Congratulations to Jarad Rowan 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 Jarad of Jarad Rowan the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
Hailing from the Rhins of Galloway, Stranraer, Scottish Singer/Songwriter Jarad Rowan blends his folk roots with modern instrumentation, reworking old tunes and crafting new ones with nods to traditional Scottish music, divinely inspired by the craic.
2025 has been a busy year for Jarad and his band after a long run of Summer festivals throughout Scotland culminating in a tour of his recently released debut album “Songs Granny Taught Ye”, recorded on the Isle of Lewis at Wee Studio Records.
Jarad is currently working on his second studio album with Wee Studio.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
My love for traditional Scottish music began at a young age when I found a dusty collection of vinyl in my Granny’s cupboard. Sir Harry Lauder LIVE, The Best of the Alexander Brothers, Jimmy Shand…
In Stranraer, where I’m from, there isn’t a huge appetite for live trad music like their is up in the highlands or even in the central belt so recently finding myself immersed in the Scottish traditional music scene has been a huge blessing – it’s been great to take some of that buzz home from time to time.
I am a huge champion of Scot’s song and the Scot’s language so getting to go to work and celebrate the rich history and culture we have that exists throughout our arts is incredible and there’s nothing else I’d rather do!
Any particular career highlights?
This year had been a massive highlight in general, releasing my debut album filled with the songs of childhood, getting to play in some pretty spectacular places and at some cracking festivals has been unreal.
Getting to meet and listen to some really exciting new talent as well as the gift of advice from some trad legends.
A rare moment where I thought “this is the craic” was Belladrum this year. A flood of people in overspill outside of the tent listening to us have a ball for half an hour was something really special.
What are your plans for the future?
If myself and the band are able to continue on this wee journey we’re on at the moment, championing Scot’s song, speaking the mither tongue and enjoying ourselves paying the bills along the way I’d say that’s no too shabby.
Jarad Rowan Social Media
Website: https://www.jaradrowan.co.uk/
Facebook:
Instagram: @littlestchicken_
YouTube:
TikTok: @littlestchicken
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.