WE LOVE PLAYING IN ABERDEEN
Scotland’s top indie-folk band reckon Aberdeen has one of the strongest music scenes in the UK.
Rick Webster is the lead singer of Glasgow-based five-piece Unkle Bob who are managed by Saul Davies, formerly of James.
“We love playing in Aberdeen and can’t wait to come up and play next week,” he said.
“Aberdeen has so much going for it in terms of a local music scene.
“There’s a university, so there are students from all over the country who like going to hear live music, and lots of great venues like Cafe Drummond and the Lemon Tree.”
And, of course, the Tunnels where Unkle Bob will be playing next Thursday.
As veterans of the gigging circuit, the band made it up for last year’s Go North – the annual festival that sees the Granite City flooded with musicians hoping to snag record deals.
“With events like that there is always an element of expectation from the bands that play,” said Rick.
“But even if no-one gets signed it’s a great experience to be a part of.
“There’s a real community feel and it’s a great way to network with other artists.”
Hailing from all around Britain, Unkle Bob formed in and around Glasgow University four years ago.
Their distinctive acoustic sound is a harmonious blend of guitars, pianos, mandolins and hand drums – set against a startling lead vocal.
Their contemporary-indie sound has drawn comparisons with Nick Drake, Tim Buckley and Van Morrison.
Last summer ‘the Bob’ enjoyed a seminal performance at T in the Park, while their cult following ensures sellout gigs across Britain.
July sees the release of single Too Many People through the band’s own record label Friendly Sounds.
Rick said: “At one stage we had a lot of record label interest and we were really close to getting signed a few times, but something always got in the way.
“Eventually we set up our own label on the internet and released an EP that way.
“Although we don’t actively shun big record labels, we’re happy working the way we are just now.
“I think bands are able to take things into their own hands nowadays. The Kaiser Chief’s pretty much made it themselves, and I’ve been following Sandi Thom’s recent success. I wouldn’t mind a chat with her actually.”
And with the help of a recently acquired management deal with Saul Davies, support for Unkle Bob is growing.
Rick said: “A friend of ours sent him some of our music without telling us, and he loved it.
“He’s really passionate about what we do and has this amazing creative vision. He works along with more business-minded people so together they are like an unstoppable force.”
M.C Jones
