After seven acclaimed international albums, gold and platinum discs and countless sold-out concerts, Amadou & Mariam, one of Africa’s most successful and popular musical exports have been using lockdown to recharge their batteries. “When we are in Bamako we usually like to spend time with our family and friends and learn about the changes that happened while we were touring,” explains Amadou Bagayoko. “This year it has been very challenging being away from our fans, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by the virus, and with our musicians and technicians, who have been without work all year. We have been using our time to reconnect with our roots in Mali, feeling the vibe of our neighbourhood and engaging with busy charities and other groups.” “We love what we do,” adds Mariam Doumbia, his wife of more than four decades, “and our goal is to make people happy with our music, help humanitarian causes and share positive messages about the good work being done by people in every corner of the world.”

Leftfield (originally comprised of Neil Barnes and Paul Daley), have been at the cutting edge of dance music since the 1990s, releasing albums that have become some of the most influential electronic records of all time around the world with their debut LP Leftism being widely regarded as one of the most boundary-pushing electronic LPs ever released.

In 2010, Neil Barnes reignited the Leftfield name, and went on to release two new Leftfield albums (Alternative Light Source and most recently This Is What We Do) touring the world with the full live band. Neil has also been cementing his reputation as a top-tier DJ and record collector unleashing modern dance floor weapons, selling out venues, headlining festivals and creating some amazing nights with his DJ sets.

“I’m going to be playing an eclectic range of house/techno tracks in my sets. I’m finding so many great new records all the time out there. My sets are all about building mood and tension on the dance floor – a real journey.” Neil Barnes.

2019 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees The Zombies are back with their long-awaited new album, Different Game (2023 – Cooking Vinyl Records). Different Game is the follow-up to the iconic British psychedelic pop legends’ 2015 Billboard-charting album, Still Got That Hunger. The Zombies originally infiltrated the airwaves with sophisticated melodies, breathy vocals, choral back-up harmonies and jazzy keyboard riffs of their 1960’s hit singles “She’s Not There” and “Tell Her No”. Ironically, the original lineup disbanded just prior to achieving their greatest success – the worldwide chart-topping single “Time of the Season,” from their swan-song album Odessey and Oracle, ranked in the Top 100 of Rolling Stone’s ‘500 Greatest Albums of All Time.’ To this day, generations of new bands have cited The Zombies’ work as pop touchstones, and the band continues to be embraced by new generations of fans. Following the break-up of the original band, Blunstone went on to develop an acclaimed solo career, while Argent rocked arenas in the 1970’s with his eponymous band ARGENT, but the legend of The Zombies continued to take on a life of its own. By the start of the new Millennium, Blunstone and Argent were inspired to resurrect The Zombies, which has led to several critically-acclaimed new albums and 2 decades of worldwide concert performances.

Mr. Scruff
Manchester-based Mr. Scruff is a producer, cartoonist and cross-genre selector who loves to play long DJ sets, and occasionally B2B sets with similarly wide-eared end excitable DJs. He has been DJing since 1984, and has been getting paid for it since 1994. His DJ sets can range from deep soul/funk/reggae/afro/jazz/latin/hip-hop to harder edged electro/house/new wave/techno/electronic, often all in the same night. A sound obsessive who likes to get in the venue early to set up and sound check, he brings his mixer, effects, vinyl (unless he is playing upside down on a windy boat), cables, a sound engineer and some boiled eggs. Sometimes he brings VJ Jim or MC Kwasi. He usually brings socks, but occasionally forgets.

Just who is LTJ Bukem? Ground breaking DJ? Inspirational musician? Record label entrepreneur? Club visionary, perhaps? The man who took the drum and bass concept from a small venue off London’s Charing Cross Road to the nation’s superclubs and then onto the international stage….The geezer whose records launched breakbeat into a brand new galaxy of sound…. In truth, he is all of the above: a Renaissance man for a digital age. Although he wouldn’t like to admit it, LTJ Bukem is the living embodiment of the post-acid house entrepreneurial creative spirit. He is a mild mannered energy flash whose panoramic musical vision has found success in every area he has explored. From running sound systems to cutting up breaks at raves, from relocating the heart of breakbeat culture to redefining the spirit of drum and bass, the man known to his friends as Danny has sat at the forefront of breakbeat evolution, lighting the way with little more than a zest for life and a love of the music. 

“Few drum & bass DJs have attained the cult status LTJ Bukem has reached. His productions have proved to be truly timeless and it’s a testament to his tireless workrate and talent that he’s remained relevant whilst staying true to his dedication to real music. With an unparalleled selection packed full of exclusives, his sets are a joy for heads and newcomers alike.”  

Not many acts stay together for a quarter of a century and still remain firing on all cylinders. But the Dub Pistols juggernaut rolls on, exploring fresh sonic pastures and accelerating into 2022 — their 25th anniversary, their Silver Jubilee — like there’s no tomorrow.

The Dubs may have had an easier ride of it if they’d been a cartoon band like Gorillaz. There wouldn’t have been assorted band member casualties along the way, for starters, as life on the road took its toll. The multi-cultural collective has involved dozens of artists and musicians over the years — some remaining for years, a few for the duration, and others just popping in for a guest appearance. Their sound has accordingly morphed a variety of times since their inception: taking in dub, punk, jungle, ska, breakbeat, hip-hop and a whole lot more, it’s been a long road travelled.

Mungo’s Hi Fi

Mungo’s love soundsystem culture to the core – from its Jamaican roots to raves, club and festivals.

When performing as DJs, playing on their heavyweight soundsystem, producing music, collaborating with vocalists and releasing artists on their label, Scotch Bonnet, they create a uniquely uplifting experience.

Dougie No Pain, Craigy Wonder, Breezak Bass and Tommy Danger are the Scottish collective known as Mungo’s Hi Fi.

MARINA P

Marina P got a taste for jazz from her parents and cites Nina Simone and Chet Baker as early influences, as well as contemporary hip hop, trip hop and reggae artists. She started performing on the underground scene in her native Italy before moving to Paris where she has made her name writing killer tracks and voicing with power and style for an impressive variety of producers. In France she formed a band called “Surviv’all” and started to get involved in the Soundsystem scene. Her break came when she voiced the massive “Divorce a l’italienne” with Mungo’s Hi Fi, which was first released on Scotch Bonnet Records in 2007, and she has gone on to release tunes and work with some of the best producers of the dub scene like Jahtari, Stand High Patrol and DJ Madd. In 2013 she releases her first full album “My Homeys” on her own label “Homeys Records”. With contributions from a large range of confirmed producers this album shows her ability to go from soul music to digital reggae to bass music. Her cover of Wendy Rene’s hit “I wish I were that girl” has been an important step in her career as it has been playlisted on international radios. Since then, Marina has continued to work with many producers and to perform on major European festivals. Her latest releases on Homeys Records with KSD attest her desire to explore new musical paths. This has been confirmed in 2018 with the release of “Summer On Mars”: a new hybrid album recorded with Stand high Patrol, influenced by the rich musical heritage of Bristol and led by Dub & Future Soul aesthetics. In 2020 she cemented her long-standing connection with Mungo’s Hifi by releasing eagerly awaited concept album « Soul Radio » on Scotch Bonnet Records. Expanding into multiple genres while keeping its roots in rocksteady, reggae and ska, this album is an ambitious representation of her artistic fullness.

MARINA P has worked on stage or in studio with : Mungo’s Hifi, Stand High Patrol, Manu Digital, Jahtari, L’Entourloop, Blundetto, Stepart, DJ Madd, Bahle Bacce Crew, Soul Stereo, Ondubground, Dub All Sense, Cool Runnings, Dub-4, Soom T, Jahspora, KSD…

Links :

http://www.facebook.com/marinapmusic
https://twitter.com/MarinaPmusic
https://soundcloud.com/marinap-music
http://www.youtube.com/user/MarinaPchannel
https://www.facebook.com/homeysrecords

Defying the confines of a singular genre – I introduce Aziza Jaye.

The UK born artist and producer dwells in the hills of the steel city of Sheffield, where she began sharpening her tools at the age of 14.

Years on she has travelled the UK and abroad performing to audiences and sharing a piece of herself with them in each moment.

Her original music is no different! She coined the term ‘genre-less’. “Music is a feeling, it helps us heal or reveal” she expressed. With spirituality forming pivotal parts of my journey, it is something I must give back.

Dele Sosimi, the Nigerian-British Afrobeat Ambassador, Musician and Educator, has been at the heart of the global Afrobeat scene since relocating to the UK in December 1995. Having started his musical career with Fela’s Egypt 80 band in his teens, he then teamed up with childhood friend Fela’s son Femi Kuti (back in the late eighties) to kick start the Positive Force – touring, recording and performing
worldwide. Over forty years later, he remains a tireless ambassador for the unique musical movement all over the world. His blend of complex funk grooves, traditional Nigerian music, African percussion and an underlying sense of jazz combines with his virtuoso keyboard skills and rhythmic singing to make him one of the most respected Afrobeat authorities of his era.

Renowned and respected worldwide for his highly technical turntablism, meticulously crafted DJsets and party-punching productions, Krafty Kuts is in a league of his own. One of the key pioneers in the UK breakbeat and bass movement, Krafty Kuts has multiple awards to his name and has released music with the likes of Ministry Of Sound, OWSLA, Southern Fried, DMC, Fabric and many more.

Over the years he’s given us two critically acclaimed, genre-smelting, Breakspoll award-winning solo albums (2006’s Freakshow and 2012’s Let’s Ride) and one legendary hip-hop/funk homage album Tricka Technology with A Skillz. He’s collaborated with the likes Kurtist Blow, Jungle Brothers, Freddy Fresh and Dr Luke and given us countless EPs and remixes on myriad labels from OWSLA to AudioPorn, Finger Lickin’ to Skint, Fort Knox to 18th Street Lounge Music. All this and we haven’t even covered Krafty Kut’s life as a DJ. Famed for his inventive combos and wily technical chops, Krafty’s sets smack of a man addicted to funk in all its forms and have
won countless awards. His Slam The Breaks series and Mixmag’s Instant Party 2001 covermount CD are especially of note as they coining breakbeat’s core spirit of melting down sounds, styles and flavours and set the blueprint for the bass phenomenon that was to soundtrack the 21st century.

They also catapulted Krafty from the UK circuit to a world tour that’s never really stopped. From Rocking The Daisies in South Africa to Electric Castle in Romania by way of Glastonbury, Bestival and Australia’s biggest music festivals Breakfast, Big Day Out (to over 40,000 people alongside Rage Against The Machine and Bjork) and Summadayze (to over 25,000 straight after Groove Armada). He’s also played unique events such as the Chinese Grand Prix and Spotify’s launch party and is resident at Dubai’s Zero Gravity. Krafty Kuts has also hosted and sold-out events in Fabric, Matter, Cable and Brixton Electric where he’s recruited friends such as Grand Master Flash, Z Trip, Thievery Corporation, KOAN Sound and Big Gigantic. In short, Krafty’s showman skills have remained as in demand as they were at the turn of the century. This is largely down to his ability to properly entertain, pay attention to detail and a dust his
knuckles in his bottomless crates. Just as likely to play Parliament as he is Plump DJs, Krafty’s party knowhow and reputation for digging deep and catering for music lovers of many distinctions has ensured broad and loyal following the world over. And when he’s not playing in their town, they know he’ll be delivering another mix compilation such as his Fabriclive 34 mix, his curve-balling Back To Mine mix or one of his now-legendary podcasts.

BOOKINGS: [email protected]

http://www.kraftykuts.com / https://www.instagram.com/kraftykuts /

Freestylers

Afer an 20 year career the Freestylers have covered a full 360 degrees in the Bass Music genre, having played all the biggest festvals, the most talked about Nightclubs around the World and even the quintessentally Britsh music show, Top Of The Pops. Having achieved the kind of success most artsts can only dream of, they’ve not rested on their laurels. Aston and Mat started working on Music together in the mid ‘90’s afer discovering a mutual love of Hip-Hop, Electro and Beats. They released their frst two Albums ‘We Rock Hard’ and ‘Pressure Point’ on legendary Breakbeat label Freskanova. ’Raw as F**K” and ‘Adventures In Freestyle” were released on ‘Against The Grain” another Breaks Power House based out of Brighton,UK. From being voted ‘Best Band’ by Muzik Magazine in ’98, to touring with Lenny Kravitz on his American Woman Tour (he asked them himself as he was so impressed with their act), rocking a crowd of 30,000 at Glastonbury Festval ’99, performing at MTV’s Times Square Millennium Party,playing Big Day Out ’05 – it’s fair to say these Guys have had one big Adventure so far.

The Freestylers began their career as an Urban Electronic Music Act, and their early Tunes ‘B-Boy Stance,’’ ‘Rufneck’ and ‘Warning’ set the marker. As their Music progressed so did their Anthems with the seminal tunes ‘Punks’, ‘Boom Blast’, ‘Fasten YourSeat-Belts’,’Painkiller” and more recently ‘Cracks.’to list a few.In additon to their status as Underground Heroes, they have gained commercial success with their Global Hit ‘Push Up’ and have had their Music synched in many TV Commercials and Films ,including the hugely successful Comedies,Zoolander,Hey Dude Where’s My Car and the more recent Sisters.

Their ever eclectc style and renegade approach to producton focuses on everything in the Bass Music Spectrum and was on show with their 5th Studio Album ‘The Coming Storm’.The current single “Spread Love” has been crossing boundaries with it’s Bassline House/Breaks hybrid sound and soon to follow up single Hypnotc Eyez and new EP Club Tracks Vol IV have been designed for maximum dancefoor devastaton.The Freestylers are here to stay and are defnitely rocking even harder.

Web: http://freestylersmusic.co.uk
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/freestylers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefreestylersofficial/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0zg9mF9dX2knvdTKnL22T1
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/freestylers/id3295881
BOOKINGS: [email protected]

Jamz Supernova uses sonics to tell a story. The multi-faceted creative force is a label head, radio host, DJ, podcaster, and true tastemaker, broadcasting for over a decade. Known for her slots on BBC Radio 1Xtra (Best Specialist Aria Gold Winner 2021), BBC 6Music (Broadcast & Press Guild Best radio show of 2022) & Selector Radio for the British Council, reaching over 4 million global listeners. Outside of radio, Jamz heads up seminal label Future Bounce working in both an A&Ring and consulting capacity, which has released stand-out records from the likes of Bianca Oblivion, Suchi & Giulia Tess. Through her vibrant DJ sets, she is a mainstay at festivals and clubs worldwide, spinning an eclectic mix of broken beat, UK funky, Bass, techno and beyond at the likes of We Out Here Festival, Worldwide Sete, All Points East and more. Having also hosted television shows for BBC Three, FOUR & Newsbeat, and music awards ceremonies – including the prestigious Mercury Prize – for Jamz, the possibilities are endless; it’s clear world domination will continue to be in her orbit.

“I view MUSIC as a major WEAPON in the BATTLEFIELD for PEACE of MIND in the world” – K.O.G
“Ghana’s finest” – Jools Holland, Later with Jools Holland, BBC2, March 2021
Kweku Sackey aka K.O.G (Kweku of Ghana) is a multi-dimensional creative force, combining exquisite writing skills with shamanistic live performance, fierce raps, perfectly on pitch singing across a massive vocal range and some absolutely wicked dance moves. Not to mention his skills as a percussionist, arranger, bandleader and art director. A true poet and storyteller, he uses a mix of English, Pidgin and Ga to paint sonic pictures that reach deep into the souls of everyone ready to listen.
“I love to make music that CONNECTS, REVIVES , EDUCATES and ENTERTAINS, drawing on the spiritual, physical, emotional and mental well being of us as individuals and our quest to maintain balance with the universe.”
Born in Accra, Ghana, to a nurse mother and marine engineer father who had studied in England, he grew up with a diverse range of international influences alongside Ghanaian styles: Tom Waits, Quincy Jones, Bob Marley, Sizzla, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Ebo Taylor, Gyedu Blay Ambolley, Atongo Simba, George Clinton, Pavarotti, Warsaw Village Band.
Resident for over 10 years in Sheffield, UK, music has taken him to perform in 15 countries at huge stages all over the world, from Glastonbury’s legendary West Holts stage to Fusion (Germany), Sauti Za Busara (Zanzibar), Kabardock (Reunion) and the Commonwealth Games (Gold Cost, Australia), winning the 2018 Young Commonwealth Performer and performing for Nelson Mandela’s family.
A prolific writer and collaborator, he needs a range of projects to showcase the different sides of his unique talent. He is the lead vocalist for afro-futurist project Onipa (Strut Records, Wormfood) and hi-life/hiphop/funk band K.O.G and the Zongo Brigade (Heavenly Sweetness), as well as collaborating extensively with Nubiyan Twist; his song ‘If I know’ off the Freedom Fables album (Strut, March 2021) was performed live on Later with Jools Holland and A playlisted twice on BBC6 Music.
Kweku is deeply aware of his heritage and of his role as an ambassador both through space and time, negotiating culturally both between African and Western influences and between the traditional and the modern: always open to new innovations and ideas while firmly rooted in a deep lineage. This openness has informed recent collaborations with a wide wide range of producers and writers, including iZem, Afriquoi, Scrimshire Congo Natty, Dark Sky, Dizraeli, Chiminyo, Umoja and many more in the pipeline. He will launch his solo album in February 2022 on French label Heavenly Sweetness, produced by master French producer Guts (Alliance Ethnik) and longtime friend and collaborator Tom Excell (Nubiyan Twist, Onipa).

One of the world’s most prolific fiddle groups, Blazin’ Fiddles formed for a one-off tour of the Scottish Highlands in 1999 and are still raising roofs far and wide well over two decades later.

Encompassing a rare and virtuosic selection of the fiddle’s diverse Highland and island voices, with ensemble and solo-led sets both backed by powerhouse guitar and piano, the Blazers pack all the power, passion and sensitivity of Scotland’s traditional music, into a single show.

The four-fiddle frontline of Inverness’ Bruce MacGregor, Shetlander Jenna Reid, Nairn’s Rua Macmillan, and Orkney’s Kristan Harvey ignites atop second-to-none accompaniment from Anna Massie and Angus Lyon. Whatever the hall – whether of the Highland village or Royal Albert variety – they’ll turn it into the liveliest and warmest of hootenannies, setting the hearts of their audience alight.

Multiple winners of Scotland’s Folk Band of the Year – most recently in 2019 – the six-piece have long been one of country’s foremost and most recognisable folk groups, touring far beyond their deep northern roots.

Project Smok is the neo-trad trio of Ali Levack, Ewan Baird and Pablo Lafuente, whose nonconformist and progressive Scottish traditional music has set them apart since their formation in 2017.

Known for their ability to effortlessly blend trad music with contemporary new-age pop influences, Project Smok are at their most comfortable pushing boundaries, making listeners stop and re-evaluate their musical expectations. They do away with any perceived limits of genre from the first note.

The close-knit group meld naturally between the innovative, explosive and emotive, drawing outside inspiration from indie pop acts like The 1975, LANY and Bon Iver, to more time-honoured, West Coast styles of playing.

With tunes built around the distinctive piping of BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2020 Ali Levack, paired with Ewan Baird’s skilled bodhran playing and Pablo Lafuente’s nuanced guitar, electric guitar and production, the trio manage to naturally bring together an array of musical aspects. Throw in instrumental virtuosity, blistering drive, infectious rhythm and a delicate sensitivity and you have Project Smok’s thirst-quenching sound. 

It’s little wonder they have fast become a recognised and household name in the traditional music scene. They boast nominations for ‘Best Up and Coming Artist’ at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2018 and the ‘Belhaven Bursary for Innovation’ at the same awards in 2019, not to mention an unforgettable collaboration with 2019 Scottish Album of the Year nominee Edwyn Collins on their 2020 debut album, ‘Bayview’.

Written as a follow up to their 2017 EP ‘Horizons’, the record was brought to life in Edwyn Collins’ famous Clashnarrow Studio in Helmsdale on Scotland’s north east coast, using a treasure trove of special analogue and vintage equipment to showcase their truly refreshing sound. It was premiered in spectacular fashion at Celtic Connections 2020 in Glasgow’s Old Fruitmarket to a sell-out crowd.

Project Smok’s debut album has cemented their place as a young band at the forefront of the traditional music scene who have great intensions and crave innovation.

They offer an unconventional, idiosyncratic, energetic synergism that defies expectation.

Their second album ‘The Outset’ was released on 19th January 2024.

Optimo (Espacio) are the duo JD Twitch and JG Wilkes. They each have over 30 years DJ-ing experience and have become both renowned and highly respected for their memorable and ecstatic deejay sets. Twitch and Wilkes exhibit a unique disregard for
genres and musical restrictions in their craft, creating a nightclub experience that strike out into territories far beyond the accepted boundaries of club music.

The duo were responsible for the Glasgow nightclub Optimo (Espacio) which ran from November 1997 until April 2010. Optimo sat at the very epicentre of the Scottish Clubbing consciousness in its weekly residency in the Sub Club and is widely regarded as one of the most important and ground-breaking clubs of the past two decades (at one point earning them the prestigious title of Mixmag “Club of the Year”).

Optimo first came to international recognition with the release of How to Kill The Dj (part 2) in 2004. This mix, and the critical acclaim that followed, would catapult the duo onto the international gigging circuit. The next few years would see them travel across the world taking the Optimo party aesthetic to over 50 countries across Europe, North & South America, Africa, Australia & Asia.

Subsequent mix releases illustrated their exceptional maverick determination, raising the benchmark for what is expected from a DJ mix and what musical ingredients could be used to create it. These titles include – Psyche-Out (Eskimo Recordings), 20 Years Underground (Soma), Walkabout (Endless Flight), In Order To Edit (R&S), Sleepwalk (Domino Recordings) and culminated with a tour-de-force mix for the Fabric Series with Fabric 52 – Optimo (Espacio).

Their mixes and DJ sets underline Optimo’s reputation as taste-makers, achieved through their shared passion for clubbing and their encyclopedic knowledge of music. However it also illustrates their skill in assembling sounds from the past and present to create an experience that is definitively futuristic in spirit.

Further opportunities to hear the Optimo sound can be found on the highly respected NTS Live where Optimo take to the internet radio waves monthly, providing a topical and up to the minute glimpse into the head-messing Optimo universe. There is also the (JD Twitch helmed) respected & prolific Optimo Music label, active since 2009 and heading for its 150th release, plus their very own festival, Watching Trees. Watching Trees was launched in association with their allies at Ransom Note in 2022 and was nominated by
DJ Magazine as ‘best boutique festival’. Optimo (Espacio) are also active in their local community raising awareness and funds for local foodbanks, refugee and anti-racist organisations. So far they have raised over a quarter of a million pounds for various organisations in Glasgow, and beyond.

The final essential ingredient to the Optimo success is of course the people. Each Optimo set is different, teased out of the dynamics of a singular group of people – whether it be a tiny basement sweat-box, the main room of a super club, the main stage of a festival or a thousand people in a field – and everything they do springs from the spirit of the crowd and the rhythm of the moment. It is the unique enthusiasm of each crowd, where ever
they go, that gives them inspiration – and feeds the joy in what they do. As Twitch and Wilkes say themselves, “We Love Your Ears!”

Stevie Cox (Sub Club)

Committed to putting the party first with an innate understanding of direction, tension and release, Stevie Cox has fast become a dancefloor favourite. Consistent stand-out performances have earned her the trajectory she’s on today. After initially taking on a midweek residency at Glasgow’s legendary Sub Club, Stevie was quickly promoted to Saturdays. She joined 3 of her favourite DJs as a
resident of Subculture, the club’s flagship party. No small feat – at just under 30 years, Subculture is the longest running underground weekly residency on the planet. With true cross-genre fluency, Stevie adds a spark to any lineup. Whether it’s playing hypnotic techno to a festival main stage crowd of thousands, tripped-out house to 400 people at Subbie, or drum and bass in a 100 capacity basement, she can be trusted to deliver any and every time. Regardless of genre, a common thread can be sensed across her taste and productions; this wee Piscean is drawn to deeply emotive and atmospheric sounds.

Fast-emerging Scottish composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist corto.alto has been described as a traditional jazz head raised in the age of the internet. The moniker of Glasgow-based Liam Shortall, corto.alto brings a fresh perspective to a heady mix of intuitive improvisation, electronic production, broken beat bounce and bass-heavy dub. His debut album ‘Bad With Names’ out in Oct 2024, honest and iconoclastic, is challenging the boundaries of contemporary jazz.

Championed by Gilles Peterson, Jamie Cullum, BBC 6 Music, KCRW, Jazzwise, Fip radio in France and RRR in Australia to name a few, as well as the editorial teams at Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, Shortall says ‘Bad With Names’ is about “forgiving yourself”, articulating themes of misspent youth, the passing of time, and the horrors of the accelerating news cycle with the dexterity of a lyricist across twelve instrumental tracks. In doing so, it brings together some of the UK’s finest young players, including Mercury prize-nominated pianist Fergus McCreadie, trumpet player James Copus, trombonist Anoushka Nanguy, drummer Graham Costello, with the flair of a string quartet, taking the corto.alto sound in a new direction.

Having cut his teeth playing trombone in Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and making beats in his bedroom, Shortall has the chops to match the top players in the country and beyond. Proud of his
Glaswegian upbringing and Irish-Spanish heritage (corto.alto translate as short, tall in Spanish), his
renegade sound is a constant push-and-pull of bravado and vulnerability. As he explains, “the title Bad With Names comes from feeling like in the madness of it all you’re losing the ability of memory, or at least the illusion of that.”

The summer of 2023 saw corto.alto play Glastonbury, Love Supreme and Barcelona’s Jamboree Jazz Club, followed by a sold-out UK tour to promote his debut album, including packed London Jazz Cafe and Glasgow QMU. corto.alto is standing tall, holding the torch for Glasgow and ready to rip up the rulebook in the process.

Valtos are Skye natives Daniel Docherty and Martyn MacDonald, and they have taken the Trad and Electronic music worlds by storm. Since their debut shows in December 2021, they have captivated audiences at festivals and sold-out venues nationwide.

Their music has been described by Folk Radio UK as “like nothing you’ve heard before,” blending influences from electronic and folk music. Inspired by artists like Martyn Bennet, Peatbog Faeries, Odesza, Madeon, and Bicep, Valtos creates a unique and genre-defying sound.

Valtos’ self-titled debut album, released in June 2022, features collaborations with Donnie Munro (Runrig), Lana Pheutan, Eilidh Cormack (Sian), Gary Innes (Mànran), Euan McLaughlin (An Dannsa Dub), and Allan MacDonald (Niteworks). The album achieved over 100,000 streams in its first few weeks, showcasing Valtos’ musical prowess.

Prior to their album, Valtos released remarkable remixes, featuring Peatbog Faeries, Project Smok, Niteworks, and Mec Lir. These remixes paved the way for their groundbreaking debut, fueling anticipation and setting the stage for their meteoric rise.

Valtos draws inspiration from the breathtaking beauty of their home, infusing their recordings and live performances with a profound sense of place. Joined onstage by a full live band, including Lana Pheutan, Eilidh Cormack, Ali Levack, and Euan McLaughlin, Valtos delivers energetic and unforgettable live experiences.

Valtos’ talent and innovation have garnered recognition, earning them the Up and Coming Artist of the Year award at The Scots Trad Awards 2022. Their dedication and boundary-pushing artistry continue to impress critics and fans alike.

In their ambitious project, “Valtos and Friends,” they release a new single every month throughout 2023, collaborating with diverse artists. This project showcases their adaptability and artistic growth while pushing sonic boundaries.

Valtos’ sonic fusion of traditional and electronic music inspires and reshapes the musical landscape. 

Links:

https://www.valtosband.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/valtosband/

https://www.facebook.com/valtosband/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6gh1HzdxwTgfznOANixjNQ?si=7PII7GUNSemPGT0bj7qs5A

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9_QESbkzg7KKr4DxAHTnDg 

https://www.tiktok.com/@valtosband

Dutty Moonshine Big Band, the audacious musical fusion that has taken the UK by storm, is far from your typical band. Born out of the vibrant and eclectic Oxford and Bristol music scenes, this ensemble of musical maestros has managed to carve a niche for themselves with their infectious energy and genre-defying sound.

Formed in 2015, Dutty Moonshine Big Band is the creation of Michael Rack, a visionary party starter with a penchant for blending genre-blurring sounds with contemporary bass-heavy beats. What started as a bold experiment quickly evolved into a powerhouse of entertainment, featuring a huge brass section that packs a punch, hip hop and grime vocals, and an unstoppable rhythm that makes audiences sway, jump and dance with unbridled enthusiasm. 

Their debut album, “Most Wanted,” released in 2017, solidified their presence in the music scene, earning critical acclaim and propelled them into the mainstream. Since then, the band have gone to break into the UK Official Charts with both LP’s “City of Sin” and 2023’s “Villain” showcasing their ability to blend genres effortlessly, creating a sonic experience that transcends time and captivates audiences from all walks of life. The 12-piece took their “Villain” album on the road at the end of 2023 on a self-promoted UK tour and sold over 10,000 tickets.

Beyond their chart successes, Dutty Moonshine Big Band’s live performances are legendary. With a stage presence that rivals the energy of a rock concert and an infectious enthusiasm that spreads like wildfire, their shows are nothing short of epic. They’ve gone from intimate venues to major festivals and they leave an indelible mark on every stage they grace.

In a world where musical boundaries are constantly being pushed, Dutty Moonshine Big Band stands as a testament to the power of innovation and the joy of bringing people together through the universal language of music. With their chart-topping hits and unforgettable live performances, this extraordinary ensemble continues to defy expectations and redefine the sound of contemporary music.

SPOTIFY – https://open.spotify.com/artist/2aRD3jAqJXXE6luSkvLp3W

FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/duttymoonshine/

INSTAGRAM – https://www.instagram.com/duttymoonshinebigband

YOUTUBE – https://www.youtube.com/user/DuttyMoonshine

WEBSITE – https://www.duttymoonshine.com  

————— 

DUTTY MOONSHINE BIG BAND – SHORT BIO

Dutty Moonshine Big Band, the audacious musical fusion that has taken the UK by storm, is far from your typical band. Born out of the vibrant and eclectic Oxford and Bristol music scenes, this ensemble of musical maestros has managed to carve a niche for themselves with their infectious energy and genre-defying sound.

Formed in 2015, Dutty Moonshine Big Band is the creation of Michael Rack, a visionary party starter with a penchant for blending genre-blurring sounds with contemporary bass-heavy beats. What started as a bold experiment quickly evolved into a powerhouse of entertainment, featuring a huge brass section that packs a punch, hip hop and grime vocals, and an unstoppable rhythm that makes audiences sway, jump and dance with unbridled enthusiasm. 

In a world where musical boundaries are constantly being pushed, Dutty Moonshine Big Band stands as a testament to the power of innovation and the joy of bringing people together through the universal language of music. With their chart-topping hits and unforgettable live performances, this extraordinary ensemble continues to defy expectations and redefine the sound of contemporary music.

The Vintage Explosion burst on to the scene in Oct 2022 when a video of them performing Sam Cooke’s ‘A Change is Gonna Come’ went viral on TikTok and Facebook. Since then they have taken their Rock n roll, Soul & Rhythm and Blues sound to sold out venues across the UK gaining some famous fans along the way. Here is what Sir Rod Stewart had to say:

‘This guy….The Vintage Explosion, is the best white soul singer i’ve ever heard’. 

The band have already achieved 3 No.1 Albums on iTunes Worldwide Blues Chart as well as reaching the top ten on the US Billboard Blues Charts. The band made their first television appearance in March when they were specially invited to perform at the BBC Big Birthday Bash as the house band and followed that with their national TV debut on ITV’s This Morning. 

Debut Studio Album ‘Havin’ Such A Good Time’ is out now!

‘a stunning debut album, pinballing across genres’ Vintage Rock Magazine

For more details check out the website:

www.thevintageexplosion.com

HEISK, the vibrant and captivating six-piece folk band, redefine the traditional music landscape by infusing Scottish roots with contemporary energy and a commitment to gender diversity. United by a resolute mission to amplify the voices of women and gender minorities in the traditional music scene, HEISK’s journey is an inspiring narrative of musical excellence, diversity, and empowerment.

Formed by a shared love for Scottish traditional music and a desire to foster greater gender representation, HEISK embarked on their musical odyssey. Their debut self-titled album served as a groundbreaking testament to their vision. A collaboration with a diverse ensemble of exceptionally talented women, ranging from musicians and engineers to PR specialists, photographers, agents, and managers, this album wasn’t just a collection of tracks but a resounding statement of female empowerment. Beyond their studio recordings, HEISK are renowned for their capacity to deliver an electrifying and commanding live show, securing their status as a must-see fixture on the festival circuit.

Their most recent project goes beyond music creation; it involves an ambitious mentoring program to develop opportunities for underrepresented young women and gender minorities. This program encompasses various areas of the music industry, from recording and producing to mixing, instrumental performance, marketing, business, and live shows. Notably, this mentoring program follows the production of HEISK’s second album, from recording to release, showcasing their dedication to empowering the next generation of musicians while continuing to break new ground in traditional Scottish folk music.

Reviews:

• ★★★★ The Scotsman
• ★★★★ Songlines
• “The future of Scottish Folk” – Americana UK
• “Unsurprisingly bold, full of energy, and impeccably played.” – Northern Sky
• “The results speak for themselves. HEISK is a wonderful album.” – At The Barrier

HEISK ARE:

• Electro Harp / Becca Skeoch
• Keys / Catriona Hawksworth
• Kit / Lauren Macdonald
• Accordion / Megan MacDonald
• Fiddle / Sally Simpson
• Fiddle / Isla Callister

THE BEATLES DUB CLUB

A special DJ set showcasing The Fab Four like you’ve never heard before!

DJ Chris Arnold takes you on a magical mystery tour of his collection of covers, remixes and tracks that sampled arguably the greatest band that ever existed – The Beatles.

Expect to hear plenty of reggae, ska, latin, hip hop, dub, funk, house and even drum & bass takes on the wonderful music created by John, Paul, George & Ringo.

The Beatles Dub Club drew in huge crowds during the 2022 festival season with thousands of punters showing up to watch the show at Boomtown Fair, Glastonbury, Shambala, Green Man & Bluedot amongst others. The year finished off with a personal invitation by Fatboy Slim to perform at his ‘All Back To Minehead’ Weekender at Butlins.

In 2023 The Beatles Dub Club was toured extensively across the UK, as well as making some appearances in France, Austria and a sell out event in Bristol. Thousands of festival attendees watched the show at such festivals as Latitude, Isle of Wight & Camp Bestival and Far out Magazine listed the show as one of the Top 20 Alternative Acts to watch at Glastonbury alongside such heavyweights as Hot Chip, Mike Skinner and Leftfield.

“Far from pure novelty, it is a wonderful way to celebrate music in all of its connective guises” – Far Out Magazine

“If Sergeant Pepper had been a DJ, this would have been his set…” – Fatboy Slim

Since releasing his debut, ‘Feel the Ground You Walk Upon’ in March 2022, Edinburgh born Lewis McLaughlin took off at an impressive rate. From playing small gigs in Glasgow and Edinburgh, to appearing at major festivals and touring all over the U.K. 

He won the Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition in 2022 with his song Summer. The song has resonated with countless people across the U.K and beyond, and has caught the attention of starts such as Coldplay’s Chris Martin and George Ezra to name a few. 

Since then, he has toured throughout the U.K, played at festivals such as Glastonbury, Latitude, Belladrum, Connect and Moseley Folk Festival and has supported the likes of Rachel Sermanni and Flyte. 

Lewis has been championed by BBC Radio 2 (Zoe Ball), BBC 6 Music, and has been aired extensively on BBC Radio Scotland. He also appeared on TV as part of BBC 2’s coverage of Glastonbury 2022. 

“Future Superstar in loading buffer mode” is what BBC called her after naming her Song “Twelve Wooden Boxes“ the Track of the Week. From the very start soul artist Becky Sikasa captivated tastemakers and music lovers in UK and Germany. The release shows for Becky Sikasa’s debut EP in Glasgow and Cologne were sold out weeks in advance.

 Working with award-winning producers and directors Becky shapes her artistic vision and with a sold-out London debut at Blues Kitchen and two impressive performances at The Great Escape Festival Becky is on her way to becoming one of the new voices of UK-Neo-Soul. Sikasa’s songs are scenes from life, art and literature. With a voice as versatile as it is grounded, she delves deep to tie her heart to her words. Trails of vocal harmony weave effortlessly through colourful arrangements to complete explorative, vibrant off-pop tracks. Songs about those questions of belonging, identity and connection. About being more than just one. About the belief in finding a home in the in-between. A home in music. For Becky Sikasa and for all those who listen.

Anybody who knows the Scottish music scene will tell you that Mickey 9s are one of the most exciting bands to see live. The irreverent four piece from Glasgow combines elements of dance, punk and disco into a blistering, genre-defying groove that sends crowds into a frenzy. They are previous ‘Best Live Act’ winners at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards.

After releasing their third album Modern Kunst in 2021, Mickey 9s found that their heaviest work to date was also the most popular amongst their (now cult) following. Since that album’s release, they have had five sold-out in a row Glasgow gigs in The Garage, Room 2 (twice), King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut and SWG3 Warehouse, two tours around the country and they have now turned their attention towards creating new music for their fans after playing festivals in 2023 across Scotland and England.

The band released standalone singles in the first half of 2023, ‘Straight White Male’, ‘Screen Time’ and an amped-up cover of Gang of Four’s classic ‘At Home He’s a Tourist’. The band are now focusing on album number four, Impressive Snake, and have released the following singles from it in 2023; ‘Impossibility’, ‘Dream’ and ‘Moments Go’. The latter was prestigiously chosen by BBC Radio Scotland to be their final Single Of The Week of 2023 on The Afternoon Show. Those new album singles will be followed up in 2024 with the releases of ‘Waves of Love’ (1st February) and ‘Who Do You Love?’ (22nd February) before the release of Impressive Snake on Friday 3rd May with an album launch party in Saint Luke’s, Glasgow on Saturday 4th May.

The band will be on the road playing multiple towns and cities across Scotland from February onwards on their World Tour of Scotland 2024 and will have another busy festival season and are very much looking to blasting their post-funk evil disco out the speakers on the Great Mountain Stage at one of their favourite festivals! The (in)famous Snake Pit is even referenced in their song ‘Kids’. See you in the Garden!

Influence of the modern jazz greats combine with noughties indie guitar riffs, 90s dance sounds,

and timeless groove and funk, while their softer side opens up to folk melodies with Celtic roots.

Equally at home on a late night festival slot, jazz club, or concert hall, some recent performance highlights include Love Supreme Jazz Festival, Boomtown, Vsetin Jazz Festival (CZ), Budapest Jazz Club, and Jazzdock (Prague).

Hailed as ‘Ones to Watch’ by Jazzwise magazine, and winners of ‘Best Band’ & ‘Best Album’ at the Scottish Jazz Awards, they embrace a seamless mix of musical styles in a ‘showcase of sonic domination. One to dance at’ (STV).

The Desiato DJ’s have been smashing the decks at Eden since day one. After joining forces under the new Desiato banner, they’re back to bring 4X the flavour! 

The list of luminaries they’ve shared the stage with is endless: Optimo, Onipa, Buraka Som Sistema, Quantic, Mr Scruff, Dele Sosimi, Cut Chemist and many more…

Years of record collecting and club residencies mean sets are packed with secret weapons, classic hooks and unexpected u-turns. Expect everything from 90’s classics, Garage and D’n’B to Global bass, Dancehall and Disco. No corner of the dance shall be left undisturbed!