Josephine Sillars is a songwriter and musician originally from the Highlands of Scotland and now based in Glasgow. Like most creative people, Josephine endeavours to earn a living from doing what she loves. Ripped From The Wire Spine is a spoken word and multimedia show that takes a personal look at the struggles of being a musician in Scotland. The show is an exciting blend of storytelling, video, poetry and music.

Ripped From The Wire Spine was first performed in Edinburgh during the Free Fringe in August 2015. Tonight the performance is taking place at The Scottish Storytelling Centre and definitely benefits from the intimate and relaxed setting of the Netherbow Theatre within the venue. Before the main performer takes the stage the audience has the pleasure of experiencing a short spoken word set from local performer Emily Elver. Her topics include things to do before you turn thirty and the distresses of working in marketing. Emily is a comfortable performer and a perfect opener for the evening. Following Emily are Bella and The Bear, a talented musical duo from the west coast of Scotland. Their music is both subtle and powerful and wins the audience over with their sensitive and thoughtful songs.

Ripped From The Wire Spine begins with a short section of video interviews featuring several Scottish musicians. Emma Pollock and Rachel Sermanni amongst others give their opinions on the troubles of making music in a competitive art form. These videos set the scene for the performance and make way for Josephine to take the stage.

Josephine Sillars is filled with energy as she tells the audience about her upbringing in the north of Scotland and how she travelled to Glasgow to attend university. She performs songs about growing up and the naivety of youth. Josephine gives the audience and insight into her life and how she attempts to make a living as a musician. We also hear how the death of people close to her has affected her relationship to music and her ability to write.

The performance really hits its stride during the final third when the story becomes even more personal and the topic of mental health is explored. Spoken word artist Ross McFarlane enters the stage and gives a genuine and frantic performance that presents the delicate, distress and nullifying nature of anxiety.

Ripped From The Wire Spine gives an insight into the independent music scene in Scotland and doesn’t shy away from discussing the hardships and personal turmoil that this can bring. Other than focusing on selling records and getting bookings, Josephine looks at the practical nature of making music and how to find confidence and belonging in the local music scene.