Ahead of Breabach’s return to Nottingham next Wednesday, JOHNNY BANKS caught up with Ewan of the award winning Scottish folk band for NottinghamLIVE. Here’s what he had to say!
Firstly, thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. I’ll try and keep them as unmandane as possible. So if you’re sitting comfortably, I shall begin.
Welcome to Nottingham! Have you visited before, either on a personal level or as the band? If so, where did you play?
E: Yes we’ve played the Lakeside a few times, it’s a lovely venue and we all like Nottingham as a city – we’ve had a couple of great nights out there and some good coffee!
How are you with heights? If you have the time, are you going to brave the Nottingham Eye? The tallest ferris wheel in the city.
E: I have to admit I hadn’t heard about it until now but well up for having a go! I’ve a decent head for heights as I do a lot of climbing and mountaineering when not on tour.
Speaking of travelling to cities far and wide, you’re latest album ‘Astar’ is said to be inspired by places you’ve encountered. Is there any one place you would say was that little bit more of an influence than any other? Anywhere that really captured your imaginations? Could there be a part 2?
E: More travels, more inspiration. We love travelling and it certainly influences our music. One very important experience in the build up to releasing ‘Astar’ was our involvement in the Boomerang Project – a collaboration with New Zealand Maori and Australian Aboriginal artists we undertook for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. It was very special project which sought explore and celebrate the links between our cultures, we performed the piece at Womad New Zealand, The Sydney Opera House and on Glasgow Green! As for part 2…watch this space!
You all have quite the musical background, and quite a few years music studies under your belts between you, is there anybody you would say that has been a musical influence to all of you from early on?
E: We are continually inspired by groups both past and present. The musical talent and innovation coming out Scotland at the moment is incredible and it so motivating to be part of that. If we had to single out one band I think the Tanahill Weavers would feature high up everyones list – They were the first group to incorporate bagpipes into a traditional folk band setting and blazed the trail for so many Scottish bands.
At a recent awards, you pocketed Folk Band of the Year, and Album of the Year. Impressive! Is there anything you’ve won that means more to you than the others? Either as the band or individually.
E: We’re very grateful and humbled by the awards, especially for our last album ‘Astar’. We put so much work and energy into it so it is lovely that it has been recognised. That said, we certainly don’t think we’re the ‘best’, we’re just happy to be a small part of a wonderful music scene with so many great artists expressing themselves in different ways.
Does anybody want to tell any tales on who has some suspect touring habits?
E: Couldn’t possibly comment…although we have a tune on the new album called ‘The Night Crawler’ – written about one band members frequent sleep walking escapades!
What can we expect from Breabach going forward? Is there anything you’d like to do?
E: It’s going to be another busy year of touring and work on our next studio album. We love new projects and innovative ideas and there are few exciting ones in the pipeline so be sure and keep up with us on social media or at our website www.breabach.com for news!
Breabach are performing at Nottingham lakeside Arts on Wednesday 15th Feb at 7.30pm
By Johnny Banks
