Word of mouth helps spread Aberfeldy’s vibe
Roddy Woomble, Kathryn Joseph, Modern Studies, The Pictish Trail and Siobhan Wilson are making their way to Aberfeldy Festival this weekend.
They are just some of the acts who will be playing at the eighth outing of the autumnal music festival in Highland Perthshire.
Organiser Ryan Hannigan commented: “Aberfeldy’s setting and size makes it one of the quirkiest, most exclusive dates on the festival calendar. It still feels a secret and only spread by word of mouth.
“Add in great food and drink, a fine atmosphere and the wonders of autumnal Perthshire and you have a cocktail for a memorable weekend.”
Staged under cover at Aberfeldy Town Hall and with poetry at the Birks Cinema this Friday and Saturday, the two-day festival offers music, food and other activities to keep everybody happy.
As well as being one of the original founders of the festival, Ryan is the frontman with Avalanche and Star Wheel Press.
He explained: “The line-up focuses on bands and music on the Scottish music scene that are maybe under represented but still have a good following or have had critical acclaim and played on radio stations like BBC6.
“Although that’s not always the case, nor an exclusive ruling on who we invite, but we do try to include bands that have made an impact on the music scene in Scotland in that year.
“Ian Rankin has helped to curate for a number of years now and always has a good handle on what bands are worthy of a listen.
“To say we’re delighted with this year’s bill is an understatement - it feels like a who’s who of exciting and innovative Scottish musicians.”
The headline act on Friday is Idlewild singer-turned-folktrouabdeur, Roddy Woomble.
Roddy finishes off an evening of bands that will include, Modern Studies and Edinburgh-based Idlewild frontman Roddy Woomble psychedelic band Plastic Animals.
On Saturday the festival’s last moments will belong to shamanic Eigg resident Johnny Lynch (aka Pictish Trail), but there is also singer Siobhan Wilson, Fair Mothers featuring Kathryn Joseph and up and coming singer songwriter, Emme Woods.
Siobhan Wilson has recently been the darling of 6Music, for her album There Are No Saints, which has been getting rave reviews.
Making a welcome return after her spellbinding performance two years ago, SAY Award winner Joseph should be one of the highlights.
“We encourage people to see live music, buy a CD, support a local band. I say, don’t give in to the mainstream – the future is dark, but good music exists,” concluded Ryan.
See www.aberfeldyfestival.com