Andrew Bird, Oran Mor

Andrew Bird

The enigmatic and engaging Andrew Bird - along with his Monkey and 'Swingy' the two-headed gramophone - creating layers of music and sounds and stories that reach in and out of themselves, delicately conveyed with humour by the head-shaking and gesticulations of the very talented chap himself.

Excellent and beautifully performed, with lyrics as delicious as the music.

Draw, Edit, Dally, Scan, Forget

I need a routine.
Other than checking out myself on the intraweb.
But I did find and remind myself of an article I wrote with illustrations in Scotcampus.

Which you can find here: http://content.yudu.com/Library/A17fo8/ScotcampusMay09/resources/26.htm

The Phantom Band

The Phantom Band played a sell out night last night in King Tuts - been sold out for aeons - the brother of the drummer wasn't getting in it was that sold out. Don't know if he finally managed at the last minute, but twas the sign of things to come.

This drawing was done in the less packed but excellent venue the Stirling Tolbooth - done on Saturday 28th (yes a bit of time travelling done here!) supported by Kochka and another band - both who I missed.

First heard of the Phantom Band playing a stellar line-up the Chemikal Underground's 2007 Winter Revue with none other than the most splendid De Rosa and the most fantabulous and now tragically missed Mother and the Addicts at Stereo, Glasgow. I hear they were a tad rough round the edges in them days, but have since come on in merry little leaps and bounds. (Apparently it's coming up for Spring just now...) Chemikal Underground have very sophisticated tastes, and I trust them more than any other indicator of the great and the good right now.

2009, Checkmate Savage by the Phantom Band - get it, and go see them.

To Hear Our Music...Lighting Celtic Connections and the Second Hand Marching Band

Lighting the Torches, Procession for the Opening of Celtic Connections
George Square, Glasgow


The Procession reaches it's destination.



Second Hand Marching Band - Happy Birthday!
(Also sax player's birthday)
Supported by Seventeenth Century and Burnt Island
Is This Music?, 13th Note, King Street, Glasgow.
(First time I've ever been there - criminal isn't it)

The Week That Was, Findo Gask, Animal Kingdom

The Week That Was


Findo Gask

Animal Kingom

That Week That Was, and it was. Brilliant night - flipping hot - had a river of sweat running down my back - will try and wear shorts, t-shirt and flip flops next time I visit the Captain's Rest.
Really really enjoyed the night - great music - though need to adapt my way of drawing in there - was kneeling for the first two bands and my legs were killing me - Die Jenny Soep Die Die! Seriously though, if there's any product designers out there who could design me some sort of low level stool thing that can be packed up small but support my big old weight in a kneeling position - answers on a postcard...
Speaking of which, I'm currently on a great little tour of primary schools in Argyll doing drawing workshops based on their location. We've been making postcards to send to 'exchange' school in Argyll, and so far - today being the first day this time round - it's been braw!
Will keep updating but it's about time for an early night.

Dumb Instrument are the Sh**e

Oh how I love Dumb Instrument. Oh Yea, but they are so fine.

The Liquid Ship was host to their sardonic poetic musical reverie and humour, being 'supported' by the fine, fettled, fresh faced/gravel-voiced Lewis Irvine, but in a last minute show of humble fantabulousness, they swapped to be first on since it was Lewis's 'Launch Night'. (Tho' subtle in his marketing he has sold rather a few of his album 'A Collection of Cs, Gs and Ds'- best to get in touch as only 50 were printed and 2/3s have gone already.)

Was the best I've experienced of Lewis's performances - blood sweat and tears were indeed on the menu especially with the thick heat of downstairs - though he could have given more warning of his last song as I was left expecting and wanting more.

Also, I haven't laughed like that in a long time regards Dumb Instrument - aye the way to a woman's heart is definitely through her funny bones.

Connect Connect...

What a weekend. Got some great drawings, met some wonderful folks, and asides from waking up in a puddle in my tent (with QuickDraw emblazoned on the side!! Not intended honestly!), spending more time than necessary in the mission to get an AAA pass, and a post festival uber-bug, I had a brilliant lovely time of it.
If you're looking for pictures, come back next week to have a swatch - I've chosen to not look at the pictures until next week and let my mind process all the experiences I had.
Thanks to all the behind the scenes people and the musicians for letting me draw them. Sigur Ros, most definitely a highlight - what an amazing show, and what beautiful folks they are too.

Curious, Curious presents 'Jacob Yates and the Pearly Gate Lock Pickers' with 'Sparrow and the Workshop' and 'Washington Irving'

Stereo in Glasgow is possibly one of my favourite venues for it's intimacy, lighting, great sound and rough edges and tonight had the potential for a blistering line up.

However, I recently read a review in the Skinny about Jacob Yates and the Pearly Gate Lockpickers from their stint at 'Hey You Get Off My Pavement' (which had a great line up and which I missed due to other drawing escapades). It suggested they were a bit tame and lamented the split of Uncle John and Whitelock, since all the ex band members were there on the day either in the crowd or in other bands. I have to say I agreed with the article. 'Jacob' and the organist Jamie are the two remaining members from UJaW and while they might have the same skills, bonds and professionalism they had during their former band, the other two members did not appear as intrinsically linked.

Favourite aspects of the performance:
The minimalistic lighting changes from green to blue to red looked great and if I was a photographer I'd be snapping away at Jake's raw performance: as it was I just drew his movements. Jamie's beast of an instrument was the most awesome brooding object on the stage and regardless of hiccups with the ending, 'Maryhill' was definitely the best song.



Of the supporting two bands Sparrow and the Workshop were probably at most ease with their performance and a personal favourite of mine. Jill is a firecracker -her lyrics, voice and guitar picking styles in tune with her gift at storytelling. At times I was reminded of Jolie Holland, but with more bite and agression. Drummer/singer Gregor and bassist/guitarist Nicholas accentuate the heat and the cool, the savage and the gentle. Great stuff.



Washington Irving get better and better, bulking out with more talented and obscure musicans. Joe Black is a terrific young front man and I have no qualms in reckoning he and whoever he takes with him on his musical journeys will produce some brilliant songs and performances.

Great night all in all though, and the tunes were good from what I heard at the start of DeeJay David Barbarossa's set.

Resipole Studios - The Big Draw - Open Mic/Open Draw - Success!!

The Sorren MacLean Band and Friends

Matt Goodwin being drawn

Drawing the Musicians

Drawing Time

Just to report - have received and banked the lovely cheques from, you'll never guess, 'Persevere Records' from the Proclaimers who are printing my images that I drew of them back in June, on their t-shirts and other merchandise - Pretty cool huh?! Who fancies strutting their stuff in an original Jenny Soep/Proclaimers t-shirt??!! Don't know when they'll be ready to purchase, but should be before the year is out - could make a nice Xmas pressie?!!

Exhibition madness at the moment. Going to be a MAD couple of weeks. Thankfully Kim, my wonderful sister is the event organiser - she's just graduated from RSAMD with flying colours, great national press review, and great recommendations. She's a fully qualified Theatre designer and Stage Manager, but is moving into more Art based events/exhibitions. She's more than capable of managing this expo, but for the mere fact that she's trying to organise ME, and she's really being put to the test.

She definitely deserves a holiday after this one!!

You better all be at it - STV are coming to the preview which is invite only - so if you're interested - give me an email - info@jennysoep.com and I'll post you an invite and put you on the guest list. Deadline is October 8th to be put on the guest list. It's set to be a great night with Popup, The Yellow Bentines and the Sorren MacLean Band playing, a Top DJ, live drawing performances by yours truly, and animator/VJ Garry Whitton strutting his stuff too. Will definitely be a night to remember. It's right next to a campsite too so bring a tent or there's a big list of accomodation providers who are offering discounted prices to Exhibition goers. So book your place now to avoid missing out on this Unique Multimedia Art Extravaganza!!! Woohoo!

Paul MacKay - 1st Waterfront Open Mic I went to

Oh how things have progressed since those days, but I still like this drawing. Makes you just want to go up and give him a hug bless'im!

Oban Open Mic Night 20 Sept 07, The Best Yet

This is the hottest night in Oban, I'm not kidding, the line up get's better everytime.

Here's Matt Goodwin, aka 1/2 MT, who sounds like he's been smoking and drinking and rock and rolling for about 20 years more than his age - at 22 he's an old timer in a young Dude's body, while making sweet music with his accoustic. Only one Oban Mic Night left before he heads off around the world then back to the U.S of A. More's the pity.



Here's Pod, Kim and a random chappie. Kim is tres sexy on the old Sax, and Pod plays like he's been living the Blues a lot longer than Matt, though apparently has only been playing his steel guitar for a couple of years, which I assume is WAY less than Yankee Boy.



Great set by Lana, Jack, Chaz and James. Lana is the most stunning singer to hit Oban just now, and is definitely someone to watch out for.



The Lemmings - More switched on this time; great set again. Check out their myspacE.com/savethoselemmings.



The Lemmings' Lead guitarist Ben played a fantastic LapTapping tune. Has to be seen to be believed. Another valuable musician to watch out for. Unfortunately Chunks were on beforehand playing a too short set which meant that my drawing was not as finished as it could have been. Made use of this though to add a bit of alternative texture in the background of Ben's Picture. See what you think!



So that's that for now. Unfortunately I didn't get to draw the first couple of acts including Claroline/Clarolynn? with her Zen guitar. Another great 'import' from the U.S.A.

So if you want to get a taste of what they're like, guess you'll just have to keep your ear to the ground for the next open mic night - The Waterfront restaurant/bar should be up to date with it's clandestine scheduling...

Ardfern Battle of the Bands 8 September 2007

Just updating the old blog with the winners of the ABOTB.
There are still some originals left if you want to get in touch - info@jennysoep.com

Over 18s

Another Misadventure - Cameron 1st


Another Misadventure - John 1st


These two played a bloody good set considering they were missing a vital part of their group - Rona on violin and vocals who was playing at a wedding. Part of their prize was to play at Tarbert Music Festival, though the complete group managed to get a paid slot in the evening and prove their worth. They need to get more material together, but as it was their 2 x 1/2 hour sets were well received and worked well with the passing audiences who only seemed to settle in for 1/2 an hour in each venue. Their final half hour was definitely the best. Tarbert Music Festival had a great vibe which the persistant rain didn't seem to dampen, although I'm sure fine weather would have inspired more people to attend. As it is, the way Tarbert and it's music venues are laid out makes for an excellent Fest.

The Open Plan - Joint First with Another Misadventure, tho' A.M. had one point more from the judges.


Best set yet at ABOTB, tho' I'm sure the front man Kieran is going to strangle himself with his mic one of these days...Good vibe.

The Waterfalls - 3rd



Neil Gillies, The Waterfalls


My favourite set from these guys is still the very first one they played at the Oban open mic night at the beginning of the summer. Ruaraidh has a great voice, and if you're into Oasis then you should give them a listen. Will keep an ear out for developments.

Under 18s

The Anyways - 1st



These chaps were the definite winners by far with the singer's unique voice and delivery - tho' he seems quite shy, he was obviously still in charge. The drummer Ali, 14 years old, is a Ginger Baker in the making, tho' less crazed (perhaps...)
Definitely a band to watch out for.

Jillian - 2nd

Bags of confidence, with some great material - Coffee and Cigarettes - don't know if that's a title or a lyric, but I liked the song. I'm pretty sure she could have gone on for hours if the organiser hadn't reminded her how many she could play. Joni Mitchell-esque.

The Secret Cyclists - 3rd


Young Band from Oban. I'm looking forward to hear their progress.

James Cadd - Music Photographer

Get this one of me!! Don't I look like I know what I'm doing! James Cadd, underrated music photographer who needs to be paid WAY more for what he does.
He's also taken a couple of very nice pics of me in action. As you can see! Check out the rest of his blog http://www.flickr.com/photos/cadd to see what other brilliant gigs he's documented. And pay up people - it's a hard life documenting music and proving you're original.

Emma Pollock, Connect Festival

Emma Pollock, Drawn on Saturday Morning at Connect - invited at the last minute she played well under her alias 'TBC'. A fine Songstress and lovely lady. Always a joy to draw, and always room for more.
Just to say Emma Pollock will be playing in the Pacific Quay along with The Dykeenies, and The Royal We on Monday night hosted by Vic Galloway as a sort of House Warming - sounds like great fun - I think you can get your free tickets by calling the Radio Scotland number which you'll be able to find on their website - that's if they're not gone already!

The Challenging Pictures from Connect, and the rules behind 'accentuation'.

Modest Mouse washed away in the rain

Echo and the Bunny Men - After Modest Mouse I managed to get a drier seat.

I managed to draw this from side-stage which was pretty cool, but cramped and badly lit - hence muddiness. This picture is in it's raw state and I'm going to have a go accentuating it to how I remember the event. But time is ticking on, and my memory is fading somewhat. Accentuating requires peace and quiet where I'm not disrupted - this is a bit challenging without an actual studio, but that's something to be remedied.

No radio, no answering of telephones, no music apart from that of the band in the picture. Especially no TV. Without these distractions and with functional broadband to listen to music and view photographs to confirm minor details, accentuation of festival pictures will take about 2 days. With distractions, it can take a week. Hence, it's Thursday.
I also want to include the same photo of Echo and the B without my adding 'auto levels' in Photoshop since although the picture is a little darker, the colours are more realistic.


Should add Patrick Wolf, just because I wasn't initially going to see him since it was rather a trek from one side of the festival to the other by myself with all my materials, just to trek back for Aqualung in the Manicured Noise tent, and other acts in Your Sound and Guitars and Other Machines stage. As it was it was a last minute decision, and thankfully, I was quite pleased with the resulting picture even though I only got less than 15 minutes. Patrick seemed to like it too. A lot of the musicians seemed to think I was doing it for free for them, without realising this is how I plan to support myself as an artist. A lot of people like what I do, but pricing it is tricky. I'll reserve talks about pricing for another post. Meanwhile here's Patrick plus detail.

Time Lapsed Drawing - Pama International

time lapse drawing 1

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Bjork Madness

Oh bugger. I just wiped off my humerous little observations; how to be as factual and witty in this next edition...

Suffice to say Bjork has been irritating me all afternoon - 3 hours to hum, haw and accentuate one of the pics I did of her - the other had mud and red wine oh so artfully placed by random members in the audience. Quite intrigued to see how these tangible souvenirs can be made into assets rather than faults regarding composition.

LCD Soundsytem is a much clearer picture, and I wonder if perhaps trying to draw all the many ingredients to Bjork's performance was necessary. At this moment in time I think it was, as to not have included them would have seemed an injustice to 'drawing the experience'.

As it is I most definitely need to refine my 'festival drawings' approach; Firstly, I might need a bit of cover from any rain. My picture of Modest Mouse was washed away infront of my eyes due to the incessant drizzle (a few looks from bewildered people as to what I was trying to do) - I didn't want my brother to hold a brolly as it would have blocked people's view. I may try to add colour/detail from memory, or just recycle it. Hopefully next year, my fellow animator Garry Whitton and I will be able to strut our stuff in a more sheltered set-up. I have plans people, oh yes, I have plans!!! You can check Garry's animations and time lapse of my drawings here at http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.channel&ChannelID=224541549

Then there was the misplaced judgement of the pre-Bjork act M.I.A in offering free reign to the audience to come up on stage, trampling with complete disregard as to where their clumpy mud encrusted footwear was placed (stationary audience members' headspace, my brushes, canvases!) - twas an onslaught of mooning drunk folk and joyful fame chasers - meanwhile MIA was given the red card by the unprepared security folk!!! I have to say though, it was amusing having a bit of unplanned excitement at Inverary Castle's first 'boutique festival' - though a few disgruntled and dishevelled Bjork fans would probably disagree.

Anyway, time is ticking away while I blether on. Will update soon.

T in the Park, Updated.

Well I just wasn't happy with these pics - being squeezed behind a pillar at the side due to the head of security and his 'Health and Safety' issues really affected the fluidity of these pictures, but now finally they look how they should. I've added the logos of the bands in my own style just to add a bit more connection and add something well known to the musicians. There's also quotes spoken or sung by the musicians to add real authenticity to the pictures. They're written around the edges, and I'm just contemplating whether I should edit out the quotes for online use, so that when people buy the originals, they're really getting something special to them and their favourite musician-inspired art work.

Will be back with more on Dunstaffnage. Yes, I take my time, but I'm a perfectionist, what else can I say? One point to make - the Dunstaffnage pictures are probably my best pics yet due to having prime position in front of the main stage.
Just goes to show the people in charge will get their 'money's worth' if they help me out in the positioning department. Knowing my luck, I'll eventually get some sort of tower set up that get's felled by the audience at the first opportunity, with me in it!!!

Finally, I'm catching Up! Dunstaffnage Music Festival Phase 1

I guess it might have been an idea to only list Saturday's line up for Phase 1, but I've had so many encounters with Technical Constipation, that I'm just banging them up.
Dunstaffnage was a really stunning festival; the local paper The Oban Times, really didn't do it justice. There was GREAT Music, and such a choice - Organic Beats (with unfortunate power cut rendering most bands impotent, but Western Alliance taking full advantage of the only band left still standing to headline!), The Roots, The Open Mic/Stick It On tent, and ultimately the Main Stage - though not all the best acts were featured there. More later.

There were the live mobile bands like Samba Ya Bamba that you must have been a block of stone not to dance to, amazing light projections on giant bits of rock, great stalls - haggis and neeps, the Free From stall, and fresh, oh yes Fresh Oysters.

And then there was the art, and I have to say, on Saturday my animator Garry and I were unstoppable. The combinations of the animated logos before each band (especially when we got the RIGHT band!), plus the animated drawings from last years festival, plus the animated timelapse played right as the Bands were finishing, plus the actual original drawing all contributed to a visual extravaganza.

Pity Sunday was peppered with problems - trust me, MAJOR technical difficulties - Garry went through 5 different laptops (I have no idea where he found them all!!) eventually packing it in in a most dramatic fashion in the evening and calling it a 'day'. We're going to have to work through these minor details...But suffice to say, it was a great dress rehearsal for things to come. Just waiting for the organisers to show me the money...Always get your money up front boys and girls!!!

Suffice to say, Limited Edition Signed prints and originals up for grabs if you're quick enough - info@jennysoep.com or 01866 833207 if you want to place you're order!