Artist of the Month: Hobotalk
Hobotalk
Background
Notes on Sunset
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Hobotalk is an eclectic four-piece band from Scotland playing the words and music of singer/songwriter Marc Pilley. Their heartfelt sound has its roots in folk and is at times haunting in its melody. They've drawn musical comparisons with artists such as Tim Hardin, The Band, Tom Waits and Joni Mitchell. |
In the winter of 1999, Hobotalk signed to Virgin/Hut Records UK. On this label they recorded and released an E.P. (Pictures of Romance) and a full-length album (Beauty in Madness). Both were widely received with critical acclaim including being shortlisted for the Mercury Music Prize.
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Both of these releases were extensively toured throughout the UK and Europe. This included a nationwide tour of France, TV appearances in Ireland and the UK, a UK tour supporting label-mates Gomez and dates in the summer festival series. |
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In 2002 Hobotalk split from hut records. Marc Pilley took time out to travel and write for other artists and gather material for a new album. During the following year he began rehearsing and recording the material with a new band. Over the course of 2003/2004 these sessions evolved into the body of work that would become the new album 'Notes on Sunset.'
In the last year, Hobotalk has played its new material at key support gigs for the likes of Don McLean, Burrito Deluxe, Jolie Holland and Bap Kennedy as well as several shows of their own. With help from the Scottish Arts Council, they travelled to Texas to showcase at the prestigious South by Southwest Festival 2005 (SxSW). As a result of their appearances in America, Hobotalk have been invited to showcase at the Popkomm Festival in Berlin this September.
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'Notes on Sunset' will be released in the UK through Circular Records. Hobotalk have also signed with Glitterhouse Records to release in Europe. They will be playing an album launch show at Cabaret Voltaire on Thursday 5 May followed by extensive touring in the UK and Europe in support of the release. |
| For more information on the band, have a look at the Hobotalk website, which gives more info on the band, their music and upcoming gigs. Have a look at our feature on the SxSW music convention. | |