Alex Macdonald, was born and raised on the Isle of Lewis, specifically in the Lochs area. Although she currently resides near the town, her heart will always belong to Lewis. Having attended school and college on the island, Alex’s connection to her Hebridean roots runs deep, and she cherishes her identity as an islander.
Alex’s upbringing on the island immersed her in the realm of traditional music and culture. In the Hebrides, these art forms are intricately woven into the fabric of local identity, shaping the lives of those who call the islands home. While not every Gael may inherently connect with traditional music, Alex’s deep-rooted passion for music propelled her to explore a myriad of genres. Attending numerous gigs and concerts allowed her to immerse herself in a diverse range of musical experiences. When she joined An Lanntair, her passion for music found a professional outlet as she progressed from a general assistant to running the music program. Her early influences, such as folk artists Dick Gaughan and Dan Ar Braz, played a role in shaping her earliest bookings, drawing from her folk album collection.
Alex’s upbringing introduced her to a rich musical tapestry. Traditional Gaelic songs were a constant presence in her household, along with artists like The Corries and Irish musicians. Country music, particularly Jim Reeves, found its place alongside pop icons like The Beatles, Elvis, and Simon and Garfunkel. Alex and her brother started building their own vinyl collections from a young age. The household was a musical melting pot, embracing everything from Abba to Zappa. This exposure to diverse musical styles within the realm of traditional music allowed Alex to explore new and different sounds.
Since joining An Lanntair in 1989, Alex has witnessed several positive changes in the local traditional music scene. Opportunities for young musicians to pursue music as a career have increased, and there is a growing recognition that the Hebrides produce talented artists who deserve support. Events like Heb Celt and the Feisean have flourished, recording studios have opened, and An Lanntair’s expanded premises in 2005 provided a dedicated venue for local and visiting artists to showcase their work. These developments have contributed to the growth of both the local and national traditional music scenes, attracting younger audiences. While bands like Runrig held massive influence over the years, contemporary acts such as Niteworks, Tidelines, and Skippinish now draw impressive numbers of younger listeners.
Working in the realm of Scottish music and culture brings Alex immense joy. She finds fulfillment in supporting local artists, providing them with early opportunities and projects that contribute to their artistic journeys. Alex also takes pleasure in bringing artists to the island, offering local audiences access to a wide variety of musical experiences. Working in this sector has allowed her to learn from the wider community, as she often conducts in-depth research for projects. Topics like the Iolaire disaster, the work of Murdo Macfarlane, and Gaelic psalm singing have expanded her knowledge and understanding.
Looking ahead, Alex has a busy schedule. She is currently focused on planning and organizing self-produced events for this year’s Heb Celt, including the Between Islands and Hebridean Women music projects with their revolving lineups of artists. Additionally, she is involved in the planning for An Lanntair’s fortieth anniversary in 2025, which promises to keep her busy with exciting projects.