Anything unique to the Scottish or local Carrbridge festive celebrations that does not extend down south?
Festive season will be celebrated in India, believe it or not. I am heading out to collaborate with two Indian musicians, Papon Angaraag and Bickram Ghosh. We will hopefully write an Ep's worth of music together; one piece focussing on each individual. We're then going to gig across the land, playing in every major city. I'm taking a friend and wondrous musician, Jen Austin out to experience the adventure with me. We will have a couple days off over New Year. Still have no clue what to expect from it. Can't wait.
Can you sum up what this year has meant to you?
The year has been a good one, very productive. I have learnt a lot and progressed a lot with my music and performance. Made many friends and, over the most recent few months, have managed to cross and play in almost every country in Europe and had two trips to America. ...writing an overview of the year is always hard because it doesn't really depict anything of the emotion felt over it all. Up and down. And all that.. Like most people, I think I've learnt and grown a lot. It has been a great year.
What were your own gig highlights this year SXSW and Homegame were polar opposites.
They could, I suppose, be described as that, but they also felt very similar; like parallel universes. Both aiming to do the same thing. SXSW was thrilling. Absolute madness. Homegame was a highlight. It was such a lovely way to spend the day and singing there was a refreshing experience. Some other gigs can be hard because you feel detached from those listening; It's a strange sensation and can happen sometimes.
Was there anything that particularly happen that has helped you along the musical path unexpectedly this year?
Things that have helped...
Well there were the books by Herman Hesse; Siddartha and Steppenwolf and Peter Camenzind. They have all been wonders for inspiration.
The opportunity that came out of the blue to tour Europe with the band, Fink, has changed a lot of things. It has meant I've managed to play at least once in almost all the countries in Europe. I met many inspirational folk on the road and have developed the performance side. Thanks to that, I also now know I can deal with touring alright.
At a Malcolm Middleton gig the other night, I remarked that I often get James Yorkston and Malcolm mixed up (must be the hats). Who do you most closely find an affinity with musically?
This is a tough question. I usually look at 'the up and comers' and feel a strong empathy with them. We are all going through the same motions. Pigeon 'oles and all that. We're also playing all the same gigs in all the same places. I made a friend from Australia who ended up staying with me and my family for a week or so and he joined us for the bothy sessions; his name was Steve Grady and we met at Liverpool soundcity.
It took a while to realise that, in actual fact, we had done the same gig and crossed paths a few weeks previous in Los Angeles! It's bonkers. We're all always getting ourselves tied up together. Depending on what I have been writing about, the affinity feeling comes for all different people.
When will we have your debut album in our hands?
I do not have a clue. Hopefully next year.
You are on the road early next year. Come Burn's Night on 25 January, do you celebrate home or away and, do you have a favourite poem from the Bard you can share?
I have been at my shelf just trying to find my old red book of Burns. I can't find it. But there was a verse about a first kiss which I remember enjoying. Sweet Afton is beautiful. I suspect it'll be spent amid the musical madness and blurring colours and days of Celtic connections.
There is no Homegame next year . Are there any other cosy music festivals in Scotland that you can recommend?
The Insider festival springs to mind immediately. That and Loopallu are just right for that.
Anything musical you are hoping to find in Santa's sack this year?
A trip to India...I'm almost certain, will not disappoint my hopes for a gift.
Rachel's tour dates and info
