duggup

Last week Thatch sent me a link to an article about music sharing or “piracy” as the records companies would have it. Steve Knightley - singer/songwriter for “Show of Hands” who was interviewed for this article; has this to say on the subject:

“You may call this process “piracy” if you wish - for me it is an act of generosity and it both increases our audience size and record sales. And as I always say on the night - if you’re going to do it anyway you may as well feel good about it! I believe the official term is ‘viral marketing’, and we depend utterly upon it.”

It is a pleasure to write about musicians who “get it”. The advent of the ipod and similar equipment means that people don’t browse music the way they once did. How do you attract an audience if people don’t hear about you? It’s harder for musicians to get exposure anyway as there are so many good musicians out there - but then I suspect that I’m drifting off the track, so back to the topic at hand.

The article I refer to is on TorrentFreak and after reading it, I went on to listen to “Show of Hands”. I am now waiting for Basement Discs to let me know the minute they have the 2007 compilation, “Roots - The Best of Show of Hands” available for me to pickup. In the spirit of sharing - here is a live video recording of the anthemic “Roots” by “Show of Hands” from the 2007 Cambridge Folk Festival.

My excitement rose as I became acquainted with more of the varied repertoire of this English duo. They play folk music both old and new as well as songs that they have written - some of which are available for download as MP3’s on the Show of Hands website. Furthermore YouTube has a sprinkling of their material.

Dynamic duo, Steve Knightley and Phil Beer form the bones of “Show of Hands”. Phil Beer - singer/songwriter and musician comes from a long line of folk bands including the fabulous seminal “Albion Band” and Steve Knightley while his beginnings on the folk scene may not be as illustrious, it is obvious that this duo have an affinity that makes them terrific together.

Both have individual projects on the go and interests outside of “Show of Hands” and have recorded solo albums that also worth listening to. The Phil Beer Official Website and the Steve Knightley website. I feel another trip to Basement coming up.

Don’t miss “Show of Hands” and if you can’t get to a show - (hey I’m sure we aren’t the only people who would travel half way around the world to see a band) - then ask Basement to get you a copy of the album too - or buy it from the “Show of Hands” website.