Remote recording project will see Gaelic artistes make new music
A Stornoway recording studio has chosen 11 talented Gaelic singers and Celtic musicians to professionally record and release music as part of a new project promoting Gaelic language and culture.
The Clàradh san Sgòth (Cloud Recording) initiative is funded by Creative Scotland and run by Keith Morrison of Wee Studio in Stornoway.
It aims to amplify Gaelic voices and traditional music by giving the winning artists a chance to record their material remotely.
Winners included emerging acts from across the Highlands and Islands - from Lewis and South Uist to the island of Canna, which boasts a population of just 67.
Winners included, from the Isle of Lewis, exciting young artist Alice Macmillan and Calum Friseal of Gaelic punk band Balach.
Stornoway locals including accordionist Graham Maclennan and vocalist Iona Mairead Davidson were also among the group selected to take part.
South Uist piper and singer Chloe Steele, Inverness musician Liza Mulholland and Grace Stewart-Skinner from the village of Urray in Ross-shire were also successful, alongside Isle of Skye multi-instrumentalist John Phillips, Gaelic singer Fiona J Mackenzie from the Isle of Canna, Barra’s Lisa MacNeil, upcoming talent Louden Mackay from Glen Shiel in the north-west Highlands and musician Grace Mackenzie.
Top of the range equipment is being delivered to their homes for them to record on, all under the professional guidance of Wee Studio.
Calum Fraser, Balach band member, 28, from Isle of
Lewis, said: 'Studio time is probably the biggest cost any new band has to bear.
'As a band formed over lockdown who haven't been able to tour or generate income yet; this will be a huge financial help to us, as well as provide the opportunity to showcase our material and help us build an audience before going on the road.'
Fiona MacKenzie, 60, of the Isle of Canna said: 'I want to take advantage of my time spent living on Canna to be able to work towards leaving a lasting legacy of Gaelic song, profiling the priceless collections of songs held in Canna House, recorded by John and Margaret Campbell in the mid-20th century.
'I have been recording in studios now for over 20 years but the chance to do this kind of project in the place where the songs were recorded themselves, is incredibly exciting.'
Chloe Steele, 23, from South Uist, said: 'Travelling to record new material is something I have limited time to do – this project is the ideal solution and will allow me to continue my development as a musician, something I am hugely passionate about.
'It’s been three years since I last recorded any Gaelic or traditional material professionally and therefore I believe Claradh san Sgoth is the perfect opportunity for me to produce new material for my current followers and new fans.'
A panel of three industry judges selected the winning musicians.
With 10 spots originally up for grabs, a tie for 10th place saw Wee Studios decide to cover the costs of the 11th spot in order to give as many worthy musicians the opportunity to be involved as possible.
Wee Studio Records will mix and collate the final tracks for a digital release, representing a breakthrough in new, cost-effective ways to produce artists in remote areas.
Wee Studio founder Keith Morrison said: 'The equipment is currently making its way around the country and some truly unique recording projects are already under way.'
More information about Wee Studio can be found on its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/weestudiostornoway/.