James Yorkston

It was 2002 that James Yorkston spearheaded some kind of folk renaissance, as Domino Records released his debut album, Moving Up Country.

The Fence Collective member, the first to release a label on a big(ger) label, has since gone on to make six more albums for Domino, as well as write a book – It’s Lovely To Be Here: The Touring Diaries Of A Scottish Gent – covering the touring side of his career.

Now, a decade on, that first album is being reissued, in deluxe form with assorted bonus tracks including his Peel Session and various demos.

So, we mark 10 years of James Yorkston with 10 questions for one of Scotland’s finest folkies.

1. The last time this questioner saw you was in ABC2 during the Stag and Dagger 2011. You were there with an acoustic guitar – drowned out by Warpaint above and really pissed off – was this your worst gig ever, if not name a worse one?

Ha! No, it wasn’t my worst ever. Quite a nice day in fact, saw a few pals, had some nice food. The show itself was over in a trice. Couldn’t hear myself sing, mind you, which was annoying. A funny old venue that one, sonically. Afterwards I went for a few beers with a pal and had quite an evening. I’ve had worse days, for sure. A worse gig? I supported George Michael at one of his London shows once. That was quite hard work.

2. You wrote an “on the road” book, recently, while entertaining it was not exactly Hammer of the Gods ( in my opinion) What is the best “tour” book you have read?

I’ve never read a tour book, other than my one. I’d imagine the others have significantly more sexndrugsnrocknroll and less hummousnveganchocolatencrapgigsnvalium, which I admit may be more entertaining and salacious for you, dear reader.

3. This interviewer recently attended a gig by Mr B Bird ( Steven Jones to his mum ) where he stated he was retiring to open a cafe because his sales are failing and he does not have a pension plan. The great Scotch public is not begging for your retiral but one has to earn a crust – any thoughts?

No. I don’t care a hoot, to be honest. I make a decent enough living right now. That could all change though, of course. If I broke an arm, times may become harder. When I’m OAP age, I may well regret such an attitude, but hey, maybe by then someone would have covered one of my songs and made me a million. That’s my pension plan – dreaming.

4. What does the year hold in store, a very open question – gigs, recordings, holidays, collaborations – whatever?

Well… The Moving Up Country re-issue in April, my new album in August, a few shows with Suhail Yusuf Khan, a few shows solo, whatever. I’ll write a bit, I guess, make plans for next year, that sort of thing.

5. Downloads and money. How much do you get compared to selling product, and what would you say to a 14 year old who really gets your music but has never paid for it in his puff?

I make more money selling one CD through Fence than 10000 plays on Spotify. Read into that what you will. It’s just the way of the world now that we have to live without record sale income, practically. Unless you’re selling significantly more than I do. A shame, but it just means I have to do a few more shows, sell a few more books… I’d be amazed if a 14yr old enjoyed my music. I’d tell him to get a grip and listen to something with a bit of life in it. He’ll be auld and demoralised soon enough, plenty of time for me then.

6. Subject matter for songs as you get older, and we all do, what new subjects are coming on the radar and what others fall off?

In: Death, cancer. Out: Lemmings, cats, acne.

7. At the age of 20, let’s say, what did you want to be, and are you now what you wanted to be?

Yep, I’m pretty happy with my career. I’ve not released a duff record, I’ve been self employed for over 10 years, my next record is a cracker, I have good friends now, a great bunch of musicians around me, a lovely wee family. I’m happy enough. I could do with selling a few more records, but I wouldn’t want to sell too many more. I enjoy anonymity.

8. Cliched question but what have have heard recently that you did not expect to like, but did?

Um. Nothing. I haven’t heard much music in a while, other than what I seek out.

9. Homegame in St A, we know it’s the Eye of the Dug – not even sure if you are playing, but you may have an opinion on it. But what about student discounts to Old Etonians?

I have no idea. Are you an old Etonian? It’s pretty cheap this year, I don’t think you’ll need a discount unless you’re really skint, in which case perhaps you should consider going as a journalist? Maybe you could get in free?

10. You have done some collaborations, and some good ones, but who would be your ideal collaborator, alive or dead.

Skip James. Charles Mingus. Anne Briggs. Can. Faust. The usual schmucks. Cover my lack of talent with lashings of theirs.

The reissue of Moving Up Country comes out on Domino Records, on Monday the 23rd of April 2012