MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2017: Gnoss

Congratulations to Gnoss who have been nominated in Up and Coming Artist of the Year sponsored by Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2017. Vote now!

We asked Graham Rorie of Gnoss the following questions.

Tell us about yourself
Gnoss are a dynamic four-piece of fiddle, flute, guitar and percussion, that tackle energetic tune sets and driving folk song with a 'maturity of ability many of a greater age will envy' (Living Tradition).

As current and former students at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland,
Graham Rorie, Aidan Moodie, Connor Sinclair and Craig Baxter have been tipped as 'ones to watch' by Songlines magazine for their lively, engaging and honest performances.

Why are you involved in Scottish music?
We have all been involved in Scottish music since we were at school through various different forms. Graham and Aidan grew up in Orkney where traditional music is a huge part of the community thanks to the great tutors and initiatives going there. Connor and Craig have been involved with the pipe band scene in their local areas of Crieff and Clackmannanshire from a young age. We all met while studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland which has also had a big impact on our involvement with Scottish traditional music. These combined influences are ultimately what is responsible for us playing music today and why we love it so much.

Any particular career highlights?
Forming as a duo in 2015 (Graham and Aidan) Gnoss picked up a
prestigious Danny Kyle Award at Celtic Connections and reached the
Semi-Finals of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award (2016).

After that we decided to start things as a four piece and see if expanded lineup would take us to new places. This year has been great with a Scottish tour and some great festivals including the Orkney Folk Festival, The Gate to Southwell Festival and BOW Fest.

What are your plans for the future?
We are recording an EP very soon that will be launched during our Scottish tour in the Spring. We are touring in Denmark before that as well which we are really excited about. Beyond that we just want to be gigging as much as possible and sharing our music with a wider audience.

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.