News / Helping charity and the local music scene
THE second Oxjam Shetland Takeover takes place this weekend.
The event consists of dozens of artists playing at four venues around Lerwick, and raises money for international charity Oxfam while also being a platform for local musicians.
Shetland had particular success in the maiden year of the nationwide initiative last year, raising over £7,500 – more than any other Oxjam in Scotland.
Twenty five bands will be playing through the day, including metal stalwarts Ten Tonne Dozer, Celtic rockers Scaldin Bragg, the multi-talented Arthur Nicholson and folk trio Kollifirbolli.
Organisers hope to repeat last year’s success. “Last year was such an amazing and unexpected success. I’m hoping the momentum will continue, as this year’s Takeover will be bigger and better,” said event manager Ashlea Tulloch.
The day-long event is primarily put together by Tulloch, production coordinator Jamie Hatch and fundraising coordinator Lyall Halcrow, all three familiar faces on Shetland’s music scene.
“I’m delighted to be organising Oxjam again this year. It’s such a worthwhile cause. Not only does it raise a lot of money for important charity work, but it also promotes the local music scene, bringing together all sorts of genres and age ranges that you wouldn’t normally see on the same day,” said Tulloch.
“Right now, we’re all feeling a little nervous but excited as it has the potential to be yet another incredible day. I feel really proud to have brought the concept of the Takeover to Shetland, as there really hasn’t been anything like it.”
The Heavy Metal Buffet will be organising Da Wheel’s gig on the night as they did last year.
“Many people felt it was the busiest one of the day, and it was actually this gig that inspired us to put on more gigs, and eventually the Shetland Rock Festival,” said Jamie Hatch.
The Takeover marks a milestone for many local performers. Brand-new metal band Quantana will be releasing their debut EP Harmonising with the Devil during their first-ever live gig in Mareel, starting at 10pm.
Though it may be the band’s first gig, the individual members are no strangers to playing live, with Dwayne Davies on vocals, Stuart Donald and James Johnson sharing lead and rhythm guitar roles, Harley Gear playing bass and Lewis Murray playing drums.
Jamie Hatch worked on the recording, mixing and mastering of the EP and is eager for the launch.
“Out of all the bands I’ve done [production] with, I feel this is one of the best. People seem to be excited – they got over 500 likes on their Facebook page in just under a month. I can’t wait for their set,” he said.
“There is such a diverse line up on this year’s Oxjam – from dance bands to jazz bands to metal bands. It’s good to be able to promote Shetland music by raising money at the same time.”
Tulloch added: “Right now, we’ve sold more presale tickets than I imagined we would.
“I guess it just all depends on the day, but if I know the public, not many Shetlanders will pass up on the chance for a full 12 hours of live local music for a tenner!”
Wristbands for the day, which grant access to all four venues (Mareel, Lerwick Boating Club, Baroc, Da Wheel) are available from Shetland Box Office at www.shetlandboxoffice.org at £10/£6. Da Wheel and Baroc are over 18s only.
Iwan MacBride
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