Charley Buchan spends isolation in his new house with comfy slippers and country music.
As we quarantine ourselves to help the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, we drop in on some of our music pals to find out how they are coping.
Aberdeen-shire singer-songwriter and label owner, Charley Buchan has an extensive and impressive body of work behind him, along with numerous collaborations as well as establishing Aberdeen-based independent music label Fitlike Records.
His recent project, CS Buchan & Friends, fused folk and pop with Americana and bar room blues. He is also one half of acclaimed act Best Girl Athlete, alongside his (also very talented) daughter Katie Buchan. Roddy Hart (BBC Radio Scotland) called him, “Aberdeen’s finest songwriter.”
Are you keeping well and how are you spending lockdown?
I’m good thanks and having just moved house the day before the lockdown, I’ve had plenty to keep me occupied. I’m also a teacher and have been working remotely so I can’t say I’ve struggled for anything to do. Fortunately my house is across from two nice parks so I’ve been able to go for my daily walk in the evening when there’s hardly anyone around.
Does music mean more to you now than ever and how are you responding to it creatively?
I wouldn’t particularly say so, as recently it’s been a big adjustment period for me anyway and I don’t think I’ve focused on music any more than I normally would have. Plus, I’m coming to the end of a new album which has been a lot of effort so it kind of feels like I’ve done all the leg-work anyway. I’m probably listening to more music than actually creating it.
What music are you listening to right now?
American country music. Funnily enough, I was in Inverness over the New Year and found a copy of the first Charley Pride record (where the spelling of my name derives – thanks mam) sitting in a closed shop doorway and loved it, which has led me on to exploring other artists. In particular, it’s been great finding out about some of the original country artists like Jimmie Rodgers, The Carter Family and Hank Williams.
Have you discovered any music gems during isolation?
Definitely, Blue Yodel (T for Texas) by Jimmie Rodgers and Can the Circle Be Unbroken by The Carter Family are crackers and I’d say listen to Dang Me by Roger Miller as a silly country curveball.
Get fit or embrace the bulge?
I’m embracing nothing and just letting things happen. As of the moment, it looks like the bulge is just edging this one. My issue is that I get a really sore back if I’m not physically active for large parts of the day so I will probably be cursing my indifferent approach within the week.
Have you been surprised at the contents of your kitchen cupboards? And have you made anything delicious from said contents?
As we just moved into a new house, we were starting from scratch so there were no dated, unusual or unwanted food remnants. However, a surplus of bananas has led to the most delectable banana and chocolate bread EVER. More of this sort of thing doesn’t help with the bulge.
What habits have started to form or are starting to fade?
It seems that with isolation, so much of the day revolves around food/eating and I’ve certainly become very conscious of not wasting food. I actually just noted yesterday that I have inexplicably been eating more cheese than I ever would normally. So, I have a cheese habit forming. Any tips for kicking the cheese would be welcome.
What random things are you buying online?
Comfy slippers! I’ve never really bothered with slippers before as I always thought they were for old mannies. I guess I’m an old mannie now as they have been a revelation. Comfort is king in this household and nice slippers are top of the comfort list. 20 year old me is listening on in horror and disbelief. What has this lockdown done to you Charley?!?
What are you doing to keep motivated? (Because by fuck it’s hard)
Who says I was motivated in the first place? It’s not a bad thing for people to slow down and take things easy for a change. I know from being a teacher that I would feel uneasy during the start of any time off as I felt that I should always be doing something. Letting go of that feeling (depending on your circumstances) and accepting that it’s ok to not do very much sometimes can be quite liberating, although I know some people would find that idea quite awful.
What are you most looking forward to doing again this is all over?
As boring as it sounds, getting back into a routine. Having a routine taken away can be quite debilitating in some regards. Also, I look forward to an ice cream cone from Bicocchi’s ice cream shop in Fraserburgh.
And finally, have you anything you would like to plug or declare?
A new CS Buchan album is very nearly completed and it’s a masterpiece. Don’t believe me? Ask my mam. There are songs about dead-heading flowers, a horse, and blowing people up …something for everybody. In the meantime, if you’d like to see me being blasted into space in a wendy house and confronting Charley Buchan worshipping aliens, this is the visual treat for you:
Discover more: Fitlike Records | CS Buchan and Friends
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