Congratulations to Freeland Barbour who have been nominated in Composer of the Year sponsored by PRS for Music in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2016. Vote now!
We asked Freeland Barbour of Freeland Barbour the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
I have been involved in traditional music all my life and it has always been part of what I do. I am a former member of Silly Wizard and co-founded The Wallochmor Ceilidh Band and The Occasionals. Have also been a member of The Ghillies and the Faroese band Spaelimenninir. I have owned and managed various businesses over the years – Lapwing Records, Bonskeid Music, Frontline Equipment Hire, and most importantly Castlesound Studios. I am a former BBC music producer and also original Scottish accordion tutor at the RSAMD (now Royal Scottish Conservatoire). I have done a huge amount of radio and record production over the years and have been a board member of the Scottish Record Industry Assoc. and The Scottish Traditions of Dance Trust, and also a member of the Scottish Arts Council's working party on traditional music. I have always composed and have had various books of compositions published over the years, and been fortunate to have had my tunes used by others. I have also designed accordions which have been built by Pigini, Zero Sette, and Brandoni in Italy.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
Scottish music runs back through my family for many generations and I have always been involved and played it. It's great music and the folk involved in it are fine folk. What more could you want!
Any particular career highlights?
There have been plenty and it's almost impossible to pick out any in particular. My performing career began in about 1975 and much of it has been spent playing for dancing. It has taken me all over the world, and I've made some lovely friends and had a wonderful time.
What are your plans for the future?
Stay alive and keep playing and composing!
Read more about Freeland Barbour
http://www.freelandbarbour.co.uk
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/freeland.barbour
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/
If you would like to come along to the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards in Dundee’s Caird Hall call the Caird Hall box office on (01382) 434940 or buy online.
