MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2019: Lau

Congratulations to Lau who have been nominated in Belhaven Bursary for Innovation in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2019. Vote here! Vote now!

We asked Martin Green of Lau the following questions.

Tell us about yourself
Lau are a pioneering Scottish folk trio who have always experimented with sound and form; the results have always been complex and thrilling. Already acknowledged as phenomenal live performers ('the UK's best live band' – the Guardian), Lau arrived at a new creative peak with 2019's Midnight and Closedown (Reveal Records). That album was produced by John Parish (PJ Harvey, This Is The Kit), who said: 'Lau are in touch with their roots but not bound by them'.

Why are you involved in Scottish music?
Scotland is Lau's home, their birthplace and a country that has been influential, supportive and interesting. Scotland's music scene is incredible, varied and exciting. Each member of Lau is passionate about promoting Scotland's music and art scenes whenever and wherever it is possible to do so.

Any particular career highlights?
'Lau are a remarkable band – the most musically adventurous trio in British folk – exquisite and hypnotic, musicianship at its best'
★★★★★ THE GUARDIAN
'This is music of such stunning creativity – one of most thrilling live bands' SUNDAY HERALD
'Instrumental virtuosity' MOJO / 'Intoxicating, mesmerising music' BBC MUSIC Magazine
'Quite unlike anything else out there' ACOUSTIC Magazine
Four-time winners ʻBest Groupʼ at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards
Scottish Album of The Year Nominees

What are your plans for the future?
2020's Unplugged concert tour sees traditional music's most celebrated innovators strip away their banks of electronics, loops and wild effects. The trio of Kris Drever (guitar, vocals), Martin Green (accordion) and Aidan O'Rourke (fiddle) feel drawn to a more raw and plain-speaking aesthetic. The approach is subtler, less about spectacle, more about close listening. In brash and polarised political times, here is the poetry of real instruments and considerate music making. The tour launches with January 2020 dates at Celtic Connections Glasgow, London Kings Place and Dublin TradFest before an extensive Summer tour.

If you wish to attend the final ceremony, tickets are are priced £25 (+ Booking Fee), and Concessions are available. To book please call Aberdeen Music Hall Box Office on 01224 641122, or visit: https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/all-shows/the-mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards/2734. Bands performing on Saturday 7th December include Skerryvore, Session A9, Benedict Morris (BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award Winner 2019), Heisk, Aberdeenshire Youth Band, Sian, Robyn Stapleton, Mairi Campbell and the Pendulum Band, Susan MacFadyen Scottish Dance Band and more to be announced. There will also be a late night ceilidh after the Awards till 1am.

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