Fresh from Glastonbury, we catch up with Calum Bowie ahead of Belladrum 2024 and ask them a few questions.
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Reading through some of your interviews you have acknowledged the evolution of your influences, where do you think you are at now for influences and inspirations to your music?
I’d say artists like Sam Fender, Holly Humberstone, Dermot Kennedy are artists are really aspire to be like. Their music is very true to themselves. I take inspiration from life around me and places I’ve been, so Scotland plays such a huge part in my song writing.
Tik Tok has played such an important role in your development. What are the challenges and benefits of this route into music?
Social media is such a great asset to help get your music out there. It’s a constant learning curve from the artist’s perspective. The main challenge is figuring out what works for you and your audience. Every artist is different and there is no perfect plan so a lot of it is doing what you enjoy doing. I find it very exciting trying to find ways to have my music heard. The benefits are; when it works, it really works.
It’s your first venture to Belladrum, what was the draw of the festival for you?
I actually played Belladrum in 2022 on the Seedling Stage! (Ed. your sacked, Ed)I absolutely love Belladrum. I think the atmosphere is brilliant. A festival for real music lovers.
Signing for EMI, is an epic move but how has it impacted your relation with music?
If anything it has made me even more determined to keep pushing. It has always been the dream to do music full time and signing to EMI has made that possible. I’m now able to write more music than ever and I have my first EU tour coming up in December, which I’m super excited about!
You have been complimented for your charismatic on stage presence, is that something that comes naturally to you?
To be honest, I think it has taken time to develop. I was first playing shows when I was 17/18 (if we don’t count Scout Jumble Sales) so a lot of my performance skills are just what I’ve learned over the years. I find it similar to social media. You have to find what works for you and actually giving more of yourself tends to be what people like most as you’re just having fun!
What music were you into in 2004?
I would have been 3 but I think (from video evidence) it was a lot of AC/DC!
Which is your favourite love song (s) and why?
Tenerife Sea by Ed Sheeran. I remember watching a video of him playing it live at one of his Wembley shows and to this day I still think it’s one of the best live performances ever.
Relating to your musical careers, what are your biggest loves?
Playing live. Everything is built around playing live for me. There is no greater feeling than hearing a crowd sing a song you’ve written in your bedroom back to you. I write all of my music with the idea of playing it on a stadium tour (one day).
If you could travel back to 2004, what would you say to your past self?
Learn to play piano! I wish I’d learned to play keys at the same time as I started the guitar.
Calum Bowie performs at the Hot House stage on Thursday 25th – 17:25-18:10 and can keep track of Calum on TikTok.
