MUSIC NEWS Scotland (Feb22-25)

25 : 2: 22 

soundwalk with 'The Bard of the Birds' - p6 

International Cultural Exchange - p3 :: NYOS bounce back from Covid - p17 

Scottish Government provides YMI Funding 

of £1.2million for youth music activities 

Young people across 

Scotland are set to access 

a wide range of music 

making activities and 

opportunities thanks to 

£1.2m funding to 44 

community projects 

across the country. 

Online concerts, virtual tuition sessions, networking 

and development opportunities, as well as tailored 

mentoring programmes are among the activities 

being supported by Creative Scotland with backing 

from the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative 

(YMI). 

With latest figures evidencing the significant and 

positive impact of the Youth Music Initiative - 

reaching over 278,000 young people in 2019/20, 

supporting more than 300 Scottish based projects, 

creating nearly 1,000 jobs and over 3,400 

professional development opportunities - the £1.2m of 

funds will ensure continuing access to activities 

covering all musical genres 

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The 

successful projects awarded Scottish Government 

funds through the Youth Music Initiative will offer 

young people across the country more opportunities 

to take part in music activities outside of school. I’m 

particularly pleased to see that 38 of the 44 projects 

will provide more access to music making for young 

people from economically deprived areas, disabled 

young people and young people with additional 

support needs. Culture has a key role to play in our 

recovery from the pandemic and Youth Music Initiative 

projects like this can make a significant impact on the 

lives of our young people, as evidenced in the latest 

Impact Report.” 

Morag MacDonald, Youth Music Manager at 

Creative Scotland commented: “From car park 

instrument drop offs to weekly zoom jam sessions and 

online singing events, the sector has found 

imaginative ways to keep the music playing despite 

the ongoing pandemic and, in doing so, supported the 

health and wellbeing of children and young people at 

a time when they need it most. This year marks the 

20th anniversary of the Youth Music Initiative and an 

opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the 

young people, pay tribute to those who make it all 

happen, and raise awareness of the value of access to 

music making for all young people into the future.” 

A selection of the funded projects includes: 

The Lullaby Project delivered by Feis Rois pairs 

musicians and isolated new mothers in the Highlands 

to write lullabies for their wee ones. 

Diversify! Scotland in Colour Project delivered by 

Drake Music Scotland with Intercultural Youth 

Scotland will see the creation of new pieces of music 

to be performed at Scotland in Colour Festival October 

2022. 

Fèis Rois are one group who provide opportunities for people of all ages to participate in 

traditional music, song and dance. 

www.facebook.com/feisrois 

:: photo by Christian Gamauf 

Island Ukuleles will see young people from the 

islands of Yell, Fetlar, and Unst perform a repertoire of 

island music from around the world. 

Young Roma musicians will develop their musicmaking 

skills and experiment with various styles of 

Gypsy music through ZOR - Young Roma Cultural 

Ambassadors programme. 

The Aberdeen Youth Music Partnership delivered 

by Station House Media Unit will bring together 

organisations, practitioners and young people in 

Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to work together to 

www.scottishmusiccentre.com 

further the area’s Youth Music Action Plan; and Music 

Education Partnership Group will continue their work 

to advocate for music education in Scotland. 

National programmes will see the continuation of Hit 

the Road and Music Plus from Scottish Music 

Centre; and the music making activities through the 

Scottish Books Trust’s Bookbug programme sharing 

stories, songs and rhymes with babies, toddlers, and 

pre-schoolers. 

www.creativescotland.com 

www.twitter.com/CreativeScots 

www.facebook.com/CreativeScotland 

Covid-19 advice @ www.smc-covid19.com web @ www.scottishmusiccentre.com 

fb @ www.facebook.com/scottishmusiccentre tweet @ www.twitter.com/scottishmusic 

http://bit.ly/issuu-googleplay 

www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com

page 2 

music news scotland 

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music news scotland page 3 

Innovations in international cultural exchange and collaboration 

announced for 24 countries in conjunction with Creative Scotland 

New funding for 

innovative models of 

international cultural 

exchange and 

collaboration has 

been awarded to 38 

projects. 

The projects bring together 82 UK and 48 

international partners based in over 24 different 

countries, from Mexico to Kenya, Barbados to 

Australia and throughout Europe and USA. 

With funding from Creative Scotland, Arts 

Council England, Arts Council Northern Ireland 

and Arts Council of Wales/Wales Arts 

International, the pilot Four Nations 

International Fund is backing artist led proposals 

which address the key issues facing society - 

social justice, gender identity and environmental 

sustainability – in innovative new ways. 

Creative Scotland is managing the fund’s 

application process for the four nations’ arts 

councils and agencies. On the partnership’s 

behalf, Paul Burns, Creative Scotland’s Interim 

Director of Arts and Engagement said: 

“International collaboration and exchange are 

vital for new ideas and new connections between 

nations to flourish. Developed in partnership 

with four nations’ arts councils and agencies, 

this pilot funding will enable artists and creative 

practitioners across the nations to forge new 

relationships, develop practice through the 

sharing of ideas, explore new ways of working, 

and reach new audiences. 

“Culture is shaped by communities, and while 

international in their focus these projects have 

community at their heart. These projects provide 

an important opportunity to explore with our 

international counterparts the contemporary 

issues of our time from environmental 

sustainability and social justice to working in a 

post pandemic world following the UK’s 

departure from the European Union.” 

A selection of projects receiving funding 

include: 

Wide Events CIC, (which hosts Scotland’s Wide 

Days music convention) will team up with Focus 

Wales international showcase festival and 

Alex Amor performs at Wide Days 

www.facebook.com/widedays 

:: photo by Jannica Honey 

Mexican vinyl shop and record label, La Roma 

Records to bring together music industry 

professionals, music media and export-ready 

artists from the three countries for market 

presentations, low-speed meetings and 

introductions. 

Olaf Furniss, Founder of Wide Days 

commented: “We’re looking forward to working 

with our friends at La Roma Records and Focus 

Wales to connect people and build the 

foundations for future collaborations and an inperson 

trade delegation. As a journalist I 

covered Mexico’s nascent club scene, 

interviewed some great bands and DJs, and 

years later hosted our first international Born To 

Be Wide in Mexico City. It’s great to have the 

opportunity to bring together Mexico, Scotland 

and Wales to lay the foundation for future 

collaborations.” 

Wales' Celtic Neighbours Partnership is 

engineering ‘cultural collisions’ between the 

smaller nations and language communities of 

Europe and UK. Working with rural communities 

in Ceredigion and the Vale of Glamorgan 

(Wales), Cornwall, Shetland and Na h-Eileanan 

Siar (Scotland), Gaeltacht Ireland, Netherlands 

(Fryslan) and Serbia (Sirogojno) their latest 

project will involve the exchange of artefacts, art 

and craftworks, writing and recordings that 

encapsulate their individual cultures to stimulate 

friendships, tolerance and shared aspirations. 

English Folk Expo's innovative international 

collaboration, Global Music Match (founded by 

Showcase Scotland Expo and GMM partners) will 

enable global connections for hundreds of folk, 

world and roots musicians. 

Danny Antrobus, Development Manager, 

English Folk Expo said: “The team at English 

Folk Expo are so proud to have helped found 

Global Music Match, working with our partners 

around the world to support more than 170 

artists across 17 countries to reach new 

audiences, as well as encouraging exciting 

collaborations and providing a groundwork for 

future international touring. As our partnership 

enters its third year, we’re grateful to receive 

backing from the Four Nations’ International 

Fund which will help Global Music Match support 

even more artists in even more countries and 

bring amazing global folk and roots music to new 

audiences.” 

The Fund represents one of a series of 

collaborations between the four UK nations’ arts 

councils and agencies including the pilot, Arts 

Infopoint UK initiative offering advice on 

practical issues relating to artist mobility led by 

Wales Arts International, and an exploration of 

mutual and more sustainable approaches to 

bilateral initiatives with several European 

countries, such as German Fonds SozioKultur. 

The full list of Four Nations’ International Fund 

recipients can be read at https://bit.ly/33Ox6hq 

www.creativescotland.com 

www.twitter.com/CreativeScots 

www.facebook.com/CreativeScotland 

www.orkneyfolkfestival.com 

facebook @ www.facebook.com/orkneyfolkfestival 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/OrkneyFolkFest 

email news to :: musicnewsscotland@gmail.com

page 4 


New Home For Celtic Music Radio 

with the support of Braehead Centre 

Celtic Music Radio is 

beginning a new era 

with the opening of its 

studios at the 

Braehead Centre, one 

of Scotland’s premier 

shopping malls. 

We believe this is the first time in the UK a radio 

station will be broadcasting from a shopping 

centre. 

Alex Jenkins, chair of the board of directors at 

Celtic Music Radio, paid tribute to the Braehead 

Centre for making it all happen. 

“Our heartfelt thanks go to those at Braehead 

Shopping Centre for this terrific arrangement 

that gives Celtic Music Radio a new home where 

we can start a new era for the station, which is 

now in its 15th year. 

“We really appreciate having a new base as we 

push ahead to deliver great programmes every 

day, all day. 

“We’re looking forward to strengthening our 

association with such a prestige centre that is 

popular with so many. 

“Our technical team is working hard to get 

everything functioning properly so in due course, 

we will be able to invite up-and-coming and 

established acts to the studios to perform live 

and be interviewed – a key part of what we do. 

“We will continue to create a vital and vibrant 

musical community and offer listeners here and 

all over the world the best possible range of 

programmes. 

“It’s an exciting time for all of the music-loving 

volunteers at CMR.” 

Braehead centre director, Peter Beagley, 

said: “Celtic Music Radio is an exemplar of how 

committed, like-minded people working together 

can create an exciting and popular community 

enterprise. 

“The programmes broadcast by the station are 

not only listened to by a wide audience in the 

Greater Glasgow area, but by many people living 

all round the world. 

“Braehead is very much committed to our local 

community and we were pleased to be able to 

help the community station in their search for a 

new broadcasting studio base.” 

www.celticmusicradio.net 

www.twitter.com/celt95fm 

www.facebook.com/celticmusicradio95FM 

www.ticketsglasgow.com 

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facebook @ www.facebook.com/theSNJO 

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to advertise email Carol @ carol.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com

page 6 


SCOTTISH MUSIC CENTRE ......... 

Spotlight :: soundwalk with 'The Bard of the Birds' 

www.sound-scotland.co.uk/event/bard-of-the-birds 

"The Scottish Music Centre's task is to champion the wealth of talent that abounds in Scotland's musical community" 

Once you've registered for the event by clicking 'Book' on the right 

hand side you will receive: A confirmation email containing information 

about joining the meeting, soundtrack (max. 125MB) will be sent to 

you prior to the event which you can download to your smartphone or 

iPhone prior to the walk along with a single-sided sheet of instructions 

for the walk so you can plan your route in advance if you wish. The 

event duration is approx. 90 minutes. The suggested payment for the 

event follow, but you can attend for free - £6 (full price) / £4 (senior 

citizens) / £2 (students, disabled people, jobseekers). 

For the soundwalk element you will decide your own route and length 

of journey. There is no requirement 

to cover a particular distance and 

people with limited mobility or 

wheelchair users are welcome to 

take part in the event. For further 

information or access requirements 

contact ... 

admin@sound-scotland.co.uk 

As spring emerges, The Bard 

of the Birds invites you to 

join her for a new music and 

storytelling experience where 

you will experience your 

surroundings in a new way. 

Whether you live in the city or countryside your days are beginning to 

grow longer as spring emerges and nature finds her way through 

cracks in the walls and pavements, and through sunlight and birdsong. 

It can be easy to miss these details. 

The event starts on Zoom with an introduction from The Bard of the 

Birds. You will then be invited to take a walk (approx. 45 min) around 

your area. You don't need to travel to any particular location. 

On your walk, you will listen to a soundtrack which will give you various 

instructions to follow and invites you to pay attention to particular 

details. Guided by the Bard of the Birds you will be asked to collect 

impressions, thoughts, ideas, colours, shapes, or even objects you find 

along your walk. 

The project and soundtrack is a collaboration of composer Rūta 

Vitkauskaitė with nature-inspired music, Dawn Wood (Templar Poetry) 

with poems and stories, composers Gemma McGregor (Orkney 

Islands), Emily Doolittle (Research Department at the RCS), clarinettist 

Joanna Nicholson (former Story Specialist, Scottish Book Trust), and 

violist Katherine Wren (Nordic Viola). The project was also joined by 

electronic music composer Ellie Cherry, and sound and live streaming 

specialist Chris Adams. 

When you return from your walk, we will meet you back on Zoom and 

invite you to share your experiences. What you will need: A 

smartphone or iPhone, headphones, internet connection while at home 

(not required on the walk), suitable outdoor clothing 

This event is part of Modern 

Chants, a new music and 

storytelling experience supported 

by Creative Scotland. ‘Modern 

Chants’ is a collaborative 

contemporary music project that 

includes researching onomatopoeic 

sounds/words from Scotland's 

musical heritage. Creators' journey 

into the Gaelic and Old Norse 

imagery and language unfolded in 8 

new pieces, and a number of 

poems and stories. And interaction 

with the audience is another 

important and strong aspect of the 

project, highlighting music as a 

communal activity. 

The creative results were first 

presented at Book Week Scotland 

2020, as a livestreamed event of 

music and storytelling. Embracing 

most ancient goddess Cailleach as 

a leading figure of the event, the 

audience were invited to open their 

imagination to the nature forces, 

goddesses and spirits that once 

ruled these beautiful lands. 

Submerged in music sounds 

inspired by winds, lochs, birds, 

bagpiping, the audience were also 

encouraged to actively take part in 

music through digital instructions. 

Soundwalk with The Bard of The 

Birds is the next part of The 

'Modern Chants' team's project. 

Creative research into Gaelic 

culture was thoroughly supported 

by An Lanntair (Outer Hebrides). 

The results were presented in 

partnership with Book Week 

Scotland, and Sound (Aberdeen). 

Project is supported by Creative 

Scotland, and PRS Foundation's 

Open fund for Music Creator. 

SMC member :: Rūta Vitkauskaitė 

SMC member :: Emily Doolittle 

SMC member :: Gemma McGregor 

The Scottish Music Centre currently supports in excess of 

100 composer, group/small business and corporate members 

To find out more about the benefits of SMC membership, 

visit http://scottishmusiccentre.com/services/membership-schemes/ 

Scottish Music Centre’s City Halls office is currently closed due to Covid-19 and our staff and project teams are working from home. 

We have made changes to some of our services, please go to the individual page(s) on our website for more info. 

For general enquiries please contact us on info@scottishmusiccentre.com 

www.scottishmusiccentre.com : www.twitter.com/scottishmusic : www.facebook.com/scottishmusiccentre 

"The Scottish Music Centre's task is to champion the wealth of talent that abounds in Scotland's musical community"


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page 8 

the mns collection …. 


MU expresses concern at 

impact upon musicians as 

Covid rules are changed 

"In Scotland access to lateral flow and PCR 

tests will continue to be free of charge" 

The Musicians’ Union (MU), 

whilst welcoming in principle the 

scrapping of restrictions taking 

effect in England, has expressed 

serious concerns about how the 

end of free testing may affect its 

members there. While in Scotland 

it is planned to continue testing, 

but funding for that from 

Westminster will be withdrawn 

when testing in England ceases. 

The UK Prime Minister’s announcement 

stated that Covid-19 restrictions and free 

mass testing will end in England, with people 

who test positive for Covid no longer having 

to isolate by law and from April will not even 

be advised to stay at home if infected. 

Restrictions in Wales and Northern Ireland 

are still subject to review. 

In Scotland lateral flow tests will still be free, 

and the Scottish Government advice is that 

you should continue to test twice a week. 

The Scottish Government will publish a new 

plan for Scotland's Test and Protect 

programme in March. 

People who test positive for coronavirus will 

still be asked to self-isolate to reduce the risk 

of infecting others in Scotland. You should 

take a PCR test if you have symptoms or if 

asked by Test and Trace. Financial assistance 

is still in place for those who qualify for it 

during isolation. 

The Scottish First Minister also set out an 

indicative timescale for remaining legal 

protections to be lifted ... 

View all the MNS digital 

publications from links at 

www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com 

Naomi Pohl, MU Deputy General Secretary, 

said: “We are aware that clinically vulnerable 

musicians in particular will have real worries 

about this announcement for England. With 

the music industry in recovery from the 

Covid-19 crisis but widely using testing, it 

also remains to see what the impact may be 

on, for example, live performances, studio 

sessions and orchestral work. 

"Most musicians are self-employed and may 

have to bear the costs of tests and generally 

will not receive any sick pay or cancellation 

fees if they contract Covid and choose to 

isolate to protect their colleagues in England. 

We have written to the UK Government to 

ask that free testing is retained for workers, 

like musicians, who are generally unable to 

work from home and often unable to socially 

distance. 

“In addition, we are encouraging members to 

email their MP with their concerns at the end 

of free testing in England, with particular 

emphasis on how the end of access to free 

Lateral Flow Tests and PCR Tests is likely to 

affect their ability to work.” 

Scotland's Covid passport scheme is set to 

end on Monday 28 February with the legal 

requirement to wear face masks being lifted 

on 21 March. For now, self-isolation for those 

who test positive will remain in place. 

* Vaccine certification will no longer be 

legally required from Monday 28 February, 

although the app will remain available so any 

business that wishes to continue certification 

on a voluntary basis to reassure customers 

will be able to do so 

* Current legal requirements on the use of 

face coverings, the collection of customer 

details for contact tracing purposes, and for 

businesses, service providers and places of 

worship to have regard to guidance on Covid 

and to take reasonably practicable measures 

set out in the guidance are expected to be 

lifted on 21 March, subject to the state of the 

pandemic 

* Access to lateral flow and PCR tests will 

continue to be free of charge, ahead of a 

detailed transition plan being published on 

the future of Scotland’s test and protect 

programme in March. 

* People who test positive for COVID-19 will 

continue to be asked to self-isolate to reduce 

the risk of infecting other people. Any 

changes to the recommended period of selfisolation 

will be considered on an ongoing 

basis. 

www.theMU.org 

www.twitter.com/WeAreTheMU 

www.facebook.com/Musicians.Union 



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Glasgow fb @ www.facebook.com/glasgowmusiccitytours/ 

Edin fb @ www.facebook.com/EdinburghMusicTours/ 

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page 10 


Marimba player Akshar Abdullah is announced as Glasgow 

Champion and the first competitor to be confirmed for the 

Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year Final 

On 3 February at 

Glasgow's City Halls, solo 

musicians from primary 

and secondary schools 

across Glasgow competed 

for a prized spot at the 

Scottish Young 

Musicians final, which will 

take place on 29 May at 

the Royal Conservatoire of 

Scotland. 

All schools in Glasgow were invited to take part, and a 

total of 4 primary and 15 secondary schools were 

involved in this local final, with 22 young people 

performing. 

Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year is 

a new Scotland-wide music competition launched by 

The Music Education Partnership Group, Scotland’s 

only music competition where funding and expertise is 

offered to every school and Local Authority, giving all 

pupils in the country the chance to take part. 

Following a string of excellent live performances at 

City Halls, 16-year-old Akshar Abdullah from S5 

at All Saints RC Secondary School was 

announced as the winner by adjudicator Gerry 

Doherty. He performed IV) Despedida (Farewell) – 

Rosauro Concerto for Marimba on Marimba and gave a 

masterful performance. In second place was Elina 

Purina, S5 pianist from Holyrood Secondary School, 

and Allie McEwan, S5 singer from St Margaret Mary’s 

Secondary School, was awarded third place. 

Gerry Doherty, who judged the final, is a former 

Bellarmine pupil who studied at RSAMD, was a 

violinist with RSNO for 30 years, has conducted the 

Glasgow Schools' Symphony Orchestra and has 

worked as a music instructor throughout his career. 

The accompanist for the afternoon was Cameron 

Murdoch, an Instrumental Music Instructor with 

Glasgow CREATE and RCS Juniors, former BBC Young 

Musician of the Year finalist and conductor of the 

Glasgow Phoenix Choir. 

The next step of the competition takes Akshar to the 

Royal Conservatoire to compete in the national final in 

May. The overall winner of the National competition 

will receive a stunning sculpture by Alexander 

Stoddart of the Maid of Morven playing the Clarsach, 

as well as the opportunity to work, play and learn with 

some world class musicians with links to music 

colleges for future considerations of a career in music. 

The majority of Local Authorities across Scotland are 

also taking part in the competition, with many more 

hosting local finals in the coming months to determine 

who will represent their area in the national final. 

Scottish Young Musicians Brass Ensemble of the 

Year is also taking place in 2022. This online music 

competition is open to ensembles of up to 10 players 

aged 18 and under who play together regularly in 

school or in their local youth brass band. There will 

also be an ensemble chosen from those attending 

independent schools. Entrance is by video submission 

and should include two contrasting pieces lasting no 

longer than 10 minutes. Closing date for entries is 25 

March and the results will be announced on 25 April. 

The winning ensemble will get an all-expenses paid 

trip to play a prime slot at the Solo Performer of the 

Year final on Sunday 29 May at The Royal 

Conservatoire of Scotland. They will also receive a 

trophy and a prize of £750 to be spent on ensemble 

music related activities, generously donated by the 

legendary trumpet player Philip Jones and his wife 

Ursula. 

Akshar Abdullah, Glasgow finalist for Scottish 

Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year, 

said: I feel absolutely exhilarated. I have been 

playing percussion for three years now and I feel very 

proud of myself for winning today. It was nervewracking 

but competing today was a great experience 

and I’m really excited to represent Glasgow at the 

national final. 

Gerry Doherty, adjudicator for the Glasgow City 

Council final, said: It’s wonderful to get back to 

music-making face to face. All the children did really 

well and performed at a very high level. It’s about 

projecting music and telling a story, and Akshar did 

that brilliantly in his performance and was technically 

on top of his piece. 

Akshar Abdullah 

:: photo courtesy of Scottish Young Musicians 

Pamela Black, Education Support Officer for 

Music, Glasgow City Council, said: It’s brilliant to 

have live music back and have everyone performing, 

we’re just so excited about it. It’s amazing that after 2 

years of lockdowns and limited access to teaching, the 

standard of the competition has been tremendous. It 

is testimony to the will and talent of the pupils and 

their teachers. 

www.scottishyoungmusicians.com 

www.twitter.com/SYMusicians 

www.facebook.com/scottishyoungmusicians 


www.fallenangelsclub.com 

www.lau-music.co.uk 

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:: a MNS business profile feature 

The Radio Rooms :: Tweedmouth, Berwick-Upon-Tweed. TD15 2AW :: www.facebook.com/theradiorooms :: www.radiorooms.co.uk :: info@radiorooms.co.uk 

:: The Radio Rooms is an independent grassroots venue and event space that 

was created in March 2019 in Berwick-Upon-Tweed - serving north Northumberland 

and the Scottish Borders we are the main platform for new and up and coming 

artists in the area, and strive to create a safe and inclusive space for everyone. 

Our recently renovated space is designed around a collection of vintage radios ranging from the 1920s 

onwards, and we place an emphasis on quality and local products throughout our bar and kitchen. 

The Radio Rooms host a variety of quality performances, gigs and events throughout the year and our 

space is also available for private events such as weddings, birthday parties and corporate events. We can 

help you plan, organise and host your perfect event - from weddings to lectures; birthdays to plays. Our 

knowledgeable team can help with decor, music, audio and lighting equipment, food and drink, 

entertainment; and any other detail to ensure a brilliant time is had by all. 

Here are some of our quality small business suppliers: Bari Tea (Alnwick), Fentimans (Hexham), 

Giacopazzi's (Eyemouth), Hepple Gin (Morpeth), Holy Island Gin (Holy Island), The Kelso Gin Company 

(Kelso), Left Field Kombucha (Eyemouth), Tempest (Galashiels). 

Our openings hours are 4pm to late, Friday, Saturday and Sunday - extended hours in the summer, please 

check the Event Listings on our website and Facebook page to see what is happening every week. For 

booked events we can open at any time you wish, just drop us an email if you have any questions! Email: 

info@radiorooms.co.uk 

www.radiorooms.co.uk 

www.facebook.com/theradiorooms 

Upcoming Gigs @ Radio Rooms :: 

25 February: Hardly Hawaiian" Uke Jam - by The Ukulele & Other Machines, 7pm. The instrument may 

be Hawaiian, but we aren't, and our songs aren't either! From Bowie & the Beatles to Vance Joy, XTC 

and The Zutons, come and strum and sing along with our friendly ukulele jam. 26 February: Jazz Blues 

Weekend - Blues night with Special Guests!, 7pm. Free entry. Come and join us at The Radio Rooms for 

our Jazz Blues weekend, starting with our Saturday Blues night, followed by our Sunday Jazz session. 27 

February: Jazz Blues Weekend - Sunday Jazz with The Tweed River Jazz Band, 7pm. Free entry. Come 

and join us at The Radio Rooms for our Jazz Blues weekend, starting with our Saturday Blues night, 

followed by our Sunday Jazz session. 2 March: ATTILA THE STOCKBROKER (Delayed 40th Anniversary 

Tour), Spoken word, dub poetry, songs, early music punk - a journey through 40 years of his work. 4 

March: The Radio Rooms Open Mic Night, 7pm. Free Entry. Join us for another open mic night - turn up 

and showcase your talent! Bar & Kitchen open. 19 March: FAUSTUS Spring Tour, 8pm. Driving rhythms 

on bouzouki and guitar are reinforced by the melodeon, fiddle, oboe and cor anglais, creating 

arrangements that are intriguing and subtle, boisterous or punchy. ‘Faustus somehow manage to make 

folk sound traditional and cutting edge at the same time. 17 April: THE NE STREET BAND, 7pm. 

Covering all the eras of the Boss's work, from his vast back catalogue with The E Street Band, his solo 

albums to his collaborations with The Seeger Sessions Band & Southside Johnny. 

The Radio Rooms is an 

independent grassroots venue, 

serving north Northumberland and 

the Scottish Borders

page 12 


National Opera Studio Returns To Scottish Opera For 

Anarchy At The Opera with 15 young performers 

Tickets are on sale now @ www.scottishopera.org.uk/shows/national-opera-studio-2022/ 

Scottish Opera is delighted 

to welcome 15 young 

performers from the 

National Opera Studio for a 

week long residency in 

Glasgow, culminating in a 

performance at Theatre 

Royal Glasgow on 25 

February entitled Anarchy at 

the Opera. 

In a partnership that spans 45 years, this is the 

first time since 2019 that the residency and 

performances have been able to take place in 

Glasgow because of the pandemic. The young 

performers, which comprises eleven singers and 

four pianists, will spend the week working with 

Scottish Opera music staff to rehearse their 

repertoire, before performing with The Orchestra 

of Scottish Opera conducted by Head of Music 

Derek Clark. The artists hail from all over the 

world including Ukraine, Latvia, South Africa, 

America, Korea as well as the UK. 

The performance takes place on the set of 

Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream which 

Scottish Opera are currently performing at the 

Theatre Royal. Audiences should look forward to 

a fun and energetic performance in a programme 

that includes works by Rossini, Handel, Poulenc, 

Shostakovich, Offenbach and more. 

Director Emma Jenkins said: ‘This year, the 

young artists will explore the theme of 

‘Absurdism’ through the medium of some of the 

most anarchic and off-the-wall pieces in the 

operatic repertoire. The event will be very much 

an ensemble effort testing their physical skills as 

well as their vocal prowess. From Les Mamelles 

des Tirésias to Alcina, from Cheryomushki to Le 

Roi Carotte, the audience can look forward to a 

thrilling evening of anarchy and mirth.’ 

Scottish Opera General Director, Alex 

Reedijk, said: ‘Our long term partnership with 

National Opera Studio is one that we continue to 

cherish and have missed over the last few years 

due to the pandemic. We can’t wait to welcome 

them back to Scotland, and look forward to 

working with the talented young singers and 

repetiteurs. We have experienced first-hand the 

talent that National Opera Studio encourages, 

and are proud to have had so many of our own 

Emerging Artists join us after their fine 

programme.’ 

Chief Executive of the National Opera 

Studio, Emily Gottlieb, said: ‘We are delighted 

to return to Scottish Opera this year, working in 

partnership for nearly 45 years to deliver our 

internationally renowned training programme to 

exceptional young singers and repetiteurs. To 

have the opportunity to work with international 

artists such as Music Director Stuart Stratford, 

director Emma Jenkins and The Orchestra of 

Scottish Opera, and present our Young Artists on 

the stage of Theatre Royal Glasgow, is absolutely 

invaluable.’ 

The National Opera Studio offers intensive and 

bespoke professional training for the next 

generation of opera stars. Alumni include: Gerald 

Finley, Alfie Boe, Lesley Garrett, Dame Kiri Te 

Kanawa and Nicky Spence, who is also the 

Patron of Scottish Opera Young Company. NOS 

at Scottish Opera: Anarchy at the Opera is 

supported by Scottish Opera Endowment Trust. 

www.facebook.com/nationaloperastudio 

www.scottishopera.org.uk 

www.twitter.com/ScottishOpera 

www.facebook.com/ScottishOpera 

www.doghouseroses.net 

facebook @ www.facebook.com/doghouseroses 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/DoghouseRoses 



re-arranged tour info @ www.skerryvore.com/tour/ 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/SKERRYVORE 

facebook @ www.facebook.com/skerryvore 


page 14 


Scottish Ensemble puts call out to artists across Scotland 

as it launches 'Scottish Creations' with Creative Lives 

More @ www.creative-lives.org/open-call-for-creativity-inspired-by-your-local-area 

Deadline :: 31 March for submissions 

Scottish Ensemble is 

asking amateur artists 

from across the country 

to submit their work to 

be included in a curated 

exhibition which will 

form part of its Scottish 

Creations tour taking 

place in May 2022. 

Developed in partnership with charity Creative Lives, 

Scottish Creations is a cross art-form initiative 

inspired by Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022, aimed at 

re-establishing a meaningful connection with 

audiences after Covid-19, while also sharing the 

stories of communities and individuals across 

Scotland. 

The ensemble is inviting artists local to each of its 

touring locations, or even further afield, to respond to 

the theme of storytelling through a range of artforms, 

from visual art, sculpture, poetry, creative writing, 

and photography, to drawing tapestry and wood 

carving, and everything in between. A selection of 

creative works will then be displayed at a pop-up 

exhibition at each venue on the tour, supplemented 

by a digital exhibition where works such as music, 

film, animation, and soundscapes will feature. 

Celebrating and sharing the diversity and creativity of 

Scotland, Scottish Creations will take place in May 

2022 at venues in Mull, Skye, Inverness, Shetland, 

Aberdeen and Dundee, with Scottish Ensemble 

performing a programme of iconic music, including a 

brand-new commission by Ailie Robertson, at each 

location. 

Each performance will be followed by a more 

communal session showcasing the diversity of Scottish 

Ensemble’s music-making and featuring smaller 

chamber groups, and a broad range of music genres. 

Audiences will be invited to explore the Creative Lives 

exhibition before the performance and during the 

interval, with submissions shared via a digital 

exhibition during and after the tour. 

Robin Simpson, Chief Executive of Creative 

Lives, said: “Creative Lives is delighted to be working 

with Scottish Ensemble to provide an amazing 

opportunity to highlight the important role creative 

cultural activity plays in local communities in every 

part of Scotland. The pandemic has reinforced how 

creative expression, socialising with friends and 

neighbours, and really appreciating the places where 

we live and work, form a vital part of our lives and an 

essential component of our wellbeing. This project will 

be a joyous celebration of Scotland, its people and 

their creativity in Scotland's Year of Stories.” 

Jenny Jamison, Chief Executive at Scottish 

Ensemble, said: “Scottish Ensemble relishes the 

opportunity to collaborate with artists from different 

traditions – doing so changes and enriches how we 

bring music to life. Recently, we were particularly 

inspired by the resilience of the UK’s amateur arts 

sector during the challenging years we have faced, 

and with Scottish Creations we want to celebrate and 

showcase the huge amount of creative talent we know 

exists across the length and breadth of the country. 

“The various lockdowns and travel restrictions linked 

to Covid-19 have also meant that many of us have 

spent the past couple of years exploring and 

rediscovering the Scotland on our doorstep, and it is 

this varied and personalised Scotland that we want to 

share with the nation. 

“We are excited to launch this initiative in partnership 

with Creative Lives, a charity that plays such a vital 

role in supporting the creativity of so many 

communities across Scotland.” 

www.scottishensemble.co.uk 

www.twitter.com/ScotEnsemble 

www.facebook.com/scottishensemble 

www.revealrecords.co.uk / www.boohewerdine.net 

fb @ www.facebook.com/BooHewerdinemusic/ 

shop @ www.revealrecords.bigcartel.com 



www.hittheroad.org.uk info@hittheroad.org.uk www.facebook.com/hittheroadscotland 

web @ www.hittheroad.org.uk 

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fb @ www.facebook.com/theradiorooms 

web @ www.radiorooms.co.uk 

www.summerhall.co.uk 

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web @ www.brookfield-knights.com 

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page 16 


www.glasgowconcerthalls.com 

www.aberdeenperformingarts.com 



www.snjo.co.uk 

fb @ www.facebook.com/deanowensmusic 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/deanowens1 

fb @ www.facebook.com/theSNJO 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/SNJO2 

www.beenandgoneanddoneit.com 

www.beenandgoneanddoneit.com 

buy @ www.beenandgoneanddoneit.com 

FB @ www.facebook.com/Been-And-Gone-And-Done-It-103944891415646/ 

buy @ www.beenandgoneanddoneit.com 

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National Youth Orchestras of Scotland return 

from Covid with a full 2022 season brochure 

Read the latest NYOS brochure @ http://ow.ly/fx6T50I3r9E 

The National Youth Orchestras 

of Scotland 

(NYOS) is thrilled to bring to 

you its first full 'Season 

Brochure' in over two years. 

This digital guide to its 2022 spring and summer seasons marks the return of 

Scotland’s most talented young musicians to the concert platform. Beyond that 

one immeasurable highlight, the forthcoming season showcases performers across 

its classical and jazz ensembles in programmes full of dazzling orchestral colour, 

and the very latest contemporary jazz arrangements, designed to challenge and 

inspire. 

“It is a tremendous privilege to share this programme of concerts from the National 

Youth Orchestras of Scotland with you. The resilience and enthusiasm of our 

young players has provided hope and optimism during unprecedented and challenging 

times for musicians and music organisations alike. After this testing period, 

I am thrilled to begin my time at NYOS by celebrating our first live concerts 

in over two years.” said Kirsteen Davidson Kelly, Chief Executive. 

NYOS Junior Orchestra perform an entire symphony, a real feat for its accomplished 

younger players. NYOS Senior Orchestra adopts a new form in 2022, reimagined 

as a chamber-sized orchestra. This will introduce its musicians to a new 

orchestral setting, with more opportunities for solo playing, and a more intimate, 

conversational style of music-making. NYOS Symphony Orchestra renews its partnership 

with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and will feature as part of the 

RSNO season in spring before its summer tour. 

The NYOS 2022 programme features some of the very best orchestral and jazz 

repertoire, including Ravel’s relentlessly inventive Daphnis et Chloé Suites Nos. 1 

& 2, a rare opportunity for NYOS Senior Orchestra to perform a Beethoven symphony 

as a chamber-sized ensemble, and The Oak by Florence Price, the first 

American woman of colour to have her work performed by a major orchestra in 

the 1930s. 

Once again, the young musicians are joined by fantastic soloists and internationally 

renowned conductors. These include award-winning saxophonist Jess Gillam, 

who has built an international performance, recording and broadcasting career after 

becoming the first saxophone player to reach the BBC Young Musician Final in 

2016. Jess performs with NYOS Symphony Orchestra in spring under the baton of 

Kerem Hasan, winner of the Salzburg Festival Young Conductors Award. 

“Under the guidance of exceptional instrumental tutors from across Scotland, our 

players will perform alongside world-class soloists, conductors and guest artists, 

including violist and BBC New Generation Artist Timothy Ridout, and Natalia Luis- 

Bassa, a renowned leader in youth music and Professor of Conducting at the Royal 

College of Music, who returns to conduct the Junior Orchestra for a third year.” 

Kirsteen Davidson Kelly, Chief Executive 

The programme also explores contemporary repertoire with NYOS Senior Orchestra 

performing Jupiter’s Fairground, a concert overture by British composer Eleanor 

Alberga, whose work is celebrated internationally for its emotional impact, 

depth of craft, brilliant colouring and orchestration. 

In 2022, we also celebrate 30 years of jazz at NYOS and acknowledge a long history 

of prestigious national and international performances with some of the 

world’s best jazz musicians. Following the Jazz Summer School in the breathtaking 

surroundings on the Isle of Skye, NYOS Jazz Orchestra embarks on a Scottish 

tour, performing special arrangements by this year’s artist in residence, pianist 

Julian Joseph. 

Spring and Summer Concert information can be found @ 

www.nyos.co.uk/performances/ 

Alongside this year’s performances, NYOS will continue its projects in schools and 

communities across Scotland, including its current ambassador programme of 

training and work opportunities for recent music graduates. 

www.nyos.co.uk 

www.twitter.com/NYOScotland 

www.facebook.com/nyos.scotland 

fb @ www.facebook.com/nothingeverhappensheresummerhall 



page 16 


got a music news "story to tell"? then email our newsdesk: musicnewsscotland@gmail.com 

Paul Tasker :: album - 'Tierra Quemada' 

Released :: 1 April @ www.paultasker.bandcamp.com/album/tierra-quemada-2 

Paul Tasker is 

frustrated pianist, 

playing guitar and cosongwriter 

with 

Glasgow’s Doghouse 

Roses and a previous 

member of the Willard 

Grant Conspiracy. 

Hearing a lot of classical music during long car 

journeys as a child kickstarted a love of instrumental 

music which has carried through into Tasker’s work as 

a guitarist (it was easier to find a guitar on which to 

learn music than a piano!). 

Influenced by pianists such as Nils Frahm and 

Ludovico Einaudi, as much as guitarists, most notably, 

Bert Jansch, has given an individual way of working 

with music that showcased on Tasker’s 2014 

instrumental debut Cold Weather Music , and now 

again on this second instrumental album Tierra 

Quemada (Scorched Earth). 

Translating to scorched earth, the title Tierra 

Quemada was chosen due to a family connection with 

Valencia in Spain, and a musical connection to a 

natural world in need of no little help. This allinstrumental 

set could be thought of as a guitar and 

banjo led example of ‘Brian Eno’s theory of ambient 

music’, where first listen reveals a relaxing and 

contemplative set and deeper listening reveals 

complex arrangements drawing on folk, classical, jazz 

and world music influences. 

Banjo features heavily on the album and is to the fore 

on two tracks; album opener Womble the Sausage 

Dog written about a neighbour’s wire haired daschund 

who didn’t take to the sound of guitar, but would 

settle, listen and genuinely seemed to enjoy gently 

played banjo. Riding out, inspired by the common 

riding festivals in Tasker’s native Scottish borders has 

a feeling of ‘heading out west’, intending to convey 

the shared music exported from emigrant Scots 

Dean Owens :: album - 'Sinner's Shrine' 

After nearly 2 years of pandemic 

induced lockdown and isolation, 

award winning Scottish singer 

songwriter Dean Owens is over 

the moon to finally announce 

the release of his highly 

anticipated Sinner’s Shrine 

album, recorded with musicians 

from iconic desert noir Latin 

rockers Calexico at WaveLab 

Studio in Tucson. 

The album is a joint release by London’s Eel Pie 

Records and Continental Record Services 

(Netherlands) on 18 February 2022. 

Sinner’s Shrine is the latest stop on a lifetime’s 

journey - from the post industrial heartlands of 

Scotland to the untrammelled wide-open vistas of the 

American Southwest – as Dean surrenders to the 

intoxicating sounds of the US desert states. It’s 

apparent from the opening song, Arizona, which 

positively bristles with the horn section duelling with 

guitar along with keening pedal steel, as Owens sets 

out his vision of a territory defined by a border, by 

barbed wire, by bustling barrios and wild panoramic 

desert spaces, a territory which has long captured his 

heart. 

There’s the sensual Cumbia influenced Land Of The 

Hummingbird which has Owens duetting with Gaby 

Moreno and the Tex-Mex trails of We Need Us with its 

Farfisa organ swirls, Joey Burns’ guttural guitar and 

sweeping mariachi horns. On The Barbed Wire’s Still 

Weeping, Owens harnesses the full power of Calexico 

to unleash an epic and portentous song, while La 

Lomita also finds Calexico in full sway, the song as 

bustling and busy as a Mexican street market as 

Owens reflects on places of sanctuary and border 

walls. Themes of love and lust, sinners and saints, the 

displaced, the wanderers and the border ghosts run 

through the album (Owens’ 8th (official) solo release) 

like the desert sands. 

The first single will be After The Rain, released 4th 

February, an old song revisited. It’s fitting that it was 

recorded in the land of photographer Ansel Adams, as 

it was one of his prints which originally inspired 

Owens to write the song. A gentle love song with a 

sense of hope for the future that resonates in 2022. 

Joey Burns (Calexico): “There’s something to be 

said for chance meetings of musicians when they 

travel, and the story behind Sinner’s Shrine goes deep 

into the heart of what happens when there is 

openness in both sides to share and connect. One of 

around the world, 

particularly to the 

Appalachians. 

email news to :: musicnewsscotland@gmail.com 

There are two waltzes 

which (almost) bookend 

the album. Firefly is a 

spiralling waltz given a 

renaissance flavour by harp and bass while Last Waltz 

partially reprises Firefly’s melody this time performed 

on clawhammer banjo. One recurring theme in 

Tasker’s music is that of regeneration and change, 

ideas which are further explored in the title track, 

Tierra Quemada. 

With a similar sense of restlessness but this time with 

real urgency, Murmuration twists and dances as the 

title suggests, while Roadtrippin’ is an old tune written 

during a 2006 American road trip on various guitars 

borrowed along the path of the journey from Austin, 

Texas to San Francisco. 

A balance to this movement is found in the gently 

percussive solo guitar piece, DMT, perhaps slightly 

reminiscent of the playing of Johns’ Martyn and 

Renbourn, and penultimate track, After The Rain 

continues this sense of calm with a satisfying motif 

played on classical guitar. There’s a kick up into a 

flamenco inspired section coloured with viola and 

trumpet, before the original, soothing figure returns 

underlining the sense of motion and metamorphosis 

present throughout the album. 

All tracks written and performed by Paul Tasker with: 

Laura Beth Salter - Mandolin track 1, Rachel Hair - 

Harp, Una McGlone - Bass, Richard Evan - viola, 

Robert Henderson - trumpet, Dejan Lapanja - drums. 

www.paultaskermusic.com 

www.doghouseroses.net 

Released :: 18 February @ www.deanowens.bandcamp.com/album/sinners-shrine 

John Convertino and Joey Burns (Calexico), Dean (centre) 

:: photo by Gaelle Beri 

Paul Tasker 

:: photo by Luisa Casasanta 

Dean Owens 

:: photo by GaelleBeri 

the standout moments for 

me working on this album 

was finding out how well 

Dean’s and my vocal 

blended. It reminded me 

that the world is small and 

that our link through 

music, regardless of our 

background, highlights the 

fact that we are all more closely related and that 

these bonds are still good medicine for these times”. 

In addition to members of Calexico, special guests on 

the album include Grant-Lee Phillips (Grant Lee 

Buffalo/Gilmore Girls) and Grammy nominated 

Guatemalan singer songwriter Gaby Moreno. Mostly 

self penned (and produced) there are a couple of cowrites, 

with Gabriel Sullivan (XIXA/Giant Sand)) and 

Nels Andrews. While still rooted in Dean’s signature 

sound, distinctive voice, and gift for economic 

storytelling, each song sees him pushing the 

boundaries, adding desert noir and Latin notes to his 

musical palette. 

A prelude to Sinner’s Shrine –The Desert Trilogy EPs - 

was released throughout 2021, attracting glowing 

reviews across genres, and whetting appetites for the 

full album. Sadly, the album’s launch at Glasgow’s 

prestigious Celtic Connections was cancelled due to 

Covid restrictions impacting the festival’s plans, but 

new live dates have been announced - see below. The 

vinyl release has been caught up in the global vinyl 

shortage and will follow in May 2022. 

Dean said: “To see Sinner’s Shrine finally getting its 

release into the world is a very special moment for 

me. Working with the guys from Calexico on this 

record in Tucson was a magical time, a time before 

lockdown and the pandemic. We recorded it out in the 

land of the Sonoran Desert and it almost feels like it’s 

been buried in the sand for the past eighteen months 

or so. It’s time now to brush away that sand and 

share with everyone”. 

Album launch live dates in March :: 

Thursday 10th - Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh - Dean Owens & The Sinners 

Saturday 12th - Hemelvaart, Ayton (Dean solo) 

Sunday 13th - Glad Cafe, Glasgow - Dean Owens & The Sinners 


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page 18 


got a music news "story to tell"? then email our newsdesk: musicnewsscotland@gmail.com 

Rachel Walker :: single - 'A Happy Place' 

Released :: 25 February @ www.rachelwalkerandaaronjones.bandcamp.com 

Exactly one year on from her breast cancer 

diagnosis, highly-lauded traditional performer 

Rachel Walker is set to release a heartfelt new 

EP with singer and multi-instrumentalist Aaron 

Jones in aid of the cancer support charity 

Maggie’s. 

Due for release on Friday 25 February, A Happy 

Place is a collection of uplifting songs chosen 

specifically for their ability to invoke a spirit of 

hopefulness. The title itself is a reference to the 

healing power of music and the relief and joy of 

escaping cancer. 

Rachel and close friend and collaborator Aaron wanted 

to pay tribute to the support and care Maggie’s gave 

Rachel during this challenging time. From online 

classes and support groups to one-to-one help, the 

Maggie’s Highlands Centre in Inverness was there for 

Rachel every step of the way. 

Along with a selection of traditional Scottish Gaelic 

tracks for which Lochaber singer Rachel is renowned, 

the EP includes a brand new English composition, 

Song of Hope. Written together by Rachel and Aaron, 

the song is directly inspired by Rachel’s personal 

experience of living with cancer and the support she 

received from Maggie’s while undergoing treatment. 

Rachel said: “This EP, and Song of Hope in 

particular, is a tribute to Maggie’s and all the women 

I’ve met at the Highlands Centre also going through 

cancer and its treatment. I have learned that we’re 

stronger when we face this together and wanted this 

song to reflect this important sentiment that has got 

me through the last 12 months. The music is a thank 

you to all those who have helped me on my journey 

and the network of incredible women I met along the 

way. We hope it can be a comfort to others on a 

similar journey. 

Rachel Walker recording 'A Happy Place' 

“I will never forget the warm welcome I received at 

Maggie’s, especially from cancer support specialist 

Eilidh Wilson who really took the time to listen and 

chat. Eilidh was at the end of the phone to listen to 

my worries and offer reassurance when I needed it 

and that support is truly priceless when faced with 

cancer. 

“Recording the EP was a slow process, as we could 

only work on it when I felt well enough, so it’s feels all 

the more special to see it come together and to mark 

one year from my diagnosis with something so 

positive, focused on the healing power of music and 

its ability to help us escape to a ‘happy place’. We 

hope the release helps 

people talk about cancer 

and the support that’s 

available, while raising 

some valuable funds in the 

process.” 

In addition to Rachel’s 

lilting vocals, the emotive 

five-track EP features Aaron’s vocals, acoustic guitars, 

electric guitar and cittern. Elsewhere, bodhrán player 

Martin O’Neil also lends his skills to the track Càite 

Bheil i ann am Muile. 

Aaron said: "Before and during the early stages of 

the pandemic, Rachel and I had struck up a very 

joyful and rewarding writing partnership which we had 

planned to develop and grow once we were able to 

get back together in person. When she received her 

diagnosis it seemed important to us both to maintain 

our regular writing sessions online to give us some 

escape. The power of music and the escape of 

creative flow has been an essential part, not only of 

Rachel's recovery, but also my own journey through 

lockdown with a young family. We both felt very 

strongly that something positive should come from 

such difficult times and so releasing the tracks as an 

EP for Maggie's was a no brainer." 

Maggie’s helps people take back control when cancer 

turns life upside down, with professional support for 

anything from treatment side effects to money 

worries. They also provide support to families of those 

going through a cancer diagnosis or treatment. 

All proceeds from A Happy Place will be going directly 

Maggie’s - see link above to order. 

www.facebook.com/RachelandAaronSong 

www.twitter.com/RachelWlkr 

www.twitter.com/AaronHJones 

Kim Edgar :: single - 'The Rolling Sea' 

Released :: Pre-order @ www.kimedgar.com/product/consequences-cd-pre-order/ 

'The Rolling Sea' is the 

fourth of twelve 

songwriting 

collaborations - this time 

with Dan Bettridge - by 

Kim Edgar as part of the 

CONSEQUENCES project, 

which is focused on the 

personal, social or 

environmental 

consequences of human 

behaviour. 

Here’s our finished song – The Rolling Sea! A huge 

thanks to the creative team who helped me bring it to 

life: Dan Bettridge (vocals, electric guitar), Mattie 

Foulds (production, drums), Kevin McGuire (bass) & 

Mikey Owers (electric guitar). 

Kim Edgar 

:: photo by Alan Graham 

Dan’s voice, and the warmth of his songs, really 

appealed to me as soon as I heard them – When I got 

to know Dan a bit better, I also discovered his 

commitment to the environment, and so it seemed 

like a perfect opportunity to consider the 

environmental consequences of human behaviour in 

our collaboration – I suggested a couple of themes 

including this one to Dan, and he was keen to focus 

on the environment, so before we’d met to collaborate 

online, we already knew what we’d be writing about 

(which I find really helpful!). 

We put aside a day to work together online, and we 

were literally starting from scratch; Dan has a home 

studio, and had set up his electric guitar as well as a 

vocal mic into his own recording software (he’s much 

further ahead than I am on the journey of becoming 

confident with recording technology) and so as we 

worked, he put down ideas and saved them for us. 

Occasionally, we took a longer break, so that I could 

do the same, slowly, and then email them to him. 

For some reason, The Beautiful South “A Little Time” 

had come into my head that day, and gave me the 

idea of an “almost-break-up” song, from the 

environment to humanity, 

really drawing the 

boundaries and saying what 

would need to happen to 

avoid humanity being 

kicked out of the house 

forever…I’m pleased Dan 

was up for the concept. 

We really worked quite fluidly across words and music 

over the course of the day, and our work together 

reminded me of one of the main challenges of this 

type of collaboration; words. I feel words are so 

personal, and we know them so intimately, that it’s 

really hard to compromise on phrases that jar for 

anyone involved in the song collaboration. It has to 

feel right (some might say authentic, or true) to get 

into the song lyric. So we really had a lot of thinking 

time over the course of the day, and a lot of tweaking 

of individual words, and I think that by the end we’d 

found a way to express something that each of us felt 

fully behind. It’s also fairly economic with words – 

perhaps as a result of that challenge – and I think 

that’s a really good thing. 

There’s one piece of learning from my collaboration 

with Dan that I’ll try to keep at the forefront of my 

mind. I often think of “the big picture” first; I’m 

concerned that my message comes across clearly, is 

fully formed, and covers all the points I want to make. 

When I chatted about this with Dan, he shared that he 

preferred the opposite approach – he prefers to start 

with something small, and see what he finds in that 

story, and what it might mean. It was a refreshing 

change for me, and it leads to songs where listeners 

can also find their own meanings, which is actually 

something as a listener myself I value. I’m going to 

try to do that more. 

The project, supported by Creative Scotland, will 

conclude with an online celebration in October 2022. 

You can support the project and attend the celebration 

by pre-ordering the album from www.kimedgar.com/ 

shop 

You can find out more about The Rolling Sea @ 

www.kimedgar.com/news/collaboration-4-dan-bettridge/ 

www.facebook.com/KimEdgarMusic 

www.facebook.com/danbettridge 



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www.almostbluepromotions.com 

fb @ www.facebook.com/AlmostBluePromotions/ 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/AlmostBlueGigs 

www.alextronicrecords.co.uk 

facebook @ www.facebook.com/alextronicrecords 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/AlexTronicDJ 


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