EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- Fairich

What can you tell us about Fairich?

Fairich is the title of our debut album. The word is Gaelic and translates as "awake", "sense", "feel" or "perceive". This is the first time that it will be performed live with full video accompaniment, courtesy of visual artist, Dan Shay.

What sets it apart from other shows at the Fringe?

Our show explores traditional Gaelic music through a contemporary lens. Several of the traditional songs in our set have rarely been heard and the show features two original songs as well - one of which recently won the Hands Up For Trad Nòs Ùr song contest. We feel that the music has the capacity to engage audiences of all ages and tastes, regardless of their knowledge of the Gaelic language.

What was the inspiration behind this performance?

The Gaelic songs themselves - several of which were written in the 17th and 18th centuries. They're filled with drama and darkness and yearning and there's some very striking imagery there which will be explored through accompanying video projection.

Who would you recommend comes to see it?

Anyone with an interest in hearing a contemporary take on traditional music or who enjoys the likes of Sigur Rós, Martyn Bennett, London Grammar, or Massive Attack.

What kind of musical background do you both have?

Alasdair grew up within a family of Gaelic singers and won the men's gold medal at the Royal National Mòd in 2006 at the age of 19. He has since recorded a solo album, Las, which features original Gaelic songs and new arrangements of traditional songs from his area. He has recently performed and recorded with the likes of Niteworks and Struileag: Shore to Shore.

Ross studied music at the University of Aberdeen and regularly collaborates with artists from various other disciplines, particularly dance. In October 2015, he released his debut solo album, Kaidan, with Comprende Records.

Timings and ticket information for Fairich are available on the edfringe website.

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