Together with Robin Williamson and Clive Palmer, Mike Heron was a founder member of The Incredible String Band . Formed in Edinburgh in 1965, they soon broke from the folk club beginnings they shared with other emerging artists such as Bert Jansch, John Martyn, Davey Graham and Billy Connolly to pioneer an eclectic “world music” approach. Together with a dance group “Stone Monkey” the ISB formed the nucleus of a late sixties artistic community in the Scottish Borders experimenting with theatre, film, and a wide variety of music, until their final incarnation as a six piece band .
More recently Mike has been performing with his daughter, singer/songwriter Georgia Seddon. 2007 saw him take part in two events at The Barbican in London: one celebrated the music of Syd Barrett, and featured Pink Floyd; the other was a night of British Folk music, part of the acclaimed “Folk Brittania” series.
Recently Mike has been touring with the Glaswegian band Trembling Bells led by Alex Neilson.
Facts
The Incredible String Band , which Mike was a member of, was the only Scottish Band at Woodstock.
Met the Trembling Bells at a The Incredible String Band retrospective.
Performs often with his daughter Georgia Seddon.
Questions
What is the biggest inspiration for your music?
I find anyone who bothers to listen to my songs pretty inspirational.
How and when did you get into making music?
Very early on I decided to compete with the Hymn singing by banging a spoon, then moved on to the Ukelele…
What are your 5 favourite albums of all time?
Impossible. At the moment I’m revisiting “Blood on The Tracks”, “Blue”, and “Music of the Bahamas”.
What do you associate with Berlin?
I’ve never been to Berlin. I look forward to finding out.
What’s your favourite place in your town?
I live in a glen in the country so would have to say it comes top, but I’m also very fond of Arthurs Seat in Edinburgh.
If there was no music in the world, what would you do instead?
No music, What? Not even The Spheres?
What was the last record you bought?
I bought my daughter “The Age of Adz”
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
What was your best gig (as performer or spectator)?
Ravi Shankar in The Usher Hall Edinburgh.
How important is technology to your creative process?
Do you have siblings and how do they feel about your career?
My sister Pamela would have been amused and proud.
Our Favourites:
Mike Heron- Painting Box (Live)
Mike Heron – Spirit Beautiful (Live)
Links: last.fm | mikeheron.co.uk | twitter
| Interview with Mike Heron by Digital in Berlin
