Help support your local music venue

Music has the magical ability to capture the moment, a memory or perhaps the excited anticipation of experiencing an electric live atmosphere. When shared collectively with likeminded enthusiasts, there is nothing that beats the feeling.

It’s been a little while since we’ve enjoyed those times, but better days are coming. Recently, artists have been sharing photos of their last gig on social media platforms to express what music means to them. For some it’s a hobby or a weekend escape to perform, for others a social connection to nurture community spirit, and then there are those who work in the industry full-time. The recent announcement that music and the arts have been given a huge financial boost by the government is wonderful news. Let the music play!

With venues re-emerging, I’ve been seeking local bands to support and enjoy live.

One particular act to have caught my attention are Monza Express, a five-piece from Aberdeen with feel-good riffs and catchy upbeat tunes. The indie pop ‘n’ roll band have no fewer than three writers and this really adds to their eclectic, interesting sound. Shades of Bowie, The Beatles and Oasis together with their own original excellent style.

They have recently released a great new single called Crying On The Radio, available on Spotify and other major streaming platforms. A fantastic band. Go check them out.

If, like myself, you have a love of vinyl, artisan coffee and T-shirts, then check out Red Robin Records on Aberdeen’s Correction Wynd. This compact and bijou boutique has just launched its new website redrobinrecords.com and also has gift vouchers available. A great way to support a fledgling (no pun intended) local independent music business.

JUJU have just dropped a fantastic new release. It features Roderick Stewart, a wellknown session musician and producer on bass; Scott Baylis on keys and trumpet; Andy Scott on guitar and Luke Radford on alto sax. Andy and Luke are local. Andy has worked with Maxi Priest and Bluey, from Incognito, in the past. Scott is currently with Ibibio Sound Machine and has worked with Herbie Hancock and Roy Ayres. Now available on Bandcamp is cosmic new space jazz track Astral Plane. This sonic groove really does fly.

Make music discovery your destination this summer and support our great local venues.

• Marie.q.music@gmail.com

Don’t miss next week’s your life for columnist Dougie Burns’ take on the north music scene

Aberdeen indie band Monza Express