Performers thrive on global stage

WITH the ability to reach a far and wide audience, the internet gives everyone a stage to promote themselves.

Musicians in Oban are taking advantage of this digital age and releasing their music online.

Rory O’Byrne, a hip-hop artist from the town, has recently started posting video previews of his songs online and in a short space of time has amassed more than 10,000 views.

Rory said: ‘The reaction I’ve received is really positive.

‘The idea behind them [the videos] is to give people a preview of what’s to come and show people what I can do as well as giving other artists I’ll collaborate with a bit of attention. There seems to be more and more people getting in to hiphop which is really promising.

‘I’ve also seen more and more people that seem to share the same passion for original music in Oban and want to give it a platform.

‘I’ve always seen a lot of potential in people who perform their own music here and I’ve always felt they don’t really get as much of a chance as people do in the cities, but we’re definitely heading in the right direction now.’

Rory is currently working on an EP, which is set be released in the middle of March. An EP is a musical recording that contains more than a single song, but is shy of qualifying as an album. To stay up to date with Rory’s music, visit www. facebook.com/roryobmusic. The Signal Fires, an Argyl l- based band , released their debut

single, Ignorance

is

Bliss, last year and it received international status, receiving plays all over the world.

Andy Bruce from The Signal Fires said: ‘The reaction to the first single was overwhelming – we had lots of messages of support from all corners of the globe. ‘The second single, Ignite our

Fears, launched earlier this month, is also receiving some encouraging feedback.

‘ We plan to release and EP around the summer – there just aren’t enough hours in the day to complete all our musical projects, but it’s also nice to take some time off to recharge the batteries.

‘Trad bands are enjoying huge success at the moment, but just under the surface we have rock and indie bands, rappers, EDM producers and lots more. Hopefully they can enjoy success too.

‘There’s also a great camaraderie between the bands who frequently collaborate with one another – we have just recently had the pleasure of working with K9 Kev on his forthcoming EP.

Ignite our Fears by The Signal Fires is available from most online retailiers and streaming services.