Speak Up: An Introduction to Scottish Spoken Word

For those of you who prefer speaking to writing, there are a host of spoken word nights and events to get your literary teeth into. We’ve highlighted three of Scotland's best to get you started

Feature by Alan Bett | 15 Sep 2014

Neu! Reekie!
You don’t really know what to expect when turning up to see the Neu! Reekie! crew - there is always a mix of animation, film, poetry and music.
All that is consistent is quality, with words coming from co-host Michael Pedersen and music from the likes of Young Fathers and The Merrylees. And with Kevin Williamson, the former chief at Rebel Inc where the work of one Irvine Welsh first saw light, as Pedersen’s Neu! Reekie! other half, you can expect a punk edge sharpening their avant-garde ethos.
Find out more about Neu! Reekie! by liking them on Facebook or following them on Twitter @NeuReekie

Rally & Broad
Rally & Broad are Rachel McCrum and Jenny Lindsay, who host an Edinburgh cabaret of words, music and lyrical delights.
They put the performance in poetry, an entirely explicit skill in taking words from page to stage and giving them life and character. Apart from the joy of catching this lyrical pair in performance themselves, they also attract the cream of the UK literary scene to their nights.
Keep up to date with Rally & Broad on their website, rallyandbroad.wordpress.com

Last Monday at Rio
Where the previous two suggestions offer the opportunity to see polished acts in person, spoken word and poetry nights are not only about listening, but about being heard.
There are plenty of opportunities for newcomers to make their words part of the collective voice, and one such stage is at Glasgow’s Rio Café.
Alongside the headline acts and host Robin Cairns, there are seven open mic spots up for grabs ‘to be taken by complete beginners trying out their tonsils.’ If that sounds like you, why not give it a shot?
Get the latest on Last Monday at Rio direct from the host at robincairns.com/rio.html