Congratulations to Innes Strachan who has been nominated in Production Award: Record Producer of the Year 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 Innes of Innes Strachan the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
Innes Strachan is a musician and producer behind the pioneering Scottish band, Niteworks and the new electro-pop group, LUSA. With four acclaimed albums, a catalogue of remixes, and a body of soundtrack work, the recording studio remains at the heart of his creative practice.
Collaboration has always been at the core of his musical output, shaping a distinctive sound that blends traditional influences with contemporary production and arrangements. At the centre of his work is a commitment to allow the source material the respect and focus it deserves, and build sounds that elevate and deepen the narrative and emotions behind each piece of music.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
Innes Strachan is deeply involved in Scottish music because he grew up within the strong Gaelic/traditional music community on the Isle of Skye, and he has chosen to express and evolve that tradition through his work with Niteworks (and more recently LUSA). His role straddles tradition and innovation: preserving Gaelic/Scottish roots while using electronic and modern forms to reach wider audiences.
Any particular career highlights?
Innes Strachan, has become a major figure in Scottish music by fusing Gaelic tradition with contemporary sounds. As a founding member and keyboard/synth player of Niteworks, he helped pioneer a “Gaelictronica” style—merging Gaelic vocals, piping, and dance/electronic elements—on albums such as NW (2015), Air Fàir an Là (2018) and A’ Ghrian (2022). His live work with Niteworks included major festivals and venues across Scotland and internationally. Following Niteworks’ disbanding in 2024, Strachan launched a solo project under the name LUSA, exploring more synth-pop and electronica while adapting to life with multiple-sclerosis. A significant recent highlight is his role as co-producer (alongside Innes White) of Sìan’s upcoming second album Araon, rooted in Gaelic song tradition and recorded at GloWorm Recording—showing Strachan’s commitment not only to his own output but to supporting and evolving Gaelic vocal music.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, Innes Strachan plans to continue developing his work as a producer, building on his recent collaborations within the Scottish traditional scene while expanding his creative reach beyond it. Alongside collaborating with Gaelic artists like Sìan, he aims to use his experience in blending contemporary production with traditional roots to help shape the next wave of innovative Scottish music. At the same time, his solo project LUSA will remain a key focus, allowing him to explore more experimental and synth-driven directions that push beyond the boundaries of trad. Through both paths, Strachan intends to balance cultural preservation with musical innovation, evolving his sound while continuing to champion Scotland’s distinctive musical identity.
Innes Strachan Social Media
Website:
Facebook:
Instagram: @thisislusa
YouTube:
TikTok:
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.