MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2016: RURA

Congratulations to RURA who have been nominated in Folk band of the Year sponsored by Threads of Sound in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2016. Vote now!

We asked Jack Smedley of RURA the following questions.

Tell us about yourself
Live Act of the Year at the 2015 Scots Trad Music Awards, RURA are "one of the most exciting bands on the Scottish folk scene" (Songlines).
With their second album, 2015's Despite the Dark, accompanied by extensive UK and international touring, RURA have well and truly reinforced their reputation as one of Scotland’s most powerful folk-based bands. Their exquisitely rugged, yet refined blend of fiddle, highland pipes, voice, flute, bodhran and guitar has proven a resounding hit across the board.
The five-piece’s fire first ignited in 2010, as award-winners at Glasgow’s world-renowned Celtic Connections festival, where they have now appeared on a remarkable seven consecutive occasions. Since then, Steven Blake, Adam Brown, David Foley, Adam Holmes and Jack Smedley’s powerful instrumentals and haunting songcraft has been a highlight of many of the world’s leading folk festivals – including Cambridge, Tønder, Winnipeg, HebCelt and Shetland, amongst countless others.
They are undeniably one of Scotland’s most sought-after, universally appealing acts. One listen – live or recorded – and it’s easy to see why.

Why are you involved in Scottish music?
Each member has grown up with Scottish music around them. So it's always seemed a natural progression to continue performing and creating new music in our scene. We all love performing and touring and through RURA we've all been able to enjoy playing some incredible venues over the years and had opportunities to meet and work with great musicians from other genres.

Any particular career highlights?
The bands biggest highlight to date is their show at Celtic Connections 2016. The band performed to a sell out crowd in Glasgow's Old Fruitmarket and collaborated with Canada's East Pointers and acclaimed singer/songwriter Aoife O'Donovan

What are your plans for the future?
Alongside numerous international dates the band are hoping to take to the studio in 2017!

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.