Category Archives: Arran Arctic News

Gigs, Past & Future

It’s been a few weeks since my gig at Henry’s Cellar Bar with The Occasional Flickers and Thank You So Nice (TYSN).

Here’s the board outside the venue on the night in question…

Outside Henry's

I’ve no idea who Dr. No is, but he sounds like a fun dude. ’60s, ska, rock steady and early reggae? All in one night? Phew!

Anyway, back to the matter at hand. The gig on the 9th of March was great fun. I have to say a huge thank you to TYSN for inviting me to come and play.

I also want to say a massive thanks to my special guests who were kind enough to join me on stage; Simon Herron, Sam Bradley and Kelagh O’Neill.

Kelagh provided vocals on my most recent LP ‘Like Lovers‘ but took on the challenge of learning parts for 2 new songs. Here we are duetting on ‘Roll’ in a very different version to the way it appears on ‘Like Lovers’…

Just for comparison’s sake, here’s ‘Roll’ as it appears on the LP…

In further gig related news, I’ve been invited to headline The Listening Room in The Blue Blazer pub, Edinburgh on Sunday June 30th at 8pm.

I previously headlined The Listening Room last year and it was great fun.

For those who aren’t familiar with the concept, The Listening Room is completely unplugged. That is, no mics, wires or nonsense. Just performer and audience in the same room, sharing an evening.

The Listening Room Logo

The night starts at 7pm, with several artists performing up to 3 of their own compositions. Just FYI, the standard is intimidatingly high! You will not regret coming along early. The night is rounded off by the featured performer who goes on around 8pm.

Thank you so much to everyone who came along to gig at Henry’s. I’d be so pleased if you wanted to come and see me again (or for the first time!) at The Listening Room on June 30th :)

Muchas gracias
Arran

Like Lovers: Released!

OMERGOD! ‘Like Lovers’ is here!

Like Lovers Is Here

Instead of me prattling on, I’ll let you enjoy the record in all its glory.
You can download ‘Like lovers’ for £2, or buy the CD for £5, at its album page.

I also promised you another free single didn’t I. Alright then, here you go. It’s called ‘Window’ and is track no.7 on ‘Like Lovers’.

‘Window’ features guest vocals from the amazing Kelagh O’Neill of Jump:Press A fame. Her voice is as clear as a ringing bell and graces ‘Like Lovers’ on a further 2 occasions, namely ‘Armies’ and album closer ‘Slumber’.

Oh, and I’ll also mention that the artwork for the free single ‘Window’ was designed by my bestest pal in the world, Dan Hanna. If you have graphic design needs, he’s your man.

Window (Single) Window (Single)

I have to admit it folks, I’m a little burnt out, so the accompanying video for ‘Window’ isn’t quite as spacktacular as its predecessor ‘Covers’.

The video is a simple moment I captured when recently traveling North from Edinburgh to Inverness for a brief “I’m going mental getmethefuckoutofhere!” break. I think it has a charm of its own, and lets the music speak for itself.

I’ll speak more about the making of ‘Like Lovers’ in the coming weeks.

For now though, I’d like to say a huge thank you to my partner Dan for putting up with me during the recording of the album, Kelagh for lending her awesome voice to the LP, (different!) Dan for creating the ‘Window’ single artwork and all the music podcasters, bloggers, broadcasters and reviewers who generously support my music with nothing less than their time and effort.

And finally, thank you to everyone who is listening.

If you do like ‘Like Lovers’ please download or buy it and tell your pals. If you don’t, go watch X Factor… it’s on right now.

Much love
Arran xoxo

Free Single: Covers

Surprise! Here’s a free single called ‘Covers’ from my upcoming LP.

Covers (Single) Covers (Single)

The LP itself will be called ‘Like Lovers’ and will feature plenty more dark and light little vignettes on love and relationships.

As promised, ‘Like Lovers’ will be mostly clarsach (small harp) based, but there are a few surprises and variations on the theme along the way.

Oh! And I made a video for ‘Covers’. It’s amazing what you can achieve in 30 minutes with a torch in a dark room!

If you like the song, the video, or both, do me a flavour and share it with your pals on Facebook… or something. If you hate it, give your enemies a buzz :)

I know this is a bit out of the blue. If it was an official type release I’d have buzzed the crap out of this free single for about 3 months leading up to its release. However, one of the nice things of being an independent musician is that I can do whatever the hell I want, whenever the hell I feel like it :)

Accordingly, the full LP, ‘Like Lovers’, will be available at some point in the next few months. Who gives a rat’s tits about release dates? It’s ready when it’s ready!

Cheers
Arran