Congratulations to Tarran who has been nominated in Up and Coming Artist of the Year sponsored by Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2024. Vote for Tarran 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 Malachy of Tarran the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
Tarran are an exhilarating contemporary folk group from Glasgow, with roots in both Ireland and the Scottish Highlands. The band consists of Sophie joint (Keys), Breanna Wilson (Fiddle), Malachy Arnold (Harp), and Rory Stark (Whistle/Bodhran). Using elements of funk, blues and contemporary rhythm, the band create a lively and innovative twist on traditional music. Tarran’s captivating performances have been brought to stages across Europe since 2019, notably Celtic Connections festival, Edinburgh int. Harp Festival, and Celtic Valle d’Aosta (ITA). After the recent release of their EP, "Heartwood”, the band is thrilled to unveil fresh music to audiences worldwide!
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
It's a mixture of background, community, and our own aspirations.
Raised amidst the vibrant traditional music scene in Glasgow, we aspired to put our own stamp on trad music. We love being a part of the Scottish music scene, blending our rich influences of Ireland and Scotland into a contemporary sound that can be enjoyed by any audience.
Since the beginning of the band, we continuously aim to share our unique sound, promoting a band with Clarsach and fiddle at the forefront of the music. The Scottish trad scene has been incredibly supportive of this, which helps us thrive.
We cherish the communal aspect of the Scottish music scene too – It's a massive part of us sticking together as a band. From growing up playing with each other, to now being surrounded by many inspirational musicians we're lucky to have as friends too.
Any particular career highlights?
Winning both Danny Kyle and the Hands Up for Trad Battle of the Folk Bands at Celtic Connections in 2020 and 2023 respectively.
Performing in Italy and Spain in summer 2023, as well as making our debut at the Edinburgh International Harp Festival in April 2024.
Releasing our debut EP, "Heartwood", and launching it at Celtic Connections this year was a massive moment for us!
What are your plans for the future?
We're continuing to release music with our new single, "Sienna" out on Sunday 3rd of November. Most importantly, we're currently in the early stages of planning a funding application for our debut album, which will feature song as well as our instrumental music.
We're planning a small Scottish tour for autumn 2025, as well as some other dates throughout the year.
We hope to expand further, and perform in European countries and North America over the next year!
Tarran Social Media
Website: https://www.tarranmusic.co.uk
Facebook: @tarran
Twitter: @tarranofficial
Instagram: @tarranmusic
YouTube: @Tarran – Topic
TikTok: @tarranmusic
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.
