Kowalskiy's Free Monthly 5-track Scottish EP #21

Click to enlarge!

Guess who found a free comic-making app on his laptop?!  So this month, as well as giving us all a beezer of a free track, five of the country's most talented bands have contributed to what may well be the last ever Kowalskiy comic strip.  I think it's rather dandy!  OK, so who do we have on this month's EP?  Well...

1.  Behold, the Old Bear - Solsbury Hill (Remember a while back, pre-demise of mitchell museum, Raindeer started releasing covers?  Well, here he is, post-rebirth, releasing another.)

"Solsbury Hill is probably one of my favorite songs. I remember loving it even before knowing who was responsible for it. From the back of my dads car in them good old days when I was still small enough to be carried to bed after falling asleep on a long car journey. I recorded this cover of it a while ago intending to be part of a thing we were doing on the Mitchell Museum website called " Raindeer's Covers Corner" . It was supposed to have a video to accompany it. We went as far as the filming process, which had me running up Garnet Hill just off Sauchiehall Street for roughly an hour and a half. It was very tiring work. In the end Kris, my then flatmate and MM band buddy wasn't able to get the edit to work, so it was scrapped. So in retaliation I broke his acoustic guitar. True story. At least now it will be heard." - Raindeer (Behold, the Old Bear)

2.  Blue Sky Archives - Cosplay The Hard Way (Been itching to get this lot involved for a while.  Here's a track from their current, and brilliant, EP.)

"The first release from Blue Sky Archives third (and latest) EP, 'Triple A-Side'; Cosplay The Hard Way explores the sexual politics of a failing relationship, within a lush tapestry of interweaving melodies. Soft guitars, rich piano and sinister strings subtly punctuate a gradual rhythmic build toward a powerful emotive crescendo. Cosplay The Hard Way, and the band's Triple A-Side EP is available for download from The Blue Sky Archives Band Camp page... http://blueskyarchives.bandcamp.com/" - Paul Mark McGrath (Blue Sky Archives)

3.  This Silent Forest - Lovers Come Home (Here's one of their upcoming EP tracks which came out of their A Song A Day (for 30 Days) challenge last year.  Can't wait for the EP to hear what else made the cut!)

"Enjoy our track "Lovers Come Home" which was part of our Song A Day Challenge last year and is meant to be about World War 1. We liked it so much we put that and three others on a EP, which is due to be released soon along with our new single Milk and another EP called "The Lighter Side". We will also be releasing videos soon for all tracks, eight in total. To coincide with these tracks we are on Tour (used very lightly) around Scotland with our headline show in The Captains Rest on the 24th March." - Graeme "Squirrel" Macdonald (This Silent Forest)

4.  The Sea Kings - The Nitrate In My Blood (acoustic) (Can't stop listening to their Some Dark Matters EP!  Here's an acoustic, folky take on one of the tracks.)

"I think each of us at one time or another were in some kind of alt-country band so it was always in our nature to revert back to something a bit more folky. The songs are all written on acoustic guitar and so tend to hark from that world to begin with anyway. We're always keen to figure out as many versions of the songs as possible and love playing acoustic gigs. For some reason they're less pressure. So here's an alternate version of The Nitrate In My Blood from our debut EP Some Dark Matters." - Brian Canning (The Sea Kings)

5.  The Spook School - That's When I Ran Away (demo) (Their two double A-sides so far have been fairly outstanding, so I'm chuffed to bits to have a brand-spanking new demo for your listening pleasure!)

"Here's another song we've recorded in Adam's bedroom. We'll get back into a studio at some point. Until then you've got this. It's about FEAR - hope it doesn't scare you!" - Naomi Todd (The Spook School)

A huge thank you to all five bands and one band manager (you know who you are big guy!) for contributing this month.  You can, as ever, get the EP over on my Bandcamp page where you'll also find the previous twenty if you're fancying a new music splurge this weekend.   Hope you enjoy it!

I'm looking to build up a wee stockpile of tracks for future EPs.  So if you've got something hidden away on an old hard drive which needs a good home, or an upcoming release you're wanting to plug, maybe you want to go and record a wee acoustic version especially for me (don't say "no" now, mull it over!), then send me an email (kowalskiy2@gmail.com) and we'll go from there.

Kowalskiy Singles Club #8

Boy, do I have a cracking bunch of 'singles' for you this time 'round!  If any of them sound your type, and you fancy finding out a wee bit more, then click on the artwork and get downloading.  Your new favourite track may be just a click away...

Your Control by Tanera Heights

"3 naive earthlings seek a hearty human open to wild flings which inevitably result in totalitarian regimes. Must be willing to share a dellusional world where greco-roman wrestling between Jaunty pirate shanties and outdated emotional electrical storms is a common afrodisiac." - Colin Tarbat (Tanera Heights)

And who wouldn't be willing to share that delusion??  First up this time 'round is a track from Strathpeffer's finest's second EP The Arrow's In Flight.  The EP is out now.  Just click the artwork opposite... or here for FREE.

Alligator by Miniature Dinosaurs

"It's not easy being green. Far from home, gorgeous Floridian seeks someone special to stop all this lying low and put some bite back into my life. Let's get together... and make it snappy." - Alban Dickson (Miniature Dinosaurs)

One of my favourite bands have come up trumps once again.  In fact, they're 'scaling' new heights with this track.  So, if you love puns (and who doesn't!) and cracking songs then you'll this!  Snap it up now.

Short Term Memories by Collar Up

"Self-proclaimed "Best Dancer in Edinburgh" seeks room full of urban loners for collective experience of ethereal happiness." - Stephen (Collar Up)

A great wee FREE track from Collar Up courtesy of Permwhale Records.  If you wanna share some... short term memories with them, then you can get a preview of the track by watching the video here!  I see very little evidence to back up this 'Best Dancer' label.  I'm dubious to say the least...

The Factory by Run Lucky Free

"“Poor little rich girl socialite seeking eccentric male with an eye for unconventional art. Must have a taste for toxic substances, exploitation, and a keen interest in cans of soup. A love of Velvet Underground, bananas and silver lined rooms is essential. Bob Dylan fans need not apply.”" - Rachael Cormack (Run Lucky Free)

Run Lucky Free's The Factory is out on the 3rd of October, the same day they kick off their Scottish tour up in Skye.  You can get all the details from here. Keep an eye on this lot!

City Is Exploding (We Were Promised Jetpacks Remix) by Zoey Van Goey

"So-called Indie-pop foursome, all demons in the sack, seek partner(s) age 18-100, height 40-400cm for fiery romance and possible law-breaking. Must be into BSG, ST:TNG, and SW:IV-VI (if you're I-III then don't bother replying). LOVE, ZVG" - Zoey Van Goey

More of a SG man myself.  Anyway, I mentioned their limited-edition remix EP last week, but here's an extra plea from ZVG for all you indie-pop-loving midgets and giants out there.

The Fight by This Silent Forest

"Very active 20 something(s) with multiple personality disorder. Seeks good listener(s), with open mind and a interests in beards, xbox, outdoor sports, quoting film lines and arguing about all things musical. Must be able to hold their own with witty banter and appreciate easily excitable personalities." - Graeme ' Squirrel' Macdonald (This Silent Forest)

Fresh from their 30 song, Song A Day Challenge, Squirrel and the rest of This Silent Forest have a new single out NOW!  Only those adept at bantering witterally need apply.  I'll rule myself out of that one shall I!?!

Chinese Burns by Laurence and the Slab Boys

"Tall-ish, leftist carnivore seeks likeminded person or persons for long drives, movies and possible self-flagellation. Must like dressing-up and be comfortable with others watching. Previous applicants need not apply. " - Larry Reid (Laurence and the Slab Boys)

Did you know:  'Wee Baz' from Miniature Dinosaurs was once the drummer in one of Larry Reid's bands??  Well now you do.  'Tis a small world!  Anyhoo, Larry has 'tidied' up Chinese Burns and made it available for free download.  That's just the kinda guy he is.  Find out more about him and his efforts to grow a beard over on his blog.

Fortune Teller Song by Franc Cinelli

"Happy go lucky fortune telling troubadour, seeks smart fun curvy female to dance on top of a moving train...promises harmonica's, booze, and Goodtimes!!" - Franc Cinelli

Goodtimes indeed if you know what I mean!  If not, then I mean that this is a free album teaser from The Artist Formerly Known As Goodtimes Goodtimes.  It's a great track, as I've said before, so go get!  He may also tell your fortune on twitter if you so desire...

K&A with This Silent Forest

You've gotta take your hat off to some folk.  Earlier this month, This Silent Forest completed their Song A Day Challenge, recording 30 new tracks in the process.  Now it's over to you!  The band have put all their videos from the last month up on their YouTube site for you to watch and pick your favourites for their new EP.  There's some great songs in there, so have a wee listen and let them know what you think! 

I spoke to Graeme 'Squirrel' Macdonald a few days after it all ended.  Here's what he had to say for himself...

Kowalskiy: Who are This Silent Forest?

Graeme: We are a collection of two main writers who change their set depending on the line up, going from classical to post rock and covering acoustic and folk in between.

Kowalskiy: Let's cut to the chase, you've just finished a 30 day, Song A Day Challenge. Fancy filling us in on the ins and outs of it?

Graeme: We were put to the challenger by a friend who runs a marketing agency called Boyd Digital with the guise of "heres a great promo tool" and "think of the crap you could create". At first the idea was to play a gig in front of every BBC building (which i might still do). Then we changed it to write 30 songs one a day for 30 days invited loads of collaborators and random locations. The songs and the locations worked, the collaborators did to an extent however I have discovered that Jamie and I write our best stuff on the cuff in little flashes, planning tracks doesn't work the same.

Kowalskiy: What's been the reaction so far? Any feel yet for which songs will feature on the EP?

Graeme: The reaction so far has been mixed, Glasgow hasn't really taken to it but the video views are all over the place, once again Indonesia seem to be watching and so do the states. I know people come up to me stating that they have watched a few but not many reposts on it. Oh well I have 30 odd songs, ha plus the one we wrote yesterday as though it was habit. Also the people who have messaged and chatted about the tracks have picked ones I thought were not my most accurate musically pieces, just shows.

Kowalskiy: I know it's like asking a parent which child is their favourite, but which of the 30 songs are your own personal favourites? We all know 'I love all my children the same' is a cop-out!

Graeme: My favourite "Fire At The End Of The Road" the song came to me in a dream where my sister was chatting to me and then burst into the chorus and its sat in my head until that day, I couldn't think of what to do with it. Also I love our WW1 song "Lovers Come Home"

Kowalskiy: Any funny stories from the 30 days? I seem to recall one video of you recording on the side of 'Scotland's Deadliest Road', the A9. Not many bands would put their lives on the line like that in the pursuit of great music.

Graeme: The song on the A9 was amazing, it was a perfect clear night. The police followed us for about 20 mins after that wee pitstop. I think the most fun I had was filming our wee Noir short film. Creeping about well lit places in Glasgow late at night, people thinking we were perverts. Also everyone outside the BBC building chatting to us during takes, I think I left one of them in.

Kowalskiy: Mind if I share with you my Top 5?? What's the chances of this being your EP tracklisting?

1. Day #13. Scrub You Out
2. Day #5. Untitled #2
3. Day #22. Piano Untitled
4. Day #8. Keep Your Tongue In Your Mouth
5. Day #16. Untitled #4

Graeme: Wow! I think that's mad, I would never have though my piano ones would be in there. Keep your tongue in your mouth was writen on the spot. No idea what I was going to sing or what key it was in. I hit record and then played. Number 5 is a whole new beast now, much heavier and you can hear it on the 23rd at the single launch "Entrophy". Cant really say whats going to be in. We need to have a listen through after the single launch and decide what we can use.

Kowalskiy: What happens to the 20-odd tracks that don't get selected? Any plans to contribute ones to other good causes, say, one of a long-running series of monthly Scottish EPs of the free variety...

Graeme: You know that could be a great idea. We should probably record them all live and see what happens.

Kowalskiy: Watch this space them folks!  So, how did these songs come about? Were they mostly ones that you'd penned prior to the Song A Day Challenge, or ones that you made up on the spot?

Graeme: Well a few days before i started trying to write (not whole songs just ideas for tracks) I think i did about nine and used about three. Most of them were written that evening or day and some where forced out of me. Those forced tracks were not enjoyable at all, but I was happy with the result. Because of this writing method we couldnt collaborate as much as we wanted.

Kowalskiy: Were there any days that you were at a loss for what to record?

Graeme: Yeah tracks 21, 23 and 24.  I was exhausted and had no idea what to do. track 23 was finished at 4am and was started around 12:30 it was a long night and I couldn't focus or stay awake.

Kowalskiy: Last one... how do you feel now its done? Would you ever do it again??

Graeme: I'm so happy its over, it was getting sore to write. Also I missed out on sleep as I worked the equivalent of two full time jobs. Yeah we would do it again.

Kowalskiy: What else can we expect from This Silent Forest in the future?

Graeme: Well there is a few things happening, firstly our second single is being launched on Friday 23rd September in Nice & Sleazy, Glasgow doors 8pm.  Then we are doing a few solo shows around Scotland with Matt Norris and the Moon and James Mackenzie. Then October we will be doing the EP for song a day. We also are working on about 12 acoustic tracks and are currently recording them.  We are recording our third single.  Recording our live Album.  Finishing our Remix (Oh You Dancer EP).   And we were in a film called Diamonds in the Rough which we soundtracked and are acting in which will be release at the end of the year.  Hopefully we can play loads of shows too.

So not much then?!!  Once again, get yourselves over to This Silent Forest's YouTube site and have a listen, and if you're free this Friday in Glasgow, pop along to Nice 'N' Sleazy to grab a copy of their new single The Fight, and hear some of the new tracks live too.

Kowalskiy Singles Club #2

Welcome to the second meeting of the Kowalskiy Singles Club.  Before we see how our singles got on last time round (we're not really though), I have a new batch waiting to win you over.  Hopefully one of these beauties will float your boat.  If so, then click on the cover art and get "downloading"...

The Boat Ride by Weather Barn

"If you like your guitars loud and chunky plus harmonies that the Wilson brother's might admire, then check out 'The Boat Ride' on iTunes from 28th March. Two and half minutes of non-stop-Scottish-pop awaits you." - Steve Morris (Weather Barn)

And here was me expecting some sort of "The (Boat) Ride of your life" comment!  Anyway, if this tickles your fancy, then you can get a hold of this cracking single at the end of the month.  I can't recommend Weather Barn highly enough.  

Things That Make Me Angry by Shambles Miller

"Politically-minded beard enthusiast and linguist seeks like-minded individual(s) with GSOH and SI for drunken nights setting the world to rights and resulting grumpy hangovers over a glass of Irn Bru. ACA.“ - Campbell "Shambles" Miller

Mr. Miller has put this track from his recent EP up on Strummerville. Show some love... it's free!  Plus, I'm sure it's what Joe would have wanted. (N.B. this is pure speculation.)

Holes In The Snow by Cities and Skylines

"Tall, large built masterpiece seeks beautiful high flyer to enjoy stunning views and walks in the park." - Cities and Skylines

So if you're into your tall, large built masterpieces and you're a beautiful high flier, then this is a match made in heaven!  This introductory single came out back in January on Ignite Records.  So if what they say "ignites" ... I'll stop now, just click on the cover art.  

Valentine's Day by Findlay Napier & the Bar Room Mountaineers

"Stood up? Locked out? Kept awake by amorous neighbours? Never fear. Let hope rise from the ashes of your Valentine's Day failures. S, M, GSOH, ISO-W/E F, WAA" - Findlay Napier
Someone else up on their lonely-hearts lingo I see!  I'm maybe a wee bit late featuring this one, but once again, the man behind Hazy Recollections has come up trumps.  Fingers crossed your Valentine's Day went a wee bit better.

Falter Discover by This Silent Forest

"Musicians (Band, classical and electronic) Mid twenties, seek long term friends (male and female) to enjoy spending long walks through woodland areas, the great outdoors, adventure sports, gigs, theatre and cooking. Must enjoy a mix of pop, rock, acoustic and classical music genres." - This Silent Forest
Just released on Monday, this is the great debut from Glasgow's singer/songwriter-led folky 7-piece.  If you're intrigued then get downloading!

Say It Ain't So - Battle For 2nd Place

"I Hate Myself Yet I Love the new Battle for 2nd Place single …
Bitter, unsuccessful 30-something loser wallowing in an unending sea of despair and loneliness looking for 24-year-old needy leech-like hanger-on to abuse with dull stories, tired sex and obscure Nirvana bootlegs." - Dave 'Chorr' Orr' (Battle For 2nd Place)
Sigh... if only I was 2 years younger!  Ah well, if you're into that sort of thing, click on the cover art and have a wee listen.  Dull stories and tired sex is but a click away!