Highland Fidelity: An Introduction

Clash heads to Northerly climes...

A vast, sprawling area, the Highlands and Islands is also one of the most culturally diverse parts of the UK.

Boasting three native tongues – English, Gaelic and Scots – it's a place where centuries of tradition meets the sharp gaze of modernity.

All too often, though, the region's musical output is overlooked. Perhaps in part due to distance, the sounds which emanate from the Highlands and Islands struggle to complete that southward journey.

Netsounds aim to change this. Promoters, podcast hosts and all round new music champions, the team are determined to empower some of the new talent which surrounds them. Jamie MacDonald explains more.

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"There is a really vibrant and eclectic scene in the Highlands and Islands right now. There's an exciting wave of acts emerging through the current scene with dynamic rock bands such as Iain McLaughlin & The Outsiders, Lionel and Silver Coast, inspiring female artists like Eleanor Nicolson, Miss Irenie Rose and Josephine Sillars and – for the sure-fire metal heads – Seed Of Sorrow, who are doing rather well for themselves throughout Scotland and beyond."

"The infamous A9 road can be a challenge for some acts wanting to get themselves heard outside of the Highlands, or indeed visiting acts. Touring costs and travel are a challenge for some bands – but the same could be said of any band travelling outwith their locality. Neon Waltz from Caithness have had their fair share of six hour plus drives from the Far North to Glasgow and further South, but despite this they recently signed to Atlantic Records. Despite its location and population, the Isle of Lewis has a strong reputation for producing artists that have gone on to secure deals with major labels, most recent examples include The Boy Who Trapped The Sun and Dot JR. So it can be done!"

"There is also an array of quality music festivals on our doorstep (Belladrum, XpoNorth, Loopallu and Brew At The Bog, alongside this summer's Highland Stopover from Mumford and Sons) all offering opportunities for local acts and music fans alike. Also, as the University of the Highlands and Islands develops over the coming years there is hope that it will create more electricity' – not just within music but all the arts."

"From our own point of view we are currently working with Ironworks in Inverness each month to stage our new monthly night, Unknown Pleasures. Launched in March it will feature some of the best emerging acts from across Scotland and beyond, including artists from the Highlands and Islands. We really want to highlight the hottest music coming out of the Highlands just now and indeed across Scotland. We hope it will be a night where people are likely to catch the next wave of buzz acts appearing on the music scene."

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Alongside this, Netsounds have kindly pieced together a playlist of emerging talent from the Highlands and Islands – check it out now.

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Find Netsounds online HERE.

Check out the next Unknown Pleasures night on April 3rd – DETAILS.

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