Ensemble, Scotland On Sunday, 18 April 2021
Ensemble https://youtu.be/QRexI129sDk | Off Axis Artist of the Week in Scotland On Sunday, 18 April 2021
Words by Derick Mackinnon and Olaf Furniss. Read on Scotsman.com https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/music
Creative Scotland’s Youth Music Initiative has funded some impressive projects over the years and Ensemble is no exception. Led by songwriter extraordinaire Donna Maciocia and run by Wheatley Care, it sees established musicians team up with young people who have experienced homelessness, care, mental health issues and those seeking asylum.
Over the past year they have collaborated over three, six-week writing blocks before going into the Chem 19 studios to record the songs. The result is a highly listenable album released on 30 April. Titled No Place Like It, it is a collection of songs themed around home and community buy the album https://ensemblesongwriting.bandcamp.com/album/no-place-like-it
In addition to Macioca and some very talented budding artists, participants include Djana Gabrielle, Jill O’Sullivan, Jamie Scott, Jonnie Common, Ross Clark and Martha Ffion (most of whom have featured in this column).
In the lead up to the album’s released, the single Battlefield sees Jamie Scott UTR-favourite Goodnight Louisa (Louise McCraw) and Andrew Sinclair collaborating to create a masterful 80s synth pop anthem. It is accompanied by video footage created by game designer Moth Loths see www.wheatley-care.com/ensemble or press play on the video ⬇️ https://youtu.be/QRexI129sDk
Website @Ensemble | Instagram @ensemble_songwriting | Twitter @WCEnsemble | BUY the album HERE
Off Axis sponsors Artist of the Week in Scotland On Sunday
Off Axis is an artist-to-artist, non-profit gig swapping network, enabling bands to build a nationwide fanbase by playing meaningful gigs throughout the UK. They offer a sustainable, transparent and professional touring model, where musicians keep 100 per cent of profits. Off Axis also help new artists showcase at festivals such as Kendal Calling, Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival and Un-Convention. They are accepting applications for 2021 http://www.offaxisnetwork.com/ REGISTER at https://bit.ly/OffAxis-reg2021
* For consideration as our Artist of the Week please visit https://www.newfoundsound.co.uk/scotland-on-sunday and review the checklist of what we NEED in order to feature bands / artists in Scotland On Sunday. Then email Derek with all of the information required (derek@newfoundsound.co.uk ) Scotland On Sunday