Mairi Mcgillivray from Islay is a finalist in the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2023. The finals will be held at Celtic Connections Festival on 5th February 2022 at 5pm. Buy a ticket here or listen live on BBC Radio Scotland or watch on BBC ALBA.
We asked Mairi the following questions:
How did you get involved in traditional music?
Coming from Islay, at a young age I started singing in Gaelic through the Fèis movement. I went on to compete in Mòds both locally and nationally. My interest in traditional music grew from there, learning fiddle and starting to sing in a more traditional style. This spurred me on to study at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland which was a fantastic experience and really helped me to understand who I was as a musician.
Why did you enter BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award?
I entered BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award as it is a very prestigious competition with many wonderful musicians competing in it over the years. I hoped if successful it would help me share my music with a wider audience. To have gotten through to the finals and be involved alongside some amazing musicians is such an honour.
Who has been the biggest inspiration/influence on your music-making and why?
I wouldn’t be where I am without the wonderful tutors and musicians I have had encouraging me throughout my musical journey. I began singing with Libby Morris, my first Gaelic song tutor who started my interest in traditional music. I was further inspired by local musician Fraser Shaw and my fiddle teacher Simon Moran, who pushed me to apply to the RCS. I was then lucky to work with Iseabal T Macdonald at university, from whom I learned so many wonderful songs. I also got to spend a year at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig with Christine Primrose.
All of these musicians have greatly influenced me and I can only truly thank them for everything!
Are there any moments in your career so far that you particularly cherish and why?
I have already had so many wonderful moments in my career but one highlight has to be winning a Danny Kyle Award in 2021, especially as it was at a difficult time for musicians due to COVID restrictions. This gave me the opportunity to perform at Celtic Connections for the first time last year, which is a memory I will always cherish.
What are your plans and aspirations for the future?
I hope to continue to play more and more concerts and festivals and get opportunities to travel with my music. I also plan to begin recording a debut album this year which is super exciting!
When you are not playing music what else do you enjoy doing?
My mum is a chef and I have definitely inherited a joy of food, cooking and baking from her! I love travelling to different countries and getting to try their cuisines as well!
I also treasure it so much whenever I am able to get back home to Islay to see family and be surrounded by such beautiful scenery… and whisky!
Find out more about the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award at www.bbc.co.uk/youngtrad Why not buy a ticket to hear Mairi Mcgillivray or any other of the finalists at the Grand Finals on Sunday 5th February 2023 at 5pm. The finals are part of Celtic Connections festival.
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