With debut album , “Almost Home”, released last year, Mima has been grabbing the attention of folk in the know. The Skinny describing her album as “Her lyrics are honest, and her instrumentation is beautifully atmospheric. Her alternative – folk style of writing is instantly catchy“. Mima makes her debut at Belladrum 2023 and she was kind enough to answer a few questions.
You have ten words to describe your act, no more no less…
Sea salty, alternative folk with sudden changes in direction and melodies that ache.
As an act how has 2023 treated you so far?
2023 has been fantastic so far. After releasing my debut album – Almost Home – in September 22, 2023 has been about pulling a band of amazing folk around me and playing as many shows as we can! At the start of the year I played my Almost Home tour with sold out shows in Belfast, Glasgow, Letham, Edinburgh, Newcastle.
‘A simply beautiful and elegant record. Merrow’s debut album continues to bring her fanbase on her journey of vivid storytelling and unique way’s of making you feel present and at ease while listening.’
Jen O’Mahony, The Music Files.
After that I’ve enjoyed playing support for other artists such as Constant Follower, Becci Wallace, Brown Bear, Disco Mary and many more. I was delighted to be featured as Roddy Hart’s Record of Note in January and to receive airplay on BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Radio Foyle, BBC Radio Scotland, features in Scotland on Sunday and reviews via SNACK magazine, The Skinny and The Music Files.
You have three original songs to wow the Belladrum audience, which ones would they be and why?
Festivals are renowned for horrible clashes, which act on the Belladrum line-up would you least like to clash with and why?
Ohhh the bands I’m really excited to see are – Elephant Sessions, Rachel Sermanni, Foreign Mornings, BEMZ and loads of others actually but hopefully I don’t clash with them!
What are your tips for coping with festival season?
Let go of FOMO!
Given the cartoon and comic theme of Belladrum 2023, which theme tune or song from animation would you cover given the opportunity, and how would you make it your own?
Maybe Pinky and the Brain! Or Inspector Gadget Or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Which cartoon or animation would you have appear on stage with you and why?
Emm any of the above would be cool!
What’s on the horizon for you after Belladrum?
I am getting back to writing and producing. I have a few wee collabs on the go I’m really excited about and I’m starting to write the next album so hopefully that will be finished by the end of the year!

You can catch up with Mima Merrow and her socials via her website.