Congratulations to Steven Spence 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 Steven of Steven Spence the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
I’m Steven Spence, aka Spencie, a composer and fiddle player from Unst, Shetland – the most northerly island in the UK. I’ve been immersed in music my whole life, with deep family roots in Shetland’s fiddle tradition. I composed my first tune at age 11 and went on to win numerous local competitions before joining Hom Bru in 1983, touring widely for a decade.
Over the years, I’ve played in various bands, recorded albums, and published eight volumes of Spencie’s Tunes, featuring over 300 original compositions. In 2005, I began offering commissioned tunes commercially, creating bespoke music for weddings, birthdays, retirements, and other special occasions. Though I’ve retired from commissions due to arthritis, I continue to compose when inspiration strikes.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
Scottish music is in my blood. My father, grandfather, and ancestors before them were all fiddle players, and my siblings and son have carried on the tradition. Growing up in Unst, surrounded by music and community, it was only natural to become part of it.
I’ve always felt a responsibility to contribute to the tradition – not just by playing, but by composing. With over 300 tunes written and shared, I’m proud to have added my voice to the living tapestry of Scottish music. Seeing my son George now carry that torch forward with his own incredible compositions and debut album makes it all the more meaningful.
Any particular career highlights?
– Composed my first tune Ruby’s Success at age 11, inspired by my mother’s win on Robbie Shepherd’s Meet Ye Monday
– Won numerous Shetland music competitions as a teenager, including the Garrison Theatre talent contest at 13
– Joined Hom Bru in 1983 and toured extensively for 10 years, performing at festivals across Scotland, the UK, Faroe, Denmark, and France
– Played at the Skagen Festival in Denmark – an unforgettable experience where we brought the house down!
– Published eight volumes of Spencie’s Tunes, with over 300 original compositions now played by musicians worldwide
– Created a global commissioned tune service in 2005, crafting bespoke music for weddings, birthdays, retirements, and special occasions
– Won many awards for my compositions
– Composed many popular tunes including Uyea Isle, Pig’s Reel, Gibby Gray, Golden Goals at da Gibby, and Calum’s Waltz
– Calum’s Waltz was commissioned to celebrate the birth of Calum David Risk in 1992. It became one of the most moving tunes I’ve ever composed, reflecting Calum’s remarkable life and spirit. Widely performed and recorded – including by his primary seven classmates and myself – it remains a deeply personal tribute to a young man who touched many lives.
– Another one of my most meaningful commissions was A Kiss for Kierstin, written for an 18 year old American girl with a brain tumour to help her through her operation. Thankfully she made a full recovery. The tune remains one of the highlights of my composing career
What are your plans for the future?
After 20 years of composing commissioned tunes and reaching the milestone of 300 pieces, I’ve decided to retire from commercial work due to arthritis in my hand. I gave up performing years ago for the same reason, but music remains close to my heart.
I’ll continue to compose when the mood and inspiration strike as music has always been a part of me. My focus now is supporting my son George, who is forging his own path in traditional music with talent and passion. Watching him grow as a composer and performer is a joy, and I’ll be cheering him on every step of the way.
Steven Spence Social Media
Website: https://spenciestunes.bandcamp.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shetlandfiddlemusic
Instagram: www.instagram.com/spencieunst
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/spencies
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.