Scottish songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Malcolm MacWatt is a unique voice in British Folk/Americana with the likes of Gretchen Peters, Laura Cantrell, Jaimee Harris, Eliza Carthy and Kris Drever lending their names and voices to his recent work.
Hailing from Morayshire with the Highlands and North Sea as a constant backdrop, Malcolm was raised listening to the folklore and music of Scotland. His love for the outdoors saw him spending much of his life as a keen hillwalker and surfer; learning first hand that the Highlands are beautiful and uplifting but unforgivingly harsh if taken for granted.
Like many other young men from the area he worked on the offshore oil rigs where the power of the North Sea was a constant reminder to remain humble in the face of nature. Later, as a newspaper journalist he reported on local topics including the criminal courts and social issues. As such there’s sensitivity, compassion and humanity in his songwriting with a rugged simplicity and directness in how they are delivered.
A multi-instrumentalist, MacWatt has been releasing music since late 2018 with four albums and three EPs to date.
“I’ve had a lifelong love of American music and culture. At the same time as those US influences were coming through the TV and radio I was also being steeped in Scottish folk tales and traditional music. So I’ve always been fascinated by music with Trans-Atlantic connections.”
Recent gigs include opening for Jackie Oates, Lynne Hanson, Nathan Bell, Brigid Kaelin, a triple bill with Findlay Napier and Martin Simpson, Belladrum Festival, Edinburgh Folk Club and a successful Dutch tour following an enthusiastic reception at the Ramblin Roots Festival in Utrecht.
His next album 'Dark Harvest' will be released in the autumn of 2023.