Directing Live Music for BBC Scotland's ‘The Entertainment Mix’
A behind-the-scenes look at filming live sessions for The Entertainment Mix, featuring standout sets with Franz Ferdinand, Becky Sikasa, and more, each captured with their own visual style.
Oddness was thrilled to bring our distinct flair to BBC Scotland’s latest series, The Entertainment Mix. This season, our director Kieran Howe led the creative vision for the show's music sequences, capturing live performances from some of Scotland’s finest artists, broadcast across BBC iPlayer, socials, and YouTube.
Working closely with the BBC Scotland Street team, led by Camera Supervisor Robert McGroary, each session was crafted with a bespoke visual feel. Creating a brand-new music video aesthetic tailored specifically for every artist was a creative and technical challenge, especially as each performance was captured live.
As Kieran puts it, "Our senior producer Lori Duncan Allan gave us incredible creative freedom, which is exciting but also a huge challenge. Each artist deserved something unique and bold, and delivering that standard consistently on live radio takes a phenomenal effort."
Among this season’s highlights was a standout session from Scottish indie icons Franz Ferdinand, which earned its own special release on BBC iPlayer. For Kieran, this had personal significance: "I grew up listening to Franz Ferdinand, so directing their session was surreal. Like meeting your idols. They took the project to a whole other level."
Another exceptional moment came from Becky Sikasa, whose cover of Bob Marley's 'Is This Love' blew everyone away, leaving not a dry eye on set.
"Every artist has their own vibe and unique energy," adds Kieran. "We see our job as capturing exactly that: whatever makes them different, whatever sets them apart."
Audience reactions confirm what we've always believed: Scotland craves more compelling music content. Strong support from the BBC commissioners and enthusiastic feedback from viewers underline just how much appetite there is for authentic musical storytelling.
"We've been creating sessions for years," Kieran concludes, "and we'd love to see how we can push the format further and deliver even more powerful live music experiences."
Watch this space.
GUN Unveils ‘Take Me Back Home,’ Teases Upcoming Album ‘Hombres’
Scottish rock legends GUN releases 'Take Me Back Home', directed by Oddness's Kieran Howe, previewing their upcoming album 'Hombres' with a blend of live energy and classic rock spirit.
Glasgow's own rock legends, GUN, have just released their latest single, "Take Me Back Home," a preview of their upcoming album, "Hombres," set to hit the shelves on April 12th, 2024. This new track, a testament to the band's journey since their last album in 2017, brings a familiar yet fresh energy that's been resonating with fans old and new.
Frontman Dante Gizzi describes the song as an ode to the relentless chase of dreams, inspired by childhood memories of racing against time in the arcade game Outrun. This sense of pursuit and passion is something we at Oddness can certainly vibe with.
The single's release is accompanied by a dynamic video, showcasing GUN's live performance prowess, directed by Kieran Howe of Oddness, with Sean McDonald behind the camera. Filmed at the iconic Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow, the video captures the raw energy of GUN's music and the intimate connection they share with their audience.
"Hombres" promises an exciting mix of tracks, featuring the debut of Ruaraidh "Roo" Macfarlane as a full-time guitarist, alongside guest vocals and a rich production that showcases GUN's evolution. With three intimate gigs announced in Scotland to coincide with the album release, fans are in for a treat.
As we anticipate "Hombres," "Take Me Back Home" serves as a perfect appetizer, blending GUN's signature rock sound with a modern twist. It's a reminder of the band's enduring appeal and their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. At Oddness, we're all about celebrating creativity and passion, and GUN's latest venture is a testament to just that.
Stay tuned for more updates, and let's gear up for an exciting ride with GUN's "Hombres."
'What Separates Us From The Beasts' Bags RTS Award
Sad May celebrates as their heartfelt project 'What Separates Us From The Beasts' clinches the RTS Award for Best Student Short.
Big news from our Oddness family! Sedona May and Edward Kondracki, alongside our very own Kieran Howe, have snagged the RTS Award for Best Student Short with their film, What Separates Us From The Beasts. It's a proud moment that showcases the strength and creativity of independent filmmaking in Scotland.
The film, a heartfelt narrative about April and her father's illness, combines reality with fantasy in a way that only someone from our crew could. Inspired by Sedona’s personal experiences, it’s a story that hits close to home for many of us here at Oddness.
Filmed over a week in Arrochar, the team embodied the indie spirit, facing off against the unpredictable Scottish weather to bring April's story to life. The Beast, a character symbolizing April's internal struggle, was a labor of love, crafted with attention to detail that speaks volumes of the team's dedication.
This RTS win is a nod to our commitment to telling stories that matter, in ways that might not be conventional but are undeniably impactful. What Separates Us From The Beasts is a film that represents what we stand for - creativity, resilience, and community.
Congratulations to Sedona, Edward, and Kieran for this fantastic achievement. It's a testament to the talent within the Oddness community and the compelling stories we're passionate about bringing to the screen.
BBC News Spotlights Our Latest Doc – Ewan McVicar: Back Tae Ayr
In a spotlight, BBC News has featured ‘Ewan McVicar: Back Tae Ayr’, our evocative short documentary produced in collaboration with BBC Scotland and BBC Radio 1.
In a powerful spotlight, BBC News has featured Ewan McVicar: Back Tae Ayr, our short documentary produced in collaboration with BBC Scotland and BBC Radio 1.
Released on June 13th on BBC iPlayer, the documentary is an intimate portrayal of Ewan McVicar, the music prodigy known for the hit ‘Tell Me Something Good’. The film tracks Ewan's ambitious journey to revive Ayr’s rave scene. His dream? To perform for a sold-out crowd against the backdrop of Ayr’s historic Pavilion.
However, ‘Back Tae Ayr’ goes beyond the music. Ewan’s story is steeped in adversity, having been raised in a single-parent household after a family tragedy. Through this film, viewers witness how he channels his challenges into an electrifying mission, connecting with the community and giving back to the family that supported him.
For a deeper look into the heart and beat of Ewan McVicar's story, read the BBC News feature here.