We head to Scotland to meet our next LCM featured artist Al Shields. Al is an Edinburgh-based songwriter, with influences rooted in old-time country, folk and blues music. Originally from the small Scottish island of Bute (where he grew up on a healthy diet of country and folk music from his mother's record collection), Al moved to Edinburgh in 2005, and is a founding member of indie outfit Ardentjohn, with whom he has enjoyed independent success. Their debut album ‘On The Wire’ garnered very favourable reviews in mainstream music press, with Uncut magazine describing the band as “refreshing new arrivals”. As a great taster of Al's music our LCM #SongOfTheDay is the wonderful 'Got It So Bad'. Al's vocals on the track reminds us of Jason Isbell.

With the band on hiatus, Al returned to his musical roots, recording and touring his country-tinged solo album 'Slow Burner', and gigging regularly with his band The Wilted Roses. He has recently had the privilege of supporting a number of international touring acts, including legendary Bauhaus frontman Peter Murphy, Joe Pug, Neal Casal, Red Sky July, and LA country rockers Dead Rock West.