SCOTLAND’S FIRST LISTENING BAR COMES TO GLASGOW

Glasgow’s renowned South East Asian Bar & Brasserie, Mamasan, begins a new chapter as it transforms into Scotland’s first listening bar with a programme of impressive global DJs and exceptional sound quality set to soundtrack the city.  

Starting this weekend (Good Friday, 29th March), it reinvents itself as an audio bar, following a comprehensive hi-fi overhaul and the installation of a bespoke, state-of-the-art sound system designed by sound engineers to elevate late-night cocktails and dining to an unparalleled auditory experience - a first for Scotland. With DJs from Belle & Sebastian and Sub Club already signed up to play, Mamasan enters a new era as the country’s first dedicated listening bar.

Despite being named the vinyl-collecting capital of the UK, Glasgow hasn’t had an audio bar concept to call its own. Until now.  Originating from 1950s Japan, the listening bar concept blends intimate dining with audiophile-grade music listening. These venues, which emerged in Tokyo's small bars, cafes, and record stores, serve as a hub for music lovers seeking a relaxed environment to appreciate high-fidelity sound.

Catering to a change in nightlife habits and a love for high-fidelity audio, the new Mamasan direction introduces a trio of new core pillars Bar, BBQ and Records. With an exciting roster of programming set to play: Chris Geddes of Belle & Sebastianfame as well as Harri from Glasgow’s iconic Sub Club, & Nick Peacock from The Buff Club and session drummer & DJ Toni McVey, who plays with Joesef, and recently completed a tour with Jungle. Curated by music specialists, Open Ear, guests can expect an interesting lineup of global musicians playing vinyl in the heart of Glasgow. This auditory feast is complemented with a brand new cooked over fire casual sharing menu crafted in partnership between top Scottish chef, Finn Steel-Perkins, and Great British Menu star, Ali Borer, alongside innovative cocktails from the bar.

The cutting-edge sound technology in Mamasan, complete with Danley’s renowned audio file quality, ensures every record is played back with the integrity and richness it was originally intended to convey. The venue has collaborated with leading music-tech brands including Technics, Pioneer, Master Sounds, Small Town Audio and Danley to unlock the full potential of recorded music, to elevate the guest experience for audiophiles and vinyl lovers alike. 

Alongside the music, guests can indulge in experimental cocktails from Mamasan’s bar or enjoy a brand-new Thai BBQ menu, featuring innovative sharing dishes, all cooked over coal on a bespoke grill. With fire at the heart of so many South East Asian flavours, Ali Borer of London’s renowned Thai BBQ restaurant, The Smoking Goat, and Mamasan head chef Finn Steel Perkinshave crafted the menu together in an unique collaboration that pushes boundaries with flavour. All of Mamasan’s fish, meat and produce are slowly cooked or smoked over fire, using a combination of charcoal, wood and freshly pressed coconut husks to develop a real depth of flavour. 

Brad Stevens, Founder of Mamasan, commented: “When Mamasan opened in 2020, our vision was to create a stylish dining concept that was as much about the drinks and music as the food. Due to the restrictions in place throughout the pandemic, we couldn’t finish the job we started. Now our new state-of-the-art sound equipment, combined with incredible Thai BBQ food and drinks means we’ve elevated the guest experience and we can’t wait for Glasgow to join us at Scotland’s first dedicated listening bar for an outstanding line-up of music.

Speaking about programming, Kevin McCrorie of Open Ear Music and DJ Matthew K said: “It’s a great honour to curate the lineup for Scotland's first audiophile bar. In a world where any song is available to anyone at the click of a button, it's important to have a place where music can be heard as it was intended. People will get the opportunity to hear music, with clear, pristine sound on an amazing system, yet will still be able to hold a conversation without the volume being overpowering. For a music loving city such as Glasgow, this is a much welcome addition.  Look out for some special names over the next few months.”

Mamasan Bar, BBQ & Records is open seven days a week from noon until 1am, with curated DJs spinning vinyl from Friday + Saturday from 9pm, and Sunday from 2pm.   The spring music programme is below, to book your table please visit mamamasan.co.uk.

FORMER CELTIC PLAYER BOBBY PETTA IS ON TRACK TO NUMBER ONE

Exclusive 
Beverley Lyons 
FORMER Celtic player Bobby Petta is on track to be number one after carving out a new career for himself as a house DJ. 
Dutch star Bobby, who was with the Glasgow club for five years until 2004, was well known for his fancy footwork but decided to pursue his other passion of DJing two years ago. 
Two months ago he went into the Groove City Radio studios to produce his own tracks. 
Bobby said: ”I released a track with Saint Luke and it was top 100 and has now gone to number four in the Traxsource Jackin’ house charts. To be honest it’s really weird, but it’s doing well so we’ll see.”

Bobby claims he’s always loved music but never got the chance to pursue his hobby when he joined the Hoops in 1999. 
Bobby who recently celebrated Republic Bort Halle’s 20th anniversary with Hospitality legend Colin Barr said: “I always actually liked DJing when I was at Ipswich but when I came here it was different. It was only two years ago that I went back to it and I like doing it but I want to produce too. I’ve got some good people around me and it’s a new journey in my life and I love it. It’s a process, it’s a journey and I love it.”
This month he released his funky disco house track Feel Good with Glasgow producer Saint Luke which is now at number four. 
Bobby, who recently played at charity night in honour of Fernando Ricksen at Club 69,  said: “The track is called Feel Good and it’s a jackin’ house number, funky disco house. It is deep and underground and I like melodic techno too. It changes all the time. I got together with Saint Luke, a producer from Scotland who knows his stuff. I’ve got it in my head and he translates it for me. It’s hard when you’re doing everything yourself so he’s the one that can translate what I want from my head. It’s a good combination.
“The fact that it is at number four in the charts means I am on the right track and it is only my second attempt. I know what it takes and it’s just learning every time as I go on. I just play what I like to play. For me it’s all feel.”
Bobby says he’s not quite at the level of Calvin Harris but he admits he’s competitive when it comes to making tracks. 
He said: “I’m very competitive. I say this with football, I put in the hours and enjoy it. It’s not like work. For mental health, it is my outlet and it keeps me happy. That’s what I do, I do what I love. Whenever I’m behind the decks I’m doing it because I love it. It’s not work. It’s enjoyment. Like football and the fans, music connects people.

If I’m being honest, I’d like to go to Ibiza, like Jackmaster from Glasgow. That’s just an ambition and a half. I’d like to go to the Sub Club on Glasgow or Circo Loco in Ibiza, that’s my vibe. 
A Vegas residency would be nice but do you know how many good people that are out there? 
In this industry there are really quality people like my manager Jay Gunning from Attic Room Sessions. I’m humble and take it as it comes.”
So far, he’s kept his own name but he admits he might change it for the dance world. 
He laughed: “Whilst we are here in Glasgow and called Bobby Petta, but I like to step away from the football thing. It’s hard. I’d like to be judged on the music I play.
Football has given me a lot, but this for me is not physically demanding. I can play music as long as I want and it’s fun and if You can make a living out of it that’s good too. For me it’s more the journey and experiencing everything and meeting various people who are very good a bit like football.”

CALVIN HARRIS IS A REAL BEDROOM DJ

SCOTS DJ Calvin Harris has shown off what might be the ultimate in designer bedroom wear this season.
The Dumfries hitmaker who now lives in LA was so chuffed with his new Gucci slippers that he decided to show them off to his fans on Instagram.
In what could be the ultimate in Scots chic, Gucci has given a special twist to its traditional loafer.
The highly sought after Princetown slipper comes with the famous double G emblem, a fur lining that makes them perfect for the colder weather, and the traditional plaid design that is sure to appeal to any tartan lover.
They can be worn indoors or outdoors - if you don’t have to traipse through snow and ice.
The only thing is, they don’t come cheap at a whopping £675 per pair.

LAUREN LAVERNE ON BBC RADIO 6 MUSIC FESTIVAL IN GLASGOW

LAUREN Laverne can't wait to host the BBC Radio 6 Music Festival in Glasgow - and get back to her Scottish roots.
The Dj and presenter who this morning hosted her own show from The Glasgow School of Art revealed that her father was born in Dingwall and that she was brought up on a diet of Scottish folk music.
She enthused: "I am really excited we are in Glasgow. I spent so much time here over the years. Last time I was here I was covering the Turner Prize last year.
I've loved this city since I was a teenager and had nights out here with my pals in the nineties - hazy nights at Optimo and I loved it. You couldn't get a more vibrant misic scene to plug into and art and music are beautifully integrated in this festival.
She added: "Dad was brought up in Dingwall and so I'm half Scottish and proud of it. His name is Les. He is a bit musical actually - he does play guitar and is an academic these days but the house was full of music so that's the reason I'm here.
We listened to lots of folk music which was a big passion of his and a lot of Scottish folk music like Davey Graham and Burt Jansch. I knew the difference between Scottish then Glaswegian music when I was growing up and being a nineties child Primal Scream was an incredibly important band and I thought 'Who did the cover art for Screamedelica?' and everything intertwined into everything else and being a musician myself in the nineties I made friends with Mogwai and Arab Strap and going to Arches and discovering music there was fabulous and I went to Barrowlands this morning. I'm pretty sure last time I was there was watching Underworld and there's a fantastic bill at the festival and obviously we are broadcasting live today."
Lauren can't wait to get stuck into the bill at the festival and even do some of the after parties.
She said: "We did an episode of the show in the art school before and it's great to be back. We have something like thirty six acts across four venues and it's quite complicated. I'm not sure I can simplify the weekend. It's full of music by day and there's a portion of festival talks and interviews and some elements of music and film. We are screening Lost in France by day and then there's the evening portion of live gigs and some late night sessions.
I used to go to Optimo when it was still at the Sub Club and it was the first place I heard Zombie Nation."
6 Music Festival takes place Fri 24–Sun 26 Mar 2017.



- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

CALVIN HARRIS SPILLS ON LOO LOCK IN

CALVIN Harris has finally spilled the beans on the time he was locked in a loo at Csmp Bestival by members of the band Madness.
Camp Bestival sources once revealed the Scots Dj and producer was locked into a VIP loo backstage at the festival by Suggs and co.
It was said Dumfries lad Calvin, real name Adam Wiles was trapped for ten minutes before managing to get security to open the door - and its said his face was like thunder even he got out.
At the time Calvin refused to comment only saying: "I'm in a place full of intolerable idiots. Can anyone guess where I am?"
Now Calvin has finally admitted the rumours were true after festival co founder Rob DaBank commented online: "My favourite moment last time @MadnessNews came to @CampBestival was them locking Calvin Harris in a portaloo... he wasn't impressed. I'll get Suggs back for you this year Adam... and turn it upside down for ya with him in."
After sending Rob a virtual hug,Calvin told fans online: "Revenge not required...also it wasn't Suggs it was the s***e one."
According to an eye witness it was Lee Thompson.


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

CALVIN HARRIS HAS COMPETITION FROM NEWSNIGHT'S KIRSTY WARK

NEWSNIGHT presenter Kirsty Wark is following in the footsteps of fellow Dumfries talent Calvin Harris by becoming a club DJ.
The serious telly host who has grilled many a politician during her career and hosted current affairs weekly Seven Days, is a big music fan and has had a relationship with vinyl for a number of years now.
Her biggest DJ gig to date was spinning the discs she alongside Edith Bowman at a BAFTA Scotland party three years ago.
Former Radio 1 DJ Edith who now has a show on Virgin said of Kirsty's past performance recently : "Kirsty really got the crowd going. It would be nice to do it again at this year's after party following the ceremony ."
Kirsty has now been booked by long running Scots club night Pretty Ugly to DJ at their eleventh birthday celebrations on Saturday November 12 at Glasgow's Admiral Bar.
The evening bills itself as the city's longest running alternative club night playing retro electro and poptastic disco on the second Saturday of every month.
A spokesperson for the club said: "We've reached the ripe old age of eleven and after the political chaos of last year we couldn't think of anyone we'd rather celebrate with more than the BBC Newsnight's voice of reason Kirsty Wark. You may only have seen her on the telly but we've seen her DJing at the BAFTAs so we can tell that you are in for a treat. Expect to hear everything from the Boss to Blondie, Madonna to Taylor Swift, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs to Pixies and Beyoncé to Prince."
An insider added: "Kirsty might have a sensible image on TV but she brings her own quirky style to the dance floor and knows how to kick things off with some top tunes. You really will end up looking at her in a different light."

Extracts of this article have now appeared in the Scottish Sun

- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com