Hails violinist for help tune during lockdown
Coping with shutdown and the pressures of championing the Gaelic cause
saving,” she said. “I was just playing the music I loved the most and I continue to do that. But singing in a minority language, when you’re lucky enough to have big platforms to perform on, it does come with a bit of weight. You’re representing a culture that’s been under a lot of pressure for a very long time.
“When you speak a minority language, you’re always trying to fight its corner. That’s part and parcel of it, not just in terms of performing but in raising a family where we are using Gaelic as the first language.
“I’m exceptionally proud to get to sing in Gaelic. When I go away, people have such profound interest in the language, its history, its culture, and I often wish I could bottle that energy and interest when I’m away from Scotland and share it around here, because sometimes it feels you have to work hardest for the language at home.
“But I don’t want to sound negative, because we have lots of positives, things like BBC Alba and Radio nan Gaidheal, which are great pillars and really help the language.
“A lot of people might feel like the language doesn’t belong to them or they don’t have a connection to it, which I can understand, but maybe by watching a few programmes it allows people a way in.”
Julie, who has enjoyed a growing broadcasting career over the past decade, aims to fill the void of live music for performers and audiences alike through a new series shot during
Picture lockdown. Julie Fowlis: Ceòl Aig Baile (Music At Home) sees musicians from around the world, including Karine Polwart and Rosanne Cash, collaborating in live performances from their individual homes, with Julie presenting each week.
“I know how much work goes into these types of programmes, so I did wonder at the beginning if we could pull it off,” she admitted. “It’s been the fastest learning curve ever.
“It’s been a real joy and something exciting to work on during lockdown. There are moments of total stress but the result has been really satisfying. We’ve had some lovely and unexpected collaborations.”
Julie Fowlis: Ceòl Aig Baile, BBC Alba, Thursdays, 10pm