It’s been a while since I posted anything. Been caught up with a lot of things and blogging was consigned to oblivion for a time being. Nevertheless, I will make the most of this absence with a series of updates plus recollections of past events and exciting happenings and developments.
Let me begin with the most recent one: ALLY KERR.
So who is this guy? A quick search on Wiki will give you this:
Ally Kerr is a Scottish singer-songwriter from Glasgow. His first release – Midst Of The Storm – was a 7 inch vinyl single on the Spanish label Elefant Records in 2002. An album – Calling Out To You – followed on Japanese label Quince Records in 2004 and on Neon Tetra Records (UK) in 2005. One of his songs (The Sore Feet Song) was used as theme tune to Japanese animated TV series Mushishi. and released in Japan as a CD single through Marvelous Entertainment. The series has since aired in several countries and was released on DVD in America and the UK. Kerr’s second album – Off The Radar – was released on Much Obliged Records, Universal Records (Philippines) and in Japan on the Ultra-Vybe / Star Sign label in 2008. Kerr has spent time touring in different parts of the world and is currently recording demos for the next album.
Yes he is touring right now. He just did a show in Singapore and Taipei and currently is in Manila to do a two-night special courtesy of Lilystars & Kindassault Records. Ally was very kind and generous enough to share his music and grace our shores integrating the Philippines as part of his Asian Tour before he leaves for a series of shows in Japan.
Here are some reviews about his music:
“Inspired….jangles with all the rainy loveliness of Belle and Sebastian” -UNCUT magazine
“A great new songwriting talent from Scotland” – BOB HARRIS, BBC
“ Beautifully melancholic” – PRESS ASSOCIATION
“A sparkling tunesmith” -METRO
“Kerr’s songs meld the saccharin side of Belle and Sebastian with the kind of melancholy that Paul Simon’s cat must feel at the end of a day’s recording after milk and biscuits. They are beautifully written and wistful” – SUNDAY HERALD
Ally Kerr, in my case is just a recent discovery and I am very fortunate to be introduced to his music, instantly liking it and being involved in bringing him in the country and more than that — to play alongside a songwriter whose music I can clearly connect with. Elegant, driving and sometimes profound and melancholy, Ally Kerr’s songs creates a visual of glorious youthfulness and curiousity on life and love and things both mundane and imaginative.
He arrived yesterday late afternoon accompanied by his session guitarist Ryan. Picked them up today for a radio interview at Jam 88.3 where they had a very meaningful discussion about his music and career in a show hosted by Hilary and Scotty (who is incidentally Scottish as well). They were very warm and nice and keen on performing. One of the singles from his latest album was aired prior to the interview. A nifty track entitled “Could Have Been A Contender.” One of my favorites. You can listen to it HERE.
Ally Kerr at Jam 88.3 with Hilary & Scotty
Clementine + Ally Kerr + Ryan
Catch them Live at the following dates and venues:
September 1 – Saguijo (c/o Kindassaul Records) – Ally Kerr (acoustic) with Ciudad, Balloon Derby, Arigato Hato!, Patience Dear Juggernaut and Soft Pillow Kisses
September 2 – Route 196 (c/o The POP Shoppe! & Lilystars Records) – Ally Kerr (full band) with The Camerawalls, Turbo Goth, The Bernadettes, Your Imaginary Friends, and The Gentle Isolation
To view the event poster and for more details about his gigs in Manila click HERE.
To know more about Ally Kerr and his music visit his website at www.allykerr.com
easy to the ears. nice.