Interview with Martin Aelred Colgan

Mar 31, 2023

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

I got into music at junior school because I was the only one that could play the glockenspiel
If I hadn’t got into music I’d probably have become a micro biologist.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

When I’m not doing music I read and listen to works of historical events in ancient scriptures which inspires me to become hopefully a better person in all ways.

How long have you been making music?

Where are you based and how did that influence your music?

I’m based in Glasgow in Scotland which is a very creative city in art music and fashion as well as a great history in medicine and engineering, it’s a wonderful place.

Tell me about your most memorable shows, if you haven’t played live what is your vision for a live show?

My most memorable show was when I was on tour with the Dalai Lama and as I sang a song in Italian, we had children with hearing difficulties signing with hand language the translation of the Italian in English.
The audience loved it and so did His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

My favourite venue is the Recital room in Glasgow City Hall. The acoustics for singing are truly the best. I’d love to sing at an outdoor stadium with U2. That really would blow me away.
Probably if I got to stand in for Bono if he was having a sore throat day would be my ultimate gig.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

My advice is ..
Do it because you love it and don’t let anyone tell you what to do in it .. A really good tutor is very helpful if you can find one you trust musically.
Don’t ever do it for the desire of money and fame as that will come to you if your intentions are good.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

I have a song called FLOWER IN THE SHADE.
It’s about hidden beauty that we all possess and that most of the real beauty in life is hidden from the human eye.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

I always get asked to sing Pavarotti NESSUN DORMA which I love to sing too fortunately.

What is your creative process, and what inspires you to write your music?

I love looking at a blank piece of paper and think … where is this going to end up.
It never ends up where you think.
It’s a magical musical journey every song.

Do you have messages that you like to get across in your music? if so please tell me about them.

Yes I always have subtle spiritual messages in my songs.
Music is a hidden language created by higher intelligence than us little human beings.

Do you have any new singles, videos, or albums out that you would like to tell me and your fans about?

I have just completed a work of WORLD SACRED CHANTS which has taken me over 3 years to make.
I had to learn Ancient Greek as one of the languages on it.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

I’ve started my classical singing tuition again just to brush up on things you get lazy about and to get me more focused on performing again.

How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?

Get me on Facebook: Martin AElred and keep in touch with me I always love hearing from people.

Volatile Weekly