Congratulations to MAL 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 Malachy of MAL the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
MAL is a Scottish powerhouse, new to the scene, that blends underground electronic sounds with traditional music in a whole new light. The band is led by harpist Malachy Arnold, who places the harp at the forefront of genres like techno and more. He is joined by Finn MacPherson (whistle/pipes), Macaulay Ross (fiddle), and Gillie O’Flaherty (synth/keys). Together, they create a unique and electrifying sound, merging traditional instruments with hard-hitting, euphoric grooves from techno, house, and jungle.
MAL draws inspiration from the likes of Martyn Bennett, Kneecap, Bothy Bass, Josh Wink, and Kettama.
“Absolute banger” – Mohsen Amini, TALISK
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
From a young age, I played the harp as part of Comhaltas in Glasgow. During my school years, I was fortunate to learn Scottish traditional music from the wonderful Gillian Fleetwood, later continuing my studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. My love for traditional music has deepened through meeting other like-minded musicians, and now I channel that passion into MAL, where we blend Scottish and Irish trad with the underground electronic music scene.
Any particular career highlights?
Our debut headline gig at the Artschool in March 2025, the first public concert to return to the Artschool since its closure in 2019.
Supporting Talisk on their Irish tour this October.
Closing the Thursday night at Eden Festival this year, followed by a gig at Fèile na Gealai in Ireland.
The release of our debut music video, “Champion Tatties” last year.
What are your plans for the future?
We have a debut album in the works, to be released in early 2026 – featuring collaborations with other cracking musicians in the scene.
Our debut Celtic Connections gig supporting Inlay at SWG3 in January!
Skye Live debut in May 2026.
Plenty more gigs and music to come!
MAL Social Media
Website: https://linktr.ee/mal_malachyarnold
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567945850630&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=R87WJPfEevr9t45r&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1FSPB6rKFu%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Malachy.arnold/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1j-3bAaKLyQ
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.