Congratulations to John Carmichael 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 John Carmichael the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
John Carmichael is one of the best known and popular band leader/entertainers in Scotland today with many recordings to his credit.
John has produced, presented and played on Television, Radio and in theatres all over the world. He was the Accordion and Fiddle Association of Scotland’s guest of honour in 2004 and he was inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame in 2008.
Former Scottish Accordion champion, John plays regularly for the Queen at Balmoral Castle and has toured with many of Scotland’s top artists Jimmy Shand, Andy Stewart, Kenneth McKellar, Calum Kennedy and others.
He has adjudicated on many occasions at the All Scotland Accordion Championship as well as the National Mod and the Musselburgh Festival.
Just when he thought it was all over along came Facebook ..here we go again.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
Because I have loved it from day one or the earliest I can remember. My mammy used to burn the sausages while playing jigs and reels on the piano to keep me happy in the pram. No wonder I ended up in music.
Any particular career highlights?
Playing anywhere to people who are enjoying it is always a highlight.
Although a particular one would be accompanying Jimmy Shand in the Sydney Opera House when he turned to me and said “I wish they would sit doon till we get a wee tune son” as the audience gave him a standing ovation when he came on to play.
What are your plans for the future?
Keep playing as long as I can to entertain and give up before they shout “Get Aff”.
Read more about John Carmichael
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/carmichaelsceilidh
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