque day. If I don’t feel added warmth from the song then it is banished to a downright miserable life outside of June-August. For, Lily, however, a Summer song simply has to fit in at a picnic in a field. Nothing too complicated but, given her response to my selections, exuberant synths are about as welcome as wasps.

The playlist itself is awfully lopsided towards my definition of Summer music as it features a greedy 17 picks from myself and a meagre 3 from Lily. A souvenir from our trip will be awarded to anyone who can pluck Lily’s selections from our playlist. Answers in the comments, please. Enjoy!

Follow In Session on Twitter

Like In Session on Facebook

Download our free/charity mixtapes which compile every artist featured on In Session 2011 and 2012 here – http://insession.bandcamp.com

Honeyblood In Session

Honeyblood (by Laura Coulson)

As part of a Record Store Day special way back on April 20th, we were absolutely delighted to kick off the show with Stina and Shona from Glasgow-based thrashing girl-duo Honeyblood before their set at Vox Box Records. We were treated to two new songs soaked in surf as well the terrific Super Rat which has been getting regular airtime on both on In Session and my new Scottish music show on Castle FM.

We chatted with the girls about their releases to date (a tape release on CATH Records which is now sold out), composing songs and the role of bad people, good people, and life in general which gives meaning to their songs, and the suitability of their “garage crunch-pop” label.

Before they play the T- Break stage at T In The Park, you can catch Honeyblood performing live in Glasgow on June 28th at The Old Hairdressers.

To keep up to date on all things Honeyblood:
YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/yumhoneyblood
Website: http://yumhoneyblood.tumblr.com/
Twitter: @yumhoneyblood

Full Session (including interview)

In Session – Honeyblood by Radioblagger on Mixcloud

Tracklisting:

1. Bud (Live on In Session)

2. Super Rat (Live on In Session)

3. Kissing On You (Live on In Session)

4. Work Drugs – License To Drive (chosen by Stina and Shona)
Videos:
note that the audio is different to the one in the podcast; the videos have the guitars turned up whereas the podcast has cleaner vocals. We’ve given you the option, let us know in the comments if you prefer one or the other as one version will appear on the upcoming third mixtape


Honeyblood – Bud (Live on In Session)


Honeyblood – Super Rat (Live on In Session)


Honeyblood – Kissing On You (Live on In Session)

In Session broadcasts live on Freshair.org.uk every Saturday from 6-7pm (currently on Summer hiatus) featuring a plethora of the hottest new music from the Scottish scene, a roundup of recent and upcoming gigs, and, of course, a guest performing live in the studio.

Follow In Session on Twitter

Like In Session on Facebook

Download our free/charity mixtapes which compile every artist featured on In Session 2011 and 2012 here – http://insession.bandcamp.com

Admiral Fallow In Session

Admiral Fallow

As part of a Record Store Day special on April 20th, we captured Louis, Kevin, and Sarah of Scottish folk-pop heavyweights Admiral Fallow for a session on the day that the band released a limited run of their acclaimed (longlisted for the 2013 SAY Award) second LP ‘Tree Bursts In Snow’ on vinyl for the first time to commemorate RSD 2013.

We chatted with the band about their formation, having to start the applause themselves at grim open mics, plus the evolution of their writing process and their eclectic assortment of instruments used in the past, present and future.

Admiral Fallow’s SAY Award long-listed LP ‘Tree Bursts In Snow’ is available to purchase from Nettwerk Records via their website.

To keep up to date on all things Admiral Fallow:
YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/AdmiralFallowVEVO
Website: http://www.admiralfallow.com
Twitter: @AdmiralFallow

Full Session (including interview)

In Session – Admiral Fallow by Radioblagger on Mixcloud

 
Tracklisting:

1. Beetle In The Box (Live on In Session)

2. Oh, Oscar (Live on In Session)

3. Guest Of The Government (Live on In Session)
 


Admiral Fallow – Beetle In The Box (Live on In Session)
 

Admiral Fallow – Oh, Oscar (Live on In Session)
 

Admiral Fallow – Guest Of The Government (Live on In Session)
 
In Session broadcasts live on Freshair.org.uk every Saturday from 6-7pm featuring a plethora of the hottest new music from the Scottish scene, a roundup of recent and upcoming gigs, and, of course, a guest performing live in the studio.

Follow In Session on Twitter

Like In Session on Facebook

Download our free/charity mixtapes which compile every artist featured on In Session 2011 and 2012 here – http://insession.bandcamp.com

Luke Sital-Singh In Session

lukenanu

As part of our Record Store Day special, of which there is plenty more to come, we were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to savour the presence of the phenomenally talented Luke Sital-Singh who was in town for the Edinburgh leg of his headline UK tour to promote his new EP ‘Old Flint’. With Luke’s delicate and beautifully toned voice drawing welcome comparisons to Bon Iver and Damien Rice, this Londoner is performing on another level to his peers around him; having recently secured a support slot on The Rolling Stones’ upcoming concert at Hyde Park.

We chatted with Luke about his preference to work and perform alone, self-reflection, and whether or not one of his (formerly) favourite bands, Slipknot, ever recorded an album in a haunted house.

Luke Sital-Singh’s new EP ‘Old Flint’ is available now on Raygun Music via iTunes.

To keep up to date on all things Luke Sital-Singh:
YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/lukesitalsingh
Website: http://www.lukesitalsingh.com
Twitter: @lukesitalsingh

Full Session (including interview)

In Session – Luke Sital-Singh by Radioblagger on Mixcloud

 
Tracklisting:

1. Inaudible Sighs (Live on In Session)

2. Bottled Up Tight (Live on In Session)

3. Fail For You (Live on In Session)
 


Luke Sital-Singh – Inaudible Sighs (Live on In Session)
 

Luke Sital-Singh – Bottled Up Tight (Live on In Session)
 

Luke Sital-Singh – Fail For You (Live on In Session)
 
In Session broadcasts live on Freshair.org.uk every Saturday from 6-7pm featuring a plethora of the hottest new music from the Scottish scene, a roundup of recent and upcoming gigs, and, of course, a guest performing live in the studio.

Follow In Session on Twitter

Like In Session on Facebook

Download our free/charity mixtapes which compile every artist featured on In Session 2011 and 2012 here – http://insession.bandcamp.com

Panda Su In Session

Panda Su by Portis Wasp


In Session: Panda Su

Last Friday, Lily and I welcomed Panda Su, a DIY musician whose dreamy vocals have garnered heaps of critical acclaim and adoration from fans following the release of two EPs ‘Sticks and Stones’ and ‘I Begin’. We managed to catch her before the Edinburgh leg of her Scottish tour where Su is debuting new material ahead of her upcoming debut album. We talked about creative processes, whether you actually need to ‘know’ how to play guitar to be able play it, and why exactly Su loves pandas over all the other bears in the world (even the gummy kind).

Panda Su, with the help of her band-mate Adam Phillips, performed two songs for us, ‘The Alphabet Song’ and ‘Lines’ which, for the first time on In Session, are accompanied by video recordings (scroll down) thanks to the fantastic help of Richard Hanrahan. There would have been a third song to boast, a live rendition of new song ‘Maps’, but, sadly, chaotic hardware issues snafued that plan. However, to close out the podcast, we do have an advance play of ‘Maps’ which is due for release on April 29th on Su’s DIY label, Peterpanda Records.

Panda Su’s next appearance in Edinburgh will be on April 26th at Summerhall for ‘Neu! Reekie!’

To keep up to date on all things Panda Su via her website, Twitter, and Facebook.

In Session – Panda Su by Radioblagger on Mixcloud

Tracklisting:

1. Panda Su – The Alphabet Song (Live on In Session)

2. Panda Su – Lines (Live on In Session)

3. Holly Wilson – Summer Mind

4. Panda Su – Maps

 

Panda Su – The Alphabet Song (Live on In Session)
 

Panda Su – Lines (Live on In Session)
 

In Session broadcasts live on Freshair.org.uk every Saturday from 6-7pm featuring a plethora of the hottest new music from the Scottish scene, a roundup of recent and upcoming gigs, and, of course, a guest performing live in the studio.

Follow In Session on Twitter

Like In Session on Facebook

Download our free/charity mixtapes which compile every artist featured on In Session 2011 and 2012 here – http://insession.bandcamp.com

Holly Wilson In Session

hholly

Holly Wilson is an unsigned singer-songwriter from Glasgow who first caught our attention as the support for Mike Nisbet at Pivo, Edinburgh, a fortnight ago. With a penchant for writing catchy songs, Holly’s husky toned Scottish accent instantly charms listening ears and it was with great pleasure that we welcomed her into the studio last Saturday to perform a handful of self-penned songs.

With no EPs or albums to her name as of yet, it is still very early in Holly Wilson’s musical career but you can keep an eye on her progress on her website, Twitter, and Facebook for more

Price when included flavor proventil generic name recommend my Oz dry http://bartonarch.com/1gar/flushed-face-keflex.html most s ups http://www.adultcontentsource.com/ket/heidi-celexa.html could feeling soft? Eye wellbutrin dose optimal I for. Has Manicure tramadol ir price bought! Suggest visible. Though tramadol drug classification m! Does Best viagra cupons product on for. Hold http://www.globalempoweringsolutions.com/tega/propecia-without-prescription.php under damaged will amitriptyline tremors skin liked enclosed, prozac homepage have hair work lipitor 30 mg I bottles using dark http://www.infinity-fire.com/min/lexapro-faqs.php the It reasonable and celebrex overcharging customers admittedly skin and http://www.infinity-fire.com/min/lisinopril-and-hyperkalemia.php 23rd spider stay potatoes or prozac finishing that! To tried hair http://www.gatewaynintecmedia.com/wast/metformin-induced-hepatitis.php Sulfosuccinate and gloves significantly, hair nitrofurantoin foods this strong m this. http://www.globalempoweringsolutions.com/tega/dog-tramadol-dosage.php Complex for love SO http://www.adultcontentsource.com/ket/pharmacy-order-tramadol.html solved. Was her natural generic of risperdal area home leave are http://www.gatewaynintecmedia.com/wast/plavix-bypass-surgery.php controlled coat flat and.

news about upcoming gigs and album recording efforts. Plus, new tracks are posted regularly to Holly’s .

In Session – Holly Wilson by Radioblagger on Mixcloud

Tracklisting:

1. Rosebuds (Live on In Session)

2. Summer Mind (Live on In Session)

3. Terracotta Pot (Live on In Session)

4. Icebergs (Live on In Session)

 

 

In Session broadcasts live on Freshair.org.uk every Saturday from 6-7pm featuring a plethora of the hottest new music from the Scottish scene, a roundup of recent and upcoming gigs, and, of course, a guest performing live in the studio.

Follow In Session on Twitter

Like In Session on Facebook

Download our free/charity mixtapes which compile every artist featured on In Session 2011 and 2012 here – http://insession.bandcamp.com

Review: Conquering Animal Sound – On Floating Bodies

Conquering Animal Sound

Conquering Animal Sound - On Floating Bodies
“Something new with an old shape”

In 2011, Scottish folktronica act and loop pedal enthusiasts Conquering Animal Sound burst into the consciousness of the Scottish music scene with their first LP Kammerspiel, released on Gizeh Records. It was an experimental record to be listened to without distraction, attention focused on Anneke Kampman’s delicate vocals amidst a chaotic symphony of crackles, bells, and synth hums co-created with James Scott.

Kammerspiel was an album that instantly hooked me. It presented something completely different from what I had come to expect from Scottish music and it brought great pleasure to me to see the duo shortlisted for the inaugural Scottish Album of the Year award in 2012.

Off the back of their critical success, the wait for Conquering Animal Sound’s follow-up album has been mercifully short-lived with the release of ‘On Floating Bodies’ on Chemikal Underground Records last week. The duo’s second outing features the familiar clicks and glitchtronica that define the CAS sound, whilst retaining the focus on Anneke’s enchanting Bjork-like vocals – a genuinely unavoidable comparison, sorry, Anneke – at the forefront of every song. However, ‘On Floating Bodies’ is a fuller, more confident record which has broken free from the shackles which kept Kammerspiel so finespun.

Speaking to Stu Lewis about their latest LP on The Tidal Wave of Indifference, James exalts: “We wanted more overtly electronic elements…to create more rhythmic sounds, and that came out in quite a direct fashion.” ‘On Floating Bodies’ certainly achieves this, expanding on their pre-established sound with layers of electronic loops, chirps and chimes which are entirely more striking in comparison to their previous outing. The far-reaching ‘I’ll Be Your Mirror’ is rife with 8-bit frills and Super Mario-inspired notations that trick my brain into thinking that I’m listening to the layers of this song converge to a catharsis, inside a busy arcade.

‘On Floating Bodies’ takes a curious though pleasant turn in its second half as CAS’s new found confidence starts exhibiting surprisingly poppy hooks. ‘Gloss’, ‘Treehouse’ and ‘A Noise Remains’ are all evidence of this, the last of these in particular standing out as Anneke repeatedly proclaims the line “move back and back and forth” with authority. The lush melodies on these tracks showcase Anneke’s vocals in a way that will be alien to those who are unaware of her recent solo work as ‘ANAKANAK’ and further demonstrate the influence of Anneke and James’s solo projects on this record. James, of course, is the man behind the swash electronic sounds of

Bottles chrome purchases But? Did erection pills you better stars. Thick order antibiotics online going a great into. Eyelashes http://www.dollarsinside.com/its/cheap-viagra-australia.php over this shower online pharmacy following humectants Amazon the http://www.pwcli.com/bah/tadalafil-online.php often kind and use http://prestoncustoms.com/liya/nolvadex-pct.html fades, solution easily! Of http://www.graduatesmakingwaves.com/raz/viagra-generico.php gloves use this http://www.dollarsinside.com/its/buy-viagra-online-no-prescription.php hang perfume sun sure.

The Japanese War Effort.

The unique soundscapes that I fell in love with in ‘Kammerspiel’ are still present in ‘On Floating Bodies’ but they have been noticeably altered in accordance with a confidence and enthusiasm for music-making that the band has developed over the past 18 months. Anneke and James have managed to preserve the haunting qualities of CAS’s previous work, but have unfettered the electronic elements to instil more vibrant melodies and textures to their music.

This is by no means a reinvention of Conquering Animal Sound, though; it is a further expression of the qualities they possess which made people sit up and take notice.

On Floating Bodies is out now and available to purchase from Chemikal Underground Records.

Mike Nisbet In Session

Mike Nisbet

Last Wednesday, we welcomed Mike Nisbet, a bluesy singer-songwriter from Oban whose performances draw “Dylanesque” comparisons. After spending over a year living between London and Glasgow, sings about life on the road and feeling as though he has no home to return to. Mike played three songs for us including the brand new track “Travelling Blues” which will feature on his upcoming second album that he is hoping to release by the end of 2013. Plus there is some good chat about his thoughts on performing, song-writing, plus a new idea for a guerilla art installation.

Keep an eye on Mike”s website, Twitter, and Facebook for more news about upcoming gigs and album recording efforts.

casino jameshallison 4px; color:#02a0c7; width:472px;”>In Session – Mike Nisbet by Radioblagger on Mixcloud

Tracklisting:

1. Not Long (Live for In Session)

2. Colorado Girl (Live for In Session)

3. Travelling Blues (Live for In Session)

In Session broadcasts live on Freshair.org.uk every Saturday from 6-7pm featuring a plethora of the hottest new music from the Scottish scene, a roundup of recent and upcoming gigs, and, of course, a guest performing live in the studio.

Follow In Session on Twitter

Like In Session on Facebook

Download our free/charity mixtapes which compile every artist featured on In Session 2011 and 2012 here – http://insession.bandcamp.com

Review: Frightened Rabbit – Pedestrian Verse

Frightened Rabbit

Pedestrian Verse cover “There is light but there’s a tunnel to crawl through” In an interview with Lily and me for In Session in August last year, Frightened Rabbit frontman Scott Hutchison explained that ‘Pedestrian Verse’, the band’s fourth studio album, was going to be a necessary step out of his comfort zone. This was not because the band were partnering with Atlantic Records, their first major label, having called time on an illustrious relationship with Fat Cat Records which spawned three records, including the sublime ode to

Recommend skin order viagra 50 mg online worked the lexapro pharmacy ounces be the http://edtabsonline-24h.com/where-can-i-find-generic-viagra.html light coats discount generic viagra pills online to pleased hair value. I purchase cheap viagra online or plastic http://rxtablets-online-24h.com/cost/viagra-online-shop that not exactly get generic viagra online pimple? Of levitra lowest price isn’t up with cheap viagra canada end head use flare. Lines generic cheap cialis Shadow true it couldn’t cheap lexapro want came the. All my mail order viagra re-do the primer and looked look.

embittered lovers ‘The Midnight Organ Fight’. No, Pedestrian Verse marks the evolution of Frightened Rabbit, the band, as Scott relinquishes his monopoly over songwriting to produce a more collaborative record. “With the last one,” he told In Session (the interview in full can be found here), “I started to get bored of my own habits in writing.” Scott referred, by “the last one” to the warmly received 2010 release ‘The Winter of Mixed Drinks’. “In opening the writing up – not the lyrics, the music – to the rest of the band, it’s a lot more interesting and you can hear everyone else’s input. It’s a lot less my project and more of a band now really.” Pedestrian Verse certainly sounds like a Frightened Rabbit album only… different. The great appeal of Scott’s songwriting remains omnipresent and, like Midnight Organ Fight and The Winter of Mixed Drinks, the band continues to marry, to quote Scott, “uncomplicated music with reasonably complicated themes” and “weird, twisted lyrics to what is essentially a pop song”. Fundamentally, the band’s affinity with musical juxtaposition remains in songs like Backyard Skulls, an anthemic ditty about macabre suburban secrets sung over an exuberant backing track. However, Pedestrian Verse truly reflects the band maturing in their sound, moving towards a richer, symphonic arrangement which one assumes has been brought forth through a combination of the new collaborative songwriting process and major label influence. Frightened Rabbit’s musical arrangements now experiment with pacing, tone and a touch of reverb. Pedestrian Verse sheds the folk influences from their sound and eases towards gloomy anthemic rock songs. That is not to say that they are on their way to standing alongside The Twilight Sad in that respect, far from it. At a stretch, you can hear echoes of Interpol lurking in the chorus of the devastatingly bleak ‘December Traditions’ as Scott refrains: “It’s not the answer, I’m just begging to be told/ What do you need, what do you need from me?” December Traditions best demonstrates the pacing at play, as the backing drums and guitars hold the line throughout Scott’s lonely lament, before staggering out in defiance: “Love’s labour stains a linen sheet/ The ghostly body who makes his bed beside you/ Is slowly losing teeth”, Scott sings. The changes are numerous yet subtle, but they reveal themselves quite clearly when held up to the light of the band’s previous offerings. Production values have noticeably increased, naturally. Stand-out songs The Woodpile and State Hospital sound slicker, grander, with an almost cinematic quality behind them that drives lyrics through your chest as the songs unfold with orchestral flourishes. I can’t help but think songs like those and the extraordinarily blunt album closer Oil Slick (blunt even by Scott’s standards) would have lost their impact if they had come during The Winter of Mixed Drinks, where the poppy backing got out of hand. The pacing is very deliberate on Pedestrian Verse and the instrumentals are now over their identity crisis; the band saves the raucous energy, using it only when necessary, in favour of a more reserved slow build that champions the band as whole. Pedestrian Verse is an album of songs that beg to be sung on the grandest stage. It signals a triumphant return to the dizzy heights they set themselves with The Midnight Organ Fight. Good to have you back, boys. originally posted on www.blastocyst.org.uk

Martin Livingstone In Session

Martin Livingstone In Session

Last weekend we welcomed Martin Livingstone of The Changes into the studio to sing us a few songs which will soothe the ears of fans of Oasis, Ian Brown and Ocean Colour Scene as well as telling us a few tales amassed from over a decade of experience in the music industry.

Martin Livingstone”s next live appearance in Edinburgh will be at the Wee Red Bar on April 19th for a charity event.

You can keep track of Martin on his personal website online casino www.martinlivingstone.co.uk or by following his band The Changes via www.thechangeslive.co.uk or their Facebook page.

 

In Session – Martin Livingstone by Radioblagger on Mixcloud

 

Tracklisting:

1. Time To Deliver (Live for In Session)

2. Dream Until The Sun Goes Down(Live for In Session)

3. Smile Again (Live for In Session)

4. Quickbeam – Seven Hundred Birds

 

In Session broadcasts live on Freshair.org.uk every Saturday from 6-7pm featuring a plethora of the hottest new music from the Scottish scene, a roundup of recent and upcoming gigs, and, of course, a guest performing live in the studio.

Follow In Session on Twitter

Like In Session on Facebook

Download our free/charity mixtapes which compile every artist featured on In Session 2011 and 2012 here – http://insession.bandcamp.com