Something slightly different for this month’s newsletter, as we focus on the Dundee Musicians Award Winners 2014/15.
The Award was established in 2008 to support the work of outstanding Dundee-based musicians by awarding grants towards the costs involved in creating new work in any genre, research and
professional development. Past winners have included: Luva Anna, Christine Lawrie, The Hazey Janes, Cantiones Sacrae, AMWWF and The Mirror Trap, to name but a few.
After a very successful panel meeting in September, which the panel members felt was one of the best rounds in terms of both quality and quantity, the panel awarded 5 applicants a Dundee Musicians Award.
Here’s a taster of the winners and their music!
SCARY PEOPLE
Scary People are a “powerful indie rock proposition”. Forming in May 2013, the band have built an impressive resume including: two independent EP releases; Scottish festival appearances including T in the Park & Wickerman Festival; UK Radio coverage on BBC Radio 1 & XFM London, as well as playing sold-out headline shows across Scotland. They record and produce all their own music, print and construct their own merchandise and have also directed and edited their own music videos.
Dundee Musicians Award to promote and market their new single from their debut album Chicago.
Altsounds.com
AltSounds Exclusive Premiere: LISTEN | Scary People - \'Black Eyes\' | AltSounds.com Features
ALISON ROSS
Alison Ross is eighteen years old and educated in Dundee. She is currently studying music at the Junior Conservatoire in Glasgow and working towards an upcoming audition for the undergraduate BMus course in 2015.
As early as eight years old, Alison had a passion for singing, dancing and piano. This year she had an unforgettable experience performing live with the NYCoS choir at the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games hosted in Glasgow, where the atmosphere was incredible. “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity I will never forget”, she said. “My whole life has always revolved around music; it is my love and passion”.
Dundee Musicians Award to support training at the Junior Conservatoire Scotland.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTUA3auk4Ks
SEVEN SONS
Ruth Alexander and Clayr Borthwick formed the band Seven Sons in 2011, with Ruth and Clayr on vocals and ukulele. The band now comprises Barry Nisbet (Guitar and Fiddle), Bill Rennie (Dobro and Banjo) and Alan Finn (Double Bass). They are keen to further develop their own unique sound and invite new musicians to collaborate on producing a studio album of their own songs and tunes.
Dundee Musicians Award support to record their studio album
https://soundcloud.com/sevensonsmusic
CHARLOTTE BRIMNER
Charlotte Brimner is a talented artist who creates original sounds which can inspire and connect with an audience. She stays true to her feelings and thoughts, which is reflected in her music. Her songs are incredibly expressive with unique, refreshing vibes
Dundee Musicians Award to support studio time for collaborations and showcasing new work.
https://soundcloud.com/charlottebrimner
STUART SMALL- THE DUNDEE MASSIVE JAZZORCHESTRA
Stuart Small is a jazz pianist and piano tutor in Dundee, performing regularly on the City\'s jazz scene and around Scotland. He has worked as a house pianist in both Dundee and St Andrews. As a composer, he has written primarily for piano and his group The Dundee Massive Jazz Trio.
His latest project, funded by the Dundee Musicians Award, is for an augmented group known as The Dundee Massive Jazz Orchestra. The work is inspired by classic swing bands such as the Casa Loma Orchestra, the Charles Mingus Orchestra and the writing of Gil Evans.
www.thekitchenrecital.wordpress.com/jazz
