MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2018: Christine Kydd

Congratulations to Christine Kydd who have been nominated in Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year sponsored by TMSA in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2018. Vote now!

We asked Christine Kydd the following questions.

Tell us about yourself
I sing old and new songs. I make songs. I love songs and singing and have eclectic tastes. The songs of Scotland and the traditional songs of many countries really interest me and I like to get right inside the song. I’ve a huge list of singers whose work I admire and I absorb as much as I can of the approaches I like. I never stop learning songs and about my own singing, and the singing of others. I sing mostly in Scots. I’ve been working as a singer for quite a while now, and still really enjoy it!

Why are you involved in Scottish music?
From the age of 10 I have sung and played. I learnt about Scottish literature at school and this has influenced me hugely- my teachers were Morven Cameron and Joyce Lindsay. I was exploring Scots song when I met John Barrow and was catapulted into the folk scene, first as administrator, then as performer. I love the fact that we are a community of people of all ages and stages and we gain community and friendship through our shared interest, and can appreciate the work and skill of those of all ages. Scottish songs and tunes (and dances) are fantastic, and I love that we are all magpies- we love the core of Scottish culture , but we also like to take ideas from other traditions and honour them in our own work.

Any particular career highlights?
Lots! so off the top of my head- Singing unaccompanied for the first time at my first Edinburgh Folk Festival while working as an administrator-and getting some good comments! Making first albums with Janet Russell, then Chantan, and working with fantastic producers including – Jim Sutherland, Jack Evans, Calum Malcolm, Angus Lyon, and the late great Michael Marra. Working with Alasdair Fraser, Jean Redpath and supporting big acts like Guy Clark, Richard Thompson, Capercaillie, Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Working on Jock Tamson’s Bairns, a Communicado Theatre production for Glsgow City of Culture 1990.
Gaining a voice qualification with another 11 people and knowing it was the only course of its kind in the world, at the time, and feeling proud of the achievment. Touring in America, Canada, Russia and Europe! Singing for the First Minister of Scotland and celebrities at Edinburgh Castle.
Having nice things said about me by Karine Polwart on my 2012 nomination for Scots singer of the Year. Gaining a Masters in Ethnology and Folklore and understanding the importance of what we all do, and how the contrutions I make fit in to the big picture!
Being inducted into the Hall of Fame this year!

What are your plans for the future?
A new CD is due out in 2019 on Greentrax label, and I’ll be touring solo and with the fabulous Gillian Frame, and others on the CD if we can!- lots cooking in the pot! My public gig list, which is building daily, is on my website..
2019 Teaching committments include the- now rare- public workshops with me at Burnsong in January and in Barga in September. Other CD and perfomance projects are on the bubble and I’ll keep you informed!

If you wish to attend the final ceremony, tickets are available to buy via: https://www.horsecross.co.uk/whats-on/the-mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-35002 For box office call 01738 621031 or email box@horsecross.co.uk. Bands performing on Saturday 1st December include includes Croft No Five, Mànran, Karine Polwart Trio, Hannah Rarity, Eabhal, Catriona Watt, Gordon Duncan Experience and Gerda Stevenson. and more to be announced. There will also be a late night ceilidh after the Awards till 1am.

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