Remote recording project aims to see Celtic musicians shine

Wee Studio in Stornoway has chosen 11 talented Gaelic singers and traditional musicians from across the Highlands and Islands to professionally record 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.

Thanks to the marvel of internet communications, artists will record their songs and music at their own homes under the real time guidance of Keith Morrison sometimes 100 miles away in his Lewis studio.

Top of the range microphones and recording equipment is delivered to their homes. 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.

Emerging acts from across the Highlands and Islands included young artist Alice Macmillan and Calum Friseal from Lewis. Accordionist Graham Maclennan and vocalist Iona Mairead Davidson are also taking 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 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.

Calum Friseal of Gaelic punk band Balach 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 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.

“This is a wonderful advert for singers and musicians wondering if the Hebrides are the place to be for performing musicians.”

South Uist singer, Chloe Steele, 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.”

Studio founder Keith Morrison said: “We’re delighted to announce the 11 brilliant winners of Clàradh san Sgòth. The level of talent shown by the entrants was really impressive and made it very tough for the judges, which is so encouraging to see.

“The equipment is currently making its way around the country and some truly unique recording projects are already underway. We’re finding inventive solutions in order to make all the remote recordings work and showing that high-quality music can be made just about anywhere.

“We look forward to sharing each of the artists’ finished material which represents the breadth of emerging talent across the region.”

Remote recording project aims to see Celtic musicians shine

21 February 2022

Gaelic singer Alice Macmillan from Lewis