Congratulations to Brian Ó hEadhra & Fionnag NicChoinnich who have been nominated in Album of the Year sponsored by Birnam CD in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2021. Vote here! Vote now!
We asked Brian Ó hEadhra of Brian Ó hEadhra & Fionnag NicChoinnich the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
Based in Inverness in the Highlands of Scotland, the duo Brian Ó hEadhra | Fionnag NicChoinnich perform songs from the Gaelic, Scots and Irish traditions as well as newly composed material drawing inspiration from music and cultures primarily from the North Atlantic fringe.
Brian is originally from Dublin, Ireland and Fionnag from the Isle of Lewis, Scotland. Over the past 25 years, they have performed across the globe and recorded on many albums with acts such as Anam, Cruinn and Mackenzie, as well as performing on various projects including international films and game soundtracks.
Fionnag NicChoinnich received the Gaelic Singer of the Year award at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Awards 2020 whilst Brian was nominated for the same award in 2019.
The duo has recorded two albums; "TÌR – Highland Life & Lore" and "TUATH – Songs of the Northlands". TÌR was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2018 International Folk Awards. Both albums have received high critical and public acclaim with TÌR being described as “…destined to become a classic of contemporary folk music… an inspired, beautiful album” by Folk Radio and TUATH as a "masterpiece" by Irish Music Magazine.
Brian & Fionnag released their third album "Càirdeas" in 2021. Described by Irish Music Magazine as "one of the most appealing acoustic albums of the year… this is a work of deep cultural importance… the album is a model for every artist who has something to say and sing about."
"Brian Ó hEadhra and Fionnag NicChoinnich are two extraordinary artists… Both are outstanding singers and songwriters and some of the best voices in the world of Gaelic language." World Music Central
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
We are passionate about our languages, cultures, and roots which spread out across the North Atlantic region reaching from Canada to Germany. We are based in the Scottish Highlands draw inspiration from the music and culture here, both traditional and contemporary. We are proud Nordic-Gaels and are honoured to be able to share our music with audiences at home and abroad.
Any particular career highlights?
We have been lucky enough to work with amazing musicians, engineers, and producers over the years such as Innes White, Mike Vass, Calum Malcolm, and Iain Hutchison who have helped us release albums we are extremely proud of.
The recording of Càirdeas during lockdown was a real highlight for us as we were able to have contributions from our close family and friends from across Scotland and Ireland. This album was recorded remotely by everyone but the final recording brought us all together in the end. It was a lovely thing.
What are your plans for the future?
We will continue to perform at select festivals and events, both online and in person. We are also working on our next album and various multi-artform projects.
Read more about Brian Ó hEadhra & Fionnag NicChoinnich
Brian Ó hEadhra & Fionnag NicChoinnich Social Media
http://www.brian-fionnag.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianfionnag
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/BrianO_FionnagN
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/brianohe_fionnagnicc/
http://www.youtube.com/BrianOhEadhraFionnagNicChoinnich:
http://www.tiktok.com/:
Unfortunately due to Covid there are no tickets for sale to the 2021 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. You will be able to watch it live in the UK at 7pm (GMT) on BBC ALBA and here. Bands performing on Saturday 4th December include Dàimh, Ìmar, Hannah Rarity, Strathspey Day Band and more to be announced.
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
