Sam Mabbett from Oxford (lived in Glasgow for 7 yeras) 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 Sam the following questions:
How did you get involved in traditional music?
Both my parents were involved in English traditional folk music and dance. My dad played in ceilidh bands and my mum danced. I spent the summer holidays at folk festivals where there were lots of opportunities to learn and get involved in performance. When I was eight, my dad lent me a melodeon and I taught myself to play Morris tunes and was soon playing for Morris dancing. I joined the National Youth Folklore Troupe of England when I was ten and that gave me a lot of performance experience. Going to Folkworks in Durham each year also exposed me to the Northern English and Celtic styles of traditional music for which I have a passion.
Why did you enter BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award?
I entered the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award because I love a challenge. Firstly, I see myself as an ambassador for the diatonic accordion so it’s great to have my instrument featured in the finals. My preference is to work with other musicians as I’ve never seen myself as a solo artist. However, it has been quite a challenging experience to develop a performance as a soloist.
Who has been the biggest inspiration/influence on your music-making and why?
Strangely, what inspiered me whilst I was learning were mostly piano accordionists, namely
Sem Seabourne, Graham Hubbard (Ikneild way Morris men), Becky Price, Karen Tweed and the great Andrew Waite. Youtube was my biggest inspiration giving me access to a seemingly endless supply of great players like Dave Munnelly and Jos Kelly..
My dad played in ceilidh bands and my mum (personal chauffeur) was extremely supportive, guiding me towards leaning and performance opportunities.
Are there any moments in your career so far that you particularly cherish and why?
Playing with The Canny Band at the BBC Na Trads was probably the biggest highlight for me so far. It came just at the end of the pandemic so was the first time playing in front of a live audience in about 2 years. It was such an honour to play a live broadcast to friends and family at home.
What are your plans and aspirations for the future?
Aspirations are to tour and collaborate with musicians all over the world and
I plan on developing my style and repertoire, and compose more music.
When you are not playing music what else do you enjoy doing?
When I’m not playing music I like cooking for friends.
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 Sam Mabbett 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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