Hands Up for Trad’s Trad Music Spotlight is a monthly feature on a band or solo artist. It was first launched in February 2015 and features musicians who are working in the trad scene – both in Scotland and around the world. We asked Wildings a few questions.
What’s happening?
We’re a band based in Glasgow: Jennifer Austin from Orkney on piano, Fiona MacAskill from Skye on fiddle, and Sarah Hayes from Northumberland on flute and vocals.
We’ve just released our debut self-titled album after a couple of years in the making. The record features seven tracks of tunes and songs old and new, including our National Galleries of Scotland/Live Music Now commission, The Bellany Suite.
It was recorded by Angus Lyon, mixed by Duncan Lyall and mastered by Iain Hutchison. We had some special guests helping us out, too: James Lindsay (double bass), Phil Hague (percussion) and Marissa Waite (bodhran).
When was the band formed?
The band was formed in 2010 by Jennifer, for a one-off gig supporting The Shee in Glasgow. We really enjoyed playing together and so decided to carry on! As individuals we’ve been involved with lots of different musical projects over the years, and these different influences and experiences come together in Wildings’ music.
What excites you about performing Scottish music?
We love playing tunes and songs, delving into the stories behind them and writing new music of our own, inspired and informed by the tradition. The Scottish music scene is vibrant and varied across musical genres and boundaries; lots to be excited about.
What’s next for you?
We’re playing The Queen’s Hall, Hexham on 1st October, opening a new series of acoustic gigs in the White Room there. After that we’re going to have a bash at making a video or two (smoke machine and industrial fan a must) before another album launch show at The Hug And Pint, Glasgow, on 13th October.
Read more about Wildings at their website http://wildingsmusic.com