College record label signs musician Callum Easter

Callum Easter, who is one part of popular Edinburgh five-piece The Stagger Rats and graduated from Edinburgh College with an HND in sound production last summer, is set to release his first solo single, Honey Money Bees, in March through record label Feast.

Feast was created by three lecturers at Edinburgh College – Mike Hall, Paul Turnbull and Richie Harrison – in late 2010 through an initiative called Bright Ideas, and was set up as a sustainable business to give former and current students experience for future employment opportunities.

Callum, who is also known as “Fridgemaster”, said his sound merges elements of “dub, psych and minimal house”.

The 25-year-old, whose girlfriend, Bonny Squair, is expecting their first child in April, said: “I am very excited about launching my first single through Feast and I am extremely grateful for the support and advice that they have given me, as well as creating a platform from which I can now share my music with others.

“Before getting involved with Feast, I struggled to find a way into the music industry, but now thanks to their help I will hopefully have a real shot of furthering my career and hopefully become a recognised  figure in the music industry.

“My new single is based around the concept of money and moreover the everyday struggles we all face as a result of financial injustice. I think it reflects the mood of our  generation.

“It was actually originally intended to be a folk song with acoustic guitar accompaniment but through my time spent at Edinburgh College and all I learnt there, it developed into something more heavy – more fitting to the lyrics and current feelings of financial inequality.

“For any young aspiring artists out there I would definitely recommend working with Feast, as not only do they give you the opportunity to develop the skills and experience needed from a realistic working perspective, but they also offer tremendous support along the way.”

Being signed to the label allows Callum access to the college’s creative centre Cre:8, which provides a range of facilities for students, musicians, sound engineers and TV  producers.

Mr Harrison, one of the founders of Feast and a course leader in HND sound production at Edinburgh College, said: “Cre:8 gives students the opportunity to gain vital practical experience within real parameters, working with established bands doing real sessions in a professional  framework.

“We try to build long-term working relationships with past and present students, who are encouraged to use Cre:8’s  exceptional facilities.”

Feast brings together managers, musicians, bands, engineers and filming students to create original music and  videos.