Mind The DubStep....innit?

A few years ago if anyone said Dubstep I would have looked with blank expression and that’s coming from girl whose into her music!  However "Dub" is becoming the buzz word more and more around Glasgow's club scene.....

Dubstep dates back to the 90's mainly popular in South East London however it has increased in popularity majorly since then and now everyone’s getting in on it!  More recently Britney's release "Would You Hold it Against Me" has brought Dubstep to the masses. 

 

 

I decided I didn't know enough about Dubstep and what in particular it was that distinguished it from other electro dance music, so I spoke to a Dj who was big into Dubstep and who played it in a local club and got asking some questions.

Q. Lee what separates Dubstep from other types of electro dance music?
A. Its the tempo and the basslines really. ‘Dance’ music is generally more up-tempo. House and electro tracks range from 125-135bpm whereas DubStep sits between 70-80bpm. The basslines in a lot of the songs are so heavy too. I remember hearing chase and status – eastern jam for the first time. The bassline is ridiculous you just wouldn’t hear it in any other genre.

Q. How did you become interested in playing Dubstep?
A.I got into it mainly from hearing it on Annie Mac, there was obviously Dj’s before her supporting the genre like John Peel and Mary Anne Hobbs but it was through Annie Mac that I really started to take notice. She was also the first Dj I saw play out a DubStep track in a nightclub, the bassline was phenomenal that you couldn’t help take notice.
Q. What do you think of Dubstep becoming a more popular genre?
A. It can only be a good thing. Obviously you’re going to get haters like you do when any artist or band get popular but i'm not complaining turning on the radio at 11am and hearing a skream or benga track


Q. Do you think more artists will jump on the Dub band-wagon like Britney?
A. Definitely. Even before the Britney track, DubStep had been noticed by loads of artists. Chase and status produced several songs on Rihanna’s Rated R album and with rusko supposedly behind a few tunes on Britney’s album it’s only a matter of time before other artists jump on the bandwagon.
Q. Why do you think DubStep has become so popular in the Glasgow Music Scene?A. Well, Glasgow has such a massive club scene and with venues like The Arches and Subclub it seems only right that DubStep has become so popular!



Thanks Lee! :D
Here's one of Lee's favourite tracks enjoy!! :)

 

The Fratellis....

Another home grown band from Glasgow worth a listen are The Fratellis.  Although they are currently working on their own material out with the band; John Fratelli, Barry Fratelli and Mince Fratelli produced some sweet tracks when they were together.  I have seen the band live a few times once at T in the Park in 2008 when they did an awesome set on the main stage and a second time in the SECC.  Being a bit of a fan I managed to bag Jon Fratellis plectrum at the end of the gig. <3

The Fratellis have had two hit albums. The first being "Costello Music" released in 2006 which had massive hits like "Chelsea Dagger" and "Henrietta", Costello Music is one of my all time favourite albums.  The Second being "Here we Stand" with a hit single "Mistress Mable"

Going back to 2005 The Fratellis played their first gig in O'Henry's bar, just across the road from the infamous Horseshoe bar and later that year signed with Fallout Records.  After the release of Costello Music they were named "The Best New Band in Britain" by NME.

The stage presence of The Fratellis is phenomenal; the three down to earth guys are up for a laugh and a bit of on-stage banter.  Although there were many rumours about the bands "split" Jon Fratelli is adamant that the band have only taken a break to try out other styles of music, and will be back in the future which is definitely good news!

I shall leave you with a beast of a tune from the lads!

SECC...NO THANKS!

For all the amazing gig venues that Glasgow has to offer, I cannot abide the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, especially when real live musicians play in it.  Fair play to the likes of the Pussy Cat Dolls or Girls Aloud but when artists like The Fratellis play in the SECC rather than other gig venues like the 02 Academy it’s just madness.

The venue has no atmosphere what so ever it’s just like a big steel cube. 

Yesterday I worked at the Katy Perry gig and the excitement of the fans was just immediately diminished the moment they walked into the arena.  The SECC offers no way to capture the excitement, like the 02 where everyone is shoulder to shoulder enjoying the gig or King Tuts where it is jammed packed and the excitement builds up in a tiny space.  Instead with the SECC you end up in a seat miles away from the stage where the artists look like tiny matchsticks on the massive stage.

I know in the end it all comes down to money, and that is why some bands choose to go that route even if it may not capture their amazing sound and stage presence.

RANT OVER! J

Radio Caley

Not only does Glasgow offer amazing venues for artists trying to break onto the music scene, it also offers Radio Caley!

Radio Caley is a student run Radio Station situated in the glorious Glasgow Caledonian University in the Students Association Building.  The station offers a wide variety of shows from Chart to Metal music and there is also programming for international students as well. 

Radio Caley is a great place for up and coming artist to gain confidence in a studio environment and being on air live, as many of the shows feature unsigned artists and bands.  The presenters on Radio Caley are all outgoing professional and capable of delivering awesome entertainment to anyone who is listening. 

I recently did an acoustic slot with Connor Gillies on his show, i played current chart acoustic songs to fit in with his "Club Classics Show" I was astonished at the amount of positive feedback we both  received from listeners.

I would definitely recommend Radio Caley for up and coming artists wishing to get more experience in the music industry.

T in the Park.....

Once again it is that time of the year, the final batch of T in the Park tickets went on sale today.  The tickets sold out in less than an hour, which is amazing although not surprising as it just gets better and better; a massive 85,000 music lovers have now purchased their tickets for the festival fun in July 2011.

T in the Park has expanded on a massive scale since its first festival in Strathclyde Park in Motherwell in 1994 when only 17,000 fans attended.  Now with international acts and 85,000 fans it has become somewhat the pride of Scotland and the summer desire of every young adult.  The festival-which is now held in Balado Airfields in Kinross-is guaranteed to be an amazing three days.

T in the Park and an outrageous clubbing holiday has been on my agenda for the last three summer seasons!  T in the Park 2009 featured some absolutely amazing artists and I unexpectedly came home with a sun tan! T in the Park 2010 I came home covered in mud from top to toe, but had a ball none the less.  The chilled out, laid-back atmosphere and genuinely great spirit of the Scottish people makes the festival a brilliant place to be.  My all time favourite moment of T in the Park was in 2009...the sun had just set it was roasting hot and the The Killers walked on the stage and played this beasting tune...

The brilliant music scene in Scotland and in particular Glasgow has helped to keep T in the Park a constant success.  With 200 artists performing on 11 stages over 3 days, showcasing the biggest bands, sick Dj's and awesome breakthrough artists there is something for everyone.  For anyone having a stay-cation this summer I would definitely recommend T in the Park, I have complete faith in the festival and I think with the 2011 line-up its set to be a cracking year.

 

Paolo Nutini....Marry me?

Paolo Nutini is an absolutely outstanding musician to come out of the Glasgow music scene.  He is a singer songwriter from Paisley and I am in love with him!  Paolo is home-grown and can often be spotted around Glasgow's club scene or just standing in Central Station waiting on his train like a true Glaswegian.

The 24year old released his first album "These Streets" in 2006 when he was just 19.  This album reached number 3 in the UK album chart.  Paolo's flair for song writing shines through the whole album with some real touching lyrics, merged beautifully with some more playful upbeat tunes.  Awesome album! 

Paolo then released his second album in 2009 "Sunny Side up" which reached number 1 in the UK album chard and produced four singles!  Again being a lover of the man himself and his talent, this album and its contents frequent my playlist all the time!

 

Paolo Nutini made his breakthrough in his hometown of Paisley, when David Sneddon the 2002 winner of Fame Academy was late for a gig in their hometown of Paisley. Paolo was given the chance to go on stage and keep the crowd entertained till David Sneddon arrived. And the people in Glasgow fell in love.

Since his days of supporting bands and doing menial jobs in the music industry Paolo has come a great way and I think he still has so much more to give. 

Paolo being a true Glaswegian has played at T in the Park several times and has been a main stage artist the last two years.  I have watched him both years on the main stage and his passion for music keeps the crowd thoroughly entertained.

Here is a video of Paolo during the 2010 festival where he jumped onto the stage with a can of lager.

True Glasgow Lad!



02 ABC...yes please!

Glasgow has a vast number of venues for gigs, but it's amazing how every single one creates a different atmosphere and a different vibe! 

Glasgow has an amazing music scene and i think a lot of it is down to the sweet venues tucked away in every corner of the city.  The different types of venues all cater to different genres of music and this is key for artists who are trying to break into the music biz! 

Oran Mor which is situated in the heart of the West End is the most intimate space ever!  It's a perfect venue for an acoustic set as the atmosphere is amazing in the tiny space.  Don't get me wrong though, Alphabeat weren't too shabby when I watched them a few years back in Oran Mor (yes i know mega cheesy!)

In all honesty though, I was a King Tuts girl at heart until  this week.  I was "working" at the Tinie Tempah gig in the 02 ABC Glasgow, it was a sell out gig and i was absolutely blown away!  It was the first time ever I had been to a gig there and although I'm not Tinie's biggest fan the guy done an amazing show which kept the crowd buzzing all night.

Doubling up as a club as well as an awsome gig venue it really is somewhere worth checking out! 

http://www.o2abcglasgow.co.uk/

Hats off to the Buskers!

I was walking down Buchanan Street the other day and on my travels came across a  few buskers-some of them more "interesting" than good- but none the less all of them adding to the buzz and atmosphere that Glasgow is best known for.

One of the buskers I found really interesting and talented was a young guy called Daniel Docherty.  With a mixture of classic indie tunes and some brilliant acoustic versions of current pop music, he was really entertaining!  I got chatting to Daniel and with a genuinely nice personality and some cheeky banter it was easy to see why he had young girls checking him out as they walked past!

Daniel is a music student by day and works in a karaoke restaurant by night. Any spare minute of the day he has, he can be found busking anywhere from Glasgow to Edinburgh.  Fair to say this guy lives and breaths music!

Speaking to Daniel it was clear his love for music started at a young age as he spoke a lot about school talent shows.  I think his cover versions are very unique.  When I was speaking to him he told me to check out some of his stuff on YouTube and i found this video which I think is brilliant.

Dan Doc is an great young musician who is clearly doing everything he can to become a big success in the future and I hope he achieves his goals as he'd definitely be on my playlist!

Take me Out!

Franz Ferdinand...whatta band! 

Franz Ferdinand are a Glaswegian rock band formed in 2002.  The first album was released in 2004 called "Franz Ferdinand" from this album came massive hits, my favourite being "Take Me Out" which they played at T in the Park 2009 and the crowd went wild for. The Second album "You Could have it So Much Better" featured hits such at "Do you Want To".  On the release of the third album "Tonight: Franz Ferdinand"  Alex Kapranos (lead vocals) said that the last album was "Like a teenager having sex" and that this album was more dance floor friendly.  The band are already working on another album which is awesome news and I have no doubts it will be as good as the last three.  Franz Ferdinand are without a doubt a cracking band and can do no wrong in my eyes, I think all three albums are fantastic and hopefully the fourth will be too.

The Glasgow lads are not shy of doing a few cheeky covers, and some of them are top class.

This is a cover of Blondie "Call me" which I love.

 

I've only managed to see Franz once but they put on a cracking show in Balado in Kinross in 2009, i can honestly say the crowd was mesmerised by the band. 

Feeling the Love......

Jonathan Carr is feeling the love today.  Singer/Songwriter Jonathan's single "Love's On the Way" has been released today.  Very appropriate as it's Valentines day! <3 

Jonathan is young musician with a passion for Jazz which permeates through most of his music. He studied at Berklee in Boston and amazingly recorded a single with John Mayer during his time in Berklee. Jonathan said that it was surreal when John Mayer played his song.  I think for a musician as young an Jonathan this is a massive achievement to record with such a well known and amazing artist. The single which is called "The Jokes On Me" was featured on STV's The Hour. There is also a video for this specific single which was shot in San Francisco in July 2010. 

Jonathan has performed in so many venues around the world but more recently he headlined  in KingTut's Wah Wah hut in January with supporting artists including The Dirty Demographic, Esther O'Connor and Iain Mclaughlan.  Jonathan blew the crowd away with his set and King Tuts was truly buzzing with his amazing sound!