A tragedy-hit Angus band is dreaming of the big time after joining forces with two music heroes from opposite sides of the Atlantic.
Kirriemuir rockers Emerald Sunday were left heartbroken in May when the band’s manager Charlie Campbell passed away following a cancer battle.
The band went to Leeds following the tragedy to perform in a charity event and were introduced to Richard McNamara from chart-topping indie band Embrace.
The connection led to collaboration discussions and the band started work on a new album which is being produced by McNamara, who has also performed on various tracks.
The band released single ‘Lay Down on the Highest Cloud’ which went to the top of the Scottish New Music Global Chart in December.
American singer Ryan McCombs, who is the frontman of heavy rockers Soil, got in touch and they have just signed a deal with his management label Music House 37.
It marks a remarkable turnaround for Emerald Sunday which started life as a pub cover band 10 years ago.
Songwriter/guitarist Alan Hunter said: “We originated in Kirriemuir in 2008 as a cover band, before finding ourselves following the arrival of new singer Mike Martin in 2010.
“The thing we’ve learned is just not to give in which I think is where many bands unfortunately fall.
“We’ve been doing this a long time and finally after years of hard work it’s looking very positive. Working with Richard is a dream come true.
“Growing up, I was a huge fan of the band so much so that their hit Glorious Day was my wedding song.
“Richard is serving as producer and we are delighted to have him feature on some of the tracks. Richard brought out the best in us at his studio, pushing us to limits we did not know we could achieve.
“We are looking forward to heading back down to Magnetic North later in the year to record the rest of the album.”
Alan said Charlie Campbell’s death was “extremely difficult” and described him as “an exceptional man who we grew very close to”.
“He believed in us and organised gigs which took us to the next level, in particular our gig with Big Country, in Inverness,” he said.
“Our first official release under MH37 management will be ‘Harlem Green’, a song penned in Charlie’s memory.
“Charlie’s dedication will never be forgotten and I am sure as he is looking down on us.”
Alan said they can’t wait to see what the future holds after meeting Ryan McCombs and signing with Music House 37.
“Ryan has big ideas for us both in the UK and US and believes we have what it takes to break in to a tough industry.
“This is very early days but the excitement and prospect of Ryan’s vision is what we hoped that all of our hard work would lead us to.”
Emerald Sunday will play three shows at Bon Fest in Kirriemuir in May.
