Celebrated songsmith John Douglas, co-founder and guitarist of beloved Scottish music icons Trashcan Sinatras presents his new single ‘Still Or Sparkling?’, previewing his new 4-track ‘Still Or Sparkling EP’, out November 8 via Reveal Records.

At the same time, Douglas embarks on the second leg of his headlining ‘Lost in North America Tour’, offering an intimate snapshot of Douglas’ talent, charisma and depth. Having just wrapped up the first leg with Lily Vakili of Vakili Band, he is now joined by award-winning singer-songwriter Lauren Calve for East Coast dates. Seattle and LA shows also involved fellow Trashcans Frank Reader and Paul Livingston.

A slight move away from his acoustic debut album while maintaining a natural live-take approach, the new EP involves some stellar musicians, including Eddi Reader (of Fairground Attraction fame and a solo artist in her own right), Boo Hewerdine (The Bible), Kevin Mcguire and Alan Kelly – all also part of Reader’s band.

Musically, the arrangement nods its head to Roger Miller’s finger-clicking, double bass driven ‘King Of The Road’ with added soft husky harmonies from John’s partner, Eddi Reader. Lyrically, the song evokes the early days of any relationship…. the getting to know each other phase, flirtatious and light. The song also name checks the unlikely trio of Shirley Collins, Annie Briggs and Michelangelo

“This is a new song of new love… the fresh, early days. Inspired by a late night date with my future wife, spent listening to folk records, eating figs and getting to know each other,” says John Douglas.

In 2023, John Douglas released his eponymous debut album via Reveal Records, recorded with renowned producer Mark Freegard (New Model Army, Lush, The Breeders, Del Amitri, Marillion). Other highlights of the year include a UK headlining tour, UK Top-40 charting of Trashcan Sinatras’ reissued album ‘Cake’ (33 years since debuting), and a Trashcan Sinatras documentary, produced by award-winning journalist Ken Sweeney, featuring Douglas performing beloved Trashcans’ songs.

Douglas recently shared his video for ‘Weightlifting’ for the 20th anniversary of the milestone Trashcan Sinatras album by the same name. Earlier, he shared the moonlit video for ‘Oranges & Apples’, preceded by ‘I Just Want To Go Home’, ‘Lost’, ‘I’m Not The Fella’, ‘Always’ and ‘Leave Me Alone’.

The ‘Still or Sparkling?’ single is out now, available from fine online platforms, including Bandcamp, where the full EP can be pre-ordered. This EP is available on CD during Douglas’ North America tour, as well as his debut album (on CD and on vinyl for the first time), plus his mini-book ‘Rambling – How I got here to your town on my own’ featuring superb photos by Stephanie Gibson.

CREDITS
John Douglas – Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar & Finger Clicks
Eddi Reader – Backing Vocals
Alan Kelly – Accordion
Kevin McGuire – Double Bass
All footage filmed by Stephanie Gibson upstairs in Cathkin, South Lanarkshire and upstairs at The Doublet Bar, Kelvinbridge (Glasgow, Scotland)
Video edited by John Douglas.
John Douglas photos by Stephanie Gibson
Trashcan Sinatras photo by Chris Williams
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

TOUR DATES
October 1 LOS ANGELES – Hotel Cafe *
(Special guest appearance by Trashcan Sinatras’ Frank Reader)
October 2 SAN FRANCISCO – The Lost Church *
October 4 PORTLAND – Mission Theater *
October 5 SEATTLE – Ballard Homestead, Fremont Abbey *
(Special guest appearance by Trashcan Sinatras’ Frank Reader & Paul Livingston)
October 7 SALT LAKE CITY – The Beehive *
October 8 DENVER – Mercury Cafe, Jungle Room *
October 10 KANSAS CITY – Knuckleheads *
October 11 MINNEAPOLIS – Icehouse MPLS *
October 12 CHICAGO – GMan Tavern **
October 15 TORONTO – The Monarch **
October 16 CLEVELAND – Beachland Tavern **
October 17 COLUMBUS – Natalie’s Grandview **
October 19 BOSTON – City Winery Boston **
October 20 NEW YORK – Cafe Wha? **
October 21 PHILADELPHIA – City Winery Loft **
*with Lily Vakili of Vakili Band
**with Lauren Calve