Date/Time
Date(s) - Thursday 4 Jun, 2026
6:00pm - 7:30pm
The importance of preparing for the studio and exploring sounds and arrangements.
This masterclass is all about shaping your sound and getting ready for the studio. We will be listening to songs and asking what makes them sound so great. Learning to which instruments and effects are being used to shape the sound you love and how they come and go as the song moves along. We will also take a deep dive into one of Mark’s songs to see first hand just how much can be going on in a seemingly simple pop song. We’ll add and remove elements play with the sounds and see how it effects the overall sound of the song.
Tutor
Fair Weather Son (Mark Ellis) is a North Berwick based singer, producer and published songwriter who has been writing and performing for over 20 years. Drawing his influences from Wilco, Pulp, Blur, Grandaddy and many more, Fair Weather Son delivers songwriting charm and an indie/alt country sound that is timeless. In the last two years Fair Weather Son has become a regular on BBC Scotland with singles 38 Years, Measures, Happy, VHS, and This Christmas all receiving national radio play. Fair Weather Son’s music has also been featured on multiple local radio stations and has even received play listing on Amazing Radio’s Best In Country playlist among with many others.
First Stages
First Stages is part of The Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative (YMI) which is administered by Creative Scotland. The YMI creates access to high quality music making opportunities, enables young people to achieve their potential in or through music and supports the development of the sector for the benefit of young people.
This event is for anyone aged 16-25 (up to 30 if you have lived experience of the care system) living in Scotland who is interested in songwriting and experiences isolation or have less access to making songs. By signing up, you acknowledge that you are eligible.