VOTE YES: An exclusive feature on The NewStarts on the day of the release of their single "Vote Yes"!

 

Below is our exclusive feature on The NewStarts. The band itself is comprised of various members of The Proclaimers, Button Up, Velveteen Saints and more. Today sees the release of their first single, entitled "Vote Yes". The track is in support of Scottish independence in the refurendum in September, all profits from the track will also be donated to the Scottish Food Bank charity.

 

Speaking of the "Vote Yes" single, Garry John Kane said, "We tried to make a record that was uplifting and positive about the Yes vote in the September 18th referendum. I think we have achieved that and hope people will sing along and enjoy it".

 

We caught up with NewStarts members Garry and Liam to discuss the track and some other none-related stuff. We also wrote up a little review of the track as well. Check it out below!

 

To stay up to date with future interviews and reviews you can like our Facebook page at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords

 

Enjoy!

 

 

PART 1 - THE INTERVIEW

 

Hi mate, so you’ve gone political! You’ve formed a new band called The NewStarts in support of Scottish independence. How did this come about?

 

Garry: "Hi Tom. I’ve always been political, blame The Specials and The Clash for that. The NewStarts are members of Button Up, drummer from Velveteen Saints and Eleanor Kane. We are all very passionate about the referendum on September 18th and thought we could do our bit to support the Yes campaign by recording a song. Liam Elliott, guitarist, came up with the band name and it all fell into place. It was a joy to record at Red Eye Studios, Clydebank and everyone played/sang great."

 

What are your main goals for the band?

 

Garry: "The goal is to get the song on everyones iPod if we can. It's only one single just now but you never know what else might happen in the future. It's good to do side projects with other musicians and I really enjoyed this one."

 

The single, “Vote Yes”, is a very strong soul tune but the lyrics are also relevant to the subject matter of independence. As a songwriter is this something you find easy? To write a song for a certain event or situation? In this case the September referendum.

 

Garry: "I enjoy writing songs but haven't really written political ones. The 'Vote Yes' song is a simple repeated chorus and a middle eight. It came easy this one and only had four chords in it. The idea was to have a Stones, Primal Scream backing track with powerful girl voices. I think we got that and more. I think it's catchy enough and am very happy with it. Paula sang with such passion and I loved Eleanor’s backing vocal. Michael the wonderful drummer did it in one take. Liam added the classy Stones style guitar and Paul added a Dr John vibe and there you have it, The NewStarts."

 

All profits from the single will be going to the Food Bank charity. Can you tell us a bit about the charity and why did you choose it to donate to?

 

Garry: "Firstly, it's a scandal an oil rich nation like Scotland has Food Banks. Westminster should hang their heads in shame, but they don’t give a shit about the people. Rant over. While there are Food Banks we have to support them as families need them to survive. It's a cause The NewStarts support."

 

Garry: "Oh 'Vote Yes' is released on iTunes and Amazon Mp3 from 4th August on Button Up Records. Please buy it and spread the word, only 79p."

 

 

PART 2 - THE QUICKFIRE ROUND

 

Favourite Beatle?

 

Liam: "John."

 

Favourite band?

 

Liam: "Teenage Fanclub."

 

Favourite new band?

 

Liam: "Tijuana Bibles, definitely one to look out for."

 

Favourite song?

 

Liam: "Far too difficult to have an all time favourite, maybe Darando - Didn't I. Always in my top five at least."

 

Favourite album?

 

Liam: "Changes all the time. The Hour Of Bewilderbeast by Badly Drawn Boy is a consistent favourite though for various reasons."

 

Vinyl, CD or download?

 

Liam: "Like most audiophiles, it has to be vinyl for me."

 

When you press shuffle on your iPod, what is the first track that comes on?

 

Liam: "The Byrds - Wasn't Born To Follow."

 

Style icon?

 

Liam: "Steve McQueen, cool as. Couldn't pull off the Thomas Crown Affair style tin flutes right enough."

 

Favourite film?

 

Liam: "High Fidelity."

 

Favourite TV show?

 

Liam: "Breaking Bad or The Office, the UK one."

 

Who would play you in a film of your life?

 

Liam: "The elephant man."

 

Favourite food?

 

Liam: "My maw's steak pie."

 

Football team?

 

Liam: "Celtic."

 

 

PART 3 - THE REVIEW

 

So, The NewStarts - a Glaswegian supergroup of sorts; featuring members of Button Up, Velveteen Saints and solo artist, Eleanor Kane - have arrived with debut single "Vote Yes". The track, as with the majority of Button Up tracks, is written by bassist Garry John Kane. And it has to be said, Kane seems to have the natural ability to write a strong, catchy tune to suit any situation; in this case Scottish independence.

 

The track features the strong vocals and backing vocaals of Paula Sheridan and Eleanor Kane respectively. So strong in fact that you could be forgiven if you thought that they had been lifted from a classic soul record. The track is also punctuated with a strong rhythm and blues guitar as provided by Liam Elliott and a hammond overtone from Paul Gallagher.

 

Of course, it is easy to see the limited appeal of this tune. It could be viewed as simply a Scottish independence anthem in which case only Scottish nationalists would buy it. However, there are two major reasons that should ensure that this tune makes it onto plenty of iPods, computers and phones and they are; all proceeds go to the Food Bank charity and, of couse, it is a mint soul tune!

 

 

All photographs taken from The NewStarts facebook page.

 

Be sure to download "Vote Yes", released today, on iTunes for the bargain price of just 79p. You won't be disappointed!

 

 

Hope you enjoyed this feature on The NewStarts!

 

Be sure to check out our previous feature on Rhonda!

 

To keep up to date with The NewStarts follow this link - https://www.facebook.com/thenewstarts

 

To keep up to date with Aldora Britain Records follow this link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords

 

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LIVE FROM THE HEART: We review Little Liam's debut release from 2012, 'Live From The Heart'!

 

"THE REVIEW"

 

Little Liam's debut release, 'Live From The Heart', is a stunning snapshot of the OCS apprentice, Liam Garland, as he was almost two years ago. It presents each of his songs in their most primitive forms - just a voice, a guitar and occasionally a piano (Liam being accompanied just by his guitarist - Jimmy Pyatt). From the groovy riff of 'Last Dragz' to the magical yet simple piano of 'I Know Now', this is certainty one of the finest debut releases from any act in recent years. Not to mention the stunning finger work on 'Our Time Will Come', which has since been reworked on piano as the closing track to Little Liam's debut EP, 'The Beginning'. Other highlights include 'It Gets Better', 'Round The Coast' and 'You Don't Know'. All together a fine live set that deserves a listen from any true music lover. And things can only get better for Liam and his band from here as they have just completed some support slots with the legendary Mister Steve Cradock and have also just released their superb debut full band EP, 'If I Wasn't Me'. Little Liam are definitely a group to watch out for in the future.

 

Hope you enjoyed this feature on Little Liam! Check out our previous feature on Dogstar Rose and Futurejack!

 

Check out Little Liam here - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Liam/76997510217

  

You can also like our Facebook page to keep up to date with all future interviews at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords

 

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HOW: Our interview with Liam McClair who recently released his EP, 'How'!

 

PART 1 - "THE INTERVIEW"

 

1 - What was your first musical memory and what pushed you towards pursuing a career in the record industry?

 

"My first musical memory was my mum playing a blues song on the piano and me and my best pal dancing around my lounge to it, we must have been about six or seven. It was fantastic and the effect the music had on us has stayed with me. I decided to pursue a career in music as I love singing and writing and the idea of touring is my dream. Visiting new cities and playing gigs to different crowds every night then moving onto the next place sounds incredible."

 

2 - Had you been involved with any other bands prior to becoming a solo artist as Liam McClair?

 

"No, I was never one of those kids who sang in all the concerts, I started the guitar through GCSE music then played in my room learning my favourite songs and writing my songs. Then I have always performed alone but I would love to play with a band."

 

3 - Why did you choose to become a solo artist instead of forming a band?

 

"It wasn't a particularly conscious decision, I decided to focus on gigging often and it seemed easier to just have my guitar and my head to take to each place. It has just been more manageable and I can do as many gigs as I can and I am not reliant on anyone but myself and perhaps I feel my songs are very personal and therefore, I like to perform them myself."

 

4 - How would you describe the sound of Liam McClair?

 

"Chilled, acoustic music. I hope my songs are catchy so there is a pop element to them as well as influences from folk music. My voice is quite unique too so I hope that makes me memorable. I am not sure what genre I would be in though. I will leave that to the listeners to decide!"

 

5 - Your most recent EP is called ‘How’. Why did you choose this title for your EP?

 

"There is a track on the EP called 'How' and it is named after that. I wrote it about when you feel besotted by someone to the point where you put them on a pedestal and in actual fact they are just the same as anyone else, but somehow their looks elevate them to a higher level of importance. I was trying to capture the feeling I had the first time I saw someone I truly wanted to spend time with and truly desired."

 

6 - Do you have any 'rituals' before going on stage?

 

"Not really, tune my guitar? I guess that is just good practice though. Usually I do not have a great deal of time before starting to play so I don't think I would have much time for any rituals."

 

7 - Any live dates coming up?

 

"Yeah, on the 20th October am I playing at Odder Bar on Oxford Road for Hive Radio, for more updates of my gigs you can visit my facebook page and twitter page."

 

8 - Any new songs in the pipeline?

 

"Yeah, I recorded another four track EP with Hourglass Productions in Manchester. It was fantastic; they are great guys to work with. It is currently being mixed but it is very exciting. I am also looking to record three more tracks with a producer in Liverpool called Steph Marziano so there is plenty of new material on the way!"

 

9 - When can fans be expecting the next release?

 

"I am not sure yet, the end of the year or the start of next year. Once the EP is mixed I can decide when it comes out. I only released 'How' in June so I may wait a while yet."

 

10 - Who would be your dream collaboration?

 

"I think Stevie Wonder, he is an artist I have always admired and his ability to write such upbeat and memorable songs is something I envy. His song 'Superstition' might be one of my favourite songs ever, especially to dance to. So to collaborate with him would be incredible."

 

11 - Who would be in your dream super group?

 

"Keyboard - Stevie Wonder, vocals - Bill Withers and guitar - Joni Mitchell. I guess it would kind of be folk funk, but I would dig it."

 

PART 2 - "THE QUICKFIRE ROUND"

 

1 - Favourite Beatle?

 

"George Harrison."

 

2 - Favourite band?

 

"Arctic Monkeys."

 

3 - Favourite new band?

 

"Alt-J, there debut album is the thing I have listened to most recently. It is fantastic."

 

4 - Favourite song?

 

"War, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble."

 

5 - Favourite album?

 

"The Bends, Radiohead. It was always on in the car when I was growing up so I have fond memories of listening to it."

 

6 - Vinyl, CD or download?

 

"Vinyl, I bought one in my second year of university and fell for it completely. The crackle at the start of each record brings such a nostalgic feel to the tracks and as it lends itself much better to listening to a whole album through."

 

7 - Style icon?

 

"I wouldn't say I had one really, I used to be criticised a lot in my house at uni for my dress sense, they would probably say Bananarama! I quite like nineties fashion so I like to shop in charity shops and to try and find more vintage style clothes but anything goes really."  

 

8 - Favourite clothing brand?

 

"Again I don't really have one. I guess I quite like Ralph Lauren polo's so I'll say them."

 

9 - Favourite film?

 

"Shawshank Redemption."

 

10 - Favourite TV show?

 

"Homeland."

 

11 - Who would play you in a film of your life?

 

"When I had longer hair I used to get people saying I looked like Zac Efron, so I'll chose him."

 

12 - Favourite food?

 

"Macaroni cheese."

 

13 - Football team?

 

"Manchester United, although I am going to try and get down to some Macclesfield Town games, support my local team!"

 

Hope you enjoyed this feature on Liam McClair! Check out our previous feature on Buffalo Clover!

 

Check out Liam McClair here - https://www.facebook.com/LiamMcClairMusic and www.twitter.com/liammcclair

 

You can also like our Facebook page to keep up to date with all future interviews at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords

OUR TIME WILL COME: Our interview with Little Liam from last week!

 

PART 1 - "THE INTERVIEW"

 

1 - What was your earliest musical memory and what pushed you towards pursuing a career in the music industry?

 

"Well to be honest I was never into music, I met Ocean Colour Scene very early on as Moseley Shoals studio was two minutes from my house and it was the band who really made me want to do music, Steve Cradock in particular. He gave me a guitar, a lead and a tiny Marshall amp and was politely told "now fuck off and practice"!"
2 - Had you been involved in any other band prior to Little Liam?

 

"I was in a band before Little Liam which was at first called The Priory and later The Absolute Beginners. I was in this band with Oscar Harrison's (Ocean Colour Scene) son Leon who was our drummer and also Dan and Dave on guitar and bass."
3 - How did Little Liam begin?

 

"Little Liam began years after my previous band ended. I was recording all my music at home and learning all the instruments to be able to make it sound like a band rather than on my own, we had problems with the last band and people left so it pushed me back a little bit, I went home and over the next couple of years went on to write most of the songs which we now play at our gigs!"

 

4 - Where did the name Little Liam come from?

 

"Well to be honest, this stuck from Moseley Shoals studio, the band used to call me Little Liam and it just stuck and was easier than thinking of a new name!"
5 - How would you describe the sound of Little Liam?

 

"We have tried to figure this one out ourselves because it's kind of unique but again we go with smooth rock."

6 - Your debut EP is an acoustic affair, featuring only Liam on guitar and vocals. Why did you decide to go down this route and not have the rest of the band playing on the EP?

 

"It wasn't something I had too much time to think about as I got an offer from the label in London and they was going to pay for it all to be mixed and mastered but didn't have time to write and create anything else, I stayed in STUDIO16 in Ladywood for seven days 24/7 and wrote eight new songs on piano, four of which ended up on the EP, if we had more time then it would have been a band EP for sure but there is more to come!

 

7 - The closing track of the EP - "Our Time Will Come" - is one of my personal favourites. What is the song itself about and what influenced it?
"Again I wrote "Our Time Will Come" and it's kind of something you wish for! I Love music and also my family and friends immensely and I believe if we all stick together the way we are and keep the passion then "our time will come"."

 

8 - Earlier this year you were joined on stage by Simon Fowler of Ocean Colour Scene. How did this come about and how did it feel to be playing alongside a true legend?
"AMAZING! Absolutely amazing! It's a weird one, Ocean Colour Scene were supposed to be playing in Scotland but unfortunately got cancelled and Simon seen us listed in the line up for Welfest so he contacted the organiser to ask me if he could join for a couple of songs! WOW! Ideally again, it would have been him joining the band onstage but it was all so quick we didn't prepare for it and if you have someone like Simon Fowler joining you, you HAVE to be on form!"

 

9 - Do you have any rituals before you go on stage?
"I like to sample some grass!"

 

10 - Any live dates coming up?

"Yes, we are playing at The Adam & Eve in Digbeth TONIGHT!"

11 - Any new songs in the pipeline?

"We have loads of songs we are currently working through to add to the set."

 

12 - When can fans be expecting the next release?

"Well we are going to either do another EP but this time with the band or an album, we are in the studio later in the year."

13 - Who would be your dream collaboration?

 

"Ocean Colour Scene and Paul Weller!"

14 - Who would be in your dream supergroup?

"That's a hard one, I dunno!"

PART 2 - "THE QUICKFIRE ROUND"
1. Favourite Beatle?

 

"Love them all."

2 - Favourite band?

 

"OCS."

3. Favourite new band? 

 

"Beady Eye maybe."

4. Favourite song? 

 

"Got too many!"

5. Favourite album? 

 

"Moseley Shoals and Marchin' Already."

6. Vinyl, CD or download?

 

"Vinyl & CD."

7. Style icon? 

 

"All the mods."

8. Favourite clothing brand? 

 

"I like Pretty Green."

9. Favourite film?

 

 "Wizard of Oz."

10. Favourite TV show? 

 

"Documentaries."

11. Who would play you in a film of your life? 

 

"Maybe Tom Hardy"

12. Favourite food? 

 

"Italian."

13. Football team? 

 

"Aston Villa."

 

Hope you enjoyed this feature on Little Liam! Check out our previous feature on The Impendium!

 

Buy Little Liam's EP here - http://www.griffiths-clothing.com/music/little-liam-the-beginning-detail

 

You can also like our Facebook page to keep up to date with all future interviews at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords

 

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