Digging Your Scene

Our first DYS Live event was a huge success. Creation Studios played host to a fine crowd of people that support and participate in music (on an uncommonly hot and sunny Sunday afternoon) in Glasgow.

Jim Gellatly (Clyde 1) kicked off the event by introducing our panel of industry experts. Stuart Stenhouse (EmuBands), Duncan McCrone (MCPS/PRS), John McLaughlin (Songwriter/Producer/Manager) and Francis Macdonald (Musician/Songwriter/Producer/Manager). The panel generously took a huge number of questions, as diverse as “How do I get my music played on the radio by Jim Gellatly?” to “What is the state of the Scottish music industry?”

It was clear from much of the discussion, the music industry has changed significantly over the last few years. While it has certainly become harder for major labels to take risks on new acts, the opportunities available to emerging artists are immense. Stuart, Duncan, John and Francis made it clear that never before have there been more opportunities for creative artists to get involved in music. Whether you are in a band recording demo tracks at home, a designer creating an identity for a new act, an independent label promoting your bands online or releasing their music digitally, it is clearly a very exciting time to be involved in music no matter what your creative talent is. Collaborating with others that are a part of your scene has never been more important. We were thrilled to see that so many of you took the opportunity to ask questions and we’ll be sure to further improve and give more time to this aspect of future events.

Following the Q&A, while the bands were setting-up, there was time to grab a much-needed drink and introduce yourselves to one another. Perhaps this is where a great new band met their future manager, or an amazing new vocalist discovered a songwriter to work with. It was exciting to meet so many of you, we were extremely encouraged by how welcoming and enthusiastic you all were. If you had a successful meeting you would like to share with us, please feel free to get in touch, we would love to hear from you.

Despite the relentless heat, the event continued with the live music showcase and Jim introduced Sugar Crisis. The duo performed a refreshing set of joyful pop synth, with some of the most energetic and catchy tunes we have heard in a very long time. They were followed closely by our second band of the night – The Red Show. This band have some of the funkiest guitar riffs and powerful vocals worthy of any signed band. It was clear how well rehearsed and accomplished they are by how tightly they performed and how well they were received. Trapped in Kansas took to the stage and performed their atmospheric set with panoramic sound, expertly ranging from loud, raw energy to quiet, sublime melodies. This band have a bright future and are destined for bright things. The final band of the evening was our headline act You Already Know, playing a set of instrumental rock. We’ve not seen such a physically frenetic, talented and energetic band in quite some time. They ended the night by performing the audience’s choice of songs which earned them the biggest cheer of the night.

Digging Your Scene is all about supporting the up and coming creative community and a major part of what we are trying to do is to help get you links to the industry and real opportunities you won’t find elsewhere. So as part of our DYS Live event, all four bands have a fantastic opportunity to record and release one of their tracks in our DYS Live competition. Be sure to check out the bands, listen to their music and vote for your favourite.

So, a very big ‘thank you’ to everyone that came along to our first DYS Live event. We hope you found the Q&A informative, benefitted from meeting others that are part of your scene and enjoyed the bands. We would like to thank everyone involved in making it such a great day, Jim Gellatly our amazing host who made everyone feel so welcome, Stuart Stenhouse, Duncan McCrone, John McLaughlin and Francis Macdonald who gave up their Sunday afternoons to answer so many questions and Roddy (and all the staff) at the brilliant Creation Studios in Merchant City.

Finally we would also like to extend our gratitude to Joe Macgregor from Start Select Promotions for all his efforts organising the event. Joe approached us through Digging Your Scene, keen to organise an event to help promote what we are trying to do and provide opportunities for creative artists in his hometown of Glasgow. Joe was invaluable and we hope to work with him again very soon. Thanks also to every one of Joe’s friends and colleagues that helped make the event such a success.

We are planning to do many more DYS Live events, focussing on all the creative scenes: music, film, television, radio, photography, art & design, fashion, publishing, print, online, marketing and live performance. If you or other creative artists you know can benefit from a DYS Live event or you think you can help organise an event in your area, please let us know. We hope that DYS Live and the community at Digging Your Scene continues to grow and provide opportunities so that even more of you can connect, collaboration and create.