Azadeh
Azadeh is a singer-songwriter from London who grew up listening to Persian poetry. She sings songs of change, freedom, coming into your own, knowing what you want and how you feel, and embracing it honestly. Her style is folky and guitar-based, with resonant lyrics coming across through her delicate yet strong voice. Azadeh was recently writing for and performing with a female vocal group; opening for Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra Tour (as well as arranging one of his songs); and supporting folk legend Tom Paxton, Status Quo, and recently Deacon Blue's 25th anniversary tour in October. She is now in the process of recording her debut solo album, having collaborated with the likes of Oi Va Voi and other talented musicians in London and Los Angeles.
https://soundcloud.com/azadehmusic
https://soundcloud.com/azadehmusic
James Brown is Annie
|
|
Douglas Kay
During the past decade Douglas has honed his stagecraft in theatres, clubs, bars and coffee houses on four continents. His debut album Of All the Towns to Sleep In generated radio and TV station airplay worldwide, including BBC Radio 1 and Australia's GWN. He has supported artists like Amy MacDonald and Billy Bragg on tours in Europe and worldwide. His second album Into Your Head by the Douglas Kay Band was released in 2009. Douglas has since returned to solo recording and his new album Lift is out now.
http://www.douglaskay.com/
http://www.douglaskay.com/
GOL
Formed in Edinburgh in 2008, GOL are a fresh and funky mix of electronica, jazz, world music, and traditional Persian arrangements. They make regular appearances at summer festivals and have featured in numerous TV slots on the BBC. Their debut album Roots was released in 2009. They were recently commissioned by the Scottish Arts Council and The Edinburgh Mela to create an hour of new music and film for the Mela Festival, called Mixed Up (5 star review in the Scotsman). In 2013, BBC TV filmed and broadcast a live 3 track set at the legendary Premises Studios in Hackney, London. In 2014, they released their new album Strange Times and play a series of gigs from Edinburgh to London to launch the album, stopping to play at the famous Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on the way.
http://www.myspace.com/golmusic
http://www.myspace.com/golmusic
Andy TuckerOne of the winners of the prestigious Burnsong songwriting project, Andy has sung solo and also with The Scattered Family - a broad musical collective of musicians. He has shared the bill with artists like The Beautiful South, Seasick Steve, Ian McNabb, Angus & Julia Stone, Francis Macdonald, Horse, Kim Edgar, James Yorkston, Martin Stephenson, and Karine Polwart. He recently finished recording his second album, Twelve Tall Tales, which is available on iTunes.
http://www.reverbnation.com/andytucker |
|
The Rising Souls
For the last year, this Edinburgh based 3 piece have swept through the Central Belt of Scotland leaving no ear unprovoked. Not to mention universal praise at the 2013 Edinburgh Festival and gigs in London, Essex, Prague and the momentous siege of Larkhall! No gig is too big, no gig too small. Their catchy soulful tunes never fail to impress and their presence on stage is infectiously beautiful. "The Edinburgh trio say their music is 'rootsy soul' and that's right. Think Paolo Nutini's second album, James Morrison or KT Tunstall. Dave Archibald's singing has a great rasp and his guitar is well complimented by box player Tom Reed and bassist Roy Laing" (Daily Record)
http://www.therisingsouls.com/
http://www.therisingsouls.com/
Alan R Davison
A writing and performing musician for over 20 years, Alan has enjoyed success with a variety of music projects, releasing singles, EPs, an album and performing hundreds of gigs around the UK. Originally from Belfast, Alan is now based in Edinburgh where he has forged a career at the heart of the Scottish music scene. An experienced collaborator, Alan’s recording of The White Eagle Lounge has attracted a line-up of more than 35 players who were keen to perform alongside him – this included special guests Nathan Connolly and Tom Simpson from Snow Patrol, singer/songwriter Alex Cornish and Rick McMurray from Ash. His 2012 album The White Eagle Lounge can be found on iTunes.
http://www.alanrdavison.com/
http://www.alanrdavison.com/
Paul Gilbody
Belfast native Paul has been prominent in the Scottish music scene since moving to Edinburgh in the 90s. A vocalist in various bands, he founded funk outfit The Ugly Groove Movement resulting in two albums of original material. After that, he was part of groove trio Gecko 3 on double bass which toured Europe and America and released three EPs. He was a founder member for Scotland's Gospel Truth Choir and appeared on albums by artists like KT Tunstall and Found. Paul is now focusing on solo work and continues to absorb wide-ranging influence to create his own unique sound.
http://www.paulgilbody.com/
http://www.paulgilbody.com/
Karaj Collective
Karaj Collective is a newly formed fusion band in London by Pouya Mahmoodi, Saleh Zarei and Ali Nourbakhsh.
Pouya has been forging a new path for Iranian music, weaving together the seemingly disparate threads of Persian classical tradition and rock, jazz, and blues. He was the lead singer and guitarist of the pioneering Iranian band BARAD.
Saleh started his musical career in Iran, playing with various acclaimed bands in the underground scene, such as Mohsen Namjoo, Public Voice and Atash Baad. He came to London in 2007 to study at the Tech Music School and has been working in the UK ever since.
Ali's main instrument is Daf (Persian frame drum), but his insatiable love for percussion extends to many other instruments from across the world. He has over ten years experience playing with some of Iran's most known musicians and singers, such as Sima Bina and Davod Azad.
Pouya has been forging a new path for Iranian music, weaving together the seemingly disparate threads of Persian classical tradition and rock, jazz, and blues. He was the lead singer and guitarist of the pioneering Iranian band BARAD.
Saleh started his musical career in Iran, playing with various acclaimed bands in the underground scene, such as Mohsen Namjoo, Public Voice and Atash Baad. He came to London in 2007 to study at the Tech Music School and has been working in the UK ever since.
Ali's main instrument is Daf (Persian frame drum), but his insatiable love for percussion extends to many other instruments from across the world. He has over ten years experience playing with some of Iran's most known musicians and singers, such as Sima Bina and Davod Azad.
Golazin Ardestani
Golazin was born in Isfahan and showed an early interest in music as a result of seeing her uncle’s performances on TV from birth. She was influenced early by Western music and traditional/folk music from Spain and Greece. Golazin begun singing and playing piano, santoor (dolcimer), dammam (Persian percussion) and flute and at nineteen joined Persia’s first girlband ‘Orkideh’ (Orchid). Moving to London in 2006 she began studying and performing in the UK and France. Golazin can be found performing her own material and covers in and around London on a regular basis.
https://www.facebook.com/zn.music
Golazin will be performing at Omid with Ramtin Montazemi on guitar.
http://www.ramtinmontazemi.co.uk/1.html
https://www.facebook.com/zn.music
Golazin will be performing at Omid with Ramtin Montazemi on guitar.
http://www.ramtinmontazemi.co.uk/1.html
Ria Ritchie
Ria is an English singer-songwriter who first came to attention by singing covers on Youtube. This led to writing songs with Plan B in 2009 and so began her path into music. She signed to Takeover Entertainment in 2011 and her debut single 'Only One' was released in 2012. A debut album is expected later on this year.
***Ria is unable to be a part of this year's event. Get well soon Ria!***
https://www.facebook.com/riaritchiemusic
***Ria is unable to be a part of this year's event. Get well soon Ria!***
https://www.facebook.com/riaritchiemusic
Sara Amini
Mezzo-soprano Sara comes from a theatrical background and began her musical education by playing violin and operatic singing, which then led on to her learning jazz and popular music styles as well. She is the vocalist of Hamishe Nou, a musical trio who enjoy reinventing timeless Iranian songs from the likes of Vigen and Marzieh, and also Sahra band. Hamishe Nou have appeared on Maks, a popular BBC Persian music show, and were profiled by BarAx. Sara also duetted with Behrouz Ghaemi on the song 'Saye Chaman'.
***Sara is unable to be a part of this year's event***
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sara-Amini/108513899230729
***Sara is unable to be a part of this year's event***
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sara-Amini/108513899230729
Volitantes
3-piece Richard Lindsay (Vocals/Guitar), Brett Allan (Bass) and Dave McGeorge (Drums) got talking in the green room of an Edinburgh nightclub and discovered they all shared a penchant for the darker, often distorted and beat laden side of music. Haunting and infectious vocal melodies soar above sleazy guitar hooks, fused with syncopated rhythms whilst fuzzy, dub-influenced bass lines weave around Bonham-esque drums. The band members’ previous musical ventures have seen them perform at various major festivals and venues throughout the UK and Europe. The band recorded two sampler EPs in 2010 and 2011, with a debut album expected in the next six months.
http://soundcloud.com/volitantes
http://soundcloud.com/volitantes
Tom Reed
A uniquely talented songwriter, he has been hailed by the press as the young British Jack Johnson. From the age of 6 he picked up a guitar and went on to win several classical guitar festivals. He was quickly noticed and was asked to support several well respected bands, including Adrian Edmenson and The Bad Shepherds, Viva Santana, Earl Okin, and The Peatbog Faeries. In 2010 he was invited to perform at the famous New Orleans Jazz and Blues Festival, and in 2011 moved to Edinburgh to host his own weekly music nights, develop monthly music festivals and craft his sound.
http://soundcloud.com/tom-reed-12
http://soundcloud.com/tom-reed-12
Adam Holmes & the Embers
BBC Radio 2 award nominee Adam Holmes and his band playing their own brand of roots pop with a hint of Scotland. Their first EP which features I Can't Be Right, Fire In The Sun and Home is available for download in combination with their second EP, Follow The Sun, which features Alone We Stand and two other brand new songs. Their third EP, Autumn Leaves, is now available for download from iTunes and features three new songs, Autumn Leaves, Aviemore and Monday Morning.
http://soundcloud.com/adamholmesandtheembers
http://soundcloud.com/adamholmesandtheembers
Little Love
Little Love and The Friendly Vibes are a 3-piece Fun Pop band from Edinburgh. They write songs with catchy melodies and quirky guitar hooks. Their sound has been described as a cross between The B-52s and The Rezillos with hints of The Jam, Elvis Costello and Jilted John.
http://www.reverbnation.com/littlelove
http://www.reverbnation.com/littlelove