Congratulations to Jenn Butterworth who has been nominated in Musician of the Year sponsored by The University of the Highlands and Islands in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2020. Vote here! Vote now!
We asked Jenn Butterworth the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
I’m a guitarist and singer based in Glasgow, and over the years I’ve played guitar with a range of different artists including Kinnaris Quintet, Treacherous Orchestra, Laura-Beth Salter, Fiddlers’ Bid, Ross Ainslie and Ali Hutton, Songs of Separation and Liz Carroll. I absolutely love working as an accompanist, communicating with others through music. In recent months, due to the COVID lockdown, I’ve had the opportunity to perform some solo shows as well as reach out across the digital world to collaborate with some musicians I wouldn’t normally get to play with.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
It feels like Scottish music is always evolving; it’s really exciting to be part of such a dynamic scene that’s renowned worldwide for its innovation and strong tradition. The Scottish music community is a close-knit family, and is supportive and welcoming.
Any particular career highlights?
I’ve had the opportunity to be part of some incredible shows over the years. The last Kinnaris Quintet show at Celtic Connections was wonderful; there was an amazing atmosphere. I have to say, playing electric guitar on stage with the Elephant Sessions was excellent craic last December!
What are your plans for the future?
The COVID pandemic continues to be a huge challenge for our industry and our community, and sometimes it’s really hard to plan for the future. I’ve been learning a lot about technology, writing, recording and researching music at home, teaching online, building my new Karafolkie website; there’s lots to keep busy with! I guess my plan is to keep working, keep connecting and keep the energy going; it’ll be a wonderful and emotional day when we all get to be in a room together experiencing live music again!
Read more about Jenn Butterworth
http://www.jennbutterworth.co.uk
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jennbutterworthmusic
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jennbutterworth
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jennbutterworth
The MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards, Na Trads 2020, will be broadcast on BBC ALBA on 12th December 2020 at 9pm where the award winners will be announced along with specially recorded music performances. During the day on Saturday the 12th, you will be able to watch from 1pm til 9pm a day of live Scottish trad music including Kinnaris Quintet, Dallahan, Inyal, Paul McKenna Band, Ryan Young and Jenn Butterworth and many more here https://youtu.be/amByvVzxl5E. Keep up to date with all the latest information by joining the Hands Up for Trad newsletter at https://handsup.link/Newsletter or use the hashtags #natrads #HUFTonline.
If you would like to support Hands Up for Trad in their work with Scottish trad music and musicians please consider supporting our Patreon campaign. We have 3 tiers starting at $1 a month and everything helps support us in our work. Read more at www.patreon.com/handsupfortrad