Congratulations to Astro Bloc who has been nominated in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2025. Vote now! It’s going to be another great night at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on Saturday 6th December in Aberdeen Music Hall. Why not join us for a brilliant night of music and awards. Buy a ticket here.
We asked Éadaoin of Astro Bloc the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
ASTRO BLOC is a bold and dynamic new folk band that blends deep-rooted tradition with boundary-pushing creativity, producing a thrilling sound that redefines the genre. Featuring BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year Eryn Rae, internationally renowned percussionist Paul Jennings, multi-award-winning instrumentalist Éadaoin Ní Mhaicín, and the innovative, genre-spanning talent of Gillie O’Flaherty, Astro Bloc is breathing fresh life into the folk scene. With influences from Scotland, Ireland, and beyond, their music offers an exhilarating mix of heritage and innovation.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
We’re involved in Scottish music because it’s at the heart of who we are, it’s the tradition that shaped us, but it’s also the foundation we build on as contemporary musicians. Our sound draws from Scotland’s rich folk roots while exploring new ideas, textures, and energy. It’s about celebrating where the music comes from and pushing it forward at the same time.
Any particular career highlights?
Festival Appearances: Booked for major festivals across Europe including Festival Interceltique de Lorient (France), Festival De Pardinas, Skye Live, Hebcelt, Shetland Folk Festival, Glasgow Art School, Tiree Music Festival, Festival Interceltico De Sendim, Under Canvas, Ceol Schloss. The Reeling (Glasgow), and other high-profile events throughout 2025.
What are your plans for the future?
We are releasing our debut album in January 2026. We are going on a UK tour in November/December 2025 supporting Talisk. Next Summer we are booked for major festivals in the UK, Ireland and Europe and have a 6 week European tour booked for October/November 2026.
Astro Bloc Social Media
Website: https://www.astrobloc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Fx37Ec5n6/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobloc?igsh=dHVpNTNhdmhoNzFl&utm_source=qr
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@astrobloc
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobloc?_r=1&_t=ZN-911MWdGf6H8
The 2025 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards are on the 6th December 2025 in Aberdeen Music Hall! 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. Hosted by Scottish personalities Alistair Heather and Mary Ann Kennedy, the night in the Granite City will also welcome live performances from some of the brightest lights on the thriving trad scene today including beloved singer Hannah Rarity, UK folk legends The Poozies, trad pop band Mec Lir and BBC Radio scotland Young Traditional Musician and Scots Performer o the Year Ellie Beaton and many 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.