We sat down with Iain Mackechnie, guitarist of The Other. The Other is an extraordinary hour of music and images from a pool of 8 musicians and visual artist, Shatha Altowa, some who have an experience of forced displacement and migration, from Scotland, Chile, Iran, Brazil, Syria and Yemen.
- Tell us about The Other
The Other, is a collaboration with 8 musicians , plus a visual artist, coming from Scotland, England, Iran, Brazil, Chile and Yemen. Initially the musicians created 5 new compositions drawing on the diversity of cultures, music and experiences of those involved. Some of the line-up have experienced forced displacement and the project is very much about focusing on their stories, and the positive contribution that many of those who have to migrate from their countries of origin have brought to Scotland.
- Who are the members in the band and what are their roles?
Current members in the band are:
From Iran
Aref Gorbhani – Singer. -Iran
Erfan Imandar – Daff
From Brazil
Mario Caribe – Double Bass. -Brazil
From Chile
Jose Rojas – Percussion – Chile
From Yemen
Shatha Altowai. – visual artist
Saber Bamatrof – piano
From Scotland
Esther Swift – Harp & singer. – Scotland
Matt Wright – Sax. -Scotland
Iain Mackechnie – Guitar. -Scotland
- How does it feel to be bringing The Other to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
Amazing, we have slowly been building our profile with past live work at Fringe by the Sea 2022, Festival of Migration 2023 Celtic Connections 2024, a studio recording last year plus the launch of our website – https://www.theother.uk/
Performing as part of the Made in Scotland Showcase at the Fringe this year is a fantastic opportunity to reach new audiences, international media and industry professionals, with the potential to secure our long-term commitment in supporting the musicians involved. https://www.madeinscotlandshowcase.com/shows/the-other/
- Have you done the Fringe before? What are the key pieces of advice you have been given or would give to new groups or people performing at the Fringe?
We performed Fringe by the Sea in 2022, but I am an Edinburgh resident and have had many experiences during the Fringe. Advice would be to keep focused, be sure to build the right audience for your show, enjoy it, and see as much as you can.
- What do you hope that audiences will take away from The Other?
Joy and energy plus a connection with those involved in the show, and to recognise the value and commitment that those who migrate to another country can contribute something really positive to Scottish culture when they arrive here.
- What is your favourite thing about Edinburgh during August or what are you most looking forward to?
The energy and diversity created by the increased number of people, artists and visitors, plus of course the choice of artistic expression available during the Fringe. It’s inspiring.