Scottish favourites Shooglenifty celebrate their 25th anniversary year and 20 years since playing the first HebCelt Festival. Drummer James Mackintosh looks back over the years
WHAT ARE YOUR RECOLLECTIONS OF THE FIRST HEBCELT?
Well, we played in the town hall (this was long before the big tent), and the venue seemed strangely deserted when the time came to play, but the caretaker assured us that as soon as we started, the crowd would arrive, as they were nearby . . . in the pub. Sure enough, by the end of the first number, the hall was packed; a messenger had sent the word.
WHAT MADE THAT FIRST FESTIVAL ATTRACTIVE TO THE BAND?
Because of the effort it takes bands to get there, it’s always appreciated by the festival crowd. Its relative “remoteness” also makes it special. We enjoyed spending the whole weekend there, and the Sunday picnic, which seems to have become an institution.
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES A GOOD FESTIVAL AND WHY DO YOU THINK HEBCELT HAS CONTINUED AND GROWN?
A unique location, for one, and the consistently imaginative programming for another. Also, of course, the audiences, who are really appreciative and enthusiastic.
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST AT THIS YEAR’S EVENT?
it’s going to be a special occasion with the festival’s and our own anniversaries to mark. We’ll be playing a lot of material from our brand-new album, The Untied Knot, and lots of old favourites. It’ll be great to share the stage with our vocalist Kaela, too, it’ll be our first gig with her in Stornoway.
BEST/WORST FESTIVAL MEMORIES?
For Hebcelt, a storming set from The Hothouse Flowers which almost didn’t happen as they’d had flight issues and arrived straight from the airport and on to the stage. The atmosphere was incredible and they played a blinder. We’d played the night before, had a brilliant gig, and I’ll never forget the roar of the crowd as we left the stage. Most recently, Shooglenifty’s New Year main-stage gig at Woodford Folk Festival at midnight was fairly special, that was the kick off to our 25th year.
As for the worst? I won’t say where, but being handed a polystyrene cup of “Cornish pastie” filling in catering as they’d run out of pastie. Not the best, but hardly life threatening. Once in Canada, having our show cut to 20 minutes from 60 due to bad stage management after flying three hours to get to a gig. That was particularly frustrating.
WHAT’S THE BAND’S SECRET OF LONG LIFE?
Not knowing what might be just around the corner, hard work, a certain amount of luck, and patience.
HOW HAS THE BAND AND MUSIC CHANGED IN 25 YEARS?
When a band’s line-up changes, the different personalities put their imprint on the sound. Our original lineup with Iain (Macleod) and Conrad (Ivitsky) was really exciting, but couldn’t last. Luke Plumb was inspired and energetic and his enthusiasm was contagious, and now we have Ewan (MacPherson) and Kaela (Rowan) aboard there’s a distinctly new dynamic, which is a new chapter for the band.
Recent shows and the new album feature Kaela Rowan. Kaela has often guested with us on special occasions, and, after a really excellent Glastonbury gig, we invited her to contribute to the new album. She is a phenomenal singer and has a great presence, and always sings with passion and soul. After six instrumental albums, we thought it would be a great way to celebrate our seventh by incorporating her voice. She’s fitting in beautifully and has just the right attitude.
WHAT ELSE IS PLANNED FOR THE BAND THIS YEAR?
Apart from the aforementioned gigs, there’s a UK-wide tour planned for autumn and murmurings of a 25th anniversary live DVD.
AND WHAT ABOUT THE NEXT 25 YEARS?
It’d be great to visit some parts of the world we’ve never been to – Africa and South America spring to mind – but who knows?
We live in exciting times and, as I said before, you never know what’s just around the corner!
The Hebridean Celtic Festival takes place in Stornoway, on Lewis, from July 15-18. For full details visit www.hebceltfest.com