MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2015: Robyn Stapleton

Congratulations to Robyn Stapleton who have been nominated in Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year sponsored by TMSA in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2015. Vote now!

We asked Robyn Stapleton of Robyn Stapleton the following questions.

Tell us about yourself
Since winning BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician 2014, Robyn has had an incredible two years. With stand out live performances, awards and achievements, Robyn has quickly become one of Scotland’s leading folk singers.

She has been invited to perform at BBC’s Proms in the Park, sung with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. She is an Ambassador of the Scots Language and was nominated for Scots Singer of the Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards in 2014. Radio highlights include performing alongside Jim Broadbent and Ian Hislop on Radio 4 and on legendary radio programme, Desert Island Disks.

Robyn has toured extensively over the past two years in the UK and Scandinavia, accompanied by some of Scotland’s finest folk musicians, including Kristan Harvey, Alistair Paterson, Aaron Jones and Mike Vass.

Her debut album, ‘Fickle Fortune’, released in June this year, has received outstanding reviews:

‘With a poise and feeling for her material that belie her 25 years’ – The Scotsman

‘Rich, characterfully lilting, warm and clear – ★★★★’ – The List

Why are you involved in Scottish music?
I am passionate about the Scots Language and my own dialect, and I enjoy sharing the language with people through traditional songs. I love the depth of meaning and the strength of story in Scottish folk song; it’s wonderful to see audiences engaging with these stories. It’s also very gratifying to see people connecting with their own musical heritage, and to see such an appreciation of Scottish music both at home and abroad.

I’m excited to be part of a thriving Scottish music scene and a fantastic community of folk musicians, and I’m also fortunate to be able to perform and collaborate with many exceptional musicians here in Scotland.

Any particular career highlights?
Performing at BBC’s Proms in the Park with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra was incredible, and to be singing to an audience of around 8,000 in the heart of Glasgow was a wonderful experience.

Recently, I performed in a commemorative event, remembering the Great War on the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Loos. It was a privilege to perform with Sheena Wellington, the Dundee Symphony Orchestra and the RSNO, at such a special event.

What are your plans for the future?
My New Year kicks off with a performance on BBC Alba’s Hogmanay Show, alongside Skipinnish, the Glenfinnan Ceilidh Band and many other brilliant musicians!
2016 will bring an exciting collaboration with Scottish Ensemble. I’ll also be performing with Emily Smith, Aaron Jones, Jamie McClennan, Wendy Stewart and Claire Mann as part of ‘Macmath: The Silent Page’. Having recently recorded an album of the songs of William Macmath, we’re looking forward to its release in Summer, 2016.

I’ll be continuing to tour throughout the UK and overseas in the year ahead, with my band and with Scots singer, Claire Hastings.

If you would like to come along to the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards in Dundee’s Caird Hall call the Caird Hall box office on (01382) 434940 or buy online.