Having listened to the new album I was excited about this one, tickets were purchased months in advance. The Gang of Six (there can be any number in the Gang of Six technically – Graeme has decided that on this instance there was “at least twenty”) converged on Glasgow. Having established base camp we managed inevitably to set off late which is what triggered the race.
Half in a taxi and half on foot, we were really impressed the “push the button for a taxi” gadget, finish line was deemed to be slapping the barrier front left in the SSE. We sprinted to an early lead but the taxi riders made wanker gestures at as they cruised by in luxury. We decided it would be best to split up but stick together when we got there. We arrived way before the carbon zero walking squad it was almost too easy.
It was a total roadblock so a classic bit of queue jumping was required. We even had enough time for a bar stop and established ourselves at the front left and waited for the people who love to queue to turn up. And waited. Having to guard too many pints for an hour and a half was a test in itself, security refusing to store them behind the barrier. We were there so long waiting we made really good friends with security and enjoyed an average hour of 2ManyDJ’s. Finally at the perfect moment the losers turned up just as the Brothers were coming onto the stage.
They definitely played “Hey Boy Hey Girl” and “Galvanised” near the end and lots of other really cool stuff. The lights were amazing, the company was outstanding, the lazers dazzling. Who’s sound system was it though? Too quiet, we could talk to each other down the front and a complete lack of tinnitus the next day. The spectacle was immense and perfect, it was just too quiet. They smashed the curfew by three minutes and will have to face the consequences of their actions. Truly a corporate rock and roll experience. We split up again to head back to the hotel.
Off to the old Leith Theatre we went. For those who don’t know it, it’s a fabulous old building from the 1920s, with tiered seating and a huge ballroom, which has been given a new lease of life after falling into disrepair in the 60s. Well here we are, with less than 60 days before we usher in the 20s again and the place couldn’t be livelier.
Folk have arrived for the early opening time for the Moon Party, which is a bit unusual for Edinburgers, who tend to come late and not want to go home after! What’s the fuss about? Well the Pianodrome is the world’s first amphitheatre made entirely from up-cycled pianos. It’s a 100-seater amphitheatre constructed from over 50 discarded pianos, it promised an immersive night of live music, DJ beats, projection art and glow-in-the-dark performances set within the Pianodrome that is installed in the main auditorium of the Leith Theatre.
As soon as you step foot into the circular construction you can see that everything, seats, steps, chair backs etc are all made from wood salvaged from the old pianos. It has been built as a sculptural interactive amphitheatre. The event we went down for was the ‘Moon Party’ which was the official launch party of Pianodrome’s ‘resonancy’ at the venue, which will run from 12 November – 8 December 2019. This event is jointly produced by LeithLate & Pianodrome. It is part of the LeithLate19 events programme, supported by City of Edinburgh Council and Baillie Gifford.
An event, nested in another event, joined on to another event, a musical Ménage à trois, covering jazz, world, folk, light performances by Think Circus. And the evening rounded off with DJ, Joseph Malik on the 1s and 2s. We were greeted by Martha at the box office and the welcome couldn’t have been… more welcoming! She told us that the Pianodrome was actually an interactive sculpture before the performances started at 9. So go and get stuck in, and be sure to stop by the Merch’ store, where there were some mighty fine t-shirts and some complimentary glow sticks and UV paint & sparkles. All glittered up, we grabbed some drinks from the delightfully kitch, shabby-chic bar and went to settle in. Worth noting was the attitude of all the staff, from security to bar staff to all the punters, everyone was happy, smiling and ready for a fun night.
A hush came over the auditorium/Pianodrome as the first musicians took their places. Lizabett Russo, a humble Romanian songstress and musician, supported by guitarist Graeme Stephen, who created sounds, using samplers and loops to great effect to fill the place with haunting melodies, which captivated all. I couldn’t put my finger on where exactly the music sounded from but at times it seemed middle eastern, Icelandic and even Japanese, supported by strong folk roots.
After a brief intermission the Chris Lyons Gypsy Jazz Quintet kicked off. I was particularly impressed by the trumpeter but the ensemble, who were all obviously accomplished musicians, failed to connect with the room until their energetic finale song. I was disappointed this wasn’t followed by more of the same. By now the place was really buzzing and it was a great place to connect with your fellow audience members. Everyone was really open and friendly, sharing an appreciation of the performances.
Lights dimmed for the Lunar performances by Think Circus. Juggling with light-up batons and a glow-poi, which morphed into a double act, which I have not seen before. Their creativity was a great segue into the DJ for the last couple of hours.
I can’t emphasise just how good DJ Joseph Malik was. The tunes he was playing out were eclectic, wide-ranging and covering multiple genres. He kept the musical narrative tight and full of energy. Malik had everyone up dancing, not just mindlessly moving to beats, but actually listening to the music and it felt like everyone was fully appreciating his 2-hour set. I will be digging out my dancing shoes any time I hear he is performing in the future. Really danceable and a wonderful way to bring the Moon party to a close.
One of the best new folk voices in Scotland?
The Mumble had to catch a blether
Hello John, first thing’s first, where are you from & where are you at, geographically speaking?
Originally from Paisley but now have set up camp in Glasgow for the last 7years.
When did you first realise you were musical?
I have always sang, I remember singing infront of girls in Nursery which means i was around 3years old so I actually dont know what came first, talking or singing
Who were your earliest influences & who inspires you today?
My Mum and Dad had great taste in music when I was growing up. Elvis was a big one with my Dad, i would watch old VHS documentaries on him from a real early age. Im sure I was found infront of the mirror in more than one occasion shakin my legs n curlin my lip. My mum was more into Roxy Music and Marc Bolan, Bolan was always quite close to Elvis style wise I thought prob my brain just knowin they were about at the same time in my head.
The Glasgow music scene is one of the most thriving in Britain, if the planet – what are its secret ingredients do you think?
Folk ask that a lot even in music programmes I watch and the answer seems as simple as it the weather hahaha all the great UK music cities have the same vibe. Its raining awww the time so you tend to sit and learn an instrument, draw a picture or roll a joint.
As a songwriter, what motivates you the most to put words to music?
I’ve always loved anyone that can make something out of nothing. Artists, Painters, Poets even Chefs and Mixologists. They are all the same, there a passion thats quite hard to get rid of. I mean I dont put myself in any notable league but the fact I have been able to write a melody and put some nice words together just makes me happy. I can imagine I’ll not always sing forever but I will always write. Its an escapism, a therapy and helps me get out anything that may or may not be on my mind at the time and escape from any 4 walls that have confined me.
You’ve got three singer-songwriters coming round for dinner – who would they be & what would you cook?
Ray Lamontagne, John Lennon and Noel Gallagher. I do enjoy cooking but my menu is limited. All 3 guys from the sticks so I’m sure theyd be happy with what was put down to them.
What do you like to do when you’re NOT being musical?
I used to love drawing, when I was very young drawing was my music, but i lost interest when I became a teenager. When I moved to Glasgow I got back into it, prob out of boredom I suppose but if Im not working or noodlin on the guitar Il just doodle instead.
You’ve recently got a new manager – can you tell us about him?
Davie Boy Smith? Aka David Blair. I was more aware of Colonel Mustard before I knew David but I played a show at the Purple Orange in Bathgate maybe 2 years ago and a lovely woman put me in touch with David via Facebook and we’ve became closer as the years have gone on. We do have an identical tattoo which is a bit strange so maybe stars are set??? Who knows, but hes a great guy and believes in what Im tryin to do and the feelings mutual.
You’ve got an album out, what’s it called, where was it recorded and how did the sessions go?
My Debut album is called “Beneath The Apple Tree” that has been out digitally since April. It is a selection of songs written by myself over the years. The oldest being written around 10years ago. It was recorded Morsecode Studios with the amazing producer Liam McCluskey at the wheel. The album was recorded in 16hrs with 2 mics in 1 take. It was a wonderful experience, being recording in Studios for 20yrs it was the first time I was confident enough to believe that just my guitar n my voice was enough.
What are your favorite tracks off the album both to listen to and to play?
Gold & Green is probably my favourite song to play on the album. The lyrics came from a track I wrote when I was 19 that was around (cough cough-teen years ago) I never loved the melody but always had the lyrics in the back drawer of my mind for a later date. Once I found the melody it just seemed to fit with a little bit adding and editing, the chorus just came straight away. I like that it has a little story of 2 kids running around with their smiles glistening in the summer breeze. Although like alot of my tracks it has a bitter sweet moment when the chorus lets the listeners know that the 2 characters may not have made it as loves young dream after all.
You’ve got a gig coming up in Glasgow soon, fancy a wee plug?
Big Time. 22nd of November I play my first Headline show in Room 2, Nelson Mandela Place, Glasgow City Centre. To coincide with the physical launch of “Beneath the Apple Tree.”
What does 2020 hold in store for John Rush?
I think myself and Davids big push this year is some festivals and having as many folk hearin the album as possible before hopefully going back into the studio end of 2020.
LET IT SNOW is heading back to Elgin
We chatted with the man behind the music
Hello Ryan, first thing’s first, where are you from & where are you at, geographically speaking?
I was born in Aberdeen and brought up in Buckie, in the North East. I’m now based in London, having gone via Glasgow where I did my undergraduate degree.
How interested are you in the North East’s folk music?
It’s the one thing I miss living in London – I grew up playing in all the fiddle festivals, before joining the Strathspey Fiddlers in secondary school. Through them I found myself part of an amazing community of traditional musicians in Moray who I used to play with all the time, and whenever I go home I try to get people together for a tune. I learnt a lot from that environment, and I think it’ll always be in me and influencing my music, no matter where I am or what I’m doing.
When did you first realise you were musical?
I remember from a young age, early primary school, nagging my parents for piano lessons. It was always piano, never anything else. When I started at seven years old, I drew to it straight away, I never needed to be told to practice.
Can you tell us about your training?
I went to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, originally to study traditional music but after my first year I switched over to classical piano. I loved the traditional course, but I think I felt that if I wanted to keep my options open later on, having that rigorous classical training would stand me in good stead, which was definitely the right call. I graduated in 2017 and moved to London, where I worked in theatre for a couple of years, and now I’m doing a masters degree in jazz at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
You have worked with many a top of the shop pieces of musical theatre – which are your favorites & what is it about the genre that makes you tick?
It’s hard to choose a favourite because the thing I love about working in theatre is the breadth of style it carries – for someone like me who loves variety in their work, it’s a great career as each show you work on is different. West Side Story would probably be the one that comes to mind first. It’s the show I’ve done the most (I’ll never forget playing a few shows on the International Tour with that incredible New York rhythm section), and all those conflicting styles within it really excite me. I also love The Light in the Piazza. But now that I’m involved in jazz, I‘ve come to appreciate the Great American Songbook composers more than ever – Jule Styne for me is the master. I don’t think you can find better than his scores for Funny Girl and Gypsy.
You have also worked with Pixie Lott in recent years – can you tell us about it?
I met her last year, we were both part of the RAF’s 100th Anniversary Gala at Drury Lane – I was working with the West End cast who were performing throughout the evening, and Pixie was the guest. She came into rehearsals a couple of days before the gig, and decided she wanted to perform one of her new songs at the gala with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, so the two of us went off to rehearse it and I orchestrated it for the RPO who were arriving the next morning. She must have liked something about what I did for her as we kept in touch and when I left Les Mis, she asked me to film some of her new music with her. Now I gig with her regularly, and she’s one of the loveliest people I could hope to work with.
What does Ryan Mackenzie like to do when he’s NOT being musical?
I love travelling – I’m lucky that a lot of the work I get takes me to new places, but any time I have a few days off, I try to jump on a plane somewhere. I love photography too. And reading – getting stuck into a good book is one of the only ways I can get out of my own head. I really struggle to switch off. Especially at the minute since I’m juggling lots of freelance projects, Let it Snow preparations and my masters.
This year sees the fifth anniversary of Elgin’s Let It Snow Charity Christmas Concert – which you are producing. How did you get involved?
Myself and a few friends started the event as a fundraiser for Lucy’s Fight not long after Lucy was diagnosed with motor neurone disease. She formed the charity to raise money for MND Scotland, so we thought we’d do our bit to support her while we were home for Christmas. It was originally planned as a one-off, but it got such a great response that we decided to do another one the following year, which sold out. Now it’s become a really big event in Moray – this year we have three concerts, and the tickets are disappearing pretty quickly. I’m delighted that people keep coming back to support us and give so generously to Lucy.
Who have you got lined up for us this year?
We have our big band as usual, this year being led by amazing trumpet player Joshua Elcock and made up of both local talent and some of the best young musicians in the UK. Joining them as their guests are singers Rachel Lightbody, Emilie Boyd, Fiona Milne and Jasmine Dey. We’re also working with a community choir, and have a few local primary schools coming to perform too.
You’ve got 20 seconds to sell the concert for somebody in the street, what would you say?
It’s a really special way to kick off the holidays – it’s incredible that these musicians come up to Moray so close to Christmas to raise money for a local charity, and the collaboration between them and our local musicians is something worth seeing. For us, it wouldn’t be Christmas without Let it Snow.
I do enjoy visiting the coastal pearl of Scotland that is St Andrews, for the city knows its culture well. I was thus in a premium state of anticipation to experience for the first time a festival there, Voices. Its artistic director, Sonia Stevenson, certainly knows what she’s doing. A loyal local lassie, being brought up in St Andrews & nurtured by its thriving & masterful music scene, by 2019 Sonia is using her national experience as a performer & events organiser – fuelled by her clear love of bringing people together – to formulate a quality program. For the 7th time in a row, she has assembl’d a venturous team of volunteers & performers to spread musical joy across the city for four very freshening days. Reinventing itself each year, Voices showcases the versatility and beauty of the human voice in an amazingly broad spectrum of genres including opera, cabaret, lieder, folk, spoken word, choral, a cappella, early music, new music and more…
To experience the festival I intended to attend two evening’s worth of events – the Friday & the Saturday – & spend the weekend in the area as a bonus. The wife & I do enjoy supra-historical Fife, & booked ourselves at an air B&B in Newport-on-Tay. The view across ever the Silvery Tay reminds her of home – the Puget Sound, north of Seattle – & being only 20 minutes from St Andrews, & even less to Dundee’s TK Maxx, Newport seem’d perfect for all our needs.
Friday the 18th of October 2019 saw wild fits of weather lash the eastern coast of Scotland. It was absolutely brutal, but Voices is not an outdoor festival, peppering instead some of the best venues in St Andrews. Parking up near the abbey, we slipped into the splendid Byres Theatre for our first event, a recital by soprano, Carolyn Sampson, accompanied with flourishing panache by Joseph Middleton. Carolyn has an internationally acclaimed voice, performing roles for the English National Opera, the operas of Lille, Paris & Montpellier; & also appearing as a soloist across America with symphony orchestras from Boston to San Francisco. Middleton himself is a highly esteemed member of the living pantheon, being the first accompanist to be the recipient of the Young Artist Award at the 2017 Royal Philharmonic Society Awards.
They are quite a team these two, with an invigorated history of combined performances & recordings behind them, including the fantastic Fleurs of 2015. It is from this sense of togetherness that a remarkable set of songs have sprung back to life in their hands, lungs & vestments. It was quite an honour to be there, as this was the very public first performance ever of SONGS OF HEAVEN & EARTH. The next day, Saturaday 19th, they would be doing it all again at the Leeds leider.
A recital such as this is window into the drawing rooms of the Romantic era. Long before the electrification & mass reproduction of music, all of it had to be done live. Haydn, appreciating the talented amateur, creative his simple but effectively entertaining Italianate Arianna a Naxos. This provided the opening three numbers of the night, all conjured with precision & liveliness by Sampson & Middleton. Next up were four songs from Schoenberg’s Vier Lieder, followed by two from Mahler’s Des Knaben Wunderhorn.
Switching to French after the interval, we enjoyed a miniature procession through the sapphic Les Chanson de Bilitis, written by the Belgian poet, Pierre-Felix Louis. A series of 143 poems with strong lesbian themes, some were put to music by Debussy & Koechin, & were presented to us with continued performative excellence. Finally we were given Four Last Songs, by Richard Strauss, followed by another Strauss piece, Morgen, as an encore.
As audience members, my wife & I adored Carolyn’s stoic & quasi-theatrical performance of these soliloquyised serenades, hardly taking our eyes off her apart from when Middleton ended each piece with a downturned floating hand, as if bouncing some invisible energy-sphere off the keys. All in all, witnessing the higher cerebrality of such trilinugal musical mastery was a scintillating start to our Voices experience, especially when I heard the vaulting etherality of Debussy’s Le Tombeau des Naides for the first time.
After the performance, we had half-an-hour out in the tempest. We had to get ourselves to the Hotel du Vin at the other end of St Andrews, for a very different but equally magnaminous musical performance. Robyn Stapleton is a lassie of the purest Celtic tradition; raven-headed, lilly-voiced, & a consummate teller of tales. Former BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year, she was accompanied by Mike Vass, a tender guitarist who never dominated, always allowing Stapleton’s singing to willow upon his silken waters.
Her talent lies in a consummate memory for word, phrase & pitch, while the overall song selection was stunning, keeping well within the theme of the festival, which is to shine a spotlight on some of history’s most important women, such as Sundays opera Mary Queen of Scots, by Donizetti. Among the beautifully sung numbers we heard the broken token classic, Pretty Fair Maiden, Stapleton’s personal favorite, Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides Now, Violet Jacob’s excuisite poem ‘Halloween‘ (music by Jim Reid) & a Burnsian ‘bothy ballad’ – I cant recall the writer or name – that got the crowd singing along for the first time.
The performance was over only too soon, despite most of the crowd now getting quite delightedly on board with the choruses. We were like a boiled sweet that had finally sucked down into the honey-sweet centre. By the end I really understood the remit of the festival – I had heard two very special & different singers, but if you add the unique & idiosyncratic playing styles of Middleton & Vass then perhaps I had hear four Voices.
It had been a wonderful initiation into what Sonia Stevenson is trying to achive with her festival, & as I stepped out into the skin-stripping Viking blast, I was warm enough inside to get to the safety of the car heater without too much discomfort. On the drive back to Newport, my wife & I were breaking into – quite randomly, but in perfect synchonicity – diddly-pom choruses based upon Robyn’s own brilliant selection – the pure pudding proof of a top night out!
The view from our place in Newport
Weatherwise, the next morning was a much less sanguine affair; clear skied & breezy, the quintessence of the east coast Autumn. While I followed the Rugby World Cup, my wife hit Dundee & its celebrated TK Maxx. ,Before we both knew it, daylight was rapidly running out of room in the sky, so we drove the 20 minutes back to St Andrews & began the rather serious hunt for a good restaurant. It was a great excuse to meander about the trident streets of St Andrews, & we eventually settl’d on an incredibly tasty Chinese called New Dynasty.
So to our second & final evening at Voices. It began with a tour of the dreamlike Luxumralis installations, guided by Sonia Stevenson herself, still effervescently sprightly considering she is mid-term with her second child. By her side was the equally charming Amanda Macleod, in her second year of assisting Sona, while the guest speaker was Dutch astrophysicist Anne-Marie Weijmans. The tour began in the Zest Cafe, where for 20 minutes or so we were regaled with a scientific introduction to the light-show we were about to see.
Sonia Stevenson centre, Amanda near right, Anne-Marie just behind Sonia
Luxmaralis are currently taking a light & music spectacular into cathedrals & churches across the land. It was borderline beatific to experience a papal score & fabulous 3D images swirling into every physical & metaphysical crevice of St Andrews Holy Trinity. We British may be a much more agnostic bunch these days, but if anyone would have seen such a ‘miraculous’ show even 150 years ago, they would have downed tools & immediately joined some kind of religious house.
Spiralling through time on a 20 minute loop throughout Voices, of its installation in the festival, Luxmaralis mastermind Peter Walker told the Mumble; We have been working for around 12 months with the festival director, looking at the subject of Space and the cosmos and considering how this works not only as an artwork but also bringing in a concert element with a collaborative choir which, although we have worked with choirs before, is in this case directly linked to the artwork. The Space link comes from the Lunar landing anniversary, although its not the only reason – being in a church reanimating the space and the architecture and creating a different visual experience for the festival was also key (read the full Interview).
Towards the end of the sequence, into the church stepped 4 members of festival’s ensemble in residnce, the Gesualdo Six. They were singing some utterly divine Latin homily, reinforcing once more the exploration of the capabilities of the Human Voice that is the eclectic & entertaining theme of Voices. This sonic wonder was rapidly followed by the arrival of spacecraft projected onto the Holy Trinity masonry & its illuminated glass, the piece’s proper pinnacle & one which all othe best of performance art needs to possess.
After our 20 minutes, a portion of the tour group followed Amanda out into the St Andrews night, for the relatively short walk to a wee gem of a church, All Saints, & its own portion of the Luxmaralis experience. This instigated a less epic, but equally as intense severing of the consciousness from the self, & once more I drifted into quasi-spiritual thought.
“We’re gonna be late,” whispered my wife, snapping me into full action for our final show of our Voices experience, back where we started at the Byres. This was to be David McAlmont, famous from his collaboration with Suede’s Bernard Butler, which turned out be a startlingly pleasurable show in which he sang some of the best songs by Billie Holiday. The ultimate ariel blueswoman, she was an enigmatic, hard-partying, bisexual, junkie black jazz singer who the shoved the Jim Crow laws where the pale-visag’d sun doesn’t shine, via the magic of her singing. Her ability to conjure a thrilling atmosphere was replicated with some success by McAlmont & his immaculate band. Their set consisted of 14 songs, inbetween which McAlmont & his pianist, Alex Webb, told the fascinating story of Billie Holiday’s rise & fall drawn directly from Holiday’s autobiography, Lady Sings the Blues.
Through songs such as ‘I Cover the Waterfront‘ & ‘Fine & Mellow,’ McAlmont gave a subtle but refined performance, allowing me to enjoy the watching of each member of the band as they strutted their pristeen stuff – Sophie Aloway’s drumming was especially entrancing. I thoroughly loved the stage-space, which helped my mind to focus on each member of the ensemble, tho’ my wife disagreed & said she’d have preferred a more distill’d version in a jazz bar or something. I reminded her that the show was meant to be emulating Billie Holiday’s famous second, sold-out comeback show at the rather large Carnegie Hall in 1956.
We both agreed to both agree & disagree, & were soon enough happily singing some of the splendid songs we’d just heard on our drive back to Newport, just like we did the previous evening. For two nights in a row the Voices conjured by Sonia Stevenson, her team & the superb performers were flying flowing through our brain channels like naiads, & we look forward already to what ‘soup of the day‘ selection of Voices will be pirouetting about St Andrews next Autumn.
Luxmuralis are taking their eagerly-awaited Installation to St Andrews Voices Festival
Hello Peter, first things first, where are you from & where are you at, geographically speaking?
I live and work in Lichfield in Staffordshire. After years of living elsewhere I returned to my home city where I am Artistic Director of Lichfield Cathedral, and I live and have my studio now in the city.
Where does your love of the arts come from?
I became interested in art at around 14, firstly through literature and poetry and then through music, both art forms I pursued tentative steps towards involvement in and then gradually moved towards the fine arts. My love for the arts came from a realisation that through art we can understand a lot more about ourselves, our sentiments our emotions and express these in ways that share, reveal, explore and at times bring people together. The fine arts are not what many people image and a career in the arts is not simply a life in the studio, its an intellectual, often the most intellectual pursuit, an emotive and deeply personal way to explore honestly the world we inhabit. The great thing about creativity is that the artist is free to create, to think, to imagine, to make the “new”, be that reinterpreting the world we see physically or exploring and experimenting with the hidden. A love of the arts really just emerges from being honest with oneself and being open to experiences and learning and engaging with the honestly of individuals who for centuries have explored human existence in all its wonderful complexities.
Can you tell us about Luxmuralis & your role?
Luxmuralis isn’t a company or business, its an artistic collaboration between myself and composer David Harper. We’ve worked together for years and this collaboration fits a means of working where the visual and sound world come together to create fine art directly together. The artwork is solely produced by the two of us, however we are supported then by a collaborative Social Anthropologist, Kathryn and a team who come in for different purposes. The main work we do together is light and sound production – sometimes referred to a son et lumiere, on buildings or more commonly inside buildings. Unlike many people who do this, the art comes first, not the technical parts of the production, in fact the use of projectors and amplifier are to me analogous to paint and canvas or clay and bronze. They are the media by which the artwork is made rather then restrictions by which we have to follow set conventions. Luxmuralis create work which changes places, and space, often really quite emotional in may different ways and often not what people think or expect. I am the lead artist and artistic director, so essentially I look after the direction of the collaboration and the creation of the visual elements. David creates the sound and sound artworks, although we do cross over an input on both elements so that the natural flow of the work is maintained.
How did the idea come about, & how long has it taken to bring to fruition?
The project in St Andrews is for the St Andrews Voices festival, and is one of this year’s most exciting. It takes up 5 venues – one main production venue and 4 smaller intimate venues. We have been working for around 12 months with the festival director, looking at the subject of Space and the cosmos and considering how this works not only as an artwork but also bringing in a concert element with a collaborative choir which, although we have worked with choirs before, is in this case directly linked to the artwork. The Space link comes from the Lunar landing anniversary, although its not the only reason – being in a church reanimating the space and the architecture and creating a different visual experience for the festival was also key. This is the first year of a three-year partnership and therefore we have worked hard to really structure a project that is unique in its form and also offers a different experience to hearing live voice.
What is the biggest obstacle you overcame while putting your show together?
Time is a big factor in developing project. But the biggest obstacle is that people don’t always know what to expect and we cant show the artworks and light events until they are complete and inset. So people come not knowing what they are going to see. But that’s also a massive advantage as there is nothing better than watching people sit back and just watch and be consumed in light and sound.
Can you tell your about your use of light?
Light is a great medium but it is temporary. Most of the art forms I use are permanent, as in bronze, steel or oil But when I found light as a medium I realised that it was the perfect medium for allowing people to be in the artwork, within the frame. Its a great medium for bringing people together. I use it as I use paint or a pencil to sketch, I build a light artwork as I would any other artworks, through stitching, structuring building and completing and rendering the final work is like sending a clay to the foundry to be cast. What is great, though, is that the light is portable, and we can take it anywhere and bathe a beautiful building, or stunning interior architecture with artwork, not only bringing the architecture to life but also bringing the artwork to life.
Among performing in many beautiful cathedral across England, Luxmuralis will also be setting up at the British Consulate in Dubai, can you tell us more?
We are working in many Cathedrals this year, possibly 10 in total, and these are stunning place to work. The buildings themselves are laden with hundreds of years of history and one walks in the footsteps of thousands and millions of visitors and pilgrims, but light done in the right way, which can take weeks and months to design and create, reanimates the bare stone and bring colour back where once frescos adorned the architecture. Our project is Dubai is coming up this November and is a really nice project with the Embassy for Armistice Day, where we have create a piece which will be presented at the end of the service. We have many approaches for work and many we choose not to develop. Those we do because they offer artistic opportunities and the project in Dubai offered something artistically which was very exciting to explore.
How much, have you found so far, has offering such diverse & eclectic multi-media pieces connected with 21st century audiences?
Its actually quite remarkable. Many people will have seen light shows – but the way we do it is a quite different, they art animations or films – they are collections or ideas and thoughts combined into linear time bases work. They are artworks not shows, and as such they connect deeply with peoples emotions. People are looking for experiences at present and art and honest art creates moments that people want to be connected to. People also love to photo the light work, and share what they have seen and thats important as when people take photos these days it means they have invested in it and want to communicate their thoughts and enjoyment of the experience. Our work can be challenging, with cultural and artistic reference developed though an intellectual approach, but its also importantly fun and people of all ages to see and enjoy it, so families and people of all ages come and thats great to see because the more we move through the 21st century the more important this sense of sharing will become
Who are the Gesauldo Six?
They are a wonderful vocal consort comprised of some of wonderful singers. Their director Owain Park is is a remarkable composer and artist and we are delighted that this relationship has developed. They will be involved in a unique way – performing 3 live pieces in the main venue Holy Trinity Church in St Andrews, but rather than doing this once, they will cycle the works each hour and repeat the performances bathed in light and intercut with Davids sound works – it promises to be a wonderful event and partnership. (www.thegesualdosix.co.uk)
You will soon be setting up at St Andrews Voices festival, where will you be found & what will you be doing?
Our main venue is at Holy Trinity where the central work is around 15-20 long and repeats constantly, with the involvement of the Gesualdo Six throughout. The nave and side will be bathed in light and beautiful music and visitors can sit and watch once or many times and enjoy the aesthetics of light and sound combined. We are also doing a more medative projections around the zodiac with a sound piece in All Saints Church as well as a light and sound installation looking at the sun and Kepler in St. Leonards Chapel. We also have two further installations in a local gallery and small room just off the high street. People can walk around and enjoy all the venues in which ever way they want. Essentially we are using 5 locations to turn the town into a contemporary gallery and performance venue for 2 nights.
You’ve got 20 seconds to sell the show in the streets of Saint Andrews…
This is something St Andrews has never see before, its meaningful yet fun and the whole family can enjoy exploring the streets, from walking into a church where we will take them to the edge of the galaxy and back, standing and watching the sun, the zodiacs, watching the evolution of the universe and remembering the 1969 moon landings, all in one night – now who wouldn’t want to experience that!
As a songwriter, what motivates you the most to put words to music?
Mumble Music 