Exchange – Music for Youth

This event (attended by BM as a taxi driver and general dogsbody for her lovechild Jimmy Hendrix and his pal Jimmy Page) was a very well put-together and inspirational gathering for any “youths” trying to get advice and help about the music industry, and don’t worry, BM is not trying to break into the music industry any time soon, had enough of one “profession” already, although there was no music critic or journalism session, possibly because the bar didn’t open til later…

The event, organised by umbrella body Music for Youth was completely free (it happened here last year too) but you had to book in advance and the “youths” also stated if they were interested in performing as well and a billing was put together. The result was a series of performances in the main auditorium and cafe/vestibule plus several Q&A panels where a chair asked several industry insiders some questions on topics like organising gigs, using digital media, how they got their jobs, what an A&R actually does etc. These were very interesting (didn’t attend the parents’ panel…) and were hosted mainly by Davie Scott, former Pearlfisher and on-off BMX bandit.

Anyway we are concerned with music at this site and not talk/banter/ballyhoo, to borrow a line from King Crimson, of which more later so let’s just get into it and have some words for each of the artists we saw – apologies to those not covered when BM was getting some food, bantering or powdering her nose, doesn’t mean you were not good enough for the review.

The event was hosted by Scottish music poster boy and legend “Uncle” Vic Galloway and BM took the opportunity to plug the website and this review etc.

Most of the acts played 2 or 3 numbers.

First off were Able Faces, blue-eyed pop four-piece with some nifty strumming and good structures, think Lloyd Cole via Aztecs.

Next were Paragon’s Play On Group, with different singers taking each number, first about birds flying backward and the other about space travel – very scifi atmosphere, very enjoyable.

Jennifer Anderson was next, fae Falkirk, with a great voice; quite subtle, and a couple of self-penned songs accompanying herself on guitar. It takes guts to stand up alone and acoustic but it was a sympathetic audience and really good experience for all of these acts, whether it was their first time or regular buskers/performers.

Last band in this section was Rising Pacific, also fae Falkirk, a three piece with some nods to Biffy, cool female vocals though, bit Patti Smith-esque, and some real rock noise, and all before midday – excellent.

Mari Green was in the next section, this girl has one hell of a jazz voice, and already sounds like a professional. An obvious reference point would be Amy Winehouse but she’s no copy, a good guitar player and with original songs. She will be making an EP soon and songs like ‘You Just Don’t Listen’ and ‘Precious Love’ could be pretty, big BM reckons – you heard it first here, Betty is rarely wrong.

Caught some of Rhona MacFarlane over lunchtime, hard to judge as couldn’t here so well from the cafe but she sounded pretty good, quite sensitive with a touch of the Joni Mitchells.

Causing a bit more noise were Bug Eyed, now these guys really are ones to watch. A four-piece straight outta Stow in the borders (Vic commented on the drummer’s King Crimson T-Shirt, unusual attire for one so young, BM often wears hers though). There was some Nirvana going on there but again no copyists, interesting lyrics as well. Given the right break this lot could go far – respect due.

Michiel Turner is from the North and has recorded some tracks in Lewis. An acoustic strummer with a definite John Martyn sound (me too, Vic), he was the last act we saw (there were several more but the two Jimmy’s were away to a song-writing workshop with Carol Laula, although they both felt out-classed by the standard of a lot of the other youths).

The event ran in a similar format on the Friday, the day before, think more for college groups – over the piece it was really worthwhile, enjoyable and free – what’s not to like, and good luck to everyone reviewed above, you were all talented, brave and clearly care about music.

Betty salutes you.