27 May 2024
Every Monday I will be bringing you an interview with an independent band, duo or music artist. This week, I caught up with Inverness artist Calum MacPhail to find out more…
Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
My father was a Scottish Folk singer, so I grew up around the music and developed a love and passion for Scottish & Irish folk songs.
Calum MacPhail – Lead Singer & Accordionist
Calum MacQuarrie – Bass
Alasdair MacQuarrie – Guitar
Paul Martin – Electric
Matt Arnott – Drums
Ivan Steele – Whistle & Sax
We all met through the music scene and festivals.
Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
Growing up my music was heavily influenced by the likes of Gary Innes/Skerryvore/Mumford & Sons and a local Scottish band called Schiehallion.
How would you describe your sound?
Celtic Country Pop – Scottish & Irish folk songs mixed with some country and the odd pop song thrown in there with a twist.
What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
Bonnie Wee Jeannie – a good auld Scottish Classic, written back in 1929. I have always loved this song and haven’t heard a up to date version so thought I would put it to the band and see what we could do with it.
What’s your local music scene like?
Inverness has got a really close knit music scene, music in pubs 7 nights a week, 2 slots a day. So keep us busy when we are not away touring/playing festivals etc.
What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
Loads of festivals this summer which is unreal, even diving into putting on my own shows and mini tours of Scotland. Recording album 2 in Aug/Sept maybe even sooner!
Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
I would love to colab with a pipe band at some stage, I have a cool idea for a song!
What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
Just a boy with massive dreams to take Scottish & Irish music to the next level.
Upcoming live dates and performances
Saturday 22nd June – Royal Highland Show, Edinburgh
Friday 28th June – King Tut’s, Glasgow
Saturday 6th July – supporting Skipinnish at Bught Park, Inverness
Friday 19th July – Speyfest, Fochabers
Saturday 27th July – Belladrum Festival, Kiltarlity
You can find out more about Calum on his website or via Facebook, Instagram or Spotify.
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