Latest news with #NinaNesbitt
BBC News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
The singer who's swapped burlesque nights for tea dances
A Glasgow singer more used to burlesque nights and rock gigs in Los Angeles is ready for a new challenge - a show at a tea Hickey was one half of indie duo Codeine Velvet Club around 15 years ago, a pairing with Fratellis singer Jon Lawler that shone brightly but only also released solo material and been a regular performer at legendary nightlife fixture Club Noir before taking several years away to focus on her family. However she's making a comeback in an unlikely setting - performing big band standards and vintage pop classics on Friday morning at a Glasgow hotel. The show is part of the three day long Clyde Chorus series of concerts to mark Glasgow's 850th anniversary. Organisers wanted to ensure there were gigs suitable for different ages, with performers including singer Nina Nesbitt and a selection of acts from the Glasgow that's where Lou - now a mum of two who teaches music - comes in..."They were looking for something for the older generation", she told BBC Scotland News. "They were thinking things like war tunes and things like that, but a lot of people in this category probably liked Buddy Holly, Elvis and the Everly Brothers, so the remit expanded."It's the kind of stuff I grew up singing at family parties. I was kind of a weird kid, because I listened to the charts and was a big East 17 fan. "But I was also word perfect on Buddy Holly songs by the time I was five just because my dad always played them and there would be family sing-songs. So it's a good fit for me." That means Lou, who has rarely gigged since the coronavirus pandemic put the music industry on hold, will now be getting back onstage is a far cry from the likes of the Hollywood Palladium, where she played years ago as Codeine Velvet Club shot onto the scene - all glamour and sashaying, orchestral pop duo released a self-titled album in December 2009 through major label Island Records and toured at both home and the group, which started because Lou knew Fratellis singer Jon Lawler through being friends with his wife, was over as quickly as it went off to focus on other projects and return to his day job, while Lou settled into solo work."It seems like another life now," she recalls. "I'll be watching something on TV and see the Hollywood Palladium and I'm like 'oh yeah, I played there!' It seems like it happened to someone else, and to be honest I miss those songs."It was a huge learning curve, a big opportunity but I was always conscious these things don't last forever. I don't know if I'd have wanted them to either." Those mixed feelings are because Lou found a tougher side to success than she expected, being the only woman in the band as they toured."As much as there was excitement it was a really lonely stage of my life too. I felt out of my depth a little bit. There were all these exciting things but I'm a homebody too, and that was hard for me."However she continued making music, until gigs were all stopped during the covid pandemic - which led to her re-examining her priorities."All the admin stuff was exhausting. When covid happened I really didn't miss that side, of having to coordinate booking, sorting out money, things like that - it sucks the creativity out."When you have a family as well to support it's a lot. You hear that as a woman you have it all but you can't, you need to make compromises, and I was trying to find the balance in amongst all of that." She admits there are nerves about performing again after years away, even though Friday's location - the Hilton Garden Inn - isn't the most intimidating location she'll have played in."I always thought the right opportunity would come up for a gig to get me back doing it again, but I'm nervous, having been away from it for a while. "I do feel anxious but it sounds lovely, so if I was going to put myself back out there then this was the perfect opportunity to do it."And if the nerves do get to her, she'll have support in the form of her family, who will be there cheering her on."My mum's coming – she's in her 80s and I feel it's the sort of show she would love. I wish my dad was still here for it. And my kids seem very keen on getting time off school to come along..."
The Courier
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Courier
Who are the 6 best unsigned artists coming out of Dundee in 2025?
If you're looking for the most exciting upcoming Dundee music-makers that you haven't heard of, look no further. Here's our round up of six of the best in unsigned artists who are on the verge of great things in 2025, with all of them already standouts at the city's acclaimed grassroots venues like Beat Generator, Church and Roots. Katie Nicoll Dundee, via Kirriemuir Nina Nesbitt Jodi Said : Heartland Festival, Pitlochry, June 28 2025 Acoustic songsmith Katie Nicoll rose to prominence with a series of outdoor performances that lifted spirits during the early stages of lockdown in 2020 before going on to appear at Bonfest in her home town of Kirriemuir in 2023. Katie subsequently made her own little bit of history by becoming the first-ever host of the internationally renowned AC/DC-themed extravaganza last year. Sadly the 21-year-old was forced to pull out of Bonfest 2025, but is on the way to the Discovery Stage at Perthshire's Heartland festival in late June. Copper Lungs Dundee Twin Atlantic Louder Church, Dundee, May 30 Formed in 2012, alt rockers Copper Lungs turned a major corner last year by unveiling a bigger, fresher sound to go with a new-look line-up. Their latest album Broken Beautiful was released last week. Entirely self-funded, it features 11 tracks boasting big hooks coupled with the four-piece's trademark grit and storytelling honesty. Copper Lungs frontman Darren Lindsay has penned a collection of deeply personal songs shaped by his journey supporting his partner through the loss of her father. The band are due to play the main stage at Heartland in June, and their eclectic mix of pop-infused anthems and rock ballads boasting blazing guitars and synth-laden textures instantly recalls the likes of Biffy Clyro. Introspection has its place in the pantheon of modern-day, arena-friendly progressive rock. Eugene Kirkton Hector Bizerk Unknown Eugene is the stage name of Dundee rhymester Shaun Scott, one of the leading figures in the drill rap explosion that's erupted across the schemes in Scotland's cities in recent years. While the controversial genre has attracted plenty of negative publicity, the former gang member made headlines for all the right reasons last year when he and two friends set up a not-for-profit company designed to help aspiring musicians in their home city last year. His infectious beats and candid worldview saw Shaun land the best newcomer award at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards last year, an accolade he's credited with helping fuel his ongoing drive to keep moving forward in music and putting Dundee on the map by doing so. Vienna Dundee Fleetwood Mac Dreaming Of You Heartland Festival, Pitlochry, June 28 Influenced by American indie-folksters such as boygenius and Noan Khan, as well as some of the greats of soft rock down the decades, Vienna came to prominence on the Dundee scene and beyond last year following the release of their debut single Surviving In The Dark and its follow-up Dreaming Of You. Fronted by Steph Brand, the recently expanded four-piece stand out from the crowd thanks to the harmonious vocal interplay involving her and Darren Lindsey, with Jamie Mayes' creativity on keyboards also making a big contribution to their vibe. They're among the clutch of Dundee names playing Heartland's Discovery Stage next month. David Delinquent and The IOUs Downfield The Enemy You're So Boring Pop-punk favourite David Delinquent recently released Scared To Spend, his first solo EP in five years. But don't be fooled – he's certainly not been resting on his laurels. The socially aware noisenik and his Heartland-bound band The IOUs have proved themselves to be one of the most hard-working around since forming in 2021. The five-piece are currently piecing together their debut album, which is due for release some time next year, while Mr Hennessey himself – to use the frontman's Sunday name – is also planning a full-length solo offering showcasing his more edgy material. He's just dropped a blistering new track on Bandcamp called Trouble, with another punk-tastic EP on the way soon. Ruvellas Menzieshill The Snuts Take Me Higher Mains Castle, August 1, for the Freya's Wish charity First put together in an early form while still at school way back in 2016, Ruvellas have built up a sizeable live following in recent years. Likewise, the Oasis and Arctic Monkeys-influenced outfit have put together a formidable back catalogue of songs that has ensured plenty of interest from far beyond the confines of their home city. The five-piece have been relatively quiet in recent months but are now all set to unveil a new EP recorded with Dundee producer Guy Galactic, aka Kieran Smith, who also works with Fife songstress Nati. Look out for the lead track Skip To The Next Part, which is due out in early July.
Glasgow Times
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow to host three-day music event for 850th anniversary
Clyde Chorus, which will also celebrate the city's UNESCO City of Music status, is set to take place across multiple venues from May 29 to 31. The festivities start on May 29 with a riverside procession, inviting residents and visitors to take part in a joyful walk along the Clyde. From 4.45pm, there will be performances from Indepen-dance and YDance at the Millennium Square, Pacific Quay (between the BBC and Glasgow Science Centre). The procession, led by the Lord Provost and accompanied by the Govan Community Pipe Band and the Glasgow Skye Association Pipe Band, will cross Bell's Bridge and finish at the Crowne Plaza. The event is free and open to all. The celebration continues on May 31 at Govan Cross, with various community choirs performing together on an outdoor stage. Running from noon to 6pm, the free event will celebrate collective voices and local musical pride in a day of choral performance. Later that evening, the Glasgow Science Centre's IMAX will host a performance by Glasgow-based audiovisual artist Konx-om-Pax as part of Sonica, Cryptic's biennial festival. The show, titled UAXUCTUM, begins at 7.30pm. Tickets for this event can be purchased online at The Clyde Chorus line-up features artists including Nina Nesbitt at the Pearce Institute and Lucia & The Best Boys at The Savings Bank. The festival also features partnerships with various institutions such as Glasgow Mela, Glasgow Jazz Festival, and Glasgow Gaelic Secondary School. More information about the festival programme and ticket purchasing options is available at
The National
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
SSEN announced as major sponsor for HebCelt Festival 2025
The agreement forms part of the electricity transmission network operator's commitment to supporting local communities across the Highlands and islands as part of its £20 billion investment to upgrade the high-voltage transmission network in the north of Scotland. As part of the partnership, SSEN Transmission will have a strong presence at this year's festival, which takes place in and around Stornoway in Lewis from June 16-19. It will be headlined by Skerryvore, Tide Lines and Lulu. Other acts on the bill include Eddi Reader, Nina Nesbitt, Kassidy, Beluga Lagoon, Trail West, Laura Silverstone, Josie Duncan, The Tumbling Souls, and Donnie Dòtaman. READ MORE: My holiday in the Highlands was great, but staff shortages are evident Festival-goers will be able to visit SSEN Transmission's information and fan hub on Castle Green, where the team will be on hand to talk about major infrastructure projects, including plans for the 'Lewis Hub' a proposed new substation and converter station that is a key part of its Western Isles Connection Project. The project will see the installation of a subsea HVDC transmission cable that will connect Lewis to the GB electricity grid for the first time. HebCelt festival operations co-ordinator Carol Ferguson, said: 'SSEN Transmission's commitment to our community is incredibly welcome and aligns perfectly with HebCelt's ethos. 'Their recognition of the value of live music and the cultural heartbeat of our islands is something we deeply appreciate." Colin Bell, SSEN Transmission's lead project manager for the Lewis Hub project, said: 'We are delighted to sponsor the HebCelt Festival and lend our support to this much-loved and hugely popular highlight in the cultural calendar of the islands.' 'We're looking forward to engaging with people at this year's festival, and sharing the enjoyment of what promises to be another entertaining event drawing visitors from across the world.' Last year's HebCelt drew more than 17,800 attendees, with the average visitor staying for eight days in Lewis and Harris. According to post-event research, 67% of festival-goers cited HebCelt as the primary reason for their trip, highlighting its pivotal role in the local economy. Thanks to a three-year funding package from Creative Scotland, HebCelt is now looking ahead to its milestone 30th anniversary in 2027 and is looking for other high-calibre sponsorship partners.
