Royale Stag Records (2024)

23/09/2022

The new single - 'Milk' - out 30th September
PRESAVE HERE - https://ewanmacfarlane.ffm.to/_milk_single

EWAN MACFARLANE SHARES DARKLY EXHILARATING TITLE-TRACK OF NEW ALBUM:

“MILK”

“The best voice in rock this side of the Atlantic.” - The Sunday Times

"MacFarlane belts out hard, driving sounds with catchy-as-hell lyrics and rhythm." - Rolling Stone

“The former Apollo 440 / Grim Northern Social frontman channels his inner Tom Petty to excellent effect.” - Classic Rock

“A mesmerising live act and decidedly the best the country has to offer.” - Music Week

Lifted from what will be his second full-length release in under a year (out 28 October, via Royale Stag), the album finds the former Apollo 440 and Grim Northern Social frontman extending his confident new solo direction with swaggering cuts such as this.

A song that’s lustful of lyric and darkly thrilling in ex*****on, “Milk” is arguably the defining highlight of his upcoming LP. From its low-slung garage/rock riffs that hint to his admiration for ‘AM’-era Arctic Monkeys, to the feedback-driven hooks that propel it into shoegazy, skyscraping stratospheres; it’s a song that finds Ewan subverting genre conventions to deliver one of his most gratifying moments yet. Opening up about the track and its title, Ewan Macfarlane explains:

“”MILK” is a sensual track that twists and flirts with itself throughout the song. It escapes the reality of life and takes you into a fantasy of love and passion. Skin-on-skin, creamy and smooth it exudes the texture of milk whilst also being nurturing and wholesome. The accompanying “Milk” official video is shot in an elegant monochrome and plays into the sensuality that Ewan talks of.

The opening track of his upcoming album ‘Milk’ (which arrives 28th October), it’s also the fourth to emerge from the record. So far his latest music has already earned the respect of two generations of major Scottish bands with The Snuts (who are name-dropped in his “Won’t Stop Burnin”) sharing his previous single, whilst hard rock heroes GUN were impressed enough to invite him as a guest on their summer UK tour. Other recent releases, such as “Tangled” and “All Those Years”, have also picked up support from Amazing Radio, Backseat Mafia, BBC Radio Scotland, Americana UK, RTÉ Radio 1 and Rodney Bingenheimer.

Pushing himself into new territory, ‘Milk’ is an album unlike anything Ewan has made before. Fourteen songs ultimately dedicated to his wife, Jo; they collectively make for an album that explores love and all of the roller-coaster emotions that come with it.

“‘Milk’ is a modern take on a love album” explains Ewan. “It’s about all the highs and lows of love, lust and passion, whilst being in a long-term relationship and one that I believe many people will relate to. For me personally it’s the best piece of work I’ve done to date. Everything about this record just flowed from start to finish with regards to the process. I’m very proud of the product.”

A passionate music fan to the last, the album is also littered with numerous references to Ewan’s heroes old and new, from interstellar trailblazers like Ziggy Stardust (“Love & The Lonely”) to Scottish risers The Snuts (“Won’t Stop Burnin’), there’s even a song that pays gentle homage to the genius of Al Green (“When Al Green Sings"). While still rooted in the Americana touchstones of his debut, flashes of The Replacements, Foo Fighters, Arctic Monkeys, Rodriguez, Aerosmith, The Clash and Lucero are all detectable in its heady mix; a testament to an artist with an enthusiasm for rock music in all its eclectic and energising forms.

This latest stage in his career stands in stark contrast to the music that Ewan first established his reputation with. He spent 20+ years fusing the worlds of dance and rock‘n’roll with Apollo 440 before signing off in style by playing a huge show in front of 30,000 people in sun-kissed Seville. Initially managed by the renowned Bill Curbishley, best known for his work with The Who, Ewan also fronted the cult rock‘n’soul favourites The Grim Northern Social.

The ‘Milk’ album is now available to pre-order or pre-save. In addition to its digital and streaming formats, the album is also available on CD and on beautiful limited edition red vinyl. CD and digital formats also feature two live bonus tracks.

Ahead of the release, fans will be able to hear the songs of ‘Milk’ live for the first time as Ewan Macfarlane, joined by his full band, embark on a headline tour of Scotland.

12/08/2022

"Wont Stop Burnin" out now on all platforms.
Listen NOW - https://ewanmacfarlane.ffm.to/wontstopburnin

Third single from the upcoming album 'MILK' out 28th October 2022. Ewan MacFarlane Music

Forged in the fires of a blazing bust-up, EWAN MACFARLANE returns with the incendiary new single: “Won’t Stop Burnin”.

A cut that’s as intensely fiery as it is darkly funny, the latest from the former Apollo 440 / Grim Northern Social frontman finds him recalling a couple’s row to end them all.

Set on a hot September night as he and his wife Jo made their way to a Snuts gig in Glasgow, “Won’t Stop Burnin” takes the listener inside the pressure-cooker climate of the confined car ride to the venue, as simmering tensions finally hit boiling point… As Ewan remembers:

“One thing led to another, and we ended up having a massive barney. Taking none of my s**t, when the car stopped at the traffic lights outside the subway, she jumped out the car in the middle of the road, told me in no uncertain terms to go f**k myself, and to go to see The Snuts on my own. She then hopped onto the subway to make her way home. This is the story of that night.”

A song ultimately about the illogical arguments even the strongest partnerships can find themselves in; it’s a tale of seeing-red and redemption, romance and rock’n’roll. Set to a tune of ragged, raucous heartland rock that ripples with a highland spirit; “Won’t Stop Burnin” is an endearingly relatable addition to the Macfarlane songbook that finds him delving honestly into a side of relationships familiar to all of us, but where most other songwriters would undoubtedly fear to tread.

Arriving with a stylish official video, the visuals for “Won’t Stop Burnin” loosely mirror the events detailed by the song and capture the untouchable ambiance of Glasgow on a warm summer’s night.

“Won’t Stop Burnin” follows the release of Ewan’s recent singles “Tangled” and “All Those Years”, with the latter two receiving extensive support across the UK, Europe and North America, with Amazing Radio, Backseat Mafia, BBC Radio Scotland and Rodney Bingenheimer among the many media outlets championing Ewan’s work. All three of the tracks will appear on Ewan’s upcoming second album ‘MILK’, which is confirmed for release on 28 October.

Ewan’s life is one that has been lived to the max. He was being managed by Bill Curbishley (The Who) when a quick visit to see Apollo 440 in the studio resulted in a creative connection with the group that lasted some 20+ years. Their time together ended when he played his final show with them in front of 30,000 people in Seville. During that time, he won further acclaim with the rootsy rock ‘n’ roll and searing soul of The Grim Northern Social.

After Seville, Ewan re-emerged unexpectedly with the Petty/Springsteen style of his highly acclaimed debut solo album ‘Always Everlong’ in 2021. Continuing a prolific solo spell, Macfarlane has continued writing and recording at a frenetic pace at his home studio and is now readying its eagerly awaited follow-up: ‘MILK’ for public consumption too. Set to be released 28th October, the record flavours those core influences with touches of The Replacements, Foo Fighters, Al Green, Arctic Monkeys, Rodriguez, Aerosmith, The Clash and Lucero.

24/06/2022

"Tangled" - Second single from the upcoming album 'MILK'. Ewan MacFarlane Music

OUT NOW - https://ewanmacfarlane.ffm.to/tangled

Former Apollo 440 / Grim Northern Social frontman Ewan MacFarlane’s recent single ‘All Those Years’ proved that the acclaim that was greeted to his debut solo album ‘Always Everlong’ was no fluke. Emerging to radio play from Jim Gellaty at Amazing Radio and Billy Sloan at BBC Radio Scotland, it also impacted in the States with a spin from LA scene icon Rodney Bingenheimer. It received support from a wide range of new music champions across radio and streaming platforms, while its video was premiered by Backseat Mafia.

Ewan now continues to build towards the release of his eagerly anticipated second album ‘MILK’ by sharing his new single ‘Tangled’, along with its official video.

The pure passion that Ewan displayed in ‘All Those Years’ is also a big factor in making ‘Tangled’ so memorable. Dramatic, rootsy rock with an undercurrent of Americana-tinged balladry, ‘Tangled’ is also performed with a forceful, grunge-like intensity which only amplifies its emotional punch. Ewan’s voice further powers its passionate heart, his poise and control matched by the raw feeling of an artist who delivers every line with utmost conviction.

Ewan says, ‘Tangled’ comes across as an almost possessive type of love song in the realms of ‘Every Breath You Take’. Although it screams a neediness, it also exudes a more in depth meaning about its tangible content. It’s about being caught up so much in your lover that you almost can’t get close enough and therefore you need to be literally ‘tangled’ in each other with the twists and turns of life. That desire exceeds anything that life throws at you.”

The ‘Tangled’ video takes us to the suitably striking surroundings of Buchanan Castle, a dilapidated country house on the outskirts of Loch Lomond. It dates back to 1724, and was requisitioned as a hospital during the Second World War, and has laid in ruins ever since. The roof has been removed from the house leaving the rooms progressively engulfed by nature with trees and plants sprawling throughout. Elegant choreography between two women dressed in white who become ever more entwined provides an apt metaphor for the song, while Ewan’s always magnetic presence is the star of the show.

Both ‘Tangled’ and ‘All Those Years’ provide early teasers of what to expect from the ‘MILK’ album. There’s a classic, timeless quality at play throughout the album, which is equally informed by the power of enduring love as it is by Ewan’s stirring, soulful voice and golden melodies. Equally, though, Ewan’s eclectic yet consistently compelling songwriting also keeps you second guessing throughout, with nods to eclectic artists such as Tom Petty, The Replacements, Foo Fighters, Al Green, Arctic Monkeys, Rodriguez, Aerosmith, The Clash and Lucero. It’s also the product of a near one-man cottage industry, with almost everything you hear being written, produced and performed by Ewan in his home studio.

Ewan’s back story is a tale well worth hearing in detail. But in short: Ewan had left Scotland for the bright lights of London, where he was managed by the legendary Bill Curbishley (The Who, Page & Plant). Invited to visit Apollo 440 in the studio, his jaw dropped when he heard a fusion of drum ‘n’ bass and rock ‘n’ roll that they were working on. Ewan insisted he could add vocals to their instrumental, the result being their instant classic ‘Electro Glide in Blue’.

His connection with Apollo 440 continued, via an acclaimed detour into soulful classic rock with The Grim Northern Social, until 2018 when he played his final show as frontman of Apollo 440 in front of 30,000 fans in a sun-kissed Seville. That was the impetus for a solo career which is now going from strength-to-strength.

13/05/2022

"All Those Years" - OUT NOW. First single from the upcoming album 'MILK'. Ewan MacFarlane Music

Listen here - https://bit.ly/3MpPnml

Ewan MacFarlane’s debut solo album ‘Always Everlong’ emerged to a rapturous reception with praise from countless publications including Rolling Stone, Classic Rock, Louder Than War and The Sunday Times, who declared him to be “the best voice in rock this side of the Atlantic.” Now the former frontman of Apollo 440 and The Grim Northern Social shares his brand new single ‘All Those Years’ as he prepares to release his second album ‘MILK’.

‘All Those Years’ shows that Ewan’s current burst of creativity continues just weeks after releasing the Deluxe Edition of ‘Always Everlong’. That renowned voice - all rich, ragged,soul - exalts love for his wife Jo, while its heartfelt emotions are amplified as a belting Petty-fronting-The Replacements groove fires on all cylinders.

Ewan says, “‘All Those Years’ expresses the euphoria that love still brings after being with someone for a very long time if you refuse to let it go stale. It’s about letting your partnership know that you still feel the same buzz that you felt on the first night you met.”

The accompanying video for ‘All Those Years’ was filmed at the beautiful coastal location of Greenan Castle, Ayr. Ewan’s impassioned and charismatic performance shows just how much the song means to him. While the use of old photographs demonstrates that there’s a little nostalgia to every long-term relationship, the overriding feeling is that the love he expresses remains as powerful and life-affirming as ever.

‘All Those Years’ provides a first taste of what to expect from Ewan’s second solo record. If ‘Always Everlong’ delivered the unexpected (as many observed, how come the guy from Apollo 440 is playing music with a touch of Tom Petty about it?), ‘MILK’ throws another thrilling, fascinating curveball. His love of Petty and Springsteen remains in sharp focus, but now you can hear echoes of Al Green, Aerosmith, Arctic Monkeys, The Clash, Foo Fighters, Lucero and The Replacements within a stellar set of songwriting. The album was produced, written and almost entirely performed by Ewan in his home studio.

“‘Always Everlong’ was an ode to my heroes, like Springsteen, Petty, Fleetwood Mac and Bowie,” he explains. “This album is a bit more edgy, and there’s a lot more soul. It’s very varied and unpredictable with some big changes in the way that some of the songs go. That’s my favourite thing about being a solo artist. I can do exactly what my mind and heart wants to do.”

ewanmacfarlanemusic.com

18/02/2022

Always Everlong Deluxe Version – out today! Ewan MacFarlane Music

On the deluxe release, Ewan said, “we had so many great songs that we left out first time around. Then when the reaction to the album was so strong, it seemed like the sensible thing to do was to release an expanded version of the album.”

The new package includes 7 extra tracks in total, and among them BBC Radio Scotland afternoon show single of the week “This Year” and forthcoming new single “Honey”. “Honey” represents the first time Ewan has revisited his back catalogue, being a recording of a song that was originally written and released via his band The Grim Northern Social back in 2003. “I’m really proud of that period of my career, the success we had and the songs we released,” says Ewan “Honey is about being so much in love that you can taste it. It’s about wanting someone and fantasising what it would be like to have it all on your terms, which is of course is impossible. None the less, its ok to dream!”

As a performer who’s racked up many miles on the road playing live, alongside the deluxe album release, MacFarlane is hugely looking forward to returning to the world of gigs properly with a string of shows to support the release as follows. His first debut headline show with full band at The Glad Café in March sold out within 12 hours of tickets going on sale, so we’d advise booking for his other dates now to avoid disappointment!

Always Everlong Deluxe Edition - https://ewanmacfarlane.ffm.to/alwayseverlongdeluxe

28/01/2022

OUT NOW (28/1/2022) - 'Honey' represents the first time Ewan MacFarlane Music revisits the back catalogue, with a song that he originally wrote and released with The Grim Northern Social. A new single from the Always Everlong Deluxe Edition, out 18/2/2022.

"It was our first single back in 2003. I’m proud of that period of our careers, the success we had and the songs we released, Honey is about being so much in love that you can taste it. It’s about wanting someone and fantasising about what it would be like to have it all on your terms, which is of course is impossible. Nonetheless, it's ok to dream!”

Listen now - https://ewanmacfarlane.ffm.to/honey
Presave 'Always Everlong Deluxe Edition' - https://bit.ly/3dZ3BLl

“Sparking with triumphant Wah! exuberance, the former Apollo 440/ Grim Northern Social frontman channels his inner Tom Petty to excellent effect- 8/10”- Classic Rock Magazine.

"Hooky, classic rock with a Springsteen meets Tom Petty feel. Listened to it once, skipped it back and
listened to again straight away. Twice.- 5/5”- Louder Than War

“Surely we have a brand new candidate for the album of the year!”- XS Noize

“Single of the week”- Janice Forsyth, BBC Radio Scotland.

“It’s good to have him back.”- Billy Sloan, BBC Radio Scotland

“This is for playing loud with the windows open enjoying the singing in the rain vibe. If you haven’t heard this man’s voice before, then now is the time.”- Backseat Mafia

“An absolute corker”- What’s On Guide

“Always Everlong reveals a strong album of driving rock rhythms and sensitive balladry"- Northern Sky

“...there is immense danceability here; I dare you to sit down.”- Angry Baby

17/12/2021

“Sparking with triumphant Wah! exuberance, the former Apollo 440/ Grim Northern Social frontman channels his inner Tom Petty to excellent effect- 8/10”- Classic Rock Magazine.

"Hooky, classic rock with a Springsteen meets Tom Petty feel. Listened to it once, skipped it back and listened to it again straight away. Twice.- 5/5”- Louder Than War

“Surely we have a brand new candidate for the album of the year!”- XS Noize

Ewan MacFarlane Music's debut solo album ‘Always Everlong’ was released in October to much acclaim, as the former Grim Northern Social and Apollo 440 frontman set out his stall as a solo artist with a collection of finely crafted rock ‘n’ roll songs that capture the unnameable feeling all great musicians elicit when you find yourself in the presence of something truly special.

The album came about when MacFarlane challenged himself mid-lockdown to write a tune a day to upload to YouTube each evening, these songs tell tales of tension with pledges of eternal love. An expression of his hopes and fears, ‘Always Everlong’ is emboldened by a personable approach to classic rock penmanship as Ewan bares his soul by putting pen to paper, unafraid of the consequences. Honoring the revered rock’n’roll songbooks of Bowie, Petty, and Springsteen, it plots the works of those making up the soundtrack to his own life, who have always called, enthralled, and entranced him.

Like all great albums, music lovers will be revisiting “Always Everlong” for years to come and with this in mind, MacFarlane has announced the digital release of a deluxe ‘Always Everlong’ package to come out in February 2022. Including extra rarities and treasures, the new digital release celebrates the successes of the album’s initial release and as ripples of the initial ‘Always Everlong’ release still expand out into the world, the deluxe edition gives those that may have overlooked this future classic another reason to dive right in and check it out.
On the deluxe release, Ewan said, “we had so many great songs that we left out the first time around. Then when the reaction to the album was so strong, it seemed like the sensible thing to do was to release an expanded version of the album.”

The new package includes 7 extra tracks in total, and among them is Christmas single “This Year” released 3rd of December. “This Year” is an unashamed Christmas song that both tugs at the heartstrings, whilst simultaneously bringing a sense of hope. As MacFarlane himself explains “it sums up the year that faced us when covid struck and life changed in the blink of an eye. It’s about paying tribute to the unfortunate souls that have passed on, but also about coming together and helping each other out in ways both big and small. Tough as it’s been, it looks forward to a brighter future.”

Presave Always Everlong Deluxe Edition - https://bit.ly/3dZ3BLl

As a performer who’s racked up many miles on the road playing live, alongside the deluxe album release, MacFarlane is hugely looking forward to returning to the world of gigs properly with a string of shows to support the release as follows:

Friday, December 17 - Special Guest To JJ Gilmour- Airdrie Town Hall, Airdie

Thursday, January 27, 2022- Special Guest to Astrid- Celtic Connections Drygate, Glasgow

Tuesday, February 8, 2022- Special guest to Astrid- Aberdeen The Blue Lamp, Aberdeen

Friday, February 11, 2022- Special Guest to Astrid- Edinburgh The Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh

Saturday, February 12, 2022- Special Guest to Astrid- Stirling The Tolbooth, Stirling Sunday,

February 13, 2022- Special Guest to Astrid- Inverness One Touch Theatre, Inverness

Friday, March 11, 2022- Headline Acoustic Show- Georgian Hotel, Coatbridge

“It’s good to have him back.”- Billy Sloan, BBC Radio Scotland

“This is for playing loud with the windows open enjoying the singing in the rain vibe. If you haven’t heard this man’s voice before, then now is the time.”- Backseat Mafia

“An absolute corker”- What’s On Guide

“Always Everlong reveals a strong album of driving rock rhythms and sensitive balladry"- Northern Sky

ewanmacfarlanemusic.com

03/12/2021

OUT NOW (3/12/2021) - Ewan MacFarlane Music " 'This Year' is an unashamed Christmas song - It sums up the year that faced us when covid struck and life changed in the blink of an eye. It's about paying tribute to the unfortunate souls that have passed on, but also about coming together and helping each other out in ways both big and small. Tough as it's been, it looks forward to a brighter future."

Listen now - https://ewanmacfarlane.ffm.to/thisyear

ewanmacfarlanemusic.com

Royale Stag Records

23/09/2022

12/08/2022

24/06/2022

13/05/2022

18/02/2022

28/01/2022

17/12/2021

03/12/2021

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share