QnA with iGigs @ Inverness Highland Games bands
This summer’s Inverness Highland Games returns on Saturday (July 21). This year’s celebration of all things traditional sees a showcase of local music talent descend on Bught Park at 6pm. Ahead of the gig – specially curated by music blog Inverness Gigs – Margaret Chrystall and Kyle Walker caught up with all the bands to get the lowdown on just what they’re all about...
Bad Actress
Bad Actress are a five-piece hard rock and bluesrRock band, with a touch of glam – think AC/DC or Iron Maiden. While they have had a recent name change (formerly known as Airrade) the young band have been building up an array of gigs that have drawn them across Scotland.
Q Was there one trigger/inspiration to you getting into music?
A We probably each have our own triggers and inspiration but AC/DC is definitely among them.
Q What do you bring to your live shows?
A We all have a genuine love of performing and desire to entertain. For us, that’s what music is really about. We also have stage personas that involve outfits, hairdos and a bit of glam.
Q What is the best bit of advice you have been given so far about music?
A To keep going. We’ve met so many other bands at gigs and festivals around the country and they all say the same thing - ‘stick at it’ - so we do.
Q What is the nicest thing anyone has ever said about your music
A We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from people after gigs. When people say they loved it, that’s probably what every band needs to hear. We’re lucky that we’ve heard that quite a few times now.
Q Have you ever tossed a caber – if not, what is your favourite Highland sport?
A Yes, but a very wee one - I was very young and it was probably more of a branch actually. I also did welly throwing, which was much more fun, but I don’t know if they still have that at all Highland games?
Q What gig will you remember forever?
A AC/DC - Hampden Park 2016. (Or Aerosmith at Download 2017?).
Q Name one thing Inverness could do with speaking as musician(s)?
A Inverness is actually pretty good for variety of venues and good quality bands of all genres. The crowds are also really supportive. Like other places, I’m sure we’d all like to see more of them.
Q What would be the one thing people coming to the Highland Games event would be surprised to learn about you?
A Choose one from:
3 of us are brothers;
Our oldest member is also the shortest;
Our average band member age is 17 and a half.
Table For Four
TABLE FOR FOUR (in Roddy MacKenzie picture top) Fronted by Sarah Williamson who spoke to us, the band plays alt-rock from the heart, with songs of love, loss and much more.
Q Was there one trigger/inspiration to you getting into music?
A For me this started with writing lyrics to already famous songs for a primary school talent show. I won and the response of a great crowd is definitely very addictive.
Q What do you bring to your live shows?
A The band always bring their A game. Ryan our drummer is incredibly talented on the night he can switch up his beats and add new parts, make it more complex and it seamlessly blends in. Honda brings the bass. As for Mad, well...she will start playing guitar whenever there a break in a show and you will never be unimpressed. Her solos and melodies are truly hypnotic to see. As for myself, Sarah, I bring the cringy and weird yet lovable banter, I bring the vocals and truth be told I am the only one who brings mistakes to the live shows.
Q What is the nicest thing anyone has ever said about your music
A Our third show, I messed up a transition between songs. I briefly took the mic to say my mistake and a guy sh outs ‘Shut up – you’re good!’ It’s early days!
QHave you ever tossed a caber – if not, what is your favourite Highland sport?
A I have never tossed a caber, however it is in fact my favorite Highland games event to watch.
Q Name one thing Inverness could do with speaking as musician(s)?
A More free music nights at venues for up-and-coming local bands.
Annakii
A three-piece rock band, Annakii have been building up quite a buzz. While the majority of their gigs have been on the acoustic and open mic scene, a recent foray to London saw the group support Marco Mendoza. We spoke to guitarist Mark Allison (pictured right).
Q Was there one trigger/inspiration to you getting into music?
A Getting into music was probably ABBA at age 10, getting in to actually playing music was a combination of John Lennon and KISS in 1980. Yes, I’m that old!
Q What do you bring to your live shows?
A The live shows to date for Annakii have been more sedate affairs in an acoustic mode so we hope plugging in for this show will see us all get a shot of adrenalin as the energy is gathering below the surface!
Q What is the best bit of advice you have been given so far about music?
A Never give up. If you have a dream and a belief all you need is the work ethic and a little bit of luck to guide you.
Q What is the nicest thing anyone has ever said about your music
A They find that they sing it unconsciously without realising who it is.
Q Have you ever tossed a caber? If not, what is your favourite Highland sport?
A We have tossed a few things but never a caber! Favourite sport is tug of war!
Park Circus
Park Circus are a four-piece indie rock band who quote influences such as The Beatles, The Kinks, Davie Bowie, Joy Division, The Cure and Stone Roses. We spoke to bass player Adam Miller and drummer Cameron Fuller.
Q Was there one trigger/inspiration to you getting into music?
A The four of us have been music lovers from birth, with our parents introducing us to varying genres, luckily enough for us everything was in place for us to all get together and make music that we all love and that we can be proud of. To answer the question, I don’t think it was one trigger or inspiration but more just a massive love for music.
Q What do you bring to your live shows?
A We want to show the people who have come to see us that we’re extremely passionate about what we do so we bring all the energy that’s in us and put it out through our songs, and just hope for the best that it’s good.
Q What is the nicest thing anyone has ever said about your music?
A Our good friend Alan Forbes said that we sound like raw Oasis after meeting him at our first gig.
Catch all the bands at Inverness Highland Games on Saturday (July 21) from 6pm.
