#almostfolk

AlmostFolk has applied to be part of this year’s XpoNorth. XpoNorth is a networking event in which people within the creative industry from around the world come to Inverness to see a variety of acts and attend talks. We saw the event as a perfect way to try to gain some experience and network to people from outside the Highlands. Networking is a fundamental part of working in the creative industry so the more people we can meet the better it will be for each individual person as well as the band as a whole. We have yet to hear back if we have a place at the event or not but we are silently hopeful that we can secure a place.

On the Tuesday of our first week back at college the band made the most of the time we had. As we had 2 weeks apart from each other we jumped back into practice as quickly as we could. In the morning alone I showed them a new song entitled “Piece of You” and we worked out the different parts and learnt the entire song. In the afternoon we further went over the song and also learnt another, which is for now untitled, as well as reworking one of the staples of our live set. We made leaps and bounds throughout the day with each member of the band contributing large amounts of creativity to the songs. Often Kirstin or Kenna would take a spur of the moment idea and just run with it resulting in more well-rounded songs. Not bad for a 9 to 5.

On Saturday 28th March the band played at Plan B’s Shuffle Rewind night. This was by far my favourite gig we have played at. Not only were we at our best so far but the show was also incredible to watch. The night was a showcase for a variety of young artists in the Highlands. The different types of performances on display ranged from contemporary dance to poetry readings. AlmostFolk were booked to end the first half of the show and also close the show. The atmosphere within the venue was incredible. Not only was it a sold out show but every person there came for the sole purpose of watching and listening to the various acts on display. Despite the added pressure of closing our first ever show this was by far our most confident gig. Each band member was calm and collected resulting in an all round better performance. This was also our first paid gig which meant we had to sign a contract with Plan B that outlines our agreement.

Just before breaking up for the Easter holidays the college hosted a gig. This was to be AlmostFolk’s 5th gig. Tea in the Car Park showcased all the bands currently at the college as well as some local bands from around the Highlands. We were lucky enough to be given a slot right when the day was at its busiest. Nerves were no longer a factor. I prepared myself once again and the band played comfortably and confidently. This time I held off on the improvisation and just let the music speak for itself, unaltered and pure. It was a great way to end what had been a very productive semester for me at North Highland College.

Steven from the sound production course at college had booked recording time on Tuesday morning with the sole purpose of recording AmostFolk. We had three hours to record five songs. The time constraint meant there was added pressure on us to play the songs correctly. Steven decided to take a different approach to recording the songs. We did not use the studio for the recording of any instruments. The piano was set up with three microphones behind it to capture the sound, the guitar was recorded with two microphones and the saxophone was recorded in a stairwell to capture a natural echo for the instrument. The piano and guitar were recorded together while the saxophone and vocals were done separately. We managed to record the five songs in the allotted time with most of them being recorded in a singe take. Steven is currently mixing the tracks but they will be ready soon.

After the Green House gig I was determined to redeem myself at Madhatters. The result of which was the most enjoyable gig we had played up to that point. The gig was originally meant to be held a week after Celtic Connections but it was postponed due to, yes you guessed it, snow. Though the gig was held in one of Inverness’ most popular pubs it was in fact a College assessment. We were second to last on the bill which meant I had to sit and sweat out the nerves until it was time to take stage. The nerves were even higher than at the Green House but the difference was I took time to calm myself before taking stage. I regard Madhatters as a turning point for AlmostFolk. Not only was I working hard and loving it but the rest of the band seemed to pick up on my energy and follow suite. We were stronger than we had been at any other gig or practice session. This was the case so much that during the gig I began throwing in little improvisation parts here and there just to keep them on their toes.