Werd (S.O.S)
Encyclopedia
Werd (born June 1987) also known as Drew Devine, is an Edinburgh
based hip hop artist signed to Sons of Scotland (S.O.S) record publishing.
He mainly focuses on creating music in the genre of Scottish hip-hop
or electro / trip-hop with Savage Sound System also based in Edinburgh
.
resident Deeko, the duo gained success in Scotland and performed at various gigs throughout the country. The release itself, created an underground following for both artists, however Werd (S.O.S) never reached a larger audience until the release of The Scottish Rapper towards the end of 2008. This mix tape attracted the ears of local promoters and artists projecting him to new heights and gaining exposure on a national scale.
In December 2010 Werd teamed up with fellow Edinburgh artist Wardie Burns to create the 26 track Vagabonds mixtape released on Sons of Scotland. The follow up mini-album Vagabonds In Space released June 8, 2011 along with Zambian Astronaut further increased their presence in the UK Music scene. The album features arguably the most recognised Scottish hip hop artists, Madhat McGore, Adam Holmes and Glasgow’s Mog who featured on the debut music video titled 'A Declaration'. Werd therefore has continued to push the music, already making waves in the underground scene and appearing on national UK radio and international hip-hop stations in Germany
, Norway
, France
and US. Featured on local stations such as Glasgow University's Subcity Radio and Steg G's Sunny Govan Community Radio he has progressed to larger national stations such as BBC Radio 1Xtra
and Scotland's BBC Radio 1
. On 26 June 2011 Werd appeared on BBC Radio 1
Introducing show with Ally McCrae
and Wardie Burns discussing and playing live tracks from his ‘Oor Wardie’ album (released on SOS).
Werd has worked with, and continues to work with new and old artists in Scotland
and abroad, creating music with some of Edinburgh’s top producers
and artists in the genre as well as performing gigs at venues in the major cities. Venues such as The Ark, The Store (GRV), Club Media, The Jazz Bar, Sneaky Petes, Maggies Chamber, Cruz, Club Berlin, The Hide, Bongo Club, Shanghai Club, Henry's Celler Bar, The Voodoo Rooms, The Venue and The Yard (as part of Music2be Festival) have hosted Werd on stage in Edinburgh
, as well as playing during the world famous Edinburgh Festival
. Furthermore, The Garage, 13th Note, Box and Beat Club in Glasgow
and as part of the 2010 Dunnedin Glen Festival.
In April 2011 Werd supported UK's Dr Syntax at Edinburgh's Studio 24, and in September 2011 also supported UK's Stig of the Dump (rapper)
at the same venue. His music is mainly described as Scottish hip-hop
however he also performs live with electro band Savage Sound System and Zambian Astronaut creating more of a trip-hop / rock
experience.
for the Vagabonds In Space release along with Wardie Burns, Zambian Astronaut and Mog.
using beat boxing, graff
, rapping
and lyric
writing. Mainly focused on writing lyrics and performing rap with young people, he has taught at 'Pilton Youth and Children's Project' and 'Dance Base' located in Edinburgh's Grassmarket.
Worked on an Anti-Knife Crime project in 2009/2010 with Leith
Agency containing Scottish hip-hop
music aimed towards a young audience. Together with Edinburgh City Council this was used as research at public schools and youth groups.
Also featured on the project; Wardie Burns, UV Beatz and Powercut's Steg G
.
Hosted and co-hosted rap battles in Edinburgh
and Glasgow
in conjunction with Scotland Stand Up and Don't Flop (UK's No.1 Battle group).
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
based hip hop artist signed to Sons of Scotland (S.O.S) record publishing.
He mainly focuses on creating music in the genre of Scottish hip-hop
Scottish hip-hop
Scottish hip-hop is the Scottish manifestation of the hip hop culture, comprising the five elements of MCing, DJing, beatboxing, graffiti and b-boying.-History:In the 1980s the elements of hip hop culture had spread to Scotland...
or electro / trip-hop with Savage Sound System also based in Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
.
Biography
First released material through Sons of Scotland with fellow emcee and EdinburghEdinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
resident Deeko, the duo gained success in Scotland and performed at various gigs throughout the country. The release itself, created an underground following for both artists, however Werd (S.O.S) never reached a larger audience until the release of The Scottish Rapper towards the end of 2008. This mix tape attracted the ears of local promoters and artists projecting him to new heights and gaining exposure on a national scale.
In December 2010 Werd teamed up with fellow Edinburgh artist Wardie Burns to create the 26 track Vagabonds mixtape released on Sons of Scotland. The follow up mini-album Vagabonds In Space released June 8, 2011 along with Zambian Astronaut further increased their presence in the UK Music scene. The album features arguably the most recognised Scottish hip hop artists, Madhat McGore, Adam Holmes and Glasgow’s Mog who featured on the debut music video titled 'A Declaration'. Werd therefore has continued to push the music, already making waves in the underground scene and appearing on national UK radio and international hip-hop stations in Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, Norway
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
, France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
and US. Featured on local stations such as Glasgow University's Subcity Radio and Steg G's Sunny Govan Community Radio he has progressed to larger national stations such as BBC Radio 1Xtra
BBC Radio 1Xtra
BBC Radio 1Xtra is a digital radio station in the United Kingdom from the BBC specialising in new black music, sometimes referred to as urban music. Launched at 18:00 on 16 August 2002, it had been codenamed Network X during the consulation period and is the sister station to BBC Radio 1...
and Scotland's BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1 is a British national radio station operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation which also broadcasts internationally, specialising in current popular music and chart hits throughout the day. Radio 1 provides alternative genres after 7:00pm including electronic dance, hip hop, rock...
. On 26 June 2011 Werd appeared on BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1 is a British national radio station operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation which also broadcasts internationally, specialising in current popular music and chart hits throughout the day. Radio 1 provides alternative genres after 7:00pm including electronic dance, hip hop, rock...
Introducing show with Ally McCrae
Ally McCrae
Ally McCrae , is best known as the presenter of BBC Radio 1 Scotland's show, and as co-creator of Detour Scotland.-Introducing:On November 2, 2010 it was announced that Ally McCrae would take over from Vic Galloway as presenter of BBC Radio 1 Introducing show as part of a UK wide shake up of BBC...
and Wardie Burns discussing and playing live tracks from his ‘Oor Wardie’ album (released on SOS).
Werd has worked with, and continues to work with new and old artists in Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
and abroad, creating music with some of Edinburgh’s top producers
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
and artists in the genre as well as performing gigs at venues in the major cities. Venues such as The Ark, The Store (GRV), Club Media, The Jazz Bar, Sneaky Petes, Maggies Chamber, Cruz, Club Berlin, The Hide, Bongo Club, Shanghai Club, Henry's Celler Bar, The Voodoo Rooms, The Venue and The Yard (as part of Music2be Festival) have hosted Werd on stage in Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
, as well as playing during the world famous Edinburgh Festival
Edinburgh Festival
The Edinburgh Festival is a collective term for many arts and cultural festivals that take place in Edinburgh, Scotland each summer, mostly in August...
. Furthermore, The Garage, 13th Note, Box and Beat Club in Glasgow
Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...
and as part of the 2010 Dunnedin Glen Festival.
In April 2011 Werd supported UK's Dr Syntax at Edinburgh's Studio 24, and in September 2011 also supported UK's Stig of the Dump (rapper)
Stig of the Dump (rapper)
Steve Dixon, better known by his stage name Stig of the Dump, is a British rapper from Newcastle Upon Tyne who now lives in London.Stigs first major release was The Homeless Microphonist EP in 2006, followed by the Braindead 12", which featured RA the Rugged Man. He released his first LP, Mood...
at the same venue. His music is mainly described as Scottish hip-hop
Scottish hip-hop
Scottish hip-hop is the Scottish manifestation of the hip hop culture, comprising the five elements of MCing, DJing, beatboxing, graffiti and b-boying.-History:In the 1980s the elements of hip hop culture had spread to Scotland...
however he also performs live with electro band Savage Sound System and Zambian Astronaut creating more of a trip-hop / rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
experience.
Awards
In 2011 Werd won Urban Recording of the Year at the Scottish New Music Awards ceremony held on Sunday September 4, 2011 at the Classic Grand in GlasgowGlasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...
for the Vagabonds In Space release along with Wardie Burns, Zambian Astronaut and Mog.
Other work
Werd (S.O.S) has also worked at youth workshops in EdinburghEdinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
using beat boxing, graff
Graff
Graff is the surname of:* Anton Graff , German painter* Gerald Graff, American professor* Hyrum Graff, character in Orson Scott Card's Ender books* Ilene Graff , American actress* Kasimir Graff , German astronomer...
, rapping
Rapping
Rapping refers to "spoken or chanted rhyming lyrics". The art form can be broken down into different components, as in the book How to Rap where it is separated into “content”, “flow” , and “delivery”...
and lyric
Lyrics
Lyrics are a set of words that make up a song. The writer of lyrics is a lyricist or lyrist. The meaning of lyrics can either be explicit or implicit. Some lyrics are abstract, almost unintelligible, and, in such cases, their explication emphasizes form, articulation, meter, and symmetry of...
writing. Mainly focused on writing lyrics and performing rap with young people, he has taught at 'Pilton Youth and Children's Project' and 'Dance Base' located in Edinburgh's Grassmarket.
Worked on an Anti-Knife Crime project in 2009/2010 with Leith
Leith
-South Leith v. North Leith:Up until the late 16th century Leith , comprised two separate towns on either side of the river....
Agency containing Scottish hip-hop
Scottish hip-hop
Scottish hip-hop is the Scottish manifestation of the hip hop culture, comprising the five elements of MCing, DJing, beatboxing, graffiti and b-boying.-History:In the 1980s the elements of hip hop culture had spread to Scotland...
music aimed towards a young audience. Together with Edinburgh City Council this was used as research at public schools and youth groups.
Also featured on the project; Wardie Burns, UV Beatz and Powercut's Steg G
Steg G
Steven Gilfoyle better known by his stage name Steg G, is a Scottish hip hop producer, radio DJ and record executive...
.
Hosted and co-hosted rap battles in Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
and Glasgow
Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...
in conjunction with Scotland Stand Up and Don't Flop (UK's No.1 Battle group).
Discography
- S.O.S: Presents Werd n Deeko Vol.1 (Sons of Scotland, 2007)
- Werd - The Scottish Rapper (Sons of Scotland, 2008)
- Werd - Rap Re-Mixtape Vol.1 (Sons of Scotland, 2009)
- Werd - Patient Empowerment (Sons of Scotland, 2009)
- Project: Auld Reekie (Sons of Scotland, 2009)
- Werd - Rap Re-Mixtape Vol.2 (Sons of Scotland, 2010)
- Wardie Burns / Werd / UVBeatz - Anti Knife Crime EP (Sons of Scotland/Powercut, 2010)
- Wardie Burns / Werd - Vagabonds (Sons of Scotland, 2010)
- Zambian Astronaut / Werd - Underworld (Zambian Astronaut, 2010)
- Werd (SOS) - John Connor / Drive It Like Its Stolen (Sons of Scotland, 2011)
- Project: Auld Reekie 2 (Sons of Scotland, 2011)
- Vagabonds In Space (Sons of Scotland/ZA, 2011)
Guest appearances
- Wardie Burns - "Vagabonds" (Powercut Productions, 2010) Wardie Burns - Oor Wardie (CD)'
- Madhat McGore - "Naughty Eyes" (Music Comes First Records) Stuck Behind the Looking Glass (CD)'
- Nity Gritz - "Kids in the Paper" (Music Comes First Records) Unify Me! (DL)'
- UV Beatz - "Various Tracks" (UV / Powercut Productions) UV Beatz Recordings Vol.1-3 (DL)'
- Scant Squad - Before This, No Me (Scant Squad Recordings, 2009) Scant Squad Recordings Vol.1 (CD)'
- Certified Banger/Jee4ce - The Internet (Certified Banger, 2009) Certified Celtic Connection (DL)'
- Scant Squad - Self Taught, Nighttime Rap, Burgh Kreeps (Scant Squad Recordings, 2010) Scant Squad Recordings Vol.2 (CD)'
- Wardie Burns - The SWINE FLU Mixtape (Sons of Scotland, 2009)
- Deeko - Life Itself Vol.1 (Sons of Scotland, 2010)
- Gangland Authentic - Three Bottles (Album: Nostalgia, 2010) (Independent Recording)
- Big Div - Wardie Burns / Werd - A Good Rhyme (DJ Premier Mix) (Album: SPL Mixtape, 2010) (Major Threat)
- Fly Spittin - Volume 1, Track 10. Werd (S.O.S) - My Perspective (J.R. Hartley, 2011)>
- C-MoneC-MoneSimone Buchanan, better known by the name C-Mone, is an MC from Nottingham, England. As well has having a number of solo releases she is featured on the Mike Skinner album A Grand Don't Come for Free.-Discography:...
- Dancing With Mirrors - Track 01: R.I.P.(Ft. Werd) (Original Release Date: 1 Aug 2011 on Dark Whisper Records)> - Deeko - Life Itself Vol.2 (Sons of Scotland, 2011)
- Wardie Burns & Wee D - Escape From Carstairs (Sons of Scotland, Powercut 2011)
External links
- Werd at MyspaceMyspaceMyspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
- Werd(S.O.S) Music