Shooglenifty’s sound springs from traditional Scottish dance music, energised by the beats and bass line of something altogether more contemporary. It is not a sit-down kind of music, it’s a join-in, and get on your feet kind of vibe. Attempts to describe this almost uncatagorisable band include: ‘hypno-folkadelic-ambient-trad’ and ‘Acid-Croft’, which derives from late 1980s club music ‘Acid House’, a croft being a traditional Scottish rural dwelling.
This pioneering band is in demand all over the world and the guys have entertained at festivals and venues in Australia, Canada, India, Japan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Russia, the United States and, of course, Europe. Previous career highlights include performing for Nelson Mandela and Emperor Akihito of Japan (not both at once), performing with dhol drummers of Rajasthan at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, inciting the crowd to a stage invasion at Sydney Opera House, and collaborating with Lebanese musicians in Beirut.
Shooglenifty was formed in Edinburgh 25 years ago at the height of the late 80s/early 90s electronic dance music scene, and the vibe of that time is a key influence on their sound. Their latest album The Untied Knot will be released in 2015 and is the first to feature song, for the most part supplied ‘puirt a beul’ vocalist Kaela Rowan, but watch out for other members of the band showing off their vocal abilities.
HO-RO
‘Hò-rò’ is a phrase used as a movement in playing music before the development of written music; a form of “Canntaireachd”.
We are young group incorporating new, innovative ideas from our own unique experiences and influences from our very own, cultural Scottish Trad music. Although the foundations of our music are to our national roots, we bring many styles and genres of music into our band: traditional Gaelic songs, our own material, Scottish tunes and we may even surprise you with a few tracks that you may recognize!
NITEWORKS
After releasing their debut EP in Oct 2011, this Isle of Skye band are making waves throughout the country as one of the most exciting new acts on the scene. Reflecting their cultural heritage in their music by fusing Gaelic vocals, pipes and whistles, together with electronic influences from their adopted Glasgow, Niteworks are spearheading today’s new wave of Celtic dancefloor sounds.
“With a great mix of trad and dance, this young Skye band are sure to be festival favourites!” Innes Hutton – Peatbog Faeries
“It takes a rare talent to be inspired by a tradition and create music that is fresh-sounding and forward-looking. At their best, Niteworks achieve this – developing a tradition of value by keeping it in motion, moving people.” Fergus Galloway
“Their secret is that they have managed to form a band comprising elements of electronica and folk without any hint of contrivance… Brilliant.” Hector MacInnes, Injuns and Mylo Live
“The execution was skilful throughout, and Niteworks are an interesting prospect with real cross-over potential…they may well have the arsenal to pulverise audiences in marquees all summer long.” Alexander Smith – Music Journalist