Congratulations to FARA who have been nominated in Folk band of the Year sponsored by Threads of Sound in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2017. Vote now!
We asked Jeana Leslie of FARA the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
FARA brings together four musicians at the forefront of today’s Scottish folk scene, Jennifer Austin, Kristan Harvey, Jeana Leslie and Catriona Price’s three fiddles and a piano, to produce a fiery sound rooted strongly in their upbringing among the music of Orkney.
With vibrant arrangements full of rich harmonies, energetic fiddle playing and driving piano, FARA’s show is an exciting one. Performing a mixture of self-penned and traditional Orkney tunes as well as stunning vocals, the girls’ combined musical experiences and friendships produce a diverse, individual sound.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
We all love playing music. The Scottish music scene is a very rich and vibrant scene and we are honored to be part of it. We also want to help promote our very own Orcadian music within Scotland’s vast and ever growing scene.
Any particular career highlights?
We were extremely honored to have been asked to perform at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017 which was held in the Royal Albert Hall in London this April. It was broadcast live on Radio 2 and on the red button and later broadcast on BBC 4.
What are your plans for the future?
In 2018 we are going to be recording our 2nd album which we will be releasing in October. We have got several tours planned for next year which see us doing some more exploring around the UK, but we will also be heading further afield to the USA, Canada, Sweden and Germany for the first time as a band.
Read more about FARA
http://faramusic.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FaraOrkney/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/faraorkney
If you would like to come along to the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards in Paisley’s Lagoon Centre call 0300 300 1210 or to buy online visit www.paisley2021.co.uk/events/the-mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards. Tickets can also be purchased via Paisley Arts Centre. Bands performing on Saturday 2nd December include Elephant Sessions, The Shee Big Band, Siobhan Miller, Tidelines, Paisley Fèis, Snuffbox, The Seamus O’Sullivan Experience, Lori Watson, Jenna Reid and Harris Playfair, Songs of Bàrd Phàislig (featuring Gillebrìde MacIlleMhaoil, Sìneag MacIntyre, Màiri NicAonghais, Seonaidh MacIntyre, Ewan MacPherson, Mhairi Hall, Màiri Nic a Mhaoilein and more to be announced. There will also be a late night ceilidh after the Awards till 1am.
