DKOS Showcase of 2022 of the 6 Danny’s on 6th Feb
Ape House. / The Poachers / John Rush. / Evie Waddell. / Neev / Mishra …………
Ape House
Ape House is a contemporary traditional band with a passion for vibrant, entertaining music.
A trio of hard-working musicians from various backgrounds comprise the band, blending their individual styles seamlessly to form the sound of Ape House. Their EP, “The Composition Couch”, formed the initial basis of their performance repertoire and in 2021, they greatly expanded on this, discovering new ways to stretch their musical span. Over the last year, Ape House have honed every aspect of their musical conversation; from the sensitive touches to the foot-stamping bursts of energy.
The first point of convergence for the band was in Glasgow, where they met through the traditional session scene. Ape House was formed and before long, an EP was recorded, and a full-length performance set was arranged and perfected. With influences from the South-west of Ireland, the Scottish Highlands, Northumberland and more, Ape House still express a unique identity in their music, which they bring with them onto every stage.
The Poachers
Interview Only
Sometimes a duo, other-times a band of gypsies “The Poachers” songbook is like a daisy chain made up from fundamentals in storytelling through song-writing.
The Poachers are a lament to life, purity and love, good songs and of course to your tipple of choice and favourite hideaway.
You’re not going to find a ruse here.
John Rush
Glasgow based singer/songwriter (originally from Paisley). With his, “folk tinged pop songs” John has played some of Glasgow’s greatest venues such as the Barrowland Ballroom (four times), King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, O2 Academy, O2 ABC, Royal Concert Hall and Saint Luke’s & The Winged Ox as well as many more venues around Scotland and festivals in Scotland and England.
Through the years he has racked up some highly acclaimed support slots with Paul Weller, Ocean Colour Scene, Chris Helme (The Seahorses), Steve Pilgrim (Paul Weller’s drummer) and Johnny Lloyd (Tribes). John took a selection of songs across the pond to New York City in late September 2018 where he showcased his new music in a quick mini NYC tour consisting of four gigs in five nights including a secret rooftop Sofar Sounds show.
This new music would go on to become his debut album Beneath The Apple Tree which was released in November 2019 with a sell-out album launch gig in Room 2, Glasgow after John had joined the 23 Music Management family. The pandemic was obviously a difficult time for music but John played two of the pioneering Immersive TV gigs in Room 2 in early 2021 which were broadcast to an international audience and continued to play many online gigs to keep his fans entertained on lockdown.
As 2021 lockdown one restrictions eased, John was able to travel around the country again, playing at one of the UK’s first outdoor festivals to restart at Capers In Cannich in the Highlands, Upside Doune (The Rabbit Hole) on Cardross Estate in Stirlingshire, Lindisfarne Festival in the North-East of England, the Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival in Rouken Glen Park in Glasgow and sandwiched in between these was his headline and sell-out gig in Saint Luke’s & The Winged Ox.
John returned to the Barrowland Ballroom in November 2021 to support Hipsway for the Glasgow CeilidhFest where he announced the release of his newest single ‘The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From The Tree’. The single subsequently peaked at Number 2 on the iTunes UK Singer/Songwriter Chart. John then received the nod from The Modfather himself and living Legend, Paul Weller, to support him on the Scottish leg of his sold out tour where he played to a packed Barrowland Ballroom and Music Hall Aberdeen in successive nights to fulfil a lifetime’s dream of supporting a true musical hero. This was then remarkably followed by being asked to support more of his musical heroes, Ocean Colour Scene, again in the Barrowland Ballroom at the iconic venue’s last gig before restrictions were imposed again.
John had an amazing early xmas present when he was presented with two Awards at the inaugural Paisley Music Awards in The Bungalow; Best Solo Artist and Artist Who Has Risen Above Adversity of Covid-19.
John has another busy year of gigs and festivals lined up for 2022 in Scotland and England with his second album due to be released in the Summer.
Neev
Originally from Glasgow, singer-songwriter Neev writes beautiful songs that will stay with you.
Whilst her lyrics set out on broad themes – relationships, existential angst, quarter-life-crises – Neev has a remarkable knack for discovering beauty in the small details.
Her new EP ‘Currants’ was released on Trapped Animal in November 2021. To mark the fledgling release the digital EP was accompanied by a limited edition run of a double a-side lathe cut 7” of the two lead singles. So far, tracks from Currants have been played on BBC 6 Music, BBC Introducing Scotland and featured on Fresh on the Net, Mahogany and Alex Rainbird.
“A woman with unrivalled passion for her craft” – The Soundsniffer
“Currants stands as a testament to Neev’s ever-growing artistry.” – Atwood Magazine
“Such a delicate and well-crafted sound… [Currants] has five absoloutely stunning tracks… You can really feel the purity and the emotion throughout the EP.” – BBC Introducing Scotland
“Atmospheric.” – Tom Robinson, BBC Radio 6 Music
Evie Waddell
Evie Waddell is a recent graduate of the BMus course in Traditional Music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Evie also has an HNC in contemporary dance from The Space in Dundee in 2017. Waddell enjoys being part of projects that are visual, interactive and explore marginalised lives and experiences. In 2020 she was a cast member in the Gaidhlig play MAIM by Theatre Gu Leòr, specifically developing her BSL language .
Mishra
Mishra are a global folk collective with strong roots in U.K folk, out of which they weave a tight web of intricate, Indian-influenced original music that defies definition and has brought them awards recognition since their formation in 2017. Kate Griffin on vocals, banjo, and dobro (The Magpies) and Ford Collier on low whistle, calabash/percussion, and guitar (BBC R2 Folk Award nominated The Drystones) are the song writing partnership behind Mishra, drawing on their unique base of influences that encompasses folk music of the UK and America, Indian classical music, and soul to create a surprisingly accessible sound that audiences instantly connect to. The core duo are joined by renowned tabla and santoor player John Ball (Rafiki Jazz, Indus) who brings 20 years of Indian classical music experience to the band, double bassist Joss Mann-Hazell, and singer/clarinettist Alex Lyon.
In 2018 they won the Christian Raphael prize at Cambridge Folk Festival, which funded the release of their debut album The Loft Tapes the following year. The Loft Tapes received critical acclaim and national radio play, and Mishra accompanied the album release with a U.K wide tour. Their new album Reclaim came out in October 2021, also receiving widespread radio play and reviews in Songlines and Mojo magazine.
“It’s impossible to question the compelling tune-making at the heart of Mishra” Mojo Magazine
“Fascinating stuff… I’m really enjoying Mishra’s blend” Mark Radcliffe- BBC Radio 2 Folk Show
“An airborne amalgam of cross-continental pollinations” Tim Cummings- Songlines Magazine