Congratulations to TRIP 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 Isla of TRIP the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
Born out of the vibrant Glasgow traditional music scene, unite the kindred Celtic traditions of Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man. Their trademark sound is dynamic, driven and distinctive and celebrates the band’s roots in tradition, whilst showcasing a contemporary, cross-genre flare. Their tight-knit arrangements blend traditional melodies and self-penned tunes and songs to produce an exciting take on folk music.
The stand-out line-up features 6 musicians at the forefront of Glasgow’s traditional music scene, including BBC Young Traditional Musician of the year 2021 and members of FARA, GNOSS, The Canny Band and HEISK. TRIP are Michael Biggins (Accordion), Isla Callister (Fiddle), Tiernan Courell (Flute/Whistle), Alasdair MacKenzie (Guitar/Voice), Rory Matheson (Piano) and Craig Baxter (Bodhran).
At the heart of TRIP’s live performances is an infectious energy and camaraderie that has captivated audiences across Scotland and beyond at festivals such as Celtic Connections, Skye Live, Shetland Folk Festival and Festival Interceltique de Lorient. Recent projects have also seen the band take to the stage with a special ‘big band’ project and collaborate with the likes of Donald Shaw and The Scottish Dance Theatre on ‘Moving Cloud’, which recently saw them travel to Colombia, South America.
Their debut album ‘A Drop for Neptune’ (2022) garnered nominations for ‘Best Album of the Year’ and ‘Folk Band of the Year’ at the Scots Trad Music Awards. ‘In Terra’s Keep’, TRIP’s second album, takes its name from the Latin word for earth and land and celebrates the deep connection between land and traditional music. It stands to be their best musical offering to date and will be released in April 2025.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
We all met at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and whilst the members of the band hail from from Scotland, Ireland, England and the Isle of Man, Scotland and its supportive and vibrant traditional music scene is the reason we play together!
Any particular career highlights?
We went to Colombia in February of this year to collaborate with the Scottish Dance Theatre. It was a once in a lifetime trip!
What are your plans for the future?
Make more music together and try keep gigging and touring in this current climate!
TRIP Social Media
Website: https://www.trip-music.com/about
Facebook: TRIPceol
Instagram: tripceol
YouTube: TRIP Band @tripband5006
TikTok: trip_tradband
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.