Congratulations to HEISK who has been nominated in Album of the Year sponsored by BirnamCD in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2024. Vote for HEISK now!. It’s going to be another great night at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on Saturday 30th November in Inverness Leisure. Why not join us for a brilliant night of music and awards. Buy a ticket here.
We asked Catriona of HEISK the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
We are a six-piece folk band looking to redefine the traditional music landscape by infusing Scottish roots with contemporary energy and a commitment to gender diversity. United by a resolute mission to amplify the voices of women and gender minorities in the traditional music scene.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
Most of us have been playing traditional Scottish music since we were bairns. The traditional music scene in Scotland is world class, and can be beautifully inclusive and demonstrate the strength of community and intergenerational learning. We love being a part of that, and are committed to pushing positive change.
Any particular career highlights?
Our most recent project, Headstrong, goes beyond music creation; it involves an ambitious mentoring program to develop opportunities for underrepresented young women and gender minorities. This program encompasses various areas of the music industry, from recording and producing to mixing, instrumental performance, marketing, business, and live shows. Notably, this mentoring program follows the production of our second album, from recording to release.
What are your plans for the future?
We love summer festivals so we'll be bouncing around the festival circuit again next year, and writing some new music together in the meantime.
HEISK Social Media
Website: https://www.heisk.co.uk/
Facebook: @heiskband
Twitter: @
Instagram: @heiskmusic
YouTube: @heiskmusic
TikTok: @heiskmusic
The 2024 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards are on the 30th November 2024 in Inverness Leisure Centre! You will be able to watch it live in person (buy a ticket here). Watch it live in the UK at 9pm (GMT) on BBC ALBA and and around the world here. Bands performing on Saturday 30th November include Julie Fowlis, Skipinnish, Laura Wilkie and Ian Carr, Highland Young Musicians and Arc Fiddlers, An Dannsa Dub, BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award winner 2024 Calum McIlroy and more!
If you would like to support Hands Up for Trad in their work with Scottish trad music and musicians why not become a friend of Hands Up for Trad. In addition to our high profile events like the Scots Trad Music Awards, we also deliver a less well known, education programme for young people from 8yrs right through to young adults at the start of their careers. Read more here.