Discovering Contemporary Scottish Folk Music

Discovering Contemporary Scottish Folk Music – a blog about new and traditional Scottish folk music, with reviews, interviews, news and more.

Introducing Traditional Scottish Folk Music

Scottish folk music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. More and more people are interested in discovering the roots of this music and its place in Scottish culture. Traditional Scottish folk music is usually acoustic and based around the themes of nature, love, and loss. It is often very emotive and can be both haunting and beautiful.

What is traditional Scottish folk music?

Traditional Scottish folk music is a genre of music that is typically played on acoustic instruments, such as fiddles, guitars, and bagpipes. It is often characterized by its slow and melodic nature, as well as its focus on storytelling. Scottish folk music has been heavily influenced by the music of other cultures, including Irish and English music. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in traditional Scottish folk music, with many contemporary artists incorporating elements of this genre into their work.

The history of traditional Scottish folk music

Traditional Scottish folk music is a genre of music that can be traced back to the 16th century. It is a fusion of influences, including English and Irish music, as well as the music of the Scottish Highlands. Traditional Scottish folk music is often accompanied by Highland dancing, an energetic and physically demanding form of dancing that was once used to prepare men for battle.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Highland dancing became increasingly popular in Scotland, as well as in other parts of the British Isles. In the early 20th century, traditional Scottish folk music began to decline in popularity, but it experienced a revival in the 1960s. Today, traditional Scottish folk music is enjoying something of a renaissance, with many young people taking an interest in this rich and varied musical heritage.

The Revival of Scottish Folk Music

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Scottish folk music. Artists like Julie Fowlis and Treacherous Orchestra have brought the sound of contemporary Scottish folk music to a wider audience, and the genre is now more popular than ever before. In this article, we’ll take a look at the history of Scottish folk music and its recent revival.

The Scottish Folk Revival of the 1950s and 1960s

In the 1950s and 1960s, there was a surge of interest in traditional Scottish music, which led to the Scottish folk revival. This was a time when many people were rediscovering their roots and wanting to connect with their heritage. Musicians began playing Scottish folk music in clubs and on the radio, and people started collecting traditional songs. This revival brought Scottish folk music to a new audience and helped to preserve it for future generations.

One of the most important figures in the Scottish folk revival was Hamish Henderson, a musician, singer, and collector of traditional songs. Henderson was a key figure in setaping events such as the Edinburgh Folk Club and the Scots Folk Music Revival festival. He also helped to found the School of Scottish Studies at the University of Edinburgh, which is now one of the world’s leading centers for research into traditional music.

The Scottish folk revival had a significant impact on pop music, with many popular artists incorporating elements of Scottish folk music into their work. The Beatles’ song “Yesterday” features a harmonica solo inspired by Scottish folk music, while Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence” includes a quotation from a traditional Scots ballad. Billy Connolly, one of Scotland’s most famous comedians, got his start as a folksinger in the 1960s. He often included traditional songs in his act, and his popularity helped to bring Scottish folk music to a wider audience.

Today, there is a renewed interest in Scottish folk music, with many young musicians taking an interest in this rich tradition. The impact of the Scottish Folk Revival can still be seen and heard in contemporary music, proving that this movement continues to have a lasting influence on Scotland’s musical landscape.

The New Scottish Folk Scene

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Scottish folk music. This has been led by a new generation of talented musicians who are bringing the music to a wider audience.

The new Scottish folk scene is characterized by its diversity. There are many different styles of music being played, and the musicians come from all over Scotland. This means that there is a rich variety of sounds and textures to be heard.

One of the most striking things about the new Scottish folk scene is the way that traditional music is being combined with other genres. For example, there are many bands who are blending folk with rock, jazz, and even electronic music. This has resulted in some really exciting and innovative sounds.

The new Scottish folk scene is also characterized by its use of traditional instruments. These include the Highland Bagpipe, the Clàrsach (a type of Celtic harp), and the Scottish fiddle. However, modern instruments such as guitars and keyboards are also often used.

The Revival of Scottish Folk Music is an exciting time for those who love this type of music. With so much talent emerging, it is sure to be enjoyed by many for years to come.

Contemporary Scottish Folk Artists

Scotland has a long and varied musical tradition, with contemporary Scottish folk music artists keeping the roots of the music alive while adding their own unique twist. From the energetic fiddle tunes of Shetland to the hypnotic sounds of the Highland bagpipes, there is a richness and diversity to Scottish folk music that is sure to delight any music lover. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the most popular contemporary Scottish folk artists.

Kris Drever

Kris Drever (born 4 November 1979) is a Scottish folk musician, singer and songwriter. He is best known as the lead singer and guitarist of the trio Lau, as well as for his work with Heidi Talbot, Eva Cassidy, Mark Knopfler, John McCusker, Roddy Woomble and Eddi Reader. Drever has been nominated three times for the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards’ Musician of the Year, winning the award in 2008. He has also been nominated for Singer of the Year four times, winning twice (in 2010 and 2014).

Siobhan Miller

Siobhan Miller is a contemporary Scottish folk singer and songwriter. She has released three albums to critical acclaim and has won several prestigious awards, including Scots Singer of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards in 2017. Her most recent album, Strata, was released in 2018 and reached number one on the UK Folk Albums Chart.

The Shee Big Band

The Shee Big Band is a contemporary Scottish folk band that was formed in 2001. The band is made up of seven members who all come from different musical backgrounds. They have released three albums, the most recent being 2016’s “The Space Between.” The band is known for their high energy live performances and their unique take on traditional Scottish folk music.

Where to Hear Contemporary Scottish Folk Music

There are many ways to enjoy contemporary Scottish folk music. If you’re in Scotland, you can attend concerts, festivals, or ceilidhs (traditional Scottish gatherings with music and dancing). You can also listen to Scottish folk music online or on the radio. Here are some of the best places to hear contemporary Scottish folk music.

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) is a world-renowned classical music orchestra based in Glasgow, Scotland. The RSNO performs over 100 concerts each year, including a mix of symphony concerts, chamber music concerts, and solo recitals. The RSNO also gives regular performances of contemporary Scottish music, both in Scotland and abroad.

The Glasgow Folk Club

Glasgow is home to a vibrant folk music scene, and the Glasgow Folk Club is one of the best places to experience it. The club hosts regular events featuring both traditional and contemporary Scottish folk music, as well as artists from other genres who have been influenced by Scottish folk music. The inclusive atmosphere and friendly staff make the Glasgow Folk Club an ideal place for both locals and visitors to discover the best of contemporary Scottish folk music.

Celtic Connections

Celtic Connections is an annual music festival held in Glasgow, Scotland. The festival was first held in January 1993 and has since become one of the premier folk and world music events in the United Kingdom. Held over two weeks, the festival features around 2,000 musicians from all over the world playing traditional and contemporary folk music.

There are a number of different venues throughout Glasgow that host Celtic Connections concerts, including the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, the Barrowland Ballroom, and the Ceilidh Place. In addition to the concerts, there are also a number of workshops, talks, and film screenings that take place during the festival.