It’s easy to forget just how extraordinarily important the places where we live are. They are our frame, our point of reference, and a huge portion of the real detail of life. This capacity of the land to shape us takes on a special dimension when we have either lived somewhere for a very long time or spent the early years of our life there. I was born in Upper Nithsdale and spent the best part of two decades in the area before leaving for the city. It is a familiar narrative: the draw of study, work, and a faster pace of life. Yet, as a creative person, I am increasingly aware of the influence of D&G on my thought processes—a language of place through which much of my work is communicated. Because of this, and because of a longstanding ambition to return to the region, Mark Lyken and Emma Dove’s recent Hame installation for The Stove Network resonated with me.
Perhaps one reasonable working definition of art could be: a community talking to itself about itself. This was a fascinatingly literal instance of that process, with audio clips of people discussing their relationships contextualised against meditative imagery of the area. Seeing the places we know celebrated and examined in this fashion makes them more real and more vital. It is a process of validation through which both the bonds and the divides in our community are exposed. The installation made us question which voices were included and which were not—whose particular home was being offered a platform?
On a formal level, the piece made use of the suggestive space of 100 High Street, succeeding in creating a feeling of audience participation through its non-linear looseness. At the risk of overstating the point, wandering through the multiple levels of the installation captured something of the jagged, contingent nature of our existence in place. If and when the piece is transposed into a linear production, it will undoubtedly be engaging but very different, precisely calibrated as it was to radiate from the town centre. Lyken and Dove guided us through a mixture of voices that spoke with the random authority of community. From recollections of a previous era to the impressions of youth, for two weeks, The Stove became an open archive of shared experience. Just as ‘hame’ doesn’t quite mean the same as ‘home’ to me, all the small details and nuances of life in D&G carry a particular shading. It was this peculiar quality of rootedness that the installation articulated so well. Fortunately, Hame was also too stylish to fall into the traps of tourist information or museum exhibits that a piece of its nature might otherwise face.
The Stove is a commendable effort to further invigorate a growing community of creative people in and around Dumfries and, in doing so, contribute to the revitalisation of the town centre. As one of the many young locals living elsewhere but with half an eye on home, I find projects like this encouraging. Alongside the growing number of music festivals in the region, the successes of Spring Fling and other arts events, D&G seems to be building towards a creative critical mass—a blossoming that is being noticed on a national level. Perhaps we don’t need to look so far away after all if we have these things at hame.
If you thought nothing cool ever happened in Dumfries, then your mind must have been truly blown by the recent Open House series of events at The Stove. If you missed it, then I’m sorry—it’s not Dumfries that’s uncool, my friend—it’s you!
On Tuesday, 28th April, The Stove opened its doors to anyone wanting to try their hand at the fashionable art of spoken word. The all-day live event, called Open Mouth, promised to wow audiences with local and national talent whilst providing support and encouragement to keen youngsters with a raw thirst for poetry slamming.
Young Stover Ivor Gott and Sindigo prepared an eye-catching backdrop for the stage
Part 1 – Schools Workshops @OpenMouth
In the morning, pupils from a local school attended workshops designed to spark their thinking about words.
They were divided into three groups to rotate between three sessions. The Open Jar Collective added a foodie twist to the activities, and each group had the chance to paint a plate that will be used in the new Stove Café.
So, not only will they be eating their own words when they say Dumfries isn’t cool, but they’ll be eating them off a plate with their own words painted onto it! You couldn’t make it up—it’s so genius.
All the participants were keen to come back to the Stove for other events “I’m coming back to eat off my own plate”, said one, “my mum will be so impressed”
At the same time as these workshops were taking place, poet Eryl Shields was conducting creative writing workshops upstairs.
To delve into their deepest personal truths, Eryl set the theme as “10 things I know to be true.” Eryl said, “We shared the lists. Then, I asked them to write a short piece in their chosen form, based on or inspired by any aspect of their own list. We read out our pieces and looked at how they could be redrafted to be more effective as spoken word performance pieces. I was very impressed by the strength and variety of the work produced.”
Sindigo (second from right) with school pupils in an Open Mouth workshop
Meanwhile, in another room of The Stove’s amazing new premises, I was busy hosting spoken word performance masterclasses. I explained what “spoken word” was, what it could be, and how they could make it unique for themselves. The main rule we established was that it should be your own work and should be performed in front of a crowd.
The pupils then wrote a short piece about themselves, employing emotion or humour—often both. They didn’t seem shy or scared when I told them it was time to read their pieces into a microphone. With sensitivity, they were given critical feedback by me and the other members of the group on how they could improve both content and delivery.
For the humorous pieces, we discussed ways to make them even funnier—exaggerating actions, using pauses effectively, and engaging the audience with eye contact and pointing. “Do you do this for a living?” one girl asked. “That’s so cool! I wanna do that.”
At one point, some of the participants shared that they could speak other languages and were able to translate their pieces into Mandarin and Lithuanian. By the end of the class, two girls were rapping about their love of cheese, including audience participation sections in three languages. Yaldi!
Afterwards, their teacher sent a text saying, “Thank you very much for today. The kids loved it, and I thought it was really interesting—I learned loads too!”
Part 2 – Open Workshop @OpenMouth
One student even returned at 5 pm to take part in the open mentoring sessions with established performance poet Emily Elver, emcee and Girobabies frontman Mark McGhee, and Scottish Slam champion Bram E. Giebens.
Open Mouth evening workshop
The Notorious Young Stove were also heavily present, along with several other local poets and keen amateurs. Sitting around in a circle, talking about how we first came across writing, I suddenly felt like I was at a Poets Anonymous meeting.
“My name’s Sindigo, and I’m an addict.” “How long have you been addicted to poetry, Sindigo?”
But the mood soon lifted with a few laughs. Participants were able to get invaluable advice from our guests and even had the chance to perform their work and receive feedback from the experts.
Mark McGhee keeps it real
Part 3 – Gig @OpenMouth
After the briefest of pauses for pizza and ginger beer, I took to the stage to announce the evening performances and to thank the wonderful folks of The Stove for making it all possible. Scottish Slam champion Bram opened the show and was incredible, as usual, with his haunting portrayal of the inner psyche and poignant references to politics and personal anguish.
Pierluigi Angelini
Local poet and keen admirer of The Stove, Peter Angelini, provided a sentimental and romantic reflection on Dumfries and the surrounding area, his infectious smile winning over the crowds. Next up was our incredible schoolgirl, Annemarie, who had taken part in the morning workshops. She bravely took to the stage and melted our hearts with a poem about her baby sister’s ginger afro and heart-shaped freckles. I was swelling with pride at my wee protégé.
Annemarie
The Young Stovers were the real stars of the show. Ivor Gott wowed us with a poem written on the day about Mother Earth. Cara McNaught sauntered onto the stage with real style and blasted out an accomplished rap as if she’d been doing it for years. Then, Rhiannon Dewar bared her soul with a hard-hitting piece straight from the heart. She modestly declared afterwards, “I definitely found it a cool experience.” Steven Rogerson proved himself to be an accomplished writer of personal experiences, and his confidence shone on the mic. All future stars in the making!
Ivor Gott
Mark McGhee of Jakal Trades showed us why he’s always an asset on any bill with his fast-paced social commentary and wit, inventing his own words and getting the audience chanting along. His poem about Edward Snowden is still one of my favourites, and he absolutely smashed it, earning rapturous applause.
Mark McGhee
Eryl Shields
Eryl Shields’s refined and ethereal style wonderfully conveyed her polished poetic narrative. Catherine Major brought a punchy slam style, and her savvy performance was a true asset to the show. Herald at The Stove and all-round ray of light, Moxie de Paulette, gave us a rousing reaction to the election, including a mighty fine impression of Nigel Farage. Ginger, a local professional, transported us to muddy fields and festival shenanigans with his take on some traditional Burns, twisted through psychedelic raving and all-night swallying.
Emily Elver, another rising star on the scene, delivered a phenomenal performance. She had us all in stitches with her sci-fi foreplay piece and demonstrated why she’s a much-loved talent and an unstoppable force of spoken word alchemy. She said, “Open Mouth was one of the best events I’ve had the privilege to be involved in. The workshop was buzzing with new voices and experienced performers. The open mic showcased how many amazing new performers Dumfries & Galloway has. Could not have been more impressed with The Stove team and Sindigo’s hard work.”
Sindigo on Stage
I enjoyed introducing everyone and felt a surge of electricity every time I went on the mic. It was, in fact, one of the best nights of my life—a celebration of everything coming alive in Dumfries and across Scotland.
“This is just the beginning!” said Debz McDozey, leader of The Young Stove, as I gave her a high five.
#OpenMouth was produced in association with the Wigtown Festival Company. Huge thanks to them for everything!
What is DMC? It’s a good question. But ‘what wasn’t it?’ might be better.
The third Dumfries Music Conference slid triumphantly on its knees into The Stove Building on Friday, 24th April, and Saturday, 25th April, 2015—dragging behind it a heady concoction of workshops, panel discussions, live music, film, and a radio station in its vapour trail. With two successes under their belt and a bagful of lessons tucked neatly under their arm, this was the coming-of-age DMC.
Participant during ‘Recording Audio Using Pro Tools’ workshop
While DMC 2012 and DMC 2013 were important in their own right—the first for being first and the second for being a four-day monster (lesson learned)—DMC 2015 carried an extra bit of weight on its shoulders. DMC 2015 was to be the event that opened The Stove Building. Yeah, you heard it. That project, started by a beautiful bunch of arty folks (of which Team DMC belong), with a vision for a better Dumfries, began around four years ago and has had more ups and downs than the Big Dipper—this was the one. Not to mention the fact that DMC had been in hibernation for 18 months.
Unfurl the bunting and re-hang the banners—this had to be big!
Well, it was less bunting and more Rock Against Racism. The exhibition, which depicts the vibrant fight against fascists and racists, who have intermittently raised their extremely ugly heads over the last four decades, was on display throughout DMC2015—on the ground and middle floors. This is the artwork for marches, demos, and gigs that have stood in the name of social justice and equality for all. It gave The Stove a look that suited it to a tee and brought out a part of its personality that had been hiding beneath its blank canvas.
Rock against Racism exhibition behind The Stove’s new Funktion-One soundsystem
The major addition to the Dumfries Music Conference format this year was Radio DMC. It’s an idea that the organisers discovered at goNORTH Festival (now XpoNorth), and it worked an absolute treat. It gave the event a sense of currency and monkey bars to swing across throughout the daytime. Presenters Craig Watson and Chazz (also known as Deep Fried Soul) and Melissa Gunn (of Thursday Night Showcase on Alive Radio fame) infused it with the energy and professionalism that were vital to its success.
Over 20 local musicians, bands, and DJs performed over the two days—broadcasting live to the room and over the digital airwaves. The special and unique moments that Radio DMC created were truly unforgettable.
Radio DMC presenters Craig Watson and Chazz
So many great Radio DMC moments. Listen back to (almost – slight technical issue) all of them here.
Melissa Gunn of Smalltown Sounds gets Rhi from Young Stove started on her 1hour programme for Radio DMC
A special mention—and one of the many highlights of Radio DMC—was when 15-year-old Doonhamer Euan Leslie, who just happens to be the ‘Young Scottish Drummer of the Year 2015’, performed live and was then joined by a group of young musicians for an impromptu jam session on Saturday afternoon. The music was so sweet that Radio DMC presenter Chazz transformed himself into a rapper for an off-the-cuff rendition of ‘Rapper’s Delight’ by Sugarhill Gang—or should we say the Stovietoon Gang. Epic!
Rappers Delight during Radio DMC
Then there was Cinema DMC—a room on the top floor of the three-storey Stove Building, which was transformed into an intimate cinema space. The general subject, of course, was music. The programme featured End of a Century: The Story of The Ramones, Who Shot the Sheriff (about Rock Against Racism), Hector Bizerk’s Bird That Never Flew, The Punk Singer, and Searching for Sugarman. All in all, it was a pleasant and relaxing addition to the DMC line-up. Bringing your own popcorn was optional.
Cinema DMC
So, those three things were the constants. The Rock Against Racism Exhibition served as a backdrop to every DMC 2015 event (apart from the cinema). Radio DMC broadcast on both days between midday and teatime—6 pm on Friday and 4:30 pm on Saturday. Cinema DMC screened music documentaries between midday and 6 pm on both days.
Colin James performing live during Radio DMC
Since it began, DMC has been a bastion of sharing ideas. Its workshops are the stuff of legend—and, frankly, this year was no different. MusicPlus+ has been a valued DMC partner since the first event, and this year the music-mentoring vehicle motored in with an absolute belter: Hector Bizerk frontman, Louie, with Hip Hop was Born in Scotland.
The two-hour session provided a unique opportunity for young (and older) enthusiasts to hear from one of the UK’s most exciting hip-hop artists, who is part of one of the UK’s most exciting hip-hop groups. It was as much about knowledge and culture as it was about mastering the art—Louie was crowned King of Dumfries (for the day).
Hector Bizerk frontman, Louie, during ‘Hip Hop was Born in Scotland’ workshop
Number-one soundman Dave Miller took charge of the other two workshops—‘Recording Audio Using Pro Tools’ and ‘An Introduction to Live Sound’. For anyone at the live gig that concluded DMC2015, for which Dave was the sound engineer, you’ll already know the level of this man’s skills. The sound for the gig (in a pretty challenging acoustic environment) was stunning. Those who attended Dave’s workshops walked away as better people: better informed, better EQers, better everything. Dave was King of Dumfries that day (sorry, Louie).
Dave Miller (right) and a participant during ‘Recording Audio Using Pro Tools’ workshop
For many people, Friday night’s DMC 2015 Seminar will go down as their favourite part of the event. Masterminded and held together by Derick Mackinnon (there are rumours that the D, M, and C in DMC come from Derick’s name, which are so far unsubstantiated; however, there is no denying how important he is to the event and its organisation), it featured a—again, this cannot be overstated—ridiculously brilliant cast of music industry movers and shakers. Let’s recap: Ally McCrae (manager, Prides, and A&R, Sentric Music), Keren McKean (We Make Music Work and Deep Blue Festivals), Scott Kirkwood (manager, KLOË, Hit The Road, and First Run Records), Alan Morrison (The Herald), Jeff Thompson (Un-Convention and Off Axis), and Nick Roberts (Electric Fields Festival). The seminar was exceptional, revealing industry secrets about media coverage, record labels, and management.
All star cast of DMC2015 Seminar
The post-seminar portion of the evening was the moment all the bands and musicians in the audience (featuring a who’s who of the D&G music scene) were most excited—and downright petrified—about: the A&R Listening Lounge, where their music was played and reviewed before an audience of roughly 60 people. All acts of bravery were commendable. These particular acts received warm appreciation from both the audience and the industry experts. It could have gone terribly, but in fact, it was the topper to a dazzling evening and a smile-inducing day.
Packed house during the A&R Listening Lounge
Saturday night was, of course, crowned by DMC Live, featuring Miaoux Miaoux, KLOË, Sean vs The Robots, and MØGEN. Pretty much everybody knew this gig would be great beforehand. All it needed was good sound (check—nice one, Dave, and The Stove for investing in a top-notch Funktion-One sound system) and an appreciative audience. Hello to the 100 or so (sold out) good souls who made it down for that, and apologies for making you stand outside while the bands finished their sound checks. As it turned out, the timings were pretty much spot on (lesson learned). It really was a treat for the ears. Afterwards, some DMCers toddled off to the Electric Theatre Workshop for the aftershow, while others disappeared into the night.
Miaoux Miaoux soundchecking before DMC Live
Whichever way, they—and all who sailed its path—were united by the warm glow of everything that had been DMC 2015. A brilliant event in a splendid new creative hub for the town and the beginning of a new chapter for all.
We have been artists-in-residence with The Stove for five months and are now into the final month before our film and sound installation, HAME, opens on 2nd May as part of The Stove’s Open House series of events to mark the launch of 100 High Street.
HAME explores relationships with Dumfries and Galloway through the words of those who call it home. During our time working here, we have been very privileged to record conversations with over 45 people throughout D&G.
Guided by these conversations, we have gathered footage from around the area using our trusty Black Cab, chauffeured by the excellent Will Marshall. Our experience, perspectives, and knowledge of D&G have gradually evolved and transformed through these conversations and our own explorations.
We have been recalling when we first moved here from Glasgow, following the Sat Nav to our house, exploring our own street, and seeking directions to the shop. Journeys through the unfamiliar have gradually become dotted with reference points—places we’ve passed through, stopped to film, or interviewed someone. Names of towns and villages that previously floated in an imaginary space now slot into their geographical locations. Buildings, bridges, trees, and rivers that were once void of meaning now sprout stories and conjure images.
A few of the significant places marked by interviewees.
Through the process of filming and recording whilst journeying through the area, we have become more acutely aware of its rhythms and the interconnecting threads of feelings, memories, and knowledge of those living both within it and thinking about it from afar.
We have heard stories about everything, from ancient stone markings in Eggerness to hiding places at Annan Harbour, to recollections of a Palmerston football match in 1958. There have been childhood dens, daredevil antics, and trees that sprouted chocolate biscuits. Grub-collecting hotspots, smelly spots, and “J” spots. Bad corners, best views, secret beaches, and spooky ruins. Sunday mass in a chip shop, raves in a woodland, and the 2 am ‘accidental’ purchase of a stretch limo in a pub. We’ve learned how to appropriately pronounce ‘Kirkgunzeon’, ‘Caerlaverock’, and ‘Red Cola’, have finally worked out the parking system in Dumfries, and now know how to find anyone’s house in D&G (over the wee bridge, round the bend, and up the hill).
Interview with Denise & Mark Zygaldo
As ever, the more we explore, the more questions arise. Layers of perspectives overlap, clash, and muddle, and the more we realise how much we do not know. Yet, through this, a kinship and care have developed. And this seems to be the binding thread connecting everyone we have spoken to. Everyone, in one way or another, genuinely cares.
Perhaps what has most surprised us, though, is how the process of the last few months has changed our own perspectives so much that we now feel at home here ourselves and are on the lookout for a place to stay beyond the project (you know the place—over the wee bridge, round the bend, and up the hill?).
We hope you can make it along to the opening of HAME on 2nd May and look forward to seeing you there!
Open House sees The Stove Network populating The Stove at 100 High Street for the first time since building works began last year. It welcomes the town and the wider network to stop by, get involved, and experience some of what we hope to bring to Dumfries’ town centre. Open House is a series of varied events designed to showcase both The Stove’s versatility as a physical space and the ambition of the project for the town centre.
We begin with the third annual Dumfries Music Conference (DMC) on 24th and 25th April. As in previous years, DMC 2015 will feature workshops, talks, film, live music, expert opinion, and creative collaboration. Through a collection of brilliant partners and guests, we hope to educate, inspire, and entertain. DMC 2015 will mark the official opening of The Stove Building at 100 High Street. In celebration of this, we are going to fill the entire building with colour, music, and people.
On 28th April, The Stove hosts Open Mouth—a day of spoken word, performance, and cooking. During the day, The Stove building will hold workshops for school students, followed by a performance workshop at 5pm. A public performance begins at 7pm, featuring Moffat-based Sarah Indigo alongside other performers from the Scottish spoken word scene, as well as young people who have attended the daytime workshops.
Open Mouth has been specially created and delivered for The Stove Network by Sarah Indigo, Eryl Shields, and Open Jar Collective.
On 29th April, House Warming invites everyone to drop by (12:30pm–4:30pm) to explore The Stove building, have a chat, and make a T-shirt.
From 6pm, there will be a Stove Members Gathering, featuring a public bonfire and Bannock-making in the town square with Open Jar from 7:30pm.
At 7pm on Saturday, 2nd May, join us at The Stove for the public launch of HAME, an impressionistic journey through Dumfries & Galloway, voiced by those who call it home. Film, voice, field recordings, and subtle music will intermingle and connect across two floors and extend into Dumfries High Street.
HAME is a film and sound installation by artists Mark Lyken and Emma Dove, specially commissioned for the opening of The Stove at 100 High Street, Dumfries.
Every Tuesday, starting 19th May and running until mid-June, you are invited to Drop-In @ The Stove—pop in for a brew and a blether about The Stove and the town.
What would you like to see The Stove doing? What are your ideas for the town centre? What would you like to do at The Stove? We’ll be open, and we’d love to hear your ideas! Drop-In will run from 12 noon to 6pm every Tuesday, so just drop in as you pass by.
Keep up with the latest updates on Open House via our social media on Facebook and Twitter, using #OpenHouse.
The Young Stove have been busy making plans for their next projects this year, and we’re looking forward to exciting times ahead!
To kick-start the year, we organised a trip up to Glasgow—to get inspired, gather tips and ideas from creatives based in the city at various stages in their careers, and gain a flavour of the art scene in some of the city’s galleries.
A huge thank you to Alison McLeod at Briggait’s WASPS Studios, Gregor Wright at The Modern Institute, and Genevieve Kay Gourlay at The Pipe Factory for taking the time to chat with us about their artistic careers.
Visiting Alison McLeod’s jewellery studio in the Briggait, chatting about inspiration, vintage finds and studio space
Stopping in at Gregor Wright’s studio at the Modern Institute and hearing more about life post art school, the Glasgow art scene and some of his latest works and projects
Dinosaurs as part of Gregor’s recent work during last years GI festival
There was a lot of love for the Pipe Factory, Genevieve shows us around the cavernous space
Toilet Roll Posse
Appropriate tourist snaps, and a chance to check out Alistair Grey’s inspirational show at GoMA, and blitz spending money in the arts supplies shop
If you’d like to find out more about Young Stove, get involved in developing creative projects in Dumfries, or explore the opportunities available, send us an email at [email protected].
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website, analyse traffic, and personalise content. By using our site, you consent to the use of cookies. Please read our privacy policy for more information.
Cookie Preferences
Manage your cookie preferences below:
Essential cookies enable basic functions and are necessary for the proper function of the website.
Name
Description
Duration
Cookie Preferences
This cookie is used to store the user's cookie consent preferences.
30 days
Statistics cookies collect information anonymously. This information helps us understand how visitors use our website.
Google Analytics is a powerful tool that tracks and analyzes website traffic for informed marketing decisions.
Contains information related to marketing campaigns of the user. These are shared with Google AdWords / Google Ads when the Google Ads and Google Analytics accounts are linked together.
90 days
__utmx
Used to determine whether a user is included in an A / B or Multivariate test.
18 months
_gali
Used by Google Analytics to determine which links on a page are being clicked
30 seconds
_ga_
ID used to identify users
2 years
__utma
Used to distinguish users.
Persistent
__utmb
Used to determine new sessions/visits.
30 minutes
__utmc
Used to determine if the user is in a new session/visit.
Session
__utmt
Used to throttle request rate.
10 minutes
__utmv
Used to store visitor-level custom variable data.
2 years
__utmz
Stores the traffic source or campaign that explains how the user reached your site.
6 months
_ga
Used to distinguish users.
2 years
_gat
Used to throttle request rate.
1 minute
_gid
Used to distinguish users.
24 hours
Clarity is a web analytics service that tracks and reports website traffic.
