In this episode of the Folk My Life podcast, My guest David Perry and I, reflect on his 50-year journey in music, the evolution of his songwriting, and the impact of loss on his work. From the challenges of getting your music heard 50 years ago with a box of 2000 albums in the boot of your car, to opposite problem today of have the whole world in easy reach but still not being able to make your voice heard.

We discuss the importance of storytelling in songwriting, the challenges of navigating the modern music landscape, and the significance of live music experiences. Perry shares insights on his latest album 'Keep Showing Up' and the emotional depth of his songs, particularly 'The Dash,' which explores the meaning of life and choices. The conversation highlights the connections between personal experiences and music, as well as the lessons learned throughout Perry's career.

His musical style encompasses Americana, folk, blues, and country and he began writing music in 1968 during a tumultuous time in American history, but The album 'Keep Showing Up' was released in 2023 after a 50-year break from studio albums.

We discuss in depth a song by David called "The Dash" which describes the idea that on your tombstone between the dates, your life is in fact the dash. We take our time during the Podcast to discuss David's time "in the dash", the life that filled the 50's years between his studio albums.

David explains how his music focuses on storytelling and asking questions and how the song 'The Human Race' emphasises the shared human experience.

You can find David on line at https://dmperrymusic.com, there is loads of additional information about his tour dates, merchandise and story.

David was so kind, to play live during our conversation, and treated us to to brilliant live versions of his songs on the playlist, The first was The Human Race, which is a brilliant way to start the show, as it talks about the Human condition and how we are all in it together.

Also, in a tender and emotional moment for me, David played an acoustic version of his song "The Dash" fore going on to explain the genus of the songs lyrical backbone.

Music Included

David was so kind, to play live during our conversation, and treated us to to brilliant live versions of his songs on the playlist, The first was The Human Race, which is a brilliant way to start the show, as it talks about the Human condition and how we are all in it together.

Also, in a tender and emotional moment for me, David played an acoustic version of his song "The Dash" fore going on to explain the genus of the songs lyrical backbone.

Also in this episode

Also in this episode we discuss the deaths of John Lennon and John Prine, and how we both feel a great sense of "future loss" as David puts it, for the sounds and songs that will never be made by those artists we have lost, seemingly always too soon.

As David says... "You just keep showing up."

Timings

• 00:00 Introduction to Folk My Life Podcast
• 01:24 David Perry: A Journey Through Time
• 05:38 The Art of Storytelling in Music
• 07:32 Live Music - The Human Race
• 10:45 The Human Race: A Live Performance
• 11:43 The Process of Creating Keep Showing Up
• 14:21 Reflections on Loss and Music
• 19:02 The Importance of Showing Up
• 20:53 Learning and Evolving as a Songwriter
• 23:55 The Changing Landscape of Music Creation
• 26:06 Flipping the Music industry on its head.
• 26:54 The Challenge of Getting Heard Today
• 29:21 The Trust in Live Music Venues
• 32:46 The Struggle for Original Music
• 36:07 The Impact of 'The Dash' Song
• 40:03 Live Music - The Dash
• 44:22 The Connection to Folk Music Heritage
• 50:31 Folk My Life Moments and Lessons Learned
• 58:41 Future Plans and Musical Recommendations

In this episode of the Folk My Life podcast, host Andy sits down with the talented musician Bity Booker. They discuss Bity's unique upbringing in Italy and Australia, the influence of her artistic family, and her journey as a musician. Bity shares insights into her songwriting process, and her experiences in the music industry.

We begin by discussing how she grew up in Umbria, Italy, before moving to, Australia. We touch on her history as a metal musician and her experiences in early bands, before moving on to explore Bity's songwriting process. She explains how some songs come easily, while others take time.

She values authenticity in her recordings, she explains her recording process and how, using a four-track machine to record the music and vocals in a single take can take time to get it perfect. Bity explains how the mood and moment can affect the recording and she describes how important it is to be able to recreate the sound perfectly on stage.

She discusses some difficult experiences in the music industry both with studio recordings and also a truly heart reaching story as a "folk my life" moment at a gig early in her career.

Also in this episode

Bity talks about her father who is a visual artist, and how an artistic family has been influencing her creative journey. We discuss how her music often reflects her connection to nature and personal experiences and also how her latest EP features songs inspired by folk traditions and stories.

Song Suggestions - the playlist is here...

Her artwork complements her music, creating a holistic artistic expression. She draws constantly and paints with watercolour in found frames. She has illustrated song books and her own merchandise available from her band camp and website.

www.bitybooker.com

.Band Camp For Bity

Timings

• 00:00 - Introduction to Folk My Life Podcast
• 01:02 - Bity's Musical Journey
• 01:34 - Growing Up Between Italy and Australia
• 06:19 - Artistic Family Background
• 08:00 - Performing at Eterna Primavera Festival
• 08:53 - Singing in Italian vs. English
• 10:01 - Exploring 'Summer Will Return'
• 10:35 - Music - Summer Will Return
• 13:40 - The Essence of Songwriting
• 18:09 - The Guitar Buying Experience
• 21:25 - Metal Roots and Musical Evolution
• 24:33 - Studio Experiences and Creative Control
• 29:54 - Navigating Loneliness Through Music
• 31:50 - Music - Sad Song
• 35:28 - The Emotional Resonance of Sad Songs
• 37:29 - The Art of Songwriting and Collaboration
• 40:32 - Reviving Folk Traditions Through Modern Interpretations
• 43:25 - The Storytelling Power of Folk Music
• 44:33 - Music - The Weep Willow Tree
• 48:03 - Creating a Unique Musical Identity
• 52:27 - The Intersection of Art and Music
• 55:47 - A Folk My Life Moment
• 1:00:48 - Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Also in this episode. Picture by Marinella PiantoBity Booker's Artwork and Musical Recommendations Timing

In this episode of the Folk My Life podcast, Andy engages in a heartfelt conversation with Amy Claire Scott, daughter of the late folk musician Pete Scott. They explore the bittersweet legacy of Pete's music, his unique songwriting process, and the humour that characterised his performances.

Amy discusses her project to uncover a treasure trove of music and previously in heard material from Pete's collection, and describes how she to intends to release more of this material to the world.

Amy shares personal anecdotes about growing up with a musician father, the challenges of preserving his legacy, and the joy of discovering lost songs. The discussion also highlights the importance of community in folk music, the impact of Pete's work, and the significance of family in shaping his artistic journey.

Amy has been so kind as to share some clips and recordings of Pete's work and we have the chance to hear Pete Scott live, introducing his songs and describing some of th difficult inspirations behind some of his music.

For me personally, Pete Scott's song 'Yuri Gagarin's Banjo' led to a deeper exploration of his music which led me down a long and deep rabbit warren of musical gems. As Amy shares her memories of her father's music we discuss how Pete's humour was a significant part of his performances and how he used his "patter" to create a wide and loyal following for his work.

You can find more of Petes Music and engage with her project at https://petescott.co.uk

You can also follow Amy's sub-stack and see the project at https://petescottmusic.substack.com

Musical Inclusions

08:30 - Song - Yuri Gagarins Banjo

30:46 - Song - My Ipod has turned into Hank Williams.

40:55 - Song - Fantastic Pastie Live

Also In This Episode

Andy and Amy discuss how she Discovered the Album - 'Brand New Smile' and her treasure trove of many of Pete's lost songs, discovered after his passing. We cant about the Cramlington Folk Club, Pasties, getting lost in the car and Pete Scott's TV appearances. Amy shares a wonderful 'Folk My Life Moment" which looks decades to realise how significant the Boo-boo was.... Amy Shares some brilliant song suggestions which have personal significance to her and her dad too.

00:00 - Introduction to Folk My Life Podcast

02:01 - Remembering Pete Scott: A Bittersweet Journey

02:41 - Discovering Pete's Music: A Daughter's Perspective

07:10 - Clip - Pete Scott Describes Yuri Gagarins Banjo

08:30 - Song - Yuri Gagarins Banjo

12:07 - The Legacy of Pete Scott's Humor and Wit

15:55 - Family Life and Music: The Balance of Art and Home

19:06 - Uncovering Hidden Treasures: The Posthumous Album

21:39 - Discovering the Album - Brand New Smile

25:04 - The Importance of Humour in Pete's Performances

28:33 - Clip - Pete Scott talking to Gary Hogg about the launch of his album of "songs to sing and jokes to tell"

30:46 - Song - My Ipod has turned into Hank Williams.

31:53 - Cramlington Folk Club: A Special Venue for Pete

33:33 - Collaborations and Health Challenges in Pete's Later Years

35:14 - The Power of Collaboration in Music

37:35 - The Legacy of 'Fantastic Pasty'

40:55 - Song - Fantastic Pastie Live

44:33 - Emotional Depth in Songwriting

45:51 - Clip - Pete Talk's about the song Brought and Sold.

48:10 - Preserving Family Stories Through Music

51:12 - A Folk My Life Moment

56:05 - Musical choices and song selections

The clips included from Radio Tyneside, and the Geordie Hour were produced by Gary Hogg and Karis Jones, and have been included with the kind permission.

The clips from the Cramlington Folk Club were recorded by Ken Mckenzie and have been reproduced with kind permission.

Musical Inclusions Also in this episode Timing Credits and Thanks