Under the Radar: Werd (SOS)
An event programmer and studio boss as well as a talented rapper in his own right, Werd (SOS) is a key player in Scotland’s hip-hop ecosystem, write Olaf Furniss and Derick Mackinnon
Hailing from Edinburgh, Werd (SOS), aka Drew Devine, has been a linchpin within the Scottish hip-hop scene for over two decades. Through his Sons of Scotland imprint and studio he’s released over 35 records, working with approximately 50 Scottish artists.
He’s programmed hip-hop tents at festivals like Lindisfarne and Doune the Rabbit Hole and remains undefeated in the BBC TV show Poets vs Rappers. He also co-created the soundtrack for BBC Scotland’s documentary series Ball or Nothing.
Most recently he’s worked with UTR favourite MOG plus Lewis Findlay, Tribal John and producer Konchis to create the track Excess, which appears on the five-track compilation EP and short film Experience, Strength and Broke.
Produced by Donna Boyd, founder of innovative recovery-focused arts organisation Freed Up CIC, the EP is released on 26 January under the HomegrownAlwaysBest banner and also features Jam Harvie, Fivo, Tribal John, The Wee Man aka Neil Bratchpiece, ProphetSixFour and Jaylee.
Keep an eye out for a special film screening and EP launch event – see https://www.instagram.com/werdsos/ and https://linktr.ee/homegrownalwaysbest
Olaf Furniss and Derick Mackinnon run music industry seminar and social night Born To Be Wide, see www.borntobewide.co.uk
Off Axis Tours CIC is a radical, musician-led social enterprise offering the fairest financial model on the market. Artists retain 100% of ticket profits, tour the UK, via a unique gig-swap system, and perform at festivals. Since launching, Off Axis has delivered over 300 gigs, paid £50,000 directly to artists, boosted venue attendance by up to 40%, and reached nearly 30,000 music fans. Visit https://offaxisgigs.com
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