The traditional music of Scotland has long been celebrated for its vibrant, community-oriented nature. It connects generations, preserves cultural heritage, and brings people together in unique ways. However, there’s a less visible aspect of this world that poses risks, particularly for young musicians. Alcohol and drug culture, deeply embedded within the ecosystem of traditional music in Scotland, presents significant challenges.

This article explores how historical practices have shaped today’s concerns, the risks posed to young people, and the systemic issues that call for thoughtful solutions. By understanding these dynamics, we can start conversations about necessary changes to make traditional music safer for the next generation.

How History Shaped Alcohol and Drug Culture in Traditional Music

Traditional Roots of Alcohol in Music

Historically, pubs in rural and island communities were central spaces where local musicians performed and shared their craft. These venues weren’t just about drinks; they were communal hubs where families gathered to experience music. Alcohol became closely tied to these musical traditions, not as an end goal, but as part of the cultural setting.

This historical reality laid the groundwork for alcohol being seen as almost intrinsic to traditional music. For decades, it was a legitimate cultural foundation that seamlessly intertwined music and social drinking.

How Modern Times Changed the Context

While the tradition’s roots are nostalgic, modern realities have altered the role of alcohol in Scottish traditional music. Today, pubs and festivals serve primarily as social spaces rather than family-centred hubs. Alcohol is now commercialised, with big brands using it as a form of event sponsorship, making it more visible and accessible to young audiences.

Additionally, the emergence of formal music education environments has shifted where and how people experience traditional music. Yet, alcohol’s presence still lingers, particularly at festivals and sessions, creating challenges for maintaining safe and professional settings.

The Economic Impact of Alcohol on Musicians

The “Payment in Drinks” Problem

An issue highlighted in the industry is the widespread practice of compensating musicians with alcohol instead of fair wages. While it may seem harmless on the surface, this practice has deeper economic and social implications:

• Small or non-existent payments are often “offset” with free drinks.
• Musicians frequently spend what little they earn at the same pub or venue, perpetuating a cycle where their earnings never accumulate.
• This normalisation contributes to undervaluing musicians’ work, leaving them struggling financially while reinforcing alcohol dependency within the profession.

Declining Professional Standards

Low compensation doesn’t just hurt a musician’s wallet; it impacts professional behaviour. Feeling underappreciated, many musicians loosen their approach to professionalism:

• Turning up to teaching gigs or performances hungover or under the influence becomes increasingly normalised.
• This blurred line between personal enjoyment and professionalism perpetuates an informal culture, particularly in scenarios involving young musicians.

The report on safeguarding stresses the importance of introducing some level of formalisation to mitigate these risks, especially in contexts involving youth.

Safeguarding Young People in an Alcohol-Centred Environment

Risks Facing Young Musicians

The culture of alcohol and drugs in traditional music environments creates vulnerabilities for young people. The risks are particularly acute when they are exposed to this culture at events, festivals, or informal sessions:

• Easy Access: Young musicians are frequently surrounded by environments where alcohol is readily available.
• Peer Pressure: This exposure increases the likelihood of them feeling pressured to partake in drinking or using substances to fit in.
• Power Dynamics: Older, influential figures within the industry may take advantage of these situations, leading to potential abuse or harassment.

Consent and Safety Concerns

One of the most alarming consequences of placing young people in alcohol-dominant settings is the risk to their safety. The combination of alcohol, power imbalances, and informal settings heightens issues such as consent violations and creates opportunities for exploitation.

The Role of Sessions and Festivals

Sessions and festivals remain incredibly important for musicians to connect and hone their craft. Unfortunately, these are also the spaces where alcohol culture thrives most prominently. Unlike formal events, these casual environments are governed by minimal safeguards, making young participants more susceptible to harm.

Systemic Issues Created by Alcohol and Drug Culture

Intersecting Risks

The systemic nature of these challenges is amplified by intersecting issues:

• Informal, “we’re all friends here” attitudes reduce accountability.
• Barriers to reporting unprofessional or abusive behaviour create silence.
• Power dynamics between musical leaders and young musicians blur the boundaries between professional and social relationships.

While informality is prized in traditional music, such dynamics present serious long-term concerns for the safety of the community as a whole.

Intergenerational Tensions

Older “legends” in the traditional music world may cling to ingrained behaviours or attitudes that clash with modern safeguarding expectations. For young musicians, these behaviours are often observed and modelled, leading to the perpetuation of risky norms.

Attempts to reconcile cultural preservation with necessary progress often create tension between generations of musicians. Yet, addressing these issues is critical for the survival of a healthy, respectful tradition.

Redesigning Traditional Music Spaces for Safety and Inclusion

The real challenge lies in balancing two key goals:

1. Preserving the authenticity and cultural value of traditional music.
2. Ensuring safety for young musicians through appropriate boundaries and accountability measures.

Questions like “What happens when alcohol is removed from these spaces?” and “How do we ensure inclusivity without compromising the tradition’s essence?” need to be asked and navigated collectively by all community members.

Creating safer, alcohol-free spaces does not mean erasing the charm of traditional music; rather, it ensures a future where the tradition can thrive without exposing young people to unnecessary risks.

The presence of alcohol and drug culture in Scottish traditional music is not a standalone issue. It is deeply ingrained in history, community norms, and economic practices. However, understanding this problem is the first step toward addressing it.

Source: dbrecoveryresources