EMELI’S STAR PERFORMERS SET FOR FINAL
BEN MONTEITH, HIGH FADE MIA & FREYA
SINGER SONGWRITER/GUITARIST, 34, FROM ROBROYSTON, GLASGOW. Emelie was moved by Ben’s heartfelt selfwritten song Home, which he penned for wife of 14 years, Laurie, 38.
Ben busks at a regular pitch on Glasgow’s Argyle Street to support his family – he and wife Laurie have three children, Joshua, 13, Lily, 11, and Noah, 10.
Emeli’s verdict: “Visually, Ben really stands out with the dreads and the tattoos – he’s so interesting to look at. But for such a big guy, he has this quietness about him and sensitivity to him which is undeniable.
“To sing Read All About It off the cuff with him was amazing. There’s loads of people with talent but Ben uses his gift to support his family and is willing to sit on the street for hours on end. This is an amazing opportunity for him and well deserved.”
– HARRY NOBLE, 20, (GUITAR, VOCALS) OF DALKIETH, MATT GRAHAM, 22, (DRUMS), OF LASSWADE, MIDLOTHIAN, AND DZIUGAS JASUKAITIS, 22, (BASS) ORIGINALLY OF LITHUANIA, NOW EDINBURGH. Friends Harry, Matt and DJ formed their street funk band at last year’s Fringe in their hometown of Edinburgh, and Emeli was delighted when she spotted them at regular location The Mound.
Emeli’s verdict: “They had a full band on the street which is pretty unusual but it’s their energy and how tight they are together that was so impressive.
“They trick the audience into thinking a certain break wasn’t supposed to happen but then the drummer comes in and it all comes together.
“Their personalities match the music, I think the audience is going to really get groovy with them.”
– MIA SCOTT, 19, (FIDDLE) AND FREYA RUUSKANEN, 19, (CELLO), BOTH OF EDINBURGH. Best pals since primary five, classically trained musicians Mia and Freya met at a specialist music unit in school and split their musical fun between classical and traditional.
The pair busk together on the Royal Mile whenever they’re back home in Edinburgh.
Emeli’s verdict: “It’s quite difficult to play a violin and a cello and still really make it rock. I love that they have the energy and the youthfulness to be able to bring classical and traditional music to a younger audience.
“They just look like they’re having so much fun playing.”