Strong Scottish Accent - Does It Matter?

Subject: RE: Strong Scottish Accent - Does It Matter?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 09 Mar 09 - 11:31 AM

Well, you can certainly be understood, Bob. I like the recordings very much, and you have just the right touch of accent.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Strong Scottish Accent - Does It Matter?
From: Rasener
Date: 09 Mar 09 - 11:28 AM

I could understand your lyrics and didn't think the accent was too strong (however, I did live in Scotland for 3 years so maybe that helped).
I enjoyed listening to your songs. Nice one.

You could always do what some performers do, and that is to explain any words in a song (before you sing it) where you think people may not understand.

Good luck to you

Subject: RE: Strong Scottish Accent - Does It Matter?
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Mar 09 - 11:28 AM

I've listened to and enjoyed each song. I don't find your accent strong and was able to understand quite well. I do have some experience at hearing and reading a Glaswegian accent, so maybe that helps?!:-)(Used to speak almost daily with a Glaswegian which really trained my ears, es. when she got excited and spoke fast!)

Well done, beautiful songs and I agree with the above comments re' your voice...sweet and true.

Thanks for sharing,

kat

Subject: RE: Strong Scottish Accent - Does It Matter?
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 09 Mar 09 - 11:21 AM

Singing in a 'Strong Scottish Accent' doesn't seem to have done Dick Gaughan any harm - he's recognised widely as a great performer. I'd say go for it and be proud, you are what you are.

Subject: RE: Strong Scottish Accent - Does It Matter?
From: GUEST,mack/misophist
Date: 09 Mar 09 - 11:19 AM

I could only understand about half the words, which may reflect more upon my cheap speakers than your accent. Your voice, however, was sweet and true and the accent added a very attractive quality to the sound. Perhaps song sheets would satisfy those who insist on understanding every word.

Subject: Strong Scottish Accent - Does It Matter?
From: BobKnight
Date: 09 Mar 09 - 11:03 AM

I'm a singer/songwriter from Aberdeen/Scotland. I've only been involved in the folk/trad scene for the last four or five years, but have played in different types of bands over the last 30+ years - mostly country, and country rock. My family (cousins, uncles, aunts, grandparents) have always been involved with traditional music but mostly just at family gatherings, so folk music is something that has always been around.

After years of singing in a "trans-atlantic accent," I started writing songs in traditional style using my own Scots/Aberdeenshire accent. Until now I have only performed within Scotland, but am now thinking of trying to find work further afield. (make me an offer)Bearing in mind a review I read of Jim Malcolm which said, "one of the few Scottish singer who can be understood outside his native Scotland," I just wondered if my songs/language are too strongly accented for the wider world? Given that Mudcatters seem to be worldwide, I thought this the best place to ask. You can hear some of my songs at www.myspace.com/bobknightfolk

Any feedback would be appreciated - thanks - Bob