The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Getting to know you
Folk musician James Yorkston grew up in the Fife village of Kingsbarns and has been releasing acclaimed albums since 2002. Here, he tunes up for our questions
Q How would you describe the power of folk music? A
In the past, folk music really was the voice of the people, it was kept alive and spread by its news and entertainment value – the strength of the songs, the stories and the singers. Nowadays, it attracts so many very high quality artists and performers, alongside unknowns who just do it for the love of the music. That mix is what makes it special for me.
Q Who’s your folk hero?
A Top of the pile would be Anne Briggs, Dick Gaughan, Elizabeth Cronin, D’Gary, Martin Carthy, Michael Hurley, Lal Waterson... so much quality around.
Q Your house is on fire, what one item do you save?
A Presuming my family were safe, it’d have to be my Lowden guitar. I got it in 2002 when I signed my first record deal and it’s been round the world with me since. It’s not pretty, more battered and bruised, but it sounds perfect, plays well and holds many memories.
Q Theme song for your life?
A Years ago, I wrote a track called Woozy with Cider, that described, among other things, the oddness of waking up in hotel rooms in massive cities, when I myself come from a tiny village. There’s always new countries to explore. Last November my band had a two-week tour of India, which was pretty special.
Q Last meal on Earth?
A If I could choose, it’d be a thin base pizza with plenty of artichoke and chilli. No cheese though...
Q First thing you’d do if you won £1 million?
A I’d buy a new mattress, then hide the remainder inside.
Q What would be your Superhero power?
A To darn socks.
Q What keeps you awake at night?
A On the road, it is common to be so exhausted prior to a show that a coffee or two is necessary to wake up in time for the performance. That coffee and the adrenaline of the show then stops me sleeping until 4am – and the cycle continues.
Q City break or weekend in the country?
A I prefer the country, without a doubt. I find cities lonely places to wake up in.
Q Early bird or night owl?
A I can be both. It’s quite common to be on a 6am flight somewhere and equally common to not get off stage until midnight.
Q Save it or spend it?
A It? What is this it you talk of?
Q Couch potato or fitness fanatic?
A Somewhere in the middle. I appreciate a comfortable sofa but still play squash, when my rickety knees aren’t complaining too much.
Q Who do you admire most?
A Anyone who is selfless and has genuine empathy for others. People who can see the world though others’ eyes.
Q And who do you detest?
A I struggle with most politicians. It’s depressing they get sucked into party politics and ignore common sense. I’d rather we voted on policies than parties and then whoever was in power had to carry them through.
Q Who would you like to thank?
A I left my guitar on a train once in Switzerland. I had to jump the barriers and rush back onboard, retrieving my guitar just before the train pulled away. I’d like to thank the armed guards for not shooting me.
Q What’s the worst punishment you had as a child? A I had to go and watch Dunfermline FC for a season
James will be appearing in Tae Sup Wi’ A Fifer at the Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy, on June 10.