Need a bit of musical inspiration? Let Radio 1’s Ally McCrae guide you in the right direction…
I still can’t believe that it’s my job to find bands and artists from all round the UK to put on my BBC Radio 1 show. Mental, eh? The show has to reflect bands that are kicking off in the UK, and also promote the music that I love, with the hope that important people will hear them – like Zane Lowe or Annie Mac. So here’s three tips for you to check out and fall in love with before they’re megastars.
Paws – www.wehavepaws.com
Punk music is not and never will be dead, although this is a bit different from what your dad might call punk. Glasgow-based three-piece Paws (above right) have all the aggression of any classic punk act (and the haircuts) but there’s some real catchy pop guitar lines. With some painfully honest and open lyrics about losing a loved one to cancer, there’s real substance behind the punk rock swagger. Check out their debut album Cokefloat!, which has just been released. It’ll be a classic one day.
Say hey to them on Twitter – @wehavepaws
Young Fathers – www.young-fathers.com
Genuinely one of the most fun live acts out. Young Fathers have been making a racket around Scotland for a couple of years, they are four men that combine some tribal, pounding beats with a triple-threat assault from the THREE rappers in the group, the wordplay is so smart it’ll make you want to be in an English class and the dancing… Well, you better check that for yourself online. Forget Tinchy and Dappy – this is real party hip hop!
Ask them for a personal rap on Twitter – @youngfathers
Rachel Sermanni – www.rachelsermanni.net
The most unique singer to come from this country in years. 20-year-old Rachel has just released her debut album Under Mountains after a couple of years building a fan base around Scotland thanks to her incredible dark, haunting vocals and a relentless touring schedule. Currently in the middle of FIFTY FOUR gigs in a row to support the album, you could compare her to Lucy Rose or Laura Marling but only just. If there’s any justice, singers will be compared to her in a year or two.
Tell her your favourite track from her debut on Twitter – @rachelsermanni
ONE-LINE LIVE REVIEWS
You have to check these guys out…
Blindfolds (Glasgow) – @blindfoldsx
Glasgow band so new they’ve only played one gig. Edgy indie-rock and leather jackets.
Stanley Odd (Edinburgh) – @StanleyOdd
Hip hop but with a full rock band, excellent party music with a political point to prove!
STAR (Paisley) – @STARlads
Initially intended as a joke band by four friends, STAR is actually a really fun pop punk band.
Frightened Rabbit (Selkirk) – @FRabbits
You probably know them. I’m including them because they’re my favourite band. So there.
Departures (Glasgow) – @departuresuk
For fans of Bring Me the Horizon – all things loud and covered in tattoos.
Get Connected…
Catch Ally and Jen Long with the best in new UK music live on the radio every Sunday into Monday on BBC Radio 1, 12-2am, with BBC Introducing.
Check out his new music video channel at www.detour-scotland.com
Source Winter 2012
