9... ones to watch in 2017

by Tim Stobart

It's not easy choosing just 9 acts as ones to watch in 2017, but these beauties were too good to ignore. In no particular order, we present to you:

1. The Countess of Fife

Singer Fay Fife returns to ButeFest following the rip-roaring performance of seminal Scottish punk band The Rezillos at last year?s event.

This year she returns heading up this alternative insurgent country outfit, blending punk, country, girl group and Beach Boy sounds.

The Countess began at the end of 2016 and played their first show at a Refugee Benefit in Edinburgh. ButeFest will be their festival debut, so we're guaranteed a unique set.

'The Countess of Fife' are currently completing the mixes of 3 of their songs, we?ve not heard them yet, but we cannae wait to get our ears round them!

2. Single By Sunday

One of the hottest and most exciting bands on the Glasgow music scene, Single By Sunday have been building a following with their melodic Pop-Punk ballads. They?ve been winning awards, selling out venues and have got more rave reviews than the Ministry of Sound. We thought it would be a good idea to get them over to ButeFest and find out what all the fuss is about.

3. Calum Frame

Calum Frame is a 22 year old singer song-writer from Strathaven, Scotland who is starting to make his mark on the music scene. Calum has been writing and playing live music since he was 16 and already played some fantastic support slots with The Proclaimers and Marianne Faithful.

Calum?s music is a playful indie pop vibe where Calum takes lead vocals and guitar with the support of his band bringing his songs to life where you can hear his influences of Oasis, Tom Petty & Paolo Nutini.

Calum has played various festivals over the years as well as working the music circuit in Glasgow and across Scotland sharing the stage with some of Scotland?s other top emerging artists such as Gerry Cinnamon and Model Aeroplanes. 2015 was rounded off with a headline slot at King Tut?s Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow on Christmas Eve where he also launched his four track EP ?Chasing a Dream?.

2016 has brought numerous festival appearances including T in the Park, Stereofunk, King Tut?s Summer Nights, Gig in the Goil and Hangarfest.

4. Outlander

Award-winning band Outlander hail from the North East of England. Sonically, their pop music style has a country influence which is inspired by the likes of Hunter Hayes, Old Dominion and the ultra-modern sounds now coming out of Nashville. The band is part of the growing and diverse music genre that is being made popular in the UK by charting artists such as The Shires & Ward Thomas.

Formed in 2015, the five-piece set out to put their own stamp on the hugely successful American music invading the UK. Within the first eight months, the band was recognised by the BCMA for their work and were awarded the coveted title of Horizon Act of the Year 2015, previously won by The Shires the year before.

Currently, the band is in the process of writing and recording their next EP, which will feature their brand new single ?Old School?. Written by the band, ?Old School? was recorded, produced and mixed entirely in-house using the expertise of the band. On its release, award-winning Radio Presenter Brian Clough (CMA International Broadcaster Of The Year 2009, ex Metro Radio & Smooth Radio) applauded the single as ??the best of British contemporary country music?.

Check them out on: facebook.com/OutlanderBandUK twitter.com/OutlanderBandUK soundcloud.com/OutlanderBand youtube.com/OutlanderBandUK
Outlander Electronic Press Kit: ?reverbnation.com/rpk/OutlanderBandUK

5. Stephanie Cheape

Stephanie has been on tour most of 2016 and caught the attention of many of the industry's finest. Feet firmly on the ground she's determined to make music that she believes in without the industry's influence. Her songs tackle issues such as bullying and the real life problems and laudably turn them into something powerful - though of course we love her tingly vocals either way.

6. Medicine Men

Medicine Men are fresh from a busy summer on the festival circuit, having performed at Leeds Festival, Isle Of Wight, Belladrum and Xpo North amongst others. Upon their formation in 2014, the band were selected to play at T In The Park after just 5 gigs, and released debut single "Show What You're Made Of" shortly afterwards.

Along with follow up "Lowlands", Medicine Men have enjoyed airplay from Radio X and BBC Scotland, coupled with great write ups from Q and the NME. Additionally, the band have also enjoyed acclaim from their peers, with personal invitations to open for the likes of Cast, Steve Mason and The Temperence Movement amongst others.

"In The Breeze" (above) will feature on Medicine Men's debut album, due for release in Spring 2017.

7. Carly Connor

24 year old Carly Connor hails from Easterhouse in Glasgow. Carly has worked hard at her songwriting craft as much as she has on her live performances and the amount of gigs already done across the UK & Europe is impressive (supporting the Alabama Shakes, The View, Chaka Khan, Paolo Nutini and playing at T in the Park at just 19 years old). Carly is a star in the making with a unique, powerful voice.

Taking influence from Janis Joplin and early (Ike &) Tina Turner ? Carly has the knack for writing heart felt lyrics for someone so young ? her early years and upbringing in a tough part of Glasgow have certainly made a lifelong imprint in Carly?s emotional DNA ? and that comes through in her music. Check her out on: https://www.facebook.com/pg/carlyconnoruk/videos/

8. The Hur

The Hur are an exciting new five piece folk ensemble with strong roots in the musical tradition of Scotland and Ireland. Using a lyrical blend of bagpipes, flute and fiddle contrasted with guitar and drums.

Formed in late 2016, The Hur have already taken 2017 by storm with the video release of their debut song 'Still Standing' which has had a very impressing reaction on social media. The track was produced and engineered by Angus Lyon at Grans House studios.

Check them out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHurBand/

9. Billy Mitchell

An experienced guitarist/singer from Dundee, Scotland, Billy has toured around the UK playing original and cover music in venues such as The Caird Hall, The QMU, Ironworks and King Tuts to name a few. Having studied music at Perth University of Highlands and Islands. Billy is a writer of song of all styles including Rock, Indie, Blues, Pop, Folk, Rock N Roll plus many others.

Check him out here: https://www.billymitchellmusic.co.uk/

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