Q&A: Tiderays & 'Moving On'
It’s been an exciting few weeks for Dumfries band Tiderays, with the launch of their debut album on 31st January and the recent announcement of their first Plaza performance, taking place on 27th February. The BBC Introducing Artists have developed their sound over the years with more of an alt rock edge with a folk tinge, now well on their way to fulfilling their full potential. Their debut album follows the release of their singles ‘The Anchor’, ‘Papillion’ and ‘Parallel’ - the first three tracks featured on ‘Moving On’. We had a good catch up with Trevor from Tiderays to find out more about the band, releasing an album and where the Dumfries music scene is headed.
Can you give us a brief intro to Tiderays and how you all came together?
Tiderays are a five-piece folk tinged Indie Rock band from Dumfries. We’ve been together for three years with various line ups, but the core of Eddie Oakes, the singer songwriter and me, Trevor on Drums has always remained the same. Eddie and I were playing together for a few years under a few names before we settled on Tiderays and found the direction we wanted. Completing our lineup is Isla Gracie on fiddle and vocals.
Plus, we also have Jane Eastham-Buckley on guitar and Grant McCrone on Bass joining us for tour dates.
What made you decide to release an album?
We’ve simply had such a large catalogue of work that we thought, why not? Like I mentioned, Eddie and I have been together for so long that we thought it might be a little bit easy to do an EP when we had the material to do an album. The financial climate for us was just right, so we went for an album knowing it may be a bit of a gamble. There is also the possibility that all this could end tomorrow, so with that in mind we thought we’d go for it.
What plans did you put into place in order to make this album happen?
We had to find the right engineer and producer. We worked at Post Electric Studios in Leith on The Anchor and we had offers from elsewhere also, but we just couldn’t look beyond Circa 16. For us, making music is a thing that bonds us and attaches us to those around, so having that relationship with Dave Miller was initially fortuitous but eventually essential as he gets us personally and professionally. Being able to work with your mate, who happens to be a consummate professional was a real privilege.
Once that was done, we needed to find the money. With support we managed to do that, and it made the process so much simpler and enjoyable without having to worry about paying the bills. Being an unsigned act is a very difficult tightrope and so far, we’ve balanced it quite well. I’m not surprised at the number of very good bands that end up splitting over money. In the music industry, you’ll hear people say that it’s not about the money. It’s 100% about the money, without it, you’re dead in the water. Because even though you might not get paid personally, the engineer needs paid, the sound guy needs paid, the management need paid, the booker needs paid, the videographer needs paid. The list is endless. From the point of view of a quid in our pockets, money doesn’t matter. From the point of view of the professionals around you that do this for a living, money matters very much.
Where there any stand out people who were part of making your debut album happen?
She hates her name being mentioned and she’ll kill me for this, but Wilma at EBN, our management company, was brilliant. Dave Miller at Circa 16 Sound Recording was without doubt the vital cog in the machine. And the musicians that played on it, without them it’s some dodgy vocals, guitar and drums.
Is there anything you would do differently?
Good question! No. But ask me again sometime.
Yes! We’d get signed by a major label and get a huge advance, that’s what we would have done differently.
Photo by Stage Shot
What would be your advice to an up and coming band who were wanting to release their own album?
Make sure all your ducks in are in row before you start. Get a check list together and make sure you have a plan for everything. Don’t leave it until a week from release to get the artwork done. Give the online distributor plenty of time to ensure the release dates are in order. Make sure your ISRC codes are registered. Sit down with someone who knows the game (even if it costs) and make sure you have everything you need. Then you can enjoy the process of making some art without worrying about the administration side.
Where do you see the Dumfries music scene heading?
The music scene in Dumfries and the region is everything that is reported; it’s eclectic and punches well above its weight. Where it’s heading? I don’t know. It’s so hard to tell. We have one sole purpose live music venue in the town. The pubs in the town are putting bands on and they seem to be popular. Pop up venues like The Plaza are bringing a bohemian element to music events. We seem to be doing a lot with very little. I think that’s a testament to the musicians and the fans. Also, the likes of DMC and Small Town Sounds and even D&G Gig Guide are essential for music in the town. The arts are criminally underfunded. Big events that receive authority funding are great and I’m in no way criticising them, but you must wonder if supporting the grass roots music scene with SOME funding might have a larger impact throughout the year rather than just a few big events.
‘Moving On’ is available to listen to on Spotify now - click here.
Catch Tiderays playing LIVE at The Plaza on 27th February alongside Yoko Pwno and Tam’s Twin Sister.