BRIAN Ó HEADHRA & FIONA MACKENZIE
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Fionnag NicChoinnich nominated for Gaelic Singer of the Year

5/11/2020

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Congratulations to Fionnag NicChoinnich nominated in Gaelic Singer of the Year sponsored by Highland Society of London in the @MGALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2020. Read about Fionnag here https://t.co/ScT8toGrPs #NaTrads #HUFTOnline #BBCALBA @BrianO_FionnagN pic.twitter.com/8CZQed7DLM

— Hands Up For Trad (@handsupfortrad) November 3, 2020
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Family Cèilidh Gaelic Song Collection now on YouTube!

20/7/2020

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Q & A with Brian Ó hEadhra and Fiona Mackenzie

5/5/2020

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From the blog BritCeltFolk.  View here.  

I have been most impressed by the stunningly innovative albums Tìr and Tuath by the duo of Brian Ó hEadhra and Fiona Mackenzie. As I listened to Tuath on powerplay over a few days, several questions began to arise: it’s an intriguing and challenging album in many ways and I decided to ask Brian and Fiona if they’d like to answer a few questions. I am overjoyed to report they were super kind to my request and we did the following “interview” over email. If you have listened to and enjoyed their unique music, here’s the story behind it…
Ceud mile taing, Brian agus Fiona!

How did the idea of a revamped and re-visioned Gaelic folk initially come about?
A few years ago we decided we wanted to release an album with just the two of us. Up until that point we had generally been performing with various groups or in specific projects which always means that there is a certain amount of compromise involved.  With our albums “TÌR – Highland Life and Lore” and “TUATH – Songs of the Northlands” we allowed ourselves free rein with nothing off-limits.  We are a bilingual household (Scottish Gaelic & English) and we listen to a wide spectrum of musical genres.  We came up with new and old material that we are interested in rather than trying to please a specific audience, be that traditional Gaelic or contemporary pop.  We’re please how it has turned out.  

Did you have specific inspirations and benchmarks that triggered the revisioning process?
We actually made playlists of artists and songs for both albums to help us, the session musicians and the engineers during the recording process.   Included on the playlists were artists such as Hans Zimmer, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Sigur Ros, Niki and the Dove, Kathleen McInnes, Sudan Dudan and Portishead.
The amazing online folk archive of Tobar an Dualchais and the collection of Gaelic prayers & incantations – Carmina Gadelica continue to be a big inspiration for us.  
We write about both historical/folkloric and contemporary issues.  Anything goes.  It’s so rewarding to have this freedom and not be too burdened down with what we think people or communities want to hear.  

Who are/were your main collaborators and supporters in realizing this vision, not just in the studio but in general?
For our live work, we just rely on ourselves to perform the work.  Our teenage kids Órla and Róise often join us on stage add extra vocal harmonies and dynamics; something which we love.  
The highly talented musician/composer Mike Vass was our main collaborator for both albums.  His work on sound design and arrangements is stunning and really helped us find our sound.  We recorded the first album partly in The Wee Studio in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, with Keith Morrison who helped us find our initial sound.  Our nephew Innes White has played guitar and mandolin on both albums and aways does such an amazing job.  
We always like working with artists and we were fortunate to have worked with Rachel Cush of Crafty Marten Art to make our front cover and artwork for TÌR.  We collaborated with printmaker/artist Freya Cumming for TUATH, resulting in both albums having affecting art to represent each track.
We are very grateful to Creative Scotland (Scotland’s arts & screen council) who gave us grant support and also to Naxos World Music who have released both albums.  

You seem to have ploughed through various deep sources for material. How were the songs chosen for these projects? 
We always want to have a mix of traditional and contemporary material.  Quite a few of the songs are totally new and written for each album.  They can be based on any subject matter or character from our rich history/folklore.  We like to have a mix of upbeat songs and some slower ones as we have to sing most of them for live concerts too.  Most of the traditional songs we have sung are ones we have picked up over the years from family or friends singing them.  Sometimes we have strong reasons to sing songs which mean a lot to us and other times we just sing something which we find appealing.  It’s quite random but it works for us.  

The digital arrangements are particularly vibrant and “alive”. What’s the story behind their creation, both musical and tech (programming etc)? 
This all comes down to the musical maestro Mike Vass.  It is all his work.  He uses real sounds and instruments and manipulates them into sequences, rhythms and arrangements to fit with the songs we provided.  In TUATH he had full reign in the arrangements.  We trust him and he has come up with an astounding sound.  
Our mixing engineer, Iain Hutchison is also extremely talented and made the music sparkle with his mixes.  

Tuath’s soundscape is quite a bit more tech-dominated than Tìr was. Was this a deliberate strategy?  
Yes, we said to Mike “just go for it”.  We are kids of the ’80s and said that big synth sounds are totally fine; whatever.  

The Scandinavian songs on Tuath are very convincingly sung. Does Brian actually speak Scandinavian languages?
(Brian) I am slowly learning Norwegian but we both love Scandinavian dramas and therefore hear the various languages regularly enough.  I have yet to tackle Finnish but who knows what the future might bring!  

The decision to include a Galician song in an album of northlands songs was a bit surprising, even when Galicia has its own vibrant tradition of Celtic music. Did you have discussions with Galician musicians when choosing Rosa das Rosas for Tuath or was it your own discovery?
(Fiona) I learned this song to sing live on the Netfilx film Outlaw King a few years back.  They wanted some music from that era and I suppose that it is possible that a song like that may have been sung in a Scottish court in the late 1200s.  We didn’t speak with Galician musicians about singing it but did do some research online.  Brian did the translation.  We figured that it was fine to have a Galician song as they have always been trading and connected to the Celtic peoples to the north.  

What have been the challenges of bringing the Tìr and Tuath songs to the stage? Do you have all the electronics with you or are the songs more acoustic in the live setting?
We sing most of the songs with basic acoustic instruments and a few effects.  We haven’t managed to incorporate the electronic elements into our set to date for a number of logistical reasons but it may happen in the future.  We’re happy either way, although the prospect of one day performing our music with the full ‘sound design’ element definitely interests us.  
​
And, finally, what wisdom would you like to share with those younger Celtic and European folk musicians who might one day wish to bring in their own innovations?
Just go for it!  It’s art and it’s yours so don’t let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do.  Do your research and work with people you enjoy being around.  Trust your heart and reach out for advice when required.  Be brave. 
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March 2020 Newsletter

14/3/2020

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Newsletter | Cuairt-litir

TUATH – Songs of the Northlands launched on Naxos World
We are delighted to announce that our latest album TUATH – Songs of the Northlands was officially launched by Naxos World in mid-February and has shipped around the world.  TUATH is an ancient Gaelic word meaning north/country/tribe and celebrates the strong connections between the peoples and cultures of the North Atlantic.  The album has twelve tracks of traditional and newly composed work mostly in Scottish Gaelic but also songs in Irish Gaelic, Norwegian, Danish and Galician. 

The initial response from press and public has been incredible with BBC Radio nan Gàidheal and Isles FM both choosing TUATH as album of the week.  Building upon the success of our first album TÌR – Highland Life & Lore, TUATH is co-produced by the amazing Mike Vass who added layers of acoustic and electronic instrumentation and stunning sound-design along with session artists Innes White (guitar & mandolin) and Tom Gibbs (piano & keyboards). 

TUATH – Songs of the Northlands features songs dealing with subject matters we are particularly interested in or inspired by including Brianann an t-Seoladair (about the iconic Irish saint Brendan and his voyages around the north Atlantic ocean in the 6th century); Na Fir-chlis (about the wonderment of the northern lights); Iseabail (the tragic tale of Isabell MacDuff who crowned King Robert the Bruce); Is Gael Mé (on what it means to be a Gael today). 
Each song on TUATH has a specially commissioned artwork created by Dundee based print artist Freya Cumming.  It is worth checking out this beautiful work along with information on each song on our website which has a webpage dedicated to each song.  The front cover was designed by Rachel Cush of Crafty Marten Art who also designed the cover of TÌR.  
You can buy, download or stream your copy of TUATH - Songs of the Northlands now and immerse yourself in this acclaimed production.  

Note: this album's stunning production can be best appreciated if you have a good quality sound system, if not then grab your headphones!  

Concerts | Consartan

We had a wonderful concert at the Edinburgh Gaelic Club - Bothan Dhùn Èideann in early March and enjoyed airing songs from our new album.  The room was packed and it was great to perform in Gaelic to so many Gaelic speakers and learners living in the capital.  Taing mhòr uile airson am fàilte a fhuair sinn agus tha sinn an dòchas gun tèid cùisean gu math leibh tharais na bliadhna romhaibh.  

We are all very concerned about the coronavirus outbreak and understand that this will impact on many concerts and engagements by artists over the coming months.  This is going to be a tough time for all and our thoughts are with those affected.  

We were going to list all the concerts we have coming up over the next few months but considering that things are changing so rapidly we suggest you keep up to date on our website.  

If you can't see us live then you can view three songs we sang in a short set we performed at the Gaelic Showcase at Showcase Scotland at Celtic Connections Festival 2020 in early February.  This was in front of an international delegation of festival and venue bookers.  
Brian Ó hEadhra | Fiona Mackenzie sing "Brianainn an t-Seòladair" live at Celtic Connections 2020
Thank you so much for your continued support and we hope that you enjoy the new works over the coming months.  Please get in touch if you are interested in having us play near you or have suggestions for where we should play.  We'd also be delighted to hear your thoughts on TUATH too!  

Stay safe...
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Gaelic Showcase

17/2/2020

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Tuath-North

17/2/2020

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Facal an Latha | Word of the Day

tuath - north

Check out this clip of Sarah with the weather and try and listen out for the word 'tuath': https://t.co/2yZtWnB8jg#Gàidhlig #Gaelic #WordoftheDay pic.twitter.com/Cf8FprQyoK

— LearnGaelic (@LearnGaelicScot) February 16, 2020
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New album coming soon!

2/2/2020

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We are delighted to announce that our new album "TUATH - Songs of the Northlands" will be released worldwide on the Naxos World Label in mid February 2020.  
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We will be updating this site soon with lots of information on the album.  You can preorder now online for digital and CD versions of the album.  

This link leads to the Naxos online shop.  Find your territory and search for TUATH.  

If you are based in Britain or Ireland then visit the online shop here.  

Listen to samples of the album here! 
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Meon Eile - Article

15/11/2019

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On suíomh Meon Eile 
​Is é Garbhchríocha na hAlban an áit a bhfuil Brian Ó hEadhra agus Fiona MacKenzie bunaithe.  Chasann siad ceol tíre ó roinnt seánra agus réigiún éagsúla; Nordach, Meiriceánach, Gaeilge agus Gaidhlig ina measc. Tá neart clú agus cáil agus meas báinte amach acu ó léirmheastóirí agus lucht éisteachtaí ar fud an domhain. Fuair siad moladh mór don chéad albam ‘TÍR - Highland Life and Lore’ agus beidh an dara halbam seolta acu ag tús na bliana 2020. 

Bhuail an bheirt acu lé chéile i 1997 agus d’eagraí siad banna ceoil sular phós siad. Le breis agus fiche bliain anuas, tá an bheirt acu ag taisteal ar fud an domhain ar chamcuairt agus anois tá iníonacha s’acu ag cuidiú leo mar amhránaí an bhanna ceoil.

Thug an teaghlach ceolmhar cuairt ar Éirinn ar na mallaibh agus chuir siad ceolchoirm bheag pearsanta ar siúl in Áras Mhic Reachtain i mBéal Feirste. Bhí an t-ádh ar Meon Eile cuireadh a fháil leis na hamhráin galánta a chloisteáil. Shuigh muid le Brian agus a iníon Órla chun labhairt faoin cheol, faoin chamchuairt agus faoin dinimic ar leith atá ag an bhanna ceoil.

Tá ceol Bhrian Ó hEadhra agus Fiona MacKenzie ar fáil ar Spotify agus Youtube agus is féidir an t-albam ‘TÍR - Highland Life and Lore’ a cheannach ar Amazon nó ó shuíomh s’acu anseo 

Ba ceart daoibh fosta, súil a coinneáil amach don albam nua a mbeidh ag teacht sa bhliain úr. 
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November Newsletter

5/11/2019

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Newsletter | Cuairt-litir - November 

Well, the nights are drawing in and the Celtic quarter day of Samhain has now passed.  Our fire is lit and we are enjoying learning new material for future concerts.  

We have been busy with concerts in here in the Highlands and in Ulster.  We have also been working with our record label Naxos World on the mastering, design and manufacturing of our next album TUATH - Songs of the Northlands.  This will be out in early 2020.  

One unexpected bit of news is that Brian has been nominated as Gaelic Singer of the Year at the MG ALBA SCOTS TRAD MUSIC AWARDS 2019!  He is truly honoured to receive this nomination and we look forward to attending the ceremony in Aberdeen in early December.  

We would be very grateful if you would consider voting for Brian.  Voting ends on the 24th November.  Maybe you'd also forward to friends who might consider lending some support? 

Vote Here / Bhòt An seo!
We recently performed at the wonderful Scottish International Storytelling Festival in Edinburgh.  Our concert was streamed live on Facebook and available here.  The concert starts around 12 mins in.  
We will be recording some live video sessions soon and will release them over the coming months.  We'll keep you informed.  

Brian has also been recording with his trio Mckerron Brechin Ó hEadhra and they will release a new album of tunes and songs in 2020.  

We'll be performing in the beautiful Highland village of Lairg on Saturday 15 November hosted by the Sutherland Sessions.  More information here.  
Check out Fiona and other fine artists singing on the computer game soundtrack The Bard's Tale IV - Barrows Deep (Vol 1 & 2).    

That's all for now.  Please get in touch if you have any questions on our music or want us to perform at a festival or venue near you.  

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October Newsletter

1/10/2019

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October Newsletter | Cuairt-litir An Dàmhair

Greetings from an autumnal Inverness.  We have some exciting news...  our album TÌR - Highland Life & Lore has been longlisted for Album of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2019.  It is an honour to get this nomination among so many other amazing recordings.  

With this in mind, we would be so grateful if you would consider voting for us in the Best Album category.  There are other categories such as Gaelic singer of the year and Live act of the year too if you were feeling extra generous.  Note that as there are more than one Fiona Mackenzie singers out there you might want to put Fiona Mackenzie (Inverness) down to clarify your vote.  Brian's name is spelt Brian Ó hEadhra.  

Thanks so much for considering us and fingers crossed that we get nominated for something...

Upcoming Festivals / Fèisean a' Tighinn

We are delighted to be playing at the Belfast International Arts Festival on Saturday 19th October at the wonderful Irish language centre Aras Mhic Reachtain.  Beidh an oíche againn!  
On the 29th of October we play at one of our favourite venues, the Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh, where most of the amazing Scottish International Storytelling Festival takes place.  The name of our concert is: Stories Old and New Through Our Songs / Sgeulachdan seana is ùra tror n-òrain.  

Concerts / Cuirmean ciùil

We'll be playing at the Pier, Lairg, Sutherland as part of the fantastic Sutherland Sessions series on Saturday 16th November.  Fiona's people are from Sutherland and it is always a pleasure to play in this beautiful part of the Scottish Highlands.  

New Album / Clàr Ùr

We have finished recording and mixing our album TUATH - Songs of the Northlands.  It has been an inspirational journey working again with the multi-talented Mike Vass who has helped produce an album we are very proud of.  The album will be released on the Naxos World label in mid-January 2020 and we will have a public launch at the Celtic Connections Festival in Glasgow at the end of January.  We'll keep you updated...

TÌR - Highland Life & Lore is also being re-released digitally on Naxos World label.  
Well that's all from us for now.  Thanks for your interest in our work and please do get in touch if you would like to suggest a venue or festival for us to play near you.  Happy voting! Mar sin leibh...
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