NOT content with working on both group and solo music, Carla Easton is set to embark on another challenge.

As part of the Scottish Album of Year longlist announcement, the TeenCanteen frontwoman will be teaming up with Stina Tweeddale of Honeyblood to perform a specially curated set.

The pair will be taking on their respective band’s records on the night, which will also feature performances from Emma Pollock and a DJ set by Stuart Braithwaite of Mogwai.

Glasgow School of Art graduate Carla has been making music since 2005, but found most success with her band Teen Canteen.

The four-piece released their debut Say It With Kiss in 2016 - a mix of sugary pop and garage rock - in 2016 before the musician went on to release her own solo project later that year.

“Sometimes I write too fast”, Carla explains.

“That’s why the same year TeenCanteen brought out an album, I also brought out a solo record.

“I love writing, it’s my favourite part of the whole thing.”

TeenCanteen emerged from Glasgow’s eclectic DIY scene and are no stranger to getting things done themselves.

From booking shows, promoting said shows and getting other bands on the bill - they do it all.

“Coming through the DIY scene was brilliant.

“Myself and two of the other girls all went to art school so the DIY approach has been a big part of the band.

“We’ve always had creative control, not just over the music but the images that go with that and videos.

“At art school you get trained to take a space and put on a show, its been like that from day one of being in a band.

“You book a show, make a poster, get a group of friends to come along and then getting your friends in other bands to play the night as well - it’s always been a big part of our ethos to retain that.”

For her upcoming solo album, Carla worked with Howard Bilerman of Canadian indie-rock band Arcade Fire.

Along with a range of instrumentalists, the Scottish musician believes she has created an album which she has ‘always wanted to make’.

She adds: “I hope that my solo work is a development of things I’ve started with the band.

“My new album I recorded with Howard Bilerman of Arcade Fire, which was an amazing opportunity.

“I’m from Carluke and stuff like that just doesn’t happen to people from Carluke.

“My solo album is just a more ambitious arrangement of symphony and strings and choirs.

“I usually write alone on the piano so it’s mostly personal. I try and leave it open so whoever is listening to it can find a way in and find a way to make it relate to them, so it’s not a diary entry.

“My second album is a totally different sound to my first one, it was recorded in Montreal with Howard and some amazing musicians.

“I kind of feel like its been the album that I’ve always wanted to make and I approached it as if it would be the last thing I’d ever do.”

Ahead of the release, Carla will be kicking off the countdown to the Scottish Album of Year Awards.

‘Live at the Longlist’ will see performances from previously longlisted and shortlisted artists including Emma Pollock, founding member of The Delgados and Chemikal Underground Records, and member of The Burns Unit.

Journalist and broadcaster Nicola Meighan will reveal the 20 outstanding Scottish albums which will make up the SAY Award Longlist for 2018.

A record number of 253 eligible albums were submitted for this year’s coveted SAY Award and £20,000 prize including Catholic Action, Mogwai, Neon Waltz and the Xcerts.

Last year saw duo Sacred Paws claim the top stop for their debut album Strike A Match.

The band have gone on to take part in Glasgow Film Festival and shared a stage with cult band Future Island.

For Carla, BMX Bandits are the top pick for their “beautiful” album BMX Bandits Forever.

  • Carla J. Easton of TeenCanteen will perform at Live at the Longlist takes place on August 1 at King Tut’s.

DON'T MISS IN GLASGOW THIS WEEK

Tim Burgess
Stereo 
Tuesday, July 24

Frontman of The Charlatans, DJ and songwriter Tim Burgess will be performing an intimate show in Glasgow. 

During his long career, Burgess has released a solo album “I Believe”, as well as numerous collaborative tracks with Saint Etienne, Chemical Brothers and Freebass, plus The Chavs (Carl Barat, Felt & Primal Scream’s Martin Duffy and Klaxons’ Jamie Reynolds).

The Gaslight Anthem
Barrowland Ballroom
Tuesday, July 24
New Jersey-based alt-rock band, featuring Brian Fallon , Alex Levine, Benny Horowitz and Alex Rosamilia, will be performing at the iconic Barrowland Ballroom.

With a back catalogue including 2007 debut ‘Sink or Swim’, plus ‘The ‘59 Sound’, ‘American Slang’, ‘Hand-written’ and 2014’s ‘Get Hurt’, it’s likely to be an explosive show.

Lead singer Brian Fallon will be returning to Scotland next year to perform his solo material.

  • BUY TICKETS FOR THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM HERE.