5x5x5 video launch

Chris Milne
Published on 05 January 2012

A few weeks back I attended an event which marked the end point of the 5x5x5 project.

You're probably wondering what the 5x5x5 project is?  Well, it was an exciting idea of creator Tom Duncan which involved 5 local music bands, 5 local budding directors and 5 local visual artists.  Each band then created a music video with their director and visual artist, something most of the five bands had never done before.  The idea of the project was to promote creativity, get more local bands noticed and give the directors and visual artists good practice and experience.

After the videos were created a 5x5x5 video launch event was held at East Grange's The Loft Cowshed venue which was looking very much full as the night got into full swing.  It started off with a short introduction from Tom Duncan explaining how well he thought it had went before he handed off to the first band - each band were to show their video then play a short set.  Two of the five bands were unable to play a short set so the live music aspect of the night featured The Strives, Be Like Pablo and Team Kapowski.  It was an well co-ordinated event which summarised the project in many ways - a success and an enjoyable time for all. 

 

The night was kicked off with The Strives who are an alternative rock/indie band from Forres comprising of Phillip Barton on guitar and lead vocals;  Darren Love on bass guitar and backing vocals and Olly Tinsley on drums.  Their set was an excellent show of what I described as 'new rock 'n' roll' and was definitely something fresh!

The video of their song 'Rainbow Gorilla Ass' can be found below, take a listen.

 

 

 The second band to hit the stage were Be Like Pablo.  I'd seen them play live a few weeks before at The Wall of Rock and I was impressed by their indie feel good music so I had high expectations, which were met in brilliant fashion as they displayed their video for 'The Post-It Song' which was strong both musically and had its humorous moments too!  Their short set was no different combined with a light show packed with colour really set the small stage to life!

Be Like Pablo are a 5-piece band with Ewen Watson as lead vocals and guitar; his brother Ross Watson who is also a guitarist and provides backing vocals;  Jen Blackburn with vocals, a keyboard, a xylophone and - my personal favourite - a pineapple!  Jamie Murphy on bass guitar and Blair Stewart on drums!  They are a 'guitar-based powerpop music with bright girl/boy vocal harmonies' and recently played the Belladrum Tartan Heart festival!

 

The third and final set of the evening came Team Kapowski, a unique electro-rap band combined with lyrical cheek to form an entertaining mix of music and subtle comedy.  This was reflected in their video and also in their set when they engaged with the audience frequently and gave the already friendly and intimate atmosphere of the venue and even more friendly appeal!

They are a three-piece band consisting of Blair Stewart on main vocals, Andy McMaster on guitar and electronics with his Apple Mac setup and finally David Hamilton on the drums.  Their music really impressed me and they are a very unusual - in a good way may I stress!

 

 

 

The other two bands were Aspen Tide and the Third Connection.

I became very partial to Aspen Tide's song Breathing Underwater very quickly.  I liked the delicate entry and rapid tempo changes.  They are a four piece alternative rock band with band members from Elgin, Dingwall and Glasgow - currently they are looking for a new drummer so they won't be playing many shows soon unfortunately.

 

 

The Third Connection are the final of the five bands, they have a beautiful mellow feel which is dramatically enhanced with the exciting riffs and back vocals.  They are a local band with all five members being from the local area and seemed to enjoy the project a lot. 

 

 

So what did I think of the 5x5x5 project and all it involved?  Well I personally thought it was fantastic.  The area of Moray is quite derelict in terms of music - there are few proper venues, The Loft being one of the few!  So the project allowed for some local bands to do what they do best.  It also introduced me to three new bands, as I had already seen Be Like Pablo and Team Kapowski before.  Finally, it was all carried out in a very friendly way and it was nice to speak to the artists and get their view of how everything went.  So really, I think the 5x5x5 project was a major success and I really hope they do it again!

 

Back to Top