Scots Whay Hae!

The latest podcast is a sister to our recent interview with Pat and Jim Byrne and Samina Chaudry about Ten Writers Telling Lies. It is a live recording of the launch of the book featuring readings and music. We were going to edit it but could not bring ourselves to leave any one or any song out, so this is the full director's cut. Enjoy.

In the latest podcast Ali talks to Jim and Pat Byrne and Samina Chaudry about Ten Writers Telling Lies, a music and literary project which has writers and poets collected together as well as collaborating with Jim on accompanying songs. You'll not only hear all about the project, its beginnings and how it has grown, but there are also a couple of examples of the songs as well as Samina reading her short story, Taxi. It is a fascinating undertaking which deserves to be read and heard by as many people as possible.

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to writer David Keenan about his novel This Is Memorial Device. Anyone who has read the Scots Whay Hae! review of the book (on the website now) will know how highly we rate it, and it's fascinating to hear David talk about the influences behind it, why it was always going to be an Airdrie novel, the reasons the book is structured as it is, and so much more. We're calling it one of the most interesting and engaging podcasts yet, but listen for yourselves and see if that's a bold claim or not.

The latest podcast is a timely one as Ali talks to director and cinematographer Lou McLoughlan in the week this year's Glasgow Film Festival begins (and there's a preview of that over at Scots Whay Hae!). Lou discusses her film '16 Years Till Summer', an astonishing documentary which was critically acclaimed by audiences and festival panels alike. She then discusses the pros and cons of documentary making in Scotland, and how the reception abroad can differ widely from that at home. It all makes for a fascinating listen for anyone interested in film.*Recorded in Glasgow's Project Cafe, there is quite a bit of background noise to being with and we hope that doesn't impede your enjoyment.

In our Burnscast for 2017, Ali and Ian travelled to the heart of Burns' country in Ayrshire to talk to the writer Catherine Czerkawska about her novel, 'The Jewel', which examines Burns relationship with his wife Jean Armour, from Jean's point of view. It is a story rarely told, and what follows is an hour of fascinating chat about Jean and Robert which focuses on the reality of family life rather than in the mythology which surrounded, and continues to attach itself to, Burns. There's also a little bit of poetry. It is Burns Night after all.

In our first podcast of 2017, Ali talks to Ian Smith and Murray Easton, two of the founding members of record label Last Night From Glasgow. In under a year they have released some of the best records of recent times, and have built up a loyal following in the process. Approaching the music business with new ideas, or old ideas presented in a new way, LNFG are a success story that shows no sign of slowing, and anyone with a love of music, or any other area of the arts, will find something of interest in their conversation. There's also some exclusive music to boot.

In this, Part II of our end of year podcast Ali, Chris and Wesley concentrate on the best music of 2016, both recorded and live. Even our sound-guru, Ian, chips in. It's been a cracking year for new music. As you may suspect, we start with the best in Scottish music before a wide-ranging discussion as to what has been on offer from elsewhere. In case you missed it, Part I looked back at film and books from the last 12 months, and you can still hear that now at http://bit.ly/2hnpEjD, as well as indulge yourself in our extensive back catalogue of over 70 podcasts at http://apple.co/2hCJaVw

For our end of year podcast, Ali and Ian were once again joined by regular pod guest and resident film expert, Chris Ward, and Scottish music man, Wesley Shearer. As we ran well over the two hour mark we've decided to split it into two parts. In Part I we concentrate on the films and books of 2016, and give you recommendations about the best of both. We also talk about the marketing of movies, the career of Isabelle Hupert, the importance of independent publishers, the welcome return of Alasdair Gray, and James Kelman at 70. We also name writer Graeme Macrae Burnet as our Man Of The Year.

In the latest podcast Ali and Ian are joined by musicians Ross and Alasdair Whyte who, under the moniker WHYTE, have collaborated on the excellent album “Fairich”. What is it like? You'll just have to listen to the podcast, which not only has the explanation from the horses' mouths, but also features an exclusive play of two tracks...at least we're claiming it as such. This was a really enjoyable chat and we hope you get as much from it as we did on the day.

For our latest podcast we go transatlantic with Ali talking to Kevin Brown, producer of, and the driving force behind, Songs For Scotland 2. Even if you are aware of the original Songs For Scotland you'll find the story behind the sequel fascinating. Kevin's passion for the project is infectious and inspiring, and you'll want to know what role Alasdair Gray has to play. Stay with us right to the end as we have an exclusive play of one of the featured songs just for you. Cos we're like that...

For the latest podcast, Ali headed down the Clyde Valley to Biggar to talk to writer and actor Pauline Lynch. Pauline's debut novel, 'Armadillos', is out now, and you can read the Scots Whay Hae! review on the website. It's an unforgettable book and the two discuss it at length, but also tough on writing courses, treading the boards and touring the world, and being part of a cultural phenomenon. Sounds like something that would interest you? Of course it does.

For the latest podcast, we went to Edinburgh to meet writer Rebecca Monks in the very apt Circus Cafe and talk about the forthcoming Fringe play Tyke, which is based on a tragic and true tale. He also speaks to co-directors Madison Maylin and Madeleine Cunningham on the phone to learn about the practicalities of staging the show. You can learn more about Tyke at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/tyke#/, but not until you've listened to the SWH! podcast.

In our latest podcast Ali talks to Japan based Scottish novelist Iain Maloney - in the pub. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, the chat was a fascinating and illuminating one. Iain was just about to start a whirlwind book tour of the UK to promote his third novel, The Waves Burn Bright, but thankfully took time out to talk to Scots Whay Hae! about that book, his previous work, his life as a writer, and what living abroad has taught him about his homeland.

For the latest podcast Ali caught up with musician and poet Roy Moller to talk about the forthcoming Dunbar CoastWord Festival. You can read the full details of the programme at http://www.coastword.co.uk/, but Roy gives you the insider information you just won't get elsewhere, and talks about the festival's genesis and ethos. If you're not booking your tickets by the time the podcast ends, we will be very surprised - and a little disappointed.

After a short Spring break the Scots Whay Hae! podcast is back for Series 3 with a whole new line-up of guests and themed specials for your pleasure. This first episode sees Ali head down Leith Walk to talk with Sean Ormsby and Stephen McLaren from Edinburgh record label Errant Media. They talk about the pleasure of collaboration, the importance of songs, and why melancholy and euphoria are the perfect musical partners. These two have made some of the best music of the last few years, and continue to do so. If you are interested in the reality of not only writing great songs, but getting them released, then this is a must hear.

After a year off, the Scots Whay Hae! annual Burnscast returns in style with Ali and Ian joined by our very own Ronnie Young to talk all things Rabbie, particularly the Futurelearn on-line course, “Robert Burns: Poets, Songs & Legacy”, which is open to all, and is entirely free. You can hear all about it on the podcast, but further details can be found at https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/robert-burns/1 . They also talk about Burns the Icon, and how this Ayrshire poet became one of the most recognisable faces around the world. It’s the perfect accompaniment to Burns Night – but then, we would say that.

For our “Best of 2015” podcast, Ian and Ali were joined by regular, Chris Ward, and Scottish music man, Wesley Shearer (manager for Campfires In Winter, Michael Cassidy and I Am David Laing) to talk about what floated their collective boats in the last 12 months. Add in the usual festive missive from friend of SWH!, Ronnie Young, and you end up with an epic podcast which approaches the 2 hour mark. But never mind the length, feel the quality.

In the latest podcast, Ali talks to writers Graham Lironi and Graeme Macrae Burnet about their latest novels (Oh Marina Girl and His Bloody Project respectively), both of which have been published on Saraband Books crime imprint, Contraband. They discuss crime fiction and subverting readers’ expectations, genre fiction and the problem with labels, the importance of editing, unreliable narration, the health or otherwise of the Scottish writing community, and what’s really important in the life of a writer. The hour or so just flew by, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did recording it. We’re calling it "a must listen for anyone interested in writing and books”, and we wouldn’t lie about something like that.

In the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast, Ali talks to broadcaster, journalist and TV executive Stuart Cosgrove about his terrific new book Detroit 67: The Year That Changed Soul. As Stuart explains, it's so much more than a book on music, and what follows is a fascinating chat about how Detroit in 1967 influenced and reflected America and the times.

Ali was in Edinburgh for some Festival shenanigans but took time out to talk to SWH! favourite Doug Johnstone to talk about his new novel 'The Jump'. A difficult novel to discuss in terms of plot, the chat concentrates on the themes in the novel, family dramas, domestic noir, the best use of research and the importance of being honest. As a sort of bonus extra, Doug also gives his advice to all those who want to write, which alone makes this a must listen.