Local look around

A look around some of the local acts playing Belladrum 2015.

Belladrum is a festival that many young local musicians have been brought up with, attending as kids and for many the dream would be to play there one day. Equally for more seasoned musicians the festival can mark a pivotal moment in their music careers.

Fortunately the festival has consistently over the years, and over all stages, catered for a range of talented acts both young and old, or should I say not as young! 2015 is no exception and there are more than a few that would be worth catching this year.

Those who have added the Thursday main stage to their ticket should make it down to front early to catch those purveyors of double denim and all too catchy tunes Bite Night. It’s been a fantastic year for the guys and an opening slot is very much merited. Scooty and the Skyhooks know how to get a party started and will no doubt add some sweet soul music to the first night line-up.

Prominent slots have also been grabbed by other local acts. Indie rockers Silver Coast have a main stage appointment. Did you catch their amazing video for ‘Hold On’? Give it a watch and then look out for their stage time!

Iain McLaughlin and the Outsiders are no strangers to the festival and with their Falling Through The Dark EP following up on the success of their 2012 debut album WeAreAllOutsiders they have an abundance of material to fill up their turn. Dorec-a-Belle also bring their recently released album ‘Listen’ to the festival. They have been charming audiences not just at home but the length and breadth of the country with their eclectic mix of alternative folk pop.

If you are looking for a breakthrough band then three spring to mind. Firstly, and not in any particular order, Inverness exiles Schnarff Schnarff who have made some inroads on airplay and are making noises further south. Secondly, Caithness success story Neon Waltz go from strength to strength having signed with Atlantic Records. Also look out for Spring Break who are the fusion of DJ Butterscotch, Emily MacKinnon and Ben Hesling. Great tunes, great vocals and a great vibe. No one will punch a dolphin after hearing them!

The Seedlings stage has nurtured young bands over the years and the dream for them must be to emulate the feat of Twin atlantic who first played the stage and later claimed a festival headline slot. This year sees Woodentooth, The Ragazzi,Sara Bills and the Hasbeens and Garden of Elks stake their claim in this tent.

The Free Range stage provides a more intimate setting for solo and acoustic acts. It also gives an opportunity for youthful acts who are either cutting their teeth at the festival or looking to gain a new experience in front of a new audience.This year sees Alice Bentley, Connor Johnston, Douglas Scott, Sarah Williamson, Josephine Sillars and Imogen Islay Hay grab prized slots. Music Plus also have the two opening slots at the stage and this year they have awarded them to Elgin’s Michiel Turner and the first Bella’s Got Talent winner, Hollie Atkinson.

More experienced local acts can be found here too with Dr Wook, Winnie, Robin Bell and James Mackenzie each having their moment in the limelight.

Belladrum is very much a festival for everyone and local acts are very much part of it. It gives musicians a fantastic platform to pick up new followers and one day be able to tell the grandchildren that they played there. Who knows maybe one of this years intake may go on to tell them about the time they headlined it…

Check out our other IGigs coverage of Belladrum, also get what’s left of the tickets and upgrades for Belaadrum 2015.