News > 2009

THE HOTTEST NEW MUSIC IN SCOTLAND TO BE BROADCAST ON BBC ALBA

Showcasing the hottest new music in Scotland, Rapal makes a welcome return to our screens on BBC ALBA, having established itself as one of the country’s top music shows.

Fronted by Niall Iain Macdonald, the new series kicks off with a live studio set from FRIGHTENED RABBIT, who perform tracks from their acclaimed album “The Midnight Organ Fight”.

Frightened Rabbit

FRIGHTENED RABBIT was originally a solo project for Selkirk-born frontman Scott Hutchison but over time he recruited his brother Grant, Billy Kennedy and Andy Monaghan “to make the band much noisier”! 2008 was a massive year for the band as they secured support slots for bands such as Death Cab For Cutie and Biffy Clyro and gained more followers with explosive festival performances. And while admiration grows for their work at home, FRIGHTENED RABBIT are also making their mark internationally with successful tours of the US and Australia.

Rapal presenter Niall Iain Macdonald is delighted to have the talented four-piece on the show.

Commenting on the new series Niall Iain said: “We are so happy to have FRIGHTENED RABBIT kicking-off the new series. I have to admit that I stumbled across them quite late on but they had an instant affect on me with their stark lyrics and energetic guitar playing...all driven along by Grant’s pounding drums. ‘The Midnight Organ Fight’ is my choice for ‘album of the year’ and their performance on Rapal will leave people in no doubt that they are one of Scotland’s top bands.”

Also on this week’s Rapal, Niall Iain visits Feis Maighdean Mhara, a new music festival in Benbecula which hopes to attract both new bands and a new audience for live music to the Western Isles. And there is a chance to see a video from one of the bands which was shortlisted for Rapal’s ‘New Gaelic Song Competition’.

Future shows include performances from KAZOO FUNK ORCHESTRA, THE DIRTY 9’s (Dublin), ENDOR, THE STATE BROADCASTERS and THE HAZEY JANES. As well as live studio performances, the new series will also focus on talented singer-songwriters such as PEARL & THE PUPPETS and EMMA CURRAN and feature videos from THERE WILL BE FIREWORKS and KOBAI.

Rapal will be broadcast on BBC ALBA on Wednesday 7th January at 22:00 and repeated on Friday 9th January at 23:00. In addition to the new TV series, extra music exclusives, including additional tracks from featured bands, and interviews, can be viewed online at www.bbc.co.uk/rapal