Haggis X-1
Haggis X-1
Haggis X-1
Haggis X-1
Haggis X-1
All Aboard Haggis X-1 !
All Aboard Haggis X-1 !
All Aboard Haggis X-1 !
All Aboard Haggis X-1 !
All Aboard Haggis X-1 !
All Aboard Haggis X-1 !
All Aboard Haggis X-1 !
All Aboard Haggis X-1 !
You know Craig Downie. You like Craig Downie. People talk about "talent" when it comes to entertaining. But with Craig, he just can't help himself. He cracks jokes (to himself) before he's had a cup of coffee. He literally laughs in the face of laughter. He's a piper, a songwriter and an all 'round good guy. He started a band called Enter The Haggis when he was an unemployed actor and busker on the streets of Toronto in the mid 1990s and never looked back. ETH has taken him to stages around the world and, more importantly, he's made friends in the process. Generous friends... friends like you :)
After 30 years of pubs, bars, clubs, festivals and arts centers, Enter The Haggis is retiring from the road. But Craig has more to add to the story. He's got songs that you want to hear and he's going to bring them to you in support of his new album. Be a part of the story: help Craig create art AND tackle unemployment with one stone... or dollar... or several.
My name is Trevor and I've worked with Craig for 25 of those 30 years; as guitarist, singer, accountant, bus driver and roadie for Enter The Haggis. I've shared a room on the road with Craig for most of those years and the number one question Craig's asked me is: "Can I borrow your guitar?". There must have been thousands of nights where we shared a room in some dingy motel, and Craig had a song in his head that he just had to get out.
The songs that he wrote for ETH's debut album have stood the test of time. That album, "Let The Wind Blow High", has long been out of print but it's amazing how many times we've heard requests for "Ride My Monster" or "The Mexican Scotsman" or "Bagpipes on Mars". These aren't "pop" songs and Craig Downie will never be a "pop" artist; he wouldn't know one of today's pop songs if it bit him in the arse. What he creates is straight from the heart... and sometimes from the funny bone.
As many of you know, my son has a serious health condition, which is one of the reasons that we're packing it in with ETH touring. That said, I've got a great studio in London, Ontario, and I've worked diligently to hone my skills as a producer and recording engineer. I know Craig and what he's all about and I don't think there's a better candidate to capture his music (besides maybe Mutt Lang, but that's out of his budget). Should you support the project, Craig will spend a few weeks at my place recording the Haggis X-1 debut album. I'll add electric, acoustic and bass guitar, background vocals and other instruments I've got on deck. I appreciate Craig's musical artistry and I know I can produce an album that we'll be proud of and that you'll listen to on repeat.
Craig was 17 years old and living in Toronto when Canadian prog-rock band Rush's "A Farewell to Kings" was released. Haggis X-1 is a nod to Craig's legacy with ETH and a tip of the hat to a nostalgic musical influence.
When you back Craig's record, you won't just get that warm, fuzzy feeling. You'll also get some great perks. We're talking soft shirts with a cool logo, perfectly round vinyl, and pipe tune commissions.
I've mentioned that keeping Craig employed is important and it is. But more importantly, the Celtic music scene is in need of Haggis X-1. Craig's persona, attitude and joi de vivre are a mainstay on the circuit and we're all better off for it. This album and tour will bring joy to folks who are in need of something truly original.
If you've read this far you're either on the loo or are also unemployed and thinking about starting an Indiegogo campaign. Thank you for your consideration. Whether your contribution comes from your hard-earned coppers, or from your effortlessly inherited fortune, either way, it's most appreciated.
- Trevor and Craig