Glasgow band TRIP announce their debut album

Trip

A Drop For Neptune, the debut album from Glasgow based six piece band TRIP is a culmination of four years of musical kinship that started on the traditional music scene in Glasgow when the band members moved to the city and began studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. The band bonded instantly over their shared excitement for traditional music and TRIP was founded.

Their debut album features a blend of self-penned tunes and songs, and the traditional melodies of Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man; a reflection of the different Celtic nations each member hails from. A Drop for Neptune celebrates the band’s kindred roots in traditional music whilst showcasing their contemporary, cross-genre influences.

In a time of uncertainty and isolation that was brought about by the global pandemic, this record was inspired by the sea – something that connects and shapes us all. Tracks such as ‘September Sea’ and ‘The Ninth Wave’ evoke imagery of an ever-changing sea, whilst ‘Turning Tide’ is homage to growing up on an island surrounded by it. ‘Towards The Storm’ explores a journey from calm seas to the eye of the storm – a stand out tune on the album.

Their powerful, driven and distinctive sound is underpinned by a versatile top-line featuring accordion, fiddle and flute/whistle and a dynamic rhythm section of piano, guitar and bodhran. An important 7th element of TRIP is Alasdair Mackenzie’s voice, which is featured in ‘The Arabic’ and ‘Turning Tide’.

The impressive line-up features Newcastle accordionist Michael Biggins (BBC Young Traditional Musician of the year 2021), Sligo flautist Tiernan Courell (All-Ireland champion) and Manx fiddler Isla Callister with Scots Alasdair Mackenzie (guitar and voice), Rory Matheson (piano) and Craig Baxter (Bohdan).

Having performed all over the UK, including internationally acclaimed festivals such as Celtic Connections, Orkney Folk Festival and HebCelt, TRIP have also been successful in taking their music to a global audience (Sligo Live, Viljandi Folk Festival and Festival Interceltique Lorient). In 2018, they were also semi-finalists in the BBC 2 Young Folk Awards.

Artists’ website: www.trip-music.com


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