I just had something in my eye, ok?

Hello folks! You’re looking lovely today, despite the weather. Right off the bat I’d just like to say a huge thank you to everyone who made it to the EP launch night. You all helped to make it a really special night for me, as you might have noticed as I attempted to say a few words at the end of the night and must’ve got something stuck in my throat. And my eye. Total coincidence. Shut up.

Anyway, thanks again for coming, even if you didn’t (or couldn’t, due to being skint) buy an EP, watching my mum chase many of you as you tried to leave was almost worth the price of the CD. Though not enough for me to give it away for free, obviously. I’m not made of money. I’d also like to thank Andrew Lindsay, Reverie and Florynce and Lauryn for supporting me on the night and doing a brilliant job, despite certain acts (including myself) being beset by seasonal illnesses. And of course, I have to thank my wonderful band for the night, who after much deliberation, I decided to call the Ramshackle Rascals after all. I think they’d want me to let you know I’m still open to suggestions for a definitive name for a backing band. Very few of my suggestions were met with any degree of enthusiasm…

Me and some Rascals.

In other news, my EP is now on sale at Big Cartel (physical copies), Bandcamp (download copies) and of course directly from me, at gigs, in the street, in pubs and other such places I’m likely to be found. I can also meet you to give you your copy if you live in Glasgow and prefer the personal touch. Just get in touch via one of the many links to the right or leave a wee comment.

I’d also like to mention that I recently did a wee interview for the lovely Lis over at Last Year’s Girl. It features me rambling on about music, my first ever song (fingerclicks and all) and walking the line between humour and politics. You can take a wee look at the interview in full by clicking this brave young link.

I was also lucky enough to be featured over at The ‘Spill blog, in the puntastically named “Thistle Do Nicely” section. Makes you smile as much as it makes you groan, which has the effect of making you look and sound like you’re having a stroke. Here’s my favourite bit:

“The brilliantly named Shambles Miller has picked up the modern day protest song baton from the likes of Billy Bragg and run off with it into a dark of corner of Glasgow.”

This is more than a little flattering, especially since the writer thinks I’m capable of running anywhere with anything. I get puffed out walking up hills, presumably sweating out the kebab sauce as I ascend. Read the feature in full by clicking this braw young chap of a link.

Well that’s about it for now I think folks. If you didn’t manage to make the EP launch, I hope I get the chance to see you at another gig soon. Feel free to get in touch if you’re interested in buying an EP, or if you just fancy a chat.

Til next time,

love Shambles

x

Tick, Tock…

Hello folks, not long now! As the launch night for my new EP, “Shambles Sails the Clockwork Sea” is now less than a fortnight away, I can finally announce the lovely support acts who will be joining me at the Liquid Ship on the 22nd!

Andrew Lindsay and the Coat Hooks

Who else but my long-time partner-in-crime? Who’s to say the exact number of coathooks he’ll have accompanying him, he’s become awfy mysterious of late. Regardless, he always brings braw songs. And a fine head of a hair.

Reverie

When she’s not busy doppelgängin’ that lassie oot the Gilmore Girls and presumably trying to goad her own mother into unhealthily fast-paced conversations, this young lady finds time to make some right lovely music. It is the latter fact that makes her great to share a bill with, but if you’re in the mood to crack wise I’m sure she can fit you in for a quip.

Florynce and Lauryn

That’s right, everyone’s favourite purveyors of folk-pop melodrama are back in town and will be bringing songs of murder and love and of fire and wine to the Liquid Ship. Expect the unexpected. Unless you’re expecting to hear two young ladies, singing fantastic songs to warm your hearts and chill your bones. Then just keep expecting that, cause that’s what’s GON’ HAPPEN.

SO! Not long now folks, I really hope you can make it along. Shaping up to be a fairly special night. Plus I’ll be playing a few of my songs with a ragtag bunch of ramshackle rascals. Exciting :)

Til next time folks,

Shambles

x

Dreams of Fire and Wine…

Hello folks! As you can see, that mad artist Neil Slorance has been up to his old tricks again. This time, he’s immortalised me and my musical compatriot and sometime partner-in-crime Andrew Lindsay. I know I’ve mentioned him many times before, but if you haven’t already done so, I highly recommend that you check out some of his music.

Mr. Lindsay and I shared the bill at Sloans Lounge Act a few nights ago and it was an absolutely lovely gig. Also on the bill was Reverie, who recently released her debut album Melodies (it’s braw, I highly recommend it) and the always superb Florynce and Lauryn, everyone’s favourite indispensable dispensers of folk-pop melodrama. They managed to get a couple of videos of their songs recorded, which I highly recommend you check out. They’re available on their band’s facebook page.

It was really great getting to share the stage with some of my best friends and favourite acts in Glasgow. Also, finishing my set on Alice’s Song was particularly poignant for me (and Florynce and Lauren I think) as one half of the duo is shortly off home, back down south for the summer. I’m learning some of their songs to sing to myself in the meantime, to keep me going. Let’s hope time flies by until their next gig!

Thanks for reading folks, I really hope you’ll go check these lovely guys out, they really are BRAW.

lots of love,

Shambles x

Its ALWAYS Beer O’Clock.

It certainly was last night. Deary me.

Hello folks! I’m starting to get a little bit worried about the type of gifts people tend to get me. The amount of booze-related paraphernalia I receive is becoming a little worrying. Only a little mind. Jack Daniels playing cards, t-shirts, keyrings, even business cards; novelty bottle openers, shot glasses, whiskey drinking glasses; I even own TWO different alcohol-related clocks. That’s…that’s not normal.  The picture above shows the result of my most recent alcohol-related gift, from my missus; an ink stamper which reads “Is It Beer O’Clock Yet?” The perfect gift for the alcoholic librarian.

Yeah, I work in a library. What?

Anyway, as I mentioned earlier, it certainly was Beer O’Clock for me last night, as I was playing a few songs at the Glasgow Songwriters Club in The Vale. It’s a lovely wee venue with a lovely atmosphere and lovely people. So I suppose the main bulletpoint of this presentation would be:

• It’s Lovely.

So, for any songwriters out there who happen to read my blog, I really recommend going along to The Vale for one of their Songwriters Club nights. Its a really great place to showcase your material, maybe try out some new stuff, usually to a pretty receptive audience who really pay attention whilst you play.

Decide for yourself which one is which.

Joining me at The Vale last night were my good pals Florence and Lauren, who are otherwise newly known as Killing Susan (even if they haven’t changed their myspace yet). I really recommend checking out one of their gigs or indeed hassling them to play more often and to hurry up and record an E.P. They make some really great music with a variety of instruments and a good dose of humour. Braw!

So folks, I’m away to nurse my hangover some more, and to try and wash this ink off my hands…

Til next time!

love Shambles x

P.S. If you’d like YOUR hand stamped to show the world your love of beer, come along to my next gig! Stamped hands everywhere!