Heisk is a Scottish folk band with a musical style tailored for festival dance parties. It includes six women and emphasizes female empowerment in the Scottish traditional music scene.[1][2]

Heisk
Background information
GenresScottish folk music
Members
  • Lauren MacDonald
  • Megan MacDonald
  • Becca Skeoch
  • Isla Callister
  • Catriona Hawksworth
  • Sally Simpson
Websitewww.heisk.co.uk

History edit

The band was formed by Skeoch and Hawksworth after they witnessed a dearth of female representation at the Celtic Connections festival.[3] The band's name means "nervous, excitable, agitated or flurried" in the Orcadian dialect of Scots.[1]

Musical style edit

The band aims for a "festival party vibe".[4] John Barlass of At the Barrier described the band's style as "a blend of traditional influences from Scotland and Europe, all spiced up with healthy and enjoyable servings of funk, soul and unadulterated pop".[1] Cara Macdonald, reviewing a live performance at Celtic Connections, praised their stage presence, including bright and colourful outfits and instruments, which she wrote created a "joyous and celebratory atmosphere".[5]

Band members edit

  • Lauren MacDonald (drums and percussion)[3]
  • Megan MacDonald (accordion)[3]
  • Becca Skeoch (electro-harp)[3]
  • Isla Callister (fiddle)[3]
  • Catriona Hawksworth (keyboard)[3]
  • Sally Simpson (fiddle and viola)[3]

Discography edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d Barlass, John (12 August 2021). "Heisk – HEISK: Album Review". At The Barrier. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  2. ^ McLean, Pauline (27 January 2024). "Festival marks full circle moment for trad girl band". BBC News. Retrieved 8 February 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Fish, Bob (10 September 2021). "Heisk: Heisk". Folk Radio UK. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  4. ^ Potter, Gordon. "Review of HEISK – HEISK". The Living Tradition. No. 141. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  5. ^ Macdonald, Cara (2 February 2024). "Heisk". Is this music?. Retrieved 8 February 2024.
  6. ^ "Album Of The Week – HEISK". Celtic Music Radio. 9 October 2021. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  7. ^ Pratt, David (10 January 2024). "Review of Headstrong by Heisk". Fatea Records. Retrieved 26 January 2024.

External links edit