A little bit of a music, a little bit of silly comedy.
First thoughts
I have renewed my love of WhatsApp voice notes this week, after going into my shell a bit. It’s all been a bit much, and I find voice notes give you that sense of intimacy and reality, while also being something you can listen to at a time that suits you (and not when you’re in the middle of an existential crisis).
It’s been increasingly difficult to write this newsletter since I tend to be craving the comforting and the familiar over edgy and interesting at the moment.
Anyway, I have the feeling that to some of you, I consume a ridiculous amount of media, and that most of what I suggest to you here is interesting and new. However, for others (in particular, I have in mind Edinburgh “culture vulture” types), I suspect this is all a little basic.
Growing up in Edinburgh is a strange one, because we are all so spoiled with the arts, and we can’t comprehend just how much we are spoiled with it until we leave. Free art galleries casually hold exhibitions of some of the greatest artists of all time, one of the biggest arts festivals in the world takes place in the centre of town every single summer (apart from, obviously, 2020), there are music gigs coming out your ears, spotting famous writers in your local cafe is commonplace, I have lost count of the number of theatres in the city, there is more than one “art house” cinema, there are workshop spaces everywhere for printmaking, ceramics, dancing, drumming, painting - you name it! We are just an hour away from Glasgow which hosts a whole other array of interesting arts, music, drama and dance events. Of course I am painfully aware that sadly most of this isn't on at the moment, but it will take more than a year of cancelled gigs to dissipate the centuries-deep impact that such an arts-rich city has on its’ people.
Art galleries don’t exist in every town (and if they do, they might be pricey to attend), music and drama classes aren’t free - or even present - in all schools in the world.
I suppose what I’m saying is that having moved around a fair bit since I left school, I feel at once out of touch with the Edinburgh arts scene, and also very grateful for it. I feel the need to share things here which may seem very obvious to an Edinburger (yes, that really is what you call a person from Edinburgh), but I hope that soon I can add in a few things here which will surprise even them.
Nevertheless, here are a few small things I’ve been enjoying.
Photo by Adam Wilson on Unsplash
Music
This is a festival which takes place in Glasgow every year. It’s focused on Scottish/Irish folk music, but also includes a wide range of music from all over the world, as well as a bunch of “fusion” music. Of course this year the festival is taking place online, but I was very impressed with the way they did it. Many of the gigs are filmed beautifully, and I really enjoyed the huge variety of performances. Some of my favourites from the opening night included Armenian music, a Breton band, some beautiful singing in Gaelic, a modern folk band called Elephant Sessions, and Duncan Chisholm.
This is a really great opportunity to watch the amazing range of things that Celtic Connections has on offer, especially if you wouldn’t normally be able to make it to Glasgow in person.
There is a pass that you can buy which allows you access to all of the shows, or you can get tickets just for individual shows too.
TV
I have been bingeing on Grace & Frankie on Netflix this week. It’s sitcom based around two men in their 70s who decide to leave their wives for each other. It’s by the co-creator of Friends, and well written with some absolutely class acting from Jane Fonda et al. It’s comfy and funny and great for these weird times. I actually thought this was a new release as Netflix put this front and centre on my home page. Turns out series 1 is from 2015. Anyway, obviously the algorithm knows me well, as I have absolutely loved it so far and I am already onto season 2.
Film to come
This isn’t really a “recommendation”, since I haven’t actually seen the full film yet. But after seeing the trailer for Locked Down (with Anne Hathaway), I am still undecided if it’s too close to home and like watching my life back, or if it’s a creative way to combine the current madness with a heist movie? Probably the latter. Either way, it should be interesting to see, and probably one of many lockdown-themed movies to come out this year and next.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch with your thoughts, ideas and suggestions at catrionamedia@gmail.com
(If you are nosy - like I am - you can find out a bit more about me here).
Until the next time,
Catriona
(🔊“cah-tree-nah”)