The Fountain Review

08/11/2021

So very deeply upsetting to learn of this beauty gone, the world will be a much darker place, love and condolences to her loved ones x

01/11/2021

So that's it, goodbye for now! Here's a snapshot of our highlights over the five years.

From covering Wigtown Book Festival, interviewing the oh so lovely and talented Michael Kiwanuka at Glasgow's Art School, going to the brilliant Howlin' Fling on Eigg, crossing the sea to the eclectic and slick Coconut Festival in Saintes, interviewing the bloody scary Denise Mina, Pual Northcott's epic Jupiter Rising reviews, Peter Knox's video interviews (particularly that one with Fern Brady), Julie Farrell's artist spotlight on David Lemm, our FNTN2 with Kits, Heir of the Cursed, Seán R McLaughlin and the Wind-Up Crows and Meursault, as well as our Paisley Book Festival events with Hollie, Michael, Dave and Sarah in 2020 and then of course the marvellous 2021 event with Janette, Heath, Salena and Adam.

it's been brill and crazy and thanks you everyone for taking a punt on us x

01/11/2021

Jan Grue has written several books prior to this memoir though it always explores the theme of embodiment. I Live a Life Like Yours might just give the context behind why this is the focus of his work. Having been diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at the age of three, this is a memoir that focuses on this diagnosis and what it means as far as everyday living goes for Jan. A tale about love as much as it is about grief, suffering and a world that is full of obstacles for those not considered "normal."...

https://thefountain.scot/reviews/2021/11/review-i-live-a-life-like-yours-by-jan-grue/

Jan Grue has written several books prior to this memoir though it always explores the theme of embodiment. I Live a Life Like Yours might just give the context behind why this is the focus of his w…

31/10/2021

Landon, is a deeply personal, true story-song written as an unabashed apology from Grace Pettis to her best friend for not being there when he came out right after high school. The Indigo Girls were so behind the song that they agreed to sing on it. Growing-up in a small town in Alabama, Pettis grew up in a homogenous community steeped in a traditional Christian faith. Deconstructing bias with each masterfully poetic lyric, Pettis puts her own youthful, "traditional" values under the microscope, and has released this track. She spoke with The Fountain about the track and plans for the remainder of the year....

https://thefountain.scot/features/2021/10/grace-pettis-so-many-people-have-come-up-to-me-and-told-me-their-deeply-personal-stories/

Landon, is a deeply personal, true story-song written as an unabashed apology from Grace Pettis to her best friend for not being there when he came out right after high school. The Indigo Girls wer…

31/10/2021

Having built a following with songs she released herself while still in school, Lauren Ann began working with producer Declan Legge (Jealous of the Birds, Ciaran Lavery), who helped shape her raw song-writing into fully realised productions. The Northern Irish alt indie-pop artist has now signed with label Faction Records the same day she left school, and has released new single, Lucy. She spoke with The Fountain about the response to the track and what she has in store....

https://thefountain.scot/features/2021/10/lauren-ann-lucy-is-ultimately-about-a-love-triangle-among-friends/

Having built a following with songs she released herself while still in school, Lauren Ann began working with producer Declan Legge (Jealous of the Birds, Ciaran Lavery), who helped shape her raw s…

31/10/2021

Belfast singer/songwriter Michael Kerr has released a stunning new video and single Life Goes On. The single is a first taste of Kerr's new EP due out in 2022. The Fountain caught up with Michael to discuss the music and his plans for gigging again....

https://thefountain.scot/features/2021/10/michael-kerr-its-a-very-sad-deep-and-personal-song-but-people-seem-to-respond-to-it-well/

Belfast singer/songwriter Michael Kerr has released a stunning new video and single Life Goes On. The single is a first taste of Kerr’s new EP due out in 2022. The Fountain caught up with Mic…

31/10/2021

Bemz is a name we are going to hear more of in the coming months. Not only was he on the longlist for the SAY Awards but he performed at the ten year ceremony alongside AIITEE covering Young Fathers tracks and has some gigs coming up at the beginning of 2022. Bemz spoke with The Fountain about some of the exciting things happening for him....

https://thefountain.scot/features/2021/10/bemz-i-pray-i-can-build-from-this-and-improve-for-the-next-one/

Bemz is a name we are going to hear more of in the coming months. Not only was he on the longlist for the SAY Awards but he performed at the ten year ceremony alongside AIITEE covering Young Father…

31/10/2021

Inverness singer-songwriter Justboy has announced his debut EP Head Sick, set for release across all major digital platforms on 26th November. The Fountain caught up with him to discuss the new music and plans for the remainder of the year....

https://thefountain.scot/features/2021/10/justboy-i-really-laid-my-soul-bare-on-this-ep/

Inverness singer-songwriter Justboy has announced his debut EP Head Sick, set for release across all major digital platforms on 26th November. The Fountain caught up with him to discuss the new mus…

31/10/2021

Initiated and run by Scottish Music Centre and funded by Creative Scotland’s Youth Music Initiative (YMI) and PRS Foundation, Hit The Road provides early stage musicians age 14-19 the opportunity to learn about the live industry before embarking on a professionally managed tour. Michael Cassidy, Hit The Road Project Manager, spoke with The Fountain about the project, what stage in the project they are at and who might be suited for this project, having helped many in their careers prior....

https://thefountain.scot/features/2021/10/michael-cassidy-for-us-its-just-amazing-to-see-people-build-new-relationships-and-work-together-in-large-groups/

Initiated and run by Scottish Music Centre and funded by Creative Scotland’s Youth Music Initiative (YMI) and PRS Foundation, Hit The Road provides early stage musicians age 14-19 the opportunity t…

31/10/2021

From Children's and YA writer, Hilde Vandermeeren, comes a fast-paced vivid thriller that will sit inside your head for long after you have put it down. The Scorpion's Head is freshly out, published by Pushkin Press and translated by Larea Watkinson. The fourth book in the acclaimed Walter Presents Library, this fascinating psychological smorgasbord of plot, character, intrigue and determination will eat you up whole....

https://thefountain.scot/reviews/2021/10/review-the-scorpions-head-by-hilde-vandermeeren/

From Children’s and YA writer, Hilde Vandermeeren, comes a fast-paced vivid thriller that will sit inside your head for long after you have put it down. The Scorpion’s Head is freshly o…

30/10/2021

Bristol-based indie-pop / electronica artist Hector Who Lived released his debut single Monkey on October 15th. Hector has an array of musical achievements under his belt since his move to Bristol in 2017, having played venues such as The O2 Academy Oxford, The Bullingdon, Jericho Tavern and Truck Festival with his band The Outside. Hector spoke with The Fountain about the new music as well as his plans for performing live soon....

https://thefountain.scot/features/2021/10/hector-who-lived-im-very-excited-to-get-it-out-into-the-world/

Bristol-based indie-pop / electronica artist Hector Who Lived released his debut single Monkey on October 15th. Hector has an array of musical achievements under his belt since his move to Bristol …

30/10/2021

FREYA BEER has unleased the Beast, released via her own Sisterhood imprint, it's be available digitally and on CD now. With this and the title track out for all to listen to The Fountain caught up with Freya to discuss the new LP and her fans' response as well as plans for the end of the year....

https://thefountain.scot/features/2021/10/freya-beer-naturally-at-the-beginning-of-the-release-i-was-feeling-quite-self-critical/

FREYA BEER has unleased the Beast, released via her own Sisterhood imprint, it’s be available digitally and on CD now. With this and the title track out for all to listen to The Fountain caug…

30/10/2021

When David Harewood was twenty-three, just as his acting career was taking off after leaving RADA, he had what he now understands to be a case of psychosis, and ended up being sectioned under the Mental Health Act. He was physically restrained by six police officers, sedated, then hospitalised and transferred to a locked ward where he was force fed sedatives such as Diazepam....

https://thefountain.scot/reviews/2021/10/review-maybe-i-dont-belong-here-by-david-harewood/

When David Harewood was twenty-three, just as his acting career was taking off after leaving RADA, he had what he now understands to be a case of psychosis, and ended up being sectioned under the M…

29/10/2021

Following the release of their nineties tinged track Ecstasy, Oslo’s VEPS have unleashed their raw Girl On TV. The track, which is accompanied by a stunning self-directed video, is the second to be taken from their forthcoming EP Open The Door, out via Kanine Records. VEPS spoke with The Fountain about the track as well as the pleasures of working with Kanine....

https://thefountain.scot/features/2021/10/veps-theyve-loved-the-song-since-day-one-and-have-been-very-supportive-of-our-creative-decisions/

Following the release of their nineties tinged track Ecstasy, Oslo’s VEPS have unleashed their raw Girl On TV. The track, which is accompanied by a stunning self-directed video, is the second to be…

29/10/2021

Many of you may have seen already but it's with great sadness that we inform you that we are closing up this week! We want to take this Friday morning to say muchos thanks to all that have supported us these last 5 years, writers, publicists, musicians, authors, artists, foodies, designers, the list is endless! Our website will remain up for just now as an archive and on Monday when we close for good, we will be celebrating many of our highlights and events from over the years. So do tag yourself! x

29/10/2021

Girl One is the second novel from Sara Flannery Murphy after The Possessions was published in 2017. A twisty supernatural thriller about female power and the bonds of sisterhood, this novel follows Josephine Morrow as Girl One, the first of nine “Miracle Babies” conceived without male DNA, raised on an experimental commune known as the Homestead....

https://thefountain.scot/reviews/2021/10/review-girl-one-by-sara-flannery-murphy/

Girl One is the second novel from Sara Flannery Murphy after The Possessions was published in 2017. A twisty supernatural thriller about female power and the bonds of sisterhood, this novel follows…

28/10/2021

Brickwork: A Biography of The Arches is the first book that has focussed on The Arches from its humble beginnings as the potential for an art venue, which soon became the venue that DJs such as Carl Cox, Daft Punk and David Guetta were all keen to perform in. Having attended several arts performances, gigs and club nights in this Glasgow institution this book throws me back into those gigs, the smells, the bass, the unkempt undergroundness of it all in the early noughties. Offering an uncompromised flavour of the Glasgow art scene, whether it was the nightclub, the theatre, the creative hub, it was one of the most significant and pivotal venues in Scotland, Britain and Europe: for almost 25 years, The Arches was the beating heart of Glasgow....

https://thefountain.scot/reviews/2021/10/review-brickwork-a-biography-of-the-arches-by-david-bratchpiece-and-kirstin-innes/

Brickwork: A Biography of The Arches is the first book that has focussed on The Arches from its humble beginnings as the potential for an art venue, which soon became the venue that DJs such as Car…

28/10/2021

Scottish alt-pop newcomer Ali & The Parade has released of latest single Losing Sleep. This exciting new material from Glasgow-based singer and multi-instrumentalist Ali Robertson is written about the early stages of a new relationship. The Fountain caught with Ali to discuss the response to the new single and plans for the rest of 2021, which includes some live shows....

https://thefountain.scot/features/2021/10/ali-the-parade-well-be-releasing-the-rest-of-the-losing-sleep-ep-and-then-playing-some-shows-in-and-around-glasgow/

Scottish alt-pop newcomer Ali & The Parade has released of latest single Losing Sleep. This exciting new material from Glasgow-based singer and multi-instrumentalist Ali Robertson is written a…

27/10/2021

New single, Heavy Night, by local band MEMES is the first in a run of releases produced by Darwin Deez. Inspired by the steady streams of people making their way home via Glasgow’s Sauchiehall Street, the bustling track pairs the band's lyrics with jagged guitars. The lads from MEMES spoke with The Fountain about the response the single has received as well as some shows coming up in Scotland at the tail end of 2021....

https://thefountain.scot/features/2021/10/memes-the-story-of-a-heavy-night-is-a-well-trodden-path-so-maybe-that-is-resonating/

New single, Heavy Night, by local band MEMES is the first in a run of releases produced by Darwin Deez. Inspired by the steady streams of people making their way home via Glasgow’s Sauchiehall Stre…

26/10/2021

HEZEN is shimmering with her latest offering So We Happen, a serene track embellished with unique production, creating a cinematic experience. So We Happen takes a journey down HEZEN’s wide awakening experience of finding a home in France. The Fountain caught up with her to discuss the music and the plans for the year....

https://thefountain.scot/features/2021/10/hezen-the-song-is-about-the-reconnection-to-my-caribbean-ancestors/

HEZEN is shimmering with her latest offering So We Happen, a serene track embellished with unique production, creating a cinematic experience. So We Happen takes a journey down HEZEN’s wide awakeni…

25/10/2021

This October, Montreal-via-New-York songwriter Jesse Marchant brought his brand new album, Antelope Running, to the UK for a handful of intimate solo appearances. With the new album out The Fountain caught up with Jesse to discuss plans and new music, as well as spending time with his little boy....

https://thefountain.scot/features/2021/10/jesse-marchant-fans-have-been-relishing-to-be-watching-the-music-live-again/

This October, Montreal-via-New-York songwriter Jesse Marchant brought his brand new album, Antelope Running, to the UK for a handful of intimate solo appearances. With the new album out The Fountai…

24/10/2021

Well done to Mogwai for winning The SAY Award last night and all shortlisted aces! Such a brilliant celebration of the last 10 years of celebrating Scottish music and a reminder of the gorgeous talent that reside here. It's been lovely to be part of journey of !!

24/10/2021

The winners of the annual Scotland Asian Restaurant Awards were announced last month by broadcast presenter Samantha Simmonds at a glittering award ceremony at the Sheraton Hotel in Edinburgh in partnership with Just Eat. Harajuku Kitchen was a joint winner in the Japanese Restaurant category and therefore, The Fountain caught up with chef Kaori Simpson on what winning the award means as well as what the restaurant's plans are along with surviving lockdown....

https://thefountain.scot/features/2021/10/kaori-simpson-having-an-award-is-like-a-huge-present-from-everyone-for-our-hard-work/

The winners of the annual Scotland Asian Restaurant Awards were announced last month by broadcast presenter Samantha Simmonds at a glittering award ceremony at the Sheraton Hotel in Edinburgh in pa…

24/10/2021

As soon as I encounter the band Geese it's automatic to trail back to that beautifully brilliant project of Emma Smith's and Vince Sipprell's. which ultimately means any other is geared for failure, unless they absolutely astound. Geese is another band with the same name who actually begin and ends in Brooklyn, as a project between friends to build a home studio out of a basement. Their debut album Projector (out via Partisan/Play It Again Sam digitally on Oct 29th, and then on LP/CD/CAS on Dec 3) is born from the same ambition: make music by any means necessary. Despite liking this ethos, their DIY indie sound is not quite up to scratch to be associating with this bird....

https://thefountain.scot/reviews/2021/10/review-geese-projector/

As soon as I encounter the band Geese it’s automatic to trail back to that beautifully brilliant project of Emma Smith’s and Vince Sipprell’s. which ultimately means any other is …

23/10/2021

Saxophonist Chelsea Carmichael this week released their debut album whilst being signed to Shabaka Hutchings’ (The Comet Is Coming, Sons of Kemet, Shabaka and the Ancestors) new label Native Rebel Recordings. The River Doesn’t Like Strangers is a myriad of genres and influences as you listen to the nine sublime tracks that swerve us through jazz, funk and world music....

https://thefountain.scot/reviews/2021/10/review-chelsea-carmichael-the-river-doesnt-like-strangers/

Saxophonist Chelsea Carmichael this week released their debut album whilst being signed to Shabaka Hutchings’ (The Comet Is Coming, Sons of Kemet, Shabaka and the Ancestors) new label Native Rebel …

23/10/2021

Serena Sophia is a 27 year old singer-songwriter, dancer and actress from Glasgow in Scotland, and has lived and breathed music most of her life. She has a degree in Music from the University of Glasgow and a Masters in Musical Theatre from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She also plays piano and saxophone and worked as a singer/dancer/musician in Ibiza, New York, Dominican Republic, Miami, London performing on cruise ships and so forth. With new track Butterfly out Serena spoke with The Fountain about her music and plans for next year....

https://thefountain.scot/features/2021/10/serena-sophia-its-a-very-honest-track-so-i-feel-like-it-has-nothing-to-hide/

Serena Sophia is a 27 year old singer-songwriter, dancer and actress from Glasgow in Scotland, and has lived and breathed music most of her life. She has a degree in Music from the University of Gl…

22/10/2021

The rising soulful indie act and ex-Royal Navy marine, Chris Linton, has recently released his second single Monster. Propelled by previous success with his song-writing in the gaming world, Chris Linton is an esteemed singer-songwriter with over 240 million streams across Spotify and YouTube. He spoke with The Fountain about the new music and plans for the year....

https://thefountain.scot/features/2021/10/chris-linton-its-wonderful-to-hear-that-new-people-are-discovering-it-every-day/

The rising soulful indie act and ex-Royal Navy marine, Chris Linton, has recently released his second single Monster. Propelled by previous success with his song-writing in the gaming world, Chris …

21/10/2021

Released on 8 October on Fuzz Club Records, Ungrateful Heart is the fourth album from Milan-based group The Gluts. Although no less abrasive and confrontational in its utilising of ear-piercing feedback and hard-hitting riffs, the band say that the songs here primarily take cues from the likes of Fugazi, Gang of Four, the PiL-Pistols canon and the Campana brothers’ long adoration of Italian and American hardcore punk. The album arrives off the back of 2019’s Dengue Fever Hypnotic Trip LP and tours and festival dates around the UK, Europe and South Africa. The band spoke with The Fountain about the new track Mashilla and their plans for the rest of 2021....

https://thefountain.scot/features/2021/10/the-gluts-it-looks-like-that-mashilla-attracted-a-load-of-new-listeners/

Released on 8 October on Fuzz Club Records, Ungrateful Heart is the fourth album from Milan-based group The Gluts. Although no less abrasive and confrontational in its utilising of ear-piercing fee…

21/10/2021

Enjoying a jaunt around Europe, Madeleine Swan (Lea Seydoux) and James Bond (Daniel Craig) find themselves caught up in a race between two rival organisations who want to steal a secretly developed chemical weapon. Blofeld (Christoph Waltz) must somehow be leading the resurgent Spectre, yet he remains imprisoned and the mystery leader behind their opponents is yet to reveal themselves…
https://thefountain.scot/reviews/2021/10/review-no-time-to-die/

Enjoying a jaunt around Europe, Madeleine Swan (Lea Seydoux) and James Bond (Daniel Craig) find themselves caught up in a race between two rival organisations who want to steal a secretly developed…

20/10/2021

Chastity Belt vocalist has moved to Los Angeles from Seattle and has thus started working solo. This has not impacted on her sound in a massive way, with the release of new album Zorked on Su***de Squeeze Records....

https://thefountain.scot/reviews/2021/10/review-julia-shapiro-zorked/

Chastity Belt vocalist has moved to Los Angeles from Seattle and has thus started working solo. This has not impacted on her sound in a massive way, with the release of new album Zorked on Su***de …