AN “incredibly important” musical project showcasing collaborations between global artists forged on the west coast of Scotland is soon to go on tour.
The Making Tracks project saw eight musicians from as far afield as Brazil and Iran work together at Cove Park, an artist residency centre on Loch Long.
After spending two weeks creating new collaborative works and developing their skills, the eight musicians will head out on tour, showcasing their achievements and solo work.
Following the tour, a “Making Tracks live in concert” album, recorded during the tour, will be released.
We're halfway through our residency @CovePark! After the last two years it's incredible to be exploring & experimenting in person.
— Making Tracks (@makingtracks) October 21, 2021
Our tour starts 27th Oct feat solo works, soundscapes & collaborations incubated at the residency. https://t.co/PI3o92ZNR4 pic.twitter.com/wNDCXl9FRC
Scots singer Iona Fyfe, who is one of the eight artists involved in the project, said its message was especially crucial in a post-Brexit UK.
READ MORE: Iona Fyfe: Westminster's Brexit is rubbing salt in the wounds of UK musicians
Fyfe told The National: “The project has brought together musicians from Albania, Brazil, Turkey, Iran, Belgium, England, and Scotland.
“Collaborative practice with musicians from other traditions, backgrounds and customs is incredibly important - especially at a time when the UK Government, through Brexit and poor trade deals for creatives, has dramatically reduced our capacity to work and tour in EU countries.
“We need to understand and respect other customs and cultures and Making Tracks is an incredibly important project in bringing us together.”
Making Tracks said it is based around two central themes: musical roots and environmental engagement.
It added: "We are interested in showcasing diverse music from around the world, and believe that the collaborative creation and sharing of music is an ideal vehicle for bridging cultural divides.”
The Making Tracks fellows from this year are: Azin Zahedi (Iran / Germany); Ahmet Ozan Baysal (Turkey); Pheobe riley Law (England); Iona Fyfe (Scotland); Liz Hanks (England); Robert Bisha (Albania / Italy); Simon Leleux (Belgium); Thamires Tannous (Brazil / Austria).
The tour will kick off with a show at the Beacon Arts Centre in Greenock on October 27, followed by a Glashow show the following night.
For a full list of dates, see below or the Making Tracks website.
You can also listen to and purchase the 2019 album online here.
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