Congratulations to Project Smok who has been nominated in Album of the Year sponsored by BirnamCD in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2024. Vote for Project Smok 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 Pablo of Project Smok the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
Project Smok emerges as a dynamic force within Glasgow's session
scene, melding the exceptional talents of BBC Young Traditional
Musician of the Year, Ali Levack, and his award-winning piping/whistle playing alongside
Ewan Baird's rhythmic mastery on bodhran, complemented by Pablo
Lafuente's genre-bending guitar playing. Their musical alchemy
transcends boundaries, seamlessly blending neo-trad roots with Scottish
West Coast styles alongside the pulse of indie pop. Project Smok
surprises and delights, offering a virtuosic, high-energy experience that
captivates audiences. Boasting over 2 million Spotify streams, sold-out
European shows, and nominations for prestigious awards, they redefine
tradition with each electrifying note, showcasing a musical journey into
uncharted territories
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
We all grew up immersed in the rich tapestry of Scottish music, which has been an integral part of our lives from a young age. We were fortunate to learn from some of the finest musicians and instructors at feis, weekly music lessons, and community gatherings. This deep connection to our musical heritage shapes our identity and fosters a profound sense of belonging within this vibrant scene. We feel incredibly grateful to be part of such a rich tradition.
Any particular career highlights?
Headlining a sold-out show at Celtic Connections in St Luke's to launch our second studio album, The Outset, was a huge highlight for us. Our journey began with the amazing opportunity to work with Edwyn Collins on our first album, which really helped us reach new audiences. Since then, we’ve toured all over the UK & Europe, playing for thousands of people. We’re grateful for all these experiences and excited for what’s next.
What are your plans for the future?
We want to record more music, perform at a wider variety of venues, and collaborate with more artists. Expanding our discography is important to us, as we believe that every new project allows us to explore different sounds and express our growth as musicians.
Project Smok Social Media
Website: https://projectsmok.com/
Facebook: @projectsmok
Twitter: @projectsmokband
Instagram: @projectsmok
YouTube: @projectsmokmusic
TikTok: @projectsmok
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.
