A Fife sound engineer who has worked with major artists has compiled an album in support of local charities.
Michael Brennan, whose clients have included Primal Scream, Snow Patrol, Mogwai and Idlewild, was about to embark on Faith No More’s US and European tours when the entertainment industry was brought to a sudden halt by Covid-19.
Unable to work at live events, Michael liaised with musicians from the East Neuk’s James Yorkston to Faith No More keyboard player Roddy Bottum in Malibu to produce House Music Volume C-19.
The album is available on bandcamp and is raising money for homelessness charity Frontline Fife and Fife Women’s Aid.
Michael started his career operating a studio in the bedroom of his first flat in Kelty and now runs Sub Station Studio in Rosyth.
He said the album aimed to raise awareness of the charities’ work while also highlighting the challenges faced by artists during lockdown, with gigs cancelled and musicians unable to go into the studio.
He said: “We’ve been forced to stay in our nice houses, recording music on expensive computers, and the reality is that there are people who don’t have a house and people in houses who don’t want to be there.
“I’m very close to Roddy from Faith No More and was just talking to him, and he was doing the same thing, recording music in his house. I spoke to a few other people and that’s how it happened.”
Roddy Bottum said: “It’s the marginalised communities that will suffer the most in the face of the virus and this is why we want to help the Fife homeless and Fife Women’s Aid as we move forward towards a better place.
“Coming together as a community of artists and musicians who have been hit hard to help another marginalized community of homeless who have been hit harder feels like a blessing of an opportunity.”
The eclectic mix of tracks includes a song sampling First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Artists featured include Andy MacFarlane from The Twilight Sad, Mark Crozer from The Jesus and Mary Chain and Edinburgh band The Zephyrs.
Caryn Nicolson, CEO of Frontline Fife, said: “This is truly an amazing collaboration and act of kindness. Since lockdown, our staff have been working flat out to ensure those who are homeless and at risk of homelessness are protected and not forgotten.
“Music has a way of reaching out to everyone and giving hope – just what is needed at this time. We can’t thank Claire, Sub Station and all the artists enough for their generosity.”
