Exclusive Interview with Louise Fraser, Acclaimed Singer-Songwriter, Discussing Release of Epic Battle Song 'Glory', a Tribute to The Battle of Culloden

Louise Fraser talks to Transceltic

Transceltic’s Alastair Kneale spoke with Louise Fraser in April 2019 on the day that the song 'Glory' was released.

We explored her influences, authentic musical style, future plans, as well as the importance to Louise of her Scottish roots in her work.

1. The track ‘Glory’ was clearly inspired by and dedicated to the fallen clansmen of the Battle of Culloden. What was your motivation to release the track?

I was motivated on so many levels to write this song, which along with the funeral lament ‘Hush’, is one of the most personal songs I have ever written. We used to live just across the Moray Firth from Culloden so I have been there many times. And we grew up hearing about the clearances and the effect Culloden had on clan culture. We could see it all around us. But we could also see the eternal glory of the Highlands everywhere we looked. Those hills have always felt electric to me, imposing a sense of majesty and sadness for all they have seen. And nowhere is that majestic grief better embodied than at Culloden Moor.

Moreover, my father, James Lethen Young Fraser, would often share his recurring nightmares about being a soldier at the battle of Culloden. He would describe the layout of the battlefield, the shame of hiding behind a specific stone, the horror of seeing his clansmen fight magnificently at the front lines, ultimately outnumbered and slaughtered in minutes. A part of me thinks that perhaps these were ‘emotional metaphor’ dreams. But the more I researched the battle and discovered that his dreams so closely resemble the truth, a part of me can’t help wonder if he was actually there. So I feel a geographical, emotional, and possibly ancestral connection to Culloden. The Fraser clan afterall took some of the heaviest losses that day.

2. Did you feel a sense of responsibility in terms of portraying such an important moment in Scottish history? In particular the tragedy of the event and its subsequent impact on individuals, the clans and Highland life?

Great question! I was actually quite nervous about releasing Glory for that reason. The best I could do was approach the subject with an inordinate amount of humility and respect.  I tried to capture the devastation of the loss as well as the unending glory of the Highlands by juxtaposing stripped down darkly poetic verses with massive, fully orchestrated triumphant choral choruses.

The track took over a year to complete, we wanted so badly to get it right. And we did our best. But ultimately one songwriter alone cannot capture such a momentous event in a way that will please everyone. And I honestly sincerely apologize to anyone who feels let down by my interpretation. I am also working on my Gaelic and hope to one day release a stripped down Gealic hymn to Culloden. 

3. Your last single 'Hush' was a deeply moving Celtic funeral lament that was written after the death of your father, James Lethen Young Fraser. How difficult was it to try and put those personal feelings into song?

That song was extremely painful to write because I had to face my grief full on. I normally compartmentalize unpleasant feelings, but they all had to come out for this one. I literally felt as if I was tearing myself open. I’d like to think that it was cathartic, because you cannot bury your grief forever. But the thing about grief is that, just because it’s aired, it doesn’t go away.

4. How important do you feel your Celtic and Scottish roots are in your work? Has the present 'Glory' project given you added personal insights into your Gaelic heritage?

As a young adult I ran away from my roots, as far as I could. I mean I ended up living in the Middle East! You can’t get much further away from Scotland, geographically or culturally, than that! But I feel like I am finally coming full circle, and my heart is coming home. I feel more at peace, as a person and as a songwriter. And as such I can feel my heritage playing a larger role in my work.

5.  What are your future plans and what direction do you feel you will take with your music, including collaborations with other artists?

I am currently completing a collection of Celtic tracks that are intended for use on screen. Glory and Hush are part of that collection. I have already recorded a Gaelic folk song produced with a tinge of dark electronica, and I have some stripped down original Celtic ballads in the pipes too. So far collaborators on this project include film composer Jeff Rona (Traffic, Black Hawk Down, Liquid Cinema) and violinist/ producer Martin Tichy (Vienna Symphonic).  I am also part of an electronica duo, Muricidae, with John Fryer (Cocteau Twins, Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode, This Mortal Coil). I have been fortunate to work with a lot of magnificent musicians so far, and I am always open to new collaborators. So if any of your readers are serious musicians who might be interested, they should look me up!