Kim Edgar profile picture

Kim Edgar

imperceptibly wild

About Me

Edinburgh-based singer/songwriter Kim Edgar’s debut album, Butterflies and Broken Glass, to be released in early 2008, owes much to Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns.Not only was Burns influential in Kim’s formative years (along with Joni Mitchell, Tori Amos and Suzanne Vega), but also, a Scottish search for new songwriting talent inspired by Burns brought Kim’s songwriting ability and musicianship to attention.Burnsong, a project by Dumfries & Galloway Arts Association, supported by the Scottish Arts Council, aims to celebrate Robert Burns by nurturing and encouraging songwriting in Scotland.After selecting Kim as one of 17 winning unsigned songwriters from over 800 submissions for her song, Thaw, Burnsong subsequently invited Kim to participate in a week-long Songhouse in December 2006, giving her the opportunity to collaborate with Chris Difford, Karine Polwart, Michael Johnston, Emma Pollock, Sushil K Dade, MC Soom T, and King Creosote.Karine Polwart performed “One, Two, Three, Four, Five” (which she co-wrote with Kim during the Songhouse) on the Hogmanay Show 2006 for BBC Scotland, as a duet with Paolo Nutini, and invited Kim to record piano arrangements for this song and two Scots ballads for two forthcoming albums.Mattie Foulds, Karine’s producer, offered to produce Kim’s own album, and the Scottish Arts Council supported the project with a creative development grant. The album, which will be launched in early 2008, will include songwriting collaborations with Sushil K Dade, Chris Difford and Emma Pollock, as well as musical contributions from other “house mates”.Kim’s songs are now reaching wider audiences, with live performances at UK music festivals including Celtic Connections (supporting Maria McKee), The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Big In Falkirk, The Two Rivers Folk Festival and Buxton Fringe, and live sessions on BBC Radio Scotland, including Travelling Folk. Her recordings have also been broadcast by Iain Anderson and Janice Forsyth on BBC Radio Scotland, and other Scottish stations including Real Radio, Leith FM and ETC FM.Kim’s self released EP, Wee Dote, and her live performances (solo and with a full band) have attracted positive press attention, and recently she was awarded a “Best of the Fest 07!” in recognition of excellence from Buxton Fringe. A distinction in Popular Music & Sound Technology from the Liverpool Institute For Performing Arts (2002), along with a distinction in Grade 8 Piano (1996) are further testament to her commitment to, and passion for, quality songwriting and performance.Butterflies and Broken Glass will be launched in early 2008, and promoted by a UK Tour, and a Tune Up Tour with her fellow Burnsong collaborators will follow in May 2008.

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 4/6/2006
Band Website: kimedgar.com
Band Members: I perfom solo acoustic gigs on piano and acoustic guitar most of the time, but I've been lucky enough to write, record and perform with a range of musicians . . .On the "Wee Dote" EP, there's Paul Keeling on piano, Steve Cochrane on drums, Nial Muir on bass, Steve Cook on hammond organ and electric guitar and me on acoustic guitar/vocals.I've enjoyed gigging with fellow Burnsong winners Scott Keenan (guitar/vocals) and Alex Hodgson (drums/vocals), and with Mark Taylor (bass) over the last couple of years and during 2007 summer festivals . . .I'm currently recording an album, Butterflies and Broken Glass, with the following musicians:Kim Edgar (piano, acoustic guitar, vocals) Kevin McGuire (bass) Steven Polwart (acoustic and electric guitar) Mattie Foulds (drums) Karine Polwart (backing vocals) Inge Thomson (backing vocals)and featuring many other talented instrumentalists on individual tracks.
Influences: I love listening to Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Karine Polwart, Tanita Tikaram, U2, k.d.lang, The Killers, The Carpenters, Stina Nordenstam, Astrid Williamson, Everything But The Girl, Tori Amos, Bic Runga, Dolly Parton, Damien Rice, Snow Patrol, Suzanne Vega, Norah Jones, Paul Weller, Stevie Wonder and most 70's disco tunes!
Sounds Like: Here's what some other people have said . . . .Some music instantly reaches you and then leaves. Some takes a few listens, hangs around your head and then you become dependent upon it. Kim Edgar’s music does exactly this. After several listens I found it was my morning elixir. . .A mild tristesse lingers throughout without drowning in self-pity. Ironically her tunes are strangely uplifting despite the well-phrased, sombre lyrics. Screaming with potential, Edgar’s music is a comfort blanket for the disillusioned soul. The Big IssueKim Edgar is a respected performer on the Edinburgh live circuit . . . a sweet voice with rhythmic guitar and piano make for rich listening, and illustrate that Kim has all the ingredients for rising above the competition and being a successful artist in a market where there is always extensive demand for such a classy singer/songwriter. MusicianA new name, but not for long - Kim Edgar is an Edinburgh singer who is a must-see for anyone who appreciates skilled songwriting in the Joni Mitchell, Suzanne Vega, Everything But The Girl mould . . . Greatness assuredly awaits her. Glasgow Evening Times My tip for the top - don’t forget the name Kim Edgar. Janice Forsyth, BBC Radio Scotland Beautiful . . . her music is fantastic. Leith FM Kim Edgar’s brand of comfortable melancholy absorbs and soothes. This new artist knows her strength lies in her haunting, beautiful voice and she plays the line to full effect. **** Three Weeks, Edinburgh Festival Fringe live review Intense creative synergy [...] emanated from the group throughout a stunning two-hour show. Mostly featuring all of them onstage together, the songs made for an amazingly diverse and accomplished set, from intimate piano ballads to glorious massed vocal tapestries. ***** The Scotsman, Burnsong Songhouse live review
Record Label: Quietly Fantastic Music
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

Summer Festivals and a new album in the offing!

Back at the ranch now after playing with Scott, Alex and Mark in The Two Rivers Folk Festival in Chepstow, Wales - what a beautiful place! Thanks to all of you who made us so welcome. Thoroughly enjoy...
Posted by Kim Edgar on Thu, 19 Jul 2007 01:54:00 PST

1 2 3 4 5 Shine

If you'd like a wee preview of the song 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Shine which I co-wrote and recorded with Karine Polwart, please visit her myspace and have a listen! A happy wee simple tune that I hope you'll en...
Posted by Kim Edgar on Tue, 27 Feb 2007 08:21:00 PST

Wee Dote EP available in Fopp and Elvis Shakespeare!

I'm very pleased that Fopp and Elvis Shakespeare are now stocking the Wee Dote EP. If you're based in Edinburgh, the CD can now be purchased from:FoppRose StreetEdinburghElvis ShakespeareLeith WalkEdi...
Posted by Kim Edgar on Mon, 26 Feb 2007 10:25:00 PST

The Burnsong Songhouse December 2006

Hi - please check out my diary of being in the Burnsong Songhouse at www.myspace.com/burnsongscotlandCheers, Kim :)
Posted by Kim Edgar on Fri, 26 Jan 2007 03:19:00 PST