Shetland Music
Music is very much alive in Shetland, particularly with regard to the rich tradition of fiddle playing. Whilst there are Scandinavian, Scottish and Irish influences, Shetland has developed its own distinctive style and there exists a wealth of Shetland compositions. Dr. Tom Anderson and Willie Hunter did a huge amount to foster fiddle playing in Shetland. Their legacy has been nurtured by successors such as Aly Bain, Margaret Couper, Bryan Gear, Catriona MacDonald and Christopher Stout, who are now well-known on the folk music scene. For purists there are traditional fiddle groups such as ‘The Shetland Fiddlers Society’ and ‘The Young Heritage’.
Other talented groups, covering a range of musical genres, include ‘Fiddlers Bid’, ‘Filska’, ‘Hom Bru’ and ‘Shoormal’. Shetland also boasts an excellent brass band and also the Lerwick Legion Pipe Band. In latter years there has been a conscious drive to invest in music tuition in schools. This has paid dividends with a new generation of talented young musicians, including several outstanding classical performers.
Visitors to Shetland would do well to time trips to coincide with the annual Shetland Folk Festival in spring, featuring top folk musicians from Shetland and abroad. The Shetland Fiddle and Accordion Festival in autumn is another important event in the Shetland music calendar. For both festivals it is advisable to book tickets in advance.
Featured Bands:
Other Shetland Bands and Performers:
- Filska
- "Filska have built their music on the Islands tradition of fiddle playing. The word ‘Filska’ comes from the Shetland dialect, and means mischievous and high-spirited."
- Drop The Box
- "Drop the Box have been described as "one of the most exciting bands to emerge from the Shetland Islands in many years". Their unique style blends pop and indie styles with traditional Shetland influences, performed with style, energy and amazingly tight musicianship."
Shetland Festivals
- Shetland Folk Festival
- The annual folk festival website.
- Shetland Blues Festival
- A recent addition to the Shetland music calendar, the Shetland Blues Festival.
