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John Gilbertson
The Sound of Scotland
A man of many talents, John Gilbertson is the Director of The Isle of Skye Music Festival. He also runs Isle of Skye Seafood, suppliers of the finest quality fresh seafood and organic salmon. Here he talks about the continuing success of the festival and the big names, from Fun Lovin' Criminals to KT Tunstall, taking centre stage…
Renowned for its stunning scenery and sheer peace and tranquillity, Skye wouldn't be the first place you'd think of as the venue for a successful music festival. However The Isle of Skye Music Festival has been rocking in the rolling hills since 1985.
"The festival was the idea of locals within the community. Chris Harley, a musician, then known professionally as Chris Rainbow, was the instigator. He's now a record producer with his own recording studio – Vital Spark Music – on Skye and recently recorded KT Tunstall's DVD 'Acoustic Extravaganza'.
John looks back at its teething troubles: "From 1985 to 1987, the festival was pretty famous and well ahead of it's time, but suffered set backs due to technological issues. Back in those days we didn't have access to electrical equipment necessary to make the event a success, but things have moved on since then."
Eighteen years after the festival's original run the idea was resurrected at the 2004 Skye Food Festival.
John recalls: "I asked Chris to do sound work with me and I said this is so good, don’t you think we should look at the music festival again?"
"So we re-launched the idea in 2004 as a joint food and music festival, but didn't succeed as a joint venture. We saw however, that the idea of a music festival on the island had real potential. From then on we started to learn a lot about the industry."
"The atmosphere at the festival could be described as full on friendly – we've become known as the friendliest festival in the north – it’s awesome."
"I think it owes its success to the mix of 50% locals and 50% visitors. A festival is only successful because of the people that come and the right choice of music.
"Also the festival offers great accessibility to the music. It's another reason for a homecoming – people love to come back and show off their island – it’s a great excuse."
"About 5-10% of visitors to the festival are from overseas, but people come up from England and there’s a big supportive group from the Central Belt. People are now looking for the next must have, 'done it' experience.
Top of the bill last year were Fun Lovin' Criminals and KT Tunstall. How does the Skye Festival attract such big names?
"It doesn't matter who you are. KT Tunstall made it clear she wanted to do it. She was making the DVD 'Acoustic Extravaganza' with Chris Harley at Christmas. And the Fun Lovin' Criminals and Sparks wanted to come – it was somewhere they hadn't been before, and it was also the first outdoor festival that Sparks ever played."
This year's festival has been another great success, so what are the plans for next year?
"We're planning to build on the good foundation base we're now setting after three years. We're involving ourselves with Highland 2007, a year of celebration of culture in the Highland region. Our emphasis will be on Scottish diversity as we're a bit quirky in our line-up taste and we like to have an eclectic range of artists.
"This year for example featured a stunning homecoming DJ set from local lad Mylo and the rock operatics of Sparks who played alongside up and coming indie artists such as The Upper Room and White Rose Movement. The weekend’s proceedings were rounded off by a rousing ceilidh set from The Peatbog Fairies.
"Next year we hope to extend that particular musical strand to a dedicated Scottish programmed stage and we'll also be looking to book some strong names in Scottish rock alongside young local acts. The festival is a great professional platform on which to get noticed."
The Skye Music Festival has attracted some big names over the last few years. What has been John's highlight?
"It has to be The Stranglers. They really surprised me with the level of enthusiasm they continue to inject into their act."
So what does John think of Scotland’s music scene?
"It's the envy of the world. There is such variety and diversity. In Skye and in Scotland in general you can't fail. It's fantastic what you can draw on."
Does John have any suggestions for anyone thinking of setting up a music festival in Scotland?
"Come and stay with me for a year! And check your USP (unique selling point). You need to know who you're doing it for and why you’re doing it."
"My USP is the site. The location has a lot to do with it – Skye is the dream marketing tool.
"Skye has a rich musical past and now attendees of the festival can be part of that history, whilst experiencing the islands world class scenery and hill walking. We need to show off the island to its max so we need a festival that will attract people here. Then we can point them in the direction of the numerous fantastic businesses on the islands from seafood to potteries. If not, then you can still have a really good walk!"
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