TITP: Best of the BBC Introducing Stage 2012

So begins the return of the part-time blogger, and what better way to return than by listing some of this weekends best alternatives to Cher Lloyd. T Break, like every year, is the place to be however there are a few spectacular gems to be found on T in the Park's newly resident BBC Introducing Stage.

SATURDAY

UNITED FRUIT (4.15pm)

If you like your music delivered with a swift, metaphorical punch to the face then look no further than Glasgow four-piece, United Fruit. Be prepared for a perfectly executed cacophony of vicious guitars, fierce vocals and ferocious drumming that will blow your mud soaked wellies off your sodden feet.

FATHERSON (5pm)

Glasgow based, Kilmarnock three-piece Fatherson bring their unashamedly Scottish brand of powerpop back to Balado. Following an impressive performance on the T Break stage last year in front of a packed audience, expect an impassioned set filled with rousing vocals and mass sing-alongs.

HECTOR BIZERK (7pm)

Last year, Madhat McGore represented the Edinburgh hip-hop scene. This year it's Glasgow's turn in the form of one of the city's freshest duos, Hector Bizerk. Armed with just a mic, a drum kit and plenty of sharp lyrics in a thick Scottish brogue coming at you faster than a 62 down Union St, the setup is simple but the beats are slick. It's this back to basics take on hip-hop that creates such raw energy that can only be truly appreciated in a live setting. Drums. Rap. Yes.

SUNDAY

ADMIRAL FALLOW

Having played BBC Introducing Stage back in 2010 before going on to sell out venues such as Glasgow's ABC, I think it's safe to say there were a few surprises when Admiral Fallow were announced as one of the twenty chosen "Introducing" bands, not least because of the marvellous reception their second album, Tree Bursts in Snow, received from critics and fans alike on release earlier this year. Nevertheless, whether they deserve to play a bigger stage or not is irrelevant. What is relevant however is the stunning performances Louis Abbot and co deliver time and time again. One of the highlights of the weekend, guaranteed.

MIAOUX MIAOUX (5.45pm)

Multi-instrumentalist and producer Julian Corrie, aka Miaoux Miaoux, has been creating, producing and performing colourful, synth-infused, dance-pop for a number of years. Already a much loved talent among Scottish music aficionados, Miaoux Miaoux has taken 2012 by storm with the release of his latest album, Light of the North, on Chemikal Underground Records. Now with the backing of a full band, this is truly a performance you don't want to miss. Even if it is just to witness some mesmerising dancing by his (rightly) adoring fans.

MORE THAN CONQUERORS

I confess, I broke the first rule of my blog. Well, probably the only rule. "Thou shall not feature non-Scottish musicians on thy blog"... or something like that. But I am more than happy to ignore that for a moment to honour one of many fine talents that Northern Ireland continue to breed. Catchier than a STD from a wee dirty in the toilets of the Savoy, let Belfast's own More Than Conquerors win you over with their charm, passion and bucket loads of talent. Normal service will resume shortly.

Introducing: Holy Childhood

Formed in early 2011 and fusing members of the now defunct Think:Fire and All My Logic, Holy Childhood are an alternative five piece from Glasgow. Bursting with melodic hooks that gently caress the eardrums, the gentle Scottish lull of vocalist Bruce McKenzie lends to an earthly sound that floats effortlessly into beautifully constructed instrumentation. With haunting melodies and poignant lyrics wonderfully complimented by piano et al, Holy Childhood are set to make their mark on 2012 beginning with their debut show tonight at Classic Grand. Having sold out of their original batch, the gig has been moved upstairs to the larger hall to accommodate the demand for tickets providing you with a chance to snap up one of the few remaining. Tickets for tonight's show are selling very fast with only a limited amount remaining on the door, so get down early to avoid disappointment. I predict we'll be hearing a lot more of Holy Childhood as the year progresses, and I for one can't wait.



You can find out more about Holy Childhood here where you can also stream some tracks, or visit their Soundcloud page here.

Your House Is A Hospice - So Many Animal Calls

It's Friday and what better way to start the weekend than with a free download, courtesy of one of the most new, exciting and promising Scottish bands of 2010?

So Many Animal Calls have made available Your House Is A Hospice for free download from their Bandcamp. This three track EP acts as a teaser for their full debut EP which will be released soon. It has certainly got me excited about their forthcoming release and if this download is anything to go by, the full EP is going to be huge.

Go get your free copy here.



You can catch So Many Animal Calls live at The Captain's Rest with 100 Paper Boats and Queen Jane on the 14th July. I'll post where to buy tickets when I actually find out.

For all you Twitter fiends, you can follow the band by clicking here.

TITP: Best of the BBC Introducing Stage

It's T time! Sadly, I won't be taking to the fields of Balado this year however that doesn't stop me offering a few reccomendations of the best of the bands on the smaller stages.

The BBC Introducing Stage makes only its second appearance at T in the Park, last year featuring the likes of Dananananaykroyd, The Twilight Sad, Broken Records and Findo Gask. Here are some artists you should think about catching over the weekend.


SATURDAY


LOU HICKEY



Co-writer and vocalist of Codeine Velvet Club, Lou Hickey is now focusing on her solo career. Her music is described as 'Bitchy Jazz Caberet Pop' and I don't think I could sum it up any better than that. Sitting with a whisky in one hand and a cigarette in the other is the best way to soak up her atmospheric music. (Disclaimer - I would like to point out I am in no way advocating the consumption of alcohol or the smoking of tobacco)


ADMIRAL FALLOW



Admiral Fallow (formerly the Brother Louis Collective) are a wondefully talented six-piece folk band. Beautiful melodies, soaring harmonies and stunning instrumentation will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. This is one band you don't want to miss.


YOUNG FATHERS



After playing BBC Introducing last year, this Edinburgh based hip-hop trio are back again to headline the stage. More pop than gangster, they'll have you dancing all the way back to your tent.


SUNDAY


NORTH ATLANTIC OSCILLATION



Hailing from both Glasgow and Edinburgh and after countless favourable reviews, North Atlantic Oscialltion are set to take festival goers on a weird and wonderful journey with their electronic, undoubtedly trippy, space rock. Let them warm your hearts and souls, you won't be disappointed.


SILVER COLUMNS



AWESOME. That is all.



AERIALS UP



After supporting the likes of Snowpatrol and Paolo Nutini and playing a live session for Vic Galloway, Aerials Up more than deserve the hype that surrounds them. They are bringing their folk tinged pop/rock to Balado, headlining the BBC Introducing Stage on Sunday. This is just the beginning.

Introducing: Where We Lay Our Heads

I like to try and bring you fresh, new artists as often as I can and how much newer can you get than Where We Lay Our Heads?

Electronic-Folk and yes, it works beautifully. Heartfelt yet harsh lyrics tell enchanting stories with a delightful Scottish accent. The debut single My Major is Your Minor will be available for free download from Have Fun At Dinner in a few weeks but until then you'll have to make do with streaming the tracks from MySpace.

Definitely one to watch.

You can find Where We Lay Our Heads on MySpace, Facebook and Twitter.