Reviewed by Keira Brown, co-producer of the Paisley Book Festival Andrew O’Hagan has done it again. Ever since reading The Illuminations, I have noted this author’s ability to revolve novels around sensitive subjects. Anchored by a succinct voice and wonderful characterisation, he does so marvellously in Mayflies. It’s Summer 1986 in the west coast...
Read MoreOriginally hailing from Lochwinnoch, soulful singer/songwriter Cara Rose discusses early beginnings, inspirations and her debut EP, Urges. How did music become a guiding force in your life? “Well, both my parents are in the arts. As soon as I could walk and talk, I was in that environment. They were really into music and...
Read MoreNow in his 8th decade, John Byrne is still that same man from Ferguslie with ingenuity to spare. Here, we discuss his recent milestones, Renfrewshire’s enduring spirit and much more. When people from beyond the region’s postcodes, think of Paisley and Renfrewshire, a few things will commonly come to mind. Perhaps they’ve visited for...
Read MoreThrough Paisley YMCA, Renfrewshire boasts a masterclass in digital youth work. As told to us by the man that spearheaded this change, find out how their inspiring story came together. In many cases, necessity serves as the mother of invention and for Darran Gillan of Paisley YMCA, this statement rings especially true. Taking over...
Read MoreReviewed by Keira Brown, co-producer of the Paisley Book Festival At a time in society where political demos and protests are rife, Comma Press’ anthology Resist is a significant historical read, considering mass strikes and resistance since the times of Boudica to the neglectful incident of the Grenfell Tower. With fictionalised accounts from Kamila...
Read MoreAmong the country’s most hotly tipped singer/songwriters, get acquainted with Glenburn’s own John Rush. Hailing from Glenburn, have you always had aspirations of being a songwriter? My Mum was into Marc Bolan and my Dad loved Elvis so I grew up with music, but I think it would be hard not to be inspired...
Read MoreAmong Scotland’s leading purveyors of soul, we speak to Paisley-born Kitti about her influences, collaborators and journey thus far. You’ve been working hard for years and underwent a few transformations. Now, do you feel Kitti is the most complete version of you as an artist? “Totally. I was under my own name with the...
Read MoreRenowned for her work both in front of the camera and gazing through the viewfinder, we spoke to Scotland’s own Marianna Palka about her career, art’s galvanising power and more. As she sits in St Louis Café Bar on Dumbarton Road, Marianna Palka bears none of the hallmarks that you’d expect from someone who...
Read MoreWe chatted to James Grant about the life of a songwriter, the modern music industry and his affinity for our local area. Over 35 years into a storied career, James Grant’s passion for his craft keeps the former Love and Money frontman travelling the highways and byways of the country on an almost weekly...
Read MoreThe brainchild of two siblings that morphed into one of the nation’s most hotly tipped bands, we spoke to Hannah Van Thompson about their journey, the music scene and a recent career milestone. What are your roots In Renfrewshire? “We moved to Johnstone when Chloe and I were five from Thornliebank and before that,...
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