Bands you should be listening to #5: Gerry Cinnamon

Although initially starting this blog with the idea of writing predominantly about up and coming bands and allowing them to reach a wider audience in the process, it is near impossible to ignore the sheer talent and beautiful sound of Scottish singer songwriter- Gerry Cinnamon.

Thanks due in part to my weekly release radar on Spotify, I stumbled across arguably Cinnamon's best song 'Sometimes'. I have been hooked ever since, playing the song on repeat, alongside many other songs from his simply outstanding recently released debut album- Erratic Cinematic. I was amazed at how much I related to the  heartfelt lyrics of coming of age song 'Sometimes', and I believe there are masses of  other 20 year old lads that would too. Also taking notice to the raw singer/songwriter vibe, gritty Scottish vocals and passionate meaning behind each song, this is when I knew I'd found an absolute treasure in Gerry Cinnamon.

Cinnamon, born in Castlemilk, Glasgow, has always been huge in his hometown and has a rather passionate cult following. With a tendency to sell out almost any venue in Glasgow, and indeed Scotland, Cinnamon's shows are known for their atmosphere and sheer volume. A career highlight for the Scottish singer/songwriter came at July's TRNSMT Festival, ironically taking place in Glasgow, playing what could be described as a defining set in his career so far. A relatively unknown lad taking to the stage with an acoustic guitar and a loop pedal, and stealing the show. Cinnamon makes his live sets about the audience and understands that music means something to people. It's all about standing with your mates with a piss warm can of Stella Artois, belting out lyrics to songs with a heartfelt message. If you haven't already, I would strongly encourage you to give this set from TRNSMT a watch on YouTube.

Cinnamon's debut album is quite honestly astonishing. Anthemic, sing along tunes, laced with social commentary and passionate lyrics written about his upbringing in Glasgow. Very much in the mould of a Scottish and indeed, much better, Jake Bugg. Using only an acoustic guitar and a loop pedal, Cinnamon gives off the idea that he might perhaps actually be a band. As well as playing different riffs on loop, Cinnamon also cleverly uses a drum kick pedal on loop, making him somewhat of a one man band which is incredibly unique in its own right.

The down to earth singer/songwriter is someone you can relate to, which is what makes his songs so beautiful to listen to. Cinnamon admits that he is surprised at how far he has already come and by the reaction that he receives every time he takes to the stage. Selling out the Glasgow O2 ABC almost immediately when tickets went on sale was a major shock, however his sheer talent and star quality justifies this feat.

It seems pretty acceptable to say that the poor lad isn't quite as big in other parts of the UK, however everyone elses loss is Glasgow's gain. Yet, with his debut album only being released earlier this year, Cinnamon is rather early on in his career. With a true love for music and everything that a career in the industry brings, we will see more of the singer/songwriter and hopefully it won't be long before he embarks on a UK tour.

In the meantime, Gerry Cinnamon's debut album is available on all music streaming platforms and I urge you to give it a listen.