Congratulations to Andrew Waite who have been nominated in Up and Coming Artist of the Year sponsored by Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2015. Vote now!
We asked Andrew Waite of Andrew Waite the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
I’m an Accordionist from the Scottish Borders. I play Scottish, Irish and English folk music. I learnt the Accordion from Ian Lowthian who encouraged me to learn and use techniques from other genres such as Classical, Jazz and Rock as well as Scottish. Now I play with bands Tyde, Dallahan and Eliza Carthy Wayward Band
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
My Grandad John Hamilton played the accordion and was well known in the Scottish Dance band scene, so I was exposed to Scottish music from a young age and was very keen to play. I’ve always enjoyed playing for people whether it was in my kitchen at home in the Borders to my family, a gig in a tiny village hall or at Folk festivals, so being a professional musician has always been what I wanted to do!
Any particular career highlights?
As part of the youth folk ensemble ‘Folkestra’ I performed at first BBC Folk Proms. After getting to the finals of the BBC Young Folk Awards in 2008 with my band ‘Tyde’ we were offered a record deal allowing us to make two albums, tour and play at many UK folk festivals. In 2011 I got to the final of the BBC Young Trad musician of the year following this I was asked to play with the Unusual Suspects for a few gigs. In 2013 I was asked to Join the Eliza Carthy Wayward band and have been doing festivals and tours for the last couple of years.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to continue playing and recording with Tyde, Dallahan and Eliza Carthy Wayward Band. I also would like to do my first Solo Album and launch my Solo career.
Read more about Andrew Waite
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If you would like to come along to the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards in Dundee’s Caird Hall call the Caird Hall box office on (01382) 434940 or buy online.
