Latest news with #Valtos
The National
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Braemar Folk Festival sets line-up ahead of return
Returning for the fifth year, the Braemar Folk Festival is set to take place in and around the village of Braemar. Macpherson, who has been announced as first up on opening night, October 3, is the Radio 2 Folk Award and Trad Award Gaelic Singer of the Year. READ MORE: Scotland's largest private landowner proposes sauna plans for Loch Ness pub Following Macpherson is TRIP – a young trad group based in Glasgow. Their music combines traditions from Scotland, Ireland, Northumbria and the Isle of Man. Scottish trad and electronic group Valtos (below) will headline the second day of the event, with musician Cahalen Morrison supporting. (Image: BFF) The festival is designed to highlight existing and rising talent while celebrating the country's musical history. Fergus Mutch, festival director, said: 'We've got fantastic concerts from the likes of Valtos, TRIP, Mischa Macpherson and Cahalen Morrison; the local pubs will be jumping with live music and sessions to join in with. READ MORE: Scottish Government announces £23.5 million for active travel programmes 'You'll be able to pick up top performance tips from some world-class musicians in a range of workshops; and there will even be the chance to go wild swimming or foraging, for those who fancy something a bit different. (Image: BFF) 'And where better to enjoy great music than right here in the heart of the Cairngorms – with plenty of opportunity to get outside and soak up the great outdoors between gigs.' Visitors will have the chance to explore the national park area, with guided swimming and foraging workshops being offered during the festival. The festival is being sponsored by the Balmoral Group and the Fife Arms Hotel, and is being presented by St Margaret's Braemar, which is a venue located in the centre of the village. Braemar folk festival runs from October 3 to 5 and tickets are on sale now.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Band that went viral with 'Scottish drum and bass' to play at music festival
A Scottish band that went viral for combining traditional music with drum and bass is set to take the stage at a popular trad music festival at an East Renfrewshire park. The duo, called Valtos, will perform at The Reeling, the summer celebration of Scottish contemporary folk music, from June 6 to 8 at Rouken Glen Park. Tickets and the full line-up are available now at The finalists for the BBC's Scottish Act of The Year 2025 have been blending Scottish folk with electronic music for four years. However, their latest Instagram video has introduced their unique sound to millions of new listeners. The clip, titled "Have you ever wondered what Drum and Bass would sound like if it was from Scotland?", saw the group blend the two opposing genres by layering drum and bass with live fiddle and guitar. READ MORE: Call for resignations after 'humiliating' battery storage appeal decision The video gained more than 1.3 million views and attracted 30,000 new followers within a month. Martyn MacDonald, one half of the duo who hails from the Isle of Skye, said: "We didn't expect it to explode like that, we were just doing what we usually do - rehearsing together. "We put it up, and within a day or two, it just took off. "People were tagging their mates, sharing it, and suddenly our follower count was jumping up by the thousands. "It was mad." Valtos consists of Martyn, 29, and Daniel Docherty, 33. They have said that their social media presence has been key to their rise. READ MORE: 'Beautiful' Barrhead care home strives to make residents happy and comfortable Martyn said: "At the start, we'd overthink everything we posted, but now we just try to put stuff out regularly and not stress too much about it. "The more natural and off-the-cuff it feels, the better it does. Daniel added: "The algorithm's a strange beast, but once one video blows up, all your other stuff starts getting seen too. "You just have to keep the momentum going." As they continue to evolve, Valtos take inspiration from a wide range of artists. Daniel said: "We listen to everything from Enya to Fred Again."
BBC News
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Finalists announced for BBC Introducing Scottish Act of the Year 2025
BBC Radio Scotland has revealed the four exceptional acts that have made it to the final of BBC Introducing Scottish Act of The Year 2025, the most exciting new music talent search in Scotland. After receiving hundreds of submissions, a panel of expert judges have narrowed it down to just four finalists, representing a mix of genres that showcase Scotland's vibrant music scene. The BBC Introducing Scottish Act of The Year 2025 Finalists are: ili – multi-instrumentalist, pop singer, and songwriter from Glasgow Indoor Foxes – Scottish indie rock artist from Edinburgh Becky Sikasa – Soul singer and songwriter from Glasgow Valtos – Electronic and folk fusion duo from the Isle of Skye These four acts will take the stage at Platform, Glasgow, on Tuesday 25 March, performing in front of a live audience as they battle it out to be named BBC Introducing Scottish Act of The Year 2025. The final will be hosted by Phoebe Inglis-Holmes and Stephanie Cheape, presenters of BBC Introducing in Scotland. It will be broadcast on BBC Scotland on Saturday 29 March at 11pm, with radio highlights airing on Friday 28 March. Along with the coveted title, the winning act will receive two professional recording sessions with BBC Radio Scotland, a performance slot at Scotland's largest music festival TRNSMT, and a bespoke PR campaign. This year's expert judging panel includes TV presenter and radio host Shereen Cutkelvin, BBC Radio 1's Jess Iszatt, Dougie Payne from Travis and Dead Pony frontwoman Anna Shields. Meet the Finalists ili Track - It's Giving ili is a Scottish multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and performer who has been captivating audiences across the UK since she was a child. Her heartfelt songwriting and genuine online presence have built a dedicated fanbase and garnered attention from icons like Shania Twain, Willow Smith, The Jonas Brothers, Kylie Minogue, and RAYE. She's an award-winning songwriter with number-one hits in China and Poland and has written the song representing Switzerland at Eurovision 2025. ili has shared the stage with artists such as Becky Hill, Only The Poets, Arthur Hill and Callum Beattie. Ili says: 'Being nominated for Scottish Act of the Year is a bit surreal! I've been writing songs since I was nine, making up melodies in my bedroom, and if little me knew this was happening, she'd be screaming (probably into a deodorant can mic). Being recognised in my home country like this is honestly a dream and I'm so grateful for BBC Introducing and everyone who's been part of the journey to make this possible!" Indoor Foxes Track - Manic Scottish born singer/songwriter Indoor Foxes makes indie rock music, described as 'Courtney Love meets Paris Hilton vibes; a bit pretty and very, very loud.' Indoor Foxes is the moniker of Martha Barr, who cites artists like Wolf Alice, Phoebe Bridgers, Paramore, and Fatherson as her main inspiration. For Martha, Indoor Foxes is a vehicle of expression; a cooler and braver version of herself. Indoor Foxes says: 'It feels huge to be nominated for this award. I remember when I first started uploading to Introducing and basically sitting refreshing my emails to see if I would get on the radio - I was waiting for my start moment. Having been in the BBC Radio studio too recently it's just been like a prank …it's crazy. I'm over the moon to even be considered for this so thank you so much - 2025 YEAR OF THE FOX.' Becky Sikasa Track - My Love Says It's Going To Be Alright Becky Sikasa is making her way to becoming one of the leading new voices in Soul. Leaving live audiences in awe and captivating tastemakers with her unique writing, soulful layered voices and intimate lyrics. The Glaswegian Artist has gained the attention of some of the biggest names in the business including Paolo Nutini and the legendary Nile Rodgers. This year alone she's supported Mercury-Prize-nominated Jazz-Sensation Corto Alto at the Barrowland and sold-out her own headline show. Becky Sikasa says: 'I love being able to call the Scottish music scene my home and getting to grow alongside all these talented artist around me. Feeling very grateful and honoured to be on the short list for BBC Introducing act of the year!' Valtos Track – Etive Valtos are Skye natives Daniel Docherty and Martyn MacDonald and they have taken the Trad and Electronic music worlds by storm. Since their debut shows in December 2021, they have entertained audiences at festivals and sold-out venues nationwide. Their music has been described as "like nothing you've heard before," blending influences from electronic and folk music. Inspired by artists like Martyn Bennet, Peatbog Faeries, Odesza, Madeon and Bicep, Valtos creates a unique and genre-defying sound. Valtos say: 'We are beyond excited, BBC Introducing in Scotland has been a huge part of our career as a band, from the support on our very first track, to the most recent where we were lucky enough to be Track of the Week' and we've been just appreciative every time. BBC Introducing fills a huge role in Scotland in giving artists their first radio plays and interviews and we love to see it thrive and grow and we love being a part of that journey.' RS
