Music Mashup
This month we are very excited to reveal a new musical commentator, a man on the inside, a correspondent who works, plays and breathes music. Boys and girls we give you your new Music Mash-up columnist, Bryan Riebeek. Bryan’s going to be checking out the musical comings and goings in cities across the planet and for December, he very kindly focused his attention on Edinburgh.
Story Highlights
- Scottish Sounds
- The Venues
- The Top Five Sounds Around
Scottish Sounds
Let's talk Edinburgh. Home of bands such as Garbage, the Beta Band, Boards of Canada and of course the infamous sappy-dap walkers, The Proclaimers. Edinburgh has been a hot spot for Indie music for years. Add to that all sorts of Jazz, Rock and classical festivals, and you have a city teeming with juicy local music – a city just waiting to fill your night and shake you from the inside.
Scotland itself is the proud home of some of the most infamous, yet non-famous independent noise in the world. With bands such as Aereogramme blasting out their intense instrumental backgrounds, Mogwai - the loudest band in the world and the Twilight Sad who present a new fusion of beautiful music and lyrics, there’s always something new to listen to. More often than not these sounds leave you walking away shocked and awed by something off that radar that you completely dig.
The Venues
So where should you go? Well after asking a fair few friends (some of which are in the aforementioned bands) I compiled the following list of places. Theses venues are guaranteed to cater to the masses.
Cabaret Voltaire: If you're into the dance crowd and dig moving and shaking in the underground cavernous abysses - below Edinburgh's Cowgate district, this place is for you! A high energy level, good crowd turnouts and a great atmosphere make this a fantastic place to groove during the weekends. My sources also say the New Year’s party here isn't one to be missed.
Sneaky Pete’s: This is also in the Cowgate District and clocks in as a great little club, and bar. I highly recommended you Google the event calendar for this place before you head down as the music nights run the gauntlet, so you never know what kind of surprise you’re in for! Expect Indie, Punk, Rock or a heap load of Electro that’ll shake you to the point of sweaty soggy-ness.
The Wee Red Bar: This place hosts my favourite genre of music - absolute Indie-grindy! Located near the Edinburgh College of Art - this little joint has cheap drinks, a seedy atmosphere and bands such as The Egg playing weekly. The bar has a great feel and makes for an awesome place to relax and absorb new, and out of the way stuff that can make or break a trip to the city.
The Voodoo Rooms: This is a newer venue that caters to period music. You’ll find a lot of local Edinburgh artists in here and bands like the Cherry Poppin' Daddys too. Lounge acts also reside in The Voodoo Rooms and the place, quite simply just looks cool. Even if you don’t dig the music you can still hit up one of the other rooms for food and booze.
The Liquid Room: If you fancy something quite random - you can be assured The Liquid Room will always deliver. This place hosts everything from Clash tribute bands, to top of the charts Hip Hop and there’s always something surprising going on. It’s not as Indie-centred as the Wee Red Bar and not quite as posh as the Voodoo Rooms, but it’s down right happening - nonetheless.
The Top Five Sounds Around
- FM Belfast - Tropical. This is snappy Electro Rock from Iceland, self produced, self promoted and excellently put together on this album which keeps you warm and happy during these dreary winter months.
- The Hunt - Fifteen minutes. Interpol-ish niceties from New York frequenting the East Village, and a groovy blend of rock and garage.
- Yelle - A cause Des Garcons. Great French funkiness. Need I say more?
- Aereogramme - Living Backwards. A great example of extremely well coordinated instruments matched with a very soothing voice. The guitar break in the middle definitely makes the song. These guys are one of my favourite Scottish bands.
- Tegan and Sara - Walking With a Ghost. As simple and repetitive as this song is, it’s lasting power and energy is incredible.
- Bryan Riebeek
If you know a great new sound that you want Bryan to check out, shoot us an e-mail with all the details and we’ll see what we can do.
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