Allow me to introduce us, Sir-Reel Clarks, a truly unique family band hailing from Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Our musical journey is one born from trials and tribulations, driven by a profound love for music and a determination to overcome challenges.

It all began in 2019 when Aaron Clarks inherited his grandfather's melodeon. Little did we know that this would become the catalyst for our musical jouney. Aaron's passion for music emerged amidst adversity, as he faced and conquered obstacles like Autism, ADHD, Dyspraxia, and Tourettes. In school, he was told by some that he could never play an instrument properly due to his Autism, which was unfairly classified as a disability. Certain teachers even doubted his musical abilities and discouraged him, but Aaron saw his Autism as an ability rather than a disability.

Through his unwavering resolve, he aimed to prove that music knows no boundaries, regardless of how one reads or interprets it. He set out on a mission, with the whole family firmly by his side, to showcase the unique abilities that Autism brings. Aaron doesn't see his Autism as a limitation but as a unique perspective that enriches his musical journey.

Our family, including Aaron's dad, Andy, and his brother and sister, played an integral role in supporting and nurturing Aaron's musical talents. Small performances in the beginning featured Aaron and Andy performing alongside his siblings, and the guidance and encouragement of his mum ensured that everything ran smoothly in the background.

Andy, a self-taught musician, has mastered a range of instruments, from vocals and bodhran to mandola and guitar. His musical versatility and dedication have been integral to the distinctive sound of Sir-Reel Clarks. Together, this family ensemble creates a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.

Drawing inspiration from talented musicians like Tim Edey, Aaron honed his skills during lockdown, evolving into a skilled and innovative musician with the melodeon. His tunes are original compositions, each inspired by the landscapes and traditions of our family home in Aberdeenshire. Aaron has masterfully captured the essence of Scottish folk music, infusing it with his personal touch and experiences.

But Sir-Reel Clarks isn't just a band; we're a family united by a shared purpose. Our support has enabled Aaron to achieve significant milestones, including becoming a North East Champion and winning numerous TMSA competitions.

In 2023, we were thrilled to have appeared at several prestigious festivals, including Broadstairs Folk Week, Wimborne Minster Folk Festival, Speyfest, Haal Folk Festival, and the upcoming Lancaster Music Festival. Our performances at various folk club concerts throughout Scotland have been well-received and warmly embraced by audiences. We are committed to sharing the beauty of Scottish folk music with a wider UK audience, and we're excited to continue this journey.

As for why we would love to be a part of Battle of the Bands, it's because we believe that our unique story, original compositions, and music inspired by the heart of Aberdeenshire can inspire and resonate with people across the nation. We're not just a band; we're a testament to the power of family, music, and determination. Being a part of Battle of the Bands would provide us with an incredible platform to share our music, our journey, and our message of resilience with a broader audience. We're excited about the opportunity to showcase our passion and talent on a larger stage, and we're ready to give it our all.

Our story is one of resilience, family, and the limitless potential of music. We invite you to join us on this extraordinary journey as we continue to inspire and captivate audiences with our unique blend of folk music.

For more information, please visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SirReelClarksFamilyBand, and you can listen to Aaron's debut album, "Out of the Box," on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/artist/4eWBocHVZr0rAFdWNsNoyU?si=AGxb79cHQayg9lvMupG-jg.