Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest of our podcasts in collaboration with Scottish Opera we spoke to the company's General Director Alex Reedijk, and it proved to be a fascinating conversation - one which adds extra context to the other podcasts in the series. Alex talks about how he came to the role, what makes it so special, the challenges faced when he joined 14 years ago, the four central strands that run through the company's ethos, and what he is most proud of from his time with Scottish Opera. It's a must listen, not only for opera fans and followers, but for anyone involved in the arts as Alex gives a rare insight into what is involved in the organisation and running of such a prestigious company.

For the latest podcast Ali spoke with Keira Brown about the inaugural Paisley Book Festival (20th-29th Feb). As well as hearing all about the fantastic programme of events, Keira explains the festival's theme of 'radical voices and rebel stories', the celebration of local hero John Byrne, the wide and varied range of what's available, some of the many, many highlights, the importance of place as well as people, and just what it takes to organise and plan such a festival. As well as this she takes time to talk about The Fountain, one of the best cultural review websites around which is a must read for all visitors to SWH!. All in all, it's a conversation you don't want to miss.

For the latest podcast Ali met up with one of SWH!'s favourite writers, M.J. Nicholls, to discuss in detail his latest novel, 'Scotland Before The Bomb' - one of the most inventive, and funniest, books of recent years. The conversation touches upon Nicholls' reasons for writing, the themes and form of his previous work, how he came to have an American publisher, his approach to being a writer, his influences, the importance of not being overly earnest, and loads more. This is an interview we've been looking forward to for some time, and if you are a reader, writer, or book lover of any kind, then you'll find this a fascinating listen.

For the first of our podcasts celebrating this year's Glasgow Film Festival we spoke to festival co-directors Allison Gardner and Allan Hunter. What unfolded was a warm, fun, and fascinating chat about this year's programme, the challenges of programming a festival, the GFF ethos, the multiple strands, how the festival has grown, and some memories of past galas and glories. It's a lovely conversation with two film-lovers, who are clearly great friends, and who believe they have their ideal jobs. Talking to them, and considering festivals past as well as the amazing programme for 2020, we would have to agree.

For the latest Scottish Opera podcast we spoke to one of the company's Emerging Artists, Arthur Bruce. The SO Emerging Artist programme is now in its 10th year, and, as Arthur explains, it is hugely important in developing and supporting all areas of opera, helping to ensure the future remains bright. He also discusses how his interest in opera began, his musical background, the challenges of acting, the productions he has been involved in, and why this programme has been so important to him on a personal level. Arthur is the first performer we have interviewed for these podcasts and this makes for a fascinating insight into the role, both onstage and off.

For the last of our Best of 2019 podcasts Ali is joined once more by annual regulars Wesley Shearer and Chris Ward, with SWH! sound guru Ian Gregson also in the house (which turned out to be lucky for all). This time around they are looking at the best films of the year, and Ali's role becomes more host rather than participant as his own movie going has been admittedly lacking this year. Luckily the other three more than make up for it as they talk about the best Scottish films, their personal favourites, and pick their best film of the decade. Listen in and see if you agree.

For our Best Books of 2019 podcast Ali was once again joined by Publishing Scotland's Vikki Reilly to discuss their year in books. As well as discussing in detail their personal favourites, they look at the writers who have left their mark, awards and award winners, festivals old and new, the healthy state of Scottish poetry, what's happening in the publishing world, the prevailing trends and themes of 2019, what to look forward to in 2020, and a whole lot more. It's always one of the most pleasant podcasts to record as the two geek out on their love of books, and we hope you enjoy listening as much as we did recording it.

For this year's Best Music 2019 podcast Ali spoke to Mark McNally and Gary Bannatyne from Cumbernauld FM's Postcards From The Underground radio show. The two are among the finest champions of Scottish music and beyond, playing old songs and new, and having regular live sessions and guests. As well as hearing all about the Postcards From The Underground show, the three discuss their favourite tracks and gigs of the year, and try to avoid talking about their favourite albums of the year as Ali will be joining the chaps on their show on Sunday 8th, 8-10pm to do just that, so do listen in to see what they pick http://cumbernauldfm.co.uk/. But before all that here is the SWH! Best Music of 2019 podcast, and see if you can spot Ali's deliberate mistake in the first 5 mins.

For the latest podcast Ali was back in Edinburgh to talk to mountaineer, storyteller, and writer, John D. Burns, and the story he has to tell is a fascinating one. He talks about how he first discovered the delights of hillwalking in the Lake District in his youth, his thoughts on how we should treat, view, and interact with nature, why he fell out and then back in love with the hills, the politics of the wild, his forays into poetry and stand-up, and so much more. It's one of the most interesting and informative podcasts yet, and I know you'll come away with a new view on our landscape, and on life.

For the latest in our series of podcasts in conjunction with Scottish Opera SWH! spoke to Gordon Grant, the company's Music Librarian. What unfolds is a fascinating insight into a role which few consider when they think of opera but which, as you will hear, is a vital one. Crucially involved in productions from the very beginning to the final curtain fall, Gordon explains what the role entails, how he came to it, the importance of close collaboration, and what are the challenges and constrictions when it comes to the musical score. As well as being SO's librarian Gordon is also in charge of their supertitles, the written translations and text which have become an important part of opera and he explains the technicalities faced. Overall it's an engrossing conversation which looks in detail at an individual role but which will give you a greater insight into Scottish Opera as a whole.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali headed to Edinburgh to chat to writer Jemma Neville all about 'Constitution Street: finding hope in an age of anxiety' (published by 404 Ink), her fascinating and inspirational book which SWH! described as, "a socio-political work with humanity at its heart, and a timely reminder that there is more that unites than divides us." Talking in the welcoming surroundings of The Hideout Cafe on the very street itself the two discuss the ethos behind the book, the way it is structured, and how both are reflected and inspired by the place and the people who live and work there as well, as well as the way that the issues and themes of 'Constitution Street' relate to communities of all sizes, and a whole lot more. You'll never look at your own locale in the same way again.

For the latest in our series of podcasts in conjunction with Scottish Opera Ali spoke to John Duncan, the company's Resident Stage Manager. Over the course of their conversation John provides a fascinating insight into a role which is vital to all theatre, but which rarely gets discussed. He talks about how he fell in love with the theatre, his early years in the role, how the team dynamic works, the different productions he has worked on, the challenges he has faced over the years, a horse named George, and much more. If you have ever wondered what goes on behind the curtain then John has many of the answers.

For number 6 in our series of podcasts in conjunction with Scottish Opera Ali spoke to Staff Director, Roxana Haines. It's a fascinating and informative discussion with someone whose job brings her into contact and collaboration with most areas of the company. She explains her journey to the role, her training in theatre and the specific demands of opera, her role in terms of productions and the challenges that different ones bring, with particular reference to the current 'Opera Highlights Tour' and the opera for young children 'Fox-tot!', and a lot more. Through it all Roxana's enthusiasm and love for what she does shines through, and we hope you enjoy listening to the conversation as much as we did recording it.

For the latest podcast Ali caught up with Richy Muirhead, the founder and creative director of the Scottish Alternative Music Awards (SAMAS) which is celebrating its 10th year. It's a fascinating chat which covers the origins and history of the awards, an explanation of the criteria, the categories, this year's nominees, notable previous winners, the importance of the live show (this year on October 25th, St Luke's, Glasgow), and lots more. There are also 5 tracks from some of last year's winners, including Declan West and the Decadent West (Rock/Alternative), Lylo (Live Act), The Dunts (Newcomer), Solareye (Hip Hop), and Megan Airlie (Acoustic). Ali also offers the point of view from a SAMAs nominator, so hopefully you'll end up with a better understanding not only of how these awards work, but the aims and ideology behind them.

For the fifth of our series of podcasts with members of Scottish Opera we spoke to Marian Colquhoun, the Head of Props. If you have ever been to a Scottish Opera performance, no matter the scale of the production, you'll know what an integral, important, and creative part the props department have to play. Marian discusses her approach to the role, the collaboration with other departments, the joy in creating memorable moments, the demands of different productions, the practicalities and problem solving involved, and the culture of prop making in Scotland and beyond. It's a fascinating insight into an area of the arts that is rarely discussed but which is crucial.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali headed to Edinburgh to speak to the American writer Elle Nash who was over for a couple of events at the Book Festival. The conversation focused on her powerful novel 'Animals Eat Each Other', which is published by 404 Ink. The two discuss the novel's themes and content, Elle's intentions for the novel, how her style developed, the importance of names and language, the psychology of desire, the quest for identity, and much more. You'll also hear 404 Ink's Laura Jones discussing why they felt they had no choice but to publish Elle once they had read her book. We consider it an instructive and insightful discussion which will interest writers, readers, and book lovers of all kinds. Have a listen and see if you agree.

For the fourth of our series of podcasts with members of Scottish Opera we spoke to Jane Davidson, their Director of Education & Outreach. She explains what the job entails, the company's education strategy, their partnerships at home and abroad, the challenges faced in the role, how they reach out to all areas of Scotland, and work with all ages groups. It's a fascinating insight into the work Scottish Opera does off stage and often away from the public eye. As the conversation unfolds you are left in no doubt of the love that Jane has for her job, and how passionately she believes that art and performance have a vital role to play in a nation's education. And so say all of us!

For the third of our series of podcasts with members of Scottish Opera we spoke to the Programme Editor, David Kettle about his role and what it entails. He explains how he came to the job, the approach to writing a programme, the balance required between information and other articles and content, the importance of design, the collaboration required with the rest of the company, and much more.

For the latest podcast Ali headed through to Edinburgh to talk to Edwin and Morgan, two members of Half Formed Things (unapologetically one of SWH!'s favourite bands, as you'll quickly be able to tell). They talk about their album 'To Live In The Flicker', the origins of the band, what it's like to work with such close friends and family, the importance or otherwise of place, their shared philosophy, themes, influences, and a whole lot more. You'll also get two tracks from the album which will give you a clear idea as to just how good it is. And if the other two members of the band, Nici and Matthew, disagree with any of it Ali is more than willing to record a follow up to give their side of the story.

For the latest podcast Ali headed to Glasgow's Tron Theatre to talk to poet and polymath Kevin P. Gilday about his Edinburgh Fringe show 'Suffering From Scottishness', his new collection of poetry 'Sad Songs For White Boys', his work with Cat Hepburn as the instigators and organisers of spoken word house party Sonnet Youth, his band Kevin P. Gilday & the Glasgow Cross, and a whole lot more. It's a fascinating chat, one which, when taken as a whole, is an instructive insight into what it takes to make your living as an artist today. All that and poetry as well - we always aim to please!