MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2016: RANT

Congratulations to RANT 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 Jenna Reid of RANT the following questions.

Tell us about yourself
RANT is the meeting of 4 of Scotland’s finest fiddle players, two from the Shetland Islands and two from the Highlands. Bethany Reid, Jenna Reid, Sarah-Jane Summers and Lauren MacColl join forces to create a sound rich and vibrant, evocative of the exciting scene they create music in. Using just their fiddles, they weave a tapestry of melodies, textures, layers and sounds. Known for their work as soloists and with various bands, this is a celebration of the instrument they all have a passion for. 4 fiddles: one beautiful sound! Since the release of their debut album ‘RANT’ in 2013 which won them critical acclaim in the form of a Herald Angel Award for outstanding performance across all the Edinburgh Festivals , the band have made major festival and concert appearances across the UK, Ireland and Scandinavia, and recorded strings for Julie Fowlis on her latest album ‘Gach Sgeul’. Their new release sees them continue this song strand, collaborating with Fowlis once more, and for the first time, Scots singer Ewan McLennan.

Why are you involved in Scottish music?
The four members of RANT grew up playing traditional music, taking lessons from some of Scotland's fiddle greats. With so much encouragement and inspiration at their fingers tips it was inevitable that Lauren, Bethany, Sarah-Jane and Jenna would have strong connection with music throughout their lives. Each of the girls has gone on to study music and and it was a chance meeting at Perthshire's 'Gow Festival' that laid the foundations of RANT. The band are involved in Scottish Music through various threads of performance, teaching, recording, collaboration and writing. Most of all, Rant exists due to a shared love of traditional music.

Any particular career highlights?
Performances highlights have included so many wonderful gigs; supporting Liz Carroll in the Edinburgh Queens Hall was incredible; an iconic venue for traditional music and a stunning room for fiddles. Earlier this year, RANT performed in London's Kings Place as part of the launch tour for their second album 'Reverie'. This was a huge night for the band; the first London concert and a sell out crowd.
One of RANT's biggest highlights was being awarded a Herald Angel Award in 2013.
The girls received an award for an 'Outstanding Performance' across all the Edinburgh Festivals following the launch concert for their first album.
A nomination in 2014 for a Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Instrumental track brought new audiences to the band and undeniable encouragement.

What are your plans for the future?
To keep playing, writing, recording, delving into old collections, enjoying, listening and learning as much and as often as possible.

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.