In Conversation With Ape House on 9th November 2024
Join Liz on 9th November when she will be in conversation with Ape House on the release of their debut album.
Originating in Glasgow, Ape House delivers a wide range of both new and traditional tunes and songs, combining them with their signature raw and varied style to produce an exciting listening experience. The band grew organically from playing in Glasgow – most notably at The Drum and Monkey, which inspired the band’s name and (still organised by an ‘ape’) has become one of the top weekly sessions in the city centre.
Ape House’s new self-titled album is their first full length release. Recorded by Ian Stephenson in Northumberland, its compositions and arrangements tell a story of the band’s formative years: an exploration into contemporary traditional music as the trio evolved and found their sound. Like the band itself, ‘Ape House’ takes its time, gradually inviting the listener into its world. But there’s a time and a place to bring the fire, and this band’s energy and enthusiasm are more than a match when that time comes!
Band Members:
Craig Harrison is a fiddler from Co. Clare, Ireland. Immersed in Clare’s rich culture from a young age, Craig competed at many fleadhanna cheoil throughout his teens. He moved to Glasgow in 2016 in order to study mathematics and since then, he has become increasingly involved in the Glasgow scene and enhanced his Clare fiddle style.
Lachie Robinson is from Knoydart in the West Highlands. Growing up in a wild place surrounded by Folk song, cèilidhs, and electronic-trad fusion, music quickly became his natural habitat. His ear was developed further through local Fèisean, where he learned guitar, banjo, and mandolin, and later the Traditional Music course at the RCS. Lachie values experimentation and musical curiosity, and isn’t afraid to bring many wacky and wonderful ideas to Ape House rehearsals!
Wallace Calvert began learning both classical and traditional music on cello. His passion grew as he participated in various youth projects, taught himself other instruments including concertina, and eventually went on to study traditional music at the RCS. Wallace has become a versatile multi-instrumentalist, seeking to refine his skills and sensitive playing style through the exploration of Irish, Scottish, Northumbrian, and other traditional folk repertoire.
Notable Past Performances / Achievements:
- Winner of a Danny Kye award in 2022
- Finalist in the Seall’s Na Fir-Chlis battle of the bands in 2022
- Multiple appearances in Knoydart Hall (Na Trads venue of the year 2022)
- Celtic Connections Whiskey Festival 2023 + Festival Cub
- Regular performers at Rothbubary Traditional Music Festival (2021, 2022, 2023)
- Knockengorroch 2024: Main Stage performance