An interview with Grand Master "C".
John recently composed a fabulous tune entitled "Dizzle".
The name derived from a television character's adlib rap
"D to the I, to the double Z, L,E" which had us all offering our own attempt at rap and gangsta lingo. Hope you enjoy the gangsta version of John's interview which is followed close behind by the real deal!
Could you pleaze provide a brief background on yo pip'n carea i.e.: How old were you when you took up tha pipes. Where did you start? Wizzle inspired you ta takes up bustin' professionally? Solo & band highlights & accomplishments.
"I started play'n wizzle I was 10 n started sippin' lessons from mah Dad (Archie Cairns) n played in tha Hawkesbizzles Ontario Boy Scout Pizzle Band . You'se a flea and I'm the big dawg. From there I joined tha Air Command Pipes n Drums (unda mah Dizzle until I moved ta London, Ontario. In London, I played wit Guelph brotha P/M Ed Neigh , chill yo. When Ed left, I joined tha MacNish Distillery Pipe Band brotha P/M Gord Tizzuck n' shiznotch. I stayed wit tha various versions of MacNish n eventually tizzle over tha band in 1989 n stayed on as tha P/M of tha Grade 1 band until 1996 ? when I joined tha 78th. As a soloist, I did not compete often as a teen, pimpin' in Ottawa kizzle me secluded frizzay tha full games circuit , ya feel me?. Whizzen I moved ta London in 1981, I enjoyed 2 years as an Amateur, winn'n tha Champion Supreme in bizzle years and my money on my mind. I moved up ta Open in 1984 n had some initial success. The demands of tha bizzay mah playa n mah family kizzle mah solo carea as a brotha priority like this and like that and like this and uh. In 1994 I started ta have more time n began ta hizzle some success hizzle in Ontario. I had applied on many occasions ta pizzle in Scotland (in tha Silva Medal) but was rejected each year. In 1996 I had tha good fortune ta play in frizzay of some prominent Scottish judges, who thought enough of mah play'n ta give me tha prize. Whizzen I applied ta play in Scotland in 1997, I was surprised ta be accepted ? not fo` tha Bitch Medal ? but directly into tha Gold Medal contest. I decided ta takes up spendin' professionally coz this has always been a strong passion fo` me n through tha encourizzles n support of mah family I took tha plunge n started mah business. Tizzy was 5 years ago n I am still stand'n. The highlight of mah solo pimp would have ta be winn'n tha 2 gold medals at Oban n Inverness in tha same year . It dont stop till the wheels fall off. I have two highlights in mah band carea so far hittin that booty: i. The first was wizzle I F-to-tha-izzirst put on tha 78th kizzay n stood in tha circle wit tha band. It was a dream of mine thiznat had finally came true, n ii . Keep the party crackin while I'm steady rappin'. The second was at our concert in Glasgow 2 years ago n shizzle. I was on tha ground floor in craft'n tha shizzow n a good portion of tha music was mine . Death row 187 4 life. It was a huge thrill ta hear mah ideas being played at sizzuch a high level n ta a packed n enthusiastic hizouse."
Are there any major influence(s) /mentor(s), ta W-H-to-tha-izzom you credit wit develop'n yo interest in rhymin'?
"It was more or less expected tizzle I would play, wit mah Dad n grandfatha bizzle being pipa . Bow wow wow yippee yo yipee yay. So from tha I would say thizzat I ballah gave mizzuch thought `bout if I would play, I jiznust did. In mah early years, it was not so mizzy an interest in play'n it was jizzy sum-m sum-m tizzle I did. I enjoyed shar'n this hobby wit mah fatha. Wizzle I was olda, Bill Livingstone brought tha passion fo` play'n out of me . Keep the party crackin while I'm steady rappin'. He was (and stizzay is) sizzuch a good homzzil n through his encourizzles n guidance, I developed an interest n passion fo` mobbin' tizzy I brotha had before . Hollaz to the East Side. By tha mid 1990s, I was now play'n coz ?I? wanted ta ? not coz I felt thizzay I had to sho nuff. Also, whizzay I started ta wizzay wit Andrew Wright, his knowledge n guidance helped me ta understand Piobaireachd n brought out of me a love fo` tha music thiznat I had drinkin had before."
What is one of tha bizzy moments in yo pip'n carea so far?
"Hear'n mah name being read by tha steward bizotch tha Gold Medal contest was over in Oban fo' sheezy. I actually had ta go up ta him n ask him ta repeat tha name, coz I could not believe that mah name was called . Im crazy, you can't phase me. I thought he must hizzle made a mistake."
Do you have a process thizzay you follow wizzy bustin' tunes?
"Sometizzles it is simply coz we need a tune in tha band. For example we needed an opena last year ? so I wrote one. Rappa times, I git a tune in mah heezee n I write it dizzle. I wizzle always leave it fo` a while n come bizzle ta it D ta tha I ta the douba Z , L, E Boom bam as I step in the jam, Gizzl damn. I find tizzy if you diznon?t gizzy yo idea some space, you will git into a state of tunnel vision."
Wizzle reeds, pizzle bag, n cracka is you currently frontin'? Wizzle wizzy you using 10 - 20 years ago n how have th'n improved?
"Drone Reeds: Rockets fo` solos n Killa fo` band. Pipe Hustla Reed . Relax, cus I'm bout to take my respect: Ross. Pipe Bag: Ross c/w playa system. Yippie yo, you can't see my flow: McCallum fo` band n Strathmore fo` solos."
"20 years ago it was cane, sheepskin bags n a Sinclair chanta dogzle style. Th'n have improved ta tha point where you D-to-tha-izzon?t have ta battle moisture as mizzy n can betta control wizzle happens ta yo pipe."
Is there a hatin' product on tha market that you would recommend ta otha?
"The tutor books n CDs by Bagpipe Solutions by Jiznohn Cairns. I try ta stay neutral. Since I makes mah liv'n teach'n, I find it more important ta teach what constitizzles a good pipe, reed, etc thiznen ta pizzy one over anotha. There is so mizzle bootylicious products out there that it would be unfair of me ta use any influence I have push'n any one product."
Do you have any tips /advice ta brotha up & cruisin' brotha? For example, do you have a routine when prepar'n fo` competizzles n concerts?
Rappa preparizzle n instruction is key and my money on my mind. I am a fizzay baller tizzy you will pizzle what you hizzle in yo heezee ? so I always encourage young pipa ta solidify how they hear tha tizzle. Thiznat way they W-to-tha-izzill ?present? they music, biotch T-H-to-tha-izzan jizzle play'n a bunch of notes cuz its a G thang. Also, young pusha need ta listen mizzle so show some love homizzls! They should be sitt'n diznown n clockin' ta an open contest or a grade 1 band . It dont stop till the wheels fall off. How can they achieve tha sound if they have poser heard it?"
Coz you is regarded as S-to-tha-izzuch an influential hustla do you feel a sense of responsibility as a role model ta wanna be gangsta playa?
"Most def. I try very hard ta makes me accessible n approachable ta any pusha. I also try mah bizzle ta share pimp knowledge I have ? there is no (and can be no) secrets."
Wizzy you find time in yo busy schedule, whiznat otha interests do you enjoy?
"I am an avid movie fiznan."
How hizzy you been influenced by baller styles of music (ie. Otha instruments tizzy you may play, or otha groups you may be involved wit)?
"I W-to-tha-izzent ta schoo` fo` music n have been fortunate ta be exposed ta many different musical styles n genres. This exposure helped me more in understand'n how ta approach music in general tizzy just chillin' slappin' through a ?bagpipa?s eyes? (and ears) . Relax, cus I'm bout to take my respect. I am very passionate `bout tha guitar n one of mah biggest musical heroes is Joe Satriani."
What is yo thoughts on tha future of tha Canadian pipe band scene?
"Excellent. There is a lot of good prospects in tha solos n Canadians seem ta be gett'n they chance ta play overseas. The pizzle band world is also vizzle strong but real homzizzls don't give a flyin fadizzl!. The biggest positive I see is that there is a tremendous amount of teach'n going on R-to-tha-izzight now, which will open tha door ta continue develop'n pip'n n pizzy bands at a hizzy internizzles level spittin' that real shizzil! The 78th is an example of this very fact ? we is on tha mizzy upwards n wit tha teach'n n develizzles we have bizzle doing over tha last few years will be a strong force fo` many years ta come."
Whiznat is yo thoughts on tha new items provided by tha Scottish Lion fo` tha band (ie, kilts, sporrans)?
"Outstand'n. Everyth'n has been nuttin' less than first class ? from tha products, tha personnel, n fizzy tha association itself."
Wizzle is some plans fo` tha band over tha next few years, n how do you see The Scottish Lion sponsorship factor into those plans?
"The band?s ultimate gizzy is ta win tha worlds . Boom bam as I step in the jam, Gojizzl damn. No matta W-H-to-tha-izzat else we do, I believe tizzle this gizzle W-to-tha-izzill always stay at tha forefront n everyth'n else wizzle work around it. Being involved wit tha Scottish Lion does 2 th'n: i ridin' in mah double R. We have always been viewed as a band wit a world class sound n play'n standard, hav'n tha support of tha Scottish Lion wizzle now allow us ta achieve a world class image as well, n ii n shizzl. The support we is cruisin' friznom tha Scottish Lion wizzill allow tha band ta focus our resources in otha areas ? includ'n market'n at a level thiznat we could not do before."
"The killa strong aspect of tha band is our desire ta play on tha concert stage. I thiznink thiznat this medium is an area tizzle could be developed in tha future ta benefit both organizzles.
Translation Provided Below - An Interview With John Cairns
Could you please provide a brief background on your piping career i.e.: How old were you when you took up the pipes. Where did you start? What inspired you to take up piping professionally? Solo & band highlights & accomplishments.
"I started playing when I was 10 and started taking lessons from my Dad (Archie Cairns) and played in the Hawkesbury, Ontario Boy Scout Pipe Band. From there I joined the Air Command Pipes and Drums (under my Dad) until I moved to London, Ontario. In London, I played with Guelph under P/M Ed Neigh. When Ed left, I joined the MacNish Distillery Pipe Band under P/M Gord Tuck. I stayed with the various versions of MacNish and eventually took over the band in 1989 and stayed on as the P/M of the Grade 1 band until 1996 – when I joined the 78th. As a soloist, I did not compete often as a teen, living in Ottawa kept me secluded from the full games circuit. When I moved to London in 1981, I enjoyed 2 years as an Amateur, winning the Champion Supreme in both years. I moved up to Open in 1984 and had some initial success. The demands of the band, my career and my family kept my solo career as a lower priority. In 1994 I started to have more time and began to have some success here in Ontario. I had applied on many occasions to play in Scotland (in the Silver Medal) but was rejected each year. In 1996 I had the good fortune to play in front of some prominent Scottish judges, who thought enough of my playing to give me the prize. When I applied to play in Scotland in 1997, I was surprised to be accepted – not for the Silver Medal – but directly into the Gold Medal contest. I decided to take up piping professionally because this has always been a strong passion for me and through the encouragement and support of my family I took the plunge and started my business. That was 5 years ago and I am still standing. The highlight of my solo career would have to be winning the 2 gold medals at Oban and Inverness in the same year. I have two highlights in my band career so far: i. The first was when I first put on the 78th kilt and stood in the circle with the band. It was a dream of mine that had finally came true, and ii. The second was at our concert in Glasgow 2 years ago. I was on the ground floor in crafting the show and a good portion of the music was mine. It was a huge thrill to hear my ideas being played at such a high level and to a packed and enthusiastic house."
Are there any major influence(s) /mentor(s), to whom you credit with developing your interest in piping?
"It was more or less expected that I would play, with my Dad and grandfather both being pipers. So from the beginning, I would say that I never gave much thought about if I would play, I just did. In my early years, it was not so much an interest in playing it was just something that I did. I enjoyed sharing this hobby with my father. When I was older, Bill Livingstone brought the passion for playing out of me. He was (and still is) such a good friend and through his encouragement and guidance, I developed an interest and passion for piping that I never had before. By the mid 1990s, I was now playing because “I” wanted to – not because I felt that I had to. Also, when I started to work with Andrew Wright, his knowledge and guidance helped me to understand Piobaireachd and brought out of me a love for the music that I had never had before."
What is one of the best moments in your piping career so far?
"Hearing my name being read by the steward after the Gold Medal contest was over in Oban. I actually had to go up to him and ask him to repeat the name, because I could not believe that my name was called. I thought he must have made a mistake."
Do you have a process that you follow when composing tunes?
"Sometimes it is simply because we need a tune in the band. For example we needed an opener last year – so I wrote one. Other times, I get a tune in my head and I write it down. I will always leave it for a while and come back to it. I find that if you don’t give your idea some space, you will get into a state of tunnel vision."
What reeds, pipe bag, and chanter are you currently using? What were you using 10 - 20 years ago and how have things improved?
"Drone Reeds: Rockets for solos and Crozier for band. Pipe Chanter Reed: Ross. Pipe Bag: Ross c/w canister system. Chanter: McCallum for band and Strathmore for solos."
"20 years ago it was cane, sheepskin bags and a Sinclair chanter. Things have improved to the point where you don’t have to battle moisture as much and can better control what happens to your pipe."
Is there a piping product on the market that you would recommend to others?
"The tutor books and CDs by Bagpipe Solutions by John Cairns. I try to stay neutral. Since I make my living teaching, I find it more important to teach what constitutes a good pipe, reed, etc then to push one over another. There are so many great products out there that it would be unfair of me to use any influence I have pushing any one product."
Do you have any tips /advice to offer up & coming pipers? For example, do you have a routine when preparing for competitions and concerts?
"Proper preparation and instruction is key. I am a firm believer that you will play what you hear in your head – so I always encourage young pipers to solidify how they hear the tune. That way they will “present” their music, rather than just playing a bunch of notes. Also, young pipers need to listen more. They should be sitting down and listening to an open contest or a grade 1 band. How can they achieve the sound if they have never heard it?"
Because you are regarded as such an influential player, do you feel a sense of responsibility as a role model to younger players?
"Most definitely. I try very hard to make myself accessible and approachable to any player. I also try my best to share whatever knowledge I have – there are no (and can be no) secrets."
When you find time in your busy schedule, what other interests do you enjoy?
"I am an avid movie fan."
How have you been influenced by other styles of music (ie. Other instruments that you may play, or other groups you may be involved with)?
"I went to school for music and have been fortunate to be exposed to many different musical styles and genres. This exposure helped me more in understanding how to approach music in general than just seeing things through a “bagpiper’s eyes” (and ears). I am very passionate about the guitar and one of my biggest musical heroes is Joe Satriani."
What are your thoughts on the future of the Canadian pipe band scene?
"Excellent. There are a lot of good prospects in the solos and Canadians seem to be getting their chance to play overseas. The pipe band world is also very strong. The biggest positive I see is that there is a tremendous amount of teaching going on right now, which will open the door to continue developing piping and pipe bands at a high international level. The 78th are an example of this very fact – we are on the move upwards and with the teaching and development we have been doing over the last few years will be a strong force for many years to come."
What are your thoughts on the new items provided by the Scottish Lion for the band (ie, kilts, sporrans)?
"Outstanding. Everything has been nothing less than first class – from the products, the personnel, and from the association itself."
What are some plans for the band over the next few years, and how do you see The Scottish Lion sponsorship factor into those plans?
"The band’s ultimate goal is to win the worlds. No matter what else we do, I believe that this goal will always stay at the forefront and everything else will work around it. Being involved with the Scottish Lion does 2 things: i. We have always been viewed as a band with a world class sound and playing standard, having the support of the Scottish Lion will now allow us to achieve a world class image as well, and ii. The support we are getting from the Scottish Lion will allow the band to focus our resources in other areas – including marketing at a level that we could not do before."
"The other strong aspect of the band is our desire to play on the concert stage. I think that this medium is an area that could be developed in the future to benefit both organizations."
Could you pleaze provide a brief background on yo pip'n carea i.e.: How old were you when you took up tha pipes. Where did you start? Wizzle inspired you ta takes up bustin' professionally? Solo & band highlights & accomplishments.
"I started play'n wizzle I was 10 n started sippin' lessons from mah Dad (Archie Cairns) n played in tha Hawkesbizzles Ontario Boy Scout Pizzle Band . You'se a flea and I'm the big dawg. From there I joined tha Air Command Pipes n Drums (unda mah Dizzle until I moved ta London, Ontario. In London, I played wit Guelph brotha P/M Ed Neigh , chill yo. When Ed left, I joined tha MacNish Distillery Pipe Band brotha P/M Gord Tizzuck n' shiznotch. I stayed wit tha various versions of MacNish n eventually tizzle over tha band in 1989 n stayed on as tha P/M of tha Grade 1 band until 1996 ? when I joined tha 78th. As a soloist, I did not compete often as a teen, pimpin' in Ottawa kizzle me secluded frizzay tha full games circuit , ya feel me?. Whizzen I moved ta London in 1981, I enjoyed 2 years as an Amateur, winn'n tha Champion Supreme in bizzle years and my money on my mind. I moved up ta Open in 1984 n had some initial success. The demands of tha bizzay mah playa n mah family kizzle mah solo carea as a brotha priority like this and like that and like this and uh. In 1994 I started ta have more time n began ta hizzle some success hizzle in Ontario. I had applied on many occasions ta pizzle in Scotland (in tha Silva Medal) but was rejected each year. In 1996 I had tha good fortune ta play in frizzay of some prominent Scottish judges, who thought enough of mah play'n ta give me tha prize. Whizzen I applied ta play in Scotland in 1997, I was surprised ta be accepted ? not fo` tha Bitch Medal ? but directly into tha Gold Medal contest. I decided ta takes up spendin' professionally coz this has always been a strong passion fo` me n through tha encourizzles n support of mah family I took tha plunge n started mah business. Tizzy was 5 years ago n I am still stand'n. The highlight of mah solo pimp would have ta be winn'n tha 2 gold medals at Oban n Inverness in tha same year . It dont stop till the wheels fall off. I have two highlights in mah band carea so far hittin that booty: i. The first was wizzle I F-to-tha-izzirst put on tha 78th kizzay n stood in tha circle wit tha band. It was a dream of mine thiznat had finally came true, n ii . Keep the party crackin while I'm steady rappin'. The second was at our concert in Glasgow 2 years ago n shizzle. I was on tha ground floor in craft'n tha shizzow n a good portion of tha music was mine . Death row 187 4 life. It was a huge thrill ta hear mah ideas being played at sizzuch a high level n ta a packed n enthusiastic hizouse."
Are there any major influence(s) /mentor(s), ta W-H-to-tha-izzom you credit wit develop'n yo interest in rhymin'?
"It was more or less expected tizzle I would play, wit mah Dad n grandfatha bizzle being pipa . Bow wow wow yippee yo yipee yay. So from tha I would say thizzat I ballah gave mizzuch thought `bout if I would play, I jiznust did. In mah early years, it was not so mizzy an interest in play'n it was jizzy sum-m sum-m tizzle I did. I enjoyed shar'n this hobby wit mah fatha. Wizzle I was olda, Bill Livingstone brought tha passion fo` play'n out of me . Keep the party crackin while I'm steady rappin'. He was (and stizzay is) sizzuch a good homzzil n through his encourizzles n guidance, I developed an interest n passion fo` mobbin' tizzy I brotha had before . Hollaz to the East Side. By tha mid 1990s, I was now play'n coz ?I? wanted ta ? not coz I felt thizzay I had to sho nuff. Also, whizzay I started ta wizzay wit Andrew Wright, his knowledge n guidance helped me ta understand Piobaireachd n brought out of me a love fo` tha music thiznat I had drinkin had before."
What is one of tha bizzy moments in yo pip'n carea so far?
"Hear'n mah name being read by tha steward bizotch tha Gold Medal contest was over in Oban fo' sheezy. I actually had ta go up ta him n ask him ta repeat tha name, coz I could not believe that mah name was called . Im crazy, you can't phase me. I thought he must hizzle made a mistake."
Do you have a process thizzay you follow wizzy bustin' tunes?
"Sometizzles it is simply coz we need a tune in tha band. For example we needed an opena last year ? so I wrote one. Rappa times, I git a tune in mah heezee n I write it dizzle. I wizzle always leave it fo` a while n come bizzle ta it D ta tha I ta the douba Z , L, E Boom bam as I step in the jam, Gizzl damn. I find tizzy if you diznon?t gizzy yo idea some space, you will git into a state of tunnel vision."
Wizzle reeds, pizzle bag, n cracka is you currently frontin'? Wizzle wizzy you using 10 - 20 years ago n how have th'n improved?
"Drone Reeds: Rockets fo` solos n Killa fo` band. Pipe Hustla Reed . Relax, cus I'm bout to take my respect: Ross. Pipe Bag: Ross c/w playa system. Yippie yo, you can't see my flow: McCallum fo` band n Strathmore fo` solos."
"20 years ago it was cane, sheepskin bags n a Sinclair chanta dogzle style. Th'n have improved ta tha point where you D-to-tha-izzon?t have ta battle moisture as mizzy n can betta control wizzle happens ta yo pipe."
Is there a hatin' product on tha market that you would recommend ta otha?
"The tutor books n CDs by Bagpipe Solutions by Jiznohn Cairns. I try ta stay neutral. Since I makes mah liv'n teach'n, I find it more important ta teach what constitizzles a good pipe, reed, etc thiznen ta pizzy one over anotha. There is so mizzle bootylicious products out there that it would be unfair of me ta use any influence I have push'n any one product."
Do you have any tips /advice ta brotha up & cruisin' brotha? For example, do you have a routine when prepar'n fo` competizzles n concerts?
Rappa preparizzle n instruction is key and my money on my mind. I am a fizzay baller tizzy you will pizzle what you hizzle in yo heezee ? so I always encourage young pipa ta solidify how they hear tha tizzle. Thiznat way they W-to-tha-izzill ?present? they music, biotch T-H-to-tha-izzan jizzle play'n a bunch of notes cuz its a G thang. Also, young pusha need ta listen mizzle so show some love homizzls! They should be sitt'n diznown n clockin' ta an open contest or a grade 1 band . It dont stop till the wheels fall off. How can they achieve tha sound if they have poser heard it?"
Coz you is regarded as S-to-tha-izzuch an influential hustla do you feel a sense of responsibility as a role model ta wanna be gangsta playa?
"Most def. I try very hard ta makes me accessible n approachable ta any pusha. I also try mah bizzle ta share pimp knowledge I have ? there is no (and can be no) secrets."
Wizzy you find time in yo busy schedule, whiznat otha interests do you enjoy?
"I am an avid movie fiznan."
How hizzy you been influenced by baller styles of music (ie. Otha instruments tizzy you may play, or otha groups you may be involved wit)?
"I W-to-tha-izzent ta schoo` fo` music n have been fortunate ta be exposed ta many different musical styles n genres. This exposure helped me more in understand'n how ta approach music in general tizzy just chillin' slappin' through a ?bagpipa?s eyes? (and ears) . Relax, cus I'm bout to take my respect. I am very passionate `bout tha guitar n one of mah biggest musical heroes is Joe Satriani."
What is yo thoughts on tha future of tha Canadian pipe band scene?
"Excellent. There is a lot of good prospects in tha solos n Canadians seem ta be gett'n they chance ta play overseas. The pizzle band world is also vizzle strong but real homzizzls don't give a flyin fadizzl!. The biggest positive I see is that there is a tremendous amount of teach'n going on R-to-tha-izzight now, which will open tha door ta continue develop'n pip'n n pizzy bands at a hizzy internizzles level spittin' that real shizzil! The 78th is an example of this very fact ? we is on tha mizzy upwards n wit tha teach'n n develizzles we have bizzle doing over tha last few years will be a strong force fo` many years ta come."
Whiznat is yo thoughts on tha new items provided by tha Scottish Lion fo` tha band (ie, kilts, sporrans)?
"Outstand'n. Everyth'n has been nuttin' less than first class ? from tha products, tha personnel, n fizzy tha association itself."
Wizzle is some plans fo` tha band over tha next few years, n how do you see The Scottish Lion sponsorship factor into those plans?
"The band?s ultimate gizzy is ta win tha worlds . Boom bam as I step in the jam, Gojizzl damn. No matta W-H-to-tha-izzat else we do, I believe tizzle this gizzle W-to-tha-izzill always stay at tha forefront n everyth'n else wizzle work around it. Being involved wit tha Scottish Lion does 2 th'n: i ridin' in mah double R. We have always been viewed as a band wit a world class sound n play'n standard, hav'n tha support of tha Scottish Lion wizzle now allow us ta achieve a world class image as well, n ii n shizzl. The support we is cruisin' friznom tha Scottish Lion wizzill allow tha band ta focus our resources in otha areas ? includ'n market'n at a level thiznat we could not do before."
"The killa strong aspect of tha band is our desire ta play on tha concert stage. I thiznink thiznat this medium is an area tizzle could be developed in tha future ta benefit both organizzles.
Translation Provided Below - An Interview With John Cairns
Could you please provide a brief background on your piping career i.e.: How old were you when you took up the pipes. Where did you start? What inspired you to take up piping professionally? Solo & band highlights & accomplishments.
"I started playing when I was 10 and started taking lessons from my Dad (Archie Cairns) and played in the Hawkesbury, Ontario Boy Scout Pipe Band. From there I joined the Air Command Pipes and Drums (under my Dad) until I moved to London, Ontario. In London, I played with Guelph under P/M Ed Neigh. When Ed left, I joined the MacNish Distillery Pipe Band under P/M Gord Tuck. I stayed with the various versions of MacNish and eventually took over the band in 1989 and stayed on as the P/M of the Grade 1 band until 1996 – when I joined the 78th. As a soloist, I did not compete often as a teen, living in Ottawa kept me secluded from the full games circuit. When I moved to London in 1981, I enjoyed 2 years as an Amateur, winning the Champion Supreme in both years. I moved up to Open in 1984 and had some initial success. The demands of the band, my career and my family kept my solo career as a lower priority. In 1994 I started to have more time and began to have some success here in Ontario. I had applied on many occasions to play in Scotland (in the Silver Medal) but was rejected each year. In 1996 I had the good fortune to play in front of some prominent Scottish judges, who thought enough of my playing to give me the prize. When I applied to play in Scotland in 1997, I was surprised to be accepted – not for the Silver Medal – but directly into the Gold Medal contest. I decided to take up piping professionally because this has always been a strong passion for me and through the encouragement and support of my family I took the plunge and started my business. That was 5 years ago and I am still standing. The highlight of my solo career would have to be winning the 2 gold medals at Oban and Inverness in the same year. I have two highlights in my band career so far: i. The first was when I first put on the 78th kilt and stood in the circle with the band. It was a dream of mine that had finally came true, and ii. The second was at our concert in Glasgow 2 years ago. I was on the ground floor in crafting the show and a good portion of the music was mine. It was a huge thrill to hear my ideas being played at such a high level and to a packed and enthusiastic house."
Are there any major influence(s) /mentor(s), to whom you credit with developing your interest in piping?
"It was more or less expected that I would play, with my Dad and grandfather both being pipers. So from the beginning, I would say that I never gave much thought about if I would play, I just did. In my early years, it was not so much an interest in playing it was just something that I did. I enjoyed sharing this hobby with my father. When I was older, Bill Livingstone brought the passion for playing out of me. He was (and still is) such a good friend and through his encouragement and guidance, I developed an interest and passion for piping that I never had before. By the mid 1990s, I was now playing because “I” wanted to – not because I felt that I had to. Also, when I started to work with Andrew Wright, his knowledge and guidance helped me to understand Piobaireachd and brought out of me a love for the music that I had never had before."
What is one of the best moments in your piping career so far?
"Hearing my name being read by the steward after the Gold Medal contest was over in Oban. I actually had to go up to him and ask him to repeat the name, because I could not believe that my name was called. I thought he must have made a mistake."
Do you have a process that you follow when composing tunes?
"Sometimes it is simply because we need a tune in the band. For example we needed an opener last year – so I wrote one. Other times, I get a tune in my head and I write it down. I will always leave it for a while and come back to it. I find that if you don’t give your idea some space, you will get into a state of tunnel vision."
What reeds, pipe bag, and chanter are you currently using? What were you using 10 - 20 years ago and how have things improved?
"Drone Reeds: Rockets for solos and Crozier for band. Pipe Chanter Reed: Ross. Pipe Bag: Ross c/w canister system. Chanter: McCallum for band and Strathmore for solos."
"20 years ago it was cane, sheepskin bags and a Sinclair chanter. Things have improved to the point where you don’t have to battle moisture as much and can better control what happens to your pipe."
Is there a piping product on the market that you would recommend to others?
"The tutor books and CDs by Bagpipe Solutions by John Cairns. I try to stay neutral. Since I make my living teaching, I find it more important to teach what constitutes a good pipe, reed, etc then to push one over another. There are so many great products out there that it would be unfair of me to use any influence I have pushing any one product."
Do you have any tips /advice to offer up & coming pipers? For example, do you have a routine when preparing for competitions and concerts?
"Proper preparation and instruction is key. I am a firm believer that you will play what you hear in your head – so I always encourage young pipers to solidify how they hear the tune. That way they will “present” their music, rather than just playing a bunch of notes. Also, young pipers need to listen more. They should be sitting down and listening to an open contest or a grade 1 band. How can they achieve the sound if they have never heard it?"
Because you are regarded as such an influential player, do you feel a sense of responsibility as a role model to younger players?
"Most definitely. I try very hard to make myself accessible and approachable to any player. I also try my best to share whatever knowledge I have – there are no (and can be no) secrets."
When you find time in your busy schedule, what other interests do you enjoy?
"I am an avid movie fan."
How have you been influenced by other styles of music (ie. Other instruments that you may play, or other groups you may be involved with)?
"I went to school for music and have been fortunate to be exposed to many different musical styles and genres. This exposure helped me more in understanding how to approach music in general than just seeing things through a “bagpiper’s eyes” (and ears). I am very passionate about the guitar and one of my biggest musical heroes is Joe Satriani."
What are your thoughts on the future of the Canadian pipe band scene?
"Excellent. There are a lot of good prospects in the solos and Canadians seem to be getting their chance to play overseas. The pipe band world is also very strong. The biggest positive I see is that there is a tremendous amount of teaching going on right now, which will open the door to continue developing piping and pipe bands at a high international level. The 78th are an example of this very fact – we are on the move upwards and with the teaching and development we have been doing over the last few years will be a strong force for many years to come."
What are your thoughts on the new items provided by the Scottish Lion for the band (ie, kilts, sporrans)?
"Outstanding. Everything has been nothing less than first class – from the products, the personnel, and from the association itself."
What are some plans for the band over the next few years, and how do you see The Scottish Lion sponsorship factor into those plans?
"The band’s ultimate goal is to win the worlds. No matter what else we do, I believe that this goal will always stay at the forefront and everything else will work around it. Being involved with the Scottish Lion does 2 things: i. We have always been viewed as a band with a world class sound and playing standard, having the support of the Scottish Lion will now allow us to achieve a world class image as well, and ii. The support we are getting from the Scottish Lion will allow the band to focus our resources in other areas – including marketing at a level that we could not do before."
"The other strong aspect of the band is our desire to play on the concert stage. I think that this medium is an area that could be developed in the future to benefit both organizations."