Our favourite piece of trivia about Andrew Morgan is that he owned the invernessGiGs domain prior to us. Less trivial is the fact that Andrew is trombonist for The Leonard Jones Potential and a very keen supporter of the local scene, so what of 2011…..
What’s your involvement in the music scene ?
I am quite involved in the music scene, being a musician, but love going to gigs too. Also some plans for getting behind some local musicians in 2012, although plans are at a very early stage.
How has 2011 been for you musically?
In one word – awesome! The Leonard Jones Potential’s first EP ‘IV1’ came out bang in the middle of 2011. Was great fun recording it, and was so exciting to actually have a hard copy in my hand, and to see our name on itunes, Spotify and other huge online stores. Sales are doing ok, and will hopefully fund some stuff for 2012 – been asked to do a few things in the South of England already.
What was the best local act this year. and why?
The Frues have shown amazing improvement in to 2011, and The LJP were delighted to have them play at our EP launch. The first time I saw The Frues was last year at the Ceol-Mor and to be honest, some of their stuff was cringe-worthy. This year I have seen them a few times though, and they have a great selection of original tunes, and are natural on stage. They are good mates outside of the band too, and I think that always shows when they play – they have fun and they are tight. So many others to name like The WRB, Little Mill of Happiness, and of course Mystic Shoes always get the dancers in.
What was the best non-local act you have seen this year?
Vintage Trouble. I have had the honour of seeing them 4 times in 2011 – 3 times in one week!! They gave me shivers down my spine, which has only happened a couple of times with huge names at a gig before. It was amazing to see Morrissey play Inverness too.
What was your favourite music experience this year?
My favourite music experiences were festival experiences. I actually really enjoyed Paolo Nutini at Rock Ness, after years of detesting him and his music. He put on a great show, and his backing band were probably the best I have ever seen. I was stone cold sober too!
What do you want from Santa?
A new car would be nice, had this one for almost a year and have not yet really got attached to it. I don’t think I have been good enough for something that expensive though, so I will just settle for selection boxes and socks.
What’s your hopes for the music scene in 2012?
Some smaller venues in town doing good live music would be nice. Ceol=Mor was great for the promotion of local music and upcoming bands from further afield, but I think people are scared to go out of the immediate town centre for some reason.
What are your plans for 2012?
Still in the pipeline just now, but plans are to work with other bands, helping them get recognition. I have done most of the ‘back office’ jobs for a few bands in the past, and would like to share my experience in getting people noticed, and helping them sell themselves to a wider audience.
Got anything to plug?
The Leonard Jones Potential’s debut EP is still available via iTunes. Lots of stuff planned for 2012, so watch this space….
Thanks to Andrew for his time.
