MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2016: Mairearad Green

Congratulations to Mairearad Green who have been nominated in Composer of the Year sponsored by PRS for Music in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2016. Vote now!

We asked Mairearad Green of Mairearad Green the following questions.

Tell us about yourself
Mairearad is from the village of Achiltibuie in the North West of Scotland and was introduced to folk music at an early age. Renowned for her deft and lyrical accordion style, as well as her dextrous piping, Mairearad is in great demand not only as a performer, but also as a composer. Many of her tunes are fast becoming staples in sessions throughout Scotland, and further afield, with “Maggie West’s Waltz” and “Dram Behind the Curtain” amongst the favourites. Mairearad's first solo album 'Passing Places' and her latest release 'Summer Isles' are both self-penned albums inspired by the landscape and the culture of her local area.

Why are you involved in Scottish music?
I received regular piping tuition at school from the age of 8 from PM Norman Gillies and I also got great accordion tuition at Feis Rois. There was always music in our house growing up and the local ceilidhs and sessions in Achiltibuie were a great inspiration to my playing. Scottish music has been a huge part of my life from a very young age and to now be sharing the music around the world is such a great and exciting job.

Any particular career highlights?
Writing and releasing my latest 'Summer Isles' solo album has been a career highlight for me. The process has been an exciting creative challenge which has been so rewarding to work on.

What are your plans for the future?
I would like to keep writing new music and I plan to combine my artwork as much as possible with this new music.

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.