SCOTTISH folk quintet Breabach play Lakeside Arts Centre tonight, in advance of the release of their new album, Bann, next month. James Mackenzie (pipes, flute, whistles) and James Lindsay (double bass) introduce the band.

How would you describe your music?

JM: Quite traditional. I say this because of the way many of my tunes are sourced, from old collections of pipe music. And I have also picked up a large portion of my repertoire by ear, both from listening to recordings and listening live to musicians and singers.

JL: I come at things from a slightly different angle than James, with my musical training based in jazz and classical music and with my influences from rock, roots and world. I try and merge these styles and to see how they translate to an acoustic roots music setting.

Who or what have been your biggest musical inspirations?

JM: The island community I grew up in, in terms of its landscape and musical traditions.

JL: The people that I have the pleasure of playing music with are probably my biggest inspirations.

Tell us about your latest album Bann

JM: It's exciting for me as it's the first album for commercial release I have recorded on. It is quite wide ranging in terms of content and hopefully there is something for everyone.

JL: It's a personal album for us, drawing on each band member's influences and experiences. Bann is Gaelic for band or tie, and highlights the ties we have made with each other.

What can we expect at your Nottingham gig?

JM: A varied set which ranges from energetic reels fired up with two sets of Highland pipes to more laid back whistle, flute, fiddle and vocal sets. You can expect to do quite a bit of toe tapping.

What experiences have you had of Nottingham in the past?

JM: I don't think I've ever been to Nottingham.

JL: I've been to the Lakeside Arts Centre and we had a great concert. It's a great venue and a lovely location.

Anything else?

JM: I'm very much looking forward to my first experience of Nottingham.

JL: I'm looking forward to letting everyone hear our new music.

Breabach play the Djanogly Theatre at Lakeside Arts Centre tonight from 8pm. Tickets are £15, call 0115 846 7777 or visit www.lakesidearts.org.uk