Under the Radar: Willie Campbell

If his recent singles are anything to go by, the upcoming solo album from Willie Campbell should be well worth seeking out, write Olaf Furniss and Derick Mackinnon

Formerly the frontman of acclaimed indie band Astrid, Hebridean singer-songwriter Willie Campbell has teamed up with Grammy-nominated engineer Matt Bishop for his new solo single, Leaving Lewis.

Bishop, whose credits include Taylor Swift’s multi-platinum album Red as well as music by The Killers and U2, mixed the track, which reunites Campbell with former Astrid bandmate and Cosmic Rough Riders bassist James “Cliffy” Clifford.

Released on 11 September, Leaving Lewis combines upbeat indie-pop with Campbell’s distinctive storytelling, reflecting on leaving his family on Lewis to perform, news fatigue and the strange enormity of everyday life. The single follows the release of tracks X and O and Holiday From Myself as Campbell prepares a new solo album and live dates.

When he’s not playing solo, Campbell also performs with The Tumbling Souls, featuring musicians from Astrid, Face The West and Hò-rò. Following their Celtic Connections debut at Òran Mór earlier this year, the band play Glasgow’s McChuills on 13 November, followed by a hometown show at Breasclete Community Centre on the Isle of Lewis on 28 November, with support from Scott C Park visit https://www.instagram.com/williecam/

Olaf Furniss and Derick Mackinnon run music industry seminar and social night Born To Be Wide, see www.borntobewide.co.uk

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