Irish traditional (trad) music is an engrained part of Irish culture. All over the world, where there is an Irish contingent or presence, there will always be music not too far away. We’ve seen so many amazing bands such as Planxty, The Gloaming, De Dannan all come from trad circles and which has become some … Continued

When I was fourteen, I took the notion to learn how to juggle.  I only ever managed three juggling balls at any one time, although I did learn a couple of tricks that mildly impressed my friends.  It’s safe to say that even if I had perfected the art and managed to work with several … Continued

Almost exactly two years ago, box player extraordinaire and famously tall person Joseph Peach invited me round to his flat to discuss the logistics and practicalities of transforming an idea he had into a film. The film was to follow a tall ship on it’s voyage round some very hard to reach islands, and at … Continued

Take care of your body – it’s the only place you have to live. By Corrina Hewat www.corrinahewat.com (Photo above by Sean Purser) I have written and rewritten this blog dozens of times already and I find I am writing too much information to digest in one go.  There is too much I am not … Continued

Anyone who knows me well understands that I have a slightly unhealthy relationship with gadgetry. This ranges from phones to automated WiFi controlled lights in my apartment… I can’t seem to get enough! It’s something that has crossed over into my musical life too, so when I was asked to write a blog entry for … Continued

Hello, for those of you who don’t know me, I’m Becca. I’m a harp player who works with two wonderful projects: Tannara and HEISK. When I was originally asked to contribute to this blog I was initially delighted. However, I started to think: honestly? me? Why would anybody want to read what I’ve written? I … Continued

Hi everyone! First I’d like to say that I am so glad that the Traditional Music Forum exists, doing what it does. So, mental health is on the agenda of late. We’ve seen a vast increase in the number of people with issues that we can now highlight as “mental health problems” within and outwith … Continued

(Above: album artwork for West by Somhairle MacDonald) I am just about to head out for the second half of my album launch tour for West, a solo album I released in September last year. I thought I’d write a bit about the thinking behind the album and how I approach my projects. I have … Continued

(Photo by Louise Bichan) Last week I was visited by a lady called Sinead from a charity called Help Musicians. This is the second visit I’ve had in the last year. They do their best to visit everyone they’ve helped, as they can. The visits are free of judgement and are informal. They are organised simply, … Continued

No. NO. I’m practicing here. NO! I find it difficult not to say yes. If feels good to say yes when someone asks me to do a gig, or play on a recording, or produce an album, or do just about anything that makes me feel valued. It’s a buzz knowing someone likes what you … Continued