In late February, David McGinty and Richard Ferguson, formerly of In Session favourites Endor, popped into the studio with Lily and me ahead of their third ever
gig in their new pairing as self-proclaimed four-armed singer-songwriter “Fake Major”. As well as performing three new songs, we discussed what drove Endor apart, what makes them a good pairing, and managed to reveal the details of their debut EP due for release on Comets and Cartwheels in April.
Fake Major”s next appearance in Edinburgh will be in support of Panda Su at Electric Circus on April 5th. Advance tickets are on sale Slot Machines now – link.
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.
Around this time last year, we released a charity compilation under the title of In Session’s Series One Mixtape. We had had a stormer of a rookie year in 2011, achieving far more than we thought possible for people with little to no contacts in a Scottish music scene that was showing signs of the revival it seems to experience every five or so years. Having gained so much from that experience, I thought it would be a nice thing to release a free mixtape for the benefit of the fans that had encouraged us and the fantastic musicians that had so generously offered their time to the show. At the time of release, there was some uncertainty as to whether we could continue to produce a show that may have fluked a decent first series. The thought of there being a series two mixtape was somewhat fanciful and, if so, who we would have on it would take some effort to match the first one. But here we are. I have written this little preamble to the main event as we, Lily and I at In Session, are in very much a similar position as to where we were last year. We have, again, surprised ourselves with what we have achieved in the last twelve months; and I must stress that ‘achieved’ is used liberally as essentially we just pestered our favourite bands enough and not too much until they agreed to have a chinwag and play some songs for us. What is different this year is that we are comfortable with the uncertainty that paves the future of the show. An in-joke Lily and I shared at the end of series one was that the ultimate aim of the show, a show that showcases Scottish music, would be to welcome Frightened Rabbit in session. Well we did that; so we had to reassess. There are no targets anymore, only people whose music we love
and whose brains we want to pick between songs like Sylar in his pomp. Scottish music is as rich and exciting as it has been for some time and I consider myself fortunate to be entrenched in that environment as a small platform for some terrific people to people showcase their talents. So, to everyone who has supported us by performing, listening, or saving the show when my technical guesswork doesn’t quite work for some reason, thank you. Now that the sop out of the way, we are immensely proud to present to you In Session’s Series Two Mixtape! Like the first mixtape, this is a completely free compilation for you to savour but there is the added option there for you to contribute some money that will all go towards the charity Shelter which would be greatly appreciated. Whatever you choose to pay, you will find the same 24 songs on the mixtape, a selection whittled down from a possible 40 with the self-imposed rule of there being no more than two songs per artist. Every artist that performed a song either in the studio or on location is featured in the compilation and I do believe that what we have ended up with is a bit of a belter. Tracklisting:
1. Michael Cassidy – 15 Years 03:29 2. Blue Sky Archives – Bitches 03:41 3. Dead Sea Souls – Charlie Brown (Coldplay cover) 02:40 4. Seafieldroad – Circle The Wagons 03:14 5. Blue Sky Archives – Dear Middle-Aged Ponytail 04:06 6. Quickbeam – Empty Space 02:46 7. Meursault – Fib 02:58 8. Seafieldroad – Findhorn 03:08 9. Zed Penguin – Heathens 02:29 10. Trapped Mice – I Don’t Want To Get Over You (The Magnetic Fields cover) 01:41 11. Loch Awe – I Will Drift Into 10,000 Streams 05:20 12. Kaiho – If Jesus Was My Swimming Instructor 02:50 13. Loch Awe – Little Tricks 04:12 14. Dead Sea Souls – New Vibe 03:08 15. Trapped Mice – Night of Broken Glass 04:37 16. Meursault – Pretty Good Day (Loudon Wainwright III cover) 03:50 17. People, Places, Maps – Sarah’s Song 03:11 18. Frightened Rabbit – State Hospital 03:54 19. Kaiho – The Knife (Grizzly Bear cover) 02:51 20. Frightened Rabbit – The Modern Leper 03:38 21. Sebastian Dangerfield – The Sycamore Tree 04:09 22. Zed Penguin – This Town 04:04 23. Michael Cassidy – Tonight You Belong To Me 01:10 24. Sebastian Dangerfield – untitled 03:46
You can download In Session’s Series Two Mixtape right now from http://insession.bandcamp.com I was a bit flabbergasted whilst putting this together to see that we have recorded nearly five hours of session songs…. five hours! I’m not sure what we will do with the spare tracks yet but they are all available from the podcasts on our Mixcloud. Meanwhile, we’re already putting together the Series Three Mixtape following sessions with Simon Herron, Adam Stafford, Hiva Oa, and End of Neil. We’re going to keep pestering the people we love and we’re going to keep doing this for as long as we can. It’s bloody fun! Please follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook for more regular updates as we’d be the first to admit that we are not the most reliable bloggers. 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.
specials, we were delighted to welcome Ian Tilling, along with former co-presenter Brian Pokora, from Edinburgh-based “fourth-wave emo” band Trapped Mice to play a few songs and tell us a few tales. Varying from tongue in cheek and in-depth discussion, we ultimately discussed what went into their new album “Winter Sun” which was released in Nov 2012 and featured on many “best of” lists at the end of the year.
Winter Sun is available to purchase through Armellodie Records on http://trappedmice.bandcamp.com/album/winter-sun.
Tracklisting:
1. Night of Broken Glass (Live on In Session)
2. I Don”t Want To Get Over You (Magnetic Fields cover) (Live on In Session)
3. Caveman (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.
It”s been a busy 2012 for In Session: a charity compilation released at the start of the year; 18 (eighteen!) tremendous sessions from our favourite artists including Frightened Rabbit, Meursault, and Adam Stafford; plus the occasional update on our beloved Nanu Nanu. In Session has once again achieved far more in the last year than either Lily or I thought was reasonable and it”s with great joy that we look ahead to returning to the Fresh Air studio in the coming year. Heck, we may even revive our plans to take a punt on putting on a gig next year if we decide that this money thing people worry about is overrated. Double heck, we may even start blogging more.
The first step towards this music blogging lark begins with everyone”s favourite blog post to write, read, and criticise because it takes the least amount of effort on all fronts – the mandatory “Best of” list. Although we focus on showcasing Scottish artists in our radio show and our sessions, you may be surprised to find out that we also like to listen to music from beyond the borders from time to time. We”re rather cosmopolitan like that. That being said, the list you”re about to skim does not reflect the opinions of my partner Lily as she said she hasn”t listened to enough new music this year to make an informed list. So, if you”re going to attack the credibility of this list then do address your insults to me.
Without further ado, behold and enjoy my micro reviews and link dumping!
Best Albums:
1. Meursault – Something For The Weakened
A move away from electronica and the addition of a full string section heralds a move towards a richer and fuller sound. This change is most evident on tracks like Lament For A Teenage Millionaire and Flittin” which have been staples of Meursault”s repertoire and have now grown into thunderous tunes. Meanwhile, this shift has made for a more accessible album, which is no bad thing, as tracks like Dull Spark, the first single from the album, are the most poppy the band have sounded to date. What SFTW manages best is to draw greater appreciation for Neil’s dynamic voice which effortlessly manages to convey the ferocity of his frustrations and the poignancy of his fears. That, my friends, is a wonderful thing.
2. Japandroids – Celebration Rock
Japandroids latest release sticks two fingers and lobs poutine in the face of people voicing that rock is dead. Celebration Rock is an Best UK Casinos outrageously fun album which builds to anthemic The House That Heaven Built and Contiuous Thunder, a glorious climax drenched in reverb and a fireworks signature that urges you to play through the whole LP again. That”s a rare accomplishment.
3. PAWS – Cokefloat!
Thrashing punk rock aesthetics have made PAWS one of the must-see live bands in Scotland but their huge sound conceals tender lyrics about PAWS” frontman Phillip Taylor”s relationship with his deceased Mother which is more apparent and, at times, harrowing in the toned down sound on Cokefloat!
4. Kendrick Lamar – good kid, m.A.A.d city
An epic coming-of-age album that reflects upon Kendrick”s journey from wannabe gangsta to contrition which is encapsulated in the theatrical double header “Sing About Me, I”m Dying of Thirst”
5. Cloud Nothings – All Or Nothing
One of the most notable things about Cloud Nothings is that they retain a distinct sound despite seemingly trying to reinvent themselves with each release. All Or Nothing sees them move towards a more conventional indie rock sound with Fall In and Stay Useless standing out as an exhilarating pairing in the middle third of a roaring LP.
Honourable mentions:
The Twilight Sad, Grimes, Odesza, Trapped Mice, Happy Particles (though it was technically 2011), The Leg, Miouax Miouax, and Stanley Odd
Best Singles:
1. Chvrches – The Mother We Share
Such a phenomenal tune that Lily had to tell me stop playing it on loop. It looks like the hype machine was right about these lot and we can”t wait to hear their album.
2. Adam Stafford – Vanishing Tanks
Released on Gerry Loves Records on a split tape with Rick Redbeard, Vanishing Tanks is crammed with infectious hooks and melodies by beat-boxing cult member, Adam Stafford. Okay, that”s a half truth but below is a live video of the track which demonstrates some of the theatre Adam brings to his performances. (watch it in HD)
3. Frightened Rabbit – State Hospital
Will Frightened Rabbit”s upcoming album, Pedestrian Verse, manage to match the dizzy heights of The Midnight Organ Fight? Who knows but if State Hospital, which will also appear on the LP, is anything to go by then there”s good reason to keep hoping.
4. Lambchop – Gone Tomorrow
A late entry after hearing it on an end of year mixtape (Thanks, Adam) but it has been an obsession for the last fortnight. There is something completely different and unique about this track as it darts through the melancholia of an ending into a stirring four-minute instrumental which is lifts the song to stellar heights. “The wine tasted like sunshine in the basement” takes my number one spot for lyric of the year too.
5. Honeyblood – Super Rat
Garage Rock duo, Stina and Shona, comprise Honeyblood who, unquestionably, are the band which most excited us this year. Sharp lyrics and brisk instrumental thrashing are what makes us overtly keen to get them in for a session in 2013.
And there you have it! In Session will be back in 2013 with many more sessions, interviews, and the long-awaited second compilation.
Early this December, we were pleased to welcome singer-songwriter and all round lovely chap Michael Cassidy back into the studio to sing us a few songs and tell us a few tales. Since Michael’s last visit, he has performed at a number of festivals and won the Gerry Rafferty Songwriting Award for the track The Men Who Stood
Beside Me In The War. His latest single, Battleships, is out now on iTunes and Amazon and his much anticipated debut album is expected for a release in May 2013.
You can follow him on Twitter here and on Facebook here.
This week In Session welcomed the enthralling musician and acclaimed short-filmmaker Adam Stafford into the studio to sing us a few songs and tell us a few tales the night after it was announced that he would be releasing his next album on Edinburgh label Song, by Toad Records in 2013. Former singer-songwriter of Y’all Is Fantasy Island and founder of DIY label Wise Blood Industries, Adam Stafford has been ubiquitous as a solo artist on the Scottish music scene for the last
3 years; delivering memorable performances on stage with the aid of his looper that blur the line between theatrics and religious experience. Adam has been admired by the show for some time so it was a great pleasure to welcome him to the studio to talk about his musical processes, film-making and witness some exclusives from the much anticipated upcoming album, Imaginary Walls Collapse. Were it not for amp problems, we’d have been treated to an additional performance of Vanishing Tracks that was released as a split single with Rick Redbeard (The Phantom Band) which is available here. In its place is a song request from Adam, the bizarre Life In A Scotch Sitting Room by Ivor Cutler.
Fringe specials in August, we were delighted to welcome Seafieldroad aka Andrew Eaton-Lewis into the studio to sing a few songs and tell a few tales. Lily and Andrew had an in depth discussion about songwriting, inspiration, and details of Seafieldroad’s upcoming concept album
Technical difficulties continue to plague this series of In Session as last week's sublime Hiva Oa session is further delayed due to recording issues in the studio. Fortunately, this was not a problem in the last show where Christian made his full return to the broadcasting team alongside Lily as In Session welcomed Stirling-based singer-songwriter and creative force End of Neil into the studio. Neil was an absolute pleasure to talk to as In Session explored the End of Neil persona, the creative processes which stem from his artwork, and his industriousness for keeping up a habit of writing a song every night for the last few years. End of Neil is a bit of a surprise package as this mustachioed (Neil's mospace) and exuberant young gent performs with a depth of character and passion which resonate from each of his songs, exposing a musician reaching maturity in their song-writing and performances. As Neil aims to play over 100 gigs in 2013, In Session recommends you keep an eye out for this self-professed “low-key, low-fi troubadour” appearing at open mics
Technical difficulties have riddled this series of In Session as guests have had to postpone and shows have had to be pre-recorded or scrapped altogether. However, these troubled times will not stop In Session marching forwards albeit with a few step backwards as we reach into our archives for some sessions that we’ve been holding back for such an occasion.
In May, In Session was delighted to welcome Neil Pennycook of Meursault into the studio to sing us a few songs, old and new, and tell us a few tales about his thought processes and completing Meursault’s first European tour. A month later they wowed us, along with a large cross-section of Edinburgh, at the Queen’s Hall for the launch of their new record “Something For The Weakened”. This album heralds a move away from electronica and reverb in favour of expanding the rich sound resonating from Meursault’s string section; drawing greater appreciation of Neil’s dynamic voice which effortlessly manages to convey the ferocity of his frustrations and the poignancy of his fears. It is a move towards accessibility, which is no bad thing, as tracks like Dull Spark, the first single from the album, are the most poppy the band have sounded in their career. Listen to these tracks in isolation and you’d be forgiven for gaily tapping away to melodies which conceal lyrical themes of abandonment, expectation, and loss. Listen to Something For The Weakened as a whole, however, and you’ll find these melodic joyrides are segued
by affecting laments on piano that make up the framework for the band’s most complete record to date. Having been the darlings of the Scottish music scene for the last 5 years, Meursault’s latest release may very well be a contender for next year’s SAY award as well as a giant leap towards the widespread adulation that many feel they deserve.
As the first guest of series 3, Northern Irish singer-songwriter Simon Herron, with the help of some willing friends on harmonium and glockenspiel, charmed us with a gorgeous session featuring tracks from his new EP which is available to purchase now at http://simonherron.bandcamp.com.
