This is the first in a new series of interviews with people who are doing great things creatively both locally and hopefully a little bit further afield too. First up we have the ridiculously likeable Bart from eagleowl, the stunning Edinburgh band whose music has genuinely moved me to tears on more than one occasion.

Bart. You’re in a band called eagleowl. You’ve got a new EP out called ‘Into the Fold’ which is already getting a bunch of good reviews. It is of course, beautiful and literally made me cry 3 times. Cos I am a girly boy, or a complete wuss. Are you trying to make people cry? Why, why are you trying to make people cry?

That’s really touching. People have said that before – not often, granted – but a few people have said that certain songs on certain occasions have moved them to tears. It’s quite a compliment. I think to have someone cry – to have that level of unreserved emotional response – is hugely flattering. It feels more genuine, since its almost involuntary. Obviously we don’t set out with the intention of making people cry, but I think the songs are intended to instill at least some kind of emotional response or involvement from people.

And you’re launching the EP this weekend with gigs in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Given the emotional quality of your music, I find at your gigs I often start daydreaming about a litany of lost loves and remembering a bittersweet combination of events in my life, like the day my dog died crossed with the day I got my first Bontempi keyboard. is there anything I can do to emotionally prepare for this trauma prior to the gig?

Oh my, I really don’t know. We’re not really as miserable as we appear, honest. We’ve been discussing playing a show in animal costumes at some point. I think it’d help lighten the mood.

I asked you to do the first ever ‘Creative Types’ interview because like a great number of people I admire, you’re multi-talented. Not only have you played in every band in Edinburgh ™ but you also promote excellent gigs under the name The Gentle Invasion’ and if I’m not wrong design gig posters and the like. Do you have any advice for other creative types on (a) how to fit it all in, and (b) how to stay motivated and focused. (Ok, I say other people but really I desperately need this advice myself.)

I’m not sure if I’m the best person to give advice. But I think just stay focused, and remind yourself why you’re doing it in the first place. Be sure you’re in it for the right reasons. Don’t be put off by one bad show or one bad review or whatever. As to how to fit it all in – I’ve really no idea. Make sure you have a very understanding partner. I think that’s a key factor.

You did a really great interview with Ewen over at the Steinberg Principle about how good the local scene is at the moment but what are your thoughts on spreading the word beyond Scotland? I know people like Marc Riley are doing a good job, but is it difficult to break out beyond that? I really think you guys deserve to be heard by as many people as possible.

We’ve been talking about that a lot recently. I think we’re planning to try and do more English shows this year and play in more cities outside Edinburgh and outside Scotland. There does seem to be fewer and fewer outlets for smaller bands at the moment, and I do think that a lot of the National press does have a distinctly English bias. But I think that will come from them being London-based. It ‘s only natural, I guess, but no less frustrating.

I feel that the internet is becoming more and more important in giving the smaller bands a voice. The current rash of new bands in Scotland over the last couple of years seems to have coincided with a lot of new music blogs starting up as well. And with less and less space being devoted to smaller releases in the National press, it’s really nice that sites like Drowned in Sound are giving those releases the attention they deserve.

Also, is that enough if most people aren’t willing to pay for music? What do you think musicians should be aiming at these days? (I know this is a tough question)

Oh my. It’s a conundrum. With our releases we try and make sure that we do everything to ensure it’s nicely packaged. With the shift towards downloads, to ask someone to fork out for a hard copy you have to make sure it’s an attractive item in itself, asides fro the musical content. I think the rules are changing and there’s been this huge shift in the industry, and everyone’s still not sure how to deal with that. Time will tell, I suppose.

Thanks to Bart for taking the time to answer these daft questions with such honesty. Don’t forget to check out eagleowl’s new EP ‘Into The Fold’ – (you can hear the song No Conjunction on April’s podcast). It’s being launched with two gigs this weekend:

30th April at the Roxy Room, Edinburgh

1st May at the Flying Duck, Glasgow

Also, check out their recent session for Song, By Toad at which Dylan Matthews took the excellent photo above.

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