Ryan Cook is the founder of Bfest and the owner of the Blackstairs Lounge, Wick. His year has seen Bfest enter a very successful second year and plans for the next one are very much on the way, so what does he have to say of 2011…..
What’s your involvement in the music scene?
I run the Bfest Music Festival each August where we try to showcase the best up and coming new bands in Scotland and also bring through new local talent. I put on regular shows in the Blackstairs Lounge which has been voted to be in the Top 6 music bars in Scotland for the past two years by SLTN.
How has 2011 been for you musically?
Ok. I thought most of the festivals I attended had better line ups in previous years. The Scottish music scene continues to thrive though and gives a promoter a wealth of talent to pick from.
What was the best local act for you this year and why?
The Side never fail to impress and it’s a great shame they have split when they were achieving so much recognition these past 12 months. Whisky River Band are a great live band.
What was the best non local act you have seen this year?
The La Fontaines at Bfest were amazing but my favourite set of the summer was the Xcerts at Belladrum.
What was your favourite music experience this year?
Go North on the Thursday night is always my favourite night of the year musically. So much to see and a real buzz around Inverness.
What do you want from Santa?
An iMac with the 27″ screen!
What’s your hopes for the music scene in 2012?
Just to see the Scottish music scene continue to grow as it has been, and to hopefully see some better line ups at the festivals. Nobody can argue about the headliners Rockness had this year but look below them and there’s not much there for the money they are taking on the gate. If they wheel out Fatboy Slim again this year I’ll be staying away!
What are your plans for 2012?
To try and get back into doing more club shows, and to hopefully aquire a mid size venue of my own. To hopefully grow Bfest beyond it’s 3000 capacity and put it on the map beyond the county of Caithness.
Got anything to plug?
Bfest 2012! The UK’s most northerly festival is back for its 3rd year and promises to be bigger and better.
Thanks to Ryan for his time.