Get to Know the Best Bands in Scotland - Sultans of Fling

They're young, talented, energetic and possibly Scotland's favourite wedding ceilidh band. They're Sultans of Fling and we'd like to know what they really think about performing at Scottish weddings. Is it really as much fun as the make it look?

 

What’s the furthest you’ve travelled to play a gig?

We have played for ceilidhs all over the UK, from the north of Scotland to the South of England; but we would love to play in Europe and beyond as well. Scottish music and dance is recognised the world over so we would love to take it wherever we can!

Which is your favourite wedding venue to perform in?

We have played in many amazing venues, some are very ancient and grand; and some are modern and homely! Cottier's Theatre in Glasgow is a firm favourite of ours. It is a converted church building used for concerts and weddings, and the acoustics are fantastic. The inner stonework is a spectacle and also a feast for any photographs!

Which is your favourite non-wedding venue to perform in?

We recently played for a 21st birthday party at the client's farm: the ceilidh was in the (functional!) lambing shed and our stage was a trailer being balanced on top of hay bales. It swayed while we played and bobbed while our feet stomped, but we loved every minute of it!

Which is your favourite song to perform?

The Orcadian Strip the Willow is a firm favourite for us. It is an upbeat, high velocity dance that always has everyone on the dance floor "geein' it laldy", it is great fun to play and is the perfect way to finish off any ceilidh.

Which is the most popular first dance you’re asked to play?

'Caledonia' by Dougie MacLean is a firm favourite. We don't have a singer but our instrumental version is often requested. A Gay Gordons is also chosen by those who wish for a livelier first dance and is also easy for additional dancers to join in after a few rounds.

What’s the best thing about playing at a wedding?

Meeting so many different crowds of people. No two ceilidh are the same for us, we always alter our tempos and intensity depending on whoever is dancing. Getting a gauge of this is always really interesting for us, and we're always learning something new every time we play.

The next most important factor has got to be the buffet... who doesn't love a roll and slice at 10pm on a Saturday night?!

What’s the worst thing about playing at a wedding?

It sounds a bit soppy, but really there's no downside to performing at weddings. People are in such a good mood and our job is to enhance that feel good factor. Ceilidh is the best way to do that. Nothing breaks the ice faster. Even if people don't know how, we'll quickly explain how the dances are done and before you know it everyone is having the time of their lives.

Apart from booking your band, what’s the best bit of advice you could give a couple planning their wedding?

You can never have too much ceilidh!

 

So thanks to Sultans of Fling for taking the time out of their busy schedules to have a chat with us. They made us feel old, not just because of their youth but also because of the passion they have for what they do. Nicer people you won't meet, neither will you come across more talented musicians. We were bowled over by their enthusiasm and energy. If you want your forthcoming wedding to benefit from having ths superb band play for you and your guests, then visit their web site to check current availability and to get an instant quote. http://www.sultans-of-fling.co.uk/