Episoder
-
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! Podcast Ali spoke to filmmaker and writer Grant McPhee to talk about his book Postcards from Scotland: Scottish Independent Music 1983-1995 which is published by Omnibus Press.
Grant talks about how the book came about and why these are the years he wanted to cover, his film Teenage Superstars which inspired it, how the structure is shaped by the interviews, his previous book Hungry Beat (written with Douglas Macintyre) which set the template, the importance of the legendary, and often misunderstood, C86 cassette, and how many of the musicians in the book changed, and continue to change, Scotland's cultural landscape.
The two also discuss the importance of place in the story, particularly outside of the cities, as well as talking about some of the lesser known bands who appear on these pages.
It's a comprehensive conversation as befits such a book which covers its subject so thoroughly, and it makes for the perfect accompaniment to the text and the music it celebrates.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to https://www.scotswhayhae.com
-
The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is another collaboration with Bloody Scotland - Scotland's International Crime Writing Festival - where Ali spoke to the five shortlisted authors for this year's McIlvanney Prize which is awarded for the best Scottish crime book of the year.
They include D.V. Bishop (A Divine Fury), Chris Brookmyre (The Cracked Mirror), Val McDermid (Past Lying), Abir Mukherjee (Hunted) and Kim Sherwood (A Spy Like Me).
All the writers give a brief synopsis of their shortlisted novels before explaining a bit more about why they chose to wrote them, and agree that they once again prove the variety of crime writing at the moment.
They also discuss the importance of literary prizes, and the impact not only of winning, but simply being long and/or shortlisted can have in terms of publicising and selling a novel, before setting out just why the crime-writing community is such a supportive and welcoming one.
The McIlvanney Prize is one of the most significant literary prizes around, and a great guide as to the best crime fiction on offer, so it was such a pleasure, and a privilege, to be able to talk to these great authors. This is a podcast which will be of interest to readers, writers, and book lovers of all kinds, but especially if crime is your thing.
And Bloody Scotland is on between 13th - 15th September. Tickets are on sale now.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to https://www.scotswhayhae.com
-
Manglende episoder?
-
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Jenny Lecoat about her new novel Beyond Summerland, which is published on the Polygon Books imprint of Birlinn Ltd.
After offering a carefully considered description of the book - which is set on Jersey just after the Second World War - Jenny explained why she wanted to write about this time and place, her personal connections, and how occupation shaped the island and those who live there, something which continues to the modern day.
The two also discuss what's interesting when writing about small communities, the joy of research, how the best historical novels speak to the present day, and if there are any comparisons between writing fiction and Jenny's other work, which includes film, TV, radio, and more.
It was so interesting to be able to talk to Jenny about Beyond Summerland, a novel which can be read on a number of levels, and hear about her approach to writing. One for book lovers and writers alike.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, head over to https://www.scotswhayhae.com
-
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! Podcast Ali spoke to the Founding Artistic Director of Cryptic Cathie Boyd to hear all about this year's Sonica Festival, which runs at 16 venues across Glasgow between 19th-29th September.
Cathie talks about the history of both Cryptic and the Sonica Festival before taking us through just some of the extensive programme, the wide variety of what's on offer, the multiple venues where events will take place, before Ali offers his picks of the festival which prompts more detailed discussion.
The two also talk about the importance of funding to festivals such as Sonica, and in the Arts and culture more generally, taking into consideration the recent news of the severe cuts to arts funding from the Scottish government leading Creative Scotland to close its Open Fund for Individuals arts grant.
It was great to be able to talk to Cathie and get an insight into what is one of the highlights of the cultural year. And watch out for the p.s. at the end of the interview to find out about another festival highlight.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to https://www.scotswhayhae.com
-
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to creator and performer Claire Love Wilson and director and performance-maker Peter Lorenz to hear all about Morag, Youâre a Long Time Deid which has just completed a full run at this year's Edinburgh Fringe, and is about to tour Scotland, Ireland, and England.
Claire and Peter explain the inspiration behind the show, how the two met and then came to work together, the music and the influence of Scottish ballads, having to adapt for different venues, the collaborative nature of the piece, and working with An Tobar & Mull Theatre & The frank theatre.
It was also fascinating to talk to people at the end of an Edinburgh Fringe run rather than about to begin to hear the reality rather than the expectation, the practicalities involved, and challenges faced.
For full details, and all the ways to listen, head to https://www.scotswhayhae.com
-
For the latest podcast Ali caught up with writer and academic Dr Rodge Glass to learn about his extraordinary new book, Joshua In The Sky: A Blood Memoir.
It's a slightly different interview as Ali picks certain texts which are referenced throughout, allowing Rodge to talk about the book in a different way. Before that he explains who Joshua is and the reasons for writing Joshua In The Sky, and talks about HHT (Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia) the rare genetic disorder they share.
The two then go on to talk about the work of Caroline Bird, Jenny Offill, Tom Leonard, Hassan Blasim, and Grace Paley, among others. They also discuss the life and work of Alasdair Gray and Michel Faber, both of whom Rodge has written biographies of, which raises the subject of memoir, the differing ways to approach the form, and how both these writers, and writing about them, feed into this one.
Fittingly for a book which defies easy explanation, this is an insightful and honest conversation which touches upon just some of the themes in Joshua In The Sky and which will hopefully lead to you wanting to know more.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to https://www.scotswhayhae.com
Photos of Rodge Glass - credit Alan Dimmick
-
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Jenny Colgan to hear all about her latest novel Close Knit, published by Hodder & Stoughton.
Jenny talks about the personal inspirations behind Close Knit, how and why knitting is integral to the plot, the reasons behind the setting of Carso, and the north of Scotland more generally, why she made the novel contemporary, her approach to writing characters, and she felt it was vital to but community at the centre of events.
She also stresses the importance of the romance in romantic comedy, sets out the challenges and rewards of writing dramatic scenes, and explains why she included instructions for knitting a bobble hat (and/or headband), with the hope that readers may find a new favourite hobby.
Jenny also talks about her life as a writer, how it began, and how it's changed over the years. One of the most widely read authors to ever guest on the SWH! podcast, it was such a pleasure to be able to talk to Jenny Colgan about this new publication, and so much more.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to https://www.scotswhayhae.com
-
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! Podcast Ali spoke to crime writer Christopher Brookmyre to hear all about his intriguing new novel The Cracked Mirror, published on the Abacus imprint of Little, Brown Book Group.
In an attempt to avoid all spoilers, Ali asks Chris to take the responsibility of describing the book, before talking about how he approached writing it, the specific inspirations behind it, the importance of respecting genres, creating his central characters, having a quote from Afghan Whig's song 'Debonair' as the epigraph (and the one that got away), the importance of place, and the inspirational tweet that began it all.
He also tells us how collaborating with his wife Marisa Haetzman for the Ambrose Parry books changed his approach to writing more generally, the importance of planning, the challenges presented by historical fiction, and writing as a partnership.
The two also discuss the impact of his debut novel Quite Ugly One Morning, and how its influence has endured, as well as the changes in the world of Scottish crime writing since its publication and the impact of the Bloody Scotland Festival and the crime community more generally.
It's a podcast not only for fans of Chris Brookmyre (or Ambrose Parry), or even crime aficionados, but anyone interested in all things bookish as one of Scotland's most celebrated writers talks at length about his work and much more.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com
-
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali catches up with previous guest, the writer and poet AndreÌs N. Ordorica to hear all about his debut novel How We Named The Stars, which is published with Saraband Books.
AndreÌs talks about why this was a story he wanted to tell, creating the central characters of Daniel and Sam, writing in the second person, bringing the reader into the book, writing about love and loss and how that can change both reader and writer, the structure of the novel, and his approach to populating it with a supporting cast.
The two also discuss how AndreÌs engages readers' senses in both How We Named The Stars and with his poetry, the differences between the two forms, and what's coming next. They also look forward to this year's Edinburgh Book Festival where AndreÌs will be appearing, and chat about the wider affects of Festival season on the city itself.
AndreÌs is one of our favourite writers, and How We Named The Stars is not only a stunning debut, it's one of the most moving and emotional reads of this year, or any year, and it was a pleasure to get such a personal and thoughtful insight.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com
-
For the first of our Bloody Scotland podcasts - Scotland's International Crime Writing Festival - Ali spoke to the five shortlisted authors for this year's Scottish Crime Debut of the Year. They include Suzy Aspley (Crow Moon), Daniel Aubrey (Dark Island), Allan Gaw (The Silent House of Sleep), Doug Sinclair (Blood Runs Deep) and Martin Stewart (Double Proof).
They each give a brief summary of their shortlisted novels before the chat turns to the diversity in the list, approaching a debut, why they chose the genre of crime, or, in some cases, why crime chose them, the crime fiction community, and the importance of festivals such as Bloody Scotland.
There is also a fascinating chat about getting published, learning from rejections, the importance of finding your tribe (and killing the parrot!) and many more tips on, and tales about, becoming a published writer.
It's a podcast which will be of interest to readers, writers, and book lovers of all kinds, but especially if crime is your thing. And Bloody Scotland is on between 13th - 15th September. Tickets are on sale now.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, and all the relevant links, head so https://www.scotswhayhae.com
-
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer and journalist Hugo Rifkind to talk about his cracking new novel Rabbits, which is published with Polygon Books.
Hugo talks about the inspiration behind Rabbits, why this is the story he wanted to tell, and explains that while events and characters have some basis in real life, this is not an autobiographical tale.
The two also discuss the comparisons with Netflix' sensation Saltburn, the writers who inspire Hugo's fiction, writing about the upper-middle classes, how his fiction differs from his journalism, and the ways a change of government can affect political satire.
And then there's the poster-worthy cover of Rabbits!
It's a fascinating, insightful and genial conversation with a writer well-known as a journalist, columnist, and radio presenter and panellist, but who clearly loves everything about writing fiction. Is there more to come? You'll have to listen to the podcast to find out...
For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to https://www.scotswhayhae.com
-
For the second of our Edinburgh Fringe Compilation Podcasts for 2024, Ali spoke to another group of artists, writers, and performers who have shows at this year's festival.
They include Lani Calvert - NewsRevue, Bryony Byrne - Fan/Girl, Sam Edmunds - The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return, Edith Alibec - Glitch, Grace Gallagher - STUFFED and Isabel Renner - Wyld Woman: The Legend of Shy Girl.
They each explain their shows and the inspirations behind them, why they wanted to tell these stories, what audiences can expect, what they are looking forward to in Edinburgh, and where and when you can see them during the Fringe.
They also talk about the importance of collaboration in theatre, and talk warmly about the teams behind each show and the people who helped get them to the stage.
If you are overwhelmed by the choice of what to see at the Festival these podcasts are a great place to discover shows which, when taken together, have something for everyone.
For full details, including all the ways to listen and how to get tickets, are over at https://www.scotswhayhae.com, where you'll also find the Edinburgh Fringe Compilation Podcast 2024 - Part One...
-
For the first of our Edinburgh Fringe Compilation Podcasts for 2024, Ali spoke to a number of artists, writers, and performers who have shows at this year's festival.
They include Luca Rutherford - You Heard Me, Guy Woods - Puddles and Amazons, Barton Williams & Andrew Eaton Lewis - Precious Cargo, Iain Mackechnie & Jose Rojas - The Other, and Sean Wai Keung - A History of Fortune Cookies.
They each explain their shows and the inspirations behind them, why they wanted to tell these stories, what audiences can expect, what they are looking forward to in Edinburgh, and where and when you can see them during the Fringe.
They also talk about the importance of collaboration in theatre, and talk warmly about the teams behind each show and the people who helped get them to the stage.
If you are overwhelmed by the choice of what to see at the Festival these podcasts are a great place to discover shows which, when taken together, have something for everyone.
For full details, including all the ways to listen and how to get tickets, are over at â https://www.scotswhayhae.comâ
-
For the second of our Edinburgh Fringe 2024 podcasts Ali spoke to musician Jo Mango and theatre-maker Liam Hurley to talk all about A Giant On The Bridge, which is part of the prestigious Made in Scotland showcase, and will be at the Assembly Roxy Central between 2nd-18th August, 10.40am.
Jo describes how A Giant On The Bridge came about, emerging from the work of Vox Liminis and their Distant Voices project which explores crime, punishment and reintegration through songwriting and other forms of creative expression, and pairs some of Scotlandâs best songwriters with people whoâve experienced the criminal justice system from different angles.
Liam then talks about his role with A Giant On The Bridge and the collaborations which are vital to the whole. The two then discuss the nature of the collaborative process, making each story individual, why having multiple musical genres is key, the challenges in making live music theatrical, what audiences can expect, and how their involvement, and reaction, is essential.
Described as a gig-theatre event (and for an explanation of that, you'll have to listen to the podcast) it features some of Scotland's finest musicians. As well as Jo herself they include Admiral Fallow's Louis Abbott, Raveloe, Solareye and Louise McCraw (AKA Goodnight Louisa).
A Giant On The Bridge promises to be a very special production of music and theatre (but, importantly, not musical theatre), and is shaping up to be one of the highlights of this year's Fringe.
For further details, and all the ways to listen, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com
-
For the latest podcast Ali caught up with previous podcast guest Graeme Thomson to talk about Under The Ivy, his biography of Kate Bush which has been updated as part of Omnibus Press' Remastered Series.
Graeme explains the challenges in writing about such a well-loved, and private, person, the reaction of those interviewed, the formative years of her seemingly idyllic childhood, the questionable press coverage of the artist and her career, and the renewed interest in her career due to Netflix' Stranger Things.
The two then discuss Small Hours, Graeme's book about the enigmatic, and problematic, John Martyn, and you could hardly get a more different subject from Bush than Martyn. Graeme discusses the difficulties in writing about controversy, the levels of research required, needing to admire your subject, and keeping the music to the fore.
The conversation also touches upon the differing approaches to writing biographies, the importance of being respectful, how the procedure varies depending on the subject, and his hopes for future projects. Graeme also talks about the warm reception to Themes for Great Cities: A New History of Simple Minds which is now available in paperback, and which was the subject of our previous SWH! podcast with Graeme.
One of the finest music journalists and writers around, Graeme Thomson is always a pleasure to talk to as he offers further insight into his books and their subjects, and we hope you enjoy listening as much as we did recording it.
For full details, and all the ways to listen, head to https://www.scotswhayhae.com
-
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to festival director Svend McEwan-Brown and composer, harpist, and singer Esther Swift to hear all about this year's East Neuk Festival - the 20th anniversary no less - which runs from 26th-30th June.
Svend tells us about the history of the festival, it's aims and how it has developed and grown over the years, before giving details of this year's lineup, and just some of the highlights to come.
One of those highlights, undoubtedly, will be Zulu which sees Esther creating an atmospheric evocation of the story of the Zulu fishing fleets, once ubiquitous in East Scotland.
This year's Big Project for the festival, Esther takes us through the inspiration and process behind this collaboration, which brings together community and professional musicians to evoke the boats and the communities that depended on them.
She also talks about her wonderful new album Expectations of a Lifetime which is out now.
The East Nuek Festival is one of the musical highlights of the year, and 2024's could just be the best yet.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com
-
The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is the first of this year's Edinburgh Fringe specials (yes, it is that time already!) and Ali spoke to actor Craig Barclay and writer Tony Voller to hear all about their show Addict, which is on at The Space on the Mile. Craig and Tony talk about how they came to work together, the history of Addict, a synopsis of the show, what it's like to work together - and collaborate with others - the importance of the rehearsal process, and their hopes for the Fringe.
The conversation also touches upon writing, and then performing, multiple characters, the process of bringing the show to the stage, the unique demands of an Edinburgh Fringe run, and why Addict will resonate with audiences. It's a great conversation to kick off SWH!'s coverage of this year's Fringe, and there will be plenty more to come.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to â https://www.scotswhayhae.comâ
-
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali was joined by BAFTA-nominated filmmaker Doug Aubrey to talk about 'Legacy of an Invisible Bullet', which is described as "an immersive 10 œ hour cinematic experience" compiled of 170 short films shot by Doug, which is going to be shown over six days at the Glasgow Film Theatre, culminating in a UK premiere of the feature-length cut, which he describes as an "existential surf movie."
Doug goes into detail about the project, which ranges from his early days capturing the 1970s punk scene through his time documenting disaster zones across the world, as well as his own personal disaster following a thyroid cancer diagnosis, piecing together a cinematic mosaic 50 years in the making.
The two also talk about the importance of sound as well as vision, the effects of people's changing viewing habits, the importance of the short film as a medium, who has inspired him over the years, and a whole lot more.
It's an insightful and inspirational conversation with someone who is steeped in film, and whose longevity gives him an overview of filmmaking which is rare. Hopefully it will convince you to visit the GFT and experience Doug's work for yourself.
For further details, including all the ways to listen, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com
-
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! Ali spoke to crime writer, and returning guest, Douglas Skelton to talk about the latest entry in the 'Rebecca Connolly' series of crime thrillers, 'The Hollow Mountain' which is out now, published on the Polygon imprint of Birlinn Ltd.
Douglas talks about the origins of Rebecca Connolly and the inspiration behind them, the importance of place and returning to Glasgow as a setting, the true stories which are central to each novel, constructing and developing memorable characters, having a strong supporting cast, the pleasure taken in cultural referencing, and more.
The two also discuss Douglas' other current series, the 'A Company of Rogues' books (the latest of which is 'A Grave for a Thief', published by Canelo), the challenges, and the freedom, that comes with writing historical fiction, and the inspirations, (literary and otherwise) behind these books.
He is also very honest about the highs and lows of writing, and what's coming next. Douglas has long been one of our favourite writers, and it's always a treat to have a conversation with him. If you don't know his work then we hope this podcast will persuade you to investigate further.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, go to â https://www.scotswhayhae.comâ
-
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up with writer, and previous guest, Louise Welsh to talk about her latest novel To The Dogs, which is out now published by Canongate Books.
The two talk about the complex issue of class, the hold of the past, the setting of Glasgow, the central character of Jim Brennan, the parallels between gangland life and academia, the changing politics of university life, building towards a dramatic conclusion, and much more.
They also discuss The Second Cut, Louise's sequel to her critically-acclaimed and much-loved debut The Cutting Room, and the return of the protagonist Rilke, as well as her role as Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Glasgow, and revisiting the Empire Cafe project 10 years on.
Louise is not only one of SWH!'s favourite writers, but also one of our greatest supporters and it was great to have her back on the podcast. The result is an insightful and thoughtful conversation which will appeal to readers and writers alike.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com
- Vis mere
