Lost Map Advent Calendar Day 17, Merry Pictmas

Lost Map Records are counting down to Christmas 2016 with a great wee online Advent calendar. Every day, members of the Lost Map family share Christmassy things (songs, old photos, oddities) on the Facebook page.

As part of the team, I’m contributing a couple of things. The first is this little Procreate illustration of my boss, friend and king (of kings), Johnny Lynch, aka Pictish Trail, causing havoc amongst the Lost Map elves.

I quickly battered this together when I realised that I wasn’t going to finish my planned contribution in time (it’s now pencilled in for the Christmas Eve slot, yaasss). I wish I’d given a little more thought to the elves and their activities but hey, done is better than perfect.

A bonus of working in Procreate is that it automatically generates neat time-lapses. This gives me more CONTENT to SHARE. When you slap a cover of Deck the Halls by the wonderful CathyMay15 on top you’ve got a guaranteed15-liker on your hands.

Christmas Tombola 001: Smell the Audi

This December, I’m sharing 31 things that I like. This is number 01.

Glasgow's MC Almond Milk (aka my pal Jamie, aka James Scott) & Jay Rolex (aka Jamie's pal Jay who I've met a couple of times and is very nice) released their first album, Smell the Audi, a couple of weeks ago and it's a belter. Listen to / buy it.

I first saw Jamie (aka James Scott / MC Almond Milk) supporting his big brother, Jonnie Common, in 2011 whilst performing as The Japanese War Effort (aka Martin Moog), a side project alongside his day-job as one half of Conquering Animal Sound. Like Jonnie, Jamie (aka James / MC Almond Milk / The Japanese War Effort / Martin Moog / one half of Conquering Animal Sound) has a gift for converting spectators into die-hard fans. Catch him live if you get the chance.

More recently, the Jonnie and Jamie (aka James / MC Almond Milk / The Japanese War Effort / Martin Moog / one half of Conquering Animal Sound) collab, CARBS, let Jamie (aka James / MC Almond Milk / The Japanese War Effort / Martin Moog / one half of Conquering Animal Sound / one half of CARBS) stretch his MC-ing legs. Their album, Joyous Material Failure, was one of 2015’s goodies. With Smell the Audi, Jamie (aka James / MC Almond Milk / The Japanese War Effort / Martin Moog / one half of Conquering Animal Sound / one half of CARBS) is off to MC-Donalds, declaring himself Scotland’s Best Rapper*.

Glaswegian hip-hop is a funny one, in that it’s not funny. The scene's proclivity to social commentary is great but has an earnestness that I can’t really stomach. Alex and I once caught a performance by an act so toe-curling that we’re still not over it.

Scotland ya bass

None of that from MC Almond Milk (aka James / Jamie / The Japanese War Effort / Martin Moog / one half of Conquering Animal Sound / one half of CARBS) and Jay Rolex, though. The boys understand how not to be a pure embarrassment and Smell the Audi is one of the best albums of the year.

A music video for “Studz Up” is imminent. I’ll share that too. How great is that album teaser at the top of the page? Both directed by Ciaran Lyons (who’s also nice).

* also Scotland’s Worst Rapper

Remarket Glasgow - Christmas Show

After a year off, Recoat's Christmas show is back and bigger than ever. Kicking off in Glasgow town centre this Friday (28th November) at the RBS on Gordon St., Remarket, a collaboration with Saltmarket, will feature a TON of work from a bunch of artists from all over the place, myself included.

Originals, prints, jewellery, live painting and installations all under one roof throughout December - come along and find some Christmas presents. I've dropped off 17(!) framed drawings, some old, some new. The space is looking amazing.

The opening night is the best place to get first dibs on the work, say hello to the artists and have a wee drink. Remarket is open to all but a wee RSVP is required before you come along (email your name, number and ‘company’ to rsvp@saltmarketdesign.com - easy). Make a night of it. Everyone'll no doubt be heading to a nearby pub afterwards.

Here's the details:

Remarket
A group exhibition of art, design and jewellery by Recoat & Saltmarket

Opening Night: Friday 28th Nov 5.30 - 7.30pm (remember to RSVP)
RBS, 10 Gordon Street, Glasgow, G1 3PL
Runs: Saturday 30th Nov till Saturday 20th Dec 2014

More information is available over on the Remarket Facebook page. A second exhibition will open in Edinburgh in December. Stay tuned.