Member Since: 3/14/2007
Band Members: Although Sandy performs as a solo artist, he also works with a variety of other musicians over many different projects.
In duos and trios, Sandy can be seen performing with:
Jamie Hird (Bass, Vocals, Guitar, Banjo)
Aileen Ogilvie (Vocals)
Chris Woods (Guitar, Slide, Whistle, Bodhran, Vocals)
Aaron Brake (Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica [The Humble Hobos])
The members of Sandy's main band are:
Jamie Hird (Vocals, Bass)
Aileen Ogilvie (Vocals)
Jason Lim (Fiddle, Vocals)
Chris Woods (Guitar, Whistle, Vocals [The Humble Hobos])
Calum Bennet (Drums, Vocals)
Sandy sometimes performs as part of a Ceilidh band whose members change from time to time. Some of the performers include:
Scotty Robb (Drums / Percussion)
Dave Hird (Gutiar / Mandolin)
Jamie Hird (Bass / Guitar)
In the Past, Sandy has worked closely with a number of semi-professional musicians who have performed fantastically throughout many projects. Because of this, he would like to give them a mention:
Levon Gray (Bass)
Cameron Nicol (Bass [The Humble Hobos])
Native Grant (Drums / Percussion [The Humble Hobos])
Rory Durrant (Guitar / Vocals)
Influences: Sandy's music, recording and performance style is shaped by a wealth of influences. Some of these stem from life experiences that are moulded into creative impulses, others are from a huge range musical influences that have been present throughout his life. A small number of these are listed below - In no particular order.
Artists:
Rage Against The Machine, Dick Gaughan, Ewan MacColl, Jim Malcolm, Dougie MacLean, Jamie Hird, Gordon Duncan, Pentangle, The Humble Hobos, The Dave Matthews Band, Bob Dylan, Kevin Murray, Christy Moore, Declan Sinnott, Neil Young, Ewan MacFarlane, Fairport Convention, The Grim Northern Social, Owen Nicolson, Trilok Gutru, Steeleye Span, Capercaillie, Joni Mitchell, Benachally Ceilidh Band, Lomond Ceilidh Band, Ross Ainslie, Jarlath Henderson, The Stereophonics, Fotheringay, The Doors, Led Zepplin, Davey Graham, Jimi Hendrix, The Battlefield Band, Django Reinhardt... and many, MANY more!
The music that influences Sandy the most is that of the Scottish Traditional and Folk sphere. There are an uncountable number of artists, both past and present that have added to this genre, very few of which are remembered by name. Because of this only a handful can possibly be recognised here. To pay proper tribute, is to listen to the music.
Sounds Like: Sandy's musical style is a mixture of Scottish traditional and folk music, mixed with a rock performance style. These three influences seamlessly combine with the social and political commentary expressed in the lyrics to create a new variety of folk music for contemporary society - one that comments less on herring fishing, crofting and knitted cardigans, and more on issues that are actually affecting the 'real folk'.
Vocals sound like...
"Someone shovelling gravel - in a good way!" - Jamie Hird
"I'd say they're deep - tonally, expressively and spiritually, but that's about it. If only they were better I wouldn't have to carry this bloody guitar around with me!" - Sandy Stirton
Record Label: Self-Release
Type of Label: Indie