Inverness band release debut album with hopes of keeping traditional Scottish music alive

The Inverness-based band aims to keep traditional Scottish music alive as they celebrate the launch of their debut album this weekend.

A six-piece ‘trad band’ from Inverness, Kara combine elements of traditional and ‘trad’ music with a modern and fresh twist.

The band is Ivan Steele (whistle, flute, pipes), Finley McLennan (fiddle), Amy Nualls (keys), Alasdair McQuarrie (acoustic guitar), Callum McQuarrie (bass), Angus Walker (drums). It has been constructed.

Formed in 2019, Cala’s profile has quickly risen from humble beginnings in nursing homes to spots with thousands performing at music festivals like Belladrum and Dandelion.

Ivan Steele, who was on stage for the first time, said he was “very nervous”, but the adrenaline rush on stage was something he wanted to keep up with.

The band played over 50 gigs and played at some of the biggest venues in Highland, including the now defunct Ironworks.

This prompted the band to produce their debut album, From the River, released on March 31, incorporating distinctive Scottish sounds such as whistles, fiddles and bagpipes.

Mr Steele said:

“At school, I learned bagpipes all the way through secondary school.

“It’s good to see so many people making a name for themselves through traditional music. It’s much easier to make a career in traditional music.”

Cala brings a fresh approach to traditional Scottish music.

One event that brings traditional music to the masses is the annual Hooley in the Hydro. Ten years ago, the event was unheard of and marks the growth of trad music, according to Steele.

He says it shows promise for the future and that bands like Kara can thrive in Scotland’s crowded music scene.

Calum MacQuarrie adds:

“At bar gigs, people come up to us and tell us they love the music, which makes it even more talked about.”

As with traditional music, he says it’s important for any music scene to welcome new artists.

Amy Nualls says that all members of Cala bring something unique that makes their sound so unique and fresh while staying true to traditional music.

She adds that this makes their music more accessible to those new to traditional Scottish music.

Growing up nearby, the band now consider each other family, with three (Ivan, Calum and Amy) studying traditional music in Glasgow.

Steele, a self-taught musician, never thought he would have a career before joining Cala, but now believes the future is bright for the band and the traditional music genre.

To mark the release of their debut album, the group decided to hit the ground running in front of an audience of 150 people at Bogbain Farm in Inverness.

The event is hosted by the band themselves and showcases songs from the new album.

Callum McQuarrie says the gig is the first of many for the upcoming summer season, including his first ever international gig at the Lorient Festival in July.

The aim is to continue to make waves in the traditional music scene and become known for a unique style while playing to big crowds at festivals like The Celtic Connection.