Wooden CD
Our Cascade trip went very well last week. We had nice hotels where I managed to get lots of writing done and great gigs both well supported by the public. A few years back on a German Folk Festival tour I introduced the concept of the 'wooden CD', a prize to the band/artist that sold the least product. I wasn't in last place at that point (Tony McManus was) however I did manage to make a late run and pick up the wooden CD for myself. At the Cascade gigs it is something similar although I haven't left last place yet and it isn't looking good! (I've yet to sell one!!)
I don't mind this too much as I believe that in music you should not be catering for anybody else. You should make music you like and if someone else likes it that's great (but secondary). I don't think you can go out to please people - this hinders the creative process. You have to please yourself. You have to believe in yourself. If you're not making music for you then what is the point. This is not going to make you money (unless you hit the jackpot) but real creativity is not about financial gain more fulfillment of your inner being. When I'm writing I feel at my best because I'm creating something. I will always make recordings and perform in a manner that suits me and if an audience chooses to come along then I'll be happy.
We visited the opening of the Scottish parliament on Saturday. It was great to see so many Scottish trad acts on the bill. I say see as we arrived late and it was sadly pouring of rain and we couldn't hang around because it was too wet for the baby. Maybe we are starting to see a sea change and the Goverment are recognising our traditional culture and the benefits it brings to our identity - not the pop trash that could be from anywhere which the many commercial radio stations persist in playing non-stop. By the way good to see the Spice Girls are reforming, just what we need - more trash.
We're at Tinto Summer School this week. I can happily say that we've got 56 young people attending many for the umpteenth time. It's amazing to watch them grow and learn. It will be a fun week even if the rain doesn't stop!
