Johnathan Rice

I remember the voices and the singing more vividly than the streets and houses where the gatherings took place. We were a real big family, all based in Glasgow but spread out all over the world, and on the rare occasions that we were all in the same place we would try and fit into the same house. After the meal the older ones would have their drinks, and all of the younger ones knew what was coming next. There is an unspoken rule in families like mine, and I've found that it's the case in most Scottish and Irish households as well: everyone can sing or play. Everyone is expected to know at least one song, old or new, or at least be able to join in for the chorus for a few bars. Failing that, you should shuffle and clap. I myself picked up the guitar when I was quite young, so I was able to avoid the singing bit and play along unnoticed. Everyone seemed to have such pretty voices and I was afraid of what was gonna come out of my mouth.