Chutes (photo by Sara Simmons)
For a while, it seemed as if the Edinburgh music scene was stuttering, aided by a council that was hell bent on destroying it entirely by closing down venues instead of opening them and a fire that closed down one of the only decent live music venues in the City.
Edinburgh has always lived in Glasgow’s musical shadow. It has never been able to compete with the likes of King Tut’s, The Barrowlands and the 02 Academy. Although recently, it is becoming more evident that the Capital no longer cares, they are going it alone and a striving local music scene has emerged.
Local band Chutes are the perfect example of the upturn in the city’s music revival. The 5-piece band have been playing gigs in Edinburgh for some time and are excited about the changes that are taking place. ‘The Edinburgh music scene is currently enjoying a positive time. Bands and promoters no longer strive to be compared to Glasgow and are comfortable producing music that is varied and exciting. There is a sense of community formed through gigging together, partying together and discussing music and life.’
It is clear that Chutes feel resentment at the council’s lack of respect for the music scene. ‘Edinburgh has always faced problems with venues shutting down and the council do not exactly go out of their way to help the local scene.’
Photo by Sara Simmons
However, they are spirited in their expression of where things in Edinburgh are going ‘The recent success Broken Records – another local band – have had signing to 4ad will hopefully shine a light on the many brilliant bands in Edinburgh, such as Meursault, Jesus H. Foxx, We See Lights, Y’all is Fantasy Island and our good selves. Also, there are a couple of new venues opening such as The Bowery on Roxburgh Place, which strive to put on unique events.’
The Chutes are however in a more privileged position than most bands. Two of the band members, Craig Ross and Stuart Brunton opened the doors to The Depot – their very own practice rooms and recording studios – in January 2008. So, why did they do it? ‘We were all sick and tired of turning up at a practice, where the amps were poor, drums were broken, PA system not big enough, microphones looking like you may catch something off them. So we wanted to make somewhere we would be happy rehearsing in.’
Many of Edinburgh’s top bands now opt for their services, rather than others and it has become a kind of musical community. So, how does The Depot compare to other recording studios? ‘With regards to the actual recording studio, I would say we have a great space for recording that a lot of studios in Edinburgh don’t have. We have a great size live room, and separate vocal booth and amp booth. I would say our choice of gear is different to anyone else, which we feel is why people should come down ‘cos we are getting some ace sounds, also our prices are fair for the current climate, bands ain’t got any money!’
Photo by Jennifer Baker
It must be a dream come true for a band to be able to call these facilities home and that is exactly what Chutes do ‘We can take our time perfecting our music. It is a home for us to work in.’
2009 promises to be an exciting time for the Edinburgh music scene, The Depot and Chutes. On the back of memorable gigs at T in the Park, Rockness and the opening of The Picture House, where Chutes supported Idlewild, they have been busy finishing recording their EP, which is expected to be released this summer. An EP that is influenced by Edinburgh, love, loss and lust is bound to grab more than just attention.
Words by Barry Begg
