Born from a commission by Ceòl’s Craic to bring together electronic and traditional music for live performance, WHɎTE have gone from strength to strength with their unique, rarely-heard Gaelic songs paired with ambient electronic arrangements. We grabbed electronica musician Ross Whyte, for a few quick questions ahead of their Made in Scotland Showcase.
How would you describe your show in one sentence?
An immersive audio-visual performance of our debut Gaelic electronica release, Fairich.
Is this a new show or have you performed it elsewhere?
Our album was released in October 2016 and this is the first time that it will be performed live with full video accompaniment, courtesy of visual artist, Dan Shay.
What’s your favourite thing about the Fringe?
The cultural diversity both on and off stage – it’s particularly heartening given the current political climate.
How have you been preparing for the Fringe? How has the show developed/changed since your original idea?
Since the release of Fairich, WHɎTE have been on tour throughout Scotland. We’ve been refining the songs for a live setting and working on new material also. One of the most exciting developments of the show has been visual artist Dan Shay’s additions in creating new accompanying video material that brings another element to the music in situ.
What do you think sets your show apart from all the other Festival offerings?
Our show explores traditional Gaelic music through a contemporary lens. Several of the traditional songs in our set have rarely been heard and 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’s the show that you don’t want to miss at this year’s Fringe?
We’re hoping to get the chance to see Sounding: Modern Studies and Lomond Campbell with the Pumpkinseeds Chamber Orchestra and Sean Shibe’s softLOUD.
If your show was a place in Edinburgh, which place would it be and why?
Perhaps the National Museum of Scotland – it’s filled with history but very much accessible to a modern audience.
Fairich: Live
Preview Mon 14 Aug, 8pm, £8 (£6) (£24)
Mon 21, 8pm, Tue 22 – Mon 28 Aug, 3pm (1hr)
£10 (£8) (£32 family) (£7.50 SCS)
Fairich: Live from Made in Scotland on Vimeo.
