Young local bands have the chance to perform at The Cavern youth café in Kirkwall over the coming weeks. The events will take place every Saturday night, and are being organised by Walter Gorman, area community worker at Orkney Islands Council.
Similar events took place last year, but were stopped due to a lack of funding from the Anti-Social Behaviour Fund. Walter Gorman explained, ‘I get a certain amount of funds from them, which allows us to open the café until midnight. It was really popular last year, and it gives bands somewhere to play, and young people somewhere to go.
‘Bands will be playing each week for the next six weeks, although a lot of young bands are eager about playing beyond that. We’re thinking of recording a CD to be released later this year as well, so all the bands that play can record a song to put on that. We’re also thinking of collectively deciding on a charity to put the proceeds to. So fingers crossed.’
With the bonus opportunity to record their own songs, the events are expected to be popular again, particularly with the increase in local young talent and enthusiasm.
Audio Narcosis kicked off this year's season last Saturday with their collection of self-written rock songs. The band, consisting of Kirkwall Grammar School pupils Collin Van Schayk (16) on bass and vocals, Gordon Kovachich (16) on guitar and backing vocals, and Scott Van Schayk (15) on drums, have recently recorded a 13-track album, establishing themselves as one of the youngest rock bands in Orkney to have achieved this. The album was recorded at Attic Studios in Finstown, and took around 9 hours to complete.
Although they have only played a handful of gigs so far, Audio Narcosis are already gathering a fanbase which is rapidly increasing. Influences from Jimi Hendrix and Rage Against The Machine are apparent, and on Saturday night, the band also gave tribute to Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin songs, among performing their own.
Between 20 and 30 teenagers turned up to watch them take to the stage, and the band think it’s going to be a successful series of events. Gordon said that on Saturday, ‘about the amount’ they expected came along, and Collin added that it was probably more.
Audio Narcosis’ album costs just £5 and is currently only available from the band themselves, however may be sold in shops in the future.