Series of free summer concerts to platform local musicians
The MSP for Stirling has welcomed the first instalment of Totie Desk – a series of concerts through summer which will see Stirling’s homegrown musicians perform for free to the local community.
Totie Dask, which launched its opening performance on Saturday (18th May), is Stirling’s answer to American radio station NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, which see musicians performing pared back sets in the NPR office. These are filmed and posted on the internet, watched by millions of music fans.
The first Totie Dask session featured Xan Tyler, as well as Constant Follower, the initiator and lead programmer for the Totie Dask collaboration. Both have recently released new music; Constant Follower’s new single ‘Turn Around for Me’ and Xan Tyler’s new album ‘Holding up Half the Sky’ are out now.
Hosted by Creative Stirling in their King Street venue, these performances will run every two weeks and are free for audiences to pop by and enjoy. Fans and visitors can also visit the shop to listen to all the music by featured artists in the specially created ‘Stirling Sound Booth’.
Commenting, Joe Hall director of Creative Stirling, said: “Stirling produces so many exceptional musicians and funding for venues and arts in general so diminished, I was delighted that Evelyn was able to support this initiative to give some of the very best emerging performers from the region this special platform to perform live and sell albums. It’s a great collaboration between Creative Stirling, our MSP Evelyn Tweed and Golden Hum events – who came up with the ‘Totie Dask’ format idea as a nod to the famous online ‘Tiny Desk’ gig recordings, often featuring international stars.“
Stephen McAll, from Golden Hum Recordings said: “In an era where 60,000 new tracks flood streaming platforms daily, it’s vital to elevate local talent and give them the recognition they deserve. The Totie Dask series is an exciting initiative, spotlighting the rich musical talent of the Forth Valley. By creating a space for the best of our established and emerging songwriters, this series not only promotes their work but also cultivates a supportive community around them. Our region is brimming with unique voices that, given the right platform, have the potential to resonate on a national and international level. Totie Dask is a small step in nurturing our creative landscape and supporting the vibrant artistry within our community.”
Evelyn Tweed MSP said: “The talent here in Stirling never ceases to amaze me, and I’m so pleased to be able to support this excellent series to platform their work. The first event was great, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series. Creative Stirling has always been such a draw to locals and visitors alike, and this new offering is no different. It’s so important that arts and culture are widely accessible, and I hope lots of people will make the most of these free events.“
Details of Totie Dask upcoming performances can be found here https://www.creativestirling.org/events
