MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards: Heidi Talbot Band

Congratulations to Heidi Talbot Band who have been nominated in Folk band of the Year sponsored by Threads of Sound in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2014. Vote now!

We asked Heidi Talbot of Heidi Talbot Band the following questions.

Tell us about yourself
Heidi Talbot is an award-winning folk singer from Co. Kildare in Ireland, now living in Scotland. Heidi’s touring band includes Ian Carr, Andy Cutting, John McCusker, Ewen Vernal and Michael McGoldrick. Her new album Angels Without Wings features modern, original songs taking their inspiration from the world of traditional music, with guest contributions from artists as diverse as Mark Knopfler, Jerry Douglas, King Creosote, Julie Fowlis and Tim O’Brien. She grew up in a musical household, and began singing as a child in the church choir her mother played organ and sang for. After finishing school, she spent time in New York, where she joined the Irish-American supergroup Cherish The Ladies. Her solo 2008 breakthrough In Love And Light won her international acclaim, including a US Indie Acoustic Award which signalled her music’s crossover appeal. Collaborations with Michael McGoldrick and Drever, McCusker & Woomble followed, and guest slots for Idlewild and Eddi Reader. The majority of Angels Without Wings was written with longtime friend Boo Hewerdine and her husband, the producer and multi-instrumentalist John McCusker. The couple live in the Scottish Borders with their two daughters Molly-Mae and Jessica Rose.

Why are you involved in Scottish music?
I love being part of the Scottish music scene. Over the last nine years since moving to Scotland, I’ve got to to record, tour & become pals with so many fantastic artists including Idlewild, King Creosote, Louis Abbott, Karine Polwart & Julie Fowlis. It feels like a very exciting time to be part of the Scottish music scene which is thriving and seems to be getting stronger and more exciting with every passing year.

Any particular career highlights?
Recording my new record “Angels Without Wings” was a definite career highlight. I really enjoyed writing for this album and also getting to co-write with amazing song writers like Tim O’ brien, Boo Hewerdine & King Creosote. Also having musicians like Mark Knopfler, Jerry Douglas & Dirk Powell play on the record and being surrounded by my brilliant band in the studio was a fantastic experience . I feel very lucky.

What are your plans for the future?
Myself & John have just had another baby girl so I’m taking some time off. Rocking my baby to sleep and waltzing around the kitchen is giving me loads of ideas for new song melodies though! While I have some time off I want to write and find songs for another album which I’ll record in our new studio later next year & release on our own label Under One Sky Records … I’m very excited about our future projects in the new studio.

Buy a ticket for the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on Saturday 13th December in Inverness Leisure, start time 7pm. You’ll have a great time!