‘The Antihoot is the heartbeat of the anti-folk revolution,’ explains its infamous founder, Lach. ‘It produced US acts like Regina Spektor, Beck and Jeffrey Lewis, and inspired UK practitioners like Kate Nash and Laura Marling.’

It also prompted many to christen our singer-songwriter and raconteur a ‘living legend’ on account of his unplugged, punk-spirited Antihoot – New York’s longest-running open-mic night (it’s been going since the early 80s), and a gig that’s won him fans like Eddie Izzard, Bob Dylan and Meryl Streep.

Lach is set to transport said ad-hoc open-stage from NY to Edinburgh for the first time: any clues as to who might appear in the spotlight? ‘Hard to say, as I don’t know who’ll be in town,’ he replies, then hints at names like Thomas Truax and Chloe Philip. ‘Everyone from John Taylor of Duran Duran to Suzanne Vega has appeared at an Antihoot event, so I’m sure it’ll be a crazy mix of songwriters, comics and weird misfits.’

‘I’d love to see UK anti-folk scenesters show their stuff,’ continues Lach. What he’s most looking forward to, though, is the party. ‘That incredibly magic moment of union, of camaraderie, and celebration – and you can’t stop grinning.’
Lach’s Antihoot, Gilded Balloon, 622 6552, Fri 6–Sun 29 Aug (not 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24), 12.30am–3am, £10 (£9).