Lying Scotsman's Fiona Cowan: Situation Normal, All Folked Up CD

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A group from Easton-on-the-Hill in Stamford, England called the Lying Scotsman is folking up traditional music and lead singer Fiona Cowan sets the stage.

The band was formed by John Taylor (vocals, bass guitar) who contacted online band-matchmaking websites to find bandmates. He was already in a very successful covers band when he met Cowan who hosted a live music listings website and a monthly folk music session at a local pub.

According to Cowan, the band was born with the credo that if one of them didn't like a song, or it's not fun, they won’t do it and it has no wriggle room for anyone with a showbiz ego.

Lying Scotsman Touring Venues
 
The Lying Scotsman have played in Belvoir Castle in Lincolnshire, opened a beer garden at the Oak at Easton-on-the-Hill near Stamford, Lincs, raised money for an air ambulance and twice wowed both Bournemouth and the internet with interactive concerts at the Cransley Hotel.

They have plans for a tour of the north of England and the Scottish borders and they are also appearing at a moveable punk festival in August near Norwich. Cowan would love to tour internationally, but Taylor is afraid of flying.

"I will play anywhere (and with anyone) that asks me. These two concepts aren’t incompatible. if you talk to me about it, I would love to play in Florida and Brazil where we have our biggest fans. Truth is, any good cause – such as Water Aid, or Cola Aid, or Stop Being Horrid To Animals, that asks nicely would get us out of the UK."

Lying Scotsman Hedgehog Song

As well as singing with Taylor, Cowan sings comedy songs with a folk singer called Jan called  The Jam Tarts. "The Hedgehog Song" came out of the books of Terry Pratchett (Discworld) and a character in his novels called Nanny Og.

In 1982 Heather Wood wrote lyrics Cowan set to a tune and the most popular and requested song in the Lying Scotsman's repertoire was born. 

Lying Scotsman Influences

Meanwhile, Taylor adores Crass, Green Day, Half Man Half Biscuit, while Cowan cites Whitesnake, Rainbow and Deep Purple as influences.

"We are in serious danger of turning into a Chumbawamba/Fleetwood Mac/Waterboys/Blyth Power tribute band," says Cowan.
 
Another hit song, “Laughter in the Time of War”? is accompanied by a live video of the Lying Scotsman playing in Cowan's garden and is protesting the Iraq war.

Cowan's advice for novice musicians? "Rehearse lots, play live whenever you get the chance. Only play with people you really really like. Don’t agree to the first record deal you’re offered – find out if you can afford to do it yourselves and keep the profits. There are loads of live music sessions (mic’d up and acoustic) where you can try out in front of kindly audiences. Research."