Twenty years have passed since James Yorkston released his acclaimed debut album. Moving Up Country came out in the summer of 2002 and marked a significant moment in the Fife singer-songwriter’s life.
But he won’t be marking the anniversary in any meaningful way, as he is too busy with a number of other new projects which include a second novel, an album, a collaboration with The Cardigans’ singer Nina Persson, a film script, and two tours with his Tae Sup Wi’ A Fifer club night, which he programmes and tours.
“It was an extraordinary time,” Yorkston said, looking back at his debut. “I’d moved from Fife to Edinburgh at 17 and spent my 20s trying to get signed with a number of different bands but it never got anywhere.
“It was only when I did my solo stuff that John Martyn offered me the support slot on his tour, John Peel started to play my music, and then Domino Records signed me.
“I was 29 or 30 at that point, so I’d spent at least 10 years trying. The album was a huge thing in my life, unbelievable after all the effort. We did something for the 10th anniversary and I regretted it – it felt wrong – because I feel I should be moving forwards and not backwards.
“I love the album and I’m always happy to play songs from it, but I think it’s healthier to be moving forwards. The only thing we’re doing this time is a Tim Burgess Twitter Listening Party.”
A part of The Fence Collective, the collaborative Fife music scene that also featured the likes of King Creosote and KT Tunstall, Yorkston has always been fond of working with other artists.
“When I started with The Fence Collective they were open about doing what you wanted and playing with who you wanted and I’ve kept that up, playing with people from India, Sweden, England, and so on. As a solo artist, I mostly tour, write and record by myself, so when I’m collaborating it helps keep things fresh.”
One of those projects is with Nina Persson, singer with Swedish rock band The Cardigans. They will play shows together in August, including an Edinburgh Fringe date.
“We’ve been recording in Stockholm and that will be coming out in the future,” he confirmed. “She’s heard all about the Edinburgh festivals, so wanted to come over for a taste.
“She’s an amazing lady, a great singer and a lot of fun to be around, so I’m looking forward to spending a few days on the road with her.”
Before that, though, Yorkston is taking his club night out on the road. It started in 2015 when he was invited to programme an evening at the Adam Smith Theatre in Kirkcaldy, and became a firm fixture in the cultural calendar. After taking it online during lockdown, it is going on tour for four dates this month, featuring Gruff Rhys from Super Furry Animals, poet Salena Godden and folk artist Brighde Chaimbeul.
“I booked people I’d want to see,” he said. “I try to make it eclectic and complementary. I grew up in the East Neuk when there wasn’t much live music and if any of these acts had come I’d have been delighted. I was going to Edinburgh and Dundee for gigs, so having it on our doorstep is great.”
Tae Sup will tour again in September, with Yorkston hosting songwriter Jeffrey Lewis, comedian Josie Long and folk singer Kathryn Joseph. Before that, comes the release of his second novel, The Book Of The Gaels.
“I wrote it a few years ago but it was put on the backburner when I was asked to turn another novel I was working on into a screenplay. The last I heard the script was being offered to directors. The book seems to be going well – I have nice comments from Jarvis Cocker and Sam Heughan for the cover. I’ll read from the book during the September tour.”
Tae Sup Wi’ A Fifer, Byre Theatre, St Andrews; Mareel, Shetland; Eden Court, Inverness; Eastgate Theatre, Peebles, July 21-24
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