Scottish guitarist and author Steve Garrett (not to be confused with many other musicians of the same name) brings his show The Song of the Ice back to Edinburgh Fringe next month.
“Climate signals, ice quakes and earth history from leading scientists inspiring innovative music, stunning animation and beautiful images of Antarctica’s ice sheet – a personal response to polar history and environmental change. ‘…so impressed by this beautiful music from carbon data… such a sadly relevant topic’ (Adam Sutherland, award-winning composer and musician). ‘…wonderful show… we were standing outside for ages talking about how much we enjoyed it’ (Sarah Bernard, Polar Artist). “…lovely and haunting and startling music… very diverse Q&A afterward!’ (Energy Ethics Conference 2023, St Andrews). ‘…amazing and interesting…’ (10th Korean Arctic Academy).”
Where: Church at artSpace@StMarks
When: 13-15, 18-20 Aug
Ticket link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-song-of-the-ice
What can you tell us about your show? What is it about and where did the idea come from?
I bring a powerful, deeply personal perspective on global climate change to The Song of the Ice. The idea to bridge the gap between hard polar science and creative art came from my time surveying Antarctica in the 1980s, working with colleagues who have remained friends, and responding to a recent return to the southernmost continent. Operating at the intersection of climate science, music, spoken word and visual art, my performance is a direct response to a changing planet. I translate leading-edge polar research, including the sound of icequakes and carbon dioxide data trapped in ancient ice cores, into an atmospheric musical score that blends jazz, folk, and classical styles.
I am a scientist, guitarist, and producer, uniquely combining expertise in Earth science with a rich career in musical composition. My solo albums have been praised across UK jazz, folk, and roots radio and in reviews for their depth. Dedicated to connecting science with the arts, my work frequently brings environmental perspectives and geological history to life through music, performance, and collaborative community projects.
How would you sell it to audiences in one paragraph?
The Song of the Ice offers a creative gateway for anyone who loves the natural world, engages with live music, and wants a deeper, more emotional understanding of the environmental change and challenges that face us all. Be captivated by beautiful images and haunting music that are combined to tell the story of the ice. Restore your sense of curiosity and wonder towards the Earth.
Do you enjoy participating in the Fringe? And do you have any moments you particularly remember?
I enjoy playing at artSpace@StMarks as it is a beautiful, accessible and central venue with great acoustics, and the staff is very welcoming to performers and audiences. I particularly remember my last performance of The Song of the Ice in 2024 when there was a diverse and very engaged audience, making new connections.
What are you looking forward to the most in Edinburgh?
A sustained run over 3 weeks to perform for, connect with and learn from new people.
What’s next for the show?
I launched The Song of the Ice online in 2020 at the start of lockdown, and have performed it subsequently for science and music festivals and events in Scotland, England and Korea. I look forward to the Fringe opening doors to reaching new audiences across Britain and further afield.