The wee Fife town of Leslie opened up The Greenside Hotel's carpark and turned it into a music venue hosting top local acts. With the scenic Lomond hills as a backdrop and sunny weather it made for the perfect location.
The acts were divided across 3 stages, indoor stage known as 'The Venue' and in the next room an open lounge hosting to the acoustic stage. The main attraction though is the converted car park with food and drink huts and plenty space to sit and take in music. The main stage is also situated here, 'The Marquee', sensibly a covered stage to comply with the temperamental Scottish weather but nothing says festival more than a big ass fucking tent.
Sun was out, drinks cold, crowds gathering; good start. Kicking off the acoustic stage was local singer Duncan Vincent with some great upbeat tunes, even if he was slightly under pressure after discovering I was watching him as part of a write up, he nailed it. Another local gem I found on the acoustic stage was Clara Bell joined by her 2 of close family/ friends on guitar and drum beats, even her wee girl joined in with covers from the likes of KT Tunstall and Adele. Later followed by Dundee's Billy Mitchell playing the likes of 'All You Got', 'Mother' and latest single ' Physco.' He did not disappoint at all, incredible live vocals with bright, upbeat melodic guitar - definitely one to watch.
Heading over to the marquee saw Nick Mercer JR take to the stage with a fantastic set and yet another young fan took to the stage for this one.
By late afternoon Dundee duo Beta Waves made their appearance in the marquee and they didny disappoint. As mentioned in my preview to this event I was curious to see how their instrumental/synthesizer act transferred from recording to live performance and it was really good to see them pull it off. I even managed to pester Dale and Harry into having a chat with me after their set
Who have you been to see today or would recommend from the line up?
'We came to catch Billy Mitchell's set . Billy Bibby & the Wry Smiles! Also we've been recommend to see Miracle Glass Company, Harry seen them last year at Cival 56.'
What's the reaction been like to recently released single 'Love Love Love'?
'Phenomenal! We got on the new music Friday on Spotify and we've had few reviews done of it and they've been very flattering, even one by Discovery Music - that was our favourite one obviously!'
What upcoming gigs have you got after this weekend?
'We've got our Dundee gig coming up on the 28th of September same weekend as Tenement Trail festival on the 29th , Perth Expo on Saturday the 8th of September, Kilmarnock's Dirty Weekender on the 22nd of November and EH6 in Leith on the 24th of November.
Best of luck to the boys with their busy schedule over the next few months , had to cut the questions short but more info and links to their music over on their Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BETA.WAVES.MUSIC/
I also managed to get a few words from Miracle Glass Company who have a kind of psychedelic/rock and roll sound with catchy guitar riffs I had been recommend to me by a few folk, one of those being Raegan Gallagher who runs Gig in the Carpark. Here are a few words they had to say about the weekend, the line up and their upcoming plans as a band:
'It's great that Raegan is putting on such a big event in the heart of Fife and bringing in such good talent. Chris Helme puts on some solo show. Stunning voice and a great songwriter. We play Lindisfarne Festival in September and Eh6 festival with the Coral in November, but we're mostly concentrating on preparing to record our 2nd album towards the end of the year.'
They were not wrong about Chis Helme he delivered a great performance in the evening! Overall a successful first day which ran smoothly and seemed to be well enjoyed by everyone who attended.
REVIEW OF SUNDAY STILL TO COME!
LINKS TO ARTISTS MENTIONED:
Nick Mercer:https://www.facebook.com/nickmercerjr/
Beta Waves:https://www.facebook.com/BETA.WAVES.MUSIC/
Miracle Glass Company:https://en-gb.facebook.com/miracleglasscompany/
Chris Helme:https://www.facebook.com/chrishelmemusic
Billy Mitchell:https://www.facebook.com/Billymitchelluk/
GIG IN THE CARPARK PAGE:
https://www.facebook.com/giginthecarpark
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