Scots Whay Hae!

In our latest podcast Ali talks to Japan based Scottish novelist Iain Maloney - in the pub. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, the chat was a fascinating and illuminating one. Iain was just about to start a whirlwind book tour of the UK to promote his third novel, The Waves Burn Bright, but thankfully took time out to talk to Scots Whay Hae! about that book, his previous work, his life as a writer, and what living abroad has taught him about his homeland.

For the latest podcast Ali caught up with musician and poet Roy Moller to talk about the forthcoming Dunbar CoastWord Festival. You can read the full details of the programme at http://www.coastword.co.uk/, but Roy gives you the insider information you just won't get elsewhere, and talks about the festival's genesis and ethos. If you're not booking your tickets by the time the podcast ends, we will be very surprised - and a little disappointed.

After a short Spring break the Scots Whay Hae! podcast is back for Series 3 with a whole new line-up of guests and themed specials for your pleasure. This first episode sees Ali head down Leith Walk to talk with Sean Ormsby and Stephen McLaren from Edinburgh record label Errant Media. They talk about the pleasure of collaboration, the importance of songs, and why melancholy and euphoria are the perfect musical partners. These two have made some of the best music of the last few years, and continue to do so. If you are interested in the reality of not only writing great songs, but getting them released, then this is a must hear.

After a year off, the Scots Whay Hae! annual Burnscast returns in style with Ali and Ian joined by our very own Ronnie Young to talk all things Rabbie, particularly the Futurelearn on-line course, “Robert Burns: Poets, Songs & Legacy”, which is open to all, and is entirely free. You can hear all about it on the podcast, but further details can be found at https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/robert-burns/1 . They also talk about Burns the Icon, and how this Ayrshire poet became one of the most recognisable faces around the world. It’s the perfect accompaniment to Burns Night – but then, we would say that.

For our “Best of 2015” podcast, Ian and Ali were joined by regular, Chris Ward, and Scottish music man, Wesley Shearer (manager for Campfires In Winter, Michael Cassidy and I Am David Laing) to talk about what floated their collective boats in the last 12 months. Add in the usual festive missive from friend of SWH!, Ronnie Young, and you end up with an epic podcast which approaches the 2 hour mark. But never mind the length, feel the quality.

In the latest podcast, Ali talks to writers Graham Lironi and Graeme Macrae Burnet about their latest novels (Oh Marina Girl and His Bloody Project respectively), both of which have been published on Saraband Books crime imprint, Contraband. They discuss crime fiction and subverting readers’ expectations, genre fiction and the problem with labels, the importance of editing, unreliable narration, the health or otherwise of the Scottish writing community, and what’s really important in the life of a writer. The hour or so just flew by, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did recording it. We’re calling it "a must listen for anyone interested in writing and books”, and we wouldn’t lie about something like that.

In the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast, Ali talks to broadcaster, journalist and TV executive Stuart Cosgrove about his terrific new book Detroit 67: The Year That Changed Soul. As Stuart explains, it's so much more than a book on music, and what follows is a fascinating chat about how Detroit in 1967 influenced and reflected America and the times.

Ali was in Edinburgh for some Festival shenanigans but took time out to talk to SWH! favourite Doug Johnstone to talk about his new novel 'The Jump'. A difficult novel to discuss in terms of plot, the chat concentrates on the themes in the novel, family dramas, domestic noir, the best use of research and the importance of being honest. As a sort of bonus extra, Doug also gives his advice to all those who want to write, which alone makes this a must listen.

Scots Whay Hae! recently made the trip to the World Heritage Site that is New Lanark for their inaugural Live At New Lanark music festival to listen to the tunes and talk to the musicians. This podcast is the result of our day, and features M.E.G, Steven Telfer, Light Arrows, Patersani, Fingerhalo Kelvin, The Begbies and more. The festival was a celebration of the best Scottish music, and it was a pleasure to be able to share in what was a hugely successful event.

In the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast, Ian and Ali are joined by Stuart and Karn David. It's a timely chat as we discuss Stuart's recent book In The All-Night Cafe about the early days of Belle and Sebastian, as well as Looper's handsome 5 CD box-set, These Things, which has just been released. However, as usual we stray from topics to talk about such diverse things as the art of letter writing, musical influences and the problems that face the introverted artist. It’s 40 mins well spent in excellent company.