Ewan MacFarlane
50rpm are delighted to welcome back Ewan MacFarlane, the former front man with The Grim Northern Social and Apollo 440, to the Georgian Hotel on Friday 21st November!
About Ewan MacFarlane
We are delighted to welcome back the former front man with The Grim Northern Social and Apollo 440 to 50rpm after his last four sell-out shows with us.
** IMPORTANT: WE OPERATE A NO TALKING POLICY AT OUR GIG. DON'T BUY A TICKET IF YOU ARE THE KIND OF PERSON THAT THINKS YOU CAN SPOIL A GIG FOR EVERYONE ELSE BY TALKING AT IT JUST BECAUSE YOU BOUGHT A TICKET, STAY HOME AND LEAVE LIVE MUSIC TO THE ADULTS **
** Please note the venue is located upstairs, so it is not suitable for those in a wheelchair and may not be suitable for those with walking difficulties **
In 2018, Ewan MacFarlane played his final show as frontman of Apollo 440 in front of 30,000 fans in a sun-kissed Seville. His next step was to do something completely different when he released his debut solo album ‘Always Everlong’ in October 2021. It emerged to a rapturous reception, with praise from countless publications including Rolling Stone, Classic Rock, Louder Than War and The Sunday Times, who declared him to be “the best voice in rock this side of the Atlantic.” winning praise for the rich timbre of the soul of his voice, as well as for songs that felt like a kindred spirit to Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen.
Amidst the praise almost everyone posed the same question. How come the guy from Apollo 440 is now making music that feels like a kindred spirit to Tom Petty or Bruce Springsteen? Embracing a rich run of creativity, Ewan quickly released a Deluxe Edition of ‘Always Everlong’ before following it with his second album, ‘MILK’, in October 2022. If Always Everlong delivered the unexpected, Ewans’s second album Milk throws another thrilling, fascinating curveball into the mix. His love of Petty and Springsteen remains in sharp focus as heard with his debut album, but now you can hear touches of Al Green, Arctic Monkeys, The Clash, Foo Fighters and The Replacements within a stellar set of songwriting. “‘Always Everlong’ was an ode to my heroes, like Springsteen, Petty, Fleetwood Mac and Bowie,” he begins. “My new album Milk, is a bit more edgy, and there’s a lot more soul. It’s very varied and unpredictable with some big changes in the way that some of the songs go. That’s my favourite thing about being a solo artist. I can do exactly what my mind and heart wants to do.”
The album’s title track ‘MILK’ is one of the finest moments that Ewan has ever delivered. Opening with a swaggering, indie-rock riff with a hint of Alex Turner in his vocal phrasing, it opens up epically during its chorus, while Ewan’s voice takes on a tone that recalls Perry Farrell of Jane’s Addiction. “It shouldn’t work,” he admits, “but that’s the beautiful thing about music. There are no rules.”
“‘Milk’ is a concept album all about the same woman, my wife Jo. I suppose a modern take on a love album, with twists and turns. It’s about all the highs and lows of love, lust and passion, whilst being in a long-term relationship and one that I believe many people will relate to. For me personally it’s the best piece of work I’ve done to date. Everything about this record just flowed from start to finish with regards to the process. I’m very proud of the product.”
Featuring the sublime and varied singles such as “Won’t Stop Burnin”, “Tangled”, “All Those Years”, and title track “Milk”, the album also features the simmering country-tipped centrepiece “How To Build An Empire”. Speaking about the track, Ewan adds: “How To Build An Empire” offers a universal message. So often these days we focus on money & capitalism to build a so-called empire. The world would be a very different place if it was built through love & good intention and not the manipulative power from governments and “big pharma”, praying on the less fortunate, poor, or vulnerable.”
Which begins to answer our earlier question. Ewan initially moved to London in the early nineties and was managed by the legendary Bill Curbishley when he first met Apollo 440. He was invited to drop by their studio, and his jaw dropped when he heard a fusion of drum ‘n’ bass and rock ‘n’ roll that they were working on. Ewan insisted he could add vocals, and after a little persuasion, his one-take, improvised lyrics became an essential element of one of their definitive moments in their album Electro Glide in Blue. His connection with the band continued over the years until he became their full-time live vocalist in 2007 and then a key creative force on their album ‘The Future’s What It Used To Be’.
Apollo 440’s disinterest in being confined by genres (they loved Led Zeppelin as much as they admired Roni Size and the Beastie Boys) has continued to serve Ewan well. And now he’s unleashed his similarly sprawling second album, only a few months after releasing a deluxe edition of his debut. “Working independently means I can push in whatever direction I like, with no expectations from anyone else,” he concludes. “It’s really liberating. The variety of this album might confuse people at first, but when you put the jigsaw together it all makes sense. I’ve always been obsessed with song writing and this is full of good tunes.”
Whether it’s with his work with Apollo 440, The Grim Northern Social or his solo career, Ewan’s world class vocal, magnetic stage presence and easy-going charm have made him an essential live performer. He also has the versatility to switch between full-band shows, solo acoustic gigs or a stripped-back trio Johnny Cash-style skiffle line-up. The release of ‘MILK’ will prompt a greater discovery of one of Scotland’s greatest cult talents.
2022 has proved to be a benchmark year for MacFarlane as his solo career continues to bloom. Ewan’s latest works have received warm support across media including Classic Rock , The List Magazine, Amazing Radio, Maverick, The Daily Record, BBC Radio Scotland, Americana UK, RTÉ Radio 1, Backseat Mafia, Glasgow Herald/The Times and many more, plus support from the legendary Rodney Bingenheimer too. Earning the respect of three generations of major Scottish bands in the process, The Snuts (who are name-dropped in his “Won’t Stop Burnin”) showed their support for his previous single, hard rock heroes GUN extended their invitation for him to join them on tour as their special guest, and also supporting support Big Country one some of their shows.
"MacFarlane belts out hard, driving sounds with catchy-as-hell lyrics and rhythm" - Rolling Stone
“Sparking with triumphant Wah! exuberance, the former Apollo 440/ Grim Northern Social frontman channels his inner Tom Petty to excellent effect with his debut solo album, Always Everlong” – Classic Rock Magazine
"Gritty and melodic, soulful, and driven with an enthusiastic energy, a terrific debut" – 4/5 RNR Magazine
"the best voice in rock this side of the Atlantic” -The Sunday Times
“a mesmerising live act and decidedly the best the country has to offer "- Music Week
“Surely we have a brand new candidate for the album of the year!”- XS Noize
"Hooky, classic rock with a Springsteen meets Tom Petty feel. Listened to it once, skipped it back and listened to again straight away. Twice.- 5/5”- Louder Than War
“This is for playing loud with the windows open enjoying the singing in the rain vibe. If you haven’t heard this man’s voice before, then now is the time.”- Backseat Mafia
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