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Argyll Gathering Festival To Launch In August!



Argyll Gathering is a new Scottish event celebrating the best of music, culture and the arts opening its doors August 19th - 20th 2017 in the stunning setting of Helensburgh. The event will showcase the best in traditional contemporary Scottish music, local food and drink and feature interactive workshops. Limited early bird tickets are available now via the festival's website.

Community is at the heart of the festival and its goal is to celebrate the best of what Scotland has to offer culturally; Argyll Gathering is not just a festival, but a platform for people to interact and form an artistic movement.

Nothing sums up the spirit of Argyll Gathering quite like their introductory promo video, which you can watch now via YouTube.


So far, artists confirmed are the former lead singer of one of Scotland’s most celebrated groups, Runrig‘s Donnie Munro, who will be performing live with a full band. The most famous bagpipe band in the world, Red Hot Chilli Pipers will be bringing their ground-breaking fusion of traditional Scottish music and rock/pop anthems, Scottish supergroup Treacherous Orchestra are the third of the festival’s headliners - their foot-stomping, Celtic rock performance is sure to blow spectators away.

The festival also boasts additional praised artists, Bwani Junction who will perform “Graceland” by Paul Simon, Elephant Sessions, Manran, Federation of the Disco Pimp, Jarlath Henderson Band, Blue Rose Code, Daimh, Fat-Suit, Pronto Mama and, finally Nae Plans (Adam Sutherland & Hamish Napier) will perform over both days with special guests and added surprises.

A community workshop tent, aimed at all ages will showcase music, art and the Gaelic language. There will be delicious food courtesy of Food From Argyll, sweet treats, a carefully selected beer and ale bar, an independent spirits bar and children’s entertainment will be on offer making the festival something for all the family to enjoy.

Having been born and raised in Helensburgh, Festival organiser James Windebank has seen the town evolve and change over 30 years. “The one thing that I always wanted my hometown to have was a spectacular event that focussed on bringing people together to listen to great music, have a dram and really enjoy themselves as a community of people!” Together with co-curator, Nick Lawrie, he and Windebank have independently worked on some of the largest cultural projects in the world and wanted to curate an event to bring out the best facets of that they have learnt working events over the years. Windebank goes on to say, “We believe that an event such as this should enhance its home turf, and really bring something to the table. That could be a great music line up that speaks to its patrons, showcasing the gorgeous larder of Scotland, or exposing people to the rich creative culture that exists all around us.”

Helensburgh and its surroundings are renowned for their picturesque backdrop. The area is steeped in Scottish history, it has also offered events such as highland games and piping championships to carry on traditions.

Argyll Gathering takes place 19th - 20th August 2017 in Helensburgh, Scotland. Find out more and book tickets at the festival's website and check out Argyll Gathering Festival on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

If you'd like more information on Argyll Gathering or our PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.
Posted Tue, 18 Apr 2017 in Argyll Gathering Festival

The Imagineers Announce New Single ‘Californians Drive All Day (In The Sunshine)’!



For fans of... The Growlers, Ben Folds, Burt Bacharach, Ennio Morricone

"...fuses strident indie songwriting

with ambitious, widescreen

arrangements." - Clash



"...emphatic, inspired and distinctive." - Tenement TV


Eclectic Scottish five-piece The Imagineers have shared their latest single Californians Drive All Day (In The Sunshine), taken from the forthcoming album Utopian Dreams, due for release on 2nd May 2017 via Hit The Light Records.

The video for the single premiered on The Skinny and is also available to view via The Imagineers' YouTube.



The audio for the single premiered on Northern Transmissions, which is now available to stream on The Imagineers' Soundcloud page.


The album is full of melodic twists and turns throughout; taking in elements of west coast surf, baroque pop, and singer songwriter, giving the album a film score feel. However, there is no denying a clear brill building pop inspiration and the band’s unique take on it, creating a sonic storyboard that could have starred the likes of Burt Bacharach and David Bowie, orchestrated by Ennio Morricone. The Imagineers have endeavoured to create an intriguing sound akin to The Growlers combined with a storytelling quality that would make Ben Folds proud. Lead singer Stevie Young’s (vocals, guitar) undeniable Scottish twang, as well as the band’s natural cinematic flare, mean that The Imagineers have created a sound uniquely their own.

After the original band members parted ways in 2013, Stevie travelled Europe with his guitar in tow, finding new inspiration by playing with various musicians around rural Spain, France and Italy. Eventually, Utopian Dreams was created and, with the help of producer Tommy Phillips (keys), the record began to take shape. With Scott Forsyth (drums, percussion, backing vocals), David Dunsmuir (bass) and Craig McGown (lead guitar, backing vocals) added to the ranks, The Imagineers were officially reborn.

The band appeared on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson in 2012, before receiving praise from an array of publications including The Scotsman, The Skinny, The Daily Record and The Evening Times as well as performing live at festivals T in The Park and Wickerman.

The Imagineers forthcoming album Utopian Dreams is out on 2nd May 2017 via Hit The Light Records.

If you'd like more information about The Imagineers or our PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.

Posted Tue, 18 Apr 2017 in The Imagineers

ULTRAS release ‘You’ve a Foul Mouth John Barleycorn’!



For fans of... Jimmy LaVelle, Miaoux Miaoux, East India Youth

"...a fusion of colours, tones, and textures that builds up towards something gently emphatic."
- Clash


You've a Foul Mouth John Barleycorn is the official single to be released by Glasgow's ULTRAS. The track is available to buy on iTunes and stream on Spotify and is taken from the self-titled debut album which is due for release on 28th April 2017 via Hello Thor Records and Instinctive Racoon.

The brain child of multi-instrumentalist Gav Prentice ULTRAS exhibit wide ranging influences taking in elements of hip-hop and electronica to rock, pop and traditional Scottish folk music. This is showcased perfectly on You’ve a Foul Mouth John Barleycorn, a track produced by Miaoux Miaoux’s Julian Corrie, where the layers of analogue synths and beats envelope you. The video for the single was premiered on The Skinny and is now available to watch via the Hello Thor YouTube channel.



This followed the premiere of the stream, which was unveiled on Gigslutz who described it as "a racing, energy-fuelled electro-indie anthem.". Stream the track now via the ABoF Soundcloud page.



Previous single Napoleon, a track illustrating ULTRAS versatility as composers, was recently picked up for airplay by BBC Radio 6's Steve Lamacq. The track is available to stream via the ULTRAS Soundcloud page.

ULTRAS’ eclectic take on modern pop music is as challenging as it is rewarding; a twelve track record that confronts the listener sonically and lyrically, resulting in the creation of a sound that has the ability to reach euphoric highs as well as melancholic lows.

Started on the back of the break of up of his former band, cult pop act Over the Wall, ULTRAS set about making a record with the help of six separate producers, an approach heavily inspired by Gav’s love of hip-hop mixtapes. This bold approach has helped to build a sound full of diversity, from the aforementioned You've a Foul Mouth John Barleycorn to the warm, emotional, mournful lament on Team Handed, which premiered on Clash and sees Gav reunited with former Over the Wall partner Ben Hillman. Odd-pop maestro Jonnie Common oversaw the chopped up samples and bass of Stepping Out, while on This Is Where I Fall and The Path To Getting Paid, we are hit with the big, alternative rock sounds and tight rhythms produced by Joe Cormack, renowned for his work with Pictish Trail. Here, ULTRAS have created a cacophony of rich soundscapes, emotionally demanding your attention throughout due to its rousing, passionate and, at times, witty take on modern life and culture.

Describing the project as “violent pop for the patronised” the ULTRAS live act sees Prentice (beats, guitar, keyboard, vocals), joined by Matt Clark (guitar, bass) and Roy Mohan Shearer (drums, keyboard). The project has already gained support from a number of notable music industry figures with coverage coming from Simon Raymonde and Jim Gellatly on Amazing Radio, Tom Robinson’s BBC Radio 6 show, Vic Galloway on BBC Radio Scotland as well as Goldflakepaint, Song by Toad and Podcart. ULTRAS are currently arranging a tour for May 2017, following on from their successful appearances at The Great Escape, and Wickerman festival as well as supporting the likes of We Were Promised Jetpacks and Admiral Fallow.

You've a Foul Mouth John Barleycorn is available to buy on iTunes and stream on Spotify. The track is taken from their self-titled debut album due for release on 28th April 2017 via Hello Thor Records and Instinctive Racoon.

If you'd like to find out more about ULTRAS or A Badge of Friendship's PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.
Posted Tue, 18 Apr 2017 in Ultras

Gallery 47 shares new single ‘Political Differences’!



For fans of... Ultimate Painting, Andrew Bird, Morgan Delt, Devendra Banhart


“…Jeff Buckley-esque vibrato with

sheer youthful exuberance…”


- Drowned in Sound


Singer-songwriter Gallery 47 aka Jack Peachey has revealed the second track to be taken from his latest EP Bad Production will be Political Differences, out on 5th May 2017 via Bad Production Records.

The single premiered on Folk Radio and is also available to stream via Jack's Soundcloud page now.


Potentially his most politically influenced release yet, Bad Production feels as though it couldn’t have arrived at a more appropriate time. Singles Lefty, Political Differences and EP track ‘Overflow’ were written as a result of an alcohol-infused dispute between Peachey and some family members who commented negatively on today’s youth and their approach to finding work. This is an issue Jack has struggled with himself, making this release even more relatable and poignant. The other tracks on the EP follow in a similar vein, filled with Jack’s signature intricate guitar picking and a storytelling charm akin to the likes of Bob Dylan and Jeff Buckley’s unique ability to create soft, bittersweet tales of melancholy.

Gallery 47 originally formed ten years ago as a six-piece band in Loughborough. Once the band went their separate ways, Jack decided to continue as a solo artist under the same name, becoming a regular on the live circuit in Nottingham and currently in his new home of South East London.

Amongst Jack’s supporters are BBC Radio 2‘s Bob Harris, BBC 6music’s Tom Robinson, BBC Radio Nottingham’s Dean Jackson, The Guardian, Drowned in Sound and Folk Radio to name a few. Gallery 47 has also supported a number of well established acts like Paul Weller, Alice Phoebe Loe, Ian McCulloch and Andrew Montgomery as well as playing on the BBC Introducing stage at T in the Park.

With Bad Production, Jack returns with with another delicately weaved collection of captivating alt-folk tracks. They tell an intriguing story of discrimination, sibling rivalry, school politics and drug abuse entwined with intelligent lyricism and beautiful arrangements.

Bad Production by Gallery 47 is due for release on 5th May 2017 via Bad Production Records.

If you'd like to find out more about Gallery 47 or A Badge of Friendship's PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.
Posted Thu, 13 Apr 2017 in Gallery 47

The Nyx share raucous new single ‘Myself’!



For fans of... Hole, Drenge, Foo Fighters, Mudhoney

"With Alice in Chains vibes this is grunge

with determined energy running throughout."

- Louder Than War



"Fuzzed up riffs and scorching

vocals..." - Clash



"...stings and excites..."

- Q Magazine


Ferocious four-piece The Nyx are making music with a purpose and they’re doing it with huge servings of attitude, emotion and raw authenticity.

The band have revealed the third single to be taken from their self-titled debut EP is Myself, which premiered on Louder Than War and is available to stream via The Nyx's Soundcloud page.


The EP kicks off with the single Hideaway, immediately introducing you to electrifying riffs and front woman Simone Picknett’s undeniably unique vocal blending effortlessly with the girls’ solid harmonies throughout. Simone explains “Hideaway is about the struggle of the push and pull of an over thinking mind. What's real and what’s not”. The next two tracks on the EP, Fire Breathing Lady and Myself, were written in the early years of the band’s formation. The first of which, an angsty track delivering a strong yet fun message, shows a grittier side to the band. Its brimming with quirky guitar licks and front woman Becky Wixon’s fierce vocal delivery is paired with almost glam rock style harmonies from the rest of band. Final tracks Myself and ‘Home’ build slowly, showing the band’s musical versatility whilst still evoking the same uncontrollable energy and intent that carries throughout the entire EP.

The band originally formed in High Wycombe, which included Becky and Simone (vocals and guitar) and Ruby Rose Lee (bass). Having already received praise from the likes of Q Magazine, Absolute Radio and having previously supported well-established acts such as The Subways, the girls decided they wanted to move in a different direction and thus The Nyx was born. Adding Collette Williams on drums, the grunge-rock outfit was complete and these fiery females are now ready to redefine what it means to be a girl in a band.

This release amplifies the energy of this flaring female-piece who have something to say and stand for.

The Nyx is out on 21st April 2017 via Rumours Music.

If you'd like to find out more about The Nyx or A Badge of Friendship's PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.
Posted Wed, 12 Apr 2017 in The Nyx