MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2016: Breabach

Congratulations to Breabach who have been nominated in Folk band of the Year sponsored by Threads of Sound in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2016. Vote now!

We asked Calum MacCrimmon of Breabach the following questions.

Tell us about yourself
Breabach deliver a unique and thrilling brand of Highland music which in recent years has taken them to far-off countries including Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea. Breabach have been challenged and inspired by life on the road, learning about aboriginal history and culture and making many new friends along the way. These experiences have introduced international elements into the band's repertoire which can be heard on their recent album Astar – an album delivered in tribute to their travels.

Why are you involved in Scottish music?
Scottish culture is close to the heart of each band member. Many of us grew up listening to traditional music being played by family members and close friends so it has always been a part of our lives in some way. It is with great honour that we are able to take our brand of Scottish folk music around the world for others to experience – It is of equal privilege to experience the history and music of other world cultures.

Any particular career highlights?
Performing as part of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014 with The Boomerang Project' collaboration certainly stands out as a powerful experience for us. The Glasgow show represented our final performance from an international run of shows involving Scottish, Maori and Australian Aboriginal tradition bearers who came together at first as artists and with each experience became a band of great friends. Throughout the collaboration there were many highs, some heartbreaking lows but overall an intensely unifying experience for the whole group. It's amazing how traditional music connects people.

What are your plans for the future?
Immediately we are looking forward to our upcoming tours both at home and abroad. We've been chatting recently about some fun ideas for the next album – there should be more on that soon so stay tuned!

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.