Air Fàir an Là, the second album by Niteworks releases 17th August, and is the follow up to Niteworks critically acclaimed debut album, NW. The album takes its name, which translates from Gaelic to ‘at dawn of day’, from the album’s lead single which features a song composed by Màiri nighean Alasdair Ruaidh, a poet that lived on the Isle of Skye during the 17th Century. The band felt this title appropriately reflects the point where they are on their musical journey; the beginning of something new, different and unknown, with yet more potential to be seized and explored.
Niteworks vision with Air Fàir an Là was to produce a record that blurs the lines between Scottish traditional music and contemporary electronica, by bringing together elements of Gaelic and Scottish folk song, traditional tunes and melodies, all melded together with cutting edge electronica.
Having previously self-produced all their material, Niteworks have changed tack for this new album, and have called upon acclaimed techno producer Alex Menzies (Alex Smoke) to oversee the album’s production. The band, being fans of his solo productions, approached Alex despite him having limited experience of working with a band or experience of Scottish traditional music. The aim of this was to bring a whole new way of thinking and approach to Niteworks’ sound, and has resulted in the perfect combination to bring Niteworks to a new, more diverse audience.
In keeping with the band’s previous work, Air Fàir an Là contains many high-profile collaborations including with Julie Fowlis, one of the most successful and high-profile Gaelic musicians of all time. Other collaborators include Lewis born singer and multi-instrumentalist Iain Morrison, traditional string ensemble Kinnaris Quintet and up-and-coming band of three of Scotland’s finest Gaelic singers SIAN, who feature on the lead single. The album also features Ellen MacDonald, winner of the 2016 Gaelic singer of the year at the MG Alba Scots Trad music awards, whose contribution on Air Fàir an Là, marks the first time she has recorded with the band despite having performed live on numerous occasions.
Keen to ensure the entire package reflects the high-quality standards of the band, the album features stunning photography from acclaimed landscape photographer, Dougie Cunningham of Leading Lines. The front and inside album covers features an illuminated Niteworks logo in locations around the Isle of Skye, creating a dramatic backdrop to the Niteworks brand.
Innes Strachan of Niteworks said, “working with a producer has something we’ve wanted to do for a long time, and to get the opportunity to do this with someone as high profile as Alex is absolutely amazing. Alex brought the whole album together in a way that doesn’t just sound like a collection of tracks, and we’re now excited for people to hear the results”.
Alex Menzies said, “having never worked with a band before, or had many dealings with traditional music, I was not the obvious choice for Niteworks to work with. As it turned out, it was a chance to think without preconceptions and work outside my comfort zone. As the band are all accomplished musicians and producers already, I was really just there to add noise and make things messier. I gained a lot from the experience and really enjoyed working with the band. I have a genuine new regard for traditional music, and this may well see further exploration.”
Iain Morrison said ‘I’ve been a fan of Niteworks so it was really lovely to be asked to collaborate on their new record. They are grounded in their roots but they’re also pushing into new ground so it’s going to be exciting to see where they go with it. Just a great band’.
Air Fàir an Là feat. SIAN, is the first release from Niteworks second album, of the same name. It was released on the 13th July with a supporting video by up-and-coming Scottish film maker Dòl Eoin MacKinnon.
Artists’ website: www.niteworksband.com
Air Fàir an Là is available for pre-order now from Niteworks bandcamp, and will be available for purchase, download and to stream across all major platform iTunes, Spotify, Amazon etc., from the 17th of August 2018.
Niteworks and Julie Fowlis live at Celtic Connections:
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