Scotland Meets Angus Munro

Angus Munro was creative, idle, and inspiring. I had the pleasure of seeing Angus Munro perform at the Wide Days event at the Pleasance Theatre and left the scene as the crowd erupted in enthusiasm.

The Glasgow Piano is a songwriter born in London and raised in Crieff, Scotland, who combines his love of music and wordsmithing to take you on a musical, emotional adventure.

His touching lyrics feel so connected, and the embracing outfit gives off a unique and quirky cartoon feel with the use of colours and accessories, like a bow tie. The talented Jannica Honey Photography took this fantastic photo of him showing off the company.

In each of his (folk, instrumental, alternative, indie) songs with influences like Scott Walker, Ron Sexsmith, and Ben Folds, you can hear his happiness, strength, and pain that will accompany you until the next chapter. Having spent many years working on his words and creativity to a forward and stunning beat, you can relate to his story and connect with every note.

After an adventurous tour across the country, he has been asked to support several artists, including The Hoosiers, The Milk, and The Rumble Stripes, at their Scottish gigs. He will share the stage with Scouting for Girls when they come to Edinburgh in September! Exciting.

Angus Munro’s current tracks include the E.P. of “Shooting First” and “H.M.”, which have an upbeat and catchy melody you cannot get out of your head. Using instruments, from drums to vocal-laden pieces, his music creates a lively and positive atmosphere.

The infectious vocals and bouncy beats make this a highly memorable and lively tune.

After the bouncy and driving songs, Angus Munro also shows a wide range of heartfelt and heavy songs like “Marlene” and “Eureka”.

Meeting Angus was fantastic. The unique accent, mischievous smile, and great bow tie went well with his nicely styled outfit. Although Angus was very busy, I managed to arrange an (as they say here in Scotland) interview with him! So I’ll leave you to read it in the following big words!

Angus, you have been so busy, and your style is unique and driven. Who was your inspiration for your music?

Quite a few, but as a kid, I had four artists I looked up to: Frank Sinatra, Sting, Ben Folds and Harry Connick Jr.

You have had so many views and hits with your piano playing. What instruments do you play?

Piano, Alto Saxophone, Voice, Ukulele (but it isn’t good, seriously—stay away.)

Did you have many singing lessons/trainings at all?

I had singing lessons from school to university, mainly focusing on breathing and tone. My vocal range was “trained” by accident, though—I used to perform hand puppets for my little sister for hours, and they all sounded like they were jacked up on helium.

What was the most challenging thing to do when writing your music?

I overcame plagiarism; I used to call out songs on the radio that sounded like others and apply them to my work. It took a while to get over that one.

What about moments? What’s the funniest thing that has ever happened on stage?

I remember enthusiastically blowing up balloons to cover a venue for my last pop band’s gig. They kept randomly exploding throughout the show, scaring the crowd into tears—a career highlight.

You must have a favourite singer’s song.

There are so many! Scott Walker is one to talk about, though; his control, vibrato, and everything about his style are flawless. I’ll listen to him and think, “Well, I tried…”.

It might sound like an interview question, but where would you like to be in five years?

I work full-time as a session musician and earn a living through it, but to keep afloat with my material would be wonderful.

For fashion, followers love your bow tie. That seems to be a little trademark! How would you describe your fashion/style?

I try not to think too hard about my clothes, but I like many colours. Interestingly, when I visited my childhood teddy bears last month, I found myself envious of their style.

Do you have something to do wear? Is there something you wear or do that represents your unique identity?

Corduroy trousers and a good bow tie, although it’s hard to find a good tie-able knitted bow tie out there (let me know if you find one.)

As we discussed earlier, who or what is your greatest source of motivational music inspiration?

In my opinion, Randy Newman is the greatest songwriter to have ever lived.

If you could play in any band, what would it be, and why?

I play alto sax in a funk outfit called GLAMOUR AND THE BAYBES, made up of some of the best session musicians in the country; the songs are a real challenge, but once you’ve got them under your fingers, they’re phenomenal fun to play.

Could you please let me know which project you are currently working on?

I’m still promoting “Shooting First—E.P.” around the country, and I’m about to start work on its follow-up…

What was the last show you saw? (Musical/Concert?)

I experienced a powerful surge of ’90s shoegaze nostalgia when I saw Tuff Love at The Electric Circus—a fantastic band!

Have you anything exciting coming up that you are excited to share with your fans?

I’ll be recording an album at the end of the year and will hopefully release it in spring 2015—strings, horns, and an all-girl backing group—it will be something special.

That is most definitely something to look out for! When was the first time you performed on stage? (Where and what was it?)

I think I was in my 3rd year at school, and I wanted to sing “You Make Me Feel So Young” with the school’s big band; everybody thought I was going to mess it up (including me)!

What is your favourite place to eat? Why?

The Hanoi Bike Shop—a unique Vietnamese restaurant off Byre’s Rd, Glasgow—my friend recently described eating there as akin to “having a circus inside your mouth“.

Do you have any advice for those aspiring to follow in your footsteps?

Use failure as your most valuable tool.

Be sure to check out the next concert at The Phoenix in Inverness on Thursday, 5th June, at 11 p.m. as part of the Go North festival! It’s super worth seeing!

With Loving the tracks, you can download them and see more of Angus. Check out his site for more info and updates; you can also check him out on Twitter @angusmunwhoa; see the moves of his creative travels and vocals.