WOMEX 24 is taking place in Manchester from 23 - 27 October 2024 - public tickets have been released for night-time gigs.
As WOMEX prepares to arrive in Manchester, anticipation is building for what promises to be an extraordinary celebration of music and culture on a global scale, drawing over 2,600 industry professionals and 260 artists from 90 countries. The annual event, known for nurturing cultural exchange and global opportunities in recording, touring, and promotions, will include a spotlight on Scottish talent, specially selected to play the Horizons stage.
Creative Scotland, in partnership with Horizons* and Manchester Music City**, officially announced the artists set to represent Scotland’s dynamic music scene at WOMEX 24 earlier this year: Shetland pianist Amy Laurenson and Glasgow-based band with Orkney roots Gnoss, who will both bring their unique takes on Scottish traditional music to this international stage.
Laurenson, whose debut album Strands made the Scottish Album of the Year Award (SAY) longlist, is excited to be part of WOMEX 2024: "I’m really looking forward to heading down to Manchester for WOMEX and totally buzzing to be representing Scotland alongside Gnoss! I’m hoping the experience will help open the door to international touring opportunities and alongside that, I’m hoping to cross paths with an agent to help develop my career."
Blending traditional Shetland influences with classical and folk music, Laurenson will be performing alongside her band, including Miguel Girão (guitar), Gregor Black (percussion) and Rhona MacDonald (double bass).
Laurenson was awarded the title of BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2023 at Celtic Connections. Since then, she has toured across the UK with her band, performing at events such as the Shetland Folk Festival, Edinburgh TradFest, Cambridge Folk Festival, and the MG Alba Scots Trad Awards.
Acclaimed four-piece Gnoss, are known for their innovative acoustic arrangements and fresh approach to traditional music. Their latest album, Stretching Skyward, has been praised for incorporating subtle electronic elements into their signature sound.
Aidan Moodie, guitar/vocals in Gnoss said: “We can’t wait to get stuck in at WOMEX this year. We’ve heard such great things about all things WOMEX for years — to get to take part and represent Scottish music is really exciting.
“We’re hoping to spend the week making new connections, discovering new music, and meeting some new partners. We’ve our first appearances in Germany and North America on the horizon, and we just played our first tour of Australia too. It’s an exciting time! If we can come away from WOMEX with more contacts to take our music further afield we’ll be very happy.
“Manchester’s such a great city and it’s been far too long since we’ve played there. We can’t wait to be back.”
Scottish industry professionals such as independent record label founders, festival bookers and artist managers are receiving Creative Scotland bursaries to make the most of networking opportunities at the event. Emma Sithole, director and founder of Be United, an organisation dedicated to championing the development of Black musical talent will attend alongside Gerard Mehigan, Development and Strategy Manager for the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, and Ruari Gordon from SEALL, whose expertise lies in delivering a wide variety of events across the Isle of Skye, Raasay, and Lochalsh.
Another bursary recipient, Jenifer Anderson from the Bothy Society said: “Returning to WOMEX after two years, I’m excited to solidify relationships I began at the last conference while seeking new connections within the live sector that can benefit my work as a booking agent. With such a rich mix of delegates from around the world, it’s the perfect space to foster conversations and collaborations that will shape future opportunities.”
For more information about our delegates and Scotland’s vibrant traditional and indigenous music scene brimming with some of the most talented instrumentalists, vocalists and composers in the world take a look at our dedicated online guides.
Siobhan Anderson, Music Officer at Creative Scotland emphasises the importance of the event for Scottish artists, promoters, festival and venue programmers: "WOMEX offers a gateway to global opportunities for our music industry. Amy Laurenson and Gnoss are exceptional talents, who, although at different "horizons" in their own careers, have achieved remarkable accolades in recent years. This platform allows them to connect with industry professionals from around the world. We're thrilled to see them carry Scotland’s musical traditions and innovations to new audiences.
“The event in Manchester marks a major milestone as WOMEX celebrates its 30th anniversary and welcomes the world's music industry to the UK, making it a pivotal moment for the city and the UK as a whole.”
In addition to the Horizons showcase – which, alongside Scotland’s Amy Laurenson and Gnoss, also features Balimaya Project | Gwenifer Raymond (England), Strange Boy (Ireland), Córas Trio (Northern Ireland), Cerys Hafana | N’famady Kouyaté (Cymru/Wales) and Rioghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet (Manchester), all of whom can be listened to on Spotify - 33 acts from 35 countries will also be performing, with public tickets now on sale for evening gigs at womex-festival.com.
Background
- WOMEX 2024, in Manchester for 2024, promises to be an extraordinary celebration of music and culture on a global scale, drawing over 2,600 industry professionals and 260 artists from 90 countries. The annual event, known for nurturing cultural exchange and global opportunities in recording, touring and promotion, will include a spotlight on Scottish talent, specially selected to play the Horizons stage.
- *The Horizons partnership celebrates the diverse music that comes from England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland/Alba and Cymru/Wales – helping talented artists gain international recognition on the world stage. The partnership is supported by Arts Council England, Culture Ireland, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, Wales Arts International, Arts Council of Wales, British Council and British Underground. Manchester Music City is the local host partner for WOMEX 2024. For 10 years, the Horizons partners have joined together at WOMEX to ensure our grassroots musicians reach wider audiences by providing advice, funding, showcasing opportunities and assistance at the event. WOMEX is the perfect platform to introduce our homegrown artists to peers and industry professionals from across the globe, with plentiful learning and networking opportunities across the five-day exhibition and conference.
- ** Manchester Music City is a network of venues, festivals, promoters, booking agents, record labels, managers, educators, charities, industry bodies, artists, producers and more. As part of the international Music Cities Network. Since Manchest Music City has commissioned research, supported grassroots music initiatives and facilitated global exchange programmes for emerging independent artists and businesses.
- Creative Scotland is the public body that supports culture and creativity across all parts of Scotland, distributing funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Further information at creativescotland.com. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Learn more about the value of art and creativity in Scotland and join in at www.ourcreativevoice.scot.
Image credit
(left-right) - Amy Laurenson by Euan Robertson, Gnoss by Elly Lucas.
Media Contact
Olivia Carr, Media Relations & PR Officer (Interim)
[email protected]/ [email protected]
+44 (0)7970 962 322
Luchd-ciùil Horizons Amy Laurenson agus Gnoss ag ullachadh airson cuirm taisbeanaidh aig WOMEX 24 ann am Manchester
Tha WOMEX ag ullachadh airson tighinn a Mhanchester agus tha daoine air bhioran airson tachartas a bhios, a rèir coltais, na chomharrachadh iongantach de cheòl is cultar aig ìre na cruinne, a’ tarraing còrr is 2,600 proifeiseantach gnìomhachais agus 260 neach-ealain bho 90 dùthaich. Bidh an tachartas bliadhnail, a tha ainmeil airson a bhith a' brosnachadh iomlaid chultarail agus cothroman cruinneil ann an clàradh, cuairtean, agus sanasachd, a’ cur cuideam air tàlant Albannach, a chaidh a thaghadh gu sònraichte airson cluich air àrd-ùrlar Horizons.
Dh’ainmich Alba Chruthachail, ann an com-pàirteachas le Horizons* agus Manchester Music City**, an luchd-ealain a bhios a’ riochdachadh saoghal ciùil beòthail na h-Alba aig WOMEX 24 gu h-oifigeil na bu thràithe am-bliadhna: Bidh Amy Laurenson, an cluicheadair piàna à Sealtainn, agus Gnoss, an còmhlan-ciùil à Glaschu le freumhan Arcach, le chèile a’ toirt an seallaidh shònraichte aca seachad air ceòl traidiseanta Albannach dhan àrd-ùrlair eadar-nàiseanta seo.
Tha Laurenson, aig an robh ciad chlàr a nochd air liosta-fhada Albam Albannach na Bliadhna air bhioran a bhith mar phàirt de WOMEX 2024: “Tha mi a’ coimhead air adhart gu mòr ri bhith a’ dol a Mhanchester airson WOMEX agus tha mi air bhioran a bhith a’ riochdachadh Alba còmhla ri Gnoss! Tha mi an dòchas gun cuidich an cothrom seo gus an doras fhosgladh gu cothroman a dhol air chuairt gu h-eadar-nàiseanta agus a bharrachd air sin, tha mi an dòchas coinneachadh ri àidseant gus mo chùrsa-beatha adhartachadh.”
A’ measgachadh ceòl traidiseanta Shealtainn le ceòl clasaigeach is folk, bidh Laurenson a’ cluich còmhla ris a’ chòmhlan aice, anns a bheil Miguel Girão (giotàr), Gregor Black (ionnsramaidean-beuma) agus Rhona MacDonald (beus dùbailte).
Fhuair Laurenson an duais mar Neach-ciùil Òg Traidiseanta na Bliadhna aig BBC Radio Alba airson 2023 aig Celtic Connections. Bhon uair sin, tha i air a dhol air chuairt air feadh na RA còmhla ris a’ chòmhlan aice, a’ cluich aig tachartasan leithid Fèis Shealtainn, TradFest Dhùn Èideann, Fèis Folk Cambridge, agus Duaisean Ceòl Traidiseanta na h-Alba aig MG Alba.
Tha an còmhlan Gnoss, anns a bheil ceathrar, aitnichte airson a’ chùil accoustaigeach aca agus airson na dòigh-obrach ùire aca a thaobh ceòl traidiseanta. Chaidh an clàr as ùire aca, Stretching Skyward, a mholadh leis mar a tha e a’ gabhail a-steach eileamaidean eleatronaigeach san fhuaim shuaicheanta aca.
Thuirt Aidan Moodie, a tha a’ cluich giotàr is a seinn ann an Gnoss: “Tha sinn a’ dèanamh fiughair ri bhith a' dol an sàs ann an WOMEX am-bliadhna. Tha sinn air rudan fìor mhath a chluinntinn mu dheidhinn a h-uile rud co-cheangailte ri WOMEX fad bhliadhnaichean — tha e fìor inntinneach a bhith faighinn cothrom pàirt a ghabhail ann agus ceòl Albannach a riochdachadh.
“Tha sinn an dòchas an t-seachdain a chur seachad a’ cruthachadh cheanglaichean ùra, a’ lorg ceòl ùr, agus a’ coinneachadh ri com-pàirtichean ùra. Tha sinn gu bhith a cluich anns a' Ghearmailt agus ann an Ameireagaidh a Tuath airson a' chiad turas ann an ùine nach bi fada, agus bha a' chiad chuairt againn ann an Astràilia bho chionn ghoirid cuideachd. ‘S e àm brosnachail a th’ ann! Mas e is gun till sinn bho WOMEX le barrachd luchd-aithne gus ar ceòl a sgaoileadh nas fharsainge bidh sinn glè thoilichte.
“’S e baile fìor mhath a th’ ann am Manchester agus tha e air a bhith fada ro fhada bho chluich sinn ann mu dheireadh. Tha sinn a’ dèanamh fiughair ri tilleadh.”
Tha proifeiseantaich gnìomhachas na h-Alba leithid luchd-stèidheachaidh leubailean chlàran neo-eisimeileach, luchd-clàraidh aig fèisean agus manaidsearan luchd-ealain a’ faighinn bursaraidhean bho Alba Chruthachail gus am feum as fheàrr a dhèanamh de chothroman lìonrachaidh aig an tachartas. Bidh Emma Sithole, stiùiriche agus neach-stèidheachaidh Be United, buidheann a tha gu sònraichte airson a bhith a’ brosnachadh leasachadh tàlant ciùil Dubh an làthair còmhla ri Gerard Mehigan, Manaidsear Leasachaidh is Ro-innleachd airson Fèis Jazz is Blues Dhùn Èideann, agus Ruari Gordon bho SEALL, aig a bheil eòlas air lìbhrigeadh fharsaingeachd de thachartasan air feadh an Eilein Sgitheanaich, Ratharsair, agus Loch Aillse.
Thuirt Jenifer Anderson aig Bothy Society, a fhuair bursaraidh cuideachd: “A’ tilleadh gu WOMEX às dèidh dà bhliadhna, tha mi air bhioran na dàimhean a neartachadh a rinn mi aig a’ cho-labhairt mu dheireadh fhad ‘s a bha mi a’ sireadh cheanglaichean ùra taobh a-staigh roinn a' chiùil bheò a bheir buannachd dhan obair agam mar àidseant clàraidh. Le measgachadh cho math de riochdairean bho air feadh an t-saoghail, tha e na dheagh àite gus còmhraidhean agus co-obrachadh a bhrosnachadh a bheir cumadh air cothroman san àm ri teachd.”
Airson barrachd fiosrachaidh mu na riochdairean againn agus ceòl beothail traidiseanta is dùthchasach na h-Alba le cuid den luchd-ciùil, seinneadairean agus sgrìobhadairean-ciùil as tàlantaiche san t-saoghal, thoir sùil air na h-iùilean air-loidhne againn.
Tha Siobhan Anderson, Oifigear Ciùil aig Alba Chruthachail a’ cur cuideam air cho cudromach 's a tha an tachartas do luchd-ealain, luchd-brosnachaidh, agus luchd-prògramaidh fèisean is ionadan: “Tha WOMEX a’ fosgladh dorsan do chothroman cruinneil airson a' ghnìomhachais ciùil againn. Tha Amy Laurenson agus Gnoss air leth tàlantach, agus ged a tha iad aig diofar "horizons" nan cùrsaichean-beatha fhèin, tha iad air cliù iongantach a chosnadh anns na beagan bhliadhnachan mu dheireadh. Bheir an t-àrd-ùrlar seo cothrom dhaibh ceangal a dhèanamh ri proifeiseantaich sa ghnìomhachas bho air feadh an t-saoghail. Tha sinn air leth toilichte gu bheil iad a’ toirt traidiseanan is ùr-ghnathachas ciùil na h-Alba do luchd-èisteachd ùr."
A bharrachd air taisbeanadh Horizons, bidh 33 cuirmean à 35 dùthchannan cuideachd a’ cluich, a’ toirt sealladh dhuinn air an tàlant eadar-mheasgte a bhios WOMEX 24 a' taisbeanadh. Tha an tachartas ann am Manchester na chlach-mhìle mhòr agus WOMEX a’ comharrachadh a 30mh ceann-bliadhna agus a’ cur fàilte air gnìomhachas ciùil an t-saoghail dhan RA, a bhios na thachartas air leth cudromach dhan chathair-bhaile agus dhan dùthaich san fharsaingeachd.
A bharrachd air an taobh den tachartas a tha ag amas air a' ghnìomhachas, tha tiogaidean poblach gan reic airson cuirmean feasgair aig womex-festival.com.
A’ CHRÌOCH
LUCHD-CIÙIL ÀRD-ÙRLAR HORIZONS:
Amy Laurenson | Gnoss (Alba)
Balimaya Project | Gwenifer Raymond (Sasainn)
Strange Boy (Èirinnn)
Córas Trio (Èirinn a Tuath)
Cerys Hafana | N’famady Kouyaté (Cymru/A’ Chuimrigh)
Rioghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet (Manchester)
Cluinnear clàr-ciùil de luchd-ciùil àrd-ùrlar Horizons air Spotify.
Notaichean do Luchd-deasachaidh:
Thathar an dùil gum bi WOMEX 2024, a bhios ann am Manchester airson 2024, na chomharrachadh iongantach air cheòl is cultar aig ìre na cruinne, a’ tarraing còrr is 2,600 proifeiseantach gnìomhachais agus 260 neach-ealain bho 90 dùthchannan. Bidh an tachartas bliadhnail, a tha ainmeil airson a bhith a' brosnachadh iomlaid chultarail agus cothroman cruinneil ann an clàradh, cuairtean, agus sanasachd, a’ cur cuideam air tàlant Albannach, a chaidh a thaghadh gu sònraichte airson cluich air àrd-ùrlar Horizons.
*Bidh Com-pàirteachas Horizons a’ dèanamh fèill air a’ cheòl eadar-dhealaichte a thig à Alba, Sasainn, Cymru/a’ Chuimrigh, Èirinn a Tuath agus Èirinn - a’ cuideachadh gus am faigh luchd-ciùil le tàlant aithneachadh eadar-nàiseanta air beulaibh an t-saoghail. *Tha e a’ faighinn taic bho Chomhairle Ealain Shasainn, Cultar Èireann, Comhairle Ealain Èirinn a Tuath, An Crannchur Nàiseanta tro Alba Chruthachail, Ealain na Cuimrigh Eadar-nàiseanta, Comhairle Ealain na Cuimrigh, Comhairle Bhreatainn agus British Underground. Tha com-pàirtichean Horizons air a bhith a tighinn còmhla aig WOMEX fad 10 bliadhna gus dèanamh cinnteach gun ruig an luchd-ciùil againn bho ìre na coimhearsnachd luchd-èisteachd nas fharsainge le bhith a’ toirt seachad comhairle, maoineachadh agus cothroman taisbeanaidh agus cuideachadh aig an tachartas. Tha WOMEX na àrd-ùrlar gun samhail gus luchd-ealain na dùthcha seo a chur an aithne an cho-leithid agus proifeiseantaich gnìomhachais bho air feadh an t-saoghail, le pailteas chothroman ionnsachaidh is lìonrachaidh thairis air an taisbeanadh agus co-labhairt a-mhàireas còig latha.
*Tha com-pàirteachas Horizons a’ faighinn taic bho Comhairle Ealain Shasainn, Cultar Èireann, Comhairle Ealain Èirinn a Tuath, An Crannchur Nàiseanta tro Alba Chruthachail, Ealain na Cuimrigh Eadar-nàiseanta, Comhairle Ealain na Cuimrigh, Comhairle Bhreatainn agus British Underground. Is e Manchester Music City an com-pàirtiche aoigheil ionadail do WOMEX 2024.
** Tha Manchester Music City na lìonra de dh’ionadan, fèisean, luchd-brosnachaidh, àidseantan clàraidh, manaidsearan, luchd-foghlaim, carthannasan, buidhnean gnìomhachais, luchd-ealain, riochdairean agus barrachd. Mar phàirt de Lìonra nam Bailtean Ciùil Eadar-nàiseanta. Tha Manchester Music City air rannsachadh a bharrantachadh, air taic a thoirt do dh’iomairtean ciùil aig ìre na coimhearsnachd agus air prògraman iomlaid cruinneil a chur an comas airson luchd-ealain agus gnìomhachasan neo-eisimeileach a tha a’ tighinn am bàrr.
’S e Alba Chruthachail a’ bhuidheann phoblach a bheir taic do na gnìomhachasan ealain, sgrìn agus cultarach air feadh gach pàirt de dh’Alba, a’ sgaoileadh maoineachadh air a thoirt seachad le Riaghaltas na h-Alba agus leis a’ Chrannchur Nàiseanta. Gheibhear barrachd fiosrachaidh aig creativescotland.com. Lean sinn air Facebook, LinkedIn, agus Instagram. Ionnsaich barrachd mu luach ealain is comas cruthachaidh ann an Alba is thig còmhla rinn aig www.ourcreativevoice.scot.
Taing airson an deilbh: (clì-deas) - Amy Laurenson le Euan Robertson, Gnoss le Elly Lucas.
Neach-conaltraidh Mheadhanan:
Olivia Carr, Oifigear Dàimh Meadhanan is PR (Eadar-amail)
[email protected] / [email protected]
+44 (0)7970 962 322