New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Scotland and hip hop might not forge an immediate connection in the mind, but Edinburgh six-piece Stanley Odd have never been ones for sticking to convention.
Now it seems that sticking to their guns has paid off, as the band recently appeared at the 'A Night for Scotland' event in Edinburgh at the weekend and have seen a huge viral reaction to the video for their politically charged track 'Son I Voted Yes' which is now approaching 100,000 views in just two short weeks.
Watch the video here:
The line-up for the 'Yes' event also included worldwide triple platinum Scots rockers Franz Ferdinand, titans of noise Mogwai, cult indie-rock band Frightened Rabbit, and more - all coming together at one of Scotland's grandest venues to show their support for the Yes campaign in the countdown to the referendum.
There are only a handful of tickets left - grab them here: https://bit.ly/1utgQF0
Stanley Odd frontman, Solareye (aka Dave Hook) said: "It is amazing to see the country at its most politicised and engaged in generations. The number of people inspired by the debate and the possibilities for positive change that an independent Scotland offers is something that should be celebrated. This referendum is a chance to look at new models and ask questions of how our political system operates; to address issues of poverty and social inequality; and to recognise the importance of public services like the Post Office and the NHS. We are delighted to be sharing a stage with such a range of talented folks and to be able to contribute something to the movement in the exciting climactic days before the 18th of September."
Rarely, if ever, has a Scottish hip-hop act won such a wide fan-base in such a short time and now, gearing up for their third album, the six-piece have spread their inspirational brand of musical good news on opening slots with the likes of Arrested Development, Asian Dub Foundation, Sage Francis and Easy Star All-Stars. Headline appearances including T in the Park, Edinburgh's Hogmanay, the Insider festival, Wickerman and Celtic Connections all come thanks to their unique partnering of Solareye's restlessly agile flow with the soulfully burnished tones of fellow vocalist Veronika Electronika and artfully crafted soundscapes of Scruff Lee (guitars), T Lo (keyboards), Samson the Snake (drums/electronics) and AdMac (bass).
Their mesmerising wordcraft and musical richness have already extended their following across tribes from hard-core grimesters to the folk scene, and with the release of 'Son I Voted Yes' Stanley Odd's message of resistance, challenge, solidarity and affirmation resounds more potently than ever.
UK Tour Dates:
Sat 26th Sep - MALAWI, Lake of Stars Festival
Sat 11th Oct - MIDDLESBROUGH, Twisterella
Sat 15th Nov - ABERDEEN, The Lemon Tree
Fri 21st Nov - EDINBURGH, Liquid Room
Tue 25th Nov - LONDON - Barfly
Wed 26th Nov - BIRMINGHAM, Sunflower Lounge
Fri 28th Nov - INVERNESS - Ironworks
Sat 13th Dec - GLASGOW - The Garage
