James Mackintosh
The Scottish drummer celebrates 30 years with Shooglenifty, and the band’s 10th album
A Wee Blether With…
What first made you get into music?
Well, that takes me back... I grew up down Loch Linnhe way, and I got into punk by visiting Edinburgh when I was about 13, and buying some Clash albums. There was a great punk scene in Fort William while I was growing up.
Any memorable first gigs?
I remember we ran a wee alternative music festival in the village hall in Inverlochy called the Braxxi, which is a Gaelic nickname if you like, and not a very flattering one! We played school discos and the like in Fort William, too.
The first album launched the band and took you out of Scotland, didn’t it?
It was quite sudden, actually! World of Music Arts and Dance heard it, and invited us down to a recording studio in Bath, and then all of a sudden we were on their touring roster. We played some incredible venues and gigs.
What are the main influences on the band?
Most bands, by the time they circumnavigate the planet a few times, will have picked up a few influences. We’re always really inspired by the places we go, and the music rubs off. We learned a lot in Rajasthan, India – it’s full of phenomenal musicians.
What’s it like touring the world and looking back on the wee early gigs?
Very strange! Our first rehearsal space was a barn in Achintee, Glen Nevis. It was a friend’s father’s, I think. We had to sweep out the horses’ muck and straw first, which took us two days!
What genre would you put Shooglenifty in?
Er... alternative progressive folk, I suppose? This has been going on for years! I remember seeing a record company in Australia, and the producer said “I mean, this stuff’s great, but what do I call it?” I like that they had to ask – it felt like we had a different sound, a new approach.
How has the Scottish music scene changed since you started?
When you see young bands coming out of Scotland, it’s extraordinary some of the influences. It was a far more enclosed scene when we kicked off 30 years ago. It’s a really vibrant exciting scene now.
Who did you play with in the early days?
Another band I was in made it to the lofty heights of Inverness ice rink, and our support act were a Scottish alternative duo that had been cutting their teeth in the Market Bar – Craig and Charlie, now known the world over as The Proclaimers.
What are you listening to at the moment?
I’m actually listening to our new album because I have a couple of percussion overdubs to do. I generally listen to Radio 6 for the range of music. I have an eclectic taste.
Tell us about the 10th album?
We recorded it in Autumn 2019 in Ardgour. It was nice for me being home for a whole 10 days of recording. We’re just discussing album titles at the moment – which is fun! We gave it a trial run in New Zealand – they loved it!
Shooglenifty’s 10th album will be released later this year. In the meantime, look out for their online collaboration videos at www.facebook.com/ shooglenifty.scotland/