We have played bars where not a soul listened. But we have never played a gig like this one.
There are roughly 630 people and they are all looking at us.
Waiting. Attentively. Waiting.
This is the kind of gig where there is not a whisper of hushed chatter to be heard.
Everybody in the room is here to listen to tonight's offerings. Intently. And the 20 minutes of original material we are about to dive in to will fall on every one of their ears. It will also be broadcast live on Celtic Music Radio.
This is the 2016 Danny Kyle Stage at Celtic Connections in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and we are walking on to it; all 630-ish eyes falling on us. We have wondered just what this moment would feel like and - here we are - in it. This wasn't the first time that we had applied to play and, truth be told, we'd forgotten we'd applied and, perhaps, lost hope that we would be selected. Of course, we were delighted; delighted and terrified and delighted.
We got the call on the Tuesday to ask if we could be there that Saturday 16th January which was the first performance in a run of two weeks. Five nominees play per night and the finalists are selected to play on the 31st of January. Yes, yes and yes. We would cancel any and all plans and practice every second we had free.
The Edinburgh to Glasgow journey plunged us into a glorious white and fluffy snowstorm and, by the time we arrived, Glasgow was a beautiful winter scene. We were so very nervous; my heart pounded hard in my chest.
Boom. Boom. Boom.
Not long before the night kicked off, overcome with nerves, we ventured out to the top of the Buchanan Street steps via the Royal Glasgow Concert Hall exit. Standing there, we looked down on one of Glasgow's busiest streets; an undeniably beautiful view of the winter wonderland below. I felt like I was in a snow-globe. - A beautiful, perfect snow-globe of my hometown and favourite city; some composure, some beauty, some calm. Some calm before the storm.
Nothing can prepare you for a feat like walking on to the Danny Kyle stage until you walk on to it, and see those eyes. We were nervous; so very nervous. But it propelled us. All that was left to do was enjoy it. Something that's so easy to forget; the reason why we do what we do. - Take a deep, deep breath and enjoy it. I'll always remember singing The Piers and so completely losing myself in the music and the moment. I hope I'll always have that vivid snapshot of the night in my mind.
We were so delighted to have been a part of Celtic Connections 2016. Thank you, Liz Clarke and The Danny Kyle Stage for selecting us to play.
Lend us your ears. Here is the recording of our performance, courtesy of Celtic Music Radio:
http://listenagain.canstream.co.uk/celticpodcast/index.php?id=407
Set list is as follows:
Not a Dollar
The Piers
BDSM Blues
They're working late again...
So, yes...We ought to remember more often. - Take a deep, deep breath and enjoy it!
Here's Nikki with Danny Kyle on the night:
