In conversation with Elias Alexander, an independent bagpiper and one of a handful of musicians from the US who are at the forefront of creativity within contemporary Celtic music. We chat about piping history, how he sees Celtic music as a whole, creativity, busking in New Orleans, fiddle + bagpipe, and much much more. Inspiring to hear a different angle and approach to playing the bagpipes. Elias has composed for, led, and toured with several bands including Soulsha, an eight-piece Afro-Celtic Funk band, and The Bywater Band, an innovative Celtic ensemble. He also plays with other bands including Fàrsan, MAC, and Seven Nations, and has performed with greats of the Celtic world such as Alasdair Fraser, Carlos Nuñez, and Gillebride MacMillan. ------------------------- Subscribe to the Piping Talks Podcast: 👉 ⁠https://pipingtalks.com ⁠Thanks for watching!

In conversation with Stewart McKenzie, Pipe Major of the Grade 1 Manawatu Scottish Pipe Band of New Zealand. With over 20+ years as a Pipe Major, we chat about his journey into piping, the influence of his family, getting the PM role at a young age, pulling medleys together, and so much more. This was my first time talking to Stewart — the outcome was exactly what I wanted to promote with Piping Talks: a deeper understanding of the Pipe Major role both from a musical standpoint as well as the managerial aspect of it. Lots of great insights for aspiring PMs. ------------------------- Subscribe to the Piping Talks Podcast: Spotify 👉 ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2qvDl09..⁠. Apple Podcast 👉 ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..⁠. Website 👉 ⁠https://pipingtalks.com⁠ Facebook 👉 ⁠https://www.facebook.com/pipingtalks/ ⁠Thanks for Listening!

In conversation with Alexander Scougall, bagpiper for the St. Laurence O'Toole Pipe Band — originally from Scotland and now based in Dublin, Ireland. We caught up on life, talked about how it all started, what it meant to be P/S of Boghall & Bathgate Pipe Band, teaching, moving around, and meeting new people through the pipe band community. There're talented individuals within the pipe band world, both musically and professionally — and I'm glad I got to chat with Alexander about managing both careers, the ups and downs, and the drive to keep going. ------------------------- Subscribe to the Piping Talks Podcast: Spotify 👉 ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2qvDl09..⁠. Apple Podcast 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..⁠. Website 👉 ⁠https://pipingtalks.com⁠ Facebook 👉 ⁠https://www.facebook.com/pipingtalks/⁠ Thanks for listening!

In conversation with Steven 'Bassie' Roberts, bass drummer from South Queensferry, Edinburgh. We chat about picking up the bass couple of days before a major championship with Grade 2 Drambuie Kirkliston Pipe Band, to then play with his best mates at The Clan Gregor Society. His years with Shotts & Dykehead during some of the best years under Jim Kilpatrick MBE. How he focuses mostly on the bass drum when listening to a band, being challenged along the way, and pushing hard to win the Worlds. Inspiring conversation with one of the best at his craft while still being humble. A must for any bass drummer out there wanting to get more knowledge. ------------------------- Subscribe to the Piping Talks Podcast: Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/2qvDl09... Apple Podcast 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Website 👉 https://pipingtalks.com Facebook 👉 https://www.facebook.com/pipingtalks/ Thanks for listening!

In conversation with Olav Goud, Dutch drummer now based in Adelaide in Australia, and Lead Drummer of New Zealand Police Pipe Band. We catch up on life, growing up in Europe with the dream of moving to Scotland, making it into a Grade 1 drum corps, drumming styles, being a leading drummer, and much more. ------------------------- Subscribe to the Piping Talks Podcast: Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/2qvDl09... Apple Podcast 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Website 👉 https://pipingtalks.com Facebook 👉 https://www.facebook.com/pipingtalks/ Thanks for watching!