Scottish Record Labels - Whats the Scoop

Subject: RE: Scottish Record Labels - Whats the Scoop
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Jan 03 - 02:00 PM

We are from Glasgow. Feeling a bit upset now as we played the CD for a couple of people and they said it needed a lot of work and we had better do some more (a lot more) practising. Now that we listened to the CD again we have to admit they are right. But we will keep persevering.

Subject: RE: Scottish Record Labels - Whats the Scoop
From: Strupag
Date: 30 Jan 03 - 08:09 PM

Hi guys,
Where about's are you based (Broadly - Highlands or Lowlands) and what kind of stuff do you do?
I was a co-founder of Loch Broom FM in Ullapool and now live in Skye and am involved in starting up Cuillin FM and would welcolm a copy of your album. We won't be on air until around September but if you send a copy to:- Attn, Andy Strupag, Cuillin FM, C/O Aros, Portree, Isle of Skye, I'll certainly play it and organise and interview

Slainte

Andy

Subject: RE: Scottish Record Labels - Whats the Scoop
From: weepiper
Date: 30 Jan 03 - 05:29 PM

Hello mountainclimber,

Here's a link to the BBC's webpage covering all of BBC Radio Scotland's trad/folk music shows:

Celtic Roots

You might find some of the info on offer helpful.

Subject: RE: Scottish Record Labels - Whats the Scoop
From: Shonagh
Date: 30 Jan 03 - 02:44 PM

Where abouts are you guys from? Im 17, from North east of Scotland so If u want, message me and I can see if i can help with clubs and sessions and things! hope everything goes well!

Subject: RE: Scottish Record Labels - Whats the Scoop
From: GUEST,Ewan McVicar
Date: 29 Jan 03 - 04:52 PM

There is one Scottish label / stable you would do best to avoid, for reasons I will not put into print here.
It starts with L, and does not end with e.

Subject: RE: Scottish Record Labels - Whats the Scoop
From: smallpiper
Date: 29 Jan 03 - 11:20 AM

Ah there you have a problem. Your local education authority has the right to limit the number of hours you play in public (for money that is) so if you have a supportive parent can they take you to folk clubs/sessions where you can do floor spots and generally play with other people to increase your performace skills and your self confidence. Study hard as well and when you are old enough go to university to to a degree in traditional music - Newcastle does one. Then you may well find that all the hard work you put in now will stand you in good stead. Good luck and whatever you do don't loose heart but keep playing!

Subject: RE: Scottish Record Labels - Whats the Scoop
From: GUEST,mountainclimber
Date: 29 Jan 03 - 05:41 AM

Maybe I should have told you that we are not very old, I am fourteen and my freind is fifteen, but we have been practicing a lot and we made the CD at home on my computer - still it sounds very good with me on fiddle and my friend on the flute. We havent been to any festivals just listening to CD's of traditional music. When we have some money saved up and some transport we will try to get to some.

Subject: RE: Scottish Record Labels - Whats the Scoop
From: smallpiper
Date: 29 Jan 03 - 02:49 AM

Ay Dick you are right there but the only way to get access to that distribution system is to have a high profile in Scotland already... so make your independant CD get out and about push it, push yourselves and then approach Greentrax when it comes to recording CD 2!

Subject: RE: Scottish Record Labels - Whats the Scoop
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 28 Jan 03 - 11:16 PM

One point that English, Scottish and Irish performers often forget--US sales an be large, if, and only if US retailers can obtain them. Greentrax has an excellent US distribution system; many self-produced and smaller labels don't.

Subject: RE: Scottish Record Labels - Whats the Scoop
From: Strupag
Date: 28 Jan 03 - 07:44 PM

Hardly them all Susanne, not that Ian Green is other than honest; But
there's plenty other honest Scots labels.

Subject: RE: Scottish Record Labels - Whats the Scoop
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 28 Jan 03 - 07:11 PM

Part-answer to your original question: I asked a very well-known Scottish performer once why all the artists seemed so ready to change over to Greentrax. All he said was: "Because they're honest!"

Subject: RE: Scottish Record Labels - Whats the Scoop
From: Strupag
Date: 28 Jan 03 - 06:13 PM

Try this http://scotlandinter.net/radio.htm

Subject: RE: Scottish Record Labels - Whats the Scoop
From: GUEST,Mac Tattie
Date: 28 Jan 03 - 03:00 PM

YOU'R NOT SHURE WHERE TO BEGIN????? BUT you have decided to start off by already having recorded a CD. that you expect recording companies to be interested in? Shurely puting the cart before the horse. What have you been doing/playing? Have you played/attended Cubs? Played/attended sessions? Played/attended festivals? What is your idea of being a traditional musician? Tell us more about what is on your CD. If you believe your CD is any good then get out there and PUSH. Your fears about recording companies are well founded, they ALL have contracts with small print. There realy is no sentiment in buisness. cheers

Subject: RE: Scottish Record Labels - Whats the Scoop
From: GUEST,mountainclimber
Date: 28 Jan 03 - 01:45 PM

You gave us an interesting idea. We are just starting out and looking for advice.   Do you have any ideas for finding a listing of these radio stations or programs where we could send our demo? Especially the wee community stations? I'm not sure where to begin?

Subject: RE: Scottish Record Labels - Whats the Scoop
From: Strupag
Date: 28 Jan 03 - 06:05 AM

If you produce it yersels then be sure and send copies to the radio stations and address it to the show host, ie Ian Anderson or Mary Ann Kenedy, and not just to the radio station itself. Don't forget the wee community stations which tend to play more traditional stuff.
Offer yourselves for interviews and live sessions to these if you are gigging in the area.
Good Luck

Subject: RE: Scottish Record Labels - Whats the Scoop
From: smallpiper
Date: 28 Jan 03 - 05:55 AM

Produce your own CD and sell it yourself although sending a copy to Greentrax will be worth your while - just for the comments you'll get back.

Subject: Scottish Record Labels - Whats the Scoop
From: GUEST,mountainclimber
Date: 28 Jan 03 - 05:43 AM

Hello,
New to Mudcat here. We are a couple of traditional musicians in Scotland and have put together a demo that we are thinking of shopping to some record labels. Having read (with alarmn) the Celtic Music Dave Bulmer postings, we were wondering if there are any similar horror stories (or good advice) about any of the other labels - Greentrax, Lochshore, etc. We wouldn't want to get ripped off. Also do most musicians feel it is better to go with a label, if you can get one to take you on, or just produce your own CD and sell it yourself? All input welcome. Thanks.