SATURDAY’S SCOTTISH SONG : #245: THE PICTISH TRAIL

Edited from wiki:-

Johnny Lynch (born 28 September 1981, Edinburgh) is a Scottish musician who performs under the pseudonym The Pictish Trail. After graduation from the University of St Andrews, Lynch ran Fence Records from 2003 until 2013 and has since been running Lost Map Records. He’s also played as band member with other musicians, including James Yorkston and Malcolm Middleton.

Lynch released his proper debut album, Secret Soundz Vol.1, in September 2008, to critical acclaim. In February 2009, The Times named Secret Soundz as an “Essential Recording” of the Fence Collective. In 2010 The List magazine named Lynch as the 12th “Hottest Scot” in its list of creative Scottish people.

His 2010 album In Rooms (12″ vinyl) consists of 50 songs of 30 seconds each written as part of the “100 Days To Make Me A Better Person” project of 2009. Lynch also supported KT Tunstall throughout her 2010-2011 European tour in support of her 2010 album, Tiger Suit.

Secret Soundz Vol. 2 was recorded with Sweet Baboo taking up production duties, on the Isle of Eigg (where Lynch now lives). The album was released to critical praise in February 2013. and was re-released as a double CD set, with Vol.1, on Moshi Moshi in 2014.

In July 2014, the first Howlin’ Fling Festival took place on Eigg, with Lynch as organiser and performer. The line-up included, among others, Jens Lekman, Beth Orton and Sam Amidon, The Phantom Band and various bands from Lost Map Records. In September 2016, Pictish Trail (without “The” in its name) released a new album, Future Echoes, produced by Adem. It featured the singles “Far Gone” and “Dead Connection”. A full tour followed the released, with the band featuring members of Lost Map signees Tuff Love.

Thumb World released in February 2020, featuring the singles Double Sided, Lead Balloon and Turning Back. The album received positive reviews from critics, with Jamie Bowman of The Skinny describing it as “funny, beautiful and life-affirming”.

JC adds……

Johnny Lynch is one of the unsung heroes of the Scottish music scene.  I’ve never been to any of his Howlin’ Fling festivals, but those who have tell me they are always something quite special and memorable.  Maybe one day….

Here’s a track from the debut album:-

mp3: The Pictish Trail – Winter Home Disco

JC