Netsounds Unsigned are the duo of Jamie Macdonald and Murray Cameron (you can see an interview with Jamie regarding the Winter Showcases here). The pair were kind enough to spend some time reviewing 2011…
What’s your involvement in the music scene?
We present and produce a weekly new music podcast that showcases the best new, emerging and under the radar acts from here in the HIghlands, Scotland and beyond. We have run new music showcase events in partnership with Mad Hatters in Inverness.
How has 2011 been for you musically?
This has been the best year for us musically. Once again we have seen some really strong acts emerge onto the scene in Inverness and from further a field
What was the best local act this year. and why?
(Jamie) You can find out the answer to that one when we publish our Best of 2011 podcast that will include a local act topping the listeners choice!
(Murray) Iain McLaughlin & The Outsiders never let you down. I’ve seen them 3 times this year (4th time will be at the netsounds Ironworks showcase on 28th/29th December – check http://www.netsoundsunsigned.com/ for details) and they haven’t disappointed on any occasion. It was also great to see them on the main stage at Belladrum.
What was the best non-local act you have seen this year?
(Jamie) Again, check out our Best of 2011 podcast which will be published in the last 2 weeks of December. Each of our podcast features a mix of local and non local acts and this year we have been really pleased and excited about some of the acts we have had the pleasure to share.
(Murray) Best performance I have seen from non-local unsigned acts would be Glasgow’s Kid Canaveral and Woodenbox. Their performances at Belladrum and the sessions they recorded in the GoNorth Rockhopper were fantastic. As for signed/established artists, then Anna Calvi at Belladrum. Incredible voice.
(Jamie) I think I actually peed a little at Woodenbox busking at the goNORTH Camper van at Belladrum.
What was your favourite music experience this year?
(Jamie) Our involvement with goNORTH and recording the sessions at goNORTH in Inverness and at the Belladrum Festival with the Rockhopper Studios was a highlight. We interviewed and recorded a diverse range of acts in the brilliant Rockhopper mobile studio and I think it is fair to say that the tracks the acts recorded for us were musically some of the best we have heard this year and I include local and non local acts in that. All the acts were outstanding.
(Murray) And Belladrum. As always.
What do you want from Santa?
(Jamie) A Rockhopper
(Murray) No idea.
What’s your hopes for the music scene in 2012?
(Jamie) I’d like to see an act form Inverness or the Highlands break out next year and make an impression on the world!
(Murray) That more people go along to support local acts
What are your plans for 2012?
(Jamie) So much! We have new ideas and so much more to give but we are keeping it under the cover for now.
(Murray) To further increase netsounds unsigned reputation for playing the best new music.
Got anything to plug?
Yes indeed. We will be releasing our very first single as a label; two Inverness DJs called Them & Us which will be put in December. We also highly recommend you go along to the Winter Showcase at The Ironworks to check out 2 nights of epic local bands on 28th and 29th December. And you should definitely go and check out our podcast which we publish every week featuring the best new and emerging acts. You can listen to the podcast on our website www.netsoundsunsigned.com or download Netsounds Unsigned on iTunes.
Thanks to Jamie MacDonald and Murray Cameron
