BLOC+, Glasgow’s independent bar-cum-restaurant-cum-venue-cum-label, have recently been collecting tracks from ascendant new acts in Scotland over the course of three compilations. This week, they’re releasing the fourth, which has been put together by the TYCI collective, who run a monthly night at BLOC+. TYCI was founded two years ago by Chvrches’ Lauren Mayberry with a remit to cover all things femme, from arts through politics and current affairs. It’s since grown to take on members worldwide and encompass a website, zine, radio show and podcast, and, stemming from that club night, they’ve collected together ten of their favourite new artists and bands from Scotland for the comp. BLOC+ and TYCI have kindly given us a first play, along with TYCI’s Halina Rifai talking us through their picks, so give it a spin above, read the track-by-track below and head to BLOC+’s site for full details.
Ruby
Scottish musician Lesley Rankine is Ruby. She began her career as the lead singer of noise band Silverfish in London. She was involved in Pigface, the loose-knit industrial noise collaboration of Trent Reznor and Martin Atkins of PiL. She subsequently moved to Seattle to create her solo project, Ruby. ‘Fireweed’ is a song to her son she wrote to give him the message to take life by the balls and make the most of it.
Tuff Love
Glasgow’s Tuff Love are Julie Eisenstein (guitar, vocals) and Suse Bear (bass, vocals). They are signed to the Lost Map label run by The Pictish Trail and this week they landed the BBC playlist which is a first for any artist on the roster.
Skinny Dipper
Almost all-girl band Skinny Dipper are Glasgow-based octet on local label Olive Grove Records with the likes of Jo Mango and The Moth & The Mirror. Having just released their debut EP Masks, based largely on Cameron Crowe movies, they have enjoyed a lot of Scottish press attention. Not to mention a tweet from the movie director himself advertising the EP!
Urvanovic
A seven-piece variety bucket of strings, synths, vocals, percussion and other noises. Based in Edinburgh, Urvanovic recently supported Mimas and Dad Rocks! on their recent tour.
Patricia Panther
Electronic soul musician Patricia who is also Glasgow-based and has an impressive creative CV including a recent track ‘Summer Dem’ with Basement Jaxx’s latest record.
Reverieme
With influences from Saul Williams to Regina Spektor, Reverieme are a bit of an untapped Scottish gem. Praised often by their peers, especially respected acoustic singer-songwriter Beerjacket, the five-piece have a wealthy discography already behind them.
Miss Irenie Rose
Hailing from the beautiful Isle Of Lewis, her roots certainly have an influence on her music. She is by all accounts the most patriotic musician on the compilation and has uniquely blended Scottish traditional with folk effortlessly.
Sharptooth
If you were to ask FatCat Records’ PAWS who one of their favourite Scottish bands are they will say Sharptooth. The all-female four-piece have gained a number of fans thanks to their lamenting lo-fi melodies.
Chrissy Barnacle
As popular for her onstage banter as her glorious music, Barnacle is one of the youngest artists on the compilation. Obvious comparisons have been made to Joanna Newsom. Her live shows have gained her much praise.
Cairn String Quartet
This female four-piece have an amazing reputation in Scotland. They have supported numerous artists included Aidan Moffat and RM Hubbert. They are now famously known for their modern covers and arrangements and 2015 has a major project in the pipeline for them.
