MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2016: Simon Gall

Congratulations to Simon Gall who have been nominated in Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year sponsored by TMSA in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2016. Vote now!

We asked Simon Gall of Simon Gall the following questions.

Tell us about yourself
I am a singer-songwriter, arranger and pianist from Aberdeen. I have spent much of the last 8 years performing, recording and touring with Scottish-based bands such as Clype, Salsa Celtica and Son al Son.

Why are you involved in Scottish music?
I am involved in Scottish music for a number of reasons. Firstly, I see it, particularly the ballads, as a way of preserving an alternative history of a place. I have always enjoyed learning about the lives of ordinary working people in this way and hope that, through my own songs, I can contribute to the telling of an alternative story in the 21st century.

Secondly, I want to be involved in the preservation, as well as the development, of the music of Scotland. I find much of the music fascinating in terms of melody, phrasing, harmony etc. and feel very lucky to be able to draw on such a rich tradition as a songwriter and arranger.

Thirdly, I feel that writing and performing this music with its distinctive modes, melodies and harmonies in non-mainstream spaces such as folk clubs and festivals enables and encourages artists to look differently at the world. It is, to me, like a counter-culture that largely rejects established popular ideas about how the world should be and creates its own vibrant alternative world. I don't think that's a bad thing at all at this moment in time and I'm keen to stay part of it.

Any particular career highlights?
Touring with Salsa Celtica in the USA and Colombia was a real highlight. As was our performance at the BBC Proms in Glasgow Green.

Performing with Clype at Celtic Connections with Lynched was excellent. Getting a lovely endorsement from the wonderful Richard Thompson was great too.

What are your plans for the future?
In early 2017 we'll be making a new Clype album as well as recording a debut album with Son al Son. At Celtic Connections in January I'll be MD for a concert showcasing new music from the North East of Scotland. That will be fun!

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.