"Her songs are brimming with wit and invention and are entirely captivating". James Grant
I am a singer/songwriter and clarsach player from Ayrshire. I love to explore different styles and genres and write songs about subjects as diverse as the beauty of the Northumberland coastline to the disaster of dogs eating mobile phones!
A 'typical' gig, if there is such a thing, will consist of a variety of my own songs, some folk songs, particularly songs by Burns and Tannahill and possibly some unexpected rock covers. During Lockdown, I have been experimenting with Songs to the Tune of Another - and I think they're here to stay! Find out more here music-during-lockdown.php
In usual circumstances, I am equally at home performing in small, intimate venues like Tannahill's Cottage or grand venues like Stirling Castle, at events like chillout lounges at festivals to celebrations in Glasgow Cathedral and riverboats in Australia. Meanwhile, I am keeping busy doing livestreams, posting videos and writing and recording songs.
Check out my new album, produced by the wonderful James Grant, with funding from Creative Scotland, which was released on 30th September 2022! This album explores the concept of legacy. It's already receiving lots of radio play and I'm delighted to say, was Celtic Music Radio's Album of the Week on 22nd October 2022! It was also Album of the Week on the Folk and Acoustic Show on Beyond Radio and received a Must Listen from Folk London. It has also been nominated for Scottish Album of the Year!
"An album that quietly touches om female empowerment, not letting anyone stop our light from shining and staying true to yourself. It's a gift that keeps on giving." Folking.com. "A lovely album with gentle, yet captivating story-telling" (Darren Johnson). More information here and links for downloading and streaming here
I did my first FULL RUN at the Edinburgh Fringe last year! The show was Song Swap-o-rama and comments included "Stimulating for the brain!" (audience member) and "Hilarious and totally batshit combinations." (Attila the Stockbroker). And the good news is....I'll be doing it again this year! Fingers Piano Bar, 2pm every day except Wednesdays.
And I have just finished a Musician in Residence post, as part of the Songwriters Collective, with the Dandelion Project, based at the Drying Green Garden in Greenock. It resulted in 4 new songs.
"The Diva of the Lockdown"
"She was a delight, a clear, tuneful voice that has clearly benefited from some classical music training, also a fine sensitive clarsach player, that allowed the voice to be heard." Edinburgh Music Review
"Delightful and convivial on so many levels" Springthorpe Village Hall
" Lovely, charming, quirky songs that made me smile. If Jonathan Richman was a Scotswoman who played a clarsach, this is how he'd sound" Tom Clelland, Clydesdale Folk Club
https://soundcloud.com/pauline-vallance
