MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2019: Siobhan Miller

Congratulations to Siobhan Miller who has been nominated in Album of the Year sponsored by Birnam CD in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2019. Vote here! Vote now!

We asked Siobhan Miller the following questions.

Tell us about yourself
One of Scotland’s foremost singers, Siobhan Miller is an exceptional talent, renowned for her unique vocal style paired with her evocative song-writing.
In 2018 she won the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Traditional Track, whilst also nominated for Folk Singer of the Year.
Her three solo albums have received widespread critical acclaim. The most recent, Mercury (2018) is Miller’s first album of entirely original material and was recorded in Glasgow with many of her frequent collaborators, including producer Euan Burton. It also features songs co-written with Lau’s Kris Drever and Admiral Fallow frontman Louis Abbott. Flight of Time (2015) and Strata (2017), were both nominated for Album of the Year at the Scots Trad Awards, highlighting her extensive range through traditional, contemporary and self-penned material, as well as her “delicate, nourishing vocals and lyrically rich compositions” (The List).

Fronting her own band she has performed at many of the UK’s major festivals and has toured extensively in the UK & internationally.

Why are you involved in Scottish music?
I was introduced to Scottish music by my parents who both love traditional music and song. My early experiences of hearing live music were at festivals run by the TMSA. I loved being a part of singing sessions where everyone wanted to share their songs and tunes with each other. This sparked my interest in learning songs and performing them.

Any particular career highlights?
In 2016 I was asked by Donald Shaw to be the musical director of the opening concert at Celtic Connections celebrating The Traditional Music and Song Association’s 50th Anniversary. It was an honour to be able to invite many of my favourite performers to celebrate the TMSA who played an important role in my early involvement in traditional music and who have continued to support me.
Singing in the cast of ‘Far Far from Ypres’ directed by Ian MacCallman has been a highlight of the last few years. I also really enjoyed singing on TV series Outlander!

What are your plans for the future?
In December this year I will be performing in Boston in Brian O’Donovan’s ‘ A Celtic Sojourn’ and In January 2020 I will be heading to Australia for the first time to play at the Woodford Folk Festival followed by a four week tour across the country.

Recently I have been recording a new album which will be released in spring 2020 followed by a UK wide launch tour. Performing live is very important to me and I am looking forward to sharing the new music.

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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