As digital strategists, some of our work focuses on destination marketing. Part of our skill involves learning all about what makes any destination special, so we can help identify what will make it stand out online and develop a tailor-made strategy to do this.
Being that we have an office in Edinburgh, we thought it only right to keep our finger on the pulse of what’s going on there, and this month, that’s one thing: the Edinburgh International Festival!
It would be supremely ambitious to give an overview of the festival given the wide variety of performances planned, so we thought, instead, we’d get Edinburgh account executive and music lover Matthew Leask to give his top picks for the festival this month.
Matthew’s picks for the Edinburgh International Festival 2018
The Jesus & Mary Chain
Leith Theatre, Tuesday 14th August
I’m very excited about the Edinburgh International Festival’s new Light On The Shore programme, showcasing some of the best contemporary music to have come out of Scotland over the past few decades. The Leith Theatre, which is currently undergoing some major restoration work since it’s re-opening last year after after closing in 1988, will play host to a range of gigs, and one that promises to be particularly excellent (and loud) will be headlined by East Kilbride noise rockers The Jesus & Mary Chain. Most famous for their seminal 1985 debut album Psychocandy, the JAMC returned with their first album in 19 years in 2017. Expect a career-spanning setlist, and don’t forget your ear plugs! I’d also recommend getting down to the venue early to check out the support from exciting up and coming Glasgow bands, Spinning Coin and Honeyblood.
Mogwai
Leith Theatre, Wednesday 22nd/Thursday 23rd August
Also performing at Leith Theatre are Glasgow post-rock legends Mogwai. Veterans of the Edinburgh Festival after soundtracking the 2016 opening ceremony, before playing their soundtrack to Mark Cousins’ excellent documentary Atomic at the Playhouse a few weeks later, they return this year to play two straight-up greatest hits sets. Expect sweeping instrumental soundscapes (if you’re not familiar with their work, Mogwai rarely include vocals in their music) that will probably rival The Jesus & Mary Chain for volume. This show is also part of the Light On The Shore programme mentioned above, and be sure to check out some of the other great Scottish acts performing, including The Pastels, The Vaselines, King Kreosote, and Lau.
St. Vincent
Edinburgh Playhouse, Sunday 26th August
My most anticipated show of the whole month is this headline show from Texan Annie Clark, better known as St. Vincent, who also happens to be probably my favourite artist ever. She released her fifth studio album MASSEDUCTION last year to huge critical acclaim, and her live show is always spellbinding to watch. Having already seen her on this tour, you can expect plenty of songs from the latest album, as well as a number from her back catalogue. Clark’s incredible guitar skills are always a highlight of her usually flamboyant shows. St. Vincent is also known for her collaborations with the likes of David Byrne, Sufjan Stevens, and Swans, so if any of them are your thing, I’d definitely recommend checking this gig out.
So there you have it! Will you be attending any of the Edinburgh Festival this year?
As ever, please do get in touch if you’d like to hear more about how we can develop a digital strategy for your destination.