Festival Interviews
SETH LAKEMAN
One of the most loved things about the Hebridean Celtic Festival is its continual offering of a vast and varied selection of music and performers from around the globe.
It forges bridges between different countries and styles of music, so it is little wonder therefore that a musician such as folk goliath Seth Lakeman should feel right at home here, as he says: "I like to think that my music crosses barriers and genres – that's the whole point of what I do."
Growing up in Devon's Dartmoor, it maybe hard for festival-goers to picture similarities between Seth's folk and many Scottish musicians. But consider that it's often the English tales of dark deeds and doomed romances – much the same as our own folklore stories – that inspires his music and all becomes clear.
And speaking previously about his visit to the Western Isles, Seth himself made the observation: "It is a really beautiful place, very similar to Dartmoor as it's rugged and barren; it's got some stunning scenery."
Having toured with this family from a young age, collaborated with his older siblings Sean and Sam to form 'The Lakeman Brothers', and toured the world with the highly feted but short lived folk band 'Equation', Seth finally stepped out on his own only a few short years ago.
But since then he has taken the folk scene by storm – with three solo albums under his belt ('The Punch Bowl', 'Kitty Jay', and 'Freedom Fields'), he has most recently released an EP 'Poor Mans Heaven' and scooped 'Singer of the Year' and 'Best Album' awards at the 2007 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
Seth was also short-listed for the prestigious Mercury Music Prize with 'Kitty Jay' – of which he believes the unusual launch of the album within the depths of Dartmoor Prison helped garner.
"The idea was sparked when I was having a drink with one of the prison officers and it was the prefect place for the album launch," he says.
"It fitted in perfectly as the album was based around the folk tales and legends of the area, and it was a big success.
"I think that is what caught the eye of the Mercury people – the unusual nature of the songs, the unusual style and of course the unusual location."
Having grown up rubbing shoulders with British folk legends, including Martin Carthy and Mojo award winner Bert Jansch, Seth's unique and impressive sounds pay tribute to such greats.
Yet as a teenage listening to AC/DC, it's clear to hear a whole range of musical influences within his own spectacular array of songs, and they can be heard when Seth steps up on stage.
"We've an understanding of rock that comes across in our live gigs and present well in rockier venues such as festivals," he promises. "Live is where we're at our best."
Interview courtesy of Stornoway Gazette
