• WHAT WERE YOU HOPING TO GET OUT OF THE RETREAT?

I've been writing songs for years but I always felt like my songs were 6/10 and what I really want is 8s and 9s. When Duncan asked me this question before I signed up, I said I just wanted to write really, really good songs. No great ambition, no dreams of stardom - it's all about the songs for me. 

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•  WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST TAKE AWAY?

Jon Boden is a truly great musician and writer and I was blown away by that and the musical talent of the other attendees, but for me the big takeaway was the 'Retreat' part. Knoydart, that house, our generous hosts, and swimming and walking in that inspiring environment was magical. That little ferry transports you from your day-to-day life into a world filled with beauty and music, new friends and no distractions.

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• WHAT WAS YOUR HIGHLIGHT?

The trip to Doune. Swimming with Nik and Jon, sharing whisky with Tim and writing on the beach. When I picked up my guitar it felt like the whole week had been leading up to that point: everything Jon had shared with us, all of the songs so far. The song I wrote in Doune is at least an 8!

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