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Hands Up for Trad\u2019s Women in Music and Culture 2023 list has been announced to celebrate just some of the women working in Scotland. <\/p>\nHands Up for Trad\u2019s Women in Music and Culture 2023 list has been announced to celebrate just some of the women working in Scotland. <\/p>\n
Launched as part of International Women\u2019s Day 2023<\/a>, we shine the spotlight on 15 women who all contribute towards Scotland\u2019s cultural landscape through their work. Read the list here<\/a>.<\/p>\n We asked Josie Duncan<\/strong> to tell us more about there work, influences and ambitions for the future.<\/p>\n How did you first get involved in the arts and who were your early influences?<\/strong> I\u2019ve always been drawn to listening to female singers and from an early age my regular rotation included Joni Mitchell, Julie Fowlis, Karine Polwart and Eva Cassidy.<\/p>\n At a time which has been very challenging for many people working in the arts, how did you use the last 3 years to develop your creativity?<\/strong> I released my debut album of original songs last year which I was working on throughout lockdown and a lot of this was done via demos with my producer Craig McMahon.<\/p>\n Who or what interests you creatively?<\/strong> I believe inspiration is all around when you are ready to find it. It could come from a traditional song, or a chat with a pal. I am endlessly inspired and in awe of the work my friends create. Visual art, pottery, music etc\u2026. I feel that being surrounded by creativity breeds creativity and I am so grateful to be surrounded by and constantly inspired by my peers and pals.<\/p>\n What are your plans for the next year or so and\/or what are your longer term creative ambitions?<\/strong> Long term I hope to continue to be lucky enough to make a living from music and I would love the chance to work on more composition projects as I\u2019ve found so much joy from them over the past few years. I have also adored working on some theatre projects and really hope to do more of this.<\/p>\n Find out more about Josie Duncan here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nGrowing up in a musical household on the Isle of Lewis, I was immersed in traditional music from a young age. From my first year of primary school, I was involved in choirs and annually took part in The Mod. I was hugely influenced by the local music scene which encompassed all genres.<\/p>\n
\nWhile stuck at home, I spent lots of time learning about the production side of things. I spent hours on ableton and I\u2019ve grown to really love it. It\u2019s opened up a whole new world of sound for me to draw on and is now a tool I use regularly in my own writing and arranging. This skill benefitted me greatly for my commissions during covid. (New Voices, Heb Celt opening Concert)<\/p>\n
\nCreatively I am often inspired by landscapes and the sound within it. Being from an Island and now living in a city has meant that my surroundings have a very clear and contrasting before and after. I love to find the beauty or intrigue in things that may seem very normal and am often out an about recording things from birdsong, crunchy leaves to cars and recently I sampled the sound of a till in my local shop.<\/p>\n
\nI have been writing a lot of songs and am just about to head out on tour! I have a new Gaelic song project coming up too, which I am hugely excited to be able to talk more about in the near future.<\/p>\n