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 the following questions.

Tell us about yourself
Heidi Talbot is an award-winning folk singer from Co. Kildare in Ireland. Her live band features John McCusker, Ian Carr, Andy Cutting and Ewen Vernal. Heidi’s 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 Scotland with their daughters Molly Mae and Jessica Rose.

Why are you involved in Scottish music?
I love being part of the Scottish music scene. Since moving here 9 years ago I’ve got to record, tour and become pals with so many brilliant artists including Eddi Reader, Idlewild, King Creosote, Karine Polwart & Julie Fowlis. It feels a very exciting time to be living and making music in Scotland, it’s such a vibrant scene that seems to be getting stronger and more inspiring with every passing year.

Any particular career highlights?
Recording my new album “Angels Without Wings” was a definite career highlight. I loved writing more for this album and also getting to co – write with amazing songwriters like Tim O’Brien, Boo Hewerdine, King Creosote & Louis Abbott. Having brilliant musicians like Mark Knopfler, Jerry Douglas & Dirk Powell join me on the record was very special, but I think the most exciting thing for me was looking around the studio and seeing what an incredible band & bunch of pals I had playing with me. I’m a very lucky girl.

What are your plans for the future?
Myself & John have just had a new baby girl so I’m not touring for a while! Also I toured so much with the last record that it feels like a great time to have a break. Waltzing around the kitchen with our new baby for hours every day is giving me lots of ideas for new songs. We’ve just built a new recording studio in the Scottish Borders and I’m really excited about the projects & records we have planned for the studio. I cant wait to record a new album with the lads next year in our own place and to release it on our own label Under One Sky Records.

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!