TRASHCAN SINATRAS' JOHN DOUGLAS releases 'Still or Sparkling?' EP & headlines US tour

October 1, 2024

Celebrated songsmith John Douglas, co-founder and guitarist of beloved Scottish music icons Trashcan Sinatras, presents his new 4-track 'Still Or Sparkling EP', released via Reveal Records,
along with a video for the title track 'Still Or Sparkling?'.

A slight move away from his acoustic debut album while maintaining a natural live-take approach, the new EP involves some stellar musicians, including Eddi Reader (of Fairground Attraction fame and a solo artist in her own right), Boo Hewerdine (The Bible), Kevin Mcguire and Alan Kelly - all also part of Reader's band.

Musically, the arrangement nods its head to Roger Miller’s finger-clicking, double bass driven 'King Of The Road' with added soft husky harmonies from John’s partner, Eddi Reader. Lyrically, the song evokes the early days of any relationship…. the getting to know each other phase, flirtatious and light. The song also name checks the unlikely trio of Shirley Collins, Annie Briggs and Michelangelo

"This is a new song of new love… the fresh, early days. Inspired by a late night date with my future wife, spent listening to folk records, eating figs and getting to know each other,” says John Douglas.

Starting October 1, Douglas also embarks on the 'Lost in North America Tour - Part One'. This first American headlining tour offers an intimate snapshot of Douglas' talent, charisma and depth. He is joined for West coast and Midwest dates by Lily Vakili of Vakili Band, and for East Coast dates by award-winning singer-songwriter Lauren Calve.

There are two dates on this tour involving special guest appearances by fellow Trashcans Frank Reader and Paul Livingston - both of them appear in Seattle, with Reader also joining Douglas in LA.

In 2023, John Douglas released his eponymous debut album via Reveal Records, recorded with renowned producer Mark Freegard (New Model Army, Lush, The Breeders, Del Amitri, Marillion). Other highlights of the year include a UK headlining tour, UK Top-40 charting of Trashcan Sinatras' reissued album 'Cake' (33 years since debuting), and a Trashcan Sinatras documentary, produced by award-winning journalist Ken Sweeney, featuring Douglas performing beloved Trashcans' songs.

Douglas recently marked the 20th anniversary of the milestone Trashcan Sinatras album 'Weightlifting' with a live rendition of 'Weightlifting'. Earlier, he shared the moonlit video for 'Oranges & Apples', preceded by 'I Just Want To Go Home', 'Lost', 'I'm Not The Fella', 'Always' and 'Leave Me Alone'.

As of September 27, the 'Still or Sparkling?' single will be available from fine online platforms. Until the EP's official release date of November 8, the full EP is available exclusively via Bandcamp. This EP will be available on CD during Douglas' North America tour, which kicks off in Los Angeles. His debut album will also be offered on CD and on vinyl here for the first time, as well as Douglas' mini-book 'Rambling - How I got here to your town on my own', featuring superb photos by Stephanie Gibson.

CREDITS
John Douglas - Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar & Finger Clicks
Eddi Reader - Backing Vocals
Alan Kelly - Accordion
Kevin McGuire - Double Bass
All footage filmed by Stephanie Gibson upstairs in Cathkin, South Lanarkshire and upstairs at The Doublet Bar, Kelvinbridge (Glasgow, Scotland)
Video edited by John Douglas.
John Douglas photos by Stephanie Gibson
Trashcan Sinatras photo by Chris Williams
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

TOUR DATES
October 1 LOS ANGELES - Hotel Cafe *
(Special guest appearance by Trashcan Sinatras' Frank Reader)
October 2 SAN FRANCISCO - The Lost Church *
October 4 PORTLAND - Mission Theater *
October 5 SEATTLE - Ballard Homestead, Fremont Abbey *
(Special guest appearance by Trashcan Sinatras' Frank Reader & Paul Livingston)
October 7 SALT LAKE CITY - The Beehive *
October 8 DENVER - Mercury Cafe, Jungle Room *
October 10 KANSAS CITY - Knuckleheads *
October 11 MINNEAPOLIS - Icehouse MPLS *
October 12 CHICAGO - GMan Tavern **
October 15 TORONTO - The Monarch **
October 16 CLEVELAND - Beachland Tavern **
October 17 COLUMBUS - Natalie's Grandview **
October 19 BOSTON - City Winery Boston **
October 20 NEW YORK - Cafe Wha? **
October 21 PHILADELPHIA - City Winery Loft **

* with Lily Vakili of Vakili Band
** with Lauren Calve

Keep up with John Douglas
Bandcamp | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Songkick| BandsInTown | Press contact

Keep up with Reveal Records
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud

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JOHN DOUGLAS marks 20-year anniversary of TRASHCAN SINATRAS 'Weightlifting' with new video. Headline North American tour begins Oct. 1

September 9, 2024

Acclaimed Scottish troubadour John Douglas, presents a live rendition of 'Weightlifting', commemorating the landmark Trashcan Sinatras album released 20 years ago this week. The offering also previews Douglas' forthcoming 'Lost in North America Tour - Part One', an intimate snapshot of the talent, charisma and depth of this celebrated songsmith.

Throughout October, Douglas takes to American stages, showcasing original material and new recordings of fave Trashcan Sinatras' material. Joined for West coast and Midwest dates by Lily Vakili of Vakili Band, he is joined for East Coast dates by award-winning singer-songwriter Lauren Calve. Further, attendees of two special shows will be treated to guest appearances by fellow Trashcan Sinatras Frank Reader and Paul Livingston in Seattle, with Reader also joining Douglas in LA.

"'Weightlifting' was a milestone record in our journey. It took us a long time to make that record due to various hilarious sidetracks, including adventures in Japan with us as a six-piece band, and many many strung out, aimless days and nights in our adopted home of Kilmarnock, Scotland, a mad detour attempting to record in Hartford, USA (skillfully avoiding the nightly gunshots), and even a meeting with the landed gentry in Ayr County Court, where our banishment from the land of honest toil was finally ended," says John Douglas.

"We returned from all those adventures with songs - songs of love, loss, redemption, forgiveness, bravado, friendship, wisdom, peace and tranquility. Songs that we swore ourselves to... and here we are 20 years on and it looks like we somehow built them to last. Somehow, from the chaotic depths, we found ourselves at the top of our game. It’s a miracle of a record."

It's been a fine year for Douglas, including a UK headlining tour, releasing his eponymous debut album via Reveal Records, UK Top-40 charting of Trashcan Sinatras' reissued album 'Cake' (33 years since it debuted), and a new Trashcan Sinatras documentary, produced by award-winning Irish journalist Ken Sweeney, which also features Douglas performing beloved Trashcans' songs.

'Weightlifting' is the second instalment in Douglas' 'Me & Midnight Sessions’, following 'Oranges & Apples'. Earlier, he shared live videos for 'I Just Want To Go Home', 'Lost', 'I'm Not The Fella', 'Always' and 'Leave Me Alone' - all tracks from his debut album, recorded with renowned producer Mark Freegard (New Model Army, Lush, The Breeders, Del Amitri, Marillion).

Douglas shares, "This video was filmed in Ibrox, Glasgow in a flat that was once shared by a young couple, who had come to the end of their time together. On the night of my filming, I had helped one of them move out the final pieces of furniture and accompanied them as they said goodbye to what they used to call home. I returned later, on my own, to the now empty flat... just before midnight... and filmed myself singing what felt like a very appropriate song. A bittersweet night that will hopefully allow a healing to begin and for pain to be left behind. I changed the lyric a little to suit the mood."

John Douglas' debut album is available on CD and digitally via Bandcamp, as well as from fine online platforms. His 'Lost in North America Tour - Part One' kicks off in Los Angeles on October 1.

Trashcan Sinatras' John Douglas presents 'Oranges & Apples', announces North American tour in support of debut album

August 6, 2024

Acclaimed Scottish troubadour John Douglas, whose songwriting and artistry have been integral to the enduring legacy of Trashcan Sinatras, presents an intimate video for Trashcans classic 'Oranges & Apples'. This is one of 11 tracks on his eponymous debut album, released via Reveal Records.

It's been a fine year for Douglas, including a UK headlining tour, UK Top-40 charting of Trashcan Sinatras' reissued debut album 'Cake' (33 years since its original release), and a new Trashcan Sinatras documentary, produced by award-winning Irish journalist Ken Sweeney. Tracing their 35-year story, it features first-hand accounts from band members, explores dramatic moments in their history, and includes acoustic performances by Douglas of some of the Trashcans' most-loved songs.

Now Douglas announces his 'Lost in North America Tour - Part One', taking his craft on the road throughout October.

"I am so excited to be coming to the USA and Canada this year to debut my solo shows. It’s me, my guitar and many songs.. some new and some old with a new lick of paint. I will get lost in song and story and look forward to conjuring up the good stuff in North America," says John Douglas.

One of Scotland’s finest songwriters, Douglas will be joined for his West coast and Midwest dates by Lily Vakili of Vakili Band, a savvy street poet who finds the sweet spot between Patti Smith, Grace Slick and Janis Joplin. For East coast dates, he will be joined by singer-songwriter Lauren Calve, whose new album 'Shift' earned her the 2024 Wammie Award for Best Country/Americana Album. Together, these artists will treat listeners to an intimate series of masterclasses in musical storytelling.

Part of the 'Me & Midnight Sessions', 'Oranges & Apples' follows the first acoustic video filmed in Hyndland, Glasgow - 'I Just Want To Go Home'. Earlier, Douglas shared videos for album tracks 'Lost', 'I'm Not The Fella' and 'Always', plus Trashcans classics 'Leave Me Alone' and 'Weightlifting'.

John Douglas shares, "'Oranges & Apples is a song very close to my heart. It’s a love song to a fellow artist… the late Syd Barrett of Pink Floyd. He ploughed his own furrow and showed all who followed how to be your eccentric, individual, glorious self. Stay true to you. Paint, sing, write, sculpt, carve, dance your own way through this playground. Hang on to your wonder at this world. Syd did. He’s away now… gone, but resonating on. As the song says.. now everything is enhanced by him".

His debut album presents an intimate snapshot of the talent, charisma and depth of this celebrated songsmith, recorded live at Kyoti Studio in Glasgow with renowned producer Mark Freegard (New Model Army, Lush, The Breeders, Del Amitri, Marillion). Reflecting Douglas' candor, this 11-track collection features original material and new recordings of fave Trashcan Sinatras' material, plus his own rendition of the Prefab Sprout classic ‘We Let The Stars Go’.

Apart from touring with his partner Eddi Reader’s band, the past few years have seen Douglas perform around the UK and Ireland, sometimes joined by friends like Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub), Jill Jackson, Withered Hand, James Grant (Love & Money), and even Martin McAloon (Prefab Sprout), with whom he first toured in 1990 for the Trashcan Sinatras / Prefab Sprout double bill.

John Douglas' debut album is available on CD and digitally via Bandcamp, as well as from fine online platforms. US fans are also in luck as he'll be on his first headline tour in October.

TOUR DATES
October 1 LOS ANGELES - Hotel Cafe *
October 2 SAN FRANCISCO - The Lost Church *
October 4 PORTLAND - Mission Theater *
October 5 SEATTLE - Ballard Homestead, Fremont Abbey *
October 7 SALT LAKE CITY - The Beehive *
October 8 DENVER - Mercury Cafe, Jungle Room *
October 10 KANSAS CITY - Knuckleheads *
October 11 MINNEAPOLIS - Icehouse MPLS *
October 15 TORONTO - The Monarch **
October 16 CLEVELAND - Beachland Tavern **
October 17 COLUMBUS - Natalie's Grandview **
October 19 BOSTON - City Winery Boston **
October 20 NEW YORK - Cafe Wha? **
October 21 PHILADELPHIA - City Winery Loft **

* with Lily Vakili of Vakili Band
** with Lauren Calve

Artist photography by Stephanie Gibson
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with John Douglas
Bandcamp | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Songkick| Press contact

Keep up with Reveal Records
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
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TRASHCAN SINATRAS' JOHN DOUGLAS shares 'I Just Want To Go Home' & UK tour dates surrounding debut solo album

April 2, 2024

Following up a fine year of music prowess, involving the reissue and UK Top-40 charting of Trashcan Sinatras' debut album 'Cake' (33 years later since its original release), the release of his own debut solo album and a row of successful concerts around the UK, John Douglas presents 'I Just Want To Go Home', the live performance video for which was filmed in Hyndland, Glasgow in late March 2024, just after midnight.

One of Scotland’s finest songwriters and a founding member of Trashcan Sinatras,, Douglas has opened a new chapter in his life with the release of his eponymous debut album, released via Scotland's Reveal Records. Presenting an intimate snapshot of the talent, charisma and depth of this celebrated songsmith, this album was recorded live at Kyoti Studio in Glasgow with producer Mark Freegard (New Model Army, Lush, The Breeders, Del Amitri, Marillion).

Featuring original material and new recordings of John's favourite Trashcan Sinatras' material and his own rendition of the Prefab Sprout classic ‘We Let The Stars Go’, this album reflected the genuineness of Douglas' music, also demonstrated in recent live peformance videos for 'Lost', 'I'm Not The Fella' and 'Always', plus Trashcan Sinatras' classics 'Oranges & Apples', 'Leave Me Alone' and 'Weightlifting'.

John Douglas describes this song as "a lonesome lyric", noting "‘When life has been hectic, work never ending, the doorbell constantly ringing, notifications always pinging, the house never far from full, the noisy world roaring out of every device… this quietly anti-social song may float your weary boat. It’s message..? Make a date with your own fine, peaceful company".

Performing as a solo artist and also as part of his partner Eddi Reader’s band, he's been on the road a lot lately in the UK and Ireland, having also performed with friends like Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub), Jill Jackson, Withered Hand and James Grant (Love & Money). John has also performed with Martin McAloon (Prefab Sprout), who met in 1990 when the Trashcan Sinatras were touring with Prefab Sprout.

John Douglas' debut album is out now and available from fine online platforms and can be obtained on CD and digitally via Bandcamp. UK fans are also in luck as he'll be on his first headline tour throughout May.

CREDITS
Written by John Douglas (1, 2, 4, 6, 11), Trashcan Sinatras (3, 5, 7, 8), Trashcan Sinatras / Dine (9) and Paddy McAloon (10)
All songs published by MCPS/PPL, except Track 10 (published by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC)
Recorded, mixed & mastered in Glasgow by Mark Freegard
Photographs taken on the Old Largs Road by Susie Lowe
Cover photo by Janette Ayachi at The Strand Club, Glasgow
Design by Martin Rowsell Simply Marvellous: Music
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Album order https://revealrecords.lnk.to/JohnDouglas
Bandcamp https://johndouglas.bandcamp.com
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/08oykWwqbE7yvlHbUmG7gr

Trashcan Sinatras' John Douglas shares 'I'm Not The Fella' from eponymous debut solo album, announces final live dates for 2023

November 24, 2023

One of Scotland’s finest songwriters - John Douglas of Trashcan Sinatras fame - presents 'I'm Not The Fella', an endearing open-heart narration of an interaction from the past. Featured on his debut solo album, recently released via Scotland's Reveal Records, the accompanying video was filmed at the An Taibhdhearc - National Irish language theatre in Galway City. He also recently released a video for the album's opening track 'Lost'.

Hailing from Irvine on Scotland’s west coast, John has a rich history, making music with Trashcan Sinatras for over thirty years. Apart from his role as a songwriter (and guitarist) there, John has been playing live gigs across the UK and Ireland as part of his partner Eddi Reader’s band.

John Douglas shares, "I was on tour with Galway singer/songwriter Ultan Conlon when this was filmed. I had just added a few verses at the end and you can catch me taking an occasional glance at the lyric sheet on the floor. Hope you like this song and video, filmed by Black Gate Productions."

The 'John Douglas' album presents an intimate snapshot of the talent, charisma and depth of this celebrated Scottish indie songsmith - the start of a new chapter in Douglas' creative life as he looks back at a lifetime of musical adventures and accolades while moving forwards. This record features original material, along with new recordings of some of John's favourite Trashcan Sinatras material and his own rendition of the Prefab Sprout classic ‘We Let The Stars Go’.

The eleven songs on this record were performed solo, recorded live at Kyoti Studio in Glasgow (with no overdubs) by producer Mark Freegard (New Model Army, Lush, The Breeders, Del Amitri, Marillion), who also mixed and mastered the album.

“I’ve often been encouraged by friends over the years to make a solo album, but the timing or inclination didn’t flow. Last year - out of nowhere - everything suddenly felt right and the process was quick and natural. Mark just set the mics up and I played my songs. No other musicians or overdubs. Me and my guitar. That way, I became the songs and they became me. The finished record, though varied in song styles, has a mood to it… it’s warm, thoughtful and quiet.. as I generally aspire to be," says John Douglas.

Lately, John Douglas has been performing solo sets at shows with musical friends, such as Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub), Jill Jackson and James Grant (Love & Money). Whilst visiting Irvine recently, John was invited to guest with Martin McAloon (Prefab Sprout), the two artists having first met in 1990 when the Trashcan Sinatras' were touring with Prefab Sprout in support of their album ‘Jordan - The Comeback'.

The 'John Douglas' album is out now, available on CD and digitally from a wide selection of fine music outlets, including Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Written by John Douglas (1, 2, 4, 6, 11), Trashcan Sinatras (3, 5, 7, 8), Trashcan Sinatras / Dine (9) and Paddy McAloon (10)
All songs published by MCPS/PPL, except Track 10 (published by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC)
Recorded, mixed & mastered in Glasgow by Mark Freegard
Photographs taken on the Old Largs Road by Susie Lowe
Cover photo by Janette Ayachi at The Strand Club, Glasgow
Design by Martin Rowsell Simply Marvellous: Music
Thanks to Edna, Charlie, Sam and all my family, all the Trashcan Sinatras, Tom Rose, Boo Hewerdine and Jill Jackson
CD - REVEAL195CDX - 7427137071599
Digital Album - REVEAL195DDX - 7427137071605
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Reveal Records to release debut solo album from John Douglas (Trashcan Sinatras), one of Scotland's finest songwriters

September 14, 2023

"What a fantastic album... there is a unique gem within each and every track... There is just so much to love in this album. A sheer delight – recommended for everyone suffering from sensory overstimulation. This will calm your mind and ease you into healthy listening" ~ Amplify Music Magazine

Scotland's Reveal Records is pleased to announce that the debut solo album from one of Scotland’s finest songwriters - John Douglas of Trashcan Sinatras fame - will be released worldwide on October 6th.

At long last, fans and newcomers alike are treated to an intimate snapshot of the talent, charisma and depth of this celebrated Scottish indie songsmith. With this release comes the start of a new chapter in John Douglas' creative life as he simultaneously looks back at a lifetime of musical adventures and accolades and moves forwards.

The album 'John Douglas' features new recordings of some of John's favourite Traschcan Sinatras material, alongside new songs he has written and his own rendition of the Prefab Sprout classic ‘We Let The Stars Go’.

The eleven songs on this record were performed solo, recorded live at Kyoti Studio in Glasgow (with no overdubs) by producer Mark Freegard, who also mixed and mastered the album.

John Douglas expains, “I’ve often been encouraged by friends over the years to make a solo album, but the timing or inclination didn’t flow. Last year - out of nowhere - everything suddenly felt right and the process was quick and natural. Mark just set the mics up and I played my songs. No other musicians or overdubs. Me and my guitar. That way, I became the songs and they became me. The finished record, though varied in song styles, has a mood to it… it’s warm, thoughtful and quiet.. as I generally aspire to be.

Album order / Bandcamp https://johndouglas.bandcamp.com/album/john-douglas-2023
Album pre-save / pre-order https://revealrecords.lnk.to/JohnDouglas

Hailing from Irvine on Scotland’s west coast, John has a rich history, making music with Trashcan Sinatras for over thirty years. Apart from his role as a songwriter (and guitarist) there, John has been playing live gigs across the UK and Ireland as part of his partner Eddi Reader’s band.

He has also been performing solo sets at shows with musical friends, such as Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub), Jill Jackson and James Grant (Love & Money). Whilst visiting Irvine recently, John was invited to guest with Martin McAloon (Prefab Sprout), the two artists having first met in 1990 during Trashcan Sinatras' ‘Jordan - The Comeback’ tour with Prefab Sprout.

On October 6th, John Douglas' album will be released on CD and digitally and will be available from fine music outlets worldwide. It can be obtained via Bandcamp ahead of the general release with early-birds receiving an immediate full album download, plus exclusive access to two bonus digital tracks ('Last Orders'and 'The Drink').

CREDITS
Written by John Douglas (1, 2, 4, 6, 11), Trashcan Sinatras (3, 5, 7, 8), Trashcan Sinatras / Dine (9) and Paddy McAloon (10)
All songs published by MCPS/PPL, except Track 10 (published by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC)
Recorded, mixed & mastered in Glasgow by Mark Freegard
Photographs taken on the Old Largs Road by Susie Lowe
Cover photo by Janette Ayachi at The Strand Club, Glasgow
Design by Martin Rowsell Simply Marvellous: Music
Thanks to Edna, Charlie, Sam and all my family, all the Trashcan Sinatras, Tom Rose, Boo Hewerdine and Jill Jackson
CD - REVEAL195CDX - 7427137071599
Digital Album - REVEAL195DDX - 7427137071605