DKOS Artists 24th Jan2024 – Anton O’Donnell. – Cionar. – Dave Mason. – Maaike Siegerist. – The Niche Family

Anton O’Donnell

Glasgow based songwriter, Anton has brought his music to Texas, Rome, Nashville, Paris, New Orleans, and Rotterdam to London and back home again. Living proof that success does not necessarily mean compromise, Anton has taken the music he loves – blues, country, folk, rock n roll – and shaped them into a potent, fresh, yet reassuringly familiar brew.
Blessed with a smoky, whisky-soaked voice redolent of the great soul singers of Stax & Muscle Shoals, and armed with just an acoustic guitar & harmonica, Anton adds incisive lyrics to sweet melodies to create something that can reduce a rowdy bar to awed silence or rouse the most sedate venue to fever pitch.
A week into the first lockdown of 2020, Anton was approached by ‘Need to Know Music’ based in California, headed by producers Brian Brinkerhoff and Frank Swart…
This led to Anton signing a publishing deal with the boutique label and the subsequent release of ‘Boy Living for the Weekend’ with Anton & the Colts, and debut solo releases of ‘Say Their Names’, and ‘On the Way Down’ during the summer of 2020, and the Christmas release of his debut EP, ‘Christmas Ain’t the Same’.
The summer of 2021 saw Anton release, ‘Where Art Thou April?’…. a self-produced 4 track EP that features some of Glasgow’s finest musicians from various bands including, Awkward Family Portraits, Blue Milk, Al & the Bad Decisions and Emerald State. There are also guest appearances from Phil Bennett of Starship (formally Jefferson Starship), and session musician/producer extraordinaire, Frank Swart.
Anton’s had a busy 2023; releasing the single ‘Kindness’ at the beginning of March and during a short tour of the US in May, he released ‘Forty’s The New Thirty’… a self-produced album of stripped back songs of old, and new.

Cionar

Cionar are a mother-daughter duo from near Dingwall (Scottish Highlands). Both Grace and Christina have a deep understanding and connection to the Gaelic tradition and its music. This, along with a special musical relationship build over Grace’s whole lifetime, radiates from their performance. The pair inherently understand each other’s musical style and nuances and enjoy bringing innovative ideas to the classic clàrsach and voice combination.
They released their debut single ‘Thig am Bàta’ in 2023, which featured on BBC Radio Scotland’s ‘Travelling Folk’, This single was a collaboration. with producer Zak Yonger Banks, who brought a whole new dimension to the duo’s sound. 

Dave Mason

Dave learned the highland bagpipes at school aged 12 and guitar/songwriting since age 18.He also play Scottish Smallpipes and harmonica and compose tunes for the pipes.
He write about places I have seen (Calton Hill, The Old Wych Elm in Beauly, Dornie, The Moffat Rammy), people he has met, seasons and weather (uMvelinqangi, Oh Winter!, Winter Song) as well as issues he feels need highlighting – Ukraine – “The Day The Soldiers Came”, Palestine – “No More Tears”, Washington DC – “A Cold Wind” etc. 
Returned to the UK from America in June 2021.He has played at folk clubs across the whole of Scotland, England and Wales, playing support slots in Stirling, Falkirk, Leith, Crieff, Dalry and currently has gigs in 2024 with Strathaven Folk Club, Quarter Folk Club, Dalry Folk and Northwich in England.He played 2 x 45 minute slots at Moira Furnace Folk Club 2023. 
3rd place in recent “John Maclean Songwriter’s Competition” November 2023 Glasgow – “All The Good Men”.
1st place in “Kerry Smith Memorial Competition” July 2023 at Lymm Folk Club – “No More Tears”
2nd place in “Dandelion Songwriting Competition November 2022” in Falkirk – “The Bounty of The Harvest
1st place John Cruickshank VC 6/8 March contest 2018 – John is oldest living recipient of Victoria Cross
2nd place Shasta Piobaireachd Composition 2016 – “Lament for Angus MacDonald of The Great Divide”

Maaike Siegerist

Maaike Siegerist is a Dutch singer-songwriter with a beautiful, clear voice, who plays original songs with jazz chords and evocative lyrics.
Maaike is originally from the shipbuilding city of Schiedam. Her guitar teacher was an older gentleman who introduced her to the chords and melodies of the Great American Songbook – an influence that has left a mark on her music.
Inspired by a songwriting retreat in Scotland in 2013, Maaike decided to move to the UK to pursue music. She studied songwriting at Bath Spa University, and lived and performed in London and South West England. She won two songwriting awards, from Glastonbury FM and UWE Bristol, before moving to Glasgow in 2022.Maaike has released two self-produced albums: Born Before the Wind and Little Dutch Songbook. Songs from both albums were picked for airplay on BBC 6 Music. Tom Robinson praised Keep It in the Dark for its “delicate vocal, poised production, gorgeous chord changes.”Jonni Slater joins Maaike on keys.

The Niche Family

Glasgow, 2023 — The Niche Family, a Glasgow-based folk ensemble, invites you on a harmonious journey through the rich tapestry of Americana and folk music. United by blood harmonies and a shared passion for storytelling, this remarkable trio effortlessly blends tradition with modernity, creating a sound that resonates deep within the soul.
Formation and Unique Sound:
Lead vocalists Lauren Thompson and the Neil brothers, Stuart and Andrew, discovered their enchanting blood harmonies almost serendipitously during a jam session post Lauren and Stuart’s wedding. Rooted in Glasgow, the Neil Brothers’ musical camaraderie, honed over years of collaboration, seamlessly intertwines with the Canadian influence brought in by Lauren. The result is a sound that offers a fresh take on traditional folk music.
Live On Stage:
The Niche Family burst onto the live music scene with an unexpected debut at Eden Festival’s Main Stage, where they stepped in at the last minute for a cooking tutorial with the late rapper Coolio. This impromptu performance marked the beginning of their journey, and subsequent gigs, including a memorable appearance at Belladrum Festival, showcased their ability to captivate diverse audiences.
Sold-Out Headline Show:|In a testament to the band’s magnetic live presence, The Niche Family achieved a remarkable feat by selling out their first-ever headline show at Glasgow’s Glad Cafe before releasing any recorded music. This early success reflects the genuine connection they establish with their audience, captivating listeners with each harmonious note.
Debut Single “Mercy Me”:
The band’s debut single, “Mercy Me,” released via Holy Smokes Records, has garnered critical acclaim. The track’s compelling narrative and enchanting harmonies caught the attention of BBC Radio Scotland, earning it the prestigious title of Single of the Week. This early recognition solidified The Niche Family’s place in the folk and Americana music landscape.