Hands Up for Trad’s Trad Music Spotlight is a monthly feature on a band or solo artist. It was first launched in February 2015 and features musicians who are working in the trad scene – both in Scotland and around the world. We asked The Shee a few questions.
What’s happening?
We are on tour in Germany this month. This is our third trip out and we always have such a great time. We’re also looking forward to some gigs in Scotland this spring, including performing as part of TradFest in Edinburgh and at the Moniaive Folk Festival. Then it’ll be summer and we’re excited for a few more festival appearances over the following months.
When was the band formed?
We formed in 2006 when we were all students on the Folk and Traditional Music degree course at Newcastle University. We all lived within a few streets of each other in Fenham in Newcastle upon Tyne…much easier to get together and rehearse in those days! Our first album, A Different Season was released in 2008. Since then we’ve released two more albums (Decadence in 2010 and Murmurations in 2012) and performed all over the world.
What excites you about performing Scottish music?
There’s so much to be inspired by in Scottish music at the moment. Some brilliant collaborations and brave musicianship going on. There is a strong respect for traditional music while at the same time a courage to take the music to places it might not have been before. It’s a great combination.
What’s next for you?
We are busy plotting for our ten year anniversary in 2016. We’re keen to celebrate ten years as a band and have some exciting musical plans afoot for the next year. Keep an ear out for developments as they happen!
Read more about The Shee at their website http://theshee.com