There’s a vaccine coming. I heard about it on the radio today. The presenters were excited. There was an official sounding man talking about yoghurt as well. I think to stress the complicated nature of inoculating the country’s population against a disease which turned 2020 upside down, shook it around, kicked it about and caused a lot of pain and suffering in the process. As … [Read more...] about Unpacking 2020: the good, the bad and the uncertain
Ventures in Lockdown
Monkey Barrel Comedy Club
Monkey Barrel Comedy Club has, in the four years since opening its doors to the public, become a central pillar of Scotland’s comedy scene, building a community for both performers and audience members. While the venue, on Blair Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town, operates a varied programme of both local and touring acts all year round, the experience and revenue generated … [Read more...] about Monkey Barrel Comedy Club
Pop Matters – in and out of lockdown
In theory being forced into a situation where time is plentiful, following on from a work schedule that pays poorly and is therefore relentless, should provide the impetus to learn new skills and get things done. In practice it’s not so simple - we’re not androids. There are days when it feels natural to pick up existing projects or start new things and there are days of sheer … [Read more...] about Pop Matters – in and out of lockdown
Katie Lynch: Ventures in lockdown
Dundee duo ST. MARTiiNS are as intriguing a proposition as any in Scotland’s pop music landscape. Katie Lynch and Mark Johnston’s musical partnership of well over a decade is encapsulated perfectly by a recently released mini album, Hoping For The Worst, that manages to resist easy classification. Juggling electronica, indie-pop and jazz influences, it thrives as a cohesive … [Read more...] about Katie Lynch: Ventures in lockdown
Declan Welsh: Ventures in lockdown
Declan Welsh should have been playing his biggest ever headline set last weekend (8 May), a triumphant hometown show at Glasgow's SWG3, followed by a UK tour. That run, and an appearance at TRNSMT on Glasgow Green, has been put off for the time being, but this first Ventures in Lockdown Q&A finds Welsh enjoying his down time, seeing the big picture, and hoping for … [Read more...] about Declan Welsh: Ventures in lockdown