In what is believed to be the first time a local community has banded together to record, produce and release a single, the charity is hoping that the record will not simply be perceived as a novelty gimmick, but rather that the song is judged upon its artistic merit.

The record has been described by Bowie’s record company as ‘unbelievably professional and full of passion’ and the overall project “as one of the most inspirational, ambitious, complex and inclusive community projects imaginable.”

The song which features 12 lead vocalists, 5 musicians and a choir of 60, collectively known as the Helensburgh Heroes Experience, was recorded in Glasgow’s Carlton Studios and on location in a local hall in Helensburgh. Helensburgh born Kenny Hyslop, a professional musician with Scots bands such as SLIK, Skids and Simple Minds, was the record’s producer.

The single can be heard at www.helensburghheroes.com and is now available to download from popular online music sites such as iTunes, Napster and Emusic.

The Charity is hoping that the single will not only attract commercial success, thus helping it to raise funds for much needed local arts and music facilities, but that it will also raise the profile of the past and present Helensburgh residents who have found global acclaim in the arts, sport, business and sciences, for example John Logie Baird and Deborah Kerr, and will inspire other communities to attempt similar projects.

Watch “Heroes” video by Helensburgh Heroes Experience:

About Helensburgh Heroes
Helensburgh Heroes is a Scottish charity aimed at promoting regeneration through the arts, culture and heritage. As the name suggests, it is a fresh and dynamic collection of local people based in the Clyde side town of Helensburgh, and holds its roots in celebrating past and present local residents who have found global acclaim in the arts, sport, business and sciences, for example John Logie Baird and Deborah Kerr. The charity prides itself on its ethos of involving the local community in any Helensburgh Heroes endeavours, and has the overall aim of establishing a much needed permanent arts and leisure facility in the area, to assist and inspire the local community (young people in particular) to reach their full creative potential.

To listen to the single and for more information, go to:

Helensburgh Heroes Official Website
Helensburgh Heroes on Twitter

Leon Jackson, the 2007 winner of The X Factor, appeared on GMTV’s LK Today this morning. Lorraine Kelly talked to Leon about his win last Saturday night December 15th, his nerves throughout the show and the fact that he had just started singing publicly in January of this year. Karaoke was his schtick before his appearance on the show, and after being crowned the winner, Leon is now a part of X Factor history.

Leon’s new single, a cover of the Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey hit song “When You Believe”, is now available for download and will be in stores December 19th, 2007 on Sony BMG. We’ll have to wait and see if it will make UK Christmas #1.

He sang “When You Believe” on LK Today along with a choir, and after performing on The X Factor Saturday night and probably getting little sleep, he sounded pretty good for a Monday morning. I like the tone of his voice, and at times it reminds me a bit of Jamie Cullum. Even though Leon, who hails from Whitburn, West Lothian, Scotland, is only 18 years old and hasn’t had much experience performing in public, he seems a natural on stage.

With Dannii Minogue as his mentor during The X Factor (UK series 4), it seemed apropos that he would sing a duet with her sister Kylie on the night of his win. They sang her hit, “Better The Devil You Know”. I wonder if that will ever be released as a single?

Last year the winner was Leona – this year, Leon!

Watch Leon Jackson videos on YouTube

The X Factor UK YouTube Channel

Leon Jackson – “When You Believe” on amazon.co.uk

The X Factor Official Website

For interviews, blog, videos, tour dates and more information, go to:

Leon Jackson Official Website

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

King Creosote recently played at the Carling Academy in Oxford and I was fortunate enough to have been there. The band put on a great show – one not to be missed if you get the chance.

There’s quite an endearing quality about King Creosote aka Kenny Anderson. His voice has a rustic, folk feel that can be so soothing – and if I close my eyes and listen to one of his slower songs, like “And The Racket They Made” (a duet written by fellow Fence artist HMS Ginafore) I’m easily taken in by the gentle tranquility of his music. But don’t get me wrong – he can rock out, too – live and in the studio.

The songs that I’ve heard off of the latest King Creosote release, ‘Bombshell’ are excellent and “You’ve No Clue Do You” is an absolute stand-out track.

Being fairly new to his music, I’m at the stage now where I want everyone to know about King Creosote – and as for his long time fans – aren’t they the lucky ones to have known of his music for so long?

Anderson is not only a talented musician and songwriter, he’s also the founder of Fence Records, a collective of musicians, artists and craftsfolk based in Fife, Scotland.

King Creosote interview with BandWeblogs.com
By: Jenny May

Jenny May: How did you come up with the name King Creosote?

King Creosote: I used to make records with a band called “Skuobhie Dubh Orchestra”, but always had to record a lot of my songs on my own. I wanted to put out these recordings on my own label Fence, so then I needed something to go on the fence. That’s the creosote part. I wrote down king creosote, and immediately liked the juxtaposition of the regal and the carcinogenic.

Which instrument to do you prefer to play the most?

At the minute it’s my new electric guitar. The love affair will no doubt end soon and I’ll go crawling back to my accordion wife.

When did you form your first band?

1985, as a fresher at Edinburgh uni. I hooked up with a school chum called Ralph. His sister got pregnant, so we named the band “Uncle Ralph”. We only played maybe 3 live shows in 4 years, but recorded a lot.

What is your favorite song to play live?

This tour it is a song called “Cockle Shell”. I get to play the electric guitar thru a fuzz pedal. It’s ace.

Do you ever play with your brother Gordon’s band, The Aliens (one of my favorite bands, by the way)?

I’ve leapt up on stage with them once or twice. I was asked to go with them to tour the U.S. but our dates clashed. Boo.

I really enjoyed your show in Oxford. Just curious – you mentioned that you went out on the lash the night before your gig. Do you remember where you went?

The White Horse, one other, the King’s Arms.

When on tour, what do you do in your spare time? What is a typical day like for you from when you wake up to when you go to sleep?

I’m driving the tour bus most days. So, brace yourself for the excitement … Get up, shower, eat at little chef (25% discount when you stay Travelodge), repack van, switch on tom tom (renamed tam tam, or sat gav after our drummer’s efforts at map reading), find venue, unload van, soundcheck, go eat/do interview/radio session, get nervous, play gig, load up van, drive to Travelodge.

What is your favourite tipple?

Fruit beers (cherry), red wine n coke, Cuba libre. On rotation.

Do you enjoy the process of filming your music videos?

No. Yes. No. I feel very self conscious, and hate it if they choose public places to film in. I’m always surprised when I look a lot more at ease than I felt at the time. I much enjoy the end result, sometimes.

How do you like living in Fife, Scotland?

I love Fife, at least, the north east part. Every season. I belong here, and the place has so far treated me like I belong.

How often do you record music?

In my spare time in between touring and accounting. I try to get a fortnight’s worth twice a year outside of recording “official” albums.

Where do you record?

At home in my attic. I have a digital 8 track and various keyboards, stringed instruments and machines. All my songs start on a dictaphone then end up on my 8 track.

What is your daily routine like in the recording studio?

I record late at night, when my daughter is at school, or during school hours if i’ve gotten all my other work done. I get a drum loop, shove on a guitar or accordion and a vocal, then I look around to see what I feel like playing next. Move on as soon as it’s mixed down, listen to it back in a day or so.

Do your record sales affect your desire to tour?

Nope, but as they go up, tours get more dates added.

How long have you been playing the accordion? Who inspired you to play?

I’ve played accordion for 33 years. My dad plays, I’m the eldest son, so he passed the baton on to me.

Who are your biggest influences in music?

Mark Hollis, Morrissey, Michael Stipe, my brothers Gordon and Iain, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, the Fence Collective. Early 80s stuff.

Who are the musicians playing with you in the current line-up of King Creosote? How long have they been playing with you?

Pictish trail, guitar, 4 years?
Onthefly, drums, 4 or 5 years on and off.
Uncle Beesly, bass, 13 years in different bands.

Where is your favorite place to play music?

Small rooms or halls.

I don’t say this very often to people that I interview (actually I’ve never said it), but if you ever need a backing singer for a recording or two just let me know!

Will do.

Thank you!

My pleasure!!

KC

For the latest tour dates, music and information go to:

King Creosote Official Website
King Creosote on Myspace

Last night I went to the King Creosote and Ruarri Joseph gig at the Carling Academy in Oxford. It was a great night of entertainment.

First to address the new Carling Academy Oxford. This was the first time that I had been back to the venue since the renovations that took place over the summer were completed.

Some people that I’ve spoken to about the new ownership of the club still refuse to call it anything other than The Zodiac. I can understand that, since it had been “The Zodiac” and locally owned for a few years.

It always takes time to adjust to change – especially when a large establishment “takes over” a venue and local bands might be affected by the change. Hopefully there will be plenty of nights that will cater to local bands there, as well as opportunities for them to have support slots for bigger acts that come through.

The show was held upstairs with half the room closed off, which made for an intimate evening of music and entertainment. I’m not sure if it’s always closed off up there now, but either way, there was enough room to move for a Monday night out in Oxford.

Cornish based singer/songwriter Ruarri Joseph opened the night with an acoustic set which included singles, “Patience” and “Blankets” off of his latest album, ‘Tales Of Grime And Grit’ out on Atlantic Records.

Ruarri has a very soulful voice and his stage persona is charming. I enjoyed his banter in between songs and there were a few times when he was singing that I thought of Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens). The crowd was receptive – and seemed to enjoy his music, as did I.

Ruarri Joseph Official Website
Ruarri Joseph on Myspace

King Creosote from Fife, Scotland closed out the night beginning the set with an acoustic number and then the band came on – guitar, drums and bass.

(Read the King Creosote interview!)

I was quite excited to see King Creosote, or Kenny Anderson as he’s known. Maybe the fact that his brother Gordon, who was a founding member of The Beta Band, and is currently in one of my favorite bands The Aliens, had something to do with it. I love musical connections and this is a pretty cool one.

The songs varied from slow ballads to rocking out as a four piece band. The musicians were good – the banter was funny. You could tell they were having a good time. Anderson mentioned he had a late night out on the lash in Oxford the night before and ended up in some hotel room – which would have been an interesting night, I’m sure. The audience laughed quite a bit at his humor and honesty when he mentioned low record sales. He’s certainly not shy and it’s easy to warm to him immediately.

There were times when the music was tinged with an American folk feel – and when Kenny put down his guitar to play the accordion, it added a nice layer to the set.

The closer of the night was – go figure – a cover of The Aliens’ high energy single, “The Happy Song”. I loved it.

King Creosote will be playing a few more gigs in the UK on this tour. Go see them if you can!

King Creosote Official Website
King Creosote on Myspace

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

The video for “See You At The Lights” was recently made Video of the Week on PlayLouder. It’s a cute animated video that features band members Jackie McKeown, Michael McGaughrin and Jamie McMorrow, but I actually like the song better than the video, which is refreshing. There are a lot of bands out there who’s videos are better than their songs which can be a bit of a hindrance – especially when the song comes on the radio without the video…

1990s are from Glasgow, Scotland and they are in great company. I’m not sure what exactly is going on in the water up there in Glasgow, but there have been some excellent bands that I’ve really been enjoying from the area like Franz Ferdinand (Members from Franz Ferdinand and 1990s were in the now disbanded Glasgow based band The Yummy Fur from the 90’s), The Fratellis, The Dykeenies, The Hussys, Dieselbone (now defunct?) and Latonic. It’s Glasgowmania!

Noting on their Myspace page as playing music “like a blonde gets out of a car”, 1990s are signed to Rough Trade Records in London. Their debut album, Cookies is set for release in May 2007.

Watch 1990s video for See You At The Lights

*Dates could change and/or be added! For the latest tour dates and information, go to 1990s Official Website.

April 13 Forum, London
April 27 Barfly, Birmingham
April 28 Strathclyde University, Glasgow
May 09 HMV, Oxford Street Mojo Awards
May 12 Nation, Liverpool
May 24 Transilvania, Milan
May 25 Covo, Bologna
May 26 Barfly, Ancona
May 27 Zoobar, Rome
June 09 Rock Ness, Loch Ness
August 10 Belladrum Festival, Beauly
September 01 Connect Festival, Inverary Castle

1990s Official Website
1990s on Myspace

By: Jenny May

There’s been quite a buzz here in England surrounding The View. Radio 1 djs like them, the public likes them, they’ve supported Babyshambles on tour and are friends with Pete Doherty. Not only that, but back in November their bass player Kieren was voted No. 6 on the NME Cool List Top 50. I guess that’s pretty cool. Usually the front man/woman gets all the attention so it’s good to see the bass player getting some kudos.

“Same Jeans” is a catchy, poppy danceable tune, with a fun chorus, Bob Dylanesque harmonica playing and great musicianship.

Watch the video for The View’s latest single, “Same Jeans”

Latest tour dates for The View:

11.01.07 – Netherlands, Eurosonic Festival
29.01.07 – Belfast, Ulster Hall
30.01.07 – Dublin, Ambassador Theatre
01.02.07 – Glasgow , Academy
03.02.07 – Manchester , Academy
06.02.07 – Newcastle, Carling Academy
07.02.07 – Birmingham, Carling Academy
08.02.07 – Norwich, UEA
10.02.07 – Cardiff, Cardiff University
11.02.07 – Sheffield, Octagon
12.02.07 – Reading, Hexagon
14.02.07 – Nottingham, Rock City
15.02.07 – Liverpool, Liverpool University
16.02.07 – Southampton, Guildhall
18.02.07 – Cambridge, Corn Exchange
19.02.07 – Exeter, Exeter University
20.02.07 – Bristol, Academy
23.02.07 – London, Brixton Academy
*Dates could change! Please go to their Official Website for the latest news and information.

The View’s Official Website
The View on Myspace

By: Jenny May