New documentary to share Glasgow's live music industry stories as told by people involved

A new documentary has captured Scotland’s live music industry as told by its grassroots members.

‘Vibrant Voices – Scotland’s Music Scene’ by Straight Horizon Media features interviews with a variety of personalities from across Scotland, including up-and-coming performers, radio presenters, photographers, buskers, venue owners and organisers.

The documentary is set to be released on Youtube on May 10, with director Daryl Spiers having a clear intention for his work.

He said: “I really wanted to highlight some of the amazing people I've met through the years and make something people would find engaging.”

And as Scotland’s indisputable music capital, Glasgow features prominently. One of the city’s community organisers, John Soutar, discusses the history of the scene back to the 1980s, as well as the variety it has today – describing it to be as strong as it has ever been.

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Excerpts of archival and live footage features throughout, including a clip of a 16-year-old Lewis Capaldi in the early stages of his career performing at Bathgate’s Purple Orange Arts Venue.

The documentary illustrates the importance of spaces like this for new performers cutting their teeth, while the community cohesion provided by organisers which helps musicians to develop their craft is also clearly shown.

For young Glasgow indie band The Wits, who describe their development as a group in the documentary, this included asking one of their dads to be the doorman for an early gig.

Insider stories of established acts are provided, including photographer Bazza Mills, who discusses his work with artists such as Gerry Cinnamon, Liam Gallagher, the Happy Mondays, Richard Ashcroft and Ocean Colour Scene.

Other stories include that of songwriter and session musician Gus Harrower, who shares the brilliant story of how he unexpectedly ended up performing and touring in Callum Beattie’s band.

‘Vibrant Voices’ is described as a documentary which communicates the joys of live music through the words of those who make it happen.

As music scene veteran John Soutar puts it: “You want that shared experience in that room with the people that’s there - and obviously the bands as well. When it works well for them, it works well for the crowd”

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