Summary: What would happen if you put 8 songwriters into a house for five days? Well, there was only one way to find out... In November 2005, Burnsong invited 8 writers from the worlds of jazz, pop, rock, folk and traditional music to write together in a Georgian Mansion deep in the heart of the Dumfries and Galloway Countryside. Boo Hewerdine, David Scott, Niki King, Emily Smith, Geoff Martyn, Marc Pilley, Riley Briggs and Sophie Bancroft picked up the gauntlet but with some trepidation – Who were these other people? Will I be able to write with a total stranger? Will there be prima donnas, divas and tantrums? If I get writers block will they cast me out? Where on earth is this place anyway? It took less then a few hours for these fears to dispel and to be replaced by a magical mix of music, writing, creativity and laughter. Just 5 days later the Burnsong 8 took the stage for the first time to perform the astonishing 24 songs they had written in those few days. And what songs they were – moving, haunting, beautiful, soulful, sad, laugh out loud funny and even, at times, a little disco. Their performances during Burnsong –Live! proved what amazing things can be done when you give people the space and the freedom to experiment and create. It seemed that our experiment had worked, these 8 writers had come together and in such a short time created something truly special and unique, a true reflection of the real talent, imagination and passion for great music that exists in our country today. But it was not to end there, and with the support of Tune-Up the Burnsong Song House writers are going out on the road, bringing their songs and their stories to audiences around Scotland. Who are the Burnsong Song House 8? Sophie Bancroft Sophie is a renowned Jazz Singer and Songwriter and experienced educator. Based in Edinburgh she is currently performing and promoting her recent album Hot and Cold www.sophiebancroft.co.uk Riley Briggs Riley is the singer/songwriter for Edinburgh based band Aberfeldy. Their new critically acclaimed album Do Whatever Turns You On was released in July 2006 and they have just completed a UK wide tour. www.aberfeldys.com Boo Hewerdine Former member of band The Bible, Boo is now a successful solo artist and also pens songs for numerous other writers including Eddi Reader. He has recently recorded an album of songs written for and with other artists – Harmonograph. www.boohewerdine.net Niki King In 2001 Niki won the prestigious Perrier Jazz Vocalist Award. Since then she has released 4 critically acclaimed albums. She is currently preparing to record an album of new material. www.nikiking.co.uk Geoff Martyn Geoff is a singer songwriter first and foremost and has written with Chris Difford along with many others. He is also a producer, engineer and has performed with other artists including Roddy Hart. www.myspace.com/geoffmartyn Marc Pilley Marc is the driving force and songwriter with Mercury Award nominated band Hobotalk. Hobotalk have been touring throughout the UK and Europe and are currently working on new album of material. www.hobotalk.com David Scott Founding member of The Pearlfishers, David is also a member of BMX bandits and performs solo. He is an experienced music educationalist and has recently become a lecturer at Paisley University. www.pearlfishers.co.uk Emily Smith Winner of BBC Radio Scotland's Young Scottish Traditional Musician of the Year Award in 2002, Emily has appeared as part of the Unusual Suspects as well as toured with her band around the world and is currently working on a new album www.emilysmith.org What is Burnsong? Burnsong is a national project dedicated to promoting, encouraging and nurturing songwriting in Scotland. Burnsong events include songwriting workshops for schools, professional development courses for writers as well as live music events in Dumfries and across Scotland and a national songwriting competition. In January 2007, Burnsong will launch its second ever Songwriting Competition, the Burnsong Gathering. Discover the Song Inside. For more information go to www.burnsong.com or e-mail info@burnsong.com
