Scots Whay Hae!

The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is all about the new experimental work 'Futuristic Folktales', and Ali caught up with Dance-theatre artist and director Charlotte Mclean, writer Nelly Kelly and composer Malin Lewis to learn all about it. They each break down their individual roles before talking about the collaborative process involved, and how working together was inspirational, and educational, for them all. The talk also turns to the other members of the team, and the joys, and challenges, of making live theatre and going on tour, and how this was not only a new experience for the artists and performers, but how that will translate to audiences as well. It's a warm and informative conversation about an exciting piece of dance-theatre which promises to inspire and uplift, and we hope it will leave you wanting to experience it for yourself. For further details, including relevant links and all the ways to listen, head to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast - the second relating to this year's Paisley Book Festival - Ali spoke to writers Alan Bissett and Brian Conaghan, who will be at the festival alongside Graeme Armstrong as part of the Scottish Masculinities event - Sunday 28th April, 5-6pm. Alan and Brian talk in detail about their latest books; 'Lads' and 'Treacle Town' respectively, and how they relate to the theme of masculinity. They also talk about the project where they have been involved with young people in Renfrewshire and Glasgow schools, the lessons they learned from their own experiences, the generational differences they have noticed, and the importance of conversation. The three also discuss some of the novels which have helped shaped them, the work of Des Dillon, the impact of Graeme's novel 'The Young Team', and the importance of the culture which originates from towns on the national psyche. It's a cracking conversation which only scratches the surface of the subject, and which will hopefully whet appetites for Alan, Brian, and Graeme's event. For full details, including the relevant links and all the ways to listen, head over to ⁠https://www.scotswhayhae.com⁠

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Jess Orr, the Associate Programmer for the Paisley Book Festival, to learn all about this year's programme - and what a programme it is. Jess explains this year's theme 'Imagine Something Different' as well as breaking down the various strands of the festival which include 'The Beautiful Game', 'Oot and Aboot', and 'Ireland in Focus'. She also talks about the Family Day and the extensive Schools programme, before the two go into details about just some of the individual events across the festival, as well as where to find all the necessary details. It's a thorough and enthusiastic conversation which really whets the appetite for what's to come. In its five-year lifespan Paisley Book Festival has quickly become a highlight of Scotland's cultural calendar, and, with events being held in new venues including Paisley Town Hall and Paisley Central Library, this years is set to be the best yet. For further details, including all the ways to listen, head to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Martin Stewart about his new novel 'Double Proof', a Glasgow-set crime thriller that both embraces and subverts genre stereotypes and expectations. Martin talks about how he views the novel, the pressures he initially felt in setting it in Glasgow, and the joy of overcoming those, the importance of comedy in his writing, the healthy state, and diverse nature, of Scottish crime fiction, the writers who inspired him, taking the author out of the book, his approach to creating characters, and so much more. The two also talk about the processes of editing and publicising a novel, writing for different readerships, encouraging and supporting the next generation of writers, and what Martin hopes is next for his protagonist Robbie Gould. Better known, so far, as a children's and YA author, it was fascinating to talk to Martin about his first foray into the murky world of crime fiction, and to hear an author who clearly thinks deeply about what he writes, and how. For full details, including all the ways to listen and relevant links, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Greg and Pat Kane, better known as Scottish musical legends Hue And Cry, to hear all about their 40th anniversary celebrations which will be happening throughout 2024. As part of those celebrations they are releasing demos and rarities every month, as well as producing a documentary and other archival material, before undertaking a full-band tour later in the year. The two talk about what it feels like to be making music together for four decades and the ups and downs along the way, how it all began, the surprises thrown up from their archive, their relationship with the music press, how they work together, the unforgettable memories, as well as explaining that it's always been a family affair - and there's so much more... They also discuss who they listen to and admire among the up-and-coming Scottish musicians, and why they think the country's music scene is in a healthy state, something which should be celebrated far and wide - an attitude with which SWH! agrees heartily. This was a really special conversation with a band of brothers who have proven to be not only survivors, but thrivers, and you get the feeling that in their 40th year they feel they are just getting started. For full details, including all the ways to listen and the relevant links, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com Hue And Cry’s 40th Anniversary tour starts 10th October. The Labour Of Love series is released monthly. See https://hueandcry.co.uk for details.

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcat Ali spoke to writer Maud Wolf about her debut novel 'Thirteen Ways To Kill Lulabelle Rock', out now with Angry Robot Books. Maud gives a beautifully concise synopsis, before talking about that arresting title, why she wanted to write this story, the road to being published and her experiences along the way, how the novel works on a number of levels, and the philosophies which drive it. The two also talk tarot and its role in the novel, the influences on the writing - both literary and otherwise, creating multiple versions of Lulabelle Rock, and the challenges of publicising as well as publishing a debut. It's a conversation which will be of interest to writers as well as readers, and is a great introduction to the novel, and the writing of Maud Woolf. For full details, and all the ways to listen, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Philip Miller to discuss his new novel 'The Hollow Tree', which will be published by Polygon Books on the 4th April. It's the second in the Shona Sandison series of novels, following on from the critically acclaimed 'The Goldenacre', and Phil talks about the challenges of writing a sequel, the balance between writing something recognisable but new, the importance of first lines and grabbing readers' attention, the influences on the series, writing multiple characters, and what comes next. They also discuss genre writing, the uncanny, small town dynamics, writing about home, Phil's other fiction, and much more, including the current situation in terms of the arts in Scotland, and its coverage in the media. The Goldenacre was one of SWH!'s favourite books of 2022, and 'The Hollow Tree' among the most anticipated for 2024, and it was such a pleasure to be able to talk to the author himself. For full details, including all the ways to listen, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Ajay Close to talk about her latest novel 'What Doesn't Kill Us' (published with Saraband Books). Set in Yorkshire as the 1970s became the 80s, and greatly influenced by the real-life Yorkshire Ripper investigations, Close evokes the sights, sounds, smells, and attitudes of Britain – and that part of Britain in particular – touching not only on prevalent sexism, but also class, race, and sexuality. Ajay talks about the reasons for wanting to write this novel, the different aspects to it, the challenges in writing about something inspired by real-life events, her love of research, the roles of the central characters police constable Liz Seeley and artist Charmaine, and how the way a story is told can be as important as the story itself. The two also talk about the themes which run through Ajay's novels, why she is attracted to people and moments from history, what fiction offers which non-fiction can't, her debut novel 'Forspoken' (a particular favourite of Ali's), other Glasgow novels, how a writer changes throughout a career, and so much more. Ajay Close has long been one of SWH!'s favourite writers, and it was such a pleasure to talk to her about this latest book, and her life as a writer. If you're also a fan, this conversation is essential listening. If you aren't aware of her writing this is a great place to begin. For full details, and all the ways to listen, go to ⁠https://www.scotswhayhae.com⁠

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer and musician Colin MacIntyre, better known to most as Mull Historical Society, to talk about his amazing album 'In My Mind There's A Room', which brings together his twin loves of music and literature. Colin describes how this album came together and the processes involved in marrying his music to the words of a number of his favourite writers, including Colin's own grandfather - the 'Bard of Mull' - Angus Macintyre. He talks warmly about his inspirational grandfather, recording these tracks in the room where Angus and his family used to live, the serendipitous series of events which accompanied the making of the record, achieving the dream of working at Abbey Road studios, and so much more. The two also talk about the stories behind some of the songs as well as the upcoming series of gigs, (including one at Oran Mor on the 8th February where he will be joined by Liz Lochhead, Val McDermid and James Robertson), and the new 'Ivor Punch' novel 'When the Needle Drops' which will be published by Black & White later this year. It was such a pleasure talking to Colin and we hope you enjoy listening as much as we did recording it. For full details, and all the relevant links, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Dawn Taylor, the Artistic Director & CEO at MANIPULATE Arts, to learn all about this year's MANIPULATE International Festival of Visual Theatre which runs from 1st - 11th February. Now in its 17th year the festival promises something for everyone, and Dawn gives us an overview of the festival, a bit of the history, the significance in supporting non-text based theatre, film and other forms of performance, the importance of accessibility and inclusivity, and just what festival goers can expect. The two also talk about this year's programme discussing just a number of the highlights, some of the companies and artists appearing, the plans for the opening night, and how and where people can get tickets and get involved. It's a great introduction to this year's MANIPULATE festival, and should whet the appetite for what's to come. For full details, including all the ways to listen and the relevant links, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com