Texas meets Tartan as Libby Koch, Michael O’Connor and The New Madrids unite for an Americana-infused Belladrum takeover
Down in the leafy folds of Belladrum’s Moose Hollow, magic is always brewing—and this year, it’s set to reach new heights. As Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival celebrates its 21st birthday, a truly transatlantic collaboration is taking root, bringing together some of the finest voices in alt-country and Americana.
Texan troubadours Libby Koch and Michael O’Connor are making a welcome return to the Highlands, joining forces with Scotland’s own New Madrids for a series of standout performances that promise soul, grit, and no shortage of southern swagger.
The New Madrids, long celebrated as one of Scotland’s premier alt-country bands, bring a sound shaped by the likes of Gram Parsons, Uncle Tupelo and The Band—equal parts country, soul and rock’n’roll. Their collaboration with Libby and Michael has been quietly simmering over years of festival run-ins and impromptu sessions at Belladrum’s now-iconic Potting Shed Stage.
This year, they’re stepping out in full force. The Grass Roots Stage will host the first full band performance on Friday at 3:40pm, but the magic begins even earlier. Thursday evening at 9:15pm, Libby and Michael return to the Potting Shed to debut their brand-new duo album, Gulf Coast Duets. Expect heartfelt songwriting, intimate harmonies and a dose of that unmistakable Texas grit.
And then comes the crescendo: the All-Star Jam on Saturday night, led by Libby and backed by the full lineup, will bring Moose Hollow to a close in typically raucous style under the fireworks at The Trailer Trash Stage, 9:30pm. It’s set to be a highlight not just of the weekend, but of the entire Belladrum season.
Moose Hollow wasn’t always the bustling honky-tonk corner of the Highlands it is today. It began with a simple idea from long-time Highland promoter and music curator Rob Ellen, who saw magic happening backstage and wanted to bring it front and centre. What started as an impromptu lean-to stage evolved into The Potting Shed, a space where anything could happen—and often did.
Now fully evolved into the Moose Hollow arena, tucked behind the Garden Stage and near the Ice House, this laid-back haven serves up a smorgasbord of roots music: from bluegrass and gospel to Cajun, Sonoran folk, and cosmic country. It’s a curated experience with Ellen’s fingerprints all over it, built through decades of travelling, discovering, and championing grassroots music.
“My goal was always to bring every kind of roots music together,” says Ellen, who has clocked up 40 years in the business. “I think this year we have a 21st birthday party to suit the occasion in all styles and tastes.”
Expect to see names you know and names you don’t—but all with stories to tell and chops to back them up. The Moose Hollow vibe is one of campfire intimacy and big-hearted showmanship. It’s what makes it Belladrum’s most beloved hideaway.
Once the festival dust settles, the collaboration hits the road for a Highland tour that brings this special musical chemistry to intimate venues across the region. Starting with a traditional warm-down at The Havelock Hotel in Nairn on 3 August, the tour continues to Boat of Garten, Aberdeen’s Blue Lamp, Perth’s Twa Tams, Rainbow Terrace in Nairn, The Hall House in Dunkeld, and The Stagger Inn on the Black Isle, with an iMTV session also in the mix.
It’s a rare opportunity to catch this blend of Texan songwriting and Scottish soul up close—and with venues like The Blue Lamp and Twa Tams involved, each night promises something uniquely atmospheric.
Belladrum’s 21st birthday already had the makings of a party, but the Moose Hollow programme takes things to another level. Whether you’re a long-time Americana devotee or just curious about what all the fuss is about, Libby Koch, Michael O’Connor, and The New Madrids offer a powerful gateway into the genre—one rooted in authenticity, shared spirit, and musical craftsmanship.
Don’t miss your chance to catch these unforgettable sets at Moose Hollow and across the Highlands. For full Belladrum coverage and Highland music news, stay tuned to IGigs.
