The Captain chats with Valtos about getting started, the 2023 project Valtos and Friends, their latest single called Lost in Translation featuring Lana Pheutan and Man of the Minch.

Lost in Translation is a half-English, half-Gaelic pop-inspired track, with duelling vocals from Lana and Man of the Minch complemented by the soaring fiddle playing of Euan McLaughlin. The result is a compelling and uplifting sound with a catchy hook, the perfect soundtrack for Scottish summer days.

Following the popularity of the song Charlie’s on the Run from Valtos’ self-titled debut album, which also featured Man of the Minch on the vocal version, the pair were inspired to create another track with a similar basis of disco-style drums and a strong fiddle line, developing the sound further on Lost in Translation. 

The song’s lyrics explore the complicated feelings that come with falling in love, with the vocalists not only singing in two different languages, but from opposing perspectives. The English lyrics only provide one side of the story, with the Gaelic revealing a story between two people who can't communicate and want different things

Join us for a cozy chat with Claire Hastings, the BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year in 2015, as she shares the story behind her new album “Lullabies from Scotland”.

A beautiful collection of traditional and contemporary Scottish folk tunes, and featuring one of Claire’s own compositions, the record is a charmingly wholesome listen and is inspired by her daughter Nuala who has just turned two.

The Dumfries and Galloway-born musician was inspired to create her latest album when searching for traditional Scottish lullabies to sing to her daughter. As she struggled to find many online, she decided to put together a collection herself and was fascinated by the music she found. Although not a Gaelic speaker herself, Claire felt it was important to include a song from the Gaelic tradition (Gille Beag O), as well as Scots, as a vast amount of Scottish lullabies are sung in Gaelic.

A folksinger, songwriter and ukulele player, Claire Hastings won the BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year in 2015. She has since toured extensively as both a solo artist and with her band, with standout performances including BBC's Friday Night is Music Night alongside Lulu and Jamie Cullum and BBC's Hogmanay 2021 performing Auld Lang Syne

Welcome to "The Sound Sessions," a captivating podcast series that delves deep into the world of music and the remarkable stories behind the artists. In this special episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Rachel Walker, a gifted Gaelic singer, and Aaron Jones, a talented musician from the renowned band Old Blind Dogs. Together, they take us on an enchanting journey as they discuss their latest album, "Despite the Wind and Rain," and give us a sneak peek into their upcoming 15-date tour across Scotland in June and July.

Rachel Walker's ethereal voice transports listeners to the heart of Gaelic culture, weaving ancient tales through soul-stirring melodies. With her profound connection to the Gaelic language and heritage, Rachel's music carries a timeless quality that resonates with audiences far and wide. Her contributions to the album "Despite the Wind and Rain" are sure to captivate listeners with their emotional depth and poignant storytelling.

Joining us alongside Rachel is Aaron Jones, a revered musician and member of the esteemed Old Blind Dogs. With a rich musical background and an exceptional mastery of traditional instruments, Aaron's contributions to the album are imbued with a vibrant energy that complements Rachel's vocals seamlessly. Together, they create a harmonious blend of sound, bridging the gap between the old and the new.

During our conversation, Rachel and Aaron take us behind the scenes of the creative process, sharing insights into the inspiration behind their collaboration and the stories that influenced the creation of "Despite the Wind and Rain." They share their experiences of working together, exploring the intricacies of fusing Gaelic traditions with contemporary musical elements, resulting in a captivating and unique sound.

In addition to discussing the album, Rachel and Aaron also give us an exclusive glimpse into their highly anticipated tour, which will see them traverse the breathtaking landscapes of Scotland. With 15 dates lined up throughout June and July, their performances promise to be a celebration of Gaelic music, connecting audiences with the heart and soul of Scotland's cultural heritage.

"The Sound Sessions" is thrilled to bring you this inspiring conversation with Rachel Walker and Aaron Jones. So tune in, sit back, and let the enchanting melodies and insightful stories transport you to the captivating world of Gaelic music.

The Donnie Munro On The Bay Art Exhibition is set to take place in Edinburgh during the month of June 2023.

The invitation to exhibit his own paintings alongside the works of one of his Scottish painting heroes, Sir William Gillies, felt extraordinarily special to Donnie Munro — an honorable and privileged opportunity that exceeded his wildest dreams.