Awkward Family Portraits

"their music goes beyond mere revivalism and strives to breathe a formidable exhalation of fresh air in the direction into rockabilly, skiffle and undertones of folk." tenement tv
Awkward Family Portraits aren’t looking backwards. Helmed by songwriter julen santamaria & six string ace Timmy allan and featuring a revolving cast of all-star players from glasgow's roots scene, afp conjure the electricity of carl perkins, chet atkins et al . Even with an aesthetic steeped in the golden era of western swing & americana afp are a band planted firmly in the present, with the urgency of this moment in time. 

check out there music right here.

blue milk

Blue Milk are a one-of-a-kind roots group harking back to the traditions of turn-of-the-century, down home & dirty Delta Blues and 60’/70’s electric Blues Rock. 

Inspired by the classic Captain Beefheart album Safe As Milk, Blue Milk’s dynamic 4-piece boasts electrifying slide guitar and rousing melodies from Jonny Mac (guitar, vocals) the wailing howl from Luo S. Glaister’s harmonica, powerfully resonant undertones from Ike Malinki (bass guitar, backing vocals) and infectious grooves from Taylor Whyte (drums, backing vocals).

Modern bluesmen - channelling the raw spirit of blues in its most authentic form, whilst simultaneously bringing a driven twist to the genre.

les johnson & me

"A voice that can find pathos and drama in washing machine instructions, the epic in the everyday" The List

"Soul stirring" Blabber n Smoke

"Poet and troubadour... part Johnny Cash, part Leonard Cohen with a Glaswegian twist" The Progressive Aspect
For a man who he never wrote a song until he was 46 les Johnson & Me (aka kenny macdonald) certainly has a way with words. with a voice as deep as the mariana trench, les johnson & me appeared, as if from nowhere, in 2013 with his debut album '15 hands': a collection of heartbreaking, funny, rambunctious, wry, poetic and sincere songs recorded with backing from scottish roots legends the shiverin sheiks, dealing with all manner of subjects. From tragedy, triumph, and redemption, to Bill Oddie, domestic appliances and the girl next door. All somehow delivered with Les's masterful understated simplicity. 

check out '15 hands' and the follow up ep 'every day for now' right here.

melisa kelly & the smokin' Crows

"I had to stop what I was doing... it was that good!" 
 - Big Boy Bloater

"Melisa is an incredible singer"
 - Geoff Pesche, Abbey Road Studios
 Melisa Kelly & The Smokin' Crows are a fast rising Soul & Blues outfit from Glasgow. Fronted by powerhouse band leader Melisa Kelly. they've garnered praise for their electrifying live show while cutting their teeth supporting the likes of Alabama 3, Big Boy Bloater and Samantha Fish. The Smokin' Crows pay homage to the sounds of yesteryear without mimicry; respecting the soul, funk and blues elders that defined the genres while displaying seemingly boundless vitality and a signature contemporary spark. Melisa Kelly proves a formidable and unapologetic frontwoman, flaunting roaring vocals and an unmistakable live presence.

the strange blue dreams

"A masterful band" BBC

"They uniquely blend rock n' roll, R&B and rockabilly... from a parallel universe" The Skinny 

"Our new favourite band, there's a beautiful art to their music" Artrocker
the strange blue dreams began in 2015 with a small and devoted fan base which merited the term cult following. Described by Vic Galloway (BBC) as a Glaswegian version of the legendary Nashville A-team of the late 1950's, the band comprises five of Scotland’s most in demand roots musicians. By the end of the year they had made their debut at the Glastonbury Festival, performed sold out shows at The Edinburgh Festival and featured in a BBC TV documentary. 2016 has started with songs from this EP being nationally playlisted in Scotland by BBC Radio and regionally in England and Ireland.

Some combination or other of the members of The Strange Blue Dreams have produced between them eleven albums and a slew of singles and EPs. This collection of records have seen these back room boys continually develop their writing and arranging beyond the genre studies often associated with roots music. What unites the group is a love of the mavericks of popular songwriting from Morricone to Meek, Ellington to Orbison. Deft lyrics are framed by atmospheric arrangements, impassioned performances and the band's trademark soaring harmony vocals.