24th February 2014, and in the run-up to the release of Unexpected Sunshine, Gary Wilcox gives John a call on the dog & bone to discuss the making of the record, the importance of the band, and the intent of the album.

Unexpected Sunshine is available from www.thejohnmacleodband.com

Quiet Revolution Radio Interview, 24th February 2014

'Ether Halo' - a song about connections, friendships and (oddly) social media.

In addition to Angela, John, Matt & Paul, you can hear Linden Kaniewski playing the cello, and Ed Moseley playing the violin.

Taken from the album 'Unexpected Sunshine', which was released in February 2014.  Recorded & mixed at Tremolo Studios by Dan Rowley.

Ether Halo

'Yesterday I Was' - a song about being caught between the past and the future.

Taken from the album 'Unexpected sunshine', which was released in February 2014.  Recorded & mixed at Tremolo Studios by Dan Rowley.

Yesterday I Was

'Don't Tell The Folks Back Home' - a song about wanting to misbehave.

This is an alternate version of the song featured on 'Unexpected Sunshine', as the album version includes swearing, where this does not.  In addition to Angela, John, Matt & Paul, you can hear Sam Hayler playing the trombone, and Sophie Tuft playing the clarinet.

Taken from the album 'Unexpected Sunshine', which was released in February 2014.  Recorded & mixed at Tremolo Studios by Dan Rowley.

Don't Tell the Folks Back Home (Radio Edit)

A song about sad endings.

This differs slightly from the version that appears on the album, you get a secret extra if you listen to the album!  In addition to Angela, John, Matt & Paul, you can hear Linden Kaniewski playing the cello parts, and Ed Moseley playing the violin.

Taken from the album 'Unexpected Sunshine', which was released in February 2014.  Recorded & mixed at Tremolo Studios, by Dan Rowley.

It Was You

'The World Tonight' - a song about figuring stuff out.

This version differs slightly from the version that appears on the album, in that there are some intriguing extras if you listen to the record.  In addition to Angela, John, Matt & Paul, you can hear Linden Kaniewski playing the cellos, and Ed Moseley playing the violin.

This song was also victim to 2013's July heatwaves, as we bought 2 boxes of ice lollies but discovered the studio didn't have a freezer, therefore Matt had approximately 5 ice lollies, went hyper and added steel drums and tubular bells to the recording.  John liked them so much that he wasn't allowed to retract them.

Taken from the album 'Unexpected Sunshine', which was released in February 2014.  Recorded & mixed at Tremolo Studios, by Dan Rowley.  This version edited by John MacLeod.

The World Tonight

Have you ever stuck to your guns?  Made a decision and stood by it?  Then this song is for YOU!  (Also: check out them harpsichord tones!)

Written by John MacLeod, arranged by Paul Hancock (bass, vocals), Angela Lazenby (drums, vocals), John MacLeod (guitars, vocals) and Matt Tyrer (keyboards, synths, vocals).  Recorded, produced and mixed by Dan Rowley at Tremolo Studios.

'This Rod I Have Made For My Back' is taken from the album 'Unexpected Sunshine', released 28th February 2014, which is available from www.thejohnmacleodband.com

This Rod I Have Made For My Back

A song about making a promise, sticking to it, and having it bite you.  A radio edit (with the one naughty word edited) is uploaded to the Introducing Uploader.  This song is taken from the album 'Unexpected Sunshine', which was released in February 2014. www.thejohnmacleodband.com

THE JOHN MACLEOD BAND - This Rod I Have Made For My Back

This is a song I played on my New Year webcast, but I really wanted to record a nice acoustic version for Soundcloud, so here it is.  As soon as I heard this song it became a part of what motivates me to make music, I really love it.

Keep Running (Gemma Hayes Cover)

The second song of our session, The Tallest Tree, is a song about magical gigs, originally for John's solo acoustic session at the Artrix Theatre, in Bromsgrove.  This now encompasses so many gigs, including the band's debut headline show at Bad Edit in Burslem.

Note how these are John's songs, yet he is the only one to make a mistake...

Recorded on Radical's Rising with Lee Barber and Lucee Clarke, for 6 Towns Radio (www.6towns.co.uk

The Tallest Tree (Radical's Rising 10th March 2013)

Our third song, Ether Halo.  A song about the friendships & connections you make.  Initially inspired by the wonders of social media, but really is so much bigger than that.

John actually pogoed during the instrumental break.

Recorded on Radical's Rising with Lee Barber and Lucee Clarke, for 6 Towns Radio (www.6towns.co.uk).

Ether Halo (Radical's Rising 10th March 2013)

Paul Hancock - bass, vocals
Angela Lazenby - drums, vocals
John MacLeod - guitars, lead vocals
Matt Tyrer - keyboards, accordion, string/instrumental arrangements, vocals

Formed in October 2012, The John MacLeod Band threw themselves into 2013 by starting recording on an album, and playing shows at venues such as The Glebe, The Old Brown Jug, The Sugarmill and The Roebuck in Leek, as well as becoming the darlings of the local radio scene with acoustic sets as versatile as their electric shows.

As of February 2014, the album they started a year previously, 'Unexpected Sunshine' is complete, and available to buy from www.thejohnmacleodband.com, as well as from numerous independent retailers.  They will soon be playing hither & yon once again.  You don't want to miss them!

The John MacLeod Band is managed by NeonTiger Productions UK - www.neontigeruk.com - and enquiries and bookings can be made to them.

The John MacLeod Band

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