Take a Musical Journey round the Scottish Islands with Caledonian MacBrayne
Caledonian MacBrayne is delighted to be sponsoring Celtic Connections 2021 in recognition of the rich music culture found across Scotland’s west coast islands. Until we can all be together again, CalMac are Bringing the Islands to You in a series of video diaries. Stay tuned for more island content in 2021.
With a wealth of musical talent coming out of the Scottish islands in past decades we are fortunate to enjoy a mix of artists and genres that help connect us to the places we know and love.
Join us in a musical journey round the islands where we visit some of our favourite artists and island-inspired music to help us all reconnect with the islands we love and miss.
Peat & Diesel, Isle of Lewis
The sensational Stornoway trio that took social media by storm, Peat & Diesel are new to the Scottish trad scene but have already enjoyed a sell-out Barrowlands gig. With a multi-lingual Scottish rock style, the band, made up of a fisherman, an electrician and a delivery driver, have had a number of hit singles including Western Isles and Heorna Mhor. This is one for the playlist when you’re driving through the open roads of the Hebrides again, but for now, close your eyes and let Peat & Diesel transport you to a ceilidh in your living room!
Our favourite song: Western Isles
Julie Fowlis, North Uist
A multi-award winning Gaelic singer, known across the world for her vocals in the Golden Globe and BAFTA winning Disney Pixar movie Brave, Julie Fowlis is a Scottish force to be reckoned with. Julie’s bluesy folk style is deliciously easy to listen to. Having spent her early years on North Uist Julie’s music has been influenced by her time spent on the Scottish island. The latest album from Julie Fowlis is Alterum – one to enjoy with a wee dram by the camp fire.
Our favourite song: Fear a’ Bhrochain / Domhnall Binn
Tidelines, Isle of Mull & The Scottish Highlands
Shooting to Scottish pop royalty by hitting number 12 in the UK album charts in 2020, Tidelines have hit the ground running since coming together in 2016. The band, founded by Robert Robertson and Ross Wilson formerly of Skippinish, have an authentic Scottish rock/pop style and write their own music inspired by their highland upbringings. Enjoy a bit of Tidelines in good company - you’ll not be able to sit still when you hear the infectious rhythms from their recent albums.
Our favourite song: Far side of the world
Skerryvore, Isle of Tiree
Another fantastic Scottish ceilidh band, Skerryvore was founded by the Gillespie brothers from the Isle of Tiree in 2005. Skerryvore represent the best of contemporary Scottish traditional music and have amassed an enviable global fanbase and string of awards over the past 15years. Favourites across the popular island and west coast music festivals, Skerryvore have produced a number of fan favourites although most notable is their recent single Everyday Heroes. Written by Martin during Lockdown in 2020, the hit that reached number 1, is a heartfelt thanks to all of the everyday heroes helping to keep us safe.
Our favourite song: Everyday Heroes
Pictish Trail, Isle of Eigg
Producing powerful soundscapes in a unique west coast landscape, Pictish Trail is based on the Isle of Eigg in the Inner Hebrides. With a gift for blending electro, folk and psych into his own unique style, Pictish Trail has been dubbed the “Isle of Eigg's answer to the Arcade Fire” by BBC Music. Having produced several albums since 2008 including the recent Thumb World, we see him explore interesting social and cultural themes including the human sense of self, escapism and social media culture. If you’re looking to detox from all things digital, chill out to Pictish Trails Thumb World LP.
Our favourite song: Thumb World
Mylo, Isle of Skye
Globally renowned DJ and Producer Mylo (Myles McInnes) shot to fame with his hit debut album “Destroy Rock & Roll”. The record scored four consecutive top 20 singles in the UK Charts and a number 1 in the UK Club Chart with “Doctor Pressure”. Hailing from the beautiful Isle of Skye, Mylo has also remixed for The Killers, Scissor Scissors and Kylie Minogue. Mylo’s ambient “Sunworshipper” is the perfect song for a relaxing cycle – listen and you will understand.
Our favourite song: Sunworshipper
Caledonian MacBrayne is delighted to be sponsoring Celtic Connections 2021 in recognition of the rich music culture found across Scotland’s west coast islands. Until we can all be together again, CalMac are Bringing the Islands to You in a series of video diaries. Visit this link for more island content in 2021.
