MUSIC ROUNDUP: February Releases 2021

Featuring music by Sintide, The Gracious Losers, TAAHLIAH and more.

In alphabetical order:

Big Miz, BODEGA - ‘Coming Up Roses’

Since his days as a part of the local clubbing scene in Glasgow, Big Miz has crafted and honed his sound with a playful and energetic spirit. Coming Up Roses is no exception, with vocals from fellow artist BODEGA, the track is an infectious groove throughout. Glitching synths pepper the layered chords, pounding beat and interweaving vocal melodies.

Gaze Is Ghost - ‘Wild Geese’

Inspired by the fragile beauty of the Scottish coastline, Gaze is Ghost’s new track Wild Geese is as stunning as the subject of its inspiration. Currently based in Edinburgh, Northern Irish singer/songwriter Laura McGarrigle has created an impassioned ode to the landscapes that currently surround her. Pinned by the weighty piano chords, the subtle sounds that echo underneath perfectly encapsulate the picturesque atmosphere of the coastlines of Scotland. 

Gefahrgeist - ‘Nukular’ 

Following on from the success of their debut single Graceless, Nukular is the second release from the electro-pop duo Gefahrgeist, consisting of singer/songwriter Fiona Liddel and bassist Niall Rae. The pair paint an eerie and provoking sound wrapped around the emotional and moving lyrics. The explosive sputters of drums mixed with the enveloping synths the song manages to create this image of Nuclear destruction.

The Gracious Losers - ‘Loath To Leave’

Loathe to Leave is the dreamy new single from the creative powerhouse The Gracious Losers, complete with blissful slide guitars oozing over the top of the steady beat. Primarily composed of Jonathan Lilley and Amanda McKeown, the band stretches up to a 9 piece live outfit featuring members of Sister John and God Help the Girl. The tracks luscious arrangement and finite detailed motifs make for an encompassing listen that will melt away any blue feeling.

Hector Shaw - ‘Gravity’ 

Emerging indie-folk artist Hector Shaw has put himself on the map with the debut single ‘Gravity’. Shaw’s emotive vocals immediately draw you in as the instrumentation slowly builds up in the form of piano flutters and lead guitar licks. Having gotten airplay on Janice Forsyth’s BBC Radio Scotland show, along with other appearances courtesy of Jim Gellaty and BBC Rapal, the artist shows promise with his personal brand of roots infused indie.

Mairi Campbell - 'Pull Me Up'  

A prolific and pioneering Scottish musician, renowned for her extraordinary vocals, Mairi Campbell continues to push the boundaries of Scottish Traditional music. Combining trad instruments with a more modern production, Pull Me Up makes for a fresh new take on the genre. The cacophony of violas, driving drum parts and Campbells ethereal vocals instantly form a sound that is neither here nor there, a totally new perspective on the genre.

Sintide -  ‘Pending’

With a slew of shows around the central belt of Scotland already under their belt pre-pandemic, the debut single from Sintide makes enough noise to grab anyone's attention. Pending is a tense ball of fiery guitars and powerhouse drums, propelling the song throughout as the hooks from both the vocals and lead guitar decorate the sound. Ending in a whirlwind of double-bass kicks and screaming guitars, this band proves that they are ready to establish themselves as a formidable force within the Scottish music scene.

TAAHLIAH - ‘Brave’

Winner of two SAMA awards, and the first black trans artists to be nominated, TAALIAH has unleashed her debut song onto the world. Coupled with the iconoclastic production of grinding electronics and raw songwriting, TAAHLIAH’s debut track Brave is a liberating three minutes of hyperpop wonder. Featuring vocals by collaborator Sophie Thornton, the track is an uplifting and angelic banger that belongs on the dancefloor. With recent appearances via live streamed gigs courtesy of Queer Zoom Party, TAAHLIAH has been taking her explosive new sounds to the masses anyway possible.

TEOSE - ‘Picture Myself’

With each new release, Teose continue to hone their already excellent songwriting skills. With the brand new single Picture Myself being no exception, the trio combine an instantly catchy melody with sharp guitars to create something that borders the same line between jubilant music and melancholic lyrics that The Cure are known for. With a full-length LP and a handful of singles already behind them, Teose will no doubt keep producing these wonderful tracks no matter what stands in their way.

Washington - ‘YUNGIN’

Following up from the debut EP Rookie, released in September last year, Zimbabwe-born Scotland-based rapper Washington has dropped the brand new Yungin. Inspired by his departure from living in Paisley, and the transformative experiences that come with changing parts of your life can be. With a sleek flow that doesn’t miss a beat, Washington’s performance could give the big hip-hop artists a run for their money.

You can submit music to SAMA via email on officialsama@outlook.com - listening links only.